JP5787342B2 - Crew support system - Google Patents

Description

  This application is based on US patent application Ser. Nos. 11/639088 (continuation-in-part), 60/926040, 60/962077, 60/960067, 60/960620 (filed on Dec. 17, 2007). Provisional patent applications) are incorporated herein by reference.

  The drawings show examples of multiple occupant support systems, many of which provide safety and utility in vehicles, especially under dynamic load conditions. An important feature of the present invention is that the occupant's inertial load on the occupant support provides a new orientation to the occupant support to stabilize and protect the occupant. It also usually facilitates the placement of a larger surface area for the occupant's support, thereby reducing local loads on the occupant's surface.

An example of an air sleeper in a flat bed position under normal conditions is shown. An example of an air sleeper in a flat bed position under normal conditions is shown. It is a reclining position. The impact state at the reclining position is shown. The impact state at the reclining position is shown. Here are some elements that have been excluded for clarity. Here are some elements that have been excluded for clarity. A diagram of a dynamic child seat is shown. A diagram of a dynamic child seat is shown. A diagram of a dynamic child seat without an outer shell is shown. Illustrates the movement of a dynamic child seat under load. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment for head support in another embodiment of a dynamic child seat. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment for head support in another embodiment of a dynamic child seat. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment for head support in another embodiment of a dynamic child seat. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment for head support in another embodiment of a dynamic child seat. 1 shows a flex plate that is an embodiment of a lateral spring damper or shock absorber. 1 shows a flex plate that is an embodiment of a lateral spring damper or shock absorber. The slide plate on the movable inner shell and the position of the slide attached to the inner shell are shown. The slide plate on the inner shell is shown. Fig. 4 shows some example arrangements for frontal collisions. Fig. 11 illustrates features associated with the embodiment of Figs. A bottom view showing yet another embodiment with a compression shock absorber group on its back that has a slope necessary to disable the coupling due to the position of the child's center of mass and to support relative to the support group. It is. Rear view showing yet another embodiment with a compression shock absorber group on its back that has the slope necessary to disable the connection due to the position of the child's center of mass and to support relative to the support group. It is. FIG. 23 is a bottom view showing an extension shock absorber group having an inclination instead of the compression shock absorber as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 at the back portion thereof. FIG. 23 is a rear view showing an inclined shock absorber group having an inclination instead of the compression shock absorber as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 at the back portion thereof. The mounting of the compression shock absorber in FIGS. 21 and 22 is shown. Figure 2 shows an example of a bungee sling for frontal impact (additional connection means with shock absorbing elements). Fig. 4 illustrates another example of occupant support for a child in a vehicle. Fig. 4 illustrates another example of occupant support for a child in a vehicle. Fig. 4 illustrates another example of occupant support for a child in a vehicle. An example of a dynamic child seat is shown. Fig. 6 shows an example of a dynamic child seat with a tether attachment marked. The frame of a dynamic child seat is shown. FIG. 6 shows the end of the upper channel providing a reaction surface for the spring damper assembly during rotation of the frame following a side impact. Figure 3 shows a cavity for a metal reinforcement that is an extension of the tether support. The headrest height adjustment arm in a dynamic child seat is shown. The head assembly support stalk in a dynamic child seat is shown. Fig. 4 shows a seat shell assembly of a dynamic child seat. The base of the dynamic child seat is shown. The base of the dynamic child seat is shown. Fig. 5 shows a bungee sling assembly of a dynamic child seat. Fig. 5 shows a bungee sling assembly of a dynamic child seat. The bungee sling of the dynamic child seat is shown. The bungee slot of the dynamic child seat is shown.

[Examples of Air Sleeper-Aircraft and Spacecraft]
1 and 2 show an embodiment of an air sleeper that is in a flat bed position under normal conditions. FIG. 3 shows the reclining position. 4 and 5 show an impact state at the reclining position.

  The following keys describe the components in this air sleeper embodiment.

  A: Headrest mounting rail. The rail is inclined so that the headrest approaches the occupant's head when the upper section of the seat slides upward. Thereby, fine positioning of the headrest is possible to position the headrest adjacent to the head to provide support. On the other hand, when the occupant lies down, the headrest slides along the inclined rail so as to come to the edge of the sleeper surface. A group of shock absorbers may be adapted to their resistance parameters to account for the position of the sleeper.

  B: Headrest. The headrest is on a group of shock absorbers that can move laterally relative to the occupant's head when the vehicle decelerates. These shock absorber groups may be linear, rotary, or both. The shock absorbers, in some embodiments, are mounted on inclined rails so that the headrest is on the side of the sleeper when the occupant is lying, while the occupant is straight. When sitting, provide support to and be adjacent to the head. Of course, there may be position adjusting means for allowing movement of the surface of the headrest regardless of the position of the shock absorber and the mounting rail.

  C: A support rail along the edge of the air sleeper below the edge of the air sleeper and positioned to be behind the air sleeper with respect to the movement of the aircraft.

  D: Lower section of the air sleeper. It is horizontal in the flat position.

  E: Central section of the air sleeper. It has side wings that support its occupants during significant deceleration.

  F: Entertainment screen. It can be attached to the side wings of its central section so that it can be folded when not in use. The airsleeper's mechanics prevent the occupant from hitting his head on the screen as the aircraft decelerates. The screen may be folded into the side wing of the central section in some embodiments. The screen may have a rotation stop to prevent forward rotation beyond a position orthogonal to the air sleeper.

  G: Cross slide. In this embodiment, the right section (of the occupant) supports the central section of the air sleeper.

  H: Upper body side support.

  I: Rotating axis support for the screen. The support of the screen in its deployed viewing position during a sudden deceleration is disconnected, ensuring that the screen rotates on this pivot and thereby moves away from its occupant.

  J: Telescoping support rail (extending in the axial direction of the occupant through those holes but not shown for clarity). Supports a group of cross slides that move along its axis to flatten the sleeper from its upright position or vice versa. The telescoping action retracts the rail that prevents the lower section of the air sleeper and the occupant's legs from moving sideways when the aircraft decelerates. Ji is the telescoping section of the telescoping support rail J and is retracted when the slider Q slides toward the head of the air sleeper. The retraction is designed to be sufficient to ensure that the footrest and the occupant's legs can swing sideways without contacting the rail J.

