Airbag device

Abstract

Even when an occupant is seated in a vehicle seat in an irregular sitting position, strong interference between the airbag and the occupant during inflation and deployment can be suppressed. The airbag device (11) has an airbag (12) and an inflator (6) for supplying gas to the airbag (12). The airbag (12) has a pair of chambers (1a) located on the left-right center side of the vehicle seat (2) and physically connected by a joint (12a) that is deployed forward of the occupant (3) when inflation and deployment are completed. The pair of chambers (1a) has side protection chambers (1ab) that are independently inflated and deployed forward from the left and right sides of the vehicle seat (2) to cover at least the side parts (3b) of the occupant (3). The side protection chambers (1ab) are connected to the joint (12a) located on the left-right center side of the vehicle seat (2), and at least in the initial stage of inflation and deployment, the thickness of the joint (12a) is thinner than that of the side protection chambers (1ab).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag device that integrally protects the head, shoulders, upper arms, and sides of the chest of an occupant, and, if necessary, can also protect the abdomen and sides of the waist in addition to these areas, when a vehicle crashes.

[0002] Hereinafter, in this application, "up" and "above" refer to the direction of the occupant's head when sitting on the vehicle seat in a normal state, and "down" and "below" refer to the direction of the occupant's feet in the same state. In addition, "front" and "front side" refer to the front direction of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat in a normal state, and "back" and "back side" refer to the back direction of the occupant in the same state. In addition, "left" and "left side" refer to the left hand direction of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat in a normal state, and "right" and "right side" refer to the right hand direction of the occupant in the same state. In addition, the "normal state" in the above description refers to a state in which the occupant is at the center position in the width direction of the seat cushion constituting the seat, and the occupant's back is in contact with the backrest of the seat as a whole. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, a cover-type (shell-shaped) airbag has been proposed that, for example, in the event of a vehicle collision, expands and deploys from a storage portion of a vehicle seat to integrally cover the occupant's head and the occupant's shoulders, upper arms, and sides of the chest to protect the occupant (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] The airbags proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 exhibit the effects described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 when an occupant is seated in a vehicle seat in a normal state.

[0005] However, occupants do not always sit properly in vehicle seats; they may be seated in a position slightly to the left or right of the proper position. Furthermore, occupants may sit with their upper body tilted forward. In such cases, if interference occurs between the occupant (particularly their head) and the airbag chamber during airbag deployment, the expected deployment performance may not be achieved, depending on the extent of the interference.

[0006] However, if Figure 9 As shown, the airbag 1 is stored in a rolled-up state, for example, from one side of a frame 2b supporting a backrest 2a of a vehicle seat 2, through the upper portion, and then to the other side. Specifically, the head protection chamber 1aa of the chamber 1a formed in the airbag 1 is stored in the upper portion of the backrest 2a, and the side protection chambers 1ab of the chamber 1a are stored in mutually separated opposing positions on the left and right sides of the backrest 2a. In addition, the upper portion of the backrest 2a refers to the upper portion of the backrest 2a. Figure 9In the case of the vehicle seat 2 in which the headrest 2c is integrally formed as shown in (b), the upper portion of the headrest 2c.

[0007] The airbag 1, as Figure 10A As shown, when the uninflated airbag 1 is flattened on a flat surface, it has a shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction. When two base fabrics 1b and 1c of the same shape are overlapped, by sewing 4 and 5 at the periphery and the center in the left-right direction, the inflatable chamber 1a of the same shape is formed on the left and right sides of the sewing 5.

[0008] The airbag 1 is configured such that an insertion portion 1e of an inflator 6 is formed at the outer lower portion of each of the left and right chambers 1a. Gas is supplied from different inflators 6 to the left and right chambers 1a. The left and right chambers 1a are fluidically independent.

[0009] Furthermore, the left and right chambers 1a are divided into side protection chambers 1ab located at the left and right end sides of the airbag 1 and a head protection chamber 1aa located at the center of the airbag 1 in the left and right direction by providing an appropriate number of non-expandable portions 1d in the middle portion in the left-right direction.

[0010] Therefore, the gas supplied from the inflator 6 not only inflates the side protection chambers 1a b, but also passes between the non-inflatable parts 1 and between the non-inflatable parts 1d and the sewing 4 of the outer peripheral part and is supplied to the head protection chamber 1a a, thereby inflating the head protection chamber 1a a. Figure 10A 1f represents a non-expandable portion provided on the side protection chamber 1a b.

