DE202007010364U1 - Occupant protection device for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Occupant protection device for a motor vehicle, with
A vehicle seat (1);
A pre-crash sensor unit which generates a control signal signaling an approaching collision of the vehicle;
A first actuator (2000) of the vehicle seat associated with a shoulder region (91) of a vehicle occupant (9) located in the vehicle seat (1), wherein
- The first actuator (2000) is designed and provided to exert a force on the vehicle occupant (9) in response to the control signal of the sensor unit and / or
A second actuator (3000) which is designed and provided to change the seat cushion (12) of the vehicle seat (1) in response to the control signal of the sensor unit in such a way that slipping out of a vehicle occupant (9) on the vehicle seat (1) from the vehicle seat (1) is counteracted in an accident.

Description

The The invention relates to an occupant protection device for a motor vehicle.

An occupant protection device having a vehicle seat and a protective component connected to the vehicle seat for the protection of a vehicle occupant located on the vehicle seat is, for. B. from the DE 10 2004 005 412 A1 known.

The to be solved by the invention Problem is, an occupant protection device with a Vehicle seat to provide a more effective protection of the vehicle occupant during a collision of the vehicle.

This Problem is created by the creation of an occupant protection device solved with the features of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are in the dependent claims specified.

• – einem Fahrzeugsitz;
• – einer Pre-Crash-Sensoreinheit, die ein Steuersignal erzeugt, das eine sich anbahnende oder eine sich ereignende Kollision des Fahrzeugs signalisiert;
• – einem ersten Aktuator (Schulter-Aktuator) des Fahrzeugsitzes, der einem Schulterbereich eines in dem Fahrzeugsitz befindlichen Fahrzeuginsassen zugeordnet ist, wobei
• – der erste Aktuator ausgebildet und vorgesehen ist, als Reaktion auf das Steuersignal der Sensoreinheit eine Kraft auf den Fahrzeuginsassen auszuüben und/oder
• – einem zweiten Aktuator (Sitzkissen-Aktuator), der ausgebildet und vorgesehen ist, als Reaktion auf das Steuersignal der Sensoreinheit das Sitzkissen des Fahrzeugsitzes so zu verändern, dass einem Herausrutschen eines auf dem Sitz befindlichen Fahrzeuginsassen aus dem Fahrzeugsitz bei einem Unfall entgegengewirkt wird.

Thereafter, an occupant protection device for a motor vehicle is provided with

• A vehicle seat;
• A pre-crash sensor unit which generates a control signal indicative of an on-coming or on-going collision of the vehicle;
• A first actuator (shoulder actuator) of the vehicle seat associated with a shoulder region of a vehicle occupant located in the vehicle seat, wherein
• The first actuator is designed and provided to exert a force on the vehicle occupant in response to the control signal of the sensor unit and / or
• - A second actuator (seat cushion actuator), which is designed and provided, in response to the control signal of the sensor unit to change the seat cushion of the vehicle seat so that slipping out of a vehicle occupant seated on the seat from the vehicle seat is counteracted in an accident.

Of the Vehicle seat of the occupant protection device therefore has a shoulder actuator and / or a seat cushion actuator, which is controlled by the pre-crash sensor be and in an imminent collision of the vehicle or at one as dangerous recognized driving situation are activated.

Especially is the first actuator (shoulder actuator) trained, the shoulder area one located on the vehicle seat and with a safety belt secured vehicle occupants to move into a position that a Slipping out of the vehicle occupant from the seat belt at an accident more difficult. The vehicle occupant, d. H. especially the shoulder area of the vehicle occupant, so before a expected accident positioned that the course of the shoulder belt section the seat belt relative to the vehicle occupant out cheaper is, i. the seat belt the vehicle occupants when entering better withholds the accident. In addition, can be provided that even before the actual occurrence of the collision a belt tightening (motorized seat belt - tightening / MSB tightening), wherein the MSB tightening also by a control signal of the pre-crash sensor unit triggered can be.

In In a further development, the first actuator is arranged so that it acts on the shoulder of the vehicle occupant, the closest to the vehicle seat Vehicle longitudinal side is facing. The actuator is in particular on one side of the Vehicle seat arranged closest to the vehicle seat from Facing the vehicle longitudinal side is. For example, the first actuator is in the backrest integrated into the vehicle seat, d. H. inside the backrest arranged.

Of the second actuator is in an embodiment of the invention in the seat cushion integrated into the vehicle seat, d. H. arranged inside the seat cushion, and may be in response to a control signal of the pre-crash sensor unit change the seat cushion so that the vehicle occupant better kept in the seat in an accident and in particular a divergence of the vehicle occupant under the Lap belt portion of the seat belt is prevented through ("Anti-submarining"). This is especially true for a frontal collision of the vehicle with an object of importance.

