WO1998013226A1 - Device for reducing the risk of injuries to the feet and legs of a person inside a vehicle - Google Patents

Device for reducing the risk of injuries to the feet and legs of a person inside a vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998013226A1
WO1998013226A1 PCT/EP1997/004788 EP9704788W WO9813226A1 WO 1998013226 A1 WO1998013226 A1 WO 1998013226A1 EP 9704788 W EP9704788 W EP 9704788W WO 9813226 A1 WO9813226 A1 WO 9813226A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gas
assigned
area
foot
seat
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP1997/004788
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Winfried Buss
Original Assignee
Pars Passive Rückhaltesysteme Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=7806898&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=WO1998013226(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Pars Passive Rückhaltesysteme Gmbh filed Critical Pars Passive Rückhaltesysteme Gmbh
Priority to AU43012/97A priority Critical patent/AU4301297A/en
Publication of WO1998013226A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998013226A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/42—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats
    • B60N2/427—Seats or parts thereof displaced during a crash
    • B60N2/42709—Seats or parts thereof displaced during a crash involving residual deformation or fracture of the structure
    • B60N2/42718—Seats or parts thereof displaced during a crash involving residual deformation or fracture of the structure with anti-submarining systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/42—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats
    • B60N2/4207—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats characterised by the direction of the g-forces
    • B60N2/4214—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats characterised by the direction of the g-forces longitudinal
    • B60N2/4221—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats characterised by the direction of the g-forces longitudinal due to impact coming from the front
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/42—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats
    • B60N2/427—Seats or parts thereof displaced during a crash
    • B60N2/42772—Seats or parts thereof displaced during a crash characterised by the triggering system
    • B60N2/4279—Seats or parts thereof displaced during a crash characterised by the triggering system electric or electronic triggering
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
    • B60N3/06—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of footrests
    • B60N3/066—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of footrests with protection systems against abnormal g-forces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/23—Inflatable members
    • B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
    • B60R2021/23169—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration specially adapted for knee protection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/23—Inflatable members
    • B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
    • B60R2021/23176—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration specially adapted for foot protection

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for reducing the risk of injury to the foot and leg area of a person sitting on a seat arranged in the interior of a vehicle in the event of an accident-related deformation of the footwell.
  • Passive restraint systems which have become known and in which airbags are used are particularly aimed at protecting the body of a vehicle occupant from the head to the thorax from immediately life-threatening injuries. Earlier systems are limited to the deployment of a driver and possibly a passenger airbag in the event of a frontal impact of the vehicle. Today's further developed systems also have side airbags in practice, which try to protect the head area of the vehicle occupant in particular.
  • the device has an airbag module assigned to the footwell with at least one gas bag, into which at least one gas generator assigned to this in response to a trigger signal suddenly introduces gas, whereupon it briefly fills the relevant footwell to a predetermined extent, in order to form a cushioning cushion for the foot area before the bulkhead intrudes into the vehicle interior.
  • the bulkhead is understood to be that wall of the body which separates the interior of the vehicle from the engine compartment.
  • the intrusion of the bulkhead into the vehicle interior occurs when the engine block is displaced in the direction of the vehicle interior in the event of a frontal impact of the vehicle, thereby deforming the bulkhead.
  • the footwell is briefly filled with a foot airbag.
  • This filling process should be triggered, for example, 10 to 15 msec after the impact in order to offer optimal damping protection.
  • the airbag in the footwell With the help of the airbag in the footwell, one is able to significantly minimize the otherwise high contact acceleration between the foot and the intruding bulkhead. This is especially true for the driver's right foot when it is on the brake pedal. With the help of the airbag in the footwell, however, it is also possible to reduce the risk of the foot collapsing, which is understood to mean a reduced angle between the foot and shin due to overstraining, by suitable placement of the airbag in the footwell. This reduction is primarily achieved by supporting the foot in the heel area on the airbag. For this reason, the contact forces on the heel can be effectively reduced.
  • the device also has an airbag module assigned to the knee area with at least one gas bag, into which at least one gas generator assigned to this in turn suddenly initiates gas upon a trigger signal, whereupon this is applied to the knees and optionally has a dampening effect on the lower leg area and forms a resistance to a further inertia-related movement in the direction of travel.
  • an airbag module assigned to the knee area with at least one gas bag, into which at least one gas generator assigned to this in turn suddenly initiates gas upon a trigger signal, whereupon this is applied to the knees and optionally has a dampening effect on the lower leg area and forms a resistance to a further inertia-related movement in the direction of travel.
  • the airbag module in the knee area should be located approximately at knee height, for example in the dashboard.
  • the combination of the foot airbag with the knee airbag allows further improvements in injury protection to be achieved.
  • the knee airbag is to be designed in such a way that in addition to the actual knee protection (i.e. the reduction in knee forces, knee accelerations, etc.), it also pushes back the lower leg. This further relieves the foot area.
  • the foot airbag lifts the foot by a certain distance so that when the lower leg area is moved back against the direction of travel, there is no longer any contact with the floor panel. Otherwise, this would cause an increase in the foot load due to the friction on the floor.
  • the aforementioned foot airbag and the knee airbag can be filled with gas from only one gas generator at the same time. This ensures that the at least two gas bags are inflated to their full size practically at the same time, so that they can develop a good protective effect.
  • the device has, in addition to the foot airbag, an airbag module associated with the thigh area with at least one gas bag, into which, in turn, an associated gas generator initiates gas in response to the trigger signal mentioned, this airbag module in the area of the the front seat edge is arranged in the vehicle seat such that the gas-filled gas bag lifts the thigh region of the vehicle occupant from the seat surface by a predeterminable distance.
  • This also makes one Collapse of the foot area is prevented, as well as counteracting further loads on the foot area.
  • the heel area of the foot will no longer rest on the floor plate, so that - as in the aforementioned embodiment - no increase in stress in the foot is caused by the friction on the floor plate.
