Airbag device and triggering process therefore

• US 7,503,583 B2
• Filed: 06/03/2004
• Issued: 03/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: INOVA GmbH (Innovationszentrum Lörrach GmbH & Co. KG)
• Original Assignee: INOVA GmbH (Innovationszentrum Lörrach GmbH & Co. KG)
• Inventors: Müller, Olaf
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson; Paul N.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wilhelm; Timothy
• Application Number:
  US10/860,806
• Publication Number:
  US 20050017485A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,748 Days
• Field of Search: 280/728.3, 280/729, 280/743.1, 280/742, 280/738
• US Class Current: 280/743.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/161 characterised by additional means for controlling deployment trajectory
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2173 the module or part thereof being movably mounted on the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23107 the bag being integrated in a multi-bag system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2633 with a plurality of inflation levels
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2648 comprising a plurality of combustion chambers or sub-chambers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/205 in dashboards
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/206 in the lower part of dashboards, e.g. for protecting the knees
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/213 in vehicle roof frames or pillars
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2155 with complex motion of the cover; Retraction under the lining during opening
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2165 characterised by a tear line for defining a deployment opening
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/21656 Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/217 Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2171 specially adapted for elongated cylindrical or bottle-like inflators with a symmetry axis perpendicular to the main direction of bag deployment, e.g. extruded reaction canisters B60R21/2176 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/231 characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/232 Curtain-type airbags deploying mainly in a vertical direction from their top edge
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2342 Tear seams
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2346 Soft diffusers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/261 with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2644 using only solid reacting substances, e.g. pellets, powder

Abstract

An airbag system including an airbag and gas generating device provided with deployment control devices that enable the airbag to be at least partially deployed before it is inflated with gas from the gas generating device, and to a method of deploying the airbag.

Claims

1. An airbag system comprising:

an airbag including textile material,

a gas generating device, and

deployment means operative to initiate deployment of the airbag in a predetermined direction and to a predetermined deployment base before a substantial amount of generated gas enters the airbag for inflation, said deployment means including,

at least one hose pointing in a predetermined direction, wherein said hose is closed by corks or sewings to build up pressure,

at least one projectile associated with said hose, and

means cooperative with said hose to advance said at least one projectile against said textile material in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location.

2. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined direction is substantially perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location.

3. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined direction is substantially perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location, and wherein said means operative to initiate deployment are further operative to increase the size of the deployment base.

4. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said deployment base is increased to expand the area wherein a target occupant may safely be located, thereby decreasing a risk of injury, due to airbag deployment, to an out of position occupant.

5. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said means operative to initiate deployment of the airbag are further operative to open at least one cover before final airbag inflation.

6. The airbag system according to claim 5, wherein said at least one cover is opened in a predetermined direction to a predetermined location.

7. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said gas generating device produces a gas supply, and wherein said gas supply is in a predetermined location, substantially offset from the center of the airbag.

8. The airbag system according to claim 7, where the gas supply is perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location.

9. The airbag system according to claim 1, further comprising means cooperative with said gas generating device operative to release a first quantity of gas into the airbag at a first pressure, effective to open at least one cover, and after which releases a second quantity of gas into the airbag at a second pressure, effective to fully inflate the airbag.

10. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein the textile material is folded, and wherein said means operative to initiate deployment are operative to unfold said textile material in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location.

11. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one hose is supplied with gas before the gas enters the airbag.

12. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one hose is tilted up to the level of an outer instrument panel when the airbag system is a passenger airbag system.

13. The airbag system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one hose is lifted by internal pressure.

14. The airbag system according to claim 13, wherein the hose is lifted by pistons in cylinders driven by the gas pressure.

15. The airbag system according to claim 1, further including tubes equipped with joints to be able to tilt in the predetermined direction and to be bent down in case of a head impact.

16. The airbag system according to claim 15, wherein the tubes are telescope tubes to be elongated to pull the textile material to a predetermined location.

17. The airbag system according to claim 15, wherein the tubes are packaged and are elongated by telescope to move their ends to the upper surface of the instrument panel.

18. The airbag system according to claim 15, wherein the tubes are tilted by pistons in cylinders driven by gas pressure.

19. The airbag system according to claim 16, wherein telescopic movement of the tubes opens holes to let the gas pass into the textile material.

20. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein a telescope chimney, hoses, or tubes are connected to lift up the system for a better pull angle, and move parallel to the surface of the instrument panel to lift the airbag.

21. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined portion of the generated gas enters directly into the airbag through pass holes.

22. The airbag systems according to claim 1, further comprising an airbag molding at least partially covering the airbag and a piston, the piston driven by gas pressure to open the molding.

23. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein the deployment means is an integrated part of the airbag system.

24. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein the deployment means has one or more gas pressure channels.

25. The airbag system according to claim 1, further comprising shaped guide sheets to guide the textile material very quickly and with low resistance.

26. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hose moves gas exhaust on outside on an outer surface of an instrument panel to avoid gas pressure and damage inside the instrument panel.

