Seat-mounted airbag device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of seat-mounted airbag device, with airbag body and guide member, airbag body has front and rear chamber and front end chamber, front and rear chamber is unfolded from the side of headrest of vehicle seat in window side when frontal collision, through the gap between the head of occupant seated in the vehicle seat in window side and the head of occupant seated in the vehicle seat in central side, and is arranged in the gap, front end chamber is unfolded from the front end of front and rear chamber to inside, airbag body is housed in the state with outer winding part in side, guide member is protruded from side before the unfolding of airbag body, between airbag body and the head of occupant seated in the vehicle seat in central side.It can make airbag body unfold smoothly even if the gap between the head of occupant seated in the vehicle seat in window side and the head of occupant seated in the vehicle seat in central side is narrow.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a seat-mounted airbag device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Hitherto, a far-side airbag device has been known which has a first chamber that deploys toward an adjacent seat back from a side portion of a seat back on the opposite side of a shoulder belt at the time of an oblique side collision or a side collision of a vehicle, a second chamber that deploys toward a seat front side from a front end portion of the first chamber by receiving a supply of gas, and a third chamber that deploys toward an inside in a seat width direction from a front end portion of the second chamber by receiving a supply of gas, and has a belt that links the first chamber and the third chamber (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-049898). SUMMARY

[0003] In the case where a far-side airbag device like the one described above is applied to a rear seat having a center seat, for example, the airbag deploys between an occupant seated on a window-side vehicle seat and an occupant seated on a center-side vehicle seat. In this case, it is necessary to deploy the airbag in such a manner that the airbag does not hit the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat nor the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat.

[0004] However, the gap between the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat is narrow, and therefore, when the airbag deploys, the airbag can hit (interfere with) the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat. That is, there is a possibility that the airbag cannot deploy smoothly. Thus, for an airbag device in which the airbag deploys through the gap between the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat, there is room for improvement.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present application is to obtain a seat-mounted airbag device in which an airbag main body deploys smoothly even if the gap between the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat is narrow.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the seat-mounted type airbag device according to the technical solution 1 of the present application is provided with an airbag main body and a guide member, the airbag main body has a front-rear chamber and a front end chamber, the front-rear chamber is deployed from a side portion provided on a seat width direction outer side of a headrest on a side opposite to a window side of a vehicle seat on the window side, through a gap between a head of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the window side and a head of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on a center side, to a seat front side and is disposed in the gap, the front end chamber is deployed from a seat front side end portion of the front-rear chamber to a seat width direction inner side and is disposed on a seat front side of the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the window side, the airbag main body is housed in the side portion in a state of having an outer winding portion wound into a roll shape with a seat up-down direction as an axis, the guide member protrudes from the side portion prior to deployment of the airbag main body and is positioned between the airbag main body and the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the center side.

[0007] According to the invention according to the technical solution 1, when the inflator is operated upon detection or anticipation of a head-on collision of the vehicle, the front-rear chamber of the airbag main body is deployed through a gap between a head of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on a window side and a head of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on a center side, to a seat front side and is disposed in the gap. Then, the front end chamber of the airbag main body is deployed from a seat front side end portion of the front-rear chamber to a seat width direction inner side and is disposed on a seat front side of the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the window side, to restrain the head of the occupant.

[0008] Here, the airbag main body housed in the side portion provided on a seat width direction outer side of a headrest on a side opposite to a window side is provided with an outer winding portion wound into a roll shape with a seat up-down direction as an axis. Also, the guide member protrudes from the side portion prior to deployment of the airbag main body and is positioned between the airbag main body and the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the center side.

[0009] Therefore, when the airbag main body is deployed to a seat front side through a gap between a head of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on a window side and a head of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on a center side by using gas ejected from an inflator, the outer winding portion wound into a roll shape is spread while being deployed at a position closer to a seat width direction inner side than the guide member.

[0010] Therefore, even if the gap between the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat is narrow, the airbag main body can be prevented from hitting (interfering with) the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat, and can be smoothly deployed by the guide member.

[0011] In addition, the seat-mounted type airbag device according to the technical solution 2 of the present application includes an airbag main body and a guide member. The airbag main body has a front-rear chamber and a front-end chamber. The front-rear chamber is deployed from a side portion provided on a seat width direction outer side of a headrest on a side opposite to a window side of a vehicle seat on the window side, through a gap between a head of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the window side and a head of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on a center side, to a seat front side and is disposed in the gap. The front-end chamber is deployed from a seat front side end portion of the front-rear chamber to a seat width direction inner side and is disposed on a seat front side of the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the window side. The airbag main body is housed in the side portion in a state of having a corrugated portion folded in a corrugated shape. The guide member protrudes from the side portion prior to deployment of the airbag main body and is respectively positioned between the airbag main body and the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the window side and between the airbag main body and the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the center side.

