Front airbag assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a front air bag assembly and a vehicle. The front air bag assembly comprises an air generator, an air bag and a protection piece. The air bag is provided with an inflation inlet, the inflation inlet is communicated with the gas generator, and the air bag has a first storage state and a first expansion state; the protection part has a second storage state and a second expansion state, when the air bag is in the first storage state, the protection part is in the second storage state, when the air bag is switched to the first expansion state, the protection part is switched to the second expansion state under the support of the air bag, and when the air bag is in the second expansion state, the protection part is in the second storage state. The protection piece is located at the end, facing the front windshield, of the air bag. According to the front air bag assembly and the vehicle, the probability that the air bag is punctured by glass fragments can be reduced to a great extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile safety airbags, in particular to a front airbag assembly and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Currently, people are increasingly concerned about occupant safety in high-speed collisions. For example, the China Insurance Automotive Safety Index (CHINA INSURANCE AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY INDEX) describes a 25% offset frontal collision on the passenger side at speeds up to 64 km / h. Especially for MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles), where the windshield is positioned further forward, some models may experience windshield shattering in these high-speed, low-overlap collisions. The sharp edges of the shattered glass can puncture the front airbag during deployment, causing it to leak air. This can lead to ineffective occupant protection, increase the risk of injury, and further challenge the development of occupant protection performance.

[0003] The current main solution to the problem of broken windshields is to use overhead airbags. However, overhead airbags in existing technologies are generally large in size, expensive, and unstable during deployment. As a result, the airbag may fail to extend to the intended position and may even hit the occupant's head, causing injury. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a front airbag assembly and a vehicle that can greatly reduce the probability of the airbag being punctured by glass fragments.

[0005] The utility model also provides a front airbag assembly, comprising:

[0006] Gas generator;

[0007] an airbag having an inflation port, the inflation port being in communication with the gas generator, the airbag having a first stowed state and a first expanded state;

[0008] The protective member has a second stowed state and a second expanded state, wherein when the airbag is in the first stowed state, the protective member is in the second stowed state, and when the airbag switches to the first expanded state, the protective member switches to the second expanded state under the support of the airbag, and in the second expanded state, the protective member is at the end of the airbag facing the front windshield.

[0009] The frontal airbag assembly according to the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: a protective member is provided, which has a second stowed state and a second expanded state. When the airbag switches to the first expanded state, the protective member, supported by the airbag, switches to the second expanded state. In the second expanded state, the protective member is positioned at the end of the airbag facing the front windshield. In the event of a collision, glass fragments impact the protective member, effectively protecting the airbag and significantly reducing the probability of glass puncture. This arrangement is less expensive than a roof-mounted airbag and requires simpler deployment.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the first expansion state, the airbag has a top surface facing the front windshield, and in the second expansion state, the protective member has a first protective surface covering at least part of the top surface, and there is a gap between the first protective surface and the top surface.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, opposite edges of the first protective surface are connected to opposite edges of the top surface;

[0012] The first protective surface and the top surface have an unfolded size when unfolded into a plane, and the unfolded size between opposite edges of the first protective surface is greater than the unfolded size between opposite edges of the top surface.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the airbag has side surfaces located at both ends of the airbag in a width direction and connected to the top surface, and the protective member includes a second protective surface, which at least partially covers the side surfaces.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the airbag has a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and the protective member includes a third protective surface, and the third protective surface at least covers a portion of the bottom surface.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the airbag includes a fabric layer, the protective element includes one or more protective layers, and the material of the protective layer is the same as that of the fabric layer; or

[0016] The airbag includes a fabric layer, the protective element includes at least one protective layer and a coating coated on the outermost surface of the protective layer, and the material of the protective layer is the same as that of the fabric layer.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a through hole is provided on the third protective surface, and the gas generator is located at the through hole and connected to an edge of the through hole of the third protective surface.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the frontal airbag assembly includes a drawstring, both ends of which are connected to the gas generator. In a first inflation state, the drawstring is located outside the airbag to constrain the airbag.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least two pull straps are provided. In the first expansion state, one of the pull straps is constrained at the top of the airbag, and the other pull strap is constrained at the end of the airbag facing away from the front windshield.

