DE102011076703A1 - Child seat for a motor vehicle and method for protecting a vehicle occupant located in a child seat - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a child seat for a motor vehicle, with - at least one energy absorbing element (2, 2a, 2a ', 2b, 2b'), which has a cover (21, 21a, 21b) and a cover (21, 21a, 21b) ) arranged energy absorbing material (22, 22a, 22b); and - at least one inflator connected to the energy absorbing element (2, 2a, 2a ', 2b, 2b') for inflating the energy absorbing element (2, 2a, 2a ', 2b, 2b'), the inflating device being designed such that it can be activated by a control signal that an accident detection device generates in the event of an accident and / or an impending accident of the motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for protecting a vehicle occupant in a child seat.

Description

The invention relates to a child seat for a motor vehicle according to claim 1 and to a method for protecting a vehicle occupant located in a child seat according to claim 16.

Child seats with energy-absorbing deformation elements ("Airpads") are known from the prior art, wherein the deformation elements comprise an absorbent material (eg an open-cell foam), which can absorb kinetic energy of a child sitting in the child seat in an accident. Such a child seat is for example in the EP 1 948 474 B1 described.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to protect a vehicle occupant in a child seat as well as possible.

This problem is solved by the child seat with the features according to claim 1 and by the method with the features of claim 16. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

• – mindestens einem energieabsorbierenden Element, das eine Hülle und ein in der Hülle angeordnetes energieabsorbierendes Material aufweist; und
• – mindestens einer mit dem energieabsorbierenden Element verbundenen Aufblasvorrichtung zum Aufblasen des energieabsorbierenden Elements, wobei die Aufblasvorrichtung so ausgebildet ist, dass sie durch ein Steuersignal, das eine Unfallerkennungseinrichtung bei einem Unfall und/oder einem bevorstehenden Unfall des Kraftfahrzeugs erzeugt, aktivierbar ist.

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

• At least one energy absorbing element comprising a shell and an energy absorbing material disposed in the shell; and
• At least one inflator connected to the energy absorbing element for inflating the energy absorbing element, wherein the inflator is adapted to be activatable by a control signal that generates an accident detection device in an accident and / or an imminent accident of the motor vehicle.

The energy absorbing material of the energy absorbing member provides a ground protection so that impact energy is absorbed in an accidental impact of a vehicle occupant (child) located on the child seat on the energy absorbing member and the impact is thus damped. The impact absorbing effect of the energy absorbing member is enhanced by inflating the energy absorbing member when an accident or imminent accident is detected.

As a result of the inflation of the energy-absorbing element, in particular its volume and thus the energy absorption path provided by the energy-absorbing element increases. Furthermore, the distance between the energy-absorbing element and the vehicle occupant to be protected is reduced, whereby the earliest possible coupling of the vehicle occupant to the energy-absorbing element is realized and a relative movement between the vehicle occupant and the seat is counteracted. As a result, in particular in the event of a side collision of the vehicle, the earliest and largest possible energy absorption by the energy-absorbing element takes place (so-called "ride-down effect").

In the non-inflated state of the energy absorbing element, however, there may be a certain distance (comfort distance) between the seat and a vehicle occupant seated in a normal sitting position on the seat, although it may well be possible to inflate the energy absorbing element for comfort as well.

In particular, inflation of the energy absorbing element means that the envelope of the energy absorbing element inflates, thereby creating a larger volume between the energy absorbing material and the envelope. For example, the sheath is made stretchable from an elastic material. However, it is also conceivable that the sheath is formed from a substantially non-stretchable material (for example a gas bag fabric), wherein parts of the sheath may be folded before inflation.

In another development of the invention, the energy-absorbing element has discharge and / or inflow means, via which air can flow out of the interior of the casing and / or air can flow into the interior of the casing. For example, the discharge and / or inflow means comprise at least one opening in the shell through which gas (eg air present in the energy absorbing material) can flow out of the interior of the shell or gas can flow into the shell. It is also conceivable that the shell has a plurality of connecting means (eg in the form of a seam) interconnected sub-segments and a discharge or inflow of gas from the shell (in the shell) can be done via the connecting means. It is also possible that the discharge and / or Einströmmittel are formed by the properties of the shell, wherein the shell is formed, for example, at least partially from an air-permeable material through which air can flow from the interior of the shell or air can flow into the envelope interior , Possibilities of realizing an outflow and / or inflow of air from inside the envelope or into the interior of the envelope are in the EP 1 948 474 B1 to which reference is expressly made.