In Another embodiment of the invention are the first and / or the second actuator is in each case designed as an inflatable element. The inflatable element may be formed by a shell having a fillable with gas Room surrounds.

In addition, the occupant protection device may have a common pressure reservoir that serves to inflate both the first inflatable element (the first actuator) and the second inflatable element (the second actuator). The pressure accumulator may be formed here in the form of a compressed gas reservoir, from the compressed gas for filling the inflatable elements can be derived. In order to maintain a minimum pressure in the pressure accumulator, a compressor can furthermore be provided, for example in the form of an on-board compressor. However, a common pressure accumulator for the inflatable elements is not mandatory, but it may alternatively include several separate pressure accumulator be provided for individually filling the inflatable elements.

In Another embodiment of the invention is the inflatable Elements reversible, d. h., They have an interior, of an elastic Shell surrounded is. The case is here designed so that it has the tendency to automatically again to return to their initial state, when the inflatable element is emptied, z. B. if after inflation of the inflatable element gas over an outlet valve is derived from the inflatable element. In particular, the reversible inflatable elements take on inflation and emptying a state from which they re-detect an impending collision by means of the pre-crash sensor unit provided for this purpose refilled with gas can be and unfold their full protective effect.

A Such reversible design has the advantage that the triggering threshold the occupant protection device are designed comparatively low can, so that activation of the inflatable elements already then can be done if the associated pre-crash sensor is a sufficient probability an impending collision is determined without the collision already classified as safe.

Of the first and second actuators need but not necessarily be designed as an inflatable element. In a variant of the invention, the first and / or the second Actuator on a mechanically movable element. For example, it acts it is the mechanically movable element to a pneumatic driven piston. In particular, the second actuator with be provided with such a pneumatically driven piston, the after the trigger (i.e., a control signal in the form of a trigger signal of the pre-crash sensor unit out) is moved out of its initial position and so the desired seat cushion deformation generated.

In a further embodiment of the occupant protection device this at least one more element of the vehicle seat, the is formed on a control signal of the pre-crash sensor unit towards a force on a vehicle occupant seated on the vehicle seat exercise, to this before the accident in a more favorable for him, safer seating position bring to.

For example The other element can be in the form of a seat belt connected inflatable element, wherein the inflatable element on the pelvic area of a in the vehicle seat located and secured with the seat belt vehicle occupants acts. The inflatable element is such Lap-IT (inflatable tube).

The inflatable element is in a variant in a lap belt section the seat belt integrated and so on the lap belt section arranged that the inflatable element in the inflated state a gas cushion that forms between a side vehicle structure and the one to protective vehicle occupants lies. Furthermore, this can be (even before the collision occurs deploying) inflatable element serve to protect the vehicle occupants away from the lateral vehicle structure (the vehicle longitudinal side, at which the collision is expected) in the direction of the vehicle center to move towards the risk of collision in the vehicle interior in deformed areas of the lateral body structure with to be protected Minimize vehicle occupants.

Especially the inflatable element connected to the safety belt is reversible formed, i. it can turn into an inflatable after being inflated Be transferred to state as above with reference to the first and the second inflatable Element executed.

According to one Another development of the invention is another element in Form of a lateral inflatable element provided, the one lateral body area assigned to a vehicle occupant located in the vehicle seat. For example, the side inflatable element may be in a side bolster be integrated with the vehicle seat. In one variant, the Vehicle seat two such lateral inflatable elements, the on an opposite Side of the vehicle seat are arranged.

One Such lateral inflatable element may be formed, for example be so inflated in response to a pre-crash control signal to be an impulse that exerts on the vehicle occupants the vehicle occupant of a collision section of the vehicle moved away. For example, the moving away to the vehicle center when the nearest to the vehicle seat vehicle side of the collision will be affected (i.e., at an imminent so-called near-side crash).

In In another variant, the lateral inflatable element is so inflated that it is moving the vehicle occupant seated on the vehicle seat to the vehicle center just prevented when the vehicle seat remotely Vehicle longitudinal side is affected by the collision (i.e., in an imminent so-called Far-side crash).

The side inflatable elements are in formed a design of the invention reversible, ie, they can be inflated not only once, but several times. In addition to its protective function, the side inflatable elements can also provide a comfort function for adjusting the sidewall contour. For this purpose, the lateral elements can be filled, for example, with a lower pressure in comparison to the pre-crash triggering.

