WO2011046497A1 - Airbag arrangement - Google Patents

Airbag arrangement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2011046497A1
WO2011046497A1 PCT/SE2010/051092 SE2010051092W WO2011046497A1 WO 2011046497 A1 WO2011046497 A1 WO 2011046497A1 SE 2010051092 W SE2010051092 W SE 2010051092W WO 2011046497 A1 WO2011046497 A1 WO 2011046497A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
airbag
inflatable
fender
area
inflatable curtain
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/SE2010/051092
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tony Trevena
Carl-Johan Svensson
Ola Henriksson
Stefan Andersson
Fredrik Kjell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Autoliv Development AB
Original Assignee
Autoliv Development AB
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 Autoliv Development AB filed Critical Autoliv Development AB
Priority to US13/501,270 priority Critical patent/US8585080B2/en
Publication of WO2011046497A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011046497A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • B60R21/232—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
    • B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/213—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle roof frames or pillars
    • 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
    • B60R21/233—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising a plurality of individual compartments; comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other
    • B60R2021/23308—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising a plurality of individual compartments; comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other the individual compartments defining the external shape of the bag
    • 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
    • B60R21/2346—Soft diffusers
    • 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
    • B60R21/237—Inflatable members characterised by the way they are folded

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an airbag arrangement comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • Airbag arrangements with inflatable curtain airbags are in general known.
  • the purpose of the inflatable curtain airbags is to cover certain parts of the interior side structure of the vehicle in the event of an accident and to prevent the oc ⁇ cupant from directly hitting on these parts.
  • the inflatable curtain airbag is mounted on the roof liner and is inflated downwards to cover the interior side structure of the vehicle when actuated.
  • the inflatable curtain airbag extends in the inflated state from the A-pillar to the rear pillar, which is the C- or D-pillar, and covers the side windows as well as the pillars. Because of the large surface to be covered it is an important aspect how to fix the airbag and to assure, that the inflatable curtain airbag has sufficient stability to keep the position during and at the end of the inflation for an optimal protection of the occupant.
  • the inflatable curtain covers the opening and protects the occupant from moving through the open window to the outside of the vehicle. Therefore the stability of the inflatable curtain air- bag is especially important when the window is open.
  • the occupant hits the inflated curtain airbag with high ki ⁇ netic energy. Therefore the occupant might move together with the inflated curtain airbag to the outside of the vehicle, when the load is too high for the airbag.
  • Another risk is that the fixation of the inflatable curtain airbag might not with ⁇ stand the high load in this case.
  • the fixation is des ⁇ troyed or damaged because of the high load the movement of the inflatable curtain airbag is not controlled anymore, so that the inflatable curtain airbag does not keep the position as intended .
  • the invention proposes an airbag arrangement comprising the features of claim 1. Further preferred embodiments are con ⁇ tained in the subclaims, the description and the figures.
  • a fender air- bag is provided adjacent to the inflatable area and/or the fixation elements of the inflatable curtain airbag, which is inflated with a time delay with respect to the inflation of the inflatable area of the inflatable curtain airbag.
  • the fender airbag provides an unloading of the fixation and the inflatable curtain airbag, which improves the stability of the inflatable curtain airbag and reduces the risk of a damaged fixation with a not controlled inflatable curtain airbag.
  • Be ⁇ cause the fender airbag must not disturb the inflation of the inflatable area of the inflatable curtain airbag or change the direction of the inflation of the inflatable area, the fender airbag is inflated with a time delay with respect to the in ⁇ flation of the inflatable area of the inflatable curtain air- bag.
  • the inflatable area of the inflatable curtain airbag is therefore already in ⁇ flated to such an extent, that the inflation of the fender airbag is not changing the orientation of the inflatable area anymore and is only improving the stability of the airbag ar ⁇ rangement .
