Safety arrangement

Abstract

An airbag for incorporation into a cushion of a vehicle seat, the airbag comprising: a front edge, a rear edge, and respective first and second side edges; an opening or cutout region at or near the trailing edge; a top layer and an opposing bottom layer; and a folded arrangement at each side of the airbag, the folded arrangement formed between the top layer and the bottom layer, the folded arrangement comprising a length of fabric extending between the side edges of the top layer and the bottom layer.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a safety invention, and more particularly to a pelvic restraint pad.

[0002] Pelvic restraint is known to be provided in vehicles such as automobiles. Existing pelvic restraint pads are located within the seat cushions of vehicle seats, such as driver's seats or passenger seats. In the event of a collision (such as a frontal collision), the pad inflates. Before inflation, the pad is provided in a generally flat shape. After inflation, the pad expands, resulting in greater thickness over all or substantially all areas of the seat cushion. However, the increase in thickness is greater at the front of the cushion (i.e., furthest from the seat back) and less at the rear of the cushion.

[0003] Inflatable pelvic restraint pads are beneficial for occupant protection.

[0004] First, the occupant is lifted approximately upwards relative to the seat, and thus engages more tightly with the seatbelt and other parts of the seat structure. This helps ensure that the occupant is effectively restrained by the seatbelt during a collision.

[0005] Furthermore, during a frontal collision, occupants may be thrown forward relative to the vehicle and may slide past the seatbelts into the footwell area. This phenomenon is known as "submarining" and can cause serious injury.

[0006] By inflating the area near the front of the seat cushion to a greater thickness than the area at the back of the seat cushion, the pelvic restraint pad is inflated into a roughly wedge shape and will therefore tend to prevent seat occupants from slipping.

[0007] Under the force of a frontal or rear-end collision, the shape of the pelvic restraint pad will also help prevent lumbar compression and related injuries caused by forces acting on the seat occupant.

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide an improved pelvic restraint pad of the above type.

[0009] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides a safety device according to claim 1.

[0010] Preferred features of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0011] To facilitate a clearer understanding of the invention, embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a known pelvic restraint pad;

[0013] Figure 2 A first example of a pelvic restraint pad embodying the present invention is shown;

[0014] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It shows crossing Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the pad shown;

[0015] Figures 5 to 9 Further examples of a pelvic restraint pad embodying the present invention are shown; and

[0016] Figures 10 to 13 The steps in a method of manufacturing a pelvic restraint pad embodying the present invention are shown.

[0017] In some vehicles, vents are formed in the seat cushions to allow air circulation, thereby improving cooling in warm conditions. These vents are typically positioned towards the rear of the seat cushion and centered relative to the sides.

[0018] To accommodate the vent, the pelvic restraint pad for such seats will be formed to include an opening or cutout area that will be roughly aligned with the vent during use to prevent the pad from blocking air from passing through the vent.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of such a known pelvic restraint pad 1 located on a seat cushion 2, as viewed from approximately directly above, is shown. As described above, a vent 3 is formed in the cushion 2, which is positioned towards the rear 4 of the cushion 2.

[0020] The pad 1 is anchored to a portion of the seat frame at spaced-apart anchor points 5, near the rear of the seat cushion 2, with these anchor points positioned on either side of the seat cushion 2.

[0021] The gasket 1 has a first connecting region and a second connecting region 6 extending forward from the fixing point 5. The connecting regions 6 extend on either side of the vent 3 and do not form any blockage, layer, or obstruction directly above the vent 3. Figure 1 As shown, the liner 1 includes an opening or cutout area 7 between the connecting areas 6, which is aligned with the vent 3.

[0022] The padding also includes a main region 8, which is positioned in front of the two connecting regions 6, and the two connecting regions 6 are integrally attached to the main region. Overall, the main region 8 and the connecting regions 6 together form a generally U-shaped airbag.

[0023] In the event of a collision or accident that necessitates inflation of the pelvic restraint pad 1, pressurized gas is introduced into the interior of the pad from an inflator (not shown), which may be a pyrotechnic type or any other suitable form. In known arrangements, the inflator is positioned below the main region 8 of the pad 1, and gas is introduced into the interior of the pad 1 through a hole formed in the lower side of the main region 8.

[0024] for Figure 1 The type of pelvic restraint pad shown has been found to be difficult to form into a thickness that can expand sufficiently to protect the seat occupant in the manner described above. The formation of two spaced-apart connecting regions 6 reduces the overall volume of the rear region of the pad 1, thereby limiting the thickness of the pad 1 that can expand in the vertical direction (i.e., approximately perpendicular to the plane of the seat cushion).

