Vehicle equipped with a vehicle seat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle (F) having a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat back (1.1) and a seat cushion (1.2) forming a seat surface. According to the present invention, - At least one air cushion (2) is disposed in at least one side area of ​​the seat back (1.1), comprising at least one air chamber (2.1) that can be filled with gas and emptied to form an armrest (A), and - At least one air chamber (2.1) is separated during normal operation, is not supplied with gas, and has at least one additional air chamber section that is fluidly connected to at least one gas generator and / or - The air cushion (2) comprises at least one other air chamber (2.2) that is fluidly connected to the at least one gas generator to supply gas upon collision of the vehicle (F) and is separated from the air chamber (2.1) at least during normal operation. - The air chamber section and / or the other air chamber (2.2) is provided to be supplied with air from the at least one gas generator and to be deployed between the occupant seated on the vehicle seat (1) and the trim of the vehicle (F) and / or between the occupant and another occupant in at least section by section.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle having a vehicle seat comprising a seat back and a seat cushion forming a seat surface. Background Technology

[0002] German Patent Publication DE 10 2008 029 339 A1 discloses a vehicle seat for a vehicle. The vehicle seat of said document includes at least one adjustment element capable of changing its volume in at least one upholstery area. The adjustment element, which is provided to allow a occupant to change the seat contour in normal mode, can automatically perform a protection function before or at the time of a collision of the vehicle.

[0003] German Patent Publication DE 199 50 702 A1 describes a vehicle seat having an upholstered seat portion formed by a central upper surface and two side cheeks protruding slightly upward relative to the central portion, and an upholstered backrest formed by a leaning surface formed by a central front surface and a side cheek portion protruding slightly forward relative to the central portion. In order to better secure an occupant seated in the vehicle seat during a side collision and to better protect against injury caused by an intruding object, at least one of the side cheek portions of the seat portion and / or backrest is provided to be inflated so that the protrusion is increased higher than each central portion.

[0004] A vehicle equipped with at least one vehicle seat, in particular a driver's seat, is disclosed in German Patent Publication DE 10 2014 016 351 A1. In the said document, the vehicle seat is mounted so as to be rotatable about at least partially the vehicle height axis and has an armrest formed as a means of occupant protection. The armrest and / or at least one structural member thereof may be controlled so that the armrest and / or at least one structural member can be positioned from a starting position to an actionable position for an occupant seated in the vehicle seat.

[0005] Additionally, German Patent Publication DE 10 2018 124 649 A1 discloses a seat comprising a seat back, two armrest sections, and two airbags. Each armrest section is connected to the seat back so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis from a storage position extending forward to an extended position extending forward to the seat back. Each airbag is fixed to one of the armrest sections, and one airbag can be inflated to an inflation position where it is positioned in front of the other airbag relative to the seat back.

[0006] U.S. Patent Publication US 2003 / 0184061 A1 discloses a side airbag device that activates an airbag between an occupant and a side wall of a vehicle to protect an occupant during a side collision of a vehicle. The side airbag device of the said document includes a first airbag and a second airbag. The first airbag is designed in a tubular shape and is secured to the seat back of a vehicle seat using one end, and the other end is secured to a place on the seat cushion of the vehicle seat. The second airbag is designed in a tubular shape, and one end of the second airbag is secured to the seat back of the vehicle and the other end is secured to the seat cushion. In this side airbag device, the position of the end of the second airbag is positioned higher than the position of the end of the first airbag.

[0007] In addition, German Patent Publication DE 10 2017 010 794 A1 discloses a vehicle having a occupant protection device comprising at least one airbag that can be positioned from a starting position to an operating position and can be deployed from an armrest. The armrest of the said document is positioned in the side ball portion of the seat back when in a parking position, and when the vehicle seat is aligned forward in the vehicle length direction, the airbag deploys between the occupant seated in the vehicle seat and the vehicle part, and the armrest can be automatically positioned in a position deployed from the side ball portion in an orientation deviating from the orientation of the vehicle seat facing forward in the vehicle length direction, and can be positioned so that the airbag release port of the armrest is oriented toward the occupant seated in the vehicle seat according to a given condition.

