Restraint device for securing vehicle occupants on a seat-lying device comprising a movable flexible surface element

Abstract

Restraint device for securing vehicle occupants on a seat-lying device (2) comprising a movable flexible surface element (6) which, in a use position, covers a partial area of ​​the vehicle occupant with at least one section (7) and does not cover the vehicle occupant in a rest position, characterized in that the movement of the flexible surface element (6) from the rest position to the use position is positively coupled to the movement of the seat-lying device (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a restraint device for securing vehicle occupants on a seat-lying device comprising a movable flexible surface element which, in a use position, covers at least one section of a part of the vehicle occupant and, in a rest position, does not cover the vehicle occupant.

[0002] Familiar restraint systems, such as seat belts, are designed for vehicle occupants in an upright sitting position and can be supplemented by additional restraint systems for occupants in a reclining position. Increased driving comfort in motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, minibuses, buses, or airplanes, leads to a need for more comfortable sitting / reclining positions for vehicle occupants.

[0003] Such a restraint device is known from DE 10 2018 206 090 A1, which, for securing vehicle occupants in a highly inclined position, moves translationally along guide rails into a deployment position and covers the vehicle occupants with a flexible surface element. For this process, the restraint device has a linear drive, which preferably extends along the guide rail and can be designed as a belt drive or telescopic drive.

[0004] From DE 10 2019 201 307 A1, a vehicle seating arrangement with a restraint device for reclining persons is known, which has a restraint device in a foot-side end area of ​​the vehicle seat that can be adjusted to the body size of the person and is in contact with the person in an accident situation.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2019 201 302 A1 discloses a restraint device for motor vehicles for persons in a highly inclined position, which can be manually moved into a position of use in which it covers a part of the person's body surface with a surface element, wherein the restraint device is provided with several gas-fillable airbags, each assigned to individual body regions, to tighten the surface element.

[0006] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of designing a restraint device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that a flexible surface element reliably and comfortably covers a reclining vehicle occupant on a seat-lying device and releases the seated vehicle occupant, whereby the manufacturing costs and the weight of the drive means are low.

[0007] This problem is solved with a retaining device according to the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous further developments of the invention.

[0008] According to the invention, a restraint device for securing vehicle occupants on a seat-lying device is provided, comprising a movable flexible surface element which, in a use position, covers at least one section of a part of the vehicle occupant and, in a rest position, does not cover the vehicle occupant, wherein the movement of the flexible surface element is coupled to the movement of the seat-lying device.

[0009] A seat-reclining device is a vehicle seat that allows for an upright sitting position as well as a reclining position, preferably fully flat. Intermediate positions, i.e., lying with the upper body raised and / or with the feet lowered, are of course possible and are subsequently referred to as sitting or reclining. If the vehicle occupant is in an intermediate position, the flexible surface element can assume a position that does not correspond to the fully reclining position. The coupling can be designed such that the seat-reclining device can be moved a certain distance without the surface element moving. It is therefore possible that the surface element only moves when the seat-reclining device is in specific positions.The forced coupling of the flexible surface element to the seat / reclining device eliminates the need for manual adjustment of the flexible surface element, thereby increasing comfort and safety, as some movement of the flexible surface element is unavoidable. Furthermore, an additional drive motor and its control system become unnecessary, enabling the realization of a lightweight and inexpensive drive mechanism.

[0010] Flexible surface elements for areas of the vehicle occupants, such as the lower legs, can be provided, whereby the restraint device can also provide several sections of flexible surface elements for different areas, which can be moved by means of one or more drive means, each forcibly coupled to the seat-lying device.

[0011] Preferably, the restraint device comprises a section of the surface element that is moved along guide rails provided on the sitting-lying device, to which the surface element is attached, by the movement of the sitting-lying device. Moving the surface element along a guide rail enables a simple and defined process, ensuring secure attachment of the surface element via the guide rail.