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the airbag 9 according to the present invention is shown.

[0026] and Figure 1 The airbag shown is the same as the known airbag 1. Figure 2 The airbag 9 has two connecting regions 6 that extend forward from corresponding rear anchor points 5. An opening or cutout region 7 is formed between the two connecting regions 6. A main region 8 is located facing the front of the airbag 9 and extends across the entire width of the airbag 9. The main region 8 and the connecting regions are preferably formed together to create a single airbag with a single continuous internal space.

[0027] The airbag 9 has a front edge 10 that will be at the foremost position during use, that is, covering or located in the area of ​​the front edge of the seat cushion on which the airbag 9 is installed.

[0028] The airbag 9 also has left and right edges 11 and 12, which will be close to the left and right sides of the seat cushion where the airbag 9 is installed, respectively, during use.

[0029] exist Figure 2 Above, the first line marked with "A" extends across the main area 8 of the airbag 9. The second line marked with "B" extends across the two connecting areas 6 of the airbag 9.

[0030] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The image shows cross-sectional views of the airbag 9 taken at positions A and B of the first and second lines, respectively.

[0031] First go to Figure 3 At the position of the first line, the airbag 9 has an unbroken bottom surface 13 formed by a single fabric area. The bottom surface 13 extends to the left and right edges 11, 12 of the airbag 9.

[0032] At each of the left and right edges 11, 12, the fabric of the airbag 9 extends inward to the inner fold 14, and then extends outward again to reach the corresponding first and second edges 11, 12.

[0033] More specifically, starting from each side edge of the bottom surface 13, the fabric of the airbag 9 is folded inward at the first edge fold 24, and the first inner layer 25 extends inward to the inner fold 14. The second inner layer 26 extends outward from the inner fold 14 to the second edge fold 27, where it joins the top layer 16. The first and second edge folds 25, 26 are preferably aligned or substantially aligned with each other at the edges 11, 12 of the airbag 9.

[0034] Therefore, on each side of the airbag 9, there is a fold or pleat 20 that extends from the side edges 11, 12 into the airbag 9 at a distance of 15.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the distance 15 is the same on both the left and right sides at any point along the length of the airbag 9 (i.e., in the direction extending from the rear of the airbag 9 toward its front edge 10). However, this is not required.

[0036] In the example shown, the top surface 16 of the airbag 9 is formed by two fabric regions, wherein a first fabric region 16A extends inward from the left edge 11, and a second fabric region 16B extends inward from the right edge 12. The two regions 16A and 16B meet and overlap each other in a region near the center of the width of the airbag 9, and are joined together by a central seam 17.

[0037] Overall, from Figure 3 As can be seen from the cross-sectional view shown, the main area 8 of the airbag 9 can be formed from a single piece of fabric with opposite edges, which is folded to form two pleats and has two edges joined together at the central seam 17.

[0038] Go to Figure 4 At the location of the second line B, the cross-sectional view of the airbag 9 includes two separate sections: a left connecting region 6 and a right connecting region 6. An opening or cutout region 7 is located between these two connecting regions 6. Each connecting region 6 includes a bottom layer 18 that extends from the inner edge 19 of the connecting region 6 toward the left or right edge 11, 12. At edges 11, 12, the fabric is joined to the above. Figure 3 The air bladder folds inward in a similar manner to form a fold or pleat 20. Each fold or pleat 20 extends inward a distance 21 from the corresponding edge 11, 12 of the air bladder 9.

[0039] The top layer 22 of each connecting region 6 extends from the left or right edge 11, 12 to the inner edge 19.

[0040] At the inner edge 19, the bottom layer and the top layer 18, 22 are joined together by a connecting seam 23.

[0041] Return to Figure 2 The airbag 9 also includes a front seam 28, which is formed across the front edge 10 and holds all the layers of the airbag 9 together. The front seam 28 preferably provides an airtight or substantially airtight joint between the layers of the airbag 9.

[0042] The airbag 9 also includes a rear seam 29 that extends across the last portion of each connecting region 6, again joining all the layers of the airbag 9 together. The rear seam 29 also preferably forms an airtight or substantially airtight seal between the layers.

[0043] In general, those skilled in the art will understand that the airbag 9 has an inflatable internal area defined between the top layers 16, 22 and the bottom layers 13, 18, and is secured by the front and rear seams 28, 29 and the connecting seam 23. At the edges 11, 12 of the airbag 9, the fabric of the airbag 9 is folded to form folds or pleats 20, and the airbag 9 is thus sealed at its edges 11, 12.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the fabric of the airbag 9 is not completely airtight, and gas escapes through it at a specific rate. As with many other types of airbags, this means that after inflation, the airbag will deflate relatively quickly, typically within a few seconds or less.

