Vehicle seat having an airbag and motor vehicle having a vehicle seat of this type

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat (30) having a seat frame (32), wherein the vehicle seat (30) has a seat surface (34) and a backrest (36) supported by the seat frame (32). An airbag module (38) is secured to the seat frame (32). At least sections of the seat frame (32) are surrounded by a foam (40) in the region of the backrest (36) in such a way that the airbag module (38) is encased by the foam (40). According to the invention, an airbag pocket (72) is formed in the foam (40), wherein the airbag pocket (72) has an inlet opening (76) facing an airbag outlet opening (64) of the airbag module (38).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Vehicle seat with an airbag and motor vehicle with such a vehicle seat

[0003] The invention relates to a vehicle seat with an airbag integrated into the seat and to a motor vehicle with such a vehicle seat according to the preamble of the independent claims.

[0004] To improve passive safety in a motor vehicle, a variety of airbags are used, integrated into various locations such as the steering wheel, dashboard, side panels, headliner, or seats. The aim is to maximize the efficient use of vehicle interior space by ensuring that the airbags deploy precisely and / or in a positionally appropriate manner, while requiring minimal installation space to enhance passenger comfort and / or improve the vehicle's energy efficiency.

[0005] German patent DE 102009 014 107 A1 discloses a vehicle seat with a side airbag integrated into the seat. The vehicle seat comprises a seat element forming a seat surface and a seat back. The seat back has a frame, padding positioned on a front or inner side of the frame, and an airbag module attached to the seat back frame. The airbag module is positioned on the front side of the seat back frame.

[0006] From DE 102017 129 727 A1, a backrest with a side airbag for a vehicle seat is known, wherein the backrest comprises at least the following elements: a backrest frame, a backrest cushion, and an airbag module with a side airbag that, upon deployment, deploys forward to protect the side of a seat occupant. It is provided that a pressure distribution element with a flat, rigid pressure distribution area is provided between the backrest cushion and the airbag module. This area is adjustable by the deployed and unfolding side airbag for the purpose of distributing the pressure and / or area of ​​the expanding side airbag forward and inward. DE 102019210478 A1 describes a vehicle seat with a side airbag integrated into the seat. The vehicle seat comprises a backrest and a side bolster area covered with a seat cover.The side bolster area of ​​the seat cover features weakened areas for an airbag deployment opening. Along these weakened areas in the side surfaces, material has been deliberately removed or omitted to create predetermined breaking points. These weakened areas end before reaching the surface of the seat cover and are therefore not visible from the outside. The seat cover is reinforced with a second layer of material, at least in the side bolster area of ​​the vehicle seat. The weakened areas are located within this second layer of material.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of improving the deployment and positioning of an airbag integrated into a vehicle seat and of at least partially overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0008] The problem is solved by a vehicle seat with a seat frame, wherein the vehicle seat has a seat surface and a backrest supported by the seat frame, to which an airbag module is attached. The seat frame is at least partially surrounded by foam in the area of ​​the backrest, such that the airbag module is encased by the foam. According to the invention, an airbag pocket is formed in the foam, wherein the airbag pocket has an inlet opening facing an air outlet opening of the airbag module.

[0009] In this context, a vehicle seat is understood to be a seat designed for installation in a vehicle, particularly a road vehicle. The vehicle seat according to the invention is preferably intended for seats in a first row of seats in a motor vehicle, but is not limited to such use. In this context, a seat surface is understood to be a surface on which a passenger of a vehicle sits and which bears the passenger's weight. In this context, a backrest is understood to be a backrest against which a passenger sitting on the seat surface can lean in order to be transported comfortably in a vehicle or to steer a vehicle.A seat frame is understood to be a reinforcement of a vehicle seat, preferably made of a metallic material, which is crucial for the stability of the vehicle seat and absorbs the forces acting on the seat surface and / or backrest, transferring them at least indirectly into the vehicle body. In this context, a foam is understood to be a material applied to the seat frame for the purpose of creating a comfortable seat surface and / or backrest. Such a foam is particularly well-known as polyurethane foam for the manufacture of vehicle seats.

[0010] In this context, an airbag module is understood to be a functional unit comprising at least a gas generator and an airbag that is inflated by the gas generator. An airbag pocket is understood to be a recess and / or opening in the foam that facilitates the deployment of the airbag after the airbag module is triggered. An inlet opening is understood to be a depression formed in the foam, particularly in the form of a channel, which extends from the airbag pocket but does not reach the seat cover of the vehicle seat, instead ending at a distance from it.

