Occupant restraints

Abstract

The present invention provides an occupant restraint device capable of accurately adjusting the position of an airbag when the airbag is inflated and deployed. The occupant restraint device comprises a tension cloth (2a), the two ends of which are respectively fixed to the upper part and the lower part of a vehicle seat, so as to bring the airbag (3) inflated and deployed on the side of an occupant seated on the seat closer to the occupant, and is characterized in that the tension cloth (2a) is connected to at least one connection portion on the surface of the airbag (3), and a retaining groove (9a) is formed on the airbag (3) to retain the tension cloth (2a) when it is inflated and deployed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an occupant restraint device with a safety airbag.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Application No. 2020-127516 filed on July 28, 2020, and incorporates all the contents described in the aforementioned Japanese Application. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, airbag devices have become widely used. Airbag devices are devices that operate in emergency situations such as vehicle collisions, and the airbag expands and deploys under gas pressure to catch and restrain the occupants for protection. There are various types of airbag devices depending on the installation location or purpose.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a side airbag device that is provided at both sides of a vehicle seat and is inflated and deployed under the armpits of an occupant.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-034356 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] On the other hand, in order for the airbag to inflate and deploy to catch the occupant, the airbag must be located at the intended position.

[0010] In this regard, a technique for adjusting the position of an inflated and deployed airbag using a tension cloth is known. In this technique, when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the tension cloth surrounds the outside of the airbag to hold it and bring it close to the passenger side.

[0011] On the other hand, when the inflated and deployed airbag is brought closer to the passenger side by the tension cloth, if the airbag is separated from the expected position, the tension cloth may not be able to appropriately adjust the position of the airbag.

[0012] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot solve such a problem.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an occupant restraint device capable of more accurately adjusting the position of an airbag by a tension cloth when the airbag is inflated and deployed.

[0014] Solutions to the problem

[0015] The occupant restraint device involved in the present invention is equipped with a tension cloth, whose two ends are respectively fixed to the upper and lower parts of the vehicle seat, so as to bring the airbag that inflates and deploys on the side of the occupant seated on the seat closer to the occupant, and is characterized in that a retaining groove is formed on the airbag to retain the tension cloth when it is inflated and deployed.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the position of the airbag can be adjusted more accurately when the airbag is inflated and deployed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a state in which the occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment is mounted on a seat of a vehicle.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed in the occupant restraint device.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the inflated and deployed airbag.

[0021] Figure 4 is based on Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the airbag along line IV-IV.

[0022] Figure 5 is based on Figure 3 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag taken along line VV.

[0023] Figure 6 is based on Figure 5 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag taken along line VI-VI.

[0024] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed in the occupant restraint device according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view of the inflated and deployed airbag.

[0026] Fig. 9 is based on Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the airbag along line IX-IX.

[0027] Fig.10 is based on Figure 8 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag taken along line XX.

[0028] Fig.11 is based on Fig.10 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag taken along line XI-XI.

[0029] Fig.12 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed in the occupant restraint device according to the third embodiment.

[0030] Fig.13 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed in the occupant restraint device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0031] Fig.14 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed in the occupant restraint device according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, an occupant restraint device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0033] An occupant restraint device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a seat of a vehicle.

[0034] (Implementation Method 1)

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a state where the occupant restraint device 100 according to the first embodiment is mounted on the seat 5 of the vehicle. Figure 1 , the state before the airbag is inflated and deployed is shown. In the following, for convenience, the front and rear, left and right, and up and down directions defined in the figure are used for description.

[0036] The seat 5 includes a seat cushion 8 on which an occupant sits, and a seat back 4 which stands up from the rear side of the seat cushion 8 and supports the back of the occupant. The lower end of the seat back 4 is disposed at the rear end of the seat cushion 8 and is rotatably held by a shaft 6 extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, the seat back 4 can be rotated in the front-rear direction about the shaft 6 to adjust the angle.

[0037] A headrest portion 7 is provided on the upper portion of the seat back 4 in a state in which it stands from the center portion in the left-right direction. The headrest portion 7 supports the head of an occupant sitting on a seat cushion 8 .

[0038] The occupant restraint device 100 includes airbag modules 1a and 1b that accommodate an airbag in a housing, and tension cloths 2a and 2b that adjust the position of the inflated and deployed airbag.

[0039] The airbag module 1a is provided on the left side of the seat back 4, and the airbag module 1b is provided on the right side of the seat back 4. The airbag modules 1a and 1b are arranged between a frame (not shown) inside the seat back 4 and a cover covering the frame.

[0040] exist Figure 11, the airbag module 1b is provided on the right side of the seat back 4, and the airbag module 1a is provided on the left side of the seat back 4. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and only one of the airbag modules 1a and 1b may be provided.

[0041] Each of the airbag modules 1a, 1b has an airbag 3 as a bag body (see Figure 2 ) and an inflator (not shown) that sprays gas into the airbag 3, etc.

[0042] The airbag 3 is formed by sewing the peripheral edges of two panels, and the inflator is provided inside the airbag 3. When a vehicle collision occurs, the occupant restraint device 100 expands and deploys the airbag 3 in the forward direction to catch and protect the occupant.

