Airbag and vehicle seat device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air bag and a seat device for a vehicle. The present invention aims to ensure an appropriate expanded shape. An air bag (10) has a bag portion (40) formed by joining two sheets (30, 30). The bag portion (40) has an expansion portion (41) having a ring-shaped joint portion (α1) extending in a ring shape, and a flow path portion (42) having a pair of linear joint portions (α2, α2) in parallel and connected to the expansion portion (41). In the air bag (10), air filled into the bag portion (40) flows in an inner space (X1) of the expansion portion (41) surrounded by the ring-shaped joint portion (α1), and in a flow path (X2) sandwiched by the pair of linear joint portions (α2, α2) constituting the flow path portion (42). The air bag (10) is configured such that the pair of linear joint portions (α2, α2) extend in parallel at a connection portion (50) of the expansion portion (41) and the flow path portion (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to air bags and vehicle seat devices. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional airbags have existed that consist of a pouch portion formed by bonding two sheets of material together. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which multiple pouch portions are overlapped along the thickness direction of the sheets, thereby ensuring a large stroke in the direction of the overlapping sheets when the airbag expands due to air filling. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes an airbag having a pouch portion with multiple expansion portions and a flow path connecting these expansion portions. In this airbag, multiple expansion portions are overlapped by bending the flow path. Thus, a structure that can ensure a large stroke with a simple design is achieved.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-95015

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-216003

[0005] However, as mentioned above, in a structure with a flow path section connected to the expansion section, when air is filled into the bag section, the connection between the expansion section and the flow path section expands together with the expansion section, which causes the expansion shape to easily become deformed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The air bag that solves the above-mentioned problem has a bag portion formed by bonding two sheets together. The bag portion includes: an expansion portion having an annularly extending joint portion; and a flow path portion having a pair of parallel linear joint portions connected to the expansion portion. Air filling the bag portion flows within the internal space of the expansion portion surrounded by the annular joint portion and within the flow path sandwiched by the pair of linear joint portions constituting the flow path portion. The bag portion is configured such that at the connection between the expansion portion and the flow path portion, the pair of linear joint portions extend parallel to each other, or the pair of linear joint portions extend from the opening position of the flow path relative to the internal space of the expansion portion toward the depth side of the flow path.

[0007] According to the above structure, when filling with air, the bag portion can expand while maintaining the boundary between the expansion section and the flow path section. This ensures a suitable expansion shape. Furthermore, because the deformation of the expansion shape is small, stress is less likely to concentrate in specific areas during air filling. This ensures high reliability and durability.

[0008] The air bag that solves the above problem preferably has the expansion portion formed into a polygonal shape when viewed from the direction of overlapping the sheets, and the flow path portion connected to the top of the polygonal shape.

[0009] According to the above structure, the flow path connected to the expansion section is less likely to obstruct the expansion of the expansion section. Therefore, it is possible to ensure an appropriate expansion shape.

[0010] In the air bag that solves the above-mentioned problems, it is preferable that the expansion portion and the flow path portion are formed into a linearly symmetrical shape with the axis of the flow path portion extending in a straight line as the axis of symmetry.

[0011] Based on the above structure, the expansion portion can be expanded evenly.

[0012] An air bag that solves the above problems preferably has a pair of expansion sections connected via the flow path section.

[0013] According to the above structure, the pair of expansion portions arranged separately from each other can each ensure an appropriate expansion shape while maintaining the boundary with the flow path portion.

[0014] The vehicle seat system that solves the above problems places the air bag described in any of the above items on the inside of the seat cover.

[0015] According to the above structure, appropriate pressing pressure can be applied to the passenger sitting in the seat based on the appropriate expansion shape of the air bag provided on the inner side of the seat surface.

[0016] The vehicle seat device that solves the above problem preferably has a refresh function that presses the seat surface from the inside by inflating and contracting the air bag.

[0017] Based on the above structure, the appropriate expansion shape of the airbag can provide a suitable relaxing effect for passengers seated in the seat. That is, the expanding portion, while maintaining its boundary with the flow path, applies point-like pressure to the passenger seated in the seat. As a result, the so-called acupressure sensation can be appropriately reproduced. Thus, a high level of relaxation effect can be achieved.

[0018] According to the present invention, a proper expansion shape can be ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a 3D diagram of a vehicle seat with air pockets on the inside of the seat cover.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the seat assembly.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an air bag that has not been filled with air.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of an air bag filled with air.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a top view of the air bag.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the area near the connection between the expansion section and the flow path section.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the area near the connection between the expansion section and the flow path section in the air bag of the reference example.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a top view of the air bag in the reference example.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional diagram of an air bag filled with air, serving as a reference example.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional diagram of an air bag filled with air, serving as a reference example.

