Vehicle airbag system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for a "Vehicle Airbag System". An assembly includes a seat. The assembly includes a housing. The assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflated position, the airbag having a first inflatable leg and a second inflatable leg extending from the housing, and an inflatable member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg. The assembly includes a tether having a first end secured to the first inflatable leg, and a second end spaced apart from the first end and the airbag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle seats, and more specifically to a vehicle airbag assembly. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle may include one or more airbags that can deploy during a vehicle collision to absorb energy from the vehicle's occupants during the collision. The airbag may be a component of an airbag assembly, which includes a housing supporting the airbag and an inflator communicating with the airbag to inflate it from an uninflated position to an inflated position. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An assembly includes a seat. The assembly includes a housing. The assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflatable position, the airbag having a first inflatable leg and a second inflatable leg extending from the housing, and an inflatable member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg. The assembly includes a tether having a first end secured to the first inflatable leg and a second end spaced apart from the first end and the airbag.

[0004] When the airbag is in the inflatable position, the inflatable component can extend upward and away from the seat.

[0005] The seat can be rear-facing.

[0006] The second end of the tether can be located behind the seat.

[0007] The component may include a roof, the housing is supported by the roof, and the second end of the tether is secured to the roof.

[0008] The component may include a roof, and when the airbag is in the inflatable position, the inflatable component is spaced apart from the roof.

[0009] The seat may include a seat back with a defined midpoint, and when the airbag is in the inflated position, the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg extend below the midpoint.

[0010] The components may include a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions that can be executed by the processor to actuate the airbag in response to the detection of a rear-end collision.

[0011] The component may include a second seat, with the first and second seats positioned facing each other. The component may include a second housing. The component may include a second airbag inflatable to an inflatable position, the second airbag having a first and second inflatable leg extending from the housing, and an inflatable member extending from the first and second inflatable legs. The component may include a second tether having a first end secured to the first inflatable leg of the second airbag, and a second end spaced apart from the first end of the tether and the second airbag.

[0012] The components may include a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions that can be executed by the processor to activate the airbag and prevent the activation of the second airbag when a vehicle collision is detected.

[0013] An assembly includes a housing. The assembly may include an airbag in an inflatable position, the airbag having a first inflatable leg and a second inflatable leg extending from the housing along a longitudinal axis, and an inflatable member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg along a transverse axis. The assembly may include a tether having a first end secured to the first inflatable leg and a second end spaced apart from the first end and the airbag.

[0014] The first inflatable leg may have a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along the longitudinal axis, and a first length at the first end and a second length at the second end that is greater than the first length when the airbag is in the inflated position.

[0015] The component may include a second tether, which is external to the airbag and has a first end fixed to the first inflatable leg and a second end spaced apart from the first end and the airbag along the longitudinal axis.

[0016] The first end of the tether can be spaced apart from the first end of the second tether along a vertical axis.

[0017] The first end of the tether can be spaced apart from the first end of the second tether along the longitudinal axis.

[0018] The second end of the tether and the second end of the second tether can be fixed at the same position.

[0019] When the airbag is in the inflatable position, the inflatable component may be arched.

[0020] The first inflatable leg may include an inner plate and an outer plate spaced apart from the inner plate along the transverse axis, as well as a plurality of plates extending from the inner plate to the outer plate within the airbag.

[0021] The inflatable component may include a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel along the longitudinal axis, as well as a plurality of panels extending from the front panel to the rear panel within the airbag.

[0022] The first inflatable leg may include a plurality of plates inside the airbag and extending to the distal edge, the distal edge being spaced apart from each other and not attached to other plates. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a vehicle that includes multiple airbag systems.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the vehicle's interior, showing the airbags of the airbag system in the uninflated position.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the vehicle's interior, showing the airbags of the airbag system in the inflated position.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a side view of the vehicle's interior, which has Figure 3 The airbag is in the inflated position.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the vehicle interior, in which an alternative embodiment of the airbag system is in the inflated position.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a side view of the vehicle's interior, which has Figure 5 The airbag is in the inflated position.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the airbag in its inflated position.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of vehicle components. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Referring to the accompanying drawings, where the same numerals denote the same parts in several views, an airbag assembly 20 for restraining occupants of vehicle 24 seats 22f, 22r includes a housing 26 and an airbag 28 supported by the housing 26. The airbag 28 is inflatable to an inflatable position and has a first inflatable leg 30 and a second inflatable leg 32 extending from the housing 26, and an inflatable member 34 extending from the first inflatable leg 30 to the second inflatable leg 32. The airbag assembly 20 includes a tether 36 having a first end 38 secured to the first inflatable leg 30 and a second end 40 spaced apart from the first end 38 and the airbag 28.

