CN101652274B - Apparatus and method for controlling an inflatable cushion - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for controlling an inflatable cushion Download PDFInfo
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- CN101652274B CN101652274B CN200880011440XA CN200880011440A CN101652274B CN 101652274 B CN101652274 B CN 101652274B CN 200880011440X A CN200880011440X A CN 200880011440XA CN 200880011440 A CN200880011440 A CN 200880011440A CN 101652274 B CN101652274 B CN 101652274B
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- releasable
- inflatable cushion
- inhibiting device
- fixed
- inside face
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- 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
- B60R21/276—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 to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure
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- 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
- B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
- B60R21/015—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
- B60R21/01512—Passenger detection systems
- B60R21/01516—Passenger detection systems using force or pressure sensing means
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- 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
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- 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
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/2334—Expansion control features
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- 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
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/2334—Expansion control features
- B60R21/2338—Tethers
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- 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
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/2334—Expansion control features
- B60R21/2338—Tethers
- B60R2021/23382—Internal tether means
- B60R2021/23384—Internal tether means having ends which are movable or detachable during deployment
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- 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
- B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
- B60R21/015—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
- B60R21/01512—Passenger detection systems
- B60R21/0153—Passenger detection systems using field detection presence sensors
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Air Bags (AREA)
Abstract
A control device for modifying the deployment characteristics of an inflatable cushion of an airbag module, the control device comprising: a releasable retention device, a first end of the releasable retention device being releasably secured to an inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a first location, the releasable retention device being configured to limit deployment of the inflatable cushion in a first direction when the releasable retention device is secured to the first location of the inflatable cushion; a sensing device for releasing the releasable retention device from the first location, the sensing device being fixedly secured to the inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a second location remote from the first location and releasably secured to the releasable retention device, the sensing device being configured to release the releasable retention device from the first location when the second location of the inflatable cushion travels a predetermined distance during inflation; and a venting tether secured to the inner surface of the inflatable cushion at one end, the venting tether being configured to allow venting through at least one vent opening when the releasable retention device is secured to the inner surface of the inflatable cushion and the at least one vent opening is covered by the venting tether when the releasable retention device is released from the inner surface of the inflatable cushion.
Description
Technical field
Present invention relates in general to a kind of air bag or inflatable cushion of automobile.More specifically, the present invention relates to a kind of system and method for expansion of the inflatable cushion of controlling air bag module.
Background technology
In the automobile, it is general that air bag module has become in modern times.Air bag module generally includes inflatable cushion and the charging blower in the housing.Air bag module is installed in the desired location in the vehicle, such as bearing circle, instrument carrier panel, seat, car door, A post and other positions.Inflatable cushion is stored in the housing and with the charging blower fluid with folding setting and is communicated with.As the response to trigger event and situation, sensor produces the signal that is used to trigger charging blower.Charging blower provides air-sprung inflation supply, so that the air cushion expansion, thereby air cushion is expanded in the vehicle from housing.
For expansion level and the particular case that makes inflatable cushion connects, used several different methods.In view of the above, expectation provides a kind of inflatable cushion and/or equipment or system that controls the expansion of inflatable cushion in response near the situation the inflatable cushion that is launching.
Summary of the invention
Disclosed herein is a kind of equipment and method of deployment characteristics of the inflatable cushion of controlling air bag module.
In an illustrative embodiments; A kind of control convenience of deployment characteristics of the inflatable cushion that is used to change air bag module is provided; This control convenience comprises: releasable inhibiting device; The first end of said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion releasedly at first position, releasable inhibiting device is configured to when releasable inhibiting device is fixed to said first position of said inflatable cushion the expansion at first direction limit inflatable cushion; Be used for discharging the sensing device of releasable inhibiting device from first position; Said sensing device is at the inside face that is fixedly secured to inflatable cushion away from second position at first position; And sensing device is fixed to releasable inhibiting device releasedly, and said sensing device is configured to when a preset distance is advanced at second position of inflatable cushion between expansion period, discharge releasable inhibiting device from first position; With the vent tether that is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion an end; Said vent tether is configured to when releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion, allow to ventilate through at least one ventilation orifice, and is covered by vent tether when releasable inhibiting device said at least one ventilation orifice when the inside face of inflatable cushion discharges.
In another illustrative embodiments, a kind of air bag module is provided, this air bag module comprises: the housing with at least one ventilation orifice; Be configured to inflatable cushion from the housing expansion; Be used for to the gas filed charging blower of inflatable cushion, said charging blower is communicated with the inflatable cushion fluid; Releasable inhibiting device; The first end of said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion releasedly at first position, releasable inhibiting device is configured to when releasable inhibiting device is fixed to first position of inflatable cushion the expansion at first direction limit inflatable cushion; Be used for discharging the sensing device of releasable inhibiting device from first position; Said sensing device is fixedly secured to the inside face of inflatable cushion and is fixed to releasable inhibiting device releasedly at second position away from first position, and said sensing device is configured to when a preset distance is advanced at second position of inflatable cushion between expansion period, discharge releasable inhibiting device from first position; Be fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion an end and be fixed to the vent tether of housing in another end; Said vent tether is configured to when releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion, allow to ventilate through at least one ventilation orifice, and is covered by vent tether when releasable inhibiting device said at least one ventilation orifice when the inside face of inflatable cushion discharges.
In another illustrative embodiments; A kind of method that inflatable cushion launches on first direction that limits is provided; Comprise: the inside face that releasable inhibiting device is fixed to inflatable cushion at first position; Releasable inhibiting device is configured to the expansion of restriction inflatable cushion on first direction when said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to first position of inflatable cushion, and releasable inhibiting device is fixed to first position through the engagement member of sensing device; The part of inside face that is fixedly secured to inflatable cushion when second position away from first position of sensing device discharges releasable inhibiting device advancing a preset distance and engagement member between expansion period when releasable inhibiting device is removed from first position; Carry out through-flowly with the expanding gas that makes inflatable cushion, discharge from first position until releasable inhibiting device.
Through following detailed description, accompanying drawing and accompanying claims, those skilled in the art will know and understand the above-mentioned of the application and other characteristics.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the partial view of vehicle interior, wherein shows at storage or the inflatable cushion of passenger side air bag module under the deployed condition not;
Fig. 2 is the partial view of vehicle interior, wherein shows the cutaway view that the inflatable cushion of the control convenience that has according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention structure launches under the obstruction state;
Fig. 3 is the partial view of vehicle interior, wherein shows the cutaway view that the inflatable cushion of the control convenience that has according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention structure launches under without hindrance state;
Fig. 4 A-4C shows the view of control convenience according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5 A-5E is the view of the releasable spacing member of control convenience according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 A and 6B show the view of the control convenience of the illustrative embodiments substituting according to the present invention;
Fig. 7 shows the sequence view of the without hindrance expansion of inflatable cushion;
Fig. 8 shows inflatable cushion and receives the sequence view that hinders expansion;
Fig. 9-16 shows the substituting illustrative embodiments of the present invention; With
Figure 17-26 shows the substituting illustrative embodiments of the present invention.
