Occupant restraint device for vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure obtains a vehicle occupant restraint device capable of continuously restraining the shoulder of an occupant with a shoulder seatbelt as a reaction force member by supporting an airbag with a seatbelt regardless of the physique difference of the occupant during a frontal collision of a vehicle. The vehicle occupant restraint device includes: a seatbelt that restrains an occupant seated on a vehicle seat to the vehicle seat; and a seat belt support airbag which is inflated and deployed at least between a shoulder belt of the seat belt and a shoulder of the occupant by being supplied with gas from an inflator during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the shoulder belt moves toward the front side of the vehicle by following an occupant moving toward the front side of the vehicle due to inertia force, moves along the shoulder belt, and is maintained in a state of being interposed between at least the shoulder of the occupant and the shoulder belt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an occupant restraint device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-047790, a vehicle occupant restraint device has long been known that includes an airbag extending from a belt guide disposed on an upper portion of a seat back along a shoulder belt to the shoulder of the occupant, the airbag being configured to expand in the thickness direction of the shoulder belt in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle. This airbag thereby restrains the occupant's shoulders while isolating the shoulder belt from the chest and reducing the input load acting from the shoulder belt side on the occupant's chest.

[0003] However, since the rear end of the airbag is fixed to the seatbelt guide, it cannot follow the occupant who moves toward the front of the vehicle due to inertia during a head-on collision, and may not be held near the shoulder of the targeted occupant.

[0004] Furthermore, the airbag may not be held in the proper position depending on the physique of the occupant. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a vehicle occupant restraint device that can support an airbag via a seat belt regardless of the occupant's physique during a frontal collision, thereby continuously restraining the occupant's shoulders using the shoulder belt as a reaction force member.

[0006] A first embodiment of a vehicle occupant restraint device according to the present disclosure comprises: a seat belt for restraining an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on the vehicle seat; and a seat belt-supported airbag which, when supplied with gas from an inflator in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, inflates and deploys between at least a shoulder belt of the seat belt and a shoulder of the occupant, moves toward the front of the vehicle following the occupant who moves toward the front of the vehicle due to inertia, moves along the shoulder belt, and maintains a state between at least the shoulder of the occupant and the shoulder belt.

[0007] According to the first embodiment, during a frontal collision, the belt-supported airbag is inflated and deployed between at least the shoulder belt of the seatbelt and the occupant's shoulder by gas supplied from the inflator. The airbag then follows the occupant's movement toward the front of the vehicle due to inertia, moving toward the front of the vehicle while maintaining a position between at least the occupant's shoulder and the shoulder belt. Specifically, the belt-supported airbag moves to the occupant's shoulder's curved position within the shoulder belt and remains positioned against the occupant's shoulder.

[0008] Therefore, during a frontal collision, the belt-supported airbag can be continuously held between the shoulder belt and the occupant's shoulders, regardless of the occupant's physique. This allows the shoulder belt of the seat belt to bear the reaction force of the belt-supported airbag from the front half of the occupant's restraint to the rear half, thereby continuously restraining at least the occupant's shoulders. The phrase "frontal collision" used herein also includes situations where a frontal collision is predicted (foreseeable) to be unavoidable.

[0009] In addition, the second type of vehicle occupant restraint device involved in the present disclosure is that, in the first type of vehicle occupant restraint device, the seat belt supports the airbag and is connected to the vehicle seat or vehicle body via a rope-shaped member that can elastically deform in a manner that extends to follow the movement of the occupant toward the front side of the vehicle.

[0010] According to the second embodiment, the belt-supported airbag is connected to the vehicle seat or vehicle body via a tether-like member that elastically deforms to extend as the occupant moves toward the front of the vehicle. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the restoring force of the tether-like member keeps the belt-supported airbag positioned between the shoulder belt and the occupant's shoulders, regardless of the occupant's size. This allows the occupant's shoulders to be continuously restrained from the front half of the restraint to the rear half.

[0011] Furthermore, a third aspect of the vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to the present disclosure is the vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the belt-supported airbag is connected to the inflator via a gas supply pipe that is expandable in response to movement of the occupant toward the vehicle front.

