Driver's airbag device

Abstract

The present application provides a driver's airbag device, wherein the shaped surface of the airbag cover is concave or deflected inward relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel rim to form an angle; the shaped surface of the airbag cover extends to form a three-dimensional space with the edge of the steering wheel rim; the airbag is three-dimensionally sewn to form a three-dimensional shape; the airbag deployment direction is not perpendicular to the plane formed by the steering wheel rim; the main body of the airbag and the connecting portion of the thickened portion are on the same plane; after the airbag is inflated, it naturally forms a non-uniform thickness from top to bottom and from thick to thin; the thickened portion of the airbag fills the three-dimensional space to compensate for the distance loss caused by the angle during the airbag deployment process; the main body and the steering wheel rim support each other. By deflecting the shaped surface of the airbag cover at a certain angle relative to the steering wheel rim and matching the specific shape of the airbag, not only can the vehicle's internal structure be adjusted and installed, but also better safety protection for the driver's occupant can be achieved after the airbag is deployed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of vehicle safety technology, and in particular to a driver's airbag device. Background Art

[0002] The driver's airbag system effectively protects the driver in the event of an accident. Existing driver's airbag systems are typically located in the vehicle's steering wheel and primarily consist of an airbag and a gas generator. Upon detonation, the gas generator generates high-temperature, high-pressure gas that inflates the airbag, deploying it to protect the driver.

[0003] With the design of the vehicle's internal components, such as the obstruction of the HUD and electronic instrument panel at the 12 o'clock position of the vehicle, the position of the airbag device in the steering wheel needs to be adjusted. For example, if it is rotated away from the occupant, if the airbag is deployed according to the rotated installation position, the occupants may not be protected.

[0004] Therefore, a new driver's airbag solution is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, an embodiment of the present specification provides a driver's airbag device, which is suitable for a deflection-mounted airbag device.

[0006] The embodiments of this specification provide the following technical solutions:

[0007] The embodiment of this specification provides a driver's airbag device, including an airbag cover, an airbag, a gas generator and an airbag housing; the driver's airbag device is fastened to the steering wheel;

[0008] The shaping surface of the airbag cover is concave or deflected inward relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle to form an angle, and the shaping surface of the airbag cover extends to form a three-dimensional space with the edge of the steering wheel handle; the airbag is three-dimensionally sewn; wherein, the deployment direction of the airbag is not perpendicular to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle, the airbag includes an integrally formed main body and a thickened part, and the connecting part of the main body and the thickened part of the airbag is on the same plane. After the airbag is inflated, it naturally forms a non-uniform thickness state from top to bottom and from thick to thin; the thickened part of the airbag fills the three-dimensional space between the shaping surface and the steering wheel handle to compensate for the distance loss caused by the angle during the deployment of the airbag; the main body of the airbag and the steering wheel handle support each other.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the at least one technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this specification can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0010] Adjustment of the position of the airbag device in the steering wheel, such as rotating it away from the passenger side, by deflecting the shaped surface of the airbag cover relative to the steering wheel handle at a certain angle and matching it with the specific shape of the airbag, not only can the internal structure of the vehicle be adjusted and installed, but also better safety protection for the main driver's occupant can be achieved after the airbag is deployed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0012] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of an airbag and a steering wheel in a normal state of the prior art;

[0013] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the main driver's airbag and the airbag's protection of the human body in the common state of the existing technology;

[0014] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the airbag device in the embodiment of this specification in the state of concave / inward rotation and steering wheel;

[0015] Figure 2b This is a diagram showing the protective effect of the inwardly concave / inwardly rotated airbag device in the embodiment of this specification in conjunction with a traditional flat airbag;

[0016] Figure 2c This is the first diagram of the protective effect of the inwardly concave / inwardly rotating airbag device and the three-dimensional driver's airbag according to the embodiment of this specification;

[0017] Figure 2d This is the second diagram of the protective effect of the inward concave / inwardly rotating airbag device and the three-dimensional main driver airbag in the embodiment of this specification;

[0018] Figure 2e This is a schematic diagram of the 12-point handle ring being disconnected during the inward concavity / inward rotation and three-dimensional protection process of the airbag device according to the embodiment of this specification;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the present specification providing a concave / inward deflection of the steering wheel handle;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an air bag sewing cloth provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0021] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional part provided in an embodiment of this specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] The following describes the embodiments of the present application through specific examples, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the contents disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. The present application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed in various ways based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present application. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the features in the following embodiments and embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] It should be noted that various aspects of the embodiments within the scope of the appended claims are described below. It should be apparent that the aspects described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and any specific structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. Based on this application, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that an aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number and aspect described herein can be used to implement an apparatus and / or practice a method. In addition, other structures and / or functionalities other than one or more of the aspects described herein can be used to implement this apparatus and / or practice this method.

