Vehicle seat

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "vehicle seat". A vehicle seat includes a seat back having a front surface and a rear surface, a panel movable along the rear surface from a stowed position proximate the rear surface to a deployed position facing the front surface, and an airbag supported on the panel and inflatable toward the front surface to an inflated position in which the airbag contacts the panel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle seat assemblies. BACKGROUND

[0002] The interior of a vehicle, such as an automobile, can include various safety devices for absorbing energy from an occupant of the vehicle during a vehicle crash. For example, a vehicle can include a safety airbag supported by a steering wheel or a vehicle seat. The safety airbag can be configured to absorb energy from an occupant during a vehicle crash.

[0003] Automobiles are subjected to various crash tests, including standard tests prescribed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For example, the tests can be directed to an oblique crash, i.e., a crash occurring at an angle of 10 to 50 degrees relative to the trajectory of the vehicle. During an oblique crash, an occupant can move forward and laterally, and a seat belt can exert a load on the chest of the occupant. SUMMARY

[0004] A vehicle seat includes a seat back having a front surface and a rear surface, a panel movable along the rear surface from a stowed position proximate the rear surface to a deployed position facing the front surface, and a safety airbag supported on the panel and inflatable toward the front surface to an inflated position in which the safety airbag contacts the panel.

[0005] The seat can further include a tether extending from the front surface to the panel when the panel is in the deployed position.

[0006] The seat can further include a net extending from the front surface to the panel when the panel is in the deployed position.

[0007] The seat can further include a second panel movable along the rear surface away from the panel from a stowed position proximate the panel to a deployed position facing the front surface.

[0008] The safety airbag can contact the panel and the second panel when the panel and the second panel are each in the deployed position and the safety airbag is in the inflated position.

[0009] The panel and the second panel can define a gap when the panel and the second panel are in the respective deployed positions, and the safety airbag can extend across the gap from the panel to the second panel in the inflated position.

[0010] The seat can further include a second safety airbag supported in the panel and inflatable to an inflated position, wherein the second safety airbag can be positioned below the safety airbag when the panel is in the deployed position.

[0011] The seat can further include a motor disposed in the rear surface and connected to the panel. The motor can be arranged to move the panel to the deployed position.

[0012] The seat can further include a headrest and a second airbag disposed in the headrest, the second airbag inflatable to an inflated position, wherein the second airbag can be in the inflated position and can extend from the headrest to the panel when the panel is in the deployed position.

[0013] The seat can further include a crash sensor, wherein the panel can be arranged to move to the deployed position upon receiving an instruction from the crash sensor.

[0014] The seat can further include a pyrotechnic device disposed in the rear surface and arranged to move the panel to the deployed position.

[0015] An energy absorbing system includes a seat, a first panel movably attached to the seat and extendable to a deployed position, a second panel movably attached to the seat and extendable to a deployed position, a pinion gear engaged with the first panel and the second panel and attached to the seat, and an airbag supported on the first panel inflatable toward the seat to an inflated position. The airbag contacts the first panel and the second panel when the first panel is in the deployed position and the airbag is in the inflated position.

[0016] The first panel and the second panel can define a gap when the first panel and the second panel are in respective deployed positions, and the airbag can extend from the first panel across the gap to the second panel in the inflated position.

[0017] The system can further include a tether extending from the seat to the first panel when the first panel is in the deployed position.

[0018] The system can further include a net extending from the seat to the first panel when the first panel is in the deployed position.

[0019] The system can further include a second airbag supported in the panel, the second airbag inflatable to an inflated position, wherein the second airbag can be positioned below the airbag when the first panel is in the deployed position.

[0020] The system can further include a headrest and a second airbag disposed in the headrest, the second airbag inflatable to an inflated position, wherein the second airbag can be in the inflated position and can extend from the headrest to the first panel when the first panel is in the deployed position.

[0021] The pinion gear can be arranged to extend the first panel and the second panel to respective deployed positions.

[0022] The system can further include a crash sensor, wherein the pinion gear can be arranged to extend the first panel to the deployed position upon receiving an instruction from the crash sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figures 1A-1B A vehicle seat is shown with a panel in a stowed position.

[0024] Figures 2A-2B A vehicle seat is shown with a panel in a deployed position.