[0012] According to the invention described in the technical solution 2, when the inflator is operated in response to detection or prediction of a head-on collision of the vehicle, the front-rear chamber of the airbag main body is deployed through a gap between a head of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on a window side and a head of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on a center side, to a seat front side and is disposed in the gap. Then, the front-end chamber of the airbag main body is deployed from a seat front side end portion of the front-rear chamber to a seat width direction inner side and is disposed on a seat front side of the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the window side, to restrain the head of the occupant.

[0013] Here, the airbag main body housed in the side portion provided on a seat width direction outer side of a headrest on a side opposite to a window side of a vehicle seat has a corrugated portion folded in a corrugated shape. Also, the guide member protrudes from the side portion prior to deployment of the airbag main body and is respectively positioned between the airbag main body and the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the window side and between the airbag main body and the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the center side.

[0014] Therefore, when the airbag main body is deployed to the front of the seat by the gap between the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat using the gas ejected from the inflator, the corrugated portion folded in a corrugated shape is spread while being deployed between the guide member disposed on the head side of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the guide member disposed on the head side of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat.

[0015] Therefore, even if the gap between the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat is narrow, the airbag main body is guided by the guide members to be smoothly deployed without hitting (interfering with) the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat. In addition, it is known that a corrugated shape generally spreads faster than a rolled shape. Therefore, the airbag main body is deployed faster than when housed in a state having an outer roll portion.

[0016] In addition, the seat-mounted type airbag device according to the technical solution 3, in the seat-mounted type airbag device according to the technical solution 1, the airbag main body housed in the side portion has a corrugated portion folded in a corrugated shape continuously from the outer roll portion to the upstream side in the deployment direction.

[0017] According to the invention according to the technical solution 3, the airbag main body housed in the side portion has a corrugated portion folded in a corrugated shape continuously from the outer roll portion to the upstream side in the deployment direction. Therefore, when the airbag main body is deployed to the front of the seat by the gap between the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat using the gas ejected from the inflator, first, the corrugated portion is spread while being deployed, and then the outer roll portion is spread while being deployed. Here, it is known that a corrugated shape generally spreads faster than a rolled shape. Therefore, the airbag main body is deployed faster than when only the outer roll portion is present.

[0018] In addition, the seat-mounted type airbag device according to the technical solution 4, in the seat-mounted type airbag device according to any one of the technical solutions 1 to 3, the guide member is made of cloth.

[0019] According to the invention according to the technical solution 4, the guide member is made of cloth. Therefore, compared to a case where the guide member is made of, for example, plastic, even if the guide member hits the head of the occupant seated on the center-side vehicle seat, there is less concern that the head will be injured.

[0020] Further, the seat-mount type airbag device according to the aspect 5, in the seat-mount type airbag device according to any one of the aspects 1 to 3, the guide member between the airbag main body and the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the center side is constituted by a front wall of the side portion, and the front wall is configured to open only to a prescribed angle at which the airbag main body is deployed under the action of the stopper member.

[0021] According to the aspect 5, the guide member is constituted by the front wall of the side portion. Therefore, compared to the case where the guide member is provided separately from the side portion, the manufacturing cost of the guide member is reduced. Further, the front wall is configured to open only to a prescribed angle at which the airbag main body is deployed under the action of the stopper member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the center side from being injured by the front wall opening more than the prescribed angle and hitting the head.

[0022] Further, the seat-mount type airbag device according to the aspect 6, in the seat-mount type airbag device according to the aspect 5, the guide member between the airbag main body and the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the center side is constituted by the front wall and cloth provided to the front wall.

[0023] According to the aspect 6, the guide member is constituted by the front wall of the side portion and cloth provided to the front wall. Therefore, compared to the case where the guide member is constituted only by cloth, the manufacturing cost of the guide member is reduced. Further, compared to the case where the guide member is constituted only by the front wall of the side portion, it is possible to guide the deployed airbag main body to an appropriate area reaching a position further forward of the seat than the front wall.

[0024] As described above, according to the present application, even if the gap between the head of the occupant seated on the window-side vehicle seat and the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat on the center side is narrow, it is possible to smoothly deploy the airbag main body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 is a side view showing a state after deployment of the seat-mount type airbag device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a state after deployment of the seat-mount type airbag device according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3is an enlarged plan view showing a state before deployment of the seat-mount type airbag device according to the first embodiment, in a partially cutaway manner.

[0029] Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view showing a state during deployment of the seat-mount type airbag device according to the first embodiment, in a partially cutaway manner.

[0030] Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view showing a state during deployment of the seat-mount type airbag device according to the second embodiment, in a partially cutaway manner.

[0031] Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view showing a state before deployment of the seat-mount type airbag device according to the third embodiment, in a partially cutaway manner.

