Airbag device for a vehicle seat and vehicle seat with such an airbag device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an airbag device for a vehicle seat, wherein the airbag device comprises at least one airbag module with an airbag that can be attached to the vehicle seat and in particular to a backrest, and at least one retaining strap mechanism, wherein the retaining strap mechanism has at least one retaining strap arrangement (1) preferably attached at one end to the airbag, wherein the retaining strap arrangement (1) can be attached to a tensioning device (2), wherein a guide element (3) is provided with which the retaining strap arrangement (1) can be guided over an edge (5) of a seat structure (4) of the vehicle seat.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag device for a vehicle seat and a vehicle seat with such an airbag device.

[0002] The vehicle seat of a motor vehicle comprises a backrest and a seat cushion, wherein both the backrest and the seat cushion have supporting or frame-like structures that are covered by padding, at least towards the occupant. The invention relates in particular to vehicle seats with an airbag device, in which at least one airbag module with an airbag is attached to the backrest, wherein the airbag device comprises a retaining strap mechanism, the at least one of which is attached to the airbag, in particular at its end.

[0003] The invention also relates in particular to an airbag device with a tensioning device for the tether mechanism, wherein the tensioning device comprises a tensioning element for the tether arrangement that can be accelerated in a linear manner, in particular by pyrotechnics.

[0004] Such a vehicle seat with a retaining strap mechanism is known, for example, from US 2019 / 0248322 A1, DE 10 2022 106 751 A1 or DE 10 2022 106 750 A1.

[0005] The airbag, which is initially positioned in a lateral area of ​​a seat back, deploys next to and / or in front of an occupant in the vehicle seat after its activation. It may be designed so that the tether assembly guides the deployment process, at least temporarily, if the tether assembly is under tension, for example. It is also conceivable that the tether assembly is unwound from a spool during deployment or is tensioned from a wound or folded state by the deploying airbag.

[0006] The tensioning device is designed to retract the tether assembly during deployment, or at the beginning or end of the deployment process, thereby influencing the deployment process or bringing the airbag into a final position after deployment. For example, a section of the airbag positioned in front of the occupant after deployment can be pulled towards the seat back by the tensioning device, thus also pulling the occupant towards the seat back. US Patent 2019 / 0248322 A1 discloses, for example, the ability to wind up the tether assembly by means of a rotary motion.

[0007] The tensioning device can, for example, comprise a tensioning tube in which a piston is arranged. A pressurized gas can be introduced into the tensioning tube, for example, by means of a gas generator, which drives the piston through the tensioning tube. The tensioning element is connected to the tensioning element located outside the tensioning tube, for example, by means of a rod or, preferably, by means of a pull cable. It can be provided, in particular, that a deflection block, preferably formed in one piece, is attached to the tensioning tube, through which the pull cable is guided. Preferably, a receptacle is formed in the deflection block in which the gas generator is arranged. Such an arrangement has the particular advantage that, in the assembled state, the tensioning tube can extend obliquely to the linear direction of movement of the tensioning element connected to the piston via the pull cable.It is therefore possible, for example, that the tensioning tube extends longitudinally in the vehicle when the seat is in its usual, installed position, while the straight-line movement of the tensioning element extends transversely to it. Preferably, however, the tensioning tube has a recess in its casing, and the tensioning cable is led out of the tube through this recess. In this case, the gas generator can be arranged inside the tensioning tube.

[0008] In both cases, it is preferred that the deflection of the pull rope is by 180° with respect to the direction of movement of the piston in the tightener tube, so that the direction of movement of the tightener element is parallel offset, but opposite to the direction of movement of the piston in the tightener tube.

[0009] Each safety strap assembly can consist of a single safety strap or rope, which is made of a tensile-resistant fabric. However, each safety strap assembly can also consist of several interconnected safety straps / ropes.

[0010] The tensioning device is coupled to at least one retaining strap assembly via the tensioning element, such that a movement of the tensioning element triggered by actuation of the gas generator results in a tensioning movement of the retaining strap assembly. The tensioning element is coupled to the retaining strap assembly(s) in such a way that the retaining strap assembly is deflected by the tensioning element at least before, after, and / or during the tensioning process. The sections of the retaining strap assembly located in front of and behind the tensioning element, in the direction of the retaining strap assembly's travel, are therefore arranged at an angle to each other. For example, the retaining strap assembly can be deflected by the tensioning element by more than 60°, preferably more than 90°, or by approximately 180°. The degree of deflection can be constant during the tensioning process, but it can also change during the process.The tether assembly and the linearly accelerating tensioning element are arranged relative to each other in such a way as to form a pulley system. The linearly accelerating tensioning element and the tether assembly are arranged such that the section of the tether assembly located within the airbag travels a greater distance during the tensioning process than the linearly accelerated tensioning element. For this purpose, the tether mechanism may include one or more deflectors for the tether assembly.

