Airbag and steering wheel assembly

Abstract

An airbag (10), used for protecting a driver, comprising: a bag (11) having a deployed state and a stowed state, wherein in the deployed state, the bag (11) comprises a body portion (113) and a first side wing (111) and a second side wing (112) extending from two sides of the body portion (113). The airbag (10) further comprises a pull strap (12) provided on the outer side of the bag (11) and a pull strap release portion (13) configured to control the pull strap (12), wherein at least part of the pull strap(12) is connected to the first side wing (111) and the second side wing (112), and under the action of the pull strap release portion (13), a predetermined section of the pull strap (12) is released such that the distance between the first side wing (111) and the second side wing (112) in the width direction of the bag (11) is changed from a first distance to a second distance, the first distance being less than the second distance. Also provided is a steering wheel assembly (1).

Description

airbags and steering wheel assembly Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to safety devices in vehicles, and more specifically, to an airbag and steering wheel assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In existing vehicles, airbags are widely installed in the steering wheel as a safety device to protect the driver in the event of a collision. As is well known, the steering wheel rim is typically located in front of the driver's chest, making it relatively easy for the driver to grip the rim. However, this steering wheel positioning also restricts the driver's freedom of movement, preventing or only allowing for relatively clumsy lateral rotation within the seat. Furthermore, it negatively impacts the driver's entry and exit from the vehicle.

[0003] Modern vehicles are becoming increasingly automated, enabling them to move autonomously. Accordingly, different levels of automation are defined for vehicles. Starting with Level 3, which corresponds to high automation, the driver no longer needs to constantly monitor the various systems used to control the vehicle. Therefore, the driver can shift their attention to things of interest or take a break. For this purpose, retractable steering wheels have been designed and implemented in vehicles.

[0004] For retractable steering wheels, the airbag originally installed at the steering wheel location cannot provide reliable protection in both the retracted and unfolded positions. Therefore, there is a need for an airbag that can provide reliable protection for the driver regardless of the steering wheel's position. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an airbag that can provide reliable protection for the driver when the steering wheel is in different positions; in addition, this invention also provides a steering wheel assembly including the aforementioned airbag.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides an airbag for protecting a driver, and includes:

[0007] An air bag, which has an deployed state and a retracted state;

[0008] in,

[0009] In its deployed state, the airbag includes a main body and first and second side wings extending from both sides of the main body.

[0010] The airbag also includes a pull strap disposed on the outside of the airbag and a pull strap release part for controlling the pull strap, at least a portion of the pull strap being connected to the first side wing and the second side wing.

[0011] Under the action of the pull strap release part, a predetermined section of the pull strap is released, so that the distance between the first side wing and the second side wing in the air bag width direction is changed from a first distance to a second distance, wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pull strap release portion is fixed at the main body portion and includes a displacement member.

[0013] When the shifting member is in the first position, a portion of the pull strap is fixed to the shifting member;

[0014] When the shifting member is driven to the second position, the pull belt disengages from the shifting member.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pull strap release part further includes a drive member for driving the displacement member and a guide member for guiding the displacement member to move. Under the drive of the drive member, the displacement member moves along the guide portion of the guide member.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pull strap release portion is configured as a weak force area, and the weak force area is destroyed when the force it receives is greater than a predetermined value, thereby disconnecting the connection between different sections of the pull strap or disconnecting the pull strap from the air bag.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the weak force area is set as a material missing portion on the weak force section of the pull strap, and the weak force section is configured as a section of the pull strap positioned between the first side wings and the second side wings.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the weak force area is constructed as a pre-sewn portion, and the pre-sewn portion connects different segments of the pull strap together.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the airbag includes a first panel opposite to the driver and a second panel away from the driver, and the first wing and the second wing extend from both sides of the second panel in a direction away from the first panel.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pull strap is provided, and the two ends of the pull strap are respectively fixed to the first side wing and the second side wing, and the middle section of the pull strap is formed as an annular section sleeved on the displacement member.