  Q indicates a slider attached to the ends of two cross slides that slide on the rail J.

  FIGS. 6 and 7 show some elements that have been excluded for clarity (however, identifiers placed at those locations reveal their location).

The double slider is attached to support slides L and M which are part of the frame of the air sleeper. The other end of the double slider slides on the horizontal rail N when the air sleeper changes its posture. Similarly, the slider P slides on the cross slide G when an inertial load is applied to the air sleeper. The slides G slide on the rails C and J at their ends when the occupant changes posture. The slider R is attached to the upper end of the backrest of the air sleeper, and slides on the slide S that is a part of the frame of the air sleeper.

[Example of dynamic child seat]
8 and 9 show different views, and FIG. 10 shows a view without an outer shell. FIG. 11 illustrates the movement under load.

  1A: Shows the cross-sectional difference between the upper shock absorber and the lower shock absorber. The width indicates the stiffness to receive whiplash, rear impact, or acceleration load within the seat (they may be different materials or structures).

  1B: Shows the cross-sectional difference between the front shock absorber and the rear shock absorber. The width indicates the stiffness for receiving side impact loads (they may be different materials or structures).

  In particular, in the flat position in the case of a sleeper placed substantially transverse to the acceleration direction, the same principle holds for “side” collisions, or acceleration loads, where “side” refers to its occupant placement. Is done.

1C: Example of a narrow section or softer shock absorber at the back of the seat or sleeper.

1D: Inner shell adjacent to the body. It moves when the shock absorber is deformed. It may be a penetration-resistant material.

1E: Example of wider section or stiffer shock absorber at the front of the seat.

1F-outer shell. It has a bottom to provide vertical support for its inner shell. In many embodiments, the inner shell and outer shell are slidably mounted directly at the bottom or through a group of shock absorbers. The outer shell may be a rigid body and may exhibit controlled deformation depending on the load.

12, 12A, 13 and 14 illustrate an embodiment for head support in another embodiment of a dynamic child seat. This includes a pair of head pads and a support structure.


Considering the large lateral forces applied to these head pads during a side impact in a vehicle where the seat is positioned forward or rearward, considerable strength is required. Previous designs in the background art use a static wide structure. Such a structure hinders the sight and hearing of the occupant's child, and is static so that it can only deform to the extent of the pads placed on its inner surface. In contrast, the present invention has a narrow headrest support that is positioned in most cases below the height of the child's eyes, thereby minimizing what would interfere with visibility as shown. The head pad can be designed to make it possible to allow an uncompromising view from the occupant support. In addition, the structure also allows the head pad to have a hole in order to minimize hearing loss of the child while the child is sitting.

An inconspicuous headrest support is feasible because of the wide cross section that can support the shear load on the member during impact. This is in contrast to all previous designs.

The head buds and headrest supports are designed so that they can be shown in these drawings so that the pads can move towards the headrest support in a side impact. Such movement as shown results in a pad that rotates inward to stabilize its head and prevent it from popping out when it hits another surface. The region between the head pads and the headrest support in many embodiments has a spring damper structure. In some of these embodiments, this takes the form of a shrinking foam pad. The front portions of the head pads may be pivoted or simply supported relatively firmly by their headrest support.

Finally, the headrest support may have a pivot support on its back if the seat allows a limited tilt to better receive its head in the event of a collision. Otherwise, the headrest support is firmly attached at its back to the occupant support (in this case a child seat).

  2A: Shows the space between the head pad and the side of the head pad support. The head pad support is made of foam or other compressible shock absorbing material with spring damper characteristics that allows the pads to retract into the recesses of the support, thereby rotating and stabilizing the head. You may have. FIG. 12A shows the movement.

  2B: Shows the wide profile of the support to resist the lateral force. In addition, this wide support reduces the need for a tall support that can interfere with the child's visibility and hearing. Structurally, the wide support is more effective in terms of the mass of the support and the weight of the material, and therefore results in a lighter head support.

  2C: Indicates a head pad. It is usually covered with a comfort foam or pneumatic bladder for air support.

  2D: A pivot support or a stiffer support for the head pad towards the leading edge of the head pad.

  2E: A hole that reduces hearing loss on the head pad. In particular, they can be manufactured to be thin as they are supported by their head pad support and therefore do not have a critical requirement in structural strength. The space between the head pad and the support allows sound transmission.

2F: Upper edge of the head pad. It is formed to be under the eyes of the occupant in order to minimize the obstacles to view.

The following drawings show an alternative embodiment for controlling the movement of the movable inner shell for the occupant.

  15 and 16 show a “flex plate” which is an embodiment of a lateral spring damper or shock absorber.

  They are designed to bend to absorb energy from its movable inner shell during a side impact. The flex plates are rigidly attached at one end to the outer shell (in this embodiment, the framework of the outer shell) and at the other end to a slider that slides on a slide that is rigidly attached to the inner shell. It is done.

  The group of drawings shows a fixed slide plate and a movable slide plate attached to the fixed outer shell and the movable inner shell, respectively. They are pivotally mounted at the front edge of the seat to allow sliding motion. A pivot at the front of the seat allows the seat to rotate to maximize lateral displacement of the head, rib cage, and pelvis during a side impact. In particular, the slide plates apply moments and lateral forces to the sheet, thereby balancing the forces applied by the flex plate along the height of the sheet. The background art does not have an embodiment with a front pivot with this essential compensation using a sliding device.

  FIG. 16 shows slides A, B, C, and D attached to the inner shell. They engage the sliders on the flex plate so that the sheet can rotate and back when the sheet moves sideways during impact loads.

  FIG. 16 also shows a shoulder support that stabilizes the shoulder in a side impact.

  FIG. 17 shows the slide plate on the movable inner shell and the position of the slides attached to the inner shell.

  FIG. 18 shows the slide plate on the inner shell.

  In particular, the slide plates shown in the above drawings are designed to bend or flex around their pivot (around the horizontal axis) in the event of a frontal collision, so that the head of the seat can be advanced. To do.

  2G: Indicates a flex plate. They are made of a flexible material having spring damper characteristics. Some embodiments may have multiple layers with flexible and deformable materials to absorb energy. The flex plates are rigidly attached to the outer shell and slidably attached to the inner shell.

  2H: indicates a fixed slide plate. The movable shells slide on it.

