DE102011077671A1 - Airbag arrangement for seat of vehicle, has amplification structure that is actuated with tearing seam at break section at side of structure, and actuated with seat structure of vehicle seat at another side - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has a seat cover (5) comprising a break section (9) in proximity of an exit orifice of an air bag module (12), where the module is closed by a tearing seam (10) that is breakable under given tripping pressure in an airbag. An amplification structure (11) is arranged in a side flange (2) such that the airbag is withdrawn from the module towards the break section of the cover. The amplification structure is actuated with the tearing seam at the break section at a side (19) of structure, and actuated with a seat structure (6) of a vehicle seat (1) at another side (20). The amplification structure is made of polyamide. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle seat comprising a slot.

Description

The invention relates to an airbag arrangement, in particular for embedding in the side wall of a vehicle seat nearest a vehicle side wall, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle seat having at least one airbag arrangement according to the preamble of claim 10.

The EP 0 963 310 B1 describes a cushion assembly for a vehicle seat assembly including a cover member disposed in covering relation over the inflatable airbag for holding the inflatable airbag in a folded position; the fabric being wrapped around the cover member, the airbag and the inflator, the seam comprising a suture thread joining two separate pieces of the cover together, a second thread securing a sleeve end on one side of the suture to the cover, and a third Thread that attaches the other end of the sleeve on the opposite side of the suture to the cover has.

The EP 0 788 940 B1 describes a seat structure including a side-impact airbag device, wherein the seat structure is constructed so that the airbag device integrated with a side portion of a seat back, with the side portion facing a vehicle door, is activated at the time of a side impact such that a seat surface layer an intended seam portion breaks and an airbag body expands between a side portion of a vehicle body and the side of a vehicle occupant, a traction member integrally provided with a side seat surface layer, the side seat surface layer covering the seat back side, and a fastening member provided inside the seat back is, connects with each other.

The EP 0 782 944 B1 describes a side airbag device for embedding in the cabin wall side of a vehicle seat, wherein the seat cover material in the vicinity of an airbag housing opening has a step portion, where the cover covering the cover material and another cover material are stitched together and this stepping part under a predetermined release pressure in the Airbag is rupturable, wherein between the further covering material on the stepping part and a solid element, such as a seat frame, a band for suppressing elongation of the other cover material in the deployment of the airbag, wherein one end of the band attached to the fixed element and the other End of the other cover material with the stitching paths of the stitching part is stitched with.

task

The invention has for its object to provide a comparison with the prior art improved airbag assembly, in particular for embedding in a vehicle side wall nearest side cheek of a vehicle seat, and an improved vehicle seat with at least one airbag assembly.

solution

With regard to the airbag arrangement, in particular for embedding in the side wall of a vehicle seat nearest a vehicle side wall, the object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1. With regard to the vehicle seat with at least one airbag arrangement, the object is achieved by the features specified in claim 10.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In the airbag arrangement, in particular for embedding in the sidewall of a vehicle seat which is closest to a vehicle side wall, the seat cover having a predetermined breaking point in the vicinity of an outlet opening of an airbag module, which is closed by a tear seam which can be torn open under a predetermined release pressure in the airbag, According to the invention, a reinforcing structure is arranged within the side wall such that an airbag emerging from the airbag module is guided and / or conducted in the direction of the predetermined breaking point of the seat cover, wherein the reinforcing structure on a first side form, material and / or non-positively with a tear seam on the Predetermined breaking point and on a second side form, material and / or non-positively connected to a seat structure of the vehicle seat. By the reinforcing structure of the deploying airbag in a particularly simple manner in the direction of the tear seam of the seat cover can be guided, so that a deployment and an exit of the airbag is controlled from the seat cover.

Advantageously, by means of the reinforcing structure a proper exit of the airbag at the predetermined breaking point of the seat cover allows.

Particularly advantageously, damage to controls of the vehicle seat, which conventionally occur in an uncontrolled exit of the airbag from the seat cover, safely avoided.

On the second side of the reinforcing structure is preferably a second holding means form, material and / or arranged non-positively. For example, the second holding means is sewn to the reinforcing structure.

The second holding means advantageously has a hook-shaped cross-section, whereby it can be arranged in a particularly simple and reversible manner on other components of the vehicle seat.

The reinforcing structure is preferably formed flat and made of a fabric section, for example of polyamide or a similar fabric. In this case, a fabric material which can be processed by means of cutting knives and which does not fray at the cut edges is used in particular, so that the cost-intensive cutting required by a conventional polyamide fabric by means of a laser beam is eliminated.

At the edge of the seat at least partially a first holding means edge, fabric and / or non-positively arranged edge, which is formed as a flat, strip-shaped strand and on which the second holding means of the reinforcing structure is positively and / or non-positively locatable. As a result, the first and the second retaining means can be easily and reversibly arranged on each other.

