WO2002081267A2 - Airbag module for a seat - Google Patents
Airbag module for a seat Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2002081267A2 WO2002081267A2 PCT/EP2002/003101 EP0203101W WO02081267A2 WO 2002081267 A2 WO2002081267 A2 WO 2002081267A2 EP 0203101 W EP0203101 W EP 0203101W WO 02081267 A2 WO02081267 A2 WO 02081267A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- gas
- inflator
- airbag
- module
- cushion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Ceased
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
- B60R21/207—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle seats
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/26—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
- B60R21/261—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an airbag module for a seat of, for example, a motor vehicle.
- an airbag module in the seat of a motor vehicle.
- a module can be mounted in the side cushion of the seat back to limit or restrict sideways movement of an occupant on inflation of the airbag.
- An airbag module in accordance with the present invention for mounting in a seatback of a seat comprises an airbag cushion; an inflator for inflating the airbag cushion with gas; and a gas deflector positioned inside the cushion and adjacent the inflator to at least partially surround the inflator; wherein the gas deflector defines a tubular flow path for the gas from the inflator, and has a first aperture and a second aperture which are axially spaced apart at opposed ends of the tubular flow path for directing the gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion in a direction substantially parallel with the plane of the seatback when the module is mounted therein.
- the present invention provides an airbag module where the gas enters the airbag cushion in a predetermined direction.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of a seat having an airbag module in accordance with the present invention in which the airbag is inflated;
- Figure 2 is an enlarged view, partially cut-away, of the airbag module of Figure 1 ;
- Figure 2a is a cross-sectional view on the line II-II of Figure 2;
- Figure 3 is an enlarged view, partially cut-away, of a second embodiment of airbag module in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 4 is an enlarged view, partially cut-away, of a third embodiment of airbag module in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view on the line IV-TV of Figure 4.
- Figure 5 is an enlarged view, partially cut-away, of a fourth embodiment of airbag module in accordance with the present invention.
- the airbag module 10 in accordance with the present invention is mounted in the side cushion 12 of the seatback 14 of a seat 16.
- the seat 16 also includes a seat cushion 15, and the seatback 14 lies in a plane which extends away from the seat cushion (typically in a substantially vertical direction).
- the airbag module 10 comprises an airbag cushion 18 (which is shown inflated in Figures 1, 2 and 2a, and cut-away in Figures 1 and 2); an inflator 20 for inflating the cushion with gas; and a gas deflector 22.
- the inflator 20 and the gas deflector 22 are both substantially tubular, and are positioned inside the airbag cushion 18.
- the gas deflector 22 is positioned adjacent the inflator 20 to at least partially surround the inflator.
- gas from the inflator inflates the airbag cushion 18.
- the gas deflector 20 defines a tubular flow path 23 for the inflator gas, and has a first (upper) aperture 24 and a second (lower) aperture 26 which are axially spaced apart at opposed ends of the tubular flow path.
- the tubular flow path 23 substantially extends in the direction of the plane of the seatback 14, when the module 10 is mounted in the seatback.
- the apertures 24,26 in the gas deflector 22 initially directs the gas into the airbag cushion in a direction which is substantially parallel with the plane of the seatback 14 (as depicted by the arrows in Figure
- the gas deflector 22 is preferably formed from a sheet of material capable of withstanding high temperatures to provide protection for the airbag cushion 18 from the heat generated in the gas on activation of the inflator 20.
- the sheet of material is preferably joined 28 along opposed edges 30 such that the gas deflector 22 is substantially cylindrical with the first and second aperture 24,26 being located at opposite ends of the cylinder. Any suitable material (preferably a flexible fabric, with the joint 28 being sown) may be used for the gas deflector 22.
- the second embodiment of airbag module 100 shown in Figure 3 is substantially identical to the module of Figure 2, and like parts have been given the same reference numeral.
- the gas deflector 22 has a third aperture 32 located (preferably substantially centrally) in the joint 28 between the joined edges 30.
- the third aperture 32 directs gas from the inflator 20 in a forward direction (relative to the seatback 14) and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seatback.
- the third embodiment of airbag module 200 shown in Figures 4 and 4a is substantially identical to the module of Figure 3, and like parts have been given the same reference numeral.
- the gas deflector 222 of Figures 4 and 4a is defined by two sheets 234 of material which are axially spaced apart in the direction of the plane of the seatback 14, when the module 200 is mounted in the seatback.
