Vehicle seat with airbag system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a vehicle seat (2) and an airbag system (4). The seat (2) includes a backrest (6) and a seat cushion (8). The seat cushion extends longitudinally from the backrest (6). The backrest (6) extends in height from the seat cushion (8) at a first lower position to a second upper position, and the second upper position is arranged proximal to the shoulders of an occupant (12) in a seated position. The airbag system (4) includes an airbag (22) to receive inflation gas from an inflator to inflate the airbag (22) from a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration. The airbag (22) includes an upper region (24) and a lower region (28). The upper region extends over the head (26) of the occupant (12) in the seated position. The lower region extends around an intermediate section of the occupant (12) in the seated position between a first side portion and a second side portion of the backrest (6). The airbag system (4) includes a tether system (48) that interconnects the seat and the airbag (22) at a second upper position (50) of the backrest (6) to restrain the lower region (28) of the airbag (22) in the longitudinal direction in the inflated configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat with an airbag system for a vehicle that carries a human occupant, the airbag system being configured to provide protection to the occupant when the vehicle is involved in a collision. Background Art

[0002] To prevent or reduce injuries to the occupants of a motor vehicle due to an accident, airbags are typically operatively connected to the vehicle seat. The seat includes a backrest and a seat cushion that extends longitudinally from the backrest, and the backrest extends in height from the seat cushion. The seat positions the occupant in a seating position.

[0003] It has been proposed to implement an airbag that is arranged as a frontal life unit in an inflated configuration. The frontal life unit includes an upper region and a lower region, the upper region extending over the head of the occupant in the seating position, and the lower region extending from a first side of the backrest around the abdomen of the occupant in the seating position to a second side that is laterally spaced from the first side of the backrest. Thus, the airbag is arranged to encapsulate the upper body and head of the occupant.

[0004] The frontal life unit needs to be dimensioned to accommodate the head of the occupant (including when the occupant leans forward from the seat) and is designed for a range of occupant sizes. The frontal life unit needs to be dimensioned to couple to the occupant's abdomen early during a collision. It has proven difficult to dimension and arrange the frontal life unit to provide these functions especially for the range of occupant sizes.

[0005] Accordingly, despite the work that has been invested in the development of the airbag system, further improvements are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a vehicle seat with an airbag system. The seat includes a backrest and a seat cushion that extends longitudinally from the backrest, and the backrest extends in height from the seat cushion at a first lower position to a second upper position of the seat, the second upper position being arranged proximal to the shoulders of the occupant in the seating position. The airbag system includes an airbag to receive inflation gas from an inflator to inflate the airbag from a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration.

[0007] In an embodiment, the airbag includes an upper region (e.g., the top and portions and front of the sides) that extends over the head of the occupant in the seating position. In an embodiment, the airbag includes a lower region (e.g., at least a portion of the front) that extends around the middle section (e.g., over the middle section) of the occupant in the seating position in a lateral direction. The lower region may also extend from a first side and a second side (including proximal) of the backrest.

[0008] In an embodiment, the airbag system includes a tether system that interconnects the seat and the airbag at a second upper position of the seat (such as the backrest and / or the headrest) to restrain a lower region of the airbag (such as where it is connected to the lower region) in the longitudinal direction to couple the lower region of the airbag to the middle section of the occupant.

[0009] With the above-described airbag and tether system embodiments, when the seat and the occupant are subjected to high impact loads (such as those experienced during a collision), the airbag can deploy around the occupant in a manner to 1) control deployment over the occupant's head, which is achieved by connecting the tether system to the second upper region of the backrest, i.e., operationally close to closely controlling deployment over the head 2) allow for an early coupling with the middle section of the occupant to reduce injury to this section, which is achieved by implementing the tether system to restrain at least the lower region of the airbag in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] In an embodiment, the tether system includes a tether that interconnects the second upper region of the seat and the lower region of the airbag. By implementing a direct connection between the second upper region of the seat and the lower region of the airbag, the controlled deployment and early coupling are ensured. In an embodiment, the tether extends around or proximal to the lower edge of the side of the airbag.

