JP2001180409A - Occupant restraint system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an occupant restraint system capable of positively preventing a submarine phenomenon at the generation of impact without impairing a feeling of use in the normal use of a seat. SOLUTION: This occupant restraint system is composed of a slip-out preventing member movably supported in an upward projectable manner to a casing fixed to a seat frame at the front part of a seat cushion in order to prevent an occupant from slipping out forward the lower part of a seat belt at the generation of impact caused by a vehicle collision or the like; a lock mechanism for holding the upward projected state of the slip-out preventing member; a power generating device for generation thrust for instantaneously projecting the slip-out preventing member by a gas generating means at the generation of impact caused by the vehicle collision or the like; and a means for specifying the upward projection starting load of the slip-out preventing member. A submarine phenomenon can thereby be prevented positively at the generation of impact caused by the vehicle collision or the like without impairing a feeling of use in the normal use of the seat.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an occupant restraint device provided on a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a submarine for preventing an occupant from slipping forward from a lower portion of a seat belt when an impact such as a vehicle collision occurs. The occupant restraint device described above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a so-called submarine phenomenon in which an occupant slides forward from a lower portion of a seat belt when an impact such as a vehicle collision occurs, and a waist belt comes off a pelvis portion. This submarine phenomenon is likely to occur when the occupant is sitting shallow on the seat or leaning down the seat back, etc.
In some cases, there are problems such as a reduction in the occupant restraint effect of the seat belt and a shift in the occupant restraint portion.

[0003]

Therefore, it is conceivable to prevent the submarine phenomenon by providing, for example, a projection at the front end of the seat frame or providing a panel to increase the front end, but the projection or panel is too low. However, a sufficient effect cannot be obtained, and when the height is high, there is a drawback that a feeling of a foreign substance is generated during normal use and the riding comfort is poor.

In order to raise the front end of the sheet only when an impact occurs, an air bag is used (see, for example, JP-A-4-33500, JP-A-5-225692, and JP-A-2-322497). ) Or a device that mechanically lifts the leading end of a sheet (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-5943).
No. 6, JP-A-2-31633, JP-A-2-4
However, there is a problem that the structure is complicated to incorporate them into a sheet and the layout of the apparatus is difficult.

Also, a device for mechanically lifting the front end of a sheet using an explosive actuator (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-125).
However, depending on the situation, it is necessary to restrain the occupant for a relatively long time. In this structure, when the thrust of the explosive actuator is lost, the front end of the seat is lowered again. The phenomenon cannot be prevented.

In addition, in each of the above structures,
A structure in which the front end of the seat easily moves up and down even during normal use may impair the usability during normal running, such as generating abnormal noise during vehicle vibration.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art by reliably preventing the submarine phenomenon at the time of collision and without impairing the feeling of normal use of the seat. An object of the present invention is to provide an occupant restraint device having a high degree of freedom in layout.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an occupant from slipping forward from a lower portion of a seat belt when an impact such as a vehicle collision occurs.
A slip-out preventing member movably supported at a front portion of a seat cushion so as to be able to protrude upward from a casing fixed to a seat frame, and a lock mechanism for holding the slip-out preventing member protruding upward in that state. A power generating device that is supported by the casing to drive the slip-out preventing member, and that generates a thrust for projecting the slip-out preventing member instantaneously with gas generating means when an impact such as a vehicle collision occurs; and Means for defining an upwardly protruding starting load.