  • the fender airbag is arranged between the inflatable area and/or the fixation elements of the inflatable curtain airbag on one side and the interior side structure of the vehicle on the other side.
  • the proposed arrangement of the fender airbag provides a direct support of the inflatable curtain airbag at the interior side structure of the vehicle which further improves the stability of the shape of the inflatable curtain airbag.
  • the fender airbag is arranged at a part of the side structure ad ⁇ joining a window, it improves the stability of the inflatable curtain airbag in the area of the window and prevents a move ⁇ ment of the inflatable curtain airbag through the window.
  • a further preferred embodiment of the invention can be seen in, that the fender airbag and the inflatable area of the in ⁇ flatable curtain airbag are connected via a flow connection. Because of the provided flow connection it is possible to in ⁇ flate the fender airbag and the inflatable curtain airbag by one common gas generator, which is reasonable regarding costs and assembly effort.
  • the flow connection can be designed as a con ⁇ striction, and the time delay between the inflation of the inflatable area and the fender airbag can be realised by fric ⁇ tion of the gas flow in the constriction.
  • the constriction is a very easy and cheap solution to realise the time delayed in- flation of the fender airbag, wherein the inflation of the inflatable area and the fender airbag are always in a fixed re ⁇ lation to each other.
  • the fender airbag is located close to an attachment bolt, where the inflatable curtain air- bag is fixed to the interior side structure of the vehicle.
  • An easy construction with reduced costs for the mounting can be provided, when the fender airbag and the inflatable curtain airbag are fixed at one common attachment bolt to the interior side structure of the vehicle.
  • the design can be further improved, regarding costs for manufacturing and handling, when the fender airbag is part of the inflatable curtain airbag.
  • the fender airbag can be woven as one chamber of the inflatable curtain airbag, for example in a one piece woven process.
  • the inflatable curtain air- bag is mounted at an attachment bolt which is located above a window, and the fender airbag is located at least partially between the window and the attachment bolt.
  • the arrangement of the fender airbag between the window and the attachment bolt is so far advantageous as the stability of the inflatable cur ⁇ tain airbag is improved especially close to the window.
  • the in ⁇ flatable curtain airbag and the occupant may move to the out- side of the vehicle.
  • a limited movement of the occupant and/or the inflatable curtain airbag cannot be prevented in some cases, but also in these cases the movement to the outside is at least reduced and the protection of the occupant is improved by the stabilised airbag.
  • the fender airbag is winded around the folded and/or rolled inflatable area prior to the inflation.
  • the inflatable area is automatically unfolded or unrolled and the fender airbag is moved to the de ⁇ fined position, where the fender airbag can act as intended.
  • the inflatable curtain air- bag is rolled in a P-roll shape and the inflatable area and the fender airbag are rolled in the P-roll in opposite direc ⁇ tions.
  • Fig.l Airbag arrangement in a vehicle with an inflatable curtain airbag and a fender airbag in view from the front ;
  • Fig.2 Inflatable curtain airbag with integrated fender
  • Fig.3 Inflatable curtain airbag with integrated fender airbag in cross-sectional view
  • Fig.4a Inflatable curtain airbag with a fender airbag ar ⁇ ranged at the A-pillar
  • Fig.4b Inflatable curtain airbag from Fig.4a in cutting di ⁇ rection A-A
  • Fig.5 Inflatable curtain airbag rolled in a P-roll shape
  • Fig.l shows an occupant 1 in a passenger compartment of a ve ⁇ hicle during a typical movement caused by a side impact. Dif ⁇ ferent parts of the interior side structure of the vehicle like the roof 2, the window 3 and the door 4 can be seen.
  • an airbag arrangement At the roof liner, where the roof 2 adjoins the window 3, is fixed an airbag arrangement at an attachment element 8.
  • the attachment element 8 can be designed as a bolt or a clip con ⁇ nection, depending on the requirements from the car manufac ⁇ turers and the conditions which need to be fulfilled.
  • the airbag arrangement consists of an inflatable curtain air- bag 5 and a fender airbag 7 provided adjacent to the inflat ⁇ able area 6 and the attachment element 8.
  • the inflatable cur ⁇ tain airbag 5 comprises an inflatable area 6 and a fixation element 10 designed as a lug, to fix the inflatable curtain airbag 5 at the attachment element 8.
