Curtain airbag apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a curtain airbag device capable of smoothly inflating an airbag cushion even with a low gas ejection pressure of an inflator. A curtain airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an inflatable outer cushion provided along the front-rear direction of the vehicle on the upper side of a pillar constituting the vehicle; a plurality of independent inflatable inner cushions fixed at spaced apart from each other along the front-rear direction of the vehicle on the inner side of the outer cushion; and an inflator disposed inside each of the plurality of inner cushions to inject gas into the interior of the inner cushions so that the inner cushions are inflated by the generation of gas.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a curtain airbag device, and more specifically, to a curtain airbag device capable of smoothly inflating an airbag cushion even with a low gas ejection pressure of an inflator. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, curtain airbags are one of the devices that protect occupants from side impacts in the event of an accident.

[0004] Curtain airbags are positioned along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body above the front and rear doors. For example, curtain airbags are mounted lengthwise in the front-rear direction on the side inner panels located in the upper areas of the vehicle's A-pillar and C-pillar.

[0005] FIG. 1a is a drawing showing a typical curtain airbag device, and FIG. 1b is a drawing showing a cross-section of a typical curtain airbag device.

[0006] As shown in FIG. 1a, the curtain airbag is manufactured by overlapping and sewing two pieces of fabric together. The curtain airbag (10) is equipped with an inflator (not shown) capable of injecting gas into it.

[0007] At this time, the curtain airbag (10) is deployed by being inflated by gas ejected from a single inflator to protect the occupant from impact.

[0008] However, since the range of deployment of the curtain airbag (10) is wide and there are limits to the pressure and amount of gas ejected from the inflator, a large-capacity inflator must be used. But, as the capacity of the inflator increases, there is a problem that the curtain airbag is damaged by the high-temperature, high-pressure gas ejected from the inflator, so increasing the capacity of the inflator indefinitely is problematic.

[0009] So, generally, as shown in Fig. 1b, the curtain airbag (10) is sewn to be divided into a first region (11) that is not inflated because gas ejected from the inflator is not supplied, and a second region (12) that is inflated while gas ejected from the inflator is supplied.

[0010] Thus, the curtain airbag is divided into a first area (11) and a second area (12), and the gas ejected from the inflator is supplied intensively to the second area (12) of the curtain airbag (10). However, because the second area (12) is distributed over a wide range and there are limits to the pressure and amount of gas ejected from the inflator, there was a problem in that the curtain airbag did not deploy at the desired speed or there were areas that were not partially inflated.

[0012] The content described above as background technology is intended only to help understand the background of the present invention and should not be construed as an acknowledgment that it constitutes prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Prior art literature

[0014] Published Patent Application No. 10-2016-0025370 (March 8, 2016) The problem to be solved

[0015] The present invention provides a curtain airbag device capable of smoothly inflating an airbag cushion even with a low gas ejection pressure of a low-capacity inflator. means of solving the problem

[0017] A curtain airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an inflatable outer cushion provided along the front-rear direction of the vehicle on the upper side of a pillar constituting the vehicle; a plurality of independent inflatable inner cushions fixed at spaced apart from each other along the front-rear direction of the vehicle on the inner side of the outer cushion; and an inflator disposed inside each of the plurality of inner cushions to inject gas into the interior of the inner cushions so that the inner cushions are inflated by the generation of gas.

[0018] The outer cushion is provided by overlapping two pieces of fabric and sewing the edges to form an internal receiving space, and the plurality of inner cushions are each stored and fixed in the receiving space of the outer cushion.

[0019] The above outer cushion is characterized by forming an expansion portion by folding a single piece of fabric into a "Z" shape at least twice, and the plurality of inner cushions are each stored and fixed in the expansion portion of the outer cushion.

[0020] The inner cushion is characterized by being formed so that both sides are symmetrical along a virtual first folding line, and by being folded along the first folding line and having its edges sewn so that the interior can be expanded.

[0021] The inner cushion is characterized by having a first sewing line formed along the edge, and a sealing line formed by applying a sealing material along the area where the first sewing line is formed.