  • the device provides an airbag module assigned to the knee area with at least one gas bag into which at least one gas generator assigned to it suddenly initiates gas upon a trigger signal, whereupon this has a damping effect on the knees and, if appropriate, on the lower leg area and a resistance forms against an inertia-related movement in the direction of travel and has an airbag module associated with the thigh area with at least one gas bag, into which at least one gas generator associated with this suddenly initiates gas in response to the trigger signal, which gas is arranged in the area of the front seat edge in the seat, such that that the gas-filled gas bag lifts the thigh area from the seat surface by a predeterminable distance.
  • the device according to the second proposed solution has the combination of the knee airbag and the thigh airbag from the first proposed solution.
  • the heel is lifted off the floor plate by lifting the thighs in a targeted manner.
  • the knee airbag moves the occupant's feet and legs away from the intruding bulkhead, reducing the stress.
  • the knee area in particular is to be protected, since knee contact with the dashboard could otherwise take place by lifting the thighs.
  • the knee airbag is provided to dampen this contact.
  • the device has all the elements, that is to say the foot airbag, the knee airbag and that Airbag associated with thigh area.
  • the interaction of all three elements enables all imaginable time sequences of the airbag filling and thus practically all conceivable protective effects.
  • the foot airbag has a special shape on the driver's seat side. It is proposed that the airbag module assigned to the footwell has an airbag which is divided into an area for the left foot and an area for the right foot. The area for the left foot protrudes further into the vehicle interior than the area for the right foot. This is characterized in such a way that the gas bag, viewed in projection from above, has two mutually offset regions, the region for the left foot extending further into the vehicle interior than the region for the right foot. This training takes into account the normal foot control of a driver. This increases the "accuracy" of the feet through the areas of the gas bag in the event of an impact and deployment of the airbag.
  • Fig. 1 shows the schematic view in the motor vehicle interior with a
  • FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 corresponding views with a further embodiment of the device according to FIGS. 1 and
  • Fig. 3 corresponding views with the device according to the second proposed solution.
  • the reference numerals 10 denote the vehicle seat, 11 the person sitting on the seat 10, 12 the foot area, 13 and 14 - as already mentioned - the bulkhead or the engine block, 15 the knee area of the person 11, 17 the floor wall and 18 the Foot rest in all drawing figures.
  • the airbag module 1 illustrates the first proposed solution, in which only one airbag module 1 is arranged in the footwell 12.
  • the airbag module 1 is arranged in a corner in the area between the floor panel 17 and the footrest 18, so that the heel area of the foot of the motor vehicle occupant 11 is supported on part of the airbag module of the airbag module, which is initially folded up.
  • the gas bag is suddenly filled with gas, so that the heel area is lifted off the floor plate 17, as is the rest of the foot from the footrest 18. Only then can the filled gas bag perform its damping function.
  • an airbag module 2 assigned to the knee area 15 is provided, which is shown schematically here as installed in the lower area of the dashboard. If the gas bag of the airbag module 2 is filled after an impact of the vehicle, the gas bag lies against the knee and possibly the lower leg area of the vehicle occupant 11 and presses it against the driving direction into a position in which, above all, the folding of the foot is avoided. In the present case, the heel area and the rest of the foot are lifted off the base plate 17 and the footrest 18.
  • the airbag of the airbag module 2 is preferably filled at the same time and forms a resistance to further advancement of the leg area (in the original direction of travel, that is to the right in FIG. 2).
  • 3 shows the second proposed solution according to the invention, in which no airbag module is arranged in the footwell 12. Instead, the combination of the aforementioned airbag module 2, which is assigned to the knee area 15 of the vehicle occupant 11, is shown here with a further airbag module 3, which is arranged in the area of the front seat edge 10 'of the seat.
  • the airbag module 3 is intended, after generation of the trigger signal, to fill the gas bag in question with gas, so that the thigh region 16 of the motor vehicle occupant 11 is lifted upward, to a predetermined extent by the filling characteristics of the gas bag.
  • the direct consequence of the lifting of the thigh area 16 is the lifting of the heel area from the base plate 17.
  • the filling of the airbag of the knee airbag module 2 results in the lifting of the remaining foot area from the footrest 18, so that in the event of intrusion of the bulkhead 13 due to the displacement of the engine block 14 There is hardly any direct contact between the foot and the vehicle parts inside the vehicle.
  • the invention is suitable for reducing the risk of injury in the foot and leg area of a vehicle occupant, which economically achieves cost savings and the personal well-being of a person involved in an accident can be increased due to the inadvertent nature of the foot and leg area.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Passenger Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

A device is disclosed for reducing the risk of injuries to the feet and legs of a person (11) sitting on a seat (10) inside a vehicle in the event of an accident causing the leg space (12) to be deformed. Among other measures, an airbag module (1) with at least one gas bag is associated to the leg space (12). At least one gas generator associated to the gas bag responds to a triggering signal by suddenly filling the gas bag with gas, so that the gas bag fills the leg space (12) in question in a short time and to a predetermined extent. The gas bag thus forms a shock-absorbing pad for the leg space before the splashboard (13) intrudes into the inside compartment of the vehicle.

Description

Einrichtung zur Verminderung der Verletzungsgefahr des Fuß- undDevice for reducing the risk of injury to the foot and
Beinbereiches einer Person im Inneren eines FahrzeugsLeg area of a person inside a vehicle
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Einrichtung zur Verminderung der Verletzungsgefahr des Fuß- und Beinbereiches einer auf einem im Inneren eines Fahrzeugs angeordneten Sitz sitzenden Person für den Fall einer unfallbedingten Verformung des Fußraumes.The present invention relates to a device for reducing the risk of injury to the foot and leg area of a person sitting on a seat arranged in the interior of a vehicle in the event of an accident-related deformation of the footwell.