[0020] A vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes the front airbag assembly of the above embodiment and an instrument panel, wherein the front airbag assembly is arranged on the inner side of the instrument panel.

[0021] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle comprises the front airbag assembly of the above embodiment and an instrument panel, wherein the front airbag assembly is arranged on the inner side of the instrument panel;

[0022] The frontal airbag assembly includes a drawstring, both ends of which are connected to the instrument panel. In a first inflation state, the drawstring is located outside the airbag to restrain the airbag.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and will become apparent from the following description or learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of a front airbag assembly, a front windshield, and an instrument panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the front airbag assembly and instrument panel according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] Reference numerals:

[0028] 100. Gas generator;

[0029] 200, airbag; 210, top surface; 200a, air vent;

[0030] 300, protective element; 310, first protective surface; 320, second protective surface;

[0031] 400, first connecting portion;

[0032] 500, drawstring;

[0033] 10. Front windshield; 20. Instrument panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0035] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that descriptions involving orientations, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, "several" means more than one, "plurality" means more than two, "greater than," "less than," and "exceed" are understood to exclude the number itself, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the number itself. The use of the terms "first" and "second" is solely for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and is not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, implicitly specifying the number of the indicated technical features, or implicitly specifying the order of the indicated technical features.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, and connecting should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0039] An embodiment of the present application provides a frontal airbag assembly, including a gas generator 100 , an airbag 200 , and a protective member 300 .

[0040] The airbag 200 has an inflation port, which is in communication with the gas generator 100. The gas generator 100 can inflate the airbag 200 through the inflation port after a collision occurs.

[0041] The airbag 200 has a first stowed state and a first expanded state. In the first stowed state, the airbag 200 and the gas generator 100 are located inside the instrument panel 20. In the first expanded state, the airbag 200 rushes out to the instrument panel 20 to provide a cushioning effect on the human body.

[0042] It is understandable that when a collision occurs, the front windshield 10 is easily damaged, and fragments with sharp edges are generated. The above-mentioned glass fragments can act on the end of the airbag 200 facing the front windshield 10.

[0043] The protective member 300 has a second stowed state and a second expanded state. When the airbag 200 is in the first stowed state, the protective member 300 is in the second stowed state, meaning both are simultaneously stowed, stored inside the instrument panel 20. When the airbag 200 switches to the first expanded state, the protective member 300 switches to the second expanded state, supported by the airbag 200. In other words, the protective member 300 switches from the second stowed state to the second expanded state not through direct inflation, but rather by inflating the airbag 200, causing it to switch to the first expanded state, thereby supporting the protective member 300 in the second expanded state.

[0044] In the second inflated state, the protective member 300 is located at the end of the airbag 200 facing the front windshield 10. This effectively protects the airbag 200 from glass fragments impacting the protective member 300. This configuration is less expensive and requires simpler deployment than a roof-mounted airbag.

[0045] The following combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 , describe the front airbag assembly:

[0046] The gas generator 100 is inserted into the airbag 200 through the inflation port. The gas generator 100 and the inflation port may be sealed from each other. The gas generator 100 may be configured to inflate the airbag 200 by directing inflation gas into the airbag 200 through the inflation port. The gas generator 100 may be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to drive gas into the airbag 200. Alternatively, the gas generator 100 may be, for example, a cold air inflator. Alternatively, the gas generator 100 may be of any suitable type, such as a hybrid inflator.

[0047] Airbag 200 includes a fabric layer that encloses an inflatable chamber. The fabric layer is made of one or more materials suitable for accommodating and inflating airbag 200 and capable of reducing the impact forces experienced by the passenger. For example, airbag 200 can be made of one or more flexible, durable, and airtight or semi-airtight fabrics (such as fabrics woven from polyamide, polyamide blends, polyester, polyester blends, etc.).

[0048] Regarding the material of the protective element 300 , in some embodiments, the protective element 300 includes one or more protective layers, and the material of the protective layer is the same as that of the fabric layer.

