DE102022203801A1 - Restraint device and vehicle seat with restraint device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a restraint device (20) which is intended to restrain a vehicle occupant (14) at the pelvic area and for this purpose is to be arranged near a vehicle seat (10), in, on or adjacent to a seat surface of the vehicle seat (10). at least one barrier (22) which can be moved between a folded-in and an unfolded position and a support (24) connected to the barrier (22), in which a force transmission means (28) for adjusting the barrier (22) into the unfolded position with the support (24 ) or the barrier (22) is connected in a force-conducting manner.
The invention further relates to a vehicle seat (10) with at least one side component (12), in which a restraint device (20) according to the invention is integrated into the side component (12).

Description

The invention relates to a restraint device for restraining a vehicle occupant. The restraint device is intended to restrain the vehicle occupant in his pelvic area

Such a restraint device is suitable not only for restraining a vehicle occupant who is in an upright sitting position, but in particular also for restraining a vehicle occupant who is in a reclined or even lying position.

A generic restraint device from the prior art is, for example, the document DE 10 2018 101 223 A1 refer to.

The invention is based on the object of creating a reliable and cost-saving restraint device which is suitable for restraining a vehicle occupant who is sitting upright, leaning back or lying on a vehicle seat.

This task is achieved by a restraint device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The restraint device then comprises at least one barrier that can be moved between a folded position (=storage position) and a folded position (=retention position) and a support connected to the barrier. A force transmission means for adjusting the barrier into the unfolded position is connected to the support or the barrier in a force-conducting manner.

The barrier and the support are designed to be essentially rigid, so that in the application when the vehicle occupant is cushioned, the barrier remains properly positioned and the elements are not deformed.

The barrier and/or the support can be made of a plastic or metal, for example. The restraint device is intended to restrain a vehicle occupant in his pelvic area and for this purpose is to be arranged on or near a vehicle seat in, on or adjacent to a seat surface of the vehicle seat.

If the restraint device is arranged correctly in relation to the vehicle seat, the at least one barrier can move in a plane approximately parallel to the seat surface when moving from the stowage position into the restraint position. The vehicle occupant can be between the restraint device and the seat. Furthermore, if the restraint device is arranged as intended in relation to the vehicle seat, the at least one barrier in the restraint position can extend in a plane that is essentially perpendicular to the seat surface. The at least one barrier can in particular have a flat extent, so that the vehicle occupant's pelvic area rests on the largest possible area. This improves pressure distribution.

A movement of the at least one barrier, which deviates from the movement aligned approximately parallel to the seat surface, may be appropriate under certain circumstances. For example, the plane of movement of the barrier can increase towards the front area of the seat (facing away from the backrest). In such a case, the barrier extends with its flat extent in a plane that is inclined to the seat and not perpendicular to it.

According to one embodiment, the at least one barrier in combination with the support, when the restraint device is properly arranged in relation to the vehicle seat, has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape when viewed perpendicular to the seat surface when the barrier, and thus the entire unit, is in its restraint position located. When the restraint device is arranged as intended, the triangular cross-sectional shape can be aligned with respect to the vehicle seat in such a way that a first corner and a second corner of the triangular cross-sectional shape lie on an axis which extends substantially along a side edge of the seat surface. A third corner of the triangular cross-sectional shape may then be located at a distance from the axis, above the seat and viewed along this axis between the first and second corners.

The triangular cross-sectional shape, in particular the third corner, thus projects from the side edge of the seat towards the opposite side edge of the seat. In this case, exactly one barrier can be arranged along a first side of the triangular cross-sectional shape, which faces the vehicle occupant who is intended to be on the vehicle seat and extends at an angle to the axis. This one barrier can prevent the unit with a triangular cross-sectional shape from being significantly deformed by the forces that occur when the vehicle occupant is restrained. The first side extends in the restraint position between the first and third corners of the triangular cross-sectional shape.