Bislang bekannt gewordene passive Rückhaltesysteme, bei denen Airbags Verwendung finden, sind insbesondere darauf abgestellt, den Körper eines Fahrzeuginsassen vom Kopf bis zum Thorax vor unmittelbar lebensbedrohlichen Verletzungen zu schützen. Frühere Systeme sind beschränkt auf die Auslösung eines Fahrer- und gegebenenfalls eines Beifahrerairbags bei einem Frontalaufprall des Fahrzeugs. Heutige weiterentwickelte Systeme verfugen darüber hinaus in der Praxis schon über Seitenairbags, welche insbesondere den Kopfbereich des Fahrzeuginsassen zu schützen versuchen.Passive restraint systems which have become known and in which airbags are used are particularly aimed at protecting the body of a vehicle occupant from the head to the thorax from immediately life-threatening injuries. Earlier systems are limited to the deployment of a driver and possibly a passenger airbag in the event of a frontal impact of the vehicle. Today's further developed systems also have side airbags in practice, which try to protect the head area of the vehicle occupant in particular.
An den unteren Extremitäten, wie Fuß, Unterschenkel, Knie und Oberschenkel hingegen treten in der Regel keine unmittelbar lebensbedrohlichen Unfallverletzungen auf. Gleichwohl sind körperliche Schäden in diesem Bereich insofern problematisch, als diese Verletzungen hohe Folgekosten, wie beispielsweise Lohnausfallkosten, Operations-, Heilungs- und Rehabilitationskosten verursachen. Darüber hinaus ist der nicht bezifferbare Verlust an Lebensqualität für den jeweils Betroffenen, beispielsweise durch Invalidität, zu erwähnen. So fühπ beispielsweise eine Fraktur des Fersenbeines in der Regel zu einer Erwerbsminderung des Betroffenen um ca. 25 %. Da bereits ab 20% Erwerbsunfähigkeit eine Rente gezahlt wird, entstehen mit diesen Verletzungen hohe Kosten für den Betroffenen und die Allgemeinheit, was volkswirtschaftlich bedenklich ist.On the other hand, there are usually no immediately life-threatening accident injuries on the lower extremities, such as the foot, lower leg, knee and thigh. Nevertheless, physical damage in this area is problematic in that these injuries cause high consequential costs, such as loss of wages, surgery, healing and rehabilitation costs. In addition, the unquantifiable loss of quality of life for the person concerned, for example due to disability, should be mentioned. For example, a fracture of the heel bone usually leads to a reduction in the person's earning capacity by approx. 25%. Since a pension is already paid from 20% incapacity for work, also arise these injuries high costs for those affected and the general public, which is economically questionable.
Die bekannt gewordenen Druckschriften DE 43 02 891 AI und DE 295 17 953 Ul betreffen Knieschutzeinrichtungen, bei denen im Falle eines Aufpralls des Fahrzeugs Airbags im Kniebereich für einen Schutz der unteren Extremitäten sorgen sollen. Diese Vorschläge gehen also schon weiter als die üblichen Kopf- und Thorax-Airbags.The publications DE 43 02 891 AI and DE 295 17 953 Ul which have become known relate to knee protection devices in which airbags in the knee area are intended to protect the lower extremities in the event of a vehicle impact. So these suggestions go further than the usual head and thorax airbags.
Es gibt bereits auch einige Konzepte für den Schutz des Fußbereiches. Beispielsweise sei hier auf die DE 43 44 386 AI hingewiesen, in der die Entschärfung der Pedalerie bei einem Aufprall vorgeschlagen wird.There are already some concepts for protecting the foot area. For example, reference is made here to DE 43 44 386 AI, in which the defusing of the pedals is proposed in the event of an impact.
Die DE 35 31 805 AI schlägt eine energieabsorbierende Fußaufiage, beispielsweise aus Schaum, vor.DE 35 31 805 AI proposes an energy-absorbing foot layer, for example made of foam.
Letztlich sind die gemachten Vorschläge aus heutiger Sicht nicht ausreichend, um die persönlichen Beeinträchtigungen des Betroffenen sowie die volkswirtschaftlichen Schäden so gering wie irgendmöglich zu halten.Ultimately, from today's perspective, the suggestions made are not sufficient to keep the personal impairments of the person concerned and the economic damage as low as possible.
Demgemäß ist es die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, hier Abhilfe zu schaffen, d.h. eine Einrichtung der eingangs erwähnten Art zu schaffen, mit der das unfallbedingte Verletzungsrisiko des Fuß- und Beinbereiches des Fahrzeuginsassen erheblich reduziert werden kann.Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to remedy this, i.e. to create a device of the type mentioned above, with which the accident-related risk of injury to the foot and leg area of the vehicle occupant can be significantly reduced.
Gelöst wird diese Aufgabe durch eine Einrichtung gemäß dem Anspruch 1 , gemäß dem Anspruch 5 sowie dem Anspruch 6. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen 2 bis 4 und 7.This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1, claim 5 and claim 6. Advantageous further developments result from subclaims 2 to 4 and 7.
Gemäß dem ersten Lösungsvorschlag ist vorgesehen, daß die Einrichtung ein dem Fußraum zugeordnetes Airbagmodul mit wenigstens einem Gassack aufweist, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf ein Auslösesignal hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, woraufhin dieser den betreffenden Fußraum kurzzeitig in vorgegebenem Maße ausfüllt, um so ein dämpfendes Polster für den Fußbereich zu bilden, bevor die Spritzwand in das Fahrzeug innere intrudiert.According to the first proposed solution, it is provided that the device has an airbag module assigned to the footwell with at least one gas bag, into which at least one gas generator assigned to this in response to a trigger signal suddenly introduces gas, whereupon it briefly fills the relevant footwell to a predetermined extent, in order to form a cushioning cushion for the foot area before the bulkhead intrudes into the vehicle interior.