[0008] German Patent Publication DE 103 45 677 A1 discloses a swivel bearing for rotatably mounting an armrest on a seat of a means of transportation. The swivel bearing of the said document is designed to allow additional rotational movement of the armrest at least in one rotational position of the armrest by the force of an airbag inflated on the armrest side in at least one plane perpendicular to the longitudinal plane.

[0009] U.S. Patent Publication US 2004 / 0075254 A1 discloses a side airbag device having a plurality of airbags that are positioned on the side of a vehicle occupant in a folded state and deploy between the inner surface of the vehicle side and the occupant by gas from an inflator generated during a vehicle side collision. In the said document, the individual airbags have different internal pressures. The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention provides a vehicle equipped with a vehicle seat. means of solving the problem

[0011] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a vehicle seat having the features set forth in claim 1.

[0012] The preferred configurations of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] A vehicle comprises a vehicle seat having a seat back and a seat cushion forming a seat surface. According to the present invention, at least one air cushion is provided having at least one air chamber that can be filled with gas and emptied to form an armrest, and is disposed in at least one side area of ​​the seat back. This at least one air chamber has a separate additional air chamber section that is fluidly connected to at least one gas generator and is not supplied with gas during normal operation. Alternatively or additionally, the air cushion has at least one other air chamber that is fluidly connected to at least one gas generator, is separated from the air chamber during at least normal operation, and is supplied with gas upon vehicle collision, and the air chamber section and / or the other air chamber is supplied with gas from at least one gas generator and is deployed at least in sections between the occupant seated in the vehicle seat and the trim of the vehicle and / or between the occupant and another occupant.

[0014] A vehicle seat designed in this way combines safety and convenience functions based on an armrest formed by an air cushion, and / or at least one other air chamber section into which gas can be supplied in the event of a collision.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, an additional air chamber section is separated from at least one air chamber by a tear seam designed to be fluid-tight during normal operation of the air cushion. This tear seam ruptures when gas is additionally supplied to at least one air chamber or supplied to the air chamber section during a vehicle collision. The air cushion is expanded based on the additionally filled air chamber section to provide protection for the occupant seated in the vehicle seat and, if applicable, another occupant seated in an adjacent vehicle seat.

[0016] In another possible embodiment, at least one air cushion is provided with a plurality of retaining bands that form the shape of the air cushion when gas is supplied. The air cushion takes the shape of an armrest by the retaining bands so that a passenger can comfortably rest their arm on it when gas is supplied to at least one air chamber, and the at least one air chamber has a generally constant pressure level when gas is supplied so that the passenger can use the armrest without pressure loss even when the vehicle is driven for a somewhat long time.

[0017] In an improved embodiment, the air chamber, additional air chamber section, and / or another air chamber each have a pressure-controlled, time-controlled, and / or actively controllable discharge port. To absorb collision energy upon collision, the pressure of the air chamber, additional air chamber section, and / or another air chamber may be intentionally reduced by the discharge port(s). This may result in overall protection of the occupant and a reduction in the load caused by the collision.

[0018] One embodiment provides that at least one air chamber of an air cushion is fluidly connected to a gas supply unit having a preset and adjustable gas volume. In particular, at least one air chamber of the air cushion can be reversibly filled by the gas supply unit so that at least one air chamber can be filled with gas from the gas supply unit to form an armrest. For example, if it is intentionally emptied by an occupant, at least one gas supply unit can supply gas again so that at least one air chamber and the gas supply unit form a closed system.

[0019] In addition, in an additional embodiment, the gas supply unit is connected to an operating element located inside the vehicle. If a passenger wishes to raise their arm, they can operate the operating element to activate the gas supply unit. If the operating element is operated once more, the corresponding outlet is controlled so that air can be expelled from at least one air chamber. Alternatively, the gas supply unit is activated to draw air from at least one air chamber, thereby emptying the air chamber.

[0020] In another possible embodiment, the air cushion comprises a plurality of air chambers to form an armrest, and the air chambers are filled differently in a gas-supplied state according to the seat back setting and / or seat cushion setting. In particular, the individual air chambers have different degrees of filling so that the armrest can be used as an armrest for the occupant in a setting suitable for a sitting position as well as a setting suitable for a lying position of the seat back and / or seat cushion.

[0021] To this end, in an improved embodiment, the air cushion extends along the seat back and seat cushion in at least segments, and the air cushion can be fixed to the seat back and / or seat cushion for its own stability in forming an armrest.