[0012] In a particularly practical embodiment, the surface element comprises a section, preferably a leg rest section for movement over the leg rest, a seat surface section, or a seat back section for movement over the seat surface or seat back of the reclining device. This section is driven by a traction element guided via pulleys, which moves a leg rest or seat back of the reclining device. The traction element preferably has a vehicle-mounted, leg rest-mounted, or seat back-mounted connection. The traction element can be, for example, a rope, a strap, or a chain, with the pulley being suitably designed, for example, as a sliding or roller bearing. The pulley can preferably incorporate a transmission mechanism, for example, in the form of a pulley system, whereby a smaller movement of the reclining device enables a large travel distance of the surface element.By firmly attaching the traction element in conjunction with the deflection, the forced coupling of sections of the flexible surface element with the sitting-lying device is achieved in a simple manner.

[0013] A preferred embodiment comprises a restraint device with a section, which is more preferably a leg rest section, a seat surface section, or a seat back section, driven by a traction element, wherein the traction element is attached to an armrest that moves in a positively coupled manner with the seat back. This makes relative movement between the sitting-lying device and the section of the flexible surface element particularly easy to achieve, since the armrest projects from the seat back.

[0014] In a particularly practical embodiment, a section, preferably a leg rest section, a seat surface section or a seat back section, is driven by a traction element, wherein the traction element is connected to a guide element which is moved by means of a connecting rod, preferably driven by the seat back.

[0015] When the seat / reclining device is moved, the attached connecting rod and the guide element at its end are also moved, thus tensioning the traction element. Given sufficient installation space, this allows for particularly easy tensioning of the traction element, while a simple, vehicle-mounted attachment of the traction element provides a leverage ratio and therefore a greater travel distance for the section.

[0016] A preferred embodiment comprises a section, preferably a leg rest section, a seat surface section, or a seat back section, which is driven by a traction element, wherein the traction element is deflected by means of a plunger, preferably attached to the seat back, preferably against a spring force. Preferably, an increased travel distance of the section can be achieved by deflecting the traction element on both sides of the plunger. A method for achieving even large travel distances of the section is thus easily implemented.

[0017] Preferably, the restraint device comprises a section of the surface element, more preferably a leg rest section, a seat surface section, or a backrest section, which is driven by a traction element. The traction element is attached to a rotatably mounted roller, which is operatively connected to a rack, preferably a curved or straight rack, by means of a pinion. The predominantly translational movement of the rack is converted into a rotational movement, which results in the traction element winding up and the section moving. In one embodiment, the drive can drive the roller, which in turn drives the rack. This allows for a particularly efficient and simple positive coupling of the surface element to the sitting / lying device.

[0018] In a particularly practical embodiment, a toothed segment fixed to the seat backrest linearly moves a rack, wherein the rack, via a joint and a bearing, drives a section—preferably a leg rest section, a seat surface section, and / or a seat back section—through a length compensator. The joint, together with the bearing, changes the direction of movement so that the movement of the section is opposite to the movement of the rack. The length compensator is a flexible means that is sufficiently rigid to move a section, yet sufficiently compliant to adapt to geometric requirements. It can, for example, be a spring or a damper. A compact, lightweight, and cost-effectively manufactured positive coupling becomes achievable.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, a first piston-cylinder unit, preferably hydraulic or pneumatic, fixed to the seat back, is actuated by a movement of the seat back. This first piston-cylinder unit, via a pressure line, drives a second piston-cylinder unit, which, by means of a joint and a bearing, drives a section of the flexible surface element—preferably a leg rest section, a seat surface section, and / or a seat back section—via a length compensation mechanism. The joint, together with the bearing and the length compensation mechanism, as described above, causes the section to move in the opposite direction to the piston of the cylinder. This enables a particularly compact and flexibly arranged positive coupling.

