Curtain side airbag

Abstract

An airbag assembly (100) for a motor vehicle, the airbag assembly (100) comprising an airbag (4) and a deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) configured to deploy with the airbag (4) when the airbag (4) is deployed; wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is configured to transition from a stowed configuration in which the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is stowed with the airbag (4) prior to deployment to a ramp configuration when deployed; wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises a movable member configured to move from a first position in the stowed configuration to a second position in the ramp configuration in response to deployment of the airbag (4), the movable member being arranged such that a thickness of the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) increases when the movable member is in the second position; wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is positioned and shaped in the ramp configuration to assist the airbag (4) in sliding over a component of the vehicle (2) when the airbag (4) is deployed; and wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises one or more rigid ramp elements (108, 208), characterized in that the orientations of the rigid ramp elements (108, 208) change when the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) transitions into the ramp configuration; and wherein changing the orientations of the rigid ramp elements (108, 208) increases the thickness of the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a side curtain airbag (SAC bag) and a component of a vehicle, and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a SAC bag configured to deploy over the component of the vehicle. background

[0002] Many vehicles are equipped with airbag systems that work in conjunction with the vehicle's seatbelts to enhance occupant safety in the event of a collision. One such airbag system is a side curtain airbag (SAC), which may be configured to deploy over the vehicle's side windows and side pillars to cushion any impacts between a vehicle occupant and these areas of the vehicle's interior.

[0003] From DE10 2006 061 968 A1 an airbag arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 is known.

[0004] US 2010 / 0 219 620 A1 discloses an inflatable ramp for an inflatable curtain side impact protection system. WO 2012 / 130 412 A1 discloses a curtain airbag for a motor vehicle. JP 2013-256 270 A discloses an airbag device. US 2006 / 0 061 069 A1 discloses a guide pillar cover for an airbag system with a side curtain.

[0005] According to the invention, an airbag arrangement is proposed according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the airbag arrangement according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] In Fig. 1, a previously proposed vehicle 2 may include an SAC bag 4. The SAC bag 4 may extend from a first end of the SAC bag, located toward the front of the vehicle, along an A-pillar 6 and rearwardly along a roof frame 8 across one or more side windows 10. The side windows may be separated by one or more pillars, such as a B-pillar 12 and a C-pillar 14. The SAC bag 4 may further extend along a rear pillar, such as a D-pillar 16, to a second end of the SAC bag 4, located toward the rear of the vehicle 2. The SAC bag 4 may be coupled to the roof frame 8 by one or more brackets 18. The SAC bag 4 may include the tethers 20 extending from the first and second ends of the SAC bag and coupled to the A-pillar 6 and the D-pillar 14, respectively.Prior to deployment, the airbag 4 may be stored within an airbag storage cavity 30 provided in the roof frame 8 and / or the roof (not shown) of the vehicle. A gas generator 22 may be provided to inflate the airbag when a collision is detected.

[0007] In Fig. 2, in the event of a collision, the SAC bag 4 can be inflated by the gas generator 22 to form one or more cushions 24 extending over one or more areas of the windows 10 and the pillars 6, 12, 14, 16. The cushions 24 can be configured to cover the areas where a vehicle occupant may impact a window or pillar during a collision. The airbag cushions 24 can also extend over the D-loop height adjusters 26, 28 of the front and rear seat belts.

[0008] To effectively cushion an impact, it is desirable for the SAC bag 4 to deploy as quickly as possible following detection of a collision. Additionally, it may be desirable for the airbag to deploy as close as possible to the windows 10 and the pillars 6, 12, 14, 16. This can ensure that the airbag deploys between an occupant of the vehicle and the windows and pillars of the vehicle and is positioned to cushion an impact between the two. However, when deployed close to the windows and pillars of the vehicle, the deployment of the SAC bag 4 may be slowed or restricted due to the presence of components coupled to the interior of the vehicle, such as the D-loop height adjusters 26, 28. The statements of the invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an airbag assembly for a motor vehicle is provided, the airbag assembly comprising an airbag and a deployable ramp configured to deploy with the airbag when the airbag is deployed; wherein the deployable ramp is configured to transition from a stowed configuration, in which the deployable ramp is stowed with the airbag, prior to deployment to a ramp configuration when deployed; wherein the deployable ramp comprises a movable member configured to move from a first position in the stowed configuration to a second position in the ramp configuration in response to deployment of the airbag, the movable member being arranged such that a thickness of the deployable ramp increases when the movable member is in the second position;and wherein the deployable ramp is positioned and shaped in the ramp configuration to assist the airbag in sliding over a component of the vehicle when the airbag is deployed.;

[0010] The thickness of the deployable ramp may create the ramp, e.g., by forming the deployable ramp into a ramp shape. The deployable ramp may be substantially flat prior to deployment, e.g., in a curved plane around the stowed airbag.

[0011] The deployable ramp may include a tether. The tether may be coupled to the movable member such that, when the airbag is deployed, the tether can move the movable member from the first position to the second position.

[0012] The deployable ramp may comprise one or more rigid ramp elements; the movable element may, for example, comprise the one or more rigid ramp elements. The rigid ramp elements may be coupled to a flexible portion of the deployable ramp. The flexible portion may be deployable with the airbag. The rigid ramp elements may be provided within a pocket formed in the deployable ramp.

