SEAT AIRBAG ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An assembly includes a vehicle seat including a backrest, an upper airbag mounted on the backrest, a lower airbag mounted on the backrest below the upper airbag, a flexible duct fluidically coupling the upper and lower airbags, and a device that can be actuated between a first state allowing airflow through the duct and a second state blocking airflow through the duct.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure relates to an airbag assembly in vehicles. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with airbags. In the event of certain impact events, the gas generator activates the airbags and provides them with an inflation fluid that pressurizes the airbags and controls the kinematics of the occupants during the impact. The airbags are located at various positions in vehicle passenger compartments. Vehicles typically include a driver airbag mounted in the steering wheel, a passenger airbag mounted in the instrument panel facing forward from the passenger seat, and side curtain airbags mounted in the roof pillars. SUMMARY

[0003] An assembly includes a vehicle seat including a backrest, an upper airbag mounted to the backrest, a lower airbag mounted to the backrest below the upper airbag, a flexible conduit fluidly coupling the upper airbag and the lower airbag, and a device operable between a first state allowing airflow through the conduit and a second state blocking airflow through the conduit.

[0004] In one example, the backrest may include an upper backrest portion, a lower backrest portion, and a pivot pivotally coupling the upper backrest portion and the lower backrest portion. In another example, the upper airbag may be mounted to the upper backrest portion, and the lower airbag may be mounted to the lower backrest portion.

[0005] In another further example, the vehicle seat may include a seat bottom, and the lower backrest portion may extend upwardly from the seat bottom.

[0006] In one example, the device may include a clamping jaw that can be actuated to clamp the line.

[0007] In one example, the device may be pyrotechnically actuated.

[0008] In one example, the device may be in the first state by default, and the device may be actuated from the first state to the second state.

[0009] In one example, the assembly may further include a gas generator positioned to inflate the upper airbag. In another example, the gas generator may be fluidly coupled to the lower airbag only via a path extending through the conduit.

[0010] In another example, the assembly may further include a diffuser sleeve, the inflator may be positioned within the diffuser sleeve, and the diffuser sleeve may be shaped to direct airflow from the inflator to the upper airbag and to the conduit.

[0011] In another further example, the inflator may be turned on to inflate the upper airbag, and the device may be configured to actuate in conjunction with turning on the inflator.

[0012] In one example, the assembly may further include a computer communicatively coupled to the device, and the computer may be programmed to instruct the device to actuate. In another example, the computer may be further programmed to instruct the device to actuate based on a size of an occupant in the vehicle seat.

[0013] In another example, the computer may be further programmed to do one of the following: instruct the device to actuate into the second state in response to the size of an occupant in the vehicle seat being greater than a size threshold, or instruct the device to actuate into the first state in response to the size of the occupant being less than the size threshold.

[0014] In yet another example, the computer may be further programmed to instruct the device to actuate based on a position of an occupant in the vehicle seat.

[0015] In another example, the computer may be further programmed to do one of the following: instruct the device to actuate into the second state in response to an occupant in the vehicle seat being outside an occupant position, or instruct the device to actuate into the first state in response to an occupant in the vehicle seat being inside an occupant position.

[0016] In one example, the vehicle seat may be a folding seat.

[0017] In one example, the vehicle seat may include a seat bottom, and the lower airbag may be positioned at least partially above the seat bottom in a deflated position.

[0018] In one example, the upper airbag may include an upper airbag vent, and the lower airbag may include a lower airbag vent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary vehicle with a passenger compartment exposed for illustrative purposes. Fig. 2 is a side view of an exemplary seat of the vehicle with an upper airbag and a lower airbag in a deflated position. Fig. 3 is a side view of the seat with the upper airbag in an inflated position and the lower airbag in the deflated position. Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of the seat with the upper airbag and the lower airbag in the inflated position. Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary seat airbag system. Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary airbag control system. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for controlling the airbag system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring to the figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, an assembly 105 of a vehicle 100 includes a vehicle seat 110 including a seat back 115, an upper airbag 120 mounted to the seat back 115, a lower airbag 125 mounted to the seat back 115 below the upper airbag 120, a flexible conduit 130 fluidly coupling the upper airbag 120 and the lower airbag 125, and a device 135 operable between a first state permitting airflow through the conduit 130 and a second state blocking airflow through the conduit 130.