[0025] It should also be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic illustrations of the basic concept of the present application. The illustrations only show components related to the present application and are not drawn according to the number, shape and size of components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the type, quantity and proportion of each component can be changed at will, and the component layout type may also be more complicated.

[0026] Additionally, in the following description, specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the examples, however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the examples can be practiced without these specific details.

[0027] Adjustments to the design and installation of the vehicle's internal components require adjustments to the airbag device in the steering wheel. For example, if it is rotated away from the passenger side, the airbag will not be able to provide safety protection for the occupants after it is deployed according to the rotated installation position. Figure 1a Example: The airbag cover of the prior art airbag device is basically flush with the spokes of the vehicle steering wheel. However, considering the importance of the 12 o'clock position of the vehicle and the problem of equipment obstruction, the installation position of the airbag device is adjusted. Figure 2bAfter the airbag device is concave / rotated inward, the airbag of the airbag device will be deployed and inflated, which will provide ineffective safety protection for the occupants. Its protection effect is even far less than the safety protection effect of the main driver's airbag device in the normal state of the existing technology.

[0028] Based on this, the embodiment of this specification proposes a solution: since the airbag needs to be installed in the steering wheel, etc., it is necessary to improve the main driver's airbag device, such as Figure 2a As shown, the airbag cover is recessed or tilted inward (i.e., toward the windshield) relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel ring 12 to achieve installation of the airbag device. The airbag 11 is then inflated to form a naturally non-uniform thickness vertical state from top to bottom and from thick to thin, thereby compensating for the distance deviation caused by the change in the installation angle during the airbag deployment process. Figure 2c In some embodiments, if the handle is disconnected at 12 o'clock after the airbag is inflated or the handle of the foldable steering wheel is disconnected at 12 o'clock, the airbag 11 will naturally form a non-uniform thickness state from top to bottom and from thick to thin after inflation. Figure 2d Example. Example of breaking the circle at 12 o'clock Figure 2e shown.

[0029] The following describes the technical solutions provided by various embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The embodiment of this specification provides a driver's airbag device, which may include an airbag cover, an airbag, a gas generator, and an airbag housing. Figure 2a As shown, the main driver's airbag device is fastened to the steering wheel; the shape of the airbag cover is concave or deflected inward relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle 12 to form an angle (see Figure 3 ); and the styling surface of the airbag cover extends to form a three-dimensional space with the edge of the steering wheel handle; the airbag is three-dimensionally sewn in a three-dimensional shape and is arranged in the main driver's airbag device. During the inflation process of the airbag 11, the deployment direction of the airbag is not perpendicular to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle. The airbag includes an integrally formed main body and a thickened part, and the connecting part of the main body and the thickened part of the airbag is on the same plane. After the airbag is inflated, it naturally forms a non-uniform thickness state from top to bottom and from thick to thin; the thickened part of the airbag fills the three-dimensional space between the styling surface and the steering wheel handle to make up for the distance loss caused by the angle during the deployment of the airbag; the main body of the airbag and the steering wheel handle support each other. Specifically, the deployment direction of the airbag is not perpendicular to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle, so that after the airbag 11 is inflated, it naturally forms a non-uniform thickness state from top to bottom and from thick to thin. Figure 2c 、 Figure 2d shown.

[0031] Specifically, after the airbag is inflated, part of the airbag or the entire airbag of the thickened part is located in the three-dimensional space, and the main part of the airbag is located between the front of the steering wheel handle and the occupant; an overlapping part with the steering wheel handle is provided between the thickened part and the main part of the airbag.

[0032] like Figure 2c 、 Figure 2d As shown, the thickened portion of the inflated airbag 11 can be partially or entirely located within the three-dimensional space formed by the extended contoured surface of the airbag cover and the edge of the steering wheel rim. The main body of the airbag is located between the front of the steering wheel rim and the occupant. This driver's airbag device provides excellent occupant protection. After inflation, an overlap portion (not shown) is provided between the thickened portion and the main body of the airbag, which overlaps the steering wheel rim. This overlap provides excellent mutual support between the steering wheel rim and the main body of the airbag. Furthermore, the thickened portion allows the airbag to naturally form a non-uniform thickness from top to bottom, from thick to thin, thereby providing excellent driver protection.