[0025] Figures 3A-3B A vehicle seat is shown with a net.

[0026] Figures 4A-4B A vehicle seat is shown with a tether.

[0027] Figures 5A-5B A vehicle seat is shown with an upper airbag.

[0028] Figures 6A-6D A vehicle seat is shown with a panel in a deployed position and an airbag in an inflated position.

[0029] Figures 7A-7B A vehicle seat is shown with a pinion gear engaging a panel and a second panel in a respective stowed position.

[0030] Figures 8A-8B A vehicle seat is shown with a pinion gear engaging a panel and a second panel in a respective deployed position.

[0031] Figure 9 An energy absorption system is shown including a crash sensing subsystem.

[0032] Figure 10 is a view of a vehicle having a vehicle seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] With reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical parts throughout the several views, a vehicle seat 10 includes a seat back 12 having a front surface 14 and a rear surface 16, a panel 18, and an airbag 20 supported on the panel 18. The panel 18 is movable from a stowed position proximate the rear surface 16 along the rear surface 16 to a deployed position facing the front surface 14. The airbag 20 is inflatable toward the front surface 14 to an inflated position in which the airbag 20 contacts the panel 18.

[0034] The face panel 18 and the second face panel 22 can absorb energy from an occupant of the vehicle 24 during a vehicle crash, and / or the airbag 20 can absorb energy from the occupant during a vehicle crash. In particular, the face panel 18 and the second face panel 22 can absorb energy from the vehicle occupant during a vehicle crash when the vehicle crash is from any direction and when the vehicle seat 10 is facing any direction. For example, during an oblique crash, the face panel 18, the second face panel 22, and the airbag 20 can be positioned to absorb energy from an occupant moving laterally and longitudinally. The vehicle seat 10 can absorb energy from the occupant when the occupant moves at an angle relative to the forward movement of the vehicle 24. Thus, the vehicle seat 10 can absorb energy from the occupant during a vehicle crash from multiple directions.

[0035] As shown in Figure 10 The vehicle 24 can be any suitable type of vehicle 24, such as an automobile, including a sedan, a van, a sport utility vehicle, etc., as shown in Figure 10 The vehicle seat 10 can be oriented in the vehicle forward direction, as shown in

[0036] The vehicle 24 can include an energy absorption system 26, as shown in Figures 9-10 The energy absorption system 26 can include the vehicle seat 10 and a crash sensing subsystem 28. The energy absorption system 26 can absorb energy from a vehicle occupant during a vehicle crash. For example, the energy absorption system 26 can absorb energy from a vehicle occupant moving laterally and longitudinally during an oblique vehicle crash.

[0037] The vehicle seat 10 includes a seat back 12, as shown in Figures 1A-8B The seat back 12 includes a front surface 14 and a rear surface 16. An occupant can recline on the seat back 12. The vehicle seat 10 can include a seat bottom 30. The seat bottom 30 can support the occupant from below. The seat bottom 30 can extend laterally from the seat back 12.

[0038] The vehicle seat 10 includes at least one panel 18. The vehicle seat 10 can include any suitable number of panels 18, 22; the example shown in the figures includes two panels, specifically the panel 18 and a second panel 22. During a vehicle crash, the panels 18, 22 (e.g., both the panel 18 and the second panel 22) can deploy to absorb energy from an occupant. In such examples, the airbag 20 can inflate to an inflated position and contact the panels 18, 22, e.g., the panel 18 and the second panel 22, to thereby absorb energy from the occupant as the occupant moves in a reclined direction (i.e., transverse to a forward or lateral direction of movement of the vehicle 24).

[0039] The panel 18 is shown in Figure 1A , Figure 2A , Figure 3A , Figure 4A , Figure 5A , Figure 6A , Figures 7A-8B The panel 18 is movable from an undeployed position along a rear surface 16 of the seat back 12 to a deployed position. In the deployed position, the panel 18 faces a front surface 14 of the seat back 12. The panel 18 can face an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 10.