[0022] Additionally, another possible embodiment provides that the outlet of at least one air chamber forming the armrest is designed to open in an area adjacent to the vehicle seat when the vehicle door is opened. In particular, the outlet of at least one air chamber is opened so that the air chamber is emptied, making it easier to get out of or into the vehicle. Thus, the occupant can leave or sit on their vehicle seat without obstruction.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a vehicle seat and a vehicle having an air cushion integrated into the respective side areas of the seat back and seat cushion to form an armrest. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating a vehicle seat according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically illustrating a vehicle seat equipped with an armrest formed by an air cushion. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a vehicle seat equipped with an armrest formed by an air cushion. FIG. 5 is a front view schematically illustrating a vehicle seat having an armrest formed by an air cushion and a lying position. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view illustrating a vehicle seat equipped with a formed armrest and another gas-supplied air chamber. FIG. 7 is a front view schematically illustrating a vehicle seat of one embodiment equipped with a gas-supplied air cushion and another gas-supplied air chamber using a pyrotechnic method. FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating a vehicle seat equipped with a gas-supplied air cushion and another gas-supplied air chamber using a pyrotechnic method. FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating a vehicle seat having a lying position equipped with a gas-supplied air cushion and another gas-supplied air chamber by a pyrotechnic method. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating one embodiment of an air cushion forming an armrest. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Members that match each other are indicated by the same drawing symbol in all drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a greatly simplified side view of a vehicle seat (1) and a vehicle (F) having a seat cushion (1.2) forming the seat surface of the vehicle seat (1) and an air cushion (2) integrated into the side area of ​​the seat back (1.1). A headrest (1.3) is also placed on the seat back (1.1).

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a vehicle seat (1) according to FIG. 1.

[0028] In particular, a vehicle (F) equipped with an assistance system for an automated driving mode is provided with a comfort seat position in relation to the method of setting the vehicle seat (1). For example, the seat back (1.1) can be set vertically for working, or the seat back (1.1) can be positioned at an angle for resting.

[0029] In addition to positioning the seat back (1.1), the armrest (A), illustrated in detail in FIGS. 3 to 9, represents the comfort side of the vehicle seat (1). When the armrest (A) is present on the vehicle seat (1), there is a concern that the risk of injury caused by the armrest (A) may increase, particularly during a side collision of the vehicle (F).

[0030] In order to provide the occupant seated in the vehicle seat (1) with the possibility of using an armrest (A) that generally does not pose a high risk of injury to the occupant seated in the vehicle seat (1) in the event of a side collision of the vehicle (F), an armrest is designed as described below.

[0031] To this end, the vehicle seat (1) is designed as an air cushion (2) and includes an armrest (A) that is relatively shape-stable, reversibly usable in terms of function, and can provide protection to the occupant seated in the vehicle seat (1) in the event of a collision with the vehicle (F). This air cushion (2) may have additional functions beyond the general function of an armrest (A) and / or the function for the occupant seated in the vehicle seat (1).

[0032] According to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9, one air cushion (2) is placed on the seat back (1.1) and the seat cushion (1.2), respectively.

[0033] Each air cushion (2) includes an air chamber (2.1) which is illustrated very simply in FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIGS. 8 to 10 and is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in an empty state, i.e., without gas being supplied. In particular, the air cushion (2) is not charged when the ignition device of the vehicle (F) is turned off so that one can get on and off the vehicle (F) without hindrance.

[0034] FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate an air cushion (2) in a filled state, wherein the air cushion (2) filled with, for example, gas or a gas mixture, particularly air, forms an armrest (A).

[0035] Each air cushion (2), i.e., each air chamber (2.1), has a preset shape and is fluidly connected to a gas supply unit, which is not illustrated in detail, for gas supply. For example, the gas supply unit is connected to the air cushion (2). For example, a plurality of gas supply units may also be provided such that each gas supply unit is fluidly connected to one air cushion (2).

[0036] In order to supply gas to the air cushion (2) to form an armrest (A) on the vehicle seat (1), the gas supply unit(s) are connected to an operating element placed in the vehicle interior for their respective activation.