[0033] Due to changes in the installation conditions of the airbag device, the various components of the main driver's airbag device and the connections therebetween need to be appropriately changed. Therefore, an embodiment of this specification provides a main driver's airbag device, in which the styling surface of the airbag cover is appropriately improved relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle, such as being concave relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle or deflected inward (i.e., toward the windshield) to set an angle, thereby achieving installation in the changed installation structure space of the vehicle. In order to ensure that the airbag plays a better role in protecting the safety of the main driver during the deployment process, it is also necessary to set the inflated airbag to a non-uniform thickness three-dimensional state from top to bottom and from thick to thin. The non-uniform thickness three-dimensional state well fills the distance loss caused by the angle installation during the deployment of the airbag, thereby achieving better protection of the main driver's safety member. Compared with merely deflecting the styling surface of the airbag cover relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle in the main driver's airbag device of the prior art, the protection effect on the occupant after the airbag is inflated is as follows. Figure 2b For example, the driver's airbag device of the embodiments of this specification can naturally form a non-uniform thickness from top to bottom and from thick to thin after the airbag is inflated, thereby achieving better safety protection for the occupants. In some embodiments, the airbag and the gas generator are installed together in the airbag housing, where the gas generator is installed on the bottom or side wall of the airbag housing. In some embodiments, the gas generator is not limited to being installed inside the airbag housing and can also be appropriately installed outside the airbag housing, such as on the bottom of the airbag housing.

[0034] The embodiment of this specification deflects the shaped surface of the airbag cover by a certain angle relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel ring and matches the specific shape of the airbag, which not only achieves adjustment and installation of the internal structure of the vehicle, but also provides better safety protection for the main driver's occupant after the airbag is deployed.

[0035] In some embodiments, the angle α formed by the styling surface of the airbag cover relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle is 10° to 80°.

[0036] like Figure 3 The airbag cover's profile is concave or deflected inwards at an angle of 10° to 80° relative to the plane of the steering wheel ring. The airbag device installation can be adjusted by deflecting the profile of the airbag cover at a certain angle relative to the plane of the steering wheel ring.

[0037] In some embodiments, the air bag includes at least two pieces of sewn cloth; the first sewn cloth is provided with a notch portion, and after the notch portion is sewn along its edge, the first sewn cloth becomes a three-dimensional part of the air bag when it is not inflated, and the three-dimensional part is sewn with the second sewn cloth to form a three-dimensional bag; the three-dimensional bag is three-dimensional in a non-inflated state, and the three-dimensional bag naturally forms a non-uniform thickness state from top to bottom and from thick to thin after inflation.

[0038] like Figure 4 For example, the airbag can be sewn in pieces, including at least two pieces of sewing cloth, one type is the first sewing cloth 111, which is used to shape the rough three-dimensional shape of the airbag, and the second type is the second sewing cloth 112, which is used to cooperate with the first sewing cloth to sew a three-dimensional bag of the airbag (not shown). The three-dimensional bag is three-dimensional when not inflated, and naturally forms a non-uniform thickness state from top to bottom and from thick to thin after inflation, so that the airbag as a whole is inflated and presents a non-uniform thickness three-dimensional state from top to bottom and from thick to thin, which is used to better protect the safety of the main driving member.

[0039] Specifically, the air bag may include a plurality of first suture cloths 111, and a plurality of corresponding second suture cloths 112 are adaptively set. The embodiment of this specification takes the air bag as an example including a first suture cloth and a second suture cloth. The first suture cloth is provided with a notch portion 1111 such as Figure 4 The left dotted line shows an example where the notch is sewn along its edge so that the first sewn cloth becomes a three-dimensional part of the air bag when it is not inflated (e.g. Figure 5 In some embodiments, the three-dimensional part includes a top surface, an active surface, and two side surfaces. The three-dimensional part of the first sutured cloth is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it includes 4 molding surfaces, namely 2 side surfaces (such as Figure 5 3 in the figure), 1 top surface (such as Figure 5 4 in the figure), 1 active surface (also called the front surface, such as Figure 5 (See 2 in the figure). This active surface faces the passenger side and contacts the main driver during airbag deployment.