In order to prevent injuries to the vehicle occupant caused by the restraint device, it can be provided that a material layer whose deformation resistance is lower is applied to a side of the barrier that faces the vehicle occupant who is intended to be on the vehicle seat and is arranged along the first side of the triangular cross-sectional shape than that of the material of the barrier. The material layer can in particular be a cushioning or foam layer.

In a preferred embodiment, the force transmission means exerts a tensile force on the support or the barrier for an adjustment into the unfolded position. The tensile force essentially occurs in the pivoting direction of the barrier, i.e. when it is moved from the folded into the unfolded position. The power transmission means can be designed, for example, as a pull rope.

In contrast, a further advantageous embodiment can provide that the force transmission means exerts a compressive force on the support or the barrier for an adjustment into the unfolded position. The force transmission means can be designed, for example, as a stamp or compression spring.

Both embodiments therefore differ in the arrangement of the force transmission means. In a version with tensile force, the force progression runs in the direction of the pivoting movement from the folded into the unfolded position, with the course of the force transmission means - viewed in a main extension direction - essentially being behind a fixed (stationary) axis of rotation of the barrier.

In contrast, in the variant with compressive force, the force transmission means - viewed in a main direction of extension - runs essentially in front of the fixed (stationary) axis of rotation of the barrier.

Depending on the available installation space on the vehicle seat, the tension or pressure variant may prove to be more advantageous.

A further embodiment provides that the support is linearly movable with a first end which is not connected to the barrier, holding elements being arranged along the linearly movable direction.

The barrier can be pivoted about the fixed (stationary) axis of rotation, with the second end of the support being pivotally connected to the barrier. During the linear movement of the first end of the support along the holding elements, an angle of the barrier to the linear direction of movement can be adjusted, which is usually between 0° and 90°. The barrier can thereby be moved into the unfolded position.

The holding elements serve as catches for the first end of the support. If there is a sudden drop in tension in the force transmission means during use, the barrier remains in the angular position that results from the next smaller holding element. This results in a fallback protection. The barrier's retaining function can thus be at least partially maintained even in the event of an apparent malfunction.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a restoring element is arranged on the support, which exerts a substantially opposite force on the support compared to the force transmission means. If there is no tensile or compressive force from the force transmission means, the restoring element ensures that the support with the barrier is moved back into the folded position. This creates a reversible system that can develop its retaining effect several times. A spring or a band made of an elastomer, for example, can serve as a restoring element.

A preferred embodiment provides that the support is stationary with the first end and can be pivoted at the same time. The connection point of the second end to the barrier is unchanged.

In this embodiment, the support can be designed to have several members, with at least one joint connecting the members. This means that the support can be folded, namely at the bending point of the joint. When folded, the joints are essentially parallel to each other. When unfolded, the result is a straight line or a slight obtuse angle.

In this embodiment, both types of power transmission means can be used, tension and pressure controlled. Preferably, the force transmission means is connected to one end on the joint, whereby an optimal force-path ratio is achieved.

It can be provided that the two members of the support have a slight obtuse angle in their end stop. The advantage would be that in this position no further tensile force needs to be applied via the force transmission means in order to be able to maintain the supporting force. The disadvantage is that you have to... To release or fold back the barrier (after the accident), the support element must first move forward again past this dead center. This could possibly be a hindrance, which is why - as in the previous variant - a restoring element can be arranged which enables or supports capping of the multi-member support.

A further embodiment in the variant with the pivotally stationary first end of the support provides that the support is telescopic. An extension of the support is achieved by extending a second element retracted into the support.

For example, in this embodiment it is possible to design the telescopic support in such a way that the support also exerts a compressive force on the barrier. For example, a gas generator or a hydraulic drive unit is conceivable, which is installed on or in the telescopic support and, in the application, extends the retracted second element of the support. This embodiment would represent an alternative to the solutions mentioned, whereby the support would also include the force transmission means.