[0011] In an embodiment, with the airbag in a deflated configuration, at least a portion of the tether system (such as the portion other than the portion connected to and extending from the second upper region of the backrest to the headrest) is carried by the headrest of the seat. By implementing the tether system in the headrest, it can be ensured that when the airbag deploys around the occupant's head, its position is controlled. In an embodiment, with the airbag in a deflated configuration, at least a portion of the airbag is carried by the headrest of the seat.

[0012] In an embodiment, with the airbag in a deflated configuration, the tether system extends around the headrest from the second upper region of the backrest. As used herein and with respect to the tether system and the headrest, the term "around" can refer to one or more tethers that extend fully or partially along the headrest. By implementing the tether system to extend around the headrest, it can be ensured that when the airbag transitions from a deflated position to an inflated position, the tether system extends around the occupant's head in the lateral direction and then around the middle section, without the need for a dedicated system to make it extend laterally.

[0013] In an embodiment, with the airbag in an inflated configuration, the tether system includes a first tether that extends around an intermediate section of the occupant in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction from a first side portion of the backrest (including directly or proximally from the first side portion of the backrest), and the tether system includes a second tether that extends around an intermediate section of the occupant in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction from a second side portion of the backrest (including directly or proximally from the second side portion of the backrest). This arrangement of the tethers can provide effective restraint of the airbag, especially when it is deployed.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first tether and the second tether overlap each other, for example, between the first side portion and the second side portion in an inflated configuration and / or a deflated configuration. This arrangement of the tethers can provide effective restraint of the airbag and / or a controlled deployment of the airbag over the head of the occupant.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first tether and the second tether overlap each other and extend beyond the overlap portion. By having the tethers extend beyond the overlap portion, it can be ensured that the tethers can control a larger portion of the airbag than a single tether. In an embodiment, a first portion of the first tether extends around or through the outside of a side portion of the airbag from the first side portion of the backrest (including directly or proximally from the outside of the side portion), and a second portion of the first tether extends along the inside of the airbag between a front portion of the airbag and the occupant in a seated position from the first portion. By implementing the tethers to extend from the outside to the inside of the airbag along the respective side portion and front portion, a more precise positioning and connection of the front portion can be ensured.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first tether transitions from the outside of the airbag to the inside of the airbag at a sliding interface that is arranged to allow the tether to slide relative to the airbag. The sliding interface can enable the tether to conveniently rearrange itself when the airbag inflates.

[0017] In an embodiment, a side portion of the airbag includes a peripherally inflatable bag portion and a non-inflatable portion. The first tether and the second tether are connected to the inflatable bag portion at the bottom of the side portion. By connecting the tethers to the inflatable bag location, the main structure of the airbag can be controlled.

[0018] In an embodiment, a guide is arranged to slidably engage a tether of the tether system, and the guide extends from a side portion of the seat (including directly or proximally from the seat). By implementing a guide along which the tether system can slide, the position of the tether system can be more precisely controlled when the airbag inflates.

[0019] In an embodiment, the tether is connected to the airbag at a first end and a second end, and a guide is disposed between the first end and the second end. By implementing a two-point connection of the tether (with a slidable connection therebetween), it can be ensured that the airbag remains at the same tension at multiple points. In an embodiment, with the airbag in an inflated configuration, the first end of the tether is connected to a lower region of the airbag, and the second end of the tether is connected to an upper region of the airbag. By implementing the connection of the first end and the second end to the respective upper and lower regions of the airbag, the multi-point connection system can control the upper and lower portions of the bag. In an embodiment, the angle between the first end and the second end at the guide is greater in the inflated configuration than in the deflated configuration. As the angle increases, the multi-point connection system expands from a compact state when the airbag is inflated.

[0020] In an embodiment, a first portion extends between the first end and the guide, and a second portion extends between the second end and the guide. In an embodiment, in the deflated configuration, the first portion may have a length smaller than that of the second portion. In an embodiment, the tether system is configured with a second portion to increase in length as the airbag inflates.

[0021] In an embodiment, a side portion of the airbag includes a peripherally inflatable bag portion and a non-inflatable portion. The first end is connected to the inflatable bag portion at the bottom of the side portion, and the second end is connected to the inflatable bag portion at the top of the side portion. By connecting the tether to the inflatable bag location, the main structure of the airbag can be controlled.

[0022] In an embodiment, with the airbag in an inflated configuration, the first end is disposed longitudinally in front of the second end. By disposing the first end in front of the second end, when the airbag deploys, the portions of the tether extending from these ends can fan out rather than overloading or colliding.