[0040] The airbag 20 is shown in Figure 1A , Figure 2A , Figure 3A , Figure 4A , Figure 5A , Figures 6A-6D , Figure 7A , Figure 8AAn airbag 20 is shown in FIG. 1. The airbag 20 can be supported in the panel 18 and can inflate from an uninflated position to an inflated position. For example, when the airbag 20 is in the uninflated position, the airbag 20 can be disposed entirely within the panel 18, while when the airbag 20 is in the inflated position, the airbag can be secured to the panel 18 so as to extend out of the panel 18. When the airbag 20 is in the inflated position and the panel 18 is in the deployed position, the airbag 20 contacts the panel 18 and extends toward the front surface 14 of the seat back 12. The airbag 20 can be part of an airbag module 21 that includes an inflator (not shown) in communication with a crash sensing subsystem 28, as described below. The airbag 20 can be formed of a woven polymer or any other material. As one example, the airbag 20 can be formed of woven nylon yarn, such as nylon 6-6. Other examples include polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyester, and the like. The woven polymer can include a coating, such as silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, and the like. For example, the coating can be a polyorganosiloxane. As another example, the airbag 20 can be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Thermoplastic elastomers have both thermoplastic and elastic properties. Thermoplastic materials become pliable above a certain temperature and solidify upon cooling, and elastomers generally have a low Young’s modulus and high strain to failure. Types of TPEs include styrenic block copolymers, thermoplastic olefins, elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, and thermoplastic polyamides. The thermoplastic elastomer can be solid, rather than woven like a fabric.

[0041] As described above, the vehicle seat 10 can include a second panel 22, as shown in FIG. 2. The second panel 22 can move from a stowed position proximate to the panel 18 along the rear surface 16 away from the panel 18 to a deployed position facing the front surface 14. As used herein, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are “proximate” to the rear surface 16 when they extend along the rear surface 16 of the seat back 12, e.g., without anything in between. The rear surface 16 is between the panel 18 and the front surface 14 and between the second panel 22 and the front surface 14 when the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are proximate to the rear surface 16. The panel 18 and the second panel 22 are “facing” the front surface 14 when the front surface 14 is between the panel 18 and the rear surface 16 and between the second panel 22 and the rear surface 16. The airbag 20 can contact the panel 18 and the second panel 22 when the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are each in the deployed position and the airbag 20 is in the inflated position, i.e., the airbag 20 can engage the panel 18 and the second panel 22, as shown in FIG. 2. Figures 1A-8B As described above, the vehicle seat 10 can include a second panel 22, as shown in FIG. 2. The second panel 22 can move from a stowed position proximate to the panel 18 along the rear surface 16 away from the panel 18 to a deployed position facing the front surface 14. As used herein, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are “proximate” to the rear surface 16 when they extend along the rear surface 16 of the seat back 12, e.g., without anything in between. The rear surface 16 is between the panel 18 and the front surface 14 and between the second panel 22 and the front surface 14 when the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are proximate to the rear surface 16. The panel 18 and the second panel 22 are “facing” the front surface 14 when the front surface 14 is between the panel 18 and the rear surface 16 and between the second panel 22 and the rear surface 16. The airbag 20 can contact the panel 18 and the second panel 22 when the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are each in the deployed position and the airbag 20 is in the inflated position, i.e., the airbag 20 can engage the panel 18 and the second panel 22, as shown in FIG. 2. Figure 6AThe panels 18 and 22 can be constructed of energy-absorbing materials (e.g., elastic polymers, flexible polymers, foams, etc.). For example, the panels 18 and 22 can include foam units covered with flexible polymers.

[0042] The vehicle seat 10 and the panels 18, 22 can include an interface therebetween configured to allow the panels 18, 22 to move to the deployed positions. For example, the seat back 12 can include tracks 32, as shown in Figures 2A-6D The tracks 32 can support the panels 18 and 22. The panels 18 and 22 can slide along the tracks 32 from the stowed positions to the deployed positions. The tracks 32 can extend from the seat back 12, as shown in Figures 2A-6D Alternatively, the tracks 32 can be flush with the seat back 12 (not shown).