[0043] exist Figure 1 2a and 2b are strip-shaped with a predetermined width. The tension cloth 2a is provided on the left side of the seat back 4, and the tension cloth 2b is provided on the right side of the seat back 4.

[0044] The upper end portion 21a of the tension cloth 2a is fixed to the frame of the seat back 4 at a fixing position F1 on the upper surface 41 of the seat back 4 and on the left side of the headrest portion 7. The upper end portion 21b of the tension cloth 2b is fixed to the frame of the seat back 4 at a fixing position F2 on the upper surface 41 of the seat back 4 and on the right side of the headrest portion 7.

[0045] On the one hand, the lower end 22a of the tension cloth 2a and the lower end 22b of the tension cloth 2b are held by a lower fixing portion 81 provided at the center of the front portion of the seat cushion 8. The lower fixing portion 81 includes, for example, two metal plates, and the lower end portions 22a, 22b of the tension cloths 2a, 2b are sandwiched between the metal plates.

[0046] The tension cloths 2a and 2b are arranged on the inner sides of their side portions from the seat back 4 to the seat cushion 8. The tension cloth 2a is arranged from the left side portion of the seat back 4 to the left side portion of the seat cushion 8, and the tension cloth 2b is arranged from the right side portion of the seat back 4 to the right side portion of the seat cushion 8.

[0047] The middle portions of the tension cloths 2a and 2b pass through the airbag modules 1a and 1b, respectively, and are coupled to the airbags 3 in the airbag modules 1a and 1b as described later.

[0048] In the occupant restraint device 100 according to the first embodiment, when the vehicle collides or is subjected to a large impact, the airbag 3 instantly breaks through the outer cover of the seat back 4 and expands and deploys toward the front side of the seat 5. In addition, while the airbag 3 is expanding and deploying, the tension cloths 2a and 2b hold the airbags 3 that fly out from both sides of the seat 5 and expand and deploy together with the corresponding airbags 3, so that the airbag 3 can be arranged on the center side of the seat back 4, that is, the occupant side of the seat cushion 8.

[0049] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing a state in which the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed in the occupant restraint device 100. Figure 2 For convenience, only the inflated and deployed state of the airbag 3 on the left side of the occupant P sitting on the seat cushion 8 is shown. However, in reality, the airbags 3 on both sides of the occupant P are inflated and deployed in the same manner, and the position of the airbag 3 on the left side is adjusted by the tension cloth 2a, while the position of the airbag 3 on the right side is adjusted by the tension cloth 2b (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0050] Below, use Figure 2 The function and operation of the tension cloth 2a on the left side of the seat 5 will be described, and the description of the tension cloth 2b on the right side will be omitted.

[0051] In the event of a vehicle collision, Figure 2 As shown, the left airbag 3 is torn from the outer cover of the inner side of the side surface 42 of the seat back 4 and expands and deploys toward the front side of the seat 5. In addition, while the airbag 3 is expanding and deploying, the tension cloth 2a also flies out, surrounds the outer side of the expanded and deployed airbag 3 and arranges it on the center side of the seat back 4, that is, on the side of the occupant P sitting on the seat cushion 8, and protects the occupant P by contacting and restraining the occupant P.

[0052] At this time, the tension cloth 2a inevitably partially contacts the outer side surface of the airbag 3. In the occupant restraint device 100 according to the first embodiment, the tension cloth 2a is sewn and joined to the airbag 3 at a predetermined location in the contact portion between the airbag 3 and the tension cloth 2a.

[0053] exist Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , the tension fabric 2a is sewn to the airbag 3 at two joints 23a and 24a indicated by "X" marks. The joint 23a is located below the joint 24a.

[0054] In the occupant restraint device 100, a holding groove 9a for holding the tension cloth 2a is formed at the lower portion of the airbag 3 below the joint 23a as described later. The holding groove 9a receives and holds the tension cloth 2a when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, thereby preventing the airbag 3 from being disengaged from the normal position.

[0055] Here, the lower portion of the airbag 3 refers to the portion from the lower end of the inflated and deployed airbag 3 to the most inflated portion of the airbag 3 in the vehicle width direction. It generally refers to the lower side of the middle portion of the airbag 3 in the vertical direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] The upper portion of the airbag 3 refers to the portion from the upper end of the inflated and deployed airbag 3 to the most inflated portion of the airbag 3 in the vehicle width direction. It generally refers to the upper portion of the middle portion of the airbag 3 in the vertical direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] The most inflated portion of the airbag 3 in the vehicle width direction is the most inflated portion in the contact region between the inflated and deployed airbag 3 and the tension fabrics 2a and 2b, and may not be the most inflated portion of the entire airbag 3.

[0058] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the inflated and deployed airbag 3. Figure 4 is based on Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the airbag 3 along line IV-IV, Figure 5 is based on Figure 3 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag 3 taken along line VV. Figure 4 This is a picture viewed from below. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , for convenience of explanation, the passenger P is indicated by a double-dashed line. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , for convenience, the tension cloth 2a is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0059] Figure 6 is based on Figure 5 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag 3 taken along line VI-VI. Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , for convenience, the tension cloth 2a is indicated by a dotted line.

