Seat ramp airbag

Abstract

The invention relates to an airbag (102) for an airbag assembly of a vehicle seat. The airbag includes, among other things, an inflatable housing (114) having a front portion and a rear portion oriented along a longitudinal axis with respect to a seating direction; a gas generator (122) functionally coupled with the front and rear portions of the housing and forming a first fixation point between the housing and a frame structure of the vehicle seat; the fixing device is arranged on the other one of the front part and the rear part of the shell and is provided with at least one second fixing point, and the fixing device is configured to enable the rear part of the shell to be connected with a frame structure of the vehicle seat; in this way, forward movement of the housing due to acceleration acting in the seating direction is prevented, and in particular reliable inflation is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an airbag for a vehicle seat airbag assembly (particularly a seat ramp airbag), and an airbag assembly having the airbag. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device, particularly for mitigating the so-called "skid-skid phenomenon" during a frontal vehicle collision. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, vehicles utilize airbags (airbags) and seatbelts (restraint devices) in their airbag components to adequately protect occupants in upright seating positions during a collision. To further enhance occupant protection in modern vehicles (e.g., better protection for occupants in comfort positions), new restraint systems and their integration into the vehicle are needed. Such comfort positions can be used in the front passenger seat, in the rear seats, and in the future, for occupants seated in the driver's seat during navigating maneuvers. Additional protective devices may be required to particularly protect occupants in comfort positions (e.g., reclining positions with backrests reclined more than approximately 20°). Furthermore, existing comfort features such as seat heating and ventilation should be retained.

[0003] In addition, there is a risk in the vehicle that, in the event of a frontal collision, the passenger or occupant 10 will be deeply embedded in the seat cushion 12 (see [link]). Figure 1 This is especially true when the seatbelt tensioner 14 is activated. Therefore, some vehicles are equipped with so-called anti-submarine ramps or anti-submarine elements in the front seats, such as seat ramp airbags (SRAB) 16. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of this SRAB 16 is shown, in which an airbag 18 and a corresponding integrated gas generator 22 are mounted on a seat structure 20 below the seat cushion 12 of the occupant 10. For example, in the SRAB 16, the airbag 18 inflates in the event of a collision and thus prevents the body from sliding out from under the lap belt 14.

[0004] Such airbags 18 (i.e., airbag devices disposed in or under the seat cushion 12 of a vehicle seat, between the seat cushion and the seat structure 20, and having an inflatable shell) are known in various variations. Typically, the inflatable shell of the airbag 18 is arranged flat (especially folded flat) between the seat cushion 12 and the seat structure 20 in an inactive state, and inflated between the seat cushion 12 and the seat structure 20 in an operational state. The airbag 18 is typically secured to the front region of the seat structure 20, particularly by fixing bolts 24 on the gas generator 22 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 and Figure 4(Installation sequence). This may have the following disadvantages: during a frontal collision or restraint situation, the inflated airbag 18 may accidentally roll forward or flip over the fixing bolts, thereby failing to achieve the desired restraint effect. That is, the occupant's pelvis may be propelled forward by the rolling airbag, or fall into the gap created by the airbag rolling open and then slide out from under the seat belt. Figure 5 The simplified illustration shows this frontal collision process along with the resulting roll of the airbag 18.

[0005] The airbag 18 can also be installed by rotating it 180°, with the fixing bolts 24 specifically securing it to the rear area of ​​the seat structure 20. In this alternative, when the airbag 18 inflates, a gap may form in front of the airbag 18, and the occupant's pelvis may slide into this gap, causing the occupant to slide out from under the seat belt.

[0006] Airbag assemblies with such airbags are known in a variety of variations.

[0007] For example, a vehicle seat with an airbag assembly is known from US2012 / 0007407A1. This vehicle seat includes a seat cushion and a seat back, and an airbag assembly disposed within the seat cushion. The built-in airbag assembly includes a gas generator and an airbag mounted in the front region of the seat cushion, wherein the gas generator inflates the airbag in the event of an accident. The airbag includes different regions, wherein one region, when inflated, extends a greater extent in the vehicle height direction than another region. This design allows, in the event of an accident, the pelvis of an occupant sitting or situated on the seat cushion to be raised, or to inhibit pelvic rotation and the occupant's slippage under the seatbelt ("submarining").

