Driver safety module to protect a driver of a vehicle

Abstract

Driver safety module (10) of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle steering wheel (110) movable between a driving position and a retracted or stowed position, the driver safety module (10) comprising:- a safety airbag (20), inflatable and comprising at least one front portion (21), arranged to deploy from a rest position to a protection position,- a gas generator (30) arranged to inflate the safety airbag (20), characterized in that the driver safety module (10) comprises an adaptive device arranged to adjust an inflation volume of the front portion (21) as a function of the driving position or the retracted or stowed position of the vehicle steering wheel (110). Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Driver safety module for protecting a driver of a vehicle Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to passive automotive safety and in particular, the invention relates to safety systems for protecting a driver of a motor vehicle. In more detail, the invention relates to a driver safety module for protecting a vehicle driver typically during a frontal impact of the vehicle with an obstacle. State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art of driver safety modules to provide a housing containing in particular a safety bag and a gas generator, to be installed on or in a vehicle steering wheel. However, it is possible to provide for housing the housing in a part of the passenger compartment in front of the vehicle steering wheel, as disclosed in document US 2022 / 0185218 A1. On the other hand, this system may have disadvantages linked to the position of the vehicle steering wheel, because it is necessary to ensure that the safety bag actually passes over the vehicle steering wheel, without risking encountering or hitting the occupant.Furthermore, in the case where the vehicle is equipped with a retractable steering wheel (for example for a vehicle offering autonomous driving and retracting or retracting the steering wheel during autonomous driving), a safety airbag of the prior art cannot provide effective protection when the steering wheel is retracted (because the safety airbag can no longer rest on the steering wheel) or may be difficult to deploy in a stable manner because the airbag cannot rest on the steering wheel. Statement of the invention

[0003] An aim of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a driver safety module capable of providing effective protection for the driver, even if the vehicle steering wheel occupies, for example, a retracted or stowed position relative to a normal driving position usually occupied when the driver holds the vehicle steering wheel in his hands to drive the vehicle.

[0004] For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention relates to a driver safety module for protecting a driver of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle steering wheel that can move between a driving position in which the driver can grasp the vehicle steering wheel to drive the vehicle and a retracted or stowed position, the driver safety module comprising: - a safety cushion, inflatable and comprising at least one frontal portion, arranged to deploy from a rest position in which the vehicle steering wheel is arranged between the frontal portion and the driver of the vehicle, to a protection position located between the vehicle steering wheel and the driver of the vehicle, - a gas generator arranged to inflate the safety cushion, characterized in that the driver safety module comprises an adaptive device arranged to adjust or regulate or inflate or define an inflation volume of the frontal portion as a function of the driving position or the retracted or retracted position of the vehicle steering wheel.

[0005] According to the above implementation, the driver safety module comprises an adaptive device provided and arranged to adjust or regulate or inflate or define an inflation volume of the front portion as a function of the driving position or the retracted or stowed position of the vehicle steering wheel. Thus, the protection of the driver is guaranteed and ensured whether the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position or in the retracted or stowed position. More particularly, it can be provided that the adaptive device is provided and arranged to adjust or regulate or inflate or define: - a first state or configuration of the safety cushion if the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position - a second state or a second configuration of the airbag if the vehicle steering wheel occupies the retracted or stowed position. It may be provided that when the vehicle steering wheel occupies the retracted or stowed position, the adaptive device is provided to configure the airbag so as to fill or occupy or compensate for a volume or space left free by the vehicle steering wheel.

[0006] In other words, the invention may relate to a driver safety module for protecting a driver of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle steering wheel movable between a driving position in which the driver can grip the vehicle steering wheel to drive the vehicle and a retracted or stowed position, the safety module comprising: - an inflatable safety cushion comprising at least one front portion, arranged to deploy from a rest position in which the vehicle steering wheel is arranged between the front portion and the driver of the vehicle, to a protective position located between the vehicle steering wheel and the driver of the vehicle, - a gas generator arranged to inflate the safety cushion, characterized in that the driver safety module comprises an adaptive device arranged to impose: - a first inflation volume of the frontal portion when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position - a second inflation volume of the frontal portion, greater than the first inflation volume, when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position.

[0007] In other words, the invention may relate to a driver safety module for protecting a driver of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle steering wheel, the safety module comprising: - a safety cushion, inflatable and comprising at least one frontal portion, arranged to deploy from a rest position in which the vehicle steering wheel is arranged between the frontal portion and the driver of the vehicle, to a protection position located between the vehicle steering wheel and the driver of the vehicle, - a gas generator arranged to inflate the safety cushion, characterized in that the driver safety module comprises an adaptive device arranged to adjust or regulate an inflation volume of the frontal portion as a function of a position of the vehicle steering wheel.

