Module basic components for vehicle occupant protection systems and vehicle occupant protection systems

Abstract

The present invention describes a modular base element (2) for a vehicle occupant protection system (10), the modular base element comprising at least one modular carrier (4) for receiving at least one airbag module (30), wherein the airbag module (30) includes at least one airbag (34, 46) connected to a gas source, particularly a gas generator, and the modular base element includes a hinge arm (6) having at least one hinge element (8) such that the modular carrier (4) can be moved from an idle position to an operating position and from an operating position to an idle position, and the modular base element includes a thigh restraint element. The present invention further describes a vehicle occupant protection system (10) for protecting a vehicle occupant (18) in a vehicle seat (14), the vehicle occupant protection system including at least one restraint element, wherein the at least one restraint element of the vehicle occupant protection system (10) is disposed in the modular base element (2) according to the present invention.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular base element for a vehicle occupant protection system, a vehicle occupant protection system, and a vehicle seat. Background Technology

[0002] In autonomous or self-driving mode, the driver will no longer need to constantly monitor the system, or more precisely, the vehicle. Instead, the vehicle will automatically perform functions such as giving instructions, changing lanes, and keeping lanes. This allows the driver to adopt a comfortable position for him / her at any seat adjustment within the predetermined seat adjustment range.

[0003] Furthermore, new vehicle concepts allow for new interior designs, such as new steering wheel concepts or new vehicle seat concepts. For example, vehicle concepts are known in which the front passenger seats or rear passenger seats are arranged to be rotatable about a vertical axis within the vehicle interior. Additionally, for autonomous or self-driving vehicles, there may be an option where even the driver can rotate his / her seat about a vertical axis.

[0004] One consequence of these changes is that it is no longer possible to develop vehicle occupant protection concepts for specific standard vehicle seat positions as is the case today. Instead, occupants are given greater freedom regarding their seating and position within the vehicle. In particular, this allows for seating positions that certainly exceed the previously standard range of vehicle seat positions. Consequently, the position of a vehicle occupant relative to safety systems typically rigidly mounted on the vehicle structure (such as seat belts and airbags) is variable during driving, and the distance may increase significantly depending on the situation compared to the standard range. Furthermore, the relative position of the vehicle occupant may deviate, causing the occupant to move beyond the effective range of safety systems mounted on the vehicle structure.

[0005] Known solutions to these problems include, for example, airbags with increased volume or adaptable airbags via vents or switchable tethers designed to be switchable under appropriate conditions. However, increasing the size of an inflatable airbag system is limited by various factors. For example, an increased airbag volume or effective range results in a longer time required to reach the airbag's effective position. Furthermore, even when the airbag system is tightly mounted in the vehicle structure and has a modified airbag geometry, situations may arise where the relative position of the vehicle occupants is outside the effective range of the airbag system mounted on the vehicle structure, such as when the vehicle seat rotates about a vertical axis.

[0006] In the field of seat belts, integrated seat belt systems are known, which offer advantages in terms of deviation from the standard position in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. However, even such integrated seat belt systems cannot, to any extent, safely prevent vehicle occupants from sliding forward under the lap belt (so-called slippage) in the reclined position of the vehicle seat. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide an element for a vehicle occupant protection system, by means of which adequate protection is ensured for vehicle occupants regardless of the vehicle seat position, particularly in a reclined position, where sufficient restraint protection can be guaranteed. Another object of this invention is that such an element is functional and easy to use.

[0008] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle occupant protection system that can ensure adequate protection for vehicle occupants under constrained conditions regardless of the vehicle seat position.

[0009] The modular base element for a vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention includes at least one module carrier for receiving at least one airbag module. The airbag module includes at least one airbag connected to a gas source. This gas source can be, for example, a gas generator. Alternatively, the gas source can also be a central gas supply unit operatively connected to another airbag. Such a gas supply unit can preferably be used to inflate multiple airbags under restraint. For example, such a gas supply unit can even be arranged externally to the modular base element, wherein airbags disposed within the modular base element are connected to the gas supply unit via connecting lines.

[0010] Furthermore, the module base element according to the invention includes a hinged bracket comprising at least one hinge element. Via this hinged bracket including the hinge element, the module carrier can be moved from an idle position to (in particular, rotated to) an operating position, and from the operating position to an idle position.

[0011] The modular base element according to the invention further includes a thigh restraint element. In a typical embodiment, the thigh restraint element is disposed in or on the module carrier of the modular base element. The thigh restraint element, when restrained, prevents or at least significantly reduces movement of the pelvis of the vehicle occupant. In this way, it can prevent the vehicle occupant from sliding under the seat belt when restrained. Alternatively, for example, it can prevent the vehicle occupant from sliding under the module carrier of the modular base element.

[0012] When restrained, the thigh restraint element can move downward and / or extend, particularly in the direction of the vehicle occupant's thigh. Alternatively or additionally, when restrained, the thigh restraint element can move downward and / or extend diagonally downward, particularly in the direction of the vehicle occupant's pelvic region. As an alternative or supplement to downward and / or diagonally downward extension and / or movement, the thigh restraint element can move rearward and / or extend, particularly in the direction of the vehicle occupant's abdominal region, when restrained. The thigh restraint element is preferably arranged in the lower and / or rearward region of the module carrier. Alternatively, the thigh restraint element can be formed on the lower and / or rearward side of the module carrier.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the module base element further includes torso and head restraint elements adapted to restrict movement of the torso and head of the vehicle occupant, and thus also limit acceleration forces acting on the torso and head. In a preferred embodiment, the torso and head restraint elements are formed from an airbag module including a front airbag.