Zur Klarstellung sei ausgeführt, daß unter der Spritzwand jene Wand der Karosserie verstanden wird, welche das Fahrzeuginnere vom Motorraum abtrennt. Die Intrusion der Spritzwand in das Fahrzeuginnere tritt auf, wenn bei einem Frontalaufprall des Fahrzeugs der Motorblock in Richtung auf das Fahrzeuginnere verschoben wird und dabei die Spritzwand verformt.For clarification, it should be stated that the bulkhead is understood to be that wall of the body which separates the interior of the vehicle from the engine compartment. The intrusion of the bulkhead into the vehicle interior occurs when the engine block is displaced in the direction of the vehicle interior in the event of a frontal impact of the vehicle, thereby deforming the bulkhead.
Gemäß diesem ersten Lösungsvorschlag ist also vorgesehen, den Fußraum mit einem Fußairbag kurzzeitig auszufüllen. Dieser Füllvorgang sollte nach beispielsweise 10 bis 15 msec nach dem Aufprall ausgelöst werden, um optimalen Dämpfungsschutz zu bieten.According to this first proposed solution, the footwell is briefly filled with a foot airbag. This filling process should be triggered, for example, 10 to 15 msec after the impact in order to offer optimal damping protection.
Mit Hilfe des Airbags im Fußraum ist man in der Lage, die ansonsten hohe Kontaktbeschleunigung zwischen dem Fuß und der intrudierenden Spritzwand erheblich zu minimieren. Dies gilt insbesondere für den rechten Fuß des Fahrers, wenn dieser auf dem Bremspedal steht. Mit Hilfe des Airbags im Fußraum ist man jedoch ebenso in der Lage, die Gefahr einer Einklappung des Fußes, worunter ein verkleinerter Winkel zwischen Fuß und Schienbein aufgrund einer Überzerrung verstanden wird, durch geeignete Plazierung des Airbags im Fußraum zu reduzieren. Diese Reduktion erfolgt in erster Linie durch eine Abstützung des Fußes im Fersenbereich auf dem Airbag. Aus diesem Grunde können auch die Kontaktkräfte auf die Ferse wirkungsvoll reduziert werden.With the help of the airbag in the footwell, one is able to significantly minimize the otherwise high contact acceleration between the foot and the intruding bulkhead. This is especially true for the driver's right foot when it is on the brake pedal. With the help of the airbag in the footwell, however, it is also possible to reduce the risk of the foot collapsing, which is understood to mean a reduced angle between the foot and shin due to overstraining, by suitable placement of the airbag in the footwell. This reduction is primarily achieved by supporting the foot in the heel area on the airbag. For this reason, the contact forces on the heel can be effectively reduced.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung dieses ersten Lösungsvorschlages ist vorgesehen, daß die Einrichtung darüber hinaus ein dem Kniebereich zugeordnetes Airbagmodul mit wenigstens einem Gassack aufweist, in den wiederum wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf ein Auslösesignal hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, woraufhin dieser auf die Knie und gegebenenfalls auf den Unterschenkelbereich hin dämpfend einwirkt und einen Widerstand gegen eine weitere trägheitsbedingte, in Fahrtrichtung gerichtete Bewegung bildet. Insbesondere der letztere Aspekt ist von Relevanz, da hier- durch einer schon erwähnten Einklappung des Fußes entgegengewirkt werden kann.According to an advantageous further development of this first proposed solution, it is provided that the device also has an airbag module assigned to the knee area with at least one gas bag, into which at least one gas generator assigned to this in turn suddenly initiates gas upon a trigger signal, whereupon this is applied to the knees and optionally has a dampening effect on the lower leg area and forms a resistance to a further inertia-related movement in the direction of travel. The latter aspect in particular is of relevance, since it can counteract the aforementioned folding of the foot.
Das Airbagmodul im Kniebereich ist etwa in Kniehöhe, beispielsweise im Armaturenbrett, anzuordnen.The airbag module in the knee area should be located approximately at knee height, for example in the dashboard.
Die Kombination des Fußairbags mit dem Knieairbag läßt weitere Verbesserungen im Verletzungsschutz erzielen. Der Knieairbag ist dabei so auszulegen, daß er neben dem eigentlichen Knieschutz (d.h. also die Reduktion der Kniekräfte, der Kniebeschleunigungen, etc.), auch den Unterschenkel gezielt zurückschiebt. Hierdurch wird der Fußbereich weiter entlastet. Der Fußairbag hebt den Fuß um eine gewisse Distanz an, so daß es beim Zurückführen des Unterschenkelbereiches entgegen der Fahrtrichtung zu keinem Kontakt mehr mit dem Bodenblech kommt. Andernfalls würde dies nämlich eine Belastungserhϋhung im Fuß durch die Reibung auf dem Boden erzeugen.The combination of the foot airbag with the knee airbag allows further improvements in injury protection to be achieved. The knee airbag is to be designed in such a way that in addition to the actual knee protection (i.e. the reduction in knee forces, knee accelerations, etc.), it also pushes back the lower leg. This further relieves the foot area. The foot airbag lifts the foot by a certain distance so that when the lower leg area is moved back against the direction of travel, there is no longer any contact with the floor panel. Otherwise, this would cause an increase in the foot load due to the friction on the floor.
Der vorerwähnte Fußairbag und der Knieairbag können gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform von nur einem Gasgenerator gleichzeitig mit Gas befüllbar sein. Hierdurch ist gewährleistet, daß die zumindest beiden Gassäcke praktisch zeitgleich auf volle Größe aufgeblasen sind, um so eine gute Schutzwirkung entfalten können.According to a further embodiment, the aforementioned foot airbag and the knee airbag can be filled with gas from only one gas generator at the same time. This ensures that the at least two gas bags are inflated to their full size practically at the same time, so that they can develop a good protective effect.