• – den ersten und den zweiten Aktuator (d. h. den Schulter-Aktuator und den Sitzkissen-Aktuator);
• – ein erstes weiteres Element in Form eines mit einem Sicherheitsgurt verbundenen aufblasbaren Elementes (d. h. den Lap-IT);
• – ein zweites weiteres Element in Form eines ersten seitlichen aufblasbaren Elementes, das einer Seite des Fahrzeugsitzes zugeordnet ist, die der dem Fahrzeugsitz nächstliegenden Fahrzeuglängsseite zugewandt ist;
• – ein drittes weiteres Element in Form eines zweiten seitlichen aufblasbaren Elementes, das einer Seite des Fahrzeugsitzes zugeordnet ist, die der dem Fahrzeugsitz nächstliegende Fahrzeuglängsseite abgewandt ist.

Another development of the occupant protection device according to the invention has a vehicle seat with the following protective components:

• The first and second actuators (ie the shoulder actuator and the seat cushion actuator);
• A first further element in the form of a belt connected to an inflatable element (ie the Lap-IT);
• A second further element in the form of a first lateral inflatable element associated with a side of the vehicle seat facing the vehicle longitudinal side closest to the vehicle seat;
• - A third further element in the form of a second lateral inflatable element, which is associated with a side of the vehicle seat, which faces away from the vehicle seat nearest vehicle longitudinal side.

One Such vehicle seat accordingly comprises five different protective components, the different body regions to be protected Vehicle occupants are assigned, creating an efficient pre-crash positioning of the Vehicle occupants can take place in advance of a collision. Especially can the pre-crash sensor unit be trained, depending the nature of the approaching or the collision the vehicle different control signals to the various To send protective components. That is, the pre-positioning of the to be protected Vehicle occupants are dependent expected type of collision (e.g., near-side crash, Far-side crash, frontal accident, rollover or skidding). For example, different inflatable Elements of the occupant protection device (e.g., the first and the second second actuator or the side inflatable elements) depending be inflated by the accident so that they have different internal pressures.

The Pre-positioning of the vehicle occupant to be protected in advance of a collision can, of course, by other protective mechanisms be supplemented, which only take effect when the collision actually occurs. These include, for example the activation of gas bags (e.g., side, curtain and / or front gas bags) as well as tightening mechanisms of the safety belt (e.g., a pyrotechnic tightening of the belt). To trigger the collision protection mechanisms is provided by a crash sensor, e.g. Having acceleration sensors for detecting a collision.

The Crash sensors can be combined with the pre-crash sensor unit described above be combined and in particular generate control signals with matched to the control signals of the pre-crash sensor unit are dependent on the type of collision or collision point. in this connection can different triggering strategies be followed, of course, in the other pre-crash protection components can be included (e.g., the one mentioned above MSB-belt tightening). Below are some trigger strategies described, which can be realized by means of the sensor unit.

For example the pre-crash sensor unit may be formed at a approaching skidding or overturning the vehicle a trigger signal to all to send protection components described above, d. H. a signal to send to all Protective components (i.e., the shoulder actuator, the seat cushion actuator, Lap-IT and the two side inflatable elements) and used for pre-positioning of the vehicle occupant to be protected become. additionally can the sensor unit (e.g., before activating the above protection components) send a signal to an MSB device to the seatbelt vorzustraffen.

at an impending side collision of the vehicle at the Vehicle seat with the protected Vehicle occupants nearest vehicle longitudinal side (Near-Side-Crash) The pre-crash sensor unit generates a trigger signal to the first side Inflatable element (the presumed collision side of the vehicle facing) and connected to the seat belt with inflatable Element, but not to the rest Protection components. The first inflatable element exercises one Impulse on the to be protected Vehicle occupants, so that this from the expected collision point is moved away to the vehicle center. At the same time that is with the seat belt connected inflatable element an additional side protection between the vehicle occupant and the collision side ready. The second side inflatable element facing away from the collision side, on the other hand, it is not activated (not inflated) to move away the vehicle occupant to the vehicle center not to hinder.

In addition, a MSB belt tightening can again take place, for example, before the above protective components are triggered. When the accident occurs, for example, also triggering of corresponding side airbags and a pyrotechnic tightening of the seat belt. In a modification, ne The second actuator (seat cushion actuator) and / or the first actuator (shoulder actuator) are activated on the first inflatable element and the inflatable element connected to the safety belt.

in the Difference to the triggering process just described generates the sensor unit in a further variant in an approaching side collision at the vehicle seat more distant vehicle side (Far Side Crash) trigger signal to all Protective components except the first side inflatable Element. In that the second side inflatable element, in the case of a far-side crash the collision side faces, is triggered (inflated) acts this one moving the to be protected Vehicle occupants as a result of the collision towards the vehicle center towards. additionally can in the actual Collision phase turn made a pyrotechnic belt tightening. In a modification becomes additional to dispense with the activation of the second actuator (seat cushion actuator).

at an impending frontal collision of the vehicle generates the Pre-crash sensor unit a trigger signal to the second actuator (seat cushion actuator) and to the with the Seat belt connected inflatable element, but not to the other protective components. In a further training becomes additional the first actuator is activated.

