U.S. patent application number 11/657327 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for low risk deployment passenger airbag system using slim type passenger airbag module.
This patent application is currently assigned to S & T Daewoo Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Dong Eun Kim, Jong Seop Nam, Young Yeol Park, Seung Jae Song.
Application Number | 20080100041 11/657327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39218952 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080100041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Dong Eun ; et
al. |
May 1, 2008 |
Low risk deployment passenger airbag system using slim type
passenger airbag module
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a low risk deployment passenger airbag
system using a slim type passenger airbag module which is minimized
in height and/or length, such that a top airbag and a mid airbag
can be installed in a limited space defined by an instrument panel.
In the slim type passenger airbag module used in the low risk
deployment passenger airbag system, a disk type inflator is used,
unlike the conventional art using a cylindrical inflator, an upper
end of the disk inflator is disposed in an airbag housing, and a
retainer for supporting the cushion is brought into close contact
with the bottom (or the rear surface) of the airbag housing in
which the disk type inflator is provided, thus minimizing the
height and/or length of the passenger airbag module. Thereby, the
slim type passenger airbag module is suitable for the low risk
deployment passenger airbag system. Furthermore, in the low risk
deployment passenger airbag system, to deploy the cushions of the
top and mid airbags substantially horizontally towards a passenger
seat when a vehicle accident occurs, the distance between the top
airbag and the mid airbag is within a range from 100 mm to 250 mm,
the top airbag is inclined at an angle ranging from 60.degree. to
75.degree. with respect to the horizontal surface, and the mid
airbag is inclined at 15.degree. or less with respect to the
horizontal surface.
Inventors: |
Kim; Dong Eun; (Busan-si,
KR) ; Park; Young Yeol; (Busan-si, KR) ; Nam;
Jong Seop; (Commerce Twp., MI) ; Song; Seung Jae;
(Novi, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600, 30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
S & T Daewoo Co., Ltd.
Busan-si
MI
CIS Teck, LLC
Commerce Twp.
|
Family ID: |
39218952 |
Appl. No.: |
11/657327 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/728.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2021/23107
20130101; B60R 21/205 20130101; B60R 21/237 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/728.2 |
International
Class: |
B60R 21/16 20060101
B60R021/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 27, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-105301 |
Claims
1. A low risk deployment passenger airbag system having passenger
airbag modules respectively mounted to an upper surface and a front
surface of an instrument panel, wherein at least one of the
passenger airbag modules comprises a slim type passenger airbag
module, comprising: a box-shaped airbag housing, having an opening
in a front end thereof, and a flange provided around the opening of
the box-shaped airbag housing; a disk type inflator, an upper end
of which is inserted into the airbag housing through a circular
insert hole formed through a rear surface of the airbag housing,
which is opposite the opening; a cushion stored in the airbag
housing in a folded state such that the cushion is deployed towards
a passenger seat through the opening by deployment gas discharged
from the disk type inflator; and a retainer fastening both an inlet
part of the cushion and a ring-shaped flange, provided around a
circumferential outer surface of the disk type inflator, to the
rear surface of the airbag housing using a locking bolt, the
retainer having a circular through hole through which the upper end
of the disk type inflator passes.
2. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
rear surface of the airbag housing, which is opposite the opening,
comprises an inclined surface angled at a predetermined angle with
respect to the opening.
3. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
front end of the airbag housing having the opening comprises an
inclined surface angled at a predetermined angle.
4. A low risk deployment passenger airbag system having passenger
airbag modules respectively mounted to an upper surface and a front
surface of an instrument panel, wherein at least one of the
passenger airbag modules comprises a slim type passenger airbag
module, comprising: a box-shaped airbag housing, having an opening
in a front end thereof, and a flange provided around the opening of
the box-shaped airbag housing; a disk type inflator, an upper end
of which is inserted into the airbag housing through a circular
insert hole formed through a bottom of the airbag housing, which is
perpendicular to the opening; a cushion stored in the airbag
housing in a folded state such that the cushion is deployed towards
a passenger seat through the opening by deployment gas discharged
from the disk type inflator; and a retainer fastening both an inlet
part of the cushion and a ring-shaped flange, provided around a
circumferential outer surface of the disk type inflator, to the
bottom of the airbag housing using a locking bolt, the retainer
having a circular through hole, through which the upper end of the
disk type inflator passes.
5. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 4, wherein a
front part of the airbag housing, in which the opening is formed,
is higher than a rear part of the airbag housing in which the disk
type inflator is provided, so that a stepped part having a
predetermined height is defined between the front part and the rear
part of the airbag housing.
6. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 1, wherein a
distance between centers of the two passenger airbag modules, which
are respectively mounted to the upper surface and the front surface
of the instrument panel, is within a range from 100 mm to 250 mm,
such that, when a vehicle crash occurs, two cushions of the
passenger airbag modules are horizontally deployed towards the
passenger seat in conjunction with each other.
7. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 6, wherein the
airbag module, which is mounted to the upper surface of the
instrument panel, is inclined at an angle ranging from 60.degree.
to 75.degree. with respect to a horizontal surface, and the airbag
module, which is mounted to the front surface of the instrument
panel, is parallel to the horizontal surface or is inclined at an
angle ranging from 0.degree. to 15.degree. with respect to the
horizontal surface.
8. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 6, wherein the
cushion of the airbag module, which is mounted to the upper surface
of the instrument panel, has a volume ranging from 60 L to 120 L,
and the cushion of the airbag module, which is mounted to the front
surface of the instrument panel, has a volume ranging from 30 L to
70 L.
9. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 6, wherein an
angle between the airbag module, which is mounted to the upper
surface of the instrument panel at an incline, and the airbag
module, which is mounted to the front surface of the instrument
panel parallel thereto or at an incline, is 60.degree..
10. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 2, wherein a
distance between centers of the two passenger airbag modules, which
are respectively mounted to the upper surface and the front surface
of the instrument panel, is within a range from 100 mm to 250 mm,
such that, when a vehicle crash occurs, two cushions of the
passenger airbag modules are horizontally deployed towards the
passenger seat in conjunction with each other.
11. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 3, wherein a
distance between centers of the two passenger airbag modules, which
are respectively mounted to the upper surface and the front surface
of the instrument panel, is within a range from 100 mm to 250 mm,
such that, when a vehicle crash occurs, two cushions of the
passenger airbag modules are horizontally deployed towards the
passenger seat in conjunction with each other.
12. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 4, wherein a
distance between centers of the two passenger airbag modules, which
are respectively mounted to the upper surface and the front surface
of the instrument panel, is within a range from 100 mm to 250 mm,
such that, when a vehicle crash occurs, two cushions of the
passenger airbag modules are horizontally deployed towards the
passenger seat in conjunction with each other.
13. The low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the slim
type passenger airbag module as set forth in claim 5, wherein a
distance between centers of the two passenger airbag modules, which
are respectively mounted to the upper surface and the front surface
of the instrument panel, is within a range from 100 mm to 250 mm,
such that, when a vehicle crash occurs, two cushions of the
passenger airbag modules are horizontally deployed towards the
passenger seat in conjunction with each other.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to passenger airbag
modules mounted to instrument panels of vehicles and low risk
deployment passenger airbag systems having top airbags and mid
airbags which are respectively mounted to upper surfaces and front
surfaces of instrument panels and, more particularly, to a low risk
deployment passenger airbag system using a slim type passenger
airbag module which is minimized in height and/or length, such that
two passenger airbag modules, that is, a top airbag and a mid
airbag, can be installed in a limited space defined by an
instrument panel.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Generally, airbag modules are installed in vehicles to
protect drivers and passengers from major impact when a vehicle
crash occurs. The airbags are classified into a driver airbag
(DAB), which is installed in a steering handle of a driver's seat,
and a passenger airbag (PAB), which is installed in an instrument
panel across from a passenger seat, depending on the installation
position thereof.
[0005] Particularly, the present invention relates to passenger
airbags. The passenger airbags are classified into a top airbag,
which is mounted to the horizontal upper surface of the instrument
panel, and a mid airbag, which is mounted to a vertical surface of
the instrument panel above a glove box, depending on an
installation position thereof.
[0006] As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, a conventional passenger airbag
system includes a single passenger airbag module, which is provided
inside an upper or front surface of an instrument panel. As an
example, FIG. 1a shows a conventional airbag system which includes
a single top airbag module provided inside the upper surface of the
instrument panel. FIG. 1b shows a conventional airbag system which
includes a single mid airbag module provided inside the front
surface of the instrument panel.
[0007] However, the conventional passenger airbag system having the
single top or mid airbag is problematic in that, when a vehicle
accident occurs, a cushion inflated towards a passenger seat
strikes the head of an out-of-position occupant (OOP), such as a
child or a small adult, thus resulting in a severe injury to
his/her neck. In detail, in the case of FIG. 1a, when a vehicle
accident occurs, as designated by the dotted lines, while the
cushion 5 of the top airbag is deployed, a component force 6 that
is deployed downwards is generated. The downward deployment
component force 6 strikes the head of a child 1, who is adjacent to
the instrument panel, in a downward direction, thus resulting in a
severe injury to the neck of the child 1. In the case of FIG. 1b,
while the airbag is deployed, a mid airbag cushion 9 generates a
component force 10 that is deployed upwards. The upward deployment
component force 10 strikes the jaw of an out-of-position child 1 in
an upward direction, thus resulting in a severe injury to the neck
of the child.
[0008] In an effort to overcome the above problems, recently, a low
risk deployment passenger airbag system, in which two airbags are
respectively mounted to the upper and front surfaces of the
instrument panel, was developed. The low risk deployment passenger
airbag system includes two airbag modules, that is, a top airbag
module and a mid airbag module, which have small volumes and are
respectively mounted to the upper surface and the front surface of
the instrument panel. Thus, when the airbag is deployed, that is,
when the top airbag and the mid airbag are deployed, they are
operated in conjunction with each other, so that they are
substantially horizontally deployed towards the head and the chest
of the occupant, thus preventing the downward or upward deployment
component force 6 or 10 resulting in an injury to the neck of the
out-of-position child.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of "LOW RISK DEPLOYMENT
PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM" proposed in PCT international publication
No. WO 2005/120905, which was filed by the inventor of the present
invention.
[0010] As shown in the drawing, the conventional low risk
deployment passenger airbag system includes a top airbag, which is
mounted to the upper surface of an instrument panel, and a mid
airbag, which is mounted to the front surface of the instrument
panel. In the conventional low risk deployment passenger airbag
system having the above-mentioned construction, when a vehicle
accident occurs, while the airbags are operated, a top airbag
cushion 14 and a mid airbag cushion 16 comes into contact with each
other and are operated in conjunction with each other, so that they
are substantially horizontally deployed towards the head and the
chest of an adult occupant 2 who is seated on a passenger seat
(refer to the arrows designated by the reference numerals 17 and
18). Therefore, the neck of an out-of-position child or small adult
1 is prevented from being injured by the deployment of the
airbag.