[0014] In one embodiment, the idle location helps to describe the location of the unused module carrier of the module base element. In this location, the module carrier of the module base element installed in the vehicle is arranged, for example, next to a vehicle seat. In a preferred embodiment, in the idle location, the module carrier is housed in and / or forms part of the center console, or is arranged as a center console between two vehicle seats. The articulated bracket and hinge of the module base element can be configured such that, in the idle location, in the center console, the rear or upper side of the module base element preferably points upward.

[0015] Furthermore, in its idle position, the module base element can be arranged or housed in the dashboard. Preferably, in this embodiment, the module base element is arranged in the dashboard in its idle position, such that the upper side faces the vehicle occupants.

[0016] In addition, in the unused position, the modular base element can be arranged or housed in and / or below the vehicle seat, which is arranged in the seat row in front of the vehicle seat to which the modular base element is assigned.

[0017] Alternatively, the idle location describes the following module carrier location: the module base element is arranged away from the vehicle seat so that the vehicle occupant can sit in the vehicle seat or get up from the vehicle seat.

[0018] The operating position helps describe the location of the module carrier in use for the module's basic components. In this position, the module carrier is positioned in front of the vehicle occupant. Preferably, the module carrier is positioned in front of the vehicle occupant such that its lower side is above the thigh. In the operating position, the rearward side of the module carrier facing the vehicle occupant is preferably located in front of the occupant's abdomen. The transition area from the lower outer side of the module carrier to the rearward side facing the vehicle occupant is preferably arranged diagonally above the occupant's pelvis.

[0019] In one embodiment, the modular base element is arranged on the vehicle seat. Specifically, the modular base element according to the invention is assigned to the vehicle seat. This modular base element can be configured not to be arranged in the vehicle seat or in a structural portion pre-assembled with the vehicle seat as a sub-assembly, but can be installed independently of the vehicle seat. Preferably, a corresponding modular base element is assigned to several (e.g., all) vehicle seats within the vehicle.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the thigh restraint element is formed from an airbag module including a thigh restraint airbag. Preferably, the module base element further includes another airbag module including a front airbag. In another embodiment, a single airbag module includes both a thigh restraint airbag and a front airbag.

[0021] The thigh restraint airbag, when deployed and inflated, extends from the module carrier to the pelvic region of the vehicle occupant. Alternatively or additionally, the thigh restraint airbag, when deployed and inflated, extends from the module carrier toward the thigh. Furthermore, the thigh restraint airbag may extend to the abdominal region of the vehicle occupant when deployed and inflated. Therefore, it is particularly effective in preventing or at least significantly reducing forward movement of the vehicle occupant's pelvis. Thus, under restraint, on the one hand, it prevents the vehicle occupant from sliding under the seatbelt and / or under the module carrier. On the other hand, it allows the vehicle occupant to participate in the overall deceleration of the vehicle earlier.

[0022] In one embodiment, the thigh restraint airbag or the airbag module of the modular carrier includes a predetermined break point, such that, under restraint, the thigh restraint airbag can exit the modular carrier, and more precisely, exit the airbag module and deploy. In another embodiment, the modular carrier or airbag module with thigh restraint elements is configured such that the thigh restraint airbag is inflated within the expandable shell of the modular carrier or airbag module and therefore does not exit the modular carrier. In this case, by inflating the thigh restraint airbag, the modular carrier expands toward the pelvic region of the vehicle occupant.

[0023] Alternatively, the thigh restraint element may be in the form of a thigh restraint body or may include a thigh restraint body. The thigh restraint body is configured and supported within the module carrier or thigh restraint element such that it can move toward the pelvis when restrained, and more specifically, can move to the pelvic region of the vehicle occupant. Alternatively, the module carrier itself may form the thigh restraint body and be movable toward the vehicle occupant when restrained. The resulting effect is equivalent to that described in detail prior to the discussion of thigh restraint airbags. For this purpose, the thigh restraint body may be operatively connected to, for example, an airbag integrated into the module carrier or to, for example, a tensioning unit integrated into the module base element. This tensioning unit may be at least partially integrated and / or disposed in a hinged bracket of the module base element.

[0024] A front airbag, in the form of a torso and head restraint element, extends upward from the module carrier in its deployed and inflated state, thereby restricting movement of the vehicle occupant's head and torso. Preferably, the front airbag module is arranged within the module carrier in the region of the module carrier facing the vehicle occupant rearward and / or above it. Preferably, the front airbag module is arranged within the module carrier such that the front airbag can rest on / on the outer surface of the module carrier in its deployed and inflated state. The front airbag can be designed as an airbag having one or more chambers, wherein each chamber can be formed by spacers and / or separation seams integrated into the airbag and / or by separate interconnected air cushions.

[0025] To activate the airbag module and / or thigh restraint element, the module base element preferably includes a control element. This control element may be, for example, in the form of an interface unit, via which these different restraint elements of the module base element can be connected to a controller of the vehicle occupant protection system and / or the vehicle control system.

[0026] Alternatively, the control element can be a separate controller, particularly a separate control device, located within the module's basic components. This separate controller may include its own sensor elements for determining constraint conditions. Alternatively or additionally, this separate controller may detect the necessary data for determining the constraint conditions of additional sensor elements used to determine the vehicle's, particularly the vehicle's occupant protection system. For this purpose, the separate controller of the control element can be coupled to the sensor elements via an interface unit.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the control element activates the constraint elements of the module base element, particularly the thigh constraint elements and / or the torso and head constraint elements, only when the module carrier is in the operating position.

[0028] Furthermore, the module's basic components may include a central airbag module that can only be deployed when the module carrier is in an idle position. This central airbag module preferably includes a distal side airbag that helps prevent a vehicle occupant from being ejected from their seat or from colliding with structural components inside the vehicle or with occupants of another vehicle, for example, in the event of a side impact or a tilted frontal collision.

