Childcare device including inflatable safety elements

[0001] The scope of the invention relates to the protection of a child, and particularly to devices in which a child may be, especially in a sitting position. The invention particularly relates to car seats intended to be attached to the seat or sofa of a motor vehicle. It can also be used in devices such as prams, cradles, bicycle seats, etc.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to the manufacture of cushions or balloons, or inflatable safety devices, commonly referred to as "airbags", the filling of which is automatically activated in the event of a collision in order to protect a child fastened in a safety device.

[0003] The use of "airbags" is well known, especially in the automotive industry. Recently, many other applications have been adopted, especially for child seats. In the latter, however, the adopted solutions are not entirely satisfactory.

[0004] The first thought was to provide for a front airbag that fills up in front of the child (like an airbag installed on the steering wheel in a vehicle). The disadvantage of this solution is that this cushion must be placed in the seat of the car seat or in a protruding part, for example in a cover at the front of this seat. The cushion must be large, and the filling time is considerable, which means that in the event of a collision, the child's head is nevertheless moved too far.

[0005] Another proposed solution provides for several inflatable elements arranged in several places on the seat, as illustrated, for example, in DE4418028. In particular, airbags are to be provided in each harness strap. Unfortunately, this technique is ineffective in practice, because in the event of a collision, the child's head thrown forward passes between two pillows, separating them from each other.

[0006] Similar problems exist in other child safety devices.

[0007] The object of the invention is in particular to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks.

[0008] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a child safety device improving its safety in the event of a collision in a simple and effective manner.

[0009] In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a child safety device preventing the body and especially the head of a child from traveling a long distance in the event of a collision.

[0010] Another object of the invention, at least in accordance with some embodiments, is to provide such a child safety device that, when making a cushion or airbags, takes into account the height of the child being carried.

[0011] These goals, as well as others that will follow, are achieved by means of a child safety device in which the child may be located, equipped with a harness consisting of two straps that will extend from the shoulders along the child's torso, and each will be equipped with an inflatable safety element that will be able to fill in case of shock above a predetermined threshold.

[0012] According to the invention, the child safety device comprises double-sided fastening means of these inflatable safety elements.

[0013] These fastening means are designed to ensure that these inflatable safety elements keep each other in their filling. This solution improves security in a simple and effective way. In fact, in a collision, the child's head is usually thrown forward. In this case, the head tends to slip between two inflatable, inflatable elements (or "airbags"), i.e. to slide them apart. The displacement of the body and especially the child's head is then not limited and the effectiveness of the solution is significantly reduced.

[0014] The presence of these fastening means allows the two inflatable elements to be held in the desired position, preventing them from sliding apart.

[0015] This solution is not obvious to a skilled person. In fact, nothing encourages the joining of two airbags when you usually try to keep them from filling. Furthermore, according to the invention, this attachment is not permanent (which would prevent the use of a harness, and in particular the fastening of the child). Thus, two-sided fastening means are provided, which are attached when the child sits in the seat, and detached when planting or pulling the child.

[0016] The fact that the airbags are attached to the straps also allows you to limit the displacement of the body, especially the child's head, because the airbag or airbags are as close to it as possible. In addition, the filling time of the pillows is thus limited and their size can be reduced.

[0017] Furthermore, the implementation of these inflatable elements connected to the belts is simple to implement and use. [0018] The fastening elements may for example comprise at least two flexible parts, and having additional fastening elements at their free ends, so as to extend transversely between the belts when they are joined, and also to best ensure mutual maintenance of the belts.

[0019] In other words, they also provide a function, known per se, of joining two straps (the function known under the English name "chest clip"), the purpose of which is to prevent the child from extending his arms from under the straps. The advantage of this solution is that that the user is encouraged to use this connection whose at least directly visible function is the "chest clip". In this way, thanks to only one connection, two operations are provided, in particular those associated with the attachment of two inflatable elements.

[0020] The connection can be made directly between these inflatable elements, or by means of the elements (belts, sleeves, ...) to which they are attached.

[0021] In the case where each of the straps in question has a sleeve that can be moved along the belt, it can be provided that said safety inflatable elements are retracted in these sleeves.

[0022] The advantage of such a solution is to ensure that the inflatable elements are always well positioned regardless of the child's height. As a result, the sleeves can be moved, depending on the child's height, so that they are always placed, at least partly on the shoulders.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, said sleeves have at least one movable flap, which can be a storage space for inflatable safety elements.