[0020] In the event of certain impact events, e.g., certain side impact events, at least one of the airbags 120, 125 inflates from a deflated position to an inflated position. For example, the upper airbag 120 may inflate. The airbag or airbags 120, 125 may be positioned in the inflated position adjacent an occupant of the vehicle seat 110. The device 135 may be actuated to either permit or block airflow through the conduit 130 from the one of the airbags 120, 125 being inflated to the other of the airbags 120, 125. When airflow is blocked, only one of the airbags 120, 125, e.g., the upper airbag 120, 125, will deploy. B. the upper airbag 120, is inflated, blocking airflow to the other of the airbags 120, 125, and the inflated airbag 120, 125 may be comparatively stiffer. When airflow is permitted, both airbags 120, 125 are inflated, e.g.via a single gas generator 195, with the airflow flowing through conduit 130, and the airbags 120, 125 may be comparatively less stiff. Selectively allowing or blocking airflow between the airbags 120, 125 allows for adjustment of the inflation of the airbags 120, 125, e.g., based on the size or positioning of the occupant.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 1, the vehicle 100 may be any passenger vehicle or any commercial vehicle, such as a car, a truck, an SUV, a crossover, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc.

[0022] The vehicle 100 includes a passenger compartment 140 for accommodating occupants of the vehicle 100. The passenger compartment 140 may include one or more of the vehicle seats 110 disposed in a front row of the passenger compartment 140 and one or more of the vehicle seats 110 disposed in a second row behind the front row. The passenger compartment 140 may also include vehicle seats 110 in a third row (not shown) in a rear portion of the passenger compartment. In the remainder of this specification, the assembly 105 is discussed for one vehicle seat 110; however, several or all of the vehicle seats 110 in the passenger compartment 140 may each include an assembly 105 as described herein. The vehicle seats 110 may be bucket seats (as shown in the figures), bench seats, etc. The position and orientation of the vehicle seats 110 and components thereof may be adjustable by an occupant.

[0023] Each vehicle seat 110 may include the backrest 115, a seat bottom 145, and a headrest 150. The headrest 150 may be supported by the backrest 115 and may be stationary or movable relative to the backrest 115. The backrest 115 may be supported by the seat bottom 145. The backrest 115 has a length that extends generally upward from the seat bottom 145. The backrest 115, the seat bottom 145, and / or the headrest 150 may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom, including, but not limited to, as described below.

[0024] The vehicle seat 110 includes a seat frame 155. The seat frame 155 may include tubes, beams, etc. The seat frame 155 may be made of any suitable plastic material, e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced preformed thermoplastic composite material (organic sheet), etc. As another example, some or all of the components of the seat frame 155 may be made of a suitable metal, e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.

[0025] The vehicle seat 110 includes a cover 160. The cover 160 may include cushions or padding covered by a cover. The cushions may be made of a cushioning material, such as foam or any other suitable support material. The cover may be formed of fabric, leather, synthetic leather, or any other suitable material. The cover may be sewn in panels around the foam.

[0026] With reference to the Fig. 2-4, the vehicle seat 110 may be a folding seat, i.e., a seat in which at least a portion of the backrest 115 folds forward into a horizontal position, allowing items within the vehicle 100 to be stored on a rear wall of the backrest 115. For example, the backrest 115 may include an upper backrest portion 165, a lower backrest portion 170, and a pivot 175 rotatably coupling the upper backrest portion 165 and the lower backrest portion 170. The lower backrest portion 170 extends upward from the seat bottom 145. The lower backrest portion 170 may be fixed or movable relative to the seat bottom 145. For example, as shown in the figures, the lower backrest portion 170 is fixed relative to the seat surface 145, with the seat frame 155 including a one-piece part for both the seat surface 145 and the lower backrest portion 170.The upper backrest portion 165 is rotatable relative to the lower backrest portion 170 about an axis A defined by the pivot pin 175. The axis A extends horizontally in a lateral direction, i.e., a seat cross-direction. The pivot point 175 may be positioned in a lumbar region, e.g., above a pelvis and below a ribcage of an occupant in the 50th percentile who normally sits in the vehicle seat 110. The position of the pivot pin 175 allows the upper backrest portion 165 to be rotated forward until the upper backrest portion 165 contacts the seat bottom 145.