The triggering scenarios described above make of course only examples that can be modified if necessary. This will be particularly necessary if the accident is not in one of the accident categories described above (e.g., side accident or frontal accident), but represents a hybrid form (e.g., oblique accident).

Even though the triggering strategies described above certain protection components of the vehicle seat, understands itself that the vehicle seat also more or less protection components or other designs the protective components described above, wherein the pre-crash sensor unit Control signals matched to the existing protection components generated. The first and second actuators may e.g. each in the form of a inflatable element or e.g. also in the form of a mechanically driven actuator be realized.

• – einem Fahrzeugsitz;
• – einem zum Schutz eines in dem Fahrzeugsitz befindlichen Fahrzeuginsassen aufblasbaren Seitengassack; und
• – einem zusätzlichen Schutzelement, das abgestimmt auf den Seitengassack ausgebildet und angeordnet ist, so dass der Seitengassack und das Schutzelement im Falle einer Kollision des Fahrzeugs zusammenwirken.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to an occupant protection device for a motor vehicle, with

• A vehicle seat;
• A side airbag inflatable to protect a vehicle occupant located in the vehicle seat; and
• - An additional protection element, which is designed and arranged in tune with the side airbag, so that the side airbag and the protective element cooperate in the event of a collision of the vehicle.

Herewith an occupant protection device is provided, which is one opposite a conventional side airbag arrangement has increased protection. In a conventional side airbag arrangement, the active phase begins of the gas bag only a certain time after the beginning of the collision. Therefore has at the beginning of the effective phase of the gas bag one affected by the accident Structure (e.g., the vehicle's longitudinal side) already moved to the vehicle occupants, so the original Absorption path between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle structure shortened is. By the additional (Mechanical energy absorbing) protective element of the occupant protection device according to the invention will be opposite the effective phase of a conventional side airbag enlarged Absorptionsweg generated.

The additional Protective element may be an inflatable element in the vehicle seat (e.g., in a side bolster of the vehicle seat) or at the vehicle seat is arranged. The inflatable element is e.g. on a pre-crash signal inflated so that it is between the vehicle occupant to be protected and the (conventional) side airbag and the protective element and the inflated side gas bag in a line to the direction of action the collision are arranged. In another embodiment the protective element as a foam-like, mechanically damping Element formed or has such an element.

Of the Side airbag is a conventional airbag, which by means of a Signal of a crash sensor is triggered. Will be an upcoming Accident of the pre-crash sensor Not recognized, therefore, the side airbag is still inflated and unfolds its normal protective effect.

Another way to make better use of the existing at the beginning of the collision absorption path is to trigger the side airbag by means of a signal of a pre-crash sensor (ie already before the collision), so that it is fully deployed at the beginning of the collision and fills the entire absorption path. The side airbag has a larger volume to fill the larger space (absorption path) at the beginning of the collision. In addition, the gas bag can be configured so that it can not be triggered by a pre-crash signal alone, but also by a signal of a crash sensor. In this case, the gas bag is in particular designed so that it can assume different volumes in the inflated state, wherein for adaptation of the gas bag volume, for example, a Venthole can be arranged.

The The present invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Show it:

1 schematically a front view of the backrest of a vehicle seat of an occupant protection device according to the invention;

2 a vehicle seat according to another variant of the occupant protection device according to the invention;

3A - 3D a vehicle seat according to a third variant of the occupant protection device according to the invention;

4A and 4B a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment of the occupant protection device according to the invention;

5A and 5B a vehicle seat according to a fifth embodiment of the occupant protection device according to the invention;

6A and 6B a vehicle seat according to a sixth embodiment of the occupant protection device according to the invention;

7A and 7B a vehicle seat according to a seventh embodiment of the occupant protection device according to the invention;

8A - 8C a vehicle seat according to an eighth embodiment of the occupant protection device according to the invention;

9A - 9C a vehicle seat according to a ninth embodiment of the occupant protection device according to the invention;

10A and 10B a first example of other protective components;

11A - 11D a second example of further protective components;

12 a variant of an occupant protection device according to another aspect of the invention.

1 shows the backrest 11 a vehicle seat, which has a plurality of (schematically illustrated) protective components which can be activated by means of a pre-crash sensor system. The protection components include a first actuator 2000 eg in the form of an inflatable shoulder element in the upper area of the backrest 11 and thus associated with a shoulder region of a vehicle occupant (not shown) to be protected in the seat.