[0045] exist Figure 2 The dashed line 30 can also be seen, which indicates the position of the inner fold 14 of the fold or pleat 20 formed on each side of the airbag 9.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, in this example, near the rear side of each connecting region 6, there is a first distance between the inner fold 14 and the corresponding edges 11, 12 of the airbag 9, and a larger second distance near the front edge 10 of the main region 8. In other words, the depth of the fold or pleat 20 near the front 10 of the main region 8 is greater than the depth at the rear of each connecting region 6.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, this distance increases at a constant rate from the rear of the airbag 9 toward its front edge 10. However, this is not necessary, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0048] In the event of a collision or other incident requiring airbag 9 to be inflated, pressurized gas is introduced into the interior of airbag 9 from one or more suitable inflators (not shown). Figure 2 The possible location of the inflation port 31 is shown, but the invention is not limited thereto. The introduction of pressurized gas will cause the airbag 9 to inflate rapidly.

[0049] When the airbag 9 is inflated, the depth of the airbag 9 will increase significantly as the gas fills the internal space and forces the top and bottom layers to separate from each other. When this happens, the folds or pleats 20 on each side of the airbag 9 will unfold, and the first inner layer and the second inner layer 25, 26 of each fold or pleat 20 will form the sidewall of the inflated airbag.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will understand that the presence of folds or pleats 20 on each side of the airbag 9 will significantly increase the depth of the inflated airbag 9 compared to the absence of these folds or pleats 20. The additional areas of fabric forming the first and second inner layers 25, 26 create a significantly greater distance between the top and bottom layers of the airbag when it is inflated.

[0051] Therefore, the presence of folds or pleats 20 on each side of the airbag 9 has a significant advantage relative to the depth of the inflated airbag. The beneficial effects of this design on protecting the seat occupant have been discussed above.

[0052] Furthermore, the increased depth of the fold or pleat 20—that is, the distance between the inner fold 14 and the corresponding edges 11, 12 of the airbag 9—compared to the depth of the airbag 9 at its rear end results in an increased depth of the inflated airbag 9 near its front edge 10. This helps to create a “wedge” shape for the inflated airbag, where the thickness of the airbag 9 increases towards the front edge 10. This again has a significant beneficial effect on protecting the seat occupant, as described above.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figures 2 to 4 The airbag shown will effectively protect the occupants of the seat during a collision, especially during a frontal or rear-end collision.

[0054] As mentioned above, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the depth of the pleats or folds 20 increases linearly and constantly from the rear end of the airbag 9 to its front edge 10. However, this is not necessary.

[0055] In other embodiments, the depth increase from the rear of the airbag 9 to the front edge 10 may not be uniform or linear.

[0056] Figure 5Another embodiment is shown, in which the line indicated by reference numeral 32 shows the depth of the folds or pleats 20 on each side of the airbag 9. In this embodiment, the depth is minimum near the rear of the airbag 9, increases relatively slowly in the first portion of the length of the airbag 9 (which is closer to the rear of the airbag 9), and then increases more rapidly in the second portion of the length of the airbag 9 (which is closer to its front edge 10).

[0057] This implementation scheme has the advantage of creating a wedge shape for the resulting inflated airbag, with a relatively abrupt increase in thickness near the front edge of the airbag 9. This may have an additional beneficial effect in preventing seat occupants from slipping.

[0058] Figure 6 Another embodiment is shown, in which the line indicated by reference numeral 33 again indicates the depth of the folds or pleats 20 on each side of the airbag 9. In this embodiment, the depth is the same or substantially the same along the entire length of the airbag 9.

[0059] This type of implementation may be necessary where, due to other constraints arising from the seat's construction or other manufacturer requirements, the depth of the inflated airbag should be more uniform along its length.

[0060] It should be understood that, compared to existing technologies, the total depth of the inflatable airbag increases, such as... Figure 6 The implementation scheme shown will still have significant advantages.

[0061] The above examples involve a single fold or pleat on each side of the airbag, wherein the depth of the fold or pleat is variable along the length of the airbag. However, in other embodiments, other techniques can be used to create the desired depth for an inflatable airbag.

[0062] refer to Figure 7 This illustrates another airbag embodying the invention. The first line, indicated by reference numeral 34, specifies the depth of the first fold or pleat formed on each side of the airbag. Figure 6 As in the example shown, the depth of the first fold or pleat is the same as or substantially the same as the depth along the length of the airbag.

[0063] The second line, indicated by reference numeral 35 in the attached diagram, indicates the depth of the second fold or pleat, which is formed only in the region closer to the front edge of the airbag, and not in another region facing the rear of the airbag. The second fold or pleat is located above or below the first fold or pleat.