[0021] Another invention provides a steering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel and an airbag as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0022] The steering wheel has a first axial position and a second axial position along the steering column axis.

[0023] When the steering wheel is in the first axial position, the distance between the first side wing and the second side wing is the first distance, and both the first side wing and the second side wing abut against the end face of the steering wheel or the dashboard of the vehicle; when the steering wheel is in the second axial position, the distance between the first side wing and the second side wing is the second distance, and the first side wing and the second side wing are respectively located on both sides of the steering wheel.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first axial position is farther from the driver than the second axial position. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The features, advantages, and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same symbols denote the same elements, wherein:

[0026] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) schematically illustrate a steering wheel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) schematically illustrate an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 schematically shows some components of an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) schematically illustrate an airbag according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) schematically illustrate an airbag according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a method for manufacturing an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following describes specific embodiments of the airbag and steering wheel assembly according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings below are provided to illustrate the principles of the invention. The invention is not limited to the described preferred embodiments; the various embodiments described can be used individually or in any combination. The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0033] Furthermore, spatially related terms (such as "up," "down," "left," and "right") are used to describe the relative positional relationship between elements shown in the accompanying drawings and other elements. Therefore, spatially related terms can be applied to directions different from those shown in the accompanying drawings. Clearly, while all these spatially related terms refer to the directions shown in the accompanying drawings for ease of explanation, those skilled in the art will understand that directions different from those shown in the accompanying drawings can be used.

[0034] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) schematically illustrate a steering wheel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) schematically illustrate an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention. An airbag and a steering wheel assembly including the airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1(a), 1(b), 2(a), and 2(b).

[0035] As shown in Figures 1(a), 1(b), 2(a), and 2(b), the steering wheel assembly 1 of the present invention includes an airbag 10 and a steering wheel 20. The airbag 10 serves as a driver's airbag to protect the driver. The airbag 10 includes an airbag 11, which has an deployed state and a retracted state. A gas generator (not shown) is used to inflate the airbag 11 to inflate it into the deployed state. In embodiments of the present invention, the airbag 10 may include only one gas generator for converting the airbag 11 from the retracted state to the deployed state. To clearly see the structure of the airbag 11, the airbag 11 shown in Figures 1(a), 1(b), 2(a), and 2(b) is in the deployed state. The specific structure of the airbag 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below.

[0036] Referring to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), in the deployed state, the airbag 11 includes a main body 113 and first side wings 111 and second side wings 112 extending from both sides of the main body 113. As shown, the first panel (right side panel) 101 of the main body 113 is used to contact the driver's head and chest cavity, and the first side wings 111 and second side wings 112 extend from the second panel (left side panel) 102 of the main body 113 in a direction away from the driver. Furthermore, the airbag 10 also includes a pull strap 12 disposed on the outside of the airbag 11 and a pull strap release part 13 for controlling the pull strap 12. The pull strap 12 located on the outside of the airbag 11 is mainly used to control the lateral distance between the first side wings 111 and the second side wings 112, which refers to the distance along the width direction of the airbag 11, that is, the width direction of the vehicle. Specifically, the pull strap 12 is connected to the first side wings 111 and the second side wings 112, for example, to the edges of each side wing opposite to the main body 113. Under the action of the pull strap release part 13, a predetermined section of the pull strap 13 is released, causing the distance between the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 in the width direction of the air bag 11 to change from a first distance (as shown in FIG. 2(a)) to a second distance (as shown in FIG. 2(b)), and the first distance is less than the second distance. That is, under the action of the pull strap release part 13, a predetermined section of the pull strap 12 is released, thereby causing the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 to move away from each other in the width direction of the air bag 11.