[0011] It is further known from the prior art that the tightening devices are attached and arranged on a seat cushion of a vehicle seat in such a way that the tightening element is accelerated in the transverse direction of the vehicle seat, so that the retaining strap arrangement is also initially drawn in transversely in the area of ​​the seat cushion, whereby in this case a relatively small deflection of the retaining strap arrangement is necessary.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages described with reference to the prior art and in particular to enable an alternative arrangement of the tensioning device on the vehicle seat.

[0013] One possible solution to this problem is given by the tensioning device with the features of independent claim 1, the problem being solved in particular also by a vehicle seat with such a tensioning device. Further solutions and advantageous embodiments are given in the preceding and following description as well as in the dependent claims, wherein individual features of the advantageous embodiments can be combined with one another in a technically meaningful manner. The features disclosed with regard to the tensioning device are applicable to the vehicle seat, and vice versa.

[0014] The problem is solved in particular by an airbag device for a vehicle seat, comprising at least one airbag module with an airbag that can be attached to the vehicle seat, and in particular to a backrest of the vehicle seat, and at least one retaining strap mechanism, wherein the retaining strap mechanism has at least one retaining strap arrangement preferably attached at one end to the airbag, and wherein the retaining strap arrangement can be coupled to or is coupled to a tensioning device. It is also specifically provided that the airbag device includes a guide element with which the retaining strap arrangement can be guided over an edge of a seat structure of the vehicle seat.

[0015] The problem is also solved by a vehicle seat with a backrest, a seat cushion, and a previously described airbag device, wherein the retaining strap assembly is guided over a substantially transverse edge of a seat structure, and the guide element is arranged between the retaining strap assembly and the substantially transverse edge of the seat structure. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the tensioning element can be accelerated in the longitudinal direction of the seat cushion of the vehicle seat, and in particular, it is provided that the tensioning tube of the tensioning device is also aligned longitudinally with the seat cushion.

[0016] In other words, the present invention provides, in its basic concept, that the retaining strap assembly is guided over a supporting structure of the seat cushion. The retaining strap assembly thus runs at an angle greater than 0° and less than 180°, preferably greater than 30° and less than 150°, and particularly preferably greater than 60° and less than 120°, to the supporting structure of the seat cushion extending transversely. Here, an edge is understood to be, in particular, an optionally rounded transition of the supporting structure from a vertical to a horizontal orientation. The supporting structure can also be realized by a tube with a circular cross-section, such that the edge corresponds to the radius of the tube.This allows the tensioning device to be positioned in the seat cushion below the padding and under, or at least between, the supporting structures of the seat cushion. The guide element enables the fastening strap assembly to be routed to an upper area of ​​the supporting structure. The guide element also allows the path of the fastening strap assembly to be defined. This increases the designer's freedom when positioning the tensioning device on the vehicle seat, as the device no longer needs to be mounted above or outside the supporting structures of the vehicle seat.

[0017] The guide element is specifically designed and configured to be positioned between the retaining strap assembly and the edge. Accordingly, the guide element, on its side facing the edge of the supporting structure, is adapted in its shape to the shape of the supporting structure of the vehicle seat, while on its side facing the retaining strap assembly, the guide element is adapted in its shape to the guide strap. For this purpose, the guide element has a cross-sectional design on the side facing the guide strap that guides the retaining strap assembly transversely to its longitudinal extent within the guide element.

[0018] The guide element can be designed in its material composition and surface finish to minimize friction with the tether assembly when it is drawn in by the tightening device.

[0019] The guide element can also be designed in such a way as to minimize or prevent the tightening process from being restricted or obstructed by an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat. If the retaining strap assembly can also be guided over an edge of a load-bearing structure in the area where an occupant is seated, it is sufficient in a simple form if the guide element projects beyond the retaining strap assembly on an upper surface facing away from the load-bearing structure, and in particular from the edge of the load-bearing structure. Such a projection towards the occupant prevents the occupant from being able to restrict the retaining strap assembly within the guide element by their own weight.

[0020] The guide element can be a single piece. However, if the guide element surrounds the retaining strap assembly, it will be made up of two or more parts.

[0021] To further minimize any potential obstruction of the tightening process by the occupant, it is proposed that the guide element enclose the retaining strap assembly. This means that the guide element surrounds the retaining strap assembly circumferentially, at least in the area of ​​the edge and preferably also in an area in front of or behind the edge (in the direction of the retaining strap assembly). This prevents the occupant from, for example, pressing the seat cushion padding onto the retaining strap assembly with their own weight and obstructing it during the tightening process.

[0022] The guide element is dimensioned such that it is positioned in front of and / or behind the edge between the retaining strap assembly and the supporting structure of the seat cushion. The guide element is thus located between the retaining strap assembly and the supporting structure along the entire section where the retaining strap assembly would be in contact with the supporting structure. The guide element therefore also runs transversely at an angle to the supporting structure.

