Vehicle center airbag

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle central airbag, which may include a main cushion and a plurality of sub-cushions. The main cushion is mounted on the side of a seat back and deployed in a forward direction, and when a side collision occurs, the main cushion is located next to a passenger. The sub-cushion is configured to communicate with the main cushion and to be deployed upward from the top of the main cushion. When the sub-cushion is deployed, it extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and is located above the passenger's torso.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle central safety airbag. Background Art

[0002] Typically, when a side collision of a vehicle occurs, a side impact sensor (SIS) located on the door and other sensors detect the side collision, thereby triggering the side airbag installed on the side of the seatback, causing it to deploy between the door and the passenger to protect the passenger's pelvis and lower abdominal area.

[0003] When a side collision occurs, passengers in the vehicle are injured not only due to the side collision of the vehicle but also due to collision with interior components or another passenger.

[0004] Therefore, two side surfaces of each seat back facing the door and the center armrest, respectively, are provided with an outer side airbag and a center side airbag (also referred to as a center airbag), respectively.

[0005] The center airbag in the related art is designed to be deployed forward from the side of the seat back to protect the side of the passenger in the event of a side collision. However, in reality, when a side collision occurs, the center airbag in the related art moves in the direction opposite to the collision point due to inertia. As a result, the passenger may collide with interior components installed inside the vehicle or another passenger.

[0006] The information disclosed in the background technology part of the present invention is only intended to deepen the understanding of the general background technology of the present invention, and should not be regarded as acknowledging or suggesting in any form that the information constitutes the prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to a vehicle center airbag, which includes a main cushion and a sub-cushion mounted on a side of a seat back closer to a center armrest than a door. In the vehicle center airbag, the sub-cushion expands upward from the top of the main cushion, and the sub-cushion is supported on the side of an adjacent seat and supports the main cushion.

[0008] According to various aspects of the present invention, a vehicle center airbag is provided, comprising: a main cushion mounted on an inner side of a seat back of a seat and configured to deploy forwardly when a collision occurs and to be located beside a passenger sitting on the seat when deployed; and a plurality of sub-cushions fluidly connected to the main cushion to deploy upwardly from a top of the main cushion, the sub-cushions extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and to be located above a passenger's torso when deployed.

[0009] In a vehicle center airbag, the main cushion may be deployed between an inner side of the seat and a center console.

[0010] In a vehicle center airbag, the sub-cushion may include: a first sub-cushion that is deployed from the top of the main cushion in a direction opposite to a passenger sitting on the seat; and a second sub-cushion that is deployed from the top of the main cushion toward the passenger sitting on the seat. The first sub-cushion may extend in a front-to-rear direction when deployed, so that a front portion of the first sub-cushion may support a side of the second sub-cushion, and a rear portion of the first sub-cushion may support a side of an adjacent seat. The second sub-cushion may be located in an area corresponding to a side portion of a passenger's head and shoulders when deployed.

[0011] The vehicle center airbag may further include a first tether having a first end coupled to the first sub-cushion, a second end coupled to the second sub-cushion, the first tether providing close contact between the first sub-cushion and the second sub-cushion.

[0012] In the vehicle center airbag, the sub-cushion may further include a third sub-cushion configured to be deployed between the first sub-cushion and the second sub-cushion to support the first sub-cushion and the second sub-cushion at both sides thereof.

[0013] The vehicle center airbag may further include a second tether, a first end of the second tether coupled to the first sub-cushion, a second end of the second tether coupled to the second sub-cushion, the second tether providing close contact between the first sub-cushion, the second sub-cushion, and the third sub-cushion.

[0014] In a vehicle central airbag, the sub-cushion may include: a fourth sub-cushion configured to be deployed from the top of the main cushion in a direction opposite to a passenger sitting on the seat; and a fifth sub-cushion configured to be deployed from the top of the fourth sub-cushion toward the passenger. The fourth sub-cushion may extend along its front-rear direction. The bottom of the front portion of the fourth sub-cushion may be connected to the top of the main cushion, and the rear portion of the fourth sub-cushion may be supported on the side of an adjacent seat in the same row. The fourth sub-cushion and the fifth sub-cushion are located in an area corresponding to the side portion of the head and shoulders of the passenger when deployed.

