VEHICLE SEATING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

Vehicle seating arrangement for a motor vehicle, with - a backrest (12), - a seat cushion (13), - at least one airbag module, wherein the airbag module is arranged on a side surface of the backrest (12) and / or the seat cushion (13) and the at least one airbag module comprises at least one airbag (14), wherein the airbag (14) is made of a first layer (10) and a second layer (11), wherein the first layer (10) faces an occupant when the airbag (14) is inflated, and - a retaining strap mechanism for the airbag module, wherein the retaining strap mechanism comprises at least one retaining strap arrangement (8), wherein the retaining strap arrangement (8) is attached at least to the airbag (14) and additionally to the seat cushion (13) and / or the backrest (12), characterized in that - the first layer (10) and the second layer (11) of the airbag (14) have the same shape and are connected to each other at least around the circumference, and by the fact that - the airbag (14) has a first section (1) which is connected to the backrest (12) and / or the seat cushion (13) and a second section (2), wherein the second section (2) is at least partially folded onto the first section (1) in a non-inflated but unrolled state of the airbag (14), forming a first fold line (3), wherein the first fold line (3) is secured by connecting the second section (2) of the airbag (14) to the first section (1) of the airbag (14) at at least one point near the first fold line (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat arrangement for a motor vehicle with a backrest, a seat cushion, at least one airbag module, wherein the airbag module is arranged on a side surface of the backrest and / or the seat cushion and the at least one airbag module comprises at least one airbag, wherein the airbag is made of a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer faces an occupant when the airbag is inflated, and a tether mechanism for the airbag module, wherein the tether mechanism comprises at least one tether arrangement, wherein the tether arrangement is fastened at least to the airbag and additionally to the seat cushion and / or the backrest.

[0002] A vehicle seat assembly with the above-mentioned features is known from EP 3 192 706 A1. The tether assembly for each airbag extends along the outer side surface of the inflated airbag, so that the airbag and the tether assembly holding the inflated airbag are designed to protect the occupant from a side impact. To protect the occupant in the event of a frontal impact, an additional conventional airbag, i.e., in the vehicle's dashboard or in the steering wheel, is required. However, in future (self-driving) vehicles, the seat may not be aligned in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, so additional protection is required. In order for the inflated airbag to have an appropriate shape when inflated to extend in front of the occupant's shoulder, a complicated production structure is required.More than two layers may be required to form such a three-dimensional shape of the inflated airbag. Furthermore, the inflated airbag has a relatively high volume, which is not necessary for protection. Furthermore, the airbag fully inflates at high speeds. Further vehicle seat assemblies are known from US 2016 / 0 031 406 A1, DE 10 2010 039 882 A1, US 2018 / 0 326 938 A1, DE 10 2012 216 896 A1, and JP 2009-29 182 A, respectively.

[0003] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle seat assembly that protects the occupant in various types of impact situations, even when the seat is not aligned in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In particular, a vehicle seat assembly is provided for which the airbag is easier to manufacture, said airbag having a smaller volume when installed in the seatback, and / or whose deployment sequence is improved.

[0004] This object is achieved by a vehicle seat assembly having the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the vehicle seat assembly are the subject of the dependent claims and the complete description, wherein individual features of the preferred embodiments can be combined with one another in a technically significant manner.

[0005] In particular, the object is achieved with a vehicle comprising the above-mentioned features, wherein the first layer and the second layer of the airbag have the same shape and are connected to one another at least at the periphery, and wherein the airbag has a first section which is connected to the seat cushion and / or the backrest, and a second section, wherein the second section is at least partially folded onto the first section in a non-inflated but unrolled state of the airbag, thereby forming a first fold line.

[0006] In other words, it is proposed here that the outer shell of the airbag be made of only two layers that have the same external shape when laid out flat. For example, two identical panels can be joined together at their peripheral edges. Alternatively, the airbag can be made of a so-called one-piece woven fabric, in which the two layers are formed simultaneously, with their peripheral edge and any other connections being established during the manufacturing process. Of course, the two layers can also be joined together within the perimeter.

[0007] In the uninflated but unrolled state, i.e. after complete manufacture of the airbag but before installation in the backrest and / or seat cushion, the airbag already has a fold line formed by folding the second section onto the first section of the airbag. The first fold line is secured by joining the second section of the airbag to the first section of the airbag. For example, this can be achieved by joining (i.e. sewing) an end of the second section initially facing away from the first section and / or an intermediate part of the second section to the first section. In this respect, the second section can only be joined to the first layer of the first section.

[0008] It is also possible for the second section to be connected (i.e., sewn) to the first section at at least one location near the fold line. In particular, the second section can be connected to the first section at one or more individual points or at a line along (parallel to) the fold line. This connection (seam) can also connect the first layer to the second layer, both in the first section and in the second section. By forming the first fold line, the inflation direction of at least the second section of the airbag is fixed during deployment, so that the second section inflates toward the front of the occupant.

