Protective device for a motor vehicle, especially an autonomously driving one

Abstract

Protective device (2) for a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously driving vehicle, with at least one vehicle seat (4) comprising at least one seat section (6) and a back section (8) adjustable relative to the seat section (6), wherein the seat section (6) and back section (8) define a main seat direction (10), and with at least one holding device (12) comprising a holding element (14) that is fixed directly or indirectly adjacent to the vehicle seat (4) and that can be moved from a basic position of the holding device (12), in which the holding element (14) extends substantially parallel or obliquely to the main seat direction (10) with respect to its longitudinal direction and in which the holding element (14) is arranged without overlap with the vehicle seat (4) with respect to the main seat direction (10), into at least one protective position of the holding device (12),in which the holding means (14) extends transversely or obliquely to the main seat direction (10) with respect to its longitudinal direction and in which the holding means (14) is arranged to overlap the vehicle seat (4) at least sectionally, wherein the holding means (14) comprises at least one airbag (16) which is triggerable at least in the protective position of the holding means (14), characterized in that the holding device (12) comprises at least one rear gripping means (24) comprising an airbag (16), which can be fixed or is fixed to the seat part (6) on the side facing away from the back part (8) or to a thigh support (26) arranged on the seat part (6) on the side facing away from the back part (8), and which is extendable transversely or obliquely to the main seat direction (10) at least when detecting an impact.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective device for a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously driving vehicle, with at least one vehicle seat comprising at least one seat part and a backrest adjustable relative to the seat part, wherein the seat part and backrest define a main seat direction, and with at least one holding device comprising a holding means that is fixed directly or indirectly adjacent to the vehicle seat and that can be moved from a basic position of the holding device, in which the holding means extends substantially parallel or obliquely to the main seat direction with respect to its longitudinal direction and in which the holding means is arranged without overlap with the vehicle seat with respect to the main seat direction, to at least one protective position of the holding device, in which the holding means extends transversely or obliquely to the main seat direction with respect to its longitudinal direction and in which the holding means is arranged to overlap the vehicle seat at least section by section.

[0002] Motor vehicles are increasingly capable of autonomous operation. This means that a driver does not have to perform steering, braking, and acceleration tasks while the vehicle is in operation, or at least not constantly; rather, the vehicle can be operated independently of the driver's actions. This makes it possible to redesign vehicle interiors and, in particular, to move away from orienting the main seating position parallel to the direction of travel. In such cases, the main seating position can be parallel, diagonal, or perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0003] In the event of a vehicle collision, conventionally arranged airbags in the steering wheel or front dashboard may not provide protection for the vehicle occupant, or only in certain cases.

[0004] From US Patent 5,492,361 A, a restraint device equipped with an airbag for an occupant of a motor vehicle is known. The vehicle has at least one seat for the occupant, the seat having a lower and a rear section. The restraint device comprises a fixed armrest with a first and a second section, the first section extending from the rear seat section in a first direction, the second section being connected to the first section and extending substantially perpendicular to it, such that the second section is located in front of the occupant, an opening in the second section of the armrest, and a first airbag and a gas generator assembly in the second section of the armrest. In a first embodiment, the airbag assembly is mounted in the armrest of the vehicle and can deploy front and side airbags at or before a collision.In a second embodiment, the vehicle armrest is equipped with only a front airbag. In a third embodiment, an airbag system is mounted on the vehicle armrest between the driver and front passenger seats. In a fourth embodiment, the airbag is positioned in the base of the vehicle seat, and in a fifth embodiment, the airbag system is mounted in the cover of the vehicle's tilt mechanism.

[0005] One object of an embodiment of the invention is to propose a protective device in which the safety of a vehicle occupant is increased regardless of the orientation of the main seat direction.

[0006] This problem is solved in a protective device as described above by the fact that the holding means comprises at least one airbag which can be triggered at least in the protective position of the holding means. According to the invention, the holding device comprises at least one rear gripping means comprising an airbag, which can be fixed or is fixed to the seat part on the side facing away from the backrest or to a thigh support arranged on the seat part on the side facing away from the backrest and which can be extended transversely or obliquely to the main seat direction at least when an impact is detected.

[0007] Because the restraint system includes an airbag that can be deployed, at least when the restraint system is in its protective position, a vehicle occupant positioned between the vehicle seat and the restraint system can be pressed into or against the vehicle seat by the airbag in the event of a vehicle collision, thus preventing the occupant from moving unintentionally within the vehicle. This reduces the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0008] The restraint can, for example, include an armrest of the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the restraint can include an area of ​​a center console or similar component of the motor vehicle.