[0008] The driver safety module may include the following features, taken individually or in combination.

[0009] According to one embodiment: - the front portion may comprise a main volume in fluid communication with the gas generator and a support volume separate from the main volume, - the adaptive device can be arranged: • to at least partially isolate the support volume from the main volume and / or from a fluid communication with the gas generator, or to inhibit inflation of the support volume when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, and / or • to establish fluid communication, or increase fluid communication between, the support volume and the main volume and / or the gas generator, or to allow inflation of the support volume when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position.

[0010] According to the above implementation, the front portion (the part of the safety cushion intended to receive and retain or cushion the driver) is segmented or compartmentalized or partitioned so that it can be deployed, and / or inflated, and / or positioned in a manner adapted to the position of the vehicle steering wheel. The adaptive device makes it possible to configure the front portion and its compartments according to the driving position or according to the retracted or stowed position.

[0011] In particular: - when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, only the main volume can be pressurized and / or put into fluid communication with the gas generator, - when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or retracted position, the main volume and the support volume can be pressurized and / or put into communication fluidic with the gas generator. In this second configuration the main volume and the support volume present or provide the front portion with a volume greater than that of the front portion when only the main volume is inflated / pressurized. In particular, when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position, the main volume and the support volume are pressurized and / or placed in fluid communication with the gas generator to occupy the volume or space left free by the vehicle steering wheel when it moves from the driving position to the retracted or stowed position.

[0012] According to one embodiment: - the front portion may comprise a main volume in fluid communication with the gas generator and a support volume separate from the main volume, - the adaptive device may be arranged to: • at least partially close or keep at least partially closed a gas passage between the support volume and the main volume or the gas generator when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, • open or leave free a gas passage between the support volume and the main volume or the gas generator when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or retracted position.

[0013] According to one embodiment, when the front portion is in the protection position: - the main volume can be arranged between the support volume (not necessarily inflated or deployed) and the vehicle driver, and / or - the support volume (not necessarily inflated or deployed) can be arranged between the main volume and the vehicle steering wheel in the driving position, or between the main volume and the vehicle steering wheel in the retracted or stowed position or between the main volume and a vehicle interior element such as a dashboard. In other words, the main volume is located opposite or in front of or in contact with the driver, and the support volume is arranged on the side of the steering wheel or in front of the driver in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the adaptive device may comprise a mechanical fuse, such as a fusible strap or a fusible seam, arranged to rupture when the vehicle steering wheel is in the stowed or retracted position. In other words, the mechanical fuse remains intact when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, and may rupture when the vehicle steering wheel is in the stowed or retracted position. Thus, when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, the mechanical fuse may retain or conform the airbag in a first position or configuration, and when the vehicle steering wheel is in the stowed or retracted position, the mechanical fuse may release or conform the airbag in a second position or configuration. However, the opposite can be provided: the mechanical fuse remains intact when the vehicle steering wheel is in the stowed or retracted position, and may rupture when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position. In any event, the mechanical fuse changes state upon deployment when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, or upon deployment when the vehicle steering wheel is in the stowed or retracted position.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the mechanical fuse can be arranged between two walls (or partitions) of the front portion and: - may impose or define for the frontal portion a first volume to be inflated before rupture and / or when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, - may impose or define on the frontal portion a second volume to be inflated greater than the first volume after rupture and / or when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the mechanical fuse may be arranged between an external front wall of the front portion and a rear wall of the front portion, the rear wall of the front portion being arranged to bear on the vehicle steering wheel when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the mechanical fuse can be arranged between: - an external front wall of the front portion, - a vent or a fusible portion provided between the main volume and the support volume.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the mechanical fuse can be arranged to break under the effect of inflation pressure of the safety cushion.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the adaptive device may comprise at least one pyrotechnic actuator arranged to be activated when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position or when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position. It may be noted that a system may be provided with a steering wheel position sensor for detecting the position of the vehicle steering wheel, and an electronic control unit arranged to receive information on the position of the vehicle steering wheel and to trigger the adaptive device.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the pyrotechnic actuator may be arranged to be activated when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position, so as to break the mechanical fuse.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the mechanical fuse can be arranged between: - an attachment point of the vehicle, such as an attachment point of the dashboard, - a vent or a fusible portion provided between the main volume and the support volume, and the pyrotechnic actuator is arranged to rupture the attachment point or mechanical fuse at the attachment point or between the attachment point and the vent or fusible portion.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the mechanical fuse may comprise or may be formed by a strap or a fusible seam or a tether or a leash or a rope.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the mechanical fuse may comprise a zone of weakness such as a notch or a rupture initiation.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the safety cushion may comprise a vent.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the vent may be arranged to vent an area of ​​the airbag that inflates last. Inflation gases can only escape through the vent when the airbag is fully deployed.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the airbag may comprise at least one gas path progressively followed by the inflation gases during deployment of the airbag, and the vent may be arranged in an end region of the gas path. The inflation gases can only escape through the vent when the airbag is fully deployed.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the vent can be arranged to vent the inflation gases: - from the front portion in the protective position, and / or - towards the vehicle steering wheel or towards the dashboard.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the vent can be arranged to: - present or form a first venting surface towards the outside when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, and - present or form a second venting surface towards the outside when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position, and the second venting surface is less than the first venting surface. In other words, the venting or the amount of inflation gas allowed to exit the airbag is reduced when the support volume is to be inflated.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the safety cushion may comprise: - a main vent arranged on a wall of the main volume, and in which the support volume is arranged to obstruct, cover, limit at least partially the main vent at least when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position, - preferably a secondary vent, closed or obstructed when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, and open when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position. According to this implementation, the airbag comprises two vents, each designed to operate in a particular scenario, to clearly separate the venting function.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the main vent can be left free or open when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, and the secondary vent has a venting surface area smaller than a venting surface area of ​​the main vent.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the safety cushion may comprise at least one vent, only on one wall of the support volume, and in which said at least one vent has: - a first ventilation surface when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, - a second ventilation surface when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position, and wherein the first venting surface is greater than the second venting surface.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the driver safety module may comprise a ventilation control member arranged to adjust or regulate a ventilation surface, depending on the driving position or the retracted or retracted position of the vehicle steering wheel.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the venting control member can be connected or controlled by the fusible link.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the venting control member can be connected or controlled by a pyrotechnic actuator. Description of the figures

