Crew restraint and vehicle seat equipped with said crew restraint

Abstract

The present invention provides an occupant restraint body and a vehicle seat that can suppress deformation or movement of restraint members and appropriately restrain the lower body of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat. [Solution] The occupant restraint body 10 is used to restrain the lower body of an occupant C who is seated in a vehicle seat. The occupant restraint body 10 comprises a restraint body portion 11 that contacts and restrains the lower body of the occupant C, and a first mounting member 12 for attaching the restraint body portion 11 to the vehicle seat S or the vehicle on which the vehicle seat S is installed. When the restraint body portion 11 is attached to the vehicle seat S or the vehicle, the rear end of the first mounting member 12 is located behind the rear end of the contact area in which the restraint body portion 11 contacts the lower body of the occupant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an occupant restraint and a vehicle seat provided with the occupant restraint, and more particularly to an occupant restraint for restraining the lower body of an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat and a vehicle seat provided with the occupant restraint.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, seat belts have become widespread for the purpose of ensuring the safety of occupants sitting on vehicle seats. A seat belt is fixed to a vehicle seat, restrains the upper body of an occupant to the vehicle seat, and improves the safety of the occupant by preventing the occupant from being thrown out of the vehicle seat by inertial force. On the other hand, with the development of autonomous driving technology in recent years, it is expected that the opportunity for an occupant to move to a destination in a reclined posture with the seat back reclined will increase. Therefore, various technologies for improving the safety of an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat in a reclined posture have been studied.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle occupant restraint device that restrains the lower limbs including the knees of an occupant in a reclined posture in which the seat back is tilted backward and the ottoman is deployed forward. Specifically, the vehicle occupant restraint device is fixed to both left and right sides of the ottoman, and restrains the lower body of the occupant to the ottoman by a cloth-like restraint member that covers the lower limbs of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat in a reclined posture from moving forward of the vehicle seat due to inertial force and improve the safety of the occupant.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although the occupant restraint device for vehicles described in Patent Document 1 can improve occupant safety, further improvements were desired. In detail, the occupant restraint device for vehicles described in Patent Document 1 employs a cloth-like restraint member to restrain the occupant's lower limbs. Therefore, when the vehicle occupant restraint device receives the load of the occupant moving forward due to inertia, the flexible restraint member may deform or move forward together with the occupant, potentially preventing it from exerting sufficient restraining force.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide an occupant restraint body and a vehicle seat that can suppress deformation or movement of the restraint member and appropriately restrain the lower body of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The aforementioned problem is solved by the occupant restraint body of the present invention, which is used to restrain the lower body of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat, comprising: a restraint member that contacts and restrains the lower body; and a mounting member for attaching the restraint member to the vehicle seat or the vehicle on which the vehicle seat is installed, wherein when the restraint member is attached to the vehicle seat or the vehicle, the rear end of the mounting member is located behind the rear end of the contact area in which the restraint member contacts the lower body.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the occupant restraint body comprises a restraint member for restraining the occupant's lower body and a mounting member for attaching the restraint member to a vehicle seat or vehicle. When the restraint member is attached, the rear end of the mounting member is positioned behind the rear end of the contact area in which the restraint member contacts the occupant's lower body. Therefore, when the occupant restraint body receives the load of the occupant moving due to inertial force, the mounting member can suppress the deformation or movement of the restraint member forward, making it possible to appropriately restrain the lower body of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat.

[0009] Furthermore, the mounting member may include a fastener for detachably fixing the restraint member to the vehicle seat or the vehicle, and a connecting member for connecting the fastener and the restraint member. According to the above configuration, the restraint member is fixed to the vehicle seat or vehicle via the connecting member. By appropriately selecting the dimensions and material of the connecting member, it becomes possible to restrain the lower body of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat with an appropriate restraining force.

[0010] Furthermore, the connecting member and the fastener should be positioned in a location that does not overlap with the airbag provided in the vehicle seat when viewed from the side. According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the reduction in occupant safety caused by the occupant restraints and airbags influencing each other.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the rigidity of the connecting member be higher than that of the restraining member. According to the above configuration, by increasing the rigidity of the connecting member compared to the rigidity of the restraining member, it becomes possible to appropriately restrain the lower body of the occupant while suppressing the reduction in seating comfort caused by the restraining member.

