Knee airbag for vehicle

Abstract

A knee airbag includes a front panel (28A), a rear panel (28B), and an intermediate panel (28C). The back panel is coupled to the front panel to define an inflation cavity (30). A middle panel is disposed between the front panel and the back panel and within the inflation cavity. The intermediate panel is connected to the rear panel by a plurality of rows of first attachment points (35A) extending in a lateral direction across the knee airbag, and to the front panel by a plurality of rows of second attachment points (35B) extending in the lateral direction. The airbag includes a proximal flex zone (36) proximate a proximal end thereof. A longitudinal distance between the first and second attachment locations of adjacent rows is greater than a longitudinal distance between the second attachment locations of adjacent rows.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 380,737, filed October 17, 2023. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to inflatable occupant restraint systems for vehicles. More specifically, this disclosure relates to knee airbag devices for vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information in connection with this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Inflatable occupant restraint devices, or airbags, are commonly included in motor vehicles for passive occupant protection. Airbags for frontal collision protection are typically installed in the steering wheel for the driver and behind the dashboard for other front-seat occupants. In addition to frontal collision protection, inflatable restraint devices are also used to protect occupants from side collisions. For example, side curtain airbags are typically mounted along the vehicle's roof rails and deploy downwards to provide an energy-absorbing structure between the occupant's head and upper torso and the vehicle's interior components.

[0006] In the event of an accident or impending accident, sensors inside the vehicle detect abnormal deceleration. For example, the airbags are triggered and inflated within milliseconds using gas produced by a device commonly known as an "inflator." The inflated airbags cushion the vehicle occupants from the impact.

[0007] Inflatable occupant restraint systems may include knee airbag devices for protecting the knees and / or lower legs of an occupant during a collision. Such knee airbag devices typically include inflatable knee airbags for absorbing at least a portion of the impact energy that would otherwise be directed to the occupant's knees and lower legs during a collision, particularly by restraining the occupant by limiting forward movement of the knees and lower legs.

[0008] A suitable knee airbag device is shown and described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 9,592,787 ('787 Patent). The '787 Patent discloses a knee airbag device having an inflatable cushion configured and arranged to deploy rapidly between a passenger's knee and the vehicle's dashboard. The inflatable cushion of the knee airbag device includes a front panel, a rear panel coupled to the front panel, and a hinge portion having a thin inflatable section at a location corresponding to a housing connection portion. During inflation, the inflatable cushion connects to the housing connection portion at the hinge portion. The '787 Patent is incorporated herein by reference as fully set forth herein.

[0009] Another suitable knee airbag device is shown and described in commonly assigned U.S. Serial No. 18 / 107332 ('332 application), filed February 8, 2023. '332 application discloses a knee airbag device having a front panel, a rear panel coupled to the front panel to define an inflation chamber, and an intermediate panel located between the front and rear panels and within the inflation chamber. The intermediate panel is connected to the front and rear panels at various locations between the proximal and distal ends of the intermediate panel to control the inflation configuration of the knee airbag. A first suspension portion and a second suspension portion suspend the proximal end of the intermediate panel between the front and rear panels and are permeable to the passage of inflation gas. The first suspension portion extends between the proximal ends of the front and intermediate panels. The second suspension portion extends between the proximal ends of the rear and intermediate panels. An inflator for inflating the knee airbag is disposed in the inflation chamber located at the proximal end of the knee airbag. The inflation gas diffusion device is located in the inflation chamber between the inflator and the proximal end of the intermediate piece.

[0010] Although known occupant restraint systems incorporating knee airbag devices (such as those shown and described in '787 Patent and '332 Application) have proven suitable for their intended use, improvements continue to be needed in the related art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure and is not a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0012] According to one particular aspect, this teaching provides a knee airbag comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a middle panel. The rear panel is coupled to the front panel to define an inflation chamber. The middle panel is disposed between the front and rear panels and within the inflation chamber. The middle panel is connected to the rear panel via multiple rows of first attachment points extending in a lateral direction across the knee airbag, and to the front panel via multiple rows of second attachment points extending in a lateral direction. The airbag includes a proximal flexure region near its proximal end. Within the proximal flexure region, the longitudinal distance between the first and second attachment points of adjacent rows is greater than the longitudinal distance between the second attachment points of adjacent rows.