[0008] DE202015103422U1 describes a seat cushion airbag system comprising an airbag mounted on a vehicle seat and deployed by receiving gas from a gas generator disposed in the front region of the seat cushion. The airbag includes a rear chamber that raises the rear of the vehicle occupant's body, a front chamber that raises the front of the vehicle occupant's body and is inflated to a greater degree than the rear chamber, and a deployment restraint unit disposed between the rear and front chambers and having an outflow opening through which gas is guided.

[0009] Another vehicle seat with an airbag assembly is known from US2014 / 0346819A1. This vehicle seat includes a seat cushion and a seat back, and an airbag assembly disposed within the seat cushion. The built-in airbag assembly includes a gas generator mounted in the front region of the seat cushion and an airbag of this type, wherein the gas generator inflates the airbag in the event of an accident. The airbag includes an upper portion facing the seat surface and a lower portion facing the vehicle floor, the upper and lower portions being directly connected to each other and forming a tubular structure in the inflated state. The airbag is secured to the seat structure at the front by the gas generator.

[0010] US11,554,740B1 discloses an anti-submarine-slip thigh airbag having at least one (by stitching) anchoring strap fixed to the surface of the airbag in a forward or rearward orientation. The thigh airbag is connected to the seat frame only between the seat frame and the seat surface padding via said at least one anchoring strap, such that in a frontal collision, the inflated thigh airbag, through its expansion and forward sliding motion, tightens at least one downwardly drooping anchoring strap, thereby lifting the occupant and thus preventing or at least reducing rotation of the occupant's pelvis. Here, the tightening of the initially drooping anchoring strap (which is a concave surface in the drooping state) caused by the inflation of the airbag is a key function of the device to achieve the lifting of the occupant's lower pelvis. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to improve an airbag for a seat ramp airbag assembly to prevent the airbag from shifting from a predetermined position required for it to perform its function in accordance with technical specifications. Another object is to prevent the inflated airbag from rolling or flipping about a front anchor point provided by a gas generator, thereby maximizing occupant protection in any seating position without sacrificing conventional seat comfort. Yet another object is to provide an airbag for a seat ramp airbag assembly that is safe and reliable in operation. Invention Overview

[0013] One or more of the above-described tasks are achieved by the features of independent claims 1 and 9. Advantageous improvements are defined in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to the present invention, an airbag for a vehicle seat airbag assembly (especially a seat ramp airbag assembly) is provided. The airbag includes: an inflatable outer shell having a front portion and a rear portion oriented along a longitudinal axis relative to the seating direction; and a gas generator functionally coupled to the front or rear portion of the outer shell, the gas generator forming a first fixing point between the outer shell and the frame structure of the vehicle seat.

[0015] The invention is characterized by a fixing device arranged on one of the front and rear portions of the housing, the fixing device having at least one second fixing point, the fixing device being configured such that the other of the front and rear portions of the housing can be connected to the frame structure of the vehicle seat, thereby preventing the (inflated) housing or airbag from rolling forward or upward, especially forward, about the front fixing point due to acceleration acting in the direction of seating. Through at least one second fixing point, the inflated airbag not only pushes the occupant upward toward the seatbelt, but also additionally prevents the pelvis from sliding forward by holding the airbag in the desired position via the second fixing point during inflation, thus preventing the airbag from rolling or slipping; furthermore, the fixing device ensures that the airbag is laid flat on the frame structure (also called the seat structure) after installation, thereby preventing misinstallation.

[0016] Advantageously, the fixing device has at least one edge region extending radially outward from the rear of the housing.

[0017] This edge region incorporates a durable material integrated with the airbag, allowing the airbag to be directly attached to the seat structure. Because the edge region is an integral part of the airbag, the risk of tearing or other damage due to forces during a collision is minimized.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device (i.e., the second fixing point) includes at least one opening integrated into the edge region and associated fasteners (especially screws, bolts, clips, or rivets) that can be mounted into the frame structure. The integrated opening and corresponding fasteners (screws, bolts, rivets, hooks) allow for easy installation between the airbag and the seat structure, which minimizes the risk of misinstallation.