- Each sheet 234 of the gas deflector 222 is joined along opposed edges 236 to the airbag cushion 18 to at least partially surround the inflator, and to define the tubular flow path 23, the first (upper) aperture 24, and the second (lower) aperture 26.
- the gap between the sheets 234 defines the third (central) aperture 32.
- the fourth embodiment of airbag module 300 shown in Figure 5 is substantially identical to the module of Figure 4, and like parts have been given the same reference numeral.
- the gas deflector 222 of Figure 5 is defined by a single sheet 234 of material and is joined along opposed edges 236 to the airbag cushion 18 to define the tubular flow path 23, the first (upper) aperture 24, and the second (lower) aperture 26.
- the third (central) aperture of is omitted.
- the gas deflector of the airbag module of the present invention directs inflating gas through the first and second apertures into the airbag cushion.
- the initial direction of the inflating gas is substantially parallel to the plane of the seatback 14 when entering the airbag cushion.
- Such an arrangement reduces the risk of injury to a person who is small in stature and/or out of position when the airbag cushion inflates.
- the risk of heat damage to the airbag cushion can be reduced by forming the gas deflector from material which is capable of withstanding high temperatures.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
- Air Bags (AREA)
Abstract
An airbag module (10) for mounting in a setback (14) of a seat (16); the module comprising an airbag cushion (18); an inflator (20) for inflating the airbag cushion with gas; and a gas deflector (22) positioned inside the cushion and adjacent the inflator to at least partially surround the inflator; wherein the gas deflector defines a tubular flow path (23) for the gas from the inflator, and has a first aperture (24) and a second aperture (26) which are axially spaced apart at opposed ends of the tubular flow path, for directing the gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion in a direction substantially parallel with the plane of the seatback when the module is mounted therein. Provides an airbag module in which gas enters the airbag cushion in a predetermined direction.
Description
AIRBAG MODULE FOR A SEAT
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an airbag module for a seat of, for example, a motor vehicle.
Background of the Invention
It is known to mount an airbag module in the seat of a motor vehicle. Such a module can be mounted in the side cushion of the seat back to limit or restrict sideways movement of an occupant on inflation of the airbag.
Summary of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to reduce the risk of injury to the occupant during inflation, especially for an occupant who is small in stature, or for an occupant who is out of position (from a normal seated position) when inflation starts.
An airbag module in accordance with the present invention for mounting in a seatback of a seat comprises an airbag cushion; an inflator for inflating the airbag cushion with gas; and a gas deflector positioned inside the cushion and adjacent the inflator to at least partially surround the inflator; wherein the gas deflector defines a tubular flow path for the gas from the inflator, and has a first aperture and a second aperture which are axially spaced apart at opposed ends of the tubular flow path for directing the gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion in a direction substantially parallel with the plane of the seatback when the module is mounted therein.
The present invention provides an airbag module where the gas enters the airbag cushion in a predetermined direction.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of a seat having an airbag module in accordance with the present invention in which the airbag is inflated;
Figure 2 is an enlarged view, partially cut-away, of the airbag module of Figure 1 ;
Figure 2a is a cross-sectional view on the line II-II of Figure 2;
Figure 3 is an enlarged view, partially cut-away, of a second embodiment of airbag module in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 4 is an enlarged view, partially cut-away, of a third embodiment of airbag module in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view on the line IV-TV of Figure 4; and
Figure 5 is an enlarged view, partially cut-away, of a fourth embodiment of airbag module in accordance with the present invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 2a, the airbag module 10 in accordance with the present invention is mounted in the side cushion 12 of the seatback 14 of a seat 16. The seat 16 also includes a seat cushion 15, and the seatback 14 lies in a plane which extends away from the seat cushion (typically in a substantially vertical direction).
The airbag module 10 comprises an airbag cushion 18 (which is shown inflated in Figures 1, 2 and 2a, and cut-away in Figures 1 and 2); an inflator 20 for inflating the cushion with gas; and a gas deflector 22. The inflator 20 and the gas deflector 22 are both substantially tubular, and are positioned inside the airbag cushion 18. The gas deflector 22 is positioned adjacent the inflator 20 to at least partially surround the inflator. On activation of the inflator 20 (in any manner known to those skilled in the art), gas from the inflator inflates the airbag cushion 18. The gas deflector 20 defines a tubular flow path 23 for the inflator gas, and has a first (upper) aperture 24 and a second (lower) aperture 26 which are axially spaced apart at opposed ends of the
tubular flow path. The tubular flow path 23 substantially extends in the direction of the plane of the seatback 14, when the module 10 is mounted in the seatback. As a consequence, when the inflator 20 is activated to inflate the airbag cushion 18 with gas, the apertures 24,26 in the gas deflector 22 initially directs the gas into the airbag cushion in a direction which is substantially parallel with the plane of the seatback 14 (as depicted by the arrows in Figure
2).