[0012] According to the third aspect, the belt-supported airbag is connected to the inflator via a gas supply tube that expands as the occupant moves toward the front of the vehicle. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the belt-supported airbag's movement toward the front of the vehicle is not restricted by the gas supply tube. Consequently, the belt-supported airbag remains positioned between the shoulder belt and the occupant's shoulder, regardless of the occupant's size.

[0013] Furthermore, a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the belt-supporting airbag includes a sliding cloth interposed between the belt-supporting airbag and the occupant.

[0014] According to the fourth aspect, the sliding cloth is interposed between the belt-supported airbag and the occupant. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the belt-supported airbag, which moves toward the front of the vehicle, tends to move along the shoulder belt. In other words, the belt-supported airbag tends to move to the curved position of the occupant's shoulder in the shoulder belt.

[0015] Furthermore, a fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the fourth aspect, wherein a lower end portion of the sliding cloth is fixed to a lower portion of the belt supporting airbag on the occupant side.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect, the lower end of the sliding cloth is fixed to the lower portion of the belt-supported airbag on the passenger side. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the belt-supported airbag, having moved forward of the vehicle, can quickly move along the shoulder belt. In other words, the belt-supported airbag can quickly move to the curved position of the passenger's shoulder in the shoulder belt.

[0017] In addition, the sixth form of the vehicle occupant restraint device involved in the present disclosure is a vehicle occupant restraint device of any one of the second to fifth forms, wherein the seat belt is constructed to be able to be pulled out from a seat belt opening portion provided on a pillar, and the shoulder belt is corrected in a manner such that it is hung on the front side of the shoulder of the occupant by a seat belt guide provided on a seat back of the vehicle seat.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect, the seat belt is configured to be withdrawn from a belt opening provided in a pillar, and the shoulder belt is corrected by a belt guide provided on the seatback of the vehicle seat so that the shoulder belt is hooked in front of the occupant's shoulders. Therefore, even if the seat belt is not integrated into the vehicle seat, the belt-supported airbag can be positioned between the shoulder belt and the occupant's shoulders, ensuring that at least the occupant's shoulders are continuously restrained, regardless of the occupant's physique.

[0019] In addition, the seventh form of the vehicle occupant restraint device involved in the present disclosure is a vehicle occupant restraint device of any one of the second to sixth forms, wherein the seat belt-supported airbag is inflated and deployed in a manner extending in the seat width direction to restrain both shoulders of the occupant, and at least one of the height and thickness of the end portion on the shoulder seat belt side is increased compared to other parts.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect, the belt-supported airbag inflates and deploys in a manner extending in the seat width direction, thereby restraining both shoulders of the occupant. In this case, at least one of the height and thickness of the belt-supported airbag at the shoulder belt side end portion is increased compared to other portions. Therefore, compared to a case where the height and thickness of the belt-supported airbag at the shoulder belt side end portion are the same as those at other portions, at least one of the interference amount and restraining force of the belt-supported airbag with the occupant's shoulder at the shoulder belt side can be increased. This makes it easier for the belt-supported airbag to remain in the shoulder belt at the curved position of the occupant's shoulder, regardless of the occupant's physique.

[0021] In addition, the eighth embodiment of the vehicle occupant restraint device involved in the present disclosure is a vehicle occupant restraint device of any one of the second to sixth embodiments, wherein the inflated and deployed shape of the seat belt-supported airbag in a front view is formed into a shape that covers the shoulders of the occupant along the shoulder seat belt, or a shape that covers both shoulders and the chest of the occupant, or a shape that covers the area from the chest to the head of the occupant.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect, the belt-supported airbag has a fully inflated and deployed shape, as viewed from the front, that covers the occupant's shoulders along the shoulder belt, covers both shoulders and the chest of the occupant, or covers the area from the chest to the head of the occupant. Therefore, the occupant's shoulders, chest, and head are each effectively protected.

[0023] As described above, according to the present disclosure, during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the airbag can be supported by the seatbelt regardless of the occupant's physical size, thereby continuing to restrain the occupant's shoulders using the shoulder belt as a reaction force member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a seatbelt-supported airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to the first embodiment is inflated and deployed.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a schematic front view showing a state in which a seatbelt-supported airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to the first embodiment is inflated and deployed.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a schematic side view showing a state in which a seatbelt-supported airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to the first embodiment is inflated and deployed.

