WO2002042127A1 - Dispositif de tension pour element de retenue lateral - Google Patents

Dispositif de tension pour element de retenue lateral Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002042127A1
WO2002042127A1 PCT/US2001/044545 US0144545W WO0242127A1 WO 2002042127 A1 WO2002042127 A1 WO 2002042127A1 US 0144545 W US0144545 W US 0144545W WO 0242127 A1 WO0242127 A1 WO 0242127A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
inflatable curtain
air bag
curtain air
tensioning assembly
recited
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/044545
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James Lloyd Webber
Jeffrey A. Welch
Gregg G. Anderson
Douglas Stephen Weston
Original Assignee
Delphi Technologies, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delphi Technologies, Inc. filed Critical Delphi Technologies, Inc.
Publication of WO2002042127A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002042127A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • B60R21/232—Curtain-type airbags deploying mainly in a vertical direction from their top edge
    • 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
    • B60R2021/23386—External tether means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
    • B60R22/18—Anchoring devices
    • B60R22/195—Anchoring devices with means to tension the belt in an emergency, e.g. means of the through-anchor or splitted reel type
    • B60R22/1954—Anchoring devices with means to tension the belt in an emergency, e.g. means of the through-anchor or splitted reel type characterised by fluid actuators, e.g. pyrotechnic gas generators
    • B60R22/1955—Linear actuators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an assembly for tensioning an inflatable curtain-type restraint across a side portion of a vehicle during a collision event.
  • air bag cushions for protecting a vehicle occupant during a collision event wherein such air bag cushions are in fluid communication with gas generating inflators so as to inflate the cushions upon sensing predetermined vehicle conditions such as deceleration exceeding a certain level. It is further known to provide air bag systems including inflatable restraint cushions which are deployed from positions of attachment along the roof rail portion of the vehicle frame above the doors of the vehicle such that the inflatable cushion extends downwardly in substantially curtain-like fashion between the occupant to be protected and the side portions of the vehicle adjacent to such occupants. Such coverage provides a cushioning restraint to the occupant during a side impact or extended roll-over collision event thereby aiding in the protection of the occupant during such events.
  • FIGS. 1A and IB A typical prior tethering arrangement for maintaining tension across the lower edge of a curtain-like cushion is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and IB.
  • an inflatable curtain 10 is stored in packed relation generally along the roof rail 12 of a vehicle 14 generally above the doors 16.
  • the length of the inflatable curtain 10 is such that upon inflation coverage is provided over at least a portion of the distance extending along the side of the vehicle interior between two or more structural pillars 20 extending away from the roof rail 12.
  • the inflatable curtain 10 is shown to be attached at the forward "A" pillar and at the rearward “C” pillar so as to cover the intermediate “B” pillar.
  • the inflatable curtain 10 is inflated by a gas generating inflator 22 thereby causing the lower edge of the inflatable curtain 10 to move downwardly away from the roof rail 12.
  • the inflatable curtain 10 tends to shorten as cushioning depth is developed (FIG. IB). This shortening may be restricted by the presence of tethering straps 24 of fixed length extending between the lower edge of the inflatable curtain 10 and the forward and rearward pillars 20 bordering the area to be covered.
  • This invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a tensioning system which provides continuous tensioning to an inflatable curtain structure during inflation and which is not dependent upon the achievement of any particular deployed position to provide tensioning support to the cushion.
  • a dynamic tethering element which travels in conjunction with the downward deployment of the inflatable curtain structure so as to both tension the curtain structure while at the same time providing a guiding action so as to bring the curtain structure into the proper position at which it is thereafter maintained.
  • the dynamic tethering element avoids total reliance upon curtain shortening to provides a tensioning force across the inflatable curtain structure.
  • the dynamic tethering element may be useful in pulling the inflating curtain into a desired position at an early stage of deployment. Accordingly, a number of new and useful advantages are provided over the prior art.