[0023] In an embodiment, the tether system extends around the exterior of the airbag (e.g., the side portion and / or the front portion) in the inflated configuration. In some embodiments, the tether system extends only around the exterior of the side portion of the airbag. Such an embodiment can be implemented with a multi-point connection system because, through the multi-point connection of the tether, there is less need to provide additional connections around the front portion since the multi-point connections on the side provide sufficient connection stability.

[0024] In an embodiment, the tether system interconnects the seat and the airbag at a location other than, for example, the second upper position of the seat to constrain the lower region of the airbag in the longitudinal direction to couple the lower region of the airbag to the intermediate section of the occupant. For example, in an embodiment including a guide, the guide can be disposed at any location on the backrest, including a lower position, an intermediate position, or an upper position.

[0025] The present disclosure provides a method for deploying an airbag to protect an occupant of a vehicle seat, the method comprising: inflating the airbag with an inflator; controlling the position of the inflated airbag with a tether that extends from an upper region of the seat to a lower region of the airbag. The method may implement the features of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0026] The foregoing summary is provided for the purpose of summarizing some embodiments to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above features are merely examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Additionally, the above and / or foregoing embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination to provide additional embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Aspects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements.

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 are corresponding side, front, and top views of a vehicle seat and an airbag system, wherein the airbag of the airbag system is arranged in a deflated configuration.

[0029] Figures 4 to 6 are corresponding side, front, and top views of a vehicle seat and an airbag system, wherein the airbag of the airbag system is arranged in an inflated configuration.

[0030] Figures 7 to 9 are corresponding side, front, and top views of a vehicle seat and an airbag system of an embodiment, wherein the airbag of the airbag system is arranged in a deflated configuration.

[0031] Figures 10 to 12 is Figures 7 to 9 corresponding side, front, and top views of a vehicle seat and an airbag system, wherein the airbag is arranged in an inflated configuration.

[0032] Figures 13 to 15 are corresponding side, front, and top views of a vehicle seat and an airbag system of an embodiment, wherein the airbag of the airbag system is arranged in a deflated configuration.

[0033] Figures 16 to 18 is Figures 13 to 15 corresponding side, front, and top views of a vehicle seat and an airbag system, wherein the airbag is arranged in an inflated configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Before describing several embodiments of the device, it should be understood that the system is not limited to the details of the construction or process steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure that the system can have other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0035] The present disclosure can be better understood in view of the following explanations:

[0036] As used herein, the term "vehicle" can refer to a ground vehicle capable of transporting one or more occupants in a seating position. The vehicle can be motorized.

[0037] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" can refer to the direction of travel of the vehicle and / or the direction in which the seat cushion extends from the seat back. In the case where the seat is not aligned with the direction of travel, it should be understood that the longitudinal direction is not parallel to the direction of travel. The longitudinal direction can be parallel to the ground.

[0038] As used herein, the term "transverse direction" can refer to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a direction extending from one side of the seat to the other side. The transverse direction can be parallel to the ground.

[0039] As used herein, the term "height" can refer to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

[0040] As used herein, the term "airbag system" can refer to a vehicle occupant restraint system that includes: an airbag; an inflator; a collision sensing system; and a control system. The sensing system provides a signal indicating a collision to the control system, and the control system controls the inflator to inflate the airbag.

[0041] As used herein, the term "airbag" or "bag" can refer to an inflatable bag formed of a flexible material such as fabric. The bag can inflate extremely quickly during a collision and then deflate rapidly. The bag inflates from a deflated configuration in which it is folded and / or rolled up or otherwise collapsed.

[0042] As used herein, the term "inflator" or "inflation module" can refer to a device capable of generating gas to rapidly inflate an airbag, for example, within 20 - 30 milliseconds. The inflator can include an ignition system to ignite a solid propellant within the airbag inflator and burn the propellant to generate an inert gas for inflation.

[0043] As used herein, the term "tether system" can refer to an arrangement of one or more tethers and optionally associated components (such as guides and / or fixing systems for connecting the tethers to the seat or the airbag).

[0044] As used herein, the term "tether" may refer to a flexible linkage by which a movable object (such as an airbag) is fastened to a fixed object (such as a vehicle seat) to limit its range of motion. The tether may include a cord, a strip of material, a rope, etc.