[0012] Furthermore, the fastener includes a front fastener provided in front of the restraining member and a rear fastener attached to the rear, and the mounting strength of the rear fastener should be higher than that of the front fastener. According to the above configuration, the rear fixing device with high mounting strength prevents the restraint member from inadvertently detaching from the vehicle seat or vehicle, making it possible to properly restrain the lower body of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that an airbag be attached to the connecting member. According to the above configuration, by attaching an airbag to the connecting member, it becomes possible to restrain the lower body of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat by working in cooperation with the inflating force of the airbag, which inflates when subjected to a strong impact.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting member is preferably positioned to overlap with the seat belt that restrains the upper body of the vehicle seat. According to the above configuration, the occupant restraint unit works in cooperation with the seat belt to restrain the occupant's lower body, thereby increasing the restraint force on the occupant seated in the vehicle. Furthermore, because the seat belt is located below the occupant restraint unit, it is possible to prevent the occupant restraint unit from interfering with the operation of the seat belt.

[0015] Furthermore, the restraining member may have an opening, and the opening may be positioned at different locations in the front-rear direction from the multiple fasteners. According to the above configuration, it is possible to ensure ventilation in the contact area of ​​the occupant restraint body by opening up, while suppressing a decrease in the mounting strength of the occupant restraint body due to the opening up.

[0016] Furthermore, the rigidity of the rear region of the restraining member should be higher than the rigidity of the front region of the restraining member. According to the above configuration, by increasing the rigidity of the rear region of the restraint member compared to the rigidity of the front region, deformation or movement of the rear region of the restraint member can be effectively suppressed, thereby appropriately restraining the lower body of the occupant and improving safety.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferable that an air conditioning unit be provided in the front region of the restraining member. According to the above configuration, by providing an air conditioning unit in the front region of the restraint member, it is possible to improve the comfort of the occupant's feet.

[0018] The aforementioned problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which comprises a seat body and a passenger restraint body for restraining the lower body of a seated person, wherein the passenger restraint body has a restraint member that contacts and restrains the lower body, and a mounting member for attaching the restraint member to the seat body or the vehicle on which the vehicle seat is installed, and the mounting member is attached to the restraint member rearward from the rear end of the contact area in which the restraint member contacts the lower body.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the occupant restraint body includes a restraint member that restrains the lower body of the occupant, and an attachment member that attaches the restraint member to the vehicle seat or the vehicle. When the restraint member is attached, the rear end portion of the attachment member is located behind the rear end portion of the contact region where the restraint member contacts the lower body of the occupant. Therefore, when the occupant restraint body receives the load of the occupant moving due to inertial force, the attachment member can suppress the restraint member from deforming or moving forward, and it becomes possible to appropriately restrain the lower body of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the restraint member from deforming or moving forward, and it becomes possible to appropriately restrain the lower body of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. Also, by appropriately selecting the dimensions and material of the connecting member, it becomes possible to restrain the lower body of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat with an appropriate restraining force. Also, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the safety of the occupant due to the occupant restraint body and the airbag affecting each other. Also, it is possible to appropriately restrain the lower body of the occupant while suppressing a decrease in the seating comfort due to the restraint member. Also, the rear fixture with high attachment strength can suppress the restraint member from accidentally detaching from the vehicle seat or the vehicle, and it becomes possible to appropriately restrain the lower body of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. Also, since the airbag is attached to the connecting member, it becomes possible to restrain the lower body of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat in cooperation with the inflation force of the airbag that inflates when receiving a strong impact. Also, since the occupant restraint body cooperates with the seat belt to restrain the lower body of the occupant, it becomes possible to increase the restraining force of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. Also, since the seat belt is located under the occupant restraint body, it is possible to suppress the occupant restraint body from interfering with the operation of the seat belt. Also, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the attachment strength of the occupant restraint body due to the opening while ensuring the breathability of the contact region of the occupant restraint body by the opening. In addition, by increasing the rigidity of the rear region of the restraint member higher than that of the front region, deformation of the rear region of the restraint member can be effectively suppressed, and the lower body of the occupant can be appropriately restrained to improve safety. In addition, it becomes possible to improve the comfort of the occupant's feet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the occupant restraint body and the vehicle seat of this embodiment as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory view of the attachment / detachment portion of the occupant restraint body. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing a state where the occupant restraint body is attached to the vehicle seat. [Figure 4] It is a side view showing a state where the occupant restraint body according to the first modification is attached. [Figure 5] It is a side view showing a state where the occupant restraint body according to the second modification is attached. [Figure 6] It is a side view showing a state where the occupant restraint body according to the third modification is attached. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing a state where the occupant restraint body according to the fourth modification is attached. [Figure 8] It is a side view showing a state where the occupant restraint body according to the fifth modification is attached. [Figure 9] It is a side view showing a state where the occupant restraint body according to the sixth modification is attached.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, the occupant restraint body and the vehicle seat according to the embodiment (this embodiment) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and it is needless to say that equivalents of the present invention are included therein.

