Roof-mounted partition airbag

Abstract

An airbag assembly includes an airbag, a roof-mounted strap, a guide strap, and a guide member. When inflated, the airbag has an upper portion located on the roof and a lower portion located above the floor, extending laterally across the vehicle interior. The roof-mounted strap is located on the left and right sides of the upper portion. The guide straps located on the left and right sides of the lower portion are connected to the left and right guide members. The guide members slidably engage first and second guide rails.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to a partitioned safety airbag installed on a vehicle roof. Background Art

[0002] Autonomous vehicles (i.e., vehicles that do not require human intervention) will allow seats (including front seats) to rotate 360 degrees. Front seat occupants will be able to face rear seat occupants. Occupants in this seating configuration may not be protected by airbags when they are located in common mounting locations (e.g., steering column, instrument panel, seat back, and door). It would be desirable to provide an airbag configuration suitable for providing supplemental protection to occupants when seated in a facing orientation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to the present invention, there is provided an airbag assembly, comprising:

[0004] an airbag that, when inflated, has an upper portion at the roof and a lower portion above the floor and extends laterally across the vehicle interior;

[0005] roof-mounted tie straps on left and right sides of the upper portion; and

[0006] Guide straps at the left and right sides of the lower portion are connected to left and right guides that are slidably engaged with the first and second guide rails.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an airbag has a front panel and a rear panel connecting an upper portion and a lower portion, and the front panel and the rear panel have a fold in an uninflated position.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the folded portion is Z-shaped.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag has an inner cross strap between the front panel and the rear panel.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inflator is connected to the upper portion.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion is spaced apart from the upper portion by a distance substantially equal to the distance between the roof and the floor of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide members each comprise a displacement actuator.

[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided an airbag system comprising:

[0014] an airbag, the airbag having an upper portion at the roof and a lower portion above the floor when inflated and extending laterally across the vehicle interior;

[0015] a first roof-mounted draw strap on a first side of the upper portion;

[0016] a second roof-mounted tie strap on a second side of the upper portion;

[0017] a first guide rail laterally outward from a first side of the airbag;

[0018] a second guide rail laterally outward from a second side of the airbag;

[0019] a first guide member slidably engaged with the first guide track;

[0020] a second guide slidably engaged with the second guide track;

[0021] a first guide strap between the first guide member and the airbag; and

[0022] A second guide strap is provided between the second guide member and the airbag.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an airbag system has a displacement actuator fixed to a first guide and a second guide.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a retaining latch on each track at a location associated with the airbag when the airbag is inflated.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag has an inner cross strap.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inflator is connected to the upper portion.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag has a front panel and a rear panel connecting an upper portion and a lower portion, and the front panel and the rear panel have a folded portion in an uninflated position, and the folded portion is Z-shaped.

[0028] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising:

[0029] a roof comprising a first longitudinal rail oriented in the front-rear direction and a second longitudinal rail oriented in the front-rear direction;

[0030] a generally vertical pillar that abuts the roof rails and is located behind the front doors;

[0031] Airbag system, including:

[0032] an airbag that, when inflated, has an upper portion at the roof and a lower portion above the floor and extends laterally across the vehicle interior;

[0033] a first roof-mounted tie strap on a first side of the upper portion, the first roof-mounted tie strap connecting the upper portion to the first roof rail;

[0034] a second roof-mounted tie strap on a second side of the upper portion, the second roof-mounted tie strap connecting the upper portion to the second roof rail;

[0035] a first guide rail laterally outward from a first side of the airbag;

[0036] a second guide rail laterally outward from a second side of the airbag;

[0037] a first guide member slidably engaged with the first guide track;

[0038] a second guide slidably engaged with the second guide track;

[0039] a first guide strap on a first side of the lower portion between the first guide and the airbag; and

[0040] A second guide strap is provided on a second side of the lower portion between the second guide member and the airbag.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further includes a headliner having a tear seam that is substantially aligned with the airbag.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, each guide rail is fixed to one of the uprights.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a displacement actuator fixed to each guide.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a retaining latch on each track at a location associated with the airbag when the airbag is inflated.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag has an inner cross strap.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower portion is spaced apart from the upper portion when the airbag is inflated by a distance substantially equal to the distance between a roof of the vehicle and a floor of the vehicle.

