Occupant protection device for vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle occupant protection device capable of reducing the risk of a diving phenomenon when a collision occurs in a vehicle. A vehicle occupant protection device (30) is provided on a vehicle seat (100) having a seat back (110) and a seat cushion (112) extending forward from a lower portion of the seat back (110), and includes inflation bags (31) and (32). The inflation bag (31) is configured so as to be inflated by being supplied with a working fluid when the risk of a collision of the vehicle increases, thereby performing an operation of pushing the rearmost portion of the seat cushion surface (138) of the seat cushion (112) upward. Similarly, the inflation bag (32) is configured to perform an operation of pushing the lower portion of the seat front surface (128) of the seat back (110) forward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle occupant protection device arranged on a vehicle seat. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, for an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat, the shoulder belt of the seat belt is diagonally across the occupant's chest, and the lap belt of the seat belt is across the occupant's waist. When the vehicle collides, the seat belt will restrict the occupant's movement. However, especially in the case of a frontal collision, the occupant's body may slip under the lap belt. The diving phenomenon is not good because there is a possibility that the occupant's legs may slip under the dashboard and get injured, or the lap belt may press on the occupant's abdomen.

[0003] As a countermeasure against the diving phenomenon, an occupant protection device is known that has an airbag in a vehicle seat (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2). For example, in Patent Document 1, when a collision occurs in front of the vehicle, the airbag in the seat cushion is instantly inflated by an inflator, pushing the front part of the seat cushion upward, thereby restraining the waist of the occupant and inhibiting the occupant from moving forward. In Patent Document 2, the configuration of the airbag in the up-down direction is changed compared to Patent Document 1, and the airbag is configured below the front part of the seat cushion support component (seat bottom plate and spring).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-217818

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-188198 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] As a countermeasure for the diving phenomenon, various methods need to be considered. For example, when a vehicle collides, the lap belt slides upward from the pelvis of the occupant and the diving phenomenon occurs. To prevent this phenomenon from occurring, it is possible to make the lap belt difficult to slide from the pelvis when the vehicle collides. However, this point is not considered in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle occupant protection device that can reduce the risk of a vehicle diving phenomenon when a vehicle collides.

[0011] Solutions to the problem

[0012] A vehicle occupant protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided on a vehicle seat having a seat back and a seat cushion extending forward from a lower portion of the seat back, wherein the device includes an expansion bag configured to be expanded by supplying a working fluid when the risk of a vehicle collision increases, thereby performing at least one of the following operations (1) and (2):

[0013] (1) an operation of pushing up the rearmost portion of the seat cushion surface of the seat cushion,

[0014] (2) An operation of pushing forward the lower portion of the seat front surface of the seat back.

[0015] According to this aspect, when the occupant sits on the vehicle seat in a normal posture, the angle of the pelvis of the occupant can be tilted forward before the vehicle collision, so that the lap belt of the seat belt is difficult to fall off the pelvis when the vehicle collision occurs.

[0016] Specifically, for example, the operating principle is as follows. When the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the inflation bag is supplied with working fluid and inflated, thereby pushing the rearmost part of the seat cushion surface of the seat cushion upward, i.e., the above-mentioned operation (1). As a result, the lower part of the occupant's hip bone, i.e., the sacrum side behind the pelvis, is pushed up, and the pelvis of the occupant tilts forward and rotates. When the angle of the pelvis tilting backward decreases as above, if a vehicle collision actually occurs thereafter, the waist belt portion of the seat belt will be firmly fastened to the ilium of the occupant, making it difficult to detach from the ilium of the occupant. Therefore, the risk of the diving phenomenon is reduced.

[0017] The same is true for the above operation (2). That is, when the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the expansion bag is supplied with working fluid and expands, thereby pushing the lower portion of the seat front of the seat back forward. As a result, the back portion of the occupant's waist is pushed forward, and the pelvis of the occupant is rotated and tilted forward. Therefore, as in the case of the above operation (1), if a vehicle collision actually occurs later, the risk of the diving phenomenon is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the external shape of a vehicle seat provided with the vehicle occupant protection device according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal frame structure of a vehicle seat.

[0020] Figure 3It is a side view of a vehicle seat with an occupant sitting in a normal posture, wherein (A) shows a state where the vehicle occupant protection device involved in the implementation mode is not installed, (B) shows a state where the first expansion bag of the vehicle occupant protection device involved in the implementation mode is installed, and (C) shows a state where the first expansion bag and the second expansion bag of the vehicle occupant protection device involved in the implementation mode are installed.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a system configuration diagram of the vehicle occupant protection device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 It is equipped with Figure 4 Appearance diagram of a vehicle seat of an occupant protection device for a vehicle.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a system configuration diagram of a vehicle occupant protection device according to a second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 It is equipped with Figure 6 Appearance diagram of a vehicle seat of an occupant protection device for a vehicle.

[0025] Figure 8 It is shown that Figure 6 A side view of an occupant sitting in a normal posture on a vehicle seat of a vehicle occupant protection device.

[0026] Fig. 9 1 is a system configuration diagram of a vehicle occupant protection device according to a third embodiment.

[0027] Fig.10 It is equipped with Fig. 9 Appearance diagram of a vehicle seat of an occupant protection device for a vehicle.

[0028] Fig.11 1 is a system configuration diagram of a vehicle occupant protection device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0029] Fig.12 It is equipped with Fig.11 Appearance diagram of a vehicle seat of an occupant protection device for a vehicle.

