Vehicle occupant restraint system, and method for operating a vehicle occupant restraint system

Abstract

A vehicle occupant restraint system (10) has a side airbag (12) which is arranged on a vehicle seat (14) and has an outer and an inner fillable chamber (16, 18) which are not in flow connection with one another, wherein the two chambers (16, 18) are arranged directly next to one another in a seat transverse direction (Q) and extend parallel to one another when the side airbag (12) is fully deployed, and wherein the outer fillable chamber (18) is assigned exclusively one second gas generator (22) and the inner fillable chamber (16) is assigned exclusively one first gas generator (20). A control unit (26) determines, depending on occupant-related and restraint-situation-related input parameters, whether the first, the second or both gas generators (20, 22) are to be activated. In addition, an activation time for each gas generator (20, 22) to be activated is determined depending on the occupant-related and restraint-sitation-related input parameters. The gas generator / s (20, 22) to be activated is / are activated at the respective determined activation time and the assigned fillable chamber / s (16, 18) is / are filled.

Description

[0001]

[0002] Vehicle occupant restraint system and method for operating a vehicle occupant restraint system

[0003] The invention relates to a vehicle occupant restraint system with a side airbag arranged on a vehicle seat and to a method for operating a vehicle occupant restraint system.

[0004] It is often desirable to be able to vary the filling of a gas bag in a restraint situation, e.g. to accommodate vehicle occupants of different sizes or different impact forces.

[0005] Multi-stage gas generators are known that contain several separately ignitable propellant charges for gas generation in a single housing. However, a disadvantage of this design is that the configuration of the propellant charges must be determined at the beginning of the gas generator's development. Furthermore, the time interval between the ignition of the individual propellant charges cannot be arbitrarily selected due to the design. A more flexible concept can be implemented with two independent, separate gas generators. To make the best possible use of the very limited installation space, for example, on the backrest of a vehicle seat, the arrangement of the gas generators is a factor to consider, as described in DE 10 2020 126 393 A1.

[0006] Particularly in the context of developments for autonomous and piloted driving, more and more sensors are available for ferry operations to record the current situation of the vehicle occupants in the vehicle, the current driving situation and potential hazardous situations.

[0007] The object of the invention is to make the reaction of a vehicle occupant restraint system to a current restraint situation more variable.

[0008] This task is solved by a vehicle occupant restraint system with a side airbag arranged on a vehicle seat, wherein the side airbag has an outer inflatable chamber and an inner inflatable chamber. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0009] - 2 -

[0010] The system comprises two chambers that are not in flow communication with each other, wherein the two chambers are arranged directly next to each other in a transverse seat direction when the side airbag is fully deployed and extend parallel to each other, and wherein the outer fillable chamber is exclusively assigned a first gas generator and the inner fillable chamber exclusively a second gas generator to supply the respective fillable chamber with filling gas, wherein the two gas generators are structurally separate and designed so that they can be activated independently of each other at different times, wherein a control unit is provided which is designed to receive and evaluate occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters from several sensors in the vehicle and to determine, depending on the occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters, whether the first, the second or both gas generators are to be activated.and to define an individual activation time for each gas generator to be activated.

[0011] Since each of the two fillable chambers has its own dedicated gas generator, the two chambers can be filled with gas independently of each other. The activation times of the two gas generators are also completely independent.

[0012] Basically, a central outer wall section, separating the two fillable chambers, is formed from a flexible fabric layer, and a change in the internal pressure in one of the fillable chambers also affects the internal pressure in the other fillable chamber. The central outer wall section can be designed as a gas-permeable or gas-impermeable flexible fabric layer.

[0013] In conjunction with sensor data that capture and parameterize the current situation of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle as well as the potentially imminent or already occurring restraint situation in as much detail as possible, the protective effect of the side airbag can be better adapted to the actual conditions present.

[0014] The side airbag is fixed to the vehicle seat in such a way that the inner fillable chamber is directly adjacent to the vehicle seat and the outer fillable ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0015] - 3 -

[0016] The chamber is directed away from the vehicle seat and optionally faces a side wall structure of the vehicle.

