DE102008049501A1 - Side impact protection system arrangement i.e. airbag module, for vehicle seat, has intermediate section formed from laminar plastic material and arranged in opening region between seat cover and airbag - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement i.e. airbag module (1), has an airbag integratedly formed in a vehicle seat (7) and expanded by activating a gas generator. A seat cover (9) has an opening region (11), which is provided for opening the seat cover during expanding the airbag. A cushion section is optionally arranged in the opening region between the seat cover and the airbag. An intermediate section (10) is formed from laminar plastic material and arranged in the opening region between the seat cover and the airbag, where the intermediate section parrallely extends to the seat cover.

Description

The The invention relates to a side impact protection arrangement for a vehicle seat with an airbag and a gas generator, wherein the airbag expands upon activation by the gas generator can be and wherein the airbag integrated in the vehicle seat is arranged, and with a seat cover for the vehicle seat, wherein the seat cover has an opening area, which for opening the seat cover in an expansion the airbag is formed and / or arranged. The invention relates in the following a vehicle seat with the side impact protection arrangement.

airbag systems serve to protect vehicle occupants in the event of accidents and are now in a variety of embodiments known. While the earlier versions of the airbag systems as Driver or passenger airbag in a front console or The steering wheel of the vehicle were arranged, are meanwhile also Airbags known as side impact protection. Such airbags are after a sensory detection of a collision in the side area or as a further reaction to a general collision of the vehicle expand and protect the vehicle occupants from damage, which their cause in the lateral force on the own vehicle to have. In particular, by such airbags also the consequences reduced by rollovers of the vehicle.

While such airbags as side impact protection often in the columns or were arranged in the roof area of a vehicle, it is now known to integrate these airbags in the vehicle seats. These Positioning has the advantage that even during a shift the vehicle seat carried by the vehicle occupant of the airbag and therefore always in the right position in case of an accident is opened.

Such a side airbag is for example from the document EP 1 136 329 A2 known. In this document, it is proposed to integrate an airbag unit in the foam of the seat. The airbag unit is either encapsulated in a rigid box or foamed directly, so that the airbag unit is at least partially glued to the foam. In order to ensure safe expansion of the airbag, it is proposed in one embodiment to cover the pleat ends of the airbag with a film to prevent penetration of the foam into the folds of the airbag and consequent sticking. This film is inserted perpendicular to the surface of the vehicle seat.

The publication EP 1 527 964 also relates to an airbag assembly which is integrated in a seat. This airbag arrangement is arranged in a fixed housing, which is arranged at a distance from a seam to be opened in the case of activation. The airbag arrangement has two rigid side parts, which are connected to one another via the seam and which are folded away from one another in the activation case by the expanding airbag.

The publication US 2003/0146605 A1 , which is probably the closest prior art, also shows a side airbag for a vehicle seat, which is arranged integrated in the side surface of the vehicle seat. Various embodiments are shown, wherein in the embodiment according to the 5 the airbag assembly is integrated in a tubular receptacle and is foamed in the edge region of the vehicle seat in the foam of the vehicle seat.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a side impact protection arrangement to suggest which a good functional behavior together with a good integration ability in the vehicle seat shows.

These Task is by a side impact protection arrangement with the features of claim 1 or of claim 10 and by a vehicle seat solved with the features of claim 15. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and the attached figures.

The The invention relates to a side impact protection arrangement suitable for a vehicle seat suitable and / or trained. The side impact protection arrangement is used to assist an occupant in an accident of a vehicle protect the vehicle seat against damage. For this purpose, the side impact protection arrangement comprises an airbag and a gas generator, wherein the airbag when activated by the gas generator can be expanded and wherein the airbag in the vehicle seat is arranged integrated. Preference is also the Gas generator integrated in the vehicle seat. It is also possible, that the side impact protection arrangement shows several airbags which take on the same task.

These Side impact protection arrangement according to the invention has a seat cover for the vehicle seat, which especially over the side surfaces or the cheeks of the vehicle seat extends. The cheeks of the vehicle seat comprise the surfaces corresponding to the adjacent side wall of the Vehicle facing. Alternatively, the side impact protection assembly be integrated in the cheek of the vehicle seat, which the vehicle interior is facing.