[0037] When a passenger seated in the vehicle seat (1) requires an armrest (A), the passenger operates an operating element. This activates the gas supply unit(s) so that air can be supplied specifically to the air cushion (2). For example, an operating element, such as a button of a touch-sensitive display unit, is assigned to each air cushion (2), and by operating this assigned operating element, the user selects the air cushion (2) to be filled with air to form an armrest (A), thereby increasing lateral support for the passenger seated in the vehicle seat (1) in some cases.

[0038] The armrest (A) formed by the air cushion (2) has an armrest contour pre-set by forming a corresponding shape.

[0039] The armrest (A) can be used even when the seat back (1.1) is in a vertical position as shown in FIG. 4, and even when the incline of the seat back (1.1) is large as shown in FIG. 5. That is, the air cushion (2), in particular its air chamber (2.1), can be supplied with air to form the armrest (A) regardless of the configuration of the seat back (1.1) and the seat cushion (1.2). Additionally, the occupant seated in the vehicle seat (1) can set the desired level of infill for each air cushion (2), for example, by operating each operating element.

[0040] Different heights of the armrests (A) can be set by the shape of the air chamber (2.1) and the different filling levels of the air chamber (2.1) of each air cushion (2).

[0041] In one possible embodiment, each air cushion (2) or a specific number of air chambers (2.1) of each air cushion (2) has at least one discharge port (S) that is controlled by pressure, controlled by time, and / or actively controllable.

[0042] When a load is applied to the side of a passenger seated on the vehicle seat (1) during a collision of the vehicle (F) and / or when the passenger moves sideways due to the collision, air can be released in a controlled manner from the air cushion (2) by this discharge port (S). By doing so, the internal pressure of the corresponding air cushion (2) is reduced so that impact energy can be absorbed and the resulting passenger load can be reduced.

[0043] In order to enhance the function of protecting a passenger in a vehicle seat (1) from injury, particularly so that an arm resting on the armrest can be automatically positioned in the event of a collision with the vehicle (F), at least one air cushion (2) placed in the seat back (1.1) includes another air chamber (2.2), which is shown in a filled state in FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a side view and FIG. 7 is a front view of a vehicle seat (1) equipped with a filled air cushion (2) and another air chamber (2.2) filled by a pyrotechnic method, and as described below, the air chamber (2.1) can also be filled by a pyrotechnic method. FIG. 8 is a side view of a vehicle seat (1) with the seat back (1.1) raised, and FIG. 9 is a side view of a vehicle seat with the incline of the seat back (1.1) increased.

[0045] When the armrest (A) is formed, that is, when the comfort function is activated, air is not supplied to the other air chamber (2.2), and as a result, it is maintained in a folded state in a largely invisible starting position.

[0046] Another air chamber (2.2) can be operated pyrotechnically and is fluidly connected to a gas generator not shown in detail. This gas generator is connected by signal to the collision sensor of the vehicle (F), specifically the airbag control unit.

[0047] When a collision of the vehicle (F) is detected based on a recorded signal exceeding a preset threshold, the air cushion (2) provided to form the armrest (A) is filled with air, that is, the comfort function is activated and the gas generator is ignited. Gas is released by the gas generator to fill another air chamber (2.2), thereby enabling a protective action for the occupant seated in the vehicle seat (1), particularly so that the arm is positioned.

[0048] In particular, if the vehicle (F) is involved in a side collision or a frontal collision including a side, gas is supplied to another air chamber (2.2).

[0049] Alternatively or additionally to the other air chamber (2.2), each air cushion (2) may have an additional air chamber section that is separated during normal operation, is not supplied with gas, and is fluidly connected to at least one gas generator. In particular, this air chamber section is separated from each adjacent air chamber (2.1) by a tear seam. Upon impact, the additional air chamber section is filled and occupies its operational position. At this time, the tear seam ruptures, causing the air chamber section to be fluidly connected to each adjacent air chamber (2.1), and the internal pressure can be reduced through each discharge port (S) to absorb energy.

[0050] In an additional embodiment, when the comfort function is not activated in relation to the armrest (A), the armrest may also be provided to be charged in a pyrotechnic manner upon impact.

[0051] In a preset state of the air cushion (2), e.g., a state according to pressure and / or time, the vents (S) are controlled so that gas can escape from at least the air chamber (2.1) as intended, thereby absorbing collision energy. This protects the occupant from injury and can reduce the load on the occupant.