[0045] As used herein, the term "occupant" may refer to a human passenger of a vehicle. The middle section of the occupant may refer to the abdominal region.

[0046] As used herein, and with respect to a seat, the term "first lower position" or "first lower part" may refer to the proximal region of the seat, proximal to the seat cushion, such as the backrest.

[0047] As used herein, and with respect to a seat, the term "second upper position" or "second upper part" may refer to the region of the seat or proximal to the seat that is located above the first lower region, such as at least 30 cm or 40 cm or 50 cm or 60 cm above, which region is proximal and optionally above the shoulders of the seated occupant. The second upper position may include the top portion of the backrest, such as a region extending downwardly from the head end of the backrest less than 40 cm or 30 cm or 20 cm. The second upper position may also include a headrest.

[0048] As used herein, and with respect to an airbag, the term "upper region" may refer to the portion of the airbag that is disposed over and / or proximal to the head of the seated occupant. Thus, it may include the top portion of the airbag and adjacent portions of the sides and / or front of the airbag.

[0049] As used herein, and with respect to an airbag, the term "lower region" may refer to the portion of the airbag that is disposed over the middle section of the seated occupant to, for example, engage the middle section of the occupant during a collision.

[0050] Seat

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 6 , shows a vehicle seat 2 and an airbag system 4. The seat 2 includes a backrest 6 and a seat cushion 8. The seat cushion 8 is a hip support for the occupant 12 and extends generally in the longitudinal direction 10 from the backrest 6. The backrest 6 is arranged to engage the back of the occupant 12 and extends generally in the height direction 14 from the seat cushion 8. The backrest 6 includes a first side portion 16 and a second side portion 18 spaced apart in the lateral direction 20.

[0052] The backrest 6 includes a second upper position 50 and a first lower position 52 located distally and proximally to the seat cushion 8, respectively. The second upper position 50 includes the top 62 of the backrest 6. The first lower position 52 includes the base 64 of the backrest 6 that mates with the seat cushion 8. A headrest 54 is connected to the top 62 of the backrest 6 and extends in the height direction 14 from the top of the backrest.

[0053] In an embodiment not shown, the backrest is integrally formed with the seat cushion. The headrest is integrally formed with the backrest.

[0054] Airbag system

[0055] The airbag system 4 includes an airbag 22 to receive inflation gas from an inflator (not shown) to inflate the airbag 22 from a deflated configuration ( Figures 1 to 3 shown in) to an inflated configuration ( Figures 4 to 6 shown in).

[0056] In the deflated configuration, the airbag 22 extends around a second upper position 50 in a first portion, and specifically around the backrest 6 and around the headrest 54 at a first side portion 16 and a second side portion 18. The airbag 22 extends from the second upper position 50 to an end 60 at the first side portion 16 and the second side portion 18 in a second portion, and the end is arranged to be proximal to the elbow of the occupant 12 in the seated position. Specifically, the end 60 is arranged substantially in the middle between the top 62 and the base 64 of the backrest 6.

[0057] In the inflated configuration, the airbag 22 includes an upper region 24 and a lower region 28. The upper region extends over the head 26 of the occupant 12 in the seated position. The lower region extends between the first side portion 16 and the second side portion 18 of the backrest 6 and extends around an intermediate section 30 of the occupant 12 in the seated position.

[0058] Specifically, in the inflated configuration, the upper region 24 of the airbag 22 includes a top 32. The top 32 includes a first portion 34 that mainly extends between the first side portion 16 and the second side portion 18 of the backrest 6 in a transverse direction 20 and extends in a longitudinal direction 10 to cover the crown of the head 26 of the occupant 12. The top 32 includes a second portion 36 that also extends in the transverse direction 20 and the longitudinal direction 10 but extends more in a height direction 14 such that it covers the forehead of the head 26 of the occupant 12. The airbag 22 includes a first side portion 38, a second side portion 40, and a front portion 42. The portions of them in the upper region 24 are interconnected by the top 32 to enclose the head 26. The portions of the top 32 and the side portions 38, 40 are connected to the headrest 54.