In addition, it is conceivable that in addition to or as an alternative to inflation of the envelope by the inflation, ie the injection of gas into the energy absorbing element, an increase in volume of the energy absorbing material follows. For example, it is possible for the energy absorbing material to have fillable channels into which the gas generated by the inflator flows, increasing the volume of the channels and thus of the energy absorbing material due to the incoming gas.

In particular, the inflator has an interface via which the inflator transmits the control signal that generates the accident detection device in the event of an accident and / or an imminent accident of the motor vehicle, wherein the inflator is activated when it receives the control signal via the interface. The interface is designed, for example, in the form of an electrical contact (eg a circuit node) or as part of a coupling (eg part of a plug connection device), wherein via the contact or the coupling, for example, an electrical line via which the control signal of the accident detection device is transmitted, connected to the inflator.

The accident detection device has in particular a sensor device integrated in the child seat. In other words, the sensor device for detecting an accident ("crash sensor") or an imminent accident ("pre-crash sensor") is part of the child seat. Such a sensor device is e.g. connected via an electrical line (for example in the form of a bus system) to the inflator and transmits an accident or an imminent accident indicating sensor signal to the inflator. The sensor device integrated into the child seat has, for example, acceleration sensors and / or a device for sound detection.

It is also conceivable that the accident detection device has (additionally or alternatively) a sensor device which is part of the motor vehicle, which is in particular a sensor device which is also used for activating a vehicle occupant restraint system of the vehicle. In order to use the control signals of a vehicle-based sensor device for activating the inflator of the child seat, the child seat, for example, a port (approximately in the form of a part of a connector device) which can be connected to a corresponding terminal of the vehicle to the inflator of the child seat electrically connect to the sensor device of the motor vehicle.

The energy absorbing material of the energy absorbing element is e.g. an open-pore and / or elastic material. For example, it is an open-cell foam. In any case, the energy absorbing material comprises a material that is in its solid state, i. it is at least not exclusively a gas at the energy absorbing material.

The energy absorbing element is z. B. arranged so that it extends at least partially at the height of a head or at the level of a thorax region of a vehicle occupant located in the child seat. It is also conceivable that the energy absorbing element is arranged in the pelvis region of the vehicle occupant. Of course, several energy absorbing elements may be provided to protect the head, thoracic and / or pelvic region of the vehicle occupant. In particular, the energy absorbing element (or the plurality of energy absorbing elements) is disposed in or on a side cheek extending from a central portion of the seat.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the energy absorbing material of the energy absorbing member has at least one recess through which two portions of the shell of the energy absorbing member are bonded together to at least partially reduce the expansion of the energy absorbing member in the inflated state. In particular, the contour of a in the inflated state of the energy absorbing element facing the vehicle occupant surface facing the energy absorbing element is formed on the connection of the Hüllabschnitte so that a collision of the vehicle occupant is avoided as possible in an impact on the energy absorbing element. In particular, the connection of the envelope sections results in a flatter course of the surface facing the vehicle occupant.

Furthermore, the reduction in expansion of the inflated energy absorbing element realized via the connection of sheath sections can reduce the risk that a vehicle occupant on the child seat not in the intended normal sitting position will be "out of position" due to the expanding energy absorbing Element is hit and injured.

In addition, fasteners may extend through the recess in the energy absorbing material through which the portions of the sheath are interconnected. The fastening means are, for example, a seam, an adhesive and / or a Tether. However, it is also conceivable that a cohesive connection between the Hüllabschnitten is produced by welding, ie without a fastening means is provided.

The recess in the energy absorbing material extends e.g. at least partially elongated and rectilinear, wherein the orientation of the recess depends on the placement and design of the energy absorbing element. For example, the recess - based on the arranged in the vehicle child seat - oriented at least approximately parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction or parallel to the vehicle height direction. It is also conceivable that the recess runs obliquely both to the vehicle height and the vehicle longitudinal direction. It is also possible that the recess is curved or at least has curved portions. Of course, the recess does not have to be elongated, but it is a basically arbitrary geometry, e.g. circular in cross-section, conceivable.