[0009] Furthermore, it proves advantageous if the backrest of the vehicle seat, relative to the seat section, can be moved from an upright position of the vehicle seat, in which the backrest and seat section form an angle to each other that ensures upright seating of the vehicle occupant, to at least one inclined position of the vehicle seat, in which the backrest and seat section form an angle to each other that allows the vehicle occupant to lie down, that the retaining device is arranged in the basic position in the upright position of the vehicle seat, and / or that the retaining device can be automatically moved into the protective position when moving the vehicle seat from the upright position to the inclined position, at least when a certain angle between the seat section and the backrest is exceeded.

[0010] This ensures that the restraint device can be automatically moved from the home position to the protective position when a vehicle occupant moves the vehicle seat from the upright position to the reclined position, for example to rest.

[0011] Such a design of the protective device proves advantageous not only for autonomously driving vehicles, but also for conventional vehicles, for example when the vehicle seat is that of a passenger.

[0012] The specified angle can, for example, include an angle greater than 100.

[0013] The angle between the backrest and seat section is such that the restraint device can be pivoted from the basic position to the protective position without colliding with the vehicle occupant.

[0014] It proves advantageous if the protective device includes at least one mechanical and / or electrical drive means by which the holding device can be automatically moved from the home position to the protective position.

[0015] A mechanical drive mechanism can, for example, include a mechanical kinematic system in which, simultaneously with adjusting the angle between the backrest and seat, the holding element of the restraint device can be moved from the home position to the protective position. If the drive mechanism includes an electric drive, an electric motor, for example, can be provided that moves the holding element from the home position to the protective position.

[0016] Furthermore, it proves advantageous if the protective device is / are functionally assigned to at least one control unit, the airbag of the restraint device and / or an impact detection device of the motor vehicle, by which an impact of the motor vehicle and a transfer of the vehicle seat from the upright position to the tilt position can be detected and by which the drive means for transferring the restraint device from the basic position to the protective position can be controlled.

[0017] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the protective device, the holding unit includes a spacer element by which the holding means can be movably fixed or fixed to the vehicle seat and / or a vehicle component and can be manually or, in particular by the control unit and the drive means, automatically adjusted to a distance from the vehicle seat and / or the vehicle component.

[0018] The holding elements and spacers of the holding unit can be arranged in an L-shape relative to each other. In this case, moving the holding unit from the home position to the protective position is possible even with limited space inside the vehicle.

[0019] In principle, it is conceivable that the retaining device and the spacer element comprise a single component. However, it proves advantageous if the retaining device and the spacer element comprise two separate and separable components that can be attached to each other either detachably or permanently.

[0020] In a further development of the latter embodiment, it proves advantageous if the spacer element is telescopically and / or rotatably fixed or fixed to the vehicle seat and / or the vehicle component and can be moved automatically from the basic position to the protective position by means of a mechanical and / or electrical drive means.

[0021] If the spacer element is telescopically extendable, the distance between the holding element and the back of the vehicle seat can be easily adjusted. If the spacer element can be rotatably fixed to the vehicle seat and / or vehicle component, the holding element can be rotationally fixed to the spacer element. In this case, moving the holding unit from its home position to its protective position is achieved by rotating the spacer element relative to the vehicle seat and / or vehicle component. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the holding element can also be rotatably fixed relative to the spacer element.

[0022] Furthermore, it proves advantageous if the holding device in the protective position comprises a, in particular adjustable, and, in particular, constant distance to the back part, independent of the angle between the back part and the seat part, and / or if the distance of the holding device to the back part is adjustable and definable by the spacer element.

[0023] By maintaining a constant distance between the restraint system and the backrest, optimal airbag deployment and braking distance can be ensured, regardless of the angle between the backrest and the seat. This further increases the safety of the vehicle occupant.

[0024] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the holding device can be fixed to the spacer in a rotationally fixed manner or rotatable relative to the spacer element, and / or that the holding device can be moved from the basic position to the protective position by rotation relative to the spacer element or by rotation with the spacer element.

[0025] To further increase the safety of a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision with the motor vehicle, the restraint device includes at least one rear gripping means which can be attached or fixed to the seat part on the side facing away from the backrest or to a thigh support arranged on the seat part on the side facing away from the backrest and which can be extended transversely or obliquely to the main seat direction at least when an impact is detected.

[0026] Because the restraint device includes an additional rear gripping element comprising at least one airbag, which is arranged in the area of ​​the seat section facing away from the back and which is extendable transversely or obliquely to the direction of the main seat, at least upon detection of an impact, the movement of a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat is additionally blocked by the rear gripping element. In such a case, in the event of an impact, a vehicle occupant is secured against movement in the direction of the main seat by the restraint device, the airbag arranged in the restraint device, and the rear gripping element.

