Restraint system for a vehicle, vehicle seat and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a restraint system for a vehicle with a restraint element (3) that can be positioned from a storage position into an active position. According to the invention, it is provided that - the retaining element (3) has a shape memory arrangement or is at least partially coupled to such an arrangement, - the shape memory arrangement comprises at least one shape memory alloy which can be converted from an actual shape into a desired shape by means of thermal and / or magnetic control, and - the retaining element (3) can be positioned from the storage position into the active position by transferring the shape memory alloy from the actual shape into the desired shape.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a restraint system for a vehicle with a restraint element that can be positioned from a storage position to an active position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle seat with such a restraint system and a vehicle with such a vehicle seat.

[0002] DE 10 2007 022 925 A1 discloses a restraint system with a retention volume defined by an enclosure. The enclosed retention volume can be expanded from a storage position to a retention position, in which the retention volume is arranged to retain a person or an object. A mechanical enlargement device is provided by means of which the retention volume can be adjusted to the retention position.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of providing a novel restraint system with a restraint element that can be positioned in an operative position, a vehicle seat and a vehicle.

[0004] The object is achieved according to the invention by a restraint system with a restraint element which has the features specified in claim 1, by a vehicle seat which has the features specified in claim 9, and by a vehicle which has the features specified in claim 10.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0006] A restraint system for a vehicle comprises a restraint element that can be positioned from a storage position to an operative position. According to the invention, the restraint element comprises a shape memory arrangement or is at least partially coupled to such a arrangement, - the shape memory arrangement comprises at least one shape memory alloy which can be converted from an actual shape into a desired shape by means of thermal and / or magnetic control, and - the retaining element can be positioned from the storage position to the active position by transferring the shape memory alloy from the actual shape to the desired shape.

[0007] To position the retaining element of this type of restraint system, no pyrotechnic explosive charge is required, as the retaining element can be positioned from the storage position to the active position using a shape memory arrangement, particularly a shape memory alloy. Because the positioning of the retaining element is not based on pyrotechnics, the risk of injury when the restraint system is triggered can be largely eliminated. Furthermore, no powder is emitted when positioning the retaining element.

[0008] Furthermore, the logistical transport of such a restraint system is considerably simplified, as there is no pyrotechnics involved and the restraint system with the shape memory arrangement is therefore not considered a hazardous material, meaning that relevant regulations can be disregarded.

[0009] By means of the shape memory arrangement, it is also possible to specify, in particular to control, the extent to which the retaining element is to assume its operative position.

[0010] A restraint system designed in this way can be comparatively compact and is relatively quiet when activated and in particular when positioning the restraint element in the active position.

[0011] In one embodiment, the shape memory arrangement comprises a plurality of threads made of a shape memory alloy, so that the retaining element can be positioned into the desired shape by means of the shape memory of the threads. This means that the threads have a shape memory, and the retaining element can be positioned into the operative position by means of the threads and their shape memory, i.e., the desired shape.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the shape memory arrangement comprises a number of threads made of a shape memory alloy that run parallel to a longitudinal axis of the retaining element and / or a number of threads made of a shape memory alloy that run transversely to the longitudinal axis of the retaining element. This makes it possible for the retaining element to be positioned in the operative position both with respect to its longitudinal axis and with respect to its transverse axis, in particular by the threads shifting from the actual shape to the desired shape.

[0013] In one embodiment of the restraint system, the threads are integrated into the restraint element, significantly reducing the risk of the threads becoming entangled when the restraint system is activated. Integrating the threads into the restraint element also ensures that the restraint element maintains its shape, as defined by the threads, in relation to the active position.

[0014] In a further development, the threads have their desired shape in the active position of the retaining element. This means that the shape memory is based on the active position of the retaining element, and heat at a predetermined temperature is applied to the threads in the storage position. The shape memory is triggered when the heat is applied, thereby positioning the retaining element in its active position. Alternatively or additionally, the activation of the shape memory of the threads is based on magnetism, i.e., an existing magnetic field. At least one electromagnet can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the retaining element with the shape memory arrangement.For example, when a collision of the vehicle is detected, i.e. when at least one predetermined condition is met, the electromagnet is controlled and activated to generate a magnetic field so that the threads position themselves in their desired shape according to their shape memory, whereby the retaining element is positioned in its active position.