  • the inflatable area 6 is shown as one unit structure, which is usually an arrangement of non inflatable sections and inflatable sections depending on the individual side structure of the vehicle. When the in ⁇ flatable curtain airbag 5 is inflated, the inflatable area 6 is inflated downwards between the occupant 1 and the interior side structure, in this case the window 3.
  • the interior side structure to be covered by the inflatable curtain airbag 5 can also be a part of the roof 2, the door 4 or the A-pillar 16 (see Figs.4a and 4b) .
  • the fixation element 10 has the function to keep the inflatable area 6 of the inflatable curtain airbag 5 in position for an optimal protection of the occupant 1.
  • a fender airbag 7 is attached via the fixation element 10 to the vehicle structure.
  • the fender airbag 7 ex ⁇ tends from the attachment element 8 downwards covering a part of the roof 2 adjoining the window 3 and also a part of the window 3.
  • the fender airbag 7 is inflated with a time delay with respect to the inflation of the inflatable area 6 of the inflatable curtain airbag 5. Because of the time delay it is prevented, that the fender airbag 7 pushes the in ⁇ flatable area 6 horizontally over the head of the occupant 1.
  • the fender airbag 7 supports the inflatable area 6 of the in ⁇ flatable curtain airbag 5 by abutting on the roof liner and stabilising the shape of the inflatable area 6.
  • a special advantage of the stabilisation of the inflatable area 6 is the mitigation of the ejection of the inflatable curtain airbag 5 and the occupant 1 through an open window 3 to the outside of the vehicle also in severe accidents.
  • Other possible support surfaces for the fender airbag 7 at the inte ⁇ rior side structure of the vehicle would be the pillars, the doors 4 or the like.
  • Fig.2 is shown the inflatable curtain airbag 5 before being mounted on the vehicle.
  • the inflatable curtain airbag 5 com ⁇ prises an inflatable area 6, a fender airbag 7 and an extra inflatable chamber 11.
  • the inflatable chamber 11 is connected with the inflatable area 6 via a flow connection designed as a channel 12, which is dimensioned in a size, that the chamber 11 is inflated simultaneously or previously to the full infla ⁇ tion of the inflatable area 6.
  • the chamber 11 acts as a ramp for the inflatable area 6 and prevents an inflation of the in ⁇ flatable area 6 between the vehicle structure and an interior lining.
  • an inlet 15 At one end of the inflatable area 6 is provided an inlet 15, to which a not shown gas generator is connectable.
  • fixation elements 10 are provided at the top rim of the inflatable area 6 at the top rim of the inflatable area 6 at the top rim of the inflatable area 6 at the top rim of the inflatable area 6 at the top rim of the inflatable area 6 at the top rim of the inflatable area 6 at Fig.l.
  • Fig.l is only one fixation bolt 8 visible, but it is clearly understandable that each fixation element 10 is fixed at a separate attachment element 8.
  • the fender airbag 7 is connected also via a flow connection designed as a channel 13 to the inflatable area 6, which is dimensioned as a constriction. Because of the constriction the fender airbag 7 is inflated with a time delay with respect to the inflation of the inflatable area 6.
  • Fig.3 is shown a cross-sectional cut through the inflatable curtain airbag 5 in a level cutting the fixation element 10, the fender airbag 7 and the inflatable area 6.
  • the fender air- bag 7 is folded downwards in a position approximately parallel to the inflatable area 6, so that the fixation element 10 is accessible for the fixation at the attachment element 8.
  • Fig.4a is shown a part of the inflatable curtain airbag 5 covering an A-pillar 16 of the interior side structure.
  • the fender airbag 7 is arranged between the inflatable area 6 of the inflatable curtain airbag 5 and the attachment element 8. Because of the design of the A-pillar the fender airbag 7 ex ⁇ tends downwards and forward along the A-pillar.
  • the fixation element 10 is unloaded, because at least a part of the load caused by the hitting occupant is transmitted via the fender airbag 7 di ⁇ rectly into the A-pillar 16 or into a part of the roof liner.
  • Fig.4b it is shown the arrangement from Fig.4a in cutting direction A-A.
  • the fender airbag 7 is covering the A-pillar 16 and the fixation element 10.
  • the load in the fixation element 10 is reduced by the fender airbag 7, so that the fender airbag 7 provides an improved stability and reduced risk of damaging the fixation element 10.
  • Fig.5 is shown the inflatable curtain airbag 5 rolled as a P-roll and fixed via the fixation element 10 at the attachment element 8.
  • the inflatable area 6 of the inflatable curtain airbag 5 is rolled counter clockwise and the fender airbag 7 in clockwise direction.
  • the package of the rolled or folded inflatable curtain airbag 5 may be fixed by an additional wrapper .
  • the fender airbag 7 may be a chamber of the inflatable curtain airbag 5, or it can also be a separate airbag.