[0032] The airbag 28 in the inflated position restricts occupant movement, such as during a vehicle collision. The tether 36 supports the airbag 28 in the inflated position so that reaction surfaces behind the airbag 28 (such as seats, dashboards, doors, etc.) are not necessary to provide this restriction.

[0033] exist Figures 1 to 6 The vehicle 24 shown can be any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, SUV, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. Vehicle 24 may include one or more seats 22f, 22r, a roof 42, one or more airbag assemblies 20, etc. Vehicle 24 defines a longitudinal axis A1, which extends between the front and rear of vehicle 24. Vehicle 24 defines a lateral axis A2, which extends between the left and right sides of vehicle 24, i.e., in the direction across the vehicle. Vehicle 24 defines a vertical axis A3, which extends between the top and bottom of vehicle 24. The longitudinal axis A1, lateral axis A2, and vertical axis A3 can all be perpendicular to each other. The directions front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom are relative to the driver's direction of travel, the direction of control used to operate vehicle 24 (e.g., dashboard), and the direction of travel when the wheels of vehicle 24 are parallel to each other.

[0034] Vehicle 24 may include a body and a frame. The body and frame may be a single, integrated structure. In a single-piece structure, the body (e.g., lower side beams, pillars, roof 42, floor, etc.) serves as the frame. As another example, the body and frame may have a separate body-and-frame structure (also known as a separate cab-and-frame structure). In other words, the body and frame are separate components, i.e., modular, and the body is supported on and secured to the frame. Alternatively, the body and frame may have any suitable structure. The body and / or frame may be made of any suitable material (e.g., steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, etc.).

[0035] The roof 42 provides shelter for the occupants of the vehicle 24. The roof 42 may include an inner panel, an outer panel, and a roof liner 44. The inner panel provides support to the outer panel, roof liner 44, etc. The inner panel may be made of steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. The roof liner 44 and the outer panel provide the roof 42 with an A-grade surface, i.e., a surface specifically manufactured to have a high-quality, flawless, finished aesthetic appearance.

[0036] The headliner 44 may include one or more tear seams 46. The tear seams 46 are designed to rupture upon inflation of the airbag 28. The tear seam 46 may be weaker than a portion of the headliner 44 adjacent to it; for example, the tear seam 46 may be thinner, made of a weaker material, etc. The tear seam 46 may connect panels of the headliner 44, for example, with a split seam. The tear seam 46 may extend along a longitudinal axis A1.

[0037] exist Figures 2 to 6 The seats 22f and 22r shown are bucket seats, but alternatively, seats 22f and 22r could also be bench seats or another type of seat.

[0038] Each of seats 22f and 22r may include a seat back 48, a seat base 50, and a headrest 52. The headrest 52 may be supported by the seat back 48 and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat back 48. The seat back 48 may be supported by the seat base 50 and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat base 50. The seat back 48, seat base 50, and / or headrest 52 may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, the seat back 48, seat base 50, and / or headrest 52 may themselves be adjustable; in other words, adjustable components within the seat back 48, seat base 50, and / or headrest 52 may be adjusted relative to each other.

[0039] The seat back 48 may define a midpoint M. The midpoint M of the seat back 48 is equidistant between the top T and the bottom B of the seat back 48. The top T and the bottom B may be relative to the occupants of seats 22f and 22r. The seat back 48 may be supported by the seat bottom 50 at the bottom B of the seat back 48. The headrest 52 may be supported at the top T of the seat back 48.

[0040] Seats 22f and 22r can be positioned to face each other. For example, one of the seats 22r can face rearward, and the other of the seats 22f can face forward, for example, relative to the front and rear of the vehicle 24.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the housing 26 of the airbag assembly 20 can surround and support components of the airbag assembly 20, such as the inflator 54, the airbag 28 in the inflated position, etc. The housing 26 provides a reaction surface for the airbag 28 in the inflated position. The housing 26 can be supported by the roof 42 or other suitable components of the vehicle 24. The housing 26 can be made of any material, such as rigid polymers, metals, or composite materials.

