Device for covering a windshield opening of a vehicle

Abstract

In one aspect, an apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes a frontal curtain airbag (12). The airbag has interconnected, superposed panels (36, 38). The airbag is deployable in a deployed condition spanning a width (24) of a windshield opening (22) of the vehicle. A restraining panel (50) is separated from and extends widthwise over the panels of the airbag. The restraining panel is connected to the airbag, and a width thereof is configured such that opposite end portions (54, 60) of the deployed airbag are bent toward each other and into a bent configuration. Pressurization in the deployed airbag tensions the restraining panel widthwise. The tensioned restraining panel maintains the bend in the deployed airbag, measuring an effective airbag depth (98) between the restraining panel and the airbag.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 382,116, filed July 21, 2021. The subject matter of this application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a device for helping to protect vehicle occupants. More particularly, this invention relates to an airbag that can be inflated between a part of the vehicle and the vehicle occupants. In one configuration, the invention relates to an airbag that can be inflated to cover an opening in the vehicle's windshield to protect front-seat occupants. Background Technology

[0004] Inflatable vehicle occupant protection devices (such as airbags) are known to help protect vehicle occupants. Airbags are devices that inflate between a part of the vehicle and the vehicle occupants. One specific type of airbag is a frontal airbag that inflates between the front seat occupant and the vehicle's dashboard. Such airbags can be driver's airbags or passenger airbags. When inflated, driver's airbags and passenger airbags help protect occupants from impacts with vehicle components such as the dashboard and / or steering wheel.

[0005] Typically, passenger airbags are stored in a deflated state in a housing mounted on the vehicle's dashboard. An airbag cover may be attached to the housing and / or dashboard to help close and conceal the airbag in the stored state. When the passenger airbag deploys, the airbag cover opens to allow the airbag to move to the inflatable position. The opening of the airbag cover is a result of the force exerted on the cover as the airbag inflates.

[0006] Typically, the driver's airbag is stored in a deflated state in a housing mounted on the vehicle's steering wheel. An airbag cover may be attached to the housing and / or the steering wheel to help enclose and conceal the airbag in its stored state. When the driver's airbag deploys, the airbag cover opens to allow the airbag to move to the inflatable position. The opening of the airbag cover is a result of the force exerted on the cover as the driver's airbag inflates.

[0007] Therefore, known front airbags rely on the dashboard and nearby structures (such as the steering wheel) to provide storage location and reaction surfaces for protecting occupants and mitigating ejection in the event of a frontal collision. In certain vehicle configurations, such as in driverless, autonomous, semi-autonomous, automatic, and / or semi-automatic vehicles, the dashboard may be designed in a way that reduces its function as an airbag storage location and / or as a reaction surface. In such vehicle configurations, it may be desirable to store the front airbag in different locations within the vehicle. For example, it may be desirable to store the front airbag near the vehicle roof so that it can deploy downwards from the roof to cover at least a portion of the windshield opening, while at least the windshield provides a reaction surface for the deployed airbag. However, conventional front airbags do not deploy downwards from the roof. Furthermore, when deploying from the roof, conventional front airbags may not be designed to adequately cover the width of the windshield opening. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect, a device for assisting in the protection of vehicle occupants includes a front curtain airbag. The front curtain airbag has stacked panels that are interconnected to form a peripheral connection extending along the periphery of the panels and an internal connection within the periphery. The peripheral and internal connections define an inflatable chamber for the front curtain airbag. The front curtain airbag is deployable from a stored state near the roof of the vehicle to a deployed state, in which the front curtain airbag spans the width of an opening in the vehicle's windshield. A restraint panel is separate from the panels of the front curtain airbag and extends in the width direction on the panels of the front curtain airbag. The restraint panel is connected to the front curtain airbag, and its width is configured such that opposing end portions of the deployed front curtain airbag bend towards each other and are bent into a curved configuration. Pressurization in the deployed front curtain airbag tensions the restraint panel in the width direction. The tensioned restraint panel maintains the curvature in the deployed front curtain airbag, thereby measuring the effective airbag depth between the restraint panel and the front curtain airbag.

[0009] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, the width of the restraint panel can be smaller than the width of the front curtain airbag in its flattened state. This width difference can cause the opposing end portions of the deployed front curtain airbag to bend towards each other and into a curved configuration.

[0010] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, the width of the front curtain airbag in the unfolded state can be greater than the width of the windshield opening.

[0011] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, the height of the restraint panel and the front curtain airbag can be configured to cover the height of the windshield opening and the adjacent vehicle structure located vertically below the windshield opening.

[0012] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, the restraint panel may have an upper portion and a lower portion extending below the upper portion. When the front curtain airbag is deployed, the lower portion of the restraint panel may extend further downward than the lower portion of the front curtain airbag.

[0013] Alternatively, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, the front curtain airbag and restraint panel can extend from the A-pillar to the A-pillar in the width direction to cover the windshield opening on both the driver's and passenger's sides of the vehicle.

