The application is to be that November 11, denomination of invention in 2005 are that " airbag apparatus " and application number are dividing an application of 200510118198.4 Chinese invention patent application the applying date.
The application requires the preceence and the rights and interests of following U.S. Provisional Patent Application:
The application No.60/646 that on January 25th, 2005 submitted to, 487.
Introduce these each in first to file here and apply for reference.
The specific embodiment
According to a first aspect of the invention, provide a kind of head-protecting airbag that can launch along the side surface of vehicle interior, this head-protecting airbag comprises: capsule, this capsule are arranged in the face of automotive occupant, and when aerator is introduced gas in this capsule, are launching; And transom, this transom is arranged on the side facing to car body of capsule, and the upper end and the bottom of capsule interconnected; Wherein when airbag deployment, vertical centre portion of capsule protrudes to automotive occupant, and this transom is connected to the upper end and the bottom of capsule with the state of tension, makes between vertical centre portion of capsule and this transom, to form the space.
Head-protecting airbag according to a second aspect of the invention is characterised in that: in first aspect, said centre portion is arranged to lower than the middle part in a longitudinal direction of air bag.
Head-protecting airbag according to the third aspect is characterised in that: in aspect first and second, at least in the front portion of capsule, said centre portion in height reduces to the front end of air bag gradually.
Head-protecting airbag according to fourth aspect is characterised in that: in aspect first arbitrary to the third aspect; When airbag deployment; The line of centers from the thickness direction on the upwardly extending top of said centre portion of capsule moves closer to transom in direction upwards, and this capsule move closer to transom from the line of centers of said centre portion on the thickness direction of the bottom that extends below in downward direction.
The head-protecting airbag of the 5th aspect is characterised in that: in fourth aspect, the capsule of expansion has the structure of '<' shape roughly or ' L ' shape when observing from the side.
The head-protecting airbag of the 6th aspect is characterised in that: in the arbitrary aspect in aspect first to the 5th; Capsule comprises in the face of first of automotive occupant with in the face of second of car body; First and second interconnects as follows, makes that between them, forming at least one introduces chamber wherein with gas from aerator; And first and second longitudinal length is greater than the longitudinal length of said transom.
The head-protecting airbag of the 7th aspect is characterised in that: in aspect the 6th; First and second interconnect through a plurality of linear connecting bridges that extend in a longitudinal direction, between these linear connecting bridges, form chamber on this longitudinal direction, to extend.
The head-protecting airbag of eight aspect is characterised in that: in aspect the 7th, in said vertical pars intermedia office of capsule, each chamber in these chambers has the width littler than the width of each part in the upper and lower of capsule.
The head-protecting airbag of the 9th aspect is characterised in that: in aspect the 6th; First and second interconnect through the linear connecting bridge that extends in a lateral direction in said pars intermedia office, and this above linearity connecting bridge with below the formation chamber.
The head-protecting airbag of the tenth aspect is characterised in that: in the arbitrary aspect in aspect first to the 9th, said transom comprises sheet or tether band.
The head-protecting airbag of the tenth one side is characterised in that: in the arbitrary aspect in aspect first to the tenth; Said transom is configured such that in a longitudinal direction the longitudinal length of this transom increases when this transom applies the tension force above predeterminated level.
The head-protecting airbag of the 12 aspect is characterised in that: in the arbitrary aspect in aspect first to the 9th, said transom comprises sheet; The preceding outshot that extends forward from the front end of capsule is connected to the front end of this sheet; Extend in a longitudinal direction thereby will be arranged in this preceding outshot by inflating cells from the gas inflated of aerator; And the bottom of being somebody's turn to do the rear end of preceding outshot is connected to the bottom of the front end of capsule.
The head-protecting airbag of the 13 aspect is characterised in that: in the arbitrary aspect and the 12 aspect in aspect first to the 9th, said transom comprises sheet; The back outshot that on the rear direction of capsule, extends is connected to the rear end of this sheet; Extend in a longitudinal direction thereby will be arranged in this back outshot by inflating cells from the gas inflated of aerator; And the bottom of the front end of this back outshot is connected to the bottom of the rear end of capsule.
The head-protecting airbag of the 14 aspect is characterised in that: in the arbitrary aspect in aspect first to the 9th, said transom comprises sheet; Preceding closure member is mounted to front edge and the sealing of the space between the capsule at transom; And rear enclosed spare is mounted in the lagging dege of transom and the sealing of the space between the capsule, thereby the space that between capsule and transom, forms is closed to form the space; And form vent portion so that this space and external communications.
