Side airbag for a vehicle occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS GERMANY GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2011-03-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a side airbag for a vehicle occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle according to claim 1.
[0002] Side airbags are known from the prior art which, after unfolding, extend along a vehicle side structure and serve in particular to protect the head of one or more vehicle occupants. For example, DE 199 56 710 A1 discloses such a side airbag (“curtain airbag”).
[0003] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to create a side airbag which, for the longest possible period of time after its activation, prevents a vehicle occupant from moving out of the vehicle as effectively as possible.
[0004] This problem is solved by the side airbag with the features of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.
[0005] A side airbag for a vehicle occupant restraint system is then provided, with – at least one inflatable chamber comprising a first area for protecting the head of a vehicle occupant and a second area which – in relation to the side airbag being installed and inflated in the vehicle – extends towards the vehicle floor beyond a door sill adjacent to a side window of the vehicle, wherein – the chamber is designed in such a way that it tapers from the first to the second area.
[0006] Because the chamber tapers from the first area (i.e., its protected area) to the second area (the overlap area), it has the largest possible volume (i.e., the greatest possible effective thickness in the transverse direction of the vehicle) within the protected area to achieve the best possible protective effect. At the same time, this design also ensures the highest possible buckling stiffness of the chamber, thus preventing buckling after the gas bag is deployed. However, the chamber has a smaller volume in the overlap area, ensuring the fastest possible inflation of the chamber in the event of activation, despite the relatively large volume of the protected area.
[0007] In particular, the chamber, along the main extension direction of the side airbag (relative to the flat, uninflated state of the side airbag), and thus in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when considering the side airbag installed and inflated in the vehicle, has an extension that decreases continuously from the first region to the second region of the chamber. In other words, the longitudinal extension of the chamber decreases only from the protected area to the overlapping area (i.e., the extension decreases monotonically). For example, the chamber may be designed to have a V-shaped (carrot-shaped) contour that opens towards the vehicle roof when inflated and viewed from inside the vehicle, or from a top view of the flat, uninflated side airbag.In particular, the overlap area of the chamber also narrows, so that the chamber tapers beyond the overlap area to a lower edge section of the side gas bag.
[0008] It should be noted that the "main direction of extension" of the side gasbag refers to the direction in which the side gasbag has its greatest extent when laid flat or inflated. In particular, the side gasbag according to the invention is a curtain gasbag which, when inflated, extends with its main direction of extension along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
[0009] For example, the chamber is bounded by a first and a second seam that run towards each other from the first to the second area, for example at an angle of 10° to approximately 90°.
[0010] The first and second seams are formed, in particular, as sewn or glued seams. If the first and / or second seam is a sewn seam, it may also be sealed, e.g., with a silicone seal. Furthermore, the gas bag may also be constructed of at least partially sealed or impermeable material layers.
[0011] The first and second seams each also define, in particular with a section, the first area of the chamber, which serves to protect the head of the vehicle occupant. The sections of the first and second seams defining this first area are oriented differently with respect to the vehicle's vertical direction (or with respect to the main extension direction of the flattened airbag); for example, they run obliquely to each other (especially towards each other in the direction of the second area of the side airbag). For instance, the sections of the first and / or second seam defining the first area of the airbag run at least approximately in a straight line. It is also conceivable, of course, that the first and / or second seam runs at least approximately in a straight line along its entire length. Likewise, it is conceivable that the first and / or second seam runs only partially in a straight line, and another section of the seam, for example,It exhibits a curvature or multiple curvatures, which can be realized, for example, in the form of a circular arc or several circular arcs. It is also possible, for example, that one of the two seams is completely straight and the other is at least partially curved.
[0012] The first and second seams extend into the second section of the gasbag and meet there. For example, the first and second seams extend essentially in a straight line and meet at an acute angle. However, it is also conceivable that the first and second seams do not meet at an acute angle, but rather, for example, via a straight section that runs obliquely to the first and second seams, or via a curved section, with the straight or curved section being formed by the first or second seam, respectively.In particular, the straight section over which the first and second seams meet runs parallel to the main extension direction of the flatly spread gasbag, so that the chamber has a V-shaped contour in top view, which is flat or curved in an edge section of the chamber facing away from the vehicle roof – in relation to the side gasbag being installed in the vehicle.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the side airbag has two further chambers which – with reference to the side airbag being installed and inflated in the vehicle – adjoin the tapered chamber on opposite sides along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In other words, the tapered chamber is located between the further chambers, at least one of which may also have a section that overlaps the door sill. It is, of course, also possible for the airbag to have more than two further chambers.