[0017] Since the two fillable chambers are positioned directly next to each other and parallel to each other, they can exert their force on the vehicle occupant at approximately the same point. Therefore, the influence of the geometric shape of the side airbag on its restraint effect when the chambers are filled differently is negligible.

[0018] Furthermore, the two chambers can be arranged directly next to and parallel to each other, but with different shapes. This different shape of the two chambers can result in the restraint effect acting on the vehicle occupant at different points depending on the chamber's fill level.

[0019] One or both of the fillable chambers can, when empty, be flat and expandable, thus exhibiting a two-dimensional shape. Conversely, it is also possible to design one or both of the fillable chambers not to be flat and expandable when empty, thereby giving each chamber a three-dimensional shape from the outset through its cut-out components.

[0020] The inner fillable chamber, for example, has an inner and a middle outer wall section that enclose the inner chamber. The outer chamber can be formed by an outer outer wall section attached to the middle outer wall section of the inner chamber, so that the middle outer wall section also delimits the outer chamber on one side and forms a partition between the outer and inner chambers.

[0021] In this case, the middle and inner outer wall sections enclose the inner chamber and form the inner chamber wall. The middle and outer outer wall sections enclose the outer chamber, with the outer chamber wall being formed from the attached outer outer wall section and a portion of the middle outer wall section of the inner chamber. The common section of the middle ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0022] - 4 -

[0023] The outer wall section, which is part of the wall of both fillable chambers, forms the partition between the outer and inner fillable chamber.

[0024] All three outer wall sections are optionally joined to each other, at least partially, with the same circumferential seam, thus easily achieving a parallel arrangement of the outer and inner fillable chambers. The circumferential seam can be manufactured in any suitable way, in particular by sewing, gluing, or welding.

[0025] Each fillable chamber can have its own vent. This allows the service life of each fillable chamber to be adjusted independently of the others, and the retention effect of the side airbag can be made even more variable.

[0026] Further variability can be achieved by providing at least one of the vent openings with a valve that can be addressed by the control unit, and by designing the control unit to open and / or close the valve depending on the input parameters related to the occupant and restraint situation.

[0027] The vent opening, equipped with a valve that can be addressed by the control unit, can, for example, be formed by an actively controllable adaptive valve, in which the vent opening can be closed or opened by triggering / activating the actuator. Such actively controllable adaptive valves are shown, for example, in DE 10 2019 112 290 A1, to which reference is made here.

[0028] Alternatively and / or additionally, such a vent opening equipped with a valve controllable by the control unit can also include a retaining strap control, such that triggering / activating the actuator closes or opens a first vent opening located in or on the actuator and simultaneously releases a retaining strap connected to a valve of a further vent opening located in the inner or outer wall section. Releasing the retaining strap closes or opens the valve of this further vent opening. Such an actively controllable ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0029] - 5 - an adaptive valve with catch strap control is shown, for example, in DE 10 2018 119 527 A1, which is referenced here.

[0030] The vent opening, equipped with a valve controllable by the control unit, can further be formed by a valve located in the inner or outer wall section, which can be opened or closed depending on the input parameters related to the occupant and the restraint situation. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that several of the previously described vent openings, each equipped with a valve controllable by the control unit, can also be included in a side airbag.

[0031] In one variant, the inflatable chambers overlap each other laterally. This means, in particular, that neither of the two inflatable chambers extends beyond the other in any direction along the backrest of the vehicle seat or in any longitudinal direction along the seat. In this case, the ventilation openings can be oriented in opposite directions, with the ventilation opening in each inflatable chamber being positioned, for example, in an upper or lower section of the side airbag.

[0032] In another variant, the inner fillable chamber, which faces the vehicle interior, is at least partially shorter than the outer chamber in the seat's longitudinal direction and / or in the direction of the backrest, and the vent opening of the outer fillable chamber is located in the area of ​​the central outer section that is not part of the inner fillable chamber's wall. Both vent openings then face into the vehicle interior. The vent opening of the outer fillable chamber can be located on the surface of the side airbag, since its placement in the central outer wall section prevents it from being covered by the side wall structure.