[0013] The orientations of the rigid ramp elements may change when the deployable ramp transitions from the stowed configuration to the ramp configuration. Changing the orientations of the rigid ramp elements may increase the thickness of the deployable ramp. Changing the orientation of the rigid ramp elements may create the ramp, e.g., the ramp shape of the deployable ramp.

[0014] The deployable ramp may comprise two, three, four, or more rigid ramp elements. The orientations of the rigid ramp elements may change to form a wedge when the deployable ramp is in the ramp configuration. The deployable ramp may be bistable.

[0015] The deployable ramp may further include one or more tethers coupled to one or more of the rigid ramp elements. The tethers may become taut when the ramp is deployed. The tethers may act on the rigid ramp elements to urge the orientations of the rigid ramp elements to change as the ramp is deployed.

[0016] The deployable ramp may comprise one or more elastic ramp elements. The elastic ramp elements may comprise the movable element. The movable element may, for example, be a movable portion of the elastic ramp elements.

[0017] The resilient ramp elements can be deformed into a substantially planar configuration prior to ramp deployment, in which the resilient ramp elements can be stowed, for example, with the airbag. The resilient ramp elements can return to a substantially undeformed configuration when the ramp is deployed, for example, due to the resilience of the resilient ramp elements, thereby increasing the thickness of the deployable ramp.

[0018] The deployable ramp may further include one or more tethers. The tethers may be coupled to the one or more resilient ramp members at a first end of the tethers. The tethers may become taut when the ramp is deployed. The tethers may act on the resilient ramp members to urge the resilient ramp members to return to the substantially undeformed configuration when the ramp is deployed.

[0019] The first end of the tethers may be coupled to the movable member. The tethers may further be coupled at a second end of the tethers to a location on the deployable ramp spaced apart from the movable member.

[0020] The elastic ramp elements may be profiled so that the thickness of the deployable ramp varies across the span of the elastic ramp elements, e.g., in the direction of deployment.

[0021] The elastic ramp elements may be provided within a pocket formed in the deployable ramp. The deployable ramp may be provided on the airbag. The deployable ramp may, for example, be sewn to the airbag, e.g., to a wall of the airbag. Alternatively, the deployable ramp may be glued to the airbag.

[0022] The airbag assembly may further comprise a ramp support. The deployable ramp may be provided on the ramp support. The ramp support may be formed from the same material as the airbag. The ramp support may be a flexible portion of the deployable ramp. The ramp support may be deployable with the airbag.

[0023] The airbag may include a side curtain airbag.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a component of a motor vehicle is provided, the component being configured for placement on an interior surface of a vehicle cabin and in the path of a deployable airbag, the component comprising: a body portion configured to couple the component to the vehicle; and a movable portion configured to move relative to the body portion such that movement of the movable portion guides deployment of the airbag over the component.

[0025] The movable portion may be configured such that the airbag transfers a load to the movable portion during airbag deployment. The load may cause the movable portion to move relative to the body portion. The movable portion may be configured to create a ramp, allowing the airbag to slide over the component. The movable portion may at least partially form an outer surface of the component.

[0026] One of the body portion and the movable portion may include one or more slots, while the other of the body portion and the movable portion may include one or more follower elements configured to slide in the respective slots so that the movable portion can move relative to the body portion. The one or more slots may be curved so that the movable portion is rotatable relative to the body portion. The one or more slots may be curved with a center of curvature located outside the component.

[0027] The movable portion may be configured to rotate about a pivot point to assist an airbag of the vehicle in deploying over the component. The movable portion may comprise a roller. The roller may be configured to rotate as the airbag slides over the component to reduce a frictional force between the airbag and the component. The roller may rotate about a pivot point provided on the body portion.

[0028] The movable portion may comprise a movable arm. The roller may rotate about a further pivot point provided on the movable arm. The movable arm may move to change the position of the roller relative to the body portion of the component. The movable arm may be configured to move the roller out of a recess in the body portion. A portion of the movable arm may extend beyond an outer surface of the component. The movable arm may be configured to move under the action of the deployable airbag.

[0029] The pivot point may be a virtual pivot point; for example, the movable element and / or the roller may not rotate about a pivot pin provided on the component. The pivot point may be located remotely from the component.

[0030] The component may include a D-loop height adjuster for a vehicle seat belt.