[0014] Alternatively, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, the front curtain airbag and restraint panel can extend from the A-pillar to the vehicle's centerline in the width direction to cover the windshield opening on the driver's or passenger's side of the vehicle.

[0015] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, in the deployed state of the front curtain airbag, the central portion of the front curtain airbag can be positioned near the windshield opening, and the restraint panel can be separated from the windshield opening by the front curtain airbag and presented facing the occupant for occupant engagement.

[0016] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, in the deployed state of the front curtain airbag, the restraint panel can be positioned near the windshield opening, and the front curtain airbag can bend toward the occupant in a rearward direction away from the windshield opening for occupant engagement.

[0017] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, the restraint panel may have a first end portion and a second end portion spaced apart from each other in the width direction, and a central portion centrally positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion of the restraint panel. The front curtain airbag may include a first airbag portion and a second airbag portion, the first airbag portion including a plurality of cavities covering a first portion of the width of the windshield opening, and the second airbag portion including a plurality of cavities covering a second portion of the windshield opening. The first and second portions may be fluidly connected to each other. The first airbag portion may have a first end portion connected to the first end portion of the restraint panel and an opposite second end portion connected to the central portion of the restraint panel. The second airbag portion may have a first end portion connected to the second end portion of the restraint panel and an opposite second end portion connected to the central portion of the restraint panel. The width of the restraint panel between the first end portion and the central portion may be configured such that when the front curtain airbag is inflated and deployed, the first end portion and the second end portion of the first airbag portion bend toward each other and bend into a curved configuration. The width of the restraint panel between the second end portion and the center portion can be configured such that when the front curtain airbag is inflated and deployed, the first end portion and the second end portion of the second airbag portion bend toward each other and bend into a curved configuration.

[0018] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, pressurizing the first and second airbag portions can tension the restraint panel in the width direction. The tensioned restraint panel can maintain the curvature in the first and second airbag portions, thereby allowing the effective depth of the first and second airbag portions to be measured between the restraint panel and the first and second airbag portions.

[0019] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, the second end portion of the first airbag portion may be separated from and spaced apart from the first end portion of the second airbag portion.

[0020] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, the second end portion of the first airbag portion can be connected to the first end portion of the second airbag portion via the uninflated portion of the front curtain airbag.

[0021] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, the airbag module may include the device and an inflator. The inflator may be operatively connected to both the first airbag portion and the second airbag portion for inflating the first airbag portion and the second airbag portion from a stored state and deploying them to an deployed state.

[0022] Depending on the other aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, the size of the inflatable cavity can vary.

[0023] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, the front curtain airbag may include an active vent or a passive vent for releasing inflation fluid from the front curtain airbag.

[0024] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, in the stored state, the front curtain airbag can be rolled up and / or folded and positioned between the vehicle roof and the vehicle headliner.

[0025] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, the airbag module may include the device and an inflator. The inflator may be operatively connected to the front curtain airbag to inflate and deploy the front curtain airbag from a stored state to a deployed state.

[0026] According to another aspect, either alone or in combination with any other aspect, a vehicle safety system may include an airbag module and an airbag controller. The airbag controller may be operatively connected to an inflator and configured to actuate the inflator in response to sensing the occurrence of an event for which occupant protection is desired.

[0027] According to another aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, the vehicle safety system may include a first airbag module and a second airbag module. The first airbag module may include a first device and an inflator for inflating the front curtain airbags of the first airbag module. The second airbag module may include a second device and an inflator for inflating the front curtain airbags of the second airbag module. The vehicle safety system may also include at least one airbag controller. The airbag controller may be operatively connected to the inflator and configured to actuate the inflator in response to sensing the occurrence of an event for which occupant protection is desired. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The foregoing and other features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 It is a forward-looking view of the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with devices in the first state to help protect the occupants of the vehicle.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a forward view of the passenger compartment of the equipment in the second state, including a portion of the equipment in the first configuration;

[0031] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the second state. Figure 2 A schematic side view of the device;

[0032] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A schematic top view taken from line 4-4 in the diagram;

[0033] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional side view taken from line 5-5 in the diagram;

[0034] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the second state. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the device, including a portion of the device in a second configuration;

[0035] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A schematic top view taken from line 7-7 in the diagram;

[0036] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the second state. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional top view of a portion of the equipment, including a portion of the equipment in a third configuration;

[0037] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the second state. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional top view of a portion of the equipment, including a portion of the equipment in the fourth configuration;

[0038] Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the second state. Figure 9 A schematic forward view of the equipment;

[0039] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the second state. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional top view of a portion of the equipment, including a portion of the equipment in the fifth configuration; and

[0040] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates a state in the second phase. Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional top view of the vehicle containing two devices in the equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 A forward view of the passenger compartment 18 of vehicle 16 is depicted. Vehicle 16 includes a windshield 20 in a windshield opening 22. The windshield 20 extends in the width direction between two A-pillars 26 and in the height direction between the vehicle roof 28 and the dashboard 30. Typically, a vehicle includes a driver-side front airbag for protecting the driver's side front seat occupant and a passenger-side front airbag for protecting the passenger side front seat occupant. The driver-side and passenger-side front airbags are typically stored in the dashboard and deploy from the dashboard or a structure near the dashboard, such as the steering wheel. Thus, known front airbags rely on the dashboard and structures near the dashboard to provide storage locations and reaction surfaces for protecting occupants and mitigating ejection in the event of a frontal collision.