[0037] Returning to Figures 1(a) and 1(b), according to the invention, the steering wheel assembly 1 has a retracted position (as shown in Figure 1(a)) and an unretracted position (as shown in Figure 1(b)). Specifically, the steering wheel 20 has a first axial position P1 and a second axial position P2 along the steering column axis, and the first axial position P1 is farther from the driver than the second axial position P2. That is, along the axial direction of the steering column, the steering wheel 20 can be moved closer to or further away from the driver. When the steering wheel 20 is in the first axial position P1, the steering wheel 20 is retracted, and the driver can shift their attention to matters of interest or take a break; and when the steering wheel 20 is in the second axial position P2, the steering wheel 20 is unretracted. The airbag 10 shown in Figure 1(a) corresponds to the airbag 10 shown in Figure 2(a). When the steering wheel 20 is in the first axial position P1, the distance between the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 is a first distance (smaller distance), and both the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 abut against the end face of the steering wheel 20. Of course, this is just an example; the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 with the first distance can also abut against the vehicle's dashboard. In this case, the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 of the airbag 11 are supported by, for example, the end face of the steering wheel or the dashboard, so the airbag 11 has good stability in the deployed state. Furthermore, the airbag 10 shown in Figure 1(b) corresponds to the airbag 10 shown in Figure 2(b). When the steering wheel 20 is in the second axial position P2, the distance between the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 is a second distance (larger distance), and the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 are located on both sides of the steering wheel 20, respectively. In this case, the lateral distance (i.e., the distance along the width direction of the airbag) between the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 of the airbag 11 is large and positioned on both sides of the steering wheel, thereby overcoming the obstacle (steering wheel) that was originally located in its deployment path and successfully deploying to protect the driver.

[0038] Therefore, in the steering wheel assembly and airbag of the present invention, the airbag has different shapes to adapt to the steering wheel in different positions, thereby providing reliable protection for the driver.

[0039] The following describes the strap release section in an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 schematically illustrates some components of an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention. The components of an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 3.

[0041] Referring to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the pull strap release part 13 can be fixed to the main body 113 of the air bag 11. Specifically, in the deployed state of the air bag 11, the pull strap release part 13 can be fixed to the end of the main body 113 near the dashboard. Of course, this is just an example, and the pull strap release part 13 can be arranged in other locations on the air bag.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the pull strap release part 13 may include a guide 131, a shifting member 132, and a driving member (not shown). The guide 131 has, for example, a cavity structure, which serves as a guide portion of the guide 131. Of course, this is just an example; the guide portion may also have other forms, such as a guide groove. The shifting member 132 is positioned in the cavity of the guide 131, and the driving member is used to drive the shifting member 132 to shift within the guide 131. As shown in Figure 3, the shifting member 132 is in a first position. When the shifting member 132 is in this first position, a portion of the pull strap 12 is fixed to the shifting member 132 and extends through an opening on the side wall of the guide 131. Driven by the driving member, the shifting member 132 moves to the right along the inner wall of the cavity of the guide member 132. Since the side wall of the guide member 131 blocks the rightward movement of the pull strap 12, the pull strap 12 disengages from the shifting member 132 when the shifting member 132 is driven to the second position. Next, the end of the pull strap 12 that was originally fixed to the shifting member 132 becomes a free end, losing its restriction on the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112. Therefore, the lateral distance between the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 increases. In one example, a pull strap 12 is provided, and its two ends are fixed to the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 respectively, and the middle section of the pull strap 12 is looped around the shifting member 132 in a loop shape. In another example, two pull straps 12 are provided. One end of one pull strap 12 is fixed to the first side wing 111, and one end of the other pull strap 12 is fixed to the second side wing 112. The ends of the two pull straps 12 that are not fixed to the side wings are fixed to each other and looped onto the shifting member 132. Of course, the arrangement of pull straps in the airbag of the present invention is not limited to the above example, and more pull straps can be provided according to actual conditions.

[0043] Other embodiments of the pull belt release section are described below.