[0059] Specifically, in the inflated configuration, the lower region 28 of the airbag 22 includes a portion of the front portion 42. The said portion of the front portion 42 mainly extends between the first side portion 16 and the second side portion 18 of the backrest 6 in a transverse direction 20 and extends in a height direction 14 to cover the intermediate section 30 of the occupant 12.

[0060] In the lower region 28, a first side portion 38 and a second side portion 40 are interconnected by a front portion 42 to enclose an intermediate section 30. The first side portion 38 and the second side portion 40 extend in the longitudinal direction 10 from the front portion 42 to an end 60, which is connected to the backrest 6. The front portion 42 overlaps the intermediate section and the face of the occupant 12.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the front portion 42 is formed by a fully inflatable bag portion. The first side portion 38 and the second side portion 40 are formed by inflatable portions 44A, 44B, 44C around their perimeters, and non-inflatable portions 46 interconnect the perimeters. The inflatable portions 44A, 44C are arranged generally parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction 10, and the inflatable portion 44B interconnects these portions 44A, 44C and extends from the end 60 in the height direction 14.

[0062] The top 32 is formed by a non-inflatable portion that extends between the inflatable portions 44C of the side portions 38, 40 and the front portion 42. In this way, a cavity is formed in which the head 26 of the occupant 12 is received.

[0063] The top 32, the side portions 38, 40 and the front portion 42 have an inner surface that defines a cavity to surround the occupant to engage with the occupant by gradually absorbing kinetic energy and to restrain the occupant. The outer surface can also deflect to absorb the kinetic energy of a colliding object.

[0064] In the deflated configuration, the top 32 and the front portion 42 are carried in the headrest 54, that is, in the first part of the airbag 22. In the deflated configuration, the side portions 38, 40 are at least partially carried by the second part of the airbag 22. During deployment, the inflatable bag portions 44A, 44B forming the perimeter of the lower region 28 extend from being longitudinally aligned and folded and / or rolled up ( Figure 1 ) to form an L-shape ( Figure 4 ).

[0065] Furthermore, as the airbag 22 deploys from the deflated configuration to the inflated configuration, it will be understood that the front portion 42 and the top 32 deploy over the head of the occupant 12 and the side portions 38, 40 deploy longitudinally forward of the sides of the torso of the occupant 12.

[0066] After the airbag is arranged in the inflated configuration, the airbag deflates to a second deflated configuration (not shown), in which the airbag is deployed but not fully inflated.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), an alternative airbag configuration is implemented, for example: the front only overlaps the middle section and not the face; the top is inflatable; the top is omitted; the sides are fully inflatable; the sides may be eliminated in favor of a tether system and a more comprehensive front. Although the airbag is shown as extending from the backrest and the headrest, it may also extend from a shroud or other support structure operatively aligned with these components.

[0068] Embodiment 1

[0069] Reference Figures 7 to 12 , in a first embodiment, the airbag system 2 includes a tether system 48 that interconnects the seat 2 and the airbag 22 at a second upper region 50 of the backrest 6 to restrain a lower region 28 of the airbag 22 in the longitudinal direction 10 in an inflated configuration ( Figures 10 to 12 ).

[0070] Initially considering the deflated configuration ( Figures 7 to 9 ), the tether system 48 includes a first tether 56 and a second tether 58. The first tether 56 and the second tether 58 extend around the headrest 54 from respective first and second sides 16 and 18 of the second upper region 50 of the backrest 6. In this way, most of the tether system 48 (e.g., at least 60% or 70% of the length of each tether) is carried by the headrest 54.

[0071] First ends 66 of the first tether 56 and the second tether 58 are connected to the backrest by a connection (not shown) that may enable the tethers to pivot during the transition between the deflated and inflated positions. Examples of such a connection include a swivel connection or a rivet or other pin, etc.

[0072] Second ends 68 of the first tether 56 and the second tether 58 are arranged on the headrest 54. Between the first ends 66 and the second ends 68, the first tether 56 and the second tether 58 overlap at an interface 70 such that an extension 72 extends beyond the interface 70.

[0073] In the deflated configuration, the first tether 56 and the second tether 58 are connected to a portion of the airbag 22 that forms the lower region 28 in the inflated position.

[0074] Now considering the inflated configuration ( Figures 10 to 12 ), the tethers 56, 58 directly interconnect the second upper position 50 of the seat and the lower region 28 of the airbag 22.