The specific embodiment
Disclosed herein is a kind of through using control convenience to come optionally to control expansion or the method and apparatus of expansion of the inflatable cushion of air bag module, and this control convenience is used to control the deployment characteristics of inflatable cushion.According to an illustrative embodiments, control convenience stops the expansion of inflatable cushion on first direction, only if on another or second direction, detect unobstructive expansion.
According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention, control convenience comprises: releasable inhibiting device, and wherein, this releasable inhibiting device is configured to when releasable inhibiting device is fixed to inflatable cushion the expansion at first direction limit inflatable cushion; Sensing device, when inflatable cushion when on second direction, advancing a preset distance between expansion period, this sensing device is used to discharge releasable inhibiting device.
Now, consult accompanying drawing, particularly Fig. 1 wherein shows vehicle 10 an in-to-ins part.Include armchair structure 12 and air bag module 14 in the interior cabin of vehicle 10, this air bag module is with respect to the spatial relationship setting of armchair structure 12 to select.Air bag module 14 comprises housing 16, charging blower 18 and air bag or inflatable cushion 20.Module 14 is positioned in the vehicle 10, is used for the expansion of air cushion 20 towards armchair structure 12.
Sensor or sensing diagnostic module 22 are configured to detect trigger event, and wherein, the generation of threshold event can cause energizing signal 24 to produce and be inflated machine 18 receptions, thereby causes charging blower to be inflated to inflatable cushion.According to known technology, the detection of threshold event is confirmed by one or more sensors that are arranged on vehicle periphery.Therefore, the triggering of energizing signal 24 control air bag modules 14.In an illustrative embodiments, sensing diagnostic module 22 comprises that microprocessor, microcontroller or other can the object computer readable datas or the equivalent process equipment of the order of program, to be used to carry out the control algorithm of control air bag module operation.In order (for example to carry out intended function and required processing and calculating; The control program of stipulating in the execution of Fourier synthesis (one or more), the literary composition etc.); Controller includes but not limited to treater (one or more), computing machine (one or more), internal memory, memory device, register (one or more), timer, interrupter (one or more), communication interface and input/output signal interface, and the combination that comprises at least one parts noted earlier.For example, controller comprises the incoming signal filter function, to guarantee precise sampling and conversion or the collection from the said signal of communication interface.As stated, illustrative embodiments of the present invention can be implemented through the executive program and the device of those programs of execution.
Inflatable cushion is stored in the housing 16 with setting folding or that do not launch.Air cushion is configured to be communicated with charging blower 18 fluids, and wherein, the generation of expanding gas can make air cushion expand.Based on the detection of 22 pairs of trigger events of sensing diagnostic module, charging blower 18 is triggered to produce expanding gas through signal 24.Expanding gas makes air cushion 20 expand from housing 16 and is expanded to vehicle interior.Will be understood that module 14 is described to be included on the instrument carrier panel of vehicle, this only is for example.Certainly, what expect easily is, module 14 can mounting arrangements in other zones of vehicle, such as but not limited to bearing circle, seat, A post, top and other positions and other angles or position relation as shown in Figure 1.In addition, vehicle interior, instrument carrier panel, air bag module and provide as an example about their concrete structure of interrelation certainly, should be understood that these structures can be different from concrete structure shown in Figure 1.
In addition, what expect easily is that the present invention also can use with various types of inflatable cushions and charging blower.For example, air cushion can ad hoc fashion construct and/or fold, to realize various deployed configurations and various types of charging blower (like dual-stage inflators).
In addition, according to substituting illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the sensing diagnostic module also can be configured to detect one or more situation of armchair structure.For example; Sensing diagnostic module 22 can be configured to detect one or more in following: the position of load on the armchair structure 12 and load capacity (for example, occupant's body weight), armchair structure, the part of armchair structure are with respect to the distance between the angle of another part, armchair structure and the air bag module 14 and relevant other data with airbag deployment through receiving that input from a plurality of sensors that are arranged on vehicle periphery obtains.
For example; The sensing diagnostic module can receive the input from one or more sensors, and sensor uses detecting sensor (not shown) and seat belt tension sensor 34 such as but not limited to seat position sensor 26, optical scanner 28, load cell 30, seat tilt sensor 32, seatbelt.Sensor arrangement becomes the incoming signal that one or more seat conditions of indication are provided to module 22.In order to confirm required inflatable cushion deployment schemes, one or more seat conditions that are combined with occupant's model (for example, by the definite body weight of sensor) are transfused to the control algorithm that resides in the microprocessor, and this microprocessor is arranged in the sensing diagnostic module.For example; When be stored in lookup table or other readable formats in the microprocessor memory relatively the time; Quantitative data input can allow algorithm to determine whether to need air bag to launch fully or local expansion the (for example, having air bag module made to order through the mode that triggers or do not trigger the system that is designed to change the air cushion deployment characteristics)
Before trigger event (expansion) took place, the serial sampling of a plurality of sensors allowed the sensing diagnostic module to have a plurality of inputs.It should be noted that airbag inflation of the present invention system is considered to use the combination in any of sensor as aforementioned, and the sensor of the particular type of above-mentioned discussion is not to be used for limiting the present invention.
Now, according to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention and consult accompanying drawing 2-8, the expansion of inflatable cushion on first direction controlled by control convenience 50, and this control convenience is used to change the deployment characteristics of the inflatable cushion of air bag module.In an illustrative embodiments, control convenience is arranged in the inflatable cushion of air bag module.According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention, control convenience comprises releasable inhibiting device 52, and this releasable inhibiting device is configured on the whole the expansion by the first direction limit inflatable cushion shown in the arrow 54.
According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention; Releasable inhibiting device stops or limits the first or the leading edge of inflatable cushion; Because the kinematic principle of inflatable cushion, this first or leading edge should be first part that inflatable cushion leaves air bag module and launches towards automotive occupant.In view of the above, owing to stoped this part of inflatable cushion, other parts of air-sprung or second portion will leave launch on other direction of air bag module faster or rapider now.For example, in Fig. 1-3 of the inflatable cushion that shows the side gas-bag for passenger module, lower edge was outwards launched before forward edge at least, and afterwards, if lower edge is not hindered, forward edge is allowed to launch fully so.Equally; At least in Fig. 9 of the inflatable cushion that shows the driver's side air bag module A-11B, top edge is restricted and forward edge was outwards launched before top edge, afterwards; If forward edge is not hindered, top edge is allowed to launch fully so.In addition, the restriction of the top edge of driver side inflatable cushion also makes lower edge at first outwards move, thus with its self poisoning between occupant's lower part of the body position (for example, last shank and waist) and bearing circle.
In other words; Because air-sprung kinematic principle; Unconstrained inflatable cushion can leave module and launch, and this module has at least one part or first provides leading edge, this leading edge can be before other parts of inflatable cushion or second portion contact target or individuality.In view of the above, other parts can be left air bag module and launch outwardly after having left module corresponding to the first of leading edge and having launched.In addition, based on the position of occupant with respect to inflatable cushion, the occupant's that leading edge touched desired regions is littler than the desired regions that is touched by inflatable cushion " other parts " usually.