[0064] Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the airbag at the line indicated by B will resemble Figure 4The cross-sectional view shown. At this point along the length of the airbag (which passes through the connecting region 6), there are individual folds or pleats formed on each side of the airbag.

[0065] However, Figure 8 A cross-sectional view is shown at the line indicated by A passing through the main region 8 of the airbag. Similar to... Figure 3 The sectional view, at line A, Figure 7 The airbag has a bottom surface extending to a first edge fold 24, and a first inner layer 25 extending inward from the first edge fold to a first inner fold 36. A second inner layer 26 extends outward from the first inner fold 36 to a second edge fold 27.

[0066] However, the third inner layer 37 extends inward from the second edge fold 27 to the second inner fold 38, and the fourth inner layer 39 extends outward from the second inner fold to the third edge fold 40. The top surface 16 of the airbag extends inward from the third edge fold 40. In this example, as previously described, the top surface 16 is formed of two layers joined together at the central seam 17.

[0067] when Figure 7 When the airbag shown is inflated, the front region with two folds or pleats will expand to have an increased depth because the first to fourth inner layers 25, 26, 37, 39 will unfold to form the sidewalls of the airbag. Therefore, the formation of a second fold or pleat in or near the front of the airbag gives the front of the airbag an additional depth compared to the rear of the airbag when inflated.

[0068] Generally, in the preferred embodiment, a folded arrangement is formed on each side of the airbag in its uninflated state. At any point, the airbag has a top layer and a bottom layer, each having side edges. The folded arrangement includes a length of airbag fabric positioned between the side edges of the top and bottom layers. When the airbag is inflated, the length of the folded fabric becomes the sidewall of the airbag, thus giving the airbag a certain depth.

[0069] The length of the fabric in each fold arrangement is preferably positioned between the top and bottom layers, i.e., within the total space occupied by the top and bottom layers.

[0070] Folding arrangements can take the form of a single fold or a fold section, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The example shown illustrates this. Alternatively, at at least some points along the length of the airbag, the folding arrangement may take the form of two or more folds or flaps, such as... Figure 7 As shown. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and any suitable configuration of the folded arrangement is possible.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the folds on each side of the airbag have a first length of fabric at the rear side of the airbag and a larger second length of fabric at the front side of the airbag.

[0072] It is also conceivable that the folded arrangement could extend only a portion of the airbag's length. Figure 9 An example of this situation is illustrated schematically. In this figure, the line indicated by reference numeral 41 shows the depth of the individual folds or pleats formed on each side of the airbag. As shown in the figure, there is no fold arrangement in the first region 42, which is closer to the rear of the airbag than in the length of the airbag.

[0073] The fold arrangement begins at point 43, midway along the length of the airbag. From this point, the depth of the fold increases in a second region 44, which is closer to the front edge 10 of the airbag than the first region 43. The fold has its maximum depth at or near the front edge 10 of the airbag.

[0074] All the examples shown illustrate an airbag that can be formed from a single piece of fabric, folded in a suitable manner, and then joined together by seams to form a closed internal area. While this is preferred for minimizing cost and weight, as well as the number of processing steps in producing the airbag, it is not necessary. In other examples, the airbag can be formed from two or more separate fabric areas joined together in any suitable manner, such as by sewing.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the connecting regions 6 are narrowest at their rear end and widen as they extend forward toward the main region 8. However, this is not required, and the connecting regions can take any suitable shape. In other examples, the connecting regions can have a substantially constant width along their length.

[0076] refer to Figures 10 to 12 This shows the formation similar to Figures 2 to 4 Alternative method of airbag for airbag 9 shown.

[0077] refer to Figure 10 The diagram shows a first area of ​​fabric 45. This first area 45 covers a substantially identical second area of ​​the fabric.

[0078] The shape of the first region of fabric 45 is similar to Figure 2 The airbag 9 shown has a shape with a first connecting region and a second connecting region 6 and a main region 8, with a cutout region 7 between the first connecting region and the second connecting region. However, the width of the main region 8 increases towards the front edge 10.

[0079] The two areas of the fabric are sewn together along their left and right edges 11, 12 by seam lines (indicated by reference numeral 46 in the attached diagram).

[0080] The two layers of fabric are also joined together around the perimeter of the cut area 7.

[0081] Go to Figure 11 As a next step, the left and right edges 11, 12 are brought together so that they lie between the two layers of fabric. In the example shown, the left and right edges 11, 12 are brought together along their length so that the width of the resulting structure is approximately constant along its length. As those skilled in the art will understand, since the area of ​​fabric 45 widens toward the front end 10, this means that the distance at which the seam edges are brought together toward the front edge 10 increases accordingly.