It is also possible that a connection of sheath sections takes place without there being a recess in the energy-absorbing material, wherein the connection takes place outside (laterally) of the energy-absorbing material or through the energy-absorbing material.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the inflator to a filled with compressed gas storage unit and at least one valve, via which the storage unit is connected to the energy absorbing element, wherein the valve is opened on receipt of a control signal of the accident detection device on the inflator, so that the compressed gas the storage unit can suddenly flow into the energy absorbing element.

For example, in the case where a plurality of energy absorbing elements are provided, the inflator includes a plurality of valves each associated with one of the energy absorbing elements. Here it is conceivable that the inflator is designed to control the valves independently of each other, so that upon receipt of a control signal of the accident detection device not necessarily open each valve, i. not every energy absorbing element needs to be activated. However, it is also conceivable that all valves are opened simultaneously upon receipt of a control signal to the inflator. It is also possible that several compressed gas storage units are present, e.g. one per energy absorbing element. In addition, instead of a storage unit filled with compressed gas, a pyrotechnic gas generator may also be used.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the inflator includes a gas flow control device that controls gas flow into the energy absorbing member depending on the size and / or weight of a vehicle occupant seated on the child seat to increase the internal pressure in the energy absorbing member to the size and / or to adapt to the weight of the vehicle occupant.

For example, the child seat on a height-adjustable backrest in order to adjust the seat to the height of the child can. Here, the gas flow control device may comprise a control mechanism cooperating with the backrest, which controls the gas flow into the energy absorbing element in dependence on the position of the backrest. For example, the gas flow control device comprises an opening and / or a bypass line, via which at least part of the gas can be discharged before flowing into the energy absorbing element (eg, out of the child safety seat), the control mechanism corresponding to the outflow cross section of the energy absorbing element Opening and / or the discharge line changed depending on the position of the backrest. For example, in the case of a backrest adjustment used for a larger child, less gas will escape than in a backrest adjustment position chosen for a smaller child to produce a higher internal pressure in the energy absorbing element in the case of the larger child. By way of example, the control mechanism for changing the outflow cross section of the opening and / or the outflow line comprises a blocking element fixed to the backrest or formed integrally with the backrest.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the child seat in addition to the energy absorbing element on a gas bag, which can be inflated in the event of a collision of the vehicle. In contrast to the energy-absorbing element of the child seat, this gas bag has no energy-absorbing material, but only a shell which limits an inflatable volume of the gas bag which, however, is not filled in the deflated state of the gas bag, i. has no material that is in its solid state. In particular, the gas bag extends flat when not inflated, z. B. folded.

The additional gas bag is in particular mounted so that it additionally protects a head region of the vehicle occupant located in the child seat. It is also conceivable, of course, that the additional gas bag is placed in other places of the child seat to z. B. to protect the thorax or the pelvis area of the vehicle occupant. Of course, several additional gas bags may be present to protect multiple body areas of the vehicle occupant. In addition, the gas bag can be arranged so that it unfolds mainly along the forward direction of travel, ie protrudes in the inflated state in the forward direction of the child seat. In particular, the gas bag (or the multiple gas bags) in a side wall, z. B. in a head-side cheek, the child seat, where it unfolds from the side wall out to the front.

The filling (inflation) of the gas bag is z. B. on the inflator, through which the energy absorbing element is inflated. In this case, the inflator be configured so that the energy absorbing element and the airbag can be inflated independently. For example, the inflator has a single compressed gas filled storage unit connected to the energy absorbing member and the gas bag (eg, via gas lines), e.g. each associated with the energy absorbing element and the gas bag, a valve which can be controlled independently. It is also conceivable that the inflator has a plurality of compressed gas storage units, which are each associated with the energy absorbing element and the gas bag. In the event that the child seat has a plurality of energy-absorbing elements and / or a plurality of gas bags, it is also conceivable that each of the energy-absorbing elements and / or each of the gas bags is assigned a respective compressed gas storage unit.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the child seat has a coupling device, via which the child seat can be mechanically coupled to a corresponding coupling device of the motor vehicle. For example, the coupling device is designed according to the "ISOfix" system. The inflator may now comprise a barrier means which blocks inflation of the energy absorbing member when the child seat is not connected to the vehicle via the coupling device. The locking device prevents the inflator is activated as long as the child seat is not mounted in the vehicle. For example, the locking device includes electronics that prevent the inflator from being triggered even though a control signal from an accident detection device (generated, for example, from a child seat-integrated sensor system when the child seat is accidentally dropped) arrives at the inflator.