[0009] The connection (seam) for defining the first fold line preferably connects the first and second layers of the second section to the first and second layers of the first section. In a preferred embodiment, the connection (line) between the first and second sections extends along (parallel to) the fold line from 1 / 8 to 1 / 2, or preferably from 1 / 4 to 1 / 3, the length of the first fold line along the fold line, so that the connection also presets the gas flow rate from the first section to the second section during deployment.

[0010] Preferably, the second section is folded onto the first section along the first fold line in such a way that the first layer of the second section faces the first layer of the first section, thereby ensuring that the second section deploys toward or in front of the occupant during deployment. The first fold line is therefore arranged at a location on the airbag such that the second section deploys toward the front of the occupant.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the second section comprises a first subsection and a second subsection, wherein the second subsection is folded onto the first subsection in the non-inflated but unrolled state of the airbag, thereby forming a second fold line. The second subsection is preferably folded onto the first subsection in such a way that the second layer of the second subsection faces the second layer of the first subsection. The airbag is thus folded in a zigzag manner by the first and second fold lines. The second fold line is secured by connecting the second subsection to the first subsection or the first section of the airbag. For example, an (initially loose) end of the (initially unfolded) second subsection is connected (i.e., sewn) to the first section or the second subsection.In this regard, it is preferred that the end of the second subsection be joined in a region close to the first fold line. In particular, the end may be joined by means of the same connecting means that forms the first fold line.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the second fold line may be secured by one or more connecting means (connection point or connecting line) arranged near the second fold line and connecting the first layer to the second layer (e.g., by sewing). These connecting means may also connect the second section near the second fold line to the first layer only within the first section. Preferably, the connecting line for forming the second fold line may extend from 1 / 4 to 3 / 4, or preferably from 1 / 3 to 1 / 2, the length of the second fold line along the second fold line. In this way, the gas flow rate from the first subsection to the second subsection can be preset during deployment.

[0013] In one embodiment, the free length of the first fold line, which means the length at which the second section is not connected to the first section near the first fold line and which is thus free for gas flow from the first section into the second section during deployment, is longer, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 40% longer than the free length of the second fold line. This ensures that the first section is fully deployed first during deployment, before the first subsection is fully deployed, with the second subsection being fully deployed after the first subsection.

[0014] In order to additionally provide a deployment direction of the airbag during deployment, it is proposed that a bending line is preferably formed within the first section, wherein the bending line is formed in particular by connecting (sewing) a part of the first layer within the first section to another part of the first layer of the first section. In this way, the usable length of the first layer of the first section, from its connection to the backrest to the first fold line, is shorter than the functional length of the second layer of the first section. The bending line can divide the first section into a first sub-segment and a second sub-segment. By forming such a bending line, the second sub-segment and the second section connected thereto bend towards the occupant during deployment. The second fold line and the bending line can be formed using the same connecting means.When inflated, the bending line may extend vertically within the first section.

[0015] Preferably, the airbag is configured such that, in an inflated state of the airbag, the first section is located to the side of the occupant and in front of a shoulder of the occupant, and such that the second section is located in front of the occupant's chest and / or head. In particular, the first sub-segment of the first section is located to the side of the occupant, the second sub-segment of the first section is located in front of the occupant's shoulder, and the second sub-section of the second section is located in front of the occupant's chest and / or head, wherein the first sub-section of the second section links the second sub-segment of the first section to the second sub-section of the second section.

[0016] In particular, the second sub-portion is shaped in such a way that it has an extension which, when inflated, is arranged in front of the occupant's head.

[0017] It is further proposed that the first section may comprise an arm-receiving area formed by connecting the first layer and the second layer to each other within the first section. Preferably, the connecting line for forming this arm-receiving area comprises two connecting lines (seams) arranged at an acute angle to each other, with the acute angle being aligned with the backrest.

[0018] By connecting the first layer and the second layer together within the perimeter, the volume of the airbag in the inflated state is reduced. Such a reduction in the volume of the inflated airbag can also be achieved by connecting them to form the first and second fold lines.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first or each tether assembly is attached to the airbag with one end to the seat cushion and the other end to the seat back.

[0020] Preferably, the tether mechanism comprises at least a second tether arrangement, wherein the second tether arrangement is attached to the airbag, with one end to the seat cushion and the other end to the backrest. By means of a second tether arrangement, the inflated airbag can be brought into and held in such a position that the airbag is held in front of the occupant. The attachment (connection) point of the first tether arrangement to the seat cushion is located in particular behind the attachment point of the second tether arrangement to the seat cushion, more precisely on the side surface of the seat cushion. Preferably, the attachment point of the second tether arrangement to the seat cushion is located at the front of the seat cushion. The other ends of the tether arrangements are preferably connected to the backrest at an upper part of the backrest, preferably on top of the backrest near the headrest.

