Roof-mounted airbag

Abstract

A system includes a roof and an airbag supported by the roof. The airbag is inflatable away from the roof to an inflated position. The airbag includes a top end proximate the roof. The airbag includes a first leg inflatable from the top end to an end portion, and a second leg inflatable away from the top end to an end portion spaced apart from the end portion of the first leg. The airbag includes a bottom portion spaced apart from the top end and inflatable to the inflated position. The bottom portion extends from the end portion of the first leg to the end portion of the second leg.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle airbags, and more particularly to a roof-mounted airbag. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle can include amenities that allow occupants to face each other during operation of the vehicle. As one example, an autonomous vehicle can operate autonomously, allowing occupants of the vehicle to ride in the vehicle without monitoring operation of the vehicle. In particular, an autonomous vehicle can include seats that are free to rotate during operation of the vehicle. This can allow occupants of the seats to face each other and interact.

[0003] During a vehicle collision, occupants can move in a direction influenced by momentum of the vehicle. In a frontal vehicle collision, an occupant of a rear seat can move toward an occupant of a front seat, and the occupant of the front seat can impact the front seat and rebound back toward the occupant of the rear seat. This motion can bring the occupant of the rear seat into contact with the occupant of the front seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having an airbag assembly supported by a roof in an uninflated position.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle with an airbag assembly in an inflated position, the airbag assembly including first and second legs each extending from a roof to a base portion.

[0006] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an airbag assembly in a position between an uninflated position and an inflated position.

[0007] FIG. 3B is FIG. 3A a perspective view of an embodiment of the airbag assembly of

[0008] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of an airbag assembly in a position between an uninflated position and an inflated position, the airbag assembly including a plurality of seams.

[0009] FIG. 4B is FIG. 4A a perspective view of an embodiment of the airbag assembly of

[0010] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of an airbag assembly in a position between an uninflated position and an inflated position, with a plurality of tethers extending from a first leg of the airbag to a second leg.

[0011] FIG. 5B is FIG. 5AA perspective view of an embodiment of a safety airbag assembly in an inflated position in which a plurality of tethers extend from an outer surface of a first leg to an outer surface of a second leg.

[0012] FIG. 5C A perspective view of an embodiment of a safety airbag assembly in an inflated position in which a tether extends from an inner surface of a first leg to an inner surface of a second leg. FIG. 5A A perspective view of an embodiment of a safety airbag assembly in an inflated position in which a tether extends from an inner surface of a first leg to an inner surface of a second leg.

[0013] FIG. 6A A perspective view of another embodiment of a safety airbag assembly in a position between an uninflated position and an inflated position, the safety airbag assembly including a seal extending across a first leg of the safety airbag.

[0014] FIG. 6B A perspective view of an embodiment of a safety airbag assembly in an inflated position in which a tether extends from an inner surface of a first leg to an inner surface of a second leg. FIG. 6A A perspective view of an embodiment of a safety airbag assembly in an inflated position in which a tether extends from an inner surface of a first leg to an inner surface of a second leg.

[0015] FIG. 7 A flowchart of an inflation system of a vehicle. SUMMARY

[0016] A system includes a roof and a safety airbag supported by the roof. The safety airbag is inflatable away from the roof to an inflated position. The safety airbag includes a top end proximate the roof, a first leg inflatable away from the top end to an end, and a second leg inflatable away from the top end to an end spaced apart from the end of the first leg. The safety airbag includes a bottom portion spaced apart from the top end and inflatable to the inflated position. The bottom portion extends from the end of the first leg to the end of the second leg.

[0017] The safety airbag can include edges spaced apart from one another along an axis. The edges can extend from the top end to the bottom portion. The edges in the inflated position can taper along the axis from the bottom portion to the top end.

[0018] The system can include a body having two sides spaced apart from one another along the axis. The two sides of the body can support the roof. The edges of the safety airbag in the inflated position can abut the sides of the body.

[0019] The first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion can define an opening therebetween. The opening can extend along the axis from one edge of the safety airbag to another edge.

[0020] The safety airbag can define an inflation chamber extending continuously around the opening.

[0021] The airbag can define an inflation chamber extending continuously around the opening.

[0022] The airbag can include a plurality of tethers extending from the first leg to the second leg across the opening. The plurality of tethers can elongate along the axis from one edge to the other edge.

[0023] The airbag can include a plurality of seams. The plurality of seams can extend along each of the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion around the opening.

[0024] The first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion can define an opening therebetween. The opening can extend in a vehicle transverse direction. The first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion can curve around the opening.

[0025] The system can include a front seat and a rear seat spaced apart from the front seat. The airbag in the inflated position can be disposed between the front seat and the rear seat.

[0026] The first leg and the second leg can extend oblique to each of the roof and the bottom portion.