[0047] According to the present invention, there is provided an airbag assembly, comprising:

[0048] an airbag that, when inflated, has an upper portion at the roof and a lower portion above the floor and extends laterally across the vehicle interior;

[0049] a first roof-mounted tie strap on the left side of the upper portion and a second roof-mounted tie strap on the right side of the upper portion; and

[0050] Guide straps at the left and right sides of the lower portion are connected to left and right guides that are slidably engaged with the first and second guide rails.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an airbag has a front panel and a rear panel connecting an upper portion and a lower portion, and the front panel and the rear panel have a fold in an uninflated position.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the folded portion is Z-shaped.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag has an inner cross strap between the front panel and the rear panel.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inflator is connected to the upper portion.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion is spaced apart from the upper portion by a distance substantially equal to the distance between the roof and the floor of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide members each comprise a displacement actuator.

[0057] According to the present invention, there is provided an airbag system comprising:

[0058] an airbag, the airbag having an upper portion at the roof and a lower portion above the floor when inflated and extending laterally across the vehicle interior;

[0059] a first roof-mounted draw strap on a first side of the upper portion;

[0060] a second roof-mounted tie strap on a second side of the upper portion;

[0061] a first guide rail laterally outward from a first side of the airbag;

[0062] a second guide rail laterally outward from a second side of the airbag;

[0063] a first guide member slidably engaged with the first guide track;

[0064] a second guide slidably engaged with the second guide track;

[0065] a first guide strap between the first guide member and the airbag; and

[0066] A second guide strap is provided between the second guide member and the airbag.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an airbag system has a displacement actuator fixed to a first guide and a second guide.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a retaining latch on each track at a location associated with the airbag when the airbag is inflated.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag has an inner cross strap.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inflator is connected to the upper portion.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag has a front panel and a rear panel connecting an upper portion and a lower portion, and the front panel and the rear panel have a folded portion in an uninflated position, and the folded portion is Z-shaped.

[0072] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising:

[0073] a roof comprising a first longitudinal rail oriented in the front-rear direction and a second longitudinal rail oriented in the front-rear direction;

[0074] a generally vertical pillar that abuts the roof rails and is located behind the front doors;

[0075] Airbag system, including:

[0076] an airbag that, when inflated, has an upper portion at the roof and a lower portion above the floor and extends laterally across the vehicle interior;

[0077] a first roof-mounted tie strap on a first side of the upper portion, the first roof-mounted tie strap connecting the upper portion to the first roof rail;

[0078] a second roof-mounted tie strap on a second side of the upper portion, the second roof-mounted tie strap connecting the upper portion to the second roof rail;

[0079] a first guide rail laterally outward from a first side of the airbag;

[0080] a second guide rail laterally outward from a second side of the airbag;

[0081] a first guide member slidably engaged with the first guide track;

[0082] a second guide slidably engaged with the second guide track;

[0083] a first guide strap on a first side of the lower portion between the first guide and the airbag; and

[0084] A second guide strap is provided on a second side of the lower portion between the second guide member and the airbag.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further includes a headliner having a tear seam that is substantially aligned with the airbag.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, each guide rail is fixed to one of the uprights.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a displacement actuator fixed to each guide.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a retaining latch on each track at a location associated with the airbag when the airbag is inflated.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag has an inner cross strap.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower portion is spaced apart from the upper portion when the airbag is inflated by a distance substantially equal to the distance between a roof of the vehicle and a floor of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle with an exemplary airbag in a non-deployed state;

