DE10025657A1 - Vehicle seat for car has position optimizing device reacting to acceleration in rear-end collision - Google Patents

Abstract

The vehicle seat (10) has a position optimizing device (13, 15, 17) for the position of the backrest (11) relative to the seat occupant (P) in a crash situation, which reacts to an acceleration in the longitudinal direction of the seat which is above a set limit, and in turn controls a device to deform or reposition a lower sector of the backrest relative to the headrest.

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle seat according to the Oberbe handle of claim 1.

Optimizing both the body structure of people motor vehicles as well as passive protection systems, especially the Seat belts and airbag systems to prevent serious physical damage in the event of accidents is well advanced Modern body structures can work together frontally bumps or rear-end collisions considerable amounts of energy as ver start forming work while the real passenger cell is largely rigid and non-deformable. Spe especially for head-on collisions (front crashes) and increasingly also for side impact accidents (side crashes) through seat belts with belt tensioners and various Airbags provide a high level of safety for the occupants reached.

However, protection is comparatively inadequate Rear impact accidents (rear-end crashes). For one thing, this was Long-term accidents due to their relatively smaller skin ability and in many cases also comparatively lower fol less attention, and the other was possibly the one achievable with conventional seats Protection function overestimated. Accident analyzes and simulations but have shown that the physical occurring in rear-end crashes  Damage, especially traumatization in the area the cervical spine, should never be underestimated.

Conventional seat constructions and headrests can do that Protect occupants to a limited extent in the event of rear-end crashes. A special Problem is that the heads of the occupants with large Force like a whip against the headrests and worst if they can hit back over their top edge NEN. This is also known as whiplash or whiplash The effect is due to the so-called "ascending" of the body favored in the seat in a rear-end crash.

They are therefore constructive solutions in the area of the vehicle sit to reduce the consequences of a rear impact been hit. EP 0 627 340 A1 is a vehicle known seat and headrest arrangement, in which a headrest divides forward in the event of a rear impact into Rich movement on the back of the occupant's head. This will make the Distance between the back of the head and the headrest contact surface and thus also the one with a relative movement between the two Impact kinetic energy reduced. This However, the arrangement has a relatively complicated structure and therefore cannot be easily created inexpensively become.

From WO 97/34777 is a vehicle seat with one in the case of a rear impact as a whole or at least essentially Split back or sliding backrest known. The arrangement has a force limiter Resistance training and a stop to limit this movement. The force limiter is like this formed that for a first predetermined amount of movement a relatively low toughness and for a second predetermined amount of movement a relatively high resistance force is exercised. With this arrangement it appears fragile whether they provide adequate protection for the occupants can actually cause a rear impact.  

The invention is therefore based on the object of verbes specify vehicle seat of the generic type, the in particular the consequences of a rear-end collision for the vehicle occupants with simple constructive means significantly min changed.

This task is accomplished by a vehicle seat with the features of claim 1 solved.

The invention includes the basic idea, one Optimizing the position of the backrest with respect to driving witness occupants in a crash situation (especially a rear Crash) by deformation and / or displacement of a lower one Section of the backrest opposite the headrest part to realize in the back. Furthermore, it closes - in one alternative or combined version - the basic idea, effectively a relocation of the lower section of the backrest with respect to the headrest part by pivoting the backrest including the headrest part forward at a rear to achieve crash.

In a preferred embodiment, the proposed one is direction to optimize the position of the backrest cover Lich the vehicle occupant to reduce the distance between between the headrest part and the back of the occupant's head educated. This will desirably by accelerating the occupant's head at one Crash before touching the contact surface of the headrest built kinetic energy and thus also the traumatism risk reduced.

In a suitable embodiment, the device for Optimization of the relative position of a swivel device for swiveling the backrest and head together support part forward. This is done in a special way the effect of shifting the bottom, essential to the invention ren section of the backrest relative to the headrest part  reached backwards without a real translational Movement of the backrest or the headrest part instead would find.

