Patents Assigned to Autoliv Development AS
  • Publication number: 20080163468
    Abstract: A buckle device includes a switch having a Hall element which outputs a signal in accordance with a magnitude of a magnetic flux density, a magnet which applies a magnetic field to the Hall element, and a shielding plate which is attached to an ejector so as to change the magnitude of the magnetic flux density transmitted from the magnet to the Hall element in accordance with a position of the ejector. The Hall element and the magnet are magnetically shielded by at least a frame and a latch member which are formed of a magnetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Toru Nakamura, Ayaki Oyamada, Yukinori Midorikawa
  • Publication number: 20080164680
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention an airbag device is provided. The airbag device comprises an airbag having at least one chamber, which can be filled with gas by a gas generator, and a ventilation opening in fluid communication with the chamber. The ventilation opening is sealed by an airbag section, which is detachably mounted to a fastening member, and is configured as an insertion opening for the gas generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Nicolas Langue
  • Patent number: 7393010
    Abstract: An air-bag arrangement includes an air-bag and a gas generator to supply gas to inflate the air-bag. The gas generator is hingedly connected to a support and is hingedly movable between a closed position in which the gas generator extends across and closes an aperture, and a second position in which the apertured is opened to permit the flow of gas from the air-bag. The gas generator is initially retained in position by a retainer the retainer being actuable, in response to a signal, to enable the gas generator to move hingedly to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AS
    Inventor: Stefan Andersson
  • Patent number: 7393006
    Abstract: An airbag device for protecting motor vehicle occupants is disclosed. The airbag device comprises an airbag, which is accommodated folded-up in the roof area of the vehicle prior to inflation. The airbag unfolds downwards curtain-like when triggered, with a first section of the folded-up airbag extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from its roof frame. A second airbag section is arranged within the roof strut above the windshield, which runs at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The second section of the airbag is bent inwards around a folding point and disposed above the windshield. A fastening means arranged in the vicinity of the folding point fastens the first section of the folded airbag running along the roof frame to the roof frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Henrik Ohrvall, Andreas Melander
  • Publication number: 20080136154
    Abstract: An airbag inflator (1) for motor vehicles, more specifically an airbag inflator which is adapted to reduce high sound levels generated by the streaming of a gas flow out of the outlet into ambient air, which airbag inflator comprises at least one gas outlet (9) which is adapted to reduce high sound level generated by the streaming of a gas flow out of the outlet into ambient air. The gas outlet (9) of the airbag inflator (1) has an orifice (10;18) that is non-circular. When in use, the non-circular orifice (10; 18) of the gas outlet (9) enhances the mixing of the gas flow with the ambient air and thus provides for a reduction of the sound level caused by the gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Johan Lindqvist, Ulf Magnusson, Roland Schneider, Stefan Svedjenas, Alf Holgers, Ulrich Sander
  • Publication number: 20080136149
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an airbag unit is provided. The airbag unit comprises an airbag made of fabric. The unit has fastening devices for attaching the airbag to a motor vehicle. A cover section is proximate to the fastening devices and is fastened to the airbag. The cover section is configured to not completely cover the airbag when the airbag is in an unrolled state and forms a wrapping of the airbag when the airbag is rolled-up with the cover section to define rolled-up state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Börje Jacobsson, Mats Berntsson, Fredrik Kjell
  • Publication number: 20080135665
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention a seat-belt retractor is provided. The seat-belt retractor comprises a locking system that is controlled by means of at least one vehicle-sensitive sensor. The sensor has an alignment mass for autonomous alignment and is configured to pivot on the seat-belt retractor when the angular installation position of the seat-belt retractor is changed and when the seat-belt is extended, the sensor can be fixed in position by a blocking device. The blocking device is friction-controlled by the rotation of the belt shaft in the extension direction. The blocking device includes a rotatably mounted blocking lever which can be displaced into a release position for the sensor by a control lever that is coupled to the belt shaft by a friction coupling when the belt shaft rotates in a retraction direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Martin Schmidt, Stefan Hofs, Thomas Schneider, Miriam Ors, Santi Gasol, Jordi Casiano
  • Publication number: 20080131631