[0060] The airbag 3 is a bag body formed by combining a first panel 3a (contact portion) and a second panel 3b (non-contact portion) of substantially the same shape by sewing the peripheral edges. The first panel 3a and the second panel 3b are, for example, circular. Therefore, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the expansion is limited by the seam 34, and when the expansion and deployment are completed, the longitudinal section and cross section of the airbag 3 are substantially elliptical.

[0061] When the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the first panel 3a and the second panel 3b face each other, the first panel 3a is combined with the tension fabric 2a as described above, and the second panel 3b faces the occupant P. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the seam 34 of the airbag 3 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0062] In addition, the airbag 3 has an internal tether 32 that restricts the shape of the airbag 3 when it is inflated and deployed. In addition, as described later, a retaining groove 9a is formed in the first panel 3a and a groove 9b is formed in the second panel 3b at the lower part of the airbag 3. The retaining groove 9a and the groove 9b are formed by the internal tether 32.

[0063] For convenience of description, the following description will be given using a case where the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed.

[0064] As described above, the inner tether 32 is provided inside the airbag 3. The inner tether 32 has a substantially trapezoidal sheet shape, with the shorter side of the two substantially parallel sides being the lower side and the longer side being the upper side, and is provided at the lower part of the airbag 3 (see Figure 5 ). The inner tether 32 is provided at a predetermined interval from the lower end of the airbag 3 .

[0065] The inner tie 32 is arranged between the first panel 3a and the second panel 3b. One of the two sides of the inner tie 32 adjacent to the short side is sewed to the lower part of the first panel 3a, and the other is sewed to the lower part of the second panel 3b. Thus, a seam 35a is formed on the first panel 3a, and a seam 35b is formed on the second panel 3b (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0066] Furthermore, as described above, since the inner sides of the first panel 3a and the second panel 3b are restrained by the inner tether 32, the expansion of the airbag 3 in the opposing direction of the first panel 3a and the second panel 3b (hereinafter referred to as the thickness direction of the airbag 3) is restricted during inflation and deployment.

[0067] In particular, the first panel 3a is combined with the inner tie 32 via the lower seam 35a, and the second panel 3b is combined with the inner tie 32 via the lower seam 35b. Therefore, in the first panel 3a, the other parts except the part corresponding to the seam 35a can expand relatively freely, and in the second panel 3b, the other parts except the part corresponding to the seam 35b can expand relatively freely.

[0068] That is, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the lower part of the first panel 3a and the lower part of the second panel 3b are stretched mutually via the inner tether 32, so the part related to the seam 35a and the surrounding of the seam 35a in the first panel 3a are recessed, and the part related to the seam 35b and the surrounding of the seam 35b in the second panel 3b are recessed. Thus, the retaining groove 9a is formed on the first panel 3a, and the groove 9b is formed on the second panel 3b.

[0069] In other words, in the first panel 3a, the retaining groove 9a is formed in the portion corresponding to the inner lace 32 (seam 35a). In addition, in the second panel 3b, the groove 9b is also formed in the portion corresponding to the inner lace 32 (seam 35b) (see Figure 4 ).exist Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the outside of the region surrounded by the dotted line corresponds to the retaining groove 9 a and the groove 9 b .

[0070] In addition, as described above, the inner tether 32 is substantially trapezoidal and has a predetermined dimension in the height direction. Therefore, the seams 35a and 35b are formed within a predetermined range in the vertical direction. Therefore, the retaining grooves 9a and 9b extend within a predetermined range in the vertical direction. Moreover, since the inner tether 32 is substantially trapezoidal, the dimension in the direction intersecting the height direction (hereinafter referred to as the width direction) gradually decreases downward.

[0071] Furthermore, as described above, the first panel 3a is recessed around the seam 35a, and the second panel 3b is recessed around the seam 35b, so that the width of the inner tether 32 gradually decreases downward. Thus, the holding groove 9a of the first panel 3a and the groove 9b of the second panel 3b are connected at the lower part of the airbag 3, and a recess 36 is formed at the lower end of the airbag 3.

[0072] As described above, in the occupant restraint device 100 of the first embodiment, the holding groove 9a is formed in the lower portion of the first panel 3a that contacts the tension cloth 2a when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, so as to extend in the vertical direction. When the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the tension cloth 2a is stored in the holding groove 9a (see Figure 4 At this time, in the tension cloth 2a, both ends in the width direction are in contact with the first panel 3a in the holding groove 9a, and a gap exists between the center portion excluding the both ends and the first panel 3a.

[0073] Therefore, the tension cloth 2a can slide on the first panel 3a in the holding groove 9a along the length direction of the holding groove 9a (see Figure 6 ) In addition, the movement of the tension cloth 2a in the width direction of the holding groove 9a is restricted.

[0074] Therefore, during inflation and deployment, the lower portion of the airbag 3 is prevented from leaving the tension cloth 2a and deviating from the intended position, and the tension cloth 2a can reliably bias the airbag 3 toward the occupant P to adjust the position.

[0075] The position of the inner lace 32 is not limited to Figures 4 to 6 In order to accurately bring the inflated and deployed airbag 3 close to the occupant P via the tension cloth 2a, the inner tether 32 is provided so that the holding groove 9a is formed at the position where the tension cloth 2a should contact the occupant P.