[0011] Prior art literature

[0012] Patent Literature

[0013] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-14477

[0014] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-83554 Summary of the Invention

[0015] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0016] For example, in Figure 10A The airbag 1 is shown in a rolled-up state. Figure 9 When the airbag 1 is stored as shown, the chamber 1a expands to the following extent: Figure 10B Therefore, when the occupant 3 is not seated in the vehicle seat 2 in a normal state, the head 3a of the occupant 3 and the head protection chamber 1aa covering the head 3a strongly interfere with each other at the initial stage of expansion and deployment (see Figure 10C (a)) As a result, the airbag 1 is not fully deployed in front of the occupant 3 at the end of inflation and deployment, and the occupant 3 cannot be reliably protected (see Figure 10C (b)).

[0017] The present invention aims to solve the problem that, for example, if the passenger's seat position is biased to the left or right, if the passenger interferes with the chamber during airbag inflation and deployment, the expected deployment performance may not be achieved depending on the degree of interference.

[0018] The present invention solves the aforementioned problem. Specifically, even when a passenger is not seated properly in a vehicle seat, such as when the passenger's seat position is tilted to the left or right, the airbag does not interfere strongly with the passenger, particularly their head, during inflating and deployment, thereby achieving the desired deployment performance.

[0019] Solutions to the problem

[0020] That is, the present invention is an airbag device including an airbag that inflates and deploys to integrally cover the head and side parts of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag.

[0021] The airbag includes a pair of chambers located at the left-right center of the vehicle seat and physically connected by a connection portion that deploys forward of the occupant upon completion of inflation and deployment. Furthermore, the pair of chambers includes side protection chambers that independently expand and deploy forward from the left and right sides of the vehicle seat upon inflation and deployment, covering at least the sides of the occupant.

[0022] The present invention is characterized in that the side protection chamber is joined at the joining portion, and is configured so that at least in the initial stage of expansion and deployment, the thickness of the joining portion is thinner than that of the side protection chamber.

[0023] In the present invention, the so-called "initial period of inflation and deployment" refers to the period from the start of inflation and deployment of the airbag, when it is located on the left-right center side of the vehicle seat, to the moment when the joint that deploys toward the front of the occupant passes above the top of the occupant's head at the end of inflation and deployment.

[0024] In the present invention, the connection portion connecting the side protection chamber at the left-right center of the vehicle seat is thinner than the side protection chamber, at least during the initial stages of inflation and deployment. Therefore, even when the occupant's seat position is offset to the left or right, strong interference between the connection portion and the occupant's head during the initial stages of airbag inflation and deployment can be suppressed, thereby achieving desired deployment performance.

[0025] In the present invention, in a configuration where the thickness of the connecting portion is thinner than the side protection chamber, for example, in addition to a configuration where the connecting portion serves as a non-expanding portion, there is also a configuration where a delay chamber portion is provided, connected to the side protection chamber via an inner exhaust port. Alternatively, there is a configuration where both the non-expanding portion and the delay chamber portion are provided. With these configurations, the likelihood of the connecting portion strongly interfering with the occupant, particularly their head, during the initial stages of airbag inflation and deployment is minimized.

[0026] When the combined portion serves as a delay chamber, gas is supplied to the delay chamber via the side protection chamber, causing the delay chamber to expand and deploy later than the side protection chamber. For example, the delay time of the delay chamber can be controlled by varying the size of the internal exhaust port.

[0027] In the present invention, the delay chamber portion may include, for example, a pair of left and right expansion portions, and gas may be supplied from the inner exhaust port provided on the left-right center side of the vehicle seat in the side protection chamber.

[0028] Specifically, the airbag is constructed from at least two base fabrics, each having an independent seam formed at the boundary between the side protection chamber and the delay chamber portion, either connected to the peripheral seam or not connected to the peripheral seam. Furthermore, in the case of an independent seam not connected to the peripheral seam, the gap between the independent seam and the peripheral seam serves as an inner exhaust vent. On the other hand, in the case of an independent seam connected to the peripheral seam, a gap serving as the inner exhaust vent is formed in the independent seam. In such a case, a non-expandable portion can also be formed by further forming a seam connected to the peripheral seam on the left-right center side of the independent seam.