[0011] The seatback foam features a groove-shaped contour in the area of ​​the side bolsters. The shape and depth of this groove-shaped foam geometry can be adapted to specific seat and airbag requirements. The designed airbag pocket and / or the forward-facing groove in the side bolster foam serve as a trigger point, providing the initial area for the foam to open in the desired airbag deployment direction (e.g., side or center airbag). This targeted deployment of the airbag, for example, forward, results in a more robust positioning of a side airbag, promotes faster deployment, and improves occupant protection.

[0012] The additional features listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous further developments and improvements of the vehicle seat mentioned in claim 1.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inlet opening comprises a funnel and a channel adjoining the funnel. The funnel facilitates the intake of the airbag module's airbag into the inlet opening, thus achieving improved reproducibility in the deployment of the airbag and the tearing open of the vehicle seat at a defined point. This further enhances passive safety and increases occupant protection.

[0014] It is particularly preferred if the funnel has an inlet width of at least 30% of the width of the airbag module, preferably at least 40% of the width of the airbag module, and particularly preferably at least 50% of the width of the airbag module. Furthermore, the funnel has an outlet width of a maximum of 20% of the width of the airbag module, preferably a maximum of 15% of the width of the airbag module, and particularly preferably a maximum of 10% of the width of the airbag module. To achieve a defined entry of the airbag, which deploys under the pressure of the gas generator, into the inlet opening, an inlet width of the funnel in the specified range has proven to be particularly advantageous.Furthermore, it has been found that the inlet opening should be significantly narrower in relation to the inlet width of the funnel in order to create a defined tearing of the seat cushion in line with the inlet opening and thus a defined exit of the airbag from the vehicle seat.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlet opening is lined, at least partially, with a reinforcing material. This reinforcing material further improves the inlet of the deploying airbag. In particular, it prevents the seat foam from tearing at a point other than the extension of the inlet opening, thus further improving the defined deployment of the airbag.

[0016] It is preferred that the reinforcement material comprises at least one layer of nonwoven fabric. A nonwoven fabric incorporated into the seat foam has the advantage that it not only provides defined reinforcement but also simultaneously traps the particles released when the seat foam ruptures upon airbag module deployment. This minimizes health risks associated with increased particle ejection during airbag deployment. The airbag pocket is specially shaped in the direction of the desired airbag deployment. The nonwoven fabric can also be embedded in the backrest foam; a single or double layer of nonwoven fabric facilitates the opening / tearing of the foam in the direction of the inlet opening, preferably towards the seating surface of the vehicle seat.The nonwoven material serves as a trigger and / or guide channel, either alone or in conjunction with a groove- or funnel-shaped contour in the seat back foam at the transition between the nonwoven and foam of the seat back. The nonwoven layer can be oriented directly in a specific direction (e.g., forwards) or at a lateral angle and at varying depths. During deployment, the airbag is guided precisely to its intended position by the shape of the airbag pocket and the resulting opening gap. This direct path reduces deployment time and protects a passenger as close to their body as possible. Using a nonwoven material allows for targeted control of the foam's opening behavior and the airbag's deployment direction. Furthermore, it minimizes foam separation and the associated particle release.

[0017] It is particularly preferred if the reinforcing material, especially the fleece, is connected to each other at at least one connection point, preferably at two connection points. This allows for further stabilization of the seat foam, enabling a more precise definition of the inlet opening and further improving the tearing resistance of the seat foam.

[0018] It is particularly preferred if the reinforcement material, especially the nonwoven fabric, has an opening at a second location spaced apart from the connection point, such that a gap is formed between a first layer and a second layer of the reinforcement material. Alternating connected and spaced-apart areas of the reinforcement material can also be provided, similar to a zipper, so that the reinforcement material tears along this predetermined breaking point. In the case of a nonwoven fabric, such areas can be formed, in particular, by embossing two nonwoven fabric parts at a connection point and by leaving the intermediate areas unembossed. This further improves the inflow of an deploying airbag into the gap. Thus, a controlled tearing of the seat back foam can occur along the extension of the inflow opening through the opening in the reinforcement material.

