Safety Structure

Abstract

An airbag for installation in the seat surface of a vehicle seat, the airbag comprising: a front edge, a rear edge, and a first and second side edge, respectively; an opening or notch area at or near the rear edge; an upper layer and an opposite bottom layer; and a folding structure formed between the upper layer and the bottom layer on each side of the airbag, the folding structure including the length of fabric extending between the side edges of the upper layer and the bottom layer.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a safety invention, and more particularly to a pelvic restraint cushion.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide pelvic restraint in a vehicle such as an automobile. Existing pelvic restraint cushions are disposed within the seating surface of a vehicle seat such as a driver's seat or a passenger seat. In the case of a collision such as a frontal collision, the cushion inflates. Before inflation, the cushion is provided in a substantially flat shape. Following inflation, the cushion expands to have a greater thickness over all or substantially all of the area of the seat surface. However, the increase in thickness is greater at the front of the seating surface (i.e., farthest from the seat back) and smaller at the rear of the seating surface.

[0003] The inflation of the pelvic restraint cushion provides advantages in protecting the occupant.

[0004] First, the seat occupant is lifted substantially upward relative to the seat, and thus engages more firmly with the seat belt and other parts of the seat structure. This helps to ensure that the occupant is effectively restrained by the seat belt during a collision.

[0005] Furthermore, during a frontal collision, the occupant may be thrown forward relative to the vehicle and slide under the seat belt into the area of the footwell of the automobile. This phenomenon is known as the "submarine phenomenon" and can cause serious injuries.

[0006] By expanding to a greater additional thickness near the front of the seat surface compared to the area at the rear of the seat surface, the pelvic restraint cushion tends to expand into a substantially wedge-shaped configuration and thus prevent the seat occupant from experiencing the submarine phenomenon.

[0007] Under the forces associated with a frontal or rear-end collision, this shape of the pelvic restraint cushion also helps prevent compression of the lumbar region and related injuries resulting from the forces acting on the seat occupant. [Overview of the project]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved pelvic restraint cushion of the type described above.

[0009] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides the safety device described in claim 1.

[0010] Preferred features of the present invention are described in the dependent claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] To make the present invention easier to understand, embodiments thereof will be described here with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a known pelvic restraint cushion. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a first example of a pelvic restraint cushion embodying the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cushion shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cushion shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a further example of a pelvic restraint cushion that embodies the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a further example of a pelvic restraint cushion embodying the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a further example of a pelvic restraint cushion that embodies the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a further example of a pelvic restraint cushion that embodies the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a further example of a pelvic restraint cushion that embodies the present invention. [Figure 10]Figure 10 shows the steps in a method for manufacturing a pelvic restraint cushion that embodies the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the steps in a method for manufacturing a pelvic restraint cushion that embodies the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the steps in a method for manufacturing a pelvic restraint cushion that embodies the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the steps in a method for manufacturing a pelvic restraint cushion that embodies the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] In some vehicles, vents are formed in the seat surface to allow air circulation and improve cooling when the seat is warm. These vents are generally positioned towards the rear of the seat surface and are centered on both sides of the seat surface.

[0013] To address this, the pelvic restraint cushion for this type of seat is formed to include an opening or notch area that is roughly aligned with the vent when in use, preventing the cushion from blocking the air passing through the vent.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a known pelvic restraint cushion 1 of this type, positioned in a predetermined location on the seat surface 2, viewed from almost directly above. As described above, the ventilation opening 3 is positioned towards the rear part 4 of the seat surface 2 and formed within the seat surface 2.

[0015] The cushion 1 is fixed to a part of the seat frame near the rear portion of the seat surface 2 at spaced-apart fixing points 5 located on both sides of the seat surface 2.

[0016] Cushion 1 has first and second connection regions 6 extending forward from a fixed point 5. The connection regions 6 extend on both sides of the vent 3 and do not form any obstructions, layers, or obstacles directly above the vent 3. As seen in FIG. 1, the cushion 1 includes an opening or notch region 7 aligned with the vent 3 between the connection regions 6.