[0076] As described above, the inner tether 32 is substantially trapezoidal, and its width dimension gradually decreases downward. On the other hand, the lower end 2a of the tension cloth 2a is held by the lower fixing portion 81 provided at the center side of the front portion of the seat cushion 8 (see Figure 1 ).

[0077] That is, the holding groove 9a is closer to the lower end portion 22a (lower fixing portion 81) of the tension cloth 2a as it is closer to the lower end portion of the airbag 3. Therefore, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the tension cloth 2a is easily received by the holding groove 9a.

[0078] Moreover, since the retaining groove 9a is provided at the lower portion of the airbag 3 and a recess 36 is formed at the lower end portion of the airbag 3, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the tension cloth 2a is embedded in the retaining groove 9a and the recess 36, lifting the airbag 3 and more accurately arranging it at the desired position close to the head of the occupant P.

[0079] Furthermore, as described above, by previously coupling the airbag 3 and the tension cloth 2a by the coupling portions 23a and 24a, the position of the inflated and deployed airbag 3 can be more stably adjusted.

[0080] In the above, the case where the tension cloth 2a has two joint portions 23a and 24a is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The joint portions 23a and 24a are not essential and may be omitted.

[0081] In addition, the above description takes the case where the tension cloth 2a has two joint portions 23a and 24a as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The tension cloth 2a may have one joint portion or three or more joint portions.

[0082] In the above description, the two joints 23a and 24a are provided in a narrow area at a fixed point in the tension cloth 2a, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each joint 23a and 24a may be provided in a predetermined range along the length direction of the tension cloth 2a.

[0083] In the above, the tension fabrics 2a and 2b are sewn to the airbag 3, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the tension fabric 2a may be fixed to the airbag 3 by an adhesive, or may be fixed by a hook and loop fastener or the like.

[0084] In addition, although the above description takes the case where the tension cloths 2a and 2b are in a strip shape as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto. The tension cloths 2a and 2b may be cloths having a wide width or a large area.

[0085] (Implementation Method 2)

[0086] In the first embodiment, the case where one tension cloth 2 a , 2 b is provided for each airbag 3 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0087] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing a state in which the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed in the occupant restraint device 100 according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , for convenience, only the inflated and deployed state of the airbag 3 on the left side of the occupant P is shown, but in reality, the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed on both the left and right sides of the occupant P in the same manner.

[0088] In the occupant restraint device 100 of the second embodiment, the position of the left airbag 3 is adjusted by the tension cloths 2a and 2c, and the position of the right airbag 3 is adjusted by the tension cloths 2b and 2d (see Figure 8 ).

[0089] Below, use Figure 7 Only an example of the inflation and deployment of the airbag 3 on the left side of the occupant P will be described.

[0090] The upper end 21a of the tension cloth 2a and the upper end 21c of the tension cloth 2c are fixed to the upper part of the seat back 4. In addition, the lower end 22a of the tension cloth 2a and the lower end 22c of the tension cloth 2c are held by the lower fixing portion 81 (see FIG. 1 ) at the front center side of the seat cushion 8. Figure 1 The tension cloths 2a and 2c are arranged together on the left side of the seat 5.

[0091] In the occupant restraint device 100 of the second embodiment, the tension cloth 2a has two joints 23a and 24a, and the tension cloth 2c has two joints 23c and 24c. Of the joints 23a and 24a, the joint 23a is located below the joint 24a, and of the joints 23c and 24c, the joint 23c is located below the joint 24c.

[0092] In the occupant restraining device 100, a holding groove 9c is provided below the joint portion 23a of the tension cloth 2a and below the airbag 3, and a holding groove 9d is provided below the joint portion 23c of the tension cloth 2c and below the airbag 3, and receives and holds the tension cloth 2c when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed. The holding grooves 9c and 9d receive and hold the tension cloth 2a and 2c, respectively, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, and prevent the airbag 3 from being displaced from the intended position.

[0093] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the inflated and deployed airbag 3. Fig. 9 is based on Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the airbag 3 along line IX-IX, Fig.10 is based on Figure 8 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag 3 taken along line XX. Fig. 9 This is a picture viewed from below. Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , for convenience of explanation, the passenger P is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Fig.11 is based on Fig.10 XI-XI line of the airbag 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The tension cloths 2a and 2c are indicated by double-dotted lines. Fig.11 Indicated by dotted lines.

[0094] The airbag 3 is a bag body formed by combining a first panel 3a and a second panel 3b of substantially the same shape by sewing the peripheral edges. The first panel 3a and the second panel 3b are, for example, circular. Therefore, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the expansion is limited by the seam 34. When the expansion and deployment are completed, the longitudinal section and the cross section of the airbag 3 are substantially elliptical.

[0095] When the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the first panel 3a and the second panel 3b face each other, the first panel 3a is combined with the tension fabrics 2a and 2c, and the second panel 3b faces the occupant P. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , the seam 34 of the airbag 3 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0096] In addition, the airbag 3 has internal tethers 32a and 32b. As described later, retaining grooves 9c and 9d are formed on the first panel 3a, and grooves 9e and 9f are formed on the second panel 3b at the lower portion of the airbag 3. The retaining grooves 9c and 9d and the grooves 9e and 9f are formed by the internal tethers 32a and 32b.