[0020] A particularly practical embodiment features a flexible surface element that is mounted on both sides of the seat / reclining device and preferably comprises fabric sections with integrated airbag chambers and / or integrated straps. The mounting on both sides of the surface element allows for simple and secure positioning, while the straps and / or airbag chambers effectively restrain vehicle occupants in accident situations.

[0021] The flexible surface element can have a spacer at the end to be moved, which, during movement, keeps the flexible surface element away from the vehicle occupant. For this purpose, the spacer can be pivotally mounted, for example, on the guide rail, and pre-tensioned against the vehicle occupant by means of a spring. When the surface element is driven, this occurs at the spacer, which is raised by the driving force and thus separates the surface element from the vehicle occupant. The spacer can consist of two parts connected by a hinge, which pivot apart under the driving force. Preferably, the spacer has a thickening at the surface element, so that snagging on the vehicle occupant during movement is reduced.

[0022] The invention allows for numerous embodiments. To further illustrate its basic principle, several embodiments are shown in the drawings and described below. These show in Fig. 1a to 1d a restraint device with a vehicle-mounted or foot-mounted traction element; Fig. 2a to 2e a restraint device with a vehicle-mounted towing element; Fig. 3a to 3d a restraint device with a seat-back-mounted traction element; Fig. 4a to 4c a restraint device with an armrest-mounted traction element; Fig. 5a to 5c a restraint device with a traction element connected to a connecting rod; Fig. 6a to 6b a restraint device with a traction element connected to a plunger; Fig. 7a to 7f a restraint device with a traction element connected to a roller; Fig. 8a to 8d a retaining device with a toothed segment drive; Fig. 9 a retaining device with a piston-cylinder element; Fig. 10a to 10c a restraint device with spacer.

[0023] Fig. Figures 1a to 1d show a restraint device with a vehicle-mounted or foot-mounted traction element 1, wherein Fig. Figures 1a to 1c show a restraint device with a seat-reclining device 2 in three positions. The seat-reclining device 2 has a backrest 3 which is pivotally connected to a seat surface 4. The seat surface 4 is pivotally connected to a leg rest 5. The seat-reclining device 2 is designed to restrain a vehicle occupant in a seated or reclining position. Fig. 1a The seat-reclining device 2 is set for a seated position, such that a flexible surface element 6, consisting of several sections 7—namely a leg rest section 7a, a seat surface section 7b, and a seat back section 7c—is in a resting position, folded in an arc at the foot end and not covering a vehicle occupant, thus allowing for easy standing up or sitting down. The surface element 6 is folded or compressed in the foot area of ​​the seat-reclining device 2 and is mounted on guide rails 8 on both sides so that it can be moved. The leg rest section 7a of the surface element 6 is connected to a traction element 1, which allows it to be moved along the leg rest 5. The traction element 1 is deflected by a deflection 9 located at the upper end of the leg rest 5 and by another deflection 9 located at the foot end and is attached to the vehicle.When the seat-lying device 2 is moved, a leg rest section 7a and with it a seat surface section 7b and a seat back section 7c are formed, as in . Fig. As shown in Figure 1b, the procedure is as follows. In the intermediate position shown, the leg rest 5 is covered by the leg rest section 7a, the seat surface section 7b, and the backrest section 7c. When the seat-reclining device 2 is in the reclining position, the backrest section 7c can be moved manually over the seat surface 4 and over a portion of the backrest 3, as shown in Figure 1b. Fig. 1c is shown.

[0024] In Fig. 1d is the same embodiment as in the Fig. Figures 1a to 1c show alternative configurations for the guidance of the traction element 1. The traction element 1, originating from the leg support section 7a, is deflected via a deflection 9 at the upper end of the leg support 5 and guided to the foot area via one or two further deflections 9 fixed to the vehicle, such that movement of the leg support 5 results in movement of the leg support section 7a and the seat surface section 7b. The return movement of sections 7 of the surface element 6 can be performed manually after unlocking section 7 or when moving the seat-reclining device 2 into a more upright position, for example, by means of a spring element (not shown). The described return movement of sections 7 is applicable to at least all embodiments with a traction element 1.