The gas deflector 22 is preferably formed from a sheet of material capable of withstanding high temperatures to provide protection for the airbag cushion 18 from the heat generated in the gas on activation of the inflator 20. The sheet of material is preferably joined 28 along opposed edges 30 such that the gas deflector 22 is substantially cylindrical with the first and second aperture 24,26 being located at opposite ends of the cylinder. Any suitable material (preferably a flexible fabric, with the joint 28 being sown) may be used for the gas deflector 22.
The second embodiment of airbag module 100 shown in Figure 3 is substantially identical to the module of Figure 2, and like parts have been given the same reference numeral. In Figure 3, the gas deflector 22 has a third aperture 32 located (preferably substantially centrally) in the joint 28 between the joined edges 30. The third aperture 32 directs gas from the inflator 20 in a forward direction (relative to the seatback 14) and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seatback.
The third embodiment of airbag module 200 shown in Figures 4 and 4a is substantially identical to the module of Figure 3, and like parts have been given the same reference numeral. The gas deflector 222 of Figures 4 and 4a is defined by two sheets 234 of material which are axially spaced apart in the direction of the plane of the seatback 14, when the module 200 is mounted in the seatback. Each sheet 234 of the gas deflector 222 is joined along opposed edges 236 to the airbag cushion 18 to at least partially surround the inflator, and to define the tubular flow path 23, the first (upper) aperture 24, and the second
(lower) aperture 26. The gap between the sheets 234 defines the third (central) aperture 32.
The fourth embodiment of airbag module 300 shown in Figure 5 is substantially identical to the module of Figure 4, and like parts have been given the same reference numeral. The gas deflector 222 of Figure 5 is defined by a single sheet 234 of material and is joined along opposed edges 236 to the airbag cushion 18 to define the tubular flow path 23, the first (upper) aperture 24, and the second (lower) aperture 26. In this embodiment, the third (central) aperture of is omitted. Relative to the seatback 14, the gas deflector of the airbag module of the present invention directs inflating gas through the first and second apertures into the airbag cushion. The initial direction of the inflating gas is substantially parallel to the plane of the seatback 14 when entering the airbag cushion. Such an arrangement reduces the risk of injury to a person who is small in stature and/or out of position when the airbag cushion inflates. The risk of heat damage to the airbag cushion can be reduced by forming the gas deflector from material which is capable of withstanding high temperatures.
Claims
1. An airbag module (10) for mounting in a seatback (14) of a seat (16); the module comprising an airbag cushion (18); an inflator (20) for inflating the airbag cushion with gas; and a gas deflector (22) positioned inside the cushion and adjacent the inflator to at least partially surround the inflator; wherein the gas deflector defines a tubular flow path (23) for the gas from the inflator, and has a first aperture (24) and a second aperture (26) which are axially spaced apart at opposed ends of the tubular flow path, for directing the gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion in a direction substantially parallel with the plane of the seatback when the module is mounted therein.
2. An airbag module as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the gas deflector is formed from a single sheet of material, in which opposed edges of the sheet are joined together; and wherein the gas deflector substantially surrounds the inflator.
3. An airbag module as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the gas deflector is formed from a single sheet of material, in which opposed edges of the sheet are joined to the airbag cushion.
4. An airbag module as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the gas deflector is formed from a pair of sheets of material, in which opposed edges of each sheet are joined to the airbag cushion, the sheets being positioned axially adjacent one another.
5. An airbag module as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the gas deflector is capable of withstanding high temperatures.
6. An airbag module as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the gas deflector has a third aperture located between the first and second apertures, and positioned to direct gas from the inflator in a forward direction relative to the seatback substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seatback when the module is mounted therein.