[0013] According to another specific aspect, this teaching provides a knee airbag comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a middle panel. The rear panel is coupled to the front panel to define an inflation chamber. The middle panel is disposed between the front and rear panels and within the inflation chamber. The middle panel is connected to the rear panel via multiple rows of first attachment points extending in a lateral direction across the knee airbag, and to the front panel via multiple rows of second attachment points extending in a lateral direction. The airbag includes a proximal flexure region near its proximal end. The airbag includes an open width along a line passing through the proximal row of first attachment points closest to the proximal end of the proximal flexure region, the open width being greater than the closed width along that line. According to another specific aspect, this teaching provides a knee airbag comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a middle panel. The rear panel is coupled to the front panel to define an inflation chamber. The middle panel is disposed between the front and rear panels and within the inflation chamber. The middle panel is connected to the rear panel via multiple rows of first attachment points extending in a lateral direction across the knee airbag, and to the front panel via multiple rows of second attachment points extending in a lateral direction. The airbag includes a proximal flexure region near its proximal end. The airbag has a lateral flow opening width at the proximal flexure region along a line passing through a first row of attachment sites closest to the proximal side, the lateral flow opening width being greater than 33% of the total width along that line. Further applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this summary are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, representing selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a side view of a knee airbag for a vehicle, according to the teachings, showing the knee airbag inflated and operatively positioned between the passenger's knee and the vehicle's dashboard.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the knee airbag, showing the knee airbag before deployment within the airbag housing and operatively associated with the inflator.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a front view of the first knee airbag constructed according to this teaching.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A simplified side view of the knee airbag.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the knee airbag.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a front view of the second knee airbag constructed according to this teaching.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the knee airbag.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a front view of the third knee airbag constructed according to this instruction.

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the knee airbag.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a front view of the fourth knee airbag constructed according to this instruction.

[0025] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the knee airbag.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a front view of the fifth knee airbag constructed according to this instruction. Detailed Implementation

[0027] One or more exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. These one or more exemplary embodiments are provided to make this disclosure exhaustive and to fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of particular components, apparatuses, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not necessary and that these exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail herein.

[0028] The phrases “connected to,” “linked to,” and “connected to” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interactions. Two components can be joined together even if they are not in direct contact with each other. The term “adjacent” refers to items that are in close physical proximity to each other, although these items are not necessarily in direct contact. The phrase “fluidly connected” means that two connected features allow fluid within one feature to enter the other. The term “exemplary” as used herein means used as a typical or representative example or instance and does not necessarily imply special or preferred.

[0029] In the following description, directional terms such as upward, downward, forward, and rearward are defined based on the knee airbag's position with the associated airbag housing attached to the lower part of the dashboard. That is, the direction toward the vehicle roof is defined as upward (U), the direction toward the vehicle floor as downward (L), the direction toward the passenger as rearward (R), and the direction toward the front of the vehicle as forward (F). The terms proximal and distal used to describe the knee airbag or its components should be understood with reference to the knee airbag's deployment orientation. Further explanation: the term distal refers to the end of the knee airbag located at or toward that end of the housing, while the term proximal refers to the end of the knee airbag opposite the housing, or toward that end.

[0030] Specific reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 An environmental view illustrating a knee airbag for a vehicle according to this teaching is shown, generally identified by reference numeral 10. A generic knee airbag 10, intended to represent the various specific embodiments described below, is shown integrated into a knee airbag assembly 12. The knee airbag assembly 12 further includes an inflator 14 for supplying inflation gas to the knee airbag 10 upon sensing a predetermined collision event, and an airbag housing 16 housing the knee airbag 10 and the inflator 14. The airbag housing 16 includes a door 18 that generally covers an opening 20 of the airbag housing 16. The knee airbag assembly 12 is mounted at the lower part of the dashboard 22 within the vehicle. When deployed, the knee airbag 10 is operatively arranged in the longitudinal direction (e.g., in the F to R direction) between the knee 24 of the passenger 26 and the dashboard 22 of the vehicle.