[0097] For convenience of description, the following description will be given using a case where the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed.

[0098] As described above, the inner tethers 32a and 32b are provided inside the airbag 3. The inner tethers 32a and 32b have a substantially trapezoidal sheet shape, with the shorter side of the two substantially parallel sides being the lower side and the longer side being the upper side, and are provided at the lower part of the airbag 3 (see Fig.10 The inner tethers 32a and 32b are provided at a predetermined interval from the lower end of the airbag 3. The inner tethers 32a and 32b are provided at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction.

[0099] The inner ties 32a and 32b are arranged between the first panel 3a and the second panel 3b. One of the two sides of the inner ties 32a and 32b adjacent to the short sides is sewed to the lower part of the first panel 3a, and the other is sewed to the lower part of the second panel 3b. Seams 35c and 35d are formed on the first panel 3a, and seams 35e and 35f are formed on the second panel 3b (see Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ).

[0100] Furthermore, as described above, since the inner sides of the first panel 3a and the second panel 3b are restrained by the inner tethers 32a and 32b, the expansion of the airbag 3 in the thickness direction is restricted when it is inflated and deployed.

[0101] In particular, the first panel 3a is connected to the inner ties 32a and 32b at the lower seams 35c and 35d, and the second panel 3b is connected to the inner ties 32a and 32b at the lower seams 35e and 35f. Therefore, in the first panel 3a, the other parts except the parts corresponding to the seams 35c and 35d can expand relatively freely, and in the second panel 3b, the other parts except the parts corresponding to the seams 35e and 35f can expand relatively freely.

[0102] That is, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the lower part of the first panel 3a and the lower part of the second panel 3b are stretched mutually via the inner ties 32a and 32b, so that the portion related to the seams 35c and 35d and the surroundings of the seams 35c and 35d in the first panel 3a are recessed, and the portion related to the seams 35e and 35f and the surroundings of the seams 35e and 35f in the second panel 3b are recessed. Thus, the retaining grooves 9c and 9d are formed in the first panel 3a, and the grooves 9e and 9f are formed in the second panel 3b.

[0103] In other words, in the first panel 3a, the retaining grooves 9c and 9d are formed in the portions corresponding to the inner ties 32a and 32b (the seams 35c and 35d), respectively. In addition, in the second panel 3b, the grooves 9e and 9f are formed in the portions corresponding to the inner ties 32a and 32b (the seams 35e and 35f) (see Fig. 9 ). In addition, Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , the outsides of regions A and C surrounded by dotted lines correspond to the retaining grooves 9c and 9d, respectively, and the outsides of regions B and D surrounded by dotted lines correspond to the grooves 9e and 9f, respectively.

[0104] In addition, as described above, since each inner tether 32a, 32b is substantially trapezoidal, the seams 35c, 35d and the seams 35e, 35f are formed within a predetermined range in the vertical direction. Therefore, the holding grooves 9c, 9d and the grooves 9e, 9f extend within a predetermined range in the vertical direction. Furthermore, since the inner tether 32a, 32b is substantially trapezoidal, the dimension in the width direction gradually decreases downward.

[0105] Furthermore, as described above, the first panel 3a has recessed areas around the seams 35c and 35d, and the second panel 3b has recessed areas around the seams 35e and 35f, and the width dimensions of the inner tethers 32a and 32b gradually decrease downward. Thus, the retaining grooves 9c and 9d of the first panel 3a and the grooves 9e and 9f of the second panel 3b are connected at the lower portion of the airbag 3, and recesses 36a and 36b are formed at two locations at the lower end of the airbag 3.

[0106] As described above, in the occupant restraint device 100 of the second embodiment, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the retaining grooves 9c and 9d are formed on the first panel 3a so as to extend in the vertical direction. When the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the tension cloths 2a and 2c are accommodated in the retaining grooves 9c and 9d (see Fig. 9 At this time, in the tension cloth 2a, both ends in the width direction are in contact with the first panel 3a in the retaining groove 9c, and there is a gap between the center part other than the both ends and the first panel 3a. In addition, in the tension cloth 2c, both ends in the width direction are also in contact with the first panel 3a in the retaining groove 9d, and there is a gap between the center part other than the both ends and the first panel 3a (refer to Fig. 9 ).

[0107] Therefore, the tension cloth 2a can slide on the first panel 3a in the holding groove 9c along the length direction of the holding groove 9c, and the tension cloth 2c can slide on the first panel 3a in the holding groove 9d along the length direction of the holding groove 9d (refer to Fig.11 ).

[0108] Furthermore, the movement of the tension cloth 2a in the width direction of the holding groove 9c is restricted, and the movement of the tension cloth 2c in the width direction of the holding groove 9d is restricted.

[0109] Therefore, during inflation and deployment, the lower portion of the airbag 3 is prevented from leaving the tension cloths 2a and 2c and deviating from a desired position, and the tension cloths 2a and 2c can reliably bias the airbag 3 toward the occupant P to adjust the position.

[0110] In order to enable the tension cloths 2a and 2c to accurately bring the inflated and deployed airbag 3 close to the occupant P, inner tethers 32a and 32b are provided respectively so that holding grooves 9c and 9d are formed at positions where the tension cloths 2a and 2c should contact with each other.