[0028] Figure 4A It is a schematic front view showing a state in which a seat belt of the vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to the first embodiment supports an air bag in a normal state.

[0029] Figure 4B It is a schematic front view showing a state in which a seat belt supports an air bag during inflation and deployment of the vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5A for Figure 4A A schematic enlarged sectional view viewed along line XX.

[0031] Figure 5B for Figure 4B A schematic enlarged sectional view viewed along line YY.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a schematic side view showing the vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to the first embodiment when restraining an occupant.

[0033] Figure 7A It is a schematic side view showing a state in which a seatbelt-supported airbag of a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to a modified example of the first embodiment is inflated and deployed.

[0034] Figure 7B It is a schematic side view showing a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to a modified example of the first embodiment during occupant restraint.

[0035] Figure 8A It is a schematic side view showing a state in which a seatbelt-supported airbag of a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to a second embodiment is inflated and deployed.

[0036] Figure 8B It is a schematic side view showing the vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to the second embodiment during occupant restraint.

[0037] Figure 9 It is a schematic front view showing a normal state in which a seat belt of a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to a third embodiment supports an air bag.

[0038] Figure 10It is a schematic side view showing a state in which a seatbelt-supported airbag of a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to a third embodiment is inflated and deployed.

[0039] Figure 11A It is a schematic front view showing a state in which a seat belt supports an air bag during inflation and deployment of a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11B It is a schematic front view showing a state in which a seat belt supports an air bag during inflation and deployment of a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 11C It is a schematic front view showing a state in which a seat belt supports an air bag during inflation and deployment of a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Below, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, the arrow mark UP, as appropriately shown in each of the accompanying drawings, will indicate the upward direction of the vehicle and its seat, the arrow mark FR will indicate the front direction of the vehicle and its seat, and the arrow mark RH will indicate the right direction of the vehicle and its seat. Therefore, in the following description, when up and down, front and back, or left and right directions are mentioned without specific reference, they are considered to represent up and down, front and back, or left and right in the vehicle and its seat. Furthermore, the left and right direction has the same meaning as the vehicle width direction and the seat width direction.

[0043] <First embodiment>

[0044] First, the first embodiment will be described. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a vehicle occupant restraint device 10 according to the first embodiment is provided on a vehicle seat 12. The vehicle seat 12 is a front seat or a rear seat of a vehicle (automobile). Here, the front seat is referred to as the vehicle seat 12. The vehicle seat 12 includes a seat cushion 14, a seat back 16 rotatably provided at the rear end of the seat cushion 14 with the seat width direction as an axial direction, and a headrest 18 provided at the upper end of the seat back 16 in a liftable manner.

[0045] In addition, Figure 1In the figures, a crash test dummy (human dummy) is shown seated on the seat cushion 14 of a vehicle seat 12 as a model of the occupant to be protected. The dummy is, for example, an AM50 (50th percentile American adult male) dummy for frontal crash tests (Hybrid III). The dummy is seated in the standard seating position specified in the crash test law, with the vehicle seat 12 positioned at the reference setting corresponding to the seating position. Hereinafter, this dummy will be referred to as "occupant P."

[0046] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an occupant P seated on a seat cushion 14 of a vehicle seat 12 is restrained in the vehicle seat 12 by a seat belt (webbing) 22 provided in a seat belt device 20. The seat belt device 20 is a three-point seat belt device, also known as a seat-integrated seat belt device. Hereinafter, the portion of the seat belt 22 extending from the shoulder Ps to the abdomen Pt of the occupant P will be referred to as the shoulder belt 22A.

[0047] A frame 24 serving as an outlet for the seat belt 22 is provided on the upper end surface of the seat back 16 on the vehicle width direction outer side (on the seat width direction one end side), and a buckle 26 for attaching a tongue 25 provided on the seat belt 22 is provided on the vehicle width direction inner side (on the seat width direction other end side) of the seat cushion 14 (see FIG. Figure 2 ). In addition, a retractor 28 (see FIG. 1 ) for retracting one end of the seat belt 22 is mounted on the lower portion of a side frame (not shown) provided on the outer side in the vehicle width direction inside the seat back 16. Figure 3 ) The retractor 28 is provided with a pretensioner mechanism and a force limiter mechanism.