[0017] The cushion also includes a main region 8 located in front of the two connection regions 6 to which the two connection regions 6 are integrally attached. Overall, the main region 8 and the connection regions 6 together form a substantially U-shaped airbag.

[0018] In the case of a collision or accident where inflation of the pelvic restraint cushion 1 is required, pressurized gas is introduced from an inflator (not shown) into the interior of the cushion. The inflator may be pyrotechnic or may take any other suitable form. In known configurations, the inflator is disposed below the main region 8 of the cushion 1 and the gas is introduced into the interior of the cushion 1 through an aperture formed on the lower side of the main region 8.

[0019] In the case of a pelvic restraint cushion of the type shown in FIG. 1, it has been found to be difficult to form the cushion to inflate to a thickness sufficient to protect the seat occupant as described above. The formation of the two spaced connection regions 6 reduces the overall volume of the rear region of the cushion 1 and thus limits the thickness to which the cushion 1 can expand in the vertical direction (i.e., a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat surface).

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of an airbag 9 according to the present invention.

[0021] Similar to the known airbag 1 shown in Figure 1, the airbag 9 in Figure 2 has two connecting regions 6 extending forward from their respective rear fixing points 5. An opening region or notch region 7 is formed between the two connecting regions 6. Towards the front of the airbag 9, there is a main region 8 that extends across the entire width of the airbag 9. The main region 8 and the connecting regions are preferably formed together to form a single airbag having a single continuous internal space.

[0022] The airbag 9 has a front edge portion 10 that is located at the very front when in use, that is, it overlaps with or is located within the area of ​​the front edge of the seat surface where the airbag 9 is installed.

[0023] The airbag 9 also has a left edge 11 and a right edge 12, which are located close to the left and right sides of the seat surface where the airbag 9 is installed when in use.

[0024] In Figure 2, the first line marked "A" extends across the main area 8 of the airbag 9. The second line indicated by "B" extends across the two connection areas 6 of the airbag 9.

[0025] Cross-sectional views of the airbag 9, cut at the positions of the first line A and the second line B, are shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively.

[0026] First, referring to Figure 3, at the position of the first line, the airbag 9 has a continuous bottom surface 13 formed from a single fabric region. The bottom surface 13 extends to the left edge 11 and the right edge 12 of the airbag 9.

[0027] At each of the left edge portion 11 and the right edge portion 12, the fabric of the airbag 9 extends inward to the inward folding portion 14, and then extends outward again to reach the first edge portion 11 and the second edge portion 12, respectively.

[0028] More specifically, from each side edge of the bottom surface 13, the fabric of the airbag 9 is folded inward at the first edge fold portion 24, and the first inner layer 25 extends inward to the inner fold portion 14. The second inner layer 26 extends outward from the inner fold portion 14 to the second edge fold portion 27, where it joins with the upper layer 16. The first edge fold portion 25 and the second edge fold portion 26 are preferably aligned with each other or substantially aligned at the edges 11 and 12 of the airbag 9.

[0029] Therefore, each side of the airbag 9 has a foldable portion or pleat 20 that extends into the airbag 9 at a distance of 15 from the side edges 11 and 12.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, at any point along the length of the airbag 9 (i.e., in the direction extending from the rear of the airbag 9 toward its leading edge 10), the distance 15 is the same on both the left and right sides. However, this is not mandatory.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the upper surface 16 of the airbag 9 is formed from two fabric regions: the first fabric region 16A extends inward from the left edge 11, and the second fabric region 16B extends inward from the right edge 12. The two regions 16A and 16B contact and overlap each other in a region close to the center of the width of the airbag 9 and are connected to each other by a central seam 17.

