Bulkhead-mounted airbags for front seats

Abstract

A vehicle includes a bulkhead and an airbag inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag includes a forward panel mounted to the bulkhead and a rearward panel opposite the forward panel. The airbag in the inflated position has left and right extensions extending from the rearward panel and an intermediate extension sandwiched between the left and right extensions. The intermediate extension extends further from the rearward panel than the left and right extensions. During a vehicle collision, the momentum of an occupant may cause the occupant to move toward the airbag. The airbag may absorb energy from the occupant's head and knees.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and an airbag assembly thereof, and more particularly to a bulkhead-mounted airbag for a front seat. Background Art

[0002] During a vehicle collision, an occupant can move in a direction influenced by the vehicle's momentum. In a frontal vehicle impact, an occupant can contact vehicle components in front of the occupant (e.g., the instrument panel). During a collision, the vehicle decelerates before the occupant does. When the vehicle decelerates but the occupant still has forward momentum, the occupant leans forward and can slide forward. This motion can cause the occupant's head or knees to contact vehicle components in front of the occupant.

[0003] Some vehicle collisions (e.g., frontal collisions, side collisions, frontal offset collisions, far side angle collisions, near side angle collisions, etc.) can cause an occupant to move at an angle toward a vehicle component or another occupant. In such cases, the occupant's momentum can cause the occupant's head to slide and / or rotate across the surface of the inflated airbag. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising:

[0005] bulkhead;

[0006] an airbag, the airbag being inflatable to an inflated position;

[0007] The airbag includes a forward panel mounted to the bulkhead and a rearward panel opposite the forward panel;

[0008] The air bag in the inflated position has left and right extensions extending from the rearward panel, and an intermediate extension sandwiched between the left and right extensions and extending further from the rearward panel than the left and right extensions.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the forward panel faces the bulkhead.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further includes a base mounted to the bulkhead and supporting the airbag, and the front panel and the rear panel are inflatable upward and downward relative to the base.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rear panel includes a first portion extending upward relative to the base to a first distal end portion spaced apart from the base.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the left extension, the right extension, and the middle extension each extend from the first portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first portion includes an opening extending into each of the left extension, the right extension, and the middle extension, and wherein the plurality of draw straps extend through the openings.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rear panel comprises a second portion extending downwardly relative to the base to a second distal end portion.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first portion and the second portion are coiled in opposite directions relative to the base in the uninflated position.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further includes a guide extending from the base adjacent to the front panel, the guide extending transversely to the bulkhead.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further includes a roof and a floor spaced apart from the roof, wherein the airbag in the inflated position extends from the roof to the floor.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further includes a base mounted to the bulkhead and supporting the airbag, and the rear panel includes a first portion extending upward along the roof relative to the base to a first distal end portion adjacent to the roof, and the left extension portion, the right extension portion, and the middle extension portion each extend downward from the first portion toward the floor.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further includes front pillars spaced apart from each other in a vehicle transverse direction, and the airbag extends from one front pillar to the other front pillar.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further comprises front seats spaced apart from each other, and the intermediate extension in the inflated position is disposed between one front seat and the other front seat.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the middle extension is connected to both the left extension and the right extension.

[0022] According to the present invention, there is provided an airbag assembly, comprising:

[0023] base;

[0024] an airbag, the airbag being inflatable to an inflated position;

[0025] The airbag includes a forward panel mounted to the base and a rearward panel opposite the forward panel;

[0026] The air bag in the inflated position has left and right extensions extending from the rearward panel, and an intermediate extension sandwiched between the left and right extensions and extending further from the rearward panel than the left and right extensions.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the front and rear facing panels are inflatable upward and downward relative to the base.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rear panel includes a first portion extending upwardly relative to the base to a first distal end portion.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the left extension, the right extension, and the middle extension each extend downwardly from the first portion.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rearward panel includes a second portion extending downwardly relative to the base to a second distal end portion. The second distal end portion is spaced apart from the first distal end portion in the inflated position.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first portion and the second portion are coiled in opposite directions relative to the base in the uninflated position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle with an airbag assembly in an uninflated position;

[0033] Figure 2 is an air bag assembly having an air bag in an uninflated position and including Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the vehicle along line 2 of the trim panel not shown for illustrative purposes;

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle with an airbag assembly in an inflated position;

[0035] Figure 4 is a side view of a vehicle with an airbag assembly in an inflated position;

[0036] Figure 5A is a perspective view of an airbag assembly including a base and an airbag supported by the base in an uninflated position;

[0037] Figure 5B is a perspective view of an airbag assembly in an inflated position including a base, an airbag supported by the base, and a left extension, a right extension, and a middle extension respectively extending from the airbag;

[0038] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the airbag assembly in the inflated position;

[0039] Figure 7 It is a flow chart of the vehicle's inflation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] A vehicle includes a bulkhead and an airbag inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag includes a forward panel mounted to the bulkhead and a rearward panel opposite the forward panel. In the inflated position, the airbag includes left and right extensions extending from the rearward panel and an intermediate extension sandwiched between the left and right extensions. The intermediate extension extends further from the rearward panel than the left and right extensions.

