A vehicle with an airbag

Abstract

The recent trend toward electrification in the automotive industry has provided new opportunities for the design of the exterior and interior structures of vehicles such as cars. Common vehicle components that feature an internal combustion engine may no longer be required in vehicles. The corresponding changes to the vehicle structure lead to previously unforeseen problems affecting passenger safety in the event of a collision. A vehicle (1) comprising: a floor (6) extending in a longitudinal direction from a front end (2) to a rear end (3) of the vehicle (1) and extending in a transverse direction from a first side to a second side of the vehicle (1); a first side structure (4) of the vehicle (1) on the first side of the vehicle (1); a dashboard (10) near the front end (2) of the vehicle (1); a seat (7) having a first side (7a) near the first side structure (4) and a second side (7b) remote from the first side structure (4); an airbag (20) configured to deploy by inflation from a non-deployed state to a deployed state in which the airbag (20) is inflated and positioned near the second side (7b) of the seat (7) such that the seat (7) is positioned transversely between the airbag (20) and the first side structure (4), wherein: in the deployed state, the airbag (20) rests against a first anchoring region (21) and a second anchoring region (22) so that it is supported between the first anchoring region (21) and the second anchoring region (22).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle (e.g. a motor vehicle) comprising an airbag arrangement. background

[0002] Inflatable airbag assemblies are well known in the automotive industry. Airbags have long been present in vehicle cabins to protect occupants in the event of an accident, such as a collision. Such airbags inflate when an impending or occurring vehicle crash to cushion the impact of a vehicle occupant against vehicle elements such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Over time, it has become common practice to install additional airbags at various locations within a vehicle's interior to provide additional or enhanced protection in various types of accidents, such as rollover and oblique-impact collisions. For example, it is now common practice to equip vehicles with airbags in the form of inflatable curtains, side airbags, knee airbags, and airbags of various configurations for rear passengers.Some vehicles even have airbags that inflate over parts of the vehicle's exterior to protect pedestrians or so-called vulnerable road users such as cyclists or motorcyclists if they are hit by the vehicle in an accident.

[0003] As is known in the art, airbags deploy when crash or impact sensors detect an impending or occurring collision. The sensors provide an actuation signal (e.g., via an onboard computer / controller) to an airbag inflator, which actuates the inflator to deploy (e.g., inflate) the airbag.

[0004] The recent trend toward electrification in the automotive industry has provided new opportunities for the design of the exterior and interior structures of vehicles such as cars. For example, common components in vehicles with internal combustion engines, such as exhaust systems and drive shafts, may no longer be required in vehicles with electric motors. At the same time, additional components such as large batteries and electric motors must be accommodated in new vehicles. The corresponding changes to the vehicle structure and the new structural constraints presented to vehicle designers lead to previously unforeseen problems related to occupant safety in the event of a collision.

[0005] For example, some vehicles may no longer require a center tunnel, as traditionally used to house the driveshaft and / or exhaust system in vehicles with internal combustion engines. In a collision that exerts a lateral force on the vehicle's occupants (e.g., a side-on collision), the center tunnel can keep an occupant's legs on their side of the vehicle, preventing or reducing the occupant's displacement or movement across the vehicle to the opposite side. Electric vehicles do not always require a center tunnel, and therefore a manufacturer may choose to remove the center tunnel from a vehicle to create more usable floor space for the occupants. Consequently, an occupant of such a vehicle may experience significant displacement or movement across the vehicle in a collision. This can harm both the occupant and other vehicle occupants.

[0006] JP 2020-055370 A discloses an airbag for the legs of an occupant. In one embodiment, the airbag surrounds the occupant's knees, and different chambers of the airbag are inflated depending on the position of the legs. DE 10 2020 102 174 A1 discloses an adaptive knee airbag. US 2017 / 0 152 270 A1 and US 2018 / 0 015 902 A1 disclose an airbag comprising a chamber in front of the occupant and a chamber next to the occupant. DE 10 2019 127 327 A1 also discloses a knee airbag.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. Summary

[0008] In a first aspect, a vehicle is provided comprising: a floor extending in a longitudinal direction from a front end to a rear end of the vehicle and extending in a transverse direction from a first side to a second side of the vehicle; a first side structure of the vehicle on the first side of the vehicle; a dashboard near the front end of the vehicle; a seat having a first side proximate the first side structure and a second side distal from the first side structure; an airbag configured to deploy by inflation from a non-deployed state to a deployed state in which the airbag is inflated and positioned proximate the second side of the seat such that the seat is positioned transversely between the airbag and the first side structure, wherein: in the deployed state, the airbag rests against a first anchoring region and a second anchoring region so that it is supported between the first anchoring region and the second anchoring region.

[0009] The support of the airbag between the first anchoring region and the second anchoring region may be a transverse support (e.g. in the sense that the airbag is substantially immobile or at least cannot be easily moved sideways in the motor vehicle when deployed).

[0010] By providing a vehicle according to the first aspect, the airbag can deploy from the undeployed state to the deployed state (e.g., following an impact such as a side impact) and prevent or reduce the force of the impact from significantly moving an occupant of the seat across the vehicle from the first side of the vehicle. This can protect not only the occupant from injury resulting from their movement across the vehicle during an impact, but also another occupant positioned near the second side of the vehicle (e.g., seated next to the first occupant).