[0015] The vehicle center airbag may further include a third tether having a first end coupled to the fourth sub-cushion, a second end coupled to the fifth sub-cushion, the third tether providing close contact between the fourth sub-cushion and the fifth sub-cushion.

[0016] The vehicle center airbag may further include a fourth tether, a first end of the fourth tether coupled to the fifth secondary cushion, a second end of the fourth tether coupled to the seat back, the fourth tether supporting the fourth secondary cushion, the fifth secondary cushion, and the main cushion to be located next to a passenger.

[0017] In a vehicle central airbag, the sub-cushion may include: a sixth sub-cushion configured to be deployed upward from the top of the main cushion; and a seventh sub-cushion configured to be fluidically connected to the sixth sub-cushion to be deployed from the sixth sub-cushion in a direction opposite to a passenger. The sixth sub-cushion may be located in an area corresponding to a side portion of a passenger's head and shoulders. The seventh sub-cushion may extend in a front-to-rear direction so that a front portion of the seventh sub-cushion may support the sixth sub-cushion, and a rear portion of the seventh sub-cushion may support a side of an adjacent seat in the same row.

[0018] The vehicle center airbag may further include a fifth tether having a first end coupled to the sixth sub-cushion, a second end coupled to the seventh sub-cushion, the fifth tether providing close contact between the sixth sub-cushion and the seventh sub-cushion.

[0019] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when a vehicle side collision occurs, a main cushion of a center airbag mounted on a center side surface of a seat back may protect a side portion of a passenger.

[0020] The sub-cushion that is unfolded upward from the top of the main cushion extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The front portion of the sub-cushion is connected to the main cushion in a manner of supporting the main cushion. The rear portion of the sub-cushion is supported on the side of the adjacent seat in the same row. Therefore, the sub-cushion can support the main cushion and protect the side portions of the head and shoulders of the passenger.

[0021] By incorporating the accompanying drawings and Figure 1 With the detailed description being used to illustrate certain principles of the present invention, other features and advantages of the method and apparatus of the present invention will become more specifically clear or elucidated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1is a front view schematically illustrating a vehicle center airbag according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a side view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a top view schematically illustrating a vehicle center airbag according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 is a front view schematically illustrating a vehicle center airbag according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 is a top view schematically illustrating a vehicle center airbag according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 is a front view schematically illustrating a vehicle center airbag according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 is a front view exemplarily showing a combined position change of the second end portion of the tether in the vehicle center airbag according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 is a side view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 9 is a front view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

[0031] Fig.10 is a side view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale, but rather show a slightly simplified depiction of various features that illustrate the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention disclosed herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0033] In the figures, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following will be referred to in detail various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternative forms, modifications, equivalent forms and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0035] The specific structure and function description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are only used to illustrate the purpose of the embodiments of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and important features of the present invention, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are disclosed only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0036] Since embodiments of the present invention can be variously modified in many different forms, various embodiments of the present invention will now be referred to in detail, specific examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present invention is described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternative forms, modified forms, equivalent forms and other embodiments that can be included in the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0037] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, the elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element. Similarly, the second element can also be referred to as the first element.

[0038] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly coupled or connected to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element between them. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another element, there are no intermediate elements. Other expressions of relationships between elements, such as "between," "directly between," "adjacent to," or "directly adjacent to," may be interpreted in the same manner.

[0039] The terms used herein are only used to describe various exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprise", "include", "have", etc. specify the presence of claimed features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0040] Unless otherwise stated, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. It should also be understood that the terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the prior art and the present invention, and should not be interpreted as an ideal meaning or an overly formal meaning unless clearly defined herein.

[0041] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the entire drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar components.

[0042] Figure 1 is a front view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 is a top plan view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 is a front view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 is a top plan view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 is a front view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7 is a front view exemplarily illustrating a combined position change of a second end portion of a tether in a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8 is a side view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a front view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig.10 is a side view schematically illustrating a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 10Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0044] The vehicle center airbag according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is installed on the side of the center side of the seat back 810, toward the center armrest, among the side of the door side and the side of the center side of the seat back 810. When a vehicle side collision occurs, the vehicle center airbag is deployed. The vehicle center airbag includes a main cushion 100 located near the side of the passenger 900 and a plurality of sub-cushions 200 located on the top of the main cushion 100. The vehicle center airbag may further include a tether supporting the plurality of sub-cushions 200.