[0030] Fig.13 1 is a system configuration diagram of a vehicle occupant protection device according to a fifth embodiment.

[0031] Fig.14 It is shown Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of a fluid supply unit of a vehicle occupant protection device.

[0032] Fig.15 It is equipped with Fig.13Appearance diagram of a vehicle seat of an occupant protection device for a vehicle.

[0033] Fig.16 It is a system configuration diagram of a vehicle occupant protection device according to a modified example of the fifth embodiment.

[0034] Fig.17 It is a system configuration diagram of a vehicle occupant protection device according to another modified example of the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The vehicle occupant protection device involved in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, up and down, left and right, and front and back are defined as follows. When the occupant is seated on the vehicle seat in a normal posture, the direction the occupant is facing is called the front, the opposite direction is called the rear, and the coordinate axes are referred to as the front and back directions. In addition, when the occupant is seated on the vehicle seat in a normal posture, the right side of the occupant is called the right direction, the left side of the occupant is called the left direction, and the coordinate axes are referred to as the left and right directions. Similarly, when the occupant is seated on the vehicle seat in a normal posture, the direction of the occupant's head is called the top, the direction of the occupant's waist is called the bottom, and the coordinate axes are referred to as the up and down directions.

[0036] [Overview of vehicle seats]

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, a vehicle seat 100 is provided with a seat belt device 1. The seat belt device 1 has a webbing, i.e., a seat belt 10, for restraining an occupant. The seat belt 10 includes a shoulder belt 12 extending from an upper guide ring or an upper fixing member 20 to a locking tongue 22, and a lap belt 14 extending from the locking tongue 22 to a lap fixing member 24. The shoulder belt 12 extends from the upper part of one side of the left and right sides of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat 100 to the lower part of the other side of the left and right sides, and crosses obliquely in front of the chest of the occupant. The lap belt 14 extends from one side of the left and right sides of the occupant to the other side of the left and right sides, and crosses in front of the waist of the occupant. The shoulder belt 12 and the lap belt 14 are formed into a continuous belt shape.

[0038] The upper fixing member 20 is provided on the upper wall portion of the interior of the vehicle or the upper portion of the seat back 110. The locking tongue 22 has an annular portion 26 through which the safety belt 10 is slidably inserted. By mounting the locking tongue 22 on the buckle 28 and fastening it, the safety belt 10 is folded back with the annular portion 26 as a boundary, and is divided into the shoulder belt 12 and the lap belt 14. The lap fixing member 24 is used to fix the other end of the safety belt 10 to a part of the vehicle structure, for example, a vehicle frame, a seat frame, or a seat frame, etc. Therefore, when the locking tongue 22 is connected to the buckle 28, the seat belt device 1 defines a three-point restraint between the upper fixing member 20, the locking tongue 22 (buckle 28) and the lap fixing member 24.

[0039] The vehicle seat 100 includes a seat back 110 for supporting the back of an occupant, a seat cushion 112 for the occupant to sit on, and a headrest 114 for supporting the head of the occupant. The vehicle seat 100 may be a front seat, i.e., a driver's seat or a front passenger's seat, or a rear seat. The seat cushion 112 extends forward from the lower portion of the seat back 110. The lower portion of the seat back 110 is connected to the rear end portion of the seat cushion 112. The seat back 110 may be configured to rotate relative to the seat cushion 112 (in the front-rear direction) with the connection portion as the center.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, a seat back frame 120 and a seat frame 130 forming a seat frame are respectively arranged inside the seat back 110 and the seat cushion 112. The seat back frame 120 and the seat frame 130 are formed by processing a metal part or a hard resin. The seat back frame 120 and the seat frame 130 are connected via a tilt mechanism 140. The tilt mechanism 140 constitutes the above-mentioned connection portion and can adjust the front and rear tilt angle of the seat back 110 relative to the seat cushion 112.

[0041] The seat back frame 120 is formed by, for example, connecting the upper ends and lower ends of a pair of side frames 122, 122 respectively by an upper frame 124 and a lower frame 126. The seat frame 130 is formed by, for example, connecting the front ends and rear ends of a pair of side frames 132, 132 respectively by a front frame 134 and a rear axle 136. A seat pan (not shown) is mounted between the front sides of the side frames 132, 132.

[0042] The surfaces and peripheries of the seat back frame 120 and the seat frame 130 are covered with a seat cushion made of a polyurethane foam material or the like, and the surface of the seat cushion is covered with a seat cover made of leather, fabric or the like. Therefore, the seat front surface 128 (back surface) of the seat back 110 and the seat cushion surface 138 of the seat cushion 112 are constituted by the surface of the seat cover, Figure 1 .

[0043] [Overview of occupant protection devices]

[0044] Reference Figure 3 , a vehicle occupant protection device 30, hereinafter referred to as "occupant protection device", is described. The occupant protection device 30 is provided on a vehicle seat 100. Specifically, the occupant protection device 30 is provided on a seat back 110 and / or a seat cushion 112. When the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the occupant protection device 30 is activated, and the angle of the pelvis PS of the occupant P is tilted forward before the vehicle collision. As a result, it is difficult for the lap belt 14 of the seat belt 10 to be detached from the pelvis PS when the vehicle collides, thereby reducing the risk of a dive phenomenon.