[0022] It further includes guide pockets that are each disposed inside the inner cushion and are equipped with the inflator, and guide the gas ejected from the inflator into the interior of the inner cushion.

[0023] The above guide pocket is formed symmetrically on both sides along a virtual second folding line, and is characterized by being folded along the second folding line and having a portion of the edge sewn to form a gas ejection channel.

[0024] The interior of the guide pocket is characterized by having a reinforcing member that protects the area around where gas is ejected from the inflator.

[0025] The above reinforcing part is characterized as being a reinforcing patch attached to the inner surface of the above guide pocket.

[0026] The above outer cushion is characterized by not being coated with a sealing material, and the above inner cushion is characterized by being coated with a sealing material.

[0027] The above inner cushion is characterized by being fixed at a spaced distance corresponding to the lateral direction of the seat constituting the vehicle. Effects of the invention

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of inner cushions are arranged to expand intensively and deploy within an outer cushion that expands widely from the side of the occupant, and by equipping each inner cushion with an inflator, the effect of smoothly inflating and deploying the airbag cushion even with a low gas ejection pressure of the inflator can be expected.

[0030] In addition, since the number and installation positions of the inner cushions can be varied, it is possible to inflate the area in contact with the occupant intensively in the event of an accident to ensure occupant safety, and it has the effect of providing a curtain airbag device that can be used universally regardless of the vehicle structure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] FIG. 1a is a drawing showing a typical curtain airbag device, and FIG. 1b is a drawing showing a cross- section of a typical curtain airbag device, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a curtain airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3A and 3B are drawings showing the inner cushion of the curtain airbag device of the present invention, and FIG. 3c is a drawing showing a guide pocket of the curtain airbag device of the present invention, and FIGS. 4a and 4b are drawings showing the operating state of a curtain airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5A and FIGS. 5B are drawings showing the operating state of a curtain airbag device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms; these embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Identical reference numerals in the drawings refer to identical elements.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a curtain airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b are drawings showing an inner cushion of the curtain airbag device of the present invention, FIG. 3c is a drawing showing a guide pocket of the curtain airbag device of the present invention, FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are drawings showing the operating state of a curtain airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are drawings showing the operating state of a curtain airbag device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] As illustrated in the drawing, a curtain airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention is positioned in the front-rear direction above the front and rear doors of a vehicle and is a device that protects the side of a occupant seated in a seat in the event of a vehicle accident. To this end, the curtain airbag device is mounted lengthwise in the front-rear direction inside a side inner panel constituting the side of the vehicle body.

[0037] To explain the curtain airbag device in detail, the curtain airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an inflatable outer cushion (100) provided along the front-rear direction of the vehicle on the upper side of a pillar constituting the vehicle; a plurality of inner cushions (200) that are fixed at a distance from each other along the front-rear direction of the vehicle on the inner side of the outer cushion (100) and are independently inflatable; and an inflator (400) disposed inside each of the plurality of inner cushions (200) and ejecting gas into the interior of the inner cushions (200) so that the inner cushions (200) are inflated by the generation of gas.

[0038] Additionally, it further includes a guide pocket (300) that is disposed inside the inner cushion (200), is equipped with an inflator (400), and guides the gas ejected from the inflator (400) into the interior of the inner cushion (200).

[0039] The outer cushion (100) is a means of expanding and unfolding extensively from the side of the occupant, and although gas ejected from the inflator (400) is not directly supplied, it expands and unfolds together with the expansion of the inner cushion (200) placed inside it.

[0040] These outer cushions (100) can be implemented in various ways such that they accommodate an inner cushion (200) inside and expand together with the expansion of the inner cushion (200).

[0041] For example, as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the outer cushion (100) can be provided by overlapping two pieces of fabric and sewing the edges together to form an internal receiving space. Thus, a plurality of inner cushions (200) are stored and fixed inside, spaced apart from each other.