[0023] In the following explanation, "seat longitudinal direction" refers to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle seat S, which coincides with the direction of travel when the vehicle is in motion. "Seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat S, which coincides with the left-right direction as viewed from an occupant seated on the vehicle seat S. "Vertical direction" refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle seat S, which coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane. Furthermore, the inner and outer directions are determined based on the occupant. That is, the direction approaching the center in the seat width direction is the inner direction, and the direction away from it is the outer direction. Components that are provided in pairs on the left and right are assigned a common number, and when distinguishing between left and right, the names indicating the components are given the designations "left side" and "right side," and the letters "L" or "R" are added to the symbols.

[0024] <Vehicle Seat S> First, the vehicle seat S to which the occupant restraint 10 is attached will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the occupant restraint 10 and the vehicle seat S from a diagonal front view, and Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the attachment and detachment part of the occupant restraint 10. Figure 3 is a side view showing the state in which the occupant restraint 10 is attached to the vehicle seat S. Note that in Figure 1, for illustrative purposes, a portion of the vehicle seat S is shown with the surface material Tr removed, exposing the pad material P.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the vehicle seat S mainly comprises a seat body 1 having a seat cushion 2, a seat back 3, a headrest 4, and an ottoman 5, a reclining device 6, a slide rail device 7, and a lifting device 8. The vehicle seat S is installed on the vehicle floor F.

[0026] <<Sheet Body 1>> The seat cushion 2 is a support member that supports the buttocks of the seated occupant C (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the seated person), and supports the seated person from below. The seat cushion 2 has a seating portion 21 located in the center in the width direction of the seat, and raised portions 22 located on the left and right sides of the seating portion 21. The upper surface of the raised portions 22 bulges upward from the upper surface of the seating portion 21, which is the seating surface. First buckles 23 are attached to both sides of the left and right embankment sections 22 in the seat width direction, for detachably connecting the occupant restraint body 10. The occupant restraint body 10 will be described later.

[0027] The seat back 3 is a support member that supports the back of the occupant, and supports the occupant from the rear. The seat back 3 has a support portion 31 located in the center in the width direction of the seat, and embankment portions 32 located on the left and right sides of the support portion 31. The front surface of the embankment portions 32 bulges forward from the front surface of the support portion 31, which serves as the support surface. The headrest 4 is a support member that supports the occupant's head, and supports the occupant's head from behind. The headrest 4 is attached to the upper end of the seat back 3.

[0028] The ottoman 5 is a support member that supports the legs of the seated person, and supports the seated person's calves from the rear and below. The ottoman 5 has an ottoman body 51 and a pivot shaft 52 that rotatably supports the ottoman body 51 between a stored position in which the ottoman body 51 is stored below the seat cushion 2 (see Figure 1) and an extended position in which it is extended in front of the seat cushion 2 (see Figure 3). Furthermore, second buckles 53 are provided on both sides of the ottoman body 51 in the seat width direction for detachably connecting the occupant restraint body 10. There are two second buckles 53 on each side, but the number and arrangement of the second buckles 53 are not limited to those shown in Figures 1 and 3. The second buckles 53 may also be provided at the front end of the ottoman body 51 (the end on the side of the occupant's feet).

[0029] The seat body 1 comprises a seat frame (not shown) that forms the skeleton of the seat body 1, a pad material P that covers the seat frame, and a surface material Tr that covers the seat frame and the pad material P. The pad material P is a cushioning material and is formed from a urethane resin (foamed resin), such as soft polyurethane foam. The pad material P may also be formed from biomass urethane. The surface material Tr that covers the pad material P is formed from, for example, a stretchable synthetic leather material. The surface material Tr may also be formed from cloth, film, leather, etc.

[0030] <<Reclining device 6>> The reclining device 6 rotatably connects the seat back 3 to the seat cushion 2. More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the reclining device 6 rotatably connects the rear end of the seat cushion 2 to the lower end of the seat back 3. The reclining device 6 also has a drive mechanism that rotates the seat back 3 backward relative to the seat cushion 2 when the occupant C performs a reclining operation, thereby transitioning the vehicle seat S from the normal position shown in Figure 1 to the reclined position shown in Figure 3.

[0031] <<Slide rail device 7>> The slide rail device 7 is located below the seat body 1 and connects the seat body 1 to the vehicle floor F so that it can slide in the front-rear direction (see Figure 3). The slide rail device 7 has a known structure (a general slide rail mechanism structure). In detail, the slide rail device 7 has a lower rail fixed to the vehicle floor F, an upper rail that can slide in the front-rear direction relative to the lower rail, and a drive device (e.g., an electric motor) that drives the upper rail. The occupant C can operate a slide button (not shown) to drive the drive device and slide the seat body 1 in the front-rear direction.