In a further expedient embodiment, the device comprises at least one to optimize the relative position Compressing energy consumption in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle seat bare backrest insert.

A preferred embodiment of this embodiment provides that two, especially three or more in the vertical direction, stacked backrest inserts or inserts cuts are provided, their thickness or compression properties Shafts are coordinated so that the body of the vehicle occupant in the rear area in the lower area of the Backrest is moved further back than in their upper area.

So there is not just a "pushing in" of the Occupants in the backrest, but also a Swiveling his upper body forward instead. This will the feared ascent of the body (with the result of the back of the head over the headrests partially) counteracted.

Is easy and inexpensive to implement the respective backrest insert made of a hard foam or honeycomb structure manufactured. The backrest has one preferred constructive design is essentially rigid Back wall shell on the backrest insert or the backrests deposits (at least after pressurization by the Occupants in the event of an impact). Before opening bulging the insert to the rear wall can also have a (slight) Distance.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least one to optimize the relative position flat pressure sensor element, which over at least  an energy-consuming element at essentially rigid taken sidewalls or a rigid back wall of the back arm is articulated. This pressure sensor element comes to at least in the event of a crash with the back of the occupant in touch tion, picks up its movement impulse and directs it into the energy-consuming element where at least an essential one Part of the kinetic energy of the occupant is reduced.

In a first constructive embodiment there is a A plurality of essentially hori arranged one above the other zonal straps provided, each with a Ver Shaping or friction member on the rigid side walls of the Backrest are attached. The deformation or friction character The characteristics of the deformation or friction elements are be preferably matched so that the vehicle sit in the lower area of the backrest in the event of a rear impact is moved further back than in the upper one Area.

Those connected to the straps in the lower backrest area Friction elements must therefore be "softer" in the upper area arranged friction members, however, be "stiffer". hereby becomes the advantageous effect already mentioned above a swiveling of the occupant's upper body to the front reached.

In an alternative constructive version a pressure sensor plate or a pressure sensor grid or -braid or -net provided as a pressure sensor element. This is preferably over several deformation or Friction members attached to the two rigid side cheeks, and Here too the deformation or friction characteristics are the same coordinated that a pivoting of the upper body pers is forced forward.

For further function optimization of the aforementioned device is a sensor-controlled sliding unit to provide direction, the backrest insert or the pressure transducer element  immediately before or during the rear impact (i.e. before the occupant's body is put into motion by the Impact pulse) moves to the occupant.

In the practical implementation of a vehicle seat means this is a shift in the backrest insert or the pressure Take into the soft backrest upholstery. As a result, the through the backrest insert or the Druckauf the distance to be covered is extended and thus the Effect of the corresponding element optimized.

The displacement device is activated in a Executing existing solutions in motor vehicle construction by a proximity sensor (Proximity Sensor) or an acceleration sensor as used to activate Air bags is already used today.

In this further development of the inventive idea, one can also certain displacement of the occupant's body forward and un be provided indirectly before or at the moment of impact, so that that for the energy consumption when pushing back the body after the impact moment available path further extended becomes.

In a further expedient embodiment of the invention Thank you includes the position optimization facility the backrest with at least one with respect to the occupant an energy-consuming element provided guide to Ver displacement of the vehicle seat or swivel bearing for ver pivoting of the seat relative to the vehicle floor.

Such a guide is particularly advantageous tion or a pivot bearing a pivoting movement of the entire Vehicle seat or only the backrest under extensive Consumption of those lent to the occupant by the impact kinetic energy reached.  

The guidance is in a special constructive execution designed as a backdrop guide such that the rear Area of the seat part with the backrest at the through the Rear impact triggered shift raised and / or the front area of the seat part is lowered. The backdrop leadership is a deformation or friction element to the energy associated with transformation.

The proposed facilities are in an additional Execution offering advantages as a device for Swiveling at least the seat part, but in particular for joint pivoting of the seat part and backrest, at a front impact or with such an on combined direction.