[0009]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat 1 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a partially broken side view.
A seat frame 3 supported on a seat rail 2 of a vehicle seat 1 fixed to a vehicle body so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.
Can be fixed at a desired position by a seat adjuster mechanism (not shown). A pair of sub-assemblies 4 constituting an occupant restraint device are fastened to the seat frame 3 symmetrically.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the subassembly 4 of the occupant restraint system. Since the left and right sub-assemblies 4 have the same structure, only one on the left side as viewed from the front of the vehicle will be described, and illustration and detailed description of the other will be omitted.
The sub-assembly 4 of the occupant restraint device includes a rectangular cylindrical casing 5, an arm 6 as power transmission means supported by the casing 5 so as to be rotatable in a vertical direction with a support portion 6a, and both ends of the arm 6 , A bar-shaped slip-out preventing member 7, a power generating device 8 received by the casing 5 to drive the slip-out preventing member 7 via the arm 6, and a vicinity of an operating end of the power generating device 8. And a one-way lock mechanism 9 supported by the casing 5, and a slip-out preventing member projection start load defining means 10 (FIGS. 4 and 5) attached to the one-way lock mechanism 9. Piston member 1 described later in power generation device 8
The free end of one piston rod 11b is connected via a guide hole 5c to a long hole 6b provided at a position offset from the support 6a of the arm 6 with a pin 12.
The power generating device 8 and the one-way lock mechanism 9 are fixed and held in the casing 5 by swaging the lid 5b after receiving them in the main body 5a of the casing 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, a power generating device 8 includes a cylinder 13 fixed to the seat frame 3 via a casing 5 and a piston body 11a removably received in an inner hole 13a of the cylinder 13. And the piston body 11
and a gas generator 14 received at a position closer to the base end side than a. An elastic sealing member 15 and a compression coil spring 1 are provided between the piston body 11a and the gas generator 14.
6 always urges the piston body 11a in the operation direction (projection direction). The seal member 15 may have any elasticity in the axial direction and can surely prevent leakage when gas is generated.

Here, the gas generator 14 has a large-diameter portion 14a at the base end and a small-diameter portion 14b at the distal end from which gas is ejected, and a step portion 14c between them has an annular sealing member 15 having elasticity. And abuts and engages with a step 13b formed in the cylinder 13 and protrudes into the compression coil spring 16 through a central hole of the seal member 15 to form a spring seat. Also, the compression coil spring 16 is capable of moving the piston body 11a and the small-diameter portion 1
The small-diameter portion 14b of the gas generator 14 on the distal end side is surrounded to such an extent that a gap is secured between itself and the distal end of the gas generator 4b. As a result, even when an external force is generated to move the piston body 11a toward the gas generator 14 during or after assembly, the piston body 11
There is no fear that a may hit the tip of the small-diameter portion 14 b on the tip side of the gas generator 14, and damage and deformation of the gas generator 14 can be prevented. In addition, the tip side small diameter portion 14 of the gas generator 14
Since b enters the compression coil spring 16, the dead space can be filled, and the initial volume at the time of gas generation can be reduced, that is, the propellant used for the gas generator 14 can be reduced.

The piston body 11a is in contact with the wall surface of the inner hole 13a via an O-ring 17. Further, a piston rod 11b whose free end is connected to the arm 6 abuts against the piston body 11a from the axial direction, and the piston body 11a and the piston rod 11b make the piston member 1a.
1 is configured. Here, the piston main body 11a and the piston rod 11b are engaged by being brought into contact with each other at a central portion between a concave portion having a curved surface directed toward the center of the axis and a convex portion having a curved surface having a slightly smaller curvature. (Abutting), whereby both are self-aligned, and the piston rod 11b is prevented from being twisted in the cylinder 13, and there is no fear of gas leakage due to energy loss or eccentricity. Actually, the tapered shape may be used instead of the curved shape. In this case, it is preferable that the taper of the concave portion is gentler than that of the convex portion.

Also, as described above, the compression coil spring 1
6 always urges the piston main body 11a in the operation direction, so that the piston rod 11b is also urged in the operation direction, and the backlash of the connection portion between the piston rod 11b and the arm 6 is absorbed. I have. The spring is not limited to a compression coil spring, but may be a disc spring or a rubber elastic body. The working end opening 13c of the cylinder 13 is reduced in diameter so that the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the piston rod 11b comes into sliding contact.