[0032] Overall, as can be seen from the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3, the main area 8 of the airbag 9 can be formed from a single piece of fabric having opposing edges, which is folded to form two pleats and has two edges joined to each other at a central seam 17.

[0033] Referring to Figure 4, at the position of the second line B, the cross section of the airbag 9 includes two separate sections, namely the left connection region 6 and the right connection region 6. The opening region or notch region 7 is located between these two connection regions 6. Each connection region 6 includes a bottom layer 18 extending from the inner edge 19 of the connection region 6 toward the left edge 11 or the right edge 12. At the edges 11, 12, the fabric is folded inward in the same manner as described above with respect to Figure 3 to form a fold or pleat 20. Each fold or pleat 20 extends inward by a distance 21 from the respective edges 11, 12 of the airbag 9.

[0034] The upper layer 22 of each connection region 6 extends from the left edge 11 or the right edge 12 to the inner edge 19.

[0035] At the inner edge 19, the bottom layer 18 and the upper layer 22 are joined to each other by a connecting seam 23.

[0036] Returning to Figure 2, the airbag 9 also includes a front seam 28 formed across the leading edge 10, which secures all the layers of the airbag 9 together. The front seam 28 preferably provides an airtight or substantially airtight joint between the layers of the airbag 9.

[0037] The airbag 9 also includes a rear seam 29 that extends across the rearmost part of each connection area 6 and again joins all the layers of the airbag 9 together. The rear seam 29 also preferably forms an airtight or substantially airtight seal between the layers.

[0038] Overall, those skilled in the art will understand that the airbag 9 has an inflatable internal region defined between the upper layers 16, 22 and the bottom layers 13, 18, and is secured by front seams 28 and rear seams 29 and connecting seams 23. At the edges 11, 12 of the airbag 9, the fabric of the airbag 9 is folded to form a fold or pleat 20, and thus the airbag 9 is sealed at its edges 11, 12.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the fabric of the airbag 9 is not completely airtight, allowing gas to escape through it at a certain speed. Like many other types of airbags, this means that after inflation, the airbag deflates relatively quickly, typically within a few seconds.

[0040] Figure 2 also shows dashed lines 30 indicating the positions of the inner folded portions 14 of the folded portions or pleats 20 formed on each side of the airbag 9.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, in this example, there is a first distance between the inner fold portion 14 and the respective edges 11 and 12 of the airbag 9 near the rear of each connection region 6, and a second, larger distance near the front edge 10 of the main region 8. In other words, the depth of the fold portion or pleat 20 is greater near the front 10 of the main region 8 than at the rear of each connection region 6.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, this distance increases at a constant rate from the rear of the airbag 9 toward its leading edge 10. However, this is not essential, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0043] In the event of a collision or other situation requiring the inflation of the airbag 9, pressurized gas is introduced into the airbag 9 from one or more suitable inflators (not shown). Figure 2 shows possible positions for the inflation aperture 31, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The introduction of pressurized gas results in the rapid inflation of the airbag 9.

[0044] When the airbag 9 inflates, the gas fills the internal space and drives the upper and bottom layers apart, significantly increasing the depth of the airbag 9. When this happens, the folds or pleats 20 on each side of the airbag 9 unfold, and the first internal layer 25 and the second internal layer 26 of each fold or pleat 20 form the sidewalls of the inflated airbag.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that the presence of folds or pleats 20 on each side of the airbag 9 significantly increases the depth of the inflated airbag 9 compared to a situation where these folds or pleats 20 are not provided. The additional fabric areas forming the first inner layer 25 and the second inner layer 26 allow for a significantly larger distance to be formed between the upper and bottom layers of the airbag 9 when it inflates.

[0046] Therefore, the presence of folds or pleats 20 on each side of the airbag 9 provides a significant advantage with respect to the depth of the inflated airbag. This advantage with respect to the protection of the seat occupant has been described above.