[0027] The airbag assembly can include a base and an airbag supported by the base. The airbag can inflate to an inflated position. The airbag can include a top end adjacent the base, a first leg inflatable away from the top end to an end portion, and a second leg inflatable away from the top end to an end portion spaced apart from the end portion of the first leg. The first leg can be directly connected to the second leg at the top end. The airbag can include a bottom portion spaced apart from the top end and inflatable to the inflated position. The bottom portion can extend from the end portion of the first leg to the end portion of the second leg.

[0028] The airbag can include edges spaced apart from each other along an axis. The edges can extend from the top end to the bottom portion. The edges in the inflated position can taper along the axis from the bottom portion to the top end.

[0029] The first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion can define an opening therebetween. The opening can extend along the axis from one edge of the airbag to the other edge. The first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion can curve around the opening.

[0030] The airbag can define an inflation chamber extending continuously around the opening.

[0031] The airbag can define an inflation chamber extending partially around the opening.

[0032] The airbag may include a plurality of tethers extending across the opening from the first leg to the second leg. The plurality of tethers may extend along the axis from one edge to the other.

[0033] The airbag may include multiple seams. The multiple seams may extend around an opening along each of the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Referring to the accompanying drawings, which show the same reference numerals indicating the same parts throughout several views, a vehicle 10 is generally shown. The vehicle 10 includes: a front seat 12; a rear seat 14 spaced apart from the front seat 12 in the fore-aft direction Df; a roof 16; and airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318, which are supported by the roof 16. During a vehicle collision, the airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 can be positioned away from the roof 16 at their uninflated position. FIG. 1 (As shown) Expand to the expansion position (e.g.) FIG. 2 , FIG. 3B , FIG. 4B , FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B (As shown). In FIG. 3A , FIG. 4A , FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A The diagram shows the position between the uninflated and inflated positions. During a vehicle collision, occupants can be propelled into the inflated positions of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318. During a frontal collision, airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 provide coverage to absorb energy from the lower body and torso of the occupant. During these types of collisions, airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 can slow or prevent an occupant (e.g., the occupant's head) from impacting another occupant and / or vehicle components.

[0035] Specifically, airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 include a top portion 20, a first support leg 22, a second support leg 24, and a bottom portion 26. The top portion 20 is adjacent to the roof 16. The first support leg 22 can inflate from the top portion 20 to an end portion 28 to the inflated position. The second support leg 24 can inflate from the top portion 20 to an end portion 30 to the inflated position, the end portion 30 being spaced apart from the end portion 28 of the first support leg 22. The bottom portion 26 extends from the end portion 28 of the first support leg 22 to the end portion 30 of the second support leg 24. The bottom portion 26 is spaced apart from the top portion 20 and can inflate to the inflated position. When airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 inflate from the uninflated position to the inflated position, the first support leg 22 and the second support leg 24 can extend from the top portion 20 away from the roof 16, for example, toward the rear seat 14 and the front seat 12, respectively. The bottom portion 26 of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 can slow or prevent the lower body of the occupant of the rear seat 14 from moving away from the rear seat 14, for example, toward the roof 16. The first extension 22 of airbag 18 can slow or prevent the torso of the occupant of the rear seat 14 from moving away from the rear seat 14 in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction Df. In other words, the first extension 22 of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 can slow or prevent the occupant of the rear seat 14 from impacting the occupant of the front seat 12 or other vehicle components. By extending between the front and rear seats 14, airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 absorb energy from the occupant of the rear seat 14 and can help prevent the occupant of the rear seat 14 from impacting the occupant of the front seat 12 or other vehicle components during a frontal collision, which reduces the Head Injury Index (HIC). The HIC formula is standardized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

[0036] For example, vehicle 10 can be any suitable type of automobile. For example, vehicle 10 can be an autonomous vehicle. In this case, vehicle 10 may allow the elimination of a steering wheel. For example, FIG. 1 The vehicle 10 shown does not include a steering wheel. The vehicle 10 may have a computer (not shown) that can control the operation of the vehicle 10 in autonomous mode, semi-autonomous mode, and / or non-autonomous mode. Autonomous mode is defined as a mode in which each of the vehicle's propulsion, braking, and steering is controlled by the computer; in semi-autonomous mode, the computer controls one or both of the vehicle's propulsion, braking, and steering; in non-autonomous mode, the operator controls the vehicle's propulsion, braking, and steering.

[0037] Vehicle 10 may include two sides 32, 34 spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction Dc (i.e., laterally to the longitudinal direction Df). Sides 32, 34 of vehicle 10 may extend in the longitudinal direction Df. Each side 32, 34 of vehicle 10 may be similar to or identical to each other.