[0041] The forward facing panel may face the bulkhead.

[0042] The vehicle may include a base mounted to the bulkhead and supporting the airbag. The forward panel may include a base mounted to the bulkhead. The forward panel and the rear panel may inflate upward and downward relative to the base.

[0043] The rear panel may include a first portion extending upward relative to the base to a first distal end spaced apart from the base. The left extension, the right extension, and the middle extension may each extend from the first portion. The first portion may include an opening extending into each of the left extension, the right extension, and the middle extension. A plurality of drawstrings may extend through the openings.

[0044] The rear panel may include a second portion extending downwardly relative to the base to a second distal end. The first portion and the second portion may be coiled in opposite directions relative to the base in the uninflated position.

[0045] A deflector may be connected to the bulkhead adjacent the forward panel. The deflector may extend transversely to the bulkhead.

[0046] The vehicle may include a roof and a floor spaced apart from the roof. The airbag, in an inflated position, may extend from the roof to the floor. The first portion may extend upward along the roof relative to the base to a first distal end. The left extension, the right extension, and the intermediate extension may each extend downward from the first portion toward the floor.

[0047] The vehicle may include front pillars spaced apart from each other in a vehicle transverse direction. The airbag may extend from one front pillar to the other.

[0048] The vehicle may include front seats that are spaced apart from each other. The intermediate extension in the inflated position may be disposed between one front seat and the other front seat.

[0049] The middle extension may be connected to both the left extension and the right extension.

[0050] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the several views, a vehicle 10 is generally shown. The vehicle 10 includes front seats 12, 14 spaced apart from each other in a vehicle transverse direction Dc, a bulkhead 16 spaced apart from the front seats 12, 14 in a vehicle longitudinal direction Df, and an airbag 18 supported on the bulkhead 16. During a vehicle collision, the airbag 18 can be deployed from a vehicle such as a vehicle rear end. Figure 1 、 2 and the uninflated position shown in 5A to be inflated to Figure 3 、 4 and the inflated position shown in 5B. During a vehicle collision, an occupant may be compressed into the airbag 18 in the inflated position. During a frontal collision, the airbag 18 may provide coverage to absorb energy from the occupant's knees and head and reduce the likelihood of injury. During these types of collisions, the airbag 18 may slow or prevent the occupant's head and the occupant's knees from striking vehicle components. Some vehicle collisions (e.g., side collisions, offset frontal collisions, far side oblique collisions, near side oblique collisions, rollovers, etc.) may cause occupants to move toward each other at an angle. During these types of collisions, the airbag 18 may slow or prevent the occupant's head from sliding past the airbag 18 to reduce the likelihood of the occupant's head striking another occupant.

[0051] Specifically, the airbag 18 includes Figure 2The front panel 20 is shown mounted to the bulkhead 16 (i.e., the front panel 20 is mounted to the bulkhead 16 directly or through an intermediate member) and a rear panel 22 opposite the front panel 20. The airbag 18 includes a left extension 24 and a right extension 26 extending from the rear panel 22, and a middle extension 28 sandwiched between the left and right extensions 24, 26. The middle extension 28 extends further from the rear panel 22 than the left and right extensions 24, 26. As the airbag 18 inflates from an uninflated position to an inflated position, the extensions (i.e., the left extension 24, the right extension 26, and the middle extension 28) may extend from the rear panel 22 toward the front seats 12, 14. In this case, the left extension 24 may extend toward one front seat 12, and the right extension 26 may extend toward the other front seat 14. The middle extension 28 may extend between the front seats 12, 14. Left extension 24 and right extension 26 can slow down or prevent an occupant's head from striking vehicle components. When the occupant's head strikes middle extension 28, middle extension 28 can catch the occupant's head and hold it against one of left extension 24 and right extension 26. By extending between front seats 12, 14, middle extension 28 absorbs energy from the occupant's head and can help prevent the occupants from striking each other during a vehicle impact, which can reduce head injury criteria (HIC) and / or brain injury criteria (BrIC). The formulas for HIC and BrIC are standardized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

[0052] The vehicle 10 may be, for example, any suitable type of vehicle. The vehicle 10 may be, for example, an autonomous vehicle. In this case, the vehicle 10 may allow for the elimination of a steering wheel. For example, Figure 1 、 3 The vehicle 10 shown in Figures 4 and 5 does not include a steering wheel. The vehicle 10 may have a computer (not shown) that can control the vehicle 10 to operate in an autonomous mode, a semi-autonomous mode, and / or a non-autonomous mode. The autonomous mode is defined as a mode in which each of the vehicle's propulsion, braking, and steering is controlled by a computer; in the semi-autonomous mode, the computer controls one or two of the vehicle's propulsion, braking, and steering; and in the non-autonomous mode, a human operator controls the propulsion, braking, and steering of the vehicle 10.