[0052] For example, it is possible to limit the pyrotechnic gas supply only to selected air chambers (2.1) that are optimally positioned, particularly in relation to injury protection. However, this is realized only when it is evaluated as sufficient in terms of protective action. In this case, only a portion of the air cushion (2) containing the air chambers (2.1, 2.2) receives gas in a manner that is activated in the collision.

[0053] Additionally, the collision-activated air chambers (2.1, 2.2) of each air cushion (2) can be pre-operated, i.e., charged, reversibly or partially reversibly in terms of air pressure by gas supply unit(s) as a so-called pre-safety measure. Corresponding occupant protection by energy absorption in the subsequent collision of the vehicle (F) can be achieved by opening the discharge ports (S) according to pressure and / or time.

[0054] For example, it is possible to replace the side airbags with a thoracic / pelvic protection area by using air cushions (2) on each side of the seat.

[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an air cushion (2) placed in a seat back (1.1). Specifically, an air chamber (2.1) and a retaining band (3) placed for shaping are shown. The retaining band (3) is fixed to the corresponding air chamber (2.1) at each end, and the air cushion (2) has an armrest contour when gas is supplied. Explanation of the symbols

[0056] 1 car seat 1.1 Seat Back 1.2 Seat Cushion 1.3 Headrest 2 Air Cushions 2.1 Air Chamber 2.2 Another Air Chamber 3 Retaining Bands A armrest F vehicle S discharge port

Claims

Claim 1 In a vehicle (F) having a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat back (1.1) and a seat cushion (1.2) forming a seat surface, - at least one air cushion (2) having at least one air chamber (2.1) for forming an armrest (A) that can be filled with gas and emptied is disposed in at least one side area of ​​each of the seat back (1.1) and the seat cushion (1.2); - the at least one air chamber (2.1) has at least one additional air chamber section that is separated from it during normal operation and is not supplied with gas and is fluidly connected to at least one gas generator; or - the air cushion (2) includes at least one additional air chamber (2.2) that is fluidly connected to at least one gas generator, is separated from the air chamber (2.1) during at least normal operation, and is configured to supply gas upon collision of the vehicle (F); - the air chamber section or the additional air chamber (2.2) is supplied with air from at least one gas generator and, at least in sections, a passenger seated on the vehicle seat (1) and A vehicle (F) configured to be deployed between trim parts of the vehicle (F) or between the occupant and another occupant, wherein the air chamber (2.1), the additional air chamber section, or the other air chamber (2.2) each have at least one discharge port (S) that is controlled by pressure, controlled by time, or actively controllable, and in the event of a collision of the vehicle (F), the air chamber section or the additional air chamber (2.2) is supplied with air from the at least one gas generator and the discharge port (S) of the air chamber (2.1) is opened. Claim 2 A vehicle (F) according to claim 1, wherein the additional air chamber section of the air cushion (2) is separated from the at least one air chamber (2.1) during normal operation by a fluid-tight tear seam. Claim 3 A vehicle (F) characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, a plurality of retaining bands (3) are disposed in the at least one air chamber (2.1) so that the shape of the air cushion (2) is formed when gas is supplied. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A vehicle (F), wherein, in claim 1 or 2, at least one air chamber (2.1) of the air cushion (2) is fluidly connected to a gas supply unit having a preset and adjustable gas volume. Claim 6 A vehicle (F) according to claim 5, wherein the gas supply unit is connected to an operating element located in the interior of the vehicle. Claim 7 A vehicle (F), wherein, in claim 1 or 2, the air cushion (2) comprises a plurality of air chambers (2.1) for forming an armrest (A), each of the air chambers can adjust the degree of filling in various ways, the seat back or the seat cushion can be set to a setting suitable for a sitting position and a setting suitable for a lying position, and the air chambers (2.1) are filled with gas and are filled differently according to the settings of the seat back or the seat cushion. Claim 8 A vehicle (F) characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the air cushion (2) extends along the seat back (1.1) and seat cushion (1.2) of the vehicle (F) in at least sections. Claim 9 A vehicle (F), wherein, in claim 1, the discharge port (S) of at least one air chamber (2.1) for forming the armrest (A) is designed to open when the vehicle door is opened in an area adjacent to the vehicle seat (1).

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