[0029] In another embodiment, the front airbag module is configured such that, in an idle position of the module carrier, the front airbag can take over the function of the lateral airbag on the distal side.

[0030] In particular, in this embodiment, the front airbag may include, for example, a torso airbag and a head airbag. The torso airbag and the head airbag may form separately inflatable cushions, which are fastened to each other in a connecting area and are fluidly connected. The head airbag is preferably fastened to the upper region of the torso airbag on the side closer to the vehicle occupant. In this way, an airbag is formed in which the head airbag is connected to the torso airbag in the vertical direction of the vehicle as an element that extends the torso airbag upward and toward the vehicle occupant. The upper region of the torso airbag on the side closer to the vehicle occupant preferably describes the upper 40% of the longitudinal extension of the torso airbag in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Similarly, the lateral airbag on the distal side of a separate central airbag module may be constructed as described above. Alternatively and / or furthermore, the front airbag and / or the lateral airbag on the distal side may be placed and maintained in place by suitable means such as a fastener disposed within or at the airbag. This type of tether can be designed to be actively controllable.

[0031] Preferably, the module carrier is also in the form of a constraint element. In this embodiment, the module carrier is in the form of a spring-loaded element and has at least a partial energy-absorbing structure, or is at least partially composed of an energy-absorbing material.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the module carrier includes a user interface. The user interface may be a control panel and / or a screen, particularly a touch display. The user interface may be, for example, a touch display disposed on the upper side of the module carrier. In one embodiment, the display providing the user interface may at least partially form the module cover of the front airbag module. Such an airbag unit including an airbag module, whose airbag module cover includes a display, is described in detail in DE 10 2017 106 240 A1, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively or additionally, the module carrier may include a terminal or interface for electronic mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, and / or smartphones. The user interface is preferably coupled to a vehicle control system, enabling control of various vehicle functions via the user interface.

[0033] The user interface integrated into the modular carrier can be designed to enable, for example, cloud computing. This allows the user interface to communicate with the vehicle occupants' user devices or any other network. Therefore, the vehicle occupants can work and / or access the network, for example, via the user interface, especially when the modular carrier is in its operational position.

[0034] In a typical exemplary embodiment, the module carrier of the module base element is mechanically, electromechanically and / or electrically adjustable, and in particular pivotable, via a module carrier adjustment mechanism.

[0035] The modular carrier adjustment mechanism facilitates the adjustment of the modular carrier, particularly from the idle position to the operating position and vice versa. Furthermore, in the operating position, when adjusting the vehicle seat, the modular carrier's position relative to the vehicle occupants can be adjusted using the modular carrier adjustment mechanism.

[0036] In one embodiment, the module base element may further include sensor elements. These sensor elements are coupled to the module carrier adjustment mechanism, enabling the module carrier to be automatically adjusted to the optimal possible operating position relative to the vehicle occupants by means of data sensed by these sensor elements.

[0037] Preferably, the module base element further includes a retention element. This retention element allows the module carrier to be locked in an operating position. Preferably, the retention element can also be used to lock the module carrier in an idle position. For this purpose, the retention element is constructed, for example, on a vehicle seat and / or a vehicle structure corresponding to a retention element holder.

[0038] The articulated bracket of the modular base element preferably includes a connecting element for attaching the modular base element to a vehicle structural element. The modular base element can be fastened to a vehicle seat, for example, via this connecting element. Alternatively, the connecting element can also be fastened to the vehicle body.

[0039] The fastening of the modular base element and the articulated bracket and / or retaining element is preferably designed such that the modular carrier of the modular base element has the same degrees of freedom and adjustment options as the vehicle seat to which the modular base element is assigned. This allows for adjustment of the position of the modular carrier relative to the vehicle occupants when adjusting the vehicle seat.

[0040] To allow for position adjustment via the module carrier adjustment mechanism, the articulated bracket, retaining element, and / or retaining element holder can be a telescopic element, such as a telescopic rod. The adjustment mechanism of the telescopic element can be further operatively connected to a tensioning unit, particularly a pretensioner and / or a tensioning device. The pretensioner and / or tensioning device can assist in moving the module carrier, especially under restraint, closer to the vehicle occupants, particularly closer to the area of ​​their pelvis.

[0041] The pretensioner may include, for example, an electric and / or electromechanical adjustment mechanism that allows the modular carrier to be reversibly applied to the vehicle occupants. For example, in a potentially hazardous situation (before impact), the modular carrier can be pre-moved closer to the vehicle occupants by the reversible pretensioner, and thus restraint can be improved in the event of subsequent restraint. Furthermore, using such a reversible pretensioner allows the vehicle occupants greater freedom of movement under the operating conditions of the modular base elements, and thus improves comfort.

[0042] For example, the restraint mechanism may include a pyrotechnic adjustment mechanism. The restraint mechanism is not activated until a constraint condition is detected by the control elements and / or the vehicle control system. Preferably, the restraint mechanism is activated in conjunction with the activation of other constraint elements of the module's basic components.

[0043] In another embodiment, a belt and / or rope system connected to the tensioning unit may be integrated into the retention element retainer and / or the articulated bracket. Therefore, tensioning units whose seatbelt systems (e.g., seatbelt tensioners, end-fitting tensioners, and / or seatbelt buckle tensioners) have known system structures can be used in particular. Furthermore, the retention element and retention element retainer may be configured to be made of a belt system.