[0027] The upper airbag 120 is mounted on the backrest 115, e.g., on the upper backrest portion 165. The upper airbag 120 may be mounted on a lateral side, e.g., an outboard side, of the seat frame 155 of the upper backrest portion 165. The upper airbag 120 is deployable from a deflated position inside the upper backrest portion 165, as shown in Fig. 2, inflatable to an inflated position extending outwardly and forwardly from the upper backrest portion 165, as shown in Fig. 3-4. The upper airbag 120, in the deflated position, is located within or below the cover 160 of the upper seatback portion 165. The cover 160 may include one or more tear seams that are opened by inflation of the upper airbag 120. The upper airbag 120, in the inflated position, is positioned laterally of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 110, e.g., between the occupant seating area and a door of the vehicle 100 in a vehicle transverse direction.

[0028] The lower airbag 125 is mounted on the backrest 115 below the upper airbag 120, e.g., on the lower backrest portion 170. The lower airbag 125 may be mounted on a lateral side, e.g., an outboard side, of the seat frame 155 of the lower backrest portion 170. The lower airbag 125 is deployable from a deflated position inside the lower backrest portion 170, as shown in Fig. 2-3, inflatable to an inflated position extending outwardly and forwardly from the lower backrest portion 170, as shown in Fig. 3. The lower airbag 125, in the deflated position, is located within or below the cover 160 of the lower seatback portion 170. The cover 160 may include one or more tear seams that are opened by inflation of the lower airbag 125. The lower airbag 125, in the deflated position, is positioned laterally of an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat 110, e.g., between the occupant seating area and a door of the vehicle 100 in a vehicle transverse direction. The lower airbag 125, in the deflated position, is positioned at least partially above the seat bottom 145.

[0029] The upper airbag 120 and the lower airbag 125 may be constructed from any suitable airbag material, such as a polymer fabric. For example, the upper airbag 120 and the lower airbag 125 may be formed from nylon fabric yarn, such as nylon 6-6. Other suitable examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, or any other suitable polymer. The polymer fabric may include a coating, such as silicone, neoprene, urethane, and so forth. For example, the coating may be polyorganosiloxane.

[0030] The upper airbag 120 may include an upper airbag vent 180, and the lower airbag 125 may include a lower airbag vent 185. The vents 180, 185 may be, for example, open vents, one-way vents, two-way vents, active vents, or any other suitable way to control the stiffness of the airbags 120, 125 over time. The vents 180, 185 may be used in combination with the device 135 to impart a defined stiffness to the airbags 120, 125 when the device 135 allows airflow between the airbags 120, 125 and when the device 135 blocks airflow between the airbags 120, 125.

[0031] The assembly 105 includes the conduit 130. The conduit 130 fluidly couples the upper airbag 120 and the lower airbag 125, i.e., it allows airflow between the upper airbag 120 and the lower airbag 125. When the conduit 130 is not blocked, air can flow from the one of the airbags 120, 125 that has a higher pressure to the one of the airbags 120, 125 that has a lower pressure. The conduit 130 is flexible and can bend, for example, between the upper backrest portion 165 and the lower backrest portion 170 without damage, such as tearing or plastic deformation, when the upper backrest portion 165 rotates about the pivot pin 175 relative to the lower backrest portion 170. The conduit 130 may also be sufficiently flexible to be clamped by the device 135 (described below). For example, the conduit 130 may be an elastomeric material.For another example, the conduit 130 may be made of the same fabric as the airbags 120, 125, and the conduit 130 may share fabric panels with one or both of the airbags 120, 125.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 5, the assembly 105 may include a gas generator 195 connected to one of the airbags 120, 125, e.g., the upper airbag 120. Upon receiving a signal, e.g., from a computer 200 (in Fig. 6), the inflator 195 may inflate the upper airbag 120 with an inflation medium, such as a gas. The inflator 195 may be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to move the inflation medium toward the airbag. The inflator 195 may be of any suitable type, such as a cold gas inflator.

[0033] The inflator 195 is positioned to inflate the upper airbag 120 and can be turned on to inflate the upper airbag 120. For example, the inflator 195 can be positioned within the upper airbag 120. As another example, the inflator 195 can be fluidly coupled to the upper airbag 120 without any other airbag(s) therebetween. The inflator 195 can be fluidly coupled to the lower airbag 125 only via a path that passes through the conduit 130, thereby allowing the device 135 to control the flow of air from the inflator 195 to the lower airbag 125. The inflator 195 can be mounted to the upper seatback portion 165.