[0011] The present invention provides a slim type passenger airbag
module for such low risk deployment passenger airbag systems. That
is, in such a low risk deployment passenger airbag system, because
the top airbag module and the mid airbag module must be mounted to
the rear surface of the instrument panel in a limited space defined
by the instrument panel, the installation area and space are
insufficient. Therefore, in order to install two passenger airbag
modules in the limited space of the instrument panel, a slim type
passenger airbag module having a low height, that is, a small size,
is required.
[0012] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an
installation relationship between the top airbag and the mid airbag
provided in the low risk deployment passenger airbag system, that
is, it relates to the distance and angle between the two passenger
airbag modules. In detail, the low risk deployment passenger airbag
system must be constructed such that, when the airbag system is
operated, the cushions of the top airbag and the mid airbag are
horizontally deployed by contact, that is, interference
therebetween. For this, the distance and angle between the top
airbag and the mid airbag must be defined within appropriate
ranges. Therefore, a slim type passenger airbag module that meets
the above requirements is necessary.
[0013] FIGS. 3a and 3b are a perspective view and a sectional view
showing an example of a conventional passenger airbag module. As
shown in the drawings, the conventional passenger airbag module 100
includes a box-shaped airbag housing 20, a cylindrical inflator 31,
which discharges deployment gas, a cushion 40, which is inflated
towards a passenger seat using deployment gas, and a retainer 50,
which supports the cushion 40.
[0014] In detail, the airbag housing 20 includes a cushion housing
21 and an inflator housing 22. The cushion 40, which is folded into
a predetermined shape, is received in the cushion housing 21. The
cylindrical inflator 31 is installed in the inflator housing 22.
Here, the cushion housing 21 has an opening 25, through which the
cushion 40 is inflated and is deployed by deployment gas towards
the passenger seat, and a mounting flange 27, which has bolt holes
and is integrally provided around the rim of the opening 25.
[0015] The inflator housing 22 has a cylindrical shape and is open
at an upper end thereof. Coupling holes are formed through opposite
ends of the inflator housing 22, so that the opposite ends of the
cylindrical inflator 31 are inserted into and fastened to the
coupling holes in the inflator housing 22. Furthermore, a bracket
64, which fastens the passenger airbag module to a tie bar 63, is
mounted to the outer surface of the lower end of the inflator
housing 22.
[0016] The cylindrical inflator 31 has a can structure. A gas
discharge hole, through which deployment gas is discharged when a
vehicle accident occurs, is formed at a predetermined position
through the inflator 30. Furthermore, a bolt 32 is provided on one
end of the cylindrical inflator 31, so that the cylindrical
inflator 31 can be fastened to the end of the inflator housing 22
by tightening the bolt 32 into a nut 34. A connector 38 for
electrical connection of the cylindrical inflator 31 is coupled to
the other end of the cylindrical inflator 31.
[0017] The retainer 50 is fixed between the cushion housing 21 and
the inflator housing 22, and fastens an inlet part of the cushion
40 to the cushion housing 21. In addition, a plurality of passing
holes 51, through which deployment gas passes, and a plurality of
bolt holes for the retainer 50 to the cushion housing 21 are formed
through the retainer 50. The inlet part of the cushion 40 is
fastened to the retainer 50 by coupling bolts.
[0018] Meanwhile, FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing an
instrument panel, to which a top airbag and a mid airbag are
mounted. As shown in the drawing, the top airbag T is mounted to
the upper surface of the instrument panel 65, and the mid airbag M
is mounted to the front surface of the instrument panel 65. As
such, the two passenger airbag modules T and M are installed in a
limited installation area A, which is defined inside the rear
surface of the instrument panel.
[0019] That is, the top airbag module T cannot be disposed in an
area from a junction between a windshield glass G and the
instrument panel 65 to a position spaced apart from the junction by
a predetermined distance (L), in order to provide space for the
rotation of an airbag door. Furthermore, because a glove box (GB)
must be installed inside the front panel of the instrument panel
65, the mid airbag module M cannot be installed in that area. In
addition, the top airbag module T and the mid airbag module M must
be coupled to the tie bar 63, the passenger airbag modules T and M
cannot be disposed below the tie bar 63. Therefore, the area for
installation of the two passenger airbag modules T and M is limited
to the shaded area A, which is defined in the dotted line.
Furthermore, recently, vehicles, in which a concave depression is
formed in the upper surface of the instrument panel or the front
surface of the instrument panel is curved, are increasing in
number. Thus, the area A for installation of the two passenger
airbag modules T and M is further reduced.
[0020] Therefore, a slim type passenger airbag module, which makes
it possible to install two airbag modules in the limited
installation area A inside the instrument panel, is required.
Furthermore, the slim type passenger airbag module, which can be
applied to even the curved surface of the instrument panel, is
required. In addition, the slim type passenger airbag module, which
can meet requirements, such as the distance (D) between the top
airbag T and the mid airbag M and inclination angles (a) and (0)
thereof, such that the cushions of the top airbag T and the mid
airbag M can be horizontally deployed by operating in conjunction
with each other, is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in
mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a low risk passenger airbag
system which includes at least one slim type passenger airbag
module having minimal height and/or length such that, when the
airbag is operated, cushions of a top airbag and a mid airbag,
which are respectively mounted to the upper and front surfaces of
an instrument panel, can be substantially horizontally deployed in
conjunction with each other.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a low
risk passenger airbag system in which at least one of the top
airbag and the mid airbag, which are installed in a limited space
defined inside the rear surface of the instrument panel, comprises
a slim type passenger airbag module having minimal height and/or
length such that the distance between the top airbag and the mid
airbag can be within a predetermined range, and the inclination
angles of the top airbag and the mid airbag with respect to the
horizontal surface can be within predetermined ranges.