[0033] To simplify the design of the vehicle occupant restraint system, the two gas generators can be arranged on a common support that is attached to the vehicle seat. For example, two structurally separate tubular gas generators are mounted on the support, which are electrically connected separately and can therefore be easily activated at different times. The tubular gas generators can be easily connected in parallel to the ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0034] - 6 -

[0035] Attach supports to minimize the required installation space. In this case, it is also possible to combine the gas supply to both fillable chambers at a central point, which simplifies, for example, sewing steps in the manufacture of the gas bag.

[0036] The gas generators are located, for example, side by side at one end of the side airbag, facing across the vehicle seat. In one variant, the two gas generators are mounted upright.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the gas generators are essentially arranged in the fillable chamber associated with them.

[0038] In another possible arrangement, each gas generator has an outlet extending into its corresponding chamber. For example, both gas generators are primarily located in the inner fillable chamber, and the outlet of the first gas generator extends through a slot in the central section of the outer wall into the outer fillable chamber. Optionally, the first gas generator can be surrounded at this point by a seal made of an elastic material to prevent the filling gas from escaping into the inner fillable chamber. However, it is also conceivable to forgo a seal at this point.

[0039] Of course, it is also conceivable to attach the two gas generators independently of each other in a structurally separate manner to the vehicle, for example to a vehicle seat.

[0040] The two gas generators can differ in their output capacity. For example, the first gas generator, which supplies the outer fillable chamber with filling gas, is designed for a higher output than the second gas generator, which supplies the inner fillable chamber (or vice versa). This allows for variation in the internal pressure of the individual fillable chambers. In this way, further variations in the restraint effect of the side airbag can be achieved depending on the occupant- and restraint-related input parameters.

[0041] Occupant-related input parameters include, for example, information on the height, weight, build, gender, and / or age of the vehicle occupant, and / or information on seating position, seat backrest angle, and / or seat rotation. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0042] - 7 -

[0043] The input parameters related to the restraint situation include, for example, information about the type and / or severity of an impact.

[0044] The occupant and restraint situation-related input parameters are generally provided based on data from suitable sensors in the vehicle, e.g., sensors in the vehicle seat that detect the position and / or orientation of the vehicle seat with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the position of the seat back and / or the weight of the vehicle occupant; a seatbelt extension sensor that detects the length of the deployed seatbelt; other occupant monitoring systems that can detect, for example, the position of the upper body or head of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle or other vehicle occupant-related parameters; impact sensors that provide data on a current restraint situation, the location and type of impact; and / or pre-crash sensors that can provide information about a potentially imminent impact from the vehicle's surroundings.

[0045] The control unit is designed, for example, to receive data from the sensors and, if necessary, process it in order to determine and / or generate the input parameters related to the occupant and restraint situation.

[0046] For both the occupant-related and the restraint situation-related input parameters, further information from suitable sources can be used as desired, relating to a current situation of the vehicle occupant and / or a current acute or potentially occurring restraint situation.

[0047] The above-mentioned task is also solved by a method for operating a vehicle occupant restraint system described above, which includes the following steps:

[0048] - Recognizing a restraint situation,

[0049] - Determine, based on occupant and restraint situation-related input parameters, whether the first, second or both gas generators should be activated, ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0050] - 8 -

[0051] - Determining the activation time for each gas generator to be activated, depending on the occupant- and restraint-related input parameters, and

[0052] - Activating the gas generator(s) to be activated at the respective determined activation time and filling the associated fillable chamber(s).

[0053] Optionally, depending on the occupant- and restraint-related input parameters, the opening and / or closing times of the valves of the vent openings are determined, and the respective valve is opened at the specified opening time and / or closed at the specified closing time.

[0054] One possible activation scenario for a small, light, or elderly person is to activate only the first gas generator and fill only the outer chamber.

[0055] For a heavy and large occupant, however, in another activation scenario, for example, only the second gas generator is activated and only the inner chamber is filled.

[0056] Activating both generators and filling both chambers, simultaneously or at different times, is conceivable in another scenario, for example, if a particularly severe impact, an impact in a particularly critical area of ​​the vehicle, an unfavorable position of the vehicle occupant and / or generally an unfavorable combination of input parameters is detected.

[0057] These and any other scenarios, in which specific activation times of the gas generators as well as opening and / or closing times of the valves are specified, can be saved in the control unit.