This can not only ensure the safety of the occupants Rear impact increased significantly, but also the impact wise of the safety devices already existing for front impact (belt with belt tensioner and airbags) increase.

The mentioned is in a particularly useful combination Link guide designed such that in the event of a front impact the rear area of the seat part with the backrest lowers and / or the front area of the seat part is raised becomes.

Advantages and advantages of the invention result in others from the subclaims and the following Description of preferred embodiments using the Characters.

Of these show:

FIGS. 1A and 1B outline representations of the backrest of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the dung OF INVENTION with the upper body of an occupant in the manner of a longitudinal sectional and cross-sectional view,

Figs. 2A and 2B outline representations of the backrest of a vehicle seat according to another embodiment of the invention with the upper body of an occupant in the manner of a longitudinal sectional and cross-sectional view,

Fig. 3A and 3B sketch-like representations to build a backrest deposit in a vehicle seat, of the type in Fig. 1A and 1B shown,

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle seat according to another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 4B is a sketch of the design of a modified Lehnenein location for this vehicle seat,

Fig. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams for explaining a vehicle seat according to another embodiment of the invention (schematic side views) and

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the floor bracket of a vehicle seat with combined means for improving the rear and front crash behavior.

Fig. 1 a longitudinal section shows a highly diagrammatic representation in the nature of a backrest 11 of a vehicle seat 10 with an themselves leaning against it vehicle occupant P. (The headrest portion has been omitted in this view.) In the backrest 11 are three backrest inserts 13, 15, 17 Darge represents, which in their initial state are approximately qua-shaped (backrest insert 13 and 15 ) or have the shape of a prism with a trapezoidal base (backrest insert 17 ).

The cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 1B along the section plane AA in Fig. 1A shows that the cross-sectional shape at least the lower backrest insert 17 in the areas near the side cheeks 11 a, 11 b of the backrest widenings 17 a, 17 b shows, this cause a certain "centering" of the vehicle occupant P as soon as the latter is pressed against the backrest inserts by the impulse generated during a rear-end crash.

In the figures, the initial state (assembly state) of the backrest inserts 13 , 15 , 17 is shown with a strongly outlined contour, and the final state after deformation caused by the vehicle occupant P as a result of a rear-end crash is shown as a dotted area with (in the longitudinal or Cross section) shown in dashed lines on the front surface. In Fig. 1A, the information "ΔX1", "ΔX2" and "ΔX3" also clarifies the path length by which the backrest inserts 17, 15 and 13 can be deformed by such a rear crash on their lower edge.

It should be noted here that this deformation distance is not constant over the height of the respective backrest insert. It can be seen in particular in the case of the lower backrest insert 17 that it is very strong in the lower region, but much less deformable in the upper region.

This deformation characteristic of the individual backrest elements together with the coordination of the deformation characteristics and thicknesses of the backrest elements to one another leads to the desired effect that the upper body of the vehicle occupant P when pressed against the backrest 11 as a result of the full permanent deformation of the backrest inserts 13 , 15 and 17 somewhat forward is inclined.

This counteracts the known dangerous "rising" in the seat. However, as far as the specific design of the backrest inserts is concerned, the character of FIGS. 1A and 1B is to be observed as a schematic diagram - the actual practical design can differ considerably from this.

In Fig. 1B, a substantially flat rear wall 19 of the backrest 11 can be seen, which - like the Seitenwan gene 11 a, 11 b - is essentially rigid and with these a largely rigid bowl-shaped structure bil det. Within this rigid shell, a large reduction in the kinetic energy imparted to the occupant by the rear impact takes place via the deformation of the backrest inserts 13 , 15 , 17 . An impact on vehicle occupants on the rear seats is largely excluded.

Fig. 2A shows an alternative to Fig. 1A and 1B embodiment of a vehicle seat 20 with a seat back 21 , in which two wide pressure belts 23 , 25 are provided as Druckaufnehmerele elements in the event of a rear crash. In Fig. 2B is shown a sketch (the example the lower press belt 25), that the pressure belts on two winding rolls (at the pressure belt 25, the rollers 25 a, 25 b) in the region of the backrest side cheek 21 a, are mounted b 21.