The head portion protecting air bag apparatus of the 15 aspect comprises: according to the head-protecting airbag of the arbitrary aspect in the first to the 15 aspect; And aerator, this aerator produces and is used for the gas to the head protection airbag aeration.
When automotive occupant contacted with head-protecting airbag according to the present invention, the centre portion of capsule was being protected the head of automotive occupant when car body is regained gradually.Through this withdrawal, apply power to capsule and make the upper and lower of capsule be separated from each other.This power of transom resistance.Therefore, in protection automotive occupant head, the centre portion of capsule is regained to car body gradually.At this moment, the vibrations that act on the automotive occupant head have been absorbed.With after car body contacts, capsule is depressed with the vibrations of sorption on the automotive occupant head at this centre portion that blocks the automotive occupant head.
Because the projection of the centre portion of capsule protrudes to automotive occupant, capsule can block occupant's head immediately, and can absorbing vibration in the phase at whole time length.When capsule was regained, the antagonistic force from capsule that head receives was less relatively.As a result, when the head of automotive occupant is blocked by capsule at first, less to the antagonistic force that occupant's head applies from capsule.
In the head-protecting airbag of second aspect, even when automotive occupant has low sitting height, the centre portion of the protrusion of capsule also can be protected the head of automotive occupant safely.
When the sitting height of automotive occupant reduced, automotive occupant tended to be landed in the more position in the place ahead.In the head-protecting airbag of the third aspect, even when the automotive occupant with low sitting height is in the position in this place ahead, the centre portion of the protrusion of capsule also can be protected the head that blocks automotive occupant safely.
In the head-protecting airbag of fourth aspect, contact with capsule and bias force when being applied to the centre portion of capsule at automotive occupant, by from the antagonistic force on the top of capsule with from this bias force of antagonistic force resistance of the bottom of capsule.
Especially, as in aspect the 5th, if the capsule that launches roughly be when observing from the side arrow'<' shape or ' L ' shape, the space of capsule and transom formation general triangular so.Thereby, because the bias force that is applied by automotive occupant is difficult to make the capsule distortion, so can absorb vibrations fully from automotive occupant.
Through the head-protecting airbag of the 6th aspect, because transom pulling capsule, so airbag deployment is to form the space of general triangular.
Through the head-protecting airbag of the 7th aspect, in case launch just can reduce the thickness of capsule.
Through the head-protecting airbag of eight aspect, when airbag deployment, each chamber is crooked in the location that its width reduces.
In aspect the of the present invention the 9th, first and second can interconnect through the linear connecting bridge that extends in a lateral direction.Under this situation, when sheet launched, capsule was crooked along this linearity connecting bridge.
As described in aspect the tenth, transom can comprise sheet or tether band.If transom comprises sheet, being used for of when airbag deployment, producing is used in whole capsule with the separated masterpiece in the upper and lower of capsule.If transom comprises the tether band, just can reduce the weight of air bag.
In the situation of the tenth one side, with regard to the increase that vertical length is the transom height, vibrations have been absorbed more effectively.
In the head-protecting airbag aspect the 12 and 13 because forward extension is divided and back extendible portion inflation, automotive occupant divide with forward extension or after extendible portion when contacting, can partially absorb vibrations by cooresponding.And, when the forward extension branch launches with the back extendible portion,, can promptly realize the expansion of capsule downwards downwards because capsule is spurred.
In the situation of the head-protecting airbag aspect the 14, when capsule is regained,, can absorb vibrations reliably at the back from automotive occupant because the air that in the space that capsule forms, exists is discharged to the outside lentamente.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention below will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description that provides; Horizontal direction refer to vehicle forward and direction backward; Install in a lateral direction according to head-protecting airbag of the present invention at this; And longitudinal direction refers to making progress and downward direction of vehicle, on this longitudinal direction, head-protecting airbag according to the present invention is launched at vehicle interior.
To installing along the sidepiece of top panel like following all head-protecting airbags that will describe in detail in proper order (after this abbreviating " air bag " as) according to various embodiments of the invention; For example under the folded state of these air bags, extend to column C from column A; And when the side that vehicle takes place is hit or is tumbled; These air bags launch along the side surface inflation of vehicle interior and with the shape of heavy curtain; So that the front seats that is sitting in vehicle interior or the head of the automotive occupant on the back seat are protected, thereby prevent the side surface collision of the head and the vehicle interior of automotive occupant, perhaps prevent automotive occupant is dished out through the vehicle window.