Furthermore, the protective components comprise a second actuator 3000 located in the seat cushion area (not shown) of the vehicle seat, and a first further element in the form of an inflatable element (not shown) connected to a seat belt 4 acting on the pelvic region of a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat and secured with the safety belt.

In addition, in sidewalls 113 the backrest 11 further elements in the form of a first lateral inflatable element 5 and a second side inflatable element 6 intended. In the 1 illustrated protective components will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

2 shows an embodiment of a vehicle seat 1 comprising a plurality of protective components substantially the protective components of 1 correspond. So is in the shoulder area of the backrest 11 of the vehicle seat 1 an inflatable shoulder element 2 arranged, with the shoulder element 2 more precisely in one side of the backrest 11 of the vehicle seat 1 integrated, that of the vehicle seat 1 nearest vehicle longitudinal side 7 is facing.

Furthermore, the vehicle seat 1 a seat cushion 12 into which a second actuator in the form of an inflatable seat cushion element (Seat-IT) 3 is integrated. In addition, another inflatable element (Lap-IT) 4 provided with a safety belt 8th who is in the seat 1 located vehicle occupants 9 secures, is connected. 2 shows the inflatable element 4 in the inflated state.

As further protective components are two opposing, in the backrest 11 integrated side inflatable elements 5 . 6 provided, which are activated in particular in a side accident.

All previously described inflatable elements 2 - 6 may be connected to a common accumulator (not shown), which is also integrated into the vehicle seat, for example, and is powered by a compressor.

The 3A to 3D relate to a further embodiment of the occupant protection device and serve at the same time the closer explanation of in 1 schematically illustrated first actuator (shoulder actuator). The vehicle seat 1 of the 3A to 3D points into the backrest 11 of the vehicle seat 1 integrated inflatable shoulder element 2 as a shoulder actuator on, in this variant, the shoulder element 2 the only protective element of the vehicle seat 1 is. The 3A and 3B show the shoulder element 2 before inflation, the 3C and 3D after inflation. As in particular the side view of 3A it can be seen is the inflatable element 2 insofar in the backrest 11 integrated as it is inside the backrest 11 is arranged.

The inflatable shoulder element 2 is also reversible, ie, it is by an elastic shell 21 formed, so that the inflatable element 2 after emptying back to its original shape and therefore can be inflated several times.

Although in the presentation of the 3A to 3D the inflatable shoulder element 2 the only protective component is that on the vehicle seat 1 is arranged, it is understood that the invention includes vehicle seat variants that include a plurality of protective components (such as in 1 and 2 shown).

The shoulder element 2 is configured to be activated in response to a control signal received from a pre-crash sensor, ie, gas is supplied from a pressure reservoir (not shown) into the inflatable shoulder element 2 directed. By doing that, the shoulder element 2 in a side section 111 the backrest 11 is arranged, that of the vehicle seat nearest longitudinal side 7 closest to the vehicle is achieved by inflating the shoulder element 2 the shoulder area 91 of the vehicle occupant 9 turned to the center of the vehicle. Turning the shoulder area 91 Tightens the seat belt 8th ie, the shoulder section 81 of the safety belt 8th , while bringing the shoulder area 91 the vehicle occupant in a position in which slipping out of the seat belt 8th in an accident is difficult.

A further embodiment of a vehicle seat according to a fourth variant of the occupant protection device is in the 4A and 4B shown. In the seat cushion 12 of the vehicle seat 1 is an actuator in the form of an inflatable seat cushion element 3 integrated. The inflatable seat cushion element is thus formed and in the seat cushion 12 positioned in response to a control signal of the pre-cash sensor unit (not shown) the shape of the seat cushion 12 changed so that slipping out of the vehicle occupant seated on the seat 9 counteracted.

In the example shown, the inflatable seat cushion element 3 near the lap belt section 82 of the safety belt 8th arranged. Specifically, it is viewed in the vehicle direction, something in front of the lap belt section 92 so that when inflated ( 4B ) the seat cushion 12 deformed so that the leg and pelvic area 92 of the vehicle occupant 9 towards the lap belt section 82 is pressed. As a result, it is possible in particular to immerse the vehicle occupant 9 under the lap belt section 82 be avoided in the event of a collision of the vehicle.

Another variant of one in the seat cushion 12 integrated actuator show the 5A and 5B , Here, the seat cushion actuator is not formed in the form of an inflatable element, but it has a mechanically movable element in the form of a pneumatically driven piston 30 up, in a cylinder 301 emotional. The piston 30 moves to a control signal of the pre-crash sensor to the vehicle seat 1 located vehicle occupants 9 down ( 5B ), so that the seat cushion 12 to the vehicle occupant 9 arching out. This will make the vehicle occupant 9 especially stronger against the lap belt section 82 of the safety belt 8th pressed and better fixed in the seat. The piston mechanism 30 . 301 is reversible, so that a repeated triggering is possible.