[0042] In certain vehicle configurations, such as in driverless, autonomous, semi-autonomous, automatic, and / or semi-automatic vehicles, the dashboard may be designed in a way that reduces its function as an airbag storage location and / or as a reaction surface. In such vehicle configurations, it may be desirable to store the front airbag in different locations within the vehicle. For example, it may be desirable to store the front airbag near the vehicle roof so that it can deploy downwards from the roof to cover at least a portion of the windshield opening, while at least the windshield provides a reaction surface for the deployed airbag. However, conventional front airbags do not deploy downwards from the roof. Furthermore, when deploying from the roof, conventional front airbags may not be designed to adequately cover the width of the windshield opening. Modifying a known front airbag to span the width of the windshield opening will increase the inflatable volume of the front airbag. Due to the larger inflatable volume, the modified front airbag will generate more inflation fluid and require a longer deployment time.

[0043] Side curtain airbags are known in the art and are designed to be fixed to the roof of a vehicle and / or a support structure near the roof. Side curtain airbags are configured to inflate downwards from the roof of the vehicle into the passenger compartment in the event of a side impact or vehicle rollover. Although side curtain airbags are designed to deploy from the roof and can have a length suitable for providing adequate width-direction coverage for the windshield opening, they are not designed to be used as front airbags. In particular, known side curtain airbags, if used as front airbags, would not have adequate airbag depth to protect front-seat occupants in the event of a frontal collision. Modifying known side curtain airbags to extend across the width of the windshield opening and provide adequate airbag depth to protect front-seat occupants would increase the inflatable volume of the side curtain airbag. Due to the larger inflatable volume, the modified side curtain airbag would generate more inflation fluid and require a longer deployment time. Therefore, when designing a frontal airbag that deploys from the vehicle roof to cover the windshield opening, there are competing values: width coverage, airbag depth, and deployment time. The device 10 of this disclosure takes these competing values ​​into account in its design.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, device 10 includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device 12 in the form of an airbag (such as a front curtain airbag) to help protect occupants seated in the front seats 14 in the event of a frontal collision with vehicle 16. Figure 2 and Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the front curtain airbag 12 is shown as spanning the width 24 of the windshield opening 22. Therefore, the airbag 12 is positioned on the driver's side 32 of the vehicle 16 to help protect the vehicle occupant seated in the driver's side front seat 14, and on the passenger side 34 of the vehicle to help protect the vehicle occupant seated in the passenger side front seat 14. Those skilled in the art will understand that the device 10 disclosed herein can be adapted to protect the driver's side vehicle occupant, the passenger side vehicle occupant, or the occupants of the rear seats of the vehicle 16 (such as the second row, third row, etc. (not shown)). Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 10 disclosed herein can be used to help protect the front occupants of occupant-driven, driverless, autonomous, semi-autonomous, automatic, and / or semi-automatic vehicles.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the example configuration, the front curtain airbag 12 is constructed in a manner similar to known side curtain airbags. Specifically, the front curtain airbag 12 includes panels 36, 38 of material arranged in a stacked manner. The stacked portions of the panels 36, 38 are interconnected along at least a portion of the periphery 40 of the airbag 12 to form a peripheral connection 42. The peripheral connection 42 is a non-inflatable portion of the airbag 12 that helps define the inflatable volume 44 of the airbag. The airbag 12 may also include an internal connection 46, wherein the stacked panels 36, 38 are interconnected within the periphery 40, for example, by stitching or internal ties, to form a non-inflatable portion. The internal connection 46 and the peripheral connection 42 together help the airbag 12 define an inflatable cavity 48.

[0046] The front curtain-type airbag 12 can be constructed from any suitable material, such as nylon (e.g., woven nylon 6-6 yarn), and can be constructed in any suitable manner. For example, the airbag 12 can have a one-piece woven construction in which the stacked panels 36, 38 are simultaneously woven as a single piece of material. As another example, the stacked panels 36, 38 can be formed from separate sheets of material. If the panels 36, 38 are formed from separate sheets of material, the panels can be interconnected by known methods (such as stitching, ultrasonic welding, thermal bonding, or adhesives) to form the airbag 12. The airbag 12 can be uncoated, coated with a material (such as impermeable urethane), or laminated with a material (such as an impermeable membrane). Thus, the airbag 12 can have an airtight or substantially airtight construction. Those skilled in the art will understand that alternative materials (such as polyester yarn) and alternative coatings (such as silicone) can also be used to construct the airbag 12.

