A seat device including an airbag device disposed in a backrest portion of a displaceable seat device for an automobile

Abstract

An airbag device and a seat device that can improve protection for occupants in the rear seat area of ​​a vehicle. The present invention relates to an airbag device (14) for disposing in a seat back portion (16) of a displaceable seat arrangement (12) of a motor vehicle (10), the airbag device comprising at least one first gas bag (22) deployed in a receiving position (28) by a deployment device (24) of the airbag device (14) based on a control signal, the first gas bag (22) being configured to receive a body part (30) of an occupant (20) of the motor vehicle (10) facing the seat back portion (16) in the receiving position (28), the airbag device (14) having a second gas bag (32) deployed between the seat back portion (16) and the first gas bag (22) at least in the receiving position (28). The present invention also relates to the seat arrangement (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag device disposed in a backrest portion of a displaceable seat device for an automobile as described in the first half of claim 1. The present invention further relates to a seat device provided with a corresponding airbag device.

Background Art

[0002] From the prior art, airbag devices designed for, for example, drivers or passengers of automobiles are known. Further, an automobile may have a so-called rear seat area, and a person in the rear seat area can be protected by a so-called rear seat airbag. These airbags can be, for example, so-called tubular structure airbags (RSBs) incorporated in the seat back (backrest portion) of the front seat. This airbag device reduces the load acting on a rear seat occupant of an outer seat (rear seat) at the rear during a frontal collision. In that case, since the front seat is displaceable in the longitudinal direction, the distance between the airbag device and the rear seat occupant can be changed. The effective range of the rear seat airbag is always the same with respect to the seat back. When the front seat is displaced, the effective range of the airbag device is also displaced. That is, when the front seat is in the foremost position, depending on the weight and body dimensions of the occupant, there is a possibility that the occupant cannot obtain an interaction with the airbag device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below describes that it is necessary to improve the protection effect of the airbag, especially in the case of an impact from an oblique direction or when the operation is not at the center. For this purpose, in the filled or deployed state, a vehicle occupant safety system or restraint system is proposed, which includes a gas bag having a predetermined support force distribution and at least one energy absorption element attached to the gas bag to deploy the gas bag or locally increase the support force of the gas bag. One or more energy absorption elements are arranged such that at least one energy absorption element contacts the occupant and can at least partially follow the movement of the occupant within at least a certain limit, so as to have an occupant protection function, and / or such that the gas bag has a funnel function for the supported occupant. With this funnel function, the occupant is guided to the center of the airbag during a collision and is protected from the side by the side wall in some cases.

[0004] Patent Document 2 below relates to an airbag for a motor vehicle in particular, and includes a support structure movable from a storage position to a restraint position, a covering surrounding the restraint volume of the airbag formed at the restraint position by the support structure, and at least one connecting element extending within the restraint volume, and the connecting element connects the hollow body of the support structure and / or the surface area of the covering to each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device and a seat device that can improve the protection of occupants, particularly in the rear seat area of a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The above problems are solved by the airbag device and the seat device described in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to an airbag device for being disposed on the backrest of a displaceable seat device of a vehicle, the airbag device including at least one first gas bag that is deployed to a receiving position depending on a control signal by a deployment device of the airbag device, the gas bag being configured to receive a body part of an occupant of the vehicle at the receiving position, and the occupant facing the backrest.

[0009] It is contemplated that the airbag device has a second gas bag that is deployed between the backrest and the first gas bag, at least at the receiving position.

[0010] In particular, this enables reliable protection of the occupants in the rear seat area during a collision even when the displaceable seat device is in various different adjustment positions. In particular, so to speak, the first gas bag is directed towards the occupants in the so-called rear seat area of the vehicle at the backrest. In that case, during a frontal collision, a body part, for example, the head of the occupant moves in the direction of the backrest, and at that time, the body part can be received by at least the first gas bag and / or the second gas bag. Therefore, the second gas bag particularly crosses a displaceable length portion of the vehicle. Thereby, it is possible to ensure that the occupant can be reliably received by the airbag device even when the seat device is in the rearmost position with respect to the rear seat area or the occupant.