Gemäß einer noch anderen Weiterbildung des ersten Lösungsvorschlages ist vorgesehen, daß die Einrichtung neben dem Fußairbag ein dem Oberschenkelbereich zugeordnetes Airbagmodul mit wenigstens einem Gassack aufweist, in den wiederum ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf das erwähnte Auslösesignal hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, wobei dieses Airbagmodul im Bereich der vorderen Sitzkante im Fahrzeugsitz angeordnet ist, derart, daß der gasbefüllte Gassack den Oberschenkelbereich des Fahrzeuginsassen um eine vorgebbare Distanz von der Sitzfläche abhebt. Auch hierdurch wird einer Einklappung des Fußbereiches vorgebeugt, sowie weiteren Belastungen des Fußbereiches entgegengewirkt. Durch die Anhebung des Oberschenkelbereiches wird der Fersenbereich des Fußes nicht mehr auf dem Bodenblech aufliegen, so daß - wie schon in der vorerwähnten Ausfuhrungsform - keine Belastungserhöhung im Fuß durch die Reibung auf dem Bodenblech erzeugt wird.According to yet another development of the first proposed solution, it is provided that the device has, in addition to the foot airbag, an airbag module associated with the thigh area with at least one gas bag, into which, in turn, an associated gas generator initiates gas in response to the trigger signal mentioned, this airbag module in the area of the the front seat edge is arranged in the vehicle seat such that the gas-filled gas bag lifts the thigh region of the vehicle occupant from the seat surface by a predeterminable distance. This also makes one Collapse of the foot area is prevented, as well as counteracting further loads on the foot area. By lifting the thigh area, the heel area of the foot will no longer rest on the floor plate, so that - as in the aforementioned embodiment - no increase in stress in the foot is caused by the friction on the floor plate.
Gemäß einem zweiten Lösungsvorschlag ist vorgesehen, daß die Einrichtung ein dem Kniebereich zugeordnetes Airbagmodul mit wenigstens einem Gassack, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf ein Auslösesignal hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, woraufhin dieser auf die Knie und gegebenenfalls auf den Unterschenkelbereich dämpfend einwirkt und einen Widerstand gegen eine weitere trägheitsbedingte, in Fahrtrichtung gerichtete Bewegung bildet und ein dem Oberschenkelbereich zugeordnetes Airbagmodul mit wenigstens einem Gassack aufweist, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf das Auslösesignal hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, welches im Bereich der vorderen Sitzkante im Sitz angeordnet ist, derart, daß der gasbefüllte Gassack den Oberschenkelbereich um eine vorgebbare Distanz von der Sitzfläche abhebt.According to a second proposed solution, the device provides an airbag module assigned to the knee area with at least one gas bag into which at least one gas generator assigned to it suddenly initiates gas upon a trigger signal, whereupon this has a damping effect on the knees and, if appropriate, on the lower leg area and a resistance forms against an inertia-related movement in the direction of travel and has an airbag module associated with the thigh area with at least one gas bag, into which at least one gas generator associated with this suddenly initiates gas in response to the trigger signal, which gas is arranged in the area of the front seat edge in the seat, such that that the gas-filled gas bag lifts the thigh area from the seat surface by a predeterminable distance.
Gemäß diesem Lösungsvorschlag ist also kein Fußairbag vorgesehen. Vielmehr weist die Einrichtung gemäß dem zweiten Lösungsvorschlag die Kombination aus dem Knieairbag und dem Oberschenkelairbag des ersten Lösungsvorschlages auf.According to this proposed solution, no foot airbag is provided. Rather, the device according to the second proposed solution has the combination of the knee airbag and the thigh airbag from the first proposed solution.
Wiederum wird durch das gezielte Anheben der Oberschenkel die Ferse vom Bodenblech angehoben. Wieder bewegt der Knieairbag die Füße und Beine der Insassen von der intrudierenden Spritzwand weg, wodurch die Belastungen verringert werden. Vorliegend ist insbesondere der Kniebereich zu schützen, da nämlich ansonsten durch das Anheben der Oberschenkel ein Kniekontakt mit dem Armaturenbrett stattfinden könnte. Um diesen Kontakt abzudämpfen, ist der Knieairbag vorgesehen.Again, the heel is lifted off the floor plate by lifting the thighs in a targeted manner. Again, the knee airbag moves the occupant's feet and legs away from the intruding bulkhead, reducing the stress. In the present case, the knee area in particular is to be protected, since knee contact with the dashboard could otherwise take place by lifting the thighs. The knee airbag is provided to dampen this contact.
Gemäß einem dritten Lösungsvorschlag ist vorgesehen, daß die Einrichtung alle Elemente aufweist, also den Fußairbag, den Knieairbag sowie den dem Oberschenkelbereich zugeordneten Airbag. Durch die Zusammenwirkung aller drei Elemente lassen sich alle erdenklichen zeitlichen Abfolgen des Airbagbefüllung und damit praktisch alle denkbaren Schutzwirkungen realisieren.According to a third proposed solution, it is provided that the device has all the elements, that is to say the foot airbag, the knee airbag and that Airbag associated with thigh area. The interaction of all three elements enables all imaginable time sequences of the airbag filling and thus practically all conceivable protective effects.
Alle drei Lösungsvorschläge lassen sich voπeilhaft dadurch weiterbilden, daß der Fußairbag auf der Fahrersitzseite eine spezielle Form aufweist. Es wird vorgeschlagen, daß das dem Fußraum zugeordnete Airbagmodul über einen Gassack verfügt, der in einen Bereich für den linken Fuß und in einen Bereich für den rechten Fuß unterteilt ist. Dabei ragt der Bereich für den linken Fuß weiter in das Fahrzeuginnere hinein als der Bereich für den rechten Fuß. Dies wird so charakterisieπ, daß der Gassack in Projektion von oben gesehen zwei gegeneinander versetzte Bereiche aufweist, wobei der Bereich für den linken Fuß weiter in das Fahrzeuginnere reicht als der Bereich für den rechten Fuß. Diese Ausbildung trägt der üblichen Fußsteüung eines Fahrers Rechnung. Damit wird die "Treffsicherheit" der Füsse durch die Bereiche des Gassacks im Falle eines Aufpralls und Auslösung des Airbags erhöht.All three proposed solutions can advantageously be further developed in that the foot airbag has a special shape on the driver's seat side. It is proposed that the airbag module assigned to the footwell has an airbag which is divided into an area for the left foot and an area for the right foot. The area for the left foot protrudes further into the vehicle interior than the area for the right foot. This is characterized in such a way that the gas bag, viewed in projection from above, has two mutually offset regions, the region for the left foot extending further into the vehicle interior than the region for the right foot. This training takes into account the normal foot control of a driver. This increases the "accuracy" of the feet through the areas of the gas bag in the event of an impact and deployment of the airbag.
Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand einiger Ausführungsformen beispielhaft näher erläutert. Hierbei zeigt:In the following, the invention is explained in more detail by way of example using some embodiments. Here shows:
Fig. 1 die schematische Ansicht in das Kraftfahrzeug innere mit einemFig. 1 shows the schematic view in the motor vehicle interior with a
Krafttährzeuginsassen vor (a) und nach (b) einem Frontalaufprall,Vehicle occupants before (a) and after (b) a frontal impact,
Fig. 2 entsprechende Ansichten mit einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Einrichtung gemäß Fig. 1. undFig. 2 corresponding views with a further embodiment of the device according to FIGS. 1 and
Fig. 3 entsprechende Ansichten mit der Einrichtung gemäß dem zweiten Lösungsvorschlag.Fig. 3 corresponding views with the device according to the second proposed solution.
Nachfolgend sind gleiche Teile mit denselben Bezugszeichen benannt. In allen Zeichnungsfiguren ist die Situation vor dem Aufprall in der jeweiligen linken Ansicht a dargestellt. Entsprechend zeigt die rechte Darstellung b die Situation nach dem Aufprall das Fahrzeug und nach dem Intrudieren der Spritzwand 13 in das Fahrzeuginnere, nachdem aufprallbedingt der Motorblock 14 die Spritzwand verformt hat.In the following, the same parts are named with the same reference symbols. The situation before the impact is shown in the respective left view a in all drawing figures. Correspondingly, the right illustration b shows the situation after the impact the vehicle and after the intrusion of the bulkhead 13 into the vehicle interior after the engine block 14 has deformed the bulkhead due to the impact.
Im übrigen bezeichnen die Bezugszeichen 10 den Fahrzeugsitz, 11 die auf dem Sitz 10 sitzende Person, 12 den Fußbereich, 13 und 14 - wie schon erwähnt - die Spritzwand bzw. den Motorblock, 15 den Kniebereich der Person 11 , 17 die Bodenwand und 18 die Fußablage in allen Zeichnungsfiguren.Otherwise, the reference numerals 10 denote the vehicle seat, 11 the person sitting on the seat 10, 12 the foot area, 13 and 14 - as already mentioned - the bulkhead or the engine block, 15 the knee area of the person 11, 17 the floor wall and 18 the Foot rest in all drawing figures.
Fig. 1 veranschaulicht den ersten Lösungsvorschlag, bei dem im Fußraum 12 lediglich ein Airbagmodul 1 angeordnet ist. Vorliegend ist das Airbagmodul 1 im Bereich zwischen dem Bodenblech 17 und der Fußablage 18 über Eck angeordnet, so daß sich der Fersenbereich des Fußes des Kraftfahrzeug insassen 11 auf einem Teil des zunächst zusammengefalteten Gassackes des Airbagmoduls abstützt. Bei einem Aufprall wird der Gassack schlagaHig mit Gas gefüllt, so daß auch der Fersenbereich vom Bodenblech 17 abgehoben wird, ebenso wie der übrige Fuß von der Fußablage 18. Erst hierdurch kann der befüllte Gassack seine dämpfende Funktion ausüben.1 illustrates the first proposed solution, in which only one airbag module 1 is arranged in the footwell 12. In the present case, the airbag module 1 is arranged in a corner in the area between the floor panel 17 and the footrest 18, so that the heel area of the foot of the motor vehicle occupant 11 is supported on part of the airbag module of the airbag module, which is initially folded up. In the event of an impact, the gas bag is suddenly filled with gas, so that the heel area is lifted off the floor plate 17, as is the rest of the foot from the footrest 18. Only then can the filled gas bag perform its damping function.