[0047] like Figure 3As shown, the front curtain airbag 12 may include an exhaust port 49 in one or both of the panels 36, 38 for releasing inflatable fluid from the inflatable volume 44. The exhaust port 49 may be selectively actuated to help control or customize the inflation of the airbag 12 in response to vehicle status, occupant status, or both. The exhaust port 49 may be actively actuated, for example, in response to a status determined via an active sensor, or passively actuated, for example, having a configuration that responds to the physical state during inflation. For example, the exhaust port 49 may include an active exhaust port disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,730,472 to Perez, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the exhaust port 49 may be a passive exhaust port that always expels inflatable fluid. For example, the exhaust port 49 may include a passive exhaust port disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,730,472, or a modified version thereof. The airbag 12 may also be without an exhaust port.

[0048] The device 10 also includes a restraint panel 50, separate from and extending in the width direction on the panels 36, 38 of the front curtain airbag 12. The restraint panel 50 can be constructed of any suitable material (such as the same material as or different from the airbag 12) and can be constructed in any suitable manner. A first end portion 52 of the restraint panel 50 is attached to a first end portion 54 of the airbag 12 by known means (such as stitching, ultrasonic welding, thermal bonding, or adhesive). For example, the first end portion 52 of the restraint panel 50 can be stitched to a peripheral connection 42 at the first end portion 54 of the airbag 12 and stitched from the upper portion 56 of the airbag to the lower portion 58 of the airbag. A second end portion 60 of the restraint panel 50 is attached to a second end portion 62 of the airbag 12 by known means. For example, the second end portion 60 of the restraint panel 50 can be stitched to a peripheral connection 42 at the second end portion 62 of the airbag 12 and stitched from the upper portion 56 to the lower portion 58. The first end portion 52 and the second end portion 60 of the restraint panel 50 are spaced apart across the restraint panel in the width direction. The first end portion 54 and the second end portion 62 of the airbag 12 are spaced apart across the airbag in the width direction.

[0049] As in Figures 2 to 3 As shown in the example configuration, the restraint panel 50 may have an upper portion 64 and a lower portion 66. The upper portion 64 may be connected to the front curtain airbag 12 at a first end portion 52 and a second end portion 60 of the restraint panel 50. The lower portion 66 of the restraint panel 50 extends below the upper portion 64. Figures 2 to 3In the example configuration, the lower portion 66 of the constraint panel 50 is indirectly connected to the airbag 12 via the upper portion 64. Alternatively, the lower portion 66 may be directly connected to the airbag 12.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the front curtain airbag 12 and the attached restraint panel 50 may be part of an airbag module 68, which includes an inflator 70 operatively connected to an inflatable volume 44. Figure 3 As shown in the example configuration, the front curtain airbag 12 has an inflator port 72 in fluid communication with an inflatable volume 44. An inflator 70 may be connected to and / or received in the inflator port 72. The inflator 70 may be actuated to provide inflation fluid to the inflatable volume 44 to inflate and deploy the airbag 12. The inflator 70 may be of any known type, such as a stored gas type, a solid propellant type, a pressurized type, or a hybrid type. An airbag controller 74 may be operatively connected to the inflator 70 via a wire 76. The airbag controller 74 is configured to actuate the inflator 70 in response to sensing the occurrence of an event for which occupant protection is desired, such as a collision.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the example configuration, the airbag module 68 can be installed as a unit in the vehicle 16. To install the airbag module 68 in the vehicle 16, the front curtain airbag 12 is deflated. The deflated airbag 12 is rolled up and / or folded, for example by rolling up and / or folding the lower portion 58 toward the upper portion 56. Due to the connection of the restraint panel 50 to the airbag 12, at least a portion of the restraint panel is rolled up and / or folded together with the airbag, such that a portion of the restraint panel is located within the rolled-up and / or folded portion of the rolled-up and / or folded airbag. Once the airbag 12 is rolled up and / or folded, the airbag can be packaged. The term "packaged" or "packaged" means maintaining the curtain airbag 12 in a rolled-up and / or folded state so that the airbag and certain associated components (such as the inflator 70, filling tube, connector, restraint panel 50, etc.) can be installed as a unit in the vehicle 16. The terms "packaged front curtain airbag", "packaged airbag", and "airbag packaging" refer to the airbag 12 being kept in a rolled-up and / or folded state so that the airbag is ready for installation.

[0052] Once the front curtain airbag 12 has been packaged, the inflator 70 can be connected to and / or received in the airbag's inflator port 72. The packaged airbag 12, along with the attached restraint panel 50 and inflator 70, can then be inserted into the housing 78 of the airbag module 68. The airbag 12 and inflator 70 can be securely attached to one or more walls of the housing 78. These walls of the housing 78 help keep the airbag 12 packaged and keep the inflator 70 attached to the airbag. The housing 78, the packaged airbag 12, the restraint panel 50, and the inflator 70 can then be installed as a unit in the vehicle 16.