[0023] The tensioning device can include a bracket forming a housing, with which the tensioning device can be attached to the vehicle seat. The housing is dimensioned, in particular, such that the tensioning tube and the pull cable are arranged inside the bracket, while the tensioning element may be at least partially arranged inside the bracket but is accessible from outside the bracket.

[0024] The tensioning element of the tensioning device can preferably be designed in two parts, wherein a first part is permanently connected to the pull cable and a second part is detachably connectable to the first part, particularly by means of a positive and / or force-fit connection, and wherein the second part is coupled to the at least one retaining strap assembly. This allows the tensioning device to be mounted on the vehicle seat first, and then the second part, already coupled to the at least one retaining strap assembly, to be connected to the first part of the tensioning element.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle seat comprises two airbag modules, the airbags of which are arranged on opposite sides of the backrest of the vehicle seat, wherein two tether assemblies are provided, each attached to one of the airbags of the two airbag modules.

[0026] It is now possible to provide exactly one tensioning device for both airbag strap assemblies on the vehicle seat, whereby in this case the tensioning element of the tensioning device is specifically designed such that both airbag strap assemblies are redirected by one tensioning element. It is thus possible to provide only one tensioning device for two airbags.

[0027] In this context, it is specifically intended that the tightening device is arranged centrally on the seat cushion, i.e., approximately in the middle of the seat cushion in the transverse direction.

[0028] Alternatively, it can be provided that a tensioning device is provided for each of the two airbag assemblies. Thus, a tensioning device is provided for each airbag, allowing for tensioning to be performed at different times if necessary. In this case, the tensioning device can be arranged within two longitudinally extending support structures of the seat cushion, particularly those running parallel to the vehicle seat rail, but directly adjacent to these longitudinal structures, i.e., with a distance of only a few centimeters at most.

[0029] The invention and its technical context are explained below using the figures as examples. They show schematic representations. Fig. 1: An exploded view of a tensioning device and a tether assembly, Fig. 2: the tensioning device and the retaining strap arrangement as well as a supporting structure of a vehicle seat, Fig. 3: the tensioning device in a state attached to the vehicle seat in a perspective view of a part of the vehicle seat, Fig. 4: the tensioning device and the retaining strap arrangement on a front load-bearing part of the vehicle seat, Fig. 5: A perspective view of part of the tensioning device and the tether assembly without the guide element and Fig. 6: Another perspective view of the tensioning device and the tether arrangement on a supporting structure of the vehicle seat.

[0030] Especially in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The catch-band mechanism shown in Figure 5 comprises a catch-band assembly 1 and a tensioning device 2. The tensioning device 2 includes a tensioning tube 10 in which a piston (not visible) is arranged. The piston is connected to a pull cable 9, which extends from the tensioning tube 10 and is connected to a tensioning element 6, which in this case is designed in two parts. A gas generator (not visible in the figures) is arranged in the tensioning tube 10, with which the piston can be driven. By driving the piston, the tensioning element 6 is drawn into the tensioning tube 10 by means of the pull cable 9.

[0031] The tightening device 2 also comprises a housing-like bracket 14, which has a lower bracket part 14.1 and an upper bracket part 14.2. A rear fastening element 14.3 and two front fastening elements 14.4 are formed on the lower bracket part 14.1. A connecting element 15 is also formed on the lower bracket housing part 14.1 in the form of a mushroom-shaped projection.

[0032] The tensioning element 6 is designed to redirect the safety strap assembly 1. An end fitting 12 is also attached to one end of the safety strap assembly 1, which can be fixed to the connecting element 15. In addition, a deflector 13 is threaded onto the safety strap assembly 1, and the deflector 13 can also be fixed to the connecting element 15.

[0033] In the Fig. 2 and Fig.Figure 3 shows the supporting structures of a partially depicted vehicle seat. The vehicle seat comprises a backrest 11 and a seat cushion 7. The upholstery of the vehicle seat is not shown.

[0034] An airbag module 16 is attached to the backrest 11, the airbag of which is connected to the retaining strap assembly 1 (not shown).

[0035] The previously described retaining strap mechanism is designed to be attached to a supporting structure 4 of the seat cushion 7, the supporting structure running transversely to the longitudinal direction 8 of the seat cushion 7. The tensioning device 2, with its fastening elements 14.3 and 14.4, can be attached to the supporting structures 4 of the seat cushion 7, particularly without tools.

[0036] The tightening device 2 is thus arranged below the transversely extending and between the longitudinally extending supporting structures 4 of the seat cushion 7, while at the same time both the tightening tube 10 and the acceleration direction of the tightening element 6 are arranged in the longitudinal direction 8 of the seat cushion 7.