Dieser erste Lösungsvorschlag wird noch weiter voπeilhaft ausgebildet gemäß der Anordnung gemäß Fig. 2. Hier ist zusätzlich zu dem Airbagmodul 1 im Fußraum 12 ein dem Kniebereich 15 zugeordnetes Airbagmodul 2 vorgesehen, welches vorliegend als im unteren Bereich des Armaturenbretts eingebaut schematisch dargestellt ist. Wenn der Gassack des Airbagmoduls 2 nach einem Aufprall des Fahrzeugs befüllt wird, so legt sich der Gassack gegen das Knie und gegebenenfalls den Unterschenkelbereich des Fahrzeuginsassen 11 und drückt diese entgegen der Fahπrichtung in eine Position, in der vor allem die Einklappung des Fußes vermieden wird. Vorliegend wird also der Fersenbereich sowie der übrige Fuß von dem Bodenblech 17 und der Fußablage 18 abgehoben. Vorzugsweise gleichzeitig wird der Gassack des Airbagmoduls 2 befüllt und bildet einen Widerstand gegen ein weiteres Vorrücken des Beinbereiches (in ursprünglicher Fahrtrichtung, also in Fig. 2 nach rechts). Fig. 3 zeigt den zweiten Lösungsvorschlag gemäß der Erfindung, bei dem kein Airbagmodul im Fußraum 12 angeordnet ist. Anstelle dessen ist hier die Kombination aus dem schon vorerwähnten Airbagmodul 2, welches dem Kniebereich 15 des Fahrzeuginsassen 11 zugeordnet ist, mit einem weiteren Airbagmodul 3 dargestellt, welches im Bereich der vorderen Sitzkante 10' des Sitzes angeordnet ist. Das Airbagmodul 3 ist dazu bestimmt, nach Generierung des Auslösesignals den betreffenden Gassack mit Gas zu befüllen, so daß der Oberschenkelbereich 16 des Kraftfahrzeuginsassen 11 nach oben abgehoben wird, und zwar um ein durch die Befüllungscharakteristik des Gassackes vorbestimmbares Maß. Direkte Folge von dem Abheben des Oberschenkelbereiches 16 ist das Abheben des Fersenbereiches von dem Bodenblech 17. Die Befüllung des Gassackes des Knieairbagmoduls 2 hat das Abheben des übrigen Fußbereiches von der Fußablage 18 zur Folge, so daß bei Intrusion der Spritzwand 13 aufgrund der Verschiebung des Motorblockes 14 in das Fahrzeuginnere hinein kaum ein direkter Kontakt mehr zwischen dem Fuß und den Fahrzeugteilen stattfindet.This first proposed solution is further developed according to the arrangement according to FIG. 2. Here, in addition to the airbag module 1 in the footwell 12, an airbag module 2 assigned to the knee area 15 is provided, which is shown schematically here as installed in the lower area of the dashboard. If the gas bag of the airbag module 2 is filled after an impact of the vehicle, the gas bag lies against the knee and possibly the lower leg area of the vehicle occupant 11 and presses it against the driving direction into a position in which, above all, the folding of the foot is avoided. In the present case, the heel area and the rest of the foot are lifted off the base plate 17 and the footrest 18. The airbag of the airbag module 2 is preferably filled at the same time and forms a resistance to further advancement of the leg area (in the original direction of travel, that is to the right in FIG. 2). 3 shows the second proposed solution according to the invention, in which no airbag module is arranged in the footwell 12. Instead, the combination of the aforementioned airbag module 2, which is assigned to the knee area 15 of the vehicle occupant 11, is shown here with a further airbag module 3, which is arranged in the area of the front seat edge 10 'of the seat. The airbag module 3 is intended, after generation of the trigger signal, to fill the gas bag in question with gas, so that the thigh region 16 of the motor vehicle occupant 11 is lifted upward, to a predetermined extent by the filling characteristics of the gas bag. The direct consequence of the lifting of the thigh area 16 is the lifting of the heel area from the base plate 17. The filling of the airbag of the knee airbag module 2 results in the lifting of the remaining foot area from the footrest 18, so that in the event of intrusion of the bulkhead 13 due to the displacement of the engine block 14 There is hardly any direct contact between the foot and the vehicle parts inside the vehicle.
Die Erfindung eignet sich - wie erwähnt - zur Reduzierung der Verletzungsgefahren im Fuß- und Beinbereich eines Fahrzeuginsassen, womit volkswirtschaftlich eine Kostenentlastung erreicht und das persönliche Wohlbefinden eines Unfallbeteiligten aufgrund der Unversehπheit des Fuß- und Beinbereiches gesteigert werden kann. As mentioned, the invention is suitable for reducing the risk of injury in the foot and leg area of a vehicle occupant, which economically achieves cost savings and the personal well-being of a person involved in an accident can be increased due to the inadvertent nature of the foot and leg area.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Einrichtung zur Verminderung der Verletzungsgefahr des Fuß- und Beinbereiches einer auf einem im Inneren eines Fahrzeugs angeordneten Sitz (10) sitzenden Person (11) für den Fall einer unfällbedingten Verformung des Fußraumes (12), aufweisend ein dem Fußraum (12) zugeordnetes Airbagmodul (1) mit wenigstens einem Gassack, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf ein Auslösesignal hin schlagaπig Gas einleitet, woraufhin dieser den betreffenden Fußraum (12) kurzzeitig in vorgegebenem Maße ausfüllt, um so ein dämpfendes Polster für den Fußbereich zu bilden, bevor die Spritzwand (13) in das Fahrzeuginnere intrudiert (Fig.1).1. A device for reducing the risk of injury to the foot and leg area of a person (11) sitting on a seat (10) arranged in the interior of a vehicle in the event of an accident-induced deformation of the footwell (12), comprising an airbag module assigned to the footwell (12) (1) with at least one gas bag into which at least one gas generator assigned to it suddenly initiates gas in response to a trigger signal, whereupon the latter briefly fills the relevant footwell (12) to a predetermined extent so as to form a cushioning cushion for the foot area before the Bulkhead (13) intruded into the vehicle interior (Fig.1).
2. Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1, darüber hinaus aufweisend ein dem Kniebereich (15) zugeordnetes Airbagmodul (2) mit wenigstens einem Gassack, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf ein Auslösesignal hin schlagaπig Gas einleitet, woraufhin dieser auf die Knie und gegebenenfalls auf den Unterschenkelbereich dämpfend und einen Widerstand gegen eine weitere trägheitsbedingte, in Fahrtrichtung gerichtete Bewegung bildend einwirkt (Fig. 2).2. Device according to claim 1, further comprising an airbag module (2) assigned to the knee region (15) with at least one gas bag, into which at least one gas generator associated with this initiates gas in response to a trigger signal, whereupon the latter on the knees and optionally on the Lower leg area dampens and forms a resistance to a further inertia-related movement in the direction of travel (Fig. 2).
3. Einrichtung nach Anspruch 2, wobei die wenigstens beiden Gassäcke von nur einem Gasgenerator gleichzeitig mit Gas befüllbar sind.3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the at least two gas bags can be filled with gas at the same time by only one gas generator.
4. Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , darüber hinaus aufweisend ein dem Oberschenkelbereich zugeordnetes Airbagmodul (3) mit wenigstens einem Gassack, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf das Auslösesignal hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, welches im Bereich der vorderen Sitzkante (10') im Sitz (10) angeordnet ist, derart, daß der gasbefüllte Gassack den Oberschenkelbereich (16) um eine vorgebbare Distanz von der Sitzfläche (10) abhebt. 4. Device according to claim 1, further comprising an airbag module (3) assigned to the thigh area and having at least one gas bag, into which at least one gas generator assigned to this suddenly initiates gas upon the trigger signal, which gas is located in the area of the front seat edge (10 ') in the seat (10) is arranged such that the gas-filled gas bag lifts the thigh region (16) from the seat surface (10) by a predeterminable distance.