On the contrary; According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention; Control convenience hinders the first of inflatable cushion, thereby second portion or other part are launched at first outwardly, wherein; Through other part or second portion are used as sensing device, other parts are used to confirm that whether the occupant is near inflatable cushion.In addition, these other parts can be launched making on some regional direction of their contact occupants, and these zones more can be born and the contacting of inflatable cushion.
According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention; Releasable inhibiting device has first end 56; This first end is fixed to the inside face 58 of inflatable cushion releasedly at first position 60; This first position is corresponding with the first of the leading edge that inflatable cushion is provided, because the kinematic principle of inflatable cushion, it should be first part that inflatable cushion leaves air bag module and launches towards automotive occupant.
According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention, releasable inhibiting device comprises that tether (tether) or other are suitable for withstanding the material of the swelling force of supplying with to inflatable cushion.In an illustrative embodiments; Releasable inhibiting device or tether have effective length " x " or development length " x "; This length is corresponding to first expansion of position 60 on first direction 54 of inflatable cushion; Perhaps corresponding to the distance to another attachment point from the attachment point at the releasable inhibiting device and first position, in an illustrative embodiments, this another attachment point is positioned on the air bag module housing.In other words, effective length " x " is understood corresponding to the for example expansion on first direction of inflatable cushion, and as shown in Figure 2, and the part of releasable inhibiting device 52 is crooked round the part of instrument carrier panel or air bag module housing.
As shown in Figure 3, the effective length of releasable inhibiting device 52 " x " is than short in the corresponding distance of the development distance on first direction 54 " x1 " during the without hindrance expansion with inflatable cushion.In view of the above, and according to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention, releasable inhibiting device stops inflatable cushion on first direction, to launch fully, only if other parts of at least one of inflatable cushion are launched with unobstructive mode.In addition; The obstruction of the first of inflatable cushion on first direction causes other parts or second portion to launch at first outwardly or launches in early days and launch in inflatable cushion; If the first of inflatable cushion is not interrupted afterwards, they should be opened so.In addition, through with other parts or second portion as the sensing member, launch now more rapidly other parts be used for confirming that whether the occupant is near inflatable cushion.In other words, when inflatable cushion launches and releasable inhibiting device when being fixed to first position, releasable inhibiting device stops inflatable cushion to reach apart from x1.
According to an illustrative embodiments, in order to discharge releasable inhibiting device, control convenience also comprises sensing device 62.Whether the second portion 64 that sensing device is configured to detect inflatable cushion unhinderedly launches on second direction 68.Second direction is corresponding with the expansion of second portion 64 on second direction 68; This second direction also is described as the discharged fixed part and the fixed part of contact point a to sensing device of releasable inhibiting device and another contact point of second portion of self-sensing device, and another contact point is the inside face of inflatable cushion near the leading edge of second portion 64 in one embodiment.
As stated, cause second portion to launch sooner by releasable inhibiting device to the obstruction of first than not interrupted inflatable cushion.In view of the above, second portion is used for confirming whether the expansion of inflatable cushion is hindered.
According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention; The second portion of inflatable cushion is the bottom forward edge 70 of inflatable cushion; And second direction is from first direction basically down or forward direction and towards lower direction 72; Wherein, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, this direction is corresponding with comparatively desirable contact site.
According to an illustrative embodiments; Sensing device also comprises tether; This tether has less than the effective length of length " y1 " or development length " y "; When the second portion of inflatable cushion unhinderedly launches on second direction, the distance that length " y1 " is launched on second direction corresponding to inflatable cushion.In view of the above; According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention; At least a portion distance of launching when the second portion of inflatable cushion is during greater than " y " on second direction; The sensing device tension that can become; Towing pin or other make releasable inhibiting device be fixed to the equivalent of the apparatus at first position releasedly afterwards, and from first position of inflatable cushion and the end that is fixed with the sensing device of pin discharge releasable inhibiting device, thereby allow inflatable cushion development distance " x1 " on first direction.
According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention; During the second portion of inflatable cushion is launching, receive when hindering; In an infinite illustrative embodiments; (see figure 2) when back side child seat 74 is positioned at the place ahead of the inflatable cushion that is launching just, releasable inhibiting device stop inflatable cushion on first direction, to launch fully.As shown in the figure, back side child seat can hinder the expansion of inflatable cushion on second direction, and in view of the above, releasable inhibiting device can remain and be fixed to inflatable cushion, thereby has limited the expansion of inflatable cushion on first direction.In other words; The obstruction of inflatable cushion on second direction makes sensing device can't reach its length of run fully; Because sensing device can't draw releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the pin on the air cushion, therefore, releasable inhibiting device continues to be fixed to inflatable cushion.
In view of the above; Illustrative embodiments of the present invention relates to the control convenience that is arranged in the inflatable cushion; Wherein, Control convenience comprises releasable inhibiting device and sensing device; This releasable inhibiting device is configured on first direction, limit at least the expansion of inflatable cushion, and this releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion releasedly at first position, and this sensing device is used for discharging releasable inhibiting device from first position when a preset distance is advanced at second position of inflatable cushion between expansion period.Sensing device is fixedly secured to inflatable cushion at second position inside face and sensing device are configured to when a preset distance has been advanced at second position, discharge releasable inhibiting device from first position.
According to an illustrative embodiments; Sensing device is fixed to inflatable cushion and comprises release component 78 at second position 76; When inflatable cushion launched with a preset distance on second direction, release component 78 discharged releasable inhibiting device from first position of inflatable cushion.
Now; According to an infinite illustrative embodiments and consult Fig. 4 A-4B; Release component comprises the pin or the holding device 80 of an end that is fixed to sensing device; Pin or holding device 80 are used for having advanced in the end 82 of releasable inhibiting device and this end 82 are fixed to himself after passing spacing member 84; This spacing member 84 is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion and opening 86 is provided, and allows the end to pass this opening, thereby releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion.The non-limiting embodiment of pin or holding device 80 comprises the spring cotter structure; Wherein, 82 have passed and have passed the end 82 of releasable inhibiting device around the part of spring cotter after the spacing member in the end, to secure it to another part of releasable inhibiting device.According to an illustrative embodiments, pin or holding device 80 are to be made up of plastics that can fully withstand tension force or metallic material (for example steel), and it also can have friction coefficient lower or expectation with respect to the material of releasable inhibiting device simultaneously.
In an infinite illustrative embodiments; Spacing member 84 is fixing pin or bars (Fig. 4 C) at the place, each end of stationary member 88, and this stationary member is configured to the dispensed of releasable inhibiting device 52 to the surf zone of the forward direction part of inflatable cushion or first or leading edge.In an infinite illustrative embodiments; Stationary member is that a slice is fixed to the material on the inflatable cushion inside face at least two edges; Wherein, spacing member is fixed to the surface of material between two built-in edges, so that disperse the lip-deep spacing load of inflatable cushion.In addition, opening 86 is positioned between spacing member and the material surface.