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

Abstract

The invention relates to an airbag arrangement with an inflatable curtain airbag (5) for a vehicle having fixation elements (10) to fix the inflatable curtain airbag (5)to the interior side structure of the vehicle,and an inflatable area (6) to cover parts of the interior side structure of the vehicle, wherein a fender airbag (7) is provided adjacent to the inflatable area (6) and / or the fixation elements (10) of the inflatable curtain airbag (5), which is inflated with a time de- lay with respect to the inflation of the inflatable area (6) of the inflatable curtain airbag (5).

Description

Airbag arrangement
The invention relates to an airbag arrangement comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1.
Airbag arrangements with inflatable curtain airbags are in general known. The purpose of the inflatable curtain airbags is to cover certain parts of the interior side structure of the vehicle in the event of an accident and to prevent the oc¬ cupant from directly hitting on these parts. The inflatable curtain airbag is mounted on the roof liner and is inflated downwards to cover the interior side structure of the vehicle when actuated. The inflatable curtain airbag extends in the inflated state from the A-pillar to the rear pillar, which is the C- or D-pillar, and covers the side windows as well as the pillars. Because of the large surface to be covered it is an important aspect how to fix the airbag and to assure, that the inflatable curtain airbag has sufficient stability to keep the position during and at the end of the inflation for an optimal protection of the occupant. When the window is open the inflatable curtain covers the opening and protects the occupant from moving through the open window to the outside of the vehicle. Therefore the stability of the inflatable curtain air- bag is especially important when the window is open.
In the event of severe accidents, like rollovers for example, the occupant hits the inflated curtain airbag with high ki¬ netic energy. Therefore the occupant might move together with the inflated curtain airbag to the outside of the vehicle, when the load is too high for the airbag. Another risk is that the fixation of the inflatable curtain airbag might not with¬ stand the high load in this case. When the fixation is des¬ troyed or damaged because of the high load the movement of the inflatable curtain airbag is not controlled anymore, so that the inflatable curtain airbag does not keep the position as intended .
In view of that prior art it is the object of the invention to provide an airbag arrangement with an inflatable curtain air- bag with an improved stability.
The invention proposes an airbag arrangement comprising the features of claim 1. Further preferred embodiments are con¬ tained in the subclaims, the description and the figures.
According to the invention it is suggested, that a fender air- bag is provided adjacent to the inflatable area and/or the fixation elements of the inflatable curtain airbag, which is inflated with a time delay with respect to the inflation of the inflatable area of the inflatable curtain airbag.
One advantage of the suggested fender airbag is, that the fender airbag provides an unloading of the fixation and the inflatable curtain airbag, which improves the stability of the inflatable curtain airbag and reduces the risk of a damaged fixation with a not controlled inflatable curtain airbag. Be¬ cause the fender airbag must not disturb the inflation of the inflatable area of the inflatable curtain airbag or change the direction of the inflation of the inflatable area, the fender airbag is inflated with a time delay with respect to the in¬ flation of the inflatable area of the inflatable curtain air- bag. When the fender airbag starts to inflate, the inflatable area of the inflatable curtain airbag is therefore already in¬ flated to such an extent, that the inflation of the fender airbag is not changing the orientation of the inflatable area anymore and is only improving the stability of the airbag ar¬ rangement .
Furthermore it is proposed, that the fender airbag is arranged between the inflatable area and/or the fixation elements of the inflatable curtain airbag on one side and the interior side structure of the vehicle on the other side. The proposed arrangement of the fender airbag provides a direct support of the inflatable curtain airbag at the interior side structure of the vehicle which further improves the stability of the shape of the inflatable curtain airbag. Especially when the fender airbag is arranged at a part of the side structure ad¬ joining a window, it improves the stability of the inflatable curtain airbag in the area of the window and prevents a move¬ ment of the inflatable curtain airbag through the window.
A further preferred embodiment of the invention can be seen in, that the fender airbag and the inflatable area of the in¬ flatable curtain airbag are connected via a flow connection. Because of the provided flow connection it is possible to in¬ flate the fender airbag and the inflatable curtain airbag by one common gas generator, which is reasonable regarding costs and assembly effort.