[0043] The panels 18 and 22 can define a gap 34 in the deployed positions. Figure 2A 、 Figure 3A 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 5A and Figures 6A-6B The panels 18 and 22 and the gap 34 between the panels 18 and 22 in the deployed positions are shown. Alternatively, the panels 18 and 22 can be in contact in the deployed positions (not shown). During a vehicle crash, an occupant can move toward the panels 18 and 22, thereby separating the panels 18 and 22 at the gap 34. The gap 34 can be defined as the space between the panels 18 and 22 when they are not in contact, and the gap 34 can be defined as the line of contact of the panels 18 and 22 when they are in contact. When the panels 18 and 22 are in the respective deployed positions, the airbag 20 can extend in an inflated position from the panel 18 across the gap 34 to the second panel 22, as shown in Figure 6A The airbag 20 extends across the gap 34 when the airbag 20 engages both the panel 18 and the second panel 22 and covers at least a portion of the space defining the gap 34 between the panels 18 and 22. Alternatively, the airbag 20 extends across the gap 34 when the airbag 20 contacts both the panel 18 and the second panel 22 across at least a portion of the joint defining the gap 34 when the gap 34 is a joint of contact between the panels 18 and 22. During a vehicle crash, an occupant can contact the airbag 20, thereby preventing the occupant from engaging the gap 34 and separating the panels 18 and 22.

[0044] The vehicle seat 10 can absorb energy from different portions of an occupant's body. For example, the vehicle seat 10 can include a second airbag 36, as shown in Figures 6C-6DThe second airbag 36 can be supported in the panel 18. Alternatively, the second airbag 36 can be supported in the second panel 22 (not shown). The second airbag 36 can inflate to an inflated position. When the panel 18 is in the deployed position, the second airbag 36 can be disposed below the airbag 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The second airbag 36 can be disposed below the airbag 20 when the panel 18 is in the deployed position. Figures 6C-6D The airbag 20 can be a thorax airbag that absorbs energy from an upper body of an occupant, and the second airbag 36 can be a pelvic airbag that absorbs energy from a lower body of the occupant.

[0045] The vehicle seat 10 can include a third airbag 38, as shown in FIG. 2. The third airbag 38 can be supported in one of the panel 18 and the second panel 22. The airbag 20, the second airbag 36, and the third airbag 38 can be disposed vertically in respective inflated positions, as shown in FIG. 2. Figure 6D The airbag 20 can be a thorax airbag that absorbs energy from an upper body of an occupant, and the second airbag 36 can be a pelvic airbag that absorbs energy from a lower body of the occupant. Figure 6D The airbag 20 can be a thorax airbag that absorbs energy from an upper body of an occupant, and the second airbag 36 can be a pelvic airbag that absorbs energy from a lower body of the occupant.

[0046] The panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 when the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are in respective deployed positions. During a vehicle crash, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 in the deployed positions can move. By securing the panel 18 and the second panel 22 to the seat back 12, movement of the panel 18 and the second panel 22 during a vehicle crash can be reduced, and the seat 10 can absorb energy from a vehicle occupant. For example, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 with, for example, the tether 40 (as shown in FIG. 1), the net 44 (as shown in FIG. 2), the upper airbag 46 (as shown in FIG. 3), and the like. Alternatively, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 with different devices (e.g., fasteners, cords, sheet material, and the like). Figures 4A-4B The panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 when the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are in respective deployed positions. During a vehicle crash, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 in the deployed positions can move. By securing the panel 18 and the second panel 22 to the seat back 12, movement of the panel 18 and the second panel 22 during a vehicle crash can be reduced, and the seat 10 can absorb energy from a vehicle occupant. For example, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 with, for example, the tether 40 (as shown in FIG. 1), the net 44 (as shown in FIG. 2), the upper airbag 46 (as shown in FIG. 3), and the like. Alternatively, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 with different devices (e.g., fasteners, cords, sheet material, and the like). Figures 3A-3B The panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 when the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are in respective deployed positions. During a vehicle crash, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 in the deployed positions can move. By securing the panel 18 and the second panel 22 to the seat back 12, movement of the panel 18 and the second panel 22 during a vehicle crash can be reduced, and the seat 10 can absorb energy from a vehicle occupant. For example, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 with, for example, the tether 40 (as shown in FIG. 1), the net 44 (as shown in FIG. 2), the upper airbag 46 (as shown in FIG. 3), and the like. Alternatively, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 with different devices (e.g., fasteners, cords, sheet material, and the like). Figures 5A-5B The panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 when the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are in respective deployed positions. During a vehicle crash, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 in the deployed positions can move. By securing the panel 18 and the second panel 22 to the seat back 12, movement of the panel 18 and the second panel 22 during a vehicle crash can be reduced, and the seat 10 can absorb energy from a vehicle occupant. For example, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 with, for example, the tether 40 (as shown in FIG. 1), the net 44 (as shown in FIG. 2), the upper airbag 46 (as shown in FIG. 3), and the like. Alternatively, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 can be secured to the seat back 12 with different devices (e.g., fasteners, cords, sheet material, and the like).