[0092] Figure 2 is an exemplary airbag having an uninflated state Figure 1 a perspective view of a broken-away portion of an example vehicle looking toward a left rear door;

[0093] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a plan view of a disconnected portion of an example vehicle;

[0094] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the vehicle along the direction of arrow 4;

[0095] Figure 5 is an exemplary airbag having an inflated state Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle;

[0096] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary airbag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] In this description, relative orientations and directions (e.g., up, down, bottom, forward, rearward, front, rear, back, outboard, inboard, inward, outward, lateral, left, right) are not intended to be limiting, but rather to facilitate describing at least one embodiment of the described structure to the reader. Such example orientations are from the perspective of an occupant seated in a seat facing the instrument panel. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views.

[0098] An airbag assembly includes an airbag, a roof-mounted strap, a guide strap, and a guide member. When inflated, the airbag has an upper portion located on the roof and a lower portion located above the floor, extending laterally across the vehicle interior. The roof-mounted strap is located on the left and right sides of the upper portion. The guide straps on the left and right sides of the lower portion are connected to the left and right guide members. The guide members are slidably engaged with first and second guide rails.

[0099] The airbag may have a front panel and a rear panel connecting the upper portion and the lower portion. The front panel and the rear panel may have a fold in the uninflated position.

[0100] The folded portion of the airbag assembly may be Z-shaped.

[0101] The airbag may have an inner airbag cross strap between the front panel and the rear panel.

[0102] The airbag assembly may have an inflator connected to the upper portion.

[0103] When the airbag is inflated, the lower portion may be spaced apart from the upper portion by a distance that is substantially equal to the distance between the roof and the floor of the vehicle.

[0104] The guides may each include a displacement actuator.

[0105] An airbag system includes an airbag, a first roof-mounted strap, a second roof-mounted strap, a first guide rail, a second guide rail, a first guide member, a second guide member, the first guide rail, and the second guide rail. The inflated airbag has an upper portion located on the roof and a lower portion located above the floor, and extends laterally across the vehicle interior. The first roof-mounted strap is located on a first side of the upper portion. The second roof-mounted strap is located on a second side of the upper portion. The first guide rail is laterally outward from the first side of the airbag. The second guide rail is laterally outward from the second side of the airbag. The first guide member is slidably engaged with the first guide rail. The second guide member is slidably engaged with the second guide rail. The first guide rail is located between the first guide member and the airbag. The second guide rail is located between the second guide member and the airbag.

[0106] The airbag system may have a displacement actuator secured to the first and second guides.

[0107] The airbag system may have a retaining latch at a location on each track associated with the airbag when the airbag is inflated.

[0108] An airbag of an airbag system may have an inner cross strap of the airbag.

[0109] The airbag system may have an inflator connected to the upper portion.

[0110] An airbag of the airbag system may have a front panel and a rear panel connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, and the front panel and the rear panel may have a Z-fold in an uninflated position.

[0111] A vehicle includes a roof, a generally vertical pillar, and an airbag system. The roof includes a first longitudinal rail oriented in a front-to-rear direction and a second longitudinal rail oriented in a front-to-rear direction. The pillar abuts the roof rail and is located behind the front door. The airbag system includes an airbag, a first roof-mounted strap, a second roof-mounted strap, a first guide rail, a second guide rail, a first guide member, a second guide member, a first guide strap, and a second guide strap. When inflated, the airbag has an upper portion at the roof and a lower portion above the floor, and extends laterally across the vehicle interior. The first roof-mounted strap is located on a first side of the upper portion and connects the upper portion to the first roof rail. The second roof-mounted strap is located on a second side of the upper portion and connects the upper portion to the second roof rail. The first guide rail is laterally outward of the first side of the airbag. The second guide rail is laterally outward of the second side of the airbag. The first guide member is slidably engaged with the first guide rail. The second guide member is slidably engaged with the second guide rail. The first guide pull belt is located on a first side surface of the lower portion between the first guide member and the airbag. The second guide pull belt is located on a second side surface of the lower portion between the second guide member and the airbag.