[0029] Figure 11 It is a 3D diagram of an air bag filled with air.

[0030] Figure 12 It is a 3D diagram of an air bag filled with air.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a top view showing the shape of the air bag in other examples.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] 10…Air bag; 30…Sheet; 40…Bag section; 41…Expansion section; 42…Flow path section; 50…Connecting section; α1…Annular joint; α2…Linear joint; X1…Internal space; X2…Flow path. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the air bag and vehicle seat device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle seat 1 includes a seat cushion 2 and a seat back 3 located at the rear end of the seat cushion 2. Furthermore, a headrest 4 is provided at the upper end of the seat back 3.

[0036] Furthermore, in the seat 1 of this embodiment, multiple air pockets 10 are provided, which press the seat surface 1x forming the seating surface 2s and backrest 3s from the inside by expanding and contracting the seat cushion 2 and the seat back 3. Specifically, on the seat cushion 2, separate air pockets 12 for the seat cushion 2 are provided at positions corresponding to the buttocks and thighs of the passenger sitting on the seat 1. In addition, separate air pockets 13 for the seat back 3 are provided at positions corresponding to the shoulders and waist of the passenger leaning against the backrest 3s. Thus, the seat 1 of this embodiment forms a vehicle seat assembly 20, which provides a relaxing effect for the passenger sitting on the seat 1 by expanding and contracting these air pockets 10.

[0037] In detail, such as Figure 2 As shown, the seat assembly 20 of this embodiment includes an air pump 21 that pressurizes air to each air bag 10 disposed on the seat 1. Furthermore, an air supply / exhaust valve device 22 is sandwiched between the air pump 21 and each air bag 10. Moreover, in the seat assembly 20 of this embodiment, the operation of these air pumps 21 and air supply / exhaust valve devices 22 is controlled by a control device 23.

[0038] Specifically, the air pump 21 in this embodiment is an electric pump driven by a motor 24. Furthermore, the air supply and exhaust valve device 22 is connected to each air bag 10 and the air pump 21 via flexible resin air tubes 25. That is, the seat assembly 20 of this embodiment forms an airflow path, i.e., an air supply and exhaust flow path Lo, connecting the air bags 10 and the air pump 21, through these air tubes 25 and the internal passages of the air supply and exhaust valve device 22. Therefore, the air supply and exhaust valve device 22 of this embodiment is structured such that the air supply valve 26 and the exhaust valve 27 are positioned midway along the air supply and exhaust flow path Lo.

[0039] Furthermore, the control device 23 of this embodiment inputs an operation input signal Scr to the operation input section 28 provided on the seat 1. Therefore, the control device 23 of this embodiment is configured to control the operation of the air pump 21 and the air supply and exhaust valve device 22 based on the operation requirements represented by the operation input signal Scr, so as to cause each air bag 10 to expand and contract.

[0040] Specifically, in this embodiment, the control device 23 sequentially switches each air bag 10 to its expanded state based on a predetermined operating mode corresponding to the operating input signal Scr input from the operating input unit 28. Thus, the seat device 20 of this embodiment becomes a structure that achieves the relaxation effect desired by the passenger sitting in the seat 1 by intermittently expanding and contracting each air bag 10.

[0041] (Air bag)

[0042] Next, the structure of the air bag 10 used in the seat device 20 of this embodiment will be described.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the seat assembly 20 of this embodiment, each air bag 10 has a bag portion 40 formed by bonding two sheets 30, 30 together. That is, each air bag 10 of this embodiment has a joint portion α that extends circumferentially throughout its periphery, and the bag portion 40 surrounded by the joint portion α expands by filling air between the two sheets 30, 30 that are bonded together. Thus, the expanded bag portion 40 is configured to press the seat surface 1x from the inside.

[0044] In detail, such as Figure 5 As shown, in each air bag 10 of this embodiment, the bag portion 40 includes a pair of expansion portions 41, 41 having an annularly extending joint portion α1. Furthermore, for each air bag 10 of this embodiment, the bag portion 40 includes a flow path portion 42 having a pair of parallel linear joint portions α2, α2 and connected to the aforementioned expansion portions 41, 41.

[0045] Specifically, each air bag 10 in this embodiment has a structure in which two sheets 30, 30, formed to match the shapes of the expansion portions 41, 41 and the flow path portion 42 constituting the bag portion 40, are overlapped along the thickness direction. Moreover, in each air bag 10 of this embodiment, by fusing the peripheral portions of each sheet 30, 30 to each other, annular joint portions α1 of each expansion portion 41, 41 and linear joint portions α2, α2 of each flow path portion 42 are formed as part of the joint portions α that extend throughout the circumference of the bag portion 40.