[0044] The connecting element may further include an interface for connecting the control element and / or the module carrier adjustment mechanism of the module base element to the vehicle control system. Preferably, the module carrier adjustment mechanism may be connected and coupled to the vehicle seat adjustment mechanism. The coupling of the module carrier adjustment mechanism and the vehicle seat adjustment mechanism helps to automatically and evenly adjust the position of the module carrier when the seat position is adjusted. Alternatively, the adjustment of the module base element can be controlled independently of the vehicle seat adjustment mechanism via the values / data of sensor elements disposed in the module base element.

[0045] Preferably, the user interface, especially the position of the display, can automatically and evenly adapt to the vehicle seat position and tilt, so that vehicle occupants can comfortably use the user interface in addition to the preferred optimal protection potential.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention includes a vehicle occupant protection system for protecting vehicle occupants by means of at least one, preferably several, restraint elements. In the vehicle occupant protection system, at least one restraint element is disposed in a modular basic element according to the present invention.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, each vehicle seat is assigned a modular base element according to the invention. Alternatively, the modular base element according to the invention may be assigned only to a specific vehicle seat. The modular base element is preferably connected to the vehicle structure or vehicle seat, particularly the vehicle seat structure, via connecting elements. Preferably, the modular base element may be configured not to be disposed in the vehicle seat or a structural portion pre-assembled with the vehicle seat as a sub-assembly, but may be installed independently of the vehicle seat.

[0048] In typical embodiments, known vehicle occupant protection systems in the prior art include known restraint elements, such as seat belt systems and airbag modules tightly mounted on the vehicle structure. These restraint elements function as known to date when the vehicle seats are in a standard position and the module base element is in an idle position. In the idle position, the module base element, particularly the module carrier, is preferably arranged next to the vehicle seats. In this idle position, the module carrier can be integrated into, for example, the center console, or can function as the center console.

[0049] As an alternative, the idle position describes a location where the modular carrier of the modular base element is spaced apart from the vehicle seat and arranged to allow vehicle occupants to enter and exit the vehicle seat. For this purpose, the modular carrier can move from the operating position to the idle position, for example, only forward and / or backward, and thus along one axial direction. Alternatively, this movement can also be performed in multiple axial directions and can be further combined with pivoting / rotational movement.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the airbag module, thigh restraint element, and / or torso and head restraint element of the module base components are not activated in the idle position.

[0051] Preferably, the airbag module and / or thigh restraint element and / or torso and head restraint element disposed in the module base element can only be activated under restraint conditions when the module carrier of the module base element is in the operating position. In the operating position, the module carrier is positioned in front of the vehicle occupants.

[0052] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the vehicle occupant protection system, in the idle position of the module carrier, the central airbag module can be configured to be deployed so that, in the event of a side collision or a tilted frontal collision, the lateral airbag on the distal side can restrict lateral movement of the vehicle occupants. If the front airbag module is configured such that the front airbag can replace the function of the distal lateral airbag in the idle position of the module carrier, the front airbag module can be configured to be deployed even in the idle position.

[0053] Preferably, by controlling the vehicle occupant protection system, depending on the seat position and / or a damage event, the individual restraint elements of the vehicle occupant protection system can be activated or deactivated under constraints, or an adaptive controller of the restraint elements can be activated. In one embodiment, the controller of the vehicle occupant protection system may be additionally coupled to the vehicle seat adjustment mechanism. This coupling may, for example, allow the vehicle seat to be adjusted to a position beyond the standard position range only when the module carrier is in the operating position.

[0054] In one embodiment, the restraining element of the vehicle occupant protection system is a side airbag module including a side airbag. The side airbag module is preferably integrated into the side wall of the vehicle seat. Another option is to integrate side airbag modules on both sides of the seat wall. In the initial position of the vehicle seat, the side airbag module facing the center of the vehicle particularly functions as a central airbag module. The side airbag module positioned outwards from the vehicle in the initial position replaces the function of side airbag modules known in the prior art, and in a position after rotation about a vertical axis, it can also replace the function of the front airbag and / or serve as an element supporting the front airbag. For example, in this rotated position of the vehicle seat, the side airbag can guide the vehicle occupant toward the front airbag on the module carrier.

[0055] In another embodiment, the size of the side airbag can be adaptively controlled. Due to this adaptability, on the one hand, for example when the vehicle seat is not in a position rotated about a vertical axis, the side airbag can have the size of a conventional side airbag. On the other hand, for example when the vehicle seat is in a position rotated about a vertical axis, the volume and therefore size of the side airbag can be increased through adaptive adjustment. By increasing this adaptive side airbag, in such a seating position, the side airbag can at least partially replace the function of the front airbag, and more specifically, support the front airbag in the event of a frontal collision.

[0056] To further improve the functionality of the side airbags under such constraints, another constraint element can be configured as a backup airbag module. This backup airbag module can be, for example, positioned in the A-pillar (driver and front passenger) or B-pillar (rear passenger) of the vehicle where the occupant protection system is integrated.

[0057] For example, when the vehicle seat rotates about a vertical axis and the side airbag at least partially replaces the function of the front airbag, the reserve airbag can act as a backup component of the side airbag. The reserve airbag helps prevent or at least minimize the bending of the side airbag. Preferably, in the case of a tilted frontal collision, the reserve airbag can also act as a backup component of the front airbag.

[0058] In one embodiment, the front airbag disposed in a modular carrier of a modular base element includes side member extensions. In the deployed and inflated state, these side member extensions extend toward the vehicle occupants on both sides of the front airbag. The side member extensions of the front airbag can be adaptively controllable. For example, such side member extensions can help further improve vehicle occupant protection in a tilting frontal collision. The side airbags of the vehicle occupant protection system preferably act as stabilizing elements of the side member extensions of the front airbag.