[0049] In other embodiments, the airbag includes a fabric layer, and the protective member 300 includes at least one protective layer and a coating applied to the outermost surface of the protective layer. The coating is used to increase the scratch resistance of the protective layer. The protective layer is made of the same material as the fabric layer. If the protective member 300 has only one protective layer, the coating is applied to that protective layer. If the protective member 300 has multiple protective layers, the coating is applied to the outermost protective layer, that is, the protective layer on the side away from the airbag 200.

[0050] In the first expanded state, the airbag 200 has a top surface 210 facing the front windshield 10. It can be understood that when an impact occurs, glass fragments move toward the top surface 210.

[0051] To enhance the protective effect of the airbag 200, in some embodiments, the protective member 300 in the second expanded state has a first protective surface 310 that covers at least a portion of the top surface 210. In other words, the protective member 300 in the second expanded state has a first protective surface 310 that covers the top surface 210, or at least a portion of the top surface 210. As a result, glass fragments impacting the first protective surface 310 reduce or eliminate direct impacts on the top surface 210 of the airbag.

[0052] A gap exists between the first protective surface 310 and the top surface 210. It is understood that when glass fragments strike the first protective surface 310, the first protective surface 310 can absorb the impact energy by deforming within the gap. Specifically, the first protective surface 310 is struck by glass fragments and moves toward the top surface 210 of the airbag within the gap. The impact energy is absorbed by the deformation of the first protective surface 310, reducing the speed of the glass fragments when they indirectly contact the top surface 210 of the airbag, thereby reducing the possibility of puncturing the top surface 210.

[0053] There is no limitation on the manner of setting the gap between the first protective surface 310 and the top surface 210 .

[0054] In some embodiments, the opposite edges of the first protective surface 310 are connected to the opposite edges of the top surface 210. This connects the airbag 200 and the protective member 300, so that during the expansion process, the protective member 300 will not separate from the airbag 200 and can expand along with the airbag 200. The opposite edges can be the two edges in the width direction of the airbag or the two edges in the length direction of the airbag. Figure 2 In the middle, it is the edge at both ends of the airbag in the width direction.

[0055] The first protective surface 310 and the top surface 210 have dimensions when unfolded into a flat surface. The dimensions of the first protective surface 310 refer to the dimensions when the first protective surface 310 is fully unfolded into a flat surface. Similarly, the dimensions of the top surface 210 refer to the dimensions when the top surface 210 is fully unfolded into a flat surface.

[0056] The expanded dimension between the opposing edges of the first protective surface 310 is greater than the expanded dimension between the opposing edges of the top surface 210. It will be appreciated that, after fully expanded into a flat surface, the expanded dimension of the first protective surface 310 between the two edges is greater than the expanded dimension of the airbag top surface 210. This results in the top surface 210 being stretched when the airbag 200 is in the first expanded state. At this time, the first protective surface 310 of the protective element 300, in the second expanded state, is relatively flexible and unstretched, capable of deforming to absorb impact energy. A gap is created between the unstretched protective element and the stretched airbag.

[0057] It should be noted that if the protective member 300 is relatively flexible, in the second expansion state, the first protective surface 310 will be in a concave-convex structure, and the gap is between the raised part of the concave-convex structure and the top surface 210 of the airbag. If the protective member 300 is relatively rigid, in the second expansion state, the first protective surface 310 will be in an arched structure, and the gap is between the arched structure and the top surface 210 of the airbag.

[0058] Furthermore, if the deployed dimension of the first protective surface 310 is too large, the unevenness or bulge left between the first protective surface 310 and the top surface 210 will be too large, making it easy for glass fragments generated during a collision to enter the gap between the two, thereby rendering the first protective surface 310 ineffective in its puncture protection function. If the deployed dimension of the first protective surface 310 is too small, the first protective surface 310 will be supported by the top surface 210 and stretched, thereby affecting its energy-absorbing performance. During implementation, this can be appropriately adjusted based on the total volume of the airbag 200 in the first inflated state and the placement of the airbag 200 and the front windshield 10.

[0059] The specific structure of the protective member 300 is not limited. For example, the protective member 300 may only be the first protective surface 310 .

[0060] In some embodiments, the protective member 300 includes a second protective surface 320. The airbag 300 has side surfaces located at both ends of its width and connected to the top surface. The second protective surface 320 covers at least a portion of the side surfaces. Thus, the second protective surface 320 of the protective member can protect the side surfaces of the airbag 200, further reducing the probability of the airbag 200 being scratched.