27. The airbag system according to claim 26, wherein the airbag and instrument panel are not damaged after a crash and the airbag can be reinstalled.

28. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said system is located in the defroster channel of the windshield.

29. The airbag system according to claim 28, wherein during normal use the air flow passes through or besides the airbag.

30. The airbag system according to claim 27, wherein a window defogging vent covers an airbag outlet.

31. The airbag system according to claim 27, wherein the airbag lifts moldings of the instrument panel without damage and deploys.

32. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein during the first active deployment and subsequent opening of the gas flow, the textile material is pulled through its small slot.

33. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one projectile moves the airbag from a multipurpose hole exit to a predetermined location.

34. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein diameter and shape of the gas outlet is tailored to the requirement of the defroster channel size shape and location.

35. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein the system is a passenger system including an upper and a lower airbag.

36. The airbag system according to claim 35, wherein the upper airbag moves out of the defroster channel.

37. The airbag system according to claim 35, wherein the upper airbag is top mounted in the instrument panel.

38. The airbag system according to claim 35, wherein the lower airbag deploys out of an outlet behind a styling molding and the cover is pulled into the instrument panel.

39. The airbag system according to claim 38, wherein the gas flow moves into a guide bag first, the guide bag deploys, the sewn hoses tilt out, and the final bag is pulled out to a fraction.

40. The airbag system according to claim 38, wherein the sewing of the tilted-out hose cracks and the gas flows perpendicular to an occupant into the final bag.

41. The airbag system according to claim 38, wherein the system with guide bag and gas flow is tailored so that the rear most corner of the instrument panel is protected by the upper part of the lower airbag.

42. The airbag system according to claim 41, wherein the lower part of the lower airbag protects the knees of an occupant.

43. The airbag system according to claim 35, wherein the upper and lower airbags are supplied by one gas generator connected by gas flow channels to the intakes.

44. The airbag system according to claim 43, wherein the gas flow behind the molding is first closed by a valve.

45. The airbag system according to claim 44, wherein a valve mechanic tilts the molding and opens the gas flow into the lower airbag.

46. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein a detection against an out-of-position child seat location switches the airbag ignition off upon out-of-position detection.

47. The airbag system according claim 46, wherein the detection is a beam from a laser, an infrared light, an ultrasonic, or a magnetic field between a source and a receiver.

48. The airbag system according claim 47, wherein the beam is disturbed by out-of-position detection and an electronic circuit switches off the system.

49. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said system is a roof system including guide bags.

50. The airbag system according claim 49, wherein the guide bags pre-open all trim before gas enters the main bag.

51. The airbag system according claim 49, wherein the guide bags pull the main bag out of a packaged location into a pre-deployed condition before gas enters the main airbag.

52. The airbag system according claim 49, wherein the guide bags open gas flow into the main airbag at a pre-determined location.

53. The airbag system according claim 49, wherein the guide bags pro-open between front and rear passengers and tilts a formed headliner section.

54. The airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said system is a roof system installed inside the extruded profiles of a sunroof frame.

55. The airbag system according to claim 54, wherein the airbags are all around the sunroof frame, the side bags, the bags between front and rear passenger, and the bag to close the sunroof opening.

56. The airbag system according to claim 54, wherein a base of the airbag is slid into position.

57. The airbag system according to claim 54, wherein gas channels between generator and intake are integrated in the extruded profiles and connected by holes, with the ends plugged.

58. The airbag system according to claim 54, wherein the sliding measures of the sunroof opening airbag are included in the extruded profiles.

59. The airbag system according to claim 54, wherein the sunroof opening airbag is located in the front of the extruded frame, in the rear of the extruded frame, or in both locations.

60. An airbag system according to claim 1, wherein said system is a defroster slot airbag system packaged in an instrument panel including pressure channel, telescope tubes, and folding out hoses, and is arranged for quick pull out.

61. The defroster slot airbag system according to claim 60, further including a telescope tube system to bring the gas exhaust outside the instrument panel and pull the airbag out.

62. An airbag system comprising:

an airbag including textile material,

a gas generating device, and

deployment means operative to initiate deployment of the airbag in a predetermined direction and to a predetermined deployment base before a substantial amount of generated gas enters the airbag for inflation, said deployment means including,

a guide bag covering the gas generating device and including sewn on hose segments for lifting of a cover covering the airbag and directing gas exhaust into the airbag,

at least one projectile operatively associated with said sewn on hose segments, and

means cooperative with said guide bag to advance said at least one projectile against said textile material in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location.

63. The airbag system according to claim 62, wherein the sewn on hoses are tilt in during normal use and tilt out during crash elongating and moving to lift the cover and move out the airbag.

64. The airbag system according to claim 62, wherein the sewn on hoses are reinforced, thereby preventing folding of the airbag during pressurizing.

65. The airbag system according to claim 62, further comprising blocking pins to keep the hoses outside of an instrument panel during gas flow.

66. The airbag system according to claim 62, wherein the guide bag opens an integrated lid to let the airbag move out with low aggressiveness.