[0031] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Environment view and additional reference Figures 3 to 5 Further details of a first knee airbag 100 constructed according to this teaching will be described below. The knee airbag 100 extends between a proximal end 10A and a distal end 10B and is shown generally comprising a first piece 28A, a second piece 28B, and a third piece 28C. In the illustrated embodiment, the first piece is the front piece 28A, the second piece is the rear piece 28B, and the third piece is the middle piece 28C. As will become clearer below, the middle piece 28C cooperates with the front piece 28A and the rear piece 28B to define the desired deployment shape of the knee airbag 100. Figure 5 As shown in the simplified cross-sectional view, the intermediate piece 28C is disposed in the inflation chamber 30, extends at least substantially across the inflation chamber 30 in the lateral direction of the airbag, and is attached to the front piece 28A and the rear piece 28B at various locations between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34 of the intermediate piece 28C.

[0032] When the intermediate piece 28C is internally connected to the front piece 28A and the rear piece 28B, a predetermined deployment profile or shape is defined. It will be understood that the specific deployment profile shown in the figures, as well as the corresponding attachment positions between the intermediate piece 28C and the front piece 28A, and between the intermediate piece 28C and the rear piece 28B, can be modified or otherwise adjusted within the scope of this teaching. The specific attachment positions between pieces 28A and 28C, and the length difference between the upper piece 28A and the lower piece 28B, cooperate to define the shape of the airbag that deploys and opens between the knee 24 of the passenger 26 and the vehicle's dashboard 22 to protect the passenger 26.

[0033] As shown in the attached diagram. Figures 3 to 5 Specifically, as shown, the attachment positions between sheets 28A and 28C include a first attachment position 35A connecting the rear sheet 28B and the intermediate sheet 28C, and a second attachment position 35B connecting the front sheet 28A and the intermediate sheet 28C. The first attachment position 35A (e.g., in...) Figure 3 (shown in dashed lines) and second attachment position 35B (e.g., in Figure 3 (Seen in solid lines) are arranged in multiple rows of first attachment positions 35A and multiple rows of second attachment positions 35B, which extend laterally in the lateral direction L1 across the airbag 100. The multiple rows of first attachment positions 35A and multiple rows of second attachment positions 35B are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L2 of the airbag 100.

[0034] The first 35A and the second attachment position 35B cooperate to define a proximal or lower curvature region 36 and a distal or upper curvature region 38 of the airbag 100. The proximal curvature region 36 facilitates the airbag to bend closer to the proximal end 10A of the airbag 100, and the distal curvature region 38 facilitates the airbag to bend closer to the distal end 10B of the airbag 100.

[0035] Inflation gas from the inflator 14 passes laterally between adjacent attachment positions 35A and 35B, and laterally between attachment positions 35A and 35B and the adjacent portion of the peripheral seam 40 (i.e., the side-flow opening of the airbag 100). Figure 3-5 In the airbag 100 and other embodiments detailed below, attachment locations 35A and 35B facilitate arrangements that provide a desired deployment trajectory and a desired inflation profile. Attachment locations 35A and 35B also facilitate arrangements that efficiently diffuse inflation gas to enable rapid and full inflation of the airbag 100.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, multiple rows of attachment positions 35A and 35B are arranged to define five inflatable chambers AE (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 4(As shown in the simplified side view of the airbag 100). The relative sizes of these inflatable chambers AE can be modified by alternative longitudinal spacing between attachment positions 35A and 35B of adjacent rows. The curvature between adjacent inflatable chambers AE can also be modified by alternative longitudinal spacing between attachment positions 35A and 35B of adjacent rows.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal curvature region 36 of the airbag 100 includes three rows of first attachment positions 35A and six rows of second attachment positions 35B. The row closest to the proximal side is the first row of the first attachment positions 35A. In the direction from the proximal to the distal side of the airbag 100, the proximal curvature region 36 subsequently includes the first, second, and third rows of the second attachment positions 35B, the second row of the first attachment positions 35A, the fourth, fifth, and sixth rows of the second attachment positions 35B, and the third row of the first attachment positions 35A.