5. Einrichtung zur Verminderung der Verletzungsgefahr des Fuß- und5. Device to reduce the risk of injury to the foot and
Beinbereiches einer auf einem im Inneren eines Fahrzeugs angeordneten Sitz (10) sitzenden Person (11) für den Fall einer unfallbedingten Verformung des Fußraumes (12), aufweisend ein dem Kniebereich (15) zugeordnetes Airbagmodul (2) mit wenigstens einem Gassack, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf ein Auslösesignal hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, woraufhin dieser auf die Knie und gegebenenfalls auf den Unterschenkelbereich dämpfend und einen Widerstand gegen eine weitere trägheitsbedingte, in Fahrtrichtung gerichtete Bewegung bildend einwirkt und ein dem Oberschenkelbereich ( 16) zugeordnetes Airbagmodul (3) mit wenigstens einem Gassack, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf das Auslösesignal hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, welches im Bereich der vorderen Sitzkante (10') im Sitz ( 10) angeordnet ist, derart, daß der gasbefüllte Gassack den Oberschenkelbereich (16) um eine vorgebbare Distanz von der Sitzfläche (10) abhebt (Fig. 3).Leg area of a person (11) sitting on a seat (10) arranged in the interior of a vehicle in the event of an accident-related deformation of the footwell (12), comprising an airbag module (2) assigned to the knee area (15) with at least one gas bag, in which at least one a gas generator assigned to this suddenly initiates gas in response to a trigger signal, whereupon this acts on the knees and possibly on the lower leg region and acts as a resistance to a further inertia-related movement directed in the direction of travel, and an airbag module (3) assigned to the thigh region (16) at least one gas bag into which at least one gas generator assigned to it suddenly initiates gas upon the trigger signal, which gas is arranged in the region of the front seat edge (10 ') in the seat (10), such that the gas-filled gas bag extends the thigh region (16) by one predeterminable distance from the seat surface (10) (Fig. 3).
6. Einrichtung zur Verminderung der Verletzungsgefahr des Fuß- und6. Device to reduce the risk of injury to the foot and
Beinbereiches einer auf einem im Inneren eines Fahrzeugs angeordneten Sitz (10) sitzenden Person (11) für den Fall einer unfallbedingten Verformung des Fußraumes (12), aufweisendLeg area of a person (11) seated on a seat (10) arranged in the interior of a vehicle, in the event of an accident-related deformation of the footwell (12)
ein dem Fußraum (12) zugeordnetes Airbagmodul (1) mit wenigstens einem Gassack, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf ein Auslösesignal hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, woraufhin dieser den betreffenden Fußraum (12) kurzzeitig in vorgegebenem Maße ausfüllt, um so ein dämpfendes Polster für den Fußbereich zu bilden, bevor die Spritzwand (13) in das Fahrzeuginnere intrudiert. ein dem Kniebereich (15) zugeordnetes Airbagmodul (2) mit wenigstens einem Gassack, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf ein Auslösesignai hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, woraufhin dieser auf die Knie und gegebenenfalls auf den Unterschenkelbereich dämpfend und einen Widerstand gegen eine weitere trägheitsbedingte, in Fahrtrichtung gerichtete Bewegung bildend einwirkt undan airbag module (1) assigned to the footwell (1) with at least one gas bag into which at least one gas generator assigned to it suddenly introduces gas in response to a trigger signal, whereupon this briefly fills the footwell (12) in question to a predetermined extent, in order to provide a cushioning cushion to form for the foot area before the bulkhead (13) intrudes into the vehicle interior. an airbag module (2) assigned to the knee area (15) with at least one gas bag, into which at least one gas generator assigned to this suddenly introduces gas upon a trigger signal, whereupon this dampens the knees and, if appropriate, the lower leg area and provides resistance to a further inertia-related acts in the direction of travel and forms
ein dem Oberschenkelbereich (16) zugeordnetes Airbagmodul (3) mit wenigstens einem Gassack, in den wenigstens ein diesem zugeordneter Gasgenerator auf das Auslösesignal hin schlagartig Gas einleitet, welches im Bereich der vorderen Sitzkante (10') im Sitz (10) angeordnet ist, derart, daß der gasbefüllte Gassack den Oberschenkelbereich (16) um eine vorgebbare Distanz von der Sitzfläche (10) abhebt.an airbag module (3) assigned to the thigh area (16) with at least one gas bag into which at least one gas generator assigned to the gas suddenly initiates upon the trigger signal, which is arranged in the area of the front seat edge (10 ') in the seat (10), such that the gas-filled gas bag lifts the thigh region (16) from the seat surface (10) by a predeterminable distance.
7. Einrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4 und 6. bei der das7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4 and 6. in which the
Airbagmodul (1) für den Fußraum (12) des Fahrersitzes (10) über einen Gassack verfügt, der in Projektion von oben zwei gegeneinander versetzte, jeweils einem Fuß zugeordnete Bereiche aufweist, von denen der dem linken Fuß zugeordnete Bereich weiter in des Fahrzeug innere reicht als der dem rechten Fuß zugeordnete Bereich. Airbag module (1) for the footwell (12) of the driver's seat (10) has a gas bag which, when projected from above, has two mutually offset areas, each assigned to a foot, of which the area assigned to the left foot extends further into the interior of the vehicle than the area assigned to the right foot.
PCT/EP1997/004788 1996-09-26 1997-09-03 Device for reducing the risk of injuries to the feet and legs of a person inside a vehicle WO1998013226A1 (en)

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DE1996139467 DE19639467C1 (en) 1996-09-26 1996-09-26 Shield for foot and leg of car occupant in leg space with air bag
DE19639467.8 1996-09-26

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