A one-way lock mechanism 9 is provided at the tip of the power generation device 8. The one-way lock mechanism 9 includes a plurality of engagement pieces 19 surrounding the outer circumference of the piston rod 11b inside a casing 18 fixed to the casing 5 so as to cover the outer circumference of the piston member 11, and the engagement pieces 19. It has a structure that receives a spring 20 that urges the base end side of the piston member 11, that is, the cylinder 13 side. The outer peripheral surface of each engagement piece 19 is gradually reduced in diameter from the free end side of the piston member 11 to the base end side. Further, the inside of the casing 18 includes a tapered portion 18b which gradually narrows from the large diameter portion 18a. Therefore, in the state of FIG.
9 is urged by the spring 20 and is pressed by the tapered portion 18b and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the piston member 11. However, when the piston member 11 moves in the protruding direction, it resists the urging force of the spring 20. Then, each engagement piece 19 also moves in the direction in which the piston member 11 protrudes, and reaches the large-diameter portion 18a.
To move away from 1, the piston member 11 is free to move. Conversely, when the piston member 11 is to be moved in the direction of immersion, each of the engaging pieces 19 is
8b so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the piston member 11 to fix them. Here, an annular groove or a thread groove 11c is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 11b. The groove 1 is also provided on the inner peripheral surface of each engagement piece 19.
An annular groove or screw groove 11c corresponding to 1c is formed. Therefore, when trying to move the piston member 11 in the direction of immersion, the inner peripheral surface of each engagement piece 19 and the outer peripheral surface of the piston member 11 are engaged, and both are firmly fixed, and the position is maintained. It is supposed to.

At the tip of the one-way lock mechanism 9, there is provided a lid-shaped slip-out preventing member projecting start load defining means 10 for the casing 18. The slip-out preventing member projection start load defining means 10 is fitted to the front end of the casing 18 and is fixed by engaging the engaging groove 18c with the engaging portion 10a of the slip-out preventing member projection start load defining means 10. ing. A groove 1 of the piston rod 11b
An opening 10b is formed in which an annular groove or a thread groove with which 1c is engaged is formed. A thin portion 10c is formed around the opening 10b. As a result, even if the piston member 11 normally moves in the protruding direction at normal times, the inner peripheral surface of the opening 10b and the annular groove or the thread groove 11c on the outer peripheral surface of the piston member 11 are engaged. It is designed to hold. However, when a load larger than the predetermined load, that is, a thrust by the gas generator 14 is applied, the thin portion 10c is broken, and the piston member 11 projects.

As described above, the slip start preventing member projecting start load defining means is attached to or close to the power generating device 8 to act on the piston member 11 so that the power before the power generating device 8 is subassembled. The falling off of the piston member 11 from the generator 8 can be prevented.

The left and right arms 6 are firmly connected with a slip-out preventing member 7 extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The subassembly 4 of each occupant restraint device is bolted to the seat frame 3 by the fastening portion 3a and the support portion 5d.

The occupant restraint device is constituted by the sub-assemblies 4 of the left and right occupant restraint devices, impact generation detecting means including acceleration sensors and the like (not shown) and control means.