In addition, according to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the fixture construction of releasable inhibiting device to first becomes the feasible power minimum that need be used to discharge releasable inhibiting device from sensing device.In at least one infinite embodiment, it is favourable that releasable inhibiting device is surrounded ring around spacing member 84, so that at least two parts of releasable inhibiting device are stoped or hinder the influence of the tension force of inflatable cushion first.In view of the above; The size that holding device 80 is shifted out the needed power of releasable inhibiting device reduces; Because tension force disperses between two shanks of the releasable inhibiting device of coiling spacing member 84 or part; Therefore reduced the tension force that supplies to holding device 80, this holding device is fixed to spacing member with two of releasable inhibiting device.
In addition; Through require from sensing device, (for example be used to discharge releasable inhibiting device; Extract pin) power minimum, compare with first that has been hindered or leading edge at present, contact target or occupant's part or second portion also can have the contact force that reduces.The convenient dismounting that sensing device is fixed to the pin of releasable inhibiting device can help the steady expansion of inflatable cushion.In addition, stoping or limiting the air-sprung leading edge is easily, and based on the air-sprung kinematic principle, this leading edge is the air cushion most probable at first launched and had the power bigger than other parts of air cushion outwardly from instrument carrier panel a part.
In view of the above; If the second portion of inflatable cushion is hindered; Sensing device will partly discharge releasable inhibiting device (for example, extracting the pin that releasable inhibiting device is kept or be fixed to himself) from the air-sprung forward direction so, and can allow the air cushion leading edge to open fully or launch.Sensing device can't extend fully else if, and pin just can not be pulled out so, and releasable inhibiting device also can continue to be fixed to the leading edge of inflatable cushion.
Now, consult Fig. 6 A-6B, wherein show another alternative method that releasable inhibiting device is fixed to releasedly inflatable cushion.Here, each stationary member and spacing member all are replaced by the material 90 that is fixed to the inflatable cushion inside face at two positions.As in aforementioned embodiments; The end of releasable inhibiting device be fixed on material 90 around; The release component 78 that after release component has passed the opening that is limited material 90, is fixed to the sensing member is fixed to releasable inhibiting device with end 82, provides two parts of releasable inhibiting device to bear the swelling force of inflatable cushion once more.
Now, consult Fig. 1-6B once more, sensing device comprises tether 92, and this tether is fixed to release component 78 or sells 80 an end, and is fixed to the part of inflatable cushion near the inside face of second portion 64 in the other end.In view of the above; When second portion unhinderedly march to length than sensing device or tether 92 big apart from the time; Become tensioning and will selling from releasable inhibiting device of tether is extracted; At this moment, the first of inflatable cushion is allowed to extend or launch on the direction of arrow 44, and end 82 is from opening with the fixing spacing member 84 of inflatable cushion or separating simultaneously.
In addition; In an infinite illustrative embodiments; For the anchor portion with releasable inhibiting device is fixed on certain structure; And this structure can not withstand swelling force in inflatable cushion expansion and releasable inhibiting device when inflatable cushion discharges, is fixed to the contact point that fixed part 94 is provided on the inflatable cushion near anchoring piece 98 through the anchor portion 96 with releasable inhibiting device, and this anchoring piece is fixed to the outside face 100 of inflatable cushion.According to an illustrative embodiments, anchoring piece 98 is configured to be received in one or two the assist openings in the framing member of air bag module housing or instrument carrier panel.
In another replacement scheme; Consult Fig. 5 A-5E now; For the anchor portion with releasable inhibiting device is fixed on certain structure; And this structure is launched and releasable inhibiting device can not withstand swelling force when inflatable cushion discharges at inflatable cushion, and the end of passing releasable inhibiting device through the opening via inflatable cushion provides the contact point of fixed part 94, wherein; The anchoring piece 98 that this end has and it is fixing, and anchoring piece 98 is configured to be received in one or two the assist openings 102 in the framing member of air bag module housing or instrument carrier panel.
In another replacement scheme, anchoring piece 98 is configured in the part of charging blower and charging blower is remained between the support 104 of appropriate location (Fig. 5 D).Shown in Fig. 5 A-5E, releasable inhibiting device has its non-removable anchor portion, and the inflation openings of starting point is passed in this end, and the part of releasable inhibiting device is configured between charging blower and the air bag module housing thereafter.In addition, anchoring piece is configured such that it can not pass during inflatable cushion launches between charging blower and air bag module housing.In addition, shown in Fig. 5 D, charging blower remains on the appropriate location through connecting panel 104, and this connecting panel prevents that also anchoring piece from passing from it.Fig. 5 E shows the releasable inhibiting device that is fixed to the air bag module housing with inflatable cushion, has removed inflatable cushion among the figure for the sake of simplicity.
Certainly, aforementioned embodiments all be with releasable inhibiting device be fixed to rigidly inflatable cushion method for example, illustrative embodiments of the present invention does not also mean that and is limited to concrete structure described herein.
Now, consult Fig. 7, wherein show the sequence view of the without hindrance expansion of inflatable cushion, Fig. 8 shows the sequence view that hinders expansion that has of inflatable cushion simultaneously.As Fig. 8 obviously shown in because the second portion locking of inflatable cushion or hindered and sensing device can't be deployed into its maximum working length, inflatable cushion receives the restriction of releasable inhibiting device on first direction.In addition, as shown in Figure 8, the inflatable cushion that is hindered obviously has the developed width bigger than inflatable cushion shown in Figure 7.
Now, consult Fig. 9-16, wherein show a substituting illustrative embodiments of the present invention.Carrying out parts identical or similar functions here, indicates to add 100 Reference numeral.Consult these accompanying drawings now, wherein show the inflatable cushion 108 that is configured for the driver's side air bag module.In embodiment in front, inflatable cushion is controlled by the control convenience 150 that is arranged in the inflatable cushion on first direction.
Here, control convenience comprises releasable inhibiting device 152, and this inhibiting device is configured to the expansion at first direction limit inflatable cushion, and this first direction is generally by arrow 154 expressions.According to an illustrative embodiments; Releasable inhibiting device has first 155 and second portion 161; This first is fixed at 157 places, an end near inflatable cushion inflation openings 159, and this second portion is fixed to the inside face 158 of inflatable cushion releasedly at 160 places, first position.In an infinite illustrative embodiments, second portion comprises the ring of nylon woven material or other equivalent material, and this ring passes a plurality of openings 163, and this opening is limiting at least two fixing a plurality of members 165 in part place, to limit opening 163.According to an illustrative embodiments, second portion passes each opening 163 (seeing Figure 13), and wherein, the several portions 167 of second portion is pulled in together so that a contact point of fixed part 169 to be provided between second portion 161 and first 155.Shown in figure 13, the centre portion of second portion 161 and end sections flock together so that the contact point of fixed part to be provided, and wherein, member 165 also flocks together.According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention; Member 165 is positioned at the circumferential edges 171 of inflatable cushion; This circumferential edges is fixed to the zone of back air cushion part 175 corresponding to preceding air cushion part 173; This area limiting the circumferential edges of inflatable cushion, thereby when first is fixed to second portion in the first direction limit or hinder the expansion of inflatable cushion.Certainly, member 165 can be positioned at other parts of inflatable cushion.