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a low
risk passenger airbag system in which at least one of the top
airbag and the mid airbag, which are respectively mounted to the
upper surface and the front surface of the instrument panel,
comprises a slim type passenger airbag module having minimal height
and/or length, such that it can meet the low risk deployment
criteria for passenger airbags set by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA).
[0024] In order to accomplish the above object, in a first aspect
of a slim type passenger airbag module used in the low risk
deployment passenger airbag system, a disk type inflator is used,
unlike the conventional art, which uses a cylindrical inflator, and
an upper end of the disk inflator is disposed in an airbag housing.
Furthermore, a retainer for supporting the cushion is brought into
close contact with the bottom of the airbag housing and integrally
fastens the cushion and the disk type inflator to the airbag
housing, thus reducing the height and/or length of the passenger
airbag module.
[0025] In a second aspect of a slim type passenger airbag module
used in the low risk deployment passenger airbag system, the
opening in the airbag housing, through which the cushion is
deployed, and the upper surface of the disk type inflator, which
supplies deployment gas into the cushion, are perpendicular to each
other, so that the height of the opening can be determined
independent of the size of the disk type inflator, thus reducing
the height or length of the passenger airbag module.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the low risk deployment
passenger airbag system according to the present invention having
passenger airbag modules respectively mounted to the upper surface
and the front surface of an instrument panel, at least one of the
passenger airbag modules comprises a slim type passenger airbag
module, comprising: a box-shaped airbag housing, having an opening
in a front end thereof, and a flange provided around the opening of
the box-shaped airbag housing, a disk type inflator, an upper end
of which is inserted into the airbag housing through a circular
insert hole formed through a rear surface of the airbag housing,
which is opposite the opening, a cushion stored in the airbag
housing in a folded state such that the cushion is deployed towards
a passenger seat through the opening by deployment gas discharged
from the disk type inflator; and a retainer fastening both an inlet
part of the cushion and a ring-shaped flange, provided around the
circumferential outer surface of the disk type inflator, to the
rear surface of the airbag housing using a locking bolt, the
retainer having a circular through hole through which the upper end
of the disk type inflator passes.
[0027] In another embodiment of the low risk deployment passenger
airbag system having passenger airbag modules respectively mounted
to an upper surface and a front surface of an instrument panel, at
least one of the passenger airbag modules comprises a slim type
passenger airbag module, comprising- a box-shaped airbag housing,
having an opening in a front end thereof, and a flange provided
around the opening of the box-shaped airbag housing, a disk type
inflator, an upper end of which is inserted into the airbag housing
through a circular insert hole formed through a bottom of the
airbag housing, which is perpendicular to the opening, a cushion
stored in the airbag housing in a folded state such that the
cushion is deployed towards a passenger seat through the opening by
deployment gas discharged from the disk type inflator; and a
retainer fastening both an inlet part of the cushion and a
ring-shaped flange, provided around a circumferential outer surface
of the disk type inflator, to the bottom of the airbag housing
using a locking bolt, the retainer having a circular through hole,
through which the upper end of the disk type inflator passes.
[0028] In the low risk deployment passenger airbag system of the
present invention, a distance between centers of the two passenger
airbag modules, which are respectively mounted to the upper surface
and the front surface of the instrument panel, may be within a
range from 100 mm to 250 mm, such that, when a vehicle crash
occurs, two cushions of the passenger airbag modules are
horizontally deployed towards the passenger seat in conjunction
with each other.
[0029] Furthermore, in the low risk deployment passenger airbag
system of the present invention, the airbag module, which is
mounted to the upper surface of the instrument panel, may be
inclined at an angle ranging from 60.degree. to 75.degree. with
respect to a horizontal surface, and the airbag module, which is
mounted to the front surface of the instrument panel, may be
parallel to the horizontal surface or be inclined at an angle
ranging from 0.degree. to 15.degree. with respect to the horizontal
surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0031] FIGS. 1a and 1b are side views showing conventional
passenger airbag systems;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a conventional low risk
deployment passenger airbag system;
[0033] FIGS. 3a and 3b respectively are a perspective view and a
sectional view showing an example of a passenger airbag module
according to a conventional technique;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of an instrument panel
illustrating an area for installing a top airbag and a mid airbag
according to the conventional technique;
[0035] FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c are a perspective view, an exploded
perspective view and a sectional view showing a slim type passenger
airbag module used in a low risk deployment passenger airbag
system, according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIGS. 6a and 6b are a perspective and a sectional view
showing a slim type passenger airbag module, according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIGS. 7a and 7b are a perspective and an exploded
perspective view showing a slim type passenger airbag module,
according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIGS. 8a and 8b are a perspective and a sectional view
showing a slim type passenger airbag module, according to a fourth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIGS. 9a and 9b are a perspective and a sectional view
showing a slim type passenger airbag module, according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the method of folding an
airbag cushion used in the slim type passenger airbag module
according to the present invention; and
[0041] FIGS. 11a-11e are schematic views showing the low risk
deployment passenger airbag systems using the slim type airbag
modules according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a low risk deployment
airbag system using a slim type airbag module according to the
present invention will be described in detail with reference to the
attached drawings.