[0011] When deployed, the airbag exerts a first force on the first anchoring region and / or a second force on the second anchoring region so that the airbag can be supported thereagainst. The first force and the second force can be outwardly directed forces, e.g., in the direction of expansion (e.g., inflation) of the airbag. The first force and the second force are exerted on the first anchoring region and the second anchoring region by the inflation pressure inside the airbag. Those skilled in the art will understand that when deployed, the first anchoring region and the second region can provide opposing reaction forces against the airbag.

[0012] According to the invention, a distance D1 is provided between the first anchoring region and the second anchoring region. A dimension of the unrestrained and fully inflated airbag, which in use is aligned with the distance between the first anchoring region and the second anchoring region, has a value D2 that is longer than the distance D1, so that the airbag is supported (e.g., held in position) in the deployed state by: a first frictional force between the airbag and the first anchoring region; and a second frictional force between the airbag and the second anchoring region. In other words, the airbag, in the deployed state, can be supported against (e.g., resist) a lateral force via the first and / or second frictional force. For example, a lateral force can act on the airbag (e.g., by a seat occupant being displaced from the first side of the vehicle by an impact), and the airbag can resist this force. In particular, the first frictional force and the second frictional force can counteract this lateral force, thus supporting the airbag.

[0013] This allows the airbag to be deployed to engage the first anchoring area and the second anchoring area to prevent a seat occupant from moving significantly toward the second side of the vehicle after a collision.

[0014] The first anchoring region may comprise an attachment point, and the airbag may be secured to the vehicle at the attachment point in a known manner (e.g., via an inflator mounted on the structure of the vehicle). The airbag may deploy from the first anchoring region (e.g., from the attachment point). In other words, the airbag may expand (e.g., inflate) from the first anchoring region. In the undeployed state, the airbag may be stowed near or on the first anchoring region (e.g., within a vehicle structure encompassing the first anchoring region). The attachment point, when deployed, may provide additional support to the airbag (e.g., by providing additional resistance to a lateral force acting on the airbag).

[0015] In some embodiments, one of the dashboard, the seat, or the floor may comprise the first anchoring region. Alternatively or additionally, one of the dashboard, the seat, or the floor may comprise the second anchoring region. For example, one of the dashboard, the seat, or the floor may comprise the first anchoring region and another of the dashboard, the seat, or the floor may comprise the second anchoring region. In some embodiments, another structure within the vehicle may comprise the first anchoring region and / or the second anchoring region. For example, a ceiling of the vehicle (opposite the floor) or a center console or storage section (e.g., as might be disposed between adjacent seats).

[0016] Therefore, when deployed, the airbag can advantageously press against and be supported by existing / conventional structures within the vehicle.

[0017] In preferred embodiments, the dashboard includes the first anchoring area. When the airbag is in the undeployed state, it can be conveniently stored in the dashboard.

[0018] As used herein, the term "dashboard" refers to a structure near the front end of the vehicle between the longitudinal position of the frontmost seat(s) and the front end of the vehicle. The dashboard may be configured to support a steering wheel and steering column, instruments (e.g., speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, special instruments relevant to the function of the vehicle), an infotainment system, one or more user interfaces (e.g., buttons / dial dials), at least a portion of a heating or air conditioning system (e.g., controls, vents), other airbags, a glove box, and / or other storage compartments. The dashboard may also be referred to as an instrument panel. The dashboard may extend partially or entirely across the vehicle in the transverse direction, e.g., from the first side to the second side of the vehicle.

[0019] The first anchoring region may be a region of the dashboard facing the floor. The first anchoring region may be a region of the dashboard facing the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the airbag may deploy / expand rearward upon inflation. As used herein, "rearward" means the direction toward the rear of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the airbag may also deploy / expand in a vertical direction. As used herein, "vertical direction" refers to a direction between the floor and the ceiling of the vehicle (e.g., the vertical direction when the vehicle is in its normal orientation).

[0020] By providing an airbag that deploys near the floor of the vehicle, the airbag can occupy an area near the legs of an occupant sitting on the seat in a conventional seating position. In some embodiments, this is the area of the vehicle that might otherwise be occupied by a powertrain / exhaust tunnel in vehicles that do not include such a powertrain / exhaust tunnel (e.g., electric vehicles).

[0021] The second anchoring region may be spaced from the dashboard toward the floor (e.g., vertically spaced). For example, the floor, the seat (e.g., the seat base), or another structure below the dashboard may encompass the second anchoring region. Therefore, the airbag may deploy / expand in a downward direction (e.g., toward the floor of the vehicle).

[0022] The vehicle may include one or more additional anchoring areas (e.g., a third anchoring area). Any structure within the vehicle, such as those listed above with respect to the first and second anchoring areas, may include an additional anchoring area.

[0023] When deployed, the airbag may press against the one or more additional anchoring areas for support. The airbag may apply a corresponding additional force to the one or more additional anchoring areas such that the airbag is supported by one or more corresponding frictional forces between the airbag and the one or more additional anchoring areas. For example, when deployed, the airbag may press against a third anchoring area for support. The airbag may apply a third force to the third anchoring area such that the airbag is supported by a third frictional force between the third anchoring area and the airbag.

[0024] The one or more additional frictional forces (e.g., the third frictional force) may support the airbag in the same manner as described herein with respect to the first and second frictional forces. By providing one or more additional anchoring areas, the airbag may be better supported against a lateral force. It may be particularly advantageous to provide one or more additional anchoring areas in which the airbag, in a deployed condition, extends further toward the rear of the vehicle (see below). In other words, a larger airbag may require additional anchoring areas to ensure sufficient resistance to a lateral force.