[0048] The vehicle seat 12 is provided with an airbag device 30. The airbag device 30 includes an inflator 32 embedded in a side portion 16S of the seat back 16 on the vehicle width direction outer side, a belt-supporting airbag 42 normally housed in a folded state within a cover member 40 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ), and a gas supply pipe 34, described later, that connects the belt-supporting airbag 42 and the inflator 32 and supplies gas from the inflator 32 to the belt-supporting airbag 42.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4 and 5 , a cover member 40 is attached by sewing or the like to a fabric holder member 37 that holds a guide member 38 through which the shoulder belt 22A is movably inserted. The cover member 40 covers the holder member, a belt-supporting airbag 42 positioned closer to the occupant P than the guide member 38, and the later-described telescopic portion 34A of the gas supply tube 34, surrounding the shoulder belt 22A facing the shoulder Ps of the occupant P. Furthermore, the cover member 40 is configured to break at least on the occupant P side as the belt-supporting airbag 42 inflates and deploys.

[0050] The guide member 38 is formed into a rectangular, flat cylindrical shape from a highly slippery resin material, such as silicone, to facilitate movement (sliding) of the shoulder belt 22A. A retaining frame member is attached to the circumference of the guide member 38, excluding the occupant P side, using any fixing method. Furthermore, the guide member 38 prevents the shoulder belt 22A from contacting the telescopic portion 34A of the gas supply tube 34, preventing external forces from being applied to the telescopic portion 34A of the gas supply tube 34 during installation or removal of the seat belt 22.

[0051] The inflation device 32 is, for example, an inflatable (cold type) roughly cylindrical cylinder-type inflation device, and generates gas by operating an unillustrated control device provided on the vehicle when a frontal collision of the vehicle is detected or when a frontal collision is predicted (foreseen) to be inevitable (hereinafter referred to as "frontal collision of the vehicle").

[0052] That is, the control device is electrically connected to the inflator 32 and the collision sensor, and in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, based on information from the collision sensor, activates the inflator 32. Furthermore, the types of frontal collisions in which the control device activates the inflator 32 include not only full overlap frontal collisions but also offset frontal collisions such as oblique collisions and small overlap collisions.

[0053] The inflator 32 is mounted, for example, together with the retractor 28, on a side frame on the vehicle width direction outer side of the seat back 16, with the vertical direction being the axial direction. One end of a gas supply pipe 34, such as a flexible tube, is connected to a discharge port at its upper end. The other end of the gas supply pipe 34 protrudes from the seat back 16 below the frame 24 and is connected to the belt-supported airbag 42.

[0054] like Figure 6As shown, with respect to the gas supply pipe 34 for supplying gas from the inflator 32 to the seat belt support air bag 42, a portion thereof on the seat belt support air bag 42 side, i.e., a predetermined area portion protruding from the seat back 16, is provided as a telescopic portion 34A constructed in such a manner as to be able to extend in response to the forward movement of the seat belt support air bag 42.

[0055] Specifically, the telescopic portion 34A of the gas supply tube 34, which protrudes from the seat back 16, is formed into an accordion shape and is capable of expanding under a predetermined tensile load. Consequently, when the belt-supported airbag 42 is supplied with gas and inflated and deployed, the telescopic portion 34A of the gas supply tube 34 expands to a predetermined outer diameter, enabling rapid and stable gas supply. Furthermore, the telescopic portion 34A of the gas supply tube 34 is configured to expand and then contract to a predetermined inner diameter as the belt-supported airbag 42 moves forward in response to the forward movement of the occupant P.

[0056] Specifically, the gas supply tube 34 is reduced in diameter by its telescopic portion 34A, thereby also functioning as a check valve, preventing gas from returning from within the seatbelt-supported airbag 42. Furthermore, the telescopic portion 34A of the gas supply tube 34 is configured to expand under loads lower than the force limiter load of the force limiter mechanism provided in the retractor 28. Furthermore, the portion of the gas supply tube 34 protruding from the seat back 16 is not limited to the bellows-shaped telescopic portion 34A. Although not shown, the portion may also be configured as an excess length portion capable of expanding to the same extent as the telescopic portion 34A.