[0045] The increase in the risk of a vehicle collision can be detected based on sensor information from equipment mounted on the vehicle, such as a camera, radar, LiDAR, etc. For example, when a sensor or camera disposed in front of the vehicle detects an object in front of the vehicle (e.g., a vehicle, an obstacle, etc., but not limited to these), the vehicle ECU receives the detection information, and then calculates a collision prediction about the risk of a vehicle collision with or without considering information such as the vehicle speed or vehicle acceleration. The collision prediction information, i.e., information indicating an increase in the risk of a vehicle collision, is sent from the vehicle-side ECU to the occupant protection device 30, and the occupant protection device 30 is activated.

[0046] The occupant protection device 30 includes inflation bags 31 and 32 . Figure 3 (A) shows a state where the occupant protection device 30 is not provided, Figure 3 (B) shows a state where the inflation bag 31 is set on the seat cushion 112. Figure 3 (C) shows a state where the inflation bag 32 is further provided on the seat cushion 112. The inflation bag included in the occupant protection device 30 may include both the inflation bags 31 and 32, or either one of them.

[0047] The expansion bags 31 and 32 expand when the risk of vehicle collision increases, and apply a force to tilt the angle of the pelvis PS of the occupant P forward. Specifically, the expansion bags perform at least one of the following operations (1) and (2) by expanding,

[0048] (1) An operation of pushing up the rearmost portion of the seat cushion surface 138 of the seat cushion 112,

[0049] (2) An operation of pushing the lower portion of the seat front surface 128 of the seat back 110 forward.

[0050] By performing the above operation, the pelvis PS of the occupant P rotates and tilts forward, and the pelvis backward tilt angle θ of the occupant P becomes smaller. Figure 3 As shown, compared with the pelvic posterior tilt angle θ1 in (A), the pelvic posterior tilt angle θ2 in (B) is smaller, and the pelvic posterior tilt angle θ3 in (C) is even smaller.

[0051] The expansion bag 31 is a first expansion bag used in the above-mentioned operation (1). The expansion bag 31 is disposed inside or below the rear portion of the seat cushion 112.

[0052] The position of the expansion bag 31 in the front-rear direction is located in the rear part of the seat cushion 112, near the joint between the seat back 110 and the seat cushion 112. Therefore, for the occupant P sitting on the vehicle seat 100 in a normal posture, the expansion bag 31 is located at the lower rear part of the pelvis PS of the occupant P. For example, the expansion bag 31 is located on the side of the seat back 110 just below the pelvis PS of the occupant P and below the sacrum PSS of the occupant P. By locating the expansion bag 31 at the lower rear part of the pelvis PS, it is easy to tilt the angle of the pelvis PS forward.

[0053] When the expansion bag 31 expands, the expansion bag 31 pushes the rearmost portion of the seat cushion surface 138 upward. Figure 8 As a result, the bottom of the hip bone of the occupant P (the sacrum PSS side behind the pelvis PS) is pushed upward, and the pelvis PS rotates and tilts forward. As a result, the pelvic backward tilt angle becomes smaller than when the occupant protection device 30 is not provided, that is, θ2<θ1. In addition, in order to promote the rotation and forward tilt of the pelvis PS, the inflation bag 31 can be operated to push the rearmost part of the seat cushion surface 138 obliquely forward.

[0054] The expansion bag 31 is disposed inside the rear portion of the seat cushion 112 below the seat cushion surface 138. Figure 3 As shown in (B), the expansion bag 31 is accommodated inside the rear part of the seat cushion 112. In this case, the expansion bag 31 can be covered by the seat cushion. By arranging the expansion bag 31 inside the seat cushion 112, the rearmost part of the seat cushion surface 138 can be pushed upward with a smaller expansion volume. In addition, the expansion bag 31 can be supported by a part of the seat frame 130, for example, the side frames 132, 132.

[0055] In another embodiment, the expansion bag 31 may be disposed below the seat cushion 112. For example, the expansion bag 31 may be disposed in the space below the seat cushion 112. In this case, the expansion bag 31 pushes the entire rearmost portion of the seat cushion 112 from the lower side thereof so as to push the rearmost portion of the seat cushion surface 138 upward. The expansion bag 31 may be supported by a portion of the seat frame 130, for example, the side frames 132, 132, or may be supported by the seat frame 130 or the vehicle frame through a bracket.

[0056] The expansion bag 32 is a second expansion bag used in the above-mentioned operation (2). The expansion bag 32 is provided inside or behind the lower portion of the seat back 110.

[0057] The position of the expansion bag 32 in the vertical direction is located in the lower part of the seat back 110, near the joint between the seat back 110 and the seat cushion 112. Therefore, for the occupant P sitting on the vehicle seat 100 in a normal posture, the expansion bag 32 is located at the back side of the pelvis PS of the occupant P. By locating it at the above position, it is easy to tilt the angle of the pelvis PS forward.

[0058] When the expansion bag 32 expands, the expansion bag 32 pushes the lower portion of the seat front surface 128 forward, referring to Figure 8 As a result, the back portion of the waist of the occupant P is pushed forward, and the pelvis PS rotates and tilts forward. As a result, the pelvis tilt angle becomes smaller than when the occupant protection device 30 is not provided. In addition, in order to cause the pelvis PS to rotate and tilt forward, the expansion bag 32 can perform an operation of pushing the lower part of the seat front surface 128 obliquely upward and forward.

[0059] The expansion bag 32 is disposed in the rear side of the seat front surface 128, inside the lower portion of the seat back 110. For example, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B , the expansion bag 32 is accommodated inside the lower portion of the seat back 110. In this case, the expansion bag 32 may be covered by the seat cushion. By arranging the expansion bag 32 inside the seat back 110, the seat front surface 128 can be pushed forward with a smaller expansion volume. In addition, the expansion bag 32 may be supported by a portion of the seat back frame 120, for example, the side frames 122, 122 or the lower frame 126.