[0112] The vehicle may include a headliner having a tear seam that is generally aligned with the airbag.

[0113] The vehicle may also have each guide rail secured to one of the uprights.

[0114] The vehicle may also have a displacement actuator fixed to each guide.

[0115] The vehicle may also have a retaining latch at a location on each track associated with the airbag when the airbag is inflated.

[0116] The vehicle's airbag may also have cross-straps within the airbag.

[0117] The vehicle's airbag may space the lower portion from the upper portion a distance substantially equal to the distance between the vehicle's roof and the vehicle's floor when the airbag is inflated.

[0118] like Figure 1-6 The illustrated exemplary roof-mounted airbag system 10 may be incorporated into a roof 12 of a vehicle 13. The airbag system 10 may include an exemplary airbag assembly 14, which in turn may include an exemplary airbag 15.

[0119] The vehicle 13 can operate in a non-autonomous mode, a semi-autonomous mode (i.e., a partially autonomous mode that requires some (i.e., occasional) human driver intervention), or a fully autonomous mode (i.e., a fully autonomous mode that does not require driver intervention). For the purposes of this disclosure, an autonomous mode is defined as one in which each of the propulsion (e.g., via a powertrain including an electric motor and / or an internal combustion engine), braking, and steering of the vehicle 13 is controlled by an autonomous vehicle controller (i.e., a computing device (or devices)); in a semi-autonomous mode, the controller controls one or two of the propulsion, braking, and steering of the vehicle 13.

[0120] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle 13 includes a body 16 defining a vehicle interior 18. The body 16 may include a roof 12, a floor 20, and a plurality of pillars 22 connecting the roof 12 to the floor 20. The body 16 may have a monocoque structure, a body-on-frame structure, or any other suitable structure.

[0121] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The roof 12 may include a longitudinally oriented left roof rail 24 and a longitudinally oriented right roof rail 25, both oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The roof may also include a cross member 26 that is transverse to and connects the roof rails 24, 25, and a roof panel 28 supported on the cross member 26 and the roof rails 24, 25. The roof 12 may support the airbag 15. For example, the airbag 15 may be connected to the roof rails 24, 25, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 、 2 , 4 and 5. The airbag 15 can be away from the roof 12 (for example, in a downward vertical direction, such as Figure 4 Inflate to the direction of arrow C) Figure 5 Inflated (ie, deployed) position shown.

[0122] The floor 20 may include a plurality of beams (not shown) and floor panels 32 supported on the beams. The floor 20 may include decoration (eg, carpet, trim, etc.) supported on the floor panels 32.

[0123] The vehicle interior 18 may include one or more seats 34. The seats 34 may have associated seat bottoms 33. The seat bottoms are supported by and connected to the floor 20. The cushioning surface 31 of the seat bottoms may be a distance D above the floor 20. The exemplary vehicle 13 shown shows four seats 34. However, the vehicle 13 may include any suitable number of seats 34 and may be arranged in any suitable arrangement. The seats 34 may be, for example, bucket seats, bench seats, child seats, booster seats, or any other suitable type of seat. The seats 34 may be mounted in a fixed position secured to the floor 20. Alternatively, the seats 34 may be movable relative to the floor 20 of the vehicle 13 (e.g., in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 13, in a lateral direction of the vehicle 13). The seats 34 may be rotatable about an axis transverse to the floor 20.

[0124] During autonomous operation of the vehicle 13, the occupants 35 of the vehicle 13 can rotate their seats 34 to face each other. The exemplary airbags 15, when in the inflated position (i.e., when inflated), can reduce the likelihood of the facing occupants 35 colliding with each other. When the seats 34 are facing each other, the airbags 15 can limit the movement of the occupants 35 toward each other.