[0053] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example configuration, vehicle 16 includes a headliner 80 that extends adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the interior surface 82 of the vehicle roof 28. In the stored state of the front curtain airbag 12, the end 84 of the headliner 80 abuts against one or more interior surfaces of the vehicle roof 28's interior surface 82, a trim piece attached to the vehicle roof, and a trim piece located at the intersection between the vehicle roof and the windshield 20.

[0054] When installed in vehicle 16, the housing 78 of the airbag module 68 can be mounted near the vehicle roof 28 in any known manner. For example, in Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the example configuration, the front curtain airbag 12 is in a packaged state when in storage, mounted to the vehicle roof 28 via a housing 78, and located between the headliner 80 and the vehicle roof. The inflator 70 can also be mounted to the vehicle roof 28 via the housing 78. The headliner 80 is stacked with the airbag module 68 and conceals the airbag module within the vehicle 16.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the configuration of the vehicle structure, and therefore the spatial and interconnectional relationships between the vehicle structure (i.e., the vehicle roof 28) and the windshield 20, roof liner 80, and airbag module 68, can vary depending on the specific design of the vehicle 16. Therefore, it will be understood that... Figures 1 to 4 The vehicle structure shown in the diagram, as well as the spatial and interconnection relationships between the vehicle structure and the windshield 20, roof liner 80, and airbag module 68, are for illustrative purposes and may be varied as needed.

[0056] As in Figures 1 to 4As shown in the example configuration, in the event that an event is intended to protect the occupants (such as a frontal collision), the airbag controller 74 actuates the inflator 70 to provide inflation fluid to the inflatable volume 44, causing the front curtain airbag 12 to inflate from a stored state and deploy to a deployed state. The deployed airbag 12 deploys into the headliner 80. The end 84 of the headliner 80 disengages from its attachment under the deployment force of the deployed airbag 12, creating an opening 86 through which the airbag 12 can enter the passenger compartment 18 of the vehicle 16 to reach the deployed state.

[0057] The deployed front curtain airbag 12 and the attached restraint panel 50 extend downwards along the windshield 20 through the opening 86 to the deployed state. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in the deployed state, the airbag 12 and restraint panel 50 extend from, for example, from A-pillar 26 across the width 24 of the windshield opening 22. The heights 88 and 90 of the deployed airbag 12 and restraint panel 50 are configured to cover the windshield opening 22 and the height 92 of an adjacent vehicle structure (such as the dashboard 30) located vertically below the windshield opening. Figure 3 As shown, in the deployed state, the windshield 20 can be used as the primary reaction surface of the airbag 12, while the dashboard 30 can be used as a smaller secondary reaction surface.

[0058] If possible Figure 4 As seen in the example configuration, the width 94 of the deployed front curtain airbag 12 in its flattened state (i.e., the deployed airbag is not in a bent state that reduces the width of the airbag) will be greater than the width 24 of the windshield opening 22. The flattened airbag 12, if used alone for frontal occupant protection, will therefore provide sufficient width-direction coverage of the windshield opening 22 and will deploy within an appropriate amount of time. However, the flattened front curtain airbag 12 will not provide sufficient airbag depth to protect the occupant sitting in the front vehicle seat 14. The same problem arises if conventional side curtain airbags are used for frontal occupant protection. Instead of increasing the inflatable volume 44 and extending the deployment time of the front curtain airbag 12, the device 10 utilizes the restraint panel 50 to provide appropriate airbag depth.

[0059] The width 96 of the restraint panel 50 is smaller than the width 94 of the front curtain airbag 12 in its flattened state. This width difference causes the opposing first end portion 54 and second end portion 62 of the deployed airbag 12 to bend towards each other and bend into a curved configuration. The pressurization in the deployed / deployed airbag 12 tensions the restraint panel 50 in the width direction. The tensioned restraint panel 50 maintains the curvature in the deployed / deployed airbag 12, thereby measuring an effective airbag depth 98 between the restraint panel and the airbag. Thus, the device 10 provides an effective airbag depth 98 that is configured to properly protect the occupant seated in the front vehicle seat 14 without increasing the inflatable volume 44 and inflating the space 100 between the restraint panel 50 and the airbag 12. Therefore, the time and inflation fluid required to deploy the front curtain airbag 12 are not increased to provide an appropriate airbag depth.

[0060] Advantageously, the device 10 provides a front airbag 12 that deploys from the vehicle roof 28 to cover the windshield opening 22, the front airbag appropriately covering the width 24 of the windshield opening, having an appropriate effective airbag depth 98, and deploying within a desired amount of time.