Another embodiment of the integrated in the seat cushion of the vehicle seat (second) actuator show the 6A and 6B , Here is an inflatable element 3 with a piston-like element 3001 together. Will the inflatable element 3 inflated in response to a pre-crash trigger signal, it pushes the piston-like element 3001 towards the vehicle occupants 9 so that the seat cushion 12 to the vehicle occupant 9 deformed and this against the lap belt section 82 of the safety belt 8th suppressed.

The 7A and 7B relate to a vehicle seat according to another variant of the occupant protection device according to the invention. The vehicle seat 1 has here as the only protective element with the lap belt section 82 the seat belt device 2 connected inflatable element 4 on. The inflatable element 4 is in the lap belt section 82 of the safety belt 8th integrated and arranged so that it at least partially in the inflated state between a pelvic area 92 of the vehicle occupant 9 and the vehicle seat 1 nearest vehicle longitudinal side 7 of the vehicle runs. As a result, in the inflated state ( 7B ) protection, in particular of the pelvic area of the vehicle occupant 9 reached.

At the same time, the inflatable element 4 be such that it inflated the lap belt section 82 shortens and thus tightens, whereby the vehicle occupant is better kept in the vehicle seat.

The 8A to 8C relate to a vehicle seat according to another embodiment of the occupant protection device according to the invention. The only protective element, the vehicle seat 1 here an inflatable side element 6 in the backrest 11 on, with the inflatable element 6 along one side of the backrest 11 extends, that of the vehicle seat nearest vehicle longitudinal side 7 turned away.

A section along the line AA shows the 8B for the uninflated condition of the side inflatable element 6 , In particular, it can be seen that the backrest 11 a middle section 112 that's from a side bolster 113 is limited. The inflatable element 6 is inside the sidewall 113 arranged and follows in the uninflated state of the form of a protective layer 114 the backrest 11 , In addition, in the side cheek 113 a side airbag module 500 arranged, from which unfolds in the event of an accident, a side airbag and extending into a space between the vehicle occupant to be protected and the affected vehicle longitudinal side.

In the inflated state of the side inflatable element 6 ( 8C ) deforms the side wall 113 the backrest 11 so that the vehicle occupant 9 is moved out of its original seating position (along the arrow B). In particular, the lateral inflatable element is used 6 to stabilize the vehicle occupant to be protected in a far-side crash in the seat and to prevent the vehicle occupant from moving toward the vehicle center.

The 9A to 9C relate to an inflatable lateral element which, compared to the inflatable lateral element of FIG 8A to 8C is arranged mirror image, ie, in a side wall 113 the backrest of the vehicle seat, which faces the vehicle seat nearest vehicle longitudinal side arranged. The structure and arrangement of the inflatable element 5 corresponds to that of the inflatable element 6 , where the 9A and 9C again sectional views along the line AA for the uninflated ( 9B ) or inflated ( 9C ) lateral element 5 represent.

According to the 9C the vehicle occupant moves 9 (or even just a body region of the vehicle occupant, eg the upper body) by inflating the element 5 towards the center of the vehicle (along the arrow C). In particular, inflation of the inflatable element takes place 5 so that gives an impulse to the vehicle occupants 9 is exercised so that this quickly and before the collision from the collision location (the vehicle seat 1 Nearest vehicle longitudinal side) is moved away to increase the distance of the vehicle occupant and the collision point.

It is understood that the basis of the 3A to 9B described protection components can be formed both individually and in any combination with each other on a vehicle seat. The 1 and 2 are just an example. Of course, other embodiments of the vehicle seat are possible in which not the five protective components of 1 and 2 but, for example, fewer or more protective components are provided; For example, a vehicle seat with opposing inflatable lateral elements in combination with an inflatable shoulder element or an inflatable shoulder element in combination with an inflatable seat cushion element, etc. Of course, several protection components of a type may be provided in parallel, for example, several shoulder actuators or more seat cushion -actuators.

The 10A and 10B describe further protective components in the form of two opposing side cushions 90 , which can be combined with the protective components described above or also formed individually in a vehicle seat. The side cushions 90 are in the upper part of the backrest 11 of the vehicle seat 1 arranged so that they are a shoulder portion of a in the vehicle seat 1 located vehicle occupants 9 assigned. The side cushions 90 are (reversibly) adjustable so as to be moved in response to a control signal of the pre-crash sensor unit from a first position (home position) to a second position (guard position). In the guard position, they help the vehicle occupant 9 especially in the shoulder area 91 stabilize so that they counteract a moving out of the vehicle occupant from its normal seating position in the event of a collision of the vehicle.