[0045] The vehicle center airbag according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is installed to provide protection against a far side collision occurring in a direction opposite to the passenger seat 800 where the passenger 900 is seated.

[0046] In the present case, the various embodiments of the present invention differ in the shape of the sub-cushion pad 200 and the shape of the tether supporting the sub-cushion pad 200 .

[0047] The vehicle center airbag according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a main cushion 100 and a sub-cushion 200. The main cushion 100 is mounted on the side of the center side of the seat back 810 of the seat 800. When a side collision of the vehicle occurs, the main cushion 100 is deployed forward and is located beside the passenger 900. The sub-cushion 200 is configured to communicate with the main cushion 100. When a side collision of the vehicle occurs, the sub-cushion 200 is deployed upward from the top of the main cushion 100, extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is located beside the head of the passenger 900.

[0048] The vehicle seat 800 includes a seat cushion on which the passenger 900 sits, a seat back 810 on which the passenger 900 leans back, and a headrest 820 on which the passenger 900 leans his or her head 910 .

[0049] The main cushion 100 and the sub-cushion 200 are installed on the side of the center side of the seat back 810, and are deployed between the seats adjacent to each other when a side collision occurs. Hereinafter, the term "side of the center side" refers to the side of the seat back that is closer to the center armrest than the door. When a side collision of the vehicle occurs, the main cushion 100 is deployed toward the front of the vehicle and is thus located next to the passenger 900, preventing the passenger 900 from moving in the direction opposite to the collision point due to inertia and colliding with interior components installed in the vehicle interior or with another passenger 900 sitting on an adjacent seat in the same row.

[0050] In addition, the sub-cushion 200 is located on top of the main cushion 100, providing protection for the head 910 and shoulders of the passenger 900. Since the sub-cushion 200 is configured to communicate with the main cushion 100, the sub-cushion 200 is deployed simultaneously with the main cushion 100. In addition, since there are a plurality of sub-cushions 200, the head 910, neck, and shoulders of the passenger 900 can be more safely protected.

[0051] The main cushion 100 is deployed between the side of the seat 800 and the center console.

[0052] The main cushion 100 is installed on the side of the seat back 810 toward the center side of the center armrest. When a side collision occurs, the main cushion 100 is deployed between the passenger 900 and the center console, which is an interior component installed in the interior of the vehicle. The passenger 900 can be protected from injuries caused by his or her collision with the center console. In addition, protection can be provided against collision with another passenger 900 sitting on an adjacent seat and collision with the center console.

[0053] Next, the configuration of a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0054] The sub-cushion 200 includes a first sub-cushion 210 and a second sub-cushion 220, the first sub-cushion 210 is deployed from the top of the main cushion 100 in the opposite direction to the passenger 900, and the second sub-cushion 220 is deployed from the top of the main cushion 100 toward the passenger 900. When deployed, the first sub-cushion 210 extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the front part of the first sub-cushion 210 supports the side of the second sub-cushion 220, and the rear part thereof is supported on the side of the adjacent seat. When deployed, the second sub-cushion 220 is located beside the head 910 and shoulders of the passenger 900.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the first sub-cushion 210 is deployed from the top of the main cushion 100 in the opposite direction to the passenger 900, and the second sub-cushion 220 is deployed from the top of the main cushion 100 toward the passenger 900. Therefore, when a side collision of the vehicle occurs, the head 910 and shoulders of the passenger 900 are in contact with the second sub-cushion 220 and can be protected.

[0056] The first sub-cushion 210 is deployed toward the adjacent seat and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The front portion of the first sub-cushion 210 contacts the second sub-cushion 220, thereby supporting the second sub-cushion 220. The rear portion of the first sub-cushion 210 is supported on the side of the adjacent seat. The support of the rear portion of the first sub-cushion 210 on the side of the adjacent seat connects the rear portion of the first sub-cushion 210 to the top of the main cushion 100. Therefore, the main cushion 100 can be prevented from moving.

[0057] The vehicle center airbag may further include a first tether 300 that makes close contact between the first sub-cushion 210 and the second sub-cushion 220. To this end, a first end of the first tether 300 is coupled to the first sub-cushion 210, and a second end of the first tether 300 is coupled to the second sub-cushion 220.