[0058] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to several exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. The figures show:

[0059] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a side airbag of a vehicle occupant restraint system according to the invention in a filled state; ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0060] - 9 -

[0061] Figure 2 shows the side gasbag from Figure 1 in a side view;

[0062] Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the side gasbag from Figure 1 according to a variant in a filled state;

[0063] Figures 4 and 5 show the side gasbag from Figure 3 in a side view with differently shaped inner fillable chambers;

[0064] Figures 6 to 8 show the vehicle occupant restraint system according to the invention in three different restraint scenarios; and

[0065] Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of different restraint scenarios of the vehicle occupant restraint system according to the invention.

[0066] For the sake of clarity, not all identical components are always labelled with reference symbols.

[0067] The same reference symbols, in different variations, denote identical or essentially identical or equivalent components and parts.

[0068] Figure 1 shows a vehicle occupant restraint system 10, of which only one side airbag 12 is shown in detail.

[0069] The side gasbag 12 is attached to a vehicle seat 14 (see figures 6 to 8).

[0070] The side gas bag 12 comprises an outer inflatable chamber 18 and an inner inflatable chamber 16. The two chambers 16 and 18 are not connected to each other in terms of airflow. In this example, the side gas bag 12 has no further inflatable chambers besides the outer inflatable chamber 18 and the inner inflatable chamber 16.

[0071] Each of the two chambers 16, 18 is fluidically connected to its own gas generator 20, 22. The two gas generators 20, 22 are independent gas generators, structurally separated from each other, each with its own electrical contact for activation and activatable at independent activation times td, tG2. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0072] - 10 -

[0073] The delivery rate of the two gas generators 20, 22 can be the same or different. Depending on the delivery rate and the volume of the respective fillable chamber 16, 18, the outer fillable chamber 18 and the inner fillable chamber 16 will therefore have the same or different internal pressures pi, p2 when filled. If both fillable chambers 16, 18 are filled, an internal pressure pa will be established.

[0074] In this example, both gas generators 20, 22 are designed as tubular gas generators and are fixed parallel to each other on a common support 24, which in turn is firmly connected to a seat frame of the vehicle seat 14 (indicated in Figure 6).

[0075] Both gas generators 20, 22 are connected to a control unit 26, which can activate the respective gas generator 20, 22 at the specified activation time td, tc2 (indicated in Figures 1 and 6). The control unit 26 can comprise any suitable control system in the vehicle.

[0076] The side airbag 12 is arranged as is conventionally known on one side of the vehicle seat 12 and unfolds in a transverse direction Q of the vehicle between the vehicle seat 12 and a side wall structure 28 of the vehicle, for example a side wall or a door (see Figure 6).

[0077] The gas generators 20, 22 are arranged side by side in the transverse direction Q of the vehicle seat 14 at a backrest-side end 29 of the side gas bag 12.

[0078] The outer fillable chamber 18 is directed towards the side wall structure 28, while the inner fillable chamber 16 is directly adjacent to the vehicle seat 14, points into a vehicle interior 30 and is oriented towards a vehicle occupant 32 on the vehicle seat 14.

[0079] Both gas generators 20, 22 are arranged parallel to each other and with their longitudinal direction along a longitudinal direction R of a seat back 33 of the vehicle seat 14.

[0080] A wall of the inner fillable chamber 16 consists of an inner outer wall section 34 and a middle outer wall section 36, which are here referred to as ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0081] - 11 - of a circumferential seam 38 are joined together in a suitable manner (for example by sewing, gluing or welding).

[0082] The outer fillable chamber 18 is formed by placing an outer outer wall section 42 onto the middle outer wall section 36 of the inner fillable chamber 16. The middle outer wall section 36 thus forms a partition between the two fillable chambers 16 and 18. The middle outer wall section 36 is designed as a flexible and at least partially gas-permeable fabric layer and / or fabric membrane. The inner outer wall section 34 and the outer outer wall section 42 are essentially gas-tight.

[0083] In this example, the outer outer wall section 42 is laid flat on the middle outer wall section 36 and is connected to the middle outer wall section 36 at a circumferential edge by a circumferential seam 46 in a suitable manner.

[0084] Alternatively, both outer wall sections 34, 36 and the outer outer wall section 42 can be essentially gas-tight.