[0025] The first, second, third and / or further anchoring regions may extend (at least partially) substantially in the transverse direction. Furthermore, two or more anchoring regions (e.g., the first and second anchoring regions, the first and third anchoring regions) may be substantially opposite one another. For example, the first anchoring region may be substantially opposite the second anchoring region and the third anchoring region. In other words, two or more anchoring regions may substantially face one another. In some embodiments, two or more anchoring regions (e.g., the first anchoring region and the second anchoring region) may be located on substantially opposite sides of the airbag in the deployed state (e.g.,the first anchoring area may be located on one side of the deployed airbag near the front end of the vehicle and the second anchoring area may be located on one side of the deployed airbag near the rear end of the vehicle).

[0026] The longitudinal position of the airbag when deployed and the extent to which it extends rearward can affect the protection provided to a seated occupant. When deployed, the airbag may advantageously be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the occupant's legs. This can prevent the occupant's legs from moving significantly away from the front side of the vehicle during a collision. This can help reduce the amount of movement of other parts of the occupant (e.g., the torso) through the vehicle during the collision.

[0027] Thus, the rearmost portion of the airbag (e.g., the rearmost panel) may be longitudinally positioned in the deployed state to be substantially aligned with the rearmost portion (e.g., the rearmost panel) of the instrument panel. As used herein, the term "rearmost portion" refers to the portion of a structure (such as the airbag or the instrument panel) that is near the rear end of the vehicle (e.g., closest relative to the rest of the structure).

[0028] By providing an airbag whose rearmost portion, when deployed, is positioned longitudinally so that it is substantially aligned with the rearmost portion of the dashboard, the airbag can provide protection to the occupant's ankles, feet, and / or lower legs. Here, the term lower leg can refer to the entire tibia or a portion of the tibia, such as a portion near the ankles (e.g., between the midpoint of the tibia and the ankle). In other words, in a collision in which the occupant is forced away from the first side of the vehicle, the deployed airbag can resist the movement of the occupant's ankles, feet, and / or lower legs across the vehicle. This, in turn, can reduce the movement of the occupant's thighs and torso across the vehicle.

[0029] A similar advantage can be achieved by positioning the rearmost part of the airbag in a slightly different longitudinal position when deployed.

[0030] For example, alternatively or additionally, the rearmost portion of the airbag, when deployed, may be longitudinally positioned to be substantially aligned with the base (e.g., the forwardmost portion) of the steering column (e.g., the portion of the steering column that protrudes from the instrument panel). Alternatively or additionally, the rearmost portion of the airbag, when deployed, may be longitudinally positioned to be substantially aligned with the forwardmost portion of the steering wheel. Alternatively or additionally, the rearmost portion of the airbag, when deployed, may be longitudinally positioned to be substantially aligned with the ankles, midpoint of the tibia, or top of the tibia of a 95th percentile male crash test dummy occupying the seat in a normal seating position (i.e., prior to any movement under inertia as a result of an impact or crash).Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand the (standardized) proportions of a 95th percentile male crash test dummy and a normal seating position, as both represent important aspects of motor vehicle safety. As used herein, the term "forwardmost portion" refers to the portion of a structure (such as the airbag or seat) that is near the front end of the vehicle (e.g., closest compared to the rest of the structure).

[0031] In some embodiments, the airbag may extend further toward the rear of the vehicle when deployed. For example, the rearmost portion of the airbag may be longitudinally positioned when deployed to be located between the rearmost portion of the instrument panel and the forwardmost portion of the seat. Alternatively or additionally, the rearmost portion of the airbag may be longitudinally positioned when deployed to be substantially aligned with the upper tibia, knee, or lower femur of a 95th percentile male crash test dummy occupying the seat in a normal seating position. Advantageously, the rearmost portion of the airbag may be longitudinally positioned when deployed to be substantially aligned with the forwardmost portion of the seat.

[0032] Therefore, in addition to (or alternatively to) the protection described above, the airbag may provide protection for the upper part of the tibia (including the entire tibia) and / or the knees of the occupant. Protection may even be provided for a lower portion of the thigh (above the knee, e.g., the femur), particularly in embodiments where the rearmost part of the airbag, when deployed, is longitudinally arranged to be substantially aligned with the forwardmost part of the seat. By providing greater protection for the occupant's legs, the extent to which a seat occupant moves transversely across the vehicle in a collision may be further reduced.

[0033] In some embodiments, the airbag may extend even further toward the rear of the vehicle when deployed. For example, the rearmost portion of the airbag may be longitudinally positioned when deployed to be behind the forwardmost portion of the seat. Alternatively, or additionally, the rearmost portion of the airbag may be longitudinally positioned when deployed to be substantially aligned with the upper femur or pelvis of a 95th percentile male crash test dummy occupying the seat in a normal seating position.

[0034] By providing an airbag that extends even further toward the rear of the vehicle when deployed, the occupant's upper legs (e.g., part of the femur or the entire femur) and, in some embodiments, the pelvis may be protected. This may further reduce the extent to which the occupant moves away from the first side of the vehicle during a collision.