[0046] In each air bag 10 of this embodiment, the material of each sheet 30, 30 is a flexible resin material. Furthermore, these sheets 30, 30 are joined together, for example, using high-frequency welding. Additionally, in Figure 5 In the figure, the location of the joint α is illustrated using shaded lines. Furthermore, in this figure, the portion shown by dashed lines that is inside the joint α constitutes the effective expansion range of the bag portion 40 of each of these air bags 10.

[0047] Furthermore, in each air bag 10 of this embodiment, the flow path X2, sandwiched by a pair of linear joints α2, α2 constituting the flow path portion 42, opens relative to the internal spaces X1, X1 of each expansion portion 41, 41 enclosed by the annular joint α1. Thus, each air bag 10 of this embodiment has a structure in which the air filled into the bag portion 40 flows within the internal spaces X1, X1 of each expansion portion 41, 41 and the flow path X2 formed by the flow path portion 42.

[0048] More specifically, in each air bag 10 of this embodiment, viewed from the direction where the sheets 30, 30 overlap, each expansion portion 41, 41 is formed into a generally pentagonal shape. Furthermore, the flow path portion 42 of this embodiment has a generally straight shape. Additionally, the longitudinal end of the flow path portion 42 is connected to the top Pa of each of the generally pentagonal expansion portions 41, 41. Moreover, in each air bag 10 of this embodiment, these expansion portions 41, 41 and the flow path portion 42 have a generally linearly symmetrical shape with the axis N of the linearly extending flow path portion 42 as the axis of symmetry.

[0049] Furthermore, in each air bag 10 of this embodiment, the air pipe 25, which forms the air supply and exhaust flow path Lo relative to the bag portion 40, is connected to one of the expansion portions 41, 41, expansion portion 41a. Specifically, in each air bag 10 of this embodiment, the air pipe 25 is connected to one of its expansion portions 41a at a top Pb, different from the top Pa connected to the flow path portion 42. That is, in each air bag 10 of this embodiment, air supplied to one expansion portion 41a via the air pipe 25 flows into the other expansion portion 41b via the flow path portion 42. In addition, air filling the other expansion portion 41b also flows out to one expansion portion 41a via the flow path portion 42. Thus, each air bag 10 of this embodiment has a structure in which the pair of expansion portions 41, 41 expand and contract by the supply and exhaust via the air pipe 25.

[0050] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the seat assembly 20 of this embodiment, each of the air bags 10 is arranged on the inner side of the seat cover 1x with the pair of expansion portions 41, 41 separated in the seat width direction. Thus, the seat assembly 20 of this embodiment becomes a structure in which the expansion portions 41, 41 of each of the left and right separated air bags 10 press evenly against the body of the passenger sitting on the seat 1.

[0051] Furthermore, in the seat assembly 20 of this embodiment, the air bag 12 for the seat cushion 2 has a longer flow path 42 connecting the left and right expansion portions 41, 41 compared to the air bag 13 for the seat back 3. Thus, the seat assembly 20 of this embodiment is a structure that can appropriately press down on the buttocks and thighs of the passenger sitting on the seat 1.

[0052] In addition, Figure 5In the illustration, the air bag 10 of the seat assembly 20 is shown as an air bag 12 for the seat cushion 2 with a longer flow path 42 connecting the left and right expansion portions 41, 41. Moreover, the air bag 13 for the seat back 3 has a structure that is substantially the same as that for the air bag 12 for the seat cushion 2, except that the flow path 42 is shorter, so its illustration is omitted.

[0053] More specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, each air bag 10 is configured such that at the connection 50 between each expansion portion 41, 41 and the flow path portion 42, the pair of linear joint portions α2, α2 extend parallel to each other. Specifically, in this embodiment, at any position along the length of the flow path portion 42, the distance D0 between the pair of linear joint portions α2, α2 forming the flow path X2 is constant. That is, for each air bag 10 in this embodiment, the pair of linear joint portions α2, α2 extend parallel to each other along the entire length of the flow path portion 42. Thus, in this embodiment, the shape of the portion where the longitudinal ends of the linear joint portions α2, α2 constituting the flow path portion 42 intersect with the annular joint portion α1 constituting the expansion portions 41, 41 is a so-called "pinned angle" shape.

