Airbag system

Abstract

To provide an air bag device that can suppress increase in a size of an air bag body, and can regulate movement of the air bag body.SOLUTION: An air bag device 1 comprises an air bag body 3 which is located on a steering wheel S of a vehicle in a folded state, and expands by inflow of a gas and protects a crewman of the vehicle. The air bag body 3 has: a bulge part 19 provided on a surface 17 on the steering wheel S side; and a holding part 23 which is so located on the surface 17 on the steering wheel S side to cover the bulge part 19. The bulge part 19 bulges toward the steering wheel S side and separates the holding part 23 from the surface 17 on the steering wheel S side when the air bag body 3 is expanded, and the holding part 23 is so located as to be capable of engaging with the steering wheel S when the air bag body 3 is expanded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an airbag device provided with an airbag body that is arranged in a folded state on a steering wheel of a vehicle and inflates by the inflow of gas to protect the vehicle occupants (see Patent Document 1). In this airbag device, the airbag body is formed larger than the steering wheel so that, in the inflated state, it covers the steering wheel and the outer peripheral edge is arranged on the front side of the steering wheel.

[0003] In such an airbag device, when the airbag body inflates, the side of the airbag body on the steering wheel side abuts so as to cover the entire steering wheel. Further, the portion of the airbag body arranged on the front side of the steering wheel has an increased engagement allowance with the steering wheel and abuts against the vehicle's windshield or interior panel. Therefore, even when the gripping portion of the steering wheel is not annular, the movement of the inflated airbag body can be restricted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in airbag devices like the one described in Patent Document 1, the airbag body needs to be larger than existing airbag bodies in order to position it in front of the steering wheel when it inflates and deploys. Increasing the size of the airbag body may result in layout limitations, such as interference with surrounding vehicle components that are not intended to come into contact with it.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art. The object of this invention is to provide an airbag device that can suppress the enlargement of the airbag body and restrict the movement of the airbag body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The airbag device according to this embodiment comprises an airbag body that is positioned in a folded state on the steering wheel of a vehicle and inflates upon gas inflow to protect the vehicle's occupants. The airbag body has a raised portion provided on the surface facing the steering wheel and a retaining portion positioned on the surface facing the steering wheel to cover the raised portion. When the airbag body is deployed, the raised portion rises toward the steering wheel, separating the retaining portion from the surface facing the steering wheel. The retaining portion is positioned to engage with the steering wheel when the airbag body is deployed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an airbag device that can suppress the enlargement of the airbag body and restrict the movement of the airbag body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the airbag system according to this embodiment when the airbag body is deployed. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the airbag device according to this embodiment when the airbag body is deployed. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged front view of the main part of the vehicle-side base fabric of the airbag body of the airbag device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged front view of the main part of the airbag device according to this embodiment, when a raised portion is provided on the vehicle body side base fabric of the airbag body. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the airbag device according to this embodiment, when the raised portion is inflated and raised by gas. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of an airbag body with a raised portion, as shown in another example of the airbag device according to this embodiment, when it is deployed. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the occupant-side base fabric of the airbag body of the airbag device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the vehicle-side base fabric of the airbag body of the airbag device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the retaining base fabric of the airbag body of the airbag device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the airbag device according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of an occupant restrained by the airbag system according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The airbag device according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0011] As shown in Figure 11, the airbag device 1 according to this embodiment is positioned, for example, on the steering wheel S mounted on a vehicle. The airbag device 1 has an airbag body 3 that is stored in the steering wheel S in a folded state. When the vehicle collides, the airbag body 3 is inflated and deployed by gas flowing into it, thereby protecting the occupant C from the impact of the vehicle collision.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the airbag device 1 includes an inflator (not shown) and an airbag body 3.