  2I: The pivot or axis of the seat. Since the load is substantially above the position of the pivot point, this axis alone cannot provide angular motion of the seat. The pivot can be a bolt in the bearing sleeve in some embodiments.

  2J: A group of slides firmly attached to the inner shell.

2K: Shoulder support 2L: Slider contact support attached to these flex plates.

  2M: Rigid mount for flex plate on its fixed shell.

2N: A slide plate on the movable inner shell.

FIG. 19 shows some example arrangements for frontal collisions. Considering that it is preferable that the child's head / upper body has a lower peak acceleration in the child / occupant seat, the “Bunge sling” absorbs energy during frontal collisions and peak acceleration. Designed to bend or flex to reduce This, together with a group of slide plates that bend or flex around each pivot, allows the seat and the child's rib cage and head to protrude forward upon impact, thereby reducing its peak acceleration. This is the first such design with a movable inner shell attached by a flexible material or damping material. The bungee sling may be made of multiple layers of deformable material and may be made of a bend to obtain an appropriate combination for spring damper characteristics. As described herein, other embodiments may also use the bungee sling.

2P: Fixed outer shell.
2Q: A movable inner shell.
2R: Bungee sling (opened in case of collision).

The bungee sling may be made of a multi-piece flexible material, a material that bends beyond the plastic state, or a combination thereof to obtain the appropriate spring damper characteristics.

FIG. 20 illustrates features associated with the embodiment of FIGS. Here, the “support for the inner shell” may be made of a soft material such as foam. However, during normal operation, the inner shell is supported with respect to the outer shell, In some cases, the inner shell is designed so that it can be bent or separated as required. In some embodiments, the supports are longer than width (w) so that they can promote the space between the inner shell and the outer shell when they are separated and collapsed ( l).

FIGS. 21 and 22 each have a compression shock absorber group on its back that has the necessary inclination to invalidate the coupling due to the position of the child's center of mass and to support relative to those supports. It is the bottom view and back view which show another Example. It also shows connecting means with a sliding element group at the bottom and connecting means with at least one pivot and a rigid or shock absorbing element.

Similarly, FIGS. 23 and 24 show a group of extended shock absorbers having a slope instead of a compression shock absorber as in FIGS. 21 and 22 at the back.

  FIG. 25 shows the implementation of the compression shock absorber in FIGS. 21 and 22, and FIG. 26 shows an example of a bungee sling for frontal impact (additional connection means with shock absorbing elements).

  3A: Connection means having at least one pivot end and a rigid connection or shock absorbing connection between them. One end is connected to the movable inner shell and the other end is connected to the fixed outer shell. This may take the form of a spring-loaded pivot, or it may take the form of a simple pivot.

  3B: A sliding contact portion between the fixed outer shell and the movable inner shell.

  3C: outer shell or frame.

  3D: Inner shell.

  3E: Rear spine fixed to the movable inner shell.

  3F: Rear spine fixed to the fixed outer shell.

  3G: Compression shock absorber (spring damper).

  3H: Extension shock absorber (spring damper).

  3I: A bracket for attaching the compression shock absorber to the fixed outer shell.

  3J: A spine that attaches a compression shock absorber to the movable inner shell.

  3K: Bungee sling connection to fixed frame or shell.

3L: Bungee sling connection to the movable inner shell.

Figures 27-29 show another example of occupant support for children in a vehicle.

  The annotation describes the operation and use of the part.

  4A: A bungee sling that allows the seat to advance in the event of a frontal collision. One side is securely attached to the frame and the other side is attached to the support of the vertical thrust bearing as shown.

4B: Movable sheet 4C: Reaction surface on the movable sheet guide fixed to the bearing. The surface may have a groove for receiving a slide pin to ensure that there is a limited vertical “lift” of the movable sheet as the movable sheet slides.

  4D: A bearing positioned to approach the vector of inertial load (passing the center of mass) in a side impact.

  4E: Slide surface at the bottom of the sheet.

  4F: A base with a pivot on the back that allows for rearward placement. The support flange (4M) can be set at various levels to change the inclination of the seat.

  4G: Lateral pivot axis for fixed shell or frame.

4H: Tether loop 4I: Slot with a spring damper that can control the movement of the bearing (4K).

  4J: Vertical reaction bearing support with slot and spring load to receive pulse load upon impact.

  4K: A bearing (running on a groove on the back of the movable seat).

  4L: Horizontal strut that supports reaction bearings.

4M: A support flange that can be locked in various positions on a gear (not shown) on the base for rearward placement at the required angle.

FIG. 35 shows an example of a dynamic child seat. The position of the seat shell is the one at the time of the collision, and the one that is rotated away from the side collision direction is shown. It also shows the arrangement of the frame on the base and notches that engage the frame for lateral stability. Although the pillow pad that supports the head from the side and the rear headrest are not shown, the rotated position of the seat shell shows the left side arm of the head assembly that stabilizes the head in a crash situation.

FIG. 36 shows an example of a dynamic child seat with a tether attachment that is marked with one or more pins that engage a sliding surface on the seat shell to allow rotation about the collision axis of rotation. The provided slide bar is shown. The groups of pins (not shown) (which can be spring-loaded) limit the vertical movement of the seat shell. It also shows a pair of legs that support the frame on both sides of the front. A transverse bar (not shown) engages the slot shown and is manually forward in front of the slot to release one of the slots in the two towers normally attached to the base. What can be pulled is spring-loaded to a position behind the slot, thereby changing the height of the front of the frame and the resulting slope. The pivot is for tilting the seat frame to a particularly backward position.

FIG. 37 shows the frame of the dynamic child seat. The illustrated upper and lower channels contain one spring damper assembly on each side.

The upper edge of one or both channels supporting the spring damper assembly has a slightly beveled upper surface with a lower leading edge and is a pin or flange attached to the seat to support the spring damper assembly When a pin or flange that lifts up on its side to move away from the impact, it is captured by a slot that prevents the seat from swinging and directs its energy to rotation about a substantially vertical axis. Like that. Also shown are slots that accommodate the front struts having slide surfaces and pins that run on the slide surfaces that are coaxial with the illustrated impact rotation pivot. The pin engages a slot in the slide surface to prevent vertical movement of the sheet at the edge during impact. The pin may be spring-loaded to return the collision energy to the seat for its rotation if the collision energy increases. Also shown is a pivot-collision axis of rotation that may have a spring mount to allow slight axial displacement to reposition the initial collision load that tends to rotate its seat about a horizontal axis. ing.