[0024] Each of said inflatable safety elements can in particular be attached to one of the sleeves in question by two joints, suitably close to each end of said sleeve.

[0025] This allows greater control over the development of inflatable elements.

[0026] In particular, said inflatable security elements can be attached to said sleeves by sewing. Of course, other customized attachment methods are also possible.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment, each of said sleeves has a side opening enabling passage of said connecting elements.

[0028] In another aspect of some embodiments, said inflatable safety elements are configured to define, after being filled, lateral protection at the level of the child's neck and the equivalent of a central cushion at the level of the child's head, by means of their end parts, connected to each other by connecting elements .

[0029] Said inflatable safety elements can be fed by at least one fluid source, for example arranged in the backrest of said car seat.

[0030] In a first embodiment, the device according to the invention may comprise mechanical triggering means for filling the inflatable safety elements in question, including at least one fuse, for example mounted:

- on the handle securing said child seat to the hook provided for this purpose in the motor vehicle; and / or

- on the belt connecting the upper part of the backrest, or the appropriate base, in a motor vehicle or on elements rigidly connected to the said belt.

[0031] According to another embodiment, it may include electronic means for triggering the filling of said inflatable safety elements, such as at least one delay sensor and / or a command signal given by the vehicle in which the device is installed.

[0032] More generally, the filling start signal can be transmitted by any mechanical and / or electronic means, independent (connected to a child safety device) and / or can be transmitted by a vehicle.

[0033] According to another feature of some embodiments, the device includes means for detecting the presence of a child that allows inflatable safety elements to be filled only in the presence of the child in the safety device.

In fact, it is usually not desirable for the safety elements to be filled, even in the event of a violent collision (and thus, even if the actuating means require such filling), if the device is not occupied. Such detection can, for example, be provided by means of a mass sensor located under the seat or a suitably positioned contact sensor.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment, these detection means are formed by or cooperate with said connecting means of said inflatable safety elements and send information about the presence of a child when these fastening means are attached.

[0036] Thus, it is easy to determine the presence of a child, for example by electrical contact closed when the "chest clip" is blocked. In addition, information is directly available next to inflatable items.

[0037] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of the most preferred embodiment of the invention, given as a simple illustrative and non-exhaustive example, and of the accompanying drawings, including:

- Fig. 1 shows an example of a car seat according to the invention;

- Figures 2A and 2B show the car seat of figure 1, after inflating the inflatable elements;

Fig. 3 shows, flat and unfilled, the airbag used in the seat Figures 1 and 2;

- Fig. 4 4 shows in more detail the sleeve for car seats according to figures 1 and 2, before placing one of the inflatable elements;

- Fig. 5 shows the sleeve of fig. 4 after the inflatable element has been positioned;

- Fig. 6 shows the rear of the car seat of Figs. 1 and 2, equipped with a tank for filling inflatable elements;

- Fig. 7 shows a first embodiment of an inflatable element actuation sensor in an Isofix® holder;

- Fig. 8 shows a second way of making a trigger sensor located at the level of the upper belt of the headrest.

[0038] The invention therefore proposes new airbag solutions aimed at equipping child safety devices. The embodiment described below applies to child car seats. However, those skilled in the art understand that the same solution can easily be adapted to other child safety devices as long as they are equipped with a harness.

[0039] More specifically, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the protective airbags consist of two inflatable elements, each suitably mounted on one of the child restraint harness straps, and more specifically, in the described embodiment, in the sleeves provided with the straps .

[0040] According to the invention, the two elements are further fastened together by means of the fastening elements provided for this purpose, at or near the belts. These fasteners are mounted on inflatable elements so that they remain attached and held side by side when they are filled.

[0041] As we can see in Fig. 1, the child car seat classically consists of a seat 111 and a backrest 112, here comprising a headrest 113, which is movable upwards relative to the backrest 112.

[0042] The child is held in this seat 11 by a harness 12 consisting of two straps 121 and 122, each intended to be placed on each shoulder of the child, and extending substantially vertically on its torso, and a belt between the legs 123.

[0043] After putting on the harness, both belts 121 and 122 and the belt between the legs 123 are fastened with a locking buckle 124. Each belt 121 and 122 has a sleeve 131, 132, which is placed on the child's arms and / or upper body to improve his comfort and safety.

[0044] These sleeves are usually adjustable in height by sliding along a given belt in such a way as to place them at the level of the child's shoulders and torso, depending on his height.