[0038] In one particular application, the first row of the first attachment position 35A is longitudinally spaced 21 mm from the first row of the second attachment position 35B. It will be understood that in this embodiment and subsequent embodiments, all dimensions between adjacent rows of attachment positions 35A / 35B are center-to-center dimensions of attachment points 35A / 35B. The longitudinal distance between the first row of the second attachment position 35B and the second row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the second row of the second attachment position 35B and the third row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm. The longitudinal distance between the third row of the second attachment position 35B and the second row of the first attachment position is 40 mm. The longitudinal distance between the second row of the first attachment position 35A and the fourth row of the second attachment position 35B is 40 mm. The longitudinal distance between the fourth row of the second attachment position 35B and the fifth row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the fifth row of the second attachment position 35B and the sixth row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm. The longitudinal distance between the sixth row of the second attachment position 35B and the third row of the first attachment position is 40mm.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the distal curvature zone 38 of the airbag 100 includes a fourth row at the first attachment position 35A and a seventh row at the second attachment position 35B. The fourth row at the first attachment position 35A of the proximal curvature zone 36 is longitudinally spaced 66 mm from the third row at the first attachment position 35 of the proximal curvature zone. The fourth row at the first attachment position 35A is longitudinally spaced 70 mm from the seventh row at the second attachment position 35B. The seventh row at the second attachment position 35B is longitudinally spaced 131 mm from the peripheral seam located at the distal end of the airbag 100.

[0040] Turning Figure 6 and Figure 7 A second exemplary airbag constructed according to this teaching is shown and identified by reference numeral 200. The same reference numerals have been used to identify the same features between airbag 100 and airbag 200. The main difference between airbag 200 and airbag 100 is the spacing between the first and second attachment points 35A and 35B in adjacent rows. It will be understood that, to a degree not otherwise described, the features of airbag 200 are similar to those of airbag 100.

[0041] As described above, the multiple rows of attachment positions 35A and 35B are arranged to define five inflatable chambers AE, and are arranged to define a proximal curvature region 36 comprising three rows of first attachment positions 35A and six rows of second attachment positions, and a distal curvature region 38 comprising one row of first attachment positions 35A and one row of second attachment positions 35B. Similarly, the relative sizes of the inflatable chambers AE and the curvature between the inflatable chambers AE can be modified by alternative longitudinal spacing between adjacent rows of attachment positions 35A and 35B.

[0042] Starting from the proximal curvature zone 36, the row closest to the proximal side is the first row of the first attachment position 35A. In the direction from the proximal to the distal side of the airbag 200, the proximal curvature zone 36 next includes the first, second, and third rows of the second attachment position 35B, the second row of the first attachment position 35A, the fourth, fifth, and sixth rows of the second attachment position 35B, and the third row of the first attachment position 35A.

[0043] In a specific application, the first row of the first attachment position 35A is longitudinally spaced 30 mm from the first row of the second attachment position 35B. The longitudinal distance between the first row of the second attachment position 35B and the second row of the second attachment position 35B is 40 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the second row of the second attachment position 35B and the third row of the second attachment position 35B is 40 mm. The longitudinal distance between the third row of the second attachment position 35B and the second row of the first attachment position 35A is 30 mm. The longitudinal distance between the second row of the first attachment position 35A and the fourth row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm. The longitudinal distance between the fourth row of the second attachment position 35B and the fifth row of the second attachment position 35B is 40 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the fifth row of the second attachment position 35B and the sixth row of the second attachment position 35B is 40 mm. The longitudinal distance between the sixth row of the second attachment position 35B and the third row of the first attachment position is 30 mm. Therefore, within the proximal bending region 36, the longitudinal distance between the first and second attachment positions 35A and 35B of adjacent rows is less than the longitudinal distance between the second attachment positions 35B of adjacent rows.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the distal curvature zone 38 of the airbag 200 includes a fourth row at a first attachment position 35A and a seventh row at a second attachment position 35B. The fourth row of the first attachment position 35A in the distal curvature zone is longitudinally spaced 46 mm from the third row of the first attachment position 35 in the proximal curvature zone. The fourth row of the first attachment position 35A is longitudinally spaced 70 mm from the seventh row of the second attachment position 35B. The seventh row of the second attachment position 35B is longitudinally spaced 131 mm from the peripheral seam located at the distal end of the airbag 100.