[0040] The three-dimensional part can also be composed of a plurality of first stitched cloths, and can include a plurality of small shaping surfaces, each of which constitutes a shaping surface, and the final shaping surface is shaped as follows Figure 5 As shown, it may include 2 side surfaces, 1 top surface, 1 active surface, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second sutured cloth includes a plurality of segmented cloths, and each segmented cloth can be adapted to the top surface, the active surface and the side surfaces for contour sewing. The circumference of the second sutured cloth is equal to the circumference of the first sutured cloth after forming a three-dimensional shape. In combination with the above embodiment, the notch portion of the first sutured cloth is sewn into a three-dimensional part, and the second sutured cloth is sutured in the same shape as the three-dimensional part. Specifically, the second sutured cloth may include a plurality of segmented cloths, such as those adapted to the notch portion of the first sutured cloth and the remaining portion except the notch portion. These segmented cloths are adapted to the top surface, the active surface and the side surfaces of the first sutured cloth after being sewn along the edge of the notch portion, so that the circumference of the second sutured cloth is equal to the circumference of the first sutured cloth after forming a three-dimensional shape. The first sutured cloth and the second sutured cloth form a five-sided three-dimensional bag, and accordingly, the sixth opening surface is used to connect with the gas generator for joint fixed installation. In some embodiments, the second sutured cloth has an appearance shape that is contoured to the three-dimensional part (such as Figure 5 As shown), the three-dimensional capsule can better fill the distance loss caused by the installation of the angle α.

[0042] In some embodiments, the airbag can be integrally stitched, ensuring that the three-dimensional bag is three-dimensional in the non-inflated state and naturally forms a non-uniform thickness from top to bottom, from thick to thin, after inflation. Whether the airbag is piecewise stitched or integrally stitched, it can form a three-dimensional bag that is adaptable to installation and adjustment. The three-dimensional bag is three-dimensional in the non-inflated state and naturally forms a non-uniform thickness from top to bottom, from thick to thin, after inflation.

[0043] In some embodiments, the shape of the notch portion can be configured as a notch or a groove.

[0044] Specific as Figure 5 As shown, the shape of the notch portion is a missing corner, and the adjacent edge of the notch portion is a missing corner. In some embodiments, the adjacent edge of the notch portion is in a groove shape, that is, it has an appropriate curvature relative to the missing corner.

[0045] In some embodiments, the adjacent edges of the notch portion include straight lines or arcs; the length of each adjacent edge is set to 30 mm to 300 mm; the angle β between the two adjacent edges is 10° to 180°. The lengths of the edges of the notch portion can be the same or different.

[0046] Specifically, the notch portion includes at least two adjacent edges, and the length of each adjacent edge is set to 30mm-300mm; Figure 4As shown, the two adjacent edges are L-1 and L-2, L-1 and L-2 are straight lines, and the angle β between the two edges is 10°-180° (approaching 180°). The lengths of the two adjacent edges can be the same or different, and only the gap portion is sewn together to form a three-dimensional portion. In some embodiments, the two adjacent edges include arcs, and the lengths of the two adjacent edges are set to 30mm-300mm; they can be equal or unequal. Specifically, the arc can be wavy, and the angle β between the two adjacent edges is 10°-180°.

[0047] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional portion of the air bag is arranged to face the passenger side or the instrument panel side.

[0048] Specifically, the three-dimensional part of the airbag can be arranged to face the passenger side, forming a three-dimensional front and a flat back shape; the three-dimensional part of the airbag can also be arranged to face the instrument panel side, forming a flat front and a three-dimensional back shape. The front three-dimensional surface or the front flat surface faces the passenger side. Figure 2c and Figure 2d It shows that after the air bag is inflated, it naturally forms a three-dimensional state with non-uniform thickness from top to bottom and from thick to thin.

[0049] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional pouch is further provided with a drawstring, which pulls at least two sides of the three-dimensional pouch and fixes them at the center position of the front side of the three-dimensional pouch.

[0050] Specifically, the three-dimensional pouch is further provided with a drawstring, which can extend from the back of the three-dimensional pouch to the center of the front (see Figure 4 The drawstrings may also extend from both sides of the three-dimensional portion of the three-dimensional bag to the center of the front. The drawstrings are used to secure the three-dimensional bag in its uninflated state. The front side corresponds to the passenger-facing side.