[0029] Alternatively, the airbag may be configured to include two base fabrics forming a side protection chamber; and an additional base fabric that, together with the base fabric that serves as the passenger side or the side opposite the passenger during inflation and deployment, forms a delay chamber portion. Furthermore, the inner exhaust port is provided in the portion of the base fabric that serves as the passenger side or the side opposite the passenger during inflation and deployment, which portion is covered by the additional base fabric. In this case, the two base fabrics forming the side protection chamber may also form a non-inflatable portion.

[0030] Effects of the Invention

[0031] In the present invention, at least during the initial stages of inflation and deployment, the thickness of the joint portion located toward the left-right center of the vehicle seat, which joins the side protection chambers covering the sides of the occupant, is thinner than that of the side protection chambers. Therefore, even when the occupant's seated position is offset to the left or right, or when the seated occupant's upper body is tilted forward, strong interference between the joint portion and the occupant during the initial stages of inflation and deployment can be suppressed, thereby achieving the desired deployment performance and reliably protecting the occupant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an airbag constituting the airbag device of the present invention when it is unfolded on a flat surface (a state before folding).

[0033] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A The airbag is shown in a schematic diagram at the initial stage of inflation and deployment, (a) is a view viewed from the front of the vehicle, and (b) shows the portion above the occupant's head in a cross-sectional view.

[0034] Figure 1C It shows Figure 1A The figures shown are of the airbag at the time of completion of inflation and deployment, (a) is a view viewed from the front of the vehicle, and (b) partially omits and shows the portion protecting the occupant's head.

[0035] Figure 2A Schematic diagrams showing the second embodiment of the airbag constituting the airbag device of the present invention when it is flattened on a flat surface (state before folding), (a) shows the gap formed between the independent seam and the peripheral seam, and (b) shows the gap formed on the independent seam.

[0036] Figure 2B Shown Figure 2A (b) is a schematic diagram of the airbag at the initial stage of inflation and deployment, showing a portion above the occupant's head as viewed from the front of the vehicle in cross-section.

[0037] Figure 2C Shown Figure 2A (b) is a perspective view of the airbag at the completion of its inflation and deployment, with a portion omitted to show the portion protecting the occupant's head.

[0038] Figure 3A Schematic diagram showing the base fabric of the third embodiment of the airbag constituting the airbag device of the present invention when it is flattened on a flat surface (state before folding), (a) shows the base fabric on the passenger side, (b) shows the base fabric on the side opposite to the passenger, and (c) shows the additional base fabric.

[0039] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A The schematic diagram shown is of an early stage of air bag inflation and deployment, showing a portion above the occupant's head as viewed from the front of the vehicle in a cross-sectional view.

[0040] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A The perspective view shown is of the airbag at the time of completion of inflation and deployment, with a portion of the portion protecting the occupant's head omitted.

[0041] Figure 4A So with Figure 3A The same diagrams show a fourth embodiment of an airbag constituting the airbag device of the present invention, wherein (a) shows the base fabric on the passenger side, (b) shows the base fabric on the opposite side to the passenger side, and (c) shows an additional base fabric.

[0042] Figure 4B So with Figure 3B The same state shows Figure 4A Schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment shown.

[0043] Figure 4C So with Figure 3C The same state shows Figure 4A Schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment shown.

[0044] Figure 5 Schematic diagrams showing a modified example 1 of the second embodiment of the airbag constituting the airbag device of the present invention when it is flattened on a flat surface (state before folding), (a) shows the gap formed between the independent seam and the peripheral seam, and (b) shows the gap formed on the independent seam.

[0045] Figure 6 So with Figure 5 Schematic diagrams of a second modification of the second embodiment of the airbag constituting the airbag device of the present invention are shown in the same state, (a) showing a gap formed between the independent seam and the peripheral seam, and (b) showing a gap formed in the independent seam.

[0046] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing a modified example of the third embodiment of the airbag constituting the airbag device of the present invention when the base fabric is spread out on a flat surface (state before folding), (a) shows the base fabric on the passenger side, (b) shows the base fabric on the side opposite to the passenger, and (c) shows the additional base fabric.