[0035] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0036] [Fig-1] represents a passenger compartment equipped with a vehicle steering wheel in a position of driving and a driver safety module according to the invention comprising a safety cushion and a gas generator, seen from a driver of the vehicle;

[0037] [Fig.2] represents a side view of the driver safety module of [Fig.l] according to a first variant, when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position and before inflation of the safety cushion by the gas generator;

[0038] [Fig.3] represents the side view of [Fig.2] after inflation of the safety cushion by the gas generator and when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position;

[0039] [Fig.4] represents the side view of [Fig.2] after inflation of the safety bag by the gas generator and when the vehicle steering wheel is in a retracted or stowed position;

[0040] [Fig.5] represents a schematic side view of a driver safety module of [Fig.l] according to a second variant, and after inflation of the safety cushion by the gas generator when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position;

[0041] [Fig.6] represents a schematic side view of the driver safety module of [Fig.5] according to the second variant, and after inflation of the safety cushion by the gas generator when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position;

[0042] [Fig.7] represents a schematic side view of a driver safety module of [Fig.l] according to a third variant, and after inflation of the safety cushion by the gas generator when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position;

[0043] [Fig.8] represents a schematic side view of the driver safety module of [Fig.7] according to the third variant, and after inflation of the safety cushion by the gas generator when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position.

[0044] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0045] [Fig.l] represents a passenger compartment equipped with a driver safety module 10 according to the invention comprising a safety cushion 20 and a gas generator 30, seen from a position occupied by a driver of the vehicle.

[0046] Generally speaking, the vehicle includes in particular: - a vehicle steering wheel 110 with a rim 112, spokes 113 and a hub 111, - a dashboard 120 with a central console 121, an upper dashboard part 122, an instrument cluster 123, - a 130 windshield, - a 140 driver's seat, - a 150 driver's door.

[0047] The vehicle may be designed to provide an autonomous driving mode, in which the driver does not need to hold the vehicle steering wheel 110. It may then be provided that the vehicle steering wheel 110 can be retracted or retracted into a retracted or retracted position to free up space in the passenger compartment. In the retracted or retracted position, it may be provided to house all or part of the vehicle steering wheel 110 in the dashboard 120. In particular, the vehicle steering wheel 110 may be articulated, or mounted on a retractable or telescopic steering column, to retract in whole or in part. The instrument cluster 123 may also be designed to retract.

[0048] The driver safety module 10 of [Fig.l] is in a rest or storage state, i.e. the safety bag 20 is not deployed and the gas generator 30 (typically a pyrotechnic gas generator) has not been actuated. Accordingly, the safety bag 20 is housed in the cladding of the passenger compartment and is not visible, which is why the airbag 20 and the gas generator 30 are shown in dotted lines.

[0049] The driver safety module 10 according to the invention is housed in the dashboard 120 between the steering wheel 110 and the windshield 130, that is to say in front of the steering wheel in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle.