[0047] Furthermore, the increased depth of the fold or pleat 20, i.e., the distance between the inner fold 14 and the respective edges 11 and 12 of the airbag 9, increases the depth of the inflated airbag 9 near the front edge 10 compared to the depth at the rear end of the airbag 9. This helps to form a "wedge" shape for the inflated airbag, and the thickness of the airbag 9 increases towards the front edge 10. In this case as well, this provides a significant advantage in terms of protecting the seat occupant, as described above.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will understand that the airbags shown in Figures 2 to 4 are effective in protecting seat occupants in the event of a collision, particularly a frontal or rear-end collision.

[0049] As described above, in the example shown in Figure 2, the depth of the pleat or fold portion 20 increases uniformly and linearly from the rear end of the airbag 9 to its front edge 10. However, this is not essential.

[0050] In other embodiments, the increase in depth from the rear to the front edge 10 of the airbag 9 may not be consistent or linear.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment, in which the lines indicated by reference numeral 32 indicate the depth of the folds or pleats 20 on each side of the airbag 9. In this embodiment, the depth is minimum near the rear of the airbag 9, increases relatively gradually over a first portion of the length of the airbag 9 (closer to the rear of the airbag 9), and then increases more rapidly over a second portion of the length of the airbag 9 (closer to the front edge 10 of the airbag 9).

[0052] This embodiment may have advantages in that it can generate a wedge shape for the inflated airbag, resulting in a relatively abrupt increase in thickness near the leading edge of the airbag 9. This may have additional advantages in preventing the submarine effect of the seat occupant.

[0053] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment in which the lines indicated by reference numeral 33 again indicate the depth of the folds or pleats 20 on each side of the airbag 9. In this embodiment, the depth is the same or substantially the same along the entire length of the airbag 9.

[0054] This type of embodiment may be necessary when, due to other constraints arising from the seat configuration or through other manufacturer requirements, the depth of the inflated airbag should be more uniform over its length.

[0055] It should be understood that the embodiment shown in Figure 6 still offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of increasing the overall depth of the inflated airbag.

[0056] The above example includes a single fold or pleat on each side of the airbag, the depth of which is variable over the length of the airbag. However, in further embodiments, other techniques can be used to create the required depth for the inflated airbag.

[0057] Referring to Figure 7, another airbag embodying the present invention is shown. The first line indicated by reference numeral 34 indicates the depth of a first fold or pleat formed on each side of the airbag. Similar to the example shown in Figure 6, this first fold or pleat has the same or substantially the same depth along the length of the airbag.

[0058] The second line, indicated by reference numeral 35, indicates the depth of a second fold or pleat, which is formed only in the area closer to the leading edge of the airbag and not in the further area toward the rear of the airbag. This second fold or pleat is located above or below the first fold or pleat.

[0059] The cross-sectional view of the airbag along the line indicated by B in Figure 7 is similar to that shown in Figure 4. At this point in the length of the airbag (crossing the connection area 6), there is a single fold or pleat formed on each side of the airbag.

[0060] However, a cross-sectional view along the line A that crosses the main area 8 of the airbag is shown in Figure 8. Similar to the cross-sectional view in Figure 3, along line A, the airbag of Figure 7 has a bottom surface that extends to a first edge fold portion 24, from which a first inner layer 25 extends inward to a first inner fold portion 36. From the first inner fold portion 36, a second inner layer 26 extends outward to a second edge fold portion 27.

[0061] However, from this second edge fold portion 27, the third inner layer 37 extends inward to the second inner fold portion 38, and from there the fourth inner layer 39 extends outward to the third edge fold portion 40. The upper surface 16 of the airbag extends inward from the third edge fold portion 40. In this example, as described above, the upper surface 16 is formed from two layers joined together by a central seam 17.

[0062] As the airbag shown in Figure 7 inflates, the first to fourth internal layers 25, 26, 37, and 39 unfold to form the sidewalls of the airbag, causing the front region with two folds or pleats to expand and increase in depth. Therefore, by forming a second fold or pleat in the front region of the airbag or a region near it, the front of the airbag can have extra depth when inflated compared to the rear of the airbag.

