Guide unit for guiding curtain airbag and curtain airbag device

• US 7,306,258 B2
• Filed: 12/20/2004
• Issued: 12/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Takata Corporation (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Takata Corporation (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Noguchi, Atsushi, Mitsuo, Tetsu
• Primary Examiner(s): Ilan; Ruth
• Application Number:
  US11/015,026
• Publication Number:
  US 20050140124A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,086 Days
• Field of Search: 280/730.2, 280/743.2
• US Class Current: 280/730.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23386 External tether means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23388 having ends which are movable or detachable during deployment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/232 Curtain-type airbags deploying mainly in a vertical direction from their top edge
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2338 Tethers

Abstract

A curtain airbag device and a guide unit achieve a quick and smooth deployment of a curtain airbag. When an inflator is activated, a curtain airbag is deployed downward along an inner side surface of a pillar garnish facing the interior of a vehicle cabin. During the deployment, the rear portion of the curtain airbag is guided by a guide rod via a link strap and a ring. Before the airbag is deployed, the ring is supported by an upper portion of the guide rod by a holder. When the airbag is deployed and link strap begins to move downward, the ring is released from the holder and moves along the guide rod.

Claims

1. A guide unit for a curtain airbag comprising:

a guide rod attached to a pillar of a vehicle, wherein the guide rod extends in a vertical direction and is configured to guide an end of a curtain airbag being deployed downward along an inner side surface of a vehicle cabin; and

a link strap protruding from the curtain airbag and engaged with the guide rod, wherein an end of the link strap is provided with a ring,

wherein an upper portion of the guide rod is provided with a holder for supporting the ring, and

wherein the holder supports the ring in a manner such that the ring is not in contact with the guide rod before the airbag is deployed.

2. The guide unit for the curtain airbag according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a deformable segment that is configured to be deformed toward the center of the guide rod, and wherein the ring is supported by the deformable segment and is configured to be released from the deformable segment when a downward force, which pulls the ring, exceeds a predetermined value and deforms the deformable segment.

3. The guide unit for the curtain airbag according to claim 1, wherein the guide rod and the ring are metallic, and wherein at least a section of the holder in contact with the ring is formed of synthetic resin or rubber.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a deformable segment that is configured to be deformed toward the center of the guide rod, and wherein the ring is supported by the deformable segment and is configured to be released from the deformable segment when a downward force, which pulls the ring, exceeds a predetermined value and deforms the deformable segment.

5. A curtain airbag device comprising:

a curtain airbag that is configured to be deployed downward along an inner side surface of a vehicle cabin; and

a guide unit according to claim 1 for guiding an end of the curtain airbag.

6. A guide unit for guiding an end of a curtain airbag when the airbag is deployed, the guide unit comprising:

a guide rod attached to a pillar of a vehicle, wherein the guide rod extends in a vertical direction and is configured to guide the end of a curtain airbag downward along the inner side surface of a vehicle cabin, when the airbag is deployed;

a link strap protruding from the curtain airbag and engaged with the guide rod, wherein an end of the link strap is provided with a ring; and

a holder for releaseably supporting the ring, wherein an upper portion of the guide rod is received in the holder, and

wherein the holder supports the ring in a manner such that the ring is not in contact with the guide rod before the airbag is deployed.

7. The guide unit for the curtain airbag according to claim 6, wherein the holder comprises a deformable segment that is configured to be deformed toward the center of the guide rod, and wherein the ring is supported by the deformable segment and is configured to be released from the deformable segment when a downward force, which pulls the ring, exceeds a predetermined value and deforms the deformable segment.

8. A curtain airbag device comprising:

a curtain airbag that is configured to be deployed downward along an inner side surface of a vehicle cabin; and

a guide unit according to claim 6 for guiding an end of the curtain airbag.

9. A guide unit for guiding an end of a curtain airbag when the airbag is deployed, the guide unit comprising:

a guide rod attached to a pillar of a vehicle, wherein the guide rod extends in a vertical direction and is configured to guide the end of a curtain airbag downward along the inner side surface of a vehicle cabin, when the airbag is deployed;

a link strap protruding from the curtain airbag and engaged with the guide rod, wherein an end of the link strap is provided with a ring; and

a holder for releaseably supporting the ring, wherein an upper portion of the guide rod is received in the holder,

wherein the guide rod and the ring are metallic, and wherein at least a section of the holder in contact with the ring is formed of synthetic resin or rubber.

10. A curtain airbag device, comprising:

a curtain airbag; and

a guide unit according to claim 9 for guiding an end of the curtain airbag.