[0038] like FIG. 1As shown, vehicle 10 includes a passenger compartment 36 for accommodating occupants (if any) of vehicle 10. Passenger compartment 36 includes one or more front seats 12 located at the front (unnumbered) of passenger compartment 36 and one or more rear seats 14 spaced apart from the front seats 12, for example, in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Df. The rear seats 14 may, for example, be located behind the front seats 12 in passenger compartment 36. Passenger compartment 36 may also include a third row of seats (not shown) located at the rear (unnumbered) of passenger compartment 36, in which case the front seats 12 may be a second row of seats (unnumbered) as a replacement or supplement to the front seats 12. The front seats 12 and rear seats 14 may be seats of the same or different types. The front seats 12 and rear seats 14 may be any suitable type of seat. The front seats 12 may be, for example, bucket seats, while the rear seats 14 may be, for example, bench seats, such as... FIG. 1 As shown.

[0039] Continue to refer to FIG. 1 The seats (i.e., the front seat 12 and the rear seat 14) may include a seat base 38 and a seat back 40. The seat back 40 may be supported by the seat base 38 and may extend upward from the seat base 38. The seat back 40 may be fixed or movable relative to the seat base 38. The seat back 40 and / or the seat base 38 may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, the seat back 40 and / or the seat base 38 may themselves be adjustable; in other words, they may have adjustable components within themselves and / or be adjustable relative to each other.

[0040] Vehicle 10 may include a body 42 having a roof 16, a floor 44 spaced apart from the roof 16, and a plurality of pillars 46, 48 extending from the roof 16 to the floor 44. For example, pillars 46, 48 may include A-pillars 46 and C-pillars 48 spaced apart from the A-pillars 46. In this configuration, as shown, body 42 does not include a B-pillar located between the A-pillars 46 and the C-pillars 48. Alternatively, body 42 may include a B-pillar located between the A-pillars 46 and the C-pillars 48. The roof 16 and floor 44 may each extend across the passenger compartment 36, i.e., from one side 32 of vehicle 10 to the other side 34 of vehicle 10. The roof 16 may be supported by the sides 32, 34 of vehicle 10, for example, the roof 16 may be fixed to each side 32, 34 of vehicle 10.

[0041] The roof 16 can support a roof liner (not shown) extending from one side 32 of the vehicle 10 to the other side 34 of the vehicle 10. Airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318, when in the uninflated position, can be positioned between the roof 16 and the roof liner. The roof liner may have a tear seam (not shown) to allow the airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 to penetrate the roof liner when they inflate from the uninflated position to the inflated position. The tear seam may be adjacent to the airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 in the uninflated position.

[0042] Vehicle 10 may include a passenger restraint system 50, which includes a roof 16 and airbag assemblies 52, 152, 252, and 352, each including airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318. The roof 16 supports the airbag assemblies 52, 152, 252, and 352, specifically, it supports airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 when they are inflated. The airbag assemblies 52, 152, 252, and 352 may be mounted on the roof 16, as described below.

[0043] Airbag assemblies 52, 152, 252, and 352 may include a base 54 attached to the roof 16 and supporting airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318. The base 54 may be flat. As another example, the base 54 may include a chamber (not shown) that can accommodate airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 in their uninflated position and support airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 in their inflated position on the roof 16. In other words, the base 54 may be a housing (not labeled). The base 54 may include, for example, clips, panels, etc., to attach airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318, and airbag assemblies 52, 152, 252, and 352, to the roof 16.

[0044] The base 54 may include two sides 56, 58 spaced apart from each other in the vehicle lateral direction Dc (e.g., from one side 32 of the vehicle 10 to the other side 34 of the vehicle 10). The base 54 may extend from one side 56 to the other side 58, for example, in the vehicle lateral direction Dc. For example, one side 56 of the base 54 may be adjacent to one side 32 of the vehicle 10, while the other side 58 of the base 54 may be adjacent to the other side 34 of the vehicle 10, such as... FIG. 1 As shown.

[0045] The base 54 may be disposed between the front seat 12 and the rear seat 14. In other words, the airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 in the inflated position may be disposed between the two rows of seats. For example, the airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318, when inflated, may extend from the base 54 toward each row of seats, i.e., the front seat 12 and the rear seat 14, as further described below.

[0046] Airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 may be formed from any suitable type of one or more materials. Airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 may be formed from any suitable airbag material (e.g., a woven polymer). For example, airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 may 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 may include a coating such as silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, etc. For example, the coating may be a polysiloxane.

[0047] Airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 may comprise multiple segments, i.e., two or more segments, which are formed individually and subsequently attached together, for example, by stitching, welding, or adhesion. As another example, airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 may be a single continuous unit, for example, initially woven as a single piece of fabric. Airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 may have a generally triangular shape.