[0043] FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c are a perspective view, an exploded
perspective view and a sectional view showing a slim type passenger
airbag module 101 used in a low risk deployment passenger airbag
system, according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] As shown in the drawings, the slim type passenger airbag
module 101 includes a box-shaped airbag housing 20, which has an
opening 25 in an upper end thereof, and a disk type inflator 30,
which is mounted to the bottom 23 of the airbag housing 20 and
discharges deployment gas. The slim type passenger airbag module
101 further includes a cushion 40 to be inflated through the
opening 25 towards a passenger seat by deployment gas discharged
from the disk type inflator 30, and a retainer 50, which fastens an
inlet part 41 (see, FIG. 5b) of the cushion 40 and the disk type
inflator 30 to the bottom 23 of the airbag housing 20.
[0045] In detail, the box-shaped airbag housing 20 is made of
plastic or metal and has in the upper end thereof the opening 25,
through which the cushion 40 inflated by the deployment gas is
deployed towards the passenger seat. Furthermore, a mounting flange
27, in which bolt holes 26 are formed, is integrally provided
around the rim of the opening 25. The mounting flange 27 is brought
into close contact with and is fastened to the rear surface of an
instrument panel 65. A circular insert hole 24 for installation of
the disk type inflator 30 is formed through the bottom 23 of the
airbag housing 20 which is opposite the opening 25.
[0046] The inflator 30 has a disk-shaped can structure. The upper
half of the inflator 30 is inserted into the airbag housing 20
through the circular insert hole 24. Furthermore, a ring-shaped
flange 33, which is brought into contact with the rear surface of
the bottom 23 of the airbag housing 20, is provided around the
circumferential outer surface of the inflator 30. Bolt holes 35,
which correspond to bolt holes formed through the bottom 23 of the
airbag housing 20, are formed through the ring-shaped flange 33. A
gas discharge hole (not shown), through which deployment gas is
discharged, is formed in the upper surface of the inflator 30,
which is disposed in the airbag housing 20. A connector (not
shown), which connects to an outside sensor, is provided in the
lower surface of the inflator 30 which is disposed outside the
airbag housing 20.
[0047] The retainer 50 is a plate which is placed in the airbag
housing 20 to support the cushion 40. A through hole 53, through
which the upper half of the inflator 30 passes, is formed at a
central position through the retainer 50. Several locking bolts 55,
which pass through bolt holes 45 formed in the inlet part 41 of the
cushion 40, the bolt holes 35 of the ring-shaped flange 33 of the
inflator 30, and the bolt holes 29 of the bottom 23 of the airbag
housing 20, are provided under the lower surface of the retainer 50
around the through hole 53.
[0048] Therefore, while the upper half of the inflator 30 is
inserted into the receiving space in the airbag housing 20 through
the circular insert hole 24, the locking bolts 55 of the retainer
50 are inserted into the bolt holes 45, formed in the inlet part 41
of the cushion 40, the bolt holes 29 of the bottom 23 of the airbag
housing 20, and the bolt holes 35 of the flange 33 of the inflator
30, and, thereafter, are tightened into respective locking nuts 56.
Thereby, the inlet part 41 of the cushion 40 and the flange 33 of
the inflator 30 are reliably fastened to the bottom 23 of the
airbag housing 20. Meanwhile, the cushion 40 is folded in one
manner selected from among a zigzag 1-tug manner, a zigzag roll
manner and a zigzag manner, and is placed in the airbag housing 20.
For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the
cushion 40 used in the slim type passenger airbag module according
to the present invention and, more particularly, illustrates a
process of folding the cushion 40 in the zigzag 1-tug manner.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 5c, in the slim type passenger airbag
module 101 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention, the mounting flange 27 of the airbag housing 20 is
brought into contact with the rear surface of the instrument panel
65 such that locking bolts 66 provided under the rear surface of
the instrument panel 65 are inserted through the respective bolt
holes 26 formed in the mounting flange 27, and, thereafter, the
locking bolts 66 are tightened into respective locking nuts 67.
Furthermore, a bracket (not shown) mounted to the bottom of the
airbag housing 20 is fastened to a tie bar (not shown) using
coupling means such as nuts and bolts. Meanwhile, a separate
housing airbag door (not shown) may be provided in the airbag
housing 20. Preferably, an airbag door 69 is integrally provided in
the instrument panel 65 without a separate housing airbag door, and
a breaking groove 68 is formed in the rear surface of the
instrument panel 65 in a shape corresponding to the airbag door 69.
Thus, when the vehicle accident occurs, the breaking groove 68 is
broken by the expansion force of the cushion 40, and the airbag
door 69 is simultaneously opened.
[0050] As such, in the slim type passenger airbag module 101
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the
airbag housing 20 is constructed into a single body without being
divided into a cushion housing and an inflator housing.
Furthermore, unlike the conventional art, which uses a cylindrical
inflator, a disk type inflator 30 is used, and the upper half of
the disk type inflator 30 is disposed in the airbag housing 20
while the lower half thereof is disposed outside the airbag housing
20. In addition, the retainer 50 is brought into close contact with
and is mounted to the bottom 23 of the airbag housing 20, such that
the inlet part 41 of the cushion 40 and the flange 33 of the disk
type inflator 30 are fastened together to the bottom 23 of the
airbag housing 20 by the retainer 50. Therefore, the assembly
structure is simplified, and the length of the slim type passenger
airbag module 101 is minimized.
[0051] Next, a slim type passenger airbag module 102 used in a low
risk deployment passenger airbag system according to a second
embodiment of the present invention will be described herein below
with reference to the attached drawings.
