MXPA95001179A - Method and apparatus to restrict an occupant vehicu - Google Patents

Abstract

An inflatable air bag (10) inflates to restrain a vehicle occupant (13), during a vehicle collision. The air bag has an opening (16) for venting inflation fluid from the interior (14) of the air bag. A panel (20) is located on an outer surface (40) of the air bag and is fixedly fixed to the outer surface of the air bag. The panel comprises a simple continuous piece of elastic material superposed at least a part of the opening. The elastic material is stretchable from an unstretched condition, wherein a central portion (36) of the elastic material locks at least a portion of the opening to a stretched condition in which the central portion of the elastic material is stretched and moved away from the opening to unlock the opening. When the opening is unlocked, the inflation fluid is released through the opening

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESTRICTING A VEHICULAR OCCUPANT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION # The present invention relates to an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint system and is directed particularly to an inflatable air bag for use in an occupant restraint system. of vehicle. PRIOR TECHNIQUE A vehicle occupant restraint system having an inflatable air bag is known. Typically, an inflatable airbag is inflated by injecting the fluid directly into the airbag in response to the sudden deceleration experienced by the vehicle, above a predetermined threshold indicative of a collision. The airbag inflated energy resulting from the movement of an occupant against the airbag. The energy absorbed by the airbag dissipates to minimize the rebound of the occupant of the airbag. One way to dissipate the energy absorbed by the airbag is to vent in the airbag inflation fluid. The inflating ventilator in the air bag 'is known through a ventilation opening. The vent opening can be covered with a patch or the like that moves to open the vent, when a predetermined pressure is reached within the air bag. In this way, the inflation fluid within the air bag passes through the ventilation opening, when the pressure inside the air bag reaches the predetermined pressure. n > DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, an inflatable airbag is inflated to restrain a vehicle occupant during a collision of the vehicle. The air bag comprises air bag material having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a chamber in which the inflation fluid is directed to inflate the air pocket. The air bag material includes a surface that extends between the outer and inner surfaces that define an opening for venting inflation fluid from the chamber. A panel is located on the outer surface of the air bag material. The panel comprises a first continuous single piece of teaching material having a length and a width and superimposed on at least part of the opening. Means are provided for fixedly fastening the elastic material of the panel to the outer surface of the air bag material. The means for securely fastening the panel to the exterior surface of the air bag material may include, for example, seams. The elastic material is stretchable in response to the inflation fluid pressure in the chamber. The elastic material is stretchable from a first unstretched section in which a central portion of the elastic material blocks at least a portion of the opening to a second stretched section in which the central portion of the elastic material is stretched and moved away from the opening to unlock the opening and thus allows I? Ve venting inflation fluid through the opening. The second stretched section is larger than the first stretched section. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the seams extend only around a portion of the perimeter of the opening in the air bag material. In a second embodiment of the present invention, seams are located only at opposite ends of the elastic material. In a third embodiment of the present invention, a second continuous single piece of JE elastic material has at least one portion that overlaps with a portion of the first single piece of the elastic material. Still further, in a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a single continuous third piece of elastic material has at least one portion that overlaps with a portion of the first continuous single piece of elastic material and another portion that overlaps with a portion of the second. simple continuous piece of elastic material. In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, Part of the central portion of the elastic material is layered on itself and sewn together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features of the present invention that will be apparent to a person skilled in the art to which the present invention relates in consideration of the following description of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: ^^ Figure 1 is a schematic view of a system for restricting vehicle occupant, including an inflatable air bag constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the air bag illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3A is a view taken approximately on line 3A-3A of Figure 2; Figure 3B is a view taken approximately on line 3B-3B of Figure 3A; Figure 3C is a view similar to Figure 3A, but showing parts in a different position; Figure 3D is a view taken approximately on the 3D-3D line of Figure 3C; Figures 4A-4D are views similar to Figures 3A-3D and showing a second embodiment of the present invention; Figures 5A-5D are views similar to Figures 3A-3D and showing a third embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6A-6D are views similar to Figures 5A-5D and showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 7A-7D are views similar to Figures 4A-4D and showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODALITIES The present invention is directed to an inflatable airbag for restraining a vehicle occupant, when the vehicle experiences a collision requiring deployment of an airbag. The specific construction of the airbag is not part of the present invention and may vary. With reference to Figure 1, an inflatable air bag 10 (illustrated in Figure 1 in an inflated condition) is incorporated into a vehicle occupant restraint system 11, to protect an occupant 13. The vehicle has a forward travel direction, indicated by arrow A and a reverse direction of travel indicated by arrow B.