[0053] The vehicle 10 may include two side surfaces 30, 32 spaced apart from each other in the vehicle transverse direction Dc. The side surfaces 30, 32 of the vehicle 10 may be elongated in the vehicle longitudinal direction Df. Each side of the vehicle 10 may be similar or identical to each other.

[0054] refer to Figure 1, the vehicle 10 includes a passenger compartment 34 for accommodating the occupants of the vehicle 10 (if any). The passenger compartment 34 may extend across the vehicle 10, i.e., from one side 30 of the vehicle to the other side 34. The passenger compartment 34 includes front seats 12, 14 disposed in front of the passenger compartment 34 and one or more rear seats (unnumbered) spaced apart from the front seats 12, 14. The rear seats may be, for example, disposed behind the front seats 12, 14 in the passenger compartment 34. The passenger compartment 34 may also include a third row of seats (not shown) at the rear (unnumbered) of the passenger compartment 34, in which case the front seats 12, 14 may be a second row of seats (unnumbered) in place of or in addition to the front seats 12, 14. The front seats 12, 14 and the rear seats may be the same or different types of seats. The front seats 12, 14 and the rear seats may be any suitable type of seats. As Figure 1 As shown, the front seats 12 , 14 may be, for example, bucket seats, and the rear seats may be, for example, bench seats.

[0055] Continue to refer Figure 1 The vehicle 10 may include a body 36 having a roof 38, a floor 40 spaced apart from the roof 38, and front pillars 42, 44 extending downward from the roof 38 (i.e., generally toward the floor 40). Each of the roof 38 and the floor 40 may extend across the passenger compartment 34, i.e., from one side 30 to the other side 32 of the vehicle 10.

[0056] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the front pillars 42, 44 may be spaced apart from each other along the vehicle transverse direction Dc. In other words, one front pillar 42 may be provided on one side 30 of the vehicle 10, and the other front pillar 44 may be provided on the other side 32 of the vehicle 10. The front pillars 42, 44 may be provided at the front of the passenger compartment 34, for example, adjacent to the front seats 12, 14.

[0057] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the vehicle 10 may include a windshield 46 that extends from one side 30 of the vehicle 10 to the other side 32 of the vehicle 10. In other words, the windshield 46 may extend from one front pillar 42 to the other front pillar 44. The windshield 46 may extend from the roof 38 along the front pillars 42, 44, i.e., toward the floor 40.

[0058] refer to Figure 2 , the vehicle 10 may include an occupant restraint system 48 that includes the bulkhead 16 and an airbag assembly 50 containing the airbag 18. The bulkhead 16 may support the airbag assembly 50, and specifically may support the airbag 18 when the airbag 18 is in an inflated position.

[0059] refer to Figure 2, the airbag assembly 50 may include a base 52 mounted to the bulkhead 16 and supporting the airbag 18. Specifically, the base 52 may support the forward panel 20 on the bulkhead 16. The base 52 may be flat. As another example, the base 52 may include a cavity (not shown) that may accommodate the airbag 18 in an uninflated position and may support the airbag 18 in an inflated position on the bulkhead 16. In other words, the base 52 may be a housing (not numbered). The base 52 may, for example, include a clip, a panel, etc. for connecting the forward panel 20 and for connecting the airbag 18 to the bulkhead 16.

[0060] like Figure 5A As shown, the base 52 may include two ends 58, 60 spaced apart from each other along the vehicle transverse direction Dc. The base 52 may extend from one side 30 of the vehicle 10 to the other side 32 of the vehicle 10, i.e., extend along the vehicle transverse direction Dc. For example, one end 58 of the base 52 may be adjacent to one front pillar 42 (i.e., one side 30 of the vehicle 10), and the other end 60 of the base 52 may be adjacent to the other front pillar 44 (i.e., the other side 32 of the vehicle 10).