[0052] FIGS. 6a and 6b are a perspective view and a sectional view
showing the slim type passenger airbag module 102 used in the low
risk deployment passenger airbag system, according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawings, the
slim type passenger airbag module 102 according to the second
embodiment of the present invention includes a box-shaped airbag
housing 20, which has an opening 25 in a front end thereof, and a
disk type inflator 30, which is mounted to the bottom 23 of the
airbag housing 20 and discharges deployment gas. The slim type
passenger airbag module 102 further includes a cushion 40 which is
inflated through the opening 25 towards a passenger seat by
deployment gas discharged from the disk type inflator 30, and a
retainer 50, which fastens an inlet part 41 (see, FIG. 6b) of the
cushion 40 and the disk type inflator 30 to the bottom 23 of the
airbag housing 20. That is, the slim type passenger airbag module
102 according to the second embodiment is constructed such that the
opening 25 formed in the front end of the airbag housing 20 is
perpendicular to the upper surface of the disk type inflator 30
provided through the bottom 23 of the airbag housing 20, thus
minimizing the height of the slim type passenger airbag module
102.
[0053] In detail, the box-shaped airbag housing 20 is made of
plastic or metal, and has in the front end thereof the opening 25,
through which the cushion 40 inflated by the deployment gas is
deployed towards the passenger seat. Furthermore, a mounting flange
27, in which bolt holes 26 are formed, is integrally provided
around the rim of the opening 25. The mounting flange 27 is brought
into close contact with and is fastened to the rear surface of an
instrument panel 65. A circular insert hole 24 for installation of
the disk type inflator 30 is formed through the bottom 23 of the
airbag housing 20.
[0054] The inflator 30 has a disk-shaped can structure. The upper
half of the inflator 30 is inserted into the airbag housing 20
through the circular insert hole 24. A ring-shaped flange 33, which
is brought into contact with the bottom 23 of the airbag housing
20, is provided around the circumferential outer surface of the
inflator 30. Bolt holes 35, which correspond to bolt holes formed
through the bottom 23 of the airbag housing 20, are formed through
the ring-shaped flange 33.
[0055] The retainer 50 is a plate which is placed in the airbag
housing 20 and supports the cushion 40. A through hole 53, through
which the upper half of the inflator 30 passes, is formed at a
central position through the retainer 50. Several locking bolts 55,
which pass through bolt holes 45 formed in the inlet part 41 of the
cushion 40 and the bolt holes 35 of the ring-shaped flange 33 of
the inflator 30, are provided in the retainer 50 around the through
hole 53.
[0056] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6b, in the state in which the
upper half of the inflator 30 is inserted into the receiving space
in the airbag housing 20 through the circular insert hole 24, the
locking bolts 55 of the retainer 50 are inserted into the bolt
holes 45 of the inlet part 41 of the cushion 40, the bolt holes 29
of the bottom 23 of the airbag housing 20, and the bolt holes 35 of
the flange 33 of the inflator 30, and, thereafter, are tightened
into respective locking nuts 56. Thereby, the inlet part 41 of the
cushion 40 and the flange 33 of the inflator 30 are reliably
fastened to the bottom 23 of the airbag housing 20.
[0057] As such, in the slim type airbag module 102 according to the
second embodiment, the opening 25 is formed in the front end of the
airbag housing 20, and the disk type inflator 30 is mounted to the
bottom 23 of the airbag housing 20 such that it is perpendicular to
the opening 25. Therefore, the height of the slim type airbag
module 102 can be minimized independently of the size of the disk
type inflator 30.
[0058] Hereinafter, a slim type passenger airbag module 103
according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be
described herein below with reference to FIGS. 7a and 7b. FIG. 7a
is a perspective view of the slim type passenger airbag module 103
according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 7b is an exploded
perspective view of the slim type passenger airbag module 103.
[0059] As shown in the drawings, an inflator 30, a cushion 40 and a
retainer 40 of the slim type passenger airbag module 103 according
to the third embodiment of the present invention are the same as
those of the slim type passenger airbag module 102 according to the
second embodiment, but the front part of the airbag housing 20, in
which the opening 25 is formed, that is, a cushion receiving part
71, is higher than in the slim type passenger airbag module 102
according to the second embodiment, such that a cushion 40 having a
larger volume can be placed therein. As such, in the slim type
passenger airbag module 103 according to the third embodiment, the
rear part of the airbag housing 20, that is, an inflator receiving
part 72, has a height different from that of the cushion receiving
part 71, so that a stepped part 73 having a predetermined height is
formed therebetween.
[0060] In detail, the slim type passenger airbag module 103
according to the third embodiment includes the box-shaped airbag
housing 20, which has an opening 25 in a front end thereof and has
the stepped part 73 at an intermediate position thereof so that the
cushion receiving part 71, in which the cushion 40 is placed, is
higher than the other part of the airbag housing 20. The slim type
passenger airbag module 103 further includes the disk type inflator
30, which is mounted to the upper surface 23 of the inflator
receiving part 74 of the airbag housing 20 and discharges
deployment gas, the cushion 40 to be inflated through the opening
25 towards a passenger seat by deployment gas discharged from the
disk type inflator 30, and the retainer 50, which fastens the inlet
part 41 (see, FIG. 7b) of the cushion 40 and a ring-shaped flange
33 of the disk type inflator 30 to the upper surface 74 of the
inflator receiving part 72 of the airbag housing 20. The general
construction of the slim type passenger airbag module 103, other
than the above structure, remains the same as the above-mentioned
embodiments, therefore further explanation is deemed
unnecessary.