[0031] To avoid unnecessary duplication and repetition of text in the description, certain features are described only in relation to one or more aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is recognized that the features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention where technically possible. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which all orientations with respect to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown vehicle; in the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is an internal side view of a previously proposed vehicle incorporating a SAC bag in a stowed condition; Fig. Figure 2 is an internal side view of a previously proposed vehicle incorporating a SAC bag in a deployed condition; Fig. 3a is a rear cross-sectional view through a vehicle pillar, a D-loop height adjuster, and an SAC bag including a deployable ramp in a stowed condition according to a first arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 3b is a rear cross-sectional view through the vehicle pillar, the D-loop height adjuster, and the SAC bag including the deployable ramp in a deployed condition according to a first arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 4a is a perspective view of the SAC bag including the deployable ramp according to the first arrangement of the present disclosure in a partially deployed state; Fig. 4b is a perspective view of the SAC bag including the deployable ramp in a deployed state according to the first arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 5a is a perspective view of an SAC bag including a deployable ramp according to a second arrangement of the present disclosure in a partially deployed condition; Fig. 5b is a perspective view of the SAC bag including the deployable ramp in a deployed state according to the second arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 5c is a rear cross-sectional view of the SAC bag including the deployable ramp in a deployed condition according to the second arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b show rear and side views, respectively, of the resilient ramp member for a deployable ramp in a stowed configuration according to a third arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 6c and Fig. 6d show rear and side views, respectively, of the resilient ramp member for a deployable ramp in a deployed configuration according to the third arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 7a to 7f show rear cross-sectional views of the vehicle pillar and D-loop height adjuster and an SAC bag incorporating the resilient ramp member according to the third arrangement of the present disclosure in progressive stages of deployment; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the SAC bag including the deployable ramp in a deployed state according to the third arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an SAC bag including a deployable ramp in a deployed condition according to a fourth arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 10a, Fig. 10b, Fig. 10c and Fig. 10d show front, side, bottom and perspective views, respectively, of a resilient ramp member for the deployable ramp according to the fourth arrangement of the present disclosure in a pre-assembled state; Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b show side and bottom views, respectively, of the resilient ramp member for the deployable ramp according to the fourth arrangement of the present disclosure in a ramp configuration; Fig. 12a, Fig. 12b and Fig. 12c show side, rear, and bottom views, respectively, of the resilient ramp member for the deployable ramp according to the fourth arrangement of the present disclosure in a folded configuration; Fig. 13 shows a rear view of the deployable ramp and SAC bag according to the fourth arrangement of the present disclosure in a stowed configuration; Fig. 14a to 14f show rear cross-sectional views of the vehicle pillar and D-loop height adjuster and the SAC bag incorporating the deployable ramp according to the fourth arrangement of the present disclosure in progressive stages of deployment; Fig. 15a is a rear view of a component of a vehicle configured to allow an SAC bag to slide over the component during deployment of the SAC bag in a neutral position according to a fifth arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 15b is a rear view of a component of a vehicle configured to allow a SAC bag to slide over the component during deployment of the SAC bag in a rotated position according to a fifth arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 16 is a rear view of a component of a vehicle configured to allow an SAC bag to slide over the component during deployment of the SAC bag, according to a sixth arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 17a is a rear view of a component of a vehicle configured to allow a SAC bag to slide over the component during deployment of the SAC bag, according to a seventh arrangement of the present disclosure, with a roller in a stowed position; Fig. 17b is a rear view of the component of a vehicle configured to allow the SAC bag to slide over the component during deployment of the SAC bag, according to the seventh arrangement of the present disclosure, with the roller in a deployed position; Fig. 18a is a rear view of a component of a vehicle configured to allow an SAC bag to slide over the component during deployment of the SAC bag in a neutral position according to an eighth arrangement of the present disclosure; and Fig. 18b is a rear view of the component of a vehicle configured to allow the SAC bag to slide over the component during deployment of the SAC bag in a deployed position according to the eighth arrangement of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0033] To reduce the time required for a curtain side airbag to deploy, the airbag may be provided with a deployable ramp that increases in thickness as the airbag deploys and assists the airbag in sliding over a component of the vehicle that may otherwise slow the airbag's deployment.

[0034] In Fig. 3a, an airbag assembly 100 according to a first arrangement of the present disclosure may include a side curtain airbag (SAC bag) 4 described above with respect to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, and comprise a deployable ramp 102. As in Fig. 3a, the SAC bag 4 may be rolled or folded into a stowed configuration prior to deployment. In the stowed configuration, the SAC bag 4 may be received within the airbag storage cavity 30, which may be covered by an interior trim panel (not shown). The deployable ramp 102 may be stored together with the airbag. For example, the deployable ramp 102 may be folded and / or rolled with the SAC bag 4 or rolled around a portion of the airbag, as shown in Fig. 3a is shown.

[0035] The deployable ramp 102 may include a ramp portion 104 and a ramp support 106. The ramp portion 104 may be coupled to the ramp support 106 at a first end 106a of the ramp support. A second end 106b of the ramp support may be coupled to the vehicle 2. The second end 106b of the ramp support may be coupled to the side member 8 and / or a wall of the airbag storage cavity 30. Additionally or alternatively, the second end 106b of the ramp support may be coupled to the SAC bag 4. The ramp support 106 may be formed from the same material as the walls of the SAC bag. The ramp support may be more flexible than the ramp portion 104. The length of the ramp support 106 and / or the position at which the second end 106b of the ramp support is coupled to the vehicle 2 may be configured such that, when the airbag is deployed, the ramp portion 104 is in close proximity to, e.g., directly above, a component of the vehicle, such asof the D-loop height adjuster 26, 28, over which the SAC bag 4 must pass. If the component is adjustable, the ramp section 104 can be provided exactly above the maximum height of the component.

[0036] As in Fig. 3a, the ramp portion may be substantially planar, for example, in a curved plane within and / or around a portion of the SAC bag 4 when the deployable ramp is in the stowed state. As shown in Fig. 3b, the ramp portion 104 may transition into a ramp configuration in which the thickness of the ramp portion is increased when the deployable ramp 102 is deployed. The thickness of the ramp portion 104 may be measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the airbag deploys. The shape of the ramp portion may also change as it transitions into the ramp configuration. The shape and / or thickness of the ramp portion 108, when the deployable ramp is in the ramp configuration, may be configured to assist the SAC bag 4 in sliding over the component of the vehicle, such as the D-loop height adjusters 26, 28 of the seat belts, during airbag deployment.

[0037] Regarding the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, the ramp portion may comprise one or more ramp elements 108 to allow the ramp portion to change thickness during deployment of the airbag.