Shown in figure 14, after the opening in the member had passed in first, the ring that is limited second portion passed in first.Thereafter, after the ring of second portion had passed in first, the end sections 182 of first was fixed to first.
According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the first of releasable inhibiting device and second portion comprise that tether maybe can withstand the other materials of the swelling force that supplies to inflatable cushion.
Now; Consult Fig. 9 to 11B; According to an illustrative embodiments; The pattern length of the first of releasable inhibiting device and second portion or tether has effective length " x " or development length " x ", and this length is relevant with first expansion of position 160 on first direction 154 of inflatable cushion.In other words, effective length " x " can be relevant with the expansion of inflatable cushion on first direction.
As shown in the figure, the effective length x of releasable inhibiting device is shorter than distance " x1 ", this distance " x1 " corresponding to inflatable cushion during the without hindrance expansion on first direction 154 distance of expansion.In view of the above, according to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention, releasable inhibiting device stops inflatable cushion on first direction, to launch fully, only if other parts of at least one of inflatable cushion are launched with unobstructive mode.In other words, when inflatable cushion launches and releasable inhibiting device when being fixed to first position, releasable inhibiting device stops inflatable cushion to reach apart from x1.
According to an illustrative embodiments, in order to discharge releasable inhibiting device, control convenience also comprises sensing device 162.Whether 164 the second portion that sensing device is configured to detect inflatable cushion unhinderedly launches on second direction 168; Itself and the expansion of second portion 164 on second direction 168 of inflatable cushion or corresponding from the expansion of discharged attachment point to another attachment point of releasable inhibiting device; In an illustrative embodiments, this another attachment point is the inside face near second portion 164 of inflatable cushion.According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the second portion of inflatable cushion is the forward direction of inflatable cushion or towards the part 170 at center, and second direction is a forward directed with respect to first direction generally.
According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention; Sensing device has effective length or the development length " y " shorter than length " y1 "; When the second portion of inflatable cushion unhinderedly launched on second direction, this length " y1 " was corresponding to the distance of inflatable cushion on second direction.In view of the above; According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention; And when the second portion of inflatable cushion on second direction, launch at least greater than " y " apart from the time; Sensing device can discharge releasable inhibiting device from first position of inflatable cushion, thereby allows inflatable cushion at first direction development distance " x1 ".
Also shown in Figure 11 A; Even on the first direction not to the restriction of inflatable cushion; This moment, inflatable cushion caused lower edge 187 on the direction of arrow 189, to be launched in the restriction that the restriction that receives on the second direction or inflatable cushion are receiving on the second direction previously, thereby the part of inflatable cushion is placed between occupant and the bearing circle.During the expansion that the inflatable cushion of passenger side inflatable cushion module is restricted, also be the same.In other words, the previous in one direction restriction of inflatable cushion causes the expansion of inflatable cushion on the unrestricted direction of another inflatable cushion.
According to an illustrative embodiments of the present invention; During the second portion of inflatable cushion is launching, receive when hindering; In an infinite illustrative embodiments; Just when occupant 185 is positioned at inflatable cushion the place ahead one preset distance of expansion (at least shown in Fig. 9 A and 10A), releasable inhibiting device stops inflatable cushion expansion fully on first direction.As shown in the figure, the occupant can hinder the expansion of inflatable cushion on second direction, and in view of the above, releasable inhibiting device can continue to be fixed to inflatable cushion, thus in the first direction limit expansion of inflatable cushion.In other words, the obstruction of inflatable cushion on second direction makes sensing device can't reach its length of run fully, and therefore, releasable inhibiting device continues to be fixed to inflatable cushion.
According to an illustrative embodiments; Sensing device is fixed to inflatable cushion and comprises release component 178 at second position 176; When launched with a preset distance on second direction at second position of inflatable cushion, this release component was used for discharging releasable inhibiting device from first position of inflatable cushion.
According to an infinite illustrative embodiments; Consult accompanying drawing 15 and 16 now; Release component comprises pin or holding device 180; Pin or holding device 180 are used for after a plurality of rings that pass second portion have been advanced in the end end 182 of the first of releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the second portion of releasable inhibiting device, and this second portion is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion releasedly.In an infinite illustrative embodiments, each stationary member 165 all is that a slice is fixed to the material of inflatable cushion inside face at least two zones, so that be dispersed in the spacing load around the inflatable cushion desired portions.
In view of the above; If the second portion of inflatable cushion is not hindered; Sensing device can partly discharge releasable inhibiting device (for example, extracting the pin that releasable inhibiting device is kept or be fixed to himself) from the air-sprung forward direction, and can allow the whole discharges or the expansion of air-sprung leading edge.Otherwise if sensing device extends fully, pin can not be pulled out and releasable inhibiting device continues to be fixed to the leading edge of inflatable cushion so.
Certainly, aforementioned embodiments be with releasable inhibiting device be fixed to releasedly inflatable cushion method for example, and illustrative embodiments of the present invention is not to mean to be limited to concrete structure described herein.
Illustrative embodiments according to another replacement scheme of the present invention; Consult accompanying drawing 17-23 now; Be input to air-sprung expansion energy or gas by vent tether 118 control, this vent tether is fixed to inflatable cushion an end and is fixed to the part of air bag module in the other end.In this embodiment, vent tether and releasable inhibiting device and sensing device are united use.Vent tether has in housing and inflatable cushion folding predetermined length, and wherein, vent tether is orientated the register in the housing with air bag module as.In the starting stage of launching, the ventilation orifice in the housing does not receive the covering and the obstruction of vent tether, along with air cushion on first direction towards complete expansion direction motion, the part that is configured to cover the tether of ventilation orifice just in time is arranged on the top of ventilation orifice.The motion of vent tether is illustrated by arrow 119 in the accompanying drawings.
Inflatable cushion is convenient to the motion of tether and is untied.Therefore, hindered at first direction if air-sprung expands, the output of charging blower will allow to ventilate from the ventilation orifice of housing so.For example, consult Fig. 8 and 8A and Figure 19.
An illustrative embodiments of the present invention is blocked or is limited through the mode of vent tether or stops the ventilation of inflator gas or directly ventilation, and this vent tether is closed the opening that directly aligns with some charging blower openings or charging blower in the housing.Substituting ground, the ventilation orifice in the housing can have deviation with the charging blower opening of charging blower, and perhaps a plurality of openings can be arranged in the housing, and wherein some aligns with the ventilation unit of diffuser and some is refused aligns.