[0042] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, an outer cushion according to another embodiment of the present invention may be provided such that an extension portion (100b) is formed by folding a single sheet of fabric at least twice to form a "Z" shape, thereby forming a fold portion (100a). Thus, a plurality of inner cushions (200) are stored and fixed in the area where the extension portion (100b) is formed by overlapping the single sheet of fabric. Therefore, it is preferable that the extension portion (100b) be formed in a number equal to the number of inner cushions (200).

[0043] In addition, since the outer cushion (100) is not directly exposed to the gas ejected from the inflator (400) and is not a means of directly expanding while receiving the gas, there is no need to apply a coating to the fabric to prevent gas leakage. Therefore, it is preferable that the outer cushion (100) not be coated with a sealing material such as silicone. Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the outer cushion (100) can be shortened and the production cost lowered.

[0044] The outer cushion (100) is fixed to the vehicle body by a plurality of mounting tabs (110). Additionally, the outer cushion (100) is provided with a plurality of tethers (120) that induce an unfolded shape. At this time, the number and attachment positions of the mounting tabs (110) and tethers (120) may be implemented by varying according to the shape of the outer cushion and the structure of the vehicle.

[0046] Meanwhile, the inner cushion (200) is a means for expanding by receiving gas ejected by the operation of the inflator (400), and is expanded by the gas ejected from the inflator (400) so as to indirectly expand the outer cushion (100) while expanding.

[0047] At this time, it is preferable that the size and shape of the inner cushion (200) be formed such that it can expand together with the outer cushion (100) and cover the area where the passenger directly contacts the side of the vehicle. For example, in this embodiment, the inner cushion (200) is formed in a rectangular shape with a long axis in the vertical direction to facilitate expansion.

[0048] Since the inner cushion (200) is a means of directly expanding as it receives gas ejected from the inflator (400), it is necessary to apply a coating to the fabric to prevent gas leakage. Therefore, it is desirable to coat the entire fabric, which is made of woven material, with a sealing material such as silicone.

[0049] These inner cushions (200) are formed so that both sides are symmetrical along a virtual first folding line (F1), and are folded along the first folding line (F1) and the edges are sewn so that the interior can be expanded.

[0050] At this time, the inner cushion (200) can be implemented in various shapes depending on the installation location and the structure in which the inflator (400) is mounted.

[0051] For example, as shown in FIG. 3a, the inner cushion (200a) can be formed symmetrically with respect to the first folding line (F1) while the mounting hole for mounting the inflator (400) is formed to face the first folding line (F1).

[0052] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3b, the inner cushion (200b) can be formed symmetrically with respect to the first folding line (F1) while the mounting hole () on which the inflator (400) is mounted is formed to face the opposite direction of the first folding line (F1).

[0054] Meanwhile, a first sewing line (211) is formed along the edge of the inner cushion (200). At this time, the first sewing line (211) is not formed at the location where the mounting hole () is formed and at the location corresponding to the first folding line (F1).

[0055] Also, since gas leakage may occur in the area where the first sewing line (211) is formed by the formation of the first sewing line (211), it is preferable to form a sealing line (212) by applying a sealing material such as silicone along the area where the first sewing line (211) is formed in order to prevent gas leakage.

[0056] Therefore, the inner cushion (200) can rapidly inflate the inner cushion (200) by accommodating the gas ejected from the inflator (400) inside the inner cushion due to the sealing effect caused by the coating of the fabric itself and the sealing effect caused by the sealing line (212).

[0057] In addition, multiple inner cushions (200) are provided, and it is preferable that each inner cushion (200) be spaced apart and fixed so as to correspond to the side direction of the seat constituting the vehicle. Thus, by positioning the inner cushion (200) at a point corresponding to the side of the passenger sitting on the seat, the passenger can be sufficiently protected by the inner cushion (200) in the event of an accident.

[0059] Meanwhile, the guide pocket (300) serves as a means to guide the gas ejected from the inflator (400) to flow into the interior of the inner cushion (200) while serving to directly mount and fix the inflator (400), and is provided in a number corresponding to the number of inner cushions (200) and placed in each inner cushion (200).