[0032] <<Lifting device 8>> The lifting device 8 is interposed between the seat body 1 and the slide rail device 7, and connects the seat body 1 so that it can be raised and lowered vertically relative to the vehicle floor F. The lifting device 8 has a known structure (a general structure of a lifting mechanism). In detail, the lifting device 8 has a link mechanism that connects the seat body 1 and the slide rail device 7, and a drive device (e.g., an electric motor) that drives the link mechanism. The occupant C can raise and lower the seat body 1 by operating a lifting button (not shown) to drive the drive device.

[0033] <Crew restraint device 10> Next, the crew restraint body 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The occupant restraint device 10 is a safety device used to restrain the lower body C2 of occupant C who is seated in a reclining vehicle seat S, and to suppress the so-called submarine phenomenon. The submarine phenomenon refers to the phenomenon in which, when a vehicle receives a large impact from the front, the occupant C's body is pushed forward while sinking downward due to inertial force.

[0034] The occupant restraint 10 can be stored in a storage compartment (storage pocket) located below the seat body 1 when folded. Alternatively, the occupant restraint 10 may be stored in the vehicle's console box when folded. Furthermore, the occupant restraint 10 may be stored in a storage pocket located on the side of the ottoman 5 opposite to the footrest surface when folded. It is sufficient that the occupant restraint 10 can be taken out and used when occupant C begins to use it.

[0035] The occupant restraint body 10 comprises a restraint body 11, a first mounting member 12, and a second mounting member 13. It is attached to the seat cushion 2 via the first mounting member 12 and to the ottoman 5 via the second mounting member 13. The restraint body 11 is a bag-like body attached to the footrest surface of the ottoman body 51 (the upper surface of the ottoman 5 in the deployed position). More specifically, the restraint body 11 is a bag-like body having a volume capable of accommodating the lower legs C1 of the occupant C who is placed on the footrest surface. However, it is not limited to this, and the restraint body 11 may also be a fabric-like body that covers the lower legs C1 of the occupant C and restrains the lower legs C1 in cooperation with the footrest surface.

[0036] The restraint body 11 is made of a towel blanket made of natural material (cotton or linen) or a blanket made of synthetic fiber (polyester or acrylic). By making the restraint body 11 of a towel blanket, a comfortable occupant restraint body 10 with excellent safety, moisture absorption, and heat retention can be realized. Furthermore, by making the restraint body 11 of a blanket, the heat retention of the restraint body 11 can be further enhanced. However, the restraint body 11 can be made of a material that has sufficient strength to restrain the lower part of the occupant C's knees C1, which moves forward due to inertial force when subjected to a large impact from the front. The restraint body 11 corresponds to the restraint member of the present invention.

[0037] The first mounting member 12 is provided on both the left and right sides of the restraint body 11 and has a first tongue 121 and a first connecting band 122. As shown in Figure 2, the first tongue 121 is a connecting member that can be attached to and detached from the first buckle 23 provided on the seat cushion 2. The first tongue 121 has a different shape and dimensions from known seat belt tongues. Therefore, it is possible to prevent it from being mistakenly connected to the seat belt buckle. However, it is not limited to this, and the first tongue 121 may have the same shape and dimensions as known seat belt tongues. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the occupant restraint 10.

[0038] The first connecting band 122 is a band-shaped body interposed between the restraint body 11 and the first tongue 121, connecting the two. More specifically, the first tongue 121 is provided at one end of the first connecting band 122, and the other end is sewn to the upper rear end of the restraint body 11, extending toward the rear on both the left and right sides. The first connecting band 122 is made of polyester fiber, which has excellent tensile strength. However, it is not limited to this, and the first connecting band 122 may be made of nylon fiber. The first connecting band 122 may also have an adjuster that allows adjustment of its length. The first connecting strap 122 extends rearward from the restraint body 11 and connects to the first buckle 23 of the seat cushion 2 via the first tongue 121.

[0039] The second mounting members 13 are arranged in pairs on both the left and right sides of the restraint body 11 in the front-to-back direction. The second mounting members 13 have a second tongue 131 and a second connecting band 132. The second tongue 131 is a connecting member that can be attached to and detached from the second buckle 53 provided on the ottoman 5. The second tongue 131 has the same shape and dimensions as the first tongue 121. However, it is not limited to this, and the second tongue 131 may have a different shape and dimensions from the first tongue 121.