[0011] The second airbag can in particular be formed as a so-called conventional airbag device or a conventional airbag, which in particular inflates between the seatback part and the first airbag, whereby in particular the already filled first airbag is displaced in the direction of the occupant including its effective range, where the load on the occupant is reduced. When the distance between the occupant and the front seat is large, the first airbag can deploy freely and the additional second airbag can displace the first airbag in the direction of the occupant. Even if the second airbag may not fully deploy when the distance between the occupant and the front seat is very small, the additional first airbag will deploy anyway. In that case, this combination can always reduce the load on the occupant and avoid seat and head contact if necessary.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least the first gas bag is formed as a tubular structure bag. In particular, the first gas bag is a tubular structure airbag. In that case, the tubular structure gas bag or the tubular structure airbag consists of a tubular structure that is actively filled and a valve film that surrounds the airbag shell and uses ambient air to deploy the airbag to its conventional volume. Due to these characteristics, the airbag only deploys restrictively when it comes into contact with an obstacle. This means that when the tube hits an obstacle during filling, the tube moves to avoid it, in which case the airbag cannot be fully filled and its volume becomes relatively small. However, the second gas bag may prevent the reliable realization of reception even if the tubular structure bag is not deployed or is not fully deployed. Therefore, in particular, at the receiving position, a support structure is formed by the tubular structure bag, and this support structure is surrounded by a covering that can be filled with either ambient air or pressurized gas. In other words, in this case, the deployment of the airbag is achieved by the corresponding gas or by a support structure that is mechanically expanded. In that case, the enclosures or mechanical components are connected to each other and are made into a framework or a frame, etc. For example, in the process of an accident scenario, when a passenger in a passenger car hits the airbag, the best possible restraint effect should be achieved. In particular, when the support structure or the associated covering surrounds the ambient air, the restraint effect is optimized, for example, by providing at least one connecting element that extends within the restraint volume and is connected to the support structure and / or the covering. This is particularly important because at the moment when the occupant hits, the restraint volume or its internal pressure is basically lower than that of a conventional airbag. The internal pressure for restraint is generated, among other things, by the forward movement of the hitting occupant himself. Therefore, it is particularly important to increase this pressure for restraint as efficiently as possible. This is done particularly by the connecting element. For example, the uncontrolled movement of the web of the support structure or the restraint volume can be reliably prevented by the connecting element, thereby guaranteeing the complete restraint function.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the deployment device is configured to deploy a first gas bag and a second gas bag. Thus, in particular, a single deployment device is provided that can fill the first gas bag and the second gas bag. For example, this can be done by a gas generator or by corresponding pyrotechnics (pyrotechnic devices). Thus, the deployment of the first gas bag and the second gas bag can be achieved with a reduced number of components.

[0014] Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous if the airbag device has a further deployment device, and that further deployment device is configured to deploy the second gas bag. Thereby, in particular, each gas bag can have its own deployment device, for example as a gas generator or by pyrotechnics. In particular, this enables different control of, for example, the first gas bag and the second gas bag to be achieved. For example, these can be triggered sequentially or continuously in time. Thereby, in particular, depending on the seating position of the displaceable seat device according to the collision intensity, for example the first gas bag, or the second gas bag, or both of them can be deployed together, thereby achieving a high level of safety according to the situation. Furthermore, even if one of the deployment devices fails, at least another gas bag can be deployed.

[0015] It is also advantageous if the airbag device is configured to deploy the first gas bag and the second gas bag independently of each other. In particular, for example, the first gas bag can be deployed first and then the second gas bag independently of each other. Based on this, for example, it can be achieved that at least the first gas bag expands to its full size, thereby guaranteeing the protection of the occupant. Improved protection can also be achieved by then deploying the second gas bag. In particular, this enables the deployment of the first gas bag and the second gas bag to be achieved according to the situation.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment, the airbag device is configured to deploy a first airbag and a second airbag together. For example, it can be contemplated that the first airbag and the second airbag are deployed together depending on a single control signal, for example, depending on a single deployment device. Thereby, it is possible to achieve complete protection of the occupant in the event of a collision.