[0035] The seat may be longitudinally adjustable (e.g., movable) in a conventional manner. In other words, the position of the seat relative to the vehicle may be moved longitudinally. The seat may be longitudinally adjustable between a fully forward position and a fully rearward position. The seat may not be adjustable beyond the forwardmost position toward the front of the vehicle. Likewise, the seat may not be adjustable beyond the rearmost position toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0036] In the embodiments described above, the longitudinal position of the rearmost portion of the airbag in the deployed state is provided relative to the seat (e.g., the forwardmost portion of the seat). These relative definitions may apply when the seat is in the forwardmost position, the rearmost position, and / or a position intermediate between the forwardmost and rearmost positions (e.g., when the seat is positioned substantially equidistant from the forwardmost position and the rearmost position). For example, the relative definitions provided above may apply when the seat is positioned to accommodate a 50th percentile male crash test dummy. Alternatively, or additionally, the relative definitions provided above may apply when the seat is positioned to accommodate a 95th percentile male crash test dummy.Preferably, the relative definitions provided above may apply when the seat is disposed in a position substantially equidistant from the forwardmost position and the rearmost position. More preferably, the relative definitions provided above may apply when the seat is in the rearmost position.

[0037] The extent to which the airbag extends toward the front of the vehicle when deployed can also affect the protection of the seat occupant. Alternatively, or in addition to expanding in a rearward direction, the airbag may also deploy / expand toward the front of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the anchoring region from which the airbag deploys may define the forwardmost longitudinal position of the airbag (e.g., the airbag may only deploy / expand in a rearward direction).

[0038] The floor may include a substantially flat portion and an upwardly curved portion proximate the front end of the vehicle. When deployed, a forwardmost portion of the airbag may be longitudinally positioned to substantially align with a transition between the substantially flat portion and the upwardly curved portion of the floor.

[0039] Depending on the rearward expansion of the airbag when deployed, the airbag can therefore protect part of the occupant's legs / body, starting at the feet / ankles and extending rearward towards the occupant's pelvis / torso.

[0040] A similar advantage may be provided by having the forwardmost portion of the airbag in a slightly different longitudinal position when deployed. For example, alternatively or additionally, the forwardmost portion of the airbag may be longitudinally positioned when deployed so that it is substantially aligned with the vehicle's pedals, the hinge of a door in the vehicle's first side structure, the forwardmost portion of the windshield, the forwardmost portion of the footwell in front of the seat, and / or a portion of the dashboard between the forwardmost portion of the dashboard and the rearmost portion of the dashboard, e.g., a portion of the dashboard equidistant between its forwardmost portion and its rearmost portion.Alternatively or additionally, the forwardmost part of the airbag may be positioned longitudinally when deployed so that it is substantially aligned with the ankles, feet or toes of a 95th percentile male crash test dummy occupying the seat in a normal seating position.

[0041] The seat may be positioned proximate the first side structure of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a single seat, e.g., a single front seat. The single seat may be positioned closer to the first side structure of the vehicle than a second side structure of the vehicle opposite the first side structure. In other embodiments, the vehicle may include an adjacent second seat adjacent to the first seat defined above. The second seat may be located proximate the second side structure of the vehicle. The second seat may have a first side distal from the second side structure of the vehicle and may have a second side proximate the second side structure of the vehicle. The second seat may be located proximate the second side of the first seat.When deployed, the airbag may be positioned transversely between the first seat and the second seat. In other words, the airbag may be positioned on the first side of the second seat.

[0042] Therefore, when deployed in the deployed state, the airbag can provide additional protection to an occupant of the adjacent second seat. For example, the airbag can prevent an occupant of the adjacent second seat from being significantly displaced transversely across the vehicle, away from the second side of the vehicle, by the lateral force of an impact during a collision.

[0043] The adjacent second seat may include any of the features of the first seat described herein. The relationship between the second seat and the airbag (e.g., the longitudinal position of the airbag when deployed) and any other features of the vehicle may be as described herein with respect to the first seat, unless clearly prohibited. For example, the second seat may include the first or second anchoring region. In some embodiments, the second seat includes an additional anchoring region (e.g., a third anchoring region). In some embodiments, the first seat and the second seat each include an anchoring region.

[0044] The vehicle may have a centerline extending in the longitudinal direction. The centerline may be equidistant from the first side and the second side of the vehicle. When deployed, the airbag may be aligned with the centerline of the vehicle. For example, the centerline of the vehicle may be aligned (e.g., collinear) with the longitudinal centerline of the airbag. The attachment point may be aligned with the centerline of the vehicle.

[0045] The invention includes the combination of the described features, unless such a combination is obviously inadmissible or is expressly excluded. Summary of the characters

[0046] For a better understanding of the invention and to illustrate further features of the invention, embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings: Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle with the roof removed for clarity. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the front section of the vehicle in Fig. 1 from the second side of the vehicle. Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the Fig. 1 shown vehicle in which the airbag is in the deployed state. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the front section of the vehicle in Fig. 3 from the second side of the vehicle, where the airbag is in the deployed state. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the airbag, the dashboard and the floor of the vehicle in Fig. 1, where the airbag is in the deployed state. Fig. 6 shows a side view in close-up of an occupant on the seat of the vehicle in Fig. 1 and a first alternative example of the airbag arrangement. Fig. 7 shows a side view in close-up of an occupant on the seat of the vehicle in Fig. 1 and a second alternative example of the airbag arrangement. Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view in close-up of an occupant on the seat of the vehicle in Fig. 1 and a third alternative example of the airbag arrangement. Fig. 9 shows a side view in close-up of an occupant on the seat of the vehicle in Fig. 1 and a fourth alternative example of the airbag arrangement Fig. 10 shows a side view in close-up of an occupant on the seat of the vehicle in Fig. 1 and a fifth alternative example of the airbag arrangement. Detailed description

[0047] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle 1, which in some embodiments may be a car. The roof has been removed for clarity. The vehicle 1 has a front end 2 and a rear end 3. A first side structure 4 extends between the front end 2 and the rear end 3 on a first side, and a second side structure 5 extends between the front end 2 and the rear end 3 on a second side. The first side structure 4 and / or the second side structure 5 may comprise one or more doors or windows, as well as parts of the chassis and body of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 comprises a floor 6 extending between the front end 2 and the rear end 3 in a longitudinal direction (horizontally in Fig. 1) and between the first side structure 4 and the second side structure 5 in a transverse direction (vertical in Fig. 1) extends.