Prior to inflating the air bag 10, the air bag 10 is typically folded and stored in an air bag storage compartment 30 located on the instrument panel of the vehicle. The bent and stored air bag is in a condition ready for deployment in the event of a collision of the vehicle that requires deployment of the air bag. It is contemplated that the air bag 10 may be folded and stored in an air bag storage compartment at a different site, such as at the vehicle door or on a steering wheel of the vehicle.

The air bag 10 has an opening 12 (better illustrated in Figure 2) through which the fluid of ^ "Flado circulates inside the air bag 14 to inflate the air bag 10. The interior 14 of the air bag 10 is defined at least in part by an interior surface of the air bag 10. An inflator operable (not shown) when activated, provides the inflation fluid for the airbag . Although the opening 12 is illustrated as rectangular, the opening 12 can be otherwise. With reference to Figures 2, 3A and 3B, the bag of ^ jk air 10 has an outer surface 40, an inner surface 42 and a surface 41 extending between the outer and inner surfaces 40, 42. The surface 41 defines a circular ventilation opening 16 located on one side 18 of the air bag 10. Although only one vent is illustrated 16, there may be a number of other ventilation openings located on the same side 18 of the air bag 10. Also, some ventilation openings may be located on the side j? opposite of the air bag 10. The ventilation opening 16 (figure 3A and 3B) has a front edge portion 17 and a rear edge portion 19, opposite the front edge portion 17 and located closer to the occupant 13 than the front edge portion 17. A panel 20 is located on the outer surface 40 of the air bag 10. The panel 20, comprises a single continuous piece. of elastic material. The simple continuous piece of elastic material can be made of various materials. Of reference, the elastic material is nylon fabric with denier 420 or 480 coated with neoprene A central portion 36 of the single continuous piece of elastic material of the panel 20, overlaps at least a portion of the ventilation opening 16. As illustrated in Figure 3A, the central portion 36 of the elastic material of the panel 20 overlaps the entire ventilation opening 16. The central portion 36 of the elastic material to the panel 20 is located between ^ Jfc opposite longitudinal ends of the elastic material. As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, a middle part of the panel 20 (as seen in Figure 3A) has a width l, and a border to the right of the panel 20 (also as seen in Figure 3A) has a length of TI. The elastic material of the panel 20 is fixedly fastened to the outer surface 40 of the air bag 10 with seams 22 made of a convenient thread. Seams 22 circle | only a portion of the perimeter of the ventilation opening 16 in the air bag 10. More specifically, the seams 22 extend in a generally U-shape around the ventilation opening 16. The seams 22 have opposite ends 24, 26 ( Figure 3A) located forward of the front edge portion 17 of the ventilation opening 16. The seams 22 begin at the end 24 and extend U-shaped around the rear edge portion 19 of the ventilation opening 16. The seams 22 then end at the end 26. When a vehicle collision occurs that requires deployment of the air bag, inflation fluid is directed through the opening 12 to the interior 14 of the air bag 10 to inflate the bag of air 10 as illustrated in Figure 1. The occupant 13 moves forward against the air bag. The air bag 10 absorbs the energy resulting from movement of the occupant 13 against the air bag 10. As the air bag 10 absorbs the energy resulting from the movement of the occupant jfc 13 against the air bag 10, the pressure inside the bag 14 of air bag 10 is increased. When the pressure inside the air bag 14 reaches a predetermined pressure, the panel 20 begins to stretch from a closed position illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, to an open position illustrated in Figures 3C and 3D due to the pressure increased in the interior 14 of the air bag 10. As the panel 20 is stretched from the position Sfc, closed to an open position, the far right edge of panel 20 (as seen in Figures 3A and 3C) is stretched from the unstretched length Ll illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B to a stretched length L2 illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3C and 3D. The middle part of the panel 20 (also as seen in Figures 3A and 3C) has a stretched width W2 when in a stretched condition as illustrated in Figure 3C. A stretch width 2 illustrated in Figure 3C is substantially the same as the unstretched width W 1 illustrated in Figure 3A. ™ More specifically, as the elastic material of the