[0125] The airbag defines an exemplary cavity 36. The cavity 36 of the airbag 15 may be defined between an upper portion 39 of the airbag 15 and a lower portion 41 of the airbag 15. The upper portion 39 may be in the form of a top panel 38. The lower portion 41 may be provided by a bottom surface 40.

[0126] The top panel 38 may be rectangular in shape in both the inflated and deflated positions (ie, the stored or undeployed position). The cavity 36 may be further defined by a connecting panel disposed between the top panel 38 and the bottom surface 40 .

[0127] Bottom surface 40 may be defined in any suitable manner, including by a bottom panel 43, surrounding panels defining a front panel 42, bottom panel 43, and a back panel 44. A seam (not shown) may connect front panel 42 and back panel 44.

[0128] The connecting panels may include a front panel 42 and a rear panel 44. The connecting panels may also include an intermediate connecting panel (e.g., a side panel 46) disposed between the front panel 42 and the rear panel 44. The side panels 46 may also be connected to the top panel 38 and the bottom surface 40. The front panel may have an upper edge 47 that joins the top panel 38. The rear panel 44 may similarly have an upper edge 48 that joins the top panel 38. The front panel may have a lower edge (not shown) at the bottom surface 40 and opposite the top panel 38. The rear panel may also have a lower edge (not shown) at the bottom surface and opposite the top panel 38. When a separate (i.e., partitioned) bottom panel 43 is provided, the lower edge may join the bottom panel 43. Alternatively, the lower edges of the panels 42 and 44 may join together to form the bottom surface 40. Alternatively, there may be no distinct (i.e., easily noticeable) upper or lower edges. The cavity 36 of the airbag 15 may be undivided, i.e., without inner walls or discrete, independent chambers.

[0129] Figure 6 A plurality of in-airbag cross straps 49 shown in FIG. 4 may be provided within the airbag 15 , with the straps 49 helping to define the shape of the airbag 15 in the inflated position.

[0130] The airbag 15 may have a fold 50 in the connecting panel. For example, the front panel 42, the rear panel 44, and the side panel 46 may each have a fold 50. The fold 50 may be zigzag-shaped, Z-shaped, or the like. A Z-shaped fold may include one or more Z-shaped folds 50 connected in series in a portion of the fold 50.

[0131] The airbag 15 can be formed from a braided polymer or any other material. As an example, the airbag 15 can be formed from braided nylon yarn (e.g., nylon 6-6). Other examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, etc. The braided polymer can include a coating such as silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, etc. For example, the coating can be polyorganosiloxane.

[0132] In addition to the airbag 15 , the airbag assembly 14 may further include a mounting strap 51 , a guide strap 52 , and a guide member 54 .

[0133] Each mounting strap 51 can be secured to an outer (i.e., lateral) edge of the roof panel 38. An exemplary number of mounting straps 51 is four, with one strap 51 located at each corner of the roof panel 38. Each mounting strap 51 can be connected to one of the roof rails 24, 25, thereby connecting the roof panel 38 to the roof 12. The strap 51 can be formed from the same material as the airbag 15 and can be sewn to the airbag 15 at one end. The strap 51 can also include a metal part (not shown) that facilitates engagement of the strap 51 with the associated rail, such as a buckle secured to the fabric portion of the strap and a screw or other suitable fastener (e.g., a rivet, Christmas tree clip, etc.) that passes through the buckle and engages the associated rail 24, 25.

[0134] The guide strap 52 can be connected to the lower end of the airbag 15, such as the bottom surface 40 or the end of the side panel 46 opposite the top panel 38. An example number of guides 54 and guide straps 52 is two, one on each of the left and right sides (i.e., the sides) of the airbag 15. The straps 52 can be formed from the same material as the airbag 15 and can be sewn to the lower end of the airbag 15. Each guide strap 52 is also connected to one of the guides 54, thereby being between each guide 54 and the lower end of the airbag 15 and connecting each guide 54 to the lower end of the airbag 15. Each guide 54 is slidably disposed in or on its own guide track 56.