FIG. 38 shows the end of the upper channel that provides a reaction surface for the spring damper assembly during rotation of the frame following a side impact.

  FIG. 39 shows a cavity for a metal reinforcement that is an extension of the tether support. The metal strip extends in this embodiment to enclose the lower pivot hinge. This provides a rigid connection between the tether and the bottom pivot rod connected to the latch.

  FIG. 40 shows a headrest height adjusting arm in the dynamic child seat.

  Case 1: The actuating lever in the normal position is moved away from the back of the head assembly support stalk and is pushed down toward the headrest support stalk to release the pin and move the headrest.

  Case 2: In another embodiment, it comprises a pin positioned between its actuating lever and its pivot, the normal position of the actuating lever being adjacent to the head assembly support stalk to release the pins Pulled out.

  In case 1 above, the safety catch (which is pivotally or slidably attached to the stalk or the lever located halfway between the stalk and the lever, whose position is indicated by a color or mark for safety) Can be created.

  In case 2, the safety catch can be pivotally or slidably attached to the stalk to catch the lever for its safe position (using an annular one). The code is visible.

  The pivot for the height adjustment arm is usually spring-loaded to engage the socket hole in its normal position. The pivot in this embodiment is on its head assembly support stalk. However, it may also be supported on the seat shell with multiple sets of holes on the head assembly support stalk to allow for various heights.

  An actuating lever is shown.

  The pins engage with corresponding holes in the headrest support stalk where the height adjustment arm is attached. It also engages with such multiple sets of holes on the sheath of the seat shell that contains the head assembly support stalk, thereby providing a plurality of seat support stalk heights on the seat shell. Allows position.

  FIG. 41 is a head assembly support stalk in a dynamic child seat, illustrating a pivot for mounting a headrest height adjustment arm and a pivot support for mounting a rear headrest. The rear headrest is pivoted to allow a better fit to the back of the head and neck.

  The end of the side arm supports a pillow pad (not shown) that provides side support for the child's head and face. Many embodiments allow the fitting to pivot about a substantially vertical axis so that it can tilt back and thereby contain the head during a side impact.

Pin holes (not shown) are arranged in a row to receive pins on the headrest height adjustment arm. These same pin holes engage multiple sets of holes on the sheath at the back of the seat shell to allow multiple positions of the head assembly support stalk on the seat shell.

FIG. 42 is a seat shell assembly of a dynamic child seat,
A pin that engages one or both sides of the sheath on the seat shell that houses the head assembly support stalk;
An inner edge of a spring damper assembly that is secured to the seat shell (some embodiments have a flange that engages a slot on the frame with a slight clearance);
A headrest height adjustment arm;
The position of the right spring damper assembly in some embodiments (similar assemblies are in the left and lower positions as shown on the frame);
Head assembly support stalk is illustrated.

43 and 44 are dynamic child seat bases,
A notch that captures the frame at the lowest position (forward),
A pivot for tilting the frame when the seat is in a rearward position;
A pair of towers with notches engaging the transverse bars on the frame for various tilts of the frame on the base (the frame pivots at its rear pivot);
The side part chamfered for the car seat shape is illustrated.

Figure 45 is a dynamic child seat bungee sling assembly;
A bungee sling that widens to attenuate acceleration during a frontal collision (the rear center of the bungee sling is attached to the frame),
A bungee pin that slides in a bungee pin slot attached to the seat shell. The pin slides out during a side collision. During a frontal collision, the pin engages the slot to provide a reaction force. Some embodiments of the slot have a recess on the inner surface of the slot where the pin enters when the slot moves forward during a frontal collision, thereby allowing the pin to enter the slot. Fix it more firmly.

FIG. 46 is a dynamic child seat bungee sling assembly;
Shown is a bungee slot that engages a bungee pin during a frontal collision and allows the bungee pin to slide out of its side during a side collision.

  The bungee slot has a notch for preventing contact with the headrest height adjusting arm.

  The bungee slot support for the seat shell straddles the headrest assembly support stalk and the housing on the seat shell.

FIG. 47 is a bungee sling of a dynamic child seat.
Each of the two sides, each of the two sides attached to each of the frame and the seat shell in the middle,
One or more points for securing the bungee sling, and some embodiments show points where holes and securing pins are used.

  The side of the bungee sling expands when the two support points are pulled apart. These materials are designed to provide energy absorption and elastic properties to minimize occupant injury.

FIG. 48 is a dynamic child seat bungee slot.
A recess that, in this embodiment, engages the bungee pin to more securely secure the bungee pin during a frontal collision (the bungee pin is not engaged with the recess in the normal position). ),
And support points on the shell. The bungee slot is fixed at a point group straddling the head assembly support stalk. In other embodiments, if a slot is created in the head assembly support stalk, it can be secured closer to the center.

The notch prevents contact with the headrest height adjustment arm.

Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention provides a structure for relocating an occupant in a vehicle support to present a larger surface area for the reaction force to be distributed, thereby reducing the injury and providing a moderate load In the case of bring greater comfort. The structure works equally well in the seat position, sleeper position, and all positions between the two. It also applies to structures having various postures from the sleep position to the sitting position. It is used in infant support and child support in vehicles, and can also be used in sleepers in vehicles including aircraft.

[Occupant Support-Air Sleeper]
The air sleeper embodiment presented is supported on a frame. The frame is designed to tilt when the air sleeper occupant is subjected to a lateral or near lateral (angular) inertial load, usually in the event of a collision. When the air sleeper arrangement is orthogonal to the aircraft axis, there is a direct inertial load on the occupant support that causes the tilt. When the air sleeper is angled with respect to the aircraft axis, the force component in the plane of the two slides of the inertial load causes movement. These slides typically have spring dampers to optimize the acceleration experienced by the occupant during this movement.