[0111] In addition, as described above, the inner tethers 32a, 32b are substantially trapezoidal, and their width dimensions gradually decrease downward. That is, the closer the holding grooves 9c, 9d are to the lower end of the airbag 3, the closer they are to the lower end 22a of the tension cloth 2a and the lower end 22c of the tension cloth 2c, that is, the lower fixing portion 81. Therefore, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the tension cloths 2a, 2c are easily received by the holding grooves 9c, 9d.

[0112] Moreover, since the retaining grooves 9c and 9d are arranged at the lower portion of the airbag 3 and the recesses 36a and 36b are formed at the lower end portion of the airbag 3, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the tension cloth 2a is embedded in the retaining groove 9c and the recess 36a, and the tension cloth 2c is embedded in the retaining groove 9d and the recess 36b, thereby lifting the airbag 3 and more accurately arranging it at the desired position close to the head of the occupant P.

[0113] Furthermore, as described above, by pre-joining the airbag 3 and the tension cloth 2a by the joints 23a and 24a and pre-joining the airbag 3 and the tension cloth 2c by the joints 23c and 24c, the position of the inflated and deployed airbag 3 can be adjusted more stably.

[0114] Furthermore, as described above, the position of one airbag 3 is adjusted by the two tension cloths 2a and 2c, and the airbag 3 and the two tension cloths 2a and 2c are pre-connected by the connecting portions 23a, 24a, and 23c, so that the position of the inflated and deployed airbag 3 can be adjusted more stably.

[0115] In the above, the case where two tension cloths 2 a and 2 c are provided for one airbag 3 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and three or more tension cloths may be provided for one airbag 3 .

[0116] The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0117] (Implementation Method 3)

[0118] Fig.12 Schematic diagram showing a state where the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed in the occupant restraint device 100 according to the third embodiment. Fig.12 In the figure, only the state of the expansion and deployment of the airbag 3 on the left side of the occupant P is shown. In fact, since the airbag 3 is expanded and deployed equally on the left and right sides of the occupant P, the following uses Fig.12Only an example in which the airbag 3 on the left side of the occupant P is inflated and deployed will be described.

[0119] In the occupant restraint device 100 of the third embodiment, the tension cloth 2a and the tension cloth 2c are provided for the left airbag 3. The upper end 21a of the tension cloth 2a and the upper end 21c of the tension cloth 2c are fixed to the fixed position F1 of the seat back 4 (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0120] The lower end portion 22a of the tension cloth 2a and the lower end portion 22c of the tension cloth 2c are held by the lower fixing portion 81 at the front center of the seat cushion 8 (see FIG. Figure 1 The tension cloths 2a and 2c are arranged together on the left side of the seat 5.

[0121] The tension cloth 2a has two joints 23a and 24a, and the joint 23a is located below the joint 24a. In addition, the tension cloth 2c has two joints 23c and 24c, and the joint 23c is located below the joint 24c.

[0122] In the occupant restraint device 100 of the third embodiment, the upper side portions of the tension cloth 2a and the tension cloth 2c are integrated. That is, the upper end portion 21a of the tension cloth 2a and the upper end portion 21c of the tension cloth 2c are sewn together, for example, within a predetermined range to form an integrated portion 2e. The integrated portion 2e is formed between the joint portion 24a of the tension cloth 2a and the joint portion 24c of the tension cloth 2c and the fixing position F1 of the upper portion of the seat back 4. In addition, the integrated portion 2e may also be formed using an adhesive.

[0123] In the occupant restraining device 100, similarly to the second embodiment, a holding groove 9c for receiving and holding the tension cloth 2a is provided below the joint portion 23a of the tension cloth 2a and below the airbag 3. A holding groove 9d for receiving and holding the tension cloth 2c is provided below the joint portion 23c of the tension cloth 2c and below the airbag 3. The holding grooves 9c and 9d restrain the airbag 3 to the tension cloths 2a and 2c when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, so that the airbag 3 does not deviate from the intended position.

[0124] The structure of the holding grooves 9c and 9d is the same as that of the second embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] As described above, in the occupant restraint device 100 of the third embodiment, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the retaining grooves 9c and 9d are formed, the tension cloths 2a and 2c are retained in the retaining grooves 9c and 9d, and the airbag 3 is restrained by the tension cloths 2a and 2c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lower part of the airbag 3 from leaving the tension cloths 2a and 2c and deviating from the expected position. Therefore, the tension cloths 2a and 2c can reliably arrange the airbag 3 close to the occupant P side.

[0126] Furthermore, the tension cloths 2a and 2c are provided with retaining grooves 9c and 9d at positions where they should contact in order to enable the inflated and deployed airbag 3 to be accurately brought close to the occupant P. Therefore, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the tension cloths 2a and 2c are easily accommodated in the retaining grooves 9c and 9d.

[0127] Furthermore, in the occupant restraint device 100 of the third embodiment, as described above, the upper end portion 21a of the tension cloth 2a and the upper end portion 21c of the tension cloth 2c are sewn together within a predetermined range to form the integrated portion 2e.