[0019] Preferably, the edge region of the fixation device is configured as a tensioning tab integrally formed with the housing. This specially shaped tab in the edge region optimizes the durability of the fixation device with minimal material consumption and minimizes manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the specially shaped tab in the edge region allows the rear of the airbag to be coupled to the seat structure under tension, meaning the tab is tensioned from the outset and does not require tensioning due to forward acceleration.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the securing device is configured as at least one tension tab coupled to an edge region of the housing. The tension tab can be coupled to the airbag via an opening integrated into the edge region, wherein the length of the tension tab is predetermined, specifically selected such that after airbag installation, the airbag is secured to the seat structure in such a way that the airbag is laid flat on the seat structure, thereby preventing misinstallation (in which case, for example, the airbag is bent, twisted, and / or folded in the seat structure, which may hinder reliable inflation). Preferably, the securing device includes at least one connecting member / connecting element that can be disposed to the edge region of the housing and coupled to the tab. Furthermore, the length of this connecting member / connecting element is predetermined.

[0021] According to the present invention, a safety airbag assembly for a vehicle seat (especially a seat ramp airbag assembly) is also provided, the airbag assembly having an airbag according to the above embodiment including an inflatable shell, wherein the inflatable shell is folded in an inactive state and inflated in the seat cushion of the vehicle seat in an operational state, and a gas generator is provided for inflating the inflatable shell of the airbag.

[0022] The advantages of the airbag assembly according to the invention correspond to the advantages described above for the airbag according to the invention.

[0023] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat with a seat cushion is also provided, wherein at least one airbag of an airbag assembly according to the above embodiment is arranged in the seat cushion. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 The positions and kinematics of the occupants before and during a frontal collision, as well as the resulting "submarining," are shown in (a) with the seat back upright and (b) with the seat back flat.

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the seat ramp airbag (SRAB) assembly located beneath the seat foam of the vehicle seat and the force vector exerted by the occupant on the airbag;

[0027] Figure 3 A simplified schematic cross-sectional view of the seat ramp airbag is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view along section line AA, and (c) is a side view along section line BB.

[0028] Figure 4(a)-(d) illustrate the process of installing the seat ramp airbag assembly into a typical seat structure, wherein a first fixing structure formed by gas generator bolts is connected to the adapting holes of the seat shell, and (e) and (f) illustrate embodiments of the airbag and its associated gas generator, respectively.

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a frontal collision and the seat ramp airbag (SRAB) activated as a result, as well as the rolling phenomenon of a conventional airbag about the front anchor point (gas generator) due to forward acceleration.

[0030] Figure 6 The first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein two tensioning tabs integrated in the edge of the air bag are respectively provided with screw openings or bolt openings, (a) is a top view, and (b) is a simplified schematic side sectional view;

[0031] Figure 7 A second embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein two tensioning tabs are coupled to the edge of the air bag, (a) is a top view, and (b) is a simplified schematic side sectional view; and

[0032] Figure 8 Show Figure 6 The test apparatus of the first embodiment, wherein the air bag is inflated by a simulated frontal collision and connected to the test structure at a second fixed point by a tensioning tab. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Specific terms such as “right,” “left,” “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” and “downward” indicate the orientation of the components, devices, or equipment in the accompanying drawings relative to their operational installation state. The terms “inner” and “outer” indicate the orientation relative to the geometrical axis or center of the respective described component, device, or equipment, and their meaning is clear from the description.

[0034] In addition, the terms “connection,” “installation,” “coupling,” and “assembly” describe direct connections between two components or parts (i.e., without intermediate components), but also describe indirect connections between components or parts (i.e., with at least one intermediate component).

[0035] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the use of ordinal adjectives (such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.) merely indicates different instances of the same object and does not imply that these objects must be arranged in a specific order (whether temporally, spatially, or hierarchically).

[0036] The seat ramp airbag assembly (SRAB) 100 according to the invention includes an airbag 102 having an upper wall 104 and a lower wall 106, the upper and lower walls being interconnected in an edge region 108 by a stitch 110. This forms a shell 114 of the two-dimensional airbag defining an expansion space 112. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the airbag can also be constructed as a three-dimensional airbag (i.e., having corresponding sidewalls), wherein the upper (between the sidewall and the upper wall) or lower (between the sidewall and the lower wall) edge region at the rear end of the airbag 102 extends accordingly.

[0037] In the first embodiment of the present invention (see...) Figure 6 The gas generator 122 is functionally coupled to the front region of the air bag 102, allowing the air bag 102 to be inflated via the gas generator 122. The gas generator 122 forms a first fixing point with the vehicle's seat shell 20 or seat structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas generator 122 includes two parallel fixing bolts 124 extending orthogonally from the longitudinal axis of the gas generator 122. These fixing bolts are mounted on the seat shell 20 through corresponding openings 26.