[0061] As in Figure 4 As shown in the example configuration, the central portion 102 of the deployed front curtain airbag 12 (i.e., the portion of the airbag centrally positioned in the width direction between the first end portion 54 and the second end portion 62) is positioned adjacent to the windshield opening 22 and can be adjacent to the windshield 20. The first end portion 54 and the second end portion 62 are bent toward the occupant seated in the front vehicle seat 14, such that the restraint panel 50 is spaced apart from the windshield opening 22 by the airbag 12 and faces the occupant for occupant engagement. Figures 2 to 3 As shown in the example configuration, the lower portion 66 of the restraint panel 50 extends further downward than the lower portion 58 of the deployed airbag 12. Therefore, the lower portion 64 of the restraint panel 50 can cover the portion of the dashboard 30 not covered by the left side of the deployed airbag 12. The lower portion 66 of the restraint panel 50 can "grab" a forward-moving occupant to help prevent the occupant from impacting the dashboard 30 and / or sliding beneath the restraint panel.

[0062] Figures 6 to 12 Other example configurations of devices 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are depicted. These example configurations of devices 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Those skilled in the art will understand that certain features may be shared and / or combined between the example configurations, whether explicitly stated or shown. (Refer to the references) Figures 1 to 5 Those structures described are the same or similar Figures 6 to 12The example configurations described are unnumbered or have the same reference numerals, with only the associated letter labels added. For the sake of brevity, regarding... Figures 6 to 12 The configuration can be repeated without repeating descriptions of common components and operations as described in the previously described configuration.

[0063] Figures 6 to 7 The example configuration of device 10a shown is basically similar to Figures 1 to 5 The device 10, except that the first end 54a and the second end 62a of the front curtain airbag 12a are bent toward the windshield 20. Therefore, the restraint panel 50a is positioned adjacent to the windshield 20, while the airbag 12a is bent away from the windshield opening 22 in the rearward direction of the vehicle and toward the front seat occupant for occupant engagement. (As in...) Figure 6 As shown in the example configuration, the lower portion 58a of the airbag 12a can extend downward and cover a portion of the dashboard 30. Therefore, the lower portion 58a of the airbag 12a is able to "grab" a forward-moving occupant to help prevent the occupant from impacting the dashboard 30 and / or sliding under the airbag.

[0064] Figure 8 The example configuration of device 10b shown in the figure is similar to Figures 6 to 7 The device 10a is basically similar, except that the inflatable chamber 48b of the front curtain airbag 12b is different in size. For example, in Figure 8 As shown in the example configuration, the inflatable cavity 48b near the central portion 102b of the airbag 12b can be larger than the inflatable cavities further away from the central portion. The larger inflatable cavity 48b can provide additional support to protect the occupants sitting in the front vehicle seat 14.

[0065] The internal geometry of the front curtain airbag 12b can be selected or adjusted to configure the size of the inflatable chamber 48b. For example, the size of the inflatable chamber 48b can be adjusted / selected by adjusting / selecting the width of the inflatable chamber. The size of the inflatable chamber 48b can also be adjusted / selected by adjusting / selecting the depth of the inflatable chamber between the stacked panels 36b, 38b. Furthermore, the number of internal connecting parts 46b, as well as the height, width, and depth of the internal connecting parts, can be manipulated to configure the size of the inflatable chamber 48b as needed.

[0066] The internal geometry of the front curtain airbag 12b can also be configured in a known manner such that some inflatable chambers 48b inflate before other inflatable chambers. For example, the internal connection 46b (such as the height of the internal connection) can be configured such that the larger, centrally located inflatable chamber 48b inflates before the smaller inflatable chamber.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the internal geometry of the front curtain airbag 12b and the configuration of the inflatable chamber 48b can vary depending on the specific design of the vehicle 16 and / or the desired occupant protection configuration. Therefore, it will be understood that... Figure 8 The internal geometry of the airbag 12b and the configuration of the inflatable cavity 48b are for illustrative purposes and may be varied as needed.

[0068] Figures 9 to 10 The example configuration of device 10c shown is basically similar to Figures 6 to 7 Equipment 10a, except Figures 9 to 10 The front curtain airbag 12c includes multiple airbag sections 104, 106, each airbag section being bent into a curved configuration. For example... Figure 9 As shown in the example configuration, airbag 12c includes a first airbag portion 104 that includes a plurality of inflatable chambers 48c covering a first portion 108 of the width 24 of the windshield opening 22. The first portion 108 of the width 24 of the windshield opening 22 can extend in the width direction to the vehicle centerline 110 from one of the A-pillars 26 (such as the driver's side A-pillar). Airbag 12c also includes a second airbag portion 106 that includes a plurality of chambers 48c covering a second portion 112 of the width 24 of the windshield opening 22. The second portion 112 of the width 24 of the windshield opening 22 can extend in the width direction to the vehicle centerline 110 from one of the A-pillars 26 (such as the passenger's side A-pillar).