[0049] A first seat 7 is provided near the first side structure 4 and has a first side 7a near the first side structure 4 and a second side 7b distal from the first side structure 4 (e.g., closer to the second side structure 5). The first seat 7 may be the driver's seat, as shown in Fig. 1. An adjacent second seat 8 is provided near the second side structure 5 and has a first side 8a that is distal from the second side structure 5 (e.g., closer to the first side structure 4) and a second side 8b near the second side structure 5. In some embodiments (not shown), the adjacent second seat 8 may be removed or missing, so that the first seat 7 is the only seat (e.g., the only front seat) in the vehicle. In these embodiments, the first seat 7 may be arranged in the same position as shown in the figures. In the embodiments shown (e.g., in Fig. 1), the second seat 8 is a passenger seat. One or more rear seats 9 (near the rear end 3) are also provided, although these may be removed or omitted in other embodiments (not shown). Furthermore, a centerline 90 of the vehicle 1 extends in the longitudinal direction and is equidistant between the first side and the second side.

[0050] The vehicle 1 also includes an instrument panel 10, which, among other conventional features known to those skilled in the art, includes a steering wheel 11. The instrument panel 10 extends from the first side structure 4 to the second side structure 5 (i.e., across the vehicle 1). The instrument panel 10 further includes a compartment 12 configured to store an airbag 20 in an undeployed state, and an inflator (not shown) for inflating the airbag 20.

[0051] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the front portion of the vehicle 1 from the second side of the vehicle 1. The first and second side structures 4, 5 are removed for clarity. Furthermore, an occupant (driver) 91 is shown on the first seat 7 and another occupant (passenger) 92 on the adjacent second seat 8. Both occupants are shown in a normal seating position (i.e., prior to movement under the influence of inertia due to an impact or accident). Fig. 2, the airbag 20 is stowed in the compartment 12 of the dashboard 10 so that it is in the non-deployed state.

[0052] As in Fig. 2; the vehicle 1 does not include a permanent barrier between the first seat 7 and the adjacent second seat 8. In many known vehicles with an internal combustion engine, a part of the vehicle structure separates two adjacent seats. Such a vehicle structure is often a center tunnel, which can be arranged between two adjacent seats and thus form a barrier between the seats. Many newer vehicles, including electric vehicles and the Fig. 2, however, do not include such a structure.

[0053] As a result, in a collision that exerts a lateral force on vehicle 1 (e.g., a side collision), one or more occupants (e.g., only the occupant of the first seat 7, or the occupant of the first seat 7 and the occupant of the adjacent second seat 8) may be displaced or moved transversely across vehicle 1. For example, in a collision between the first side structure 4 of vehicle 1 and an external object, such as another vehicle, the occupant 91 on the first seat 7 may be displaced or moved transversely across vehicle 1 toward the other occupant 92 and the second side structure 5 of vehicle 1. In vehicles where there is no vehicle structure separating adjacent seats, there is nothing to prevent or reduce this movement.Likewise, in the event of a collision between the second side structure 5 of the vehicle 1 and an external object, the other occupant 92 on the adjacent second seat 8 may be displaced or moved transversely across the vehicle 1 toward the occupant on the first seat 7 and the first side structure 4 if there is no vehicle structure between adjacent seats to prevent or reduce this movement.

[0054] Upon detection (by one or more sensors in a known manner) of an impending or occurring collision, the vehicle computer / control system may deploy (e.g., inflate) the airbag 20 (as well as other airbags not shown).

[0055] Fig. 3 shows the schematic top view of the vehicle 1, which in Fig. 1, with the airbag 20 deployed in the deployed state. In the deployed state, the airbag 20 is positioned near the second side 7b of the first seat 7 such that the first seat 7 is positioned transversely between the airbag 20 and the first side structure 4. Furthermore, the airbag 20 is positioned near the first side 8a of the adjacent second seat 8 such that the second seat 8 is positioned transversely between the airbag 20 and the second side structure 5. In the Fig. 2, the airbag 20 is located in the center of the vehicle 1 such that the centerline 93 of the airbag 20 is aligned (collinear) with the centerline 90 of the vehicle 1.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows the same view as Fig. 2, but with the airbag 20 deployed in the deployed state. In the deployed state, the airbag 20 rests against a first anchoring region 21, which is a region of the dashboard 10. In particular, the first anchoring region 21 is a region of the dashboard 10 that faces rearward and downward. The airbag 20 also rests against a second anchoring region 22, which is part of the floor 6 of the vehicle 1. As a result, the airbag 20 is supported in the deployed state between the first anchoring region 21 and the second anchoring region 22. The airbag 20 is attached to an attachment point (not shown) within the first anchoring region 21. In the embodiment shown, the first anchoring region 21 includes an opening to the compartment 12, and the attachment point is located within the compartment 12.