[0038] At the rear region of the airbag 102, a first tensioning tab 118 and a second tensioning tab 120 are integrally formed in the edge region 108. Here, the first tensioning tab 118 extends from the rear edge of the airbag 102 in a straight line parallel to the central axis 126, and the second tensioning tab 120 extends from the rear edge of the airbag 102, laterally bent outward relative to the central axis 126. Each of the first tensioning tabs 118 and 120 includes an opening or eyelet 128 through which the tensioning tabs 118 and 120 can be threadedly connected to the seat shell 20 (see [reference]). Figure 6 (b)). To secure the tensioning tabs 118, 120, conventional fasteners, such as screws, nuts, bolts, or rivets 116, adapted to the opening 26 of the seat housing 20 can be used, but hooks (not shown) formed into the seat housing 20 can also be used. During installation, the gas generator 122 integrated in the front region of the airbag 102 is simply secured to the opening 26 of the seat housing 20 with two bolts 124, so that the tensioning tabs 118, 120 extending from the rear end of the airbag 102 can then be secured to the seat housing 20 with suitable screws and nuts 116. If the tensioning tabs 118, 120 are secured to the seat housing by hooks, the tensioning tabs 118, 120 are first secured to the hooks so that the gas generator 124 integrated in the airbag 102 can then be secured to the seat housing 20. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to two tension tabs 118, 120 integrally integrated in the edge region, and one or more tension tabs may be formed accordingly in the rear edge region 108.

[0039] Now for reference Figure 7 Another embodiment of the invention is described. The air bag 102 is similar to the first embodiment (see...). Figure 6 Equivalently, the rear edge region 108 is widened across the entire width of the air bag 102, such that one or more individual tension tabs 130 can be connected to or coupled to the widened rear edge region 108.

[0040] For example, the tensioning tab 130 is detachably and movably secured to the airbag 102 via a connecting element (loop, cord, webbing, or belt) 132 coupled to the tensioning tab 130, through a suitable opening or eyelet (not shown) integrated in the edge region 108. The length of the connecting element 132 may be variable (e.g., an adjustable strap), allowing the tensioning tab 130 secured to the seat housing 20 to be functionally spaced and / or oriented relative to the airbag 102. The opening or eyelet in the edge region 108 is preferably circular, allowing for slight variation in the orientation of the tensioning tab 130 (and / or connecting element 132) relative to the central axis 126 (i.e., rotatably supported within the opening or eyelet). For example, the secured tensioning tab 130 and connecting element 132 may be oriented parallel to the central axis 126 in situ (i.e., when the airbag is functionally mounted on the seat housing 20), or laterally bent inward or outward relative to the central axis 126.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that the connecting element 132 can also be secured to the edge region 108 in other ways. For example, the connecting element 132 can be secured to the edge region 108 by stitching, adhesive, welding or riveting, wherein the tensioning tab 130 is detachably and movably coupled to the connecting element 132.

[0042] During installation, the gas generator 122 integrated into the airbag 102 is secured (e.g., threaded) to the opening 26 of the seat shell 20 by bolts 124. Then, at least one tensioning tab 130 is movably positioned on the edge region 108 via a corresponding connecting element 132 of predetermined length, for example through a suitable opening or eyelet, and secured from the airbag 102 to the seat shell 20 at desired intervals and orientation, such that the airbag is installed in a manner that allows it to lay flat within the seat structure. The predetermined length of the fixing device consisting of the tensioning tab 130 and the connecting element 132 prevents the airbag from bending, twisting, and / or folding during installation, because the lengths of the airbag 102, the tensioning tab 130, and the connecting element 132 are precisely matched to the seat structure, thereby preventing bending, twisting, and / or folding during installation.

[0043] Figure 8A seat ramp airbag (SRAB) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which has tension tabs 118, 120 integrally or integrally integrated into the edge region 108 (see Figure 6 The airbag is functionally installed in a test apparatus simulating a vehicle seat and inflates upon forward acceleration (e.g., a frontal collision). Tensioner tabs 118 and 120 effectively prevent rolling about the first anchor point (gas generator 122). The integrated tensioner tabs 118 and 120 are particularly long enough to prevent misinstallation of the airbag 102 or SRAB 100, and thus ensure optimal deployment upon SRAB 100 activation.