[0057] In addition, although Figure 4A As shown, the expandable portion 34A of the gas supply tube 34 is in a shortened state when housed within the cover member 40. However, the expandable portion 34A may also be configured to be flattened along the shoulder belt 22A. In other words, the flattened expandable portion 34A of the gas supply tube 34 and the folded belt-supporting airbag 42 may be housed together within the cover member 40.

[0058] The seat belt supporting airbag 42 is formed into a bag shape by overlapping two front and rear base fabrics that are set to be roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from the front, with the seat width direction becoming the longitudinal direction, and sewing the peripheral edges of each other together. Figures 1 to 3As shown, the inflated and deployed seatbelt-supported airbag 42 comprises a single, generally cylindrical chamber whose longitudinal direction (axial direction) extends from the seat width direction. The axial length of the chamber is set to a length that allows it to face both shoulders Ps of the occupant P in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, each base fabric is formed of a polyamide or polyester fabric material, for example.

[0059] The belt-supported airbag 42 is configured such that gas is supplied from the inflator 32 via the gas supply pipe 34 passing through the lower side of the frame 24. As a result, the belt-supported airbag 42 inflates and deploys between at least the shoulder belt 22A and both shoulders Ps of the occupant P, extending in the seat width direction. The belt-supported airbag 42 is then pushed forward by the occupant P, moving forward due to inertia, and thereby restrains at least both shoulders Ps of the occupant P, including the clavicle.

[0060] Furthermore, at least the end portion of the belt-supporting airbag 42 on the shoulder belt 22A side (outward in the vehicle width direction) is formed with an upper extension portion 42A that faces the upper surface of the shoulder Ps of the occupant P on the shoulder belt 22A side. Specifically, the belt-supporting airbag 42 is formed so that at least the end portion on the shoulder belt 22A side is higher than the height of other portions, such as the end portion on the opposite side of the shoulder belt (inward in the vehicle width direction). Furthermore, at least the end portion of the belt-supporting airbag 42 on the shoulder belt 22A side may be formed thicker than other portions, as long as at least one of the height and thickness is greater than that of other portions.

[0061] In addition, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown, one end of a harness 36, a cord-like member having a predetermined width and length, is attached to the upper end portion of the shoulder belt 22A side (upper extension 42A) of the belt supporting airbag 42. The other end of the harness 36 is attached to the vehicle seat 12. Specifically, the other end of the harness 36 is attached to the frame 24 or a headrest support rod (not shown).

[0062] The webbing 36 is made of an elastic body such as elastic rubber and is elastically deformable by a predetermined tensile load, specifically, by extending in accordance with the forward movement of the occupant P. The elastic restoring force of the webbing 36 causes the belt-supported airbag 42 to be pulled and moved upward (specifically, upward and rearward) along the shoulder belt 22A in accordance with the forward movement of the occupant P.

[0063] In other words, the position of the belt-supported airbag 42 is adjusted according to the physique of the occupant P by the harness 36. Consequently, the belt-supported airbag 42 is maintained between at least the shoulder portion Ps of the occupant P and the shoulder belt 22A, and is continuously positioned opposite the shoulders Ps of the occupant P, including at least the clavicle. In other words, the belt-supported airbag 42 continuously restrains the shoulders Ps of the occupant P, including at least the clavicle.

[0064] Next, the operation of the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 according to the first embodiment having the above-described structure will be described. Figures 1 to 3 In FIG, the guide member 38 and the cover member 40 are omitted from illustration.

[0065] During a frontal collision of the vehicle, the inflator 32 is activated under the control of the control device. That is, gas is ejected from the inflator 32. The gas ejected from the inflator 32 is then supplied into the belt-supported airbag 42 through the gas supply pipe 34. In other words, gas is supplied into the folded belt-supported airbag 42, which is housed within the cover member 40 and disposed on the occupant P side (back side) of the shoulder belt 22A.

[0066] So, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the belt-supported airbag 42 is inflated and deployed between the shoulder belt 22A and the shoulders Ps of the occupant P, extending in the seat width direction. Thus, the inflated and deployed belt-supported airbag 42 is positioned between the shoulder belt 22A and the shoulders Ps of the occupant P, including at least the clavicles. In other words, the inflated and deployed belt-supported airbag 42 is positioned behind the shoulder belt 22A and in front of the shoulders Ps of the occupant P.