The Seat cover shows an opening area, which in not activated state of the airbag is closed and which to the opening the seat cover formed during an expansion of the airbag and / or is arranged so that the airbag through the opening area can pass through. The seat cover is for example as a Textile cover, leather, plastic or the like with or without decor educated. Preferably, the airbag and optionally the gas generator hidden in the vehicle seat and / or arranged concealed. optional can in the opening area between the seat cover and the Airbag a cushion layer, in particular of a foamed Be arranged plastic. However, it is preferred if the side impact protection assembly without upholstery layer, so without cushioning, between the seat cover and airbag is formed.

in the Under the invention, an intermediate layer of a planar Plastic material, in particular a plastic film, a plastic net, proposed a plastic fabric and / or a plastic layer, wherein the intermediate layer in the opening area between the Seat cover and the airbag is arranged to maintain the dimensional stability of the vehicle seat in the opening area to improve. In particular, overlaps the intermediate layer with the opening area flat. In the event that between the seat cover and the airbag the cushion layer is present, it is preferred that the intermediate layer is arranged between the seat cover and the cushion layer. The sheet-like plastic material, in particular the plastic film is greater than 0.5 mm thick, preferably greater than 1 mm, and in particular larger chosen as 1.5 mm.

It is a consideration of the invention that just at Side impact protection arrangements the possible reaction time between impact and protective effect of the airbag very small, especially smaller is measured as 10 ms. This is due to the fact that in a side impact, the distance between the impact site and the vehicle occupants very small in comparison to a frontal impact is. For this reason, it is necessary to use the side impact protection airbag to design that a very high rate of expansion is reached.

On On the other hand, however, it is desirable for the side impact protection assembly to be aesthetic pleasant and / or without interference contour to integrate in the vehicle. However, these two demands form a field of tension, since so far implemented a fast expansion speed at the expense of the design was, for example, the vehicle seat with a flap or a similar interference contour for the airbag equipped, which are opened very quickly could.

at The present invention solves the field of stress by that an intermediate layer is inserted between the seat cover and the airbag which increases the dimensional stability, so that For example, in a tactile detection of the opening area this compliant and flexible as other areas of the vehicle seat be felt, however, the airbag at shallow depth below the Vehicle cover can be arranged so that the expansion the airbag is made possible at high speed.

It Therefore, it is also preferable that the airbag and / or the gas generator or a wrapper from the airbag and / or from the gas generator in a flexible and / or resilient area of the vehicle seat is arranged. In particular, it extends flexibly and / or resilient area of the vehicle seat between the airbag, gas generator or the envelope and the outside of the vehicle seat in the opening area.

It It is further preferred that the intermediate layer be parallel to the seat cover is arranged. In particular, the intermediate layer is similar to the flat course of the seat cover, so that the tactile Feeling the opening area seems pleasant. In the areal expansion, the intermediate layer is preferred designed so that they are the extent of the integrated Airbags and / or the gas generator or its envelope covered. Covering ensures that there are gaps or the like, which by the integration of the airbag, the Gas generator or its envelope arise tactile not are more detectable.

at A development of the invention is provided that the intermediate layer connected to the seat cover, preferably glued. Possibly has the intermediate layer means, in particular perforations or the like, on which an undisturbed opening the seat cover in the opening area allowed.

It is also within the scope of the invention, if in another possible Embodiment, the sheet-like plastic material L-shaped, angled or bent, wherein a first end of the sheet plastic material extends between the seat cover and the airbag and the other End or an intermediate section on the airbag, gas generator, a Case of these components and / or on a holder for the shell or components is attached.

In a possible development of the invention is between the intermediate layer and the air bag and / or the gas generator or its envelope arranged a foam layer. The foam layer is preferably part of a foam body, which is designed in the form of the vehicle seat or partial areas thereof and / or designed as a foam mat. It is preferably provided that the intermediate layer is arranged after the production of the foam layer on this. Preferably, the intermediate layer is bonded to the foam layer.

at A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention are the Airbag and / or the gas generator arranged in a soft pack. A softpack is preferably as a delimitation to a fixed and / or rigid Housing understood and / or is considered a flexible and / or rigid casing formed.

at a preferred embodiment of the invention or in another Subject of the invention according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with any feature of the description and / or the preceding Claims is provided that the airbag and / or the Gas generator in a rigid or pliable plastic body is arranged. The rigid plastic tube can as Tube z. B. be made by extrusion, alternatively this is designed as an elastic plate, which bent in tubular form. The plastic tube preferably has weakening and / or perforation in the longitudinal direction, which as a predetermined breaking point in a Expansion of the airbag. serves. In a preferred realizations is the plastic body in cross section round or rectangular educated.