[0128] Therefore, it is easy to arrange the tension cloth 2a and the tension cloth 2c on the side of the seat back 4. In addition, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the upper end 21a of the tension cloth 2a and the upper end 21c of the tension cloth 2c fly out at the same time, so the position of the airbag 3 can be adjusted earlier.

[0129] In addition, the above description only describes the case where the upper end 21a of the tension cloth 2a and the upper end 21c of the tension cloth 2c are integrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The lower end 22a of the tension cloth 2a and the lower end 22c of the tension cloth 2c may be integrated together.

[0130] The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0131] (Implementation Method 4)

[0132] Fig.13 Schematic diagram showing a state in which the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed in the occupant restraint device 100 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig.13 In the figure, for convenience, only the inflated and deployed state of the airbag 3 on the left side of the occupant P is shown. In fact, since the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed equally on the left and right sides of the occupant P, the following uses Fig.13 Only an example in which the airbag 3 on the left side of the occupant P is inflated and deployed will be described.

[0133] In the occupant restraint device 100 of the fourth embodiment, the tension cloth 2a and the tension cloth 2c are provided for the left airbag 3. The upper end 21a of the tension cloth 2a and the upper end 21c of the tension cloth 2c are fixed to the upper part of the seat back 4.

[0134] On the other hand, the lower end portion 22a of the tension cloth 2a and the lower end portion 22c of the tension cloth 2c are respectively held at the lower fixing portion 81 (see FIG. 1 ) of the seat cushion 8 via the pretensioning mechanisms 25a and 25b (tension applying mechanisms). Figure 1 The pre-tensioning mechanisms 25a and 25b apply tension to the tension cloths 2a and 2c, respectively.

[0135] The pretensioner 25 a is provided between the lower end 22 a of the tension cloth 2 a and the lower fixing portion 81 of the seat cushion 8 , and the pretensioner 25 b is provided between the lower end 22 c of the tension cloth 2 c and the lower fixing portion 81 of the seat cushion 8 .

[0136] The pretensioner mechanisms 25a and 25b have the same structure as a buckle pretensioner for pulling in the buckle of a vehicle seat belt in response to an impact. The pretensioner mechanisms 25a and 25b apply tension by pulling the tension cloths 2a and 2c toward the lower fixing portion 81 when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed.

[0137] Similar to the second embodiment, in the occupant restraint device 100 of the fourth embodiment, the tension cloth 2a has two joint portions 23a and 24a, and the tension cloth 2c has two joint portions 23c and 24c.

[0138] In addition, similar to the second embodiment, in the occupant restraint device 100 of the fourth embodiment, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, holding grooves 9c and 9d are formed at the lower part of the airbag 3 to receive and hold the tension cloths 2a and 2c, respectively. The holding groove 9c for holding the tension cloth 2a is formed below the joint 23a of the tension cloth 2a, and the holding groove 9d for holding the tension cloth 2c is formed below the joint 23c of the tension cloth 2c.

[0139] With the above configuration, the occupant restraint device 100 of the fourth embodiment can prevent the lower portion of the airbag 3 from leaving the tension cloths 2a and 2c and deviating from the intended position, and the tension cloths 2a and 2c can accurately arrange the airbag 3 close to the occupant P side.

[0140] In addition, in the occupant restraint device 100 of the fourth embodiment, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, the pretensioning mechanisms 25a and 25b respectively pull the tension cloths 2a and 2c toward the lower fixing portion 81, so that the tension cloths 2a and 2c can increase the force of urging the airbag 3 toward the occupant P. Therefore, the airbag 3 can be arranged on the occupant P side more quickly and reliably, thereby protecting the occupant P.

[0141] The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0142] (Implementation method five)

[0143] Fig.14 Schematic diagram showing a state in which the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed in the occupant restraint device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig.14 In the figure, for convenience, only the inflated and deployed state of the airbag 3 on the left side of the occupant P is shown. In fact, since the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed equally on the left and right sides of the occupant P, the following uses Fig.14 Only an example in which the airbag 3 on the left side of the occupant P is inflated and deployed will be described.

[0144] In addition, Fig.14 , for convenience, the seat cushion 8 is shown only in a longitudinal sectional view.

[0145] In the occupant restraint device 100 of the fifth embodiment, the tension cloth 2a and the tension cloth 2c are provided for the left airbag 3. The upper end 21a of the tension cloth 2a and the upper end 21c of the tension cloth 2c are fixed to the upper part of the seat back 4.

[0146] The lower end portion 22a of the tension cloth 2a and the lower end portion 22c of the tension cloth 2c are held by the lower fixing portion 81 of the seat cushion 8 (see Figure 1 ).

[0147] Similar to the second embodiment, in the occupant restraint device 100 of the fifth embodiment, the tension cloth 2a has two joint portions 23a and 24a, and the tension cloth 2c has two joint portions 23c and 24c.

[0148] In addition, similar to the second embodiment, in the occupant restraint device 100 of the fifth embodiment, when the airbag 3 is inflated and deployed, retaining grooves 9c and 9d for receiving and retaining the tension cloths 2a and 2c, respectively, are formed at the lower portion of the airbag 3. The retaining groove 9c is formed below the joint portion 23a of the tension cloth 2a, and the retaining groove 9d is formed below the joint portion 23c of the tension cloth 2c.