[0038] The ramp elements 108 may be rigid, e.g., they may be rigid ramp elements. Each of the ramp elements 108 may be movably coupled, e.g., rotatably coupled, to the other ramp elements 108 to allow the orientations of adjacent ramp elements 108 to change with respect to one another when the deployable ramp 102 is deployed. As shown in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, each ramp element 108 may be rotatably coupled to one or more of the other ramp elements, for example, along an edge of the ramp element.

[0039] The ramp elements 108 may be coupled directly to the ramp support 106 using any suitable method. For example, the ramp elements 108 may be sewn or glued to the ramp support 106. As shown in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, the ramp elements 108 may alternatively be provided in a pocket 110 of the ramp support 106. The pocket 110 may be formed by folding back a portion of the ramp support that is toward the first end of the ramp support and securing the folded-back portion at a position between the first and second ends of the ramp support 106. The pocket 110 may be secured, for example, by sewing or gluing the folded-back portion of the ramp support or by any other suitable method. Alternatively, the pocket 110 may be a separate component coupled to the ramp support 106 at or near the first end 106a of the ramp support 106. The ramp elements 108 may be coupled to the pocket 110 using any suitable method; for example, the ramp elements 108 may be B. be sewn or glued to the pocket 110, e.g. inside the pocket.The bag may be closed on all sides to keep the ramp elements inside the bag. In this case, the ramp elements 108 may not be otherwise attached to the bag.

[0040] As in Fig. 4b, the ramp elements 108 may be configured such that when the deployable ramp 102 is deployed, the ramp elements 108 change their orientations relative to the ramp support 106 and / or the pocket 110 and increase the thickness of the ramp portion 104 of the deployable ramp 102. The shape of the ramp portion itself may change due to the change in the orientation of the ramp elements. As shown in Fig. For example, as shown in Figure 4b, two or more ramp elements 108 may change their orientations to form a wedge shape. Changing the thickness and / or shape of the ramp portion 104 may assist the airbag 4 in sliding over the component, such as the D-loop height adjuster 26, 28, when the airbag is deployed.

[0041] One or more edges of the ramp elements 108 may be beveled to prevent interference between adjacent ramp elements when the relative orientations of the ramp elements change. As shown in the Fig. 4a and Fig. As shown in Figure 4b, the ramp elements may have a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0042] The deployable ramp 102 may further include one or more tethers 112. As shown in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, a single tether 112 may be provided, which may be arranged substantially centrally along the span of the ramp element 108. However, it is also envisaged that any number of tethers may be used, e.g., distributed along the span of the ramp elements. The tethers 112 may be provided within the pocket 110, alternatively, the tether may enter the pocket 110 via an opening 111 to be coupled to the ramp elements 108, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b. The tethers 112 may be flat; for example, the tether may be a ribbon. Alternatively, the tethers may be substantially circular in cross-section. The tethers may further alternatively be formed with any other desired cross-section.

[0043] The tethers 112 may be coupled to one or more of the ramp elements 108 at and / or near a first end 112a. A second end 112b of the tethers 112 may be coupled to the vehicle 2 and / or to the SAC bag 4. The length of the tethers 112 and / or the position at which the second end 112b is coupled to the vehicle 2 and / or the airbag 4 may be configured such that when the airbag is deployed and the deployable ramp deploys, the tether 112 may become taut and pull on one or more of the ramp elements. The tether 112 may urge the ramp elements 108 to change orientation. As shown in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, the tether 112 may, for example, be coupled to an edge, e.g., the lower edge, of the lower ramp element 108. When the tether 112 becomes taut, the tether may prevent the lower edge of the lower ramp element 108 from falling further under the effect of gravity. However, the upper edge of the lower ramp element and the other ramp elements 108 may continue to fall, in which case the lower ramp element and the other ramp elements may change orientation. The tethers 112 may thereby cause the shape and / or thickness of the ramp section 104 to transition from the planar configuration to the ramp configuration. As shown in Fig. 4b, for example, the ramp elements may transition into a substantially triangular arrangement of ramp elements 108 when the deployable ramp 102 is deployed, which may have a greater thickness than that shown in Fig. 4a has the planar configuration shown.

[0044] In the first arrangement of the present disclosure, the deployable ramp 102 includes three ramp elements 108, as shown in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b. However, it is also envisaged that the present disclosure may apply to deployable ramps comprising any number of ramp elements. Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, in a second arrangement of the present disclosure, the deployable ramp 202 includes, for example, the ramp support 206 and the ramp portion 204, which includes a ramp member 208.

[0045] The operation of the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b is essentially the same as the operation of the deployable ramp 202 shown with respect to the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b described deployable ramp. As shown in the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, the tethers 212 may be coupled, for example, to the lower edge, the front edge, and the rear edge of the ramp member 208, respectively. When the deployable ramp 202 is deployed, the tethers may become taut, and may prevent the lower edge and the front and rear edges of the ramp member 208 from falling further. The upper edge of the ramp member 208 may continue to fall, and consequently, the orientation of the ramp member 208 may change. The tether 212 coupled to the lower edge of the ramp member 208 may be longer than the tethers 212 coupled to the front and rear edges, and consequently, a portion of the ramp member toward the midspan of the ramp member may fall further than the portions of the ramp member toward the front and rear edges of the ramp member 208. The ramp element 208 may therefore have a curved shape.The upper and lower edges of the ramp element 208 may be profiled along the span of the ramp element, e.g., between the front edge and the rear edge, so that when the ramp elements have the configurations shown in the . Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c, the thickness of the ramp portion 204 varies over the length of the deployable ramp in the direction of deployment.