In the embodiment described, each of these sleeves 131 and 132 includes an inflatable safety element 141, 142 (not visible in Fig. 1). The inflatable safety elements are so folded and placed in the sleeves to unroll effectively in the event of a collision.

[0046] In other embodiments, inflatable safety elements can be incorporated directly into each belt.

[0047] These inflatable safety elements 141 and 142 are further connected by means of connecting elements 15 connecting them together when the child is fastened in the seat.

[0048] These connecting elements 15 comprise in the embodiment shown, two flexible parts or straps, 151 and

152, each of which is equipped with a corresponding male and female buckle, which are inserted into each other to fasten the two straps 151 and 152, and which can be manually unfastened (so that the child cannot unfasten the connecting elements themselves).

[0049] According to this embodiment, the connecting means 15 also ensure that the two straps 121 and 122 are kept close enough when the child is fastened in the seat ("chest clip" function in English). This ensures that the straps are positioned correctly and prevents the child from slipping one arm out of the belt and / or removing one of the straps when the harness is fastened.

[0050] It is possible to provide for other types of fastening elements, or for several fasteners, for example, sets of straps and buckles, one in the upper position and the other in the lower position of the securing elements, if they are unrolled.

[0051] When planting a child in the seat, a harness is usually put on, placing belts 131 and 132 on the child's shoulders (in this case the height of these belts and / or sleeves can be adjusted), and then both straps are fastened with a belt 123 between the legs behind with the help of the clamp 124. Then, the fastening elements 15 are attached. Unlocking takes place in the opposite direction, by disconnecting the fastening elements 15, and then by disconnecting the straps 121, 122 and the belt 123 between the legs using the buckle 124.

[0052] In the event of a serious collision, above the predetermined threshold, two inflatable safety devices

141 and 142 automatically and very quickly unfold from sleeves 131 and 132 to protect especially the child's head and limit its forward movement as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. As can be seen in these drawings, the two inflatable safety elements 141 and 142 form the equivalent of one cushion because they are held by the fastening elements 15. In this way, although both of these elements 141 and 142 develop, each on one side of the child, they do not move away from each other, and there is no risk that the child's head will fall between both these protection elements 141 and 142.

[0053] It should be noted that the shape of these security elements 141 and 142 is adapted here for optimal protection at the level of the face, while at the same time providing good lateral protection for the head and neck.

[0054] In other embodiments, the inflatable elements may also be designed and positioned to act, at least partially, on the child's chest. In addition, other inflatable elements can also be provided, for example, in the seat structure and / or in the harness buckle). [0055] In any case, it is assumed that mounting the safety elements on the harness straps, and in particular in sleeves whose positions are adjustable depending on the child's height, guarantees the correct position of the inflatable elements when they develop, regardless of the child's height.

[0056] Fastening, for example by stitching or joining on each harness belt, can be provided to control the unfolding direction of the inflatable elements, and in particular to avoid that they develop too vigorously upwards.

[0057] Fig. 3 shows a method of making inflatable safety elements, which are shown flat and not filled. Both inflatable safety elements 141 and 142 are fed, from the first end 1421, 1411, through an adapted fluid reservoir (not shown) connected to the supply inlet 31.

[0058] Both security elements extend through the intermediate part 1412 1422, intended to develop mainly around the child's neck, and end with two larger end portions 1413 1423, which will develop in front of the child's head. These two ends 1413 and 1423 are equipped with fasteners 151 and 152.

[0059] In the embodiment shown, both safety elements 141 and 142 are parts of the same airbag. According to another embodiment, both independent inflatable elements can be used.

[0060] These inflatable safety elements 141 and 142 are, in the embodiment shown, placed in sleeves 131 and 132 in a storage compartment as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 shows an open sleeve for receiving an inflatable element (yet not installed). Fig. 5 shows the closed sleeve, i.e. in its normal position of use (without collision causing the inflatable element to expand), the inflatable element is folded (and invisible) in its storage.

[0061] This embodiment is advantageous because the sleeves are movable along the straps and are always placed in the upper part of the child's body, at or near the shoulders (various techniques have also been proposed to control the correct positioning of the sleeves). So, regardless of the child's height, the security elements develop in an optimized manner at the level of his neck and face.

of a child baby [0062] In another embodiment, the inflatable safety elements can be placed on the harness and configured much lower at the level of the child's chest. They then develop substantially below the head. The area of ​​contact between the body and these inflatable elements increases, thus preventing the head from moving significantly without having to use a very large volume.