[0013] The inflator is disposed in the steering wheel S and is a device that introduces gas (inflation gas) into the airbag body 3. The inflator includes, for example, an igniter and a gas generating agent. When an electronic control unit (not shown) mounted on the vehicle detects or predicts a vehicle collision or the like, the inflator causes the igniter to burn the gas generating agent based on an electrical signal transmitted, thereby rapidly introducing gas into the airbag body 3.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the airbag body 3 includes an occupant-side base fabric 5, a vehicle-body-side base fabric 7, and a holding base fabric 9. The airbag body 3 is formed in a bag shape by joining the outer peripheral edge portions of the occupant-side base fabric 5 and the vehicle-body-side base fabric 7 by sewing, adhesion, welding, or the like. After the outer peripheral edge portions of the occupant-side base fabric 5 and the vehicle-body-side base fabric 7 are joined, they are turned inside out so that the outer surfaces become the inner surfaces of the airbag body 3. By turning the airbag body 3 inside out, the joined portion is disposed inside, and the joined portion does not interfere with the occupant C or the peripheral members disposed on the vehicle. In the following, the occupant-side base fabric 5 and the vehicle-body-side base fabric 7 will be described as being independent, but a part of the outer peripheral edge portions of the occupant-side base fabric 5 and the vehicle-body-side base fabric 7 may be connected, and the occupant-side base fabric 5 and the vehicle-body-side base fabric 7 may be overlapped to form the airbag body 3.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 11, the occupant-side base fabric 5 is disposed on the occupant C side in the airbag body 3. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the occupant-side base fabric 5 is formed in a circular shape such that the outer peripheral edge portion 11 of the airbag body 3 is larger than the outer diameter of the steering wheel S. As shown in FIG. 11, the occupant-side base fabric 5 restrains the head from the chest (abdomen) of the occupant C in the state where the airbag body 3 is deployed.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the vehicle body side base cloth 7 is disposed on the steering wheel S side in the airbag main body 3. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the vehicle body side base cloth 7 is formed in a circular shape equivalent to that of the occupant side base cloth 5 such that the outer peripheral edge portion 11 of the airbag main body 3 is larger than the outer diameter of the steering wheel S. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the vehicle body side base cloth 7 abuts on the occupant C side of the steering wheel S in a state where the airbag main body 3 is deployed.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, one attachment port 13 is provided at the center of the vehicle body side base cloth 7, and a plurality (here, two) of discharge ports 15 are provided as through holes on the outer peripheral edge portion side. An inflater is attached to the attachment port 13, and gas is introduced from the inflater into the airbag main body 3. The discharge port 15 discharges the gas inside the inflated airbag main body 3 to the outside. The discharge port 15 is sometimes referred to as a vent hole.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 10, a raised portion 19 that bulges toward the steering wheel S is provided on the surface 17 of the vehicle body side base cloth 7 on the steering wheel S side. The raised portion 19 is disposed on the vehicle body side base cloth 7 inside the outer peripheral edge portion 11 on the outer peripheral edge portion 11 side of the airbag main body 3. A plurality of raised portions 19 are arranged along the circumferential direction at intervals so as to be spaced apart from the surface 17 of the vehicle body side base cloth 7. The raised portion 19 is inflated by the gas introduced into the airbag main body 3, and the gas flows into the inside and bulges toward the steering wheel S side. By inflating and raising the raised portion 19 with gas, the raised portion 19 does not protrude in a state where the airbag main body 3 is folded, and the folded state of the airbag main body 3 can be made more compact. The raised portion 19 protrudes toward the steering wheel S side from the surface 17 of the vehicle body side base cloth 7 in a state where the airbag main body 3 is deployed.

[0019] One example of a method for forming the raised portion 19 is as follows: First, as shown in Figure 3, an excess portion is provided on the outer edge side of the vehicle body base fabric 7 where the raised portion 19 will be located. Next, the excess portion is pinched and formed into a bag shape, and the inner part of the bag shape is brought into contact with the vehicle body. Then, as shown in Figure 4, the parts of the contacted area other than the part where the through hole 21 is to be formed are joined by sewing, adhesive, welding, etc. Note that the thick dotted line in Figure 4 indicates the joined portion, and the thin dotted line indicates the through hole 21. By forming the raised portion 19 in this way, as shown in Figure 5, when gas flows into the inside of the airbag body 3, the gas flows into the inside of the raised portion 19 from the through hole 21 and inflates, causing the raised portion 19 to rise towards the steering wheel S.

[0020] Another example of a method for forming the raised portion 19 is as follows: First, as shown in Figure 6, a through-hole 21 is provided in the outer peripheral edge portion of the vehicle body base fabric 7, penetrating the vehicle body base fabric 7. Next, a raised base fabric is formed that will become the raised portion 19, having an outer peripheral edge larger in diameter than the through-hole 21, which is formed from a separate material from the vehicle body base fabric 7. Then, the outer peripheral edge of the raised base fabric that will become the raised portion 19 is joined to the opening edge of the through-hole 21 by sewing, adhesive, welding, or the like. By forming the raised portion 19 in this way, when gas flows into the airbag body 3, the gas flows into the raised portion 19 from the through-hole 21 and expands, causing the raised portion 19 to rise towards the steering wheel S.