[0060] In another embodiment, the expansion bag 32 may be disposed behind the seat back 110. For example, the expansion bag 32 may be disposed in the space behind the seat back 110. In this case, the expansion bag 32 pushes the entire lower portion of the seat back 110 from its rear side so that the lower portion of the seat front surface 128 is pushed forward. The expansion bag 32 may be supported by a portion of the seat back frame 120, for example, the side frames 122, 122, or the lower frame 126, or may be supported by the seat back frame 120 or the vehicle frame through a bracket.

[0061] The expansion bags 31 and 32 are configured to expand by being supplied with working fluid. Various types of expansion bags 31 and 32 can be used as long as they can be formed into expandable bag bodies. For example, air bags can be used. The expansion bags 31 and 32 are formed, for example, by sewing or bonding one or more base fabrics at appropriate positions.

[0062] In addition, the expansion bags 31 and 32 are configured to be able to release the supplied working fluid. The weight of the occupant P can be used to release the working fluid. For example, the weight of the occupant P sitting on the vehicle seat 100 compresses the expansion bags 31 and 32, so that the working fluid can be released from the expansion bags 31 and 32. In the expansion bags 31 and 32, the supply port and the discharge port of the working fluid are shared. However, in another embodiment, the supply port and the discharge port of the working fluid can also be formed at different positions in the expansion bags 31 and 32. It is also possible to use a device (for example, a hydraulic cylinder unit 42, refer to Fig.14 ) to release the working fluid.

[0063] The occupant protection device 30 includes a fluid supply unit 40 capable of supplying a working fluid to the inflation bags 31 and 32. As the working fluid, in addition to gas, any liquid such as oil can be used. The gas can be a gas dedicated to the inflation bags 31 and 32, or external air can be used.

[0064] The fluid supply unit 40 may be composed of a pressure feeder for pressurizing the working fluid. When the working fluid is air, for example, a pressure feeder composed of an air pump or an air cylinder may be used to pressurize and supply the air to the expansion bags 31 and 32. Regardless of the type of the working fluid, the pressure feeder may be, for example, a pump or an air cylinder, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The fluid supply unit 40 may be provided for each expansion bag 31, 32, or may be shared by the two expansion bags 31, 32. In the latter case, the working fluid from the single or shared fluid supply unit 40 is distributed by a pipeline system and supplied to the expansion bags 31, 32. In addition, a flow regulator such as a flow regulating valve may be provided in the piping system between the fluid supply unit 40 and the expansion bags 31, 32 to adjust the respective flow rates of the working fluid flowing to the expansion bags 31 and 32.

[0066] Next, several embodiments of the occupant protection device 30 will be described. In the embodiments after the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same or similar structures as the first embodiment will be given the same or similar symbols, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

[0067] [First embodiment]

[0068] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the occupant protection device 30 includes an inflation bag 31, an air pump 41, a controller 51, and a control switch 61. The air pump 41 is an example of the fluid supply unit 40. The air pump 41 is connected to the inflation bag 31 via an air tube 71.

[0069] The controller 51 electrically controls the air pump 41. The controller 51 is an electronic control unit (ECU) including a CPU, a memory, and an input / output interface, and is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer. The input / output interface is connected to devices constituting the occupant protection device 30, such as the air pump 41 and the control switch 61. In addition, the input / output interface is connected to the vehicle-side ECU and receives information about collision prediction. Collision prediction is information related to the risk of a vehicle collision, and is calculated by the vehicle-side ECU based on sensor information such as cameras, radars, and laser radars (LiDAR) installed on the vehicle. Through the above structure, the controller 51 receives input signals from the control switch 61 and information from the vehicle-side ECU indicating an increased risk of vehicle collision. After receiving these input signals and information, the controller 51 sends command signals to various devices such as the air pump 41, and controls the expansion of the expansion bag 31.

[0070] The control switch 61 functions as an operation unit that switches between supplying air to the inflation bag 31 and releasing air from the inflation bag 31 by manual input. The control switch 61 includes, for example, a supply button 61a and a release button 61b that are manually input by the occupant. The controller 51 controls the air pump 41 based on the manual input to the control switch 61.

[0071] The control switch 61 is provided at a position that can be manually operated by the occupant P sitting on the vehicle seat 100. For example, the control switch 61 is provided on the right side or the left side outside the seat cushion 112. In contrast, the air pump 41 and the controller 51 are provided inside the seat cushion 112. For example, the air pump 41 and the controller 51 are mounted to the inner surface or the outer surface of the side frame 132.

[0072] Under normal circumstances, the occupant P can use the control switch 61 to supply air to or release the expansion bag 31. For example, when the occupant P presses the supply button 61a, an input signal indicating this is sent to the controller 51, and the controller 51 sends a working fluid supply signal to the air pump 41. When the air pump 41 is driven thereby, air is supplied to the expansion bag 31 via the air pipe 71, causing the expansion bag 31 to expand. In addition, when the expansion bag 31 is fully inflated, the air supply is stopped. An opening and closing valve (not shown) may also be provided in the air pipe 71 to close it.