[0025] Fig. 2a to 2e represent a sitting-lying device 2 as described above and a traction element 1 fixed above the sitting-lying device 2 on the vehicle for moving surface elements 6. Fig. 2a and Fig. Figure 2b shows an embodiment in the rest position and in the operating position. The traction element 1 is guided from the upper attachment point via a deflection 9, which is attached to the lower end of the seat back 3, and to a leg rest section 7a located at the upper end of the seat back 3, which is moved as shown in Figure 2b. Fig. 2b shows how the procedure will be carried out. Fig. Figure 2b further shows, by way of example, a leg rest section 7a and a seat surface section 7b, which are as in Fig. 1a shown can be driven.

[0026] Fig. 2c to 2e correspond to the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, embodiments of which can be combined, wherein a leg support section 7a is moved over the leg support 5 by means of the traction element 1. For this purpose, the traction element 1 is guided over an additional deflection 9, which is arranged at the upper end of the leg support 5, so that, as in Fig. 2d and Fig. 2e shows that the procedure of the seat back 3 and the seat surface 4 as well as the leg rest 5 leads to a procedure of the leg rest section 7a.

[0027] Fig. Figures 3a to 3d show an embodiment of the sitting-lying device 2, which corresponds to the one described in Fig. 1a corresponds to the embodiment described, but has a fixed side part 10 with deflections 9, wherein the traction element 1 is fixed at the upper end of the seat back 3.

[0028] Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows an embodiment in two positions. The traction element 1 is guided from the fixing point via a deflection 9 arranged in the side part 10 above the seat surface 4 and is guided to the leg support section 7a by means of a deflection 9 attached to the upper end of the leg support 5, so that the leg support section 7a, as shown in Fig. 3b shows the process when the seat backrest 3 moves.

[0029] In the Fig. 3c and Fig. In the embodiment shown in 3d, the side part 10 has a further deflection 9 in the head area, over which the traction element 1 is guided, thereby achieving an increased travel distance of the leg support section 7a.

[0030] Fig. Figures 4a to 4c represent an embodiment of a sitting-lying device 2 as shown in Fig. 1a describes a device which additionally has an armrest 11 that is pivotally attached to the seat back 3. A tension element 1 is fixed to the end of the armrest 11 projecting from the seat back 3. This tension element is guided via a deflection 9 attached to the upper end of the leg support 5 to a leg support section 7a of a surface element 6. When the seat-lying device 2 is moved from the position described in Fig. 4a seated position shown in a Fig. When the leg rest section 7a is moved to the intermediate position shown in 4b, actuated by the traction element 1, it moves along the leg rest 5 towards the seat surface 4. If the seat-reclining device 2 is moved into a reclining position, as shown in 4b, the leg rest section 7a moves along the leg rest 5 towards the seat surface 4. Fig. As shown in Figure 4c, the leg rest section 7a is moved further over the vehicle occupant in the same manner. To achieve an additional travel distance for the leg rest section 7a, the armrest 11 can be pivoted relative to the upper area of ​​the seat back 3. This can be achieved either by force control through the movement of the seat back 3 or by an additional drive mechanism.

[0031] Fig. Figures 5a to 5c represent an embodiment of a sitting-lying device 2 as shown in Fig. Figure 1a describes a system in which the leg rest section 7a and the seat surface section 7b of the surface element 6 are driven by a traction element 1, the traction element 1 being connected to a guide element 12 which is moved by means of a connecting rod 13. The connecting rod 13 is driven by the movement of the seat back 3, which tensions the traction element 1, which runs via deflections 9 to the leg rest 5, and moves the surface element 6. Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c the traction element 1 is fixed to the guide element 12, whereas the traction element 1 is in Fig. 5a is fixed to the vehicle and is deflected at the guide element 12, thereby increasing the travel distance of the surface element 6. Increasing the travel distance of the surface element 6 by deflecting the traction element 1 is transferable to the other embodiments with the traction element 1.