[0063] Overall, in preferred embodiments, there are foldable structures formed on each side of the uninflated airbag. In any case, the airbag has an upper layer and a bottom layer, each having side edges. The foldable structure comprises a length of airbag fabric located between the side edges of the upper and bottom layers. When the airbag inflates, the length of the fabric of the foldable structure becomes the side wall of the airbag, allowing for a certain depth of the airbag.

[0064] The length of the fabric in each folded structure is preferably located between the upper and lower layers, i.e., within the overall footprint of the upper and lower layers.

[0065] The folding structure can take the form of a single pleat or fold, as in the examples shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6. Alternatively, the folding structure can take the form of two or more folds or pleats at at least several points along the length of the airbag, as shown in Figure 7. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any suitable configuration of the folding structure is possible.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the folding structure on each side of the airbag has a first length of fabric on the rear side of the airbag and a second, longer length of fabric on the front side of the airbag.

[0067] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the folding structure may extend only over a portion of the length of the airbag. An example of this is shown in Figure 9. In this figure, the lines indicated by reference numeral 41 indicate the depth of a single folding section or pleat formed on each side of the airbag. As can be seen from this figure, there is no folding structure over the first region 42 of the length of the airbag, closer to the rear of the airbag.

[0068] The folding structure begins at point 43 along the length of the airbag. From this point, the depth of the folding portion increases over a second region 44 that is closer to the leading edge 10 of the airbag than the first region 43. This folding portion has its maximum depth at or near the leading edge 10 of the airbag.

[0069] The airbags shown in all examples may be formed from a single piece of fabric, which is folded in an appropriate manner and then joined by seams to form an enclosed internal area. This is preferred, but not required, to minimize cost and weight, as well as the number of processing steps required to manufacture the airbag. In other examples, the airbag may be formed from two or more separate pieces of fabric joined to each other by any suitable method, such as sewing.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the connecting regions 6 are narrowest at their rear ends and widen as they extend forward toward the main region 8. However, this is not mandatory, and the connecting regions can take any suitable shape. In other examples, the connecting regions may have a width that is substantially constant along their length.

[0071] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, an alternative method for forming an airbag similar to the airbag 9 shown in Figures 2 to 4 is illustrated.

[0072] Referring to Figure 10, a first region 45 of the fabric is shown. This first region 45 covers a second, generally identical, region of the fabric.

[0073] The shape of the first region 45 of the fabric is similar to that of the airbag 9 shown in Figure 2, and has first and second connecting regions 6, a notched region 7 between them, and a main region 8. However, the width of the main region 8 increases towards the leading edge 10.

[0074] The two regions of the fabric are sewn together along their left edge 11 and right edge 12 by a seam line (indicated by reference numeral 46).

[0075] The two layers of fabric are also joined together around the perimeter of the notched area 7.

[0076] Referring to Figure 11, the next step is to fold the left edge 11 and the right edge 12 so that they are positioned between the two layers of fabric. In the illustrated example, the left edge 11 and the right edge 12 are folded along their lengths, and as a result, the width of the resulting structure is substantially constant along its length. As those skilled in the art will understand, the area of ​​fabric 45 widens towards the front edge 10, which means that the distance over which the sewn edges are folded increases correspondingly toward the front edge 10.

[0077] In the diagram shown in Figure 11, the position of the sewn edge is indicated by the dashed line 47.

[0078] Referring to Figure 12, finally, additional seams 46 are formed to join the two regions of the fabric together at or near the leading edge 10 and at or near the fixing point 5 of the connection region 6. It will be understood that these additional seams 46 serve to hold the folded configuration of the completed airbag 48.

[0079] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag 48 taken along line DD in Figure 12.