[0040] The second connecting band 132 is a band-shaped body interposed between the restraint body 11 and the second tongue 131, connecting the two. More specifically, the second tongue 131 is provided at one end of the second connecting band 132, and the other end is sewn to the side end of the restraint body 11, extending downward on both the left and right sides. The second connecting band 132 is made of polyester fiber, similar to the first connecting band 122, but is not limited to this. The second connecting band 132 may have an adjuster that allows adjustment of the length of the second connecting band 132. The first mounting member 12 and the second mounting member 13 correspond to the mounting members of the present invention, and the first tongue 121 and the second tongue 131 correspond to the fasteners of the present invention.

[0041] <How to use the crew restraint device 10> Next, the method of using the crew restraint 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3. First, occupant C sits in the vehicle seat S in the normal position as shown in Figure 1, and attaches the occupant restraint 10 to the vehicle seat S. More specifically, occupant C removes the occupant restraint 10 from the storage pocket of the seat body 1, grasps the first tongue 121 as shown in Figure 2, and inserts it into the opening of the first buckle 23 fixed to the seat cushion 2 to connect them. Then, occupant C grasps the second tongue 131 and inserts it into the opening of the second buckle 53 fixed to the ottoman 5 to connect them. In this way, occupant C can attach the occupant restraint 10 to the vehicle seat S.

[0042] Next, occupant C places their lower legs C1 into the restraint body 11, which is made of a bag-like material. Subsequently, occupant C performs a reclining operation. This causes the vehicle seat S to transition from a normal position to a reclined position. More specifically, the seat back 3 rotates backward relative to the seat cushion 2, and the ottoman 5 extends in front of the seat cushion 2.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, when the lower leg C1 is accommodated in the occupant restraint 10 attached to the reclining vehicle seat S, the occupant restraint 10 prevents the lower leg C1 from sliding forward. In addition, the first tongue 121 of the first mounting member 12, which extends rearward from the rear end of the restraint body 11, is connected to the first buckle 23 of the seat cushion 2. At this time, the position of the rear end of the first mounting member 12 (the position of the tip of the first tongue 121 connected to the first buckle 23, shown as P1 in Figure 3) is located behind the position of the rear end of the contact area where the restraint body 11 contacts the lower leg of the occupant C (shown as P2 in Figure 3). Therefore, even if the occupant C is pushed forward of the seat body 1 by inertial force when the vehicle receives a large impact from the front, and the load of the occupant C is applied to the restraint body 11, the first mounting member 12 can prevent the restraint body 11 from deforming or moving forward. This allows the crew restraint 10 to properly restrain the lower body C2 of crew member C.

[0044] <Method for manufacturing the crew restraint 10> Next, the manufacturing method of the crew restraint 10 will be described. First, the restraint body 11, the first mounting member 12, and the second mounting member 13 of the crew restraint 10 are prepared. More specifically, the restraint body 11, which is a bag-like structure, is cut and sewn to a size that can accommodate the lower body C2 of the crew member C. Next, the left and right first mounting members 12 are assembled by connecting the first tongue 121 and the first connecting band 122. In addition, the four second mounting members 13 are assembled by connecting the second tongue 131 and the second connecting band 132.

[0045] Next, the first mounting member 12 and the second mounting member 13 are assembled to the restraint body 11. More specifically, the left and right first mounting members 12 are sewn to the restraint body 11 so as to extend diagonally to the left and right rear from the rear end of the restraint body 11. In addition, two second mounting members 13 are sewn to each of the left and right ends of the restraint body 11. With this, the manufacture of the occupant restraint body 10 is completed.

[0046] The above-described embodiment of the occupant restraint body 10 is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention and does not limit it. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

[0047] <First Torture> In the embodiments described above, the occupant restraint body 10 was described as accommodating the lower leg C1 of the occupant C and restraining the lower leg C1, which is part of the occupant C's lower body C2, but it is not limited to this. The occupant restraint body 10 may accommodate both the lower and upper legs of the occupant C and restrain the occupant C's lower body C2 over a wider area.

[0048] Figure 4 is a side view showing the occupant restraint body 10A according to the first modified example attached. As shown in Figure 4, the occupant restraint body 10A has a restraint body portion 11A, a first mounting member 12A, and a second mounting member 13A, and is attached to the seat cushion 2, seat back 3, and ottoman 5 via the first mounting member 12A and the second mounting member 13A. The restraint body 11A is a bag-like structure capable of accommodating the lower body C2 (lower and upper legs) of the occupant C. The restraint body 11A corresponds to the restraint member of the present invention, and the first mounting member 12A and the second mounting member 13A correspond to the mounting members of the present invention.