[0082] exist Figure 11 In the view shown, the location of the stitched edge is indicated by dashed line 47.

[0083] Go to Figure 12 Finally, additional stitches 46 are formed to join the two areas of the fabric together at or near the front edge 10 and at or near the fixing point 5 of the connecting area 6. It should be understood that these additional stitches 46 will be used to maintain the folded structure of the finished airbag 48.

[0084] Figure 13 It shows along Figure 12 The line DD in the diagram is the cross-section that passes through the airbag 48.

[0085] like Figure 13 As shown, at this point, the cross-section of the airbag 48 includes a top surface formed by a first region of fabric 45 and a bottom surface 49 formed by an opposite second region of fabric.

[0086] There is a fold 50 between the top and bottom surfaces, which protrudes inward between the top and bottom surfaces. The suture 46 is positioned at the inner end of these folds 50.

[0087] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the airbag according to the present invention can be constructed in many different ways, including Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 10 to 13 The construction shown is illustrated. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are other ways to achieve this.

[0088] Those skilled in the art will understand that, compared to known airbags, the airbag of the present invention will have significant advantages in terms of the control of the depth of the inflated airbag and the control of the depth of the inflated airbag over its length.

[0089] In practice, the airbag embodying the invention can be provided as an airbag unit, wherein the airbag is folded into a generally flat configuration to be integrated into the seat cushion of a vehicle seat. Before inflation, the airbag can be completely or partially enclosed within a shell or cover. The shell or cover can be formed with one or more lines or areas that are weaker than the rest, such that these areas preferentially break or rupture during inflation, thereby giving the airbag its fully inflated configuration.

[0090] The airbag unit may also include an inflator and suitable connectors to allow pressurized gas generated by the inflator to be directed into the interior of the airbag.

[0091] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprising" and "including," and their variations thereof, mean to include the specified features, steps, or components. These terms should not be construed as excluding the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0092] The features disclosed in the foregoing specific embodiments, the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their particular form or according to means for performing the disclosed functions or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, may, where appropriate, be used alone or in any combination of such features to implement the invention in various forms.

[0093] The invention may also broadly include components, elements, steps, examples, and / or features that are individually mentioned or pointed out in the specification, or components, elements, steps, examples, and / or features that are jointly mentioned or pointed out in the specification in any and all combinations of two or more of the said components, elements, steps, examples, and / or features. Specifically, one or more features in any embodiment described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment described herein.

[0094] Protection may be sought for any feature disclosed in any one or more public documents cited herein in connection with this disclosure.

[0095] Although certain exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. The claims should be interpreted literally, intentionally, and / or construed as covering equivalents.

Claims

1. An airbag for integration into a seat cushion of a vehicle seat, the airbag comprising: Front edge, rear edge, and corresponding first and second side edges; The opening or cut area at or near the rear edge; Top level and the relatively bottom level; as well as A folded arrangement at each side of the airbag, the folded arrangement being formed between the top layer and the bottom layer, the folded arrangement including a length of fabric extending between the side edges of the top layer and the bottom layer.

2. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein, In a first region at or near the rear edge of the airbag, the folded fabric has a first length, and in a second region near the front edge of the airbag, the folded fabric has a second length greater than the first length.

3. The airbag of claim 2, wherein the length of the folded fabric increases linearly or substantially linearly from the first region to the second region.

4. The airbag according to any of the preceding claims 1, wherein the fold arrangement comprises a single fold over the entire length or a portion of the length between the rear edge and the front edge, wherein the length of the fabric extends inward from the side edge to the inner fold.

5. The airbag of claim 4, wherein the folding arrangement includes a single fold, wherein the length of the fabric extends inward from the side edge to the inner fold over the entire length or substantially the entire length between the rear edge and the front edge.

6. The airbag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the folding arrangement comprises a double fold over the entire length or a portion of the length between the rear edge and the front edge, wherein the length of the fabric of the folding arrangement extends inward from the side edge to two separate inner folds.

7. The airbag of claim 6, wherein the fold arrangement comprises a double fold over only a portion of the length between the rear edge and the front edge.

8. The airbag of claim 7, wherein the folding arrangement comprises a single fold on a first portion of the length of the airbag, and the folding arrangement comprises a double fold on a second portion of the length of the airbag, the second portion being closer to the front edge of the airbag than the first portion.

9. An airbag unit, the airbag unit comprising an airbag according to any of the preceding claims.

10. A seat cushion for a chair, the seat cushion comprising an airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or an airbag unit according to claim 9.

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