[0032] Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view showing a state during deployment of the seat-mount type airbag device according to the third embodiment, in a partially cutaway manner.

[0033] Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view showing a state before deployment of the seat-mount type airbag device according to the fourth embodiment, in a partially cutaway manner.

[0034] Figure 9 is an enlarged plan view showing a state before deployment of the seat-mount type airbag device according to the fifth embodiment, in a partially cutaway manner.

[0035] Figure 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a state during deployment of the seat-mount type airbag device according to the fifth embodiment, in a partially cutaway manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, the embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Further, in each drawing, an arrow UP will be appropriately shown as above of the seat, an arrow FR will be appropriately shown as front of the seat, and an arrow RH will be appropriately shown as right of the seat. Therefore, in the following description, in the case where the directions of up and down, front and back, and left and right are described without being particularly described, the directions of up and down, front and back, and left and right of the vehicle seat are meant. In addition, the meaning of the left and right directions is the same as the seat width direction.

[0037] Furthermore, the seat-mounted airbag device (hereinafter referred to as "airbag device") 30 according to this embodiment is installed in the rear seat having a central seat (the vehicle seat 11 on the central side of the vehicle), and is installed inside the shell portion 20 (described later) of the headrest 16 constituting the window side of the vehicle seat 10. Therefore, the vehicle seats 10 and 11 according to this embodiment are described as rear seats, but they are not limited to rear seats as long as there is a central seat between the window side seats.

[0038] Furthermore, the vehicle seats 10 and 11 in this embodiment are integrally connected long seats, but this is also true even in the case of separate seats where the vehicle seat 10 on the window side and the vehicle seat 11 on the center side are not integrally connected. In addition, the vehicle seats 10 and 11 have the same structure except for the headrest 16, so their structure will be described using the vehicle seat 10 as an example.

[0039] In this embodiment, the occupant of the vehicle seat 10 seated on the window side is designated as window-side occupant P1, and the occupant of the vehicle seat 11 seated on the center side is designated as center-side occupant P2. Furthermore, as an example, "window-side occupant P1" and "center-side occupant P2" in this embodiment are equivalent to the occupants of the dummy AM50.

[0040] <First Embodiment>

[0041] First, the airbag device 30 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle seat 10 for which the window-side occupant P1 sits has a seat cushion 12 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the window-side occupant P1, a seat back 14 that supports the back of the window-side occupant P1, and a headrest 16 that supports the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1.

[0042] The headrest 16 has a block-shaped main body 16A that is vertically adjustable and positioned at the center of the upper end of the seat back 14 in the seat width direction. In particular, a pair of cylindrical support bars (not shown) are provided at the center of the lower surface of the main body 16A in the seat width direction.

[0043] Each support bar is inserted into the generally cylindrical headrest bracket 18 (see reference) in a manner that allows it to be raised, lowered, and fixed in multiple specified positions. Figure 3 , Figure 4 A pair of headrest supports 18 are provided at the center of the upper end of the seat back 14 in the seat width direction. In addition, the headrest 16 of the vehicle seat 11 is composed only of the main body 16A.

[0044] The headrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10 has a housing portion 20 that is continuously provided from the rear of the main body portion 16A to both left and right side portions. That is, the housing portion 20 is formed in a substantially "U" shape with the front side open when viewed from above, and is attached to the main body portion 16A, which is disposed substantially without a gap on the inner side of the housing portion 20.

[0045] Further, in the housing portion 20, the front end surface of the left and right side portions 24 (the outer surface of the front wall 20F) extending in the front-rear direction is substantially in the same plane as the front surface of the main body portion 16A (see FIG. 2), and can also support the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1. That is, the front end surface of the left and right side portions 24 also constitutes a part of the headrest 16. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2, the housing portion 20 is formed of a resin cover member 22 that is formed in a substantially "U" shape when viewed from above, and the outer side wall 20A and the rear wall 20B of the housing portion 20 are formed of the cover member 22. Further, the upper wall (not shown), the lower wall (not shown), the front wall 20F, and the inner peripheral wall 20C of the housing portion 20 are formed of urethane foam 23, and the outer surfaces of the cover member 22 and the urethane foam 23 are covered with a skin material 21.