[0075] The first portions 74 of the tethers 56, 58 extend from the first end 66 around the outside of the side portions 38, 40 of the airbag 22. Specifically, the first portions extend on the outer surface of the inflatable bag portions 44A, 44B to the lower edge of portion 44A, where the first portions transition at a sliding interface (as will be discussed) to the second portions 76. The second portions 76 of the tethers 56, 58 extend from the first portions 74, around the inner surface of the bag portion 44A and along the inner surface of the front portion 42 of the airbag 22, where the second ends 68 are connected to the bag portions 44A, 44B of the opposite side portions.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the tethers 56, 58 transition from the outer surface to the inner surface of the airbag by extending around the portion 44A of the airbag. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the transition is through a hole, which can be implemented as an eyelet.

[0077] In an embodiment, the transition of the tethers 56, 58 from the outer surface to the inner surface (i.e., from the first portions 74 to the second portions 76) is a sliding interface that is adapted to enable the tethers to slide as the airbag transitions from a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration. Specifically, the length of the portion 76 is greater in the inflated configuration than in the deflated configuration, such that as the airbag 22 expands, the tethers 56, 58 pass through / slide on the sliding interface.

[0078] In the inflated configuration, the first tether 56 and the second tether 58 also overlap at the interface 70, which is arranged at the midpoint in the lateral direction of the front portion 42 of the airbag 22. The first tether 56 and the second tether 58 are not connected at the interface 70. In this way, during inflation, the interface 70 can change position, and the tethers can slide on each other, rather than pulling the airbag downward in the height direction 14.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the tethers are connected at the interface to control the position of the airbag in the height direction during inflation.

[0080] The ends 68 of the tethers 56, 58 are connected to the airbag 22. This connection can be a stitched connection, a rivet, or other suitable implementation.

[0081] In the case where the airbag 22 is in the deflated configuration, the tethers 56, 58 are arranged in a compressed state, e.g., they are folded and / or rolled up so that they can be conveniently stowed. In the case where the airbag 22 is in the inflated configuration, the tethers 56, 58 are arranged in an expanded state so that they can contain the occupant 12 within the inflated airbag 22.

[0082] In a variant embodiment (not shown), a single tether may be implemented, which extends between a first side and a second side in an upper region and around a lower region of the airbag. Alternatively, a single tether of the first tether or the second tether is implemented.

[0083] Embodiment 2

[0084] Reference Figures 13 to 15 , in a second embodiment, the airbag system 2 includes a tether system 48 that interconnects the seat 2 and the airbag 22 at a second upper region 50 of the backrest 6 to restrain a lower region 28 of the airbag 22 in the longitudinal direction 10 in an inflated configuration ( Figures 16 to 18 ).

[0085] Initial consideration is given to the deflated configuration ( Figures 13 to 15 ), the tether system 48 includes a first tether 80 and a second tether 82. The first tether 80 and the second tether 82 extend around the headrest 54 from respective first and second sides 16 and 18 of the second upper region 50 of the backrest 6.

[0086] Specifically, the first tether 80 and the second tether 82 may be defined as having a first portion 90 and a second portion 92 that transition at a guide 88:

[0087] The first portions 90 of the first tether 80 and the second tether 82 extend around the headrest 54 from the guide 88. The first portions 90 of the first tether 80 and the second tether 82 do not overlap. A first end 84 of the first portion 90 is disposed on top of the headrest 54 and is laterally away from an intermediate section of the headrest 54.

[0088] The second portions 92 of the first tether 80 and the second tether 82 extend from the guide 88 to a lower edge of the headrest 54 or proximal thereto. A second end 86 of the second portion 90 is disposed on the lower edge of the headrest 54 and is laterally away from an intermediate section of the headrest 54.

[0089] The first portion 90 and the second portion 92 are connected to the airbag 22 by connections at their ends 84, 86. The connection may be a stitched connection, a rivet, or other suitable implementation.

[0090] The guide 88 is disposed at the upper position 50 of the backrest 6 to slidably engage the first tether 80 and the second tether 82 at a position between the first end 84 and the second end 86. Each guide 88 extends outwardly from the first side 16 or the second side 18 of the backrest 6. The guide 88 typically includes a retention system (not shown) to hold the tether in slidable engagement and may be implemented as a flanged perimeter or other device.