[0061] As such, the slim type passenger airbag module 103 according
to the third embodiment is constructed such that the cushion
receiving part 71 is higher than the inflator receiving part 72 and
thus can receive a cushion 40 having a larger volume therein but
maintains the height of the rear part of the airbag housing 20 at a
minimum, thus ensuring sufficient space for installation of two
passenger airbag modules in a single instrument panel 65.
[0062] FIGS. 8a and 8b are a perspective view and a sectional view
showing a slim type passenger airbag module 104, according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] As shown in the drawings, the slim type passenger airbag
module 104 according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention includes a box-shaped airbag housing 20, which has an
opening 25 in a front end thereof and has an inclined surface 77,
which is inclined at a predetermined angle, on the surface opposite
the opening 25. The slim type passenger airbag module 104 further
includes a disk type inflator 30, which is mounted to the inclined
surface 77 of the airbag housing 20 and discharges deployment gas,
a cushion 40 to be inflated through the opening 25 towards a
passenger seat by deployment gas discharged from the disk type
inflator 30, and a retainer 50, which fastens an inlet part 41
(see, FIG. 6b) of the cushion 40 and the disk type inflator 30 to
the inclined surface 77 of the airbag housing 20.
[0064] In detail, the box-shaped airbag housing 20 is made of
plastic or metal and has in the front end thereof the opening 25,
through which the cushion 40 inflated by the deployment gas is
deployed towards the passenger seat. The inclined surface 77 is
formed opposite the opening 25. Furthermore, a mounting flange 27,
in which bolt holes 26 are formed, is integrally provided around
the rim of the opening 25. The mounting flange 27 is fastened to
the rear surface of an instrument panel 65, thus mounting the slim
type passenger airbag module to the instrument panel 65. A circular
insert hole 24 for installation the disk type inflator 30 is formed
through the inclined surface 77 of the airbag housing 20 which is
opposite the opening 25.
[0065] The inflator 30 has a disk-shaped can structure. The upper
half of the inflator 30 is inserted into the airbag housing 20
through the circular insert hole 24. A ring-shaped flange 33, which
is brought into contact with the inclined surface 77 of the airbag
housing 20, is provided around the circumferential outer surface of
the inflator 30. Bolt holes 35, which correspond to bolt holes
formed through the inclined surface 77 of the airbag housing 20,
are formed through the ring-shaped flange 33. The general
construction of the slim type passenger airbag module 104, other
than the structures noted above, remains the same as the previous
embodiment, therefore further explanation is deemed
unnecessary.
[0066] FIGS. 9a and 9b are a perspective view and a sectional view
showing a slim type passenger airbag module 105, according to a
fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] As shown in the drawings, the slim type passenger airbag
module 105 according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention includes a box-shaped airbag housing 20, which has
therein an opening 25 formed at an incline, and a disk type
inflator 30, which is mounted to a rear surface 79 of the airbag
housing 20 and discharges deployment gas. The slim type passenger
airbag module 105 further includes a cushion 40 that is inflated
through the opening 25 towards a passenger seat by deployment gas
discharged from the disk type inflator 30, and a retainer 50, which
fastens an inlet part 41 (see, FIG. 6b) of the cushion 40 and the
disk type inflator 30 to the rear surface 79 of the airbag housing
20.
[0068] In this embodiment, the box-shaped airbag housing 20 is made
of plastic or metal and has in the front end thereof the opening
25, which is inclined at a predetermined angle, and through which
the cushion 40 inflated by the deployment gas is deployed.
Furthermore, a mounting flange 27, in which bolt holes 26 are
formed, is integrally provided around the rim of the opening 25.
Here, the inclination angle of the opening 25 corresponds to the
curvature of an instrument panel 65. A circular insert hole 24 for
installation of the disk type inflator 30 is formed through the
rear surface 97 of the airbag housing 20. The general construction
of the slim type passenger airbag module 105 other than the
structures noted above remains the same as the previous embodiment.
The slim type passenger airbag module 105 according to the fifth
embodiment can be appropriately applied to an instrument panel 65
which is inclined at a predetermined angle and has a curved
surface. In addition, the slim type passenger airbag module 101,
102, 103, 104 of each embodiment of the present invention can also
have the same effect by forming the surface defining the opening 25
at an incline or in a curved shape.
[0069] As described above, the slim type passenger airbag module of
the present invention has the disk type inflator, unlike the
conventional art having the cylindrical inflator, and is
constructed such that the inflator and the opening face each other,
are perpendicular to each other, or are angled with respect to each
other in order to minimize the height and/or length of the airbag
module, and such that the height of the rear part of the airbag
housing is relatively low, thus ensuring sufficient space to
install two passenger airbag modules to the rear surface of, or
underneath, a single instrument panel.
[0070] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a low risk deployment
passenger airbag system using a slim type passenger airbag module
according to the present invention will be described in detail with
reference to the attached drawings.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, in the low risk deployment passenger
airbag system of the present invention, when a vehicle crash
occurs, because the cushion of a top airbag T and the cushion of a
mid airbag M are horizontally deployed towards a passenger seat in
conjunction with each other, an impact applied by airbag inflation
to an out-of position occupant, for example, a child, can be
reduced.