[0085] In the examples shown here, both fillable chambers 16, 18 are formed by a two-dimensional blank, i.e., the middle outer wall section 34, the inner outer wall section 36, and the outer outer wall section 42 consist of flat, expandable blanks, so that the entire side gasbag 12 can be expanded flat. Each of the two fillable chambers 16, 18, as well as the entire side gasbag 12, therefore have a pillow shape when filled.

[0086] Alternatively, one or more of the outer wall sections 34, 36, 42 could also be composed of several cut parts in a predetermined three-dimensional shape, so that one or both fillable chambers 16, 18 and accordingly the entire side gas bag 12 take on a different three-dimensional shape when filled.

[0087] The gas generators 20, 22 are arranged completely or at least substantially in their associated fillable chambers 16, 18. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0088] - 12 -

[0089] Each of the fillable chambers 16, 18 has its own vent opening 48, 50 through which filling gas can leave the respective fillable chamber 16, 18.

[0090] In the variant shown in Figures 1 and 2, the two fillable chambers 16, 18 practically completely overlap each other in the transverse direction Q (see also Figure 2), thus having essentially the same shape and, when filled, the same volume.

[0091] In this variant of the side gasbag 12, the vent opening 50 of the outer fillable chamber 18 is located in the outer outer wall section 42, and the vent opening 48 of the inner fillable chamber 16 is located in the inner outer wall section 34. The vent openings 48 and 50 are located in the region of an end 52 of the side gasbag 12 that is opposite the end 29 of the side gasbag 12 with respect to a longitudinal seating direction L. Both vent openings 48 and 50 are positioned approximately symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal seating direction L and the central outer wall section 36.

[0092] Accordingly, the vent opening 48 of the inner chamber 16 points into the vehicle interior 30, while the vent opening 50 of the outer chamber 18 is directed obliquely towards the side wall structure 28 (see also Figures 6 and 8).

[0093] In the examples shown here, each of the vent openings 48, 50 is provided with a valve 54, 56 which can be controlled by the control unit 26 and which can be opened by the control unit 26 at a corresponding valve opening time tov1 , tov2 and / or closed at a corresponding valve closing time tcv1 , tcv2.

[0094] The valves 54, 56 can be implemented in any suitable way, for example by means of detachable pull cords which are connected to a closing flap of the valve and whose separation mechanism can be controlled by the control unit 26.

[0095] Alternatively, the valve 54, 56 could be omitted entirely at one or both vent openings 48, 50, or could be opened or closed independently of the control unit 26, for example depending on internal pressure.

[0096] In the examples shown here, each fillable chamber is also equipped with an actively controllable adaptive valve 21, 23, which is an extension of ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0097] - 13 -

[0098] Gas generators 20, 22 are arranged, respectively, within the housing of the gas generators 20, 22 (see Figures 2, 4 and 5). The control unit 26 can trigger / activate an actuator of the actively controllable adaptive valves 21, 23, thereby closing or opening the associated vent opening 49, 51 (shown only in Figure 1 for clarity).

[0099] The actively controllable adaptive valves 21, 23 can be opened by the control unit 26 at a corresponding valve opening time t0AAvi, t0AAV2 and / or at a corresponding valve closing time t C AAvi, t C AAV2 will be closed.

[0100] In the variants shown in Figures 3 to 5, the inner outer wall section 34 has a smaller area than the middle outer wall section 36 and is attached section by section to its circumferential seam 38 and section by section to its surface. The vent opening 50 of the outer chamber 18 is located here in the middle outer wall section 36, in an area where the middle outer wall section 36 is not part of the wall of the inner fillable chamber 16.

[0101] The outer outer wall section 42, which co-defines the outer chamber 18, is identical here to the middle outer wall section 36 and is therefore not visible in Figure 4.

[0102] Figure 4 shows a version in which the inner outer wall section 34 is shorter along the seat longitudinal direction L than the middle outer wall section 36. As in the variant described above, the vent opening 48 of the inner fillable chamber 16 is located on the surface of the inner outer wall section 34. In direction R, the middle outer wall section 36 and the inner outer wall section 34 are of equal length. The section of the middle outer wall section 36 that extends beyond the inner outer wall section 34 along the seat longitudinal direction L is essentially gas-tight and may, for example, have a coating for this purpose. A sectionally gas-tight design of the middle outer wall section 36 is preferably provided whenever the middle outer wall section 36 forms a section of the outer wall of the side airbag 12. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0103] - 14 -

[0104] Both vent openings 48, 50 are positioned in the area of ​​the upper end 58 of the side gas bag 12.