[0069] The first airbag portion 104 and the second airbag portion 106 can be fluidly connected to each other, such that a single inflator 70 can be actuated to inflate both the first airbag portion and the second airbag portion. Figure 10 The example configuration of the front curtain airbag 12c includes a first airbag portion 104 and a second airbag portion 106, which are fluidly connected to each other near the inflator port 72c. The device 10c may include additional inflators, multi-stage inflators, and / or fabric diffusers for inflating and directing inflation fluid to each airbag portion 104, 106.

[0070] As in Figure 9As shown, the first end portion 54c of the first airbag portion 104 is connected to the first end portion 52c of the restraint panel 50c. The opposite second end portion 114 of the first airbag portion 104 is connected to the center portion 116 of the restraint panel 50c. The center portion 116 of the restraint panel 50c is centrally positioned in the width direction between the first end portion 52c and the second end portion 60c of the restraint panel. The width 118 of the restraint panel 50c between the first end portion 52c and the center portion 116 is configured such that when the front curtain airbag 12c is inflated and deployed, the first end portion 54c and the second end portion 114 of the first airbag portion 104 bend toward each other and bend into a curved configuration.

[0071] Similarly, the first end portion 120 of the second airbag portion 106 is connected to the center portion 116 of the restraint panel 50c. The first end portion 120 of the second airbag portion 106 may be separated from and spaced apart from the second end portion 114 of the first airbag portion 104 at the center portion 116 of the restraint panel 50c. The opposite second end portion 62c of the second airbag portion 106 is connected to the second end portion 60c of the restraint panel 50c. The width 122 of the restraint panel 50c between the center portion 116 and the second end portion 60c is configured such that when the front curtain airbag 12c is inflated and deployed, the first end portion 120 and the second end portion 62c of the second airbag portion 106 bend towards each other and bend into a curved configuration.

[0072] Pressurization in the deployed / expanded first airbag portion 104 and second airbag portion 106 tensions the restraint panel 50c in the width direction. The tensioned restraint panel 50c maintains the curvature in the first airbag portion 104 and second airbag portion 106 so that an effective depth 98c of the first and second airbag portions is measured between the restraint panel and the first and second airbag portions. Although the device 10c includes a single restraint panel 50c for bending each airbag portion 104, 106 into a curved configuration, each airbag portion may have its own separate restraint panel.

[0073] Except for the second end portion 114d of the first airbag portion 104d being connected to the first end portion 120d of the second airbag portion 106d. Figure 11 The example configuration of device 10d shown is basically similar to Figures 9 to 10 Device 10c. For example, in Figure 11As shown in the example configuration, the second end portion 114d of the first airbag portion 104d and the first end portion 120d of the second airbag portion 106d can be connected to each other via the uninflated portion 124 of the front curtain airbag 12d. The uninflated portion 124 can be formed by one or more internal connecting portions 46d. Each of the second end portion 114d of the first airbag portion 104d and the first end portion 120d of the second airbag portion 106d can be indirectly connected to the restraint panel via the uninflated portion 124. Alternatively, each of the second end portion 114d of the first airbag portion 104d and the first end portion 120d of the second airbag portion 106d can be directly connected to the restraint panel 50d, regardless of whether the uninflated portion 124 is connected to the restraint panel.

[0074] Figure 12 The example configuration of device 10e shown is basically similar to Figures 6 to 7 Device 10a, except for device 10e, is suitable for protecting the driver-side vehicle occupant or the passenger-side vehicle occupant. Figure 12 A vehicle safety system 126 is depicted, which has the same characteristics as... Figures 1 to 5 The airbag controller 74e is similar to the airbag module 68e, consisting of an airbag controller 74e and two separate airbag modules 68e. Each airbag module 68e has its own inflator (not shown), a front curtain airbag 12e, and a restraint panel 50e. (As shown in...) Figure 12 As shown in the example configuration, each deployed airbag 12e and restraint panel 50e spans and covers a first portion 108 or a second portion 112 of the width 24 of the windshield opening 22 in the width direction. Therefore, the vehicle safety system 126 has one airbag module 68e and device 10e for protecting the frontal occupant of the driver's side 32 of the vehicle 16, and one airbag module 68e and device 10e for protecting the frontal occupant of the passenger side 34 of the vehicle. Although the vehicle safety system 126 is described and shown as having two airbag modules 68e and devices 10e, the vehicle safety system may have any number of airbag modules and devices for protecting the driver's side vehicle occupant, the passenger side vehicle occupant, and / or the rear occupants of the vehicle 16.

[0075] From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize improvements, changes, and modifications. The appended claims are intended to cover such improvements, changes, and modifications that fall within the scope of the art.