[0021] At least one tether assembly extends along the front of the inflated airbag when inflated. The tether assembly is located on the outside of the airbag.

[0022] Each tether assembly can be constructed from a single tether strap, which in turn is typically made of a tensile-resistant fabric. If each tether assembly comprises only one tether strap, the airbag module and the tether strap must be installed in the vehicle seat at the same time. Alternatively, each tether assembly can be constructed from multiple tether straps. Each tether strap is connected at one end to the airbag and at the other end to the seat cushion or backrest.

[0023] In particular, the first layer and the second layer are connected to each other at the point where the tether assembly is attached to the airbag. This reduces the volume of the inflated airbag, which can be achieved using the same sewing process used to connect the tether assembly to the airbag. In this way, the tether assembly can also be connected to the airbag after the first and second layers have been connected to each other at their periphery.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, at least one tether of a tether arrangement is attached to the second section, preferably to the first subsection of the second section.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises two airbag modules, wherein the two airbag modules are arranged on opposite sides of the backrest or seat cushion, so that in the event of an accident, one airbag is arranged on either side of the occupant. In this regard, it may be sufficient for only one of the two airbag modules to comprise a (sub-)section that, when inflated, is arranged in front of the occupant's chest / head, while the airbag of the other airbag module is arranged to the side of the occupant and possibly with a (sub-)section in front of the occupant's shoulder.

[0026] The invention and the technical background are explained with reference to the figures, which schematically illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. They show schematically: Fig. 1: a side view of the first layer in an unfolded state, Fig. 2: a side view of the second layer in an unfolded state, Fig. 3: the airbag after a first folding step, Fig. 4: the airbag after a second folding step, Fig. 5: a side view similar to that in Fig. 1, in a folded and inflated state of the airbag, Fig. 6: a side view similar to that in Fig. 2, in a folded and inflated state, and Fig. 7: a schematic plan view of the folded and inflated airbag, Fig. 8: a top view of the folded and inflated airbag from Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, Fig. 9: a side view of a vehicle seat assembly with the inflated airbag (but without tethers), Fig. 10: a plan view of the vehicle seat arrangement from Fig. 9 with the inflated airbags and Fig. 11: a side view of a vehicle seat assembly with an inflated airbag, showing the arrangement of tethers.

[0027] The Fig. 9 and Fig. The vehicle seat assembly shown in Figure 10 comprises a vehicle seat with a backrest 12 and a seat cushion 13. Two airbag modules 3 are arranged on opposite side surfaces of the backrest 12. The airbag modules each comprise an airbag 14.

[0028] In the Fig. 1 to 8, an airbag 14 is shown, which is made of two layers, a first layer 10 and a second layer 11, which have the same outer shape and are connected at their periphery. The uninflated and not yet folded airbag is shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, where Fig. 1 a view of the first layer 10 and Fig. 2 shows a view of the second layer 11.

[0029] The airbag comprises a first section 1 connected to the backrest 12 of the seat. The airbag further comprises a second section 2, which is made up of a first subsection 2.1 and a second subsection 2.2. The subsection 2.2 has an end 5.

[0030] In addition, in the first section 1, an arm receiving portion 7 is formed by connecting the first layer 10 and the second layer 11 along a basically V-shaped connecting line.

[0031] Retaining straps 8 are connected to the airbag at a tether connection area 9, wherein the first layer 10 and the second layer 11 are connected to each other at the tether connection area 9.

[0032] During the manufacture of the airbag, section 2 is folded over fold line 3 onto the first section 1, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 2. The intermediate state after the first folding step is shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0033] Subsection 2.2 is then folded onto the first subsection 2.1 via a second fold line 4, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 3. The final state after the second folding step is shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0034] To secure the first fold line 3, the first subsection 2.1 and the first section 1 are joined together at the connecting area 6.1 (i.e., by sewing), thereby also joining the first layer 10 and the second layer 11 of the first section 1 and the first subsection 2.1. At the same time, the end 5 of the second subsection 2.2 is secured (sewn) in the first connecting area 6.1 near the first fold line 3.

[0035] To secure the second fold line 4, the first subsection 2.1 and the second subsection 2.2 are connected to each other at the connecting area 6.2, whereby the first layer 10 and the second layer 11 of the first subsection 2.1 and the second subsection 2.2 are also connected to each other. At the same time, the second fold line 4 is secured to the first layer 10 within the first section 1, whereby the first layer 10 is connected to itself at the bend line 12 formed thereby.

[0036] The airbag, which is thus safely folded, is installed in the backrest 12 of the seat arrangement.