[0048] As further described below, in FIGS. 3A-6B Several embodiments of airbag assemblies 52, 152, 252, and 352 are shown in each of them. FIGS. 2-3B In the illustrated embodiment, the first leg 22, the second leg 24, and the bottom portion 26 of the airbag 18 can inflate to the inflated position. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the airbag 118 may include a plurality of seams extending along each of the first leg 22, the second leg 24, and the bottom portion 26. FIGS. 5A-5C In the illustrated embodiment, the airbag 218 may include a plurality of tethers extending from the first outrigger 22 to the second outrigger 24 and extending in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B In the illustrated embodiment, the first leg 22 of the airbag 318 can be partially inflated to the inflated position. Common reference numerals are used to identify common features in the embodiments.

[0049] refer to FIGS. 2-3BThe first leg 22, when in the inflated position, can extend along a first direction D1, for example, from the roof 16 toward the rear seat 14. The first leg 22 can extend, for example, at an angle to each of the roof 16 (i.e., the base 54) and the bottom portion 26 of the airbag 18. In other words, the first leg 22 can extend at an angle that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to each of the roof 16 and the bottom portion 26. The first leg 22 extends in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle. When in the inflated position, the first leg 22 can, for example, face the rear seat 14 (e.g., an occupant in the rear seat 14). During a frontal collision, the first leg 22 can receive and be impacted by the occupant of the rear seat 14. For example, the momentum of the occupant during a frontal collision can push the occupant into the first leg 22 of the airbag 18.

[0050] Continue to refer to FIGS. 2-3B The first leg 22 may extend from the top end 20 to the end 28 of the first leg 22. In other words, the end 28 of the first leg 22 may be spaced apart from the top end 20 in a first direction D1. For example, the end 28 of the first leg 22 may be located between the rear seat 14 and the top end 20.

[0051] Continue to refer to FIGS. 2-3B When in the inflated position, the second leg 24 may extend laterally to a second direction D2, transverse to the first direction D1, for example, from the roof 16 toward the front seat 12. The second leg 24 may extend, for example, at an angle to each of the roof 16 (i.e., the base 54) and the bottom portion 26 of the airbag 18. In other words, the second leg 24 may extend at an angle neither parallel nor perpendicular to each of the roof 16 and the bottom portion 26. The second leg 24 extends in the vehicle's transverse direction Dc. When in the inflated position, the first leg 24 may face, for example, the front seat 12 (e.g., the occupant in the front seat 12).

[0052] Continue to refer to FIGS. 2-3B The second leg 24 can extend from the top end 20 to the end 30 of the second leg 24. In other words, the end 30 of the second leg 24 can be spaced apart from the top end 20 in the second direction D2 and spaced apart from the end 28 of the first leg 22 in the vehicle longitudinal direction Df. For example, the end 30 of the second leg 24 can be located between the front seat 12 and the top end 20.

[0053] refer to FIG. 2The bottom portion 26 extends in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle. In the lateral direction Dc, the bottom portion 26 may be wider than the top portion 20. In the lateral direction Dc, the bottom portion 26 may extend further than the top portion 20. In the longitudinal direction Df, the bottom portion 26 may extend from the first leg 22 to the second leg 24. For example, the bottom portion 26 may be positioned between and towards each row of seats (e.g., front seats 12 and rear seats 14). When in the inflated position, the bottom portion 26 is adjacent to the lower body of the occupant in the rear seat 14. In other words, the lower body of the occupant is positioned between the bottom portion 26 of the airbag 18 and the seat bottom 38 of the rear seat 14.

[0054] The bottom portion 26 is attached to the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 of the airbag 18. Specifically, the bottom portion 26 may be attached to the end 28 of the first leg 22 and the end 30 of the second leg 24. The bottom portion 26 may be attached to each end 28, 30 by any suitable method, such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, etc. The airbag 18 may be angular or rounded when transitioning from the bottom portion 26 to each of the first leg 22 and the second leg 24.

[0055] refer to FIGS. 3A-3B The top end 20 may extend along the base 54, for example, in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle. As described above, the top end 20 may be attached to the base 54. The first leg 22 and the second leg 24 may converge at the top end 20. For example, the first leg 22 may be directly connected (e.g., without intermediate parts) to the second leg 24 at the top end 20. The first leg 22 may be directly connected to the second leg 24 by any suitable means, such as stitching, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0056] refer to FIG. 3A The airbag 18 includes edges 60, 62 spaced apart from each other along axis A. Axis A may extend, for example, in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle. Edges 60, 62 may extend from the top 20 of the airbag 18 to the bottom portion 26. For example, each edge 60, 62 may extend from the top 20 to the bottom portion 26 along the first support leg 22 and along the second support leg 24.