[0057] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the airbag 20 deploys from the first anchoring region 21 and inflates toward the second anchoring region 22. The airbag 20 inflates and expands in a rearward and downward direction. Therefore, the second anchoring region 22 is spaced apart from the first anchoring region 21 in the rearward direction.

[0058] As used herein, "press against" can also mean "apply a force to." The airbag expands (e.g., inflates) against the first anchoring region 21 and the second anchoring region 22. Thus, as inflation pressure builds up in the airbag 20 during the transition from the undeployed state to the deployed state, the airbag 20 exerts a force on the first anchoring region 21 and the second anchoring region 22. This is further illustrated by Fig. 5, which is a schematic side view of the airbag 20, the dashboard 10 and the Fig. 4 shows floor 6.

[0059] As in Fig. 5, there is a distance D1 between the first anchoring area 21 and the second anchoring area 22. If the floor 6 were (hypothetically) removed, the airbag 20 would expand beyond the position of the floor 6 to the Fig. 5. In other words, the dimension of the unrestrained and fully inflated airbag 20 (which, in use, may be aligned with the distance between the first anchoring region 21 and the second anchoring region 22) corresponds to the value D2, which may be longer than the distance D1 between the first anchoring region 21 and the second anchoring region 22. Therefore, the expansion of the airbag 20 is limited by the distance D1 between the first anchoring region 21 and the second anchoring region 22.

[0060] When deployed from the undeployed state, the airbag 20 expands against the first anchoring portion 21 and the second anchoring portion 22 because it is clamped therebetween. Therefore, as the inflation pressure inside the confined airbag 20 continues to increase, it begins to forcefully press against the first anchoring portion 21 and the second anchoring portion 22. In the deployed state, the airbag 20 finally abuts against the first anchoring portion 21 and the second anchoring portion 22. This is indicated by the dashed outline in Fig. 5, which shows the outline of the deployed airbag 20 when constrained by the first anchoring region 21 and the second anchoring region:

[0061] The inflation pressure of the airbag exerts a first outward force F1 on the first anchoring region 21 and a second outward force F2 on the second anchoring region 22. The first force acting on the first anchoring region 21 creates a first frictional force between the first anchoring region 21 and the outermost surface of the airbag 20. Likewise, the second force exerted on the second anchoring region 22 results in a second frictional force between the second anchoring region 22 and the outermost surface of the airbag 20. The first frictional force and the second frictional force both have a (transverse) direction toward or away from the direction of the side in Fig. 5 on.

[0062] In a collision, the force of the collision may displace a part of an occupant (e.g. 91, 92) towards the airbag 20, so that the occupant (e.g. 91, 92) exerts a lateral force on the airbag (which in Fig. 5 into or out of the side). When the airbag 20 is in the deployed state, the first and second frictional forces oppose this lateral force and must be overcome by the lateral force before the airbag begins to move in the lateral direction. Thus, the airbag can protect the occupant (e.g., 91, 92) and reduce the movement of the occupant (e.g., 91; 92) transversely across the vehicle 1 (e.g., by stopping or slowing the movement of the occupant (e.g., 91, 92) as it is displaced transversely across the vehicle 1).

[0063] The Fig. Figures 6 to 10 show a side view of the vehicle 1 from the second side. The second side structure 5, the second seat 8, and its occupant 92 are removed for clarity. Furthermore, the outline of the occupant 91 of the first seat 7 behind the airbag is shown to facilitate understanding. Fig. 6 to 10 show the same vehicle 1 as described above, in which a respective alternative exemplary airbag arrangement 20 is installed. In each of the Fig. 6 to 10 show the exemplary airbag arrangements in the deployed state.

[0064] In Fig. 6, the airbag 20a is deployed from the first anchoring region 21, which is a region of the instrument panel 10, and abuts the first anchoring region 21 and the second anchoring region 22, which is a region of the floor 6. The rearmost portion 24a of the airbag 20a is longitudinally positioned to be substantially aligned with the rearmost portion 14 of the instrument panel 10. Further, the rearmost portion 24a of the airbag 20a is longitudinally aligned with the forwardmost portion of the steering column 11a. In this embodiment, the airbag 20a is deployed in a position adjacent to the lower shin and ankles of the occupant 91. Therefore, in a collision in which the airbag 20a is deployed to a deployed state, the airbag 20a prevents the lower tibia and ankles from being displaced across the vehicle 1 (or reduces the amount by which they are displaced).

[0065] In Fig. Figure 7 illustrates, by way of example, an alternative airbag 20b which, when deployed, extends further toward the rear end 3 of the vehicle 1. In particular, the rearmost portion 24b of the airbag 20b is longitudinally positioned such that it is spaced between the rearmost portion 14 of the dashboard 10 and the frontmost portion 7c of the seat 7. The airbag 20b is deployed from the first anchoring region 21, which is a portion of the dashboard 10, and bears against the first anchoring region 21 and the second anchoring region 22, which is a portion of the floor 6. In this embodiment, the rearmost portion 24b of the airbag 20b is located near the frontmost portion 7c of the seat 7 (e.g., closer to the seat 7 than to the dashboard 10). It can also be said that the rearmost part 24b of the airbag 20b is substantially aligned with the frontmost part of the steering wheel 11.In this embodiment, the airbag 20b is deployed in a position adjacent to the ankle, the entire tibia, and the knee of the occupant 91. Therefore, in a collision in which the airbag 20b is deployed in a deployed state, the airbag 20b prevents the knee, tibia, and ankle from being displaced transversely by the vehicle 1 (or reduces the amount by which they are displaced).