[0073] Furthermore, when the occupant P presses the release button 61b, an input signal indicating this is sent to the controller 51, and the controller 51 sends a stop signal to the air pump 41. When the air pump 41 is thereby stopped, air is allowed to be released from the expansion bag 31. In addition, if the air pipe 71 is provided with an opening and closing valve not shown, the opening and closing valve is opened when the air pump 41 is stopped. As a result, since the expansion bag 31 is compressed due to the weight of the occupant P sitting on the vehicle seat 100, air is released from the expansion bag 31 to the air pipe 71. As described above, under normal circumstances, the occupant P can adjust the expansion bag 31 to a desired degree of expansion using the control switch 61.

[0074] When the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the controller 51 receives information indicating the increased risk of a vehicle collision from the vehicle-side ECU. Based on the received information, the controller 51 sends a working fluid supply signal to the air pump 41 to drive the air pump 41. The expansion bag 31 is inflated to its maximum capacity by the air from the air pump 41. As described above, the inflated expansion bag 31 pushes the rearmost part of the seat cushion surface 138 upward, causing the angle of the pelvis PS of the occupant P to tilt forward. As a result, the posture of the occupant P is adjusted to a direction in which it is difficult for a diving phenomenon to occur. As described above, if a vehicle collision actually occurs later, the lap safety belt 14 will be difficult to detach from the pelvis PS, reducing the risk of a diving phenomenon.

[0075] In addition, when the vehicle collision does not actually occur and the risk of the vehicle collision has been reduced, the controller 51 receives information indicating that the risk of the vehicle collision has been reduced from the vehicle-side ECU. Based on the received information, the controller 51 can send a stop signal to the air pump 41 to stop the air pump 41 and allow air to be released from the expansion bag 31.

[0076] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the risk of vehicle collision increases, the expansion bag 31 is automatically inflated in the pre-collision zone time (the time when the risk of collision is predicted before the collision begins), so that the angle of the pelvis PS of the occupant P is tilted forward, thereby reducing the risk of diving during a subsequent actual vehicle collision.

[0077] In addition, since the angle of the pelvis PS is tilted forward, the lumbar spine of the occupant P is reduced from bending backward, thereby reducing the moment load applied to the lumbar spine during an actual vehicle collision. As a result, the risk of lumbar spine injury due to a collision can be reduced. In addition, since the expansion bag 31 can be manually adjusted to a desired expansion degree under normal circumstances, it can also play a role in keeping the occupant in a comfortable posture.

[0078] [Second Embodiment]

[0079] Figures 6 to 8The occupant protection device 30A involved in the second embodiment is shown. The occupant protection device 30A is obtained by adding an inflation bag 32 to the occupant protection device 30 involved in the first embodiment. The inflation bag 32 can function as a waist support bag for the occupant P under normal circumstances. The inflation bags 31 and 32 share an air pump 41, and the air pump 41 is connected to the inflation bags 31 and 32 through air pipes 71 and 72 (first pipe and second pipe), respectively. The air from the air pump 41 is distributed and supplied to the inflation bags 31 and 32, thereby inflating the inflation bags 31 and 32. The control switch 62 is configured to be able to switch between supplying air and releasing air to the inflation bags 31 and 32, respectively, and has, for example, a supply button 62a1 and a release button 62b1 for the inflation bag 31, and a supply button 62a2 and a release button 62b2 for the inflation bag 32.

[0080] According to the present embodiment, when the risk of a vehicle collision increases, not only the inflation bag 31 but also the inflation bag 32 tilts the angle of the pelvis PS of the occupant P forward. Therefore, a better effect than the first embodiment can be expected.

[0081] [Third Embodiment]

[0082] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The occupant protection device 30B according to the third embodiment is shown. The occupant protection device 30B is obtained by adding one or more buffers 80 to the occupant protection device 30A according to the second embodiment. One or more buffers 80 are provided at positions on the seat back 110 and / or the seat cushion 112 that are different from the installation positions of the inflation bags 31 and 32. Here, two buffers 80 are provided on the seat back 110.

[0083] Like the expansion bags 31 and 32, the buffer portion 80 is configured to be able to be supplied with air from the air pump 41 and to be able to release the supplied air. The expansion bags 31 and 32 and the buffer portion 80 share the air pump 41, and the air pump 41 is connected to the expansion bags 31 and 32 and the buffer portion 80 through air tubes 71, 72, and 81, respectively. The air from the air pump 41 is distributed and supplied to the expansion bags 31 and 32 and the buffer portion 80, so that the expansion bags 31 and 32 and the buffer portion 80 are expanded.

[0084] The control switch 63 is configured to switch between supplying air and releasing air to the expansion bags 31 and 32 and the buffer portion 80 by manual input. For example, the control switch 63 has supply buttons 62a1, 62a2 and release buttons 62b1, 62b2 dedicated to the expansion bags 31 and 32, respectively, and a supply button 63a and a release button 63b dedicated to the buffer portion 80 alone.

[0085] According to the present embodiment, the air pump 41 can be effectively used to inflate the cushioning portion 80, thereby supporting the occupant P. In addition, as in the second embodiment, when the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the inflation bags 31 and 32 can be inflated to tilt the angle of the pelvis PS of the occupant P forward, but in this case, the air may not be distributed and supplied to the cushioning portion 80. For example, an opening and closing valve not shown may be provided in a pipe (e.g., the air pipe 81) related to the cushioning portion 80, and the opening and closing valve may be closed by the controller 51.