    Abstract: Described is a gas generator unit comprising of a cylindrical gas generator (10), the lateral surface (10a) of which demonstrates emission holes (12) arranged in a thrust-neutral manner within a ring-shaped area (10b), and a deflector element (20), which is rigidly connected to the gas generator (10) and is made of a heat resistant material and at least surrounds the ring-shaped area (10b) at least partially. To make the gas generator harmless in the event of a fire, the deflector element (20) demonstrates, in an inflow area (20a) opposite the ring-shaped area (10b), borings (22), which are sealed by at least one blocking element (24, 32) made of a meltable or combustible material, the borings being arranged in such a manner that the gas generator unit is thrust-neutral in the absence of the blocking element (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Joachim Huber, Ernst Wittmann
  • Publication number: 20080127466
    Abstract: A seatbelt buckle for receiving and locking an insert tongue, said seatbelt buckle comprising a housing, a bolt which locks the insert tongue, and a slide button which acts upon the bolt, wherein an inertial mass is provided for shockproofing of the seatbelt buckle. The inertial mass is mounted and guided on a guide disposed on the slide button and/or the housing. The slide button including a catch which is located apart from guide and opposite the bearing axis of the coupling lever. The bearing axis being fixed to the housing, wherein two arms of the coupling lever directly engage the inertial mass and the catch of the slide button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Regis Duteil
  • Publication number: 20080129020
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag arrangement in a motor vehicle comprising an airbag and a gas generator, which fills the airbag with gas after being activated, the airbag being arranged between two neighboring seating positions for vehicle occupants. The airbag is arranged in an openable lid of a center console or in an openable armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Ola Bostrom, Jack Johansson
  • Patent number: 7380819
    Abstract: An air-bag arrangement is disclosed, which preferably takes the form of an inflatable curtain. The arrangement comprises a single inflatable element (2) and a gas generator (10), which is configured to inflate the inflatable element (2). The inflatable element (2) defines at least two inflatable chambers (5,6). A gas-supply duct (11) is provided which has an end outlet aperture (19) formed through an end wall 18 of the gas-supply duct (11) so as to have a diameter smaller than the bore of the gas-supply duct (11). The gas-supply duct (11) also has at least one side outlet aperture (20) formed through the side wall of the gas-supply duct (11) at a position generally adjacent the end outlet aperture (19). The side outlet aperture (20) is configured to direct gas out of the gas-supply duct (11) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of gas directed to the end outlet aperture (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Conrad Fricke, Jonathan Moore, Richard White
  • Publication number: 20080116044
    Abstract: In a seat belt apparatus, a first projecting portion and a second projecting portion which are capable of being brought into abutment with each other so that a switch lever is shifted from a switch OFF position to a switch ON position are provided on a side of a drive gear and a side of a first gear, respectively. A third projecting portion and a fourth projecting portion, which are capable of being brought into abutment with each other so that the switch lever is shifted from the switch ON position to the switch OFF position, are provided on the side of the first gear and a side of a second gear. An abutment position between the first and second projecting portions and an abutment position between the third and fourth projecting portions differ from each other in an axial direction of a spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Kentarou Saito, Ganta Hibata
  • Publication number: 20080100104
    Abstract: A seat back support mechanism supports the back of a seat in a motor vehicle. One component of the mechanism (15) is effectively connected to the seat of the motor vehicle and another component (32) is connected to the back (44) of the motor vehicle optionally by means of a recliner mechanism. The support mechanism comprises a connection between the components. The connection comprises two pivot links One pivot link (33) is of arcuate form with a central “V” notch so that when the back of the seat is subjected to a predetermined force, the back of the seat is permitted about a pivot axis (30) whilst the arcuate pivot link (33) is deformed, thus absorbing energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Autoliv Development
    Inventors: Peter Axelsson, Lennart Simonsson, Clas Wergeland
  • Patent number: 7357419
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement for a safety belt is provided and includes a holder for securement to a vehicle. The holder has a T-shaped head with laterally extending arms. A connector is moveably disposed, against spring action on the holder and is connected to a belt buckle strap loop. A magnet and magnetic field sensor are disposed on the holder and connector. Relative movement between them, caused by displacement of the connector relative to the holder, is converted into a signal that corresponds to acting belt force. First springs are provided on outer longitudinal sides of the holder and connector and respectively extend between the arms of the holder and an oppositely disposed abutment of the connector to counteract tension force of the safety belt or buckle. The compensation spring is disposed between the holder and connector and, without a tension force acting on the connector, prestresses the connector relative to the holder against nearly relaxed first springs with a low spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Hans-Otto Kock, Frank Jacobs, Bernd Knörle