Air bag 90 shown in Fig. 1 (a) comprises: capsule 95, and this capsule 95 curves '<' shape under inflated condition; And transom 91, this transom 91 is positioned at the side facing to car body of capsule 95, and the upper and lower of capsule 95 is interconnected.Roughly protruding to automotive occupant of capsule 95 with the cooresponding vertical centre portion in the middle part of capsule 95.The distance of 95 protruding end is by Reference numeral 92 signs from transom 91 to capsule.Between vertical centre portion 95c that protrudes and transom 91, form space 99.
Air bag 90 shown in Fig. 1 (b) ' capsule 95 ' in, the centre portion 95c ' of protrusion be arranged to than capsule 95 ' the middle part low.Capsule 95 when observing from the side ' be ' L ' shape.
Capsule 95 and 95 ' transom 91 and 91 ' process by fabric (sheet), band (tether), meshwork etc.In Fig. 1 (b), except door 93, window 94 and top panel 98, also show by capsule 95 ' the head H of the automotive occupant that blocks of centre portion 95c '.
Under each capsule 95 and 95 ' gas filed state; The line of centers ' a ' from the thickness direction on the upwardly extending top of sweep of each capsule of each capsule moves closer to transom 91 in direction upwards, and the line of centers ' b ' of sweep on the thickness direction of the bottom that extends below from each capsule of this capsule moves closer to transom 91 in downward direction.
Fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are for showing the head H of the 90 pairs of automotive occupants of air bag that illustrated by Fig. 1 (a) and the view of the state that shoulder is protected.
With reference to figure 2 (a), the head H of automotive occupant contacts with the centre portion 95c of capsule 95 at first, thereby promotes capsule 95 to car body.The top 95a of capsule 95 and bottom 95b and transom 91 form triangular structure.Therefore, with head H to capsule 95 apply to promote the power F1 of capsule 95 to car body relative, generation antagonistic force F2 and F3 in the top of capsule 95 95a and bottom 95b, with act on respectively with the 95a opposite sense parallel in top with bottom 95b on.As a result, head H is applied in making a concerted effort of antagonistic force F2 and F3, and just little by little moves so that capsule 95 is pushed in the space 99.Through this mode, vibrations have been absorbed gradually to head H.Thereby head H reduces to the speed that car body moves gradually.
The result is shown in Fig. 2 (b), and capsule 95 contacts with window 94 or column (not shown) through transom 91, under the effect of head, depresses against car body then.
In the state that Fig. 2 (b) illustrates, because significantly reduced the speed that head H moves to car body, so the antagonistic force that is acted on the head H by capsule 95 is less.
Fig. 2 (c) acts on the figure that the antagonistic force on the head H changes with the time course that takes place after vehicle side is hit for showing air bag.
Under the situation of air bag 90,,, after the initial period, only produce relatively low antagonistic force although antagonistic force increases at first because centre portion 90c blocks the fact of head H at first.
On the contrary, in the comparative example that air bag is provided with near window, because head is just depressed air bag from beginning, the maxim of the antagonistic force that craniad applies from air bag is greater than the maxim of the antagonistic force the situation of air bag 90.
Then, will be with reference to the instantiation of figure 3 to Fig. 7 descriptions according to head-protecting airbag of the present invention.
Air bag 1 comprises: capsule 2, this capsule 2 is inflated to protrude to automotive occupant; Transom 3, this transom 3 are arranged on the side facing to car body of capsule 2, and by interconnective of the upper and lower of capsule 2 is formed; It is outstanding with forward that preceding outshot 4, this preceding outshot 4 are connected to transom 3; And back outshot 5, it is outstanding with backward that this back outshot 5 is connected to transom 3.When capsule 2 inflations, between capsule 2 and transom 3, form space 19 (seeing Fig. 6 and 7).
Through first 6 (see figure 7) facing automotive occupant and second 7 (see figure 7) facing transom 3 are sewed up formation capsule 2.The following lignilite 9 that extends along a plurality of longitudinal seam zygonema 8, along the lower edge of sheet 6 and 7 and sew up along the last lignilite 10 that the upper limb of sheet 6 and 7 extends.
The upper end of sheet 6 and 7 slightly below, through sheet 6 and 7 and transom 3 form openings 11, and around each opening 11, sew up along circular seams zygonema 12.Longitudinal seam zygonema 8 is connected to this circular seams zygonema 12.