[0049] The first mounting member 12A has a first tongue 121 and a first connecting band 122. One end of the first connecting band 122 is provided with the first tongue 121, and the other end is sewn to the upper rear end of the restraint body 11A. The first tongue 121 is connected to a first buckle 33A provided on the side of the seat back 3, thereby attaching the occupant restraint body 10A to the seat back 3.

[0050] The first mounting member 12A is installed in a position that avoids the airbag device 34 built into the seat back 3. In other words, the first mounting member 12A is installed in a position that does not overlap with the airbag device 34 when viewed from the side. This prevents the safety of occupant C from being reduced due to interference between the occupant restraint body 10A and the airbag device 34. Furthermore, the first connecting strap 122 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps the seat belt 9 that restrains the upper body of occupant C. Therefore, the occupant restraint 10A can work in cooperation with the seat belt 9 to restrain occupant C, thereby increasing the restraining force on occupant C. In addition, since the seat belt 9 is located below the occupant restraint 10A, it is possible to prevent the occupant restraint 10A from interfering with the operation of the seat belt 9.

[0051] The second mounting members 13A are arranged in a row of four on each side of the restraint body 11A in the front-to-back direction. The second mounting members 13A have a second tongue 131 and a second connecting band 132. The second tongue 131 is connected to a second buckle 23A provided on the side of the seat cushion 2 and a second buckle 53A provided on the side of the ottoman 5, thereby attaching the occupant restraint body 10A to the seat cushion 2 and the ottoman 5.

[0052] Next, the method of using the occupant restraint 10A will be explained. First, occupant C sits in the vehicle seat S in the normal position and attaches the occupant restraint 10 to the vehicle seat S. More specifically, occupant C connects the first tongue 121 to the first buckle 33A fixed to the seat back 3. Also, occupant C connects the second tongue 131 to the second buckle 53A. In this way, occupant C can attach the occupant restraint 10A to the vehicle seat S.

[0053] Next, occupant C places their lower body C2 into the restraint body 11A, which is made up of a bag-like structure. Subsequently, occupant C performs a reclining operation. This causes the vehicle seat S to transition from a normal position to a reclined position. More specifically, the seat back 3 rotates backward relative to the seat cushion 2, and the ottoman 5 extends in front of the seat cushion 2.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, when the lower body C2 is accommodated in the occupant restraint 10A attached to the reclining vehicle seat S, the occupant restraint 10 prevents the lower body C2 from sliding forward. In addition, the first tongue 121 of the first mounting member 12A, which extends rearward from the rear end of the restraint body 11A, is connected to the first buckle 33A of the seat back 3. At this time, the position of the rear end of the first mounting member 12A (the position of the tip of the first tongue 121 connected to the first buckle 33A, shown as P1 in Figure 4) is located behind the position of the rear end of the contact area where the restraint body 11A contacts the lower body C2 of the occupant C (shown as P2 in Figure 4). Therefore, even if the occupant C is pushed forward of the seat body 1 by inertial force when the vehicle receives a large impact from the front, and the load of the occupant C is applied to the restraint body 11A, the first mounting member 12A can prevent the restraint body 11A from deforming or moving. This allows the crew restraint 10A to properly restrain the lower body C2 of crew member C.

[0055] <Second variation> Figure 5 is a side view showing the occupant restraint body 10B according to the second modified example attached. As shown in Figure 5, the occupant restraint body 10B has a restraint body portion 11B, a first mounting member 12B, and a second mounting member 13B, and is attached to the seat cushion 2, seat back 3, and ottoman 5 via the first mounting member 12B and the second mounting member 13B. The restraint body 11B is a bag-like structure capable of accommodating the lower body C2 (lower and upper legs) of the occupant C. The restraint body 11B corresponds to the restraint member of the present invention, and the first mounting member 12B and the second mounting member 13B correspond to the mounting members of the present invention.

[0056] The first mounting member 12B has a first tongue 121 and a first connecting band 122B. One end of the first connecting band 122B is provided with the first tongue 121, and the other end is sewn to the rear end of the restraint body 11B. The first tongue 121 is connected to a first buckle 33B provided on the side of the seat back 3.

[0057] An airbag 123B may be attached to the first connecting strap 122B. This allows the occupant restraint 10B to work in cooperation with the inflation force of the airbag 123B, which inflates when subjected to a strong impact, to effectively restrain the occupant C's lower body C2 with a large restraining force. The airbag 123B is attached to each of the left and right first connecting straps 122B, but is not limited to this. The airbag 123B may be attached to the rear upper end of the restraint body 11B, in a contact area that contacts the occupant C's abdomen.