[0061] In some embodiments, the protective member 300 includes a third protective surface. The airbag 200 has a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and the third protective surface at least partially covers the bottom surface. It will be appreciated that the third protective surface is arranged opposite the first protective surface 310. The third protective surface of the protective member 300 can protect the bottom surface of the airbag 200, thereby further reducing the probability of the airbag 200 being scratched. It should be noted that under the influence of an impact, the instrument panel 20 may deform, resulting in sharp fractures. The third protective surface can prevent such fractures from contacting the airbag.

[0062] In other embodiments, the protective member 300 includes a second protective surface 320 and a third protective surface. The first protective surface 310, the second protective surface 320, and the third protective surface enclose a receiving cavity for accommodating the end of the airbag 200 facing the front windshield 10. In this way, the protective member 300 can protect the end of the airbag 200 facing the front windshield 10, thereby increasing the protected area and further reducing the possibility of the airbag 200 being punctured by glass fragments.

[0063] The accommodating cavity is an open cavity, part of the airbag 200 is in the accommodating cavity, and part of it extends out of the accommodating cavity from the opening, and the part extending out of the accommodating cavity can support the human body.

[0064] It will be appreciated that the first guard surface 310 , the second guard surface 320 , and the third guard surface may be sewn, bonded, integrally formed, and / or otherwise connected to one another at their edges in any suitable configuration.

[0065] In some embodiments, the second protective surface 320 and the third protective surface are integrally formed. The second protective surface 320 is connected to the first protective surface 310 via two first connecting portions 400. The first connecting portions 400 may be sutures.

[0066] The two first connecting portions 400 are used to connect the airbag 200 and the protective member 300, and simultaneously connect the second protective surface 320 and the first protective surface 310. Thus, the first connecting portions 400 can be used to connect the first protective surface 310 and the second protective surface 320 of the protective member 300, as well as the airbag 200 and the protective member 300, thereby reducing the number of first connecting portions 400 required during production and improving production efficiency.

[0067] In some embodiments, in the second expanded state, the protective member 300 is symmetrical along the width of the airbag 200. It is understood that in the second expanded state, the symmetrical protective member 300 along the width of the airbag 200 can limit the left and right deflection of the airbag 200, thereby ensuring stable frontal contact between the airbag 200 and the occupant.

[0068] The airbag 200 in the first expanded state and the protective member 300 in the second expanded state are symmetrical along the width direction of the airbag 200 , and the gas generator 100 is located in the middle position of the airbag 200 in the first expanded state along the width direction.

[0069] The position of the protective member 300 can be constrained by the inflator 100. In some embodiments, the third protective surface has a through-hole, and the inflator 100 is positioned within the through-hole and connected to the edge of the through-hole in the third protective surface. This allows the protective member 300 to be constrained by the inflator 100, preventing movement during inflation that could affect occupant support.

[0070] The frontal airbag assembly may include a drawstring 500, with both ends of the drawstring 500 connected to the inflator 100. In the first inflated state, the drawstring 500 is positioned outside the airbag 200 to constrain the airbag 200. It will be appreciated that in the first inflated state, the drawstring 500 is tightened and can act on the airbag 200, thereby constraining the airbag 200 in its inflated position and ensuring frontal contact between the airbag 200 and the occupant.

[0071] The number of drawstrings 500 is not limited; one or more may be selectively provided depending on the shape and placement of the airbag 200. In some embodiments, two drawstrings 500 are provided. In the first inflated state, one drawstring 500 is restrained at the top of the airbag 200, and the other drawstring 500 is restrained at the end of the airbag 200 facing away from the front windshield 10, i.e., the end facing the occupant. It will be appreciated that during inflation, the airbag 200 primarily expands upward and toward the occupant. By providing drawstrings 500 in both directions, the position of the airbag 200 in the first inflated state can be more accurately defined. Furthermore, the drawstrings 500 can partially suppress inflation of the airbag 200 during inflation. Providing the drawstring 500 at the end facing the occupant can reduce the impact between the airbag 200 and the occupant during forward motion during a vehicle collision.