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the bulkhead 16 can be disposed forward of the front seats 12, 14, for example, forward of the passenger compartment 34. The bulkhead 16 can support a number of vehicle components. For example, when the vehicle 10 is an autonomous vehicle, the bulkhead 16 can support interior furnishings (described below) and / or entertainment features. Additionally or alternatively, the bulkhead 16 can include an instrument panel (not shown). In these examples, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, when the airbag 18 is in the inflated position, the airbag 18 can extend from the roof 38 to the floor 40. Additionally, the airbag 18 can be inflated from the bulkhead 16 in the vehicle longitudinal direction Df (eg, toward the front seats 12, 14).

[0062] refer to Figure 1 The bulkhead 16 can extend from one side 30 of the vehicle 10 to the other side 32 of the vehicle 10, that is, across the passenger compartment 34 along the vehicle transverse direction Dc. For example, the bulkhead 16 can extend from one front pillar 42 to the other front pillar 44. In other words, both the front pillars 42, 44 and the windshield 46 can extend from the roof 38 to the bulkhead 16. Furthermore, the bulkhead 16 can extend from the windshield 46 to the floor 40. The bulkhead 16 can be secured to the floor 40, for example, from one side 30 of the vehicle 10 to the other side 32 of the vehicle 10. The bulkhead 16 can be secured to the floor 40 in any suitable manner (e.g., welded). The bulkhead 16 can, for example, separate the passenger compartment 34 from the engine compartment of the vehicle 10.

[0063] The vehicle 10 may include a fabric panel 54, i.e., interior trim, supported by the bulkhead 16. The fabric panel 54 may extend from one side 30 of the vehicle 10 to the other side 32 of the vehicle 10, for example, across the bulkhead 16. Figure 2 As shown, in the uninflated position, the airbag assembly 50 may be disposed between the bulkhead 16 and a fabric panel 54. The fabric panel 54 may have a tear seam 56 to allow the airbag 18 to penetrate the fabric panel 54 when the airbag 18 is inflated from the uninflated position to the inflated position. Figure 2 As shown, the tear seam 56 may be adjacent the air bag 18 in the uninflated position. The fabric panel 54 may be formed from any suitable type of material or materials (eg, a woven polymer).

[0064] The airbag 18 (e.g., the front panel 20 and the rear panel 22) can be integral, such as a single piece of fabric. As another example, the airbag 18 can include multiple (i.e., two or more) segments that are formed separately and subsequently joined together. The segments can be joined to each other in any suitable manner (e.g., sewing, ultrasonic welding, etc.). For example, the front panel 20 and the rear panel 22 can be separate panels that are sewn together.

[0065] The airbag 18 can be formed from any suitable type of material or materials. The airbag 18 can be formed from any suitable airbag material, such as a woven polymer. For example, the airbag 18 can be formed from woven nylon yarn (e.g., nylon 6-6). Other suitable examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, or any other suitable polymer. The woven polymer can include a coating, such as silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, or the like. For example, the coating can be a polyorganosiloxane.

[0066] refer to Figure 4 In the inflated position, the forward panel 20 can face the bulkhead 16, that is, the forward panel 20 can face away from the occupants of the passenger compartment 34. For example, the forward panel 20 can be disposed between the bulkhead 16 and the rearward panel 22. In other words, the forward panel 20 can be adjacent to vehicle components (e.g., the bulkhead 16, the windshield 46, the roof 38, the floor 40, etc.).

[0067] refer to Figure 4 When in the inflated position, the rearward-facing panel 22 faces an intended occupant (e.g., an occupant of one of the front seats 12). The rearward-facing panel 22 is positioned to receive and be impacted by the occupant when the airbag assembly 50 inflates during a collision that propels the occupant toward the airbag assembly 50. The rearward-facing panel 22 may, for example, be disposed between the forward-facing panel 20 and the front seats 12, 14 (i.e., the occupants).

[0068] refer to Figure 3 , the rearward panel 22 may include a first portion 62 extending upward relative to the base 52 to a first distal end 64 and a second portion 66 extending downward relative to the base 52 to a second distal end 68. When the air bag 18 is in the inflated position, the bulkhead 16 may provide a reaction force against the second portion 66 of the rearward panel 22 when the rearward panel 22 is impacted by the occupant's knee, causing the second portion 66 to be squeezed between the occupant's knee and the bulkhead 16. Additionally, in the inflated position, the windshield 46 may provide a reaction force against the first portion 62 of the rearward panel 22 when the rearward panel (e.g., one of the left extension 24 and the right extension 26) is impacted by the occupant's head, causing the first portion 62 to be squeezed between the occupant's head and the windshield 46.