[0058] <Third variation> Figure 6 is a side view showing the occupant restraint body 10C according to the third modified example attached. As shown in Figure 6, the occupant restraint body 10C has a restraint body portion 11C, a first mounting member 12C, and a second mounting member 13C, and is attached to the seat cushion 2, seat back 3, and ottoman 5 via the first mounting member 12C and the second mounting member 13C. The restraint body 11C is a bag-like structure capable of accommodating the lower body C2 (lower and upper legs) of the occupant C. The restraint body 11C corresponds to the restraint member of the present invention, and the first mounting member 12C and the second mounting member 13C correspond to the mounting members of the present invention.

[0059] The restraint body portion 11C has an opening 11a formed therein to improve ventilation of the restraint body portion 11C. The opening 11a is formed at a different position from the first mounting member 12C and the second mounting member 13C in the front-rear direction. Therefore, while ensuring ventilation of the restraint body portion 11C, a reduction in the mounting strength of the occupant restraint body 10C due to the opening 11a is suppressed. Alternatively, the reduction in the mounting strength of the occupant restraint body 10C may be suppressed by sewing reinforcing fabric to the edge of the opening 11a.

[0060] Furthermore, the restraint body 11C has a rear restraint region 11b and a front restraint region 11c, and the rigidity of the rear restraint region 11b may be higher than that of the front restraint region 11c. More specifically, the rear restraint region 11b may be made of a highly rigid chemical fiber (e.g., polyester fiber, nylon fiber, or acrylic fiber), and the front restraint region 11c may be made of a natural material (cotton or hemp) with lower rigidity compared to the rear restraint region 11b. This makes it possible to improve safety by restraining the lower body C2 of the occupant C with high rigidity while ensuring good seating comfort. The rear restraint region 11b and the front restraint region 11c correspond to the rear region and the front region of the present invention.

[0061] Furthermore, the mounting strength of the first mounting member 12C may be higher than that of the second mounting member 13C. More specifically, the stitching strength between the connecting band 122C of the first mounting member 12C and the restraint body 11C may be higher than that between the second mounting member 13C and the restraint body 11C. This prevents the connection between the restraint body 11C and the vehicle seat S from unintentionally coming undone by the first mounting member 12C with its higher mounting strength, and makes it possible to properly restrain the lower body C2 of the occupant C. The first mounting member 12C and the second mounting member 13C correspond to the rear and front fasteners of the present invention.

[0062] <Fourth variation> Figure 7 is a side view showing the occupant restraint body 10D according to the fourth modified example attached. As shown in Figure 7, the occupant restraint body 10D has a restraint body portion 11D which is divided into a rear restraint region 11b and a front restraint region 11c, and the two are connected by a main body connecting member 11d. The main body connecting member 11d is an elastic member that is flexible and stretchable. By dividing the restraint body portion 11D into a rear restraint region 11b and a front restraint region 11c in this way, the mobility of the lower body C2 housed in the restraint body portion 11D, which is a bag-like structure, can be improved. Furthermore, by dividing the restraint body portion 11D into a rear restraint region 11b and a front restraint region 11c, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the occupant restraint body 10D. The restraint body portion 11D corresponds to the restraint member of the present invention.

[0063] <Fifth variation> Figure 8 is a side view showing the occupant restraint body 10E according to the fifth modified example installed. As shown in Figure 8, the occupant restraint body 10E has a restraint body portion 11E, and a heater 14 is built into the front restraint area 11c of the restraint body portion 11E. The heater 14 is a planar heating element that heats the feet of the occupant C, and is specifically an electric heating wire heater. However, it is not limited to this, and a blower may be built into the front restraint area 11c of the restraint body portion 11E instead of the heater 14. The heater 14 and blower make it possible to improve the comfort of the occupant C's feet. The heater 14 and blower correspond to the air conditioning unit of the present invention. The restraint body portion 11E corresponds to the restraint member of the present invention.

[0064] <Sixth variation> Figure 9 is a side view showing the occupant restraint body 10F according to the sixth modified example attached. As shown in Figure 9, the occupant restraint body 10F has a restraint body portion 11F, a first mounting member 12F, and a second mounting member 13F, and is attached to the vehicle floor F by connecting to a first buckle F1 and a second buckle F2 provided on the vehicle floor F. The restraint body 11A is a bag-like body capable of accommodating the lower body C2 (lower and upper legs) of the occupant C, but is not limited to this. The restraint body 11A may also be a cloth-like body that covers and restrains the lower body C2 of the occupant C. The restraint body 11F corresponds to the restraint member of the present invention, and the first mounting member 12F and the second mounting member 13F correspond to the mounting members of the present invention.