67. The airbag system according to claim 66, wherein the guide bag tilts the tilted in sewing section hoses to the outside and thereby moves the airbag to a larger deployment base in a direction perpendicular to the direction towards the target occupant location.

68. The airbag system according to claim 66, wherein sewing on the end of the section hoses cracks and the gas flows into an outer periphery of the airbag.

69. The airbag system according to claim 66, wherein the guide bag is mounted on a pressure plate which is lifted up by gas pressure by pistons or pressure in gas supply tubes.

70. The airbag system according to claim 69, wherein the pressure plate only can move towards an instrument panel shell.

71. The airbag system according to claim 62, further comprising an airbag molding at least partially covering the airbag and a piston, the piston driven by gas pressure to open the molding.

72. The airbag system according to claim 71, wherein the airbag molding is built up by two extruded profiles with connecting walls on the side.

73. The airbag system according claim 72, wherein the piston is a rolling piston and between the extruded profiles said rolling piston can move.

74. The airbag system according to claim 73, wherein the rolling piston is tooth-rod guided along a tooth segment to only roll straight and parallel to the profiles.

75. The airbag system according to claim 73, wherein the rolling piston is driven by gas, rolling up to allow gas to enter into a gas pressure chimney.

76. The airbag system according to claim 73, wherein the rolling piston pulls two ribbons connected to the moldings thereby opening the molding.

77. The airbag system according to claim 75, wherein the gas pressure chimney is equipped with a guide bag or gas pressure hoses.

78. An airbag system, wherein said system is a roof system equipped with a guide bag system as described in claim 62.

79. The airbag system according to claim 78, wherein the final airbag system is housed inside the extruded profiles.

80. The airbag system according to claim 78, wherein the guide bags pre-open all trim before gas enters the main bag.

81. An airbag system comprising:

an airbag including textile material,

a gas generating device, and

deployment means operative to initiate deployment of the airbag in a predetermined direction and to a predetermined deployment base before a substantial amount of generated gas enters the airbag for inflation, said deployment means including,

at least one hose pointing in a predetermined direction, wherein said hose is opened by exceeding a predetermined gas pressure level after the deployment means has initiated deployment of the airbag,

at least one projectile associated with said hose, and

means cooperative with said hose to advance said at least one projectile against said textile material in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location.

82. An airbag system comprising:

an airbag including textile material,

a gas generating device, and

deployment means operative to initiate deployment of the airbag in a predetermined direction and to a predetermined deployment base before a substantial amount of generated gas enters the airbag for inflation, said deployment means including,

at least one hose pointing in a predetermined direction, wherein said hose is closed by sewing and tilted inwards,

at least one projectile associated with said hose, and

means cooperative with said hose to advance said at least one projectile against said textile material in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location.

83. The airbag system according to claim 82, wherein the at least one hose is elongated by tilting out by the gas pressure and pulling the textile material sideways.

84. The airbag system according to claim 82, wherein the sewing of the hose cracks after the gas has reached a predetermined pressure level and the gas flows lateral in a transverse direction into the airbag.

85. An airbag system comprising:

an airbag including textile material,

a gas generating device, and

deployment means operative to initiate deployment of the airbag in a predetermined direction and to a predetermined deployment base before a substantial amount of generated gas enters the airbag for inflation, said deployment means including,

at least one hose pointing in a predetermined direction,

at least one projectile associated with said hose, wherein a release pin blocks advancement of said projectile prior to said hose reaching a predetermined starting location, and

means cooperative with said hose to advance said at least one projectile against said textile material in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location.

86. The airbag system according to claim 85, wherein the release pin is travel controlled.

87. An airbag system comprising:

an airbag including textile material,

a gas generating device, and

deployment means operative to initiate deployment of the airbag in a predetermined direction and to a predetermined deployment base before a substantial amount of generated gas enters the airbag for inflation, said deployment means including,

a plurality of cells configured and arranged like an air mattress,

at least one hose pointing in a predetermined direction,

at least one projectile associated with said hose, and

means cooperative with said hose to advance said at least one projectile against said textile material in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location.

88. The airbag system according to claim 87, wherein the plurality of cells is connected directly to the gas pressure.

89. The airbag system according to claim 87, wherein the plurality of cells blow up, moving the airbag in the predetermined direction.

90. The airbag system according to claim 87, wherein sewing or gluing between cells of the plurality of cells cracks at a predetermined pressure.

91. The tag airbag system according to claim 87, wherein separate cells of the plurality of cells are built up in line substantially perpendicular to a direction towards a target occupant location.

92. The airbag system according to claim 87, wherein the plurality of cells by different length of the upper and lower layer is moved around a corner to pull in a transverse direction.

93. The airbag system according to claim 87, wherein the plurality of cells are mounted in the periphery of the system to pressure chimneys.

94. The airbag system according to claim 93, wherein the pressure chimney is located in the middle of the system.

95. The airbag system according to claim 93, wherein the pressure chimney is capable of telescopic movement during pressurizing.