Externally developed airbag device

• US 20040232663A1
• Filed: 03/12/2004
• Published: 11/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Takata Corporation (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Takata Corporation (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Takimoto, Takayuki
• Granted Patent: US 7,174,986 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/730.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/161 characterised by additional means for controlling deployment trajectory
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23386 External tether means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2338 Tethers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/36 using airbags

Abstract

An externally developed airbag device is provided that reliably deploys along predetermined areas. More particularly, an airbag includes a bag base, which deploys along the lower edge of the windshield, and bag side segments, which deploy while extending upwardly from the right and left sides of the bag base along the exteriors of “A” pillars. Guide rods vertically extend along the exteriors of the “A” pillars. Each of the bag side segments has a connecting strap on its top that connects the bag side segment to the guide rod. The connecting straps are movable along the guide rods. The bag side segments are guided along the guide rods by the connecting straps and deploy along the exteriors of the “A” pillars.

Claims

1. An airbag device comprising:

an airbag for being inflated in a predetermined direction upon deployment; and

a guide that cooperates with the airbag causing the airbag to deploy in the predetermined direction as the airbag is being inflated.

2. The airbag device of claim 1 wherein the airbag includes at least one panel and a follower associated with the panel and the guide for causing airbag deployment in the predetermined direction.

3. The airbag device of claim 2 wherein the guide comprises an elongate member for being attached to a vehicle portion along which the airbag is to deploy, and the follower comprises an annular member extending about the elongate member for riding therealong as the airbag is deployed.

4. The airbag device of claim 1 wherein the airbag includes a casing in which the airbag is folded prior to deployment and a cover for the container that is opened as the airbag is inflated, and

a cover for the guide to protect the guide against fouling with foreign materials.

5. The airbag device of claim 4 wherein the airbag includes a follower that rides along the guide during airbag deployment.

6. The airbag device of claim 5 wherein the guide cover includes a frangible portion that the follower ruptures as the follower rides along the guide.

7. The airbag device of claim 5 wherein the guide cover includes an opening that extends along the guide with the follower extending through the opening as the follower rides along the guide.

8. The airbag device of claim 1 wherein the airbag has a generally U-shaped configuration including a base portion and opposite side portions with the guide causing the airbag side portions to deploy in the predetermined direction.

9. An externally developed airbag device for being deployed along pillars on either side of a vehicle windshield, the externally developed airbag device comprising:

an airbag that includes portions deployed along each pillar;

elongate guide members that extend along respective vehicle pillars; and

followers of the airbag portions that ride along the respective guide members as the airbag is inflated.

10. The externally developed airbag device of claim 9 wherein the guide members comprise rods and the followers comprise annular straps.

11. The externally developed airbag device of claim 9 wherein the guide members include elongate covers configured to allow the followers to ride along the guide members associated therewith.

12. The externally developed airbag device of claim 11 wherein the covers each include a longitudinally extending tear line with the respective followers rupturing the guide cover tear lines as the followers ride along the associated guide members.

13. The externally developed airbag device of claim 11 wherein the covers each include a longitudinally extending opening with the respective followers extending through the openings to allow the followers to ride along the associated guide members.

14. The externally developed airbag device of claim 13 wherein the guide covers include overlapping wall portions at the opening to minimize access of foreign materials to the guide members.

15. The externally developed airbag device of claim 11 wherein the covers are secured to the vehicle to span a joint line formed between the pillars and windshield.

16. The externally developed airbag device of claim 9 including a removal means for substantially keeping the guide members free of foreign materials.

17. The externally developed airbag device of claim 16 wherein the removal means comprises either a wiping means or a heating means.