[0135] The guide rails 56 are complementary in shape to their respective guide members 54 and slidably receive their respective guide members 54. The rails 56 can be mirror images of each other. As an example, each rail 56 can be a C-shaped or T-shaped rail (i.e., a channel) with a constant cross-section, or a rod or rail. The guide rails 56 can be disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle 13 and can be secured to one of the generally vertical pillars 22 (e.g., the B-pillar located behind the front door). The guide rails 56 are located to the side of the airbag 15 and can be located on the outside of the airbag 15.

[0136] One of the track 56 and the guide 54 may include a guide retaining latch 58 that provides engagement between the track and the guide 54 to prevent the guide from returning to its initial position adjacent the roof 12. Figure 4 As shown, the exemplary guide retention latch 58 may include hinge plates 60 biased into an engaged position by leaf springs 62 .

[0137] The guide 54 may be in slidable engagement, i.e., slidably disposed in or over the track 56. The guide 54 may also include a displacement actuator 66 fixed to or integrated into the guide 54. The displacement actuator 66 may be a jet-type pyrotechnic (pyro) actuator that, when activated, is biased in a downward direction by rapid expansion of gas therein to escape from the end toward the roof 12.

[0138] An inflator 68 can be connected to the airbag 15. The inflator 68 inflates the cavity 36 with an inflation medium (e.g., a gas). The inflator 68 can be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to drive the inflation medium into the cavity 36. Alternatively, the inflator 68 can be, for example, a cryogenic gas inflator that, when activated, ignites a pyrotechnic charge to create an opening for releasing pressurized inflation medium (e.g., helium, argon) into the cavity 36 directly or, optionally, via a fill tube (not shown) between the inflator 68 and the cavity 36. Alternatively, the inflator 68 can be of any suitable type, such as a hybrid inflator.

[0139] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the inflator 68 can be supported on or reacted against any of the roof rails 24, 25 or cross member 26. Alternatively, the inflator 68 can be supported by the pillar 22 or the roof rails 24, 25. Still alternatively, the inflator 68 can be disposed within the air bag 15. For exemplary purposes, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the inflator 68 is mounted inside the airbag 15 at the top panel 38 of the airbag 15. The airbag 15 can be configured to mount the inflator 68 to the top panel 38 of the airbag 15, and the airbag 15 can alternatively be configured to space the inflator 68 from the airbag 15.

[0140] When the inflator 68 is not disposed within the interior of the airbag 15, one or more fill tubes (not shown) may be incorporated into the system 10 to extend from a port (not shown) provided by the inflator 68 to a connection point (not shown) that connects to the cavity 36 of the airbag 15. The port may be in communication with the cavity 36 via the fill tube connected to the connection point. The one or more fill tubes may be formed from any suitable high-strength, flexible material, such as nitrile rubber, nylon, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and the like.

[0141] refer to Figure 1-4 In the uninflated position, the air bag 15 (particularly the front and rear panels 42, 44, and the side panels 46, when included) can be folded into the compact space between the roof panel 28 and the headliner 70. For example, in the uninflated position, the top panel 38 and the bottom surface 40 can extend laterally between the side rails 24, 25. The panels 42, 44, and 46 are folded together by a fold 50 disposed between the top panel 38 and the bottom surface 40.

[0142] refer to Figure 5 , the airbag 15 can extend a length L from the roof 12. For example, the distance L can extend from the roof 12 to the floor 20 of the vehicle 13; that is, the lower portion 41 can be spaced apart from the upper portion 39 by a distance L. In other words, the airbag 15 can extend from the roof 12 to the floor 20 in the inflated position. Specifically, as Figure 5 As shown, the connecting panels including the front panel 42 , the rear panel 44 , and the side panels 46 may extend from the roof 12 to the floor 20 .