[0054] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0055] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The air bag 10B shown in the reference example is similar to each air bag 10 in this embodiment. As the bag portion 40, it includes: a pair of expansion portions 41B, 41B, having an annularly extending joint portion α1; and a flow path portion 42B, having a pair of parallel linear joint portions α2, α2. Moreover, the air bag 10B of this reference example also has a structure in which the expansion portions 41B, 41B are respectively connected to the two ends in the longitudinal direction of the linearly extending flow path portion 42B.

[0056] Furthermore, in the reference example, the air bag 10B has an arc-shaped bend R at the longitudinal end of each linear joint α2, α2 constituting the flow path section 42B. Specifically, the air bag 10B in this reference example is configured such that at the connection 50 between each expansion section 41B, 41B and the flow path section 42B, the longitudinal ends of the aforementioned linear joint α2, α2 extend from the depth side of the flow path X2 toward the outlet side (in... Figure 7 In the middle, extending from right to left. Thus, the air bag 10B of the reference example becomes a structure in which the linear joints α2, α2 of the flow path 42B are continuous with the annular joints α1 of the expansions 41B, 41B in a manner that depicts a so-called "arc shape".

[0057] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, when the air bag 10B of the reference example is filled with air, the connecting portion 50 between the aforementioned expansion portions 41B, 41B and the flow path portion 42B expands significantly along with the expansion portions 41B, 41B. As a result, in the air bag 10B of the reference example, the expansion shape of the aforementioned expansion portions 41B, 41B becomes distorted. Specifically, the boundaries between the expansion portions 41B, 41B and the flow path portion 42B become blurred. Consequently, the air bag 10B of the reference example becomes a gently expanding shape overall. Moreover, this trend is the same as that of the air bag 12B for the seat cushion 2 and the air bag 13B for the seat back 3, and is independent of the length of the flow path portion 42B.

[0058] In contrast, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, when the air bag 10 is filled with air, the connection portion 50 between the aforementioned expansion portions 41, 41 and the flow path portion 42 does not easily expand. As a result, the air bag 10 of this embodiment expands the bag portion 40 while maintaining the boundaries between the aforementioned expansion portions 41, 41 and the flow path portion 42. Moreover, this trend is the same as that of the air bag 12 for the seat cushion 2 and the air bag 13 for the seat back 3, and is independent of the length of the flow path portion 42.

[0059] Next, the effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0060] (1) The air bag 10 has a bag portion 40 formed by bonding two sheets 30, 30 together. The bag portion 40 further includes: an expansion portion 41 having an annularly extending annular joint α1; and a flow path portion 42 having a pair of parallel linear joints α2, α2 connected to the expansion portion 41. In the air bag 10, the air filled into the bag portion 40 flows within the internal space X1 of the expansion portion 41 surrounded by the annular joint α1, and within the flow path X2 formed by the pair of linear joints α2, α2 constituting the flow path portion 42. Furthermore, the air bag 10 is configured such that the pair of linear joints α2, α2 extend parallel to each other at the connection portion 50 between the expansion portion 41 and the flow path portion 42.

[0061] According to the above structure, when filling with air, the bag portion 40 can expand while maintaining the boundary between the expansion portion 41 and the flow path portion 42. This ensures a suitable expansion shape. Furthermore, because the expansion shape has minimal deviation, stress is less likely to concentrate in specific areas during air filling. This ensures high reliability and durability.

[0062] (2) When viewed from the direction of the overlapping sheets 30, 30, the expansion portion 41 is formed into a roughly pentagonal shape. Moreover, the flow path portion 42 is connected to the top Pa of each of the roughly pentagonal expansion portions 41, 41.

[0063] According to the above structure, the flow path 42 connected to the expansion portion 41 does not easily obstruct the expansion of the expansion portion 41. Therefore, it is possible to ensure an appropriate expansion shape.

[0064] (3) The expansion portion 41 and the flow path portion 42 have a generally linearly symmetrical shape with the axis N of the flow path portion 42, which extends in a straight line, as the axis of symmetry. As a result, the expansion portion 41 can be expanded evenly.

[0065] (4) The air bag 10 has a pair of expansion portions 41, 41 connected via the flow path portion 42. Thus, the pair of expansion portions 41, 41, which are arranged separately from each other, can each ensure an appropriate expansion shape while maintaining the boundary with the flow path portion 42.

[0066] (5) The seat assembly 20 includes an air bag 10, which has the structure described in (1) to (4) above and is disposed on the inner side of the seat cover 1x. Thus, based on the appropriate expansion shape of the air bag 10 disposed on the inner side of the seat cover 1x, appropriate pressing pressure can be applied to the passenger sitting on the seat 1.

[0067] (6) The seat assembly 20 has a relaxation function that presses the seat surface 1x from the inside by inflating and contracting the air bag 10.