• – Bereitstellen eines wie oben beschrieben gestalteten Kindersitzes;
• – Anordnen des Kindersitzes in einem Fahrzeug;
• – bei einem Unfall oder einem bevorstehenden Unfall Erzeugen eines Steuersignals;
• – Weiterleiten des Steuersignals an die Aufblasvorrichtung des Kindersitzes; und
• – Aufblasen des energiebsorbierenden Elementes des Kindersitzes bei Empfang des Steuersignals durch die Aufblasvorrichtung.

The invention also relates to a method for protecting a vehicle occupant in a child seat, comprising the steps

• - Providing a child seat designed as described above;
• - placing the child seat in a vehicle;
• In the case of an accident or an imminent accident, generating a control signal;
• - Forwarding the control signal to the inflator of the child seat; and
• - Inflating the energy-absorbing element of the child seat on receipt of the control signal by the inflator.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments with reference to the figures. Show it:

1A schematically a section through a child seat according to an embodiment of the invention;

1B the child seat off 1 with inflated energy absorbing elements;

2 a section through an energy absorbing element of a child seat according to an embodiment of the invention;

3 a section through an energy absorbing element according to another variant;

4 a section through a child seat according to another embodiment of the invention; and

5 a plan view from behind of another child seat according to the invention.

The in 1A in a horizontal sectional view shown child seat 1 has two energy absorbing elements 2a . 2 B in each case on a side facing a child on the vehicle seat inside a side cheek 3a . 3b are arranged. The energy absorbing elements 2a . 2 B each have a shell 21a . 21b which is an energy absorbing material 22a . 22b surrounds. The energy absorbing elements 2a . 2 B can be arranged outside or inside a seat cover of the child seat.

Furthermore, the energy absorbing elements 2a . 2 B connected to a compressed gas storage (not shown) of an inflator of the seat so that they can be inflated in an accident or an imminent accident of the motor vehicle to increase the protection of the vehicle occupant located on the seat. The inflated state of energy-absorbing elements 2a . 2 B shows 1B ,

Then have the energy absorbing elements 2a . 2 B each fastening means in the form of a respective Abnähernaht 4a . 4b on, over the two along an approximately perpendicular to the side wall 3a . 3b oriented direction opposite portions of the shell 21a . 21b connected to each other.

The darts 4a . 4b reduce the expansion of the inflated energy absorbing elements 2a . 2 B towards the vehicle occupants (ie perpendicular to the side cheeks 3a . 3b or at least approximately along the vehicle transverse direction), whereby the contour of a vehicle occupant located on the seat facing surface 211 . 211b of the energy absorbing element 2a . 2 B (the shell 21a . 21b ) is changed so that in an impact of the vehicle occupant on the energy absorbing element 3a . 3b slippage of the vehicle occupant is counteracted by the energy absorbing element. In particular, a too curved (spherical) surface is avoided. Rather, it arises in the area of darts 4a . 4b a recess that holds the vehicle occupant in an impact in the region of the energy absorbing element. For example, the darts run 4a . 4b - Based on the seat located in the vehicle - at least approximately parallel to the vehicle height direction.

Of course, the energy absorbing elements 2a . 2 B each also have several darts. It is also conceivable that alternatively or additionally differently oriented darts are present, the z. B. extend along the vehicle longitudinal direction or obliquely to the vehicle height direction.

So that the darts 4a . 4b not by the energy absorbing material 22a . 22b the energy absorbing elements 2a . 2 B have to pass through is in the energy absorbing material 22a . 22b each have a recess, such as in 2 shown.

2 shows a possible embodiment of an energy absorbing element 2 a child seat according to the invention, ie, for example, the elements 2a . 2 B out 1A , After that, it's in a shell 21 housed energy absorbing material 22 with a recess 212 provided, through which a fastening means, such as a darning seam, can pass through.

The recess 212 is elongate (eg slot-like) designed and extends at least substantially rectilinear, for example, it may be arranged in the seat so that it extends approximately along the vehicle height direction (ie, the height direction of the child seat).