[0058] Refer again Figure 3 In order to prevent the first sub-cushion 210 and the second sub-cushion 220 from being separated from each other when deployed, the first end of the first tether 300 is coupled to the top of the first sub-cushion 210, and the second end of the first tether 300 is coupled to the top of the second sub-cushion 220. This allows the first sub-cushion 210 and the second sub-cushion 220 to support each other in a close contact state, thereby more safely protecting the upper side portion of the upper body of the passenger 900.

[0059] Next, the configuration of a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0060] The sub-cushion pad 200 may further include a third sub-cushion pad 230 deployed between the first sub-cushion pad 210 and the second sub-cushion pad 220 such that both sides of the third sub-cushion pad 230 support the first sub-cushion pad 210 and the second sub-cushion pad 220 , respectively.

[0061] In terms of structure, Figure 1 The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are different in that the third sub-cushion pad 230 is deployed between the first sub-cushion pad 210 and the second sub-cushion pad 220 .

[0062] Reference Figure 4 The third sub-cushion 230 deployed between the first sub-cushion 210 and the second sub-cushion 220 supports the first sub-cushion 210 located beside the head 910 and shoulders of the passenger 900 when a side collision of the vehicle occurs. Therefore, the head 910 and shoulders of the passenger 900 can be protected more safely.

[0063] The vehicle center airbag may further include a second tether 400 that provides close contact between the first sub-cushion 210, the second sub-cushion 220, and the third sub-cushion 230. To this end, a first end of the second tether 400 is coupled to the first sub-cushion 210, and a second end of the second tether 400 is coupled to the second sub-cushion 220.

[0064] Refer again Figure 5 Since the first end of the second tether 400 is coupled to the first sub-cushion 210, and the second end of the second tether 400 is coupled to the second sub-cushion 220, when the first sub-cushion 210, the second sub-cushion 220, and the third sub-cushion 230 are deployed, the first sub-cushion 210, the second sub-cushion 220, and the third sub-cushion 230 are in close pressure contact with each other. Therefore, the upper side portion of the upper body of the passenger 900 can be more safely protected.

[0065] Next, the configuration of a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0066] The sub-cushion 200 includes: a fourth sub-cushion 240 and a fifth sub-cushion 250, the fourth sub-cushion 240 is deployed from the top of the main cushion 100 in the direction opposite to the passenger 900, and the fifth sub-cushion 250 is deployed from the top of the fourth sub-cushion 240 toward the passenger 900. The fourth sub-cushion 240 extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The bottom of the front part of the fourth sub-cushion 240 is connected to the top of the main cushion 100, and the rear part of the fourth sub-cushion 240 is supported on the side of the adjacent seat in the same row. When deployed, the fourth sub-cushion 240 and the fifth sub-cushion 250 are located in the area corresponding to the side part of the shoulder of the passenger 900 and the side part of the head 910.

[0067] Reference Figures 6 to 8 , the fourth sub-cushion pad 240 is deployed from the top of the main cushion 100 in the opposite direction to the passenger 900, and the fifth sub-cushion pad 250 is deployed from the top of the fourth sub-cushion pad 240 toward the passenger 900. Therefore, the fourth sub-cushion pad 240 and the fifth sub-cushion pad 250 extend more widely over the side portion of the upper body of the passenger 900 than the second sub-cushion pad 220. The head 910 and the side portion of the shoulder of the passenger 900 can be widely protected.

[0068] The fourth sub-cushion 240 is configured to communicate with the main cushion 100, and the fifth sub-cushion 250 is configured to communicate with the fourth sub-cushion 240. Therefore, the main cushion 100, the fourth sub-cushion 240, and the fifth sub-cushion 250 are sequentially deployed. Therefore, when a side collision of the vehicle occurs, the torso of the passenger 900 is first protected by the main cushion 100, and then the head 910 of the passenger 900, which moves later than the torso of the passenger 900, is protected by the fourth sub-cushion 240 and the fifth sub-cushion 250.

[0069] Furthermore, the fourth sub-cushion 240 and the fifth sub-cushion 250 extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the rear of the fourth sub-cushion 240 is supported on the side of the seat 800. Therefore, the main cushion 100 connected to the bottom of the fourth sub-cushion 240 can be prevented from moving from the seat.