Along with launching beginning; Ventilation unit can be opened and (or can after minimal cushion travel, open to help launching door and (for example open; Forbid during stage ventilating so that bigger door crack force to be provided in the initial perforation output (punch out) that launches)), and also can be allowed to discharge to pass housing through the ventilation unit near the charging blower of housing split shed from the expanding gas of charging blower.Very short time can be taken place and extended internally up to air cushion and get into vehicle and the tether forward direction is extracted and the final plant closure ventilation orifice in this.
Needing the non-limiting example of the application scenario of this structure is the air bag door-plate of the bigger crack force of requirement, and for example, some has the door-plate (for example, externally it seems there is not the crack) in hidden crack.These structures need bigger crack force than the door-plate with visual slit sometimes.Another infinite example is arranged on the air bag module in the vehicle, and wherein, along with opening of door, door-plate is swung near the zone that can not have very much the passenger of launching door or pivoted.On the contrary, the door that is positioned the spatial relationship faced with passenger property embodiment as an example also can expect, wherein, tether is positioned at first to ventilate and along with inflatable cushion covers ventilation unit towards passenger's expansion.
If tether extends fully, ventilation unit can stay open and the major part of expansion energy can be arranged to leave the sidepiece that launches the air-sprung module or rear side ventilate (in Figure 17, being illustrated by arrow 120) certainly so.Meanwhile, releasable inhibiting device can hinder or stop another part of inflatable cushion.On the other hand, if tether is allowed to extend fully, the gas that loses through ventilation can still less and can replenish through the secondary stages of charging blower.This should take place with the release of releasable inhibiting device from inflatable cushion simultaneously.Figure 18 shows the tether that when the ventilation orifice of housing is closed, is pulled to its complete development length
According to an illustrative embodiments, air bag module adopts directly ventilate (for example, the ventilation orifice in the housing aligns with the ventilation unit of charging blower), and in view of the above, module needn't supercharging before it begins to ventilate.This allows to direct contact to the output facet of originally boring a hole that launches door in minimizing is useful.In addition, at least in some embodiments, need forbid electricity input or the startup ring that adds or forbid additional components.In addition, illustrative embodiments of the present invention can not added the additional components that can increase or add effective weight to module.
Consulting accompanying drawing, specifically is Figure 17-19, wherein shows an illustrative embodiments.Here, air bag module comprises outer hull 16, and this outer hull is used for installing or near to vehicle inside face or instrument carrier panel through suitable manner (such as being threaded).Certainly, what expect easily is that module also can be installed on other structures in the vehicle.Housing is processed by rigid material easy molded or extruding, such as plastics, steel, aluminium etc.
Will describe in detail as following, air bag module 14 comprises customization or the inflatable grade of tailor-made air cushion 20 and the device of ventilation situation.The spread of inflation level and inflatable cushion is complementary.Ventilation or its leakage of more specifically, passing the expanding gas of housing inner opening are confirmed by air cushion 20 that launches fully or the interrupted air cushion 20 of part.Inflatable cushion is to be processed by lamination coating, such as nylon known in the field or polyester.
Shown in figure 19, the figure shows the sequential affair that is in the inflatable cushion that is launching on the delta time of initial deployment 10ms, 30ms, 50ms and 70ms.Figure 19 also shows the view of the ventilation orifice of air bag module housing.As shown in the figure; The vent tether of inflatable cushion is blocked ventilation orifice at first; Opening in vent tether in the time period of the 27-56 that begins to launch aligns with the ventilation orifice of housing afterwards, and then allows expanding gas to escape, and the back is along with inflatable cushion (for example launches fully again; Releasable inhibiting device discharges and air cushion unhinderedly launches), vent tether is pulled to the closed position that is used for the Remaining Stages between expansion period.
Now, consult Figure 20-24, wherein show according to the fixed part of vent tether 118 to the air bag module of an illustrative embodiments of the present invention and its operation.The control convenience of illustrative embodiments of the present invention for clarity sake, is not shown.Yet, be understood that easily illustrative embodiments of the present invention expects also can using the vent tether of describing among Fig. 1-16 with control convenience easily.Certainly, be understood that easily that illustrative embodiments of the present invention also is intended to contain the individual configurations of control convenience and vent tether.In other words, can expect the combination of control convenience and tether or the special structure that uses of control convenience quilt of vent tether from illustrative embodiments.
As shown in the figure, in an illustrative embodiments, inflatable cushion is mounted to housing through hill holder 138.Hill holder 138 is configured to place in the inflation openings of inflatable cushion and comprises that a plurality of thru-bolts or mounting tools 140, this thru-bolt or mounting tools are passed in the opening in the inflatable cushion and through passing the opening in the housing hill holder are fixed to housing.As shown in the figure, wherein show vent tether 118 or launch member.According to an illustrative embodiments, tether 118 is by with the inflatable cushion identical materials or be suitable for that ventilation orifice launches or any material that covers is processed.Tether 118 is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion and is fixed to another part of air bag module in another end an end.For example, hill holder 138 is provided for tether is fixed to the instrument of air bag module.In an illustrative embodiments, tether 118 is fixed to the positive inside face of inflatable cushion.Substituting ground; Tether is fixed to inflatable cushion (in Figure 26 by shown in the dotted line) through planar plate members 121; This planar plate members is arranged between tether end and the inflatable cushion inside face, and wherein, tether is fixed to the part of planar plate members at the contact point place that directly is not fixed to inflatable cushion; And two opposed ends 323 of planar plate members are fixed to inflatable cushion, and then the surperficial area of contact bigger with respect to the fixed position of tether to inflatable cushion is provided.
Now, consult Figure 23 A and 24, wherein show the back view of air bag module.As shown in the figure, housing 16 has a ventilation orifice or a plurality of ventilation orifice 142, orientates as with a plurality of ventilation orifices 144 of charging blower 18 according to the said ventilation orifice of illustrative embodiments and aligns.As shown in the figure, some in the ventilation orifice 144 orientated as and directly alignd with opening 142 and directly do not align with opening 142.On the contrary, some ventilation orifice 144 is orientated as expanding gas is arranged the into opening of inflatable cushion 20.
For two different ventilation ranks of passing opening 142 are provided, tether 118 is adjusted the ventilation of the rear side that passes the air bag module housing according to first extension state/profile 146 (Figure 22 or Figure 17) or second extension state/profile 148 (Figure 21 or 18).For example, launch and not during expansion, tether 118 is fixed to module, so that opening or a plurality of opening 142 do not receive the obstruction of tether when inflatable cushion is initial; Therefore expanding gas can directly discharge from the air bag module housing (for example, Figure 17,22 and 22A).In the tether with charging blower in opening 144 align with as stated with housing in one or more openings 141 of directly aliging of opening 142 be favourable.
In addition, if tether does not extend fully, opening 142 allows expanding gas to discharge from housing so, rather than row advances in the inflatable cushion on the contrary.