[0063] According to other embodiments, however, the securing elements may be placed in a harness or some special part sewn to it. It is best to provide fasteners for joining them together. This connection can be made directly between inflatable elements, or indirectly, at the level of belts or sleeves. In the latter case, the inflatable elements can be attached to belts or sleeves, for example by means of stitching and / or placing in a storage compartment.

[0064] In the embodiment of Fig. 4, a special storage compartment is provided in the sleeve, in which the inflatable safety element enters (in the simplified version, the inflatable element can simply be inserted between the sleeve and the belt).

[0065] The sleeve therefore therefore classically includes the zone 41 of the lane movement 121. Furthermore, a storage for the inflatable element 141 is defined, here formed by the bottom 42 and two flexible flaps 43, 44, falling one on the other (successively arrows A and B). In another embodiment, one flap may be provided.

[0066] The flap or flaps can be attached to each other and / or to another part of the harness by means of snaps, Velcro® 45, 46 supporting elements, stitching, gluing, etc. These various elements are selected so that they can give way, when the inflatable items fill without blocking their filling.

[0067] In this way, when the airbags are inflating, the pressure is sufficient to disengage the flaps and allow the two safety elements 141, 142 to unfold.

[0068] The flaps have cutouts or holes 47, 48 to allow the fastening elements 151 or 152 to pass through.

[0069] Stitching of the inflatable element or other type of attachment on a harness or sleeve may be provided to better control, if necessary, the filling of the inflatable element in the desired direction.

[0070] In particular, each inflatable element is properly connected to the sleeve with two seams 49, 410 (not retreating, i.e. with sufficient strength not to give way when unrolling the inflatable element), respectively, placed in the upper part (at the level of the child's shoulder) and in the lower part (at the child's torso level). These seams 49, 410 clearly correspond, respectively, to the location of the arrows C and D (Fig. 3) on the inflatable element.

[0071] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the means for filling the security elements can be placed on the seat 61 of the seat. They include a reservoir 62 containing a fluid adapted to allow immediate filling of both safety elements. This fluid may in particular be a gas such as helium, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

[0072] This tank 62 is placed in a storage compartment provided for this purpose. The storage box may, where appropriate, be placed in the backrest, seat or base of the seat, in any suitable place. The line 63 is connected to the fluid supply inlet 31 (Fig. 3).

[0073] The filling should of course occur in the event of a sufficiently large collision. There is therefore a predefined and adapted threshold.

[0074] Many methods for detecting this threshold can be envisaged. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, in the case of a car seat 71 equipped with Isofix® 72 brackets to attach the child seat 71 to the rings provided for this purpose on the vehicle seat, this activation can be provided by means of a mechanical fuse (not shown), directly connected or integrated with one and / or the other Isofix® 72 handle. As a result, the handle is displaced during a collision or accident, which can be used to run the command.

[0075] According to another solution, shown in Fig. 8, in the case of a car seat 82 equipped with a belt 83 mounted in the upper part of the backrest (or the base of the seat), intended to be connected to the attachment element in the vehicle (the so-called "top tether" belt in English), the activation can be provided by means of a fuse directly connected to this belt 83, or its attachment elements, at the level of the back or base. Again, it is therefore possible to take advantage of the displacement of the upper part of the seat during an impact or accident.

[0076] Furthermore, it is not usually desirable for the safety elements to be filled, even in the event of a violent impact (and thus, even if the actuating means require such filling), if the child seat is not occupied by a child.

[0077] Other presence detection agents are already known. Thus, such detection can for example be provided by means of a mass sensor located under the seat or a suitably placed contact sensor, for example in a backrest or seat.

[0078] According to a particular embodiment, these detection means are formed by or cooperate with the straps 151 and 152, and provide information about the presence of the child when the fasteners are attached.

[0079] Thus, it is easy to determine the presence of a child, for example by closed electrical contact when the "chest clip" is blocked. The information is directly available in the vicinity of the inflatable elements and can be combined, for example by means of the AND logic function in the actuating elements, with a signal provided by a fuse detecting a collision greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0080] In the embodiment described above, the seat is equipped with a "5-point" harness. Of course, the invention applies to other types of harness, since two of its straps can accept two inflatable safety elements. In addition, the invention is not only applicable to car seats, but can also be made in other child protection devices such as prams, cradles, etc.

26192 / EP / 16

EP 2 665 622