[0086] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0087] Fig.11 and Fig.12 The occupant protection device 30C according to the fourth embodiment is shown. The occupant protection device 30C is obtained by adding an accumulator 91 and opening and closing valves 92 and 93 to the occupant protection device 30 according to the first embodiment. The accumulator 91 and the opening and closing valves 92 and 93 are the same as the air pump 41 and the controller 51, and can be arranged inside the seat cushion 112.

[0088] The opening and closing valves 92 and 93 are electrically connected to the controller 51 and the opening and closing operations are controlled by the controller 51. The opening and closing valves 92 and 93 are constituted by electromagnetic valves, for example. The opening and closing valves 92 and 93 are provided in the piping system between the inflation bag 31 and the air pump 41.

[0089] The accumulator 91 (pressure accumulator) is configured to be able to accumulate air and supply the accumulated air to the expansion bag 31. The accumulator 91 is arranged in a piping system between the expansion bag 31 and the air pump 41. The air from the air pump 41 is supplied to the accumulator 91, and the supplied air is maintained at a constant pressure. For example, during normal use (when no collision is predicted), the accumulator 91 maintains the air supplied by the air pump 41 at a constant pressure. Usually, after the on-off valve 92 is opened, air is supplied from the air pump 41 to the expansion bag 31. That is, under normal circumstances, the on-off valve 93 is in a closed state, and the air from the accumulator 91 is not supplied to the expansion bag 31.

[0090] The accumulator 91 is configured to supply the accumulated air to the inflation bag 31 when the risk of a vehicle collision increases. Specifically, when the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the controller 51 opens the on-off valve 93. This allows the accumulated air to be supplied from the accumulator 91 to the inflation bag 31. The air from the accumulator 91 merges with the air from the air pump 41 and is supplied to the inflation bag 31.

[0091] According to this embodiment, when the risk of vehicle collision increases, the inflation speed of the inflation bag 31 can be increased. From another perspective, when the risk of vehicle collision increases, the inflation bag 31 can be fully inflated even if the output of the air pump 41 is small.

[0092] [Fifth Embodiment]

[0093] Figures 13 to 15 The occupant protection device 30D according to the fifth embodiment is shown. The occupant protection device 30D is suitable for the case where the working fluid is a liquid such as oil. The occupant protection device 30D is basically the same as the occupant protection device 30 according to the first embodiment, but has a hydraulic cylinder unit 42 instead of the air pump 41. The hydraulic cylinder unit 42 is an example of the fluid supply unit 40.

[0094] The hydraulic cylinder unit 42 includes, for example, a cylinder 300, a piston 310, a shaft 320, a linear slide 330, a slide guide 340, and a motor 350. The motor 350 is electrically connected to the controller 51 and is, for example, composed of a DC motor controlled by PWM control. When the motor 350 is driven, the linear slide 330 is guided by the slide guide 340 to perform a translational motion. Then, the piston 310 connected to the linear slide 330 via the shaft 320 moves. The piston 310 reciprocates through the positive rotation and reverse rotation of the motor 350. That is, when the piston 310 moves forward, the oil in the cylinder 300 is supplied to the expansion bag 31 through the liquid pipe 74. In addition, when the piston 310 moves back, the supplied oil is released from the expansion bag 31 and flows into the cylinder 300 through the liquid pipe 74.

[0095] The hydraulic cylinder unit 42 functions in the same manner as the air pump 41. For example, when the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the controller 51 sends a working fluid supply signal to the motor 350 of the hydraulic cylinder unit 42, thereby driving the motor 350 of the hydraulic cylinder unit 42. As described above, the expansion bag 31 expanded by the oil from the hydraulic cylinder unit 42 pushes the rearmost portion of the seat cushion surface 138 upward, thereby tilting the angle of the pelvis PS of the occupant P forward.

[0096] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0097] Furthermore, when a vehicle collision does not actually occur and the risk of a vehicle collision has been reduced, as in the first embodiment, the controller 51 sends a stop signal or a fluid release signal to the motor 350 of the hydraulic cylinder unit 42 to stop the motor 350 of the hydraulic cylinder unit 42 or rotate in the opposite direction, allowing oil to be released from the expansion bag 31.

[0098] The above embodiments are only for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The various elements and their configurations, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc. included in the various embodiments are not limited to the examples and may be appropriately changed. In addition, these embodiments may also be combined or applied.

[0099] For example, the expansion bag 32 may be added to the occupant protection device 30D according to the fifth embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment obtained by adding the expansion bag 32 to the first embodiment. Fig.16 As shown, the occupant protection device 30E may include two hydraulic cylinder units 42A, 42B corresponding to the two inflation bags 31 , 32 .

[0100] Or, if Fig.17 As shown, the occupant protection device 30F may have a hydraulic cylinder unit 42C shared by the two expansion bags 31 and 32. In this case, the flow regulator 500 may be provided on the downstream side of the hydraulic cylinder unit 42C. The flow regulator 500 may be configured with a flow regulating valve (e.g., an electric valve) controlled by the controller 51. The flow regulator 500 is configured to be able to regulate the flow of oil from the hydraulic cylinder unit 42C to the expansion bag 31 and the flow of oil from the hydraulic cylinder unit 42C to the expansion bag 32.

[0101] In addition, in another embodiment of the present invention, a device for inflating the expansion bag of the occupant protection device 30A to 30F by another method may be additionally provided, for example, an inflator, a micro gas generator, etc. For example, when a camera or a sensor for detecting the risk of a vehicle collision has some problems (e.g., a malfunction), and thus the increased risk of collision cannot be confirmed, this structure is useful. In addition, although the increased risk of a vehicle collision is confirmed, since the collision is unexpected, for example, the collision occurs on the side of the vehicle instead of the front of the vehicle, the time from confirmation to activation is too short to work in time, for example, when the fluid supply unit 40 cannot inflate the expansion bag in time.