[0014] The tapered chamber can be configured, in particular, to extend over a front side window of the vehicle when the side airbag is installed. However, it is also conceivable that the chamber is located in the rear section of the side airbag, so that it extends over a rear side window of the vehicle when the side airbag is inflated. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the side airbag has multiple tapered chambers, each with a first section (i.e., a head protection section) and a second section (i.e., an overlap section). For example, one such chamber could be located in the rear section of the side airbag to cover a rear side window of the vehicle, and another in the front section of the side airbag to protect a vehicle occupant from impact with the front side window.
[0015] Furthermore, the side gasbag can have a front attachment section which – relative to the side gasbag's installed state in the vehicle – is fixed to a front area of the vehicle body via a front strap, and a rear attachment section which is fixed to a rear area of the vehicle body via a rear strap, wherein a line through the two attachment sections defines a guy line of the side gasbag, and the first section of the side gasbag (in the inflated state) extends at least partially on a side facing the vehicle roof (i.e., above) this guy line. For example, the first section extends entirely or at least predominantly above the guy line.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the tapered chamber belongs to an inflatable volume of the gasbag that covers a (either front or rear) side window of the vehicle. In particular, the side gasbag according to the invention has a first inflatable volume for covering the rear side window and a second inflatable volume for covering the front side window, wherein the tapered chamber can be part of either the first or the second inflatable volume. It is also conceivable that both the rear portion of the gasbag (the rear inflatable volume) and the front portion of the gasbag (the front inflatable volume) have a tapered chamber, as already indicated above.
[0017] The first section of the chamber has, in particular, an extent along the principal direction of extension of the side airbag (i.e., relative to the side airbag's installed state in the vehicle along the vehicle's longitudinal direction) that is at least one-third of the extent of the inflatable volume to which the chamber belongs. Furthermore, the extent of the chamber along the vehicle's longitudinal direction is, for example, at least one-quarter or at least one-third of the longitudinal width of the side window to which the chamber is associated. The term "extent" of the chamber is understood, in particular, to mean an extent between two opposing endpoints along the vehicle's longitudinal direction (especially points of the seams bounding the chamber) that are at the same height (relative to the vehicle's vertical direction), with particular consideration given to the largest such extent that the chamber has in each case.
[0018] As mentioned, the side airbag may have additional chambers besides the downward-tapering chamber (i.e., towards the overlap area), with, for example, the respective (front or rear) inflatable volume of the side airbag being formed by these chambers. Accordingly, the aforementioned feature, according to which the chamber has an extension along the main direction of extension of the side airbag that is at least one-third of the extension of the inflatable volume, refers to the total extension of the inflatable volume formed by the majority of the inflatable chambers.
[0019] In particular, it is also conceivable that the inflatable volume, which, when the side airbag is inflated, covers a front or rear side window of the vehicle, is formed by the tapered chamber and other inflatable chambers, the tapered chamber having an extent along the main direction of extension of the side airbag that is greater than the extent of any other chamber in the inflatable volume. In other words, the tapered chamber is the widest chamber of the inflatable volume or of the entire side airbag. For example, the tapered chamber has a maximum extent (measured between two endpoints at the same height) along the main direction of extension of the side airbag that is at least 1.3 times the maximum extent of any other chamber.
[0020] In particular, the tapered chamber is arranged between two of the other chambers of the inflatable volume and is positioned so that in the event of a side impact, the vehicle occupant's head will predominantly or exclusively impact the tapered chamber.
[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the tapered chamber – with reference to the side airbag installed and inflated in the vehicle – is oriented such that its main direction of extension is oblique to the vehicle's vertical direction (or oblique to the main direction of extension of the airbag when considering the flat, unmounted state). Of course, it is also conceivable that the tapered chamber is oriented such that its main direction of extension runs essentially in the vehicle's vertical direction.
[0022] The invention also relates to a gasbag module with a side gasbag as described above and a vehicle with such a side gasbag.