[0091] In the deflated configuration, a first portion 90 of the first tether 80 and the second tether 82 is connected to a portion of the airbag 22 that forms the lower region 28 in the inflated position. In the deflated configuration, a second portion 92 of the first tether 80 and the second tether 82 is connected to a portion of the airbag 22 that forms the upper region 24 in the inflated position.

[0092] In addition, in the deflated configuration, the first portion 90 is arranged in front of the second portion 92 in the longitudinal direction 10. Thus, when transitioning to the inflated configuration, the angle between the first portion 90 and the second portion 92 at the guide 88 can increase without collision / overlap of the portions.

[0093] Now consider the inflated configuration ( Figures 16 to 18 ), the tethers 80, 82 directly interconnect the second upper position 50 of the seat and the lower region 28 of the airbag 22.

[0094] Specifically, the first portion 90 of the first tether 80 and the second tether 82 extends from the guide 88 and extends on the outer surface of the inflatable bag portions 44A, 44B to the lower edge of the portion 44A.

[0095] Specifically, the second portion 92 of the first tether 80 and the second tether 82 extends from the guide 88 and extends on the outer surface of the inflatable bag portions 44C, 44B to the lower edge of the portion 44C.

[0096] It should be understood that since the guide 88 implements a slidable connection with the first tether 80 and the second tether 82, the tension in the first portion 90 and the second portion 92 is equalized such that the tether system 48 constrains the same force in the upper region 24 and the lower region 28 of the airbag 22.

[0097] It can be seen that in the inflated configuration ( Figures 16 to 18 ), the length of the first portion 90 is greater than the second portion 92. During inflation, the first tether 80 and the second tether 82 slide along the guide to increase the length of the second portion 92.

[0098] In the deflated configuration, the first portion 90 can have a length smaller than the second portion 92.

[0099] In the case where the airbag 22 is in the deflated configuration, the tethers 80, 82 are arranged in a compressed state, for example, they are folded and / or rolled up so that they can be conveniently stowed. In the case where the airbag 22 is in the inflated configuration, the tethers 80, 82 are arranged in an expanded state so that they can accommodate the occupant 12 in the inflated airbag 22.

[0100] In a variant embodiment not shown, a single tether of the first tether or the second tether is implemented; the second portion of the tether is not connected to the airbag, for example, it is connected to the seat.

[0101] As used in this specification, any expression for "at least one of A, B, or C" and the expression "at least one of A, B, and C" use the disjunctive conjunction "or" and the disjunctive conjunction "and", such that those expressions include any and all combinations and permutations of A, B, C, namely A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order, and A, B, C in any order. There may be more or fewer than three features used in such an expression.

[0102] In a claim, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. Further, as used herein, the term "a" or "an" is defined as one or more than one. Further, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in a claim shall not be construed as implying that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to an invention having only one such element, even if the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and the indefinite article, such as "a" or "an". The same applies to the use of the definite article. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "first" and "second" are used arbitrarily to distinguish the elements so described. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to denote a temporal or other precedence of these elements. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0103] Unless otherwise explicitly stated to be incompatible, or the physical or other aspects of the embodiment, example, or claim prevent such combination, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples and the following claims may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially any suitable arrangement in which there is a beneficial effect when doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, but may result from a "subsequent" benefit. That is to say, the combination of features is not limited by the forms described, especially the forms of examples, embodiments (such as numbering) or the subordination of claims. Further, this also applies to phrases such as "in one embodiment", "according to an embodiment", etc., which are merely stylistic forms of wording and should not be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment of all other instances of the same or similar wording. That is to say, a reference to "one", "an", or "some" embodiments may be a reference to any one or more and / or all embodiments or combinations thereof that are disclosed. Similarly, a reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

[0104] The foregoing description of one or more embodiments provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0105] List of reference numerals