Between these longitudinal seam zygonemas 8, form a plurality of vertical inflatable chambers 13.Between these circular seams zygonemas 12 and last lignilite 10, form tunnel-shaped gas passage (pipe) 14 to extend along last lignilite 10.
And each the vertical centre portion in vertical centre portion of these longitudinal seam zygonemas 8 is formed with circular seams zygonema part 8a or semicircle lignilite part 8b.Between the circular seams zygonema part 8a or between circular seams zygonema part 8a and semicircle lignilite part 8b, chamber 13 has the width that reduces.
On the upper limb of air bag 1, form a plurality of adapter pieces 18.Through screw, rivet etc. these adapter pieces 18 are fastened on the top siding track or column A of car body.
Transom 3 comprises sheet.As shown in Figure 5, through circular seams zygonema 12 top of transom 3 is seamed to sheet 6 and 7, and the lower edge of transom 3 is seamed to sheet 6 and 7 through lignilite 9 down.
Transom 3 from circular seams zygonema 12 to following lignilite 9 length measured less than sheet 6 and 7 from circular seams zygonema 12 to playing lignilite 9 length measured.
Shown in Fig. 7 (e), form preceding outshot 4 through automotive occupant lateral plate 20 and car body lateral plate 21 being sewed up each other along lignilite 22.In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper limb of sheet 20 is connected to first 6, and the upper limb of sheet 21 is connected to second 7.
Shown in Fig. 3 to 6, lignilite 22 comprises: the lignilite part 22a that extends along the upper limb of sheet 20 and 21, the lignilite part 22b that extends along the front edge of sheet 20 and 21, lignilite part 22c, the lignilite part 22d that is used to form chamber 23, the lignilite part 22e and the 22f that are used to form pipe 24, the lignilite part 22g and the 22i that are used to form pipe 25 and the lignilite part 22h that is used to form chamber 26 that extend along the preceding lower edge of sheet 20 and 21.
Lignilite part 22i with sheet 20 and 21 and transom 3 sew up each other.Lignilite part 22i extends upward along the lagging dege of preceding outshot 4, and is connected to the circular seams zygonema 12 that forms at the place, front portion of capsule 2.
Pipe 24 is connected to pipe 14 and the front edge of outshot 4 before in the past the upper limb of outshot 4 extends to.Pipe 24 is communicated with chamber 23.Pipe 25 from manage 24 near-end branch and come out and along the lagging dege of preceding outshot 4 to extending below.Pipe 25 is communicated with chamber 26.
Bonding jumper 27 extends to the place ahead of outshot 4 from the bottom of outshot 4.Bonding jumper 27 is connected to the column A of car body, and plays to the lower edge of air bag 1 and apply the function of tension force.
Form back outshot 5 through sew up automotive occupant lateral plate 30 along lignilite 32 and 33 with car body lateral plate 31 (see figure 7)s.Lignilite 32 extends along the top of sheet 30 and 31 and is connected to lignilite 10.The top of sheet 30 is connected to first 6, and the top of sheet 31 is connected to second 7.
Lignilite 32 comprises three longitudinal seam zygonema part 33a, 33c and 33e, and with bottom interconnected lignilite part 33b and the 33d of these longitudinal seam zygonema parts 33a, 33c and 33e.Forming chamber 38 and 39 between lignilite part 33a and the 33c and between lignilite part 33c and 33e.
Lignilite part 33e with sheet 30 and 31 and transom 3 sew up each other.
The gas access 36 of protrusion is a little backward formed at the top of back outshot 5.Form pipe 37 along last lignilite 32.Pipe 37 is communicated with pipe 14 and corresponding chamber 38 and 39.
Near column A the leading section of air bag 1 is set, near column B the rearward end of air bag 1 is set, and the upper limb of air bag 1 is arranged on the top side panel.Be folded at air bag 1 under the structure and the state that extends in a lateral direction of elongation, air bag 1 is installed in the spatial accommodation (not shown) that is used for air bag 1 that forms in the car body at car body.Aerator or gas conduit are connected to gas access 36.
Folded airbag 1 through in the spatial accommodation that will be contained in car body like cladding elements such as column decorations lining, top decorations linings covers.When air bag 1 inflation, air bag 1 pushes and opens this cladding element and is deployed into vehicle interior to allow air bag 1.
Below will describe having like the running of the head portion protecting air bag apparatus of the air bag 1 of above-mentioned structure.