[0066] In Fig. Figure 8 illustrates, by way of example, an alternative airbag 20c which, when deployed, extends even further toward the rear end 3 of the vehicle 1. In particular, the rearmost portion 24c of the airbag 20c is longitudinally positioned to be located behind the forwardmost portion 7c of the seat 7 (the outline of which is shown behind the airbag 20c for clarity). The airbag 20c deploys from the first anchoring region 21, which is a portion of the dashboard 10, and abuts the first anchoring region 21 and the second anchoring region 22, which is a portion of the floor 6. In this embodiment, the airbag deploys in a position adjacent to the entire shin, knee, and part of the thigh (almost the entire thigh) of the occupant 91.Therefore, in a collision in which the airbag 20c is deployed to a deployed state, the airbag 20c prevents the knee, tibia, and femur from being displaced across the vehicle 1 (or reduces the amount by which they are displaced).

[0067] In the Fig. In the alternative examples of airbag arrangements shown in Figures 6 to 8, the instrument panel 10 includes the first anchoring area 21 Fig. Figure 9 shows an alternative airbag 20d provided in the vehicle 1, wherein the floor 6 comprises the first anchoring region 21d and the dashboard 10 comprises the second anchoring region 22d. The airbag 20d assumes a deployed state having a similar longitudinal position as that shown in Fig. 6, such that the rearmost part 24d of the airbag 20d is substantially aligned with the rearmost part 14 of the dashboard. Here, however, the airbag 20d is deployed from the floor 6 (as indicated by the arrows) and the first area 21d on the floor 6 comprises the attachment point. All other features of this embodiment, including the relationships between the airbag 20d and the other parts of the vehicle 1, are the same as in the Fig. 1 to 6.

[0068] Fig. 10 shows an alternative airbag 20e provided in the vehicle 1, wherein the airbag 20e is deployed from the seat 7. In other words, the seat 7 includes the first anchoring region 21e. The first anchoring region 21e includes the attachment point.

[0069] In this embodiment, the instrument panel 10 includes the second anchoring region 22e. In addition, the floor 6 includes a third anchoring region 23e. In the deployed state, the airbag 20e rests against the first anchoring region 21e, the second anchoring region 22e, and the third anchoring region 23e. The third anchoring region 23e provides additional support for the airbag 20e, as described above. As shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 9, the airbag 20e deploys in a position adjacent the shins and ankles of the occupant 91 to prevent or reduce movement of the shins and ankles across the vehicle 1 during a collision. The rearmost portion 24e of the airbag 20e is located at the first anchoring region 21e and is thus substantially aligned with the forwardmost portion 7c of the seat 7. All other features of this embodiment, including the relationships between the airbag 20e and the other parts of the vehicle 1, are the same as in the Fig. 1 to 6 and 9.

[0070] In the Fig. 6 to 10, the frontmost parts of the airbags 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e are positioned at the same position in the longitudinal direction. In embodiments such as those shown in the Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the airbags 20a, 20b, 20c do not have to expand very far forward from the point where they were originally deployed in the first anchoring area 21. In the Fig. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the airbag 20d must expand further forward to achieve the same position in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the airbag 20e can expand forwardly by a considerable amount to achieve the same longitudinal position. Thus, the airbag 20 can expand both forwardly and rearwardly during deployment. As used herein, "forwardly" means toward the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

[0071] In the Fig. 6 to 10, the base 6 comprises a substantially flat portion 6a and an upwardly bent portion 6b. There is a transition (e.g., a transition region) 6c between the substantially flat portion and the upwardly bent portion 6b. In the embodiments shown in the Fig. 6 to 10, the frontmost portion 25 of the airbags 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e is substantially aligned with this transition region 6c. The transition region 6c is approximately aligned with the ankles of the occupant 91 when the occupant 91 is in a normal seating position. In the embodiments shown in Fig. 6 to 10, the airbags 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e therefore provide protection for at least the ankles and / or the lower shin of the occupants 91.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that the relationships and protection described above for the occupant 91 in the first seat 7 also apply to the occupant 92 in the adjacent second seat 8.

[0073] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or in the following claims or in the accompanying drawings, shown in their specific forms or in the form of a means for performing the disclosed function or a method or process for achieving the disclosed results, may be used individually or in any combination of these features to realize the invention in various forms.

[0074] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0075] For the avoidance of doubt, all theoretical explanations provided herein are intended to enhance the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0076] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0077] All section headings used herein are for structuring purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0078] In the claims, reference signs placed between parentheses are not to be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those recited in a claim. Throughout the specification, including the following claims, unless the context requires otherwise, words such as "comprise," "comprise," and "include," and terminators such as "comprising," "comprises," "comprising," and "including" are construed to imply the inclusion of a specified integer or step, or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step, or group of integers or steps.

[0079] It should be noted that the singular forms "a" and "an" and "the" as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Herein, terms such as "about" or "approximately" may be used for a particular value and / or "about" or "approximately" for another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes the range from the one particular value and / or up to the other particular value. Likewise, when values are expressed as approximate values, the use of the antecedents "about" or "approximately" will understand that the particular value constitutes another embodiment. The term "about" or "approximately" with respect to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

[0080] Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "first" and "second" are used arbitrarily to distinguish between the elements or to describe such terms. These terms are therefore not necessarily intended to indicate a temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The fact that certain measures are recited in different claims does not indicate that a combination of those measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0081] As used herein, any reference to "one embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "an example," "for example," or "an example" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. For example, the appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" or "an example" in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, any reference to one or more embodiments or examples should be understood as non-limiting of the claims.