[0045] Turning Figure 8 and Figure 9 A third exemplary airbag constructed according to this teaching is shown and identified by reference numeral 300. The same reference numerals have been used to identify the same features between airbag 100 and airbag 300. Airbag 300 also differs from airbag 100 primarily in the spacing between the first and second attachment points 35A and 35B of adjacent rows. It will be understood that, to a degree not otherwise described, the features of airbag 300 are similar to those of airbag 100.

[0046] As described above, the multiple rows of attachment positions 35A and 35B are arranged to define five inflatable chambers AE, and are arranged to define a proximal curvature region 36 comprising three rows of first attachment positions 35A and six rows of second attachment positions, and a distal curvature region 38 comprising one row of first attachment positions 35A and one row of second attachment positions 35B. Similarly, the relative sizes of the inflatable chambers AE and the curvature between the inflatable chambers AE can be modified by alternative longitudinal spacing between adjacent rows of attachment positions 35A and 35B.

[0047] Starting from the proximal curvature zone 36, the row closest to the proximal side is the first row of the first attachment position 35A. In the direction from the proximal to the distal side of the airbag 300, the proximal curvature zone 36 next includes the first, second, and third rows of the second attachment position 35B, the second row of the first attachment position 35A, the fourth, fifth, and sixth rows of the second attachment position 35B, and the third row of the first attachment position 35A.

[0048] In a specific application, the first row of the first attachment position 35A is longitudinally spaced 21 mm from the first row of the second attachment position 35B. The longitudinal distance between the first row of the second attachment position 35B and the second row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the second row of the second attachment position 35B and the third row of the second attachment position 35B is 20 mm. The longitudinal distance between the third row of the second attachment position 35B and the second row of the first attachment position 35A is 20 mm. The longitudinal distance between the second row of the first attachment position 35A and the fourth row of the second attachment position 35B is 20 mm. The longitudinal distance between the fourth row of the second attachment position 35B and the fifth row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the fifth row of the second attachment position 35B and the sixth row of the second attachment position 35B is 20 mm. The longitudinal distance between the sixth row of the second attachment position 35B and the third row of the first attachment position is 20 mm.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the distal curvature zone 37 of the airbag 300 includes a fourth row at a first attachment position 35A and a seventh row at a second attachment position 35B. The fourth row of the first attachment position 35A in the distal curvature zone is longitudinally spaced 126 mm from the third row of the first attachment position 35 in the proximal curvature zone. The fourth row of the first attachment position 35A is longitudinally spaced 70 mm from the seventh row of the second attachment position 35B. The seventh row of the second attachment position 35B is longitudinally spaced 171 mm from the peripheral seam located at the distal end of the airbag 100.

[0050] Turning Figure 10 and Figure 11 A fourth exemplary airbag constructed according to this teaching is shown and identified by reference numeral 400. The same reference numerals have been used to identify the same features between airbag 100 and airbag 400. Airbag 300 also differs from airbag 100 primarily in the spacing between the first and second attachment points 35A and 35B of adjacent rows. Furthermore, the laterally outermost attachment points 35A and 35B of some of the rows of first and second attachment points 35A and 35B have been eliminated. It will be understood that, to a degree not otherwise described, airbag 400 is similar in features to airbag 100.