7. An airbag module as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the third aperture is substantially centrally located relative to the first and second apertures.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0108576.0 | 2001-04-05 | ||
| GB0108576A GB0108576D0 (en) | 2001-04-05 | 2001-04-05 | Airbag module for a seat |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2002081267A2 true WO2002081267A2 (en) | 2002-10-17 |
| WO2002081267A3 WO2002081267A3 (en) | 2003-03-20 |
Family
ID=9912314
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2002/003101 Ceased WO2002081267A2 (en) | 2001-04-05 | 2002-03-20 | Airbag module for a seat |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB0108576D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002081267A2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2005080147A1 (en) * | 2004-02-10 | 2005-09-01 | Autoliv Development Ab | Gas generator unit for an airbag module |
| WO2007062847A1 (en) | 2005-12-01 | 2007-06-07 | Takata-Petri Ag | Gas flow distributor for an airbag module |
| CN103079907A (en) * | 2010-10-19 | 2013-05-01 | 奥托立夫开发公司 | Gas diffusing device for motor vehicle safety airbag |
| WO2013076108A1 (en) | 2011-11-25 | 2013-05-30 | Renault Sas | Airbag device having a deflector and a bag-supporting flange |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5918898A (en) * | 1996-02-15 | 1999-07-06 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Side impact air bag module |
| JP3399244B2 (en) * | 1996-08-09 | 2003-04-21 | 三菱自動車工業株式会社 | Airbag module |
| JP3805875B2 (en) * | 1997-11-26 | 2006-08-09 | 日本プラスト株式会社 | Airbag device |
| DE29822159U1 (en) * | 1998-12-11 | 1999-05-12 | Trw Repa Gmbh | Airbag side impact protection device |
-
2001
- 2001-04-05 GB GB0108576A patent/GB0108576D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2002
- 2002-03-20 WO PCT/EP2002/003101 patent/WO2002081267A2/en not_active Ceased
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| None |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2005080147A1 (en) * | 2004-02-10 | 2005-09-01 | Autoliv Development Ab | Gas generator unit for an airbag module |
| WO2007062847A1 (en) | 2005-12-01 | 2007-06-07 | Takata-Petri Ag | Gas flow distributor for an airbag module |
| US8226117B2 (en) | 2005-12-01 | 2012-07-24 | Takata AG | Gas flow distributor for an airbag module |
| CN103079907A (en) * | 2010-10-19 | 2013-05-01 | 奥托立夫开发公司 | Gas diffusing device for motor vehicle safety airbag |
| WO2013076108A1 (en) | 2011-11-25 | 2013-05-30 | Renault Sas | Airbag device having a deflector and a bag-supporting flange |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0108576D0 (en) | 2001-05-23 |
| WO2002081267A3 (en) | 2003-03-20 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP4239387B2 (en) | Vehicle seat | |
| US7264269B2 (en) | Head-protecting airbag and head-protecting airbag device | |
| CN109476270B (en) | Rear seat airbag module | |
| KR102064844B1 (en) | Airbag apparatus of vehicle | |
| US10583799B2 (en) | Overhead inflatable airbag assembly | |
| JP4805914B2 (en) | Inflatable airbag with overlapping chambers | |
| EP2496446B1 (en) | Vehicle with a low-mount inflatable knee airbag having serial chambers | |
| US6435554B1 (en) | Knee bolster apparatus with center tether | |
| JP4453176B2 (en) | Bench seat for vehicle | |
| JP2001213262A (en) | Manufacturing method for side air bag system and air bag cushion, and folding method therefor | |
| JP2000344044A (en) | Air bag device for automobile | |
| US11247633B1 (en) | Occupant restraint system for a vehicle seat including an inflatable tensioning member for an airbag | |
| CN107021054B (en) | Expandable plastic knee bolster with eccentric telescoping support chamber | |
| JP2002145002A (en) | Occupant crash protection device | |
| EP0663325B1 (en) | Passenger side airbag module having lengthened reaction canister | |
| JP2007511419A (en) | Airbag | |
| US20040239082A1 (en) | Overhead airbag system | |
| US7497468B2 (en) | Airbag inflation deflection module | |
| JP2002145003A (en) | Airbag system | |
| JP4103633B2 (en) | Side airbag device | |
| US7121576B2 (en) | Airbag retention collar for airbag module assembly | |
| US6196577B1 (en) | Air bag apparatus | |
| KR102767080B1 (en) | Side airbag assemblies and methods of assembly | |
| KR102096933B1 (en) | Airbag apparatus of vehicle | |
| WO2002081267A2 (en) | Airbag module for a seat |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): JP US |
|
| AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
| 121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
| DFPE | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101) | ||
| 122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase | ||
| NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: JP |
|
| WWW | Wipo information: withdrawn in national office |
Country of ref document: JP |