[0047] Figure 8 So with Figure 7 Schematic diagrams of variations of the fourth embodiment of the airbag constituting the airbag device of the present invention are shown in the same state, (a) shows the base fabric on the passenger side, (b) shows the base fabric on the opposite side to the passenger side, and (c) shows the additional base fabric.

[0048] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of a vehicle seat equipped with an airbag as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, (a) shows a headrest separately installed on the backrest of the vehicle seat, and (b) shows the headrest formed integrally with the backrest.

[0049] Figure 10A1 is a schematic diagram showing the airbag constituting the first embodiment of the airbag of the airbag device of the present invention when it is unfolded on a flat surface (a state before folding).

[0050] Figure 10B It shows Figure 10A The perspective view shown is of the airbag at the time of completion of inflation and deployment, with a portion of the portion protecting the occupant's head omitted.

[0051] Figure 10C The diagram shows the vehicle viewed from the front. Figure 10A Schematic diagram of the airbag inflated and deployed state, (a) shows the initial stage of inflation and deployment, (b) shows the end of inflation and deployment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] For example, if the occupant's seat position is biased to the left or right, if interference occurs between the occupant, particularly their head, and the airbag chamber at the initial stage of airbag inflation and deployment, the expected deployment performance may not be achieved depending on the extent of the interference.

[0053] The present invention solves the above problem by configuring the joint portion, which is located at the left-right center of the vehicle seat at least in the initial stage of inflation and deployment and which is deployed forward of the occupant at the end of inflation and deployment, to be at least thinner than the side protection chamber covering the side of the occupant.

[0054] Below, use Figures 1A to 4C An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0055] (First embodiment: Figures 1A to 1C )

[0056] The airbag device 11 of the present invention includes: an airbag 12 that expands and deploys in a manner that covers the head 3a of an occupant 3 sitting on a vehicle seat 2 and the side parts 3b of the occupant 3, such as the shoulders, upper arms, and chest, when a vehicle collides; and an inflator 6 that ejects gas into the interior of the airbag 12 based on a signal from a sensor that detects an impact on the vehicle.

[0057] The vehicle seat 2 has a seat cushion and a backrest portion 2a, and the backrest portion 2a has a headrest 2c integrally formed on the upper portion of the backrest portion 2a or separately mounted thereon. The seat cushion and the backrest portion 2a are formed by a frame 2b (refer to FIG. Figure 9 ) support. The airbag 12 is Figure 1A In the flat state shown, the front-to-back dimension is shortened by rolling it from the front to the back, and the device is stored in the backrest 2a. Figure 9 As shown, the airbag 12 is stored in a rolled shape from one side portion of a frame 2b supporting a backrest portion 2a of the vehicle seat 2 through an upper portion to the other side portion.

[0058] The airbag 12 includes a pair of chambers 1a located at the left-right center of the vehicle seat 2 and connected by a connecting portion 12a that expands toward the front of the occupant 3 when the expansion and deployment are completed. The pair of chambers 1a includes a pair of side protection chambers 1ab that expand and expand forward from the left and right sides of the vehicle seat 2 during expansion and deployment to cover at least the side portions of the occupant 3. The airbag 12 is configured as follows, for example Figure 1A As shown, the previously Figure 10A In the airbag 1 , the side protection chamber 1a b and the head protection chamber 1a a are provided with the center seam 5 in the left-right direction eliminated.

[0059] That is, in Figure 1A The airbag 12 shown is equivalent to Figure 10A The head protection chamber 1a a portion becomes the joint portion 12a, and the left and right side protection chambers 1a b are physically connected by the joint portion 12a. In this case, since the joint portion 12a becomes the non-expansion portion 12a a to which gas is not supplied, when the inflation and deployment of the airbag 12 is completed, Figure 1C (b) shows that the joint 2a does not expand. In addition, for the chamber 1a, the side protection chamber 1a b and the delay chamber part 12a b described later, the "chamber" refers to the bag body including not only the internal space but also the base fabric forming the internal space.

[0060] Therefore, from the time the airbag 12 starts to inflate and deploy until the initial stage of inflation and deployment when the joint portion 12a (non-inflatable portion 12aa) passes over the head 3a of the occupant 3, the joint portion 12a (non-inflatable portion 12aa) does not interfere with the head 3a of the occupant 3 (see FIG. Figure 1B This is because the joint portion 12a is entirely composed of the non-expandable portion 12aa and is thinner than the side protection chamber 1ab. Furthermore, when the airbag 12 is fully inflated and deployed, the airbag 12 (joint portion 12) is reliably deployed forward of the occupant 3 and covers the head 3a, so that the expected deployment performance can be achieved (see Figure 1C ).