[0015] In one embodiment of the restraint system, the restraint element is an airbag which, in its active position, is filled with air, and the threads are woven into an airbag fabric. Because the threads made of the shape memory alloy are integrated into the airbag fabric, the shape of the airbag is predetermined, particularly with regard to its active position. The integration of the threads into the airbag fabric largely prevents the threads from becoming entangled when the airbag is positioned in its active position. The airbag is positioned in its active position by means of the threads and their shape memory, thus increasing injury protection for an occupant to whom the restraint element is assigned.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the airbag has at least one valve, through which the airbag fills with air via the threads made of the shape memory alloy when it is positioned in the active position. This means that when the airbag is deployed, air is drawn into the airbag via the valve using the shape memory-based threads. The degree of inflation of the airbag depends on the shape memory, i.e., the desired shape of the threads, with the goal of optimizing injury protection. For example, the valve is designed such that the air drawn into the airbag remains in the airbag for a predetermined period of time, a so-called service life.The airbag and the valve are thus designed in such a way that the air remains in the airbag at least for a certain period of time up to a certain level of inflation, even if the occupant impacts against or on the airbag, whereby the occupant can be protected by the airbag in the active position, for example even in the event of a subsequent collision of the vehicle.

[0017] In another possible embodiment, the restraint element in the form of the airbag is designed as a side airbag integrated into the vehicle seat, which deploys, for example, between a vehicle door and an occupant. The side airbag can also be used to apply an impulse to the occupant through the shape memory arrangement when the side airbag deploys, so that the occupant is moved away from the side of the vehicle affected by the collision.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle seat with a restraint system comprising a restraint element that can be positioned from the storage position to the active position based on a shape memory alloy in order to increase the protection against injury to an occupant of the vehicle seat to which the side airbag is assigned. No pyrotechnics are required to position the side airbag, so that any additional risk of injury to the occupant when the pyrotechnics are triggered can be largely eliminated.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such a vehicle seat, which has a restraint system designed in this way with a restraint element that can be positioned from the storage position to the active position by means of a shape memory alloy. The positioning is comparatively quiet and does not require pyrotechnics, which could pose an additional risk of injury to an occupant to whom the restraint element is assigned.

[0020] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0021] Showing: Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a section with an occupant on a vehicle seat and a restraint element in its active position, Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective, partially transparent view of the retaining element when positioned in an operative position and Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective partially transparent view of the retaining element in its operative position.

[0022] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a section with an occupant 1 of a vehicle (not shown in detail) on a vehicle seat 2 with a restraint element 3 of a restraint system of the vehicle in its active position. In particular, the restraint element 3 is an airbag, in particular a side airbag integrated into a seat back 2.1 of the vehicle seat 2.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a perspective partially transparent view of the retaining element 3 when positioned in its operative position and in Fig. 3 shows a perspective, partially transparent view of the retaining element 3 in its operative position.

[0025] The retaining element 3 in the form of the airbag has a shape memory arrangement with a number of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, which are formed from a shape memory alloy. The threads 4 are woven into an airbag fabric, i.e., integrated into the retaining element 3. Alternatively, the threads 4 can be welded to the airbag fabric and thus are integrally bonded to the airbag fabric.

[0026] In a storage position of the restraint element 3 (not shown in detail), the restraint element 3 is arranged essentially invisibly in the seat back 2.1. In the storage position of the restraint element 3 with the shape memory arrangement, the threads 4 have an actual shape that deviates from a shape memory-induced desired shape of the threads 4.

[0027] If it is detected that the vehicle is about to experience a collision, in particular a side collision, or if the collision itself is detected based on signals detected by a collision sensor system of the vehicle, the restraint system is triggered so that the restraint element 3 is positioned from the storage position into the active position by means of the shape memory arrangement.