[0060] These guide pockets (300) are formed symmetrically on both sides along a virtual second folding line (F2), just like the inner cushion (200). Then, as they are folded along the second folding line (F2), a second sewing line (310) is formed on a part of the edge, and a gas ejection channel (322) is formed in the area where the second sewing line (310) is not formed.

[0061] At this time, the size of the guide pocket (300) may be any size as long as it is formed to accommodate the inflator (400) and guide the gas ejected from the inflator (400) into the interior of the inner cushion (200).

[0062] For example, the guide pocket (300) is manufactured to be 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 the size of the inner cushion (200) and is placed at the top of the inner cushion (200). At this time, it is preferable that the gas ejection channel (322) formed in the guide pocket (300) be formed in the downward direction of the guide pocket (300) so that gas is rapidly supplied into the interior of the inner cushion (200) which is formed long in the vertical direction.

[0063] The guide pocket (300) can also be implemented in various ways to guide the flow of gas ejected from the inflator (400) while the inflator (400) is mounted inside it.

[0064] Also, since the guide pocket (300) is not a means of being directly expanded by the gas ejected from the inflator (400), there is no need to apply a coating for sealing like the inner cushion (200).

[0065] However, since the guide pocket (300) is directly exposed to the gas ejected from the inflator (400), it is preferable to provide a reinforcing part (320) inside the guide pocket (300) to protect the area around the region where gas is ejected from the inflator (400) in order to prevent damage and also prevent damage to the inner cushion (200).

[0066] The reinforcing part (320) can be implemented in various ways, but in this embodiment, a reinforcing patch formed from a thick material fabric or a steel plate is attached to the inner surface of the guide pocket (300). For example, in this embodiment, a protective patch is attached and then a third sewing line (321) is formed along the edge to secure it.

[0068] Meanwhile, the inflator (400) is a means for inflating the inner cushion (200) in the event of an accident, and is provided in a number corresponding to the number of guide pockets (300) and is mounted in each guide pocket (300).

[0069] This inflator (400) is filled with a gas generating medium that generates gas inside, and in the event of an accident, the gas generating medium is ignited by a control signal from a controller to generate gas. Various types and forms of inflators (400) may be applied. However, compared to conventional inflators installed in curtain airbags that deploy widely in the side area of ​​a vehicle as in the past, the inflator applied in this embodiment inflates an inner cushion that expands within a narrow range, so it is acceptable to apply an inflator with a relatively small capacity.

[0071] The installation and operation state of a curtain airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be explained.

[0072] First, a curtain airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention places two inner cushions (200a, 200b) in the inner space of an outer cushion (100) formed by sewing two sheets of fabric together as shown in FIG. 4a. At this time, each inner cushion (200) is equipped with a guide pocket (300) and an inflator (400).

[0073] Then, the inner cushion (200a, 200b) is fixed by forming a combined sewing line (N1, N2) that is sewn together with the outer cushion (100). At this time, it is preferable to form the combined sewing line (N1, N2) on the outer edge of the first sewing line (211) formed on the inner cushion (200a, 200b). This prevents gas from leaking from the inner cushion (200a, 200b) through the combined sewing line.

[0074] In addition, it is preferable that the connecting sewing lines (N1, N2) be formed on only one side of the inner cushion (200a, 200b). This allows the inner cushion (200a, 200b) to expand smoothly.

[0075] Therefore, when an accident occurs, the inflator (400) is operated by a control signal generated from the vehicle controller, and the gas generating medium is ignited to generate gas. As shown in FIG. 4b, the gas ejected from the inflator (400) is first ejected into the interior of the guide pocket (300) and then supplied into the interior of the inner cushion (200a, 200b) through the gas ejection path (322), thereby expanding and unfolding the inner cushion (200a, 200b).

[0076] As the inner cushion (200a, 200b) expands in this way, the outer cushion (100) surrounding the outside of the inner cushion (200a, 200b) also expands as much as the inner cushion (200a, 200b) expands, thereby extensively protecting the side of the passenger.