[0061] (Second embodiment: Figures 2A to 2C )

[0062] The second embodiment of the present invention provides the sewing 5 at the left-right center of the airbag 12 constituting the first embodiment, and provides a gap 14 without connecting the upper end of the sewing 13 to the outer peripheral sewing 4 (see FIG. Figure 2AAlternatively, the sewing 5 is provided at the left-right center of the airbag 12 constituting the first embodiment, and a gap 15 is formed, for example, on the upper side of the sewing 13 (see Figure 2A (b)).

[0063] In the case of the second embodiment, the joint portion 12a becomes a delay chamber portion 12a b to which air is supplied from the side protection chamber 1a b via the gap 14 or 15 serving as the inner exhaust port. Sewing 4 is an example of a "peripheral seam". Figure 2A Sewing 13 in (a) is an example of an "independent seam not connected to the peripheral seam". Figure 2A The sewing 13 in (b) is an example of an "independent seam connected to the outer peripheral seam".

[0064] Therefore, the joint portion 12a is expanded and deployed later than the side protection chamber 1a b in terms of time, and is thinner than the side protection chamber 1a b in the initial stage of expansion and deployment (refer to FIG. Figure 2B ), thereby suppressing strong interference between the joint portion 12a and the head 3a of the occupant 3. And, at the end of the expansion and deployment, as Figure 2C As shown, the airbag 12 (joint portion 12a) reliably deploys forward of the occupant 3, covering the upper body, including the head 3a. The delay chamber portion 12ab, which expands and deploys later than the side protection chambers 1ab, protects the frontal side of the head 3a and chest of the occupant 3. The time delay between the expansion and deployment of the joint portion 12a (delay chamber portion 12ab) can be controlled by, for example, varying the size of the gaps 14 or 15 serving as the inner exhaust ports.

[0065] (3rd and 4th embodiments: Figure 3A to Figure 3C and Figures 4A to 4C )

[0066] In the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, an additional base fabric 16 is attached to the portion of the two base fabrics 1b and 1c constituting the airbag 12 forming the joint 12a of the first or second embodiment by, for example, sewing 4 and 13.

[0067] In the third embodiment, the additional base fabric 16 is attached to the outside (passenger side) of the base fabric 1b that is the passenger side during inflation and deployment. In the fourth embodiment, the additional base fabric 16 is attached to the outside (opposite side) of the base fabric 1c that is the opposite side to the passenger during inflation and deployment.

[0068] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the base fabric 1b is Figure 3A The left and right center sides of the sewing 13 shown in (a) are also as shown in Figure 3A(b) As shown in FIG. 1, the base fabric 1c is sewn with 17, and the left-right center portion between the two base fabrics 1b and 1c, which is divided by the sewing 4 on the periphery connected to the sewing 17, is set as a non-expandable portion 12a a. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the base fabric 1c is Figure 4A (b) The left and right center sides of the sewing 13 are also as shown in FIG. Figure 4A As shown in (a), the base fabric 1b is sewn with a seam 17, and the left-right center portion between the two base fabrics 1b and 1c, which is divided by the seam 4 on the outer periphery connected to the seam 17, is a non-expandable portion 12aa.

[0069] In the third embodiment, a pair of inner exhaust ports 12b are provided at the left and right outer sides of the non-expandable portion 12aa of the base fabric 1b, which becomes the passenger side during inflation and deployment. In the fourth embodiment, a pair of inner exhaust ports 12b are provided at the left and right outer sides of the non-expandable portion 12aa of the base fabric 1c, which becomes the opposite passenger side during inflation and deployment. Figure 3A (a) and Figure 4A As shown in (b), the inner exhaust port 12b is provided in the portion of the base fabrics 1b and 1c that is covered by the additional base fabric 16.

[0070] That is, in the third and fourth embodiments, the joint portion 2a is formed by the base fabric 1b that becomes the passenger side during inflation and deployment, the base fabric 1c that becomes the opposite side to the passenger during inflation and deployment, and the additional base fabric 16.