[0105] In this case, both vent openings 48, 50 are directed away from the side wall structure 28 into the vehicle interior 30 and towards the vehicle seat 14, so that the vent opening 50 of the outer fillable chamber 18 is not located in the area of ​​the side wall structure 28.

[0106] Figure 5 shows another version in which the principle just described is implemented, directing both ventilation openings 48, 50 into the vehicle interior 30. Here, the inner outer wall section 34 is only reduced in a small area around the ventilation opening 50 at the upper end 58 of the side gas bag 12 compared to the middle outer wall section 36, so that the volume of the inner fillable chamber 16 is not significantly reduced compared to that of the outer fillable chamber 18.

[0107] In this small area, the inner outer wall section 34 is slightly recessed in the seat back direction R and in the seat longitudinal direction L, so that the ventilation opening 50 of the outer chamber 18 fits on the surface of the middle outer wall section 36. Except for this area, the middle outer wall section 36 is identical to the inner outer wall section 34 and the outer outer wall section 42.

[0108] Here too, the filling gas flows from the outer chamber 18 through the vent opening 50 of the outer fillable chamber 18 in the same direction as from the vent opening 48 of the inner fillable chamber 16 towards the vehicle interior 30.

[0109] As in the first variant, one or both of the vent openings 48, 50 are optionally equipped with valves 54, 56 that can be controlled by the control unit 26.

[0110] The control unit 26 receives occupant- and restraint-situation-related input parameters Pi, PR, or data relating to these occupant- and restraint-situation-related input parameters Pi, PR, from several sensors 60 in the vehicle (indicated in Fig. 6). If necessary, the control unit 26 modifies the data received from the sensors 60 to generate the occupant- and restraint-situation-related input parameters Pi, PR ZU. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0111] - 15 -

[0112] Depending on these occupant- and restraint-situation-related input parameters Pi, PR, the control unit 26 determines, according to predefined activation schemes AGI , AG2 for the two gas generators 20, 22, whether and at which activation times toi, tc2 the respective gas generator 20, 22 should be activated.

[0113] Optionally, depending on these occupant- and restraint-situation-related input parameters Pi, PR, the control unit 26 also determines, according to predefined activation schemes Avi, Av2 for the two valves 54, 56 and activation schemes AAAVI, AAAV2 for the two valves 21, 23, whether and at which opening and closing times t0AAvi, t0AAV2, tcAAvi, t C AAV2, tvoi, tv02, tvd, tvc2 the respective valve 21 , 23 ,54, 56 should be opened or closed.

[0114] The activation schemes AGI , AG2, AVI , AV2, AAAVI , AAAV2 are determined in advance for the vehicle occupant restraint system 10, e.g. empirically, analytically and / or by simulations, optionally using artificial intelligence, and stored in a suitable form in a memory of the control unit.

[0115] The occupant-related input parameters Pi include, for example, information on the size, weight, stature, gender and / or age of the vehicle occupant 32 and / or information on a seating position, seat back inclination and / or seat rotation of the vehicle seat 14.

[0116] The restraint situation-related input parameters PR include, for example, information about the type and / or severity of an impact.

[0117] The sensors 60 include, for example, sensors in the vehicle seat 14 that detect the position and / or orientation of the vehicle seat 14 with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the position of the seat back 33, and / or the weight of the vehicle occupant 32; a seat belt extension sensor that detects the length of a deployed seat belt; other occupant monitoring systems that can detect, for example, the position of the upper body or head of the vehicle occupant 32 or other vehicle occupant-related parameters; impact sensors; and / or sensors for environmental sensing (pre-crash sensors). ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0118] - 16 -

[0119] Figures 6 to 8 show exemplary different scenarios for the adaptation of the vehicle occupant restraint system 10 to a restraint situation (see also Figure 9).

[0120] Figure 6 shows a first scenario Szi in which a small, light vehicle occupant 32 is to be caught by the side airbag 12 in a side impact with a moderate crash severity Fi.