[0023] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. The figures show:
[0024] Fig. 1 a top view of a gasbag according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0025] Fig. 2 schematically possible orientations of the tapered chamber of the gasbag according to the invention; and
[0026] Fig. 3A- Fig. 3H Possible contours of the tapered chamber of the side gas bag according to the invention.
[0027] The in Fig. 1 side gas bag according to the invention shown 1 features a front inflatable volume 11 on, which in the inflated state shown, extends over a front window opening of the side gas bag 2(indicated by a dashed outline) extends a vehicle side structure, with the front inflatable volume 11 not necessarily the entire window opening 2 must be covered. Furthermore, the side gas bag 1 a rear inflatable volume 12 on, which, after activation of the side gasbag, extends over a rear window opening with a rear side window (not shown).
[0028] The front and rear inflatable volume 11 , 12 are connected by a hose-like section 13 together in a flow connection. In the area of the connecting section 13 There is an approach 131 , into which a gas generator or a gas guide tube for introducing gas into the side gas bag can be inserted and / or attached. It is also conceivable that the side gas bag could replace the hose-like connecting section. 13has one (or more) chambers or a non-inflatable section extending over substantially the same height of the vehicle side structure as the front or rear inflatable volume 11 , 12 .
[0029] The side gas bag is attached via fastening tabs. 4 The gasbag is attached to the vehicle body by fasteners located on an upper edge section (facing the vehicle's roof rail) and a curved front edge section. The front fastening tabs, located on the curved edge section, are used to connect the gasbag to the vehicle's A-pillar.
[0030] The front inflatable volume 11 a chamber 100 up, which form a first area 101 (protective area) which serves to protect the head of a vehicle occupant, as well as a second area 102(Overlap area) located below (in relation to the vehicle height direction) the first area 101 extends over a door sill section 21 the window opening 2 protrudes to enable the best possible stabilization of the gas bag after its activation, so that in particular the movement of the vehicle occupant through the window opening is counteracted.
[0031] The chamber 100 is designed so that it separates from the head protection area 101 to the overlap area 102 rejuvenated. In particular, the Chamber points out 100 within their protected area 101 also a greater thickness, i.e. an extension in the transverse direction of the vehicle, than in the overlap area 102 .
[0032] The chamber 100Furthermore, it is designed such that it extends predominantly above, i.e., on a side facing the vehicle's roof rail, a guy line A. Guy line A is an (imaginary) line that passes through a front attachment area. 51 of the side gasbag 1 , via which the side gasbag is fixed to a front section of the vehicle body by means of a front strap, and by a rear attachment area 52 , over which the side gas bag 1 is fixed to a rear section of the vehicle body by means of a rear strap.
[0033] Viewed in the forward direction of the vehicle, two further chambers extend. 14 , 15 in front of the downward-tapering chamber 100 , each of which also has a lower section with which they extend over the door sill 21protrude. However, these chambers do not essentially taper downwards. Furthermore, the front inflatable volume 11 a chamber 16 on, which, viewed in the forward direction, is located behind the tapering chamber 100 This chamber is located 16 extends essentially to the level of the protected area 101 the chamber 100 However, it is significantly shorter (viewed in the direction of vehicle height) than the chamber. 100 , extending only to a height above the door sill 21 extends, i.e., a lower edge of the chamber 16 is located at a distance from the door sill 21 (above the door sill).
[0034] The chambers 100 , 14 – 16 are each bounded by seams, with the tapered chamber 100 through a first and a second seam 31 , 32 is formed. The two seams31 , 32 run to the overlap section 102 to (and up to a lower edge section) 111 of the side gasbag 1 , which is facing away from a roof pillar of the vehicle) towards each other, with the first seam 31 especially in its upper area it is somewhat curved and has a lower section that runs essentially parallel to the main extension direction of the gasbag 311 shows, via which they point to the second seam. 32 hits.
[0035] The lower section 311 the seam 31 is part of a circumferential seam 3 of the side gasbag 1 formed, via which at least two gasbag layers (i.e., layers of a gasbag material, in particular a textile material) are joined together. The second seam 32In contrast, it runs essentially in a straight line, although it has a loop-shaped section in its upper area.
[0036] The ones through the seams 31 , 32 defined chamber 100 From the perspective of the vehicle interior, it therefore has an essentially V-shaped contour, with the legs of the V being formed by the seams. 31 , 32 are determined.