The friction-inhibited winding rollers 25 a, 25 b act as energy-consuming elements in the event of a rear-end crash, in the course of which the vehicle occupant P presses against the pressure belts, these are "rolled out" while consuming energy in the position shown in dashed lines.

With regard to their construction as a largely rigid shell from the side cheeks 21 a, 21 b and a rear wall 29 , the backrest 21 according to FIGS. 2A and 2B largely corresponds to the backrest 11 from FIGS. 1A and 1B, and with regard to the advantages of the construction, reference is made to FIG referenced description there.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, a possible structure of a backrest insert in the manner of the backrest insert 17 shown in FIGS . 1A and 1B is schematically outlined as a honeycomb structure 30 . In the example shown, the honeycomb structure 30 has three adjoining subregions 30 a to 30 c with increasingly smaller wa and thus increasing deformation resistance or decreasing compressibility.

A honeycomb structure of the type shown in FIG. 3A can be formed, for example, from cardboard or another pressed flat material, preferably from recycled or natural raw materials. It should be noted that a honeycomb structure in a similar manner can also be implemented as an integral structure extending over the entire height of a backrest with locally precisely adjustable deformation resistance.

In Fig. 4A, a multi-layer structure of a backrest 40 is roughly outlined, the essential element in connection with the invention serve as a backrest insert, the rigid foam block 41 is in front of a cross member 43 of the backrest structure.

According to FIG. 4A, the backrest pad is carried out 41 as the material unit Licher hard foam block, while in the sketched in Fig. 4B modified backrest insert 41 'has two insert elements 41 a', 41 b 'of different hardness provided similar control of the penetration depth of the body allow a vehicle occupant like the structure of FIG. 3A.

In FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6, the basic structure and operation of a vehicle seat 50 are shown according to another embodiment of the invention, a sketch. The vehicle seat 50 consists of a seat part 53 , a backrest 51 and a headrest 55 and is mounted on a front and rear pivot mechanism 58 a, 58 b on floor rails 57 .

In Fig. 5A such as the vehicle seat 50 in the event of a collision from the (drawn in solid lines) in an initial position (dashed lines) Endposi tion is sketched displaced. A (not specifically designated) swivel lever of the front swivel mechanism 58 a swivels from its initial position backwards into an end position in which it closes a very small angle with the bottom rail 57 .

On the other hand, a pivot lever of the rear pivot mechanism 58 b pivots from a first position, in which it encloses an angle of more than 90 ° with the bottom rail 57 , into an end position, in which it rails relative to the bottom at an angle of less than 90 ° is aligned. As a result, the front region of the seat part 53 is lowered and the entire seat - while maintaining the angular position between the seat part 53 and the backrest 51 - is tilted forward.

As a result, the front contact surface of the headrest 55 shifts significantly forward, while the lower region of the backrest 51 shifts rearward. This realizes the basic idea already mentioned above, on the one hand to bring the headrest closer to the head of the occupant and on the other hand to change the angular position of his upper body in such a way that it is difficult to climb up in the seat.

FIG. 5B shows how the vehicle seat 50 in case of a front collision by the pivoting movement according to Fig. 5A opposing activation of the pivoting mechanisms 58 a, 58 b is shifted. It will be appreciated that the pivot lever of the front swivel mechanism 58 a from an angular position of approximately 60 ° about is opposite to the bottom rail 57 in an end position, to include in the the bottom rail through an angle of about 80 °.

At the same time, the angle that the swivel lever of the rear swivel mechanism 58 b with the bottom rail 57 increases , from approximately 110 ° to approximately 130 °. (These angle values are of course only to be understood as rough orientations.) As a result, the front region of the seat part 53 is raised and the rear region thereof is lowered and the entire seat is pivoted to the rear.