[0046] The ramp elements 108, 208 of the ramp section 104, 204 can be rigid. The ramp elements 108, 208 can be made of a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic. In contrast, the SAC bag 4 can be made of a fabric material. The tethers 112, 212 and the pocket 110, 210 can also be made of a fabric material. The tethers and the pocket can be made of the same material as the SAC bag 4.

[0047] In the Fig. 6a to 6d, the deployable ramp 302 may include an elastic ramp member 308 according to a third arrangement of the present disclosure. The elastic ramp member 308 may be deformable. As shown in FIGS. Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b, the elastic ramp member 308 can be deformed into a substantially planar, e.g., flat, configuration. When the elastic ramp member 308 is in the planar configuration, the deployable ramp 302, which includes the elastic ramp member 308, can be folded, rolled, or otherwise stowed together with the airbag 4, as shown in Fig. 7a is shown.

[0048] As in the Fig. 6c and Fig. 6d, the elastic ramp member 308 may return to a substantially undeformed configuration, e.g., when the airbag is deployed. In the undeformed configuration, the elastic ramp member 308 may have a different shape. Additionally or alternatively, in the undeformed configuration, the elastic ramp member 308 may have a different thickness, e.g., an increased thickness.

[0049] The elastic ramp member 208 may include an attachment portion 308a, a protruding portion 308b, and a fold 310. The attachment portion 308a may be configured to be coupled to the SAC bag 4. The attachment portion 308a may be glued or sewn to the SAC bag 4, for example, using an adhesive. Alternatively, the attachment portion 308a may be coupled to the SAC bag 4 by any other suitable method. When the elastic ramp member 308 is in the planar configuration, as shown in the Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b, the attachment portion 308a and the protruding portion 308b may lie in the same plane (which may be curved, as shown in Fig. 6a).

[0050] When the elastic ramp element 308 is in the non-deformed configuration, as shown in the Fig. 6c and Fig. 6d, the elastic ramp member 308 may be folded, e.g., bent, at the fold 310. When the elastic ramp member 308 is folded, the attachment portion 308a and the protruding portion 308b may lie in planes that are inclined with respect to one another. For example, the attachment portion 308a and the protruding portion 308b may lie in planes that are substantially perpendicular to one another.

[0051] As in Fig. 7e, the protruding portion 308b may be configured to protrude from the airbag in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of deployment of the airbag 4 when the resilient ramp member 308 is coupled to the SAC bag 4 and is in the undeformed configuration.

[0052] As in the Fig. 6a to 6d, the elastic ramp member 308 may comprise a single component that is elastic due to the properties of the material from which it is made. The elastic ramp member may be made, for example, from an elastic polymer, such as rubber, or a plastic, such as nylon. In a further arrangement not shown, the elastic ramp member may comprise an assembly of components that includes an elastic member configured to allow the assembly to be deformed and then return to an undeformed shape under the action of the elastic member. In any event, the elastic ramp member 308 may be bent, crimped, folded, or otherwise deformed into a substantially planar configuration before being folded, rolled, or otherwise stowed with the airbag 4.

[0053] In the Fig. 7a to 7f, the airbag assembly 300 according to the third arrangement of the present disclosure may include one or more resilient ramp elements 308. As shown in the Fig. 7a to 7f, the airbag assembly 300 may not include the ramp support, wherein the ramp elements 308 may be directly coupled to the SAC bag 4.

[0054] When the airbag is deployed as shown in the Fig. 7b to 7f, the SAC bag 4 can unroll over the support pillars 12, 14 of the vehicle. When the SAC bag 4 has unrolled to the point where the ramp element 308 is unrolled from the airbag, the elastic ramp element 308 can return to the undeformed position, as shown in Fig. 7c. In the undeformed position, the elastic ramp member 308 may have a different shape with an increased thickness compared to the flat, stowed configuration.

[0055] The position at which the ramp element 308 is coupled to the airbag 4 and / or the thickness of the elastic ramp element at the undeformed position may be configured such that the SAC bag 4 is lifted from the pillar 12, 14 due to the presence of the ramp on or near a component, such as the D-loop adjusters 26, 28. The SAC bag 4 may therefore be assisted in sliding over the component by the ramp element 308, such that the speed of airbag deployment is substantially unaffected by the presence of the component.

[0056] Once the airbag has passed over the component and further deployed, the ramp member 308 may be positioned away from the pillar 12, 14. This may allow further deployment of the airbag to be substantially unaffected by the presence of the ramp member 308.

[0057] As in the Fig. 7c to 7f, in the undeformed configurations, e.g., the ramp configuration, the resilient ramp members 308 may be substantially triangular, e.g., wedge-shaped, as shown when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. The dimensions of the triangle, such as the height of the apex of the triangle from the wall of the airbag, the width of the base of the triangle where it is coupled to the airbag, and the angles of the sides of the triangle, may be configured to allow the SAC bag 4 to be lifted off the pillar 12, 14 by the ramp member 308 and pass over the component with the least disturbance to airbag deployment.

[0058] In Fig. 8, a plurality of elastic ramp elements 308 may be spaced laterally across the airbag. As shown in Fig. 8, the ramp portion 304 may include two resilient ramp members spaced apart on either side of the component. Additional resilient ramp members may be similarly spaced apart on either side of any other components provided, for example, on other pillars 12, 14 of the vehicle. The spacing of the resilient ramp members on either side of the component may reduce the likelihood of interference between the resilient ramp members 308 and the components. However, it is also envisioned that an resilient ramp member 308 may be aligned with each of the one or more components 26, 28 over which the airbag may slide during deployment.