[0057] refer to FIG. 2One edge 60 may be adjacent to one side 32 of the vehicle 10, while another edge 62 may be adjacent to another side 34 of the vehicle 10. Edges 60 and 62 may taper from the bottom portion 26 to the top portion 20 along axis A, i.e., in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle. In other words, in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle, the bottom portion 26 may be wider than the top portion 20, i.e., along axis A, the bottom portion 26 may extend further than the top portion 20. For example, in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle, edges 60 and 62 are spaced further apart from each other along the bottom portion 26 than the sides 32 and 34 of the vehicle 10. In this case, when the airbag 18 is in the inflated position, the edges 60 and 62 of the airbag 18 are adjacent to the sides 32 and 34 of the vehicle 10. The edges 60 and 62 of the airbag 18 may, for example, be adjacent to vehicle components on each side 32 and 34 of the vehicle 10, such as door trim, windows, etc. Alternatively, when the vehicle body includes a B-pillar, the edges 60, 62 of the airbag 18 may be adjacent to the B-pillar on each side 32, 34 of the vehicle 10.

[0058] The edges 60, 62 of the airbag 18 are adjacent to the sides 32, 34 of the vehicle 10, such that when an occupant impacts the airbag 18 during a frontal collision, the sides 32, 34 of the vehicle 10 prevent the airbag 18 from pivoting about the top 20, i.e., from moving in the longitudinal direction Df. In other words, when in the inflated position, the sides 32, 34 of the vehicle 10 can exert a force (not shown) on the airbag 18 greater than the impact force (not shown) of an occupant impacting the airbag 18, which prevents the airbag 18 from moving during a vehicle collision.

[0059] refer to FIG. 3A The airbag 18 may define an opening 64. Specifically, the first leg 22, the second leg 24, and the base portion 26 may define the opening 64 between them. For example, the opening 64 may extend about axis A to each of the first leg 22, the second leg 24, and the base portion 26. The opening 64 may extend along axis A, i.e., in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle. The opening 64 may extend from one edge 60 of the airbag 18 to the other edge 62 of the airbag 18. The opening 64 may have the same shape as the airbag 18, for example, generally triangular.

[0060] refer to FIG. 3A The airbag 18 may include an inner surface 66 and an outer surface 68 spaced apart from the inner surface 66. The inner surface 66 and the outer surface 68 may extend continuously along each of the first leg 22, the second leg 24, and the bottom portion 26 of the airbag 18. The inner surface 66 may face (i.e. define) the opening 64. The outer surface 68 may face away from the opening 64, i.e., towards the occupant and / or vehicle components.

[0061] The airbag 18 may define an inflatable chamber (not shown). The inflatable chamber is disposed between an inner surface 66 and an outer surface 68. The inflatable chamber may extend continuously, for example, around an opening 64. In this case, the inflatable chamber may extend through each of the first leg 22, the second leg 24, and the base portion 26. In other words, each of the first leg 22, the second leg 24, and the base portion 26 may be in fluid communication with each other. During inflation, the inflatable chamber may inflate from a non-inflated position to an inflated position, as described below.

[0062] refer to FIG. 4A The airbag 118 may include a plurality of seams 70. The plurality of seams 70 may extend around the opening 64 along each of the first support leg 22, the second support leg 24, and the bottom portion 26. For example, the plurality of seams 70 of the first support leg 22 may extend along the first support leg 22 in a first direction D1. In this case, the plurality of seams 70 may extend in the first direction D1 between the top end 20 and the end 28 of the first support leg 22. As another example, the plurality of seams 70 of the second support leg 24 may extend along the second support leg 24 in a second direction D2. In this case, the plurality of seams 70 may extend in the second direction D2 between the top end 20 and the end 30 of the second support leg 24. As yet another example, the plurality of seams 70 of the bottom portion 26 may extend along the bottom portion 26 between the end 28 of the first support leg 22 and the end 30 of the second support leg 24. In other words, the plurality of seams 70 of the bottom portion 26 may extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction Df.

[0063] Multiple seams 70 may be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle, i.e., along axis A. In other words, multiple seams 70 may be spaced apart from each other from one edge 60 to the other edge 62 of the airbag 118. The airbag 118 may include any suitable number of seams 70 along each of the first outrigger 22, the second outrigger 24, and the bottom portion 26.

[0064] refer to FIG. 4B Multiple seams 70 may extend from the inner surface 66 of the airbag 118 to the outer surface 68. Multiple seams 70 may be attached to each of the inner surface 66 and the outer surface 68 of the airbag 118. The multiple seams 70 may attach the inner surface 66 to the outer surface 68 in any suitable manner, such as by stitching. The multiple seams 70 allow fluid communication across each seam 70, i.e., in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle. In other words, the inflation chamber may extend continuously from one edge 60 of the airbag 118 to the other edge 62 of the airbag 118.