[0065] Occupant C sits in the vehicle seat S in the normal position and attaches the occupant restraint 10F to the vehicle floor F. Next, occupant C places their lower body C2 into the restraint body 11F, which is made of a bag-like material. Subsequently, occupant C changes the vehicle seat S from the normal position to the reclined position by operating the reclining function, and then occupant C raises the seat body 1 relative to the vehicle floor F by operating the lifting button. In this case, the position of the rear end of the first mounting member 12F (the position of the tip of the first tongue 121 connected to the first buckle F1, shown as P1 in Figure 9) is located behind the position of the rear end of the contact area where the restraint body 11F contacts the lower body C2 of the occupant C (shown as P2 in Figure 9). Therefore, the same effects as in the embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0066] In the embodiments described above, tongues are attached to the tips of the first mounting member 12 and the second mounting member 13, and buckles are attached to the vehicle seat S or vehicle floor F. However, the invention is not limited to this. The occupant restraint body 10 can be attached to and detached from the vehicle seat S or vehicle floor F, and has sufficient connecting strength to suppress deformation or movement of the restraint body 11. Known attachment and detachment mechanisms may also be employed.

[0067] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, a vehicle seat S mounted on a vehicle was given as an example of a vehicle seat, and its configuration example was explained. However, the present invention is not limited to seats mounted on ground vehicles with wheels, such as automobiles and trains, but can also be applied to seats mounted on aircraft, ships, and other vehicles that move on surfaces other than the ground. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] S Vehicle seats (seats for vehicles) P pad material Tr skin material 1 sheet 2 seat cushions 21 Seating area 22 Embankment 23 First buckle 23A Second buckle 3 Seatback 31 Support part 32 Embankment 33A First buckle 34 Airbag system 4 headrests 5 Ottoman 51 Ottoman 52 pivot shafts 53, 53A Second buckle 6. Reclining device 7. Slide rail device 8. Lifting device 9. Seat belts 10, 10A, 10B, 10E, 10F Crew restraints 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11E, 11F Restraint body (restraint member) 11a opening 11b Posterior restraint area (posterior area) 11c Front restraint area (front area) 11d Main body connecting member 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12F First mounting member (mounting member) 121 First tongue (fixing device, rear fixing device) 122 First connecting band (connecting member) 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13F Second mounting member (mounting member) 131 Second tongue (fixing device, anterior fixing device) 14. Heater (Air Conditioning Unit) F Body Floor F1 First Buckle F2 Second buckle C Crew C1 below the knee C2 lower body

Claims

1. A occupant restraint device used to restrain the lower body of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat, A restraining member that contacts the lower body and restrains the lower body, The vehicle seat or the vehicle on which the vehicle seat is installed comprises a mounting member for attaching the restraint member, An occupant restraint body characterized in that, when the restraint member is attached to the vehicle seat or the vehicle, the rear end of the attachment member is located behind the rear end of the contact area in which the restraint member contacts the lower body.

2. The aforementioned mounting member is A fixing device for detachably securing the restraint member to the vehicle seat or the vehicle, The occupant restraint body according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting member that connects the fixing device and the restraint member.

3. The occupant restraint body according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting member and the fastener are positioned in a location that does not overlap with the airbag provided in the vehicle seat when viewed from the side.

4. The occupant restraint body according to claim 2, characterized in that the rigidity of the connecting member is higher than the rigidity of the restraint member.

5. The fastener includes a front fastener provided in front of the restraint member and a rear fastener provided behind the restraint member. The occupant restraint body according to claim 2, characterized in that the mounting strength of the rear fixing device is higher than the mounting strength of the front fixing device.

6. The occupant restraint body according to claim 2, characterized in that an airbag is attached to the connecting member.

7. The occupant restraint body according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting member is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the seat belt that restrains the upper body of the passenger seat.

8. The restraining member has an opening, The occupant restraint body according to claim 2, characterized in that the opening is formed at different positions in the front-rear direction from the plurality of fasteners.

9. The occupant restraint body according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigidity of the rear region of the restraint member is higher than the rigidity of the front region of the restraint member.

10. The occupant restraint body according to claim 1, characterized in that an air conditioning unit is provided in the front region of the restraint member.

11. A vehicle seat comprising a seat body and an occupant restraint body that restrains the lower body of the occupant, The aforementioned crew restraint body is A restraining member that contacts the lower body and restrains the lower body, The seat body or the vehicle on which the vehicle seat is installed has a mounting member for attaching the restraint member, The mounting member is characterized in that the restraint member is attached to the vehicle seat behind the rear end of the contact area in which the restraint member contacts the lower body.

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