[0032] Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b disclose an embodiment of a sitting-lying device 2 as shown in Fig. As described in Figure 1a, the surface element 6 is driven by means of a traction element 1, which is tensioned by a piston 14 that moves the traction element 1 between two deflections 9. The piston 14 is attached to the seat back 3 and is driven by its movement. As the seat back 3, and thus the piston 14, moves along the two deflections 9, the traction element 1 is tensioned against the spring force of a spring 15, and the surface element 6 is moved.

[0033] In Fig. Figures 7a to 7f represent an embodiment of a sitting-lying device 2 as shown in Fig. Figure 1a describes and illustrates the arrangement in which the traction element 1 is tensioned for moving the leg support section 7a and the seat surface section 7b by rotating and winding it onto a rotatably mounted roller 16. A pinion 17 is fixed to the roller 16 for this purpose and is driven by a rack 18. The rack 18 can be, as shown in Fig. 7a to 7c shown, be curved or, as in Fig. Figures 7d to 7f show a straight rack 18. The rack 18 is attached to the seat back 3 and is driven by its movement. As the seat back 3, and thus the rack 18, moves along the pinion 17, the pinion and the roller 16 rotate, tensioning the tension member 1, which causes the surface element 6 to move. The seat back 3 of the embodiment of Fig. 7a to 7c is mounted for rotational movement exclusively by means of a swivel joint 19; the bending radius of the rack 18 corresponds to the distance of the rack 18 to the pivot point of the seat back 3. The seat back 3 of the embodiment of Fig. 7d to 7f is also mounted for translational movement and moves simultaneously translationally and rotationally, so that the rack 18 is driven linearly.

[0034] In Fig. Figures 8a to 8d represent an embodiment of a sitting-lying device 2 as shown in Fig. Figure 1a describes and illustrates a toothed segment 20 rotating about the axis of rotation of the pivot joint 19, which is fixed to the seat back 3. When the seat back 3 rotates about the pivot joint 19, the toothed segment 20 pivots and drives a rack segment 21, which moves horizontally and is connected by means of a slidably mounted tension rod 22, a joint 23 and a bearing 24 via a length compensator 25, as shown in the Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b shows a leg support section 7a or, as shown in the Fig. 8c and Fig. Figure 8d shows a seat surface section 7b. The length compensation 25 can, for example, be designed as a gas pressure damper or a spring and enables the leg support 5 to move independently of the position of the seat back 3. The travel distance of the surface element 6 is adjustable by varying the geometry of the toothed segment 20 and the positioning of the joint 23 relative to the bearing 24.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 9 is an embodiment of a sitting-lying device 2 as shown in Fig. Figure 1a shows a first piston-cylinder unit 26 mounted on the piston side of the seat back 3, such that a first piston moves to the first cylinder when the seat back 3 is pivoted. The pressure generated in the cylinder is conveyed via a pressure line 27 to a second piston-cylinder unit 28, which moves a second piston depending on the pressure. The second piston is connected via a joint 23 and a bearing 24 to a length compensator 25, which moves a leg support section 7a.

[0036] In the Fig. Figures 10a to 10c show a seat-lying device 2 with spacers 29. The spacers 29 of the illustrated embodiments are connected at one end to the surface element 6 and at the other end pivotally mounted to the guide rail 8. The traction element 1 for driving the surface element 6 is attached to struts 30 of the spacer 29, so that, due to the force applied by the traction element 1, the spacer 29 distances the surface element 6 from the vehicle occupant against the force of an elastic element 31. As the surface element 6 moves, the force applied by the traction element 1 decreases, and the elastic element 31 presses the surface element 6 against the vehicle occupant.