If the side of generation vehicle is hit or is tumbled, just trigger aerator, and gas is supplied in the corresponding chambers 38,39,13,26 and 23 of air bag 1 through managing 37,14,24 and 25, thereby to air bag 1 inflation.Air bag 1 is opened cladding element; Launch downwards with the shape of heavy curtain along car body in-to-in side surface; And that kind as shown in Figure 6 inflation fully between automotive occupant and car body, directly contact and prevent to prevent to cause automotive occupant the automotive occupant vehicle of dishing out with column, window etc.
In head-protecting airbag 1 according to the present invention, the expansion of air bag 1 can change according to position and the size of the aerator pipe outlet in the air bag 1 in other situation.
As stated, preceding outshot 4 spurs air bag 2 downwards with back outshot 5.Supply gas to each chamber 13 through pipe 14, to air bag 2 inflations.Because the upper and lower of capsule 2 is connected to transom 3, so vertical centre portion of capsule 2 protrudes to automotive occupant.In this preferred embodiment of the present invention; Because as from can easily seeing Fig. 7 (c); In the gas filed while; The centre portion of each chamber 13 is because the existence of circular seams zygonema part 8a and semicircle lignilite part 8b and width reduces, thus capsule 2 along the line that connects circular seams zygonema part 8a and semicircle lignilite part 8b show greatly arrow'<' curved shape.Between capsule 2 and transom 3, form space 19.This space 19 at the leading section of capsule 2 and rearward end place to the atmosphere opening.
By such expansion as shown in Figure 6 and inflatable air bag automotive occupant is protected.As under the situation of Fig. 2; Because the head of automotive occupant contacts with the centre portion of capsule 2 and by the protection of the centre portion of capsule 2; So can absorb the vibrations that are applied on the automotive occupant fully, and shown in Fig. 2 (c), the maxim of the antagonistic force that applies to automotive occupant from capsule 2 is less.
And in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in Fig. 3 and 4, circular seams zygonema part 8a and semicircle lignilite part 8b in height reduce to the front side of vehicle gradually.Because this fact, the sweep of capsule 2 also in height reduces towards the front side of vehicle gradually.This will guarantee: because the automotive occupant with low sitting height tends to be landed in the more position in the place ahead, so the sweep of capsule 2 has the height that reduces to protect the head of automotive occupant safely near place, capsule 2 front sides.At this on the one hand, can adopt following vehicle, in this vehicle, forward during the sliding seat of gig, the residual altitude of seat cushion raises automatically at automotive occupant.Therefore, in this situation, preferably, the wiggle of capsule 2 has identical height in a lateral direction.
Below will with other accompanying drawing other embodiments of the invention be described with reference to figure 8.Fig. 8 (b) is the cross sectional drawing along the straight line B-B of Fig. 8 (a).
In the air bag 1A shown in Fig. 8 (a) and 8 (b), sew up by vertical centre portion of 41 couples of capsule 2A of lateral slot zygonema, and on the lignilite 41 with under form chamber 42 and 43.Lignilite 41 extends near the position the rear portion of capsule 2A from the front edge of capsule 2A.Between the lagging dege of lignilite 41 and capsule 2A, be formed with the connected component 44 that chamber 42 and 43 is interconnected.
Other structure of air bag 1A is identical with the structure of air bag 1, thereby and adopts identical Reference numeral to identify identical parts.
When air bag 1A inflated, capsule 2A and transom 3 formed triangular structure, and between capsule 2A and transom 3, form space 19.Therefore, reach the effect identical according to the air bag 1A of this embodiment with air bag 1.
Although the place, rear portion at capsule 2A in Fig. 8 forms connected component 44, can easily understand, can locate and between the front and rear of capsule 2A, form this connected component 44 in the front portion of capsule 2A.
In the air bag 1B shown in Fig. 9, not inflatable portion 46 is installed between the chamber 13 of capsule 2B.Vertical centre portion of chamber 13 reduces on width owing to semicircle lignilite 8B.Other structure is identical with the structure of Fig. 6, thereby adopts identical Reference numeral to identify identical parts.
Fig. 9 (b) is the cross sectional drawing along the straight line B-B of Fig. 9 (a).
In air bag 1B, capsule 2B inflation is also crooked in vertical pars intermedia office, and between capsule 2B and transom 3, forms space 19.Therefore, reach the effect identical according to the air bag 1B of this embodiment with air bag 1.And, in this embodiment,, and form a spot of chamber 13 because sheet portion 46 is installed in the capsule 2B, even when employing has the aerator than low capacity, air bag 1B also can inflate rapidly.