In this case the flow connection can be designed as a con¬ striction, and the time delay between the inflation of the inflatable area and the fender airbag can be realised by fric¬ tion of the gas flow in the constriction. The constriction is a very easy and cheap solution to realise the time delayed in- flation of the fender airbag, wherein the inflation of the inflatable area and the fender airbag are always in a fixed re¬ lation to each other.
It is further suggested, that the fender airbag is located close to an attachment bolt, where the inflatable curtain air- bag is fixed to the interior side structure of the vehicle. Thereby the forces acting on the attachment bolt when the oc¬ cupant hits the inflatable curtain airbag are reduced, because the forces acting on the inflatable curtain airbag are trans¬ mitted at least partially via the fender airbag directly into the vehicle structure.
An easy construction with reduced costs for the mounting can be provided, when the fender airbag and the inflatable curtain airbag are fixed at one common attachment bolt to the interior side structure of the vehicle.
The design can be further improved, regarding costs for manufacturing and handling, when the fender airbag is part of the inflatable curtain airbag. The fender airbag can be woven as one chamber of the inflatable curtain airbag, for example in a one piece woven process.
Furthermore it is suggested, that the inflatable curtain air- bag is mounted at an attachment bolt which is located above a window, and the fender airbag is located at least partially between the window and the attachment bolt. The arrangement of the fender airbag between the window and the attachment bolt is so far advantageous as the stability of the inflatable cur¬ tain airbag is improved especially close to the window. There¬ fore even when the window is open it is prevented that the in¬ flatable curtain airbag and the occupant may move to the out- side of the vehicle. Depending on the acting forces a limited movement of the occupant and/or the inflatable curtain airbag cannot be prevented in some cases, but also in these cases the movement to the outside is at least reduced and the protection of the occupant is improved by the stabilised airbag.
Another preferred embodiment of the invention can be seen in, that the fender airbag is winded around the folded and/or rolled inflatable area prior to the inflation. When the in¬ flatable area is inflated the inflatable area is automatically unfolded or unrolled and the fender airbag is moved to the de¬ fined position, where the fender airbag can act as intended.
Furthermore it is suggested, that the inflatable curtain air- bag is rolled in a P-roll shape and the inflatable area and the fender airbag are rolled in the P-roll in opposite direc¬ tions. By rolling the inflatable area and the fender airbag in opposite directions it is assured, that the fender airbag is automatically released from the inflatable area when the in¬ flatable area of the inflatable curtain airbag is inflated.
In the following the invention is described in more detail with respect to one preferred embodiment. The figures show in detail :
Fig.l: Airbag arrangement in a vehicle with an inflatable curtain airbag and a fender airbag in view from the front ;
Fig.2: Inflatable curtain airbag with integrated fender
airbag;
Fig.3 : Inflatable curtain airbag with integrated fender airbag in cross-sectional view;
Fig.4a: Inflatable curtain airbag with a fender airbag ar¬ ranged at the A-pillar
Fig.4b: Inflatable curtain airbag from Fig.4a in cutting di¬ rection A-A
Fig.5: Inflatable curtain airbag rolled in a P-roll shape
Fig.l shows an occupant 1 in a passenger compartment of a ve¬ hicle during a typical movement caused by a side impact. Dif¬ ferent parts of the interior side structure of the vehicle like the roof 2, the window 3 and the door 4 can be seen. At the roof liner, where the roof 2 adjoins the window 3, is fixed an airbag arrangement at an attachment element 8. The attachment element 8 can be designed as a bolt or a clip con¬ nection, depending on the requirements from the car manufac¬ turers and the conditions which need to be fulfilled.
The airbag arrangement consists of an inflatable curtain air- bag 5 and a fender airbag 7 provided adjacent to the inflat¬ able area 6 and the attachment element 8. The inflatable cur¬ tain airbag 5 comprises an inflatable area 6 and a fixation element 10 designed as a lug, to fix the inflatable curtain airbag 5 at the attachment element 8. The inflatable area 6 is shown as one unit structure, which is usually an arrangement of non inflatable sections and inflatable sections depending on the individual side structure of the vehicle. When the in¬ flatable curtain airbag 5 is inflated, the inflatable area 6 is inflated downwards between the occupant 1 and the interior side structure, in this case the window 3. The interior side structure to be covered by the inflatable curtain airbag 5 can also be a part of the roof 2, the door 4 or the A-pillar 16 (see Figs.4a and 4b) . The fixation element 10 has the function to keep the inflatable area 6 of the inflatable curtain airbag 5 in position for an optimal protection of the occupant 1.