[0051] In some embodiments, a tear line is provided on the airbag cover, and the tear line can be in the form of being flipped up and down. In this case, the tear line can be set below the center line of the airbag cover; the tear line can also be in the form of being flipped left and right. In this case, the thickness of the tear line can be set from thick to thin from top to bottom.

[0052] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional bladder is provided with vents on all three-dimensional surfaces other than the corresponding three-dimensional surface facing the passenger. That is, the three-dimensional bladder is provided with vents on the three-dimensional surface not facing the passenger. The vents provided on the three-dimensional bladder can be used to adjust the thickness of the three-dimensional bladder when it is not inflated, and can also be used for exhaust.

[0053] The embodiment of this specification deflects the shaped surface of the airbag cover by a certain angle relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel ring and matches the specific shape of the airbag, which not only achieves adjustment and installation of the internal structure of the vehicle, but also provides better safety protection for the main driver's occupant after the airbag is deployed.

[0054] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to in conjunction with each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences between the other embodiments. In particular, the product embodiments described later are relatively simple to describe because they correspond to the methods. For relevant parts, refer to the description of the system embodiments.

[0055] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A driver's airbag device, comprising: Airbag covers, airbags, inflators, and airbag housings; The main driver's airbag device is fastened to the steering wheel; it is characterized in that the shape surface of the airbag cover is concave or deflected inwardly relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle to form an angle, and the shape surface of the airbag cover extends to form a three-dimensional space with the edge of the steering wheel handle; the airbag is three-dimensionally sewn; wherein, the deployment direction of the airbag is not perpendicular to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle, the airbag includes an integrally formed main body and a thickened part, the connecting part of the main body and the thickened part of the airbag is on the same plane, and the airbag naturally forms a non-uniform thickness state from top to bottom and from thick to thin after inflation; the thickened part of the airbag fills the three-dimensional space between the shape surface and the steering wheel handle, so as to compensate for the distance loss caused by the angle during the deployment of the airbag; the main body of the airbag and the steering wheel handle support each other; The first sewing cloth forms a three-dimensional portion of the air bag when it is not inflated, the three-dimensional portion comprising two side surfaces, a top surface and an active surface, and the three-dimensional portion is sewn together with the second sewing cloth to form a three-dimensional bag; The active surface faces the passenger side, and during the deployment of the airbag, the active surface contacts the main driver.

2. The driver's airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air bag includes at least two pieces of sewn cloth; the first sewn cloth is provided with a notch portion, and the notch portion is sewn along its edge to form a three-dimensional portion, and the three-dimensional portion is sewn with the second sewn cloth to form a three-dimensional bag; the three-dimensional bag is three-dimensional in a non-inflated state, and the three-dimensional bag naturally forms a non-uniform thickness state from top to bottom and from thick to thin after inflation.

3. The driver's airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The included angle α formed by the shaping surface of the airbag cover relative to the plane formed by the steering wheel handle is 10° to 80°.

4. The driver's airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the airbag is inflated, part of the airbag or the entire airbag of the thickened portion is located in the three-dimensional space, and the main body of the airbag is located between the front of the steering wheel handle and the occupant; An overlapping portion for the steering wheel handle is provided between the thickened portion and the main body of the air bag.

5. The driver's airbag device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second stitching cloth includes a plurality of segmented cloths; each segmented cloth is adapted to be stitched to the top surface, the active surface and the side surface; The circumference of the second stitched cloth is equal to the circumference of the first stitched cloth after being formed into a three-dimensional shape.

6. The driver's airbag device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shape of the notch portion includes a notch or a groove.

7. The driver's airbag device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adjacent edges of the notch portion include straight lines or arcs; the length of each adjacent edge is set to 30mm-300mm; the angle β between two adjacent edges is 10°-180°; the lengths of the edges of the notch portion are the same or different.

8. The driver's airbag device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The three-dimensional portion of the air bag is arranged to face the passenger side.

9. The driver's airbag device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The three-dimensional pouch is further provided with a drawstring, which pulls at least two surfaces of the three-dimensional pouch and fixes them at the center position of the front side of the three-dimensional pouch.

10. The driver's airbag device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The three-dimensional bag is provided with exhaust holes on other three-dimensional surfaces except the corresponding three-dimensional surface facing the passenger side.

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