Construct as follows the air bag 1 shown in Figure 10 ', make: air bag 1 ' in vertical pars intermedia office of transom 3, form annular section 50 by breach seam 51.Other structure is identical with the structure of air bag 1.
The effect that air bag 1 ' also reach and air bag 1 are identical.In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, if apply the tension force that is not less than predeterminated level to transom 3 in a longitudinal direction, when tearing breach seam 51, the longitudinal length of transom 3 increases.Through this mode, when tearing breach seam 51, the vibrations that are applied on the automotive occupant have been absorbed.
And, shown in figure 11, can in air bag 1 " transom 3 ", form a plurality of short cracks 52, rather than adopt breach seam 51 to form annular sections 50.
Shown in Figure 11 (b) (this Figure 11 (b) is the cross sectional drawing along the straight line B-B of Figure 11 (a)) and Figure 11 (c); " apply the tension force that is not less than predeterminated level; when open in crack 52, absorbed the vibrations that are applied on the automotive occupant if in a longitudinal direction to transom 3.Can make it possible to this breach seam torn by each crack 52 of breach joint sealing through applying the tension force that is not less than predeterminated level.Other structure among Figure 11 (a) is identical with the structure among Fig. 5.
Air bag 60 shown in Figure 12 comprises: capsule 61; Transom 62, this transom 62 are arranged on the side facing to car body of capsule 61, and by interconnective of the upper and lower of capsule 61 is formed; And lateral plate 63, this lateral plate plays the effect that is used for closure member and rear enclosed spare before the front and rear osed top of air bag 60.
In capsule 61,, two sheets 64 and 65 are sewed up to form a plurality of vertical cavities 66 each other along lignilite as in the situation of capsule 2.Upper limb along capsule 61 forms pipe 67, and can pass through gas access 68 supply gas.Sheet 63 comprises triangular piece, the side-closed in the space 70 that these triangular pieces will form between capsule 61 and transom 62.This space 70 air extractor vent 71 and atmosphere through in transom 62, forming.
In the present embodiment, vertical centre portion of capsule 61 is also crooked to protrude to automotive occupant.Therefore, reach and the identical effect of above-mentioned each air bag according to the air bag of this embodiment.
Especially, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, contact with capsule 61 when reducing the volume in space 70, when the air that exists in the space 70 is discharged through air extractor vent 71, absorbed the vibrations that are applied on the automotive occupant at automotive occupant.
Although in Figure 12, in transom 62, form air extractor vent 71, can in lateral plate 63, form this air extractor vent 71.And at least a portion of transom 62 or lateral plate 63 can be made up of the fabric with permeability to air, to replace this air extractor vent.
Mode through example illustrates and has explained the foregoing description, and the present invention can have other structure.For example, can adopt band to replace transom 3.And, can air bag be installed in other position as between column A, column C, column D etc.Further, can air bag be installed in outside vehicle, or be directly installed on the seat or instrument carrier panel of vehicle.Also can adopt the air bag combination.And the shape of air bag can change.Air bag can be inflated to " D " or ">" shape, " L " shape or " V " shape or other similar shape.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, air bag 1 can be included in the air bag 1 stitching Zhe or the longitudinal seam 8 and the circular seam 12 of extending or being bent to form " D " shape roughly or ">" shape with the form of bending.In this embodiment shown in Figure 13, air bag 1 comprises by sewing up the zone that is roughly straight line 106 that Zhe 8 and circular seam 12 form and bending or the combination of bending area 108.106 open to the transitional region of crooked seam region 108 from the linearity region.Yet this transitional region also can be covered by one or more piece of cloth.And then, can form linearity region 106 to this transitional region the crooked seam region 108 by the air bag chamber.
Figure 14 (a) and 14 (b) show another embodiment of the present invention.Air bag 200 can have the tether 201 as transom.Tether 201 interconnects between each point in air bag 200, to form crooked or ">" shape along air bag 200.Tether 201 is connected to air bag 200 at each point of connection 205 places.Air bag 200 can have an independent knot or bending (similar with Fig. 1 (a)) in each chamber 203, and perhaps air bag 200 can have a plurality of knots or bending, shown in Figure 14 (b).Tether 201 can be connected to air bag 200 in two or more positions and in air bag 200, form one or more bendings or knot to impel.Transom 201 can also comprise band or rope or any other suitable device.