This tilt is attached to the slider group P on the cross slide group G that repositions the trailing edge (relative to the aircraft motion) of the air sleeper forward (relative to the aircraft motion) and the frame of the air sleeper. The slides L and M are realized by the slides L and M on which the slider group K runs. In particular, the slider group K and the cross slide group G need to take various positions when the occupants move from the sitting position standing straight to the reclining position and the flat bed sleep position. This is achieved by having:
1. Cross slide group G attached to slider group Q that is slidable along rails C and J along its occupant axis (particularly the section that collapses (telescoping) as slider group Q travels on rail J) Rail J as J1, which is necessary to allow the occupant's legs and the air sleeper footrest to tilt sideways without touching the rail during lateral inertia loads.
2. A slider group K, which is a double slide group that can also slide on the rail N along the axis of the occupant (many embodiments require only one of the double slider groups. In the illustrated embodiment, The slider K at the head of the occupant simply turns with point support.)
3. A combination of spring dampers in one or more of their connections to control the occupant's acceleration.

The position where the occupant can be arbitrarily determined is controlled by the slide of the slider group Q on the horizontal rail group and the slide of the slider group R on the slide group S which is a part of the frame of the air sleeper. The slide group S is shown to be substantially vertical at the normal position of its air sleeper, but they may have any slope as long as they are locally parallel to each other. The local tilt of these slide groups defines an arbitrarily determinable posture that the occupant can choose.

The side support headrest group in the illustrated embodiment (some embodiments do not have such a headrest group) slides on the inclined slide group, and the lateral slider is the seat back. Run on a side slide at the top. These mechanisms allow each of the side support headrest groups to move toward the head in their seated position and toward the edge of their air sleeper in the flatbed position.

  The air sleeper support face group is in contact with the front side under the front side (with respect to the movement of the aircraft).

  The arrangement of the air sleeper may be transverse to the aircraft or may be angled with respect to the axis of the aircraft. If the occupant's head is in front of the leg (in the direction of movement of the aircraft) at an angled position, the occupant is pushed into the air sleeper during a collision load.

The screen is shown to have a vertical pivot (in the normal position of the occupant, ie in the absence of inertia loads). In particular, the arrangement ensures that the screen swings away from the occupant in the event of a collision or sudden deceleration. This can be ensured by having a rotation lock that prevents rocking forward beyond its lateral configuration. When the air sleeper is positioned so that the occupant's legs are in front of the head (in the direction of movement of the aircraft) during a collision load, the screen swings away from the occupant. If the occupant's head is in front of the leg, the screen can have a stop to prevent it from swinging forward toward the occupant.

[Occupant Support-Dynamic Child Seat]
There are many alternative embodiments of the dynamic child seat version of the present invention. The first set of embodiments of the present invention relates to the inventions of US 10/109664 and EP1325836. They provide a solution for reducing injuries through controlled repositioning of the occupant with respect to the inertia load of the occupant and its support located substantially lateral to the occupant. This example family uses a plurality of connection means to support an occupant support shell. Each of the plurality of connecting means has a first end attached to the occupant support or an accessory of the occupant support. The plurality of connecting means are designed to reposition the first ends in a plurality of directions, thereby relocating the occupant within the occupant support under inertial loads caused by vehicle acceleration. The distance and direction of the displacement of these first end groups can be different among the plurality of connecting means.

This paradigm for support provides a mechanism for providing a controlled reaction force in a position that can control the rotation and relocation of the occupant under conditions of the expected range of inertial loads.

Some of such embodiments may be as disclosed in 60/962077, where the plurality of support means are foam flexible “fingers”, or In some examples, other deformable materials with connecting means including a sliding device at one of the end groups of the fingers. These embodiments are intended to reposition the first end group of connecting means orthogonal to the length of these “finger groups”, in some cases (in order to change its compression and the resulting displacement). Allow compression of the foam and deformation of the foam. As long as the concept of finger groups is useful for visualization, there is no limit to having another finger in these examples. For example, various sections that effectively provide a plurality of connecting means such that each of the sections of the foam acts differently on its support shell and occupant with a respective first end repositioned in a plurality of directions. There may be a continuous foam support with properties.

Another group of embodiments may be as disclosed in 60/960067. These embodiments have a number of slide connection means, some of which are impacts that reposition their first end groups under controlled reaction forces from their occupant support shells in place. Absorbing means are provided so that the occupant and the occupant support are properly relocated under inertial loading.

Another group of embodiments in the present invention provides the occupant in multiple directions by providing a controlled reaction force at an appropriate location on the occupant support to offset the inertial load in a controlled manner. A plurality of connecting means having a first end group for rearranging the support; In these embodiments, the individual elements are pivoted at one or both ends and a reaction force is applied in the direction between the first and second ends of the (compressed or extended) connecting means. The Each of these connecting means may have a stretch or compression shock absorbing element. The structure of the present invention requires that whenever there are two or more connecting means with a single pivot end, they must have the same single pivot axis.

Yet another group of embodiments may have a combination of two or more types of connection means described above for relocating the first end group in multiple directions.

One of the challenges in designing a proper occupant support is to position the two first ends of the connecting means to define an instantaneous axis for rotation and relocation of the occupant. Of course, the support points within the occupant's body are not accessible, and in many cases the front and most of the side of the occupant need to be free. Therefore, it is necessary for the connecting means to create forces and moments of force with available contact surfaces with the occupant support. Also, the direction of the force applied by these connecting means needs to nullify the moment of inertial load force that tends to rotate the occupant perpendicular to the desired axis of rotation.

The second problem, particularly in the child seat, is a serious lack of space for a mechanism that can move or relocate the occupant. This space is typically between the seat surface and the mount on the surface of the adult seat and can be from less than 1 inch to about 3 inches.

The present invention has several unique approaches to solving these problems. For example, a swivel end group (at least one with a single swivel end) that repositions the child seat so that the open side of the child seat in front of the child faces outward in the event of a collision; There is one embodiment that uses multiple compression shock absorbers with a set of slidable connection means. In this embodiment, the connecting means with a single pivot is positioned as far forward as possible so that the movement of the occupant's head and torso about a nearly vertical axis is minimized through this pivot. . Since this is possible only at the bottom of the seat, this results in a problem of the distance of this support point (first end for the connecting means) from the center of gravity along the desired axis. This distance is considerable and such a pivot can theoretically support normal torque (as assumed in the background) without breaking, but in practice it The pivot acts like a ball joint under heavy loads, so that the moment of force needs to be compensated to continue rotating the seat around the desired axis or group of axes for a long time. is there. This embodiment uses two types of connection means to solve this problem. The first is a compression, extension or rigid connection means with a pivot at a connection point facing the front edge of the seat bottom. The other end of the connecting means may be fixed or may be supported so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis. Another connecting means has a first end attached to the central rear spine of the seat and is tilted slightly downward and / or slightly rearward (this is usually by a support projecting rearward from the spine). This is a compression shock absorber. Its second end is attached to an outer shell or frame of the child seat that is rigidly attached to the vehicle. Furthermore, this embodiment is a connecting means with slidable elements located at the bottom of the seat, whose first end group is behind the first compression / extension / rigid connection means, and , On both sides, with connecting means attached to the bottom of the seat and without a significant surface in front of it. This combination of connection means uses a compression connection means and a slide connection means that provide a reaction force to counteract couple moments that tend to rotate the seat perpendicular to the desired axis, during side impacts. Rearrange the child seat.