[0019] In a further improvement of the invention, an opening is provided between a first connection point and a second connection point of the reinforcement material. This opening allows the airbag to deploy precisely between the two connection points and, there, to penetrate the foam of the seat back unhindered, extending from the inlet opening.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the airbag module is designed as a side airbag module, with the inlet opening being oriented essentially in the seating direction of a passenger seated in a motor vehicle. This allows, in particular, a reduction in the installation space required for deployment towards a side wall of the motor vehicle, especially towards a B-pillar or C-pillar of the vehicle structure. This enables even more efficient use of the vehicle interior, thereby achieving further design freedoms, for example, to reduce the vehicle width and thus the associated air resistance of the motor vehicle, and thus increase energy efficiency.

[0021] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a vehicle seat as described in the preceding sections. In such a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger vehicle, a vehicle seat according to the invention allows for a particularly high level of passive safety and ensures the best possible protection for the occupants, since the deployment of the airbag integrated into the seat is defined by the inlet opening and can thus be adapted to the loads to be absorbed in a crash.

[0022] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0023] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a section through a backrest of a vehicle seat according to the invention with an airbag integrated into the seat,

[0025] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a seat back of a vehicle seat according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a further schematic representation of a device according to the invention.

[0027] vehicle seat

[0028] Figure 4 shows a section through a backrest of a vehicle seat according to the invention in a first section plane,

[0029] Figure 5 shows a section through a backrest of a vehicle seat according to the invention in a second section plane,

[0030] Figure 6 shows a section through a backrest of a vehicle seat according to the invention in a third section plane, and

[0031] Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention. Figures 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a vehicle seat 30 according to the invention with a side airbag 98. A schematic section view through a backrest 36 of a vehicle seat 30, supported by a seat frame 32, is shown, with an airbag module 38 integrated into the vehicle seat 30. The airbag module 38 is attached to the backrest 36 of the seat frame 32 and is at least partially, preferably completely, encased by a foam 40, in particular a polyurethane foam. An airbag pocket 72 is formed in the foam 40, the airbag pocket 72 having an inlet opening 76 facing an outlet opening 64 of the airbag module 38. The airbag module 38 comprises at least one gas generator 68 and an airbag 66 that is inflated by the gas generator 68.The airbag module 38 can additionally include a housing that encloses the gas generator 68 and the airbag 66. An outlet opening 64 is provided on the airbag module 38, in particular on a housing of the airbag module 38, which faces an airbag pocket 72 integrated into the foam 40.

[0032] The airbag pocket 72 comprises a funnel 48 with a wide inlet side and an outlet side narrower than the inlet side, with a channel 46 adjoining the outlet side. The airbag pocket 72 is lined, at least partially, with a reinforcing material 42, in particular a nonwoven fabric 44, so that upon ignition of the airbag module 38, the airbag 66 expands towards the airbag pocket 72 and enters the channel 46 via the funnel 48. During this process, the foam 40 on a side bolster 50 of the vehicle seat 30 tears along a predetermined breaking point 62 extending from the channel 46, causing the airbag 66 to exit the seat cushion 74 at a defined location. The point of exit can be influenced by the design of the channel 46 and / or by the lining with the reinforcing material 42.

[0033] The reinforcement material 42 can in particular comprise a first layer 90 reinforcement material 42 and a second layer 92 reinforcement material 42, preferably a first nonwoven component 54 and a second nonwoven component 56, which are connected to each other in the area of ​​the channel 46.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a backrest 36 of a vehicle seat 30 according to the invention. The backrest 36 is supported by a seat frame 32 and formed by a foam 40. An airbag module 38 of a side airbag 98 is attached to the seat frame 32, preferably to a seat back structure 70 of the seat frame 32.

[0035] Figure 3 shows a further schematic representation of a vehicle seat 30 according to the invention. Figure 3 depicts a backrest 36 of a vehicle seat, which is reinforced by a nonwoven fabric 44 arranged between a seat frame 32 and a seat cushion 74. The nonwoven fabric 44 is encased by, or embedded in, a foam 40. The nonwoven fabric 44 comprises a first nonwoven component 54 and a second nonwoven component 56, wherein the nonwoven components 54 and 56 are at least partially connected to one another, in particular by thermal embossing. The nonwoven components 54 and 56 form an airbag pocket 72 into which an airbag 66 of the airbag module 38 is pressed after ignition. The nonwoven fabric 44 tears open at the connection points 58, 98 between the first nonwoven component 54 and the second nonwoven component 56, similar to a zipper.