[0034] The assembly 105 may include a diffuser sleeve 205. The inflator 195 may be positioned within the diffuser sleeve 205. The diffuser sleeve 205 may be shaped to direct airflow from the inflator 195 to the upper airbag 120 and to the conduit 130. For example, the diffuser may have a tubular shape elongated between a first open end 210 and a second open end 215, with the first open end 210 opening into the interior of the upper airbag 120 and the second open end 215 opening into the conduit 130, as shown in Fig. 5. The second open end 215 may be connected directly to the conduit 130. This arrangement for the diffuser sleeve 205 can effectively direct airflow into both airbags 120, 125 simultaneously when the conduit 130 is not blocked. Alternatively, the diffuser sleeve 205 may be shaped to direct airflow to the upper airbag 120, and the conduit 130 may be fluidly coupled to the upper airbag 120 at a point spaced from the diffuser sleeve 205.

[0035] The assembly 105 includes the device 135. The device 135 can be actuated between a first state that allows airflow through the conduit 130, i.e., an open state, and a second state that blocks airflow through the conduit 130, i.e., a closed state. The device 135 can default to one of the states, and the device 135 can be actuated from the first state to the second state. For example, the device 135 can default to the first state, and the device 135 can be actuated from the first state to the second state. When the device 135 defaults to the first state, material fatigue of the tube 130 can be reduced because the tube 130 is not deformed until the device 135 is actuated.

[0036] When the device 135 is in the first state, i.e., allowing airflow through the conduit 130, the inflation medium generated by the inflator 195 is split between the upper airbag 120 and the lower airbag 125. When the device 135 is in the second state, i.e., blocking airflow through the conduit 130, the inflation medium generated by the inflator 195, which would flow through the second open end 215 of the diffuser sleeve 205, is instead redirected to the first end of the diffuser sleeve 205 and into the upper airbag 120, thereby concentrating more inflation medium in the upper airbag 120. The upper airbag 120 may therefore be stiffer when the device 135 is in the second state than when the device 135 is in the first state.

[0037] For example, the device 135 may include a jaw that can be actuated to clamp the conduit 130. The jaw may be in an open position by default and can be actuated from the open position to a closed position. The device 135 may be locked in the second state, e.g., the closed position, when placed in the second state. The device 135 may be pyrotechnically actuated, which may be sufficiently fast to actuate the device 135 simultaneously with the energization of the inflator 195. For example, a pyrotechnic actuator may pull one or both sides of the jaw to the closed position. Alternatively, the device 135 may include a valve that is switchable between the first state and the second state.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 6, the assembly 105 may include a computer 200. The computer 200 is a microprocessor-based computing device, e.g., a generic computing device including a processor and memory, an electronic controller or the like, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a combination of the above, etc. Typically, a hardware description language, such as VHDL (VHSIC (very high speed integrated circuit) hardware description language), is used to describe digital and mixed-signal systems, such as FPGAs and ASICs.For example, an ASIC is manufactured based on VHDL programming provided prior to manufacturing, whereas logical components inside an FPGA may be configured based on VHDL programming, e.g., stored on memory electrically connected to the FPGA circuitry. Computer 200 may thus include a processor, memory, etc. The memory of computer 200 may include media for storing instructions executable by the processor, as well as for electronically storing data and / or databases, and / or computer 200 may include structures, such as those above, provided by programming. Computer 200 may consist of multiple computers coupled together.

[0039] The assembly 105 may include a communications network 220. The computer 200 may transmit and receive data over the communications network 220. The communications network 220 may be, for example, a controller area network (CAN) bus, Ethernet, WLAN, a local interconnect network (LIN), an on-board diagnostic port (OBD-II), and / or any other wired or wireless communications network. The computer 200 may be coupled to the inflator 195, the device 135, an occupancy sensor 225, and other components via the communications network 220.

[0040] The assembly 105 may include the occupancy sensor 225. The occupancy sensor 225 is configured to detect occupancy of the vehicle seat 110. The occupancy sensor 225 may include a visible or infrared light camera directed at the vehicle seat 110, a weight sensor in the seat, a proximity sensor or the like for detecting whether a seatbelt is fastened to the vehicle seat 110, a position sensor for detecting a longitudinal position of the vehicle seat 110 along rails on the floor of the passenger compartment 140, and / or another suitable sensor.