Furthermore, with the telescopic support it is conceivable that a support is used that can exert tensile forces on the barrier. For example, this support has a cylinder which has an extended piston in the folded position of the barrier. If the barrier is now to be moved into the unfolded position, the piston is retracted into the cylinder. In this embodiment, a stationary end of the force transmission means should be arranged close to or coaxial with the axis of rotation of the barrier. The support in turn can be moved linearly with the first end.

A further main claim of the invention provides that the restraint device described is integrated in a vehicle seat, namely in a side component such as an armrest of the vehicle seat.

Preferably, two restraint devices are installed in or on a single vehicle seat, which are arranged opposite each other. This allows the vehicle occupant to be restrained on both sides of the body in the pelvic area, thereby preventing the vehicle occupant from twisting.

The restraint device is preferably integrated in a side component in such a way that the barrier is angled in the unfolded position - viewed in a main extension direction of the seat - in front of the pelvic area of the vehicle occupant. Viewed in a main direction of travel of the vehicle, the barrier thus brakes the vehicle occupant when the vehicle decelerates.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the barrier can be pivoted from the folded into the unfolded position against the main extension direction of the vehicle seat. The main direction of extension of the vehicle seat is defined in a top view of the seat from the buttocks area towards the knees of the vehicle occupant.

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf einen Fahrzeugsitz mit einer in die Seitenbauteile integrierte Rückhaltevorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform in einer Einklappstellung;
• 2 den Gegenstand gemäß 1 in einer Ausklappstellung;
• 3 eine Detailansicht der Rückhaltevorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform, jeweils in einer Einklapp- und Ausklappstellung;
• 4 eine Detailansicht der Rückhaltevorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform, jeweils in einer Einklapp- und Ausklappstellung;
• 5 eine Detailansicht der Rückhaltevorrichtung gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform, jeweils in einer Einklapp- und Ausklappstellung;
• 6 eine Seitenansicht eines Fahrzeugsitzes mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Rückhaltevorrichtung in dem Seitenbauteil;
• 7 eine Detailansicht der Rückhaltevorrichtung gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform, jeweils in einer Einklapp- und Ausklappstellung;
• 8 eine Detailansicht der Rückhaltevorrichtung gemäß einer fünften Ausführungsform, jeweils in einer Einklapp- und Ausklappstellung;
• 9 eine Draufsicht auf einen Fahrzeugsitz mit einer in die Seitenbauteile integrierte Rückhaltevorrichtung gemäß einer sechsten Ausführungsform in einer Einklappstellung;
• 10 den Gegenstand gemäß 9 in einer Ausklappstellung;
• 11 eine Draufsicht auf einen Fahrzeugsitz mit einer in die Seitenbauteile integrierte Rückhaltevorrichtung gemäß einer siebten Ausführungsform in einer Einklappstellung;
• 12 den Gegenstand gemäß 11 in einer Ausklappstellung.

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

• 1 a top view of a vehicle seat with a restraint device integrated into the side components according to a first embodiment in a folded position;
• 2 according to the object 1 in a unfolded position;
• 3 a detailed view of the restraint device according to a first embodiment, each in a folded and unfolded position;
• 4 a detailed view of the restraint device according to a second embodiment, each in a folded and unfolded position;
• 5 a detailed view of the restraint device according to a third embodiment, each in a folded and unfolded position;
• 6 a side view of a vehicle seat with a restraint device according to the invention in the side component;
• 7 a detailed view of the restraint device according to a fourth embodiment, each in a folded and unfolded position;
• 8th a detailed view of the restraint device according to a fifth embodiment, each in a folded and unfolded position;
• 9 a top view of a vehicle seat with a restraint device integrated into the side components according to a sixth embodiment in a folded position;
• 10 according to the object 9 in a unfolded position;
• 11 a top view of a vehicle seat with a restraint device integrated into the side components according to a seventh embodiment in a folded position;
• 12 according to the object 11 in an unfolded position.