panel 20 is stretched from the unstretched condition illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, to a stretched condition illustrated in Figures 3C and 3D, the central portion 36 of the elastic material moves away from the ventilation opening 16 for unlocking the ventilation opening 16. When the ventilation opening 16 is unblocked, inflation fluid inside the air bag 14 circulates through the ventilation opening 16 to relieve the pressure in the interior 14 of the air bag 10. Also, when the panel 20 is in an open position as illustrated in Figures 3C and 3D, the central portion 36 of the elastic material of the panel 20 partially defines a passageway 46 between the outer surface 40 of the air bag 10 and the central portion 36 of the elastic material of the panel 20. This passage 46 communicates to the interior 14 of the air bag 10 with the passenger compartment of the air bag 10. vehicle, panel 20 deflects J ^, flow of inflation fluid passing through the vent opening 16 and directing the flow of diverted inflation fluid, in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of inflow fluid flow through the airflow opening. ventilation 16. More specifically, the panel 20 directs the forward-inflated inflation fluid in the vehicle away from the occupant 13. The panel 20 also restricts inflated fluid flow backward in the direction toward the occupant 13.-^ When the pressure inside 14 of the airbag is reduced sufficiently, the panel 20 moves from an open position as illustrated in Figures 3C and 3D back to the closed position illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B due to the resilience of the elastic material of the panel 20.

As the panel moves from an open position back to the closed position, the far right edge of panel 20 (as seen in Figures 3A and 3C) returns from the length ~ Stretched Mk L2 illustrated in Figures 3C and 3D back to the unstretched length Ll illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B. At the same time, the middle part of the panel 20 (as also seen in Figures 3B and 3C) returns from the stretched width W2 illustrated in Figure 3C back to the unstretched width l illustrated in FIG.

Figure 3A. A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 4A and 4D. Since the embodiment of the invention bP illustrated in Figures 4A-4D is generally similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 3A -3D, similar numbers are used to designate similar components, the suffix letter "A" being associated with the numbers of the embodiment of Figures 4A-4D to avoid confusion. As illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the elastic material of the panel 20A extends over the ventilation opening 16A in the air bag 10A. One end of the elastic panel 20A is fixedly fastened to the outer surface 40A of the air bag 10A with seams 100 made of a suitable yarn. The opposite end of the panel 20A is also fixedly fixed to the air bag 10A with seams 102 extending parallel to the seams 100. When the pressure in the interior 14A of the air bag 10A reaches a predetermined pressure, the panel 20A stretches from the closed position illustrated in Figures 4B and 4D to an open position as illustrated in Figures 4C and 4D JÍÉ, due to the increased pressure in the interior 14A of the air bag 10A. As the panel 20 moves from the closed position to an open position, the middle portion of the central portion 36A of the elastic panel 20A (as seen in Figures 4A and 4C) is stretched from the undrawn length LIA illustrated in the Figures 4A and 4B at a stretched length L2 illustrated 4C and 4D. The middle part of the central portion 36A of the panel 20A also has a stretch width 2A, when the panel 20A is Jteb stretches as illustrated in Figure 4C. The stretched width W2A illustrated in Figure 4C is narrower than the unstretched width W1A illustrated in Figure 4A. When the panel 20A is in the stretched condition illustrated in Figures 4C and 4D, the inflation fluid is vented from the interior 14A of the air bag 10A through the ventilation opening 16A. The central portion 36A of the panel 20A deflects the inflow fluid flow passing through the vent opening 16A and directs the inflation fluid flow diverted in opposite directions that «Transverse ion to the direction of fluid flow through the ventilation opening 16A. When the pressure of the air bag 10A is sufficiently reduced, the panel 20A moves from an open position illustrated in Figures 4C and 4D back to the closed position which is illustrated in Figures 4E and 4D and the middle part of the panel 20A as seen in Figures 4A and 4C (returned from the stretched length L2A shown in Figures 4C and 4D back to H the undrawn length LIA illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. At the same time, the middle part of the panel 20A (also as seen in Figures 4A and 4C) returns from the stretched width W2A shown in Figure 4C back to the unstretched width 1A illustrated in Figure 4A. A third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 5A to 5D. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 5A to 5D is generally similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 3A to 3B, similar numbers are used to designate similar components., the suffix letter "B" is associated with the numbers of the modality of Figures 5A through 5D, to avoid confusion. As illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, a panel 20b comprises a first panel portion 200 made of elastic material and a second panel portion 202 made of elastic material. The first and second panel pieces 200, 202 are fixedly fastened to the outer surface 40B of the air bag '^ "? B with seams 22B made of a convenient thread Seams 22B encircle the ventilation opening 16B as best illustrated in Figure 5A, part of the first panel portion 200 overlaps part of the second part of the panel 202, as best illustrated in Figure 5 A. When the pressure in the interior 14B of the air bag 10B reaches a predetermined pressure. , the panel 20B moves from the closed portion illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B JÚL to an open position as illustrated in Figures 5C and D. More specifically, the first and second panel parts 200, 202 are stretched from closed positions illustrated in the Figures 5A and 5B open portions, such as illustrated in Figures 5C and 5B due to pressure inside 14D of the air bag 10B. As the first and second panel portions 200, 202 are stretched from the closed positions to the open positions as illustrated in Figures 5C and 5D, j ^ the elastic material of the first and second panel portions 200, 202 is stretched each other to form an eye-shaped opening 210, as best illustrated in Figure 5C. The eye-shaped opening 210 superimposes the ventilation opening 16B. In this way, when the eye-shaped opening 210 is formed, inflation fluid in the interior 14b of the bag 10b circulates through the ventilation opening 16b and the eye-shaped opening 210 to relieve the pressure inside 14B of the air bag 10b. tl "When the pressure of the air bag 10b is reduced sufficiently, the panel 20b moves from the open position as illustrated in Figures 5C and 5D back to the closed portion as illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B. Also, the first and second panel portions 200, 202, return from the stretched positions as illustrated in Figures 5B and 5D, back to their unstretched positions shown in Figures 5A and 5B. happens, the opening in shape J | of eye 210 overlaps the ventilation opening 16D is closed. A fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 6A to 6B. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 6A to 6D is generally similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the Figures 5A to 5D, similar numbers are used to designate similar components, the letter "suffix" is associated with the numbers of the mode of Figure 6A to 6D, to avoid confusion. As illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, panel 20C # comprises a first portion of panel 300 made of elastic material, a second portion of panel 302 made of elastic material and a third portion of panel 304 made of elastic material. As best illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, part of the second panel portion 302 overlaps part of the first panel portion 300. Also, part of the first panel portion 300 overlays part of the third panel portion 304 In addition, part of the third panel portion 304 superimposes part Wa second portion of panel 302. The overlapping panel portions 300, 302, 304 are fixedly fastened to the outer surface 40c of the air bag 10c with seams 22c made from a convenient thread. The seams 22c extend around the entire perimeter of the ventilation opening 16C as best illustrated in Figures 6A and 6C. When the pressure in the interior 14c of the air bag 10c reaches a predetermined pressure, the panel 20c moves from the closed position illustrated in Figures 6C and 6D to an open position as illustrated in Figures 6C and 6D. More specifically, the first, second and third panel portions 300, 302, 304 are stretched from the closed positions illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B to the open positions as illustrated in Figure 6C and 6D, due to the pressure in the interior 14 of the air bag 10c. According to the first, second and third panel portions 300, 302 and 304, fc are stretched from the closed portions to the open portions as illustrated in Figures 6A and 6D, the elastic material of the first, second and