[0069] Continue to refer Figure 3 , the rearward panel 22 may include a first side 70 and a second side 72 spaced apart from each other along the vehicle transverse direction Dc. The first side 70 may, for example, be adjacent to one front pillar 42, and the second side 72 may, for example, be adjacent to the other front pillar 44. In other words, the first side 70 may be adjacent to one side 30 of the vehicle 10, and the second side 72 may be adjacent to the other side 32 of the vehicle 10. The first side 70 and the second side 72 may extend from the first distal end 64 to the second distal end 68. In other words, the rearward panel 22 (i.e., the first portion 62 and the second portion 66) may extend from one side 30 of the vehicle 10 to the other side 32 of the vehicle 10 in the inflated position.

[0070] Continue to refer Figure 3 In the inflated position, the first portion 62 can extend upward relative to the base 52. For example, the first portion 62 can extend in a first direction D1 (e.g., generally upward) relative to the base 52. Additionally, the second portion 66 can extend in a second direction D2 (e.g., generally downward) transverse to the first direction relative to the base 52. The first direction can, for example, extend along the windshield 46 (e.g., toward the roof 38) away from the base 52. The second direction can, for example, extend along the bulkhead 16 (e.g., toward the floor 40) away from the base 52.

[0071] like Figure 5B As shown, the first distal end portion 64 can be spaced apart from the base 52. In the inflated position, the first portion 62 extends in a first direction away from the base 52 to the first distal end portion 64. Figure 4 As shown, the first distal end portion 64 can be adjacent to the roof 38 in the inflated position, i.e., the first portion 62 can extend from the base 52 across the windshield 46 and the roof 38. The first distal end portion 64 can be positioned, for example, between the roof 38 and the heads of occupants of the front seats 12, 14. The first portion 62 can extend at least partially above the seat bottoms of the front seats 12, 14.

[0072] refer to Figure 6 , the first portion 62 may include an opening 74 that extends through the rearward panel 22 into each of the left extension 24, the right extension 26, and the middle extension 28. For example, the opening 74 may extend through the first portion 62 of the rearward panel 22 adjacent to each extension. Alternatively, one opening 74 may be provided adjacent to each extension (i.e., the left extension 24, the right extension 26, and the middle extension 28). The opening 74 may be provided at any suitable location on the first portion 62. In other words, the opening 74 may be provided at any suitable location between the base 52 and the first distal end 64. The opening 74 may have any suitable shape (e.g., oval, circular, etc.). As another example, the first portion 62 may include a vent (not shown) provided adjacent to each extension. In this case, the vent may control the flow of gas entering each extension. The vent may be any suitable type of vent. For example, the vent may be a one-way vent (i.e., an adaptive vent) that allows gas to flow from the first portion 62 into each extension (i.e., the left extension 24, the right extension 26, and the middle extension 28) and prevents gas from flowing from each extension into the first portion 62. Alternatively, the vent may allow bidirectional airflow.

[0073] like Figure 5B As shown, the left extension 24 can extend along the first portion 62 of the rear panel 22 from the first side 70 toward the second side 72. The left extension 24 can extend along the vehicle transverse direction Dc by any suitable amount. For example, the left extension 24 can extend across one of the front seats 12. Figure 3 As shown, the left extension 24 can, for example, face the occupant of one of the front seats 12 in the inflated position. When the air bag 18 is inflated during a vehicle collision, the left extension 24 is positioned to receive and be impacted by the occupant of one of the front seats 12. During inflation, the left extension 24 can extend transversely to (e.g., downwardly from) the first portion 62. In other words, the left extension 24 can extend from the first portion 62 toward one of the front seats 12 in the inflated position.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the right extension 26 can extend along the first portion 62 of the rear panel 22 from the second side 72 toward the first side 70. In other words, the left extension 24 and the right extension 26 can be spaced apart from each other along the vehicle transverse direction Dc. The right extension 26 can extend any suitable amount along the vehicle transverse direction Dc. For example, the right extension 26 can extend across the other front seat 14. Figure 3As shown, the right extension 26 can, for example, face the occupant of the other front seat 14 in the inflated position. When the airbag 18 inflates during a vehicle collision, the right extension 26 is positioned to receive and be impacted by the occupant of the other front seat 14. During inflation, the right extension 26 can extend transversely to (e.g., downward from) the first portion 62. In other words, the right extension 26 can extend from the first portion 62 toward the other front seat 14 in the inflated position.

[0075] like Figure 5B As shown, the middle extension 28 can extend from the left extension 24 to the right extension 26 along the vehicle transverse direction Dc. The middle extension 28 can extend, for example, between the front seats 12, 14 in the inflated position. During inflation, the middle extension 28 can extend transversely to the first portion 62 (e.g., downward from the first portion 62). As described above, the middle extension 28 can extend further from the first portion 62 than the left extension 24 and the right extension 26. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, in the inflated position, the left and right extensions 24, 26 may be further away from the seat backs of the front seats 12, 14 than the middle extension 28. As another example, Figure 4 As shown, the left and right extensions 24 , 26 may be further away from the seat bottoms of the front seats 12 , 14 than the center extension 28 .