[0065] Continue to refer to FIG. 4BThe first leg 22, the second leg 24, and the bottom portion 26 can be bent around the opening 64. In other words, the first leg 22, the second leg 24, and the bottom portion 26 can be bent about axis A. Multiple seams 70 can, for example, offset the first leg 22, the second leg 24, and the bottom portion 26 to bend about axis A. For example, multiple seams 70 can offset both the inner surface 66 and the outer surface 68 away from axis A. In other words, when the airbag 118 is in the inflated position, it is as follows... FIG. 4A Compared to the position shown, the opening 64 can extend further around axis A, that is, it can be larger. In this case, both the airbag 118 and the opening 64 can each have a generally circular shape.

[0066] refer to FIG. 5A The airbag 218 may include a plurality of tethers 72 extending from the first outrigger 22 to the second outrigger 24 across an opening 64. In other words, the plurality of tethers 72 may extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction Df. The plurality of tethers 72 may extend along axis A from one edge 60 to another edge 62 of the airbag 218, i.e., along the vehicle's lateral direction Dc.

[0067] Multiple tethers 72 can be attached to each of the first leg 22 and the second leg 24. For example, multiple tethers 72 can be attached to the inner surface 66 of the first leg 22 and the inner surface 66 of the second leg 24. Additionally, the inner surface 66 of the first leg 22 can be attached to the outer surface 68 of the first leg 22, and the inner surface 66 of the second leg 24 can be attached to the outer surface 68 of the second leg 24, as... FIG. 5B As shown. In other words, the inner surface 66 can be attached to the outer surface 68 along the tether 72 (e.g., from one edge 60 to another edge 62). In this case, the inner surface 66 can be attached to the outer surface 68 in the same or different manner as the plurality of seams 70. In other words, each leg 22, 24 can allow fluid communication from the bottom portion 26 to the top portion 20, i.e., the expansion chamber extends continuously from the bottom portion 26 to the top portion 20.

[0068] As another example, a plurality of tethers 72 may be attached to both the inner surface 66 and the outer surface 68 of each of the first leg 22 and the second leg 24. The plurality of tethers 72 may, for example, extend through the inner surface 66 of the airbag 218 to the outer surface 68 of the airbag 218. In this case, the plurality of tethers 72 may be attached to the inner surface 66 such that the plurality of tethers 72 prevent fluid communication from the inflation chamber to the environment. Additionally, the plurality of tethers 72 may be attached to the outer surface 68 such that the plurality of tethers 72 allow fluid communication along axis A across each of the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 of the airbag 218. In other words, the inflation chamber extends continuously from one edge 60 to the other edge 62 along each leg 22, 24 of the airbag 218.

[0069] As another example, multiple tethers 72 may extend from the inner surface 66 of the first leg 22 to the inner surface 66 of the second leg 24 of the airbag 218. In this case, the multiple tethers 72 are attached to the inner surface 66 of each of the first leg 22 and the second leg 24, as shown below. FIG. 5C As shown. Multiple tethers 72 can be attached to each of the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 of the airbag 218 by any suitable means, such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0070] refer to FIG. 6A The expansion chamber may extend partially around the opening 64. For example, the first leg 22 of the airbag 318 may include a seal 74 extending from one edge 60 of the airbag 318 to the other edge 62 of the airbag 318. The seal 74 may be located at any suitable position along the first leg 22 between the tip 20 and the end 28 of the first leg 22. In this case, the first leg 22 may include an upper portion 76 extending from the tip 20 to the seal 74 and a lower portion 78 extending from the seal 74 to the end 28 of the first leg 22. The seal 74 prevents fluid communication between the upper portion 76 and the lower portion 78 of the first leg 22.

[0071] refer to FIG. 6B The first leg 22 can be partially inflated to the inflated position. For example, the lower portion 78 of the first leg 22 can be inflated to the inflated position. In other words, the inflatable chamber can extend from the second leg 24 through the bottom portion 26 to the lower portion 78 of the first leg 22. In this case, when the upper portion 76 of the first leg 22 is sealed and isolated from the inflatable chamber, i.e., held in a position between the uninflated and inflated positions, the bottom portion 26 can inflate more than when the upper portion 76 of the first leg 22 can inflate to the inflated position. For example, the bottom portion 26 can inflate more toward each side 32, 34 of the vehicle 10, such that more of the bottom portion 26, i.e., the edges 60, 62, adjoin the sides 32, 34 of the vehicle 10 compared to the previously described embodiment. In this case, the sides 32, 34 of the vehicle 10 can provide greater force on the airbag 318 to prevent the airbag 318 from moving upon impact with an occupant.