[0017] According to another advantageous embodiment, the airbag device has a third airbag that is deployed in front of the first airbag in the deployed state and thus faces the occupant. Thus, in particular, when viewed in the main traveling direction of the vehicle, the seat back, then the second airbag, then the first airbag, and then the third airbag are arranged, and in this case as well, the occupant is sitting facing the third airbag. In particular, the third airbag is deployed separately from the first airbag. When the distance between the occupant and the front seat is very large, two airbags may be deployed. When the distance between the occupant and the front seat is very small, only the first airbag is deployed, and the second airbag cannot be deployed freely by contacting the occupant early. Thus, it is possible to reliably receive the occupant in various different positions of the seat device during a collision.

[0018] Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous if the third airbag is formed as a tubular structure bag. Thus, in particular, a corresponding receiving structure can also be provided for the third airbag, thereby enabling reliable and safe reception of the occupant, especially during a frontal collision.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, the third airbag is pneumatically coupled to the first airbag. For example, the first airbag and the third airbag may be pneumatically coupled to each other via corresponding valves. Thereby, it becomes possible to fill the third airbag with a single deployment device of the first airbag.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a seat device having a backrest portion for an automobile, which is provided with at least one airbag device according to the above-described aspect.

[0021] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to an automobile provided with the seat device according to the above-described aspect.

[0022] Another independent aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating an airbag device provided in a backrest portion of a displaceable seat device of an automobile. The first gas bag of the airbag device is deployed to a receiving position by a deploying device depending on a control signal, and the first gas bag is provided in a receiving position for receiving a body part of an occupant of the automobile, and the occupant is facing the backrest portion. It is contemplated that the second gas bag of the airbag device is deployed between the backrest portion and the first gas bag, at least in the receiving position.

[0023] Advantageous embodiments of the airbag device can be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the seat device, the automobile, and the method. The airbag device, the seat device, and the automobile have objective features that enable the execution of the method and its advantageous embodiments, in particular.

[0024] Other advantages, components, and specific matters of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, as well as with reference to the drawings. The components and combinations of components mentioned in the above description, as well as those mentioned in the description of the drawings below and / or shown alone in only one drawing, are applicable not only as the described combinations but also in other combinations and alone, without departing from the framework of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] In the figures, the same elements or functions are denoted by the same reference numerals for the same elements.

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 having an embodiment of a seat device 12. The seat device 12 has at least one airbag device 14 and a backrest portion 16. For example, the seat device 12 is designed for the driver of the motor vehicle 10 or for a passenger in the motor vehicle 10. In that case, the seat device 12 is displaceable, in particular displaceably mounted along a longitudinal displacement direction 18, so that, for example, the driver of the motor vehicle 10 can assume a corresponding position along the longitudinal displacement direction 18. The seat device 12 has at least the airbag device 14, and the airbag device 14 is formed for an occupant 20, and the occupant 20 is located behind the seat device 12 as seen in this longitudinal displacement direction 18 and can be, for example, in the rear seat area of the motor vehicle 10.

[0028] The airbag device 14 has at least one first gasbag 22 which is deployed by a deployment device 24 of the airbag device 14 to a receiving position 28, for example based on a control signal from an electronic calculator 26 of the airbag device 14, and the first gasbag 22 is formed to receive a body part 30 of the occupant 20, here the head, when the occupant 20 is facing the backrest portion 16. The airbag device 14 has at least one second gasbag 32 which is deployed between the backrest portion 16 and the first gasbag 22, at least at the receiving position 28. The first gasbag 22 is in particular formed as a so-called tubular structure bag.

[0029] In that case, the deployment device 24 can in particular be formed to deploy the first gasbag 22 and the second gasbag 32. Alternatively, the airbag device 14 can also have a second deployment device which is formed to deploy the second gasbag 32 separately.

[0030] In particular, it is further contemplated that the airbag device 14 is configured to deploy the first gasbag 22 and the second gasbag 32 independently of each other. Alternatively, it is possible to contemplate that the airbag device 14 deploys the first gasbag 22 and the second gasbag 32 together.

[0031] FIG. 1 further shows that the airbag device 14 can also have a third gasbag 34, which is preferably also formed as a tubular structure bag. The third gasbag 34 is deployed in front of the first gasbag 22 in the deployed state and thus faces the occupant 20. In that case, the third gasbag 34 may be pneumatically coupled to the first gasbag 22.