[0143] like Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle 13 may include a headliner 70 adjacent to the roof 12. The airbag 15 may be positioned between the roof 12 and the headliner 70. The headliner 70 may define a tear seam 72 that is generally aligned with (i.e., substantially aligned with) the airbag 15. The tear seam 72 may extend across the entire width of the headliner 70. Upon inflation of the airbag 15, the airbag 15 may rupture the headliner 70 at the tear seam 72 and protrude outward from the headliner 70 to the inflated position. Furthermore, the airbag 15 may be covered by a cover (not shown) positioned between the roof 28 and the headliner 70. The cover may protect the airbag 15 from wear and tear in the uninflated position.

[0144] As further explained below, the airbag 15 may be provided as follows: Figure 1-4 Inflate to the uninflated position shown. Figure 5-6 The inflated position is shown. This inflation may occur in response to a vehicle collision. The airbag 15 in the inflated position may absorb energy from the occupant 35 during a vehicle collision, and thus, the airbag 15 in the inflated position may reduce the likelihood that the occupant 35 will impact other occupants 35 and / or components of the vehicle interior 18. When the occupant 35 impacts the airbag 15, the airbag 15 may absorb energy from the occupant 35 and the airbag 15 may limit movement of the occupants 35 toward each other.

[0145] As shown, the airbag 15 can be inflated to the inflated position away from the roof 12. Specifically, in the inflated position, the front panel 42, the rear panel 44, the side panels 46 and the airbag cavity 36 extend along a curved path defined by the track 56.

[0146] The exemplary airbag system 10 can operate as follows. A sensor (not shown) can provide a crash data signal to a vehicle controller in response to a vehicle collision. The vehicle controller can provide an activation signal to the inflator 68 in response to the crash data signal. In response to the activation signal, the inflator 68 releases gas into the cavity 36. As the amount of gas released into the cavity 36 increases, the pressure within the airbag 15 increases, causing the airbag 15 to inflate. As the airbag 15 inflates, it reacts against the roof 12 and the headliner 70. When a predetermined airbag force is reached in the space between the roof 12 and the headliner 70, the tear seam 72 of the headliner 70 can rupture (i.e., open), allowing the airbag 15 to inflate beyond the headliner and into the vehicle interior 18. When the airbag 15 inflates, the fold 50 in the connecting panels (i.e., the front panel 42, the rear panel 44, and the side panels 46 (if included)) unfolds, allowing the panels 42, 44, and 46 to straighten.

[0147] The guide 54 disposed in the track 56 is initially disposed at a position A at or near the top of the track 56. As the panels 42, 44, 46 straighten, the guide 54 moves along the track 56. Figure 4 The guide 54 moves downward in the direction of arrow E. When equipped with a displacement actuator 66, the guide 54 can help move the bottom surface 40 of the airbag 15 toward the floor 20. As the guide 54 passes the latch 58 and reaches position B, the hinge plate 60 is moved to the locked position by the leaf spring 62. In the locked position B, the guide 54 is prevented from moving upward toward position A. The track 56 may also include end stops (not shown) to prevent the guide 54 from translating beyond the ends of the track 56. The latch 58 on the bottom surface resists any upward force that may be generated by any occupant striking the panels 42, 44, 46 during a collision, while the bottom surface 40, constrained by the latch 58, resists any tendency to move upward in response to any occupant 35 striking the airbag 15. The mounting strap 51 resists any downward force, thereby retaining the top panel 38 against the vehicle roof 12. The fully extended and inflated airbag 15 provides a protective curtain between facing occupants 35.

[0148] With lower portion 41 restrained by latch 58 and not elevated above cushion surface 31, air bag 15 prevents occupants 35 from colliding with one another during a collision. Keeping lower portion 41 elevated above cushion surface prevents not only the occupant's upper body but also the occupant's 35 lower extremities (e.g., feet and knees) from contacting a facing occupant 35 during a collision.