[0027] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the attached patent claims, the graphic representation and the following description of two preferred embodiments of the protective device.

[0028] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 A side view and front view of a first embodiment of the protective device in a basic position of a holding device; Fig. 2 A side view and front view of a first embodiment of the protective device in a protective position of a holding device; Fig. 3 A side view and front view of a second embodiment of the protective device in a protective position of a holding device.

[0029] The figures show a protective device, designated as reference numeral 2, for a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomous vehicle (not explicitly shown in the figures). The protective device 2 includes a vehicle seat 4. In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 shows the vehicle seat 4 and the protective device 2, each in a side view with a sketched vehicle occupant and a front view without a vehicle occupant.

[0030] The vehicle seat 4 comprises a seat section 6 and a back section 8 that is adjustable relative to the seat section 6. The seat section 6 and back section 8 together define a main seat direction 10.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows the protective device 2 in an upright position of the vehicle seat 4. In this position, the backrest 8 and seat section 6 are at an angle to each other that allows the vehicle occupant to sit upright.

[0032] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the protective device 2 in a tilted position of the vehicle seat 4, in which the seat part 6 and back part 8 have an angle to each other that allows the vehicle occupant to lie down.

[0033] Furthermore, the protective device 2 comprises a holding device 12, which includes a holding element 14 that is indirectly attached to the vehicle seat 4. The holding element 14 is in a basic position of the holding device 12 in which the holding element 14 extends substantially parallel or obliquely to the main direction 10 with respect to its longitudinal direction and in which the holding element 14 is arranged without overlap with the vehicle seat 4 with respect to the main direction 10 ( Fig. 1) can be transferred into at least one protective position of the holding device 12 in which the holding means 14 extends transversely or obliquely to the main direction 14 with respect to its longitudinal direction and in which the holding means 14 is arranged to overlap the vehicle seat 4 at least sectionally ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0034] An airbag 16 can be arranged in the holding element 14 of the holding device 12, which can be triggered at least in the protective position of the holding element 14.

[0035] The holding device 12 of the protective device 2 also includes a drive element 18 by which the holding element 14 can be automatically moved from its home position to the protective position. Furthermore, the protective device 2 includes a control unit 20 to which the drive element 18, the airbag 16 of the holding element 14, and an impact detection device of the vehicle (not shown in the figures) can be functionally assigned. In addition, the control unit 20 can automatically move the holding element 14 from its home position to the protective position by actuating the drive element 18 when the control unit 20 detects that the vehicle seat 4 is being moved from the upright position to the tilted position.

[0036] Furthermore, in both embodiments of the protective device 2 shown in the figures, a spacer element 22 is provided for the holding device 12. The spacer element 22 allows the holding means 14 to be fixed to the vehicle seat 4 and the distance between the holding means 14 and the backrest 8 of the vehicle seat 4 to be adjusted.

[0037] In the embodiments of the protective device 2 shown in the figures, the holding element 14 of the holding device 12 is rotatably fixed to the spacer element 22. When the vehicle seat 4 is moved from the upright position to the tilted position, the holding element 14 is pivoted about an axis around the spacer element 22.

[0038] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the protective device 2. In this embodiment, the holding device 12 comprises only the holding means and the airbag 16 arranged in the holding means 14. Fig. Figure 1 shows the holding device 2 in an upright position of the vehicle seat 4, in which the holding means 14 extends substantially parallel to the main seat direction 10.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows the embodiment according to Fig. 1, where the vehicle seat 4 is moved from the upright position according to Fig. 1 was moved into a tilted position of the vehicle seat 4. In this case, the holding element 14 of the holding device 12 is arranged overlapping with respect to the main seat direction 10 towards the vehicle seat 4.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the protective device 2. Fig. Figure 3 shows the airbag 16 in a deployed position. It can be seen that a vehicle occupant is pressed against the vehicle seat 4 by the restraint device 14 and the airbag 16, preventing movement in the direction of the main seat 10.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 further shows a configuration of the holding device 12 by means of a rear gripping means 24, which in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the thigh support 26 is fixed to a thigh support and can be extended transversely or obliquely to the main seat direction 10 upon impact. The thigh support 26 is fixed to the seat section 6 of the vehicle seat 4, on the side facing away from the backrest 8. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the thigh support 26 is fixed to the seat section 6 of the vehicle seat 4 on the side facing away from the backrest 8. Fig. In the embodiment shown in 3, the rear gripping means 24 comprises an airbag 16.