[0032] Thus, in particular, the airbag device 14 is provided for the rear seat area of the motor vehicle 10, which is particularly arranged in the front seat, particularly in the backrest part 16, but can be displaced along the longitudinal displacement direction 18 so as to provide a safe receiving base for the occupant 20 even when different distances are taken with respect to the backrest part 16. In that case, in particular, it is proposed that a second gasbag 32 that accepts the distance adaptation is arranged between the backrest part 16 and the first gasbag 22.

[0033] Additionally, a third gasbag 34 can be provided. The third gasbag is also formed as a structural airbag and has corresponding tubes and receivers in another area and can also fill another empty space. In that case, in particular, it is contemplated that the first gasbag 22 and the third gasbag 34, both preferably formed as tubular structure bags, are pneumatically coupled and separated from each other only via, for example, a valve or a throttle, thereby enabling filling together. However, in that case, the third gasbag 34 can be filled with a time delay from the first gasbag 22.

[0034] In particular, it is contemplated that at least a first gas bag 22 and a second gas bag 32 can be filled together, and for example, deployment device 24 formed as a gas generator or pyrotechnics can also be included. Alternatively, each of the gas bags 22, 32, 34 can also have its own deployment device 24. Furthermore, it is also possible to control each deployment device 24 in one step, whereby the first gas bag 22 and the second gas bag 32 can, for example, be deployed simultaneously or in the same manner. Alternatively, a multi-step deformation mode is also possible, in which case, for example, the first gas bag 22 and the second gas bag 32 can be correspondingly filled via a valve, for example, by increasing the volume or pressure, and subsequently. In particular, in that case, it is contemplated that, for example, the first gas bag 22 is filled first, and then the second gas bag 32 is filled in multiple steps. In the case of two or more deployment devices 24, these can also be controlled together, where "together" can be understood in particular as simultaneously, or can be carried out in two steps or multiple steps, whereby, for example, the first gas bag 22 is always deployed, while the second gas bag 32 is deployed only based on other parameters, and in that case, the deployment time or the start of deployment can also be carried out based on these parameters. In this case, similarly, the seat adjustment of the seat device 12, and especially the position of the backrest portion 16 in the traveling direction, especially whether the seat device has moved longitudinally, can be used as an influencing quantity for actuating the second gas bag 32 if this is available. As already explained, the operation can be carried out without additional information or parameters, whereby the second gas bag 32 depends only on the operation of the first gas bag 22 and is controlled, so to speak, "unperceived".

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0035] 10 Automobile 12 Seat device 14 Airbag device 16 Backrest 18 Longitudinal displacement direction 20 Occupant 22 First gas bag 24 Deployment machine 26 Electronic calculator 28 Receiving position 30 Head 32 Second gas bag 34 Third gas bag

Claims

1. A seat device (12) having a backrest portion (16) of a motor vehicle (10), comprising an airbag device (14) disposed in the backrest portion (16), and a longitudinal displacement direction (18) of the seat device (12). ) A body portion (30) of an occupant (20) of the motor vehicle (10) located behind the seat device (12) and facing the backrest portion (16) is formed to be received at a receiving position (28), and based on a control signal. In a seat device comprising at least one first gas bag (22) deployed at the receiving position (28) by a deployment device (24) of the airbag device (14), The airbag device (14) has a second gas bag (32) deployed between the backrest portion (16) and the first gas bag (22) at least at the receiving position (28). The first gas bag (22) is formed as a tubular structure bag including a positively filled tubular structure and a valve film. The airbag device (14) has a third gas bag (34) that faces the occupant (20) and is deployed in front of the first gas bag (22) in a deployed state. A seat device, characterized by the above.

2. The deployment device (24) is formed to deploy the first gas bag (22) and the second gas bag (32). The seat device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The airbag device (14) has at least one another deployment device formed to deploy the second gas bag (32). The seat device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The airbag device (14) is formed to deploy the first gas bag (22) and the second gas bag (32) independently of each other. The seat device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The airbag device (14) is formed to deploy the first gas bag (22) and the second gas bag (32) together. The seat device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. The third gas bag (34) is formed as a tubular structure bag. The seat device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

7. The third gas bag (34) is pneumatically coupled to the first gas bag (22). The sheet device (12) according to claim 1 or claim 6, characterized in that...

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