[0041] The device 135 may be configured to activate in conjunction with the activation of the inflator 195. For example, the computer 200 may be programmed to command the device 135 to activate and the inflator 195 to turn on in response to a common stimulus, such as in response to the detection of certain impact events with the vehicle 100. Thus, the device 135 may default to the first state until the stimulus is detected, rather than switching states based on the following factors changing outside the context of the stimulus. Whether the computer 200 commands the device 135 to activate may depend on a size (e.g., build) of the occupant or whether the occupant is in a occupant position, as described below, as well as possibly other factors, such as a severity of the stimulus.

[0042] The computer 200 may be programmed to instruct the device 135 to actuate based on the size, e.g., stature or height, of the occupant in the vehicle seat 110. For example, the computer 200 may be programmed to do one of the following: instruct the device 135 to actuate to the second state in response to the occupant's height being greater than a height threshold, or instruct the device 135 to actuate to the first state in response to the occupant's height being less than the height threshold. The height threshold may be a stature threshold or height threshold, e.g., a percentile between a fifth percentile of female occupants and a fiftieth percentile of male occupants.The device 135 thus blocks airflow through the conduit 130 when the occupant's size is above the size threshold and allows airflow through the conduit 130 when the occupant's size is below the size threshold. The upper airbag 120 and the lower airbag 125 may be present and less stiff for smaller occupants, which may limit a force on the occupant compared to a stiffer upper airbag 120 and lower airbag 125, and the upper airbag 120 may be stiffer for larger occupants, which may limit lateral deflection of the occupant compared to a less stiff upper airbag 120 and lower airbag 125.

[0043] The computer may be programmed to instruct the device 135 to actuate based on a position of an occupant on the vehicle seat 110. For example, the computer 200 may be programmed to instruct the device 135 to actuate to the second state if the occupant is not in the occupant position (despite any contrary instruction to the occupant in the owner's manual), or to instruct the device 135 to actuate to the first state if the occupant is in the occupant position. The occupant position may be a proper or preferred posture of the occupant on the vehicle seat 110, e.g., B. Sitting upright with the hips toward the rear of the seat bottom 145. The device 135 thus blocks the flow of air through the conduit 130 when the occupant is out of the occupant position and allows the flow of air through the conduit 130 when the occupant is in the occupant position.The upper airbag 120 and the lower airbag 125 may be present and less stiff for occupants in the occupant position, which may limit a force on the occupant compared to a stiffer upper airbag 120 and lower airbag 125, and the upper airbag 120 may be stiffer for occupants out of the occupant position, which may limit lateral deflection of the occupant compared to a less stiff upper airbag 120 and lower airbag 125.

[0044] Fig.7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 700 for controlling assembly 105. Executable instructions for performing the steps of process 700 are stored in memory of computer 200, and / or programming may be implemented in structures as mentioned above. As a general overview of process 700, computer 200 receives data from occupancy sensor 225, determines a size of the occupant, and determines a position of the occupant. In response to an inflation trigger, computer 200 turns on inflator 195 and actuates device 135 based on the size and position of the occupant. Computer 200 continues to monitor the inflation trigger as long as vehicle 100 remains powered on.

[0045] The process 700 begins at a block 705 where the computer 200 receives data from the occupancy sensor 225, as described above.

[0046] Next, at block 710, the computer 200 determines the size of the occupant based on the data from the occupancy sensor 225. For example, the computer 200 may determine a longitudinal position of the vehicle seat 110 (which may be correlated with body size), an estimate of body size based on a detected head position in the image data depicting the occupant, etc., or a composite metric that combines these factors.

[0047] Next, at block 715, the computer 200 determines the position of the occupant based on the data from the occupancy sensor 225. For example, the computer 200 may determine the position of the occupant based on image data depicting the occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 110, e.g., based on object detection and object tracking algorithms applied to one or more body parts of the occupant, e.g., head, torso, thighs, etc.

[0048] Next, at a decision block 720, the computer 200 determines whether an inflation trigger has occurred, ie, a stimulus that activates the inflator 195. For example, the computer 200 may determine whether one of certain impact events has occurred. In response to the inflation trigger, the process 700 proceeds to a block 725. In response to a lack of an inflation trigger, the process 700 proceeds to a decision block 735.