third portions of panel 300, 302, 304 is stretched together to form an iris opening as best illustrated in Figure 6C. The iris opening 310 overlaps the ventilation opening 16c. In this way, when the iris opening 310 is formed, inflation fluid in the interior 14c of the air bag 10c circulates through the ventilation opening 16c and the iris opening 310 to relieve the "pressure in the interior 14c. of the air bag 10c. When the pressure in the air bag 10c is reduced sufficiently, the panel 20c moves from the open portion as illustrated in Figures 6C and 6E back to the closed position illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B. Also, the three panel portions 300, 302, 304 return from the stretched positions illustrated in Figures 6C and 6D back to their stretched positions shown in Figures 6A and 6B. As this occurs, the iris-shaped opening 310, which superimposes the ventilation opening 16C, closes. A fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 7A to 7D. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 7A to 7D is generally similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the Figures 4A to 4D, similar numbers are used to designate similar components, the suffix letter "d" is associated with the means of the t modality of Figure 7A through 7D to avoid confusion. A longitudinal end of the panel 20D is fixedly fastened to the outer surface 40D of the air bag 10D with seams 400 made of a convenient thread. Similarly, the opposite end of the panel 20d is fixedly fastened to the outer surface 40d of the air bag 10d with seams 402 made of a convenient thread. Seams 400 and 402 extend parallel to each other. Also, the central portion 36d of the panel 20d has a fold that forms overlapping layers. The overlapping lids are sewn together in an overlapping relationship with seams 410 made from a suitable yarn as best illustrated in Figure 7B. In this embodiment, the material of the panel 20d may or may not be elastic. When the pressure in the interior 14d of the air bag lOd reaches a predetermined pressure, the panel 20d moves from the closed portion illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B to an open position, as illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B because to the increased pressure in the interior 14d of the air bag lOd and in this way causes the seams 410 to break. As the panel 20d moves from the closed position to an open position as illustrated at 7C and 7D, the central portion 36d of the panel 20b moves away from the ventilation opening 16d to unlock the ventilation opening 16d. When the vent opening 16d is unblocked, the inflation fluid inside 14d of the air bag 10b * circulates through the ventilation opening 16d to relieve the pressure inside the air bag 14d 10d. The central portion 36d of the panel 20d deflects the inflow fluid flow passing through the ventilation aperture 16d and directs the deflected inflow flow in a direction that is transverse to the direction of fluid flow through the fluid opening. 16d ventilation From the above description of the invention, those persons with skill in the art to which the! 8 > present invention, will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. These improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the technique to which the present invention refers, are intended covered by the appended claims. Having described the invention, the following is claimed: *

Claims (16)

CLAIMS 1.- Inflatable air bag, so that when inflated
1. R * is a vehicle occupant, the air bag comprises: air bag material having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defines a chamber in which inflation fluid is directed to inflate the bag of air; the air bag material includes a surface that extends between the outer and inner surfaces and defines an opening for venting inflation fluid from the chamber; a panel placed on the exterior surface a of the air bag material, the panel comprises at least a single continuous first piece of elastic material, having a length and a width and overlaying at least a part of the opening; the elastic material is stretchable in response to the pressure of inflation fluid in the chamber, the elastic material is stretchable from a first unstretched length, wherein a central portion of the elastic material blocks at least a part of the opening to a second length of stretching wherein the central portion of the elastic material is stretched and moved away from the opening to unlock the opening and thus allow inflation fluid to be vented through the opening, the second stretch length is greater than the first stretch length; and means for fixedly fastening the elastic material of the panel to the outer surface of the air bag material.