[0078] Next, a curtain airbag device according to another embodiment of the present invention forms two expansion sections (100b) by folding a single piece of fabric into a "Z" shape as shown in FIG. 4b. Then, inner cushions (200a, 200b) are respectively placed in the areas where the expansion sections (100b) are formed. At this time, each inner cushion (200a, 200b) is equipped with a guide pocket (300) and an inflator (400).

[0079] Then, the inner cushion (200a, 200b) is fixed by forming a combined sewing line (N1, N2) that is sewn together with the outer cushion (100). At this time, it is preferable that the combined sewing line (N1, N2) be formed at a point adjacent to the folded portion (100a) of the outer cushion (100) and formed on the outer edge of the first sewing line (211) formed on the inner cushion (200a, 200b). Thus, as the inner cushion (200a, 200b) expands, the folded portion (100a) and the expanded portion (100b) of the outer cushion (100) unfold, thereby providing a space for the inner cushion (200a, 200b) to expand.

[0080] So, when an accident occurs, the inflator (400) is operated by a control signal generated from the vehicle controller, and the gas generating medium is ignited to generate gas. As shown in FIG. 5b, the gas ejected from the inflator (400) is first ejected into the inside of the guide pocket (300), and then supplied into the inside of the inner cushion (200a, 200b) through the gas ejection path (322) to expand and unfold the inner cushion (200a, 200b).

[0081] As the inner cushion (200a, 200b) expands in this way, the folded portion (100a) and the expanded portion (100b) of the outer cushion (100) surrounding the outer cushion (200a, 200b) unfold, and as the inner cushion (200a, 200b) expands, the side of the passenger is extensively protected.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the aforementioned preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto but is defined by the claims set forth below. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention within the scope of the technical spirit of the claims set forth below without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0085] 10: Curtain airbag 11: Zone 1 12: Zone 2 100: Outer Cushion 110: Mounting tab 120: Tether 200, 200a, 200b: Inner cushion 210: Mounting hole 211: 1st Sewing Line 212: Sealing Line Fl: 1st Folding Line 300: Guide Pocket 310: 2nd sewing line 320: Reinforcement section 321: 3rd Sewing Line 322: Gas Ejection Flow Path F2: 2nd folding line 400: Inflator

Claims

Claim 1 A curtain airbag device comprising: an inflatable outer cushion provided along the front-rear direction of the vehicle on the upper side of a pillar constituting the vehicle; a plurality of independent inflatable inner cushions fixed and spaced apart from each other along the front-rear direction of the vehicle inside the outer cushion; and an inflator disposed inside each of the plurality of inner cushions to inject gas into the interior of the inner cushions so that the inner cushions are inflated by the generation of gas; wherein the outer cushion is formed by folding a single sheet of fabric into a "Z" shape at least twice to form an expansion portion, and the plurality of inner cushions are each stored and fixed in the expansion portion of the outer cushion. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A curtain airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner cushion is formed such that both sides are symmetrical along a virtual first folding line, and the edges are sewn while folding along the first folding line so that the interior can be expanded. Claim 5 A curtain airbag device according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner cushion has a first sewing line formed along the edge and a sealing line formed by applying a sealing material along the area where the first sewing line is formed. Claim 6 A curtain airbag device according to claim 1, further comprising guide pockets disposed inside the inner cushion, each having an inflator mounted thereon and guiding gas ejected from the inflator into the interior of the inner cushion. Claim 7 A curtain airbag device according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide pocket is formed symmetrically on both sides along a virtual second folding line, and a portion of the edge is sewn as it is folded along the second folding line to form a gas ejection channel. Claim 8 A curtain airbag device according to claim 7, characterized in that the interior of the guide pocket is provided with a reinforcing member that protects the area around the region where gas is ejected from the inflator. Claim 9 A curtain airbag device according to claim 8, characterized in that the reinforcing member is a reinforcing patch attached to the inner surface of the guide pocket. Claim 10 A curtain airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer cushion is not coated with a sealing material, and the inner cushion is coated with a sealing material. Claim 11 A curtain airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner cushion is fixed at a spaced distance corresponding to the lateral direction of the seat constituting the vehicle.

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