[0028] In particular, a shape memory of the threads 4, i.e. their desired shape, relates to the active position, so that the retaining element 3 in the form of the airbag is positioned in the active position by means of the threads 4 due to heat acting on them and / or due to a magnetic field acting on them.

[0029] For example, a heating element (not shown in detail) is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the retaining element 3 with the shape memory arrangement in its storage position, in particular within the seat back 2.1. Alternatively or additionally, an electromagnet for generating a magnetic field is arranged in the area of the seat back 2.1, in particular within the seat back 2.1, and thus in the immediate vicinity of the retaining element 3. This electromagnet is used to recall the shape memory of the threads 4, i.e., their desired shape, and to position the retaining element 3 from the storage position into the active position.

[0030] The respective thread 4 is inserted into the airbag fabric at a respective predetermined position, so that the retaining element 3 in its operative position has a shape predetermined by the desired shape of the threads 4. In this case, a predetermined number of threads 4, as shown in particular in Fig. 3, are introduced into the airbag fabric in a manner parallel to the longitudinal axis of the retaining element 3. A further predetermined number of threads 4 are integrated into the retaining element 3, extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the latter.

[0031] In the storage position of the retaining element 3, in particular the airbag, the threads 4 are compressed in their actual shape, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0032] An interior, in particular an interior space, of the retaining element 3 designed as an airbag, in particular a side airbag, is fluidically connected to an environment of the retaining element 3 via a valve (not shown in detail).

[0033] If the retaining element 3 unfolds due to the shape memory of the threads 4 and positions itself in the active position, air is sucked in via the valve, whereby the air bag fills with ambient air.

[0034] In one possible embodiment, the valve is designed such that the air drawn into the airbag does not escape into the environment through the valve, or escapes relatively slowly. This can, for example, largely ensure that the airbag is still sufficiently filled with air in the event of a subsequent collision involving the vehicle. The airbag positioned in the active position, i.e., the restraint element 3, can thus increase injury protection for the occupant 1 in the vehicle seat 2, to which the restraint element 3 is assigned, even in the event of a subsequent collision.

[0035] Furthermore, with such a retaining element 3 with threads 4 made of a shape memory alloy, it is possible to control the degree of filling of the airbag as a retaining element 3 by means of the shape memory of the threads 4. List of reference symbols 1 inmate 2 vehicle seats 2.1 Seat back 3 Retaining element 4 threads QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2007 022 925 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Restraint system for a vehicle with a restraint element (3) that can be positioned from a storage position to an active position, characterized by , that - the retaining element (3) has a shape memory arrangement or is at least partially coupled to such an arrangement, - the shape memory arrangement comprises at least one shape memory alloy which can be converted from an actual shape into a desired shape by means of thermal and / or magnetic control, and - the retaining element (3) can be positioned from the storage position into the active position by transferring the shape memory alloy from the actual shape into the desired shape. [2] Restraint system according to claim 1, characterized by that the shape memory arrangement comprises a plurality of threads (4) made of a shape memory alloy. [3] Restraint system according to claim 2, characterized bythat the shape memory arrangement has a number of threads (4) made of a shape memory alloy running parallel to a longitudinal axis of the retaining element (3) and / or a number of threads (4) made of a shape memory alloy running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the retaining element (3). [4] Restraint system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the threads (4) are integrated into the retaining element (3). [5] Restraint system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the threads (4) have their desired shape in the operative position of the retaining element (3). [6] Restraint system according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by that the retaining element (3) is an air bag which is filled with air in the active position and the threads (4) are woven into an air bag fabric. [7] Restraint system according to claim 6, characterized bythat the airbag has at least one valve through which air flows from the outside into an interior of the airbag when the airbag is positioned in the active position by means of the threads (4). [8] Restraint system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the airbag is designed as a side airbag integrated into the vehicle seat. [9] Vehicle seat (2) with a restraint system according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Vehicle with a vehicle seat (2) according to claim 9.

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