[0051] As described above, the multiple rows of attachment positions 35A and 35B are arranged to define five inflatable chambers AE, and are arranged to define a proximal curvature region 36 comprising three rows of first attachment positions 35A and six rows of second attachment positions, and a distal curvature region 38 comprising one row of first attachment positions 35A and one row of second attachment positions 35B. Similarly, the relative sizes of the inflatable chambers AE and the curvature between the inflatable chambers AE can be modified by alternative longitudinal spacing between adjacent rows of attachment positions 35A and 35B.

[0052] Starting from the proximal curvature zone 36, the row closest to the proximal side is the first row of the first attachment position 35A. In the direction from the proximal to the distal side of the airbag 400, the proximal curvature zone 36 next includes the first, second, and third rows of the second attachment position 35B, the second row of the first attachment position 35A, the fourth, fifth, and sixth rows of the second attachment position 35B, and the third row of the first attachment position 35A.

[0053] In a specific application, the first row of the first attachment position 35A is longitudinally spaced 21 mm from the first row of the second attachment position 35B. The longitudinal distance between the first row of the second attachment position 35B and the second row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the second row of the second attachment position 35B and the third row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm. The longitudinal distance between the third row of the second attachment position 35B and the second row of the first attachment position 35A is 21 mm. The longitudinal distance between the second row of the first attachment position 35A and the fourth row of the second attachment position 35B is 21 mm. The longitudinal distance between the fourth row of the second attachment position 35B and the fifth row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the fifth row of the second attachment position 35B and the sixth row of the second attachment position 35B is 30 mm. The longitudinal distance between the sixth row of the second attachment position 35B and the third row of the first attachment position is 21 mm. Therefore, within the proximal bending region 36, the longitudinal distance between the first attachment position 35A and the second attachment position 35B of adjacent rows is smaller than the longitudinal distance between the second attachment positions 35B of adjacent rows.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the distal curvature zone 37 of the airbag 400 includes a fourth row at a first attachment position 35A and a seventh row at a second attachment position 35B. The fourth row of the first attachment position 35A in the distal curvature zone is longitudinally spaced 126 mm from the third row of the first attachment position 35 in the proximal curvature zone. The fourth row of the first attachment position 35A is longitudinally spaced 70 mm from the seventh row of the second attachment position 35B. The seventh row of the second attachment position 35B is longitudinally spaced 171 mm from the peripheral seam 40 located at the distal end of the airbag 100.

[0055] Turning Figure 12 A fifth exemplary airbag constructed according to this teaching is shown and identified by reference numeral 500. The same reference numerals have been used to identify the same features between airbag 100 and airbag 500. Airbag 500 also differs from airbag 100 primarily in the spacing between the first attachment points 35A and second attachment points 35B of adjacent rows. Furthermore, the laterally outermost attachment points 35A and 35B of some rows of first attachment points 35A and second attachment points 35B have been eliminated and further extended. It will be understood that, to a degree not otherwise described, the features of airbag 500 are similar to those of airbag 100.

[0056] As described above, the multiple rows of attachment positions 35A and 35B are arranged to define five inflatable chambers AE, and are arranged to define a proximal curvature region 36 comprising three rows of first attachment positions 35A and six rows of second attachment positions, and a distal curvature region 38 comprising one row of first attachment positions 35A and one row of second attachment positions 35B. Similarly, the relative sizes of the inflatable chambers AE and the curvature between the inflatable chambers AE can be modified by alternative longitudinal spacing between adjacent rows of attachment positions 35A and 35B.

[0057] Starting from the proximal curvature zone 36, the row closest to the proximal side is the first row of the first attachment position 35A. In the direction from the proximal to the distal side of the airbag 500, the proximal curvature zone 36 next includes the first, second, and third rows of the second attachment position 35B, the second row of the first attachment position 35A, the fourth, fifth, and sixth rows of the second attachment position 35B, and the third row of the first attachment position 35A.

[0058] Within the proximal bending region 36, the longitudinal distance between the first and second attachment positions 35A and 35B of adjacent rows can be greater than 30 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the second attachment positions 35B of adjacent rows can be less than 30 mm. More preferably, the longitudinal distance between the first and second attachment positions 35A and 35B of adjacent rows can be greater than 35 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the second attachment positions 35B of adjacent rows can be less than 25 mm.