[0044] The airbag 102 in the above embodiment is preferably made of airtight fabric or fabric with an airtight coating and is closed in the edge region 108 by stitching and / or adhesive and / or welding. Furthermore, the airbag 102 is made of a material such as polyamide (PA) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to form a corresponding fabric structure. The first tensioning tab 118 and the second tensioning tab 120 integrated in the edge region 108 are made of the same material as the airbag 102. The detachable tensioning tab 130 and the connecting element 132 are made of a suitable durable material, which can be the material used to manufacture the airbag, or any other suitable material (e.g., leather, plastic, metal, etc.), or a combination of materials between the connecting element 132 and the tensioning tab 130.

[0045] According to the above embodiment, the SRAB 100 is mounted forward into the seat structure via the fixing bolt 124 of the gas generator 122. Alternatively (not shown), the SRAB 100 can also be mounted, for example, rotated 180 degrees. By connecting the SRAB 100 to the seat structure 20 both via the fixing bolt 124 and via a fixing device, particularly consisting of tension tabs 118, 120 or tension tab 130 and connecting element 130, forward sliding and tipping are prevented even if the SRAB 100 is mounted in the seat structure in the opposite direction; furthermore, the fixing device, serving as an installation aid, ensures proper installation and thus reliable inflation upon triggering of the SRAB 100.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 10 crew members

[0048] 12 seat cushions

[0049] 14 Seatbelt Tensioner / Laptop

[0050] 16-seat ramp airbag (SRAB) (existing technology)

[0051] 18 airbags (existing technology)

[0052] 20 Seat Structure / Seat Shell

[0053] 22 Gas Generator

[0054] 24 fixing bolts

[0055] 26 Seat Shell Opening

[0056] 100-seat hill descent control airbag (SRAB)

[0057] 102 air bags

[0058] 104 on the wall

[0059] 106 lower wall

[0060] 108 edge area

[0061] 110 stitches

[0062] 112 Expansion Space

[0063] 114 casing

[0064] 116 Fasteners (such as screws, nuts, bolts, or rivets)

[0065] 118 First tensioning piece

[0066] 120 Second tensioning piece

[0067] 122 Gas Generator

[0068] 124 fixing bolts

[0069] 126 airbag central axis

[0070] 128 eyelets

[0071] 130 tensioning splice

[0072] 132 connecting elements

Claims

1. Airbag for a safety airbag assembly of a vehicle seat, comprising: - an inflatable outer shell, the outer shell having a front part and a rear part oriented along a longitudinal axis with respect to a sitting direction; - a gas generator functionally coupled with one of the front part and the rear part of the outer shell, the gas generator forming a first fixed point between the outer shell and a frame structure of the vehicle seat; and - a fixing device arranged on the other of the front part and the rear part of the outer shell, the fixing device having at least one second fixed point and being configured such that the other of the front part and the rear part of the outer shell can be connected with the frame structure of the vehicle seat, thereby preventing a forward movement of the outer shell due to an acceleration acting in the sitting direction and in particular ensuring a reliable inflation. The fixing device has at least one edge region extending radially outward from the other of the front part and the rear part of the outer shell.

2. The air pocket according to claim 1, characterized in that The fixing device comprises at least one opening integrated into the edge region and an associated fixing element, in particular a screw, bolt, clip or rivet, which can be mounted into the frame structure.

3. The air pocket of claim 2, wherein, The edge region of the fixing device is configured as a tensioning tab which is integrally formed with the outer shell.

4. The air pocket according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The fixing device comprises at least one tensioning tab coupled with the edge region of the outer shell.

5. The air pocket according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The fixing device comprises at least one connection member / connection element which can be arranged to the edge region of the outer shell and can be coupled with the tab.

6. The air pocket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The length of the fixing device is selected such that the fixing device can in particular be used as a mounting aid and ensures that the outer shell can be mounted in a flat manner in the frame structure.

7. The air pocket of claim 6, wherein, The inflatable outer shell is arranged in a flat manner, in particular folded flat, in an unactivated state and in an inflated manner in a seat cushion of the vehicle seat in an activated state, and the gas generator is provided for inflating the inflatable outer shell of the airbag.

8. An airbag assembly for a vehicle seat, in particular a seat slope airbag assembly, the airbag assembly having an airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising an inflatable outer shell, wherein, At least one airbag of a safety airbag assembly according to claim 8 is arranged in the seat cushion.

9. Vehicle seat having a seat cushion, wherein ​

Images