[0059] As in Fig. 8, the projecting portion 308b of the ramp member 308 may be provided in a vertical plane. However, in other arrangements, the projecting portion 308b may be provided in a horizontal plane. If the projecting portion is provided in a horizontal plane, each resilient ramp member 308 may extend laterally across the airbag, extending approximately the width of one or more components. The lateral width of the ramp members 308 may therefore be dependent on the width of the components. Alternatively, the resilient ramp member 308 may extend across the areas of the airbag that are aligned with two or more of the components. For example, the resilient ramp member may extend from forward of the B-pillar 12 to rearward of the C-pillar 14. Alternatively, the resilient ramp member may extend substantially the length of the airbag 4 from the front of the vehicle to the rear.

[0060] Now, regarding the Fig. 9 to 14, an airbag assembly 400 according to a fourth arrangement of the present disclosure is described. As in Fig. 9, an elastic ramp member 408 may be coupled to a ramp support 406 at a first end 406a of the ramp support. A second end 406b of the ramp support 406 may be coupled to the vehicle 2, e.g., to the pillar 12, 14, or the roof frame 8. Additionally or alternatively, the ramp support 406 may be coupled to the airbag 4. When the SAC bag 4 is in a stowed configuration, the ramp support 406 may be rolled up with the airbag, as shown in Fig. 14a is shown.

[0061] The length of the ramp support 406 may be configured such that when the deployable ramp 402 is deployed, the resilient ramp member 408 is appropriately positioned relative to the component to assist the SAC bag 4 in sliding over the component during deployment of the airbag (as shown in FIGS. Fig. 14a to 14f).

[0062] In a further arrangement, the elastic ramp element 408 may be coupled directly to the airbag 4, as in Fig. 13. As shown, the elastic ramp member may be coupled toward the top of the SAC bag 4. Alternatively, the elastic ramp member may be coupled to the SAC bag at a location further down the SAC bag so that, for example, when the SAC bag is deployed, the elastic ramp member is appropriately positioned with respect to the component.

[0063] In the Fig. 10a-10c, the elastic ramp member 408 may include an attachment portion 408a configured to be coupled to the ramp support 406; a body portion 408b configured to form a ramp shape when the elastic ramp member 408 is in the undeformed, e.g., ramp, configuration; and one or more tethers 412 configured to assist the elastic ramp member 408 in transitioning from a substantially flat configuration prior to deployment to a ramp configuration following airbag deployment, as described in more detail below.

[0064] The body portion 408b may be formed integrally with the attachment portion 408a. Alternatively, the body portion 408b may be coupled to the attachment portion, for example, with the flexible coupling. The body portion 408b may be coupled to the attachment portion 408a across a portion of the width of the attachment portion 408a.

[0065] The attachment portion 408a may be substantially flat. As shown in Fig. 10b, the attachment portion 408 may be substantially rectangular and extend laterally to provide a suitable area to enable the resilient ramp member 408 to be coupled to the ramp support 406, e.g., by sewing or gluing the attachment portion 408a to the ramp support 406. It will be appreciated that the attachment portion 408a may have any desired shape or size depending on the method used to couple the resilient ramp member 408 to the ramp support 406.

[0066] The body portion 408b may be curved or bent to form an arc 414, as shown in Fig. 10c. An apex of the arc 414 may extend from the attachment portion 408a along the length of the body portion. As shown in Fig. 10, the arch 414 may be substantially U- or V-shaped. The size of the arch formed in the body portion 408b may further increase from the attachment portion 408a such that the body portion forms a ramp that rises upward in a direction away from the attachment portion 408a, e.g., in the direction in which the airbag deploys. The lateral sides 408c, 408d of the body portion 408b may be profiled to define the shape and / or rise of the ramp. As shown in Fig. 10b, the lateral sides 408c, 408d of the body portion 408b may be curved. The body portion 408b may be substantially oval or teardrop-shaped in side view relative to the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 10b. It is also contemplated that the lateral sides of the body portion 408b may be straight and that the body portion 408b may be substantially rectangular or triangular when viewed from a side relative to the vehicle.

[0067] The elastic ramp member 408 may be deformed into a substantially planar configuration in which it may be stowed with the airbag 4. The elastic ramp member may be configured to return to a non-deformed, e.g., ramp, configuration following deployment of the airbag 4.

[0068] In the Fig. 10a to 10c, the elastic ramp element 408 may be manufactured in the illustrated undeformed ramp state. The tethers 412 may be coupled to the attachment portion 408a at a first end 412a of the tethers. As shown in FIGS. Fig. 10a to 10c, there may be two tethers 412 coupled to the ends of the attachment portion, e.g., on either side of the body portion 408b. The tethers 412 may be coupled to the attachment portion 408a at positions spaced from the junction between the attachment portion 408a and the body portion 408b.

[0069] To prepare the stowage of the elastic ramp element with the airbag, as described in the Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b, the tethers 412 may be crossed under the body portion 408b and coupled to the opposite side of the body portion 408b at the respective second ends 412b of the tethers. The second end of the tethers 412b may be coupled to the body portion toward an end of the body portion 408b that is remote from the attachment portion 408a. When the resilient ramp member 408 is deformed into the planar configuration so that it is stowed, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 12a-12c, the arc formed in the body portion 408b may be closed and folded over to create a pleat or seam in the elastic ramp member 408. Closing and folding the arc of the body portion 408b in this manner may tighten and / or stretch the tethers 412.