[0072] Airbag assemblies 52, 152, 252, and 352 may include an inflator 80 in fluid communication with airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318, inflating them from a non-inflated position to an inflated position. The inflator 80 inflates airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 with an inflation medium such as gas to move airbag 318 from a non-inflated position to an inflated position. Specifically, the inflator 80 may communicate with an inflation chamber to supply an inflation medium to the inflation chamber. The inflator 80 may be supported by a vehicle roof 16, such as... FIG. 1 As shown, it can be placed in any other suitable location. Alternatively, the inflator 80 can be supported by the base 54.

[0073] The inflator 80 can be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to drive the expansion medium into the airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318. Alternatively, the inflator 80 can be, for example, a cold-air inflator that, when activated, ignites a pyrotechnic filler that creates an opening to release the pressurized expansion medium into the airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 via a filler tube (not labeled). Alternatively, the inflator 80 can be any suitable type, such as a hybrid inflator.

[0074] refer to FIG. 7 The vehicle 10 may include an inflation system 82. The inflation system 82 includes a processor 84 programmed to inflate airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 in response to a vehicle collision. The processor 84 may be embedded in a microcontroller. The microcontroller may include memory, etc. The microcontroller's memory may store instructions executable by the processor 84, and the processor 84 may read the instructions from the memory and execute the instructions.

[0075] Vehicle 10 may include a collision detection sensor 86 programmed to detect a vehicle collision with vehicle 10. The collision detection sensor 86 may be located in the roof 16 or other locations within vehicle 10. The collision detection sensor 86 may be of various types, such as pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, vision sensors, etc. When a vehicle collision occurs, processor 84 may receive one or more signals from the collision detection sensor 86 indicating a vehicle collision. In response to receiving a signal from the collision detection sensor 86, processor 84 may initiate the inflation of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318. Alternatively, processor 84 may selectively initiate the inflation of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 based on information from the collision detection sensor 86 (which identifies physical characteristics of the vehicle collision, such as which side 32, 34 of vehicle 10 was impacted, the amount of pressure applied to vehicle 10, etc.) and seat occupancy information, for example, obtained by using occupancy sensors located inside the seats to sense seat occupancy.

[0076] In order to receive signals from the collision detection sensor 86 and initiate the inflation of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318, the processor 84 communicates with the collision detection sensor 86 and the inflator 80, for example, via a direct wire for transmitting analog or digital signals or via a communication network such as CAN (Control Area Network), Ethernet, LIN (Local Area Network), or any other means.

[0077] During operation, under normal operating conditions of vehicle 10, airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 are in the uninflated position, such as... FIG. 1 As shown. When the collision detection sensor 86 senses a collision with the vehicle 10, the processor 84 triggers the inflator 80 to inflate the airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 to their inflated positions using an inflation medium. As the inflator 80 inflates the airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 to their inflated positions, the inflation medium flows into the inflation chambers, thereby increasing the pressure within the inflation chambers. As the pressure in the inflation chambers increases, the airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 perforate the tear seam in the roof liner, and the first outrigger 22 and the second outrigger 24 extend away from the roof 16 along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, respectively. Additionally, the bottom portion 26 inflates to the seat bottom 38 adjacent to the front seat 12 and the rear seat 14, i.e., the inflated position of the occupant's lower body. The first outrigger 22 can face the occupant of the rear seat 14 when in the inflated position.

[0078] When an occupant moves within vehicle 10 due to the momentum of a collision, the occupant may move toward the first outrigger 22 and bottom portion 26 of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318. During inflation, the edges of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 may extend further in the lateral direction Dc of the vehicle than the sides 32 and 34 of vehicle 10, such that the edges of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 are adjacent to the sides 32 and 34 of vehicle 10. When an occupant impacts airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318, the sides 32 and 34 of vehicle 10 may compress the edges 60 and 62 of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 to prevent movement of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 in the longitudinal direction Df of the vehicle. When an occupant impacts airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318, the occupant's lower body may impact the bottom portion 26, which helps to hold the occupant in the rear seat 14. Additionally, the occupant's upper body may impact the first outrigger 22 of airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318, which helps prevent the occupant from impacting another occupant and / or vehicle components. In other words, airbags 18, 118, 218, and 318 absorb energy from the occupant to hold them in the rear seat 14, which helps reduce impact injuries to the occupant in the rear seat 14.