[0042] The housing 26 is positioned relative to the seats 22f and 22r. For example, one housing 26 can be supported on the forward direction SD of a forward-facing seat 22f, and the other housing 26 can be positioned on the forward direction SD of a rear-facing seat 22r.

[0043] Airbag assembly 20 includes airbag 28, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the diagram. Airbag 28 can be in the uninflated position (…). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown) Inflate to the inflation position ( Figures 3 to 7 (As shown in the diagram). The airbag 28 can be made of a woven polymer or any other material. As an example, the airbag 28 can be made of woven nylon yarn (e.g., nylon 66). Other examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, etc. The woven polymer can include a coating such as silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, etc. For example, the coating can be a polysilicone resin.

[0044] Each airbag 28 in the inflated position has a first inflatable leg 30 and a second inflatable leg 32. Each inflatable leg 30, 32 may include an inner panel 56 and an outer panel 58, for example, relative to the inflated position ( Figure 7With respect to the center C of the airbag 28 (shown in the diagram). The outer panel 58 may be spaced apart from the inner panel 56 along a transverse axis A2, for example, defining an inflation chamber 60 between them. Each inflatable leg 30, 32 may include a front panel 62 and a rear panel 64, for example, with respect to the forward seating direction SD of the seats 22f, 22r, where the occupants of the seats 22f, 22r will be restrained by the airbag 28. In other words, the front panel 62 may be further away from the seat back 48 than the rear panel 64. The front panel 62 and the rear panel 64 may extend from the inner panel 56 to the outer panel 58. The front panel 62 may be spaced apart from the rear panel 64 along a longitudinal axis A1, for example, further defining an inflation chamber 60. Each inflatable leg 30, 32 may include a top panel 66 and a bottom panel 68, for example, with respect to a vertical axis A3. The top panel 66 and the bottom panel 68 may extend from the inner panel 56 to the outer panel 58. The top plate 66 may be spaced apart from the bottom plate 68 along a vertical axis A3, for example, further defining an inflation chamber 60. One or more of the plates 62, 64, 66, and 68 may be integral with each other, i.e., made from a single piece of material. One or more of the plates 62, 64, 66, and 68 may be fixed to each other, for example, by stitching, friction welding, adhesives, etc.

[0045] Each inflatable leg 30, 32 may include one or more internal plates 70 within the airbag 28, for example, within the inflation chamber 60. Figure 7 As shown in the diagram. The inner panel 70 can extend from the inner panel 56 to the outer panel 58. The inner panel 70 can extend from the top panel 66 or the bottom panel 68 to its distal edge 72. The distal edges 72 of the inner panels 70 can be spaced apart from each other and not attached to other panels, such as other inner panels 70, inner panels 56, outer panels 58, front panels 62, rear panels 64, etc. The inner panels 70 can control the flow of fluid to inflate the chamber 60, for example, by inflating the area between the inner panels 70 in a desired sequence, or by opening vents through fluid pressure, etc.

[0046] Each inflatable leg 30, 32 may have a first end 74 and a second end 76. The second end 76 may be spaced apart from the first end 74 along a longitudinal axis A1. The first end 74 may be relative to the second end 76 in the forward direction SD of the seat, for example, relative to seats 22f, 22r, where the occupants of said seats 22f, 22r will be restrained by the airbag 28. The first end 74 and the second end 76 may be distal to the airbag 28 in the inflated position.

[0047] Each inflatable leg 30, 32 may have a first length L1 at the first end 74, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown in the diagram. For example, the first length L1 may be located between the top plate 66 and the bottom plate 68 at the front panel 62. Each inflatable leg 30, 32 may have a second length L2 at the second end 76. For example, the second length L2 may be located between the top plate 66 and the bottom plate 68 at the rear panel 64. When the airbag 28 is in the inflated position, the second length L2 may be greater than the first length L1.