In another embodiment of the present invention, air bag 220 can have the combination of chamber phase enantiotropy and chamber distortion.For example, Figure 15 (a), 15 (b) and 15 (c) show the air bag 220 with a plurality of chambers 223.Chamber 223 in the central upper portion zone of air bag 220 further is out of shape to produce the shape shown in Figure 15 (c).This phase enantiotropy and distortion help in the collision accident process, to hold occupant's head H.The position of the chamber of phase enantiotropy can be positioned at all places place of air bag 220, and needn't shown in Figure 15 (a), that kind locate.
According to another embodiment shown in Figure 16 (a), air bag 290 can have towards the transom 91 of occupant location.And then air bag 290 can be arranged on a plurality of positions of vehicle interior, as along following instrument carrier panel D the knee with the protection occupant being set, or is provided with along the roof liner R of vehicle, as can seeing at Figure 16 (b) and 16 (c).
In the another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 17 (a) and 17 (b), air bag 290 can be arranged on the outside of vehicle 295, makes under the situation of collision, can protect pedestrian or other people of outside vehicle.Air bag 290 can be provided with in the face of vehicle 295 or the face transom 91 from vehicle 295.
In another embodiment of the present invention, air bag 300 is arranged to be inflated to following state, in this state by first side surface 302 with comprise the upper end of air bag 305 and the plane of bottom forms enveloping space Y, this can see from Figure 18.The ratio of the volume of enveloping space Y and the volume V of air bag 300 is greater than about 1.0.In another embodiment, this ratio is greater than about 1.2.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal length X of transom 91 is less than the longitudinal length L of air bag 300.In one embodiment, the ratio of the longitudinal length X of the longitudinal length L of air bag 300 and transom 91 is about 1.2 or bigger.In another embodiment, the ratio of the longitudinal length X of the longitudinal length L of air bag 300 and transom 91 is about 1.25.
In the airbag apparatus of another embodiment, air bag 300 comprises effective steric factor, and this available space factor is defined as the filled volume V of trip distance Z divided by air bag 300.The available space factor of the air bag 300 in one embodiment of the present of invention is about 7.5.In another embodiment, air bag 300 comprises the available space factor greater than 7.5.In one embodiment, each chamber in a plurality of chambers the width of the pars intermedia office of air bag 300 less than each chamber in said a plurality of chambers at the upper end of air bag 300 and the width of lower end.
In another embodiment, as Figure 19 schematically showed, air bag 90 was parts of Clew Safety System 320.Clew Safety System 320 comprises electronic control unit 325, this electronic control unit 325 is set to confirm vehicle collision and to trigger the expansion of air bag 90.Seat weight sensor 330 also can be included in the Clew Safety System 320, and this seat weight sensor 330 is arranged to confirm the weight and/or the position of automotive occupant.In addition, Clew Safety System 320 can also comprise can be by the automatic seat seat belt apparatus 335 of electronic control unit 325 control.
Figure 20 is the instance of one embodiment of the present of invention, and wherein the shape by the chamber 353 of air bag 350 forms the bending in the air bag 350.For example, the bending of seam 352 can be used to reduce the thickness of chamber 353, that kind as shown in Figure 20.This causes that air bag 350 dies down and generation bending in air bag 350 in the zone of seam crooked 352.Wiggle 354 is adjacent chambers 353 and the layout in the zone 356 that has died down.
Figure 21 is one embodiment of the present of invention, adopts silicon line 358 that air bag chamber 353 is died down in this embodiment.Silicon dies down air bag 350 through the diameter that reduces air bag 350 along wiggle 354.For example, silicon line 358 can comprise silicon strip or silicon ribbon.Can adopt silica-base material, comprise silicon.In deflation course, silicon line 358 possibly lose efficacy and from the air bag landing.For example, silicon line 358 possibly or break through fracture and lose efficacy.Inefficacy wholly or in part possibly take place or not lose efficacy in silicon line 358.
Figure 22 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and wherein the seam between the air bag chamber 353 357 can be used in air bag 350, forming crooked.For example, can collect together and gather together being placed on seam 357 between the chamber 353 in air bag 350, to form fold line or wiggle.This side at air bag 350 produces protrudingly buckles 359, and produces indent 360 or trench at the opposite side of air bag 350.Shared seam 357 in air bag 350 can be 3 to 5 centimeter length.Figure 23 shows similar another embodiment of the air bag with Figure 22 of the present invention, but this embodiment comprises that also transom 91 is to strengthen the bending or the flexing of air bag 350.
Figure 24 shows another embodiment of the present invention, wherein adopts the air bag 380 with colored shape.For example, can adopt three or more chamber 381,382,383 to form colored " petal ".In the instance shown in Figure 24, chamber 381,382,383 forms two D shapes, and intermediate cavity 382 plays to the effect along the absorber element of the power of the longitudinal direction of intermediate cavity 382.