[0037] The main extension direction of the chamber 100 , i.e., the direction in which the chamber has its greatest extent is slightly inclined to the vehicle's vertical direction (in the direction of the rear inflatable volume). 12 ), whereby the “main direction of extension” of the chamber 100 essentially through the course of the straight seam 32 is certain.
[0038] It is conceivable that the rear inflatable volume could also be used. 12 a tapered chamber in the style of the chamber 100exhibits or that only the rear inflatable volume 12 the gasbag has such a chamber.
[0039] The protected area 101 the tapering chamber 100 is wider than the other chambers 14 until 16 of the front inflatable volume 11 This means, for example, that the largest extent of the chamber 100 along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (measured between two points of the seams) 31 , 32 , which are at the same height) is greater than the greatest longitudinal dimension of each chamber. 14 – 16 (and also larger than the extent of chambers) 17 – 20 , which increases the rear inflatable volume 12 form).
[0040] Furthermore, the tapered chamber 100must be designed so that its greatest dimension in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is at least one third of the dimension of the inflatable volume. 11 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The chamber 100 This thus covers a larger area of the window opening 2 from each of the other chambers 14 until 16 .
[0041] Furthermore, the chamber extends 100 also further upwards than the anterior chambers 14 , 15 , i.e. the seams 31 , 32 begin above a seam 33 , which the chambers 14 , 15 limited. For example, the chamber extends 100 over at least two-thirds of the total height of the inflated side gas bag 1 and in particular also covers at least two-thirds of the height of the associated side window (i.e., the window opening). 2 ) away.
[0042] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the possible orientations of the protective chamber. 100 out of Fig. 1, wherein a protective chamber 100 It is assumed that the seams run through two straight lines. 31 , 32 , which meet (e.g., are connected) via a curved connection area. The chamber can be inclined relative to the vehicle's vertical direction, which is indicated by the dashed alternative contours of the chamber. 100 is shown.
[0043] As mentioned above, it is not mandatory that the protective chamber 100The gasbag, when viewed from above, either laid flat or inflated from inside the vehicle, has a precise V-shape. However, it is also conceivable that while the chamber has a generally V-shaped form, the legs of the V are not, or at least not exclusively, straight. For example, the legs (i.e., the seams defining the chamber) could be... 31 , 32 ) be at least partially convex and / or concave, as e.g. in the Fig. 3B to Fig. shown in 3D. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the seams 31 , 32 They each run in a straight line, but not as in Fig. 3A shows that they meet at a sharp angle, but rather over a flat or curved section. 311 one of the two seams 31 , 32 meet ( Fig. 3E and Fig. 3F).
[0044] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the chamber 100 upwards, it has an inflow area with a reduced inflow cross-section, which is characterized in particular by the sections of the seams that are angled to the sides of the chamber (relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle). 31 , 32 oriented areas 312 , 321 the seams 31 , 32 is formed ( Fig. 3G). Furthermore, it is conceivable that in the area of the inflatable volume of the chamber 100 at least one (e.g. circular) dart 35 is arranged ( Fig. 3H), where the effective thickness of the chamber 100 , i.e. the thickness of the chamber in the transverse direction of the vehicle is reduced in the area of the dart (e.g. to zero).