[0059] In addition, the vehicle occupant protection system may include a seat ramp airbag module disposed in the seat cushion. This seat ramp airbag module includes a seat ramp airbag that can lift the seat cushion at least in the front region. This helps to additionally limit forward movement of the vehicle occupant's pelvis under restraint conditions, especially in a comfort position.

[0060] Furthermore, this invention aims to protect a vehicle seat, particularly for autonomous or self-driving vehicles, which includes and / or is coupled to a modular base element according to the invention. Preferably, the vehicle seat further includes a retaining element holder for retaining the retaining element and locking the modular carrier of the modular base element.

[0061] In one embodiment, the location of the module base element, which is described in an idle position, is such that the module carrier moves solely to allow vehicle occupants to enter and exit. The module base element is preferably mounted tightly on the vehicle seat.

[0062] If the modular carrier of the modular basic element according to the invention is arranged in the operating position, sufficient protection for vehicle occupants can be achieved even without any seat belts. In this embodiment, the protection and restraint functions of the seat belt system are employed, if necessary, by the modular carrier and the restraint elements disposed therein, as well as by additional restraint elements of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention.

[0063] For vehicle seats with such modular base elements and / or such vehicle occupant protection systems, the descent of the seatbelt system may create additional degrees of freedom in design and construction, as the vehicle seat structure will not have to bear the load of the seatbelt system. For example, such vehicle seats can have lighter and more refined designs, such as when the connecting elements and / or retaining elements of the modular base elements for the vehicle occupant protection system are directly connected to the vehicle structure or to the anchoring elements used to connect the vehicle seat to the vehicle structure. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are not intended to be limiting, and from the accompanying drawings, in which,

[0065] - Figure 1 A schematic side view of a cut-out section of the vehicle interior is shown, which includes modular base elements in an idle position according to the invention.

[0066] - Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 A schematic top view of the cut-out section inside the vehicle;

[0067] - Figure 3 A schematic side view of a cut-out section of the vehicle interior is shown, which includes modular base elements in an operational position according to the invention.

[0068] - Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 3 A schematic top view of the cut-out section inside the vehicle;

[0069] - Figure 5 Figures a) and b) show schematic side views of a vehicle seat comprising modular base elements according to the invention in standard and comfort positions;

[0070] - Figure 6 a) and b) show the results according to Figure 5 A schematic side view of a vehicle seat, which includes a thigh restraint element and an airbag module in the activated state.

[0071] - Figure 7 A schematic side view of a vehicle seat is shown, in which another embodiment of the modular base element according to the invention is in a standard position;

[0072] - Figure 8 It shows that according to Figure 7 A schematic side view of a vehicle seat, which includes a thigh restraint element and an airbag module in the activated state.

[0073] - Figure 9 A schematic side view of a vehicle seat is shown, in which another embodiment of the modular base element according to the invention is in a comfortable position;

[0074] - Figure 10 It shows that according to Figure 9 A schematic side view of a vehicle seat, which includes a thigh restraint element and an airbag module in the activated state.

[0075] - Figure 11 A schematic top view of the interior of a vehicle including an embodiment of a vehicle occupant protection system according to the present invention is shown;

[0076] - Figure 12 Another schematic top view of a vehicle interior with multiple rows of seats, including an embodiment of a vehicle occupant protection system according to the present invention, is shown;

[0077] - Figure 13 A schematic top view of the front seat row inside a vehicle, including an embodiment of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention, is shown in the event of a tilted frontal collision.

[0078] - Figure 14 A schematic top view of the front seat row inside a vehicle, including an embodiment of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention, is shown in the event of a tilted frontal collision.

[0079] - Figure 15 A schematic top view of the interior of a vehicle, including an embodiment of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the present invention, is shown in the event of a frontal collision.

[0080] - Figure 16A schematic top view of a cutaway section of a vehicle interior, including an embodiment of a vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention, is shown in the event of a frontal collision. The vehicle interior includes a vehicle seat rotated about a vertical axis.

[0081] - Figure 17 It shows the situation in a frontal collision, including according to Figure 16 A schematic top view of the vehicle interior for the vehicle occupant protection system, which includes multiple vehicle seats that have rotated around a vertical axis.

[0082] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cut-out section of the vehicle interior is shown, which includes an embodiment of the modular base element 2 of the vehicle occupant protection system 10 according to the invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a front vehicle seat 14 with a vehicle occupant 18 in manual driving mode, where the occupant 18 operates the vehicle independently. For better representation of the modular base element 2, the outline of the vehicle seat 14 is depicted as dashed lines. Naturally, the modular base element 2 according to the invention can also be assigned to a vehicle passenger seat or a rear vehicle seat (see...). Figure 11 ).

[0083] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows the module carrier 4 of the module base element 2 in an idle position. In the illustrated embodiment, in the idle position, the module carrier 4 is arranged next to the vehicle seat 14 and constitutes the vehicle's center console.

[0084] The module base element 2 further includes a hinge bracket 6 with a hinge element 8. The hinge bracket 6 is attached to the vehicle structure via a connecting element, whereby it is attached to the vehicle seat 14. The module carrier 4 can be moved via the hinge bracket 6. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The module carrier 4 can be rotated from the idle position to the operating position and then back again, particularly via a module carrier adjustment mechanism, in a mechanical, electromechanical, or electrical manner. For this purpose, servo motors are arranged, for example, in the hinge bracket 6 and the hinge element 8. To facilitate precise positioning of the module carrier 4, the hinge bracket 6 or a section of the hinge bracket 6 can be telescopic.