The 1 shows a top view of a vehicle seat 10 with two opposite sides Ten components 12, which are designed as armrests in the present exemplary embodiments. On the vehicle seat 10 there is a vehicle occupant 14, whose orientation follows the main extension direction of the vehicle seat (H). Each side component 12 is intended to integrate the restraint device 20 according to the invention or includes it.

The restraint device 20 according to 1 is in a folded position, whereas the retaining device 20 according to the 2 is analogously in an unfolded position. The unfolded position of the restraint device reflects the application, i.e. when the vehicle occupant 14 is to be restrained.

For this purpose, a barrier 22 of the retaining device 20 is folded out at an angle between approximately 0° and 120°, but preferably between approximately 60° and 90°, compared to the folded position or pivoted about an axis of rotation 23 (see 3 ). In the application, the barrier 22 should be as flat and snug as possible parallel to a current pelvic position of the vehicle occupant 14, so that as much of the body surface of the vehicle occupant 14 as possible is in contact with the barrier 22.

For this purpose, the restraint device 20 comprises a support 24, which is articulated or movably connected to a second end 25 on the barrier 22. A first end 26 of the support 24 can in turn be moved along a linearly movable direction (L). The linearly movable direction (L) runs essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the side component 12.

In the unfolded position, the restraint device 20, viewed in a top view, has a substantially triangular arrangement, in which the second end 25 protrudes into the area of the seat surface together with the barrier 22, with the first end 26 and the axis of rotation 23 essentially on a straight line lie, which is essentially congruent with the longitudinal axis of the side component 12.

A force transmission means 28 exerts a tensile force on the support 24 to change the position of the barrier 22 from the folded to the unfolded position. The force transmission means 28 can be designed, for example, as a traction cable for applying a tensile force, which is shortened or driven by a corresponding actuator. An electric motor, hydraulic or pneumatic piston, for example, is conceivable as an actuator. The actuator is arranged under the axis of rotation 23 - viewed in the direction of the linearly movable direction (L).

The force transmission means 28 is fixed with one end in the area of the first end 26 of the support 24 and, in the application, transmits a tensile force that comes from the direction of the axis of rotation 23 to the support 26. Due to the movable connections, the barrier 22 opens and is created the previously described triangular arrangement for restraining the vehicle occupant 14.

Next is from the 3 It can be seen that on an outside of the retaining device 20 a plurality of holding elements 34 are arranged, which extend along the linearly movable direction (L), past which the first end 26 is guided in the application. The holding elements 34 are designed as catches or triangles, whereby the first end 26 can be in engagement with each holding element 34 and thereby the corresponding positioning of the barrier 22 is maintained despite a lack of tensile force through the force transmission means 28.

In each embodiment, the barrier 22 can be covered with or include an elastomer or foam so that the risk of injury to the vehicle occupant 14 is minimized in the application.

The 4 shows the item according to a second embodiment. In addition to the features of the first embodiment, the retaining device 20 can include a restoring element 36. Holding elements 34 can also be installed here. When the force transmission means 28 is in a neutral position, i.e. when it transmits neither a compressive nor a tensile force, the restoring element 36 ensures that the system is returned to the folded position. The restoring element 36 can be designed, for example, as a tension spring or elastomer band. The restoring element 36 is connected at one end to a rigid housing component and at the other end, for example, to the support 24. This configuration allows the retaining device 20 to be reversible, ie used several times, since an automatic return to the starting position takes place.

The 5 shows the item according to in a third embodiment. In contrast to the other embodiments, the support 24 here comprises a plurality of links 41, 42, which are connected to one another via a joint 38, in particular an articulated joint. The support 24 is not movable along the linearly movable direction (L), since the first end 26 of the foldable support 24 is stationarily connected to a housing component. The second end 25 is in turn pivotally connected to the barrier 22.

The first picture of the 5 shows the folded position of the restraint device 20. It can be seen that the two members 41, 42 lie parallel to one another via the joint 38 and the support 24 is thus folded. In the application, the force transmission means 28 again transmits a tensile force to the support 24 or to the joint 38 of the support 24, whereby the support 24 can be unfolded or opened and the barrier 22 is brought into position.