[0048] Each inflatable leg 30, 32 may extend from the housing 26. For example, a top plate 66 may be attached to the housing 26. The front plate 62, rear plate 64, inner plate 56 and / or outer plate 58 may extend away from the housing 26, for example, extending to the bottom plate 68 and along the vertical axis A3.

[0049] When the airbag 28 is in the inflated position, each inflatable leg 30, 32 may extend along the longitudinal axis A1. For example, the inner panel 56 and / or the outer panel 58 may extend along the longitudinal axis A1 between the front panel 62 and the rear panel 64.

[0050] When the airbag 28 is in the inflated position, each inflatable leg 30, 32 may extend along the vertical axis A3. For example, the inner panel 56 and / or the outer panel 58 may extend along the vertical axis A3 between the top panel 66 and the bottom panel 68. When the airbag 28 is in the inflated position, each inflatable leg 30, 32 may extend below the midpoint M of the seat back 48. For example, the midpoint M of the seat back 48 may be located along the vertical axis A3 between the top panel 66 and the bottom panel 68. As another example, the bottom panel 68 may be located along the vertical axis A3 between the midpoint M of the seat back 48 and the seat bottom 50.

[0051] The first inflatable leg 30 and the second inflatable leg 32 are spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis A2, for example, by a gap 77 between them. For example, when the airbag 28 is in the inflated position, the inner plate 56 of the first inflatable leg 30 may be spaced apart from the inner plate 56 of the second inflatable leg 32 by a gap 77 between the inner plates 56.

[0052] The inflatable member 34 may include a front panel 78, a rear panel 80, a top panel 82, a bottom panel 84, and a pair of opposing side panels 86. Panels 78, 80, 82, 84, and 86 define a chamber 88 therebetween. One or more of panels 78, 80, 82, 84, and 86 may be integral with each other, i.e., made from a single piece of material. One or more of panels 78, 80, 82, 84, and 86 may be fixed to each other, for example, by stitching, friction welding, adhesives, etc. The front panel 78 may be spaced apart from the rear panel 80 along a longitudinal axis A1. The front panel 78 may be positioned relative to the rear panel 80 in the forward direction SD of the seat; for example, the rear panel 80 may be located along the longitudinal axis A1 between the front panel 78 and the seat back 48. The rear panel 80 of the inflatable member 34 may be integral with the rear panel 64 of the inflatable legs 30, 32. The front panel 78 of the inflatable member 34 may be integral with the front panel 62 of the inflatable legs 30, 32. The side panels 86 may be spaced apart from each other along a transverse axis A2, for example, by a top panel 82, a bottom panel 84, a front panel 78, and a rear panel 80 extending therebetween. The side panels 86 may extend along a vertical axis A3 and a longitudinal axis A1. The side panels 86 may be integral with the inner panel 56. The side panels 86 may be the inner panel 56.

[0053] The inflatable member 34 may include one or more inner panels 90. The inner panels 90 may be within the airbag 28, for example, within the chamber 88 of the inflatable member 34. The inner panels 90 may extend between side panels 86, front panels 78, rear panels 80, etc. The inner panels 90 may be spaced apart from each other, for example, by means of side panels 86, front panels 78, rear panels 80, etc., extending therebetween.

[0054] The chamber 88 of the inflatable member 34 may be in fluid communication with the chamber 60 of the inflatable legs 30, 32. For example, the side panel 86, inner panel 90, inner panel 56, etc., may include one or more vents 92 that allow fluid to flow through them. The vents 92 may be designed to allow fluid to flow in two directions or in one direction.

[0055] The inflatable member 34 extends from the first inflatable leg 30 to the second inflatable leg 32 along, for example, a transverse axis A2. For example, the top plate 82, bottom plate 84, front plate 78, and / or rear plate 80 of the inflatable member 34 may extend from the first inflatable leg 30 to the second inflatable leg 32. As another example, the inflatable member 34 may occupy a gap 77 between the first inflatable leg 30 and the second inflatable leg 32.

[0056] When the airbag 28 is in the inflatable position, the inflatable component 34 can extend upward and away from the seats 22f and 22r. For example, compared to the roof panel 82, the floor panel 84 can be closer to the seat back 48 along the longitudinal axis A1 and closer to the seat bottom 50 along the vertical axis A3. In other words, the floor panel 84 can be located between the seat back 48 and the roof panel 82 along the longitudinal axis A1 and between the seat bottom 50 and the roof panel 82 along the vertical axis A3.