2. 2. - Inflatable air bag according to claim 1, wherein the mounts for fixedly fastening the elastic panel material, include seams.
3. 3. Inflatable air bag according to claim 2, wherein the seams only encircle a portion of the perimeter around the opening in the air bag material.
4. 4. Inflatable air bag according to claim 2, wherein the seams are located only at opposite ends of the elastic material. ß
5. 5. Inflatable air bag according to claim 4, wherein the central portion of the elastic material is located between the opposite ends of the elastic material, the central portion of the elastic material having a narrower width in the second stretched length that when it is in the first length without stretching.
6. 6. Inflatable air bag according to claim 2, wherein the panel further comprises a second single continuous piece of elastic material having a length and a width and overlaying at least a part of the opening, the second continuous piece simple of elastic material has at least one portion that overlaps with a portion of the first continuous single piece of elastic material.
7. 7. Inflatable air bag according to claim 6, wherein the panel further includes a third continuous single piece of elastic material, having a length and a width and overlaying at least a part of the opening, the third piece simple continuous of elastic material has at least one portion that overlaps with a portion of the first continuous single piece of elastic material and another portion that overlaps with a portion of the second continuous single piece of elastic material.
8. 8. Inflatable air bag according to claim 1, wherein it further comprises seams that together hold part of the central portion of the elastic material in Jß layers on another part of the central portion of the elastic material.
9. 9. Inflatable air bag, so that when inflated, restrict a vehicle occupant, the air bag comprises: air bag material having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defines a camera in the that inflation fluid is directed to inflate the air bag; the air bag material includes a surface extending between the outer and inner surfaces and defining an opening for venting inflation fluid from the chamber; a panel placed on the outer surface of the air bag material, the panel comprises opposite end portions and a central portion located between the end portions, the central portion includes a first section and a second section superimposed on the first section; first fastening mounts, for securing the panel to the exterior surface of the air bag material; and second clamping pontics, for clamping the first and second sections of the central portion of the panel, joined together to allow the panel to block the opening, the second clamping assemblies comprise seams that hold the first and second sections of the central portion of the panel as a whole and that are broken in response to the pressure of inflation fluid in the chamber, to allow the central portion of the panel to move away from the opening to unblock the opening and thereby allow the inflated is ventilated through the opening.
10. 10. Inflatable air bag according to claim 9, wherein the first fastening means include seams.
11. 11. Inflatable air bag according to claim 10, wherein the seams are located only at opposite ends of the panel. jkk
12. 12.- Method for restricting a vehicle occupant, comprising the steps of: providing an air bag having a ventilation opening that is at least partially N closed by an elastic panel; directing inflation fluid in the airbag, in response to a vehicle collision that requires deployment of an airbag; stretching the elastic panel by the pressure in the air bag, when the pressure in the air bag reaches a predetermined level, to cause it to stretch away from the ventilation opening to allow inflating fluid to circulate through the opening portion of ventilation that is partially closed by the elastic panel; and allowing the elastic panel to shrink, when the pressure in the air bag is reduced below the predetermined level.
13. 13. Method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of: (i) diverting the flow of inflation fluid passing through the ventilation opening jfl and (ii) directing the inflation flow diverted in a direction that is transverse to the direction of inflow fluid flow through the vent opening.
14. 14. Method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of restricting the flow of inflation fluid diverted backward in the vehicle in the direction of the occupant.
15. 15. Inflatable air bag according to claim 13, wherein the step of directing the flow of inflated fluid diverted in the direction that is transverse to the direction of flow of inflated fluid through the vent opening, includes the stage of directing the flow of inflated fluid diverted forward in the vehicle away from the occupant.
16. 16. - Inflatable air bag according to claim 13, wherein further comprises the step of allowing the elastic panel to move towards the ventilation opening to at least partially close the ventilation opening, after which the elastic panel has been left stretch.