[0106] 2 Vehicle seat

[0107] 6 Backrest

[0108] 16 First side

[0109] 18 Second side

[0110] 50 Second upper position

[0111] 62 Top

[0112] 52 First lower position

[0113] 64 Base

[0114] 8 Seat cushion

[0115] 54 Headrest

[0116] 4 Airbag system

[0117] 22 Airbag

[0118] 24 Upper region

[0119] 32 Top

[0120] 34 First part

[0121] 36 Second part

[0122] 28 Lower region

[0123] 42 Front

[0124] 38 First side, 40 Second side

[0125] 44 Inflatable part

[0126] 44A - B Inflatable bag part 46 Non - inflatable part

[0127] 60 End

[0128] 48 Tethering system

[0129] Embodiment 1

[0130] 56 First tether, 58 Second tether

[0131] 66 First end portion

[0132] 68 Second end portion

[0133] 70 Overlapping portion

[0134] 72 Extension portion

[0135] 74 First part

[0136] 76 Second part

[0137] Embodiment 2

[0138] 80 First tether, 82 Second tether

[0139] 90 First part

[0140] 84 First end portion

[0141] 92 Second part

[0142] 86 Second end portion

[0143] 88 Guide

[0144] 12 Occupant

[0145] 26 Head

[0146] 30 Intermediate section

[0147] 10 Longitudinal direction

[0148] 14 Height direction 20 Lateral direction

Claims

1. A vehicle seat having an airbag system, The seat includes a backrest and a seat cushion. The seat cushion extends longitudinally from the backrest. The backrest extends in height from the seat cushion at a first lower position to a second upper position of the seat. The second upper position is arranged proximal to the shoulders of an occupant in a seated position. The airbag system includes an airbag to receive inflation gas from an inflator to inflate the airbag from a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration. Wherein the airbag includes an upper region and a lower region. The upper region extends over the head of the occupant in the seated position. The lower region extends over the middle section of the occupant in the seated position. It is characterized in that The airbag system includes a tether system that interconnects the seat and the airbag at the second upper position of the seat to restrain the lower region of the airbag in the longitudinal direction in the inflated configuration. When the airbag is in the inflated configuration, The tether system includes a first tether that extends around the middle section of the occupant in the longitudinal and transverse directions from a first side portion of the backrest. And the tether system includes a second tether that extends around the middle section of the occupant in the longitudinal and transverse directions from a second side portion of the backrest. Wherein the first tether and the second tether overlap each other between the first side portion and the second side portion.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, It is characterized in that When the airbag is in the deflated configuration, at least a part of the tether system is carried by a headrest of the seat.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The tether system extends around the headrest from the backrest.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first tether and the second tether extend beyond the portion where the first tether and the second tether overlap each other between the first side portion and the second side portion.

5. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The tether system includes a first tether. When the airbag is in the inflated configuration, a first part of the first tether extends along the outside of the airbag around or through the outside of a side portion of the airbag from the first side portion of the backrest. And a second part of the first tether extends along the inside of the airbag between the front portion of the airbag and the occupant in the seated position from the first part.

6. The vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that A guide is arranged to slidably engage a tether of the tether system. The guide extends from a side portion of the backrest.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The tether is connected to the airbag at a first end and a second end. The guide is arranged between the first end and the second end.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, It is characterized in that With the airbag in the inflated configuration, a first end of the tether is connected to the lower region of the airbag, and a second end of the tether is connected to the upper region of the airbag.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein, sides of the airbag include a peripherally inflatable bag portion and a non-inflatable portion, and the first end is connected to the inflatable bag portion at a bottom of the side, and the second end is connected to the inflatable bag portion at a top of the side.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein, an angle between the first end and the second end at the guide is greater in the inflated configuration than in the deflated configuration.

11. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein, with the airbag in the inflated configuration, the first end is arranged in front of the second end in the longitudinal direction.

12. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein, the tether system extends around an exterior of the airbag in the inflated configuration.

13. The vehicle seat according to claim 12, wherein, the tether system does not extend around an interior and / or a front portion of the airbag.

14. A method of deploying an airbag to protect an occupant of a vehicle seat, the method comprising: inflating the airbag with an inflator to inflate the airbag from a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration; controlling a position of the inflated airbag with a tether extending from an upper region of the seat to a lower region of the airbag coupled to an intermediate section of the occupant; wherein the vehicle seat includes a backrest and a seat cushion, with the airbag in the inflated configuration, the tether includes a first tether extending around the intermediate section of the occupant from a first side of the backrest in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and the tether includes a second tether extending around the intermediate section of the occupant from a second side of the backrest in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction, wherein the first tether and the second tether overlap each other between the first side and the second side.

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