As a result, this is also the case with modern belt / airbag security Diving arrangements to be observed ("submarining") of the vehicle occupant, despite serious injuries activated security systems can largely prevent changed.

In Fig. 6 is schematically a realization of the pivot mechanisms 58 a, 58 b as a mutually substantially symmetric cal guide rails with a rigid connection 58 c between the (not specifically designated) sliding elements sketched. The rigid connection 58 c is assigned a damping element or energy-consuming element 59 .

This can be, for example, as with a connecting rod firmly connected cartridge made of foam aluminum or the like, into which a Piston element is pressed in in a very cost-effective manner be executed. Such an energy-consuming element will exchanged after an accident, while the remaining parts of the Device will usually remain intact and white can be used.

It should also be pointed out that a certain conversion of kinetic energy into position energy takes place solely by the rising of the sliding elements in the front and rear link guides of the pivot mechanisms 58 a and 58 b.

This effect can be the effect of another energy consumption can be supplemented by the guideway in the Backstage guidance with a taper towards its end leads, so that the corresponding sliding element is there with high and progressively increasing frictional resistance moves so that kinetic energy in heat within the leadership meenergy is implemented.

The dotted in Fig. 6 course of the Kulisse leadership tion represents a solid drawn straight Ver Ver alternative execution.

The implementation of the invention is not outlined on the above limited examples and aspects, but also in one Variety of modifications possible, within the scope of professional Action.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

;

20

;

50

vehicle seat

11

.

21

;

40

;

51

backrest

11

a,

11

b;

21

a,

21

b sidewall

13

.

15

.

17

sit insert

17

a,

17

b broadening

19

;

29

rear wall

23

.

25

compression chord

25

a,

25

b Take-up roll

30

Backrest insert (honeycomb structure)

30

a,

30

b

30

c section

41

;

41

'' Backrest insert (hair foam block)

41

a ',

41

b 'insert part

42

crossbeam

53

seat part

55

headrest

57

bottom track

58

a,

58

b Swivel mechanism (link guide)

58

c rigid connection

59

energy-consuming element
AA section plane
P vehicle occupant
ΔX1, ΔX2, ΔX3 deformation path

Claims (16)