The first holding means is preferably a stiffening profile, in particular made of plastic. The stiffening profile is preferably designed as a flat, strip-shaped strand and sewn with advantage to the edge of the seat cover. With particular advantage, the first holding means made of polypropylene (PP) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

In an advantageous embodiment, the first holding means is formed on the seat cover as a reinforcing profile.

The second retaining means of the reinforcing structure preferably surrounds with the hook-shaped cross section an edge of the first retaining means on the seat cover at least in sections.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the positive and / or non-positively arranged holding means are releasably positively and / or non-positively coupled to the seat structure of the vehicle seat. As a result, for example, a defective seat cover can be replaced while the reinforcing structure is reusable.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the positive and / or non-positively arranged holding means are connected by means of at least one both holding means and the seat structure penetrating rivet.

In the vehicle seat with at least one airbag arrangement, a planar reinforcement structure according to the invention extends from a predetermined breaking point of the seat cover between the seat cover and a foam cushion and can be guided through a slot in the foam cushion in the direction of a seat structure and can be arranged thereon. Thereby, the reinforcing structure is arranged in a manner in the side cheek of the vehicle seat, so that the emerging from the airbag module airbag in the direction of the predetermined breaking point of the seat cover and / or is conductive, so that a deployment and an exit of the airbag from the seat cover controlled.

characters

Reference to the accompanying schematic figures, the invention is explained in detail.

Showing:

1 schematically a sectional view of a side cheek of a vehicle seat with an airbag assembly and

2 schematically a plan view of a reinforcing structure.

Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

1 schematically shows a sectional view of a side wall 2 a vehicle seat 1 with an airbag arrangement.

The vehicle seat 1 is essentially formed as a conventional vehicle seat and includes at least two side walls 2 , a seat back surface 3 , a foam pad 4 whose surface at least in sections of a seat cover 5 is covered and on a metallic seat structure 6 is arranged.

Within the side wall closest to a vehicle side wall 2 the vehicle seat is a conventional airbag module 12 arranged. From this airbag module 12 unfolds an unillustrated airbag in the direction of a predetermined breaking point 9 of the seat cover 5 , To the passage of the unfolding airbag through the foam pad 4 is in selbigem a slot 13 arranged or introduced.

The seat cover 5 includes at least a first segment 7 which the seat back surface 3 and one towards the seat back surface 3 pointing chamfer of the side cheek 2 covered, and a second, laterally on the side cheek 2 arranged segment 8th , The segments 7 and 8th are in the area of the predetermined breaking point 9 through a tear seam 10 connected with each other. The tear seam 10 is designed to that it can be ruptured under a predetermined release pressure in the airbag and thereby the predetermined breaking point 9 opens and releases a passageway for the airbag.

To guide the unfolding airbag within the vehicle seat 1 is a reinforcing structure 11 , which is on a first page 19 form, material and / or non-positive with the tear seam 10 at the breaking point 9 and on a second page 20 positive, material and / or non-positive with a seat structure 6 of the vehicle seat 1 connected in the side wall 2 arranged.

The reinforcing structure 11 is formed substantially flat and formed of a fabric section, in particular of a tear-resistant fabric. In this case, a fabric material which can be processed by means of cutting blades, for example a so-called Sibiu fabric, is used in particular, so that the cost-intensive cutting required by a conventional polyamide fabric by means of a laser beam is eliminated.

At the second page 20 of the reinforcing structure 11 is a second holding means 17 arranged form, material and / or non-positively. The second holding means 17 has a hook-shaped cross-section and is preferably with the reinforcing structure 11 sutured.

On the seat cover 5 edge is at least partially a first holding means 14 arranged form, material and / or non-positively, which is designed as a flat, strip-shaped strand and on which the second holding means 17 of the reinforcing structure 11 can be arranged positively and / or non-positively.

Here is the first holding means 14 on the seat cover 5 preferably designed as a reinforcing profile and with the seat cover 5 sutured.

In other words: the segment 8th of the seat cover 5 is at his in the area of the seat structure 6 guided edge locally with the first holding means 14 in the form of a strip-shaped stiffening profile 15 provided, which permanently with the seat cover 5 sewn. The stiffening profile 15 is a line-shaped arrangement of conventional, preferably reversibly releasable, rivets 16 penetrated, which in the seat structure 6 are used and the stiffening profile 15 on the seat structure 6 fix positively. Between seat structure 6 and stiffening profile 15 as well as the rivets 16 through is the planar reinforcement structure 11 guided, the edge with the second holding means 17 in the form of a hook profile 18 sewn. The hook profile 18 surrounds the exposed, towards the seat back surface 3 facing edge of the stiffening profile 15 and secures the end of the reinforcing structure 11 with respect to an outward-facing tensile force. Thus, the positive and / or non-positively arranged holding means 14 . 17 releasably positive and / or non-positive with the seat structure 6 of the vehicle seat 1 coupled.