[0049] In block 725, the computer 200 instructs the inflator 195 to turn on, thereby sending inflation medium through the diffuser sleeve 205 to the upper airbag 120 and toward the conduit 130.

[0050] Next, in a block 730, the computer 200 actuates the device 135 to block or allow airflow through the conduit 130, as described above. The computer 200 may actuate (or refrain from actuating) the device 135 to block airflow for an occupant above the size threshold and to allow airflow for an occupant below the size threshold, as described above. The computer 200 may actuate (or refrain from actuating) the device 135 to block airflow for an occupant outside the occupant position and to allow airflow for an occupant in the occupant position, as described above. If the occupant size and the occupant position indicate different conditions (e.g.,If the magnitude is above the threshold and the occupant is in the occupant position, or if the magnitude is below the threshold and the occupant is out of the occupant position, the computer 200 may actuate (or refrain from actuating) the device 135 to block airflow through the conduit 130. After block 730, the process 700 ends.

[0051] At decision block 735, computer 200 determines whether vehicle 100 is still operating. In response to vehicle 100 being on, process 700 returns to decision block 720 to continue monitoring for an inflation trigger. In response to vehicle 100 being off, process 700 ends.

[0052] In general, the described computing systems and / or devices may employ any of a number of computer operating systems, including, but not limited to, versions and / or variants of the Ford Sync® application, the AppLink / Smart Device Link middleware, the Microsoft Automotive® operating system, the Microsoft Windows® operating system, the Unix operating system (e.g., the Solaris® operating system distributed by Oracle Corporation in Redwood Shores, California), the AIX UNIX operating system distributed by International Business Machines in Armonk, New York, the Linux operating system, the Mac OSX and iOS operating systems distributed by Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, the BlackBerry OS distributed by Blackberry, Ltd. in Waterloo, Canada, and the Android operating system developed by Google, Inc. and the Open Handset Alliance, or the QNX® CAR Platform for Infotainment offered by QNX Software Systems.Examples of computing devices include, without limitation, an on-board vehicle computer, a computer workstation, a server, a desktop, notebook, laptop, or handheld computer, or other computing system and / or device.

[0053] Computing devices generally include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above. Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted by computer programs created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including, but not limited to, Java™, C, C++, Matlab, Simulink, Stateflow, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, HTML, etc., either alone or in combination. Some of these applications may be compiled and executed on a virtual machine, such as the Java Virtual Machine, the Dalvik Virtual Machine, or the like. Generally, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions from, e.g., memory, a computer-readable medium, etc.and executes those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes that include one or more of the processes described in this document. Such instructions and other data may be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media. A file in a computing device is generally a collection of data stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a storage medium, random access memory, etc.

[0054] A computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium) includes any non-transitory (e.g., physical) medium involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such a medium can take many forms, including, without limitation, non-transitory media and volatile media. Instructions can be transmitted through one or more transmission media, including fiber optics, wires, wireless communications, and internal structural elements comprising a system bus coupled to a processor of a computer. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0055] Databases, data repositories, or other data stores described in this document may include various types of mechanisms for storing, accessing, and retrieving various types of data, including a hierarchical database, a set of files in a file system, an application database in a proprietary format, a relational database management system (RDBMS), a non-relational database (NoSQL), a graph database (GDB), etc. Each such data store is generally contained within a computing device employing a computer operating system such as one of those listed above, and is accessed in one or more of a variety of ways over a network.A file system can be accessed by a computer operating system and can contain files stored in various formats. An RDBMS generally uses Structured Query Language (SQL) in addition to a language for creating, storing, editing, and executing stored procedures, such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above.

[0056] In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, PCs, etc.) stored on computer-readable media (e.g., disks, memory, etc.) associated with the computing devices. A computer program product may include such instructions stored on computer-readable media for performing the functions described herein.

[0057] In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. Furthermore, some or all of these elements could be changed. With respect to the media, processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc., described in this specification, it is understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order that differs from the order described in this specification. Further, it is understood that certain steps could be performed concurrently, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described in this specification could be omitted.Operations, systems and procedures described in this document should always be implemented and / or performed in accordance with any applicable owner / user manual and / or safety guidelines.