[0149] As used herein, the adverb “substantially” means that the shape, structure, measurement, quantity, time, etc. may deviate from the precisely described geometry, distance, measurement, quantity, time, etc. due to defects in materials, processing, manufacturing, data transmission, computing speed, etc.

[0150] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

Claims

1. An airbag assembly adapted to provide supplemental protection to passengers when seated in a facing orientation, comprising: an airbag that, when inflated, has an upper portion at the roof and a lower portion above the floor and extends laterally across the vehicle interior; roof-mounted drawstrings on left and right sides of the upper portion; guide drawstrings at the left and right sides of the lower portion, the guide drawstrings connected to the left and right guides; a first guide track outboard of a first lateral side of the airbag; as well as a second guide track outboard of a second lateral side of the airbag; Wherein, the left guide member and the right guide member are slidably engaged with the first guide rail and the second guide rail. 2 . The airbag assembly of claim 1 , wherein the airbag has a front panel and a rear panel connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, and the front panel and the rear panel have folds in an uninflated position. 3 . The airbag assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the folded portion is Z-shaped. 4 . The airbag assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the airbag has an inner cross strap between the front panel and the rear panel.

5. The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein an inflator is connected to the upper portion. 6 . The airbag assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion is spaced apart from the upper portion by a distance substantially equal to a distance between the vehicle roof and the floor when the airbag is inflated.

7. The airbag assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the guide members each comprise a displacement actuator.

8. An air bag system adapted to provide supplemental protection to occupants when seated in a facing orientation, comprising: an airbag having an upper portion at the roof and a lower portion above the floor when inflated and extending laterally across the vehicle interior; a first roof-mounted strap on a first lateral side of the upper portion; a second roof-mounted strap on a second lateral side of the upper portion; a first guide track outboard of a first lateral side of the airbag; a second guide track outboard of a second lateral side of the airbag; a first guide member slidably engaged with the first guide track; a second guide slidably engaged with the second guide track; a first guide strap between the first guide member and the airbag; and A second guide strap is provided between the second guide member and the airbag.

9. The airbag system of claim 8, wherein the airbag has an inner cross strap.

10. The airbag system of claim 8, wherein an inflator is connected to the upper portion.

11. The airbag system of claim 8, wherein the airbag has a front panel and a rear panel connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, and the front panel and the rear panel have a fold in an uninflated position, and the fold is Z-shaped.

12. The airbag system of claim 8, further comprising a headliner having a tear seam generally aligned with the airbag.

13. The airbag system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, having a displacement actuator fixed to each of the guide members.

14. The airbag system of claim 13 having a retaining latch on each track at a location associated with the airbag when the airbag is inflated.

15. The airbag system of claim 14, wherein the lower portion is spaced apart from the upper portion when the airbag is inflated by a distance substantially equal to a distance between the roof of the vehicle and the floor of the vehicle.

16. A vehicle comprising: a roof comprising a first longitudinal rail oriented in the fore-aft direction and a second longitudinal rail oriented in the fore-aft direction; a generally vertical pillar that abuts the roof rails and is positioned behind the front doors; An air bag system adapted to provide supplemental restraint to occupants when seated in a facing orientation, comprising: an airbag having an upper portion at the vehicle roof and a lower portion above the floor and extending laterally across the vehicle interior when inflated; a first roof-mounting tie strap on a first lateral side of the upper portion, the first roof-mounting tie strap connecting the upper portion to the first roof rail; a second roof-mounting tie strap on a second lateral side of the upper portion, the second roof-mounting tie strap connecting the upper portion to the second roof rail; a first guide track outboard of a first lateral side of the airbag; a second guide track outboard of a second lateral side of the airbag; a first guide member slidably engaged with the first guide track; a second guide slidably engaged with the second guide track; a first guide strap on a first lateral side of the lower portion between the first guide and the airbag; and A second guide strap is provided on a second lateral side of the lower portion between the second guide and the airbag.

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