[0071] Furthermore, these joint portions 12a include a non-expandable portion 12aa located at the left-right center of the two base fabrics 1b and 1c, and a delay cavity portion 12ab formed by one base fabric 1b or 1c and the additional base fabric 16.

[0072] In the case of the third and fourth embodiments, when the airbag 12 is inflated and deployed, air is supplied from the side protection chamber 1ab only to the delay chamber portion 12ab through the inner exhaust hole 12b.

[0073] Therefore, the delay chamber portion 12a b is expanded and deployed later than the side protection chamber 1a b, and is thinner than the side protection chamber 1a b in the initial stage of expansion and deployment (see FIG. Figure 3B 、 Figure 4B ), suppressing strong interference between the joint 12a and the head 3a of the occupant 3. And at the end of the expansion and deployment, as Figure 3C 、 Figure 4CAs shown, the airbag 12 (joint portion 12a) is surely deployed forward of the occupant 3, and becomes a state covering the upper body including the head 3a. In addition, although the non-expandable portion 12 is not supplied with air, air is supplied between the base fabric 1b or 1c and the additional base fabric 16 formed by sewing 4 and sewing 13. Therefore, the joint portion 12a of the third and fourth embodiments substantially constitutes a delay chamber portion 12a b, and protects the front side of the head 3a and chest of the occupant 3 at the end of inflation and deployment (see FIG. Figure 3B 、 Figure 3C and Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C ).

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and its embodiments can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical concept described in each claim.

[0075] That is, the airbag device described above is a preferred example of the present invention, and other embodiments may be implemented or completed using various methods. Unless otherwise specified in this specification, the present invention is not limited by the shape, size, or structural configuration of the components shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the expressions and terms used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified.

[0076] For example, in Figure 2A In the second embodiment (a), the upper end of the sewing 13 that separates the side protection chambers 1a and 1b from the joint 12a is not connected to the outer peripheral sewing 4. However, the lower end of the sewing 13 may also be not connected to the outer peripheral sewing 4. In addition, the upper and lower ends of the sewing 13 may also be not connected to the outer peripheral sewing 4.

[0077] In addition, Figure 2A In the second embodiment shown in (b), a structure is shown in which a gap 15 is provided on the upper side of the sewing 13 that divides the side protection chamber 1a b and the joint 12a. However, the gap 15 is not limited to one, and the setting position is not limited to the upper side, and can also be the center or the lower side.

[0078] In addition, Figure 2A In the second embodiment shown in (a) and (b), the sewing 5 is provided in the center of the left and right directions. Figure 5 As shown in (a) and (b), the sewing 5 in the center of the left and right directions can be eliminated, and a delay chamber 12a b can be formed in the center of the left and right directions. Figure 6As shown in (a) and (b), the sewing 5 in the left-right center can be eliminated, and two sewings 18 can be provided at an appropriate interval in the left-right center, and the space between the two sewings 18 can be set as the non-expandable portion 12aa. Figure 6 The sewing 18 in the modified examples shown in (a) and (b) is an example of a "seam connected to the outer peripheral seam".

[0079] In addition, Figure 3A The third embodiment shown and Figure 4A In the fourth embodiment shown, the joint portion 12a includes a non-expandable portion 12aa formed by two base fabrics 1b and 1c, and a delay cavity portion 12ab formed by either base fabric 1b or 1c and an additional base fabric 16.

[0080] However, in addition to the base fabric 1b and the base fabric 1c, an additional base fabric 16 may be sewn 17 at the same time to form the non-expanded portion 12aa (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0081] The airbag device 11 of the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the airbag 12 is rolled up and housed in the backrest portion 2 a of the vehicle seat 2 , but may be housed in the backrest portion 2 a in a state of being folded into a bellows.

[0082] In addition, when the airbag device 11 of the present invention is used to store the airbag 12 in the backrest 2a of the vehicle seat 2, it is not limited to the airbag 12 being stored in the backrest 2a of the vehicle seat 2. Figure 9 The side protection chamber 1a b shown is mounted on the left-right outer side of the frame 2b, but may also be mounted on the left-right inner side of the frame 2b. In addition, the inflator 6 may also be mounted on either the left-right inner side or the left-right outer side of the frame 2b.