[0080] As can be seen in Figure 13, in this respect, the cross-section of the airbag 48 comprises an upper surface formed from a first region 45 of the fabric and a lower surface 49 formed from an opposing second region of the fabric.

[0081] Between the top and bottom surfaces, there is a folded portion 50 that protrudes inward between the top and bottom surfaces. The seam line 46 is located at the inner end of these folded portions 50.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will understand that configuring an airbag according to the present invention can be done in many different ways, including the configurations shown in Figures 2-4 and 10-13. However, those skilled in the art will recognize other methods by which this can be achieved.

[0083] Those skilled in the art will understand that the airbag embodying the present invention offers significant advantages over known airbags in terms of controlling the depth of the inflated airbag and the depth of the inflated airbag over its length.

[0084] In practice, the airbag embodying the present invention may be provided as an airbag unit, which folds into a substantially flat configuration so as to be incorporated into the seat surface of a vehicle seat. The airbag may be fully or partially enclosed within a housing or cover before inflation. The housing or cover may be formed with one or more lines or areas that are weaker than the rest of the housing or cover, which may preferentially rupture or burst during inflation to allow the airbag to take on its fully inflated configuration.

[0085] The airbag unit may also include an inflator and appropriate connectors that allow the pressurized gas generated by the inflator to be directed into the airbag.

[0086] As used herein and in the claims, the terms “includes” and “contains,” and their variations thereof, mean that the specified feature, step, or integer is included. These terms should not be construed as excluding the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0087] Features disclosed in the above description or in the following claims or accompanying drawings, relating to means for performing a disclosed function in a particular form or to methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results as appropriate, may be used individually or in any combination of such features to realize the invention in its various forms.

[0088] The present invention may also exist more broadly, individually in the parts, elements, steps, examples, and / or features referred to or shown herein, or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more such parts, elements, steps, examples, and / or features. Specifically, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiments described herein.

[0089] Any feature disclosed in any one or more public documents referenced herein in combination with this disclosure may be subject to protection.

[0090] While specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, the appended claims are not intended to be limited to these embodiments only. The claims should be interpreted literally to encompass the subject and / or equivalents.

Claims

1. An airbag for being incorporated into the seat cushion of a vehicle seat, wherein the airbag is The front edge, the rear edge, and the first and second side edges of each, The aforementioned rear edge portion or an opening or notch region near it, The upper layer and the bottom layer on the opposite side, On each side of the airbag, a folding structure is formed between the upper layer and the bottom layer, wherein the folding structure includes the length of fabric extending between the side edges of the upper layer and the bottom layer. An airbag equipped with an airbag.

2. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein in a first region of the airbag at or near the rear edge, the fabric of the folding structure has a first length, and in a second region near the front edge of the airbag, the folding structure has a second length greater than the first length.

3. The airbag according to claim 2, wherein the length of the fabric of the folding structure increases linearly or substantially linearly from the first region to the second region.

4. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein the folding structure comprises a single folding portion over the entire length or part of the length between the rear edge and the front edge, and the length of the fabric extends inward from the side edge to the inner folding portion.

5. The airbag according to claim 4, wherein the folding structure comprises a single folding portion that extends inward from the side edge to the inner folding portion, with the length of the fabric extending over the entire or substantially the entire length between the rear edge and the front edge.

6. The airbag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the folding structure, over the entire or partial length between the trailing edge and the leading edge, comprises a double folding section that extends inward from the side edge to two separate inner folding sections, the length of the fabric of the folding structure.

7. The airbag according to claim 6, wherein the folding structure comprises a double-fold portion extending only to a portion of the length between the trailing edge and the leading edge.

8. The airbag according to claim 7, wherein the folding structure comprises a single folding portion over a first portion of the length of the airbag, and the folding structure comprises a double folding portion over a second portion of the length of the airbag, the second portion being closer to the leading edge of the airbag than the first portion.

9. An airbag unit comprising an airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A seat surface comprising an airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or an airbag unit according to claim 9.

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