[0037] Fig. 10a has a one-piece strut 30, wherein the elastic element 31 pre-tensions the strut 30 towards the guide rail 8. Fig. 10b and Fig. 10c each have a two-part strut 30 with a hinge 32 arranged between the parts of the struts 30. The elastic element 31 connects the parts of the struts 30 to each other and pre-tensions them. Fig. 10c also includes a thickening element that reduces the risk of the spacer 29 snagging on the vehicle occupant. Reference symbol list 1 Traction element 2 Seat-reclining device 3 seat back 4 seats 5 leg rest 6 surface element Section 7 7a Leg support section 7b Seating area section 7c Seat back section 8 guide rail 9 Deflection 10 Side panel 11 Armrest 12 Guide element 13. Connecting rod 14 stamps 15 springs 16 rolls 17 sprockets 18 Rack and pinion 19 Swivel joint 20 tooth segment 21 Rack segment 22 Tension strut 23 joint 24 Storage 25 Length compensation 26 first piston-cylinder unit 27 Pressure line 28 second piston-cylinder unit 29 spacers 30 strut 31 elastic element 32 hinge

Claims

[1] Restraint device for securing vehicle occupants on a seat-lying device (2) comprising a movable flexible surface element (6) which in a use position with at least one section (7) covers a part of the vehicle occupant and in a rest position does not cover the vehicle occupant, characterized by , that the method of the flexible surface element (6) from the rest position to the operating position is compulsively coupled to the method of the sitting-lying device (2). [2] Retaining device according to claim 1, characterized by , that a section (7) of the surface element (6) is moved from a lying position to the operating position along guide rails (8) provided on the sitting-lying device (2), to which the surface element (6) is attached, by moving the sitting-lying device (2). [3] Retaining device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that a section (7), preferably a leg rest section (7a) and / or a seat surface section (7b) and / or a seat back section (7c), is driven by a traction element (1) which is guided via deflections (9) by a leg rest (5) or a seat back (3) of the sitting-lying device (2), wherein the traction element (1) preferably has a vehicle-fixed, leg rest-fixed or seat back-fixed connection. [4] Restraint device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a section (7), preferably a leg rest section (7a) and / or a seat surface section (7b) and / or a seat back section (7c), is driven by a traction element (1), wherein the traction element (1) is attached to an armrest (11) which moves in a forced coupling with the seat back (3). [5] Restraint device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a section (7), preferably a leg rest section (7a) and / or a seat surface section (7b) and / or a seat back section (7c), is driven by a traction element (1), wherein the traction element (1) is attached to a guide element (12) which is moved by means of a connecting rod (13) preferably driven by the seat back (3). [6] Restraint device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a section (7), preferably a leg rest section (7a) and / or a seat surface section (7b) and / or a seat back section (7c), is driven by a traction element (1), wherein the traction element (1) is deflected by means of a plunger (14), preferably attached to the seat back (3), preferably against a spring force. [7] Restraint device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a section (7), preferably a leg rest section (7a) and / or a seat surface section (7b) and / or a seat back section (7c), is driven by a traction element (1), wherein the traction element (1) is attached to a rotatably mounted roller (16) which is operatively connected to a rack (18), preferably a curved or straight rack (18), by means of a pinion (17). [8] Restraint device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a toothed segment (20) fixed to the seat back (3) linearly moves a rack segment (21) which, by means of a joint (23) and a bearing (24) via a length compensation (25), drives a section (7), preferably a leg rest section (7a) and / or a seat surface section (7b) and / or a seat back section (7c). [9] Restraint device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that by means of a method of the seat back (3) a first piston-cylinder unit (26) fixed to the seat back (3), preferably hydraulic or pneumatic, is actuated, which by means of a pressure line (27) drives a second piston-cylinder unit (28), which by means of a joint (23) and a bearing (24) drives via a length compensation (25) a section (7), preferably a leg rest section (7a), a seat surface section (7b) and / or a seat back section (7c). [10] Retaining device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the flexible surface element (6) is mounted on both sides of the sitting-lying device (2) and preferably has fabric parts with integrated airbag chambers and / or integrated belts.

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