[0047] The vehicle seat 10 can include the tether 40, as shown in FIG. 1. The tether 40 can extend from the front surface 14 to the panel 18 when the panel 18 is in the deployed position. The tether 40 can secure the panel 18 to the seat back 12, thereby reducing movement of the panel 18 during a vehicle crash. The vehicle seat 10 can include a second tether 42, as shown in FIG. 2. Figures 4A-4B The tether 40 can extend from the front surface 14 to the panel 18 when the panel 18 is in the deployed position. The tether 40 can secure the panel 18 to the seat back 12, thereby reducing movement of the panel 18 during a vehicle crash. The vehicle seat 10 can include a second tether 42, as shown in FIG. 2. Figures 4A-4BThe second tether 42 can extend from the front surface 14 to the second panel 22 when the second panel 22 is in the deployed position. The tether 40 and the second tether 42 can be constructed of a flexible material, such as an elastic fabric. The tether 40 and the second tether 42 can form an X-shape when the panel 18 and the second panel 22 are in the respective deployed positions. The tether 40 and the second tether 42 can secure the panel 18 and the second panel 22 during a vehicle crash.

[0048] The vehicle seat 10 can include a mesh 44, as shown in FIG. 4. The mesh 44 can be a patterned arrangement of fibers, such as a grid, a checkerboard, etc. The mesh 44 can extend from the front surface 14 to the panel 18 when the panel 18 is in the deployed position. The mesh 44 can extend from the front surface 14 to the second panel 22 when the second panel 22 is in the deployed position. The mesh 44 can secure the panel 18 and the second panel 22 during a vehicle crash. The mesh 44 can absorb energy from an occupant moving laterally during a vehicle crash. Figures 3A-3B

[0049] The vehicle seat 10 can include an upper airbag 46, as shown in FIG. 5. The upper airbag 46 can extend from the front surface 14 to the panel 18 when the panel 18 is in the deployed position. The upper airbag 46 can reduce vertical movement of an occupant during a vehicle crash. The upper airbag 46 can be disposed in the vehicle seat 10 in an un-inflated position and can be inflated to an inflated position toward the panel 18. The upper airbag 46 can include an inflator (not shown) to inflate the upper airbag 46 to the inflated position. Figures 5A-5B

[0050] The vehicle seat 10 can include a headrest 48, as shown in FIG. 6. The tether 40, the mesh 44, and the upper airbag 46 can be supported by the headrest 48 and can extend from the headrest 48 to the panel 18 in the deployed position. The upper airbag 46 can be disposed in the headrest 48 (not shown) in an un-inflated position. In the inflated position, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper airbag 46 can extend from the headrest 48 to the panel 18. Figures 1A-8B Figure 5B

[0051] During a vehicle crash, the panel 18 and the second panel 22 move from the stowed position to the deployed position. The vehicle seat 10 can include one or more devices to move the panel 18 and the second panel 22 to the deployed position. For example, as described below, the vehicle seat 10 can include an actuator 52 that rotates a pinion gear 50 that moves a first rack gear 54 attached to the panel 18 and a second rack gear 56 attached to the second panel 22. Alternatively, the seat 10 can include another device, such as a bearing, a wheel, a slider, a spring, etc., to move the panel 18 and the second panel 22 along the track 32.​​​​

[0052] The vehicle seat 10 can include a pinion gear 50, as shown in Figure 7B and Figure 8B . The pinion gear 50 can be attached to the rear surface 16 of the seat back 12. The pinion gear 50 can be engaged with the panel 18 and the second panel 22. The pinion gear can be arranged to extend the panel 18 and the second panel 22 to respective deployed positions.

[0053] The vehicle seat 10 can include an actuator 52 to rotate the pinion gear 50. The actuator 52 can be a motor. The pinion gear 50 can be attached to the motor. The motor can be supported by the seat back 12 and disposed in the rear surface 16. The motor can rotate the pinion gear 50. The motor can be connected to the panel 18 and the second panel 22.