[0085] The illustrated module base element 2 includes multiple airbag modules 30 arranged within the module carrier 4. Figure 2 It is clear that a central airbag module 44 is arranged in the module carrier 4. Furthermore, Figure 3 The illustration shows a front airbag module 40 and a thigh restraint airbag module 32 arranged in the shown modular carrier 4.

[0086] Thigh restraint airbag module 32 includes thigh restraint element 28 in the form of thigh restraint airbag 34 (see Figure 6 The thigh restraint element prevents or at least restricts movement of the pelvis or pelvic region of the vehicle occupant 18 when restrained.

[0087] The front airbag module 40 includes torso and head restraint elements in the form of a front airbag 46 (see...). Figure 6 The torso and head restraint elements are capable of restricting the movement of the torso and / or head of the vehicle occupant 18 when restrained.

[0088] Figure 1 The vehicle occupant protection system 10 further demonstrates a side airbag module 50 integrated into the seat side member 82 of the seat back 16 of the vehicle seat 14. Additionally, the vehicle occupant protection system 10 includes a seatbelt system 58 integrated into the vehicle seat 14. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 The image shows a front airbag module 40 integrated into the steering wheel 20 and including a front airbag 42.

[0089] In such Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the manual driving operation shown (with module carrier 4 in the idle position), the front airbag module 40 and the thigh restraint airbag module 32, which are located in module carrier 4, are deactivated. The central airbag module 44 can be activated in this position via the control element of the module base element.

[0090] In an alternative embodiment, a front airbag module 40' can be arranged in the module carrier 4, the front airbag being designed such that, in its idle position, the front airbag can function as a central airbag, particularly a lateral airbag on the distal side. In this embodiment, even... Figure 2 The front airbag module 40' can also be activated in the idle position of the module carrier 4 shown. Furthermore, the front airbag modules 40, 40' of the module carrier 4 can also be configured to include a front airbag and a central airbag, which can be controlled separately from each other and thus can be activated and inflated separately in response to, for example, the position of the module carrier.

[0091] In addition, Figure 2 The image shows an alternative idle position of the module carrier 4'', which includes the hinge bracket 6'' and the hinge element 8'', in the instrument panel 12 of a vehicle. The module carrier can preferably be disposed in the instrument panel 12 such that, in the idle position, the upper side of the module carrier 4'' is aligned with the display 24'' facing the vehicle occupants.

[0092] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows the module carrier 4 of the module base element 2 in an operational position, positioned in front of the vehicle occupant 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle is in autonomous driving operation. Therefore, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the steering wheel 20 may be retractable into the dashboard 12. This, for example, helps to increase the comfort of the vehicle occupants 18.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the module carrier 4 includes a retention element 36. The retention element 36 is connected to a retention element holder 38, which in turn is connected to the vehicle structure. The module carrier 4 of the module base element 2 can be additionally locked in an operating position by the retention element 36. In one embodiment, the retention element 36 and the retention element holder 38 and / or the hinge bracket 6 and the hinge element 8 are designed to transmit forces generated under constrained conditions to the vehicle structure.

[0094] The retaining element 36 and / or retaining element retainer 38 include an adjustment element controllable by the module carrier adjustment mechanism. The module base element may further include sensor elements coupled to the control element of the module base element 2, such that the operating position of the module carrier 4 can be adjusted via the module carrier adjustment mechanism of the module carrier 4 to be optimally aligned with the vehicle occupant 18.

[0095] Furthermore, different user interfaces 22 are integrated into the illustrated module carrier 4. In addition to the screen / display 24, the illustrated module carrier 4 includes a control panel 26. The control panel 26 and display 24 can be in the form of comfort elements for vehicle occupants 18. Furthermore, the control panel 26 and display 24 can be adapted to be connected to a vehicle control system, allowing vehicle occupants 18 to control and / or check various vehicle functions through the user interface 22.

[0096] If the module carrier 4 is positioned and locked in the operating position, adequate protection can be provided for the vehicle occupant 18 even without the seat belts of the seat belt system 58. In this embodiment, the protection and restraint functions of the seat belt system must be taken over by the module carrier 4, the restraint elements integrated in the module carrier 4, and other restraint elements of the vehicle occupant protection system 10.

[0097] Figure 5 a) and b) schematically show the vehicle seat 14 with vehicle occupants 18 and module carrier 4. On the one hand, Figure 5 a) shows vehicle seat 14, with vehicle occupant 18 and module carrier 4 in a substantially upright seated position. On the other hand, Figure 5b) shows the vehicle seat 14, in which the vehicle occupant 18 and the module carrier 4 are in a comfortable position. In the comfortable position shown, the vehicle occupant 18 and the vehicle seat 14 are in a reclined position, in which the seat back 16 is tilted backward.

[0098] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the module carrier adjustment mechanism is coupled to the vehicle seat adjustment mechanism. This coupling facilitates the automatic adaptation of the module carrier 4 to the changed positions of the vehicle seat 14 and the vehicle occupant 18 when the vehicle seat 14 is adjusted. Alternatively, the position of the module carrier 4 can be adjusted by the module carrier adjustment mechanism via a control element and sensor data from the module base element. Thus, the position of the module carrier 4 changes such that the thigh restraint element 28 and / or the torso and head restraint element are preferably optimally aligned with the vehicle occupant 18. Arrow 60 illustrates the possible directions of movement and rotation along which the module carrier 4 can move / rotate to adjust its position.

[0099] The module carrier 4 of the module base element 2 of the vehicle occupant protection system 10 shown may also be a rebound element, which is at least partially made of energy-absorbing material and / or has an energy-absorbing structure.

[0100] Figure 6 a) and b) show vehicle seat 14, in which vehicle occupant 18 and module carrier 4 are in an upright seat position ( Figure 6 a) and being in a comfortable position ( Figure 6 Under the constraints of b)).