[0050] In particular, in this particular and non-limiting example, the safety cushion 20 comprises a front portion 21 and two inflatable lateral portions 22 arranged on either side of the front portion 21, in the transverse direction (y) of the vehicle.

[0051] In this particular and non-limiting example, the front portion 21 contains or houses the gas generator 30, but other arrangements can be provided, for example with the gas generator 30 housed in another location.

[0052] It may be noted that in this particular and non-limiting example, each optional lateral inflatable portion 22 is joined at a first end to the front portion 21, and then extends on one side of the vehicle steering wheel 110 on the side in the transverse direction (y) of the vehicle and downwards in the vertical direction (z) of the vehicle. Each lateral inflatable portion 22 therefore comprises a second end 221 arranged in the lower part of a return of the dashboard 120. It can be considered that each second end 221 is arranged, in the vertical direction (z) of the vehicle, under a point of interaction between an axis of rotation of the vehicle steering wheel 110 and a plane of the rim 112. It can also be considered that each second end 221 is arranged, in the vertical direction (z) of the vehicle, under the rim 112. It can also be considered that each second end 221 is arranged, in the vertical direction (z) of the vehicle, under the hub 111.These characteristics are not limiting.

[0053] To house the driver safety module 10 in the dashboard 120, it is possible to provide in this particular and non-limiting example an elongated groove or an elongated housing, having a general shape of an inverted U which surrounds the vehicle steering wheel 110, as shown in [Fig. 1]. It is possible to provide in this particular and non-limiting example an external cover, a flexible wall, a decorative membrane designed to open, tear, break at the very start of deployment of the safety cushion 20.

[0054] The safety cushion 20, in this particular and non-limiting example, can be housed in an external envelope to force it to remain in the housing of the dashboard 120. A flexible envelope such as a sock, a flexible envelope or a portion of a flexible envelope attached to a housing or a portion of a housing can be provided... The envelope can be thermoformable, heat-shrinkable and / or heat-sealable.

[0055] The safety cushion 20, in this particular and non-limiting example, can be folded and / or compressed and / or rolled on itself; both the inflatable side portions 22 and the front portion 21. Rolling over more than one turn may be provided, in a single winding direction or in two opposite winding directions. One may also provide a folded or compressed part and another rolled part.

[0056] To attach the driver safety module 10 in this particular and non-limiting example, at least one of the systems below can be optionally provided: - the gas generator 30 comprises a central fixing interface (studs for example) for fixing the safety cushion 20 and the gas generator 30 on the dashboard 120 (or a portion of the chassis), - the safety cushion 20 or its envelope comprises fixing portions (holes, staples, staples, etc.) intended to engage with docking shapes provided along the housing of the dashboard 120. These fixings may be fusible for some of them or for all of them, in order to be freed from the dashboard 120.

[0057] Regarding the attachment of the driver safety module 10 to the vehicle, it may be noted in particular that the second ends 221 or any other intermediate part of the inflatable lateral portions 22 may, if necessary, be attached specifically to the vehicle (an attachment point of the dashboard 120 or of the chassis of the vehicle), to provide a deployment and a particular deployment kinematics of the front portion 21.

[0058] In addition and as seen above, it can be noted that the vehicle steering wheel 110 can occupy either: - a driving position to be held by the driver to drive the vehicle, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7, - a retracted or stowed position to free up space for the driver and their comfort during autonomous driving mode of the vehicle, as shown in Figures 4, 6 and 8. Thus, it is proposed to provide a possibility of adapting the behavior of the driver safety module 10 to offer appropriate protection to the driver of the vehicle regardless of the position of the vehicle steering wheel. In particular, a first behavior of the driver safety module 10 is proposed if the vehicle steering wheel 110 is in the driving position as shown in [Fig. 3], 5 or 7, and a second behavior of the driver safety module 10 is proposed if the vehicle steering wheel 110 is in the retracted or stowed position as shown in [Fig. 4], 6 or 8.

[0059] [Fig.2] therefore represents in this particular and non-limiting example a side view of the driver safety module 10 of [Fig.1] according to a first variant, and before inflation of the safety cushion 20 by the gas generator 30. In this side view, it can be noted that a driver 200 is seated on the driver's seat 140, and is holding the vehicle steering wheel 110 which is in the driving position. A reference point 250 can be defined at the intersection of a steering column axis 115 and a plane of the rim 112. The instrument cluster 123 is located on the upper part 122 of the dashboard 120, in the field of vision of the driver 200.