Substituting ground, as Figure 18,21 and 23A shown in, when inflatable cushion reached its state that extends fully, tether 118 tensions covered opening 142 afterwards, and then more expanding gas are imported air cushion.The tether that extends fully is favourable, and the opening 141 of tether no longer aligns with opening 142, and tether by have obstruction from housing in the material of characteristic of expanding gas of charging blower opening of register process.In order to prevent opening obstructions that become before extending fully at tether 140, the part of tether 140 bound and be sewed together (filament that for example, when tether 118 is strained, can break away from) with releasable filament 143.Substituting ground, tether is folded so that tether can not open or untie near the part of the contact point that is fixed to housing, reaches until air cushion and launches (when for example, not having releasable stitching) fully.
Another embodiment of the present invention is used the tether with twin-stage charging blower; This charging blower has the first order and the second stage; Wherein the first order provides the bigger expansion output of passing a plurality of first openings in the charging blower housing, and the second stage provides the less expansion output of passing a plurality of second openings in the charging blower housing.In another embodiment, the first order can provide identical expansion output with the second stage.
At first, unlatching first or partial possibility also can be decided based on the intensity of trigger event and a plurality of outputs of above-mentioned a plurality of sensors by sensing diagnostic module (SDM).
According to another illustrative embodiments, tether is arranged as at first has non-aeration structure, has aeration structure afterwards, then has the stuffy structure of launching fully based on tether.In other words, the harness motion of mobile tether this characteristic is provided.Folding and installation tether is favourable; This makes that the tether opening is not to align with charging blower ventilation unit and shell nozzle at first; Along with air cushion begins to launch, tether draws in the structure shown in Figure 22, and if air cushion launch tether so fully finally towards the structure motion of Figure 23.This can allow, and (for example, the door opening on instrument carrier panel tears) extra expanding gas or pressure increases in the housing in the initial incipient stage of launching.In addition, an embodiment of expecting easily can prevent that tether from reaching the structure of Figure 22, has passed the opening of instrument carrier panel until air-sprung part, the length of controlling tether with folding be favourable.
In view of the above, in aforementioned embodiment arbitrarily, the process that tether 118 is indicating inflatable cushion to get into vehicle, and tether provides to be convenient to ventilate and passes the instrument of back side body.
Therefore, tether is configured to adjust ventilation based on air-sprung rear portion skew (for example, towards the armchair structure motion).As a substituting embodiment, tether comprises the semipermeable materials of the effect of playing the filter that is used to filter charging blower internal combustion side production, and this combustion by-product is discharged ventilation orifice during inflatable cushion launches.In this embodiment, semipermeable materials should be arranged on the top of ventilation orifice.
Figure 25 and 26 shows the infinite structure of the vent tether of use in illustrative embodiments of the present invention.As shown in the figure, the opening 141 of vent tether can be constructed with multiple size and model, when inflatable cushion launches with without hindrance mode, longer or shorter aerated area to be provided.
In view of the above; Releasable equipment combines to allow inflatable cushion to provide a plurality of expansion to select; Releasable equipment has sensing device and vent tether; This sensing device is used for discharging releasable inhibiting device from inflatable cushion, and this vent tether is configured to when releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of inflatable cushion, allow ventilation to pass at least one ventilation orifice.In an illustrative embodiments,, other parts of inflatable cushion receive that releasable inhibiting device when hindering hinders or the part of restriction inflatable cushion during launching.In addition; When an air-sprung part or other a plurality of parts receive when hindering; The part of inflatable cushion receives the obstruction of obstruction equipment, and the part that vent tether allows expanding gas to separate ventilation, thereby reduces or kept the internal pressure of inflatable cushion from inflatable cushion.
Substituting ground, if air cushion launches with without hindrance mode, so releasable inhibiting device allows air cushion to open and vent tether is adjusted or strained with the ventilation orifice in the covering shell.
Claims (16)
1. the control convenience of the deployment characteristics of an inflatable cushion that is used to change air bag module, this control convenience comprises:
Releasable inhibiting device; The first end of said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of said inflatable cushion releasedly at first position, said releasable inhibiting device is configured to when said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to said first position of said inflatable cushion said releasable inhibiting device in the expansion of the said inflatable cushion of first direction limit;
Be used for discharging the sensing device of said releasable inhibiting device from said first position; Said sensing device is at the inside face that is fixedly secured to said inflatable cushion away from second position at said first position; And said sensing device is fixed to said releasable inhibiting device releasedly, and said sensing device is configured to that said sensing device discharges said releasable inhibiting device from said first position when a preset distance is advanced at second position of said inflatable cushion between expansion period; With
Be fixed to the vent tether of the inside face of said inflatable cushion an end; Said vent tether is configured to that said vent tether allows to ventilate through at least one ventilation orifice when said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of said inflatable cushion; And when said releasable inhibiting device when the inside face of said inflatable cushion discharges, said at least one ventilation orifice is covered by said vent tether.
2. control convenience as claimed in claim 1; Wherein, Said preset distance is corresponding with lower edge expansion with without hindrance mode on second direction of said inflatable cushion, and said vent tether comprises the elongated opening that aligns with said at least one ventilation orifice.
3. control convenience as claimed in claim 1; Wherein, The first end of said releasable inhibiting device coats around retaining element; This retaining element is fixed to said inside face at first position; And said first end is fixed to said releasable inhibiting device through the engagement member that is fixed to said sensing device, and the power that is used for removing said engagement member from said releasable inhibiting device is less than the power that when said releasable inhibiting device hinders first position of said inflatable cushion, is applied on the said releasable inhibiting device.
4. like each described control convenience in the aforementioned claim, wherein, said releasable inhibiting device is a tether, and said sensing device also is a tether.
5. control convenience as claimed in claim 3, wherein, said retaining element comprises: the stationary member that is fixed to said inside face at said first position; Pin, said pin all is fixed to said stationary member in each end and passes slit wherein with the first end that limits said releasable inhibiting device.
6. control convenience as claimed in claim 5; Wherein, When said inflatable cushion launches and said releasable inhibiting device when being fixed to said retaining element; For the obstruction power of disperseing to be provided at said first position by said releasable inhibiting device, said member is the planar plate members that is fixed to said inside face at said first position at least two edges.
7. control convenience as claimed in claim 6; Wherein, Said engagement member is the pin that the first end of said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to said releasable inhibiting device through several portions that passes said releasable inhibiting device and first end; And when said preset distance had been advanced in second position of said inflatable cushion between said inflatable cushion expansion period, said pin can remove from said releasable inhibiting device.
8. control convenience as claimed in claim 7; Wherein, Said pin is plastics; And the said inflatable retaining element that comprises on the outside face that is arranged on said inflatable cushion of paying somebody's debt and expecting repayment later, said retaining element are fixed to said inflatable cushion be fixed to the point of said inflatable cushion at the second end of said releasable inhibiting device near, and said retaining element is configured to said inflatable cushion is fixed to the air bag module housing; And wherein said point be arranged so that when said inflatable cushion launch and said releasable inhibiting device not when said inflatable cushion discharges, said the second end can withstand swelling force to the captive joint of said point.