Another related embodiment uses an extension shock absorber in the connecting means instead of a compression shock absorber at the back of the seat. These are such that their first end groups are slightly forward and higher on both sides of the seat back than their attachment positions along the rear spine of the second end groups to the outer shell or seat frame. It is positioned so that it can be attached.

In any of the above-described embodiments, the shock absorber placement angle cancels the couple moment that tends to rotate the seat perpendicular to the desired axis (in this case, approximately perpendicular). In order to determine the reaction force they apply. Furthermore, shock absorber pairs can also be used for collisions from both sides. Upon impact on one side, the unused shock absorber can be disconnected in some embodiments of the invention to provide more space for repositioning of its shell.

Further, in any of the above embodiments, a plurality of compression / extension shock absorbers may be placed on either side of the sheet (if space permits).

In contrast to those embodiments that use compression or extension shock absorbers, another additional embodiment has a slider or rotary dial that engages a second end group of the shock absorber groups, thereby providing a variety of Change the resultant force they apply to children of age. Mechanisms used for such engagement of a group of shock absorbers by dials or sliders are well known in the art and allow for free movement of the ends of one or more shock absorbers, thereby releasing them, dials or It may be a simple notch in the back of the slider. However, they may be left intact with a weak separating joint that breaks upon impact.

Yet another related embodiment for a child seat uses the connecting means with a sliding element alone or with one of the connecting means with at least one pivot at the central front of the seat. In addition to the connecting means provided with a sliding element group at the bottom of the seat as in the two embodiments described above, this embodiment also has a connecting means that is slidable on the side of the seat. It provides the desired reaction force to offset the couple moment perpendicular to the desired instantaneous axis of rotation near the front of the seat. The disclosure in 60/960067 includes this example.

Finally, another related embodiment uses a compressible and deformable foam “finger” with optional connecting means that is pivoted at one or both ends near the front of the sheet. The foam “fingers” may also have one of their ends attached to the sliding element group as part of the connecting means attached to the child seat or outer shell / frame.

The apparatus disclosed in FIGS. 8-11 moves the occupant away from the load or stabilizes its body, thereby providing greater contact area with the occupant support. This provides two advantages. First, the load per unit area is reduced. Second, the rotational repositioning stabilizes the body to prevent it from exiting the occupant support. This is often the case under severe impact load conditions.

The device has a harder shock absorbing element group at the front of the occupant support and a softer shock absorbing element at the rear of the occupant support. This differential resistance of the shock absorber groups under load can also be realized by having shock absorber groups of the same material but different cross-sections as shown in the drawings. Similarly, materials having the same cross-section but different properties and all combinations in between may be used.

Each of the shock absorber element groups may be slidably attached at one end to allow lateral movement of the inner shell relative to the shaft of the shock absorber. Since this may not be practical in some embodiments, the lateral deformation of these shock absorbing elements must be considered for such lateral loads if both ends are rigidly fixed. If a slidable attachment is selected, the elements may in some cases be involved only in compressive loads without being involved in extension loads. Depending on the embodiment, particularly when the shock absorbers are made of a collapsible material such as foam and aluminum, end stops for the shock absorbers may be used, or other six A material having a square cell core may be used.

The head support, in some embodiments, may have a separate headrest with side wings having a reduced structure of the same structure tailored to the head mass and associated inertial load. This requires a stiffer shock absorber at the front of the wings on each of the sides of the head, so that the head is stabilized by its support for protection against side impacts. Need a softer shock absorber towards the rear. The head support may be attached to either the inner shell or the outer shell. When attached to the inner shell, the shock absorber mechanism increases the motion caused by the main shock absorber system acting on the inner shell.

Anchors to the outer shell along the rear spine of the inner shell allow lateral movement of the inner shell for support during frontal collisions, but limit forward movement.

In the sheet group, the same device can be used to minimize whiplash. Narrow sections or softer shock absorber embodiments allow greater movement at the top end to prevent whiplash.

The wide section or stiffer shock absorber embodiment provides a stiffer support for rear impact support.

If the spacing between these shock absorber elements is close, and in fact they are adjacent to each other with a discriminating nature, some embodiments have inner shells as their inner surface There may not be even. The shock absorber group provides a surface that contacts the occupant. In another embodiment, there may be a woven or other thin flexible cover at the inner ends of the shock absorber elements.

In applications where intrusion into the passenger space may exist, the inner shell may be constructed of Kevlar or other material that is resistant to penetration and penetration. This can also be done for the outer shell, but in some embodiments it may be preferable to allow penetration through the outer shell so that the displacement of the occupant is limited.

The outer shell can be attached to the vehicle using conventional methods.

12-14 illustrate several features for head support against side impact. The head support, in some embodiments, may have a separate headrest with side wings having a reduced structure of the same structure tailored to the head mass and associated inertial load. This requires a stiffer shock absorber at the front of the wings on each of the sides of the head, so that the head is stabilized by its support for protection against side impacts. Need a softer shock absorber towards the rear. The head support may be attached to either the inner shell or the outer shell. When attached to the inner shell, the shock absorber mechanism increases the motion caused by the main shock absorber system acting on the inner shell.

  The structure of the flex plate in FIGS. 15 and 16 provides yet another approach for shock absorbers against side impacts.

These may be supplemented with pivoting devices for rotation (spring-loaded in some embodiments) in embodiments with a sliding device at the bottom of the child seat.

Anchors to the outer shell along the rear spine of the inner shell (as in the bungee sling embodiment) allow lateral movement of the inner shell for support during frontal collisions, but limit forward movement ( (See FIG. 19.)