[0060] In this particular and non-limiting example, in front of the vehicle steering wheel 110, that is to say between the vehicle steering wheel 110 and the windshield 130 in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle, the gas generator 30 and the front portion 21 of the safety cushion 20 are arranged in a housing of the dashboard 120. The left lateral inflatable portion 22 extends from a first end linked to the front portion 21 located above the reference point 250 along the vertical axis z to its second end 221 located below the reference point 250 still along the vertical axis z. It can also be noted that according to this embodiment, the second end 221 is located below the vehicle steering wheel 110 along the vertical axis z.

[0061] The left side inflatable portion 22 is housed in the dashboard 120, and more particularly in a return of the dashboard or the vertical part of the dashboard which faces the driver 200. It is possible to provide for housing the side inflatable portion 22 just under the surface of the dashboard 120 or deeper.

[0062] [Fig. 3] shows the side view of [Fig. 2] after inflation of the safety bag 20 by the gas generator 30 with the vehicle steering wheel in the driving position. The safety bag 20 is removed from its housing in the dashboard 120, and: - the front portion 21, comprising a main volume 21A and a support volume 21B, is passed over the instrument cluster 123 and over the vehicle steering wheel 110, to be in a protective position, between the vehicle steering wheel 110 and the driver 200, - the main volume 21A is inflated and rests on the vehicle steering wheel 110, the support volume 21B (folded or not inflated) being interposed between the vehicle steering wheel 110 and the main volume 21A, - the left side inflatable portion 22 is arranged on the left side of the vehicle steering wheel 110, and is located between the dashboard 120 and the front portion 21.

[0063] The following points can be noted: - the vehicle steering wheel 110 is in the driving position, so that only the main volume 21A of the front portion 21 is inflated and / or pressurized, the support volume 21B remains folded and / or is not inflated: it is not in fluid communication with the inflation gases and / or with the gas generator 30, - the front portion 21 (the inflated main volume 21A and / or the non-inflated support volume 21B) can bear directly on the vehicle steering wheel 110 to retain / cushion the driver 200 in the event of an impact, - the protection position of the front portion 21 (in particular the portion of the safety cushion 20 directly facing the driver 200), and more generally the deployed position of the safety cushion 20 after inflation, is independent of the position of the vehicle steering wheel 110, - the deployment of the safety cushion 20 and its kinematics and / or its trajectory may be a function of the initial folding or rolling of the safety cushion 20, - the lateral inflatable portion 22 is adjacent to the front portion 21 and may optionally also participate in the deployment and / or the kinematics and / or in imposing the trajectory of the front portion 21, - the lateral inflatable portion 22 can optionally be attached to the dashboard 120 or to the vehicle (in particular on the left part of the lateral inflatable portion 22 in [Fig. 3], or at its end 221) to actively retain the front portion 21 during or at the end of deployment, - the lateral inflatable portion 22 can optionally comprise several lateral compartments (two, in this example).

[0064] [Fig.4] shows the side view of [Fig.2] after inflation of the airbag 20 by the gas generator 30 with the vehicle steering wheel in the retracted or stowed position. During an autonomous driving mode, the vehicle steering wheel can be released by the driver and is no longer used. It is proposed here to stow it or retract it against the dashboard 120. In this particular non-limiting example, the vehicle steering wheel 110 has been moved towards the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction x, until it touches the dashboard 120. It is of course possible to provide other types of movements (tilting, partial movement, folding, etc.) or other final stowage positions (in the dashboard, detach all or part of the vehicle steering wheel, etc.).

[0065] In any event, in [Fig.4], the safety cushion 20 has come out of its housing in the dashboard 120, and: - the front portion 21, comprising a main volume 21A and a support volume 21B, is passed over the instrument cluster 123 and over the space left free by the vehicle steering wheel 110, to be in a protective position, between the vehicle steering wheel 110 (or the dashboard 120) and the driver 200, - the main volume 21A and the support volume 21B are inflated and rest on the vehicle steering wheel 110 and / or on the dashboard 120 and / or on the instrument panel instrument 123, the support volume 21B (unfolded and inflated or pressurized) being interposed between the vehicle steering wheel 110 and / or on the dashboard 120 and / or on the instrument cluster 123 and the main volume 21 A, - the left side inflatable portion 22 is again arranged on the left side of the vehicle steering wheel 110, and is located between the dashboard 120 and the front portion 21.