[0101] A thigh restraint airbag module 32 is disposed in the region on the lower side 62 of the module carrier 4. Under the restraint conditions shown, the thigh restraint airbag 32 helps to limit, or ideally virtually prevents, any forward movement of the pelvic / pelvic region 66 of the vehicle occupant 18. In this way, for example, the forward movement of the vehicle occupant 18 in the module carrier 4 and / or not in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The risk of slippage under the thigh components of the seatbelt system shown in the diagram. Forward movement of the pelvis / pelvic region 66 is limited and / or prevented, further supported by a seat ramp airbag (not shown) in the seat ramp airbag module 92. The seat ramp airbag module 92 is, for example, arranged in the front region of the seat cushion 17 of the vehicle seat 14 (see...). Figure 6 b).

[0102] Furthermore, by restricting thigh movement, the forward displacement of the vehicle occupant 18 can be improved because it results in a rotation 68 of the torso 64 of the vehicle occupant 18 toward the module carrier 4 and the torso and head restraint elements in the form of the front airbag 46. In the illustrated embodiment, both the thigh restraint airbag 34 and the front airbag 46 are filled with gas by assigning gas generators 48 to the corresponding airbag modules 30 (thigh restraint airbag module 32 and front airbag module 40).

[0103] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A vehicle seat 14 of another embodiment, comprising a vehicle occupant 18 and a module carrier 4 with a module base element 2, is schematically shown. A thigh restraint airbag module 32, a front airbag module 40, and a center airbag module 44 are arranged within the module carrier 4. The front airbag module 40 is disposed within the module carrier, in the upper region of the module carrier 4. A display 24 at least partially forms the module cover of the front airbag module 40. For example, the display 24 may be at least partially configured as an OLED film. Figure 8 Clearly, under restraint, the display 24 can be deactivated by the front airbags 46, 46', allowing the front airbags 46, 46' to be filled with gas by the gas generator 48 of the front airbag module 40 and deployed. The front airbag 46' is an alternative embodiment of the front airbag 46, comprising a torso airbag 86 and a head airbag 88 interconnected in the connection region 90. Preferably, the torso airbag 86 and the head airbag 88 are configured such that, under restraint, the torso airbag 86 provides support to the head airbag 88.

[0104] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A vehicle seat 14, representing another embodiment, is schematically shown, featuring a vehicle occupant 18 in a comfortable position and a modular carrier 4 with modular base elements 2. (And...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 In contrast to this embodiment, the front airbag module 40 is positioned in the rear region of the module carrier 4, rather than below the display 24 in the upper region of the module carrier 4. In this embodiment, the front airbag 46 is formed by a torso airbag 86 and a head airbag 88. [The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different embodiment.] Figure 9 and Figure 10The front airbag 46 of the illustrated front airbag module 40 is designed such that, when the module carrier 4 of the module base element 2 is in an idle position, the front airbag 46 can be used as a distal lateral airbag. To control the deployment direction of the front airbag in the operating and / or idle positions of the module carrier, the front airbag module may include an actively deployable deployment control element 94. The deployment control element may be, for example, a tether connected to a tether release device.

[0105] Figure 11 A schematic top view of the vehicle interior is shown, in which, in addition to the two front vehicle seats 14, the two rear vehicle seats 14 also include the modular base element 2 according to the invention. Figure 12 A similar illustration is shown of a vehicle with multiple rows of seats, wherein the modular basic elements according to the invention are assigned to each vehicle seat 14.

[0106] In this embodiment, the vehicle occupant protection system 10 also includes additional restraint elements, such as a front airbag module 40 known from the prior art, disposed within the steering wheel 20 or dashboard 12. For example, the vehicle occupant protection system 10 may further include a seatbelt system 58 and / or a head airbag module disposed in the edge region of the roof. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the restraint elements may also be disposed in the A-pillar 70, B-pillar 72, C-pillar 74, and / or D-pillar 76.

[0107] exist Figure 13 The image shows a top view of an embodiment of the vehicle occupant protection system 10, wherein the front airbag 46 includes side member extensions 78. In the deployed and inflated state of the front airbag 46, the side member extensions 78 extend laterally toward the vehicle occupant 18. In a restraint condition triggered by a tilted frontal collision, the side member extensions 78 can improve protection for the vehicle occupant 18 by restricting the movement of the head and torso, as indicated here by arrow 84. The thigh restraint airbag 34 and the module carrier 4 of the module base element are covered by the front airbag 46.

[0108] To reduce the risk of bending of the side member extension 78 of the front airbag 46, a side airbag 52 disposed in the seat side member 82 can be deployed and inflated. Preferably, only the side airbag 52 facing the impact side is deployed. Under these constraints, the side airbag 52 helps to additionally stabilize the front airbag 46. In the event of a tilted frontal collision on the driver's side, this stabilization is achieved in the illustrated stability zone 80.

[0109] Figure 14 It shows the relationship with Figure 13Essentially the same situation applies. In addition to the restraint elements already described, the vehicle occupant protection system 10 also includes a spare airbag module 54 disposed in the A-pillar 70 and comprising a spare airbag 56. The spare airbag 56 serves as an additional support and stabilizing element.

[0110] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, under the control of the vehicle occupant protection system 10, only the corresponding side airbags 52 located in the direction of movement 84 of the vehicle occupant 18 are filled with gas.

[0111] Figure 15 The constraint conditions during a frontal collision are illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, in addition to the front airbag 46 and thigh restraint airbag 34 located in the module carrier 4, the front airbag 42 located in the steering wheel 20, dashboard 12, and front vehicle seat 14 is inflated. The side airbag 52 located in the seat side member 82 is also inflated.