The occupant restraint system can be assembled to an existing seat at the time of assembling the seat. However, in a case where the occupant restraint system is assembled at the same time as assembling the seat for welding or the like, the welding process is completed. Later, a power generator 8 with built-in gunpowder
The sub-assembly 4 of the occupant restraint system having the following is preferable. Further, in this configuration, the seat frame 3 is mounted on the seat rail 2 via a slidable holder. However, a seat that can be tilted or lifted is mounted on the mounting bracket.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First, during normal running, as described above, the opening 10
thread groove 11c on the inner peripheral surface of b and the outer peripheral surface of piston member 11
Are engaged with each other, the piston member 11, the arm 6 and the slip-out preventing member 7 engaged with the piston member 11 are kept at the position without being inadvertently moved. Then, when the occurrence of an impact such as a collision is detected by a sensor or the like (not shown), gas is generated by the gas generator 14 and the cylinder 1
3, the thrust in the protruding direction of the piston member 11 is generated, and the load is applied to the free end of the piston member 11, that is, the free end of the piston rod 11b. The engaging portion is input to the opening 10c of the slip-out preventing member projection start load defining means 10, breaks the thin portion 10d, and the free end side of the piston member 11 projects from the cylinder 13 instantaneously. Then, the arm 6 connected to the free end of the piston rod 11b rotates clockwise as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 2, and the slip-out preventing member 7 moves upward (projects), and in some cases, the seat cushion is removed. It swells out and prevents the occupant's submarine phenomenon. Even if the gas generation by the gas generator 14 is completed and the driving force of the power generator 8 is lost, the one-way lock mechanism 9
Accordingly, the effect of preventing the submarine phenomenon can be maintained without the upwardly moving slip-out prevention member 6 returning to the downward direction.

In the present construction, the same one-way lock mechanism is provided on both the left and right sides, and both sides are supported against the load from the occupant. However, if only the strength can be ensured, only one of them may be used. Alternatively, the one-way lock mechanism may be of a different type on the left and right. For example, one side may be provided with the one-way lock device, and the other side may be provided with a ball one-way lock device which can be locked at a stepless position. Further, if the power generating devices are provided on both the left and right sides, one power generating device can be reduced in size, and the devices are dispersed on both sides of the seat, so that the size is not locally increased.

Further, as described above, the slip start preventing member projecting start load defining means is attached to or arranged close to the power generating device 8 to act on the piston member 11, so that the power generating device 8 is not subassembled. Of the piston member 11 from the power generating device 8 can be prevented.

FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the slip start preventing member projection start load defining means 10. As shown in FIG.
In this configuration, the slip-out preventing member projection start load defining means 10
Is engaged with the opening 13c of the cylinder 13 of the power generation device 8 like a lid. An annular groove or screw groove 11c on the outer peripheral surface of the piston member 11 similar to the above is provided in the central opening 10d.
An annular groove or a thread groove that engages with the groove is formed. Further, as shown in FIG.
A thin portion 13d may be formed in c, and this may be used as a prevention member projecting start load defining means. In addition, an annular groove or a thread groove 1
The groove of the slip-out preventing member projecting start load defining means engaging with 1c does not need to be provided on the entire circumference, and may be partially formed at one or a plurality of places.

FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (d) are side views showing another example of the structure of the slip start preventing member projecting start load defining means 10. FIG. In this configuration, the guide hole 5c for guiding the pin 12
The protrusion 5e is provided as a means for defining a protrusion start load for the slip-out prevention member. FIGS. 7A and 7C show one side, and FIG.
(B) and FIG. 7 (d) are provided with projections 5d on both sides, and FIGS. 7 (c) and 7 (d) are further provided with a recess 5e so that the projections 5d are easily deformed. .

FIG. 8A is a side view showing another example of the configuration of the slip-out preventing member projection start load defining means. In this configuration, a pin 21 different from the pin 12 is attached to the arm 6 so as to abut the end of the guide hole 5c at the start of rotation of the arm 6 in the guide hole 5c. I have. As shown in FIG. 8 (b), a hole may be separately formed in the casing 5 and another pin 21 may be penetrated therethrough to serve as a slip start preventing member projection start load defining means. In any of the above cases, the pin 21 may be a rivet-shaped one or a spring pin-shaped one. Alternatively, the pin 21 may be penetrated by the arm 6 having a substantially U-shaped cross section, or may be engaged with only one wall.

FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) are side views showing another example of the configuration of the slip start preventing member projection start load defining means. In this configuration, the casing 5 and the arm 6 are formed with projecting pieces 22a and 22b that engage with each other.
a, 22b are deformed with the rotation of the arm 6,
It is a means for defining a protrusion start load for the slip-out prevention member.

FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (e) are perspective views showing another example of the configuration of the slip start prevention member projecting start load defining means, and FIGS. 10 (f) to 10 (j) are sectional views thereof. .
In this configuration, one of the casing 5 and the arm 6 is formed with a projection or a protruding piece 23 that interferes with the other, thereby serving as a slip start prevention member projection start load defining means. 10 (a) to 10 (c) show a case in which a projection or a projection 23 is formed on the arm 6 and engages with the guide hole 5c, and FIGS. 10 (d) and 10 (e) show a projection or a projection on the casing 5. A projecting piece 23 is formed and engages with the edge of the arm 6. In addition, any structure that interferes with the start of rotation of the arm 6 can be used as the slip start prevention member protrusion start load defining means.

In each of the above-described configurations, one sub-assembly 4 is provided with one slip-out preventing member protrusion start load defining means. However, a plurality of slip-out preventing member protrusion start load defining means having different structures may be provided in combination. By doing so, the set load of each load defining means can be reduced.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing another configuration of the present invention. In this configuration, the casing 5 forms a part of the seat frame, and the number of parts is reduced and the weight is reduced. Other configurations are the same as above. Conversely, the casing 5 may be formed by a seat frame.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing another configuration of the present invention. In this configuration, the power generation device 8 of one of the sub-assemblies 4 in the configuration of FIG. 2 includes a pretensioner device 31 for automatically increasing the tension of the seatbelt in the event of a vehicle collision or the like. It also serves as a power generating device for moving the buckle 32 to the side where the seat belt is tightened. Further, the one-way lock mechanism 9 also functions as a lock mechanism that maintains the buckle 32 of the seat belt in the pretensioner device 31 while moving the buckle 32 to the side where the seat belt is tightened. Further, in order to prevent the buckle 32 of the seat belt from inadvertently moving during normal use, the means for specifying the movement start load of the buckle 32 is replaced by the slip-out prevention member projection start load specifying means 10 or another example thereof (FIGS. 6 to 6). FIG. 10) is also used. As a result, the power generation device, the lock mechanism, and the means for defining the starting load of operation of both devices can be shared, and the number of parts can be reduced.

Specifically, the base end of the buckle 32 is connected to the free end of the piston member 11 of the power generating device 8 via a link member 33 and a rotating arm 34. Accordingly, when an impact such as a collision is detected by a sensor or the like (not shown) during traveling, gas is generated by the gas generator 14 and the internal pressure of the cylinder 13 is rapidly increased, so that the free end side of the piston member 11 Is instantaneously protruded from the cylinder 13, as described above, the slip-out preventing member 7 moves upward (projects), and at the same time, the buckle 32 is retracted downward (imaginary line), and tension is applied to the seat belt to restrain the occupant. To increase.

[0034]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the vehicle occupant restraint system of the present invention, in order to prevent the occupant from slipping forward from the lower portion of the seat belt when an impact such as a vehicle collision occurs, A sliding prevention member movably supported so as to be able to protrude upward from a casing fixed to the seat frame at a front portion of the seat cushion, and a lock mechanism for holding the upward protruding sliding prevention member in that state, A power generation device that is supported by the casing to drive the slip-out prevention member and that generates a thrust for projecting the slide-out prevention member instantaneously with gas generating means when an impact such as a vehicle collision occurs, and defines an upward protrusion start load of the slide-out prevention member. By means of this means, the submarine phenomenon can be reliably prevented when an impact such as a vehicle collision occurs, Nor detract from the feeling of the time of use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a vehicle seat device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view of the vehicle seat device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a subassembly of the occupant restraint device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a power generation device of the occupant restraint device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main part of FIG. 4;

6 (a) and 6 (b) are cross-sectional views of a main part showing another configuration example of an occupant restraint device to which the present invention is applied.

7A to 7D are side views of a main part showing another configuration example of the occupant restraint device to which the present invention is applied.

8 (a) and 8 (b) are side views of a main part showing another configuration example of the occupant restraint device to which the present invention is applied.