[0057] When the airbag 28 is in the inflatable position, the inflatable component 34 can be spaced apart from the roof 42. For example, the roof panel 82 and the front panel 78 can be spaced apart from the roof 42 and the housing 26, thereby defining a gap 94 therebetween. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0058] When the airbag 28 is in the inflatable position, the inflatable member 34 may be arched. For example, the rear panel 80 may be generally vertical at the bottom panel 84, for example, relative to the vertical axis A3, and may be curved as it extends to the top panel 82, wherein the rear panel 80 may be generally horizontal, for example, relative to the longitudinal axis A1.

[0059] One or more tethers 36 can anchor each of the airbags 28 in the inflated position, for example, so that the airbags 28 can restrict occupant movement without requiring support from additional reaction surfaces, such as seats, dashboards, doors, pillars, or other vehicle components behind the airbags 28. The tethers 36 can be fabric or any other suitable material. The tethers 36 can be made of the same type of material as the airbags 28. The tethers 36 can be energy-absorbing. For example, the tethers 36 can be an elastic material that stretches to absorb energy, for example, energy exerted on the airbags 28 by the occupants during a collision with the vehicle 24. As another example, each tether 36 can be folded and secured to itself with a release seam, for example, the tension in the tethers 36 exerted by an occupant in contact with the airbags 28 during a collision with the vehicle 24 can cause the release seam to tear, allowing the tethers 36 to unfold and absorb the energy exerted on them.

[0060] Each tether 36 has a first end 38 that is secured to a first inflatable leg 30 or a second inflatable leg 32 of one of the airbags 28. The tether 36 may be secured using stitching, friction welding, adhesive, etc. Each tether 36 has a second end 40 spaced apart from the first end 38 and the airbag 28. The second end 40 may be spaced apart along a longitudinal axis A1 from the first end 38, the housing 26, and / or the airbag 28. When the airbag 28 is in the deflated position, each tether 36 may extend along the longitudinal axis A1 between the first end 38 and the second end 40 and adjacent to the tear seam 46. The second end 40 of the tether 36 may be located behind the seats 22f, 22r, for example, relative to the forward direction SD of the seats. In other words, the seat back 48 may be located along the longitudinal axis A1 between the first end 38 and the second end 40 of the tether 36. In other words, when the airbag 28 is positioned to protect the occupant of the rear-facing seat 22r, the second end 40 of the tether 36 can be positioned forward-facing in the vehicle, and when the airbag 28 is positioned to protect the occupant of the forward-facing seat 22f, the second end 40 of the tether 36 can be positioned rear-facing in the vehicle, and the second end 40 of the tether 36 can be secured to the roof 42 or other suitable structure.

[0061] The first ends 38 of the tethers 36 may be spaced apart from each other. The first end 38 of one of the tethers 36 may be spaced apart from the first end 38 of the other tether 36 along the vertical axis A3. For example, the first ends 38 of the tethers 36 may be attached to the rear plate 64 and / or outer plate 58 of one of the inflatable legs 30, 32, and are spaced apart along the vertical axis A3 when the airbag 28 is in the inflated position. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. A first end 38 of one of the tethers 36 may be spaced apart from the first end 38 of the other tether 36 along the longitudinal axis A1. For example, the first ends 38 of the tethers 36 may be attached to the base plate 68 and / or outer plate 58 of one of the inflatable legs 30, 32, and are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis A1 when the airbag 28 is in the inflated position, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0062] The second end 40 of one of the tethers 36 and the second end 40 of the other tether 36 can be fixed at the same location. For example, the second end 40 of more than one of the tethers 36 can be fixed to the roof 42 behind the seats 22f, 22r, as shown. Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the image.

[0063] Inflator 54 provides an inflation medium to inflate airbag 28 from an uninflated position to an inflated position. Inflator 54 may be in fluid communication with inflatable legs 30, 32 and / or inflatable components 34, for example, directly through various pipes, etc. Inflator 54 may be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to drive the inflation medium to airbag 28. Inflator 54 may be of any suitable type, for example, a cold-air inflator. Inflator 54 may be supported by housing 26, roof 42, or any other suitable location on vehicle 24. One or more inflators 54 may be used to inflate each of the airbags 28.