[0059] In a specific application, the first row of the first attachment position 35A is longitudinally spaced 40 mm from the first row of the second attachment position 35B. The longitudinal distance between the first row of the second attachment position 35B and the second row of the second attachment position 35B is 20 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the second row of the second attachment position 35B and the third row of the second attachment position 35B is 20 mm. The longitudinal distance between the third row of the second attachment position 35B and the second row of the first attachment position 35A is 40 mm. The longitudinal distance between the second row of the first attachment position 35A and the fourth row of the second attachment position 35B is 40 mm. The longitudinal distance between the fourth row of the second attachment position 35B and the fifth row of the second attachment position 35B is 20 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the fifth row of the second attachment position 35B and the sixth row of the second attachment position 35B is 20 mm. The longitudinal distance between the sixth row of the second attachment position 35B and the third row of the first attachment position is 40 mm. Therefore, within the proximal bending region 36, the longitudinal distance between the first and second attachment positions 35A and 35B of adjacent rows is greater than the longitudinal distance between the second attachment positions 35B of adjacent rows.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the distal curvature zone 37 of the airbag 500 includes a fourth row at a first attachment position 35A and a seventh row at a second attachment position 35B. The fourth row of the first attachment position 35A in the distal curvature zone is longitudinally spaced 62 mm from the third row of the first attachment position 35 in the proximal curvature zone. The fourth row of the first attachment position 35A is longitudinally spaced 70 mm from the seventh row of the second attachment position 35B. The seventh row of the second attachment position 35B is longitudinally spaced 175 mm from the peripheral seam located at the distal end of the airbag 100.

[0061] In each of the above embodiments, the distal curvature zone 36 of the airbag includes an open width greater than the closed width along a line running laterally through the row of attachment positions 35A closest to the proximal end. In some applications, the open width is at least twice the closed width. Further explained, the open width along this line extends between two points on the lateral seam of the airbag and includes the lateral space between the outermost attachment positions 35A and the distance between the attachment positions 35A closest to the proximal end of the row. The closed width includes the total length of the attachment positions 35A closest to the proximal end of the row. In other words, the open width along this line is greater than half the total width along this line. These relative dimensions help improve airflow from the proximal end 10A to the distal end 10B and provide a more robust airbag.

[0062] In one particular application, the airbag includes an open width of 210 mm along a line passing through the distal curvature 36 and closest to the proximal side of a row of first attachment positions 35A, and a closed width of 90 mm along the same line. In this application, the closed width includes three first attachment positions 35A, each 30 mm in size, a lateral distance of 65 mm between the first attachment positions 35A and adjacent portions of the peripheral seam 40, and a lateral spacing of 40 mm between adjacent first attachment positions 35A.

[0063] In at least some of the above embodiments, the proximal curvature region of the airbag includes a lateral flow opening width along a line that traverses laterally through the row of attachment positions 35A closest to the proximal side, the lateral flow opening width being greater than 33% of the total width. The lateral flow opening width along this line extends between two points on the lateral seam 40 of the airbag and includes the lateral space between the outermost attachment positions 35A. These relative dimensions again contribute to improved airflow from the proximal end 10A to the distal end 10B and provide a more robust airbag.

[0064] In one particular application, the airbag has a sideflow opening width of 130 mm along a line running laterally through the row of attachment positions 35A closest to the proximal side, and a total width of 300 mm between two points along this line on the lateral seam 40 of the airbag. In this application, the sideflow opening width includes a 65 mm lateral distance between the first attachment position 35A and two adjacent portions of the peripheral seam 40. In at least some of the above embodiments (e.g., see...), Figure 12 The airbag 500 has a proximal curvature zone 36 comprising at least a lower portion in which the longitudinal distance between adjacent rows of first attachment positions 35A and second attachment positions 35B is greater than the longitudinal distance between adjacent rows of second attachment positions 35B. This spacing creates the effective tether length of the airbag during inflation. The larger spacing between adjacent rows of first attachment positions 35A and second attachment positions 35B contributes to a more stable curvature and improved airflow.