[0037] The present invention proposes that a guide element 3 be arranged between the retaining strap assembly 1 and the supporting structure 4 over which the retaining strap assembly 1 is guided. The guide element 3, on the one hand, defines the path of the retaining strap assembly 1 over the transversely extending supporting structure 4 of the seat cushion 7. On the other hand, the guide element 3 protects the retaining strap assembly 1 from disruptive influences from the occupant. For this purpose, the guide element 3 surrounds the retaining strap assembly 1 so that the weight of the occupant cannot press the retaining strap assembly 1 onto the supporting structure 4.

[0038] The tensioning device 2 and the retaining strap arrangement 1 are designed such that the tensioning device 2 can first be attached to the vehicle seat with the first part of the tensioning element 6 and that the retaining strap arrangement 1 can be fixed to the tensioning device 2 with the second part of the tensioning element 6 as well as with the deflector 13 and the end fitting 12.

[0039] In the event of triggering, the piston located in the tensioner tube 10 is accelerated by a pressurized gas from a gas generator (also not visible), causing the pull cable 9 to be drawn into the tensioner tube 10. This pulls the tensioning element 6 longitudinally 8 along the seat cushion 7, thereby tightening the safety strap assembly 1. The safety strap assembly 1, fixed to the end fitting 12, is guided in the manner of a pulley system, with deflection occurring at both the tensioning element 6 and the deflector 13. The tightening movement of the safety strap assembly 1 can influence the deployment of an airbag (not shown) of the airbag module 16 before, during, or after the deployment process. Reference symbol list 1. Catch strap arrangement 2. Tightening device 3 Guide element 4 Seat structure 5-edge 6 Penalty element 7 seat cushions 8 Longitudinal direction 9 tow rope 10 Tightener tube 11 Backrest 12 End fitting 13 deflectors 14 bracket 14.1 Mounting base 14.2 Mounting top 14.3 rear mounting element 14.4 front fastening element 15 Connection element 16 Airbag module QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 2019 / 0248322 A1 [0004, 0006] DE 10 2022 106 751 A1

[0004] DE 10 2022 106 750 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Airbag device for a vehicle seat, wherein the airbag device • at least one airbag module with an airbag that can be attached to the vehicle seat and, in particular, to a backrest and • comprising at least one tethering mechanism, wherein the tethering mechanism has at least one tethering arrangement (1) preferably attached at one end to the airbag, wherein the tethering arrangement (1) can be attached to a tensioning device (2), characterized by , that a guide element (3) is provided with which the retaining strap arrangement (1) can be guided over an edge (5) of a seat structure (4) of the vehicle seat. [2] Airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the guide element (3) can be arranged between the catching strap arrangement (1) and the edge (5). [3] Airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the guide element (3) extends beyond the tether arrangement (1) on a top side facing away from the edge (5). [4] Airbag device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the guide element (3) surrounds the tether assembly (1). [5] Airbag device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a tensioning element (6) of the tensioning device (2) deflects the catching strap arrangement (1). [6] Airbag device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining strap arrangement (1) with an end fitting (12) is preferably attachable without tools to a housing of the tensioning device. [7] Airbag device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining strap arrangement (1) is guided by a deflector (13) which is immovably fixed, in particular on a housing of the tensioning device, preferably without tools and / or together with the end fitting (12). [8] Airbag device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the airbag device has a tensioning device (2) for the tether arrangement (1), wherein the tensioning device comprises a tensioning element (6) for the tether arrangement (1) that is particularly pyrotechnically accelerating in a straight line, wherein the tensioning element (6) is accelerating in the longitudinal direction (8) of the seat cushion (7). [9] Airbag device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tensioning device comprises a piston connected to a pull rope (9), wherein the piston is arranged in a tensioning tube (10) and can be driven by pressurized gas generated by a gas generator. [10] Vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, with - a backrest (11), - a seat cushion (7) and - an airbag device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining strap arrangement (1) is guided over an edge (5) of a seat structure (4) extending substantially in a transverse direction. [11] Vehicle seat according to claim 10, wherein the tensioning element (6) can be accelerated in the longitudinal direction (8) of the seat cushion (7). [12] Vehicle seat according to claim 10 or 11, wherein two airbag modules are provided, the airbags of which are arranged on opposite sides of the backrest (11), wherein two retaining strap arrangements (1) are provided, each of which is attached to one of the airbags of the two airbag modules, wherein a guide element (3) is provided over the edge (5) for each retaining strap arrangement. [13] Vehicle seat according to claim 12, wherein exactly one tensioning device is provided for both retaining strap arrangements (1), wherein the tensioning element (6) in particular deflects both retaining strap arrangements (1). [14] Vehicle seat according to claim 12, wherein exactly one tensioning device (2) is provided for each airbag or tether arrangement (1).

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