Adjusting the side cushions 90 takes place for example via an electric motor or via a pneumatic drive.

The 11A to 11D relate to another protective component, one or more of which may be arranged on a vehicle seat. Furthermore, the protective component described can of course also with the protective components described above in arbitrary ger combination can be used on a vehicle seat.

The protection component consists in a movable element 200 between the vehicle occupant to be protected and a vehicle longitudinal side 7 is arranged. The movable element 200 moves in response to a control signal of the pre-crash sensor unit from a first position (starting position) to a second position, in particular between the vehicle occupant 9 and the vehicle longitudinal side, at which the collision is expected, so that the vehicle occupant is better protected, especially in his pelvic area from collision. The movable element 200 is, for example, as in the 11A and 11B shown at a lateral portion of the vehicle seat 1 arranged so that it is laterally to one in the seat 1 located vehicle occupants 9 located. It is also possible to additionally or alternatively provide a corresponding displaceable element on the opposite side of the vehicle seat, ie on the vehicle seat side facing away from the vehicle longitudinal side closest to the vehicle seat.

In the starting position is the movable element 200 For example, arranged deep enough (based on the vehicle height direction) so as not to hinder entry of the vehicle occupant; see. the side views of 11C and 11D , Upon release, the movable element slides 200 essentially in the vehicle height direction (along the direction of the arrow D) upwards in the area of the pelvic area 92 of the vehicle occupant 9 into it.

The movable element 200 can be moved in various ways, for example pneumatically, electrically or by means of a clamping element, for. B. a preloaded spring. The movable element 200 can also be reversible, so that it can be triggered several times. In order to return the movable element to its original position after being triggered, it can have restoring means which exert a force against the movement from the starting position into the protective position.

12 relates to a variant of an occupant protection device according to a further aspect of the invention. A vehicle seat 1 indicates on one side, that of the vehicle seat 1 nearest vehicle longitudinal side 7 facing, a protective element 600 on. The protective element 600 has a mechanical energy absorbing structure (eg, in the form of an inflatable member) and is disposed so as to be between the vehicle seat 1 and the (inflated) side gas bag 660 extends. In case of a collision lie the protective element 600 and the side gas bag 660 Thus, with regard to the effective direction of a side collision behind each other, so that the absorption path respectively generated by them substantially adds.

1

vehicle seat

2

Shoulder element

3

inflatable shoulder member

4

inflatable element

5

first inflatable side element

6

second inflatable side element

7

Vehicle longitudinal side

8th

safety belt

9

passenger

11

backrest

12

seat cushions

21

shell

30

piston

82

lap belt

90

side pads

91

shoulders

92

pelvis

111

page of the vehicle seat

112

midsection

113

side cheek

114

protective layer

200

movable element

301

cylinder

500

Airbag module

600

protection element

660

Side air bag

2000

first actuator

3000

second actuator

3001

piston-like element

Claims (29)