[0076] The middle extension 28 can be connected to both the left extension 24 and the right extension 26. The middle extension 28 can be connected to the left and right extensions 24, 26 in the same or different manners. The middle extension 28 can be connected to the left and right extensions 24, 26 in any suitable manner (e.g., sewing, ultrasonic welding, etc.).

[0077] like Figure 5B As shown, each extension (e.g., left extension 24, right extension 26, and middle extension 28) can extend across opening 74. As another example, when first portion 62 includes an opening 74 adjacent to each extension, each extension can surround one of the openings 74 on rearward panel 22. In other words, each extension can cover one of the openings 74 such that each opening 74 is covered by one extension.

[0078] Each extension (e.g., left extension 24, right extension 26, and middle extension 28) can be connected to first portion 62 of rearward panel 22. Each extension can be connected to first portion 62, for example, on opposite sides of opening 74. In other words, each extension can be connected to first portion 62 along first portion 62 from opening 74 toward first distal end 64 and along first portion 62 from opening 74 toward second portion 66 (i.e., base 52). Each extension can be connected to first portion 62 of rearward panel 22 in any suitable manner (e.g., sewing, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, etc.).

[0079] like Figure 5B As shown, the second distal end portion 68 can be spaced apart from the base 52. In the inflated position, the second portion 66 can extend to the second distal end portion 68 in a second direction away from the base 52. Figure 4 As shown, the second distal end portion 68 can be adjacent to the floor 40. The second distal end portion 68 is spaced apart from the first distal end portion 64 in the inflated position. In other words, the rearward panel 22 can extend from the roof 38 to the floor 40 in the inflated position. For example, the second distal end portion 68 can be positioned adjacent to the knees of an occupant, i.e., adjacent to the seat bottoms of the front seats 12, 14, in the inflated position. In other words, the second portion 66 can extend along the bulkhead 16 to the second distal end portion 68.

[0080] like Figure 2 and 5A As shown, the first portion 62 and the second portion 66 can extend in opposite directions from the base 52 in the uninflated position. The first portion 62 can, for example, extend away from the base 52 toward the roof 38 of the vehicle 10 (i.e., in a first direction). The second portion 66 can, for example, extend away from the base 52 toward the floor 40 of the vehicle 10 (i.e., in a second direction).

[0081] like Figure 2 and 5A As shown, the first portion 62 and the second portion 66 can be wound in opposite directions relative to the base 52 in the uninflated position. The first portion 62 can be wound in a clockwise (CW) direction toward the base 52, i.e., turned over on itself. The second portion 66 can be wound in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction toward the base 52, i.e., turned over on itself.

[0082] like Figure 2As shown, the airbag 18 (e.g., the rearward panel and the forward panel 20) can define an inflation chamber 76. During inflation, the inflation chamber 76 can inflate from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The rearward panel 22 is spaced apart from the base 52 in the inflated position. For example, the rearward panel 22 is adjacent to the occupant in the inflated position. During inflation, the forward and rearward panels 20, 22 can inflate upward and downward relative to the base 52. The rearward panel 22 can, for example, extend upward to a first distal end 64 and downward to a second distal end 68. The forward panel 20 can, for example, extend from the base 52 to the rearward panel 22. For example, the forward panel 20 can extend upward from the base 52 to the first distal end 64 of the rearward panel 22 and downward from the base 52 to the second distal end 68 of the rearward panel 22. In other words, the forward and rearward panels 20, 22 can each extend in both a first direction and a second direction in the inflated position.

[0083] The plenum 76 may be in fluid communication with each of the left extension 24, the right extension 26, and the middle extension 28. In other words, the plenum 76 may extend into each of the left extension 24, the right extension 26, and the middle extension 28 in the inflated position. In this case, the opening 74 may allow gas to flow into each extension.

[0084] The air bag 18 may include a plurality of inner drawstrings 78 disposed within the plenum chamber 76. The inner drawstrings 78 may extend from the first portion 62 of the rearward panel 22 through the plenum chamber 76 to each extension. Figure 5B As shown, the inner drawstring 78 can extend through the extension. As another example, the inner drawstring 78 can extend from the base 52 to the rearward portion (e.g., the first portion 62 and the second portion 66). Alternatively, the inner drawstring 78 can extend through the plenum 76 in the first portion 62 and / or the second portion 66, i.e., from the front panel 20 to the rearward panel 22. As yet another example, Figure 6 As shown, an inner draw strap 78 can extend through the opening 74 in a first direction (i.e., toward the first distal end 64). The inner draw strap 78 can be connected to the air bag 18 in any suitable manner (e.g., sewing, ultrasonic welding, etc.). As described above, the inner draw strap 78 can be connected to the base 52 in the same or different manner as the air bag 18.