Shown in figure 25, in one embodiment of the invention, adopt silicon strip 402 that air bag chamber 408 is separated into less chamber.In the instance shown in Figure 25, silicon strip 402 with chamber 408 be separated into two have smaller size smaller than capacitor.This causes the quick location of the rapid deployment and the air bag 400 of air bag 400.Can adopt one or more silicon strips 402, and silicon strip 402 can be parallel maybe can be uneven.For example, silicon line 402 can comprise silicon strip or silicon ribbon.Can adopt silica-base material, comprise silicon.When air bag 400 pressure inside increased in expansion process, silicon strip 402 possibly lose efficacy and allow air bag 400 to be full of gas.For example, silicon line 402 possibly or break through fracture and lose efficacy.Inefficacy wholly or in part possibly take place or not lose efficacy in silicon line 402.In another embodiment shown in Figure 26, adopt silicon strip 402 with further division air bag chamber 408.
In another embodiment of the present invention, air bag 420 is carried out pre-folded before the folding process, make the equal in length of air bag 420 and tension layer 91, or make air bag 420 be furnished with two sides of equal length.In order to realize equal lengths, possibly need the branch layer assembly of one or many pre-folded to obtain putting down.Figure 27 f shows the air bag 420 with air bag layer 421 and tension layer 91.Figure 27 a, 27b, 27c, 27d and 27e show the various instances of the pre-folded that is used for air bag 420.
In another embodiment of the present invention, before air bag 420 assembling, adopt web-like folding, in a zigzag fold, add 1 or the combination of different pre-folded types air bag 420 is carried out pre-folded.Figure 28 a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 28e and 28f show the various instances of the pre-folded that is used for air bag 420 and pre-folded combination.
Figure 29 a shows the instance of another embodiment of the present invention, has wherein adopted the air bag 440 with bilateral D shape.For example air bag 440 can be formed by two D shape air bags.Bilateral D shape air bag can comprise tension layer 91 in the middle.Figure 29 b shows the end elevation of bilateral D shape air bag 440.
In another embodiment of the present invention, main gasbag chamber 455 can be connected to balloonet chamber 457, makes to be full of these secondary cavities 457 by the gas that passes through from these main chamber 455.In this instance shown in Figure 30, seam 458 is used to produce secondary cavity 457, is full of these secondary cavities 457 from below by the gas that flows through from main chamber 455.These are arranged and allow location fast, and the employing of seam 458 also allows air bag 450 along wiggle 459 bendings.Air bag 450 do not need other bending apparatus because the bending that causes of these seams 458 possibly enough form capsule 450.
Figure 31 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and this embodiment adopts near the seam 458 the top that is arranged on air bag 450, chamber 453 is separated into main chamber 455 and secondary cavity 457.These designs allow in the upper area of air bag 450, to locate fast with less circular seam 460.Can produce wiggle through any method in level tension or the said method.
In another embodiment of the present invention, can adopt inner tether layer 510 so that air bag 500 is formed.In the instance shown in Figure 32 a, sew up two V fabrics so that air bag 500 is formed X-shaped at the middle part of air bag 500.Can two V fabrics or X tether 510 be stitched together through the seam of locating on the edge of to exist.Can adopt of the extension of these inner tether layers 510 with restriction air bag 500.Figure 32 b shows the end elevation of the section of the air bag 500 with X tether 510.
In another embodiment of the present invention, adopt be fixed to a some place on the vehicle be with 530.For example, can be fixed on the top R of vehicle interior with 530.In the embodiment shown in Figure 33 a, with 530 be fixed to vehicle top R go up and be fixed on the air bag 520 with transom 91.In the embodiment shown in Figure 33 b, do not have the air bag 520 of bending or transom to be connected to be fixed to be with 530 on the vehicle inner top R.In the embodiment shown in Figure 33 c, do not have the air bag 520 of curved bel to be connected to be fixed to be with 530 on the vehicle inner top R in its lower edge.Through with 530 direct protection, can realize other variant through the setting of air bag 520 or the combination of said method.
Given disclosure of the present invention, the one skilled in the art will recognize the embodiment and the modification that in scope of the present invention and spirit, can have other.Thereby, by the one skilled in the art scope of the present invention with spirit in from present disclosure available all modification will be comprised as further embodiment of the present invention.Liking that kind of illustrating in the claim enclosed limits scope of the present invention.