  • FIGS. 1A and IB are cut-away side views of a vehicle incorporating a prior-art tethering system
  • FIG. 2 A is a cut-away view of a dynamic tensioning device for moving a tethering strap in conjunction with the deployment of an inflatable curtain
  • FIG. 2B is a cut-away view of a vehicle side interior incorporating the assembly of FIG. 2A following deployment of a tensioned air bag curtain;
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a dynamic tensioning device for use in the controlled movement of a tensioning strap in conjunction with deployment of an associated inflatable curtain;
  • FIG. 3B is a cut-away view of a vehicle side interior incorporating the assembly of FIG. 3A following deployment of a tensioned air bag curtain;
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a dynamic tensioning device for use in the controlled movement of a tensioning strap in conjunction with deployment of an associated inflatable curtain;
  • FIG. 4B is a cut-away view of a vehicle side interior incorporating the assembly of FIG. 4A following deployment of a tensioned air bag curtain
  • FIG. 5A is a cut-away view of a tensioning device for use in both moving the tether in conjunction with the deployment of an inflatable curtain structure and in simultaneously adjusting the length of the tether such that tension is continuously maintained;
  • FIG. 5B is a side view of a vehicle interior illustratmg an inflatable curtain deployed in conjunction with the tensioning assembly illustrated in FIG. 5A;
  • FIG. 5C is a view taken along line 5C-5C of a spring biased locking pin assembly for use in conjunction with the tensioning assembly of FIG. 5A;
  • FIG. 6A is an exploded assembly view of a tether tensioning device utilizing a stroking piston movement
  • FIG. 6B is an assembled view of the tether tensioning device of FIG. 6 A including an adjustable tethering strap;
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of a locking element for use in maintaining the tensioned condition of the tethering element following deployment of the inflatable curtain;
  • FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of an extended side portion of a vehicle interior illustrating a first placement position for the tensioning device illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B wherein tensioning and cushion inflation are driven by a common gas-generating device;
  • FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing an alternative placement location for the tensioning device;
  • FIG. 10 is a view taken generally along line 10-10 in FIG. 9 illustrating a gas conveyance path for use in directing inflation gas from a common inflator to an inflatable curtain and to the tensioning device;
  • FIG. 11 is a cut-away view of a self actuating tether tensioning assembly;
  • FIG. 12 illustrates operation of a tether tensioning assembly as illustrated in FIG. 11;
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a tensioning arrangement for use in tensioning the sides of an air bag curtain of split construction so as to provide accommodation for passage around a seat belt web.
  • FIGS. 2 A and 2B a first illustrative embodiment is illustrated.
  • a first tether tensioning device 125 As shown, in this embodiment a gas generating inflator 126 is disposed in fluid communication with the neck 127 of an inflatable curtain 110 (FIG. 2B) which is normally disposed in folded condition along the roof rail 112 of the vehicle prior to deployment.
  • the inflatable curtain 110 may include noninflating regions 128 at pre-established locations across the inflatable curtain 110. Of course, the presence of such non-inflating regions 128 is fully discretionary.
  • the inflator 126 upon the receipt of an activating signal through leads 129 the inflator 126 emits a pressurized volume of inflation gas through gas emitting openings arranged at a discharge end 131 of the inflator 126.
  • a directional cap element 132 may be held in place over the discharged end 131 so as to convey the emitted discharge gas in a desired direction.
  • one such arrangement of inflator and directional cap element is illustrated and described in U.S. Patent 5,803,486 to Spencer et al, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.
  • a sliding cylinder 134 extends between the inflator
  • the sliding cylinder 134 is carried on a bearing seal 135 so as to permit movement of the sliding cylinder 134 along the body of the inflator 126 without substantial gas leakage. Sufficient material is present within the neck portion 127 of the inflatable curtain to permit such movement.
  • a bumper guard 136 of hard rubber or like material limits the axial movement of the sliding cylinder 134 as it moves downwardly along the inflator 126.
  • the sliding cylinder 134 is attached to a tensioning tether element 137 which extends to the inflatable curtain 110.
  • the tensioning tether element 137 may be attached at a lower edge of the inflatable curtain 110 or may extend through a sleeve 138 or other carrying structure for attachment to an opposing structural pillar 120 in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 2B. It is also contemplated that any number of other attachment arrangements between the tensioning tether element 137 and the inflatable curtain 110 as may be known to those of skill in the art may likewise be utilized if desired.
  • the operation of the tether tensioning device 125 is the same.
  • the inflation gas is transmitted through the sliding cylinder 134 and into the neck portion 127 of the inflatable curtain 110.
  • the inflatable curtain 110 expands downwardly and away from the roof rail 112. During this expansion, the upper edge of the inflatable curtain 110 is held in place along the roof rail 112 at connection points 139 in the manner as will be well known to those of skill in the art.