[0102] In view of this situation, the occupant protection devices 30A to 30F can operate the above-mentioned additional equipment, such as an inflator, a micro gas generator, etc., based on a collision signal when an actual collision occurs. Specifically, when an actual collision occurs, the vehicle-side ECU sends a collision signal to other airbags that can be normally carried by the vehicle, such as a front airbag, a curtain airbag, a knee airbag, a side airbag, etc., and simultaneously sends a collision signal to the additional equipment of the expansion bag in the occupant protection devices 30A to 30F, so that the expansion bag can be inflated in the same manner as the actions of other airbags. That is, although the basic operating form of the occupant protection devices 30A to 30F is reversible, when an actual collision occurs, the occupant protection devices 30A to 30F become an irreversible operating form, such as gas is generated due to the inflator, a micro gas generator, etc., and can work in conjunction with other airbags, etc.

[0103] [Implementation Method]

[0104] For example, the present technology is described according to the following various embodiments. For convenience, various examples of embodiments of the present technology are recorded as numbered examples (e.g., 1, 2, 3). These are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the present technology. Any dependent examples can be combined and incorporated into each independent example in any suitable manner.

[0105] Example 1.

[0106] A vehicle occupant protection device provided on a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat having a seat back and a seat cushion extending forward from a lower portion of the seat back, wherein the seat back comprises

[0107] The expansion bag is configured to be supplied with working fluid and expand when the risk of a vehicle collision increases, thereby performing at least one of the following operations (1) and (2),

[0108] (1) an operation of pushing up the rearmost portion of the seat cushion surface of the seat cushion,

[0109] (2) An operation of pushing forward the lower portion of the seat front surface of the seat back.

[0110] Example 2.

[0111] The vehicle occupant protection device as described in Example 1, wherein:

[0112] The expansion bag has a first expansion bag used for the operation (1), and,

[0113] The first inflation bag is disposed inside or below a rear portion of the seat cushion.

[0114] Example 3.

[0115] A vehicle occupant protection device as described in Example 1 or 2, wherein:

[0116] The expansion bag has a first expansion bag used for the operation (1), and,

[0117] The first inflation bag is disposed at the rear portion of the seat cushion and is located at a lower rear portion of the pelvis of the occupant when the occupant is properly seated on the vehicle seat.

[0118] Example 4.

[0119] A vehicle occupant protection device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein:

[0120] The expansion bag has a second expansion bag used for the operation (2), and,

[0121] The second expansion bag is disposed inside or behind a lower portion of the seat back.

[0122] Example 5.

[0123] A vehicle occupant protection device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein:

[0124] The expansion bag has a second expansion bag used for the operation (2), and,

[0125] The second inflation bag is provided at a lower portion of the seat back and is located at a back portion of the pelvis of the occupant when the occupant is properly seated on the vehicle seat.

[0126] Example 6.

[0127] The vehicle occupant protection device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, further comprising:

[0128] a fluid supply unit configured to supply the working fluid to the expansion bag; and

[0129] a controller that electrically controls the fluid supply unit,

[0130] When the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the controller sends a working fluid supply signal to the fluid supply unit, thereby causing the fluid supply unit to supply the working fluid to the expansion bag.

[0131] Example 7.

[0132] A vehicle occupant protection device as described in Example 6, wherein:

[0133] The controller receives information indicating an increased risk of a vehicle collision and sends the working fluid supply signal to the fluid supply unit based on the received information.

[0134] Example 8.

[0135] A vehicle occupant protection device as described in Example 6 or 7, wherein:

[0136] The expansion bag is configured to release the supplied working fluid, and

[0137] When the risk of a vehicle collision is reduced, the controller stops the fluid supply unit and allows the working fluid to be released from the expansion bag.

[0138] Example 9.

[0139] A vehicle occupant protection device as described in any one of Examples 6 to 8, wherein:

[0140] The expansion bag is configured to release the supplied working fluid, and

[0141] The occupant protection device further includes an operation unit that switches between supplying the working fluid to the expansion bag and releasing the working fluid from the expansion bag by manual input.

[0142] The controller controls the fluid supply unit based on the manual input to the operation portion.

[0144] Example 10.

[0145] A vehicle occupant protection device as described in Example 9, wherein:

[0146] One or more buffer parts are provided at positions different from the mounting position of the expansion bag, and the buffer parts are configured to be able to supply the working fluid from the fluid supply unit and to release the supplied working fluid.

[0147] Example 11.

[0148] A vehicle occupant protection device as described in any one of Examples 6 to 10, wherein the device further comprises:

[0149] an accumulator configured to store the working fluid and supply the stored working fluid to the expansion bag,

[0150] The accumulator is configured to supply the accumulated working fluid to the expansion bag when the risk of a vehicle collision increases.

[0151] Example 12.

[0152] The vehicle occupant protection device as described in Example 11, further comprising:

[0153] an on-off valve disposed between the expansion bag and the accumulator,

[0154] When the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the controller opens the on-off valve to allow the accumulated working fluid to be supplied from the accumulator to the expansion bag.

[0155] Example 13.

[0156] A vehicle occupant protection device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein:

[0157] The expansion bag comprises:

[0158] a first expansion bag for use in said operation (1), and

[0159] A second expansion bag used in operation (2).