[0036] Figure 4 shows a section through a backrest of a vehicle seat according to the invention in a first section plane I. The vehicle seat 30 comprises a backrest 36 and a seat frame 32 with a seat back structure 70, to which an airbag module 38 of a side airbag 98 is attached. The vehicle seat 30 is covered with a seat cushion 74, which comprises a foam 40 that at least partially encases the airbag module 38.

[0037] The vehicle seat 30 further comprises an airbag pocket 72, which is bounded by a reinforcing material 42 in the form of a nonwoven fabric 44. The airbag pocket 72 includes an inlet opening 76, which has at least one funnel 48 and a channel 46 adjoining the funnel. The nonwoven fabric 44 comprises a first nonwoven component 54 and a second nonwoven component 56, which are connected to each other at a connection point 58 in the channel 46. Such a connection point 58 can be produced, in particular, by thermally embossing the two nonwoven components 54, 56.

[0038] Continuing channel 46, a predetermined breaking point 62 is provided in the foam 40 of the seat cushion 74, at which an air bag 66 of the airbag module 38, inflated by the gas generator 68, makes its way through the seat cushion 74 and causes it to tear open along the predetermined breaking point 62.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a section through a backrest of a vehicle seat according to the invention in a second section plane II. The vehicle seat 30 comprises a backrest 36 and a seat frame 32 with a seat back structure 70, to which an airbag module 38 of a side airbag 98 is attached. The vehicle seat 30 is covered with a seat cushion 74, which comprises a foam 40 that at least partially encases the airbag module 38.

[0040] The vehicle seat 30 further comprises an airbag pocket 72, which is bounded by a reinforcing material 42 in the form of a nonwoven fabric 44. The airbag pocket 72 includes an inlet opening 76, which has at least one funnel 48 and a channel 46 adjoining the funnel 48. The nonwoven fabric 44 comprises a first nonwoven component 54 and a second nonwoven component 56, which are not connected to each other in this area and have a gap 60. As the airbag 66 deploys from the channel 46, it tears an opening 78 into the seat cushion 74. An airbag seam 52 is formed on a seat cover arranged over the foam 40 of the seat cushion 74, through which the airbag 66 exits the seat cushion 74 into the vehicle interior 12.

[0041] Continuing channel 46, a predetermined breaking point 62 is provided in the foam 40 of the seat cushion 74, at which an air bag 66 inflated by the gas generator 68 makes its way through the seat cushion 74 and causes it to tear open along the predetermined breaking point 62.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a section through a backrest of a vehicle seat according to the invention in a second section plane III. The vehicle seat 30 comprises a backrest 36 and a seat frame 32 with a seat back structure 70, to which an airbag module 38 with a gas generator 68 and an airbag 66 of a side airbag 98, which is inflated by the gas generator 68, is attached. The vehicle seat 30 is covered with a seat cushion 74, which comprises a foam 40 that at least partially encases the airbag module 38.

[0043] The vehicle seat 30 further comprises an airbag pocket 72, which is bounded by a reinforcing material 42 in the form of a nonwoven fabric 44. The airbag pocket 72 includes an inlet opening 76, which has at least one funnel 48 and a channel 46 adjoining the funnel 48. The nonwoven fabric 44 comprises a first nonwoven component 54 and a second nonwoven component 56, which are not connected to each other in this area and have a gap 60 at a second location 96, through which the airbag 66, as it further inflates, tears an opening 78 into the seat cushion 74. An airbag seam 52 is formed on a seat cover, which is arranged over the foam 40 of the seat cushion 74, through which the airbag 66 exits the seat cushion 74 into the vehicle interior 12.

[0044] Alternatively, a second connection point 94 can be provided in this area, at which the first nonwoven component 54 is connected to the second nonwoven component 56. Such a connection point 96 can be produced, in particular, by thermally embossing the two nonwoven components 54 and 56. This places the opening 78 with the gap 60 between the first connection point 58 and the second connection point 94, so that the airbag 66, upon deployment, is forced through the opening 78 and tears the seat cushion 74 apart along the predetermined breaking point 62 until it exits the seat cover at the airbag seam 52.