  • the inflatable curtain 110 Simultaneous with the downward movement of the inflatable curtain 110 and the accompanying vertical force component applied to the tensioning tether element 137, the inflatable curtain 110 also undergoes a degree of shortening as inflation takes place. This shortening gives rise to the application of a substantially horizontal force component to the tensioning tether element 137. It is believed that the ability of the tensioning tether element 137 to move downwardly in conjunction with the inflatable curtain 110 as both vertical and horizontal tensioning forces are applied permits the tensioning tether element 137 to be maintained in a state of tensioned dynamic equilibrium during the inflation event while nonetheless using a tether which is of substantially fixed length.
  • FIGS. 3 A and 3B there is illustrated a variant to the assembly illustrated and described in relation to FIGS. 2A and 2B.
  • elements corresponding to those previously illustrated and described are designated by like reference numerals increased by 200.
  • the tether tensioning device 225 is arranged such that the inflator 226 projects downwardly at an angle extending away from the inflation path of the inflatable curtain 210.
  • inflation gas is projected outwardly from the discharge end 231 of the inflator 226 and into contact with a reverse bend 240 within the sliding cylinder 234 extending between the inflator 226 and the neck portion 227 of the inflatable curtain.
  • the U-shaped sliding cylinder 234 In operation, upon the application of pressure at the interior of the reverse bend 240, the U-shaped sliding cylinder 234 is biased in a downward direction and may slide over the inflator 226 along bearing seals 235 to the extent permitted by the tensioning tether element 237.
  • the distance of possible movement by the U-shaped sliding cylinder 234 is limited by a bumper guard 236 held at a predetermined position along the length of the inflator.
  • the discharge of inflation gas initially pushes against the reverse bend 240 thereby establishing an initial tension within the tensioning tether element 237 as the U-shaped sliding cylinder attempts to move downwardly in response to the applied force. This downward movement is permitted only as the inflatable curtain 210 moves downwardly.
  • a state of tensioned dynamic equilibrium is established across the tensioning tether element 237 from initial activation of the inflator 226 until deployment of the inflatable curtain 210 is completed.
  • the introduction of tension within the tensioning tether element 137, 237 in the tensioning assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3 A is in each case augmented by the fact that the tensioning tether element is moved along a path extending downwardly and angled away from the air bag curtain.
  • the movement of the tensioning tether elements in such an angled path results in the introduction of both horizontal and vertical force components.
  • the tensioning tether element 137, 237 is moved along the path, the horizontal force component within the tether element is increased thereby requiring an increasing vertical force component to effect continued movement thereby establishing a continuing state of dynamic tension during the entire process.
  • the tensioning tether element 137, 237 may undergo an initial rapid downward movement as pressure is expelled from the inflator and any available slack in the tensioning tether elements is taken up.
  • a extension conduit such as a dimensionally stable straight or angled metal tubing structure may extend away from the inflator in which case the sliding cylinder 134, 234 may slide along the extension conduit rather than along the inflator.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B there is illustrated another embodiment for a tether tensioning device 325 which may find applicability at a remote storage location away from the inflatable curtain 310.
  • elements corresponding to structures previously described are designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 300.
  • in the tether tensioning assembly 325 of FIG. 4A and inflator 326 is mounted in substantially parallel relation to a gas accepting cylinder 341.
  • a piston element 342 is carried in sliding relation within the gas accepting cylinder 341.
  • the piston element 342 includes a head portion 343 having dimensions substantially mated to the interior of the gas accepting chamber so as to establish a substantially gas tight sliding relation.
  • An attachment arm 344 projects away from the piston element 342 through a slot within the gas accepting chamber 341 and is adjoined to a tensioning tether element 337 as previously described.
  • gas pressure is maintained by the bearing seal 335 located below the head portion 343.
  • the inflator 326 expels inflation gas into a dual outlet chamber 345 so as to convey a portion of the inflation gas into the gas accepting cylinder 341 as well as into a transmission conduit 346 extending to the inflatable curtain 310 (FIG. 4B).
  • the transmission conduit 346 may include a flow restricting orifice 347 so as to aid in the establishment of a pressure within the dual outlet chamber 345.
  • a driving force is established across the head portion 343 of the piston element 342 thereby biasing the piston element 342 to move downwardly through the gas accepting cylinder 341 in angled relation away from the inflatable curtain 310.
  • movement of the piston element 342 is permitted only as relaxation is introduced into the tensioning tether element 337 as the inflatable curtain 310 moves downwardly.