[0021] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the retaining base fabric 9 is positioned on the surface 17 of the vehicle body base fabric 7 on the steering wheel S side of the airbag body 3. As shown in Figures 2, 9, and 10, the retaining base fabric 9 is formed in a circular annular shape such that its outer peripheral edge is smaller than the outer peripheral edge 11 of the airbag body 3, and its inner peripheral edge is equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the steering wheel S. The retaining base fabric 9 is joined to the surface 17 of the vehicle body base fabric 7 on the side of the outer peripheral edge 11 of the airbag body 3 by sewing, adhesive, welding, etc. The retaining base fabric 9 joined to the vehicle body base fabric 7 is positioned on the surface 17 of the airbag body 3 so as to cover a plurality of raised portions 19. The portion of the retaining base fabric 9 that covers the plurality of raised portions 19 forms a retaining portion 23.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the retaining portion 23 is joined only to the outer peripheral edge of the retaining base fabric 9, so that the portion other than the outer peripheral edge is positioned to be separated from the surface 17 of the airbag body 3. As shown in Figure 1, since the retaining base fabric 9 is formed in an annular shape, the retaining portion 23 is positioned continuously in the circumferential direction of the surface 17 of the airbag body 3. When gas flows into the airbag body 3, the retaining portion 23 is separated from the surface 17 of the airbag body 3 by a plurality of raised portions 19. At this time, the distance between the retaining portion 23 and the surface 17 is set to a distance that allows the steering wheel S to be accommodated and engaged. The distance between the retaining portion 23 and the surface 17 can be adjusted by the amount of protrusion of the raised portions 19 toward the steering wheel S when the raised portions 19 are raised. As shown in Figure 10, the retaining portion 23 separated from the surface 17 is positioned to be engaged with the outer diameter side of the steering wheel S when the airbag body 3 is deployed.

[0023] Here, as shown in Figure 10, the steering wheel S is tilted upwards toward the front of the vehicle to improve operability. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the deployed airbag body 3 can easily move along the tilt of the steering wheel S toward the upper side of the steering wheel S (towards the front of the vehicle) while the occupant C is restrained. In addition, if the upper part of the grip portion of the steering wheel S is absent, the airbag body 3 can easily move from the part without a grip portion.

[0024] Therefore, the deployed airbag body 3 attempts to move upward (towards the front of the vehicle) of the steering wheel S while restraining the occupant C. At this time, as shown in Figure 11, the retaining part 23 engages with the steering wheel S to accommodate the lower part of the steering wheel S. The engagement of the retaining part 23 with the steering wheel S restricts the movement of the airbag body 3. As a result, the deployed airbag body 3 can be stably held between the steering wheel S and the occupant C.

[0025] Since the retaining portion 23 is positioned on the surface 17 of the airbag body 3 on the steering wheel S side, it is located inside the outer peripheral edge 11 of the airbag body 3. Therefore, the movement of the airbag body 3 can be restricted without increasing the size of the outer peripheral edge 11 of the airbag body 3 and increasing the portion positioned in front of the steering wheel S. As a result, the airbag body 3 can be deployed stably without being subject to layout restrictions such as interference with surrounding components due to the enlargement of the airbag body 3. In addition, since the retaining portion 23 is formed continuously in the circumferential direction of the surface 17 of the airbag body 3, it is positioned over the entire circumferential area of ​​the steering wheel S. Therefore, the movement of the airbag body 3 can be restricted regardless of the shape of the grip portion of the steering wheel S. Furthermore, the movement of the airbag body 3 in any direction can be restricted.

[0026] The retaining portion 23 is made of the retaining base fabric 9, but is not limited to this. For example, the retaining portion 23 may be made of a rigid material such as synthetic resin and formed into a plate shape. One end of the plate-shaped retaining portion 23 in the width direction or length direction is joined to the surface 17 of the airbag body 3 (vehicle body side base fabric 7) by sewing, bonding, welding, etc. At this time, the plate-shaped retaining portion 23 is positioned to cover the raised portion 19. When the airbag body 3 is deployed, the other end of the plate-shaped retaining portion 23 in the width direction or length direction is separated from the surface 17 by the raised portion 19. When the airbag body 3 is deployed, such a retaining portion 23 may be provided on the surface 17 of the airbag body 3 at a position that can engage with the steering wheel S, for example, on the lower part of the steering wheel S. In addition, multiple such retaining portions 23 may be provided on the surface 17 of the airbag body 3. Furthermore, multiple raised portions 19 may be arranged on a single plate-shaped retaining portion 23. By arranging multiple raised portions 19 on a single retaining portion 23, the retaining portion 23 can be stably separated from the surface 17. In addition, retaining portions 23 that are partially arranged on the surface 17 of the airbag body 3, for example, on half of the circumferential direction, may be made of a retaining base fabric 9.

[0027] Such an airbag body 3 is stored in a folded state in a housing (not shown) of the steering wheel S. When the vehicle collides, gas flows into the airbag body 3, causing it to inflate and deploy, as shown in Figure 10. When the airbag body 3 is deployed, the retaining portion 23 is positioned to engage with the outer diameter side of the steering wheel S.