[0066] The following points can be noted: - the vehicle steering wheel 110 is in the retracted or retracted position, so that the main volume 21A and the support volume 21B are inflated and / or pressurized, the support volume 21B compensating for or taking up the space left free by the withdrawal of the vehicle steering wheel 110: the support volume 21B is in fluid communication with the inflation gases and / or with the gas generator 30, - the front portion 21 (the inflated main volume 21A and / or the inflated support volume 21B) can bear directly on the vehicle steering wheel 110 or the dashboard 120 to retain / cushion the driver 200 in the event of an impact, - the protection position of the front portion 21 (in particular the portion of the safety cushion 20 directly facing the driver 200), and more generally the deployed position of the safety cushion 20 after inflation, is independent of the position of the vehicle steering wheel 110, - the deployment of the safety cushion 20 and its kinematics and / or its trajectory may be a function of the initial folding or rolling of the safety cushion 20, - the lateral inflatable portion 22 is adjacent to the front portion 21 and can also participate in the deployment and / or the kinematics and / or in imposing the trajectory of the front portion 21, - the lateral inflatable portion 22 can optionally be attached to the dashboard 120 or to the vehicle (in particular on the left part of the lateral inflatable portion 22 in [Fig. 3], or at its end 221) to actively retain the front portion 21 during or at the end of deployment, - the lateral inflatable portion 22 may optionally be in contact with the dashboard 120 once the safety cushion 20 is deployed, to provide support to the front portion 21 and participate in restraining the driver 200, in particular if the vehicle steering wheel 110 is retracted or retracted into the dashboard 120, - the lateral inflatable portion 22 may comprise several lateral compartments (two, in this example).

[0067] In order to provide this deployment adaptability to the safety cushion 20, the driver safety module 10 may comprise an adaptive device arranged to adjust an inflation volume of the front portion 21 as a function of the driving position or the retracted or stowed position of the vehicle steering wheel.

[0068] [Fig.5] represents a schematic side view of a driver safety module of [Fig.l] according to a second variant, and after inflation of the safety cushion 20 by the gas generator 30 when the vehicle steering wheel 110 is in the driving position.

[0069] As seen above, the safety cushion 20, initially housed in a housing 122A of the upper part 122 of the dashboard 120 with the gas generator 30, has deployed between the windshield 130 and the driver 200 to occupy the protective position shown.

[0070] The inflatable lateral portion 22 is deployed between the dashboard 120 (contacted at a contact point PC) and the front portion 21.

[0071] More particularly, as the vehicle steering wheel 110 is in the driving position, the main volume 21A is inflated / pressurized, and the support volume 21B, isolated from the inflation gases and / or the gas generator 30, is not inflated or pressurized. Indeed, the driver safety module 10 comprises in this particular and non-limiting example an adaptive device with a fusible link comprising in particular a strap 41 and a pyrotechnic device 42 (for example a pyrotechnic igniter or a micro gas generator coupled for example to a cutting knife to cut the strap 41, or coupled to the attachment point to be able to break it) forming or participating in an attachment point of a first end of the strap 41 to the dashboard 120.

[0072] A second end of the strap 41 is connected to a gas passage between the support volume 21B and the main volume 21A, or simply to the support volume 21B.

[0073] In the configuration of [Fig.5], the strap 41 is integral and connected to the dashboard 120 so that in the deployed safety cushion, the strap 41 is taut and maintains the gas passage between the support volume 21B and the main volume 21A closed, or the support volume 21B folded. As a result, the inflation gases cannot deploy or inflate the support volume 21B, so that only the main volume 21A is actually inflated / pressurized and actively participates in restraining the driver, and can rest on the vehicle steering wheel 110 (via the uninflated support volume 21B).

[0074] A main vent may be provided in the main volume 21A to limit the pressure during operation of the driver safety module 10, and in particular during a driver restraint phase. Such a vent may be provided to release inflation gases towards the vehicle steering wheel 110 or towards the dashboard 120.

[0075] [Fig.6] represents a schematic side view of the driver safety module of [Fig.5] according to the second variant, and after inflation of the safety cushion by the gas generator when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position.

[0076] As in the case described [Fig.5], the safety cushion 20, initially housed in a housing 122A of the upper part 122 of the dashboard 120 with the gas generator 30, has deployed between the windshield 130 and the driver 200 to occupy the protection position shown.

[0077] The inflatable lateral portion 22 is deployed between the dashboard 120 (contacted at a contact point PC) and the front portion 21.

[0078] However, as the vehicle steering wheel 110 is in the retracted or stowed position, the main volume 21A is inflated / pressurized, and the support volume 21B is communicated with the inflation gases and / or the gas generator 30 and is in an inflated and pressurized state.