Another aspect of the present invention disclosed herein is a special feature of the above-described connecting means comprising a combination of a spring damper with its first end attached to the inner shell and the other end attached to the outer shell or vehicle at the back of the occupant. The form is a “bungee sling”. During a frontal collision, the bungee sling allows limited forward movement of the occupant restrained by the occupant support and harness, thereby reducing peak acceleration of the rib cage and head during a frontal collision of the vehicle. Reduce. Other connecting means may continue to work during this movement or may be disconnected.

Another set of embodiments of the dynamic child seat according to the present invention is on the dynamic shell or movable shell to guide the dynamic shell or movable shell in a desired direction to reposition the child in the event of a collision. Use reactive bearings in both the back and side groups.

The rear bearings are spring mounted as shown to receive a vertical impact in the event of a collision, but immediately thereafter hold the seat in the desired orientation by dampening the energy of the impact. . The side bearing group is also a long spring axle group and is spring-loaded by a long spring axle group on which the side bearing group is mounted.

They are the basic measures used to mitigate such side impact conditions by reducing the peak acceleration of the occupant and relocating the occupant during a side impact.

The bungee sling at the back of the seat functions by deforming to allow the top of the seat to advance during a frontal collision. The bottom of the seat under the base is fixed to a pivot that allows this movement. This results in attenuation of the frontal collision load.

[Preferred Example-Dynamic Child Seat]
An example of a dynamic child seat that rotates about a substantially vertical axis during a side impact and advances during a front impact is controlled by a bungee sling. The drawing group shows the position of the seat shell in the event of a collision and also shows that it rotates away from the direction of the side collision. It also shows the placement of the frame on the base and a notch that engages the frame for lateral stability. Although the pillow pads that support the head in the lateral direction and the rear headrest are not shown, the rotational position of the seat shell indicates the left side arm of the head assembly that stabilizes the head in the event of a collision.

FIG. 36 shows an example of a dynamic child seat with a tether attachment that is marked with one or more pins that engage a sliding surface on the seat shell to allow rotation about the collision axis of rotation. The provided slide bar is shown. The groups of pins (not shown) (which can be spring-loaded) limit the vertical movement of the seat shell. It also shows a pair of legs that support the frame on both sides of the front. A transverse bar (not shown) engages the slot shown and is manually forward in front of the slot to release one of the slots in the two towers normally attached to the base. What can be pulled is spring-loaded to a position behind the slot, thereby changing the height of the front of the frame and the resulting slope. The pivot is for tilting the seat frame to a particularly backward position.

FIG. 37 shows the frame of the dynamic child seat. The illustrated upper and lower channels contain one spring damper assembly on each side.

The upper edge of one or both channels supporting the spring damper assembly has a slightly beveled upper surface with a lower leading edge and is a pin or flange attached to the seat to support the spring damper assembly When a pin or flange that lifts up on its side to move away from the impact, it is captured by a slot that prevents the seat from swinging and directs its energy to rotation about a substantially vertical axis. Like that. Also shown are slots that accommodate the front struts having slide surfaces and pins that run on the slide surfaces that are coaxial with the illustrated impact rotation pivot. The pin engages a slot in the slide surface to prevent vertical movement of the sheet at the edge during impact. The pin may be spring-loaded to return the collision energy to the seat for its rotation if the collision energy increases. Also shown is a pivot-collision axis of rotation that may have a spring mount to allow slight axial displacement to reposition the initial collision load that tends to rotate its seat about a horizontal axis. ing. In particular, the pivot is designed so that its axis bends or tilts forward during a frontal collision and operates in conjunction with the bungee sling to control the movement of the occupant during a frontal collision.

FIG. 38 shows the end of the upper channel that provides a reaction surface for the spring damper assembly during rotation of the frame following a side impact.

  FIG. 39 shows a cavity for a metal reinforcement that is an extension of the tether support. The metal strip extends in this embodiment to enclose the lower pivot hinge. This provides a rigid connection between the tether and the bottom pivot rod connected to the latch.

  FIG. 40 shows a headrest height adjusting arm in the dynamic child seat.

  Case 1: The actuating lever in the normal position is moved away from the back of the head assembly support stalk and is pushed down toward the headrest support stalk to release the pin and move the headrest.

  Case 2: In another embodiment, it comprises a pin positioned between its actuating lever and its pivot, the normal position of the actuating lever being adjacent to the head assembly support stalk to release the pins Pulled out.

  In case 1 above, the safety catch (which is pivotally or slidably attached to the stalk or the lever located halfway between the stalk and the lever, whose position is indicated by a color or mark for safety) Can be created.

  In case 2, the safety catch can be pivotally or slidably attached to the stalk to catch the lever for its safe position (using an annular one). The code is visible.

  The pivot for the height adjustment arm is usually spring-loaded to engage the socket hole in its normal position. The pivot in this embodiment is on its head assembly support stalk. However, it may also be supported on the seat shell with multiple sets of holes on the head assembly support stalk to allow for various heights.

  An actuating lever is shown.

  The pins engage with corresponding holes in the headrest support stalk where the height adjustment arm is attached. It also engages with such multiple sets of holes on the sheath of the seat shell that contains the head assembly support stalk, thereby providing a plurality of seat support stalk heights on the seat shell. Allows position.

  FIG. 41 is a head assembly support stalk in a dynamic child seat, illustrating a pivot for mounting a headrest height adjustment arm and a pivot support for mounting a rear headrest. The rear headrest is pivoted to allow a better fit to the back of the head and neck.

  The end of the side arm supports a pillow pad (not shown) that provides side support for the child's head and face. Many embodiments allow the fitting to pivot about a substantially vertical axis so that it can tilt back and thereby contain the head during a side impact.

Pin holes (not shown) are arranged in a row to receive pins on the headrest height adjustment arm. These same pin holes engage multiple sets of holes on the sheath at the back of the seat shell to allow multiple positions of the head assembly support stalk on the seat shell.

FIG. 42 is a seat shell assembly of a dynamic child seat,
A pin that engages one or both sides of the sheath on the seat shell that houses the head assembly support stalk;
An inner edge of a spring damper assembly that is secured to the seat shell (some embodiments have a flange that engages a slot on the frame with a slight clearance);
A headrest height adjustment arm;
The position of the right spring damper assembly in some embodiments (similar assemblies are in the left and lower positions as shown on the frame);
Head assembly support stalk is illustrated.