[0045] Of course, the ones in the Fig. 3A to Fig. 3H shown possibilities for the design of the chamber 100They can also be used in combination with each other; for example, a dart (according to darts) 35 in Fig. 3H) also in the other embodiments of the chamber 100 be used. Reference symbol list 1 side gasbag 2 window openings 3. Circumferential seam 4 fastening tabs 11 front inflatable volume 12 rear inflatable volume 13 Connecting section 14–20 Chamber 21 Door sill 31 first seam 32 second seam 33 Seam 35 darts 51 front connection area 52 rear connection area 100 tapered chambers 101 Protection area 102 Overlap area 111 lower marginal section 131 Approach 311 Section Seam 312, 321 Area seam A guy line QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0046] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0047] DE 19956710 A1
[0002]
Claims
[1] Side airbag for a vehicle occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle, with – at least one inflatable chamber ( 100 ), which form a first area ( 101 ) to protect the head of a vehicle occupant, as well as a second area ( 102 ), which – in relation to the side airbag installed and inflated in the vehicle ( 1 ) – towards the vehicle floor via a door sill adjacent to a side window of the vehicle ( 21 extends beyond ) – the chamber ( 100 ) is designed so that it extends from the first to the second area ( 101 , 102 ) rejuvenated. [2] Side gas bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the expansion of the chamber ( 100 ) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the first area ( 101 ) to the second area ( 102 ) becomes continuously smaller. [3] Side gas bag according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chamber ( 100 ) – when inflated and viewed from inside the vehicle – has at least an approximate V-shaped contour. [4] Side gas bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber ( 100 ) through a first and a second suture ( 31 , 32 ) is limited, which from the first to the second area ( 101 , 102 ) towards each other. [5] Side gas bag according to claim 4, characterized in that the first and the second seam ( 31 , 32 ) each with a section the first area ( 101 ) of the chamber, wherein the sections of the first and second sutures that define the first area ( 31 , 32 ) are oriented differently in relation to the vehicle's height direction. [6] Side gas bag according to 5, characterized in that the first area ( 101 ) of the side gasbag ( 1 ) limiting sections of the first and / or second suture ( 31 , 32 ) run at least approximately in a straight line. [7] Side gas bag according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the first and the second seam ( 31 , 32 ) over a section ( 311 ) of the first or second suture ( 31 , 32 ) meet, with the section ( 311 ) straight and diagonal to the first and second seams ( 31 , 32 ) or is curved. [8] Side gas bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by two further chambers ( 14 , 16 ), which – in relation to the side airbag installed and inflated in the vehicle ( 1) – on opposite sides of the tapered chamber along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle ( 100 ) adjacent to these. [9] Side gas bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber ( 100 ) itself – referring to the side airbag installed and inflated in the vehicle ( 1 ) – extends over a front side window of the vehicle. [10] Side gas bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a front attachment section ( 51 ) exhibits, which – in relation to the state of the side airbag installed in the vehicle ( 1 ) – is attached to a front area of the vehicle body, as well as a rear connection section ( 52 ), which is fixed to a rear area of the vehicle body, with a line through the two connecting sections ( 51 , 52 ) a guy line (A) of the side gasbag (1 ) is defined and the first area ( 101 ) of the side gasbag ( 1 ) extends at least in sections on a side of the guy line (A) facing the vehicle roof. [11] Side gas bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber ( 100 ) an inflatable volume ( 11 , 12 ) of the side gasbag ( 1 ) belongs to the, which – referring to the side airbag installed and inflated in the vehicle ( 1 ) – covers at least part of a side window of the vehicle, with the first area ( 101 ) the chamber ( 100 ), which serves to protect the head of the vehicle occupant, an extension along the main extension direction of the side airbag ( 1 ) exhibits at least one third of the extent of the inflatable volume ( 11 , 12 ) along the main extension direction of the lateral gasbag ( 1) amounts. [12] Side gas bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapered chamber ( 100 ) an inflatable volume ( 11 , 12 ) of the side gasbag ( 1 ) belongs to the, which – referring to the side airbag installed and inflated in the vehicle ( 1 ) – covers at least part of a side window of the vehicle, with the inflatable volume ( 11 ) from the tapering chamber ( 100 ) and other inflatable chambers ( 14 – 16 ) is formed, and wherein the tapered chamber ( 100 ) has a larger volume than any of the other chambers. [13] Side gas bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapered chamber ( 100 ) an inflatable volume ( 11 ) of the side gasbag ( 1) belongs to the, which – referring to the side airbag installed and inflated in the vehicle ( 1 ) – covers at least part of a side window of the vehicle, with the inflatable volume ( 11 ) from the tapering chamber ( 100 ) and other inflatable chambers ( 14 – 16 ) is formed, and wherein the tapered chamber ( 100 ) an extension along the main extension direction of the lateral gas bag ( 1 ) exhibits a size larger than the extent of any of the other chambers ( 14 – 16 ) of the inflatable volume ( 11 ) along the main extension direction of the lateral gasbag ( 1 ). [14] Side gas bag according to claim 13, characterized in that the tapered chamber ( 100 ) a greatest extent along the main extension direction of the lateral gas bag ( 1) exhibits a volume that is at least 1.3 times the largest dimension of all other chambers of the inflatable volume ( 11 ) amounts. [15] Side gas bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber ( 100 ) – referring to the state of the side gas bag as installed in the vehicle ( 1 ) – is oriented in such a way that its main direction of extension runs obliquely to the vehicle's height direction.