[0067] And, as Figure 6 As shown, the belt-supported airbag 42 moves forward following the occupant P who moves forward due to the inertial force of the impact during a frontal collision of the vehicle, and restrains both shoulders Ps including at least the clavicle of the occupant P. In other words, the shoulder belt 22A serves as a member that receives the reaction force of the belt-supported airbag 42.

[0068] At this time, the telescopic portion 34A of the gas supply tube 34, which supplies gas from the inflator 32 to the belt-supporting airbag 42, expands in response to the forward movement of the belt-supporting airbag 42. Furthermore, the harness 36 elastically deforms to expand in response to the forward movement of the belt-supporting airbag 42. Therefore, the position of the belt-supporting airbag 42 is not restricted by the gas supply tube 34. Instead, the harness 36's elastic restoring force causes the harness 36 to move upward along the shoulder belt 22A as the occupant P moves forward, adjusting its position and maintaining its position between the shoulder belt 22A and the occupant's shoulder Ps.

[0069] Specifically, when the belt-supported air bag 42 moves to the curved position of the shoulder Ps of the occupant P in the shoulder belt 22A, it is clamped between the shoulder belt 22A and the shoulder Ps at the curved portion and restrained from further rearward movement. Therefore, the belt-supported air bag 42 remains positioned at the target shoulder Ps, including the clavicle, of the occupant P. Consequently, regardless of the physique of the occupant P, the belt-supported air bag 42 remains positioned between the shoulder belt 22A and both shoulders Ps of the occupant P, including the clavicle, effectively and continuously restraining at least both shoulders Ps of the occupant P from the front half of the occupant restraint to the rear half.

[0070] Furthermore, the belt-supported airbag 42 can preemptively generate an appropriate restraining force on the shoulder Ps on the opposite side of the shoulder belt, where the shoulder belt 22A is not attached. In other words, the localized load applied to the occupant P from the shoulder belt 22A can be preemptively distributed to both shoulders Ps (mainly supported by the clavicle) via the belt-supported airbag 42. Therefore, despite its simple structure, the localized load applied to the chest Pc of the occupant P from the shoulder belt 22A can be reduced, effectively restraining both shoulders Ps of the occupant P.

[0071] Furthermore, the thickness of the inflated and deployed belt support airbag 42 allows the shoulder belt 22A to float away from the chest Pc of the occupant P, creating a predetermined gap between the shoulder belt 22A and the chest Pc of the occupant P. Consequently, the localized load applied from the shoulder belt 22A to the chest Pc of the occupant P can be reduced. This can reduce the chest damage caused by the forward movement obstruction of the shoulder belt 22A, particularly for occupants with low chest tolerance, such as women or the elderly.

[0072] Furthermore, while the belt-supporting airbag 42 inflates and deploys to extend in the seat width direction, thereby restraining both shoulders Ps of the occupant P, at least the height and thickness of the end portion of the belt-supporting airbag 42 on the shoulder belt 22A side are increased compared to other portions. Therefore, compared to a case where the height and thickness of the end portion of the belt-supporting airbag 42 on the shoulder belt 22A side are the same as those of other portions, at least the amount of interference (contact area) and the restraining force of the belt-supporting airbag 42 with the shoulder Ps on the shoulder belt 22A side of the occupant P can be increased. Consequently, regardless of the physique of the occupant P, the belt-supporting airbag 42 is more easily retained at the curved position of the shoulder Ps of the occupant P in the shoulder belt 22A.

[0073] Furthermore, the belt-supported airbag 42 is disposed in a folded state on the occupant P side (back side) of the shoulder belt 22A, and the inflator 32 and the seat belt 22, which supply gas to the belt-supported airbag 42, are mounted on the vehicle seat 12. In other words, the various components that constitute the vehicle occupant restraint system 10 are mounted on the vehicle seat 12. Therefore, since the vehicle occupant restraint system 10 can be installed in the vehicle simply by mounting the vehicle seat 12, it can be easily installed.

[0074] In addition, if Figure 7A As shown, even when the position of the seat belt supporting the air bag 42 to be inflated and deployed is set to the lower side (for example, the chest Pc) than the shoulder Ps of the target occupant P, Figure 7B As shown, when the belt-supported air bag 42 moves forward as the occupant P moves forward, it moves upward along the shoulder belt 22A due to the elastic restoring force of the harness 36 and is retained at the curved position of the shoulder Ps of the occupant P. In this way, the belt-supported air bag 42 can be continuously positioned at the shoulder Ps of the occupant P, including the clavicle, during occupant restraint.