[0070] The resilient ramp member 408 and the tethers 412 may be constructed of an elastic material, e.g., a plastic such as nylon. Consequently, when the resilient ramp member 408 is in the stowed configuration, the resilient ramp member 408 may be preloaded to return to the undeformed ramp state due to the elastic nature of the material.

[0071] As in Fig. 13, the deployable ramp may be wrapped or rolled around the SAC bag 4 or otherwise stowed together with the airbag 4 within the airbag cavity 30 of the vehicle.

[0072] In the Fig. 14a to 14f, which show the progressive steps in the unfolding of the SAC - Bag 4, it may be allowed that the elastic ramp element 408 unfolds from the SAC - Bag 4 when the airbag system 400 unfolds. Due to the elasticity of the ramp element 408, the fold in the ramp element can unfold and the arc can open again, which increases the thickness of the elastic ramp element and provides a ramp shape to support the SAC - Bag 4 to slide over the components 26, 28. As described above, the retaining cords 412 may be tensioned during the deformation of the elastic ramp element, and they can pull on the body section 408b of the ramp element to support the unfolding of the body section and the reopening of the arc, whereby the elastic ramp element is returned to the non - deformed configuration.

[0073] Regarding the Fig. 15a and Fig. 15b, a component 500 of a vehicle according to a fifth arrangement of the present disclosure is described. The component 500 may be attached to the interior of the vehicle in the deployment path of the airbag 4. The component 500 may be configured to assist the airbag 4 in deploying over the component.

[0074] The component 500 may include a body portion 502 and a movable portion 504. The body portion 502 may be configured to couple the component to the interior of the vehicle 2. For example, the body portion may be configured to be coupled to the pillars 12, 14 of the vehicle. The body portion 502 may be movably coupled to the vehicle, for example, slidably coupled, but it is also contemplated that the body portion 502 may not be movable relative to the vehicle 2.

[0075] The movable portion 504 may be movably coupled to the body portion 502. The movable portion 504 may include one or more slots 508 that may be connected to the corresponding follower elements 510 provided in the body portion 502. The arrangement of the slots 508 and the follower elements 510 may allow the movable portion 504 to move relative to the body portion 502, as shown in Fig. 15b. The range of motion of the movable portion 504 relative to the body portion 503 may be defined by the slots 508 and the follower elements 510.

[0076] In the Fig. 15a and Fig. In the arrangement shown in Figure 15b, the movable portion 504 is rotatably coupled to the body portion 502 and is configured to rotate about the pivot point 506. The slots 508 may be curved so that the movable portion 504 can rotate relative to the body portion 502. The pivot point 506 may therefore be a virtual pivot point; for example, no pivot pin may be provided on the component 500. The pivot point 506 may be spaced from the component 500. The center of curvature of the slots 508 may, for example, be located outside the component 500.

[0077] In an alternative arrangement not shown, the slots 508 may be provided on the body portion 502 and the follower elements 510 may be provided on the movable portion 504.

[0078] The movable portion 504 may at least partially form an outer surface of the component 500, e.g., the surface adjacent to the airbag 4 when the airbag is deployed.

[0079] The component 500 may be a D-loop height adjuster and may be provided on the vehicle 2 instead of the previously proposed D-loop height adjusters 26, 28. When the SAC bag 4 is inflated, the deploying airbag may impact the component 500, causing the movable portion 504 to move, e.g., rotate, relative to the body portion 502. Moving the movable portion 504 in this manner may reduce the size of a gap 501 between the component 500 and the vehicle pillar 12, 14, which may reduce the likelihood that the deployment of the SAC bag 4 will be slowed or interrupted due to the presence of the component 500. The angle of the outer side of the component 500 provided at the movable portion 504 may change, which may assist the SAC bag 4 to slide over the component 500.

[0080] In Fig. 16, according to a sixth arrangement of the present disclosure, the movable portion 604 of the component 600 may be in the form of a roller 612. The roller 612 may be movably coupled, e.g., rotatably coupled, to the body portion 602.

[0081] The roller 612 may be configured to rotate about a pivot point provided on the body portion 602. However, it will be appreciated that the roller 612 may instead be a separate component (separate from a movable portion 604) and may be movably coupled to a separate movable portion 604. The movable portion 604 may be configured to move relative to the body portion 602. For example, the movable portion may be configured similarly to the movable portion 504 described above with respect to the fifth arrangement of the disclosure. The movement of the movable portion 604 may affect the location of the roller 612 relative to the body portion 602.

[0082] As described above, component 600 may be a D-loop height adjuster provided on vehicle 2 instead of the previously proposed D-loop height adjusters 26, 28. When SAC bag 4 is deployed and slides over component 600, roller 612 may rotate, which may reduce the friction between component 600 and airbag 4. This may reduce the interference caused by component 600 for deploying airbag 4 as the airbag 4 slides over component 600.

[0083] In the Fig. 17a and Fig. 17b, in a seventh arrangement of the present disclosure, the movable portion may comprise a movable arm 704 movably, e.g., rotatably, coupled to the body portion 702 at a pivot point 706. A roller 712 may be configured to rotate about a pivot point 713 provided on the movable arm 704. Before the airbag 4 is deployed, the roller 712 may be located, e.g., stowed, within a recess 714 provided in the body portion 702 of the component 700. A portion 704a of the movable arm may extend beyond the exterior of the component 700 such that when the airbag 4 is deployed, the airbag 4 acts against the portion 704a and the movable arm 704 is moved relative to the body portion 702.When the movable arm is moved under the action of the deploying airbag 4, the roller 712 can be moved out of the recess 714, and it can be provided at a suitable position so that the rotation of the roller can reduce the friction between the airbag 4 and the component 700, as described above with respect to the sixth arrangement.