[0064] The vehicle 24 may include at least one collision sensor 96 for sensing collisions of the vehicle 24, and a computer 98 connected to the collision sensor 96 and the inflation device 54. Figure 8 As shown in the diagram. Computer 98 can activate one or more of the inflation devices 54, for example, to provide propulsion to the pyrotechnic filler of the inflation device 54 when collision sensor 96 senses a collision with vehicle 24. Alternatively, or in addition to sensing a collision, collision sensor 96 can be configured to sense a collision before it occurs, i.e., pre-collision sensing.

[0065] The collision sensor 96 can communicate with the computer 98. The collision sensor 96 is configured to detect collisions with the vehicle 24. The collision sensor 96 can be of any suitable type, such as: post-collision sensors, such as accelerometers, pressure sensors, and contact switches; and pre-collision sensors, such as radar, lidar, and vision sensing systems. The vision system may include one or more cameras, CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, etc. The collision sensor 96 can be located at multiple points within or on the vehicle 24.

[0066] Computer 98 and collision sensor 96 can be connected to vehicle 24's communication bus 100, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. Computer 98 can use information from communication bus 100 to control the activation of inflation device 54. Inflation device 54 can be directly connected to computer 98, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the inflation device 54 can be connected via the communication bus 100.

[0067] Computer 98 can be a microprocessor-based computer implemented via circuits, chips, or other electronic components. For example, computer 98 may include a processor, memory, etc. The memory of computer 98 may include memory for storing programming instructions executable by the processor and memory for electronically storing data and / or databases.

[0068] Computer 98 may store instructions executable by a processor to activate one of the airbags 28 and / or deactivate another of the airbags 28 in response to the detection of a vehicle collision. For example, upon detecting a rear-end collision, computer 98 may instruct one or more of the inflators 54 to inflate an airbag 28 designed to restrain an occupant in a rear-facing seat 22r, and deactivate instructions to inflator 54 to inflate an airbag 28 designed to restrain an occupant in a forward-facing seat 22f. As another example, upon detecting a frontal collision, computer 98 may instruct one or more of the inflators 54 to inflate an airbag 28 designed to restrain an occupant in a forward-facing seat 22f, and deactivate instructions to inflator 54 to inflate an airbag 28 designed to restrain an occupant in a rear-facing seat 22r.

[0069] During operation, the airbag 28 is in the uninflated position under normal operating conditions of the vehicle 24. In the event of a collision, the collision sensor 96 can detect the collision and transmit a signal to the computer 98 via the communication bus 100. The computer 98 can, for example, based on the direction of the detected collision, transmit a signal via the communication bus 100 to one or more of the inflators 54. Upon receiving the signal, the inflators 54 can release the airbag 28 from the uninflated position and inflate it to the inflatable position using an inflation medium.

[0070] During a collision, the momentum of an occupant seated in one of seats 22f or 22r can cause the occupant to move forward toward the inflated airbag 28. This motion can be transmitted to the airbag 28 and generate tension in the tether 36. The tether 36 can hold the airbag 28 in place to limit further occupant movement.

[0071] The adjectives “first” and “second” are used throughout this document as identifiers and are not intended to indicate importance or order.

[0072] This disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to describe the nature of words rather than to limit them. In light of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible, and this disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

[0073] According to the present invention, an assembly is provided comprising: a seat; a housing; an airbag inflatable to an inflatable position, the airbag having a first inflatable leg and a second inflatable leg extending from the housing, and an inflatable member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg; and a tether having a first end fixed to the first inflatable leg and a second end spaced apart from the first end and the airbag.

[0074] According to one embodiment, when the airbag is in the inflatable position, the inflatable component extends upward and away from the seat.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the seat is rear-facing.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the second end of the tether is located behind the seat.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a roof, wherein the housing is supported by the roof, and the second end of the tether is fixed to the roof.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized in that, when the airbag is in the inflatable position, the inflatable member is spaced apart from the roof.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the seat includes a seat back that defines a midpoint, and when the airbag is in the inflated position, the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg extend below the midpoint.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the airbag in response to the detection of a rear-end collision.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a second seat, wherein the first seat and the second seat are positioned facing each other; a second housing; a second airbag inflatable to an inflatable position having a first inflatable leg and a second inflatable leg extending from the housing, and an inflatable member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg; and a second tether having a first end fixed to the first inflatable leg of the second airbag, and a second end spaced apart from the first end of the tether and the second airbag.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to activate the airbag and prevent the activation of the second airbag upon detection of a vehicle collision.