[0083] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the airbag device 11 is described as protecting the head 3a and the shoulders, upper arms, and side portions 3b of the chest of the occupant 3. However, the present invention can also be applied to an airbag device that protects the side portions of the abdomen and waist of the occupant 3 in addition to the head 3a, shoulders, upper arms, and chest of the occupant 3.

[0084] In the first to fourth embodiments, the left and right chambers 1a are inflated and deployed by the inflators 6 provided on the left and right. However, if the left and right chambers 1a are inflated and deployed independently, gas may be supplied to the left and right chambers 1a by a single inflator 6.

[0085] The airbag 12 described in the first to fourth embodiments is formed by sewing two base fabrics 1b and 1c, or two base fabrics 1b and 1c and an additional base fabric 16. However, as long as the two base fabrics 1b and 1c, or the two base fabrics 1b and 1c and the additional base fabric 16 can be firmly joined, adhesive bonding or welding may be used. Alternatively, the airbag 12 may be formed using a so-called "one-piece weaving" technique.

[0086] In the embodiment described above, the airbag device 11 is installed on the vehicle seat 2 with the seated occupant facing the vehicle front, but the airbag device 11 may also be installed on the vehicle seat 2 with the seated occupant facing the vehicle rear. Such a vehicle seat 2 may be provided in an autonomous vehicle, etc.

[0087] Explanation of symbols

[0088] 1a Chamber

[0089] 1a b Side protection chamber

[0090] 1b, 1c base fabric

[0091] 2 vehicle seats

[0092] 3 crew members

[0093] 3a Head

[0094] 3b Lateral

[0095] 4 Sewing

[0096] 6 Inflator

[0097] 11 Airbag device

[0098] 12 airbags

[0099] 12a Joint

[0100] 12aa Non-expansion part

[0101] 12ab delay chamber

[0102] 12b Internal exhaust port

[0103] 13 Sewing

[0104] 14 Gap

[0105] 15 Gap

[0106] 16 additional base cloth

[0107] 17 Sewing

[0108] 18 Sewing

Claims

1. An airbag device comprising an airbag for inflating and deploying to integrally cover the head and side parts of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat, and an inflator for supplying gas to the airbag, wherein: The airbag has a pair of chambers located at the left-right center of the vehicle seat and connected by a connection portion that is deployed forward of the occupant when inflation and deployment are completed. The pair of chambers include side protection chambers, which expand and expand forward from the left and right sides of the vehicle seat respectively when expanding and expanding to cover at least the side parts of the occupant. The side protection chamber is connected to the connection part, and is configured so that at least in the initial stage of expansion and deployment, the thickness of the connection part is thinner than that of the side protection chamber. The combination portion has a delay chamber portion, which is expanded and deployed later than the side protection chamber by gas supplied through an inner exhaust port connected to the side protection chamber. The retard chamber portion includes a pair of left and right expansion portions, and the gas is supplied to the expansion portions from the inner exhaust port provided on the left-right center side of the vehicle seat of the side protection chamber. 2 . The airbag device according to claim 1 , wherein the joint portion includes a non-expandable portion.

3. The airbag device as described in claim 1, wherein the combined portion has both a non-inflatable portion and a delayed chamber portion, and the delayed chamber portion is inflated and deployed later than the side protection chamber by gas supplied through an inner exhaust port connected to the side protection chamber.

4. The airbag device as described in claim 1, wherein the airbag is composed of at least two base fabrics, and an independent seam that is not connected to the peripheral seam is formed at the boundary between the respective side protection chambers and the delay chamber portion, and the gap between the independent seam and the peripheral seam becomes an inner exhaust port.

5. The airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the airbag is composed of at least two base fabrics, and a gap between an independent seam not connected to the peripheral seam and the peripheral seam formed at the boundary between the respective side protection chambers and the delay chamber portion serves as an inner exhaust port, On the other hand, a seam connected to the outer peripheral seam is formed on the left-right center side of the independent seam, thereby forming the non-expandable portion.

6. The airbag device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the airbag is composed of at least two base fabrics, an independent seam connected to the peripheral seam is formed at the boundary between the respective side protection chambers and the delay chamber portion, and a gap serving as an inner exhaust port is formed at the independent seam.

7. The airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the airbag is composed of at least two base fabrics, and a gap serving as an inner exhaust port is formed at an independent seam connected to an outer peripheral seam formed at a boundary between the respective side protection chambers and the delay chamber portion, On the other hand, a seam connected to the outer peripheral seam is formed on the left-right center side of the independent seam, thereby forming the non-expandable portion.

8. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag comprises: two base fabrics forming the side protection chamber; and an additional base fabric which forms the delay chamber portion together with one of the two base fabrics which becomes the passenger side or the opposite side of the passenger when inflated and deployed, The inner exhaust port is provided at a portion of the one base fabric that is covered by the additional base fabric.

9. The airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the airbag comprises: two base fabrics forming the side protection chamber; and an additional base fabric which forms the delay chamber portion together with one of the two base fabrics which becomes the passenger side or the opposite side of the passenger when inflated and deployed, The inner exhaust port is provided on the portion of the one base fabric covered by the additional base fabric. The non-expandable portion is formed by the two base fabrics forming the side protection chamber, or is formed by the two base fabrics and the additional base fabric.

10. An airbag device comprising an airbag that inflates and deploys to integrally cover the head and side parts of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag, wherein: The airbag has a pair of chambers located at the left-right center of the vehicle seat and connected by a connection portion that is deployed forward of the occupant when inflation and deployment are completed. The pair of chambers include side protection chambers, which expand and expand forward from the left and right sides of the vehicle seat respectively when expanding and expanding to cover at least the side parts of the occupant. The side protection chamber is connected to the connection part, and is configured so that at least in the initial stage of expansion and deployment, the thickness of the connection part is thinner than that of the side protection chamber. The combined portion has a non-expandable portion and a delayed chamber portion, wherein the delayed chamber portion is expanded and deployed later than the side protection chamber by gas supplied through an inner exhaust port connected to the side protection chamber. The retard chamber portion includes a pair of left and right expansion portions, and the gas is supplied to the expansion portions from the inner exhaust port provided on the left-right center side of the vehicle seat of the side protection chamber.

11. The airbag device according to claim 10, wherein the joint portion includes a non-expandable portion.

12. The airbag device according to claim 10, wherein the coupling portion has a delay chamber portion that is inflated and deployed later than the side protection chamber by gas supplied through an inner exhaust port connected to the side protection chamber.

13. The airbag device as described in claim 10 or 12, wherein the airbag is composed of at least two base fabrics, and an independent seam that is not connected to the peripheral seam is formed at the boundary between the respective side protection chambers and the delay chamber portion, and the gap between the independent seam and the peripheral seam becomes an inner exhaust port.

14. The airbag device according to claim 10, wherein the airbag is composed of at least two base fabrics, and a gap between an independent seam not connected to the peripheral seam and the peripheral seam formed at the boundary between the respective side protection chambers and the delay chamber portion serves as an inner exhaust port, On the other hand, a seam connected to the outer peripheral seam is formed on the left-right center side of the independent seam, thereby forming the non-expandable portion.

15. The airbag device according to claim 10 or 12, wherein the airbag is composed of at least two base fabrics, an independent seam connected to the peripheral seam is formed at the boundary between the respective side protection chambers and the delay chamber portion, and a gap serving as an inner exhaust port is formed at the independent seam.

16. The airbag device according to claim 10, wherein the airbag is composed of at least two base fabrics, and a gap serving as an inner exhaust port is formed at an independent seam connected to an outer peripheral seam formed at a boundary between the respective side protection chambers and the delay chamber portion, On the other hand, a seam connected to the outer peripheral seam is formed on the left-right center side of the independent seam, thereby forming the non-expandable portion.

17. The airbag device according to claim 10 or 12, wherein the airbag comprises: two base fabrics forming the side protection chamber; and an additional base fabric which forms the delay chamber portion together with one of the two base fabrics which becomes the passenger side or the opposite side of the passenger when inflated and deployed, The inner exhaust port is provided at a portion of the one base fabric that is covered by the additional base fabric.

18. The airbag device according to claim 10, wherein the airbag comprises: two base fabrics forming the side protection chamber; and an additional base fabric which forms the delay chamber portion together with one of the two base fabrics which becomes the passenger side or the opposite side of the passenger when inflated and deployed, The inner exhaust port is provided on the portion of the one base fabric covered by the additional base fabric. The non-expandable portion is formed by the two base fabrics forming the side protection chamber, or is formed by the two base fabrics and the additional base fabric.

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