[0075] <Second embodiment>

[0076] The second embodiment will now be described. Components identical to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof (including common functions) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0077] As shown in FIG8 , the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above only in that the belt-supporting airbag 42 includes a sliding cloth 44 interposed between the belt-supporting airbag 42 and the occupant P. Specifically, the sliding cloth 44 is formed from a cloth made of a material that slides easily, or a cloth coated to facilitate sliding, so as to be larger than the area of ​​the belt-supporting airbag 42 in a front view. The sliding cloth 44 is secured at its lower end to the lower portion of the belt-supporting airbag 42 on the occupant P side by sewing or the like, thereby interposing the sliding cloth 44 between the belt-supporting airbag 42 and the occupant P.

[0078] Providing such a sliding cloth 44 facilitates the movement of the belt-supported airbag 42 to the curved position of the shoulder Ps of the occupant P within the shoulder belt 22A. Specifically, as the belt-supported airbag 42 moves forward in conjunction with the forward movement of the occupant P, the elastic restoring force of the harness 36 allows the belt-supported airbag 42 to quickly move along the shoulder belt 22A to the curved position of the shoulder Ps of the occupant P. This facilitates the belt-supported airbag 42 to remain positioned at the shoulder Ps of the occupant P, including the clavicle, during occupant restraint.

[0079] <Third embodiment>

[0080] The third embodiment will now be described. Components identical to those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof (including common functions) are omitted as appropriate.

[0081] like Figure 9 、 Figure 10 As shown, the vehicle occupant restraint system 10 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the seat belt 22 is configured to be able to be taken out from a belt opening 48A provided in a center pillar 48 (see FIG. Figure 10 ) and the shoulder belt 22A is pulled out, and the belt path is corrected by being hung on the front side of the shoulder Ps of the occupant P through a belt guide 46 which is arranged on the upper end surface of the seat back 16 of the vehicle seat 12 and is roughly in the shape of an inverted "L" when viewed from the front. Although not shown in the figure, the retractor 28 is arranged inside the center pillar 48.

[0082] In this way, even if the seat belt device 20 including the seat belt 22 and the retractor 28 is not integrated into the vehicle seat 12, the seat belt guide 46 can be provided on the upper end surface of the seat back 16 of the vehicle seat 12, so that the seat belt support air bag 42 is continuously located between the shoulder belt 22A and the shoulder Ps including the clavicle of the occupant P regardless of the physique of the occupant P, and the shoulder Ps including the clavicle of the occupant P can be effectively and continuously restrained.

[0083] <Fourth embodiment>

[0084] The fourth embodiment will now be described. Components identical to those of the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof (including common functions) are omitted as appropriate.

[0085] like Figure 11A As shown, in the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 involved in the fourth embodiment, the only difference from the above-mentioned first embodiment is that the inflated and deployed shape of the seat belt support air bag 42 when observed from the front is set to be a shape that only covers the shoulder Ps of the occupant P on the shoulder belt 22A side along the seat belt path of the shoulder belt 22A.

[0086] Specifically, the belt-supporting airbag 42 is formed into a generally rectangular shape in a front view, having a predetermined length and thickness that is wider than the shoulder belt 22A. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the belt-supporting airbag 42 and effectively restrains and protects only the shoulder Ps, including the clavicle, on the shoulder belt 22A side of the occupant P.

[0087] <Fifth embodiment>

[0088] The fifth embodiment will now be described. Components identical to those of the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof (including common functions) are omitted as appropriate.

[0089] like Figure 11B As shown, in the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 involved in this fifth embodiment, the only difference from the above-mentioned first embodiment is that the inflated and deployed shape of the seat belt-supported airbag 42 when observed from the front is set to cover the entire chest Pc of the occupant P including the two shoulders Ps.

[0090] Specifically, the belt-supported airbag 42 is formed into a generally square shape when viewed from the front, so as to restrain and protect not only the shoulder Ps of the occupant P, but also both the shoulder Ps and chest Pc. This increases the manufacturing cost of the belt-supported airbag 42, but effectively restrains and protects the shoulder Ps and chest Pc of the occupant P. Furthermore, the guide member 38 is preferably formed longer in accordance with the vertical length of the belt-supported airbag 42.