[0084] In the Fig. 18a and Fig. 18b, a movable portion 804 according to an eighth arrangement of the present disclosure may include a slider 812. The slider 812 may be movably coupled, e.g., slidably coupled, to the body portion 802. As shown in FIGS. Fig. 18a and Fig. 18b, the slider 812 may include one or more follower elements 816, and the body portion 802 may include one or more slots 818. Alternatively, the follower elements 816 may be provided on the body portion 802, and the slots 818 may be provided on the slider 812. It will be appreciated that other features, such as a guide slot 820, may additionally or alternatively be provided on the slider 812 and / or the body portion 802 to movably couple the slider 814 to the body portion 802. As shown in the Fig. 18a and Fig. 18b, the slider may at least partially form an outer side of the component 800.

[0085] As described above, component 800 may be a D-loop height adjuster, and may be provided on vehicle 2 instead of the previously proposed D-loop height adjusters 26, 28. When SAC bag 4 is deployed, the unfurling airbag may impact component 800 and may cause slider 812 to move, e.g., slide, relative to movable portion 804. Moving slider 812 in this manner may reduce the size of gap 801 between component 800 and vehicle pillar 12, 14, which may reduce the likelihood that deployment of SAC bag 4 will be slowed or interrupted due to the presence of component 800. Slider 812 may form a ramp that may assist SAC bag 4 in sliding over component 800.

[0086] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, although the invention has been described by way of example with reference to one or more examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] An airbag assembly (100) for a motor vehicle, the airbag assembly (100) comprising an airbag (4) and a deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) configured to deploy with the airbag (4) when the airbag (4) is deployed; wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is configured to transition from a stowed configuration in which the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is stowed with the airbag (4) prior to deployment to a ramp configuration when deployed; wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises a movable member configured to move from a first position in the stowed configuration to a second position in the ramp configuration in response to deployment of the airbag (4), the movable member being arranged such that a thickness of the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) increases when the movable member is in the second position; wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is positioned and shaped in the ramp configuration to assist the airbag (4) in sliding over a component of the vehicle (2) when the airbag (4) is deployed; and wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises one or more rigid ramp elements (108, 208), characterized bythat the orientations of the rigid ramp elements (108, 208) change when the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) transitions into the ramp configuration; and wherein changing the orientations of the rigid ramp elements (108, 208) increases the thickness of the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402). [2] The airbag assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises a tether (112, 212), the tether (112, 212) being coupled to the movable member such that when the airbag (4) is deployed, the tether (112, 212) moves the movable member from the first position to the second position. [3] The airbag assembly (100) of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises two or more rigid ramp members (108, 208); wherein the orientations of the rigid ramp members (108, 208) change to form a wedge when the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is in the ramp configuration. [4] The airbag assembly (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) further comprises one or more tethers (112, 212) coupled to one or more of the rigid ramp members (108, 208); wherein the holding cables (112, 212) become taut when the ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is deployed; and wherein the tethers (112, 212) act on the rigid ramp elements (108, 208) to urge the orientations of the rigid ramp elements (108, 208) to change. [5] The airbag assembly (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rigid ramp elements (108, 208) are provided within a pocket (110) formed in the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402). [6] The airbag assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises one or more resilient ramp members (308, 408). [7] The airbag assembly (100) of claim 6, wherein the resilient ramp members (308, 408) comprise the movable member. [8] The airbag assembly (100) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the resilient ramp members (308, 408) are deformed into a substantially planar configuration prior to deployment of the ramp (102, 202, 302, 402); and wherein the resilient ramp members (308, 408) return to a substantially undeformed configuration due to the resilience of the resilient ramp members (308, 408) when the ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is deployed, increasing the thickness of the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402). [9] The airbag assembly (100) of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) further comprises one or more tethers (412) coupled to the one or more resilient ramp members (308, 408) at a first end (412a) of the tethers (412); wherein the tethers (412) become taut when the ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is deployed; and wherein the tethers (412) act on the elastic ramp elements (308, 408) to urge the elastic ramp elements (308, 408) to return to the substantially undeformed configuration. [10] The airbag assembly (100) of claim 9 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the first end (412a) of the tethers (412) is coupled to the movable member, and the tethers (412) are further coupled at a second end of the tethers (412b) to a location of the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) spaced from the movable member. [11] The airbag assembly (100) of any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the resilient ramp members (308, 408) are profiled such that the thickness of the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) varies across the span of the resilient ramp members (308, 408) in the direction of deployment. [12] Airbag assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is provided on the airbag (4). [13] The airbag assembly (100) of claim 12, wherein the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) is sewn to the airbag (4). [14] The airbag assembly (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the airbag assembly (100) further comprises a ramp support (106), the deployable ramp (102, 202, 302, 402) being provided on the ramp support (106). [15] Airbag arrangement (100) according to claim 14, wherein the ramp support (106) is formed from the same material as the airbag (4). [16] Airbag arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the airbag (4) comprises a curtain side airbag. [17] Vehicle (2) comprising the airbag arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16.

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