9A is a side view of a main part showing another configuration example of the occupant restraint device to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 9B is an exploded perspective view of FIG.

FIGS. 10A to 10E are perspective views of main parts showing another example of the configuration of the occupant restraint device to which the present invention is applied, and FIGS.
(J) is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of (a) to (e).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, showing another configuration example of the occupant restraint device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is a side view similar to FIG. 2, showing another configuration example of the occupant restraint device to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle seat 2 Seat rail 3 Seat frame 3a Fastening part 4 Subassembly of occupant restraint device 5 Casing 5a Main body part 5b Cover part 5c Guide hole 5d Support part 5e Projection 5f Concave part 6 Arm 6a Support part 6b Long hole 7 Slip-out prevention member Reference Signs List 8 power generation device 9 one-way lock mechanism 10 slip-out prevention member projecting start load defining means 10a engaging portion 10b opening 10c thin portion 10d central opening 11 piston member 11a piston body 11b piston rod 11c screw groove 12 pin 13 cylinder 13a inner hole 13b step Part 13c Working end opening 13d Thin part 14 Gas generator 14a Base end large diameter part 14b Tip side small diameter part 14c Step part 15 Seal member 16 Compression coil spring 17 O-ring 18 Casing 18a Large diameter part 18b Taper part 18c Groove 19 engaging piece 20 spring 21 pin 22a, 22b protrusion 23 protrusion 31 pretensioner 32 buckle 33 link member 34 rotating arm

Claims (9)

[Claims] In order to prevent an occupant from slipping forward from a lower portion of a seatbelt when an impact such as a vehicle collision occurs, the occupant can project upward from a casing fixed to a seat frame at a front portion of a seat cushion. A slip-out preventing member movably supported by the lock member, a lock mechanism for holding the upwardly protruding slip-out preventing member in that state, and a shock supported by the casing to drive the slip-out preventing member, such as a vehicle collision. An occupant restraint system comprising: a power generation device that instantaneously generates a thrust for causing the slip-out preventing member to protrude with gas generating means when the gas is generated; and a unit that defines a load for starting upward protrusion of the slip-out preventing member. 2. The power generator includes a cylinder, a piston member reciprocally received in the cylinder, and gas generating means for generating high-pressure gas in the cylinder so as to project the piston member. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is provided inside, attached to, or disposed close to the power generation device, and acts on the piston member. 3. The power generator includes a cylinder, a piston member reciprocally received in the cylinder, and gas generating means for generating high-pressure gas in the cylinder so as to project the piston member. 2. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein said slip-out prevention member projecting start load defining means is provided inside, attached to or close to said power generating device so as to act on said piston member to define the projecting start load. Or the occupant restraint device according to claim 2. 4. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the slip-out preventing member projecting start load defining means is provided inside, attached to or close to the lock mechanism. 5. A power transmission means is interposed between the slip-out prevention member and the power generating device, and the power transmission means is provided with the slip-out prevention member protrusion start load defining means. Claim 1
Or the occupant restraint device according to claim 2. 6. A slip start preventing member projecting start load defining means which is provided inside, attached to or close to the power generating device to act on the piston member to define the projecting start load thereof, and is disposed at another position. The occupant restraint system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of slip-out preventing member protrusion start load defining means including another set of slip-out preventing member protrusion start load defining means. 7. A pretensioner device for automatically increasing the tension of a seat belt in the event of a vehicle collision or the like, wherein the power generation device moves a buckle of the seat belt to a side where the seat belt is tensioned. 7. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the slip-out preventing member projecting start load defining means also serves as a means for defining a movement starting load of the buckle of the pretensioner device. The occupant restraint device according to any one of the above. 8. The occupant restraint system according to claim 1, wherein the casing and / or the slip-out preventing member usually form a part of the seat frame. 9. The occupant restraint system according to claim 8, wherein the casing is formed by the seat frame.