[0079] Indeed, following the detection of the retracted or stowed position of the vehicle steering wheel 110 (by sensor or electrical switch for example), the pyrotechnic device 42 has been activated to break the fusible link formed by the strap 41. Consequently, and as shown in [Fig.6], the first end of the strap 41 is cut or released, the strap 41 is therefore released and its second end no longer restricts / retains the passage of gas between the main volume 21A and the support volume 21B, or no longer retains the support volume 21B in its folded configuration. The inflation gases can therefore penetrate into the support volume 21B and deploy or inflate it. Instead of actively cutting the strap 41 with a pyrotechnic device, weak areas can be provided on the strap 41 so that it breaks itself under the effect of the internal pressure of the main volume 21A which is not supported by the vehicle steering wheel 110 in the configuration of [Fig.6]. It is also possible to arrange the pyrotechnic device 42 in another location.

[0080] By inflating, the support volume 21B takes or occupies the space left free by the vehicle steering wheel 110 moved from the driving position of [Fig.5] to the retracted position of [Fig.6], and can support the main volume 21A when the driver is restrained. It can be noted that the inflatable lateral portion 22 can rest on the dashboard 120 and can optionally also participate in supporting the front portion 21.

[0081] A secondary vent may be provided in the support volume 21B to limit the pressure during operation of the driver safety module 10, and in particular during a driver restraint phase. Such a vent may be provided to release inflation gases towards the vehicle steering wheel 110 or towards the dashboard 120. If a main vent is already provided in the main volume 21A, then the latter may remain functional or may be partially or totally obstructed by the support volume 21B once the latter is inflated. Thus, the venting of the bag may be adjusted simply, depending on whether the support volume 21B is deployed or not. Typically, a venting section of the bag when the support volume 21B is deployed will be lower than when the support volume 21B is not deployed.

[0082] [Fig.7] shows a schematic side view of a driver safety module of [Fig.l] according to a third variant, and after inflation of the safety cushion by the gas generator when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position. This third variant is similar to the second variant, and only the adaptive device is notably different.

[0083] As in the second variant of [Fig.5], the safety cushion 20, initially housed in a housing 122A of the upper part 122 of the dashboard 120 with the gas generator 30, is deployed between the windshield 130 and the driver 200 to occupy the protection position shown.

[0084] The inflatable lateral portion 22 is deployed between the dashboard 120 (contacted at a contact point PC) and the front portion 21.

[0085] More particularly, as the vehicle steering wheel 110 is in the driving position, the main volume 21A is inflated / pressurized, and the support volume 21B, isolated from the inflation gases and / or the gas generator 30, is not inflated or pressurized. To enable this configuration, the driver safety module 10 comprises in this particular and non-limiting example an adaptive device comprising a strap 41 forming a link between a rear external partition (the partition directly facing the driver) and a partition separating the main volume 21A and the support volume 21B. The strap 41 may be provided to keep a gas passage closed between the main volume 21A and the support volume 21B, or to keep the support volume 21B folded.

[0086] With the vehicle steering wheel 110 in the driving position in [Fig.7], the main volume 21A is supported by the vehicle steering wheel 110 and the strap 41 can withstand the internal pressure of the main volume 21A, i.e. the tensile force generated by the spacing imposed by the internal pressure between the two partitions of the main volume 21A. Thus, the adaptive device forces the support volume 21B to remain in the folded or non-inflated configuration.

[0087] [Fig. 8] represents a schematic side view of the driver safety module of [Fig. 7] according to the third variant, and after inflation of the safety cushion by the gas generator when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position. In this configuration, in comparison with [Fig. 7], the main volume 21A is no longer supported by the vehicle steering wheel 110, so that the tensile force generated by the spacing imposed by the internal pressure between the two partitions of the main volume 21A exceeds the resistance of the strap 4L. The strap 41 breaks and allows the support volume 21B to inflate, putting it in fluid communication with inflation gases and / or gas generator 30.

[0088] In detail, the broken strap 41 can allow a gas passage to open towards the support volume 21 B, or can more generally release an unfolding or deployment of the support volume 21B.

[0089] Generally speaking, it is possible to provide for not adapting the operation of the gas generator 30 as a function of the position of the vehicle steering wheel 110. In particular, the operation of the gas generator 30 may be strictly identical when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position and when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position.

[0090] Generally, it is possible to provide for the release of inflation gases towards the outside of the safety cushion 20. It is possible to provide for adapting this release according to the position of the vehicle steering wheel (first release of gas when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position, and second release of gas when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position). The first release of gas when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position may be greater than the second release of gas when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position.

[0091] Generally, it is possible to provide a release of gas from the main volume 21A, and / or from the support volume 21B. In particular, it is possible to provide for the gases to be released only from the main volume 21A when the vehicle steering wheel is in the driving position. In particular, it is possible to provide for the gases to be released only from the support volume 21B when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position. In particular, it is possible to provide for blocking or reducing a vent or a gas passage to release the inflation gases to the outside from the main volume 21A when the vehicle steering wheel is in the retracted or stowed position. Industrial application

[0092] A driver safety module according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0093] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0094] In particular, it can be noted that the safety cushion can be free of an inflatable lateral portion 22: it can be provided to have only a frontal portion 21.