1. Vehicle seat ( 10 ; 20 ; 50 ), in particular for a passenger car, with a seat part ( 53 ), a backrest ( 11 ; 21 ; 40 ; 51 ) and a headrest part ( 55 ), a device ( 13 , 15 ; 17 ; 23 , 25 ; 30 ; 41 ; 41 '; 58 a to 58 c, 59 ) to optimize the relative position of the backrest with respect to a seated on the seat part the vehicle occupant (P) is seen in a crash situation, thereby characterized in that the device for optimizing the relative position as a response to the action of an acceleration above a predetermined threshold in the vehicle seat longitudinal direction in a rear impact device for deformation and / or displacement of a lower portion of the backrest relative to the head support part is formed to the rear are. 2. Vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the device ( 13 , 15 ; 17 ; 23 , 25 ; 30 ; 41 ; 41 '; 58 a to 58 c, 59 ) for optimizing the relative position to reduce the distance between the Headrest part ( 55 ) and the back of the vehicle occupant (P) is formed. 3. Vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device ( 13 , 15 ; 17 ; 23 , 25 ; 30 ; 41 ; 41 '; 58 a to 58 c, 59 ) to optimize the relative position of a swivel device ( 58 a, 58 b) for substantially jointly pivoting the backrest ( 51 ) and the headrest part ( 55 ) to the front, so that a lower portion of the backrest relative to the headrest part is shifted backwards. 4. Vehicle seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 13 , 15 ; 17 ; 23 , 25 ; 30 ; 41 ; 41 '; 58 a to 58 c, 59 ) for optimizing the relative position at least one in the vehicle seat -Longitudinal direction includes energy-consuming compressible backrest insert ( 13 , 15 , 17 ; 30 ; 41 ; 41 '). 5. Vehicle seat according to claim 4, characterized in that the device ( 13 , 15 ; 17 ; 23 , 25 ; 30 ; 41 ; 41 '; 58 a to 58 c, 59 ) for optimizing the relative position at least two, in particular three or more, in the backrest ( 11 ) one above the other arranged backrest inserts ( 13 , 15 , 17 ) or Einlagenab sections, the thickness and / or compression properties of which are matched to one another in such a way that the body of the vehicle occupant (P) crashes into a rear end in the lower area of the backrest ( 11 ) is moved further back than in the upper area. 6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the respective backrest insert has a hard foam or honeycomb structure ( 30 ; 41 ; 41 '). 7. Vehicle seat according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the backrest ( 11 ; 21 ; 40 ; 51 ) has a substantially rigid rear wall shell ( 19 ; 29 ), which in particular the backrest insert or the backrest inserts ( 13th , 15 , 17 ) supported on the back. 8. Vehicle seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 13 , 15 ; 17 ; 23 , 25 ; 30 ; 41 ; 41 '; 58 a to 58 c, 59 ) for optimizing the relative distance at least one flat pressure sensor element ( 23 , 25 ), which is articulated via at least one energy-consuming element ( 25 a, 25 b) to essentially rigid side walls ( 21 a, 21 b) or a substantially rigid rear wall ( 29 ) of the backrest ( 21 ) , 9. Vehicle seat according to claim 8, characterized in that the device ( 13 , 15 ; 17 ; 23 , 25 ; 30 ; 41 ; 41 '; 58 a to 58 c, 59 ) for optimizing the relative position of the distance a plurality of one above the other angeordne th, substantially horizontal straps ( 23 , 25 ), each of which is attached via a deformation or friction member ( 25 a, 25 b) to the rigid side walls ( 21 a, 21 b), the deformation or Frictional characteristics of the deformation or friction elements are coordinated with one another in such a way that the vehicle occupant (P) is displaced further back in the lower region of the backrest ( 21 ) in the event of a rear impact than in the upper region thereof. 10. Vehicle seat according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the device ( 13 , 15 ; 17 ; 23 , 25 ; 30 ; 41 ; 41 '; 58 a to 58 c, 59 ) for optimizing the relative position of the distance a pressure transducer plate or have a pressure transducer grid or braid or network, which is attached to the rigid side cheeks by means of a plurality of deformation or friction elements, the deformation or friction characteristics of the deformation or friction elements being matched to one another such that the body at a rear impact in the lower area of the backrest is moved further back than in the upper area. 11. Vehicle seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized, that the backrest insert or the pressure sensor element assigned a sensor-controlled displacement device which is the backrest insert or the pressure transducer element immediately before or in the event of a rear impact Moves vehicle occupants. 12. Vehicle seat according to claim 11, characterized, that the displacement device is an approximation or Has acceleration sensor. 13. Vehicle seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device for optimizing the relative posi tion of the distance provided with at least one energy-consuming element guide ( 58 a, 58 b) for the displacement of the vehicle seat ( 50 ) relative to a drive Tool floor essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or a pivot bearing for pivoting the backrest ( 51 ) or the vehicle seat to the front comprises a rear impact. 14. Vehicle seat according to claim 13, characterized in that the guide is designed as a slide guide ( 58 a, 58 b) such that the rear region of the seat part ( 53 ) with the backrest ( 51 ) is raised when the displacement is triggered by the rear end and / or the front region of the seat part is lowered, and that the link guide is assigned a deformation or friction member ( 59 ). 15. Vehicle seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a device ( 58 a, 58 b) for pivoting at least the seat part ( 53 ), in particular for jointly pivoting the seat part and backrest ( 51 ), in the event of a front impact. 16. Vehicle seat according to claim 15 and claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the guide is designed as a slide guide ( 58 a, 58 b) such that the rear region of the seat part ( 53 ) with the backrest ( 51 ) in response to one Front impact is lowered and / or the front area of the seat part is raised.