  • a system of dynamic tension is established and maintained across the tensioning tether element 337 such that the tensioning tether element 337 is in a state of substantially continuous tension during the deployment event.
  • the tether tensioning assembly 425 which utilizes inflation gas to dynamically reposition a tensioning tether element 437 while nonetheless being stored at a location remote from the gas generating inflator 426 used to inflate the curtain 410.
  • the tether tensioning assembly 425 includes a gas accepting cylinder 441 which is attached in fluid communication with the inflatable curtain 410 such that the inflatable curtain 410 is disposed between a gas generating inflator 426 and the gas accepting cylinder 441 of the tether tensioning assembly 425.
  • the gas accepting cylinder 441 is preferably an extension of the gas diffuser normally extending away from the inflatable curtain 410.
  • a gas containment bearing 448 is disposed behind the head portion 443 so as to define a possible length of movement for the piston element 442.
  • the tensioning tether element 437 extends through a ring element 449 which rides in attached relation with the piston element 442 at a position behind the gas containment bearing 448.
  • the ring element 449 rides along a path above a channel 450.
  • a plurality of teeth 451 extend away from the side of the channel 450 so as to form projections extending at least partially across the channel 450.
  • a quantity of inflation gas is directed into the gas accepting cylinder 441 thereby depressing the piston element 442 and carrying the tensioning tether element 437 downwardly to the extent permitted by its attachment to the inflating curtain 410.
  • the ring element 449 rides above a spring loaded pin element 452 which is normally biased to a downward position.
  • the spring loaded pin element 452 passes progressively over the projection forming teeth 451 in a ratcheting manner.
  • the spring loaded pin element 452 projects downwardly between adjacent teeth 451 such that the teeth 451 act to block retreat of the piston element 442 back through the gas accepting cylinder 441.
  • the tensioning tether element 437 is thus held in tension both during and after deployment of the inflatable curtain 410.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B there is illustrated a tether tensioning device 525 which may be operated by use of cushion inflating gas to drive a tether conveying piston element.
  • the components of the tether tensioning device 525 include an elongate tubular housing 555 having a pair of diametrically opposed slots 556 having a width sufficient to accept in sliding relation the tensioning tether element 537.
  • an elongate piston unit 557 Disposed at the interior of the housing 555 is an elongate piston unit 557 which is preferably made of a plastic material.
  • a groove-fitted O-ring 558 is seated around the piston 557 adjacent a proximal end of the piston 557 so as to ensure retention of gas introduced into the housing 555 in a manner as will be described hereinafter.
  • the piston includes a body portion 559 extending to a tether holding portion 560 of enhanced diameter.
  • the tether holding portion 560 includes a tether acceptance opening 562 extending therethrough. The dimensions of the tether acceptance opening 562 are such that the tensioning tether element 537 may be passed in sliding relation through the tether acceptance opening 562.
  • a nipple 563 extends away from the tether holding portion 560. As illustrated, the nipple 563 is preferably tapered to a reduced diameter at its terminal end so as to facilitate sliding insertion into a retaining disk 565 and towards a retaining cap 566.
  • the retaining disk 565 is seated at the interior base of the retaining cap 566.
  • the retaining cap 566 is preferably of an open ended construction so as to establish a passageway through both the retaining disk 565 and the retaining cap 566.
  • the retaining cap with seated retaining disk 565 is thereafter secured over a distal end 567 of the housing 555.
  • the piston 557 may be dropped into the housing 555 through a proximal end 568 and rotated such that the tether acceptance openings 562 are aligned with the slots 556 within the housing 555.
  • a male connection element 569 may thereafter be threaded over the proximal end 568.
  • the tensioning tether element 537 may thereafter be threaded through the slots 556 and tether acceptance opening 562 for attachment at either end to locations exterior to the tether tensioning device 525.
  • the tensioning tether element 537 normally supports the light weight piston 557 such that the nipple 563 is held away from the distal end 567 of the housing.
  • the piston 557 is forced to move towards the distal end 567 of the housing such that the nipple 563 penetrates and extends at least partially through the retaining disk 565 and the corresponding retaining cap 566 in the manner as shown in FIG. 6B.
  • the piston 557 is thereafter held in place by inwardly extending teeth 570 projecting into the interior of the retaining disk 565.
  • the retaining disk 565 is preferably formed of a spring steel material such that the teeth 570 are of highly resilient character.