[0121] In this case, according to a gas generator activation scheme AGI, only the first gas generator 20 is to be activated. The first gas generator 20 is activated by the control unit 26 at a suitable activation time td, and the inner fillable chamber 16 is fully inflated so that the inner fillable chamber 16 reaches an internal pressure pi.

[0122] In this scenario Szi, the second gas generator 22 is not activated and consequently the outer fillable chamber 18 is not filled.

[0123] Scenario Szi (see Figure 9) shows a restraint scheme in which the valve 54 at the vent opening 48 and / or the valve 21 at the vent opening 49 of the inner fillable chamber 16 are optionally opened, if necessary, by the control unit 26 at a suitable opening time depending on the occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters Pi, PR. ov i, t0AAvi is opened and / or closed at a suitable closing time tcvi, tcAAvi. An activation scheme Avi, AAAVI is used for this purpose.

[0124] Figure 7 shows a second scenario Sz2, in which a large, heavy vehicle occupant 32 is to be caught by the side airbag 12 in a side impact with a moderate crash severity Fi.

[0125] In this case, according to an activation scheme AG2, the second gas generator 22 is activated by the control unit 26 at a suitable activation time tG2 and the outer fillable chamber 18 is fully inflated so that the outer fillable chamber 18 reaches an internal pressure p2.

[0126] In this example, the second gas generator 22 has a higher delivery rate than the first gas generator 20, so the internal pressure p2 is greater than that specified in ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0127] - 17 -

[0128] Internal pressure pi and therefore the side gas bag is 12 harder and has a higher retention performance.

[0129] In this scenario Szi, the first gas generator 20 is not activated and consequently the inner fillable chamber 16 is not filled.

[0130] Scenario Szj (see Figure 9) shows a restraint scheme in which the valve 56 at the vent opening 50 and / or the valve 23 at the vent opening 51 of the outer fillable chamber 18 are optionally opened, if necessary, by the control unit 26 at a suitable opening time t, depending on the occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters Pi, PR. 0V 2, t0AAV2 opened and / or at a suitable closing time t CV 2, t C AAV2 is closed. For this, an activation scheme Av2, AAAV2 is used.

[0131] Figure 8 shows a third scenario Sza, in which a large, heavy vehicle occupant 32 is to be absorbed by the side airbag 12 in a side impact with a very high crash severity F2 in a severe side impact.

[0132] In this case, both gas generators 20, 22 are activated by the control unit 26 at suitable activation times td, tc2, and both fillable chambers 16, 18 are fully inflated. By filling both fillable chambers 16, 18, a pressure equilibrium can be established in the side gas bag 12 with an internal pressure pa that is greater than the internal pressure P2, thus making the side gas bag 12 even stiffer and providing even higher retention performance. A suitable activation scheme AG3 is used for this purpose. The pressure equilibrium with the internal pressure ps is essentially established by a change in the volume of the two fillable chambers 16, 18, which is made possible by the flexibility of the central outer wall section 36.

[0133] The scenario Sz n(see Figure 9) shows a restraint scheme in which the valve 56 at the vent opening 50 and / or the valve 23 at the vent opening 51 of the outer fillable chamber 18 are optionally opened by the control unit 26 at a suitable opening time t depending on the occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters Pi, PR 0V 2, t0AAV2 ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT

[0134] - 18 - open and / or at a suitable closing time t CV 2, t C AAV2 will be closed.

[0135] Alternatively or additionally, in scenario Sz n Optionally, the valve 54 at the vent opening 48 and / or the valve 21 at the vent opening 49 of the inner fillable chamber 16 are opened by the control unit 26 at a suitable opening time t, depending on the occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters Pi, PR. ovi, t0AAvi opened and / or at a suitable closing time t cv i, t C AAvi closed.

[0136] Figure 9 schematically shows the possible variations of the activation of the gas generators 20, 22 and valves 21, 23, 54, 56 in the vehicle occupant restraint system 10 depending on the occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters Pi, PR, which are based on the data supplied by the sensors 60, for any number of scenarios Szi to Sz n Each scenario is optionally assigned a specific activation scheme Aßn for the two gas generators 20 and 22. Additionally, each scenario can also optionally be assigned a specific

[0137] Activation scheme Avin, AAAVIA, Av2n, AAAV2A, for which valves 21, 23, 54, 56 are assigned.