Furthermore a fender airbag 7 is attached via the fixation element 10 to the vehicle structure. The fender airbag 7 ex¬ tends from the attachment element 8 downwards covering a part of the roof 2 adjoining the window 3 and also a part of the window 3. When actuated the fender airbag 7 is inflated with a time delay with respect to the inflation of the inflatable area 6 of the inflatable curtain airbag 5. Because of the time delay it is prevented, that the fender airbag 7 pushes the in¬ flatable area 6 horizontally over the head of the occupant 1.
In the event of a further movement of the occupant 1 and an impact of the occupant 1 at the inflatable area 6, the forces caused by the impact will be transmitted through the fender airbag 7 into the roof liner of the roof 2. Therefore the fixation element 10 will be unloaded by the fender airbag 7, and the risk of damaging the fixation is reduced. Furthermore the fender airbag 7 supports the inflatable area 6 of the in¬ flatable curtain airbag 5 by abutting on the roof liner and stabilising the shape of the inflatable area 6.
A special advantage of the stabilisation of the inflatable area 6 is the mitigation of the ejection of the inflatable curtain airbag 5 and the occupant 1 through an open window 3 to the outside of the vehicle also in severe accidents. Other possible support surfaces for the fender airbag 7 at the inte¬ rior side structure of the vehicle would be the pillars, the doors 4 or the like. In Fig.2 is shown the inflatable curtain airbag 5 before being mounted on the vehicle. The inflatable curtain airbag 5 com¬ prises an inflatable area 6, a fender airbag 7 and an extra inflatable chamber 11. The inflatable chamber 11 is connected with the inflatable area 6 via a flow connection designed as a channel 12, which is dimensioned in a size, that the chamber 11 is inflated simultaneously or previously to the full infla¬ tion of the inflatable area 6. The chamber 11 acts as a ramp for the inflatable area 6 and prevents an inflation of the in¬ flatable area 6 between the vehicle structure and an interior lining. At one end of the inflatable area 6 is provided an inlet 15, to which a not shown gas generator is connectable.
At the top rim of the inflatable area 6 are provided several fixation elements 10 in shape of lugs for the fixation at the attachment elements 8 in Fig.l. In Fig.l is only one fixation bolt 8 visible, but it is clearly understandable that each fixation element 10 is fixed at a separate attachment element 8.
The fender airbag 7 is connected also via a flow connection designed as a channel 13 to the inflatable area 6, which is dimensioned as a constriction. Because of the constriction the fender airbag 7 is inflated with a time delay with respect to the inflation of the inflatable area 6.
In Fig.3 is shown a cross-sectional cut through the inflatable curtain airbag 5 in a level cutting the fixation element 10, the fender airbag 7 and the inflatable area 6. The fender air- bag 7 is folded downwards in a position approximately parallel to the inflatable area 6, so that the fixation element 10 is accessible for the fixation at the attachment element 8. In Fig.4a is shown a part of the inflatable curtain airbag 5 covering an A-pillar 16 of the interior side structure. The fender airbag 7 is arranged between the inflatable area 6 of the inflatable curtain airbag 5 and the attachment element 8. Because of the design of the A-pillar the fender airbag 7 ex¬ tends downwards and forward along the A-pillar. In the in¬ flated state of the fender airbag 7 the fixation element 10 is unloaded, because at least a part of the load caused by the hitting occupant is transmitted via the fender airbag 7 di¬ rectly into the A-pillar 16 or into a part of the roof liner.
In Fig.4b it is shown the arrangement from Fig.4a in cutting direction A-A. The fender airbag 7 is covering the A-pillar 16 and the fixation element 10. When the occupant hits the in¬ flatable area 6 and/or the fender airbag 7 the load in the fixation element 10 is reduced by the fender airbag 7, so that the fender airbag 7 provides an improved stability and reduced risk of damaging the fixation element 10.
In Fig.5 is shown the inflatable curtain airbag 5 rolled as a P-roll and fixed via the fixation element 10 at the attachment element 8. The inflatable area 6 of the inflatable curtain airbag 5 is rolled counter clockwise and the fender airbag 7 in clockwise direction. The package of the rolled or folded inflatable curtain airbag 5 may be fixed by an additional wrapper .
The fender airbag 7 may be a chamber of the inflatable curtain airbag 5, or it can also be a separate airbag.