In this embodiment, the barrier 22 typically has a fixed, defined angle when the restraint 20 is unfolded. Once brought into the unfolded position, this embodiment tends to absorb higher forces, no holding elements 34 are required and if there is no tensile force from the force transmission means 28, the unfolded support 24 ensures sufficient stability.

The 6 shows a side view of a vehicle seat 10, in which the restraint device 20 according to the invention is integrated into a side component 12. In general, it is provided that the barrier 22 should be arranged essentially parallel to the pelvic area of the vehicle occupant 14 in a folded-out position. Due to an adjustable backrest position of the vehicle seat 10, the positioning of the pelvic area of the vehicle occupant 14 is not constant. Depending on the backrest position, the position of the pelvic area can change.

In order to be able to set the support surface of the barrier 22 to be as parallel as possible to the pelvic area in different backrest positions, it can be provided that at least the barrier 22 of the restraint device 20 can be rotated about an axis transverse to the main extension direction (H) depending on a backrest angle. The rotation of the barrier 22 could, for example, be proportional to the backrest angle. It would also be conceivable to rotate the side component 12, in which the restraint device 20 is integrated, in proportion to the backrest angle. This would always ensure an optimal connection of the barrier 22 to the pelvic area, regardless of the backrest position.

The 7 shows the restraint device 20 in a fourth embodiment. The support 24 is telescopic and is fixed to a housing component with the first end 26. The force transmission means 28 is integrated into the support 24. The force transmission means 28 is an integral part of the support 24 and transmits a compressive force to the barrier 22 to position the system from the folded to the unfolded position.

For example, the support 24 can have a pyrotechnic unit which, in the application, generates excess gas pressure, whereby the telescopic support 24 is extended.

The 8th time a fifth embodiment of the restraint device 20 according to the invention. Here, the support 24 with the first end 26 is linearly movable in a direction (L) and the force transmission means 28 exerts a tensile force on the support 24 in order to achieve positioning in the unfolded position.

The force transmission means 28 can be designed, for example, as a cylinder with a piston, in which case the piston is pressed into the cylinder and thereby a linear movement of the first end 26 along the direction (L) takes place. This embodiment may further include holding elements 34 and restoring elements 36 according to embodiments one and two.

The 9 and 10 show a sixth embodiment with a vehicle seat 10 in a top view. The vehicle seat 10 has side components 12, in each of which a restraint device 20 is integrated.

The restraint device 20 is designed to be relatively simple and essentially has an adjustable barrier 22 which can be pivoted about the axis of rotation 23. The support 24 is missing. A force transmission means 28 is arranged on the barrier 22, which generates a tensile force. In the application, the barrier 22 pivots towards the vehicle occupant against the main extension direction (H). This is done by the force transmission means 28 pulling the barrier 22 in the pivoting direction. An actuator, which transmits the tensile force to the force transmission means 28, is arranged behind the axis of rotation 23, viewed in the main extension direction (H).

This embodiment offers a very simple solution to the task mentioned at the beginning.

The 11 and 12 show a seventh embodiment with a vehicle seat 10 in a top view. The vehicle seat 10 has side components 12, in each of which a restraint device 20 is integrated.

The barrier 22 can be pivoted about the axis of rotation 23. The support 24 is pivotally connected to the barrier 22 with the second end 25. With the first end 26, the support 24 can be moved linearly in the direction (L). A force transmission means 28 exerts a tensile force on the first end 26 of the support 24. A plurality of holding elements 34 are arranged along the linearly movable direction (L).