Claims

ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT - 19 - Patentansprüche 1. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) with a side gas bag (12) arranged on a vehicle seat (14), wherein the side gas bag (12) has an outer inflatable chamber (18) and an inner inflatable chamber (16) which are not in flow communication with each other, wherein the two chambers (16, 18) are arranged directly next to each other in a seat transverse direction (Q) when the side gas bag (12) is fully deployed and extend parallel to each other, and wherein the outer inflatable chamber (18) is exclusively assigned a second gas generator (22) and the inner inflatable chamber (16) is exclusively assigned a first gas generator (20) to supply the respective chamber (16, 18) with filling gas, wherein the two gas generators are structurally separate and designed so that they can be activated independently of each other at different times, wherein a control unit (26) is provided which is designed toto receive and evaluate occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters (Pi, PR) from several sensors (60) in the vehicle and, depending on the occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters (Pi, PR), to determine whether the first, the second or both gas generators (20, 22) are to be activated, and to define an individual activation time (td, tß2) for each gas generator (20, 22) to be activated.

2. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the inner chamber (16) has an inner outer wall section (34) and a middle outer wall section (36) enclosing the inner chamber (16), and the outer chamber (18) is formed by an outer outer wall section (42) attached to the middle outer wall section (36) of the inner chamber (16), such that the middle outer wall section (36) also limits the outer chamber (18) on one side and forms a partition between the outer and inner chambers (16, 18).

3. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fillable chambers (16, 18) overlap each other in the transverse direction (Q). ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT - 20 - 4. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each fillable chamber (16, 18) has its own vent opening (48, 49, 50, 51).

5. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to claim 2 and claim 4, wherein the inner chamber (16) is directed towards the vehicle seat (14) and is at least sectionally shorter than the outer chamber (18) in a seat longitudinal direction (L) and / or in a direction (R) of a seat backrest (33) of the vehicle seat (14), and the vent opening (50) of the outer chamber (18) is arranged in the area of ​​the middle outer wall section (36) which is not part of the wall of the inner chamber (16).

6. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein at least one of the vent openings (48, 49, 50, 51) is provided with a valve (21, 23, 54, 56) that can be addressed by the control unit (26), and the control unit (26) is designed to open and / or close the valve (21, 23, 54, 56) depending on the occupant and restraint situation-related input parameters (Pi, PR).

7. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two gas generators (20, 22) are arranged on a common support (24) which is attached to the vehicle seat (14).

8. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas generators (20, 22) are arranged side by side in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle seat (14) at one end (29) of the side gas bag (12) and are preferably arranged in an upright position.

9. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each gas generator (20, 22) projects with an outflow end into the fillable chamber (16, 18) associated with it.

10. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the occupant-related input parameters (Pi) comprise information on the size, weight, stature, gender and / or age of the vehicle occupant (32) and / or information on a seating position, seat back inclination and / or seat rotation of the vehicle seat (14). ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 302871 -WO-PCT - 21 - 11. Vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the restraint situation-related input parameters (PR) include information on the type and / or severity of an impact.

12. Method for operating a vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: - Recognizing a restraint situation, - Determine, depending on the occupant- and restraint-related input parameters (Pi, PR), whether the first, the second or both gas generators (20, 22) are to be activated, - Determining the activation time (td, tß2) for each one to be activated Gas generator (20, 22) depending on the occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters (Pi, PR), and - Activating the gas generator(s) to be activated (20, 22) at the respective determined activation time (t , tc2) and filling the associated fillable chamber(s) (16, 18).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein in a vehicle occupant restraint system (10) according to claim 6, opening and / or closing times (AVI, t0AAV2, AVI, t) are determined depending on the occupant- and restraint situation-related input parameters (Pi, PR). CAAV2, Ui, U2, Ui, U2) of the valves (21, 23, 54, 56) of the vent openings (48, 49, 50, 51) are determined and the respective valve (21, 23, 54, 56) is opened at the specified opening time ( AVI, t0AAV2, Ui, U2) and / or closed at the specified closing time ( AVI, AV2, UI, U2).

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