43 and 44 are dynamic child seat bases,
A notch that captures the frame at the lowest position (forward),
A pivot for tilting the frame when the seat is in a rearward position;
A pair of towers with notches engaging the transverse bars on the frame for various tilts of the frame on the base (the frame pivots at its rear pivot);
The side part chamfered for the car seat shape is illustrated.

Figure 45 is a dynamic child seat bungee sling assembly;
A bungee sling that widens to attenuate acceleration during a frontal collision (the rear center of the bungee sling is attached to the frame),
A bungee pin that slides in a bungee pin slot attached to the seat shell. The pin slides out during a side collision. During a frontal collision, the pin engages the slot to provide a reaction force. Some embodiments of the slot have a recess on the inner surface of the slot where the pin enters when the slot moves forward during a frontal collision, thereby allowing the pin to enter the slot. Fix it more firmly.

FIG. 46 is a dynamic child seat bungee sling assembly;
Shown is a bungee slot that engages a bungee pin during a frontal collision and allows the bungee pin to slide out of its side during a side collision.

  The bungee slot has a notch for preventing contact with the headrest height adjusting arm.

  The bungee slot support for the seat shell straddles the headrest assembly support stalk and the housing on the seat shell.

FIG. 47 is a bungee sling of a dynamic child seat.
Each of the two sides, each of the two sides attached to each of the frame and the seat shell in the middle,
One or more points for securing the bungee sling, and some embodiments show points where holes and securing pins are used.

  The side of the bungee sling expands when the two support points are pulled apart. These materials are designed to provide energy absorption and elastic properties to minimize occupant injury.

FIG. 48 is a dynamic child seat bungee slot.
A recess that, in this embodiment, engages the bungee pin to more securely secure the bungee pin during a frontal collision (the bungee pin is not engaged with the recess in the normal position). ),
And support points on the shell. The bungee slot is fixed at a point group straddling the head assembly support stalk. In other embodiments, if a slot is created in the head assembly support stalk, it can be secured closer to the center.

The notch prevents contact with the headrest height adjustment arm.

[Additional Examples]
Referring to the example of 11/639088, this example is an additional design designed to reposition the occupant support away from the impact upon entry of the vehicle near the vehicle support mechanism. It has the following features. One such embodiment is a push rod that has one end protruding from the side of the sub-base that is outside the seat facing the intrusion so that the main intrusion pushes down the push rod. Have Also, the other end of the push rod is designed to decouple the shock absorber fitting from its end 239B in FIG. 43 of the application. The push rod is supported by the sub-base body. Upon intrusion to push down the end of the push rod, the shock absorber is disconnected with the crash bar, and the shell with the occupant is as far as the end of the lateral bars on the subbase. Just slide freely on that slide group. Depressing the crash bar or the push rod alone also allows its repositioning to reduce catastrophic trauma.

Referring to the embodiment of 11/639088, this embodiment has the additional feature that the pillow pad pivots on its support shaft and is spring-damped for its movement. This is because the two pillow pads support the head and the head moves down around the occipital condyle and the spinal joint of the neck, thereby rotating the spring-damped pillow pads together with them. Provides additional shock absorption for the head in a frontal collision.

Referring to the embodiment of 11/639088, this embodiment has the additional feature that the pillow pad is spring damperd along its support axis. Thereby, the pillow pads are also configured to move laterally during a side impact to reduce peak acceleration and consequent injury.

[Outcomes, effects, and scope]
It will be apparent that the presented invention provides a new structure for greater convenience, comfort and safety for the user. Each of the embodiments has unique advantages and provides a new paradigm in the present invention.

Claims (12)

An occupant support system for a vehicle,
Depending on the inertial load by the occupant on the occupant support system, the reaction force of the occupant support system on the occupant is distributed over a greater surface area of the occupant and / or over a longer period of time. Configured to reposition the occupant, thereby reducing injury to the occupant,
The relocation includes rotation of the occupant about a substantially vertical axis in a side impact;
The relocation is achieved by at least one deformation of a plurality of connecting fingers each having two ends, the first end being attached to the inner shell and the second end being attached to the vehicle. Attached to the outer shell or seat frame to be attached,
Path before Symbol relocation is enabled by one or both of the difference between the difference and a cross section of deformation characteristics of the plurality of connection fingers, each connection finger, the first and spaced apart along a certain length The first end of each connection finger of the connection finger is attached to the inner shell that supports the occupant, and the second end of each connection finger of the connection finger The part is attached to an outer shell or seat frame attached to the vehicle, and the first end moves in a plurality of paths with a corresponding plurality of load distributions to the first end. Is made possible,
Crew support system. One of the connecting fingers includes a pivot;
The occupant support system according to claim 1. One of the connecting fingers includes a pair of sliding surfaces or rolling surfaces having at least one surface attached to the inner shell,
The occupant support system according to claim 1 or 2 . The relocation is realized by at least two variants of the connecting fingers ;
The occupant support system according to claim 1. The relative deformation of the two connecting fingers is realized by differential material properties,
The occupant support system according to claim 4 . The relative deformation of the two connecting fingers is achieved by differential shapes of the two connecting fingers,
The occupant support system according to claim 4 . Further comprising a bungee sling,
The occupant support system according to claim 1. An occupant support system as an air sleeper,
The posture that can be arbitrarily determined by the occupant is controlled by sliding of a slider on a rail that constitutes a frame of the air sleeper.
The occupant support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The attachment of the bungee sling to one of the inner shell and the outer shell or seat frame is rigid and the other of the attachments allows lateral movement during side impacts, but during front impacts By the engaging slide device,
The occupant support system according to claim 7 . The head support is attached to each of the side portions of the occupant's head, and is attached to one of the inner shell and the outer shell or the seat frame .
The occupant support system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . The head support on each of the two sides of the occupant's head is attached to a single sliding element slidably connected to the inner shell that is attached to the occupant's torso, thereby Allows for height variations,
The occupant support system according to claim 10 . An occupant support system as a child seat,
A height adjustment arm pivotably attached to the single slide element;
A series of holes in the slide element; and a pin that engages a plurality of corresponding series of holes in the inner shell that supports the occupant's torso;
Thereby enabling engagement with the pin in one of the series of holes of the inner shell attached to the occupant's torso to set the height of the head support.
The occupant support system according to claim 11 .

Images