[0068] Based on the above structure, the appropriate expansion shape of the airbag 10 can provide a suitable relaxing effect for the passenger seated on the seat 1. That is, the expansion portion 41, which expands while maintaining its boundary with the flow path portion 42, applies point-like pressure to the passenger seated on the seat 1. As a result, the so-called acupressure sensation can be appropriately reproduced. Thus, a high level of relaxation effect can be obtained.

[0069] Furthermore, the above embodiments can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the air bag 10 is configured as a connection 50 between the expansion portion 41 and the flow path portion 42, and the pair of linear joint portions α2, α2 extend in parallel.

[0071] However, it is not limited to this, such as Figure 13 As shown in the air bag 10C, it can also be configured as a pair of linear joints α2, α2 extending from the opening position of the flow path X2 relative to the internal space X1 of the expansion portion 41 toward the depth side of the flow path X2 (in Figure 7 It extends from left to right in the middle.

[0072] That is, in this air bag 10C, the distance D1 between a pair of linear joints α2, α2 set at the opening position of the flow path X2 relative to the internal space X1 of the expansion section 41 is smaller than the distance D0 between a pair of linear joints α2, α2 set on the depth side of the flow path X2 (D1 < D0). By using the flow path section 42C with such a structure, the same effect as the above embodiment can also be obtained.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the shape of the expansion portion 41, viewed from the direction of the overlapping sheets 30, 30, i.e., the shape of its peripheral portion, is approximately pentagonal. However, it is not limited to this; the peripheral portion shape of the expansion portion 41 can also be a polygonal shape other than pentagonal. That is, it can be triangular, quadrilateral, or a polygonal shape with more than six sides. Moreover, the expansion portion 41 can also have a structure with a circular peripheral portion shape.

[0074] • In the above embodiment, the flow path 42 is connected to the top Pa of the polygonal expansion portion 41, but the connection portion may not necessarily be the polygonal top Pa.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the air bag 10 includes a pair of expansion portions 41, 41 having an annularly extending joint α1, and a flow path portion 42 having a pair of parallel linear joint portions α2, α2 connected to each of the expansion portions 41, 41, serving as the bag portion 40. However, it is not limited to this; it can also be applied to a structure having three or more expansion portions 41, and adjacent pairs of expansion portions 41, 41 being connected to each other via the flow path portion 42. Moreover, for example, it can also be applied to a structure where the air pipe 25 constituting the air supply and exhaust flow path Lo is connected to one end of the flow path portion 42, and the expansion portion 41 is only one.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the expansion portion 41 and the flow path portion 42 have a generally linearly symmetrical shape with the axis N of the flow path portion 42 extending in a straight line as the axis of symmetry, but it may not necessarily be such a linearly symmetrical shape. Moreover, the shape of the flow path portion 42 may not necessarily be linearly extended.

[0077] The material, shape, and bonding method of each sheet 30 that constitutes the air bag 10 can also be changed arbitrarily.

[0078] In the above embodiment, although specifically defined as an air bag 10 for relaxation purposes, it can also be applied to an air bag for seat support that changes the support shape of the seat 1 by expanding and contracting the inner side of the seat cover 1x. Furthermore, it can also be applied to air bags for purposes other than vehicle seats 1.

Claims

1. An air bag, characterized in that, The air bag has a bag portion formed by bonding two sheets together. The bag portion includes: The expansion portion has an annularly extending joint portion; and The flow path section has a pair of parallel linear joints connected to the expansion section. The air filled into the bag portion flows within the internal space of the expansion portion surrounded by the annular joint and within the flow path sandwiched by the pair of linear joints constituting the flow path portion. Furthermore, the air bag is configured such that at the connection between the expansion portion and the flow path portion, the pair of linear joint portions extend from the opening position of the flow path relative to the interior space of the expansion portion toward the depth side of the flow path.

2. The air bag according to claim 1, characterized in that, Viewed from the direction of the overlapping sheets, the expansion portion is formed in a polygonal shape, and the flow path portion is connected to the top of the polygonal shape.

3. The air bag according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The expansion portion and the flow path portion are formed in a linearly symmetrical shape with the axis of the flow path portion extending in a straight line as the axis of symmetry.

4. The air bag according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The air bag has a pair of expansion sections connected via the flow path.

5. The air bag according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air bag has a pair of expansion sections connected via the flow path.

6. A vehicle seat assembly, characterized in that, The vehicle seat assembly has an air bag, as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, disposed on the inner side of the seat cover.

7. The vehicle seat assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vehicle seat assembly has a relaxation function that presses the seat surface from the inside by inflating and contracting the air bag.

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