[0054] The vehicle seat 10 can include a first rack 54 and a second rack 56, as shown in Figure 7B and Figure 8B . The first rack 54 can be attached to the panel 18. The second rack 56 can be attached to the second panel 22. For example, the panel 18 can have a plurality of fingers 58, and the second panel 22 can have a plurality of second fingers 60. The fingers 58 and the second fingers 60 can be finger-like extensions from a portion of the panel 18 and the second panel 22, respectively. The fingers 58 and the second fingers 60 can engage one another in an interlocking manner, as shown in Figure 7B . The first rack 54 can be fixed to one of the fingers 58, and the second rack 56 can be fixed to one of the second fingers 60. The pinion gear 50 can engage the first rack 54 and the second rack 56. When the motor rotates the pinion gear 50, the pinion gear 50 can move the first rack 54 and the second rack 56 in opposite directions, thereby deploying the panel 18 and the second panel 22 to respective deployed positions. By fixing the first rack 54 to one of the fingers 58 and the second rack 56 to one of the second fingers 60, the first rack 54 and the second rack 56 can extend further along the seat back 12 than the panel 18 and the second panel 22 would extend without the fingers 58 and the second fingers 60. The fingers 58 and the second fingers 60 thus allow the first rack 54 and the second rack 56 to extend further, and allow the pinion gear 50 to move the first rack 54 and the second rack 56 (and thus the panel 18 and the second panel 22) to respective deployed positions.

[0055] The actuator 52 may be a pyrotechnic device. The pyrotechnic device may be disposed in the rear surface 16 of the seat back 12. The pyrotechnic device may be arranged to move the panel 18 to the deployed position. The pyrotechnic device may be arranged to move the second panel 22 to the deployed position. Alternatively, the vehicle seat 10 may include a second pyrotechnic device (not shown) that is arranged to move the second panel 22 to the deployed position. When ignited, the pyrotechnic device may rotate the pinion 50 to move the panel 18 and the second panel 22 to their respective deployed positions.

[0056] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG, energy absorbing system 26 may include a crash sensing subsystem 28. Crash sensing subsystem 28 may include a crash sensor 62 and a controller 64. Controller 64 communicates with actuator 52 and airbag 20 and may include a processor 66 and memory 68. As described above, actuator 52 may be a motor or a pyrotechnic device. Memory 68 stores instructions executable by processor 66 to control actuator 52 and airbag module 21. Controller 64 may be programmed to trigger actuator 52 and airbag module 21 (e.g., an inflator in communication with airbag 20) upon detecting a crash, thereby causing panel 18 and second panel 22 to move to a deployed position and causing airbag module 21 to inflate airbag 20 to an expanded position. When actuator 52 receives a command from crash sensor 62, pinion 50 may be configured to extend panel 18 to the deployed position. Thus, panel 18 may be configured to move to the deployed position upon receiving a command from crash sensor 62 via controller 64.

[0057] The collision sensor 62 can communicate with the controller 64. The collision sensor 62 is programmed to detect a collision with the vehicle 24. The collision sensor 62 can be of any suitable type, for example, post-contact sensors such as accelerometers, pressure sensors, and contact switches; and pre-crash sensors such as radar, laser radar (LIDAR), and vision sensing systems. The vision system can include one or more cameras, CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, etc. The collision sensor 62 can be located at multiple points in or on the vehicle 24.

[0058] To facilitate communication, the controller 64, the crash sensors 62, the actuators 52, and other components in the vehicle 24 may be connected to a communication bus 70, such as a controller area network (CAN) bus, of the vehicle 24. The controller 64 may use information from the communication bus 70 to control the triggering of the actuators 52. The actuators 52 may be connected to the controller 64 or may be connected to the communication bus 70.