  • Publication number: 20080072748
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electropyrotechnic initiator whose circuit board (15) supports on a first face (18) a resistance element (21) for heating a pyrotechnic charge (22, 23). According to the invention, the second face (19) of the circuit board (15), opposite the first face (18), supports means (30) of protection against the electrostatic discharges, housed between the two electrodes (10, 11) powering the element (21) in a recess (91) of an insulating structure (9) through which the electrodes (10, 11) pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Francois Gaudinat, Yann Le Gallic
  • Publication number: 20080067790
    Abstract: A knee airbag is described which is located in front of a front seat (S) in the footwell, whereby this footwell is limited on a first side by the vehicle inner structure (F) and on the side lying opposite the first side is limited by a centre console (M). When it is completely filled and free from external forces, this knee airbag (10) exhibits a certain maximum width (b) horizontally and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (f). In order to improve the safety of the vehicle occupants in case of a laterally-offset frontal collision, knee airbag (10) is arranged in the footwell in such a way that its maximum width (b) in inflated state is greater than the separation (a) between vehicle inner structure (F) and centre console (M).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Muhammed Narin, Arno Gruber
  • Patent number: 7344190
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a squab, backrest and a headrest. The headrest is supported by one or more support elements. Each support element is connected by a connection to a respective drive element which is connected to a pressure plate located within the backrest. The drive element is guided for rearward movement by a guide which is formed fast with the frame of the seat. A pivot surface is provided located adjacent the support element such that, on rearward movement of the drive element, the support element engages the pivot surface to cause the headrest to move forwardly in a pivotal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Lennart Haglund, Lennart Simonsson, Alf Holgers
  • Patent number: 7341273
    Abstract: An airbag module having a gas generator mounted on a carrier using at least one vibration-damping mounting. The gas generator has radially projecting flange sections for connecting one end of the vibration-damping mounting and a diffusor, which is pot-shaped in configuration, overlaps the gas generator, including its flange sections, and wherein the surrounding side wall of the pot-shaped diffusor is bent at a right angle. One end of the vibration-dampening mounting (16) is provided with a head (17), which acts as a limit stop for the gas generator (10) for lateral movements of the gas generator (10) that occur in the plane of the flange sections (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Klaus Massanetz, Pavel Kurilow
  • Publication number: 20080054605
    Abstract: A supplemental inflation part is formed in a portion of an upper-end side inflation section of an airbag, the portion overlapping a B-pillar garnish. The supplemental inflation part has a semicircular shape that forms a push-out part. Folding the push-out part allows the upper-end side inflation section to be inflated largely at the initial stage of deployment of the airbag. Thus, the airbag is pushed toward the passenger compartment with greater force upon its deployment. Therefore, a terminal part of a headliner that covers the folded airbag is largely opened so that the airbag deploys smoothly downward along the side of the vehicle body in the passenger compartment without interference from the top end of the B-pillar garnish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Tetsu Mitsuo, Akihiko Narui, Mitsuo Nogami
  • Publication number: 20080054612
    Abstract: An airbag having an airbag fabric skin (10) enclosing an interior gas space with a first edge (11) extending from a first end (11a) to a second end (11b), whereby an accommodation area (A) for a gas generator (20) is located at the first edge outside the gas spaced extending parallel the first edge (11), which exhibits an area (32) of a deflector element 930) which accommodates the gas generator. In order to ensure that the airbag unit consisting of gas generator and airbag halves in a thrust-neutral manner in case of a fire, deflector element (30) consists of a tubular, flexible element, whereby the deflector element (30) exhibits an upper and lower area (32, 36) whose lower area (36) is located inside the gas space (G). The deflector element is connected with the airbag skin in an intermediate area (34) which is located between upper and lower areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Ian Taylor, Alan Bradburn, Borje Jacobsson, Ola Henriksson, Anders Hagman, Martin Lindsay