[0072] Therefore, to achieve the intended function of the low risk
deployment passenger airbag system, as shown in FIG. 4, the
distance (D) between the centers of the top airbag T and the mid
airbag M must be appropriately set. In detail, the distance (D)
between the centers of the top airbag T and the mid airbag M must
be defined within an appropriate range such that two deploying
cushions graze and contact each other. If the distance (D) between
the centers of the top airbag T and the mid airbag M is excessively
great, the two cushions cannot be operated in conjunction with each
other. Conversely, if the distance (D) therebetween is excessively
short, because the two cushions strongly bump against each other
and rebound away from each other, they cannot be horizontally
deployed.
[0073] Furthermore, the top airbag T and the mid airbag M must be
installed such that they are angled towards each other within a
predetermined angular range. If the angle between the top airbag T
and the mid airbag M is too large, the two cushions cannot contact
each other when being deployed. Conversely, if the angle between
the top airbag T and the mid airbag M is too small, because the two
cushions strongly bump against each other and rebound away from
each other, they cannot be horizontally deployed.
[0074] Meanwhile, in the low risk deployment passenger airbag
system, the volume of the cushion of the top airbag T is greater
than that of the cushion of the mid airbag M. The reason for this
is that the top airbag T is disposed at a position relatively far
from the occupant. Preferably, the ratio of the volume of the
cushion of the top airbag T to the cushion of the mid airbag M is
2:1. In the preferred embodiment of the low risk deployment
passenger airbag system according to the present invention, the
cushion of the top airbag T has a volume ranging from 60 L to 120
L, and the cushion of the mid airbag M has a volume ranging from 30
L to 70 L. Under the above conditions, it is preferable that the
distance (D) between the centers of the top airbag T and the mid
airbag M be within a range from 100 mm to 250 mm.
[0075] Furthermore, the inclination angle (.theta.) of the top
airbag T with respect to a horizontal surface ranges from
60.degree. to 75.degree., and an inclination angle (.alpha.) of the
mid airbag M with respect to the horizontal surface ranges from
0.degree. to 15.degree.. That is, it is preferable that the angle
between the top airbag T and the mid airbag M be approximately
60.degree..
[0076] Meanwhile, preferably, the operating pressure of the
inflator used in the top airbag T ranges from 200 kpa to 260 kpa in
the case where the volume thereof is 60 L, and the operating
pressure of an inflator used in the mid airbag M ranges from 100
kpa to 130 kpa in the case where the volume thereof is 60 L.
[0077] Hereinafter, various embodiments of a low risk deployment
passenger airbag system using a slim type passenger airbag module
will be explained with reference to FIGS. 11a through 11e.
[0078] To satisfy the above-mentioned conditions, such as the
limited space A, the distance (D) between the top airbag T and the
mid airbag M and the inclination angles (.alpha.) and (.theta.), at
least one of the top airbag module and the mid airbag module which
are installed in the instrument panel must use a slim type
passenger airbag module.
[0079] FIG. 11a shows the case where the slim type passenger airbag
modules 101 according to the first embodiment are used in both the
top airbag T and the mid airbag M. FIG. 11b shows the case where
the height of the front surface of the instrument panel is
relatively low, so that the slim type passenger airbag module 101
according to the first embodiment is used for the top airbag T, and
the slim type passenger airbag module 102 according to the second
embodiment is used for the mid airbag M. FIG. 11c shows the case
where the height of the front surface of the instrument panel is
sufficient but the distance between the mid airbag M and the top
airbag T is relatively short. In this case, the slim type passenger
airbag module 101 according to the first embodiment is used in the
top airbag T, and the slim type passenger airbag module 103
according to the third embodiment is used in the mid airbag M. That
is, in the case of the slim type passenger airbag module 103
according to the third embodiment, because the height of the rear
part is relatively low, space for installation of the top airbag T
is ensured.
[0080] FIG. 11d shows the case where the front surface of the
instrument panel is curved, and thus the slim type passenger airbag
module 105 according to the fifth embodiment is used. In the slim
type passenger airbag module 105 according to the fifth embodiment,
the surface defining the opening is inclined, thus facilitating the
coupling of the airbag module to the curved surface of the
instrument panel. FIG. 11e shows the case where the distance
between the mid airbag M and the top airbag T is relatively short
and the height of the front surface of the instrument panel is
relatively low. In this case, the slim type passenger airbag
modules 102 according to the second embodiment are used for both
the top airbag T and the mid airbag M.
[0081] As such, the low risk deployment airbag system according to
the present invention can be implemented using various combinations
of the slim type passenger airbag modules depending on conditions
such as the limited space A, the distance (D) between the top
airbag T and the mid airbag M and the inclination angles (.alpha.)
and (.theta.).
[0082] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, the scope of the
present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.
Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed
in the accompanying claims. Therefore, the scope of the present
invention must be defined by the accompanying claims.
[0083] As described above, the prevent invention provides various
kinds of slim type passenger airbag modules such that a top airbag
module and a mid airbag module can be installed in a limited space.
Because the slim type passenger airbag module of the present
invention is relatively low in height and relatively short in
length and it can be manufactured into various types, the present
invention makes it possible for two passenger airbags to be
installed in a limited space.
[0084] In a low risk deployment passenger airbag system using the
slim type passenger airbag module according to the present
invention, when cushions of a top airbag and a mid airbag, which
are respectively provided on an upper surface and a front surface
of an instrument panel, are deployed in an accident, because the
cushions are operated in conjunction with each other, they are
deployed substantially horizontally, thus preventing an out-of
position child or a small adult from being injured by airbag
inflation.
[0085] Therefore, the low risk deployment passenger airbag system
using the slim type passenger airbag module according to the
present invention can meet the low risk deployment criteria for
passenger airbags set by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA).
* * * * *