[0037] During deployment, the gas flow from the first section 1 into the first subsection 2.1 with the connecting area 6.1 is limited. Accordingly, the first section 1 fully inflates first, while the full inflation of the first subsection 2.1 is delayed. Similarly, the gas flow from the first subsection 2.1 to the second subsection 2.2 with the second connecting area 6.2 is limited, so that the second subsection 2.2 fully inflates after a delay.

[0038] The Fig. 5 to 8 show the airbag in the inflated state. As in Fig. 10, the first section 1 is in the inflated state basically arranged to the side of the occupant, while the first subsection 2.1 is arranged in front of a shoulder of the occupant and the second subsection 2.2 is arranged in front of the chest / head of the occupant. In the Fig. 9 and Fig. In the example shown in Figure 10, the retaining straps are not attached. If retaining straps connecting the airbags 14 to the backrest 12 and the seat cushion 13 were attached, the second subsections 2.2 of the two airbags 14 would be held even more closely together when inflated. Fig. 11 shows an example of an exemplary arrangement of retaining straps 8.

[0039] As can be seen, the first fold line 3 and the second fold line 4 extend essentially vertically when inflated. Due to the first fold line 3 and the first connecting area 6.1, the second section 2 unfolds after the first section 1 has unfolded to the side of the occupant. When the second subsection 2.2 is positioned in front of the occupant's chest / head, sufficient protection is provided in the event of forward movement of the occupant. Reference symbol 1 first section 2 second section 2.1 first subsection 2.2 second subsection 3 first fold line 4 second fold line 5 End 6.1 first connection area 6.2 second connection area 7 Arm support area 8 tether 9 Safety strap connection area 10 first layer 11 second layer 12 Backrest 13 seat cushions 14 airbags 15 Bending line

Claims

[1] Vehicle seating arrangement for a motor vehicle, with - a backrest (12), - a seat cushion (13), - at least one airbag module, wherein the airbag module is arranged on a side surface of the backrest (12) and / or the seat cushion (13) and the at least one airbag module comprises at least one airbag (14), wherein the airbag (14) is made of a first layer (10) and a second layer (11), wherein the first layer (10) faces an occupant when the airbag (14) is inflated, and - a retaining strap mechanism for the airbag module, wherein the retaining strap mechanism comprises at least one retaining strap arrangement (8), wherein the retaining strap arrangement (8) is fastened at least to the airbag (14) and additionally to the seat cushion (13) and / or the backrest (12), characterized by , that - the first layer (10) and the second layer (11) of the airbag (14) have the same shape and are connected to each other at least at the periphery, and in that - the airbag (14) has a first section (1) which is connected to the backrest (12) and / or the seat cushion (13), and a second section (2), wherein the second section (2) is at least partially folded onto the first section (1) in a non-inflated but unrolled state of the airbag (14), forming a first fold line (3), wherein the first fold line (3) is secured by connecting the second section (2) of the airbag (14) to the first section (1) of the airbag (14) at at least one location near the first fold line (3). [2] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein one end (5) of the second portion (2) is connected to the first portion (1). [3] Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section (2) comprises a first subsection (2.1) and a second subsection (2.2), wherein the second subsection (2.2) is folded onto the first subsection (2.1) in the non-inflated but unrolled state of the airbag (14), thereby forming a second fold line (4). [4] Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer (10) is connected to itself within the first section (1), preferably along a vertically extending bending line (15). [5] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second fold line (4) is connected to the first layer (10) within the first portion (1). [6] Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (1) is located to the side of the occupant and in front of a shoulder of the occupant in an inflated state of the airbag (14), and wherein the second portion (2) is located in front of the chest and / or head of the occupant. [7] Vehicle seat arrangement according to claims 3 and 6, wherein a first sub-segment (1.1) of the first section (1) is located to the side of the occupant, a second sub-segment (1.2) of the first section (1) is located in front of the shoulder of the occupant and wherein the second sub-section (2.2) of the second section (2) is located in front of the chest and / or the head of the occupant, wherein the first sub-section (2.1) of the second section (2) links the second sub-segment (1.2) of the first section (1) to the second sub-section (2.2) of the second section (2). [8] Vehicle seat assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer (10) and the second layer (11) are connected to each other within the first section (1) to form an arm receiving area (7). [9] Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining strap arrangement (8) is fastened to the airbag (14), with one end to the seat cushion (13) and with the other end to the backrest (12). [10] Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tether mechanism comprises at least a second tether arrangement (8), wherein the second tether arrangement (8) is attached to the airbag (14), with one end to the seat cushion (13) and with the other end to the backrest (12). [11] Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer (10) and the second layer (11) are connected to one another at the fastening point (9) of the tether arrangement (8) to the airbag (14). [12] Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one retaining strap (8) of a retaining strap arrangement (8) is fastened to the second section (2). [13] Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two airbag modules are formed, wherein the two airbag modules are arranged on opposite sides of the backrest (13).

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