Claims

Claims :
1. Airbag arrangement with an inflatable curtain airbag (5) for a vehicle having fixation elements (10) to fix the in¬ flatable curtain airbag (5) to the interior side structure of the vehicle, and an inflatable area (6) to cover parts of the interior side structure of the vehicle, character¬ ised in, that a fender airbag (7) is provided adjacent to the inflatable area (6) and/or the fixation elements (10) of the inflatable curtain airbag (5) , which is inflated with a time delay with respect to the inflation of the in¬ flatable area (6) of the inflatable curtain airbag (5) .
2. Airbag arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in, that the fender airbag (7) is arranged between the inflat¬ able area (6) and/or the fixation elements (10) of the in¬ flatable curtain airbag (5) on one side and the interior side structure of the vehicle on the other side.
3. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding
claims, characterised in, that the fender airbag (7) and the inflatable area (6) of the inflatable curtain airbag (5) are connected via a flow connection.
4. Airbag arrangement according to claim 3, characterised in, that the flow connection is designed as a constriction, and the time delay between the inflation of the inflatable area (6) and the fender airbag (7) is realised by friction of the gas flow in the constriction.
5. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding
claims, characterised in, that the fender airbag (7) is located close to an attachment element (8), where the in- flatable curtain airbag (5) is fixed to the interior side structure of the vehicle.
6. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding
claims, characterised in, that the fender airbag (7) and the inflatable curtain airbag (5) are fixed at one common attachment element (8) to the interior side structure of the vehicle.
7. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding
claims, characterised in, that the fender airbag (7) is part of the inflatable curtain airbag (5) .
8. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding
claims, characterised in, that the inflatable curtain air- bag (5) is mounted at an attachment element (8) which is located above a window (3), and the fender airbag (7) is supported by a part of the interior side structure between the window (3) and the attachment bolt (8) .
9. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding
claims, characterised in, that the fender airbag (7) is winded around the folded and/or rolled inflatable area (6) prior to the inflation.
10. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding
claims, characterised in, that the inflatable curtain air- bag (5) is rolled in a P-roll and the inflatable area (6) and the fender airbag (7) are rolled in the P-roll in op¬ posite directions.
PCT/SE2010/051092 2009-10-16 2010-10-11 Airbag arrangement Ceased WO2011046497A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/501,270 US8585080B2 (en) 2009-10-16 2010-10-11 Airbag arrangement

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102009049764.1A DE102009049764B4 (en) 2009-10-16 2009-10-16 An air bag assembly
DE102009049764.1 2009-10-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011046497A1 true WO2011046497A1 (en) 2011-04-21

Family

ID=43798893

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE2010/051092 Ceased WO2011046497A1 (en) 2009-10-16 2010-10-11 Airbag arrangement

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US8585080B2 (en)
DE (1) DE102009049764B4 (en)
WO (1) WO2011046497A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US8585080B2 (en) 2013-11-19
DE102009049764A1 (en) 2011-04-21
US20120200071A1 (en) 2012-08-09
DE102009049764B4 (en) 2016-02-18

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