[0085] The passenger restraint system 48 may include a deflector 80 adjacent the air bag 18 (eg, the forward panel 20) to deflect the air bag 18 to the inflated position. Figure 2As shown, the guide 80 can extend from the base 52, for example. In other words, the guide 80 and the base 52 can be integral, i.e., a single continuous unit. As another example, the guide 80 can be separated from the base 52. In this case, the guide 80 can be connected to one of the base 52 and the bulkhead 16. The guide 80 can be connected to one of the base 52 and the bulkhead 16 in any suitable manner (e.g., welding, adhesive, fasteners, etc.). The guide 80 can extend in any suitable direction. In other words, the guide 80 can have a deflection surface (not numbered) extending in any suitable direction. The guide 80 can be formed of any suitable type of material, such as metal, plastic, etc.

[0086] The passenger restraint system 48 may include any suitable number of guides 80. For example, the passenger restraint system 48 may include one guide 80 adjacent to the first portion 62 of the airbag 18. In this case, the guide 80 extends in a first direction, i.e., the guide 80 may deflect the airbag 18 in the first direction, i.e., generally upward. In other words, the deflection surface may be parallel to the first direction, or the direction in which the deflection surface extends may have a component, i.e., a vector, in the first direction. As another example, the passenger restraint system 48 may include one guide 80 adjacent to the second portion 66 of the airbag 18. In this case, the guide 80 extends in a second direction, i.e., the guide 80 may deflect the airbag 18 in the second direction, i.e., generally downward. In other words, the deflection surface may be parallel to the second direction, or the direction in which the deflection surface extends may have a component, i.e., a vector, in the second direction. As yet another example, Figure 2 As shown, the occupant restraint system 48 may include one deflector 80 adjacent each of the first portion 62 and the second portion 66 to deflect the air bag 18 in the first direction and the second direction, ie, two deflectors 80 .

[0087] The airbag assembly 50 may include an inflator 82 in fluid communication with the airbag 18 to inflate the airbag 18 from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The inflator 82 expands the airbag 18 with an inflation medium, such as a gas, to move the airbag 18 from the uninflated position to the inflated position. Specifically, the inflator 82 may be in communication with the inflation chamber 76 to supply the inflation medium to the inflation chamber 76. Figure 2 As shown, the inflator 82 may be disposed in the base 52, or may be disposed in any other suitable location. Alternatively, the inflator 82 may be supported by the bulkhead 16 or any other suitable vehicle component.

[0088] The inflator 82 may be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to drive inflation medium into the air bag 18. Alternatively, the inflator 82 may be, for example, a cold gas inflator that, when activated, ignites a pyrotechnic charge that creates the opening 74 for releasing the pressurized inflation medium into the air bag 18 via a fill tube (not shown). Alternatively, the inflator 82 may be of any suitable type, such as a hybrid inflator.

[0089] refer to Figure 7 The vehicle 10 may include an inflation system 84. The inflation system 84 includes a processor 86 programmed to initiate inflation of the airbag 18 in response to a vehicle collision. The processor 86 may be embedded in a microcontroller. The microcontroller may include a memory, etc. The memory of the microcontroller may store instructions executable by the processor 86, and the processor 86 may read the instructions from the memory and execute the instructions.

[0090] The vehicle 10 may include a collision detection sensor 88 programmed to detect a vehicle-to-vehicle collision. The collision detection sensor 88 may be located on the bulkhead 16 or elsewhere in the vehicle 10. The collision detection sensor 88 may be of various types, such as a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a visual sensor, etc. When a vehicle collision occurs, the processor 86 may receive one or more signals from the collision detection sensor 88 indicating the vehicle collision. In response to receiving the signals from the collision detection sensor 88, the processor 86 may initiate inflation of the airbag 18. Alternatively, the processor 86 may selectively initiate inflation of the airbag 18 based on information from the collision detection sensor 88 identifying the physical characteristics of the vehicle collision (e.g., which side of the vehicle 10 was impacted, the amount of pressure applied to the vehicle 10, etc.) and seat occupancy information (e.g., by using an occupancy sensor located within the seat to sense the seat's occupancy status).