[0044] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) schematically illustrate an airbag according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) schematically illustrate an airbag according to another embodiment of the present invention. The components in an airbag according to other embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to Figures 4(a), 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b).

[0045] Besides the specific form of the pull-out release section 13 described in FIG3, the pull-out release section 13 of the present invention can also be configured in other forms. For example, the pull-out release section 13 can be constructed as a force-weak area. It is understood that since the steering wheel 20, located at the second axial position P2, is on the deployment path of the airbag 11, the airbag 11 will experience resistance applied by the steering wheel 20 during deployment. During the deployment of the airbag 11, the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 will be subjected to a force applied by the steering wheel 20 in the initial stage of deployment. When the force applied by the steering wheel 20 is small, the lateral distance between the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 remains unchanged. When the force applied by the steering wheel 20 is greater than a predetermined value, the pull-out release section 13 in the form of a force-weak area will be destroyed.

[0046] In one example, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), a pull strap 12 is provided, with both ends of the pull strap 12 fixed to the ends of the main body 113 near the dashboard. A portion of the pull strap 12 is fixed to the edge of the first side wing 111 away from the main body 113, and another portion of the pull strap 12 is fixed to the edge of the second side wing 112 away from the main body 113. The pull strap 12 extends continuously between the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112. A weak point is provided on the section of the pull strap 12 located between the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112, and this weak point can be in the form of a material gap. When the force applied by the steering wheel 20 to the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 of the airbag 11 exceeds a predetermined value, the missing material portion on the pull strap 12 will be destroyed. As a result, the left and right sections of the pull strap 12 will disconnect and separate from each other, as shown in FIG4(b). Thus, the lateral distance between the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 increases and extends across the steering wheel 20, eventually positioning itself on both sides of the steering wheel 20. Of course, as an alternative example, the missing material portion can be replaced with a pre-sewn portion, which pre-connects the two pull straps 12 together.

[0047] In another example, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), two pull straps 12 are provided. One pull strap 12 connects the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 together. One end of the other pull strap 12 is fixed to the main body 113, and the other end is connected to the pull strap 12 connecting the two side wings through a pre-sewn part. That is, in this example, the pull strap release part 13 is constructed in the form of a pre-sewn part. Similarly, when the force applied by the steering wheel 20 to the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 of the airbag 11 is greater than a predetermined value, the pre-sewn part on the pull strap 12 will be broken, thereby disconnecting the two pull straps 12 and separating them from each other, as shown in Figure 5(b). In this way, the lateral distance between the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112 increases and continues to unfold across the steering wheel 20, and finally positions itself on both sides of the steering wheel 20.

[0048] Of course, the above are just examples. The number of pull straps and the connection positions are not limited to the examples above, and different designs can be made according to the actual situation.

[0049] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a method for manufacturing an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention. This manufacturing method is suitable for manufacturing the airbags described in the above embodiments. Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, three panels are provided: a first main panel 100, a second side panel 200, and a third side panel 300. These three panels define the sealed interior of the airbag 11. In one example, the second side panel 200 and the third side panel 300 can be constructed to be identical to each other, in which the airbag 10 has a uniform thickness when deployed (see Figures 1(a)-5(b)). As shown in Figure 6, the first main panel 100 is constructed as a strip, with one segment wider than the others, which forms part of the first side wing 111 and the second side wing 112. The second side panel 200 and the third side panel 300 each have a curved shape to form the two side panels of the airbag 11.

[0051] Next, the first main panel 100 is marked as follows: the first main panel 100 includes feature points A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8 on the edges, with four feature points distributed on each long side; the second side panel 200 is marked as follows: the second side panel 200 includes feature points B1, B2 and B3; the third side panel 300 is marked as follows: the second side panel 200 includes feature points C1, C2 and C3.