[0028] As shown in Figure 11, when the airbag body 3 restrains the occupant C, the airbag body 3 attempts to move along the steering wheel S. At this time, the steering wheel S engages with the retaining part 23. The engagement between the steering wheel S and the retaining part 23 restricts the movement of the airbag body 3. Therefore, the deployed airbag body 3 can be stably held between the steering wheel S and the occupant C.

[0029] Such an airbag device 1 includes an airbag body 3 that is folded and positioned on the vehicle's steering wheel S, and inflates upon gas inflow to protect the vehicle's occupant C. The airbag body 3 also has a raised portion 19 provided on the surface 17 on the steering wheel S side, and a retaining portion 23 positioned on the surface 17 on the steering wheel S side to cover the raised portion 19. Furthermore, when the airbag body 3 is deployed, the raised portion 19 rises toward the steering wheel S side, separating the retaining portion 23 from the surface 17 on the steering wheel S side. The retaining portion 23 is positioned to be engageable with the steering wheel S when the airbag body 3 is deployed.

[0030] When the airbag body 3 is deployed, the retaining portion 23, which is separated from the surface 17 by the raised portion 19, is positioned to engage with the steering wheel S. Therefore, when the airbag body 3 attempts to move, the steering wheel S and the retaining portion 23 engage, thereby restricting the movement of the airbag body 3.

[0031] The retaining portion 23 is positioned on the surface 17 of the airbag body 3 on the steering wheel S side, and is therefore located inward from the outer peripheral edge 11 of the airbag body 3. This allows for restriction of the airbag body 3's movement without increasing the size of the outer peripheral edge 11 and thus increasing the portion positioned forward of the vehicle relative to the steering wheel S. Consequently, the airbag body 3 is not subject to layout constraints such as interference with surrounding components due to its larger size, allowing for stable deployment.

[0032] Therefore, in such an airbag device 1, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the airbag body 3 and restrict the movement of the airbag body 3.

[0033] Furthermore, multiple raised portions 19 are arranged relative to the holding portion 23.

[0034] Therefore, the retaining portion 23 can be stably separated from the surface 17 of the airbag body 3, stabilizing the engagement between the steering wheel S and the retaining portion 23, and stably restricting the movement of the airbag body 3.

[0035] Furthermore, the retaining portion 23 is provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the surface 17 on the steering wheel S side.

[0036] Therefore, since the retaining portion 23 is positioned to be engageable over the entire circumferential area of ​​the steering wheel S, the movement of the airbag body 3 can be restricted regardless of the shape of the grip portion of the steering wheel S. In addition, the movement of the airbag body 3 in any direction can be restricted.

[0037] Furthermore, the raised portion 19 expands and rises due to the gas that flows into the airbag body 3.

[0038] Therefore, when the airbag body 3 is folded, the raised portion 19 does not protrude, and the folded state of the airbag body 3 can be made more compact.

[0039] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment.

[0040] For example, in the airbag device according to this embodiment, the retaining portion is arranged to be engageable with the outer diameter side of the steering wheel, but it is not limited to this. For example, the retaining portion may be provided on a part of the circumferential direction of the surface of the airbag body on the steering wheel side. This retaining portion may also be arranged to be engageable with, for example, the inner diameter side of the steering wheel, a connecting portion that connects the gripping portion, a recess or hole, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, the raised portion is inflated and raised by the gas flowing into the airbag body, but this is not the only way. For example, the raised portion can be provided as a solid projection that protrudes toward the steering wheel when the airbag body is deployed, or any other form that separates the retaining portion from the surface of the airbag body.

[0042] Furthermore, although the vehicle body base fabric and the retaining base fabric are independent, the system is not limited to this. A portion of the outer edge of the vehicle body base fabric and the retaining base fabric may be connected, and the vehicle body base fabric and the retaining base fabric may be overlapped to provide a retaining portion on the airbag body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1. Airbag system 3. Airbag unit 17 Surface 19 Ridge 23 Holding part C Crew S Steering Wheel

Claims

1. It is positioned in a folded state on the vehicle's steering wheel and includes an airbag unit that inflates when gas is injected to protect the vehicle's occupants. The airbag body has a raised portion provided on the surface on the steering wheel side and a retaining portion positioned on the surface on the steering wheel side so as to cover the raised portion. The aforementioned raised portion rises toward the steering wheel when the airbag body is deployed, separating the holding portion from the surface on the steering wheel side. The retaining portion is an airbag device that is positioned to engage with the steering wheel when the airbag body is deployed.

2. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the raised portions are arranged relative to the holding portion.

3. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the retaining portion is provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the surface on the steering wheel side.

4. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the raised portion is inflated and raised by the gas that flows into the airbag body.

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