It is possible that the plastic body by means of Blow molding, extrusion blow molding, blow molding or vacuum forming, is preferably made as a thermoplastic part. In this embodiment is a very cost-effective production possible. In addition, the weight of the plastic body is very low.

at a possible embodiment of the invention is the plastic tube so under tension that at an opening of weakening the plastic tube spreads automatically or at least supports a spreading.

at a development of the invention, the plastic tube extends and / or the enclosure only in the area of the gas generator, on both sides of the envelope or the plastic tube the airbag is unprotected. In particular, the plastic tube or the envelope formed open at one or both ends.

It is preferred when the sheath and / or the plastic tube Attachment, for example, hook elements, which for attachment to a support structure, in particular a frame of the vehicle seat are formed. The fasteners are firmly with the envelope or the plastic tube connected. In alternative embodiments, the Fastener with a support structure for the airbag and / or the gas generator in the enclosure or the plastic tube connected.

at A preferred realization of the invention is the plastic tube and / or the opening area in a side bolster or Surface of the vehicle seat arranged.

One Another object of the invention relates to a vehicle seat for a vehicle, which is characterized by the side impact protection arrangement is, wherein the airbag in the expanded state of a side cheek and / or surface of the vehicle seat in the area of a Seat surface of the vehicle seat extends.

Further Features, benefits and effects will be apparent from the following Description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the attached figures. Showing:

1 a schematic three-dimensional representation of an airbag module as an embodiment of the invention;

2 a schematic side view of a vehicle seat with the airbag module according to 1 or another airbag module.

The 1 shows in a schematic three-dimensional line drawing an airbag module 1 as an embodiment of the invention, which is suitable and / or designed for a side impact protection arrangement of a vehicle.

The airbag module 1 includes a non-activated or coiled and / or folded airbag 2 , which is in a cylindrical shape. An unillustrated gas generator can optionally be centered on the airbag 2 or be positioned at any other location. To the airbag 2 is a plastic tube 3 arranged, which on the side facing the viewer a perforation 4 which extends over the entire length of the plastic tube 3 extends. The plastic tube 3 may optionally include the gas generator, not shown, alternatively, the gas generator is outside the plastic tube 3 arranged. For fastening the airbag module 1 are on the plastic tube 3 Holding means in the form of hooks 5 . 6 provided, which integration into a vehicle seat 7 ( 2 ) enable.

Upon activation of the airbag module 1 For example, in an accident or the like, the airbag 2 inflated by the gas generator at high speed and expanded. Due to the expansion, the plastic tube 3 in the area of perforation 4 separated, leaving the plastic tube 3 aufschwingt and assumes a trough-shaped or in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal extent U-shaped figure. It may optionally be provided that the plastic tube 3 is under tension so that the swinging takes place automatically or at least with support. Through the over the plastic tube 3 Trough formed on the one hand, the friction in the expansion of the airbag 2 reduced. In addition, there is a directivity for the expanding airbag 2 , As a result, by using the plastic tube 3 the rate of expansion of the airbag 2 increased.

The plastic tube 3 can optionally be tubular, in alternative embodiments - in particular, to achieve the voltage for a swing - is the plastic tube 3 formed from a mat, which is bent together under tension and then connected in the region of the perforation. In cross-section is the plastic tube 3 oval and / or circular. The plastic tube 3 closes at the end with the airbag 2 flush or the airbag 2 is over by a small amount. Overall, more than 95% of the extension length of the airbag is in a non-activated state in the plastic tube 3 arranged.

The 2 shows a schematic representation of the vehicle seat 7 wherein in the side view shown a cheek to the viewer 8th of the vehicle seat 7 is facing. In the cheek 8th is the airbag module 1 completely integrated and, for example, on a support structure, in particular a frame of the vehicle seat 7 , over the hook 5 . 6 firmly connected. To the intermediate layer between the airbag module 1 and a seat cover 9 with which the vehicle seat 7 at least in the area of the cheek 8th covered, as thin as possible, is between the seat cover 9 and the airbag module 1 a plastic film 10 arranged, which the airbag module 1 in the side view shown at least in the field of plastic tube 3 ( 1 ) completely or almost completely covered and thus an intermediate layer between the seat cover 9 and the airbag module 1 forms.