[0065] In the embodiments illustrated and described herein, the knee airbag can be an integrally woven (OPW) airbag. Therefore, the front panel 28A, rear panel 28B, and middle panel 28C can be formed using OPW weaving technology.

[0066] The knee airbag 10 deploys in response to the activation of the inflator 14. The inflator 14 is activated in response to a sensing condition indicating a predetermined vehicle collision or event. For the purposes of this teaching, it will be understood that the inflator 14, its activation, and the sensing of a vehicle collision or event are conventional. The inflator 14 delivers inflation gas through the holes 10 of the diffuser plate 48 to inflate the knee airbag 10.

[0067] While specific embodiments and applications of this disclosure have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise configurations and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, alterations, and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure may be formulated in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems disclosed herein. Various features of this teaching may be used independently or in various combinations.

Claims

1. A knee airbag, the knee airbag comprising: Front panel 28A; Rear piece 28B, which is connected to the front piece 28a to define the inflation chamber 30; as well as Intermediate piece 28C, which is between the front piece 28A and the rear piece 28B and within the inflation chamber 30, is connected to the rear piece 28A via multiple rows of first attachment points 35A extending in the lateral direction across the knee airbag, and is connected to the front piece 28A via multiple rows of second attachment points 35B extending in the lateral direction. The knee airbag includes a proximal flexion zone 36 near its proximal end 10A, and Its features are: In the proximal flexure zone 36 of the knee airbag 10, the longitudinal distance between the first attachment positions 35A and the second attachment positions 35B in adjacent rows is greater than the longitudinal distance between the second attachment positions 35B in adjacent rows. The knee airbag includes an opening width along a line passing through the proximal row of first attachment positions 35A closest to the proximal side of the proximal flexion zone 36, the opening width being greater than the closing width along the line, and / or, The knee airbag has a lateral flow opening width at the proximal flexion zone along the line passing through the row of first attachment positions 35A closest to the proximal side, the lateral flow opening width being greater than 33% of the total width along the line.

2. The knee airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the proximal flexion zone 36 of the knee airbag 10, the longitudinal distance between the first attachment position 35A and the second attachment position 35B of adjacent rows is greater than the longitudinal distance between the second attachment positions 35B of adjacent rows.

3. The knee airbag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The knee airbag includes an open width along a line passing through the proximal row of first attachment positions 35A that are closest to the proximal side of the proximal flexion zone 36, the open width being greater than the closed width along the line.

4. The knee airbag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The knee airbag has a lateral flow opening width at the proximal flexion zone 36 along a line passing through the row of first attachment positions 35A closest to the proximal side, the lateral flow opening width being greater than 33% of the total width along the line.

5. The knee airbag according to any one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it is provided with an inflator 14 for inflating the knee airbag, the inflator 14 being disposed in the inflation chamber at the proximal end 10A of the knee airbag.

6. The knee airbag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The knee airbag is a one-piece woven airbag.

7. The knee airbag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The proximal flexure region 36 includes three rows of first attachment positions 35A and six rows of second attachment positions 35B.

8. The knee airbag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The proximal curvature region 36 includes: a. First attachment position 35A in the first, second, and third rows b. The second attachment positions 35B of the first, second, and third rows located longitudinally between the first attachment position 35A of the first row and the first attachment position 35A of the second row, and c. The second attachment positions 35B of the fourth, fifth, and sixth rows, located longitudinally between the first attachment position 35A of the second row and the first attachment position 35A of the third row. d。 9. The knee airbag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Within the proximal bending region 36, the longitudinal distance between the first attachment position 35A and the second attachment position 35B of adjacent rows is greater than 30 mm, and the longitudinal distance between the second attachment positions 35B of adjacent rows is less than 30 mm.

10. The knee airbag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Within the proximal bending region 36, the longitudinal distance between the first attachment position 35A and the second attachment position 35B of adjacent rows is greater than 35mm, and the longitudinal distance between the second attachment positions 35B of adjacent rows is less than 25mm.

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