[0149] The structure of the holding grooves 9c and 9d is the same as that of the second embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0150] On the other hand, the seat cushion 8 includes a cushion pad 82 and a panel member 86 disposed under the cushion pad 82 and supporting the cushion pad 82. The cushion pad 82 is made of a shock-absorbing cushioning material, and the panel member 86 constitutes the bottom of the seat cushion 8.

[0151] The seat cushion 8 has an airbag device 83 (tension imparting mechanism) inside. The airbag device 83 is interposed between the cushion pad 82 and the panel member 86. The airbag device 83 has, for example, an airbag 85 as a bag body formed by sewing the peripheral edges of two panels together, and an inflator 84 that ejects gas into the airbag 85.

[0152] Before inflation and deployment, the airbag 85 is laid flat on the panel member 86 at a position corresponding to the thigh to the buttocks of the occupant P. When a collision of the vehicle is detected, the inflator 84 operates and supplies gas into the airbag 85, and the airbag 85 is inflated and deployed upward.

[0153] With the above configuration, even in the occupant restraint device 100 of the fifth embodiment, the lower portion of the airbag 3 can be prevented from leaving the tension cloths 2a and 2c and deviating from the intended position, and the tension cloths 2a and 2c can accurately arrange the airbag 3 close to the occupant P side.

[0154] In the occupant restraint device 100 of the fifth embodiment, an airbag device 83 is provided inside the seat cushion 8, and in the event of a vehicle collision, the airbag 85 is inflated and deployed from the panel member 86 toward the cushion pad 82. At this time, the airbag 85 pushes the occupant P upward from the thigh to the buttocks via the cushion pad 82. As a result, the load applied to the tension fabric 2a and the tension fabric 2c increases, and tension is applied to the tension fabric 2a and the tension fabric 2c.

[0155] Therefore, the so-called submarine phenomenon, in which the occupant P falls off the seat belt and slips off the seat 5 and slips into the space under the feet, can be effectively suppressed. Therefore, the airbag 3 can be arranged on the occupant P side more reliably to receive and protect the occupant P.

[0156] The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0157] The technical features (constituent elements) described in the first to seventh embodiments can be combined with each other, and new technical features can be formed through combination.

[0158] In addition, reference symbols are used in the claims to help understanding. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the description of the specification defined by such reference symbols, but includes all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0159] Explanation of symbols

[0160] 1a, 1b…Airbag module

[0161] 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d… tension cloth

[0162] 2e…Integrated part 3…Airbag

[0163] 3a...first panel 3b...second panel

[0164] 4…Seat back 5…Seat

[0165] 7…Headrest 8…Seat cushion

[0166] 9a, 9c, 9d…Retention groove

[0167] 23a, 24a, 23c, 24c ... joint

[0168] 25a, 25b…Preload mechanism

[0169] 32, 32a, 32b...inner lace 36, 36a, 36b...recess

[0170] 41…upper surface 42, 43…side surface

[0171] 83…Airbag device 100…Occupant restraint device

[0172] F1, F2…Fixed position P…Occupant

Claims

1. An occupant restraint device (100), comprising tension cloths (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), both ends of which are fixed to the upper and lower parts of a vehicle seat (5), respectively, for bringing an airbag (3) inflated and deployed at the side of an occupant (P) seated on the seat (5) closer to the occupant (P), characterized in that: The airbag (3) is provided with retaining grooves (9a, 9c, 9d) for retaining the tension cloths (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) when inflating and deploying. The retaining grooves (9a, 9c, 9d) are formed at the lower portion of the airbag (3), A recessed portion (36, 36a, 36b) connected to the retaining grooves (9a, 9c, 9d) is formed at the lower end of the inflated and deployed airbag (3).

2. The occupant restraint device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) is combined with the surface of the safety airbag (3) via at least one combining portion (23a, 24a, 23c, 24c).

3. The occupant restraint device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining grooves (9a, 9c, 9d) extend in the up-down direction of the inflated and deployed airbag (3).

4. The occupant restraint device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), When the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, it is accommodated in the retaining groove (9a, 9c, 9d), and can slide along the length direction of the retaining grooves (9a, 9c, 9d), The retaining grooves (9a, 9c, 9d) The tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) is restricted from moving in the width direction of the holding groove (9a, 9c, 9d).

5. The occupant restraint device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The safety airbag (3) comprises: A contact portion (3a) in contact with the tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) when expanded and unfolded, and a non-contact portion (3b) opposite to the contact portion (3a); an inner tether (32, 32a, 32b) which is arranged between the contact portion (3a) and the non-contact portion (3b) and restricts the shape of the airbag (3); The retaining grooves (9a, 9c, 9d) are formed in the contact portion (3a) at positions corresponding to the inner ties (32, 32a, 32b).

6. The occupant restraint device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The retaining grooves (9a, 9c, 9d) are provided at positions where the inflated and deployed airbag (3) is brought close to the occupant (P) through the tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d).

7. The occupant restraint device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner ties (32, 32a, 32b) are sheet-shaped, and their width dimensions gradually decrease downward.

8. The occupant restraint device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A tension applying mechanism (25a, 25b, 83) is provided on the seat (5) and applies tension to the tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d).

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