It should be noted that the energy absorbing element 2 Ab- and / or inflow in the form of, for example, at least one opening (not shown) in the shell 21 may have, wherein via the opening gas in the interior of the shell 21 can flow in or out of her. It is also conceivable that the shell 21 consists of several interconnected via at least one seam material segments, wherein the discharge and / or Einströmmittel are formed by the fact that over the seam, a discharge and / or inflow of air can take place. Alternatively or additionally, the shell 21 at least partially consist of an open-pore material.

3 shows a modification of 2 after which the energy absorbing material 22 several recesses 212 has, so that a plurality of spaced dart can be provided.

The recess 212 runs in the example of 2 and 3 only by a part of the energy absorbing material 22 through, leaving two segments 222 . 223 arise over a footbridge 2121 connected to each other. However, it is also conceivable that the recess 212 by the energy absorbing material 22 passes completely through, leaving the segments 222 . 223 that is, the energy absorbing element has two (or more) separate segments of the energy absorbing material.

4 shows a sectional view of a child seat 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The child seat 1 has analogous to the 1A . 1B two on an inside of the seat side bolsters 3a . 3b attached energy absorbing elements 2a . 2 B on.

In addition to the energy absorbing elements 2a . 2 B are in the sidewalls 3a . 3b however inflatable airbags 5a . 5b arranged. The gas bags 5a . 5b have an inflatable envelope material but in which there is no energy absorbing material in the deflated state; Rather, the limited by the shell material inner volume of the gas bags 5a . 5b completely filled with gas.

When not inflated, the airbags are located 5a . 5b folded in the sidewalls 3a . 3b , where the gas bags 5a . 5b are arranged so that they are after activation in the forward direction of the side cheeks 3a . 3b unfold out. It is conceivable that the gas bags 5a . 5b at the same height as the energy-absorbing elements 2a . 2 B are arranged. However, it is also possible that the energy-absorbing elements 2a . 2 B and the gas bags 5a . 5b on located at different heights, so that the energy-absorbing elements 2a . 2 B and the gas bags 5a . 5b protect each different body parts of the vehicle occupant.

5 shows a view of another embodiment of the child seat according to the invention 1 from behind. The child seat 1 has side walls projecting from a central part 3a . 3b on, each spaced along the seat height direction from each other segments 31a to 33a . 31b to 33b exhibit.

Each in the two upper segments 31a . 32a respectively. 31b . 32b are energy absorbing elements 2a . 2a ' respectively. 2 B . 2 B' arranged. To fill the energy absorbing elements 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' serves a compressed gas storage 6 in a recess 71 a backrest of the child seat 1 is arranged and in particular flush with the back surface of the backrest. The compressed gas storage 6 is over a valve 61 and gas lines 62 with the energy absorbing elements 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' connected, wherein the compressed gas storage 6 , the valve 61 and the wires 62 to an inflator of the seat 1 belong, which is designed so that it (not shown) can be activated via a control signal of an accident detection device. In particular, upon receipt of the control signal by the inflator, the valve becomes 61 open, leaving over the gas lines 62 abruptly gas in the energy absorbing elements 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' flows.

It should be noted that it is of course possible, instead of a single valve 61 to provide several valves, each one of the gas lines 62 are assigned, so that the energy-absorbing elements 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' can be filled independently with compressed gas. Furthermore, instead of the single (central) compressed gas storage 6 several (decentralized) compressed gas storage can be used, for example, each one of the energy-absorbing elements 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' assigned. Of course you can also in the lower segments 33a . 33b the side walls energy absorbing elements are arranged.

The child seat 1 further includes a coupling device in the form of an ISOfix latch 8th on, via which the child seat can be mechanically connected to a corresponding coupling device of the vehicle. In addition, the child seat can 1 a blocking device (eg in the form of a suitably designed electronics), which is an inflation of the energy absorbing elements 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' locks as long as the child seat does not have the ISOfix lock 8th connected to the vehicle. As a result, an unintentional triggering (activation) of the inflator, ie an opening of the valve 61 , be prevented, in particular to avoid that before the installation of the seat in the vehicle by arranged in the child seat sensors (not shown) of an accident detection device detected acceleration of the seat to open the valve 61 leads.