[0059] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been 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 can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0060] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat having a seat back with a front surface and a rear surface, a panel movable along the rear surface from a stowed position proximate the rear surface to a deployed position facing the front surface, and an airbag supported on the panel and inflatable toward the front surface to an inflated position in which the airbag contacts the panel.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the above invention features further a tether extending from the front surface to the panel when the panel is in the deployed position.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the above invention features further a web extending from the front surface to the panel when the panel is in the deployed position.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the above invention features further a second panel movable along the rear surface away from the panel from a stowed position proximate the panel to a deployed position facing the front surface.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the airbag contacts the panel and the second panel when the panel and the second panel are each in the deployed position and the airbag is in the inflated position.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the panel and the second panel define a gap when the panel and the second panel are in respective deployed positions, and the airbag extends from the panel across the gap to the second panel in the inflated position.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the above invention features further a second airbag supported in the panel and inflatable to an inflated position, wherein the second airbag is located below the airbag when the panel is in the deployed position.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the above invention features further a motor disposed in the rear surface and connected to the panel.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the motor is arranged to move the panel to the deployed position.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a headrest and a second airbag disposed in the headrest, the second airbag inflatable to an inflated position, wherein the second airbag is in the inflated position and extends from the headrest to the panel when the panel is in the deployed position.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a crash sensor, wherein the panel is arranged to move to the deployed position upon receiving an instruction from the crash sensor.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a pyrotechnic device disposed in the rear surface and arranged to move the panel to the deployed position.

[0072] According to the invention, there is provided an energy absorbing system having a seat, a first panel movably attached to the seat and extendable to a deployed position, a second panel movably attached to the seat and extendable to a deployed position, a pinion gear engaged with the first panel and the second panel and attached to the seat, and an airbag supported on the first panel inflatable toward the seat to an inflated position, wherein the airbag contacts the first panel and the second panel when the first panel is in the deployed position and the airbag is in the inflated position.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the first panel and the second panel define a gap when the first panel and the second panel are in respective deployed positions, and the airbag extends from the first panel across the gap to the second panel in the inflated position.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a tether extending from the seat to the first panel when the first panel is in the deployed position.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a net extending from the seat to the first panel when the first panel is in the deployed position.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a second airbag supported in the first panel, the second airbag inflatable to an inflated position, wherein the second airbag is below the airbag when the first panel is in the deployed position.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a headrest and a second airbag disposed in the headrest, the second airbag inflatable to an inflated position, wherein the second airbag is in the inflated position and extends from the headrest to the first panel when the first panel is in the deployed position.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the pinion gear is arranged to extend the first panel and the second panel to respective unfolded positions.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a crash sensor, wherein the pinion gear is arranged to extend the first panel to the unfolded position upon receiving an instruction from the crash sensor.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, comprising: a seat back having a front surface and a rear surface; a panel movable along the rear surface from a stowed position adjacent the rear surface to a deployed position facing the front surface; an airbag supported on the panel and inflatable along a surface of the panel facing the front surface toward the front surface to an expanded position in which the airbag contacts the panel; and a second panel movable from a stowed position adjacent to the panel along the rear surface and away from the panel to a deployed position facing the front surface; wherein the panel and the second panel define a gap when the panel and the second panel are in the respective deployed positions, and the airbag extends from the panel across the gap to the second panel in the inflated position.

2. The seat according to claim 1, wherein The airbag contacts the panel and the second panel when the panel and the second panel are each in the deployed position and the airbag is in the inflated position.

3. The seat of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second airbag supported in the panel, the second airbag being inflatable to an expanded position, wherein the second airbag is positioned below the airbag when the panel is in the deployed position.

4. The chair of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a motor disposed in the rear surface and connected to the panel.

5. A chair as claimed in claim 4, wherein the motor is arranged to move the panel to the deployed position.

6. The seat of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a headrest and a second airbag disposed in the headrest, the second airbag being inflatable to an expanded position, wherein when the panel is in the deployed position, the second airbag is in the expanded position and extends from the headrest to the panel.

7. The seat of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a tether extending from the front surface to the panel when the panel is in the deployed position.

8. The chair of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a mesh extending from the front surface to the panel when the panel is in the deployed position.

9. The seat of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a crash sensor, wherein the panel is arranged to move to the deployed position upon receiving a command from the crash sensor.

10. A seat as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pyrotechnic device provided in the rear surface and arranged to move the panel to the deployed position.

11. The chair of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pinion gear engaged with the panel and attached to the chair.

12. A chair as claimed in claim 11 wherein said pinions are arranged to extend said panels to respective said deployed positions.

13. The seat of claim 11, wherein the pinion is arranged to extend the panel to the deployed position upon receiving a command from a crash sensor.

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