[0045] Figure 7 shows a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention with a vehicle seat 30 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 has a vehicle interior 12 surrounded by a body of the motor vehicle 10, in which an instrument panel 26 and a vehicle seat 30 are arranged. The vehicle interior 12 is bounded by a vehicle side surface 24 and a vehicle roof 28. In the vehicle side surface 24, an A-pillar 14, a B-pillar 16 and a C-pillar 18 are provided for stiffening the body or for forming a self-supporting body. Furthermore, two vehicle doors 21, 22 are provided in the vehicle side surface 24 to allow passengers to enter and exit the vehicle interior 12.

[0046] A vehicle seat 30 with a seat frame 32 is arranged in the vehicle interior 12. The seat frame is at least indirectly connected to the body of the vehicle 30. The vehicle seat 30 comprises a seat surface 34 for accommodating the body of a passenger and a backrest 36 against which a passenger sitting on the seat surface can lean. An airbag module 38 of a side airbag 98 is attached to the backrest 36 and is triggered in the event of a side impact.

[0047] The motor vehicle 10 further comprises a crash sensor 88 and a control unit 80. The control unit 80 comprises a storage unit 82 and a processing unit 84, as well as computer program code 86 stored in the storage unit 82. The control unit 80 is configured to activate the airbag module 38 and, in particular, to trigger the deployment of the airbag 66 by the gas generator 68 when the crash sensor 88 detects an impact of the motor vehicle 10. Reference numeral list

[0048] motor vehicle

[0049] Vehicle interior

[0050] A-pillar

[0051] B-pillar

[0052] C-pillar

[0053] Side skirts

[0054] Vehicle door

[0055] Vehicle door

[0056] Vehicle side surface

[0057] instrument panel

[0058] Vehicle roof

[0059] vehicle seat

[0060] Seat frame

[0061] Seat area

[0062] backrest

[0063] Airbag module

[0064] foam

[0065] Reinforcement material

[0066] fleece

[0067] channel

[0068] funnel

[0069] side cheek

[0070] Airbag seam, first nonwoven component, second nonwoven component

[0071] Connection point 0 Gap 2 Breakaway point 4 Airbag discharge opening 6 Airbag module 8 Gas generator 0 Seat back structure 2 Airbag pocket 4 Seat cushion 6 Inlet opening 8 Opening

[0072] 80 Control unit

[0073] 82 storage units

[0074] 84 computing units

[0075] 86 Computer program code

[0076] 88 Crash sensor

[0077] 90 first shift

[0078] 92 second shift

[0079] 94 second liaison point

[0080] 96 second place

[0081] 98 side airbags

[0082] I first cutting plane

[0083] II second cutting plane

[0084] III third section plane

Claims

Patent claims 1. Vehicle seat (30) with a seat frame (32), wherein the vehicle seat (30) has a seat surface (34) and a backrest (36) supported by the seat frame (32), to which an airbag module (38) is attached, wherein the seat frame (32) is at least partially surrounded by a foam (40) in the area of ​​the backrest (36), such that the airbag module (38) is encased by the foam (40), characterized in that an airbag pocket (72) is formed in the foam (40), wherein the airbag pocket (72) has an inlet opening (76) facing an airbag outlet opening (64) of the airbag module (38).

2. Vehicle seat (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet opening (76) has a funnel (48) and a channel (46) adjoining the funnel (48).

3. Vehicle seat (30) according to claim 2, wherein the funnel (48) has an inlet width of at least 30% of the width of the airbag module (38) and an outlet width of at most 20% of the width of the airbag module (38).

4. Vehicle seat (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inlet opening (76) is lined at least partially with a reinforcing material (42).

5. Vehicle seat (30) according to claim 4, characterized in that the reinforcement material (42) comprises at least one nonwoven fabric (44, 54, 56).

6. Vehicle seat (30) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the reinforcement material (42) is connected to each other at at least one connection point (58, 94).

7. Vehicle seat (30) according to claim 6, characterized in that the reinforcing material (42) has an opening (78) at a second location (96) spaced apart from the connection point (58, 94), such that an intermediate space (60) is formed between a first layer (90) and a second layer (92) of the reinforcing material (42).

8. Vehicle seat (30) according to claim 6 and claim 7, wherein the opening (78) is formed between a first connection point (58) and a second connection point (94) of the reinforcement material (42).

9. Vehicle seat (30) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the airbag module (38) is designed as an airbag module (38) of a side airbag (98), wherein the inlet opening (76) is designed substantially in the seating direction of a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat.

10. Motor vehicle (10) with a vehicle seat (30) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

Images