9. air bag module comprises:
Housing with at least one ventilation orifice;
Be configured to inflatable cushion from said housing expansion;
Be used for to the gas filed charging blower of said inflatable cushion, said charging blower is communicated with said inflatable cushion fluid;
Releasable inhibiting device; The first end of said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of said inflatable cushion releasedly at first position, said releasable inhibiting device is configured to when said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to first position of said inflatable cushion said releasable inhibiting device in the expansion of the said inflatable cushion of first direction limit;
Be used for discharging the sensing device of said releasable inhibiting device from said first position; Said sensing device is fixedly secured to the inside face of said inflatable cushion at second position away from said first position and is fixed to said releasable inhibiting device releasedly, and said sensing device is configured to that said sensing device discharges said releasable inhibiting device from said first position when a preset distance is advanced at second position of said inflatable cushion between expansion period; With
Be fixed to the inside face of said inflatable cushion an end and be fixed to the vent tether of said housing in another end; Said vent tether is configured to that said vent tether allows to ventilate through at least one ventilation orifice when said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of said inflatable cushion, and when said releasable inhibiting device during from the inside face release of said inflatable cushion said at least one ventilation orifice covered by said vent tether.
10. air bag module as claimed in claim 9; Wherein, Said preset distance is corresponding with lower edge expansion with without hindrance mode on second direction of said inflatable cushion; And said vent tether has opening, and said open construction one-tenth said opening when said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of said inflatable cushion aligns with said at least one ventilation orifice.
11. air bag module as claimed in claim 9; Wherein, The first end of said releasable inhibiting device coats around retaining element; This retaining element is fixed to said inside face at first position, and said first end is fixed to said releasable inhibiting device through the engagement member that is fixed to said sensing device.
12. air bag module as claimed in claim 11, wherein, said releasable inhibiting device is that tether and said sensing device also are tethers, and said retaining element comprises: the member that is fixed to said inside face at said first position; Pin; Said pin all is fixed to said member in each end and passes slit wherein with the first end that limits said releasable inhibiting device; And said engagement member is the plastic pin that the first end of said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to said releasable inhibiting device through several portions that passes said releasable inhibiting device and first end; And when said preset distance had been advanced in second position of said inflatable cushion between said inflatable cushion expansion period, said plastic pin can be removed from said releasable inhibiting device.
13. air bag module as claimed in claim 9; Wherein, In the starting stage of the expansion of said inflatable cushion; Said vent tether is blocked said at least one ventilation orifice, and said afterwards at least one ventilation orifice is not discharged from the inside face of said inflatable cushion up to said releasable inhibiting device by said tether obstruction.
14. air bag module as claimed in claim 13; Wherein, Said vent tether comprises the elongated opening that aligns with at least one fill opening of said at least one ventilation orifice and said charging blower; Wherein, the length of said vent tether expands on first direction corresponding to said inflatable cushion and leaves the preset distance of said housing.
15. air bag module as claimed in claim 9, wherein, said charging blower comprises a plurality of fill openings that are provided with around the periphery of said charging blower, and said vent tether is constructed with the part of launching around the part of the periphery of said charging blower.
16. one kind is limited the method that inflatable cushion launches, comprising on first direction:
Releasable inhibiting device is fixed to the inside face of said inflatable cushion at first position; Said releasable inhibiting device is configured to that said releasable inhibiting device limits the expansion of said inflatable cushion on first direction when said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to first position of said inflatable cushion; Said releasable inhibiting device is fixed to said first position through the engagement member of sensing device, and said sensing device is fixedly secured to the inside face of said inflatable cushion and is fastened to said releasable inhibiting device releasedly through said engagement member at second position away from said first position;
The part of inside face that is fixedly secured to said inflatable cushion when second position away from said first position of said sensing device discharges said releasable inhibiting device advancing a preset distance and said engagement member between expansion period when said releasable inhibiting device is removed from said first position; With
Make the expanding gas of said inflatable cushion through-flow, discharge from said first position until said releasable inhibiting device.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US90993607P | 2007-04-03 | 2007-04-03 | |
| US60/909,936 | 2007-04-03 | ||
| PCT/US2008/059262 WO2008124499A1 (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2008-04-03 | Apparatus and method for controlling an inflatable cushion |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN101652274A CN101652274A (en) | 2010-02-17 |
| CN101652274B true CN101652274B (en) | 2012-01-04 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN200880011440XA Expired - Fee Related CN101652274B (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2008-04-03 | Apparatus and method for controlling an inflatable cushion |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2134574A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2010523399A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR101047070B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101652274B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008124499A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR101603665B1 (en) | 2009-05-06 | 2016-03-15 | 아우토리브 디벨롭먼트 아베 | Roof airbag module |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6422593B1 (en) * | 1999-12-30 | 2002-07-23 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Supplemental restraint assembly for an automobile |
| EP1398228A2 (en) * | 2002-09-16 | 2004-03-17 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. | Air bag module with vent controlled by tether |
| CN1522211A (en) * | 2000-07-07 | 2004-08-18 | 美利肯公司 | Multiple chamber airbags and methods |
| CN1672985A (en) * | 2004-03-24 | 2005-09-28 | 丰田合成株式会社 | Airbag apparatus |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7566074B2 (en) * | 2002-02-20 | 2009-07-28 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus and method for controlling an inflatable cushion |
| US6808205B2 (en) | 2002-12-02 | 2004-10-26 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Airbag module having variable tether system |
| KR20050017520A (en) * | 2003-08-14 | 2005-02-22 | 현대모비스 주식회사 | Air-Bag System |
| JP4134908B2 (en) * | 2004-01-08 | 2008-08-20 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Airbag device |
| JP2005313675A (en) * | 2004-04-27 | 2005-11-10 | Autoliv Development Ab | Air bag device |
| JP2006256368A (en) | 2005-03-15 | 2006-09-28 | Toyota Motor Corp | Rolling controlling device of vehicle |
| JP4781699B2 (en) * | 2005-03-15 | 2011-09-28 | 日本プラスト株式会社 | Airbag device for vehicle |
-
2008
- 2008-04-03 KR KR1020097020733A patent/KR101047070B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2008-04-03 WO PCT/US2008/059262 patent/WO2008124499A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-04-03 EP EP08733096A patent/EP2134574A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-04-03 JP JP2010502292A patent/JP2010523399A/en active Pending
- 2008-04-03 CN CN200880011440XA patent/CN101652274B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6422593B1 (en) * | 1999-12-30 | 2002-07-23 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Supplemental restraint assembly for an automobile |
| CN1522211A (en) * | 2000-07-07 | 2004-08-18 | 美利肯公司 | Multiple chamber airbags and methods |
| EP1398228A2 (en) * | 2002-09-16 | 2004-03-17 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. | Air bag module with vent controlled by tether |
| CN1672985A (en) * | 2004-03-24 | 2005-09-28 | 丰田合成株式会社 | Airbag apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP2134574A1 (en) | 2009-12-23 |
| JP2010523399A (en) | 2010-07-15 |
| KR101047070B1 (en) | 2011-07-07 |
| KR20090117834A (en) | 2009-11-12 |
| WO2008124499A1 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
| CN101652274A (en) | 2010-02-17 |
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| CF01 | Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee | ||
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