[0052] Finally, feature points A1, A8, A7, and A6 on the first main panel 100 are connected one-to-one with feature points C1, C2, C3, and C4 on the third side panel 300; feature points A2, A3, A4, and A5 on the first main panel 100 are connected one-to-one with feature points B1, B2, B3, and B4 on the second side panel 200. For example, the first main panel 100, the second side panel 200, and the third side panel 300 are connected together via a stitch or an adhesive.

[0053] It should be noted that the manufacturing method of the airbag used to manufacture the airbag of this application described above is merely an example. Those skilled in the art can adjust or even delete the order of each step of the above method according to the actual situation.

[0054] Therefore, in the airbag according to this application, the number of fabric pieces used in the airbag is small, and the overall shape of the airbag (e.g., the thickness of the airbag) can be changed by designing each fabric individually, thereby increasing the design cost of the airbag.

[0055] As mentioned above, although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An airbag (10) for protecting a driver, comprising: An air bag (11) has an deployed state and a retracted state; Its features are, In its deployed state, the airbag (11) includes a main body (113) and a first side wing (111) and a second side wing (112) extending from both sides of the main body (113). The airbag (10) further includes a pull strap (12) disposed on the outside of the airbag (11) and a pull strap release part (13) for controlling the pull strap (12), at least a portion of the pull strap (12) being connected to the first side wing (111) and the second side wing (112). Under the action of the pull strap release part (13), a predetermined section of the pull strap (12) is released, so that the distance between the first side wing (111) and the second side wing (112) in the width direction of the air bag (11) is changed from a first distance to a second distance, wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.

2. The airbag (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The pull strap release part (13) is fixed at the main body part (113) and includes a displacement member (132). When the shifting member (132) is in the first position, a portion of the pull strap (12) is fixed to the shifting member (132); When the shifting member (132) is driven to shift to the second position, the pull strap (12) disengages from the shifting member (132).

3. The airbag (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The pull-belt release part (13) further includes a drive member for driving the shifting member (132) and a guide member (131) for guiding the shifting member (132) to shift. Under the drive of the drive member, the shifting member (132) shifts along the guide portion of the guide member (131).

4. The airbag (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The pull strap release section (13) is configured as a weak force area, and the weak force area is destroyed when the force it receives is greater than a predetermined value, thereby disconnecting the connection between different sections of the pull strap (12) or disconnecting the connection between the pull strap (12) and the air bag (11).

5. The airbag (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The weak force area is set as a material missing part on the weak force section of the pull strap (12), and the weak force section is constructed as a section of the pull strap (12) positioned between the first side wing (111) and the second side wing (112).

6. The airbag (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The weak force area is constructed as a pre-sewn part, and the pre-sewn part connects the different sections of the pull strap (12) together.

7. The airbag (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The airbag (11) includes a first panel (101) opposite to the driver and a second panel (102) away from the driver, and the first wing (111) and the second wing (112) extend from both sides of the second panel (102) in a direction away from the first panel (101).

8. The airbag (10) according to claim 2, wherein, A pull strap (12) is provided, and the two ends of the pull strap (12) are respectively fixed to the first side wing (111) and the second side wing (112), and the middle section of the pull strap (12) is formed as an annular section that fits onto the shifting member (132).

9. A steering wheel assembly (1), characterized in that, Includes a steering wheel (20) and an airbag (10) as described in any one of claims 1-8. The steering wheel (20) has a first axial position (P1) and a second axial position (P2) along the steering column axis. When the steering wheel (20) is in the first axial position (P1), the distance between the first side wing (111) and the second side wing (112) is the first distance, and both the first side wing (111) and the second side wing (112) abut against the end face of the steering wheel (20) or the dashboard of the vehicle; when the steering wheel (20) is in the second axial position (P2), the distance between the first side wing (111) and the second side wing (112) is the second distance, and the first side wing (111) and the second side wing (112) are respectively located on both sides of the steering wheel (20).

10. The steering wheel assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The first axial position (P1) is farther from the driver than the second axial position (P2).

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