[0091] To receive signals from the collision detection sensor 88 and initiate inflation of the air bag 18, the processor 86 communicates with the collision detection sensor 88 and the inflator 82, for example, via direct wires through which analog or digital signals are transmitted, or via a communication network such as a CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet, LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or any other means.

[0092] In operation, such as Figure 1 、 2As shown in FIG5A , under normal operating conditions of the vehicle 10, the airbag 18 is in an uninflated position. When the collision detection sensor 88 senses a collision of the vehicle 10, the processor 86 triggers the inflator 82 to inflate the airbag 18 with an inflation medium from the uninflated position to the inflated position. When the inflator 82 inflates the airbag 18 to the inflated position, the inflation medium flows into the inflation chamber 76, increasing the pressure within the inflation chamber 76. As the pressure within the inflation chamber 76 increases, the rearward panel 22 and the forward panel 20 extend away from the base 52 in first and second directions. In the inflated position, the forward panel 20 can extend in a first direction along the windshield 46 and roof 38 and in a second direction along the bulkhead 16. The left extension 24 and the right extension 26 can extend from the first portion of the rearward panel 22 toward one front seat 12 and the other front seat 14, respectively. The intermediate extension 28 can extend between the front seats 12 and 14 in the inflated position. When an occupant moves within the vehicle 10 due to the momentum of a vehicle collision, the occupant may move toward the first portion (e.g., one of the left extension 24 and the right extension 26) and the second portion 66 of the rearward panel 22. In other words, the occupant's head may move toward the first portion, and the occupant's knees may move toward the second portion 66. When the occupant's head strikes one of the left extension 24 and the right extension 26, the occupant's head may slide toward the other occupant or rotate toward the other occupant. In this case, the occupant's head may strike the middle extension 28. The middle extension 28 may grip the occupant's head to reduce sliding and / or rotational motion. When the occupant's knee strikes the second portion 66 of the rearward panel 22, the second portion 66 may absorb energy from the occupant's knee, which may help mitigate knee collision injuries.

[0093] The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it will be understood that the terminology used is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: bulkhead; an airbag, the airbag being inflatable to an inflated position; The airbag includes a forward facing panel mounted to the bulkhead and a rearward facing panel opposite the forward facing panel; The airbag in the inflated position has left and right extensions and a middle extension extending from the rear panel, the middle extension being sandwiched between and abutting against the left and right extensions, the middle extension extending farther from the rear panel than the left and right extensions, the left extension being extendable toward a first front seat, the right extension being extendable toward a second front seat, and the middle extension being extendable between the first front seat and the second front seat. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the forward panel faces the bulkhead.

3. The vehicle of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising a base mounted to the bulkhead and supporting the airbag, the forward panel and the rearward panel being inflatable upward and downward relative to the base. 4 . The vehicle of claim 3 , wherein the rearward panel includes a first portion extending upwardly relative to the base to a first distal end portion spaced apart from the base. 5 . The vehicle of claim 4 , wherein the left extension, the right extension, and the middle extension each extend from the first portion.

6. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the rearward panel includes a second portion extending downwardly relative to the base to a second distal end portion.

7. The vehicle of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising a guide extending from a base adjacent to the forward panel, the guide extending transversely to the bulkhead.

8. The vehicle of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising a roof and a floor spaced apart from the roof, the airbag in the inflated position extending from the roof to the floor.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising front pillars spaced apart from each other in a vehicle transverse direction, the airbag extending from one of the front pillars to the other of the front pillars.

10. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising front seats spaced apart from each other, the intermediate extension in the inflated position being disposed between one of the front seats and the other of the front seats.

11. A safety airbag assembly, comprising: Pedestal; an airbag, the airbag being inflatable to an inflated position; The airbag includes a forward panel mounted to the base and a rearward panel opposite the forward panel; The airbag in the inflated position has left and right extensions and a middle extension extending from the rear panel, the middle extension being sandwiched between and abutting against the left and right extensions, the middle extension extending farther from the rear panel than the left and right extensions, the left extension being extendable toward a first front seat, the right extension being extendable toward a second front seat, and the middle extension being extendable between the first front seat and the second front seat.

12. The airbag assembly of claim 11, wherein the forward facing panel and the rearward facing panel are inflatable upward and downward relative to the base.

13. The airbag assembly of any one of claims 11-12, wherein the rearward panel includes a first portion extending upwardly relative to the base to a first distal end portion. 14 . The airbag assembly of claim 13 , wherein the left extension, the right extension, and the middle extension each extend downwardly from the first portion.

15. The airbag assembly of claim 13, wherein the rearward panel includes a second portion extending downwardly relative to the base to a second distal end portion, the second distal end portion being spaced apart from the first distal end portion in the inflated position.

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