Claims

1. A device for helping to protect vehicle occupants, comprising: A front curtain airbag having stacked panels interconnected to form a peripheral connection extending along the periphery of the panels and an internal connection within the periphery, the peripheral connection and the internal connection defining an inflatable chamber of the front curtain airbag, the front curtain airbag being deployable from a stored state near the roof of the vehicle to a deployed state, in which the front curtain airbag spans the width of the windshield opening of the vehicle. as well as A restraint panel, which is separate from the panel of the front curtain airbag and extends in the width direction on the panel of the front curtain airbag, is connected to the front curtain airbag and its width is configured such that opposite end portions of the deployed front curtain airbag bend toward each other and bend into a curved configuration. In this process, pressurization within the deployed front curtain airbag tensions the restraint panel in the width direction. The tensioned restraint panel maintains the curvature within the deployed front curtain airbag, thereby allowing the effective airbag depth to be measured between the restraint panel and the front curtain airbag. The restraint panel has an upper portion and a lower portion extending below the upper portion. When the front curtain airbag is in the deployed state, the lower portion of the restraint panel extends further downward than the lower portion of the front curtain airbag.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the constraint panel is smaller than the width of the front curtain airbag in its flattened state, and the width difference causes the opposite end portions of the deployed front curtain airbag to bend toward each other and bend into the bent configuration.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The width of the front curtain airbag in the flattened state is greater than the width of the windshield opening.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The height of the restraint panel and the front curtain airbag is configured to cover the height of the windshield opening and the adjacent vehicle structure located vertically below the windshield opening.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The front curtain airbag and the restraint panel extend from the A-pillar to the A-pillar in the width direction to cover the windshield opening on both the driver's and passenger's sides of the vehicle.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The front curtain airbag and the restraint panel extend from the A-pillar to the vehicle centerline in the width direction to cover the windshield opening on the driver's or passenger's side of the vehicle.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein, In the deployed state of the front curtain airbag, the central portion of the front curtain airbag is positioned near the windshield opening, and the restraint panel is separated from the windshield opening by the front curtain airbag and is presented facing the occupant for occupant engagement.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein, In the deployed state of the front curtain airbag, the restraint panel is positioned near the windshield opening, and the front curtain airbag bends toward the occupant in a rearward direction away from the windshield opening for occupant engagement.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The constraint panel has a first end portion and a second end portion spaced apart from each other in the width direction, and a central portion centrally located between the first end portion and the second end portion of the constraint panel; The front curtain airbag includes a first airbag portion and a second airbag portion. The first airbag portion includes a plurality of cavities covering a first portion of the width of the windshield opening. The second airbag portion includes a plurality of cavities covering a second portion of the windshield opening. The first portion and the second portion are fluidly connected to each other. The first airbag portion has a first end portion connected to a first end portion of the restraint panel and an opposite second end portion connected to the center portion of the restraint panel; The second airbag portion has a first end portion connected to the second end portion of the restraint panel and an opposite second end portion connected to the center portion of the restraint panel; The constraint panel is configured such that, when the front curtain airbag is inflated and deployed, the first and second end portions of the first airbag portion bend toward each other and are configured in a bent shape; and The constraint panel is configured such that when the front curtain airbag is inflated and deployed, the first and second end portions of the second airbag portion bend toward each other and bend into a curved configuration.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The pressurization of the first and second airbag portions causes the restraint panel to be tensioned in the width direction. The tensioned restraint panel maintains the curvature in the first and second airbag portions, thereby measuring the effective depth of the first and second airbag portions between the restraint panel and the first and second airbag portions.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The second end portion of the first airbag portion is separated from and spaced apart from the first end portion of the second airbag portion.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The second end portion of the first airbag portion is connected to the first end portion of the second airbag portion via the uninflated portion of the front curtain airbag.

13. An airbag module, comprising: The device according to claim 9; as well as An inflator operatively connected to both the first airbag portion and the second airbag portion for inflating the first airbag portion and the second airbag portion from a stored state and deploying them to an deployed state.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The inflatable chambers are of different sizes.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The front curtain airbag includes an active or passive vent for releasing inflation fluid from the front curtain airbag.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein, In its stored state, the front curtain airbag is rolled up and / or folded and positioned between the vehicle roof and the vehicle headliner.

17. An airbag module, comprising: The device according to claim 1; as well as An inflator operatively connected to the front curtain airbag to inflate the front curtain airbag from the stored state and deploy it to the deployed state.

18. A vehicle safety system, comprising: The airbag module according to claim 17; as well as An airbag controller, operatively connected to the inflator and configured to actuate the inflator in response to sensing the occurrence of an event for which occupant protection is desired.

19. A vehicle safety system, comprising: A first airbag module, comprising the device according to claim 1 and an inflator for inflating the front curtain airbag of the first airbag module. A second airbag module, comprising the device according to claim 1 and an inflator for inflating the front curtain airbag of the second airbag module; and At least one airbag controller, the airbag controller being operatively connected to the inflator and configured to actuate the inflator in response to sensing the occurrence of an event for which occupant protection is desired.

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