Occupant protection device for a motor vehicle, having - a vehicle seat ( 1 ); A pre-crash sensor unit which generates a control signal signaling an approaching collision of the vehicle; A first actuator ( 2000 ) of the vehicle seat, the shoulder area ( 91 ) in the vehicle seat ( 1 ) vehicle occupants ( 9 ), wherein - the first actuator ( 2000 ) is formed and provided, in response to the control signal of the sensor unit, a force on the vehicle occupant ( 9 ) and / or - a second actuator ( 3000 ), which is designed and provided, in response to the control signal of the sensor unit, the seat cushion ( 12 ) of the vehicle seat ( 1 ) so as to prevent slipping on the vehicle seat ( 1 ) vehicle occupants ( 9 ) from the vehicle seat ( 1 ) is counteracted in an accident. Occupant protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first actuator ( 2000 ), the shoulder area ( 91 ) one on the vehicle seat ( 1 ) and with a safety belt ( 8th ) secured vehicle occupants ( 9 ) to move into a position that slips out of the vehicle occupant ( 9 ) from the seat belt ( 8th ) in an accident. Occupant protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first actuator ( 2000 ) is arranged so that it on a shoulder portion of the vehicle occupant ( 9 ), which corresponds to the vehicle seat ( 1 ) nearest vehicle longitudinal side ( 7 ) is facing. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first actuator ( 2000 ) in the backrest ( 11 ) of the vehicle seat ( 1 ) is integrated. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second actuator ( 3000 ) in the seat cushion ( 12 ) of the vehicle seat ( 1 ) is integrated. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second actuator ( 2000 . 3000 ) each an inflatable element ( 2 . 3 ). Occupant protection device according to claim 6, characterized in that the inflatable element ( 2 . 3 ) of the first and / or the second actuator ( 2000 . 3000 ) is surrounded by a shell, wherein the sheath is formed elastically so that the inflated inflatable element ( 2 . 3 ) returns to its initial state when the inflatable element ( 2 . 3 ) is emptied. Occupant protection device according to claim 7, characterized by the first actuator ( 2000 ) in the form of a first inflatable element ( 2 ) and the second actuator ( 3000 ) in the form of a second inflatable element ( 3 ) and a common pressure reservoir for inflating the first and the second inflatable element ( 2 . 3 ). Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second actuator ( 3000 ) has a mechanically movable element. Occupant protection device according to claim 9, characterized in that the mechanically movable element is a pneumatically driven piston ( 30 ). Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one further element of the vehicle seat ( 1 ), which is designed, in response to a control signal of the pre-crash sensor unit, a force on a vehicle seat ( 1 ) vehicle occupants ( 9 ) exercise. Occupant protection device according to claim 11, characterized by a further element in the form of a safety belt ( 8th ) associated inflatable element ( 4 ) on the pelvic area ( 92 ) in the vehicle seat ( 1 ) and with the safety belt ( 8th ) secured vehicle occupants ( 9 ) acts. Occupant protection device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by a further element in the form of a lateral inflatable element ( 5 . 6 ), which is a lateral area of the body in the vehicle seat ( 1 ) vehicle occupants ( 9 ) assigned. Occupant protection device according to claim 13, characterized in that the lateral inflatable element ( 5 . 6 ) in a side wall ( 113 ) of the vehicle seat ( 1 ) is integrated. Occupant protection device according to claims 11 and 13, characterized in that the vehicle seat ( 1 ) comprises at least the following protective components: - the first and the second actuator ( 2000 . 3000 ); A first further element in the form of a safety belt 8th ) associated inflatable element ( 4 ); A second further element in the form of a first lateral inflatable element ( 5 ), one side of the vehicle seat ( 1 ) associated with the vehicle seat ( 1 ) nearest vehicle longitudinal side ( 7 facing); A third further element in the form of a second lateral inflatable element ( 6 ), one side of the vehicle seat ( 1 ) associated with the vehicle seat ( 1 ) nearest vehicle longitudinal side ( 7 ) is turned away. Occupant protection device according to claim 15, characterized characterized in that the pre-crash sensor unit is formed, dependent on different from the kind of approaching collision of the vehicle To send control signals to the various protection components. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the sensor unit comprises in pre-crash sensor technology. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the sensor unit is designed to send a control signal in the form of a triggering signal to all protective components in the event of an approaching spin or overturning of the vehicle. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the sensor unit is formed, at an approaching side collision of the vehicle at the vehicle seat closest vehicle longitudinal side ( 7 ) a control signal in the form of a trigger signal to the first lateral inflatable element ( 5 ) and to the with the safety belt ( 8th ) associated inflatable element ( 4 ). Occupant protection device according to claim 19, characterized in that the sensor unit is formed, in addition a trigger signal to the second actuator ( 3000 ) and / or the first actuator ( 2000 ) to send. Occupant protection device according to claim 19, characterized in that the sensor unit is designed, a trigger signal exclusively to the first lateral inflatable element ( 5 ) and to the with the safety belt ( 8th ) associated inflatable element ( 4 ) to send. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the sensor unit is formed, in an approaching side collision of the vehicle at the vehicle seat ( 1 ) farther vehicle longitudinal side a control signal in the form of a trigger signal to all protective components except the first side inflatable element ( 5 ) and / or the second actuator ( 3000 ) to send. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the sensor unit is formed, in an impending frontal collision of the vehicle, a control signal in the form of a trigger signal to the second actuator ( 3000 ) and to the with the safety belt ( 8th ) associated inflatable element ( 4 ), but not to the other protective components. Occupant protection device for a motor vehicle, having - a vehicle seat ( 1 ); A side airbag inflatable to protect a vehicle occupant located in the vehicle seat ( 660 ); - an additional protection element ( 600 ), which is adjusted to the side airbag ( 660 ) is formed and arranged so that the side airbag ( 660 ) and the protective element ( 600 ) in the event of a collision of the vehicle. Occupant protection device according to claim 24, characterized in that the protective element ( 600 ) on one side of the vehicle seat ( 1 ) is arranged, which the the vehicle seat ( 1 ) nearest vehicle longitudinal side ( 7 ) is facing. Occupant protection device according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the protective element ( 600 ) between the vehicle seat ( 1 ) and the inflated side airbag ( 660 ). Occupant protection device according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the protective element ( 600 ) has an inflatable element. Occupant protection device according to claim 27, characterized by blow-off means, the inflatable element in response to a trigger signal a Pre-crash sensor unit inflation. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the protective element ( 600 ) has a foamy material.