[0070] The vehicle center airbag may further include a third tether 500 that provides close contact between the fourth sub-cushion 240 and the fifth sub-cushion 250. To this end, a first end of the third tether 500 is coupled to the fourth sub-cushion 240, and a second end of the third tether 500 is coupled to the fifth sub-cushion 250.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 Since the first end of the third tether 500 is coupled to the fourth sub-cushion 240 and the second end of the third tether 500 is coupled to the fifth sub-cushion 250, the fourth sub-cushion 240 and the fifth sub-cushion 250 are in close contact with each other. This prevents the fifth sub-cushion 250 from moving away from the passenger 900. Therefore, the head 910 of the passenger 900 can be protected.

[0072] The vehicle center airbag may further include a fourth tether 600 that supports the fourth sub-cushion 240, the fifth sub-cushion 250, and the main cushion 100 so as to be positioned beside the passenger 900. To this end, a first end of the fourth tether 600 is coupled to the fifth sub-cushion 250, and a second end of the fourth tether 600 is coupled to the seat back 810.

[0073] Reference Figure 7 , a first end portion of the fourth tether 600 is coupled to the fifth sub-cushion 250, and a second end portion of the fourth tether 600 is coupled to a mounting portion of the seat back 810 on which the main cushion 100 and the sub-cushion 200 are mounted. Therefore, the fifth sub-cushion 250 is supported in a manner not to leave the passenger 900. Therefore, when deployed, the fourth sub-cushion 240 connected to the fifth sub-cushion 250 and the main cushion 100 connected to the fourth sub-cushion 240 are not moved by a collision and can be located beside the passenger 900. Therefore, the passenger 900 can be protected.

[0074] Next, the configuration of a center airbag for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0075] The sub-cushion 200 may include a sixth sub-cushion 260 and a seventh sub-cushion 270, the sixth sub-cushion 260 being deployed upward from the top of the main cushion 100, and the seventh sub-cushion 270 being configured to communicate with the sixth sub-cushion 260 and to be deployed from the sixth sub-cushion 260 in the opposite direction to the passenger 900. The sixth sub-cushion 260 is located in an area corresponding to the side portions of the shoulders and the head 910 of the passenger 900. The seventh sub-cushion 270 extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Its front portion supports the sixth sub-cushion 260, and its rear portion supports the side of the adjacent seat in the same row.

[0076] Reference Fig. 9 , the sixth sub-cushion 260 is deployed from the top of the main cushion 100 toward the passenger 900, and the seventh sub-cushion 270 is deployed from the sixth sub-cushion 260 in the opposite direction to the passenger 900. Therefore, the sixth sub-cushion 260 is located in the area corresponding to the side portion of the head 910 and the shoulder of the passenger 900. Therefore, the head 910 and the shoulder of the passenger 900 can be protected. In addition, the seventh sub-cushion 270 extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Its front portion supports the sixth sub-cushion 260, which supports the head 910 and the shoulder of the passenger 900. Its rear portion is supported on the side of the adjacent seat in the same row, so that the main cushion 100 and the sixth sub-cushion 260 will not move even under the influence of the side collision of the vehicle.

[0077] The sixth sub-cushion 260 and the seventh sub-cushion 270 are connected to each other and are deployed sequentially. Therefore, the upper body of the passenger 900 is first protected by the sixth sub-cushion 260 that is inflated earlier, and the head 910 that moves later than the upper body of the passenger 900 is subsequently protected by the seventh sub-cushion 270 that is inflated later. The communication portion is located on the upper portion or the middle portion of the connection portion connecting the sixth sub-cushion 260 and the seventh sub-cushion 270. Therefore, the speed at which the sixth sub-cushion 260 and the seventh sub-cushion 270 are deployed sequentially can be adjusted.

[0078] The vehicle center airbag may include a fifth tether 700 that provides close contact between the sixth sub-cushion 260 and the seventh sub-cushion 270. To this end, a first end of the fifth tether 700 is coupled to the sixth sub-cushion 260, and a second end of the fifth tether 700 is coupled to the seventh sub-cushion 270.