  • the teeth 570 are preferably angled slightly away from the plane of the perimeter of the disk so as to extend in the direction of movement of the nipple 563. Such an orientation facilitates insertion of the nipple 563 through the interior of the retaining disk 565 while at the same time establishing a locking relationship wherein the resilient teeth 570 tend to bite into the surface of the nipple 563 upon attempted withdrawal.
  • the tether tensioning device 525 as describe in relation to FIGS. 6 A and 6B is believed to be useful in a number of applications wherein a common inflator may be used to both pressurize the housing 555 and to simultaneously inflate a cushion operatively connected to one end of the tensioning tether element 537.
  • FIG. 8 there is illustrated a first exemplary arrangement for a tether tensioning assembly 525 in disposition along an intermediate structural pillar 520 such as a "C" pillar in a vehicle having a four pillar frame structure.
  • an inflator 526 is arranged adjacent the roof rail of the vehicle to transmit inflation gas through a gas conduit 572 into the inflatable curtain 510.
  • the gas conduit 572 is of a branched construction having a first leg 573 which channels gas into the inflatable cushion 510 and a second leg 574 which channels inflation gas into the housing 555 of the tether tensioning device 525.
  • the tensioning tether element 537 initially extends in looped relation between a lower edge of the stored inflatable curtain 510 through the housing 555 and to a fixed point of attachment 575 along the structural pillar 520.
  • the tensioning tether element 537 is hidden from view by overlying trim extending in covering relation to the vehicle frame components.
  • a portion of inflation gas is directed into the housing 555 thereby applying a driving force to the internal piston and biasing the tensioning tether element 537 downward.
  • this movement of the tensioning tether element establishes an internal tension within the tensioning tether element 537 between the tether tensioning device 525 and the inflatable curtain 510.
  • a dynamic equilibrium is established during the downward movement of the inflatable cushion 510 until such time as the inflatable curtain 510 is fully deployed and the piston within the housing 555 has been stroked to its full extension and locked in place by engagement between the nipple 563 and the internal retaining disk 565 held at the retaining cap 566. Thereafter, retreat of the tensioning tether element is prevented by the engagement between the nipple 563 and the teeth 570 of the retaining disk 565.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 there is illustrated another arrangement for the inflation gas activated tether tensioning device illustrated and described in relation to FIGS. 6A and 6B.
  • a tether tensioning device 525' is housed along the roof rail of the vehicle adjacent to a gas generating inflator 526' .
  • the inflator directs inflation gas along a first leg 573' but also diverts a portion of gas back through a second leg 574' and into the housing 555'.
  • the tensioning tether element 537' extends away from the inflatable curtain 510', around a series of guide pulleys 576' arranged at the structural pillar 520' and through the tether tensioning device 525' to a point of attachment 575'.
  • the pressure from the inflation gas which enters the housing 555' causes the slack which would otherwise occur in the tensioning tether element 537' to be taken up by movement of the interior piston thereby pulling the tensioning tether 537' around the guide pulleys and maintaining the tensioning tether element in a substantially taut state during and after deployment of the inflatable curtain 510'.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B may also be used in conjunction with a dedicated initiating device such as a gas generating squib element or micro-gas generator which releases a relatively small quantity of pressurized gas on demand so as to drive the tether holding piston from a first position to a second position at a given time without reliance upon gas produced by the inflator for the cushion.
  • a dedicated initiating device such as a gas generating squib element or micro-gas generator which releases a relatively small quantity of pressurized gas on demand so as to drive the tether holding piston from a first position to a second position at a given time without reliance upon gas produced by the inflator for the cushion.
  • a small servomotor or the like may also be utilized to move the piston.
  • FIG. 11 As shown, this assembly is substantially identical to that as illustrated and described in relation to FIGS.
  • a selectively activatable micro-gas generator or squib 680 is affixed at the proximal end 668 of the housing 655.
  • the micro-gas generator 680 is simply a small inflator which may be selectively activated upon the receipt of an activating signal through leads 681. Upon activation, a pulse of pressurized gas is developed thereby causing the sliding relocation of the piston within the housing 655 in the manner as previously described.
  • FIG. 12 One possible arrangement for the tether tensioning device 625 within a vehicle is illustrated in FIG. 12.
  • the tensioning tether element 637 extends directly from a lower portion of the inflatable curtain 610 to the tether tensioning device 625 along a guide path defined by a properly placed guide pulley element 676.