What is characteristic of this embodiment is the design of the force transmission means 28 in combination with an actuator 44 driving the means 28. The length of the force transmission means 28 remains constant when positioned from the folded into the unfolded position. The length of the actuator 44, on the other hand, can be extended in the application. The 11 shows the actuator 44 in a retracted position: a piston is retracted. In 12 the actuator 44 can be seen with the piston extended and is extended counter to the main direction of extension (H). The force transmission means 28 is fixed at one end to the piston of the actuator 44, so that when the actuator 44 is extended counter to the main extension direction (H), the first end 26 of the support 24 is also moved counter to the main extension direction (H). For this purpose, the actuator 44 can be designed, for example, as a pneumatically or pyrotechnically operating piston.

Furthermore, for all embodiments described here, it can be provided that the entire restraint device can be moved forward - i.e. in the main direction of travel - in the event of an application (crash) from a defined force. This would achieve a kind of force limitation, as is also the state of the art in belt systems or belt tensioners. The attachment of the restraint device to the side element (e.g. armrest) could be designed in such a way that, for example, the retaining element or elements deform. This would have the advantage that the restraining forces can be reduced over a certain distance without changing the angle of attack of the barrier(s) towards the occupant. If the angle of attack of the barrier(s) to the pelvis were to change, the barrier(s) would increasingly press laterally on the pelvis or the occupant could possibly slip through.

Reference symbol list

10

Vehicle seat

12

Side component

14

vehicle occupant

20

Restraint device

22

barrier

23

Axis of rotation

24

support

25

second ending

26

first ending

28

power transmission means

34

Holding elements

36

Restoring element

38

joint

41

element

42

element

44

actuator

H

Main direction of extension

L

linearly movable direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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

• DE 102018101223 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Restraint device (20), which is intended for restraining a vehicle occupant (14) at the pelvic area and for this purpose is to be arranged near a vehicle seat (10), in, on or adjacent to a seat surface of the vehicle seat (10), comprising at least one between one Barrier (22) movable in a folded and unfolded position and a support (24) connected to the barrier (22), in which a force transmission means (28) for adjusting the barrier (22) into the unfolded position with the support (24) or the barrier (22) is connected in a force-conducting manner. Retaining device (20). Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one barrier (22), when the restraint device (20) is properly arranged in relation to the vehicle seat (10), moves in a plane parallel to the seat surface when moving from the folded position into the unfolded position. Retaining device (20). Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one barrier (22), when the restraint device (20) is properly arranged in relation to the vehicle seat (10), extends in the unfolded position in a plane that is essentially perpendicular to the seat surface. Retaining device (20) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the force transmission means (28) exerts a tensile force on the support (24) or the barrier (22) for an adjustment into the unfolded position. Retaining device (20) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the force transmission means (28) exerts a compressive force on the support (24) or the barrier (22) for an adjustment into the unfolded position. Retaining device (20) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the support (24) is linearly movable with a first end (26) which is not connected to the barrier (22), holding elements (34) being arranged along the linearly movable direction (L). Retaining device (20) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that a restoring element (36) is arranged on the support (24), which exerts a substantially opposite force compared to the force transmission means (28). Retaining device (20) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the support (24) can be pivoted with a first end (26) but is stationary. Retaining device (20). Claim 8 , characterized in that the support (24) is telescopic. Retaining device (20). Claim 8 , characterized in that the support (24) is designed in several parts (41,42) and has at least one joint (38). Retaining device (20). Claim 10 , characterized in that the force transmission means (28) is connected in a force-conducting manner to the support (24) in the area of the joint (38). Vehicle seat (10) with at least one side component, in which a restraint device (20) according to one of Claims 1 until 11 is integrated into the side component (12). Vehicle seat (10). Claim 12 , characterized in that the retaining device (20) is integrated into two opposing side components (12). Vehicle seat (10). Claim 12 or 13 , characterized in that the restraint device (20) is positioned on the side component (12) in such a way that the barrier (22) in the unfolded position is angled - viewed in a main extension direction (H) of the seat (10) - in front of the pelvic area of a vehicle occupant ( 14) is aligned. Vehicle seat (10) according to one of the Claims 12 until 14 , characterized in that the barrier can be pivoted from the folded into the unfolded position against a main extension direction of the seat.

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