[0058] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. The adjectives "first" and "second" are used throughout the specification as identifiers and are not intended to indicate meaning, order, or number. The use of "in response to" and "when determined" indicates a causal relationship, not a purely temporal one. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0059] According to the present disclosure, an assembly is provided comprising: a vehicle seat including a seat back; an upper airbag mounted to the seat back; a lower airbag mounted to the seat back below the upper airbag; a flexible conduit fluidly coupling the upper airbag and the lower airbag; and a device operable between a first state permitting airflow through the conduit and a second state blocking airflow through the conduit.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the backrest includes an upper backrest portion, a lower backrest portion, and a pivot pivotally coupling the upper backrest portion and the lower backrest portion.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the upper airbag is mounted on the upper backrest portion and the lower airbag is mounted on the lower backrest portion.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the vehicle seat includes a seat surface and the lower backrest portion extends upwardly from the seat surface.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the device includes a clamping jaw that can be actuated to clamp the line.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the device can be pyrotechnically actuated.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the device is in the first state by default, and the device can be actuated from the first state to the second state.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a gas generator positioned to inflate the upper airbag.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the gas generator is fluidically coupled to the lower airbag only via a path that runs through the line.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a diffuser sleeve, wherein the gas generator is positioned in the diffuser sleeve and the diffuser sleeve is shaped to direct an air flow from the gas generator to the upper airbag and to the conduit.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the gas generator can be switched on to inflate the upper airbag, and the device is configured to operate in conjunction with the switching on of the gas generator.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a computer communicatively coupled to the device, the computer being programmed to instruct the device to operate.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the computer is further programmed to instruct the device to actuate based on a size of an occupant in the vehicle seat.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the computer is further programmed to do one of the following: instruct the device to actuate into the second state in response to the size of an occupant in the vehicle seat being greater than a size threshold, or instruct the device to actuate into the first state in response to the size of the occupant being less than the size threshold.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the computer is further programmed to instruct the device to actuate based on a position of an occupant on the vehicle seat.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the computer is further programmed to do one of the following: instruct the device to be actuated to the second state in response to an occupant in the vehicle seat being outside an occupant position, or instruct the device to be actuated to the first state in response to an occupant in the vehicle seat being inside an occupant position.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the vehicle seat is a folding seat.

[0076] In one embodiment, the vehicle seat includes a seating bottom, and the lower airbag is located at least partially above the seating bottom in a deflated position.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the upper airbag includes an upper airbag vent, and the lower airbag includes a lower airbag vent.

Claims

[1] Assembly comprising: a vehicle seat including a backrest; an upper airbag mounted on the seatback; a lower airbag mounted on the seatback below the upper airbag; a flexible line that fluidically couples the upper airbag and the lower airbag; and a device operable between a first state allowing airflow through the conduit and a second state blocking airflow through the conduit. [2] The assembly of claim 1, wherein the backrest includes an upper backrest portion, a lower backrest portion, and a pivot pivotally coupling the upper backrest portion and the lower backrest portion. [3] The assembly of claim 2, wherein the upper airbag is mounted to the upper backrest portion and the lower airbag is mounted to the lower backrest portion. [4] The assembly of claim 2, wherein the vehicle seat includes a seating surface and the lower backrest portion extends upwardly from the seating surface. [5] The assembly of claim 1, wherein the device includes a clamping jaw operable to clamp the line. [6] An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the device can be pyrotechnically actuated. [7] The assembly of claim 1, wherein the device is in the first state by default and the device is operable from the first state to the second state. [8] The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a gas generator positioned to inflate the upper airbag. [9] The assembly of claim 8, wherein the gas generator is fluidly coupled to the lower airbag only via a path passing through the conduit. [10] The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a diffuser sleeve, wherein the inflator is positioned within the diffuser sleeve, the diffuser sleeve being shaped to direct airflow from the inflator to the upper airbag and to the conduit. [11] The assembly of claim 8, wherein the inflator is activatable to inflate the upper airbag, and the device is configured to operate in conjunction with activation of the inflator. [12] The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a computer communicatively coupled to the device, the computer programmed to instruct the device to operate. [13] The assembly of claim 12, wherein the computer is further programmed to instruct the device to actuate based on a size of an occupant in the vehicle seat. [14] The assembly of claim 12, wherein the computer is further programmed to instruct the device to actuate based on a position of an occupant on the vehicle seat. [15] An assembly according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the vehicle seat is a folding seat.

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