[0079] This disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive. In view of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible, and this disclosure can be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

[0080] According to the present invention, a system is provided comprising: a roof; an airbag supported by the roof and inflatable to an inflated position away from the roof, the airbag including a top end adjacent to the roof, a first leg inflatable to an end away from the top end, a second leg inflatable to an end spaced apart from the end of the first leg away from the top end; and a bottom portion spaced apart from the top end and inflatable to the inflated position, the bottom portion extending from the end of the first leg to the end of the second leg.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the airbag includes edges spaced apart from each other along an axis and extending from the top portion to the bottom portion, the edges in the inflated position tapering along the axis from the bottom portion to the top portion.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a vehicle body having two sides spaced apart from each other along the axis, the two sides of the vehicle body supporting the roof, and wherein the edge of the airbag in the inflated position is adjacent to the side of the vehicle body.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion define an opening therebetween, the opening extending along the axis from one edge of the airbag to the other edge.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the airbag defines an inflatable chamber that extends continuously around the opening.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the airbag defines an inflatable chamber that extends partially around the opening.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a plurality of tethers extending from the first leg to the second leg across the opening, the plurality of tethers extending along the axis from one edge to the other.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the airbag includes a plurality of seams that extend around the opening along each of the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion define an opening therebetween, the opening extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion are bent around the opening.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by two rows of seats spaced apart from each other, wherein the airbag in the inflated position is disposed between the two rows of seats.

[0091] According to one embodiment, each of the first leg and the second leg extends at an angle relative to each of the roof and the bottom portion.

[0092] According to the present invention, an airbag assembly is provided, comprising: a base; an airbag supported by the base and inflatable to an inflated position; the airbag including a top end adjacent to the base, a first leg inflatable to an end portion away from the top end, and a second leg inflatable to an end portion spaced apart from the end portion of the first leg away from the top end, the first leg being directly connected to the second leg at the top end; and a bottom portion spaced apart from the top end and inflatable to the inflated position, the bottom portion extending from the end portion of the first leg to the end portion of the second leg.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the airbag includes edges spaced apart from each other along an axis and extending from the top portion to the bottom portion, the edges in the inflated position tapering along the axis from the bottom portion to the top portion.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized in that the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion define an opening therebetween, the opening extending along the axis from one edge of the airbag to the other edge.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion are bent around the opening.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the airbag defines an inflatable chamber that extends continuously around the opening.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the airbag defines an inflatable chamber that extends partially around the opening.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a plurality of tethers extending from the first leg to the second leg across the opening, the plurality of tethers extending along the axis from one edge to the other.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the airbag includes a plurality of seams that extend around the opening along each of the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion.

Claims

1. A system for a vehicle comprising: a roof; an airbag supported by the roof and inflatable away from the roof to an inflated position, the airbag including a top end adjacent the roof, a first leg inflatable away from the top end to an end, a second leg inflatable away from the top end to an end spaced apart from the end of the first leg; and a bottom portion spaced apart from the top end and inflatable to an inflated position, the bottom portion extending from the end of the first leg to the end of the second leg, wherein the airbag includes edges spaced apart from each other along a vehicle lateral direction and extending from the top end to the bottom portion, the edges in the inflated position tapering along the vehicle lateral direction from the bottom portion to the top end, and the first leg, second leg, and bottom portion are each inflatable to an inflated position.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a body having two sides spaced apart from each other along the vehicle lateral direction, the two sides of the body supporting the roof, and wherein the edges of the airbag in the inflated position abut the sides of the body.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion define an opening therebetween, the airbag defining an inflation chamber extending partially around the opening.

4. The system of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of tether straps extending from the first leg to the second leg across the opening, the plurality of tether straps elongating along the vehicle lateral direction from one edge to the other.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein the airbag includes a plurality of seams extending around the opening along each of the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion.

6. The system of any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the opening extends in a vehicle lateral direction.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion curve around the opening.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising two rows of seats spaced apart from each other, and wherein the airbag in the inflated position is disposed between the two rows of seats.

9. An airbag assembly comprising: a base; an airbag supported by the base and inflatable to an inflated position; the airbag including a top end adjacent the base, a first leg inflatable away from the top end to an end, a second leg inflatable away from the top end to an end spaced apart from the end of the first leg, the first leg directly connected to the second leg at the top end; and a bottom portion spaced apart from the top end and inflatable to an inflated position, the bottom portion extending from the end of the first leg to the end of the second leg, wherein the airbag includes edges spaced apart from one another along a vehicle lateral direction and extending from the top end to the bottom portion, the edges in the inflated position tapering along the vehicle lateral direction from the bottom portion to the top end, and the first leg, second leg, and bottom portion are each inflatable to an inflated position.

10. The airbag assembly of claim 9, wherein the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion define an opening therebetween, the opening extending along the vehicle lateral direction from one edge of the airbag to another edge.

11. The airbag assembly of claim 10, wherein the first leg, the second leg, and the bottom portion curve around the opening.

12. The airbag assembly of claim 10, wherein the airbag defines an inflation chamber extending partially around the opening.

13. The airbag assembly of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of tethers extending from the first leg to the second leg across the opening, the plurality of tethers elongating along the vehicle lateral direction from one edge to another edge.

Images