[0042] The following describes the operating principle of protective device 2 based on the Fig. 1-3 briefly outlined:

[0043] Based on an arrangement of the vehicle occupant on vehicle seat 4 according to Fig. 1, the vehicle seat 4 is in an upright position. The vehicle occupant manually or automatically adjusts the angle between the backrest 8 and the seat section 6 of the vehicle seat so that the vehicle occupant is in a reclining position and the vehicle seat 4 is in a tilted position ( Fig. 2) When the vehicle seat 4 is moved from the upright position to the reclined position, the retaining element 14 of the retaining device 12 is automatically moved, particularly depending on the angle between the backrest 8 and the seat section 6, such that the retaining element 14, viewed transversely to the main seat direction 10, overlaps the vehicle seat 4. This positions the retaining element 14 in such a way that, upon detection of an impact on the vehicle, an airbag 16 located in the retaining element 14 presses the vehicle occupant into the vehicle seat 4 and prevents the vehicle occupant from moving unintentionally through the vehicle interior.

[0044] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the claims and in the drawing can be essential in the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 2 Protective device 4 vehicle seats 6 Seat section 8 Back section 10 Main office direction 12 Holding device 14 Holding devices 16 airbags 18 propulsion devices 20 Control unit 22 spacer element 24 Backstabbers 26 Thigh support

Claims

[1] Protective device (2) for a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously driving vehicle, with at least one vehicle seat (4) comprising at least one seat section (6) and a back section (8) adjustable relative to the seat section (6), wherein the seat section (6) and back section (8) define a main seat direction (10), and with at least one holding device (12) comprising a holding element (14) that is fixed directly or indirectly adjacent to the vehicle seat (4) and that can be moved from a basic position of the holding device (12), in which the holding element (14) extends substantially parallel or obliquely to the main seat direction (10) with respect to its longitudinal direction and in which the holding element (14) is arranged without overlap with the vehicle seat (4) with respect to the main seat direction (10), into at least one protective position of the holding device (12),in which the holding means (14) extends transversely or obliquely to the main seat direction (10) with respect to its longitudinal direction and in which the holding means (14) is arranged to overlap the vehicle seat (4) at least sectionally, wherein the holding means (14) comprises at least one airbag (16) which is triggerable at least in the protective position of the holding means (14), characterized by , that the retaining device (12) comprises at least one rear gripping means (24) comprising an airbag (16), which can be fixed or is fixed to the seat part (6) on the side facing away from the back part (8) or to a thigh support (26) arranged on the seat part (6) on the side facing away from the back part (8), and which is extendable at least when an impact is detected transversely or obliquely to the main seat direction (10). [2] Protective device (2) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the backrest (8) of the vehicle seat (4) can be moved relative to the seat section (6) from an upright position of the vehicle seat (4), in which the backrest (8) and seat section (6) form an angle to each other that ensures an upright sitting position for the vehicle occupant, to at least one inclined position of the vehicle seat (4) relative to the upright position, in which the backrest (8) and seat section (6) form an angle to each other that allows the vehicle occupant to lie down, that the retaining device (14) is arranged in its basic position in the upright position of the vehicle seat (4), and / or that the retaining device (14) can be automatically moved into the protective position when the vehicle seat (4) is moved from the upright position to the inclined position, at least when a certain angle between the seat section (6) and the backrest (8) is exceeded. [3] Protective device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one mechanical and / or electrical drive means (18) by which the holding means (14) can be automatically moved from the home position to the protective position. [4] Protective device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one control unit (20) to which the drive means (18), the airbag (16) of the holding means (14) and / or an impact detection device of the motor vehicle is / are functionally assigned, by which an impact of the motor vehicle and a transfer of the vehicle seat (4) from the upright position to the tilt position can be detected and by which the drive means (18) can be controlled to transfer the holding means (14) from the home position to the protective position. [5] Protective device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the holding device (12) comprises a spacer element by which the holding means (14) can be movably fixed or fixed to the vehicle seat (4) and / or a vehicle component and can be manually or, in particular by the control unit (20) and the drive means (18), automatically adjusted to a distance from the vehicle seat (4) and / or the vehicle component. [6] Protective device (2) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the spacer element (22) is telescopically and / or rotatably fixed or fixed to the vehicle seat (4) and / or the vehicle component and by means of a mechanical and / or electrical drive means (18) by which the holding means (14) can be automatically moved from the home position to the protective position. [7] Protective device (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by, that the retaining means (14) in the protective position comprises a, in particular adjustable, and, in particular, independent of the angle between back part (8) and seat part (6), constant distance to the back part (8) and / or that the distance of the retaining means (14) to the back part (8) is adjustable and definable by the spacer element (22). [8] Protective device (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that the holding means (14) can be fixed to the spacer element (22) in a rotationally fixed manner or rotatably relative to the spacer element and / or that the holding means (14) can be moved from the basic position to the protective position by rotation relative to the spacer element (22) or by rotation with the spacer element (22).

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