[0095] The front portion 21 can be directly attached or connected to the dashboard or to an attachment point to impose a deployment kinematics during which at least a part of the front portion passes over the vehicle steering wheel (or at least the space occupied by the vehicle steering wheel when it is in the position of driving) and then deploys downwards.

[0096] To allow the support volume 21B to inflate when the vehicle steering wheel 110 is in the retracted or stowed position, provision may be made to open a gas passage between the main volume 21A and the support volume 21B, but provision may be made to open a gas passage between the support volume 21B and another part of the airbag or a direct channel to the gas generator 30.

Claims

Claims

1. Driver safety module (10) for protecting a driver (200) of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle steering wheel (110) movable between a driving position in which the driver (200) can grip the vehicle steering wheel (110) to drive the vehicle and a retracted or stowed position, the driver safety module (10) comprising: - a safety bag (20), inflatable and comprising at least one front portion (21), arranged to deploy from a rest position in which the vehicle steering wheel (110) is arranged between the front portion (21) and the driver (200) of the vehicle, to a protection position located between the vehicle steering wheel (110) and the driver (200) of the vehicle, - a gas generator (30) arranged to inflate the safety bag (20),characterized in that the driver safety module (10) comprises an adaptive device arranged to adjust an inflation volume of the front portion (21) as a function of the driving position or the retracted or retracted position of the vehicle steering wheel (110).,

2. Driver safety module (10) according to claim 1, wherein: - the front portion (21) comprises a main volume (21 A) in fluid communication with the gas generator (30) and a support volume (21B) separate from the main volume (21A), - the adaptive device is arranged: • to at least partially isolate the support volume (21B) from the main volume (21 A) and / or from fluid communication with the gas generator (30), or inhibit inflation of the support volume (21B) when the vehicle steering wheel (110) is in the driving position, and / or • to put in fluid communication, or increase fluid communication between, the support volume (21B) and the main volume (21A) and / or the gas generator (30), or allow inflation of the support volume (21B) when the vehicle steering wheel (110) is in the retracted or stowed position.

3. Driver safety module (10) according to claim 1, wherein: - the front portion (21) comprises a main volume (21 A) in fluid communication with the gas generator (30) and a support volume (21B) separate from the main volume (21A), - the adaptive device is arranged to: • at least partially close or keep at least partially closed a gas passage between the support volume (21B) and the main volume (21 A) or the gas generator (30) when the vehicle steering wheel (110) is in the driving position, • open or leave free a gas passage between the support volume (21B) and the main volume (21A) or the gas generator (30) when the vehicle steering wheel (110) is in the retracted or retracted position.

4. Driver safety module (10) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein when the front portion (21) is in the protection position: - the main volume (21A) is arranged between the support volume (21B) and the driver (200) of the vehicle, and / or - the support volume (21B) is arranged between the main volume (21A) and the vehicle steering wheel (110) in the driving position, or between the main volume (21A) and the vehicle steering wheel (110) in the retracted or stowed position or between the main volume (21A) and a passenger compartment element of the vehicle such as a dashboard.

5. A driver safety module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the adaptive device comprises a mechanical fuse, such as a fusible strap (41) or a fusible seam, arranged to break when the vehicle steering wheel (110) is in the retracted or stowed position.

6. Driver safety module (10) according to claim 5, wherein the mechanical fuse is arranged between two walls of the front portion (21) and: - imposes or defines on the front portion (21) a first volume to be inflated before rupture and / or when the vehicle steering wheel (110) is in the driving position, - imposes or defines on the front portion (21) a second volume to be inflated greater than the first volume after rupture and / or when the vehicle steering wheel (110) is in the retracted or retracted position.

7. Driver safety module (10) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the mechanical fuse is arranged between an external front wall of the front portion (21) and a rear wall of the front portion (21), the rear wall of the front portion (21) being arranged to bear on the vehicle steering wheel (110) when the vehicle steering wheel (110) is in the driving position.

8. Driver safety module (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7 and according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the mechanical fuse is arranged between: - an external front wall of the front portion (21), - a vent or a fusible portion arranged between the main volume (21 A) and the support volume (21 B).

9. Driver safety module (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the mechanical fuse is arranged to break under the effect of inflation pressure of the safety bag (20).

10. Driver safety module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the adaptive device comprises at least one pyrotechnic actuator (42) arranged to be activated when the vehicle steering wheel (110) is in the driving position or when the vehicle steering wheel (110) is in the retracted or stowed position.

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