  • the lower portion of the inflatable curtain 610 expands downwardly away from roof rail and across a side portion of the vehicle interior.
  • the micro-gas generator 680 may also be activated thereby applying a biasing tension to the tensioning tether element 637. It is contemplated that the activation of the micro-gas generator 680 may substantially coincide with the activation of the curtain inflator 626.
  • the ability to selectively activate the tether tensioning assembly 625 may be beneficial in permitting a wider range of placement options for the tether tensioning assembly 625 within the vehicle since gas communication with the curtain inflator 626 is no longer required.
  • the ability to selectively actuate the tether tensioning assembly 625 may provide enhanced operational benefits by permitting tensioning to be adjusted based upon the actual conditions occurring during a collision event.
  • the elongate tether tensioning assembly geometry of the configurations as illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 11 may be particularly useful in the development and retention of tension between adjacent portions of a split cushion geometry such as may be used to effect deployment around seat belt structures.
  • FIG. 13 One such arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 13.
  • the inflatable curtain 710 in FIG. 13 is of a split construction having a forward section 784 and a rear section 785 in fluid communication with one another along a common inflated header 786.
  • the forward section 784 is arranged to cover a region between the "A" pillar and the intermediate "B" pillar, while the rear section 785 is arranged to cover a region between the intermediate "B" pillar and the rearward "C” pillar.
  • the forward section 784 and the rear section 785 are separated by a gap disposed in overlying relation to a portion of the "B" pillar so as to avoid interference between the inflated curtain 710 and a seat belt web guide ring 788 located at the "B" pillar.
  • an optional bridging element 789 such as a piece of fabric or the like may extend between the forward and rearward sections.
  • a tensioning tether element 737 extends in hanging relation between opposing edges of the forward and rearward sections. As illustrated, the orientation of the tensioning tether element 737 is such that it hangs below the seat belt web guide ring 788 and is hidden by the overlying trim.
  • the tensioning tether element Upon activation of the curtain inflator 726, the tensioning tether element is pulled downwardly with the curtain 710. Simultaneously, any relaxation within the tensioning tether element 737 is taken up by the tether tensioning device 725 such that the tensioning tether element 737 pulls the attached portions of the inflatable curtain 710 inwardly towards the tether tensioning device 725 in the manner shown.
  • the tether tensioning device 725 is operated by fluid communication with the cushion inflator 726.
  • the tether tensioning device 725 may also utilize a micro-gas generator if desired.
  • the length of the tether tensioning device 725 may be required to be fairly extensive so as to extend a substantial distance below the region to be covered by the inflatable curtain 710. However, it is believed that the requisite distance is generally readily available.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de tension (125, 225, 325, 425, 525, 525', 625, 725) qui assure une tension en continu d'un airbag gonflable sous forme de rideau (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 510', 610, 710) pendant le déploiement de ce dernier (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 510', 610, 710). A cet effet, on utilise un élément d'attache dynamique (137, 237, 337, 437, 537, 537', 637, 737) qui se déplace en même temps que l'airbag gonflable sous forme de rideau (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 510', 610, 710) se déploie, de manière à tendre ce dernier (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 510', 610, 710) tout en le guidant pour qu'il atteigne la position correcte dans laquelle il va être maintenu.
PCT/US2001/044545 2000-11-22 2001-11-20 Dispositif de tension pour element de retenue lateral WO2002042127A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US25284400P 2000-11-22 2000-11-22
US60/252,844 2000-11-22
US30337001A 2001-11-19 2001-11-19
USDP/303,370 2001-11-19

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WO2002042127A1 true WO2002042127A1 (fr) 2002-05-30

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PCT/US2001/044545 WO2002042127A1 (fr) 2000-11-22 2001-11-20 Dispositif de tension pour element de retenue lateral

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Citations (6)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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US6102436A (en) * 1998-08-11 2000-08-15 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Vehicle roof structure with motorized deployment assembly for restraining a vehicle occupant
US6168194B1 (en) * 1999-08-05 2001-01-02 Trw Inc. Inflatable curtain with tensioning device
US6237938B1 (en) * 1999-09-01 2001-05-29 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Inflatable curtain with anchor device
US6276712B1 (en) * 1999-09-10 2001-08-21 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Side restraint assembly for an automotive vehicle
US6308982B1 (en) * 1999-06-08 2001-10-30 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Inflatable curtain with tensioning device

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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