[0160] Example 14.

[0161] The vehicle occupant protection device as described in Example 13, further comprising:

[0162] a fluid supply unit capable of supplying the working fluid, and

[0163] The fluid supply unit is common to the first expansion bag and the second expansion bag, and is connected to the first expansion bag and the second expansion bag via a first pipe and a second pipe, respectively.

[0164] Example 15.

[0165] The vehicle occupant protection device as described in Example 13 or 14, further comprising:

[0166] The flow rate regulator is configured to be able to regulate a flow rate of the working fluid flowing to the first expansion bag and a flow rate of the working fluid flowing to the second expansion bag.

[0167] Explanation of symbols

[0168] 1…seat belt device, 10…seat belt, 12…shoulder belt, 14…lap belt, 20…upper fixing member, 22…lock tongue, 24…lap fixing member, 26…ring portion, 28…buckle, 30, 30A to 30F…occupant protection device, 31, 32…inflation bag (first inflation bag, second inflation bag), 40…fluid supply unit, 41…air pump, 42, 42A to 42C…cylinder unit, 51…controller, 61, 62, 63…control switch (operating portion), 61a, 62a1, 62a2, 63a…supply button, 61b, 62b1, 62b2, 63b…release button, 71, 72…air pipe (first pipe, second pipe), 7 4…Liquid pipe, 80…Buffer, 81…Air pipe, 91…Accumulator, 92, 93…Opening and closing valve, 100…Vehicle seat, 110…Seat back, 112…Seat cushion, 114…Headrest, 120…Seat back frame, 122…Side frame, 124…Upper frame, 126…Lower frame, 128…Seat front surface, 130…Seat frame, 132…Side frame, 134…Front frame, 136…Rear shaft, 138…Seat cushion surface, 140…Tilt mechanism, 300…Cylinder, 310…Piston, 320…Shaft, 330…Linear slide rod, 340…Slide rod guide, 350…Motor, 500…Flow regulator, P…Occupant, PS…Pelvis, PSS…Sacrum

Claims

1. A vehicle occupant protection device, which is provided on a vehicle seat having a seat back and a seat cushion extending forward from a lower portion of the seat back, wherein: The expansion bag is provided with a working fluid and is expanded when the risk of a vehicle collision increases, thereby performing at least one of the following operations (1) and (2). (1) an operation of pushing up the rearmost portion of the seat cushion surface of the seat cushion, (2) An operation of pushing forward the lower portion of the seat front surface of the seat back.

2. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The expansion bag has a first expansion bag used for the operation (1), and, The first inflation bag is disposed inside or below a rear portion of the seat cushion.

3. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The expansion bag has a first expansion bag used for the operation (1), and, The first inflation bag is disposed at the rear portion of the seat cushion and is located at a lower rear portion of the pelvis of the occupant when the occupant is properly seated on the vehicle seat.

4. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The expansion bag has a second expansion bag used for the operation (2), and, The second expansion bag is disposed inside or behind a lower portion of the seat back.

5. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The expansion bag has a second expansion bag used for the operation (2), and, The second inflation bag is provided at a lower portion of the seat back and is located at a back portion of the pelvis of the occupant when the occupant is properly seated on the vehicle seat.

6. The vehicle occupant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Also includes: a fluid supply unit configured to supply the working fluid to the expansion bag; and a controller that electrically controls the fluid supply unit, When the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the controller sends a working fluid supply signal to the fluid supply unit, thereby causing the fluid supply unit to supply the working fluid to the expansion bag.

7. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 6, wherein: The controller receives information indicating an increased risk of a vehicle collision and sends the working fluid supply signal to the fluid supply unit based on the received information.

8. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 6, wherein: The expansion bag is configured to release the supplied working fluid, and When the risk of a vehicle collision is reduced, the controller stops the fluid supply unit and allows the working fluid to be released from the expansion bag.

9. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 6, wherein: The expansion bag is configured to release the supplied working fluid, and The occupant protection device further includes an operation unit for switching between supplying the working fluid to the expansion bag and releasing the working fluid from the expansion bag by manual input, The controller controls the fluid supply unit based on the manual input to the operation portion.

10. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 9, wherein: One or more buffer parts are provided at positions different from the mounting position of the expansion bag, and the buffer parts are configured to be able to supply the working fluid from the fluid supply unit and to release the supplied working fluid.

11. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 6, wherein: The device further includes an accumulator configured to store the working fluid and supply the stored working fluid to the expansion bag. The accumulator is configured to supply the accumulated working fluid to the expansion bag when the risk of a vehicle collision increases.

12. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 11, wherein: It also includes an on-off valve, which is arranged between the expansion bag and the accumulator, When the risk of a vehicle collision increases, the controller opens the on-off valve to allow the accumulated working fluid to be supplied from the accumulator to the expansion bag.

13. The vehicle occupant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The expansion bag comprises: a first expansion bag for use in said operation (1), and A second expansion bag used in operation (2).

14. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 13, wherein: It also includes a fluid supply unit, which is configured to supply the working fluid, and The fluid supply unit is common to the first expansion bag and the second expansion bag, and is connected to the first expansion bag and the second expansion bag via a first pipe and a second pipe, respectively.

15. The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 14, wherein: The device further includes a flow regulator configured to adjust a flow rate of the working fluid flowing to the first expansion bag and a flow rate of the working fluid flowing to the second expansion bag.

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