The function of this plastic film 10 is it, irregularities in shape caused by the integration of the airbag module 1 in the vehicle seat 7 can emerge, minimize, leaving a top view of the cheek 8th and in the tactile detection of the same no or less irregularities can be detected.

To open the airbag module 1 and an expansion of the airbag 2 ensure the seat covering 9 in an opening area 11 a weakening, for example, a tearable seam, which occurs during the expansion of the airbag 2 is torn open. In one possible embodiment, a seam is used which is formed by a stitch width of 5 mm and by a yarn having a thickness of 80/40.

In the 2 In addition, the expanded airbag is schematically indicated by dashed lines extending from the cheek 8th to the area of the seat 12 of the vehicle seat 7 extends and protects the occupant from the side.

1

airbag module

2

air bag

3

Plastic tube

4

perforation

5

hook

6

hook

7

vehicle seat

8th

cheek

9

seat covering

10

Plastic film

11

opening area

12

seat

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 1136329 A2 [0004]
• - EP 1527964 [0005]
• US 2003/0146605 A1 [0006]

Claims (15)

Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) for a vehicle seat ( 7 ) with an airbag ( 2 ) and a gas generator, wherein the airbag ( 2 ) can be expanded upon activation by the gas generator and wherein the airbag in the vehicle seat ( 7 ) is integrated, with a seat cover ( 9 ) for the vehicle seat ( 7 ), wherein the seat cover ( 9 ) an opening area ( 11 ), which for opening the seat cover ( 9 ) is formed and / or arranged during an expansion of the airbag, wherein in the opening region ( 11 ) between the seat cover ( 9 ) and the airbag optionally a cushion layer is arranged, characterized by an intermediate layer ( 10 ) of a sheet-like plastic material, wherein the intermediate layer ( 10 ) in the opening area ( 11 ) between the seat cover ( 9 ) and the airbag ( 2 ) is arranged to the dimensional stability of the vehicle seat ( 7 ) in the opening area ( 11 ) to improve. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the airbag ( 2 ) and / or the gas generator in a flexible and / or flexible area of the vehicle seat ( 7 ) is arranged or are. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate layer ( 10 ) extending parallel to the seat cover ( 9 ) is arranged. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer ( 10 ) the complete extent of the airbag ( 2 ) and / or the gas generator and / or the opening area ( 11 ) covered. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer ( 10 ) with the seat cover ( 9 ), preferably glued. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the intermediate layer ( 10 ) and the airbag ( 2 ) and / or the gas generator, a foam layer is arranged as the cushion layer. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the intermediate layer ( 10 ) is connected to the foam layer, preferably glued. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the airbag ( 2 ) and / or the gas generator is arranged in a soft pack. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the airbag ( 2 ) and / or the gas generator is arranged in a flexible and / or rigid wrapper. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to the preamble of claim 1 and / or any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the airbag ( 2 ) and / or the gas generator in a rigid or pliable plastic body, in particular plastic tube ( 3 ), wherein the plastic body ( 3 ) a weakening and / or perforation ( 4 ) in the longitudinal direction, which is designed to be in an expansion of the airbag ( 2 ). Side impact protection arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the plastic body by means of Blow molding, extrusion blow molding, blow molding or vacuum forming is made. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath and / or the plastic tube ( 3 ) is open at both ends. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath and / or the plastic tube ( 3 ) Fastening means ( 5 . 6 ) for attachment to a support structure, in particular a frame of the vehicle seat ( 7 ), having. Side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic tube ( 3 ) and / or the wrapping and / or the opening area ( 11 ) in a side wall ( 8th ) or area of the vehicle seat ( 7 ) is arranged. Vehicle seat ( 7 ), characterized by a side impact protection arrangement ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the airbag ( 2 ) in the expanded state of a side cheek ( 8th ) and / or surface of the vehicle seat ( 7 ) to the area of a seat ( 12 ) of the vehicle seat ( 7 ).