[0082] As used in this specification, any phrase of the type "at least one of A, B, or C" and the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means that these phrases encompass all common and different permutations of A, B, and C, i.e., A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order, and A, B, and C in any order. More or fewer than three features may be used in such phrases.

[0083] The term "or combinations thereof," as used herein, refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items that precede the term. For example, the phrase "A, B, C, or combinations thereof" is intended to include at least one of the following: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if the order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. To continue with this example, combinations containing repetitions of one or more terms, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so on, are expressly included. Those skilled in the art will understand that there is typically no restriction on the number of terms in each combination, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0084] As used herein, the term "substantially" means that the event or circumstance described below occurs in its entirety, or that the event or circumstance described below occurs to a large extent or extent. For example, the term "substantially" in the context of a particular event or "circumstance" means that the event or circumstance described below occurs at least 80% of the time, or at least 85% of the time, or at least 90% of the time, or at least 95% of the time. For example, the term "substantially contiguous" may mean that two objects are 100% contiguous, or that the two objects are in close proximity to one another.close to each other but not 100% adjacent, or that a portion of one of the two objects is not 100% adjacent to the other object but is in close proximity to the other object.

[0085] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer herein to embodiments of the invention that may offer certain advantages under certain circumstances. However, it should be noted that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. Therefore, mention of one or more preferred embodiments does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure or the scope of the claims.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1) comprising: a floor (6) extending in a longitudinal direction from a front end (2) to a rear end (3) of the vehicle (1) and extending in a transverse direction from a first side to a second side of the vehicle (1); a first side structure (4) of the vehicle (1) on the first side of the vehicle (1); a dashboard (10) near the front end (2) of the vehicle (1); a seat (7) having a first side (7a) in, near the first side structure (4) and a second side (7b) remote from the first side structure (4); an airbag (20) configured to deploy by inflation from a non-deployed state to a deployed state in which the airbag (20) is inflated and positioned near the second side (7b) of the seat (7) such that the seat (7) is positioned transversely between the airbag (20) and the first side structure (4), characterized by , that: in the deployed state, the airbag (20) rests against a first anchoring region (21) and a second anchoring region (22) so that it is supported between the first anchoring region (21) and the second anchoring region (22), wherein a distance D1 is provided between the first anchoring region (21) and the second anchoring region (22), wherein a dimension of the unrestrained and fully inflated airbag (20) which, in use, is aligned with the distance between the first anchoring region (21) and the second anchoring region (22) has a value D2 which is longer than the distance D1, so that the airbag (20) in the deployed state exerts a first force against the first anchoring region (21) and a second force against the second anchoring region (22), so that the airbag (20) in the deployed state is supported by: a first frictional force between the airbag (20) and the first anchoring region (21); and a second frictional force between the airbag (20) and the second anchoring region (22): [2] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first anchoring region (21) comprises an attachment point and the airbag (20) is attached to the vehicle (1) at the attachment point. [3] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the group consisting of the dashboard (10), the seat (7), or the floor (6) comprises the first anchoring region (21), or the second anchoring region (22). [4] Vehicle (1) according to claim 3, wherein one of the group consisting of the dashboard (10), the seat (7) or the floor (6) comprises the first anchoring area (21) and another of the group consisting of: dashboard (10), seat (7) or floor (6) comprises the second anchoring area (22). [5] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dashboard (10) comprises the first anchoring region (21). [6] Vehicle (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second anchoring region (22) is vertically spaced from the dashboard (10) to the floor (6). [7] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the airbag (20) in the deployed state abuts against a third anchoring region (23e) to be supported thereon, and wherein the airbag (20) exerts a third force against the third anchoring region (23e) so that the airbag (20) is supported by a third frictional force between the third anchoring region (23e) and the airbag (20). [8] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the deployed state a rearmost part (24a) of the airbag (20) is positioned longitudinally so as to be substantially aligned with a rearmost part (14) of the dashboard (10). [9] Vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the deployed state a rearmost part (24b) of the airbag (20) is positioned longitudinally so as to be located between a rearmost part (14) of the dashboard (10) and a frontmost part (7c) of the seat (7). [10] Vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the deployed state a rearmost part (24b) of the airbag (20) is positioned longitudinally so as to be substantially aligned with a frontmost part (7c) of the seat (7). [11] Vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the deployed state a rearmost part (24c) of the airbag (20) is positioned longitudinally so as to be positioned behind a frontmost part (7c) of the seat (7c). [12] Vehicle (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the seat (7) is adjustable in the longitudinal direction between a forwardmost position and a rearmost position and the seat (7) is in the rearmost position. [13] Vehicle (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the seat (7) is longitudinally adjustable between a forwardmost position and a rearmost position and the seat (7) is substantially equidistant from the forwardmost position and the rearmost position. [14] A vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor (6) comprises a substantially planar portion (6a) and an upwardly bent portion (6b) proximate the front end (2) of the vehicle (1), and a forwardmost part (25) of the airbag (20) in the deployed state is positioned longitudinally so as to be substantially aligned with a transition (6c) between the substantially planar portion (6a) and the upwardly bent portion (6b).

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