[0079] Since the first end of the fifth tether 700 is coupled to the bottom of the sixth sub-cushion 260 and the second end of the fifth tether 700 is coupled to the bottom of the seventh sub-cushion 270, the sixth sub-cushion 260 and the seventh sub-cushion 270 are in close contact with each other. Therefore, when deployed, the seventh sub-cushion 270 can be prevented from moving upward.

[0080] For ease of explanation and precise definition of the appended claims, the terms "above", "below", "inside", "outside", "up", "down", "upward", "downward", "front", "back", "inside", "outside", "inward", "outward", "interior", "exterior", "forward" and "rearward" are used to describe the features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as shown in the drawings. It will be further understood that the term "connect" or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections.

[0081] The foregoing description of the specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention is presented for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and it is apparent that many changes and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments are selected and described to explain the specific principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other technicians in the field can realize and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and its different selected forms and modified forms. The scope of the present invention is intended to be limited by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle central airbag device, comprising: a main cushion mounted on an inner side of a seat back of a first seat and configured to be deployed in a forward direction of the first seat to be arranged beside a passenger seated on the first seat when deployed; as well as a plurality of secondary cushions in fluid communication with the main cushion and configured to be deployed upward from a top of the main cushion, the plurality of secondary cushions extending in a front-to-rear direction of the first seat to be arranged above a passenger's torso when deployed, Wherein, the plurality of auxiliary cushions include: a first secondary cushion in fluid communication with the main cushion and configured to deploy from a top of the main cushion in a direction opposite to a passenger seated on the first seat; and a second secondary cushion in fluid communication with the first secondary cushion and configured to deploy from a top of the first secondary cushion toward a passenger, Wherein, the first auxiliary cushion extends along the front-rear direction when unfolded, The bottom of the front portion of the first secondary cushion is connected to the top of the main cushion, A rear portion of the first secondary cushion is supported on a side surface of a second seat adjacent to the first seat in the same row.

2. The vehicle center airbag device according to claim 1, in, The first sub-cushion pad and the second sub-cushion pad are respectively arranged at areas corresponding to side portions of shoulders of a passenger sitting on the first seat and side portions of a head of the passenger.

3. The vehicle center airbag apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first tether, a first end of the first tether being coupled to the first sub-cushion, a second end of the first tether being coupled to the second sub-cushion, the first tether providing contact between the first sub-cushion and the second sub-cushion.

4. The vehicle center airbag device according to claim 1, further comprising a second tether, a first end of the second tether is connected to the second secondary cushion, a second end of the second tether is connected to the seat back, and the second tether supports the first secondary cushion, the second secondary cushion, and the main cushion to be arranged beside the passenger.

5. The vehicle center airbag device according to claim 1, wherein: The main cushion, the first sub-cushion, and the second sub-cushion are connected in series and deployed in series.

6. A vehicle central airbag device, comprising: a main cushion mounted on an inner side of a seat back of a first seat and configured to be deployed in a forward direction of the first seat to be arranged beside a passenger seated on the first seat when deployed; as well as a plurality of secondary cushions in fluid communication with the main cushion and configured to be deployed upward from a top of the main cushion, the plurality of secondary cushions extending in a front-to-rear direction of the first seat to be arranged above a passenger's torso when deployed, Wherein, the plurality of auxiliary cushions include: a first secondary cushion in fluid communication with the main cushion and configured to deploy upwardly from a top of the main cushion; and a second secondary cushion in fluid communication with the first secondary cushion for deployment from the first secondary cushion in a direction opposite to a passenger seated on the first seat, The second sub-cushion extends along the front-to-rear direction, wherein a front portion of the second sub-cushion supports the first sub-cushion, and a rear portion of the second sub-cushion supports a side surface of a second seat adjacent to the first seat in the same row.

7. The vehicle center airbag device according to claim 6, wherein: The first sub-cushion pad is provided at an area corresponding to a side portion of the shoulder and head of the passenger.

8. The vehicle center airbag apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a first tether having a first end coupled to the first sub-cushion, a second end coupled to the second sub-cushion, the first tether providing contact between the first sub-cushion and the second sub-cushion.

9. The vehicle center airbag device according to claim 8, wherein: A first end of the second sub-cushion pad is coupled to an upper portion of the first sub-cushion pad, a first end of the first tether is coupled to a lower portion of the first sub-cushion pad, and a second end of the first tether is coupled to a lower portion of the second sub-cushion pad.

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