It should be noted that elements of the embodiments explained with reference to the figures can also be used in combination with each other. For example, the embodiments of the energy absorbing elements of the 1 to 3 also in the seat of 5 be used. Also, the child seat of 5 analogous to 4 be equipped with at least one additional airbag.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Child seat

2, 2a, 2a ', 2b, 2b'

energy absorbing element

3a, 3b

side cheek

4a, 4b

dart

5a, 5b

airbag

6

Compressed gas storage

7

backrest

8th

ISOfix latching

21, 21a, 21b

shell

22, 22a, 22b

energy absorbing material

31a-33a, 31b-33b

Segment of side cheek

61

Valve

71

recess

211a, 211b

surface

212

recess

222, 223

Segment energy absorbing material

2121

web

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1948474 B1 [0002, 0010]

Claims (16)

Child seat for a motor vehicle, comprising - at least one energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ), which is a shell ( 21 . 21a . 21b ) and one in the shell ( 21 . 21a . 21b ) arranged energy absorbing material ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) having; and - at least one with the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ) inflating device for inflating the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ), wherein the inflator is designed so that it can be activated by a control signal that generates an accident detection device in an accident and / or an imminent accident of the motor vehicle. Child seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflator has an interface over which you the control signal that generates the accident detection device in an accident and / or an imminent accident of the motor vehicle, can be transmitted, wherein the inflator upon receipt of the control signal via the interface is activated. Child seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the accident detection device comprises a built-in child seat sensor device. Child seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the accident detection device comprises a sensor device which is part of the motor vehicle, wherein the child seat ( 1 ) has a connection via which the inflator is electrically connectable to the sensor device of the motor vehicle. Child seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy absorbing material ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) of the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ) is an open-pore and / or elastic material. Child seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy absorbing material ( 22 . 22a . 22b ) of the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ) at least one recess ( 212 ), through which two sections of the envelope ( 21 . 21a . 21b ) of the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ) are interconnected to increase the extent of the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ) in the inflated state at least partially reduce. Child seat according to claim 6, characterized in that the sections of the envelope ( 21 . 21a . 21b ) via fastening means extending through the recess ( 212 ), are interconnected. Child seat according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastening means at least one seam ( 4a . 4b ), an adhesive and / or at least one tether. Child seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflator at least one filled with compressed gas storage unit ( 6 ) and at least one valve ( 61 ), via which the memory unit ( 6 ) with the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ), the valve ( 61 ) upon receipt of a control signal of the accident detection device is opened by the inflator. Child seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflator comprises a gas flow control device which, depending on the size and / or weight of a vehicle occupant located on the child seat, directs gas flow into the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ) controls. Child seat according to claim 10, characterized in that the child seat ( 1 ) a height-adjustable backrest ( 7 ), wherein the gas flow control device comprises a control mechanism which cooperates with the backrest and which, depending on the position of the backrest, controls the gas flow into the energy-absorbing element (FIG. 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ) controls. Child seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one gas bag ( 5a . 5b ) with a shell containing an inflatable volume of the gas bag ( 5a . 5b ) and in the non-inflated state of the gas bag ( 5a . 5b ) is not filled. Child seat according to claim 12, characterized in that the gas bag ( 5a . 5b ) is inflatable via the inflator, wherein the inflator is configured so that the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ) and the gas bag ( 5a . 5b ) can be inflated independently. Child seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a coupling device ( 8th ), over which the child seat ( 1 ) can be mechanically coupled to a corresponding coupling device of the motor vehicle, wherein the inflator has a locking device, the inflation of the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ) locks when the child seat ( 1 ) not via the coupling device ( 8th ) is connected to the vehicle. Child seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy absorbing element ( 2 . 2a . 2a ' . 2 B . 2 B' ) Has exhaust and / or inflow means, via the air from the interior of the shell ( 21 . 21a . 21b ) and / or air into the interior of the envelope ( 21 . 21a . 21b ) can flow. A method of protecting a vehicle occupant in a child seat comprising the steps of: - Providing a child seat according to one of the preceding claims; - placing the child seat in a vehicle; In the case of an accident or an imminent accident, generating a control signal; - Forwarding the control signal to the inflator of the child seat; and - Inflating the energy-absorbing element of the child seat on receipt of the control signal by the inflator.

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