The tear seam 10 is on her first page 19 with the seat cover 5 in the area of the predetermined breaking point 9 coupled, in particular with the tear seam 10 sutured.

Thus, the planar reinforcing structure runs 11 in the assembled state of the predetermined breaking point 9 of the seat cover 5 starting between seat cover 5 and the foam pad 4 and is through the slot 13 in the foam pad 4 in the direction of the seat structure 6 guided and attached to selbiger.

In other words, the reinforcing structure 11 , as in 1 initially shown between foam padding 4 and segment 8th of the seat cover 5 led down (area A). In height of the foam pad 4 recessed airbag module 12 becomes the reinforcing structure 11 through a horizontal slot 13 guided inwards (area B) and then vertically downwards (area C) and again horizontally (area D) around the structure 6 around steered.

In an unfolding of the airbag from the airbag module 12 this occurs along in the direction of the seat back surface 3 facing inside of the reinforcing structure 11 through the slot 13 through and is by means of the tear-resistant reinforcing structure 11 in the direction of breaking point 9 directed. By the resulting forces tears the tear seam 10 on, allowing the airbag through the breaking point 9 out to the outside of the side wall 2 can escape.

2 schematically shows a plan view of a reinforcing structure 11 , The reinforcing structure 11 is essentially flat and on its first page 19 opposite the second page 20 widened. At the second page 20 is the second holding means 17 , which as a hook profile 18 is formed, sewn. In the course of the reinforcement structure 11 the same is rejuvenated from the first page 19 in the direction of the second page 20 , The type of rejuvenation is variable, for example, a gradual and steady rejuvenation can take place or there is a strong rejuvenation, as in 2 shown, so that the reinforcing structure 11 is formed strip-shaped in its central region.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle seat

2

side cheek

3

Seat backrest surface

4

foam pad

5

seat cover

6

seat structure

7

first segment

8th

second segment

9

Breaking point

10

tear seam

11

reinforcing structure

12

airbag module

13

slot

14

first holding means

15

stiffening profile

16

rivet

17

second holding means

18

hook profile

19

first page

20

second page

A, B, C, D

Range of the course of the reinforcing structure

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 0963310 B1 [0002]
• EP 0788940 B1 [0003]
• EP 0782944 B1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Airbag arrangement, in particular for embedding in the vehicle side wall nearest side cheek ( 2 ) of a vehicle seat ( 1 ), wherein a seat cover ( 5 ) in the vicinity of an outlet opening of an airbag module ( 12 ) a predetermined breaking point ( 9 ), which by means of a tear seam ( 10 ), which is rupturable under a predetermined release pressure in the airbag, characterized in that inside the side cheek ( 2 ) a reinforcing structure ( 11 ) is arranged such that one of the airbag module ( 12 ) escaping airbag in the direction of the predetermined breaking point ( 9 ) of the seat cover ( 5 ) is guided and / or guided, wherein the reinforcing structure ( 11 ) on a first page ( 19 ) form, material and / or non-positively with the tear seam ( 10 ) at the predetermined breaking point ( 9 ) and on a second page ( 20 ) form, material and / or non-positively with a seat structure ( 6 ) of the vehicle seat ( 1 ) connected is. Airbag arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that on the second side ( 20 ) of the reinforcing structure ( 11 ) a second holding means ( 17 ) is arranged form fit, material and / or non-positively. Airbag arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the second retaining means ( 17 ) has a hook-shaped cross-section. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing structure ( 11 ) is formed flat and formed from a fabric section. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the seat cover ( 5 ) at least partially a first holding means ( 14 ) is arranged in a form, material and / or non-positive manner, which is formed as a flat, strip-shaped strand and on which the second holding means ( 17 ) of the reinforcing structure ( 11 ) can be arranged positively and / or non-positively. Airbag arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the first retaining means ( 14 ) on the seat cover ( 5 ) is designed as a reinforcing profile. Airbag arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the second retaining means ( 17 ) of the reinforcing structure ( 11 ) with the hook-shaped cross section, an edge of the first holding means ( 14 ) on the seat cover ( 5 ) at least partially encompasses. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positively and / or non-positively arranged holding means ( 14 . 17 ) releasably positive and / or non-positive with the seat structure ( 6 ) of the vehicle seat ( 5 ) are coupled. Airbag arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the positively and / or non-positively arranged holding means ( 14 . 17 ) by means of at least one both holding means ( 14 . 17 ) and the seat structure ( 6 ) penetrating rivet ( 16 ) are connected. Vehicle seat ( 1 ) with at least one airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a planar reinforcing structure ( 11 ) of a predetermined breaking point ( 9 ) of a seat cover ( 5 ) starting between the seat cover ( 5 ) and a foam pad ( 4 ) and through a slot ( 13 ) in the foam pad ( 4 ) in the direction of a seat structure ( 6 ) feasible and can be arranged on selbiger.

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