[0072] It is understandable that after a collision occurs, the airbag 200 needs to be deflated to reduce the sense of restraint on the passenger and allow the passenger to move freely. If the airbag 200 remains inflated for a long time, it may hinder the passenger's escape path.

[0073] In some embodiments, the airbag 200 has an air leakage hole 200a, and the air leakage hole 200a is located at at least one end of the airbag 200 along its width direction. Figure 1 In the embodiment, two air leakage holes 200 a are provided, one of which is located at one end of the airbag 200 in the width direction, and the other is located at the other end of the airbag 200 in the width direction.

[0074] The utility model provides a vehicle, comprising a front airbag assembly and an instrument panel 20, wherein the front airbag assembly is arranged on the inner side of the instrument panel 20. The instrument panel 20 has a tear line, and the airbag 200 can be inflated and ejected from the tear line.

[0075] Taking the instrument panel 20 as an example, the frontal airbag assembly includes a protective member 300 that covers at least the top surface 210 of the airbag 200. In other words, the protective member 300 covers at least the surface of the airbag 200 that faces the front windshield 10. Therefore, placing the frontal airbag assembly on the inner side of the instrument panel 20 can greatly reduce the risk of puncture by glass fragments.

[0076] The present invention also provides a vehicle, wherein the front airbag assembly includes a drawstring 500 , both ends of which are connected to the instrument panel 20 . In a first expansion state, the drawstring 500 is located outside the airbag 200 to constrain the airbag 200 .

[0077] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention and the features of the embodiments can be combined with each other unless there is a conflict.

Claims

1. A front airbag assembly, characterized in that: include: Gas generator; an airbag having an inflation port, the inflation port being in communication with the gas generator, the airbag having a first stowed state and a first expanded state; The protective member has a second stowed state and a second expanded state, wherein when the airbag is in the first stowed state, the protective member is in the second stowed state, and when the airbag switches to the first expanded state, the protective member switches to the second expanded state under the support of the airbag, and in the second expanded state, the protective member is at the end of the airbag facing the front windshield.

2. The front airbag assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the first expansion state, the airbag has a top surface facing the front windshield, and in the second expansion state, the protective member has a first protective surface covering at least a portion of the top surface, with a gap between the first protective surface and the top surface.

3. The front airbag assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: Opposite edges of the first protective surface are connected to opposite edges of the top surface; The first protective surface and the top surface have an unfolded size when unfolded into a plane, and the unfolded size between opposite edges of the first protective surface is greater than the unfolded size between opposite edges of the top surface.

4. The front airbag assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The airbag has side surfaces located at both ends of the airbag in a width direction and connected to the top surface, the protective member includes a second protective surface, and the second protective surface at least partially covers the side surfaces; and / or, The airbag has a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and the protective element includes a third protective surface, which at least covers a portion of the bottom surface.

5. The front airbag assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The airbag includes a fabric layer, the protective element includes one or more protective layers, and the material of the protective layer is the same as that of the fabric layer; or The airbag includes a fabric layer, the protective element includes at least one protective layer and a coating coated on the outermost surface of the protective layer, and the material of the protective layer is the same as that of the fabric layer.

6. The front airbag assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: A through hole is provided on the third protective surface, and the gas generator is located at the through hole and connected to an edge of the through hole of the third protective surface.

7. The front airbag assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The frontal airbag assembly includes a drawstring, both ends of which are connected to the gas generator. In a first inflation state, the drawstring is located outside the airbag to constrain the airbag.

8. The front airbag assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: At least two pull straps are provided. In the first expansion state, one of the pull straps is constrained at the top of the airbag, and the other pull strap is constrained at an end of the airbag facing away from the front windshield.

9. A vehicle comprising the frontal airbag assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an instrument panel, wherein the frontal airbag assembly is arranged on an inner side of the instrument panel.

10. A vehicle comprising the frontal airbag assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and an instrument panel, wherein the frontal airbag assembly is disposed on an inner side of the instrument panel; The frontal airbag assembly includes a drawstring, both ends of which are connected to the instrument panel. In a first inflation state, the drawstring is located outside the airbag to restrain the airbag.

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