[0112] The front airbag 42 and the side airbag 52 serve as backup components for the front airbag 46. Preferably, the front airbag 42 and the side airbag 52 can be activated and inflated by the vehicle occupant protection system 10 in response to the severity of the collision that triggers the restraint condition.

[0113] exist Figure 16 The diagram illustrates the constraint on the driver's seat position in a frontal collision, where the vehicle seat is arranged to rotate about a vertical axis. Side airbags 52 and a reserve airbag 56 serve as backup components for the front airbag 46 of module base element 2. The side airbag 52 particularly helps minimize the risk of the vehicle occupant 18 sliding between the seat side member 82 and the front airbag 46. Furthermore, the reserve airbag 56 reduces the risk of the front airbag deflecting.

[0114] Figure 17 The same configuration is shown for both the front and rear seats. A spare airbag module 54, including a spare airbag 56 for rear passengers, is positioned in the vehicle's B-pillar 52.

Claims

1. A module base element (2) for a vehicle occupant protection system (10), comprising at least: - a module carrier (4) for receiving at least one airbag module (30), wherein the airbag module (30) comprises at least one airbag (34, 46) and the airbag is connected to a gas generator (48), - an articulated bracket (6) comprising at least one articulation element (8) such that the module carrier (4) can be moved from a rest position into an operating position and from the operating position into the rest position, wherein a first airbag module is configured as a front airbag module (40) comprising a front airbag (46) as a torso and head restraint element and a second airbag module is configured as a thigh restraint airbag module (32) comprising a thigh restraint airbag (34) as a thigh restraint element (28), and wherein the front airbag module (40) is configured such that in the rest position of the module carrier (4) the front airbag (46) constitutes a lateral airbag distally, and wherein for controlling the deployment direction of the front airbag in the operating position and / or in the rest position of the module carrier the front airbag module comprises a deployment control element (94) which can be actively released.

2. The module base element (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The thigh restraint element (28) comprises a thigh restraint member which is arranged in the module carrier (4).

3. The module base element (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The module carrier (4) is in the form of a restraint element, wherein the module carrier (4) is a rebound element and at least partially has an energy-absorbing structure which is not formed by the front airbag and the thigh restraint airbag.

4. The module base element (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The module carrier (4) can be adjusted mechanically, electromechanically or electrically via a module carrier adjustment mechanism.

5. The module base element (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that The module carrier (4) can be rotated via the module carrier adjustment mechanism.

6. The module base element (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The module carrier (4) comprises a user interface (22) which is a control panel (26) and / or a display (24) and / or an interface of an electronic mobile device.

7. The module base element (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The articulated bracket (6) comprises a connection element for attaching the module base element (2) to a vehicle structure element.

8. The module base element (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The module base element comprises a control element via which the module carrier adjustment mechanism can be coupled to a vehicle seat adjustment mechanism.

9. The module base element (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The module base element comprises a retaining element (36) for locking the module carrier (4) in the operating position.

10. A vehicle occupant protection system (10) for protecting a vehicle occupant (18) in a vehicle seat (14), the vehicle occupant protection system comprising at least one restraining element, characterized in that The at least one restraint element of the vehicle occupant protection system (10) is arranged in a module base element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The vehicle occupant protection system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that Each vehicle seat (14) is assigned a module base element (2).

12. The vehicle occupant protection system (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The module base element (2) is connected to a vehicle structure element via a connection element.

13. The vehicle occupant protection system (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that The position of the module carrier (4) relative to the vehicle structure element can be adjusted via the articulated bracket and / or module carrier adjustment mechanism.

14. The vehicle occupant protection system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The thigh restraint element (28) provided in the module base element (2) is activated in a restrained manner only when the module carrier (4) is in the operating position.

15. The vehicle occupant protection system (10) of claim 10, characterized by The second restraint element is in the form of a side airbag module (50) comprising a side airbag (52).

16. The vehicle occupant protection system (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that The size of the side airbag (52) can be controlled in an adaptable manner.

17. The vehicle occupant protection system (10) of claim 15, characterized by The third restraint element is in the form of a spare airbag module (54) comprising a spare airbag (56).

18. The vehicle occupant protection system (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that The spare airbag (56) is a spare element for the side airbag (52) and / or the front airbag (46).

19. The vehicle occupant protection system (10) of claim 15, characterized by The front airbag (46) provided in the module base element (2) comprises side member extensions which, in the deployed and inflated state, extend on both sides of the front airbag (46) towards the vehicle occupant (18).

20. The vehicle occupant protection system (10) according to claim 19, characterized by In the deployed and inflated state, the side airbag (52) constitutes a stabilizing element for the side member extensions of the front airbag (46).

21. The vehicle occupant protection system of claim 10, wherein, The fourth restraint element comprises a seat belt system (58) and / or a further airbag module.

22. The vehicle occupant protection system of claim 10, wherein In the rest position, the module carrier (4) is arranged next to the vehicle seat (14) and, in the operating position, the module carrier is arranged in front of the vehicle occupant (18).

23. The vehicle occupant protection system of claim 10, wherein In the operating position, the module carrier (4) is arranged in front of the vehicle occupant (18) and is movable from the operating position into a rest position, wherein the module carrier is arranged in the rest position such that the vehicle occupant (18) can get in and out of the vehicle seat (14).

24. A vehicle seat (14) characterized by, The vehicle seat comprises a module base element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

25. The vehicle seat (14) according to claim 24, characterized in that The vehicle seat comprises a retaining element holder (38) for holding the retaining element (36) and locking the module carrier (4).

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