[0083] According to the present invention, an assembly is provided having: a housing; an airbag inflatable to an inflation position, the airbag having a first inflatable leg and a second inflatable leg extending from the housing along a longitudinal axis, and an inflatable member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg along a transverse axis; and a tether having a first end fixed to the first inflatable leg and a second end spaced apart from the first end and the airbag.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the first inflatable leg has a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along the longitudinal axis, and a first length at the first end and a second length at the second end that is greater than the first length when the airbag is in the inflated position.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a second tether, which is outside the airbag and has a first end fixed to the first inflatable leg and a second end spaced apart from the first end and the airbag along the longitudinal axis.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first end of the tether is spaced apart from the first end of the second tether along a vertical axis.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the first end of the tether is spaced apart from the first end of the second tether along the longitudinal axis.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the second end of the tether and the second end of the second tether are fixed at the same position.

[0089] According to one embodiment, when the airbag is in the inflatable position, the inflatable component is arched.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the first inflatable leg includes an inner plate and an outer plate spaced apart from the inner plate along the transverse axis, as well as a plurality of plates extending from the inner plate to the outer plate within the airbag.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the inflatable member includes a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel along the longitudinal axis, as well as a plurality of panels extending from the front panel to the rear panel within the airbag.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the first inflatable leg includes a plurality of plates inside the airbag and extending to a distal edge, the distal edges being spaced apart from each other and not attached to other plates.

Claims

1. An airbag assembly, comprising: Seats; A housing, positioned relative to the seat; An airbag that can be inflated to an inflation position, the airbag having a first inflatable leg and a second inflatable leg extending from the housing, and an inflatable member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg, wherein the inflatable member includes a front plate and a rear plate spaced apart from the front plate along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of plates extending from the front plate to the rear plate within the airbag. and A tether having a first end fixed to the first inflatable leg and a second end spaced apart from the first end and the airbag.

2. The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein when the airbag is in the inflatable position, the inflatable member extends upward and away from the seat.

3. The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat is rear-facing.

4. The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of the tether is located behind the seat.

5. The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat includes a seat back defining a midpoint, and the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg extend below the midpoint when the airbag is in the inflated position.

6. The airbag assembly of claim 1, further comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the airbag in response to the detection of a rear-end collision.

7. The airbag assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a roof, the housing being supported by the roof, and the second end of the tether being secured to the roof.

8. An airbag assembly comprising: case; An airbag inflatable to an inflation position, the airbag having a first inflatable leg and a second inflatable leg extending from the housing along a longitudinal axis, and an inflatable member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg along a transverse axis, wherein the inflatable member includes a front plate and a rear plate spaced apart from the front plate along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of plates extending from the front plate to the rear plate within the airbag; and A tether having a first end fixed to the first inflatable leg and a second end spaced apart from the first end and the airbag.

9. The airbag assembly of claim 8, wherein the first inflatable leg has a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along the longitudinal axis, and a first length at the first end and a second length at the second end greater than the first length when the airbag is in the inflated position.

10. The airbag assembly of claim 8, wherein the inflatable member is arched when the airbag is in the inflatable position.

11. The airbag assembly of claim 8, wherein the first inflatable leg includes an inner plate and an outer plate spaced apart from the inner plate along the transverse axis, and a plurality of plates extending from the inner plate to the outer plate within the airbag.

12. The airbag assembly of claim 8, wherein the first inflatable leg includes a plurality of plates inside the airbag and extending to a distal edge, the distal edges being spaced apart from each other and not attached to other plates.

13. The airbag assembly of any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising a second tether outside the airbag and having a first end fixed to the first inflatable leg and a second end spaced apart from the first end and the airbag along the longitudinal axis.

14. The airbag assembly of claim 13, wherein the first end of the tether is spaced apart from the first end of the second tether along the longitudinal axis.

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