[0091] <Sixth embodiment>

[0092] Finally, the sixth embodiment will be described. Components identical to those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof (including common functions) are omitted as appropriate.

[0093] like Figure 11C As shown, in the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 involved in the sixth embodiment, the only difference from the above-mentioned first embodiment is that the inflated and deployed shape of the seat belt-supported air bag 42 in the main view is formed into a shape that covers not only the shoulders Ps and chest Pc of the occupant P, but also the entire area from the chest Pc to the head Ph of the occupant P.

[0094] Specifically, the seatbelt-supported airbag 42 is configured to extend upward by a predetermined length in addition to the configuration of the fifth embodiment, and is formed into a generally rectangular shape in a front view, with the vertical direction being its longitudinal direction. While this configuration increases the manufacturing cost of the seatbelt-supported airbag 42, it effectively restrains and protects not only the shoulders Ps and chest Pc of the occupant P, but also the head Ph.

[0095] While the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the other end of the gas supply pipe 34 may be configured to protrude through the frame 24. Furthermore, if the vehicle seat 12 is a non-sliding rear seat, the other end of the harness 36 may be attached to the vehicle body instead of the vehicle seat 12.

[0096] Furthermore, when the seat belt device 20 is mounted on the vehicle seat 12, the shoulder belt 22A does not necessarily need to be attached to the shoulder on the outside in the vehicle width direction. That is, the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 of this embodiment can also be applied to a structure in which the shoulder belt 22A is attached to the shoulder on the inside in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the seat belt supporting airbag 42 is not limited to a structure in which two base fabrics are overlapped and the peripheral edges are sewn together; a structure in which three or more base fabrics are used and the peripheral edges are sewn together is also possible. Furthermore, the material of the guide member 38 is not limited to a silicone-based, highly slippery resin material; any other material can be used as long as it has excellent slip properties.

[0097] Furthermore, the vehicle occupant restraint system 10 according to this embodiment may also appropriately combine the structures of the first through sixth embodiments. For example, the sliding cloth 44 of the second embodiment may also be applied to the belt-supporting airbag 42 of each of the third through sixth embodiments, and the belt-supporting airbag 42 of any of the fourth through sixth embodiments may also be applied to the belt-supporting airbag 42 of the first or second embodiment.

Claims

1. A vehicle occupant restraint device comprising: a seat belt that restrains an occupant seated on a vehicle seat to the vehicle seat; A belt-supported airbag is supplied with gas from an inflator during a frontal collision of the vehicle, thereby inflating and deploying between at least a shoulder belt of the seat belt and a shoulder of the occupant. The airbag moves toward the front of the vehicle and along the shoulder belt following the occupant who moves toward the front of the vehicle due to inertia, while maintaining a state between at least the shoulder of the occupant and the shoulder belt.

2. The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 1, wherein: The belt-supported airbag is connected to the vehicle seat or the vehicle body via a string-shaped member that is elastically deformable so as to expand in accordance with movement of the occupant toward the vehicle front side.

3. The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 2, wherein: The belt-supported airbag is connected to the inflator via a gas supply pipe that is expandable following movement of the occupant toward the front of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The belt-supported airbag has a sliding cloth interposed between the belt-supported airbag and the occupant.

5. The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 4, wherein: A lower end portion of the sliding cloth is fixed to a lower portion of the belt support airbag on the passenger side.

6. The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The seat belt is configured to be pulled out from a belt opening provided on a pillar, and the shoulder belt is corrected in a manner such that the belt path is hooked on the front side of the shoulder of the occupant by a belt guide provided on a seat back of the vehicle seat.

7. The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The belt-supported airbag inflates and deploys to extend in the seat width direction to restrain both shoulders of the occupant, and at least one of a height and a thickness of at least the shoulder belt-side end portion is increased compared to other portions.

8. The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The inflated and deployed shape of the seat belt-supported airbag when viewed from the front is formed to cover the shoulders of the occupant along the shoulder belt, or to cover both shoulders and the chest of the occupant, or to cover from the chest to the head of the occupant.

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