[0046] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the housing portion 20 is formed of a resin cover member 22 that is formed in a substantially "U" shape when viewed from above, and the outer side wall 20A and the rear wall 20B of the housing portion 20 are formed of the cover member 22. Further, the upper wall (not shown), the lower wall (not shown), the front wall 20F, and the inner peripheral wall 20C of the housing portion 20 are formed of urethane foam 23, and the outer surfaces of the cover member 22 and the urethane foam 23 are covered with a skin material 21. Figure 3

[0047] A predetermined space portion S (including the accommodation portion S1 and the disposition portion S2 described later) is formed in the interior of the housing portion 20. Further, the accommodation portion S1 formed in the side portion 24L on the seat width direction outer side (the left side in the drawing) of the housing portion 20 on the side opposite to the window side accommodates the airbag main body 32 of the airbag device 30.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing portion 20 is formed of a resin cover member 22 that is formed in a substantially "U" shape when viewed from above, and the outer side wall 20A and the rear wall 20B of the housing portion 20 are formed of the cover member 22. Further, the upper wall (not shown), the lower wall (not shown), the front wall 20F, and the inner peripheral wall 20C of the housing portion 20 are formed of urethane foam 23, and the outer surfaces of the cover member 22 and the urethane foam 23 are covered with a skin material 21. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2, the housing portion 20 is formed of a resin cover member 22 that is formed in a substantially "U" shape when viewed from above, and the outer side wall 20A and the rear wall 20B of the housing portion 20 are formed of the cover member 22. Further, the upper wall (not shown), the lower wall (not shown), the front wall 20F, and the inner peripheral wall 20C of the housing portion 20 are formed of urethane foam 23, and the outer surfaces of the cover member 22 and the urethane foam 23 are covered with a skin material 21. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2, the housing portion 20 is formed of a resin cover member 22 that is formed in a substantially "U" shape when viewed from above, and the outer side wall 20A and the rear wall 20B of the housing portion 20 are formed of the cover member 22. Further, the upper wall (not shown), the lower wall (not shown), the front wall 20F, and the inner peripheral wall 20C of the housing portion 20 are formed of urethane foam 23, and the outer surfaces of the cover member 22 and the urethane foam 23 are covered with a skin material 21.

[0049] The airbag main body 32 has a front-rear chamber 34 that is disposed in the gap D between the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2, and a front end chamber 36 that is deployed from the front side end portion of the front-rear chamber 34 to the seat width direction inner side, and is disposed on the front side of the face (head P1h) of the window-side occupant P1. Further, the airbag main body 32 has a belt 38 in a band shape that links a predetermined position of the upper end portion of the front-rear chamber 34 and a predetermined position of the upper end portion of the front end chamber 36.​

[0050] In other words, the airbag body 32 is bent into an approximate "V" shape when viewed from above, restraining at least a portion of the head P1h and chest of the window-side occupant P1. Furthermore, the harness 38 is configured to connect at least the upper ends of the front and rear chambers 34 to the upper end of the front chamber 36; alternatively, it could be configured to further connect a predetermined position of the lower ends of the front and rear chambers 34 to a predetermined position of the lower end of the front chamber 36.

[0051] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, an inflator 28 is disposed in the configuration section S2, which is formed on the rear side of the space section S of the shell section 20. The inflator 28 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape, with its axial part arranged along the width direction of the seat, and its outer periphery supported by a retainer (not shown) on a reaction plate formed in the shape of a frame.

[0052] The reaction plate is fixed to the seat back frame (not shown) via a bracket (not shown), and becomes a structure that receives the reaction force transmitted by the airbag body 32, which deploys from the front, via the inflator 28. Furthermore, the reaction plate and retainer are also disposed in the mounting section S2.

[0053] The inflator 28 is electrically connected to the vehicle's airbag ECU (not shown), and is also electrically connected to detection devices such as the vehicle's acceleration sensor (not shown) and the airbag ECU. Therefore, when the detection devices detect a frontal collision with the vehicle, the inflator 28 operates via the airbag ECU, instantly ejecting gas.

[0054] Furthermore, the inflator 28 may not operate based on the detection of a frontal collision with the vehicle, but rather it may operate based on the detection of a collision by a collision prediction sensor or other detection device (not shown). Additionally, a connection portion 31 for the airbag body 32 is fitted into the nozzle of the inflator 28.

[0055] Furthermore, after the upper part of the airbag body 32 is folded downward at approximately one-third of its height, it is rolled outward from the front end into a roll shape with the vertical direction of the seat as the axis. That is, the airbag body 32 is housed in the receiving portion S1 formed on the side 24L (see reference) with a rolled-out portion 32A on the outer side of the seat width direction when viewed from above. Figure 3 ).

[0056] Therefore, as Figure 4As shown, the airbag main body 32 is deployed by the gas ejected from the inflator 28, and the outer roll portion 32A, which is rolled in a roll shape, is spread while passing through the gap D between the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 from the side portion 24L, and then, the upper portion folded downward is deployed upward.

[0057] Further, the upper portion of the airbag main body 32 is rolled in a roll shape after being folded downward as described above, so that the height of the side portion 24L (the housing portion 20) is made lower than the height of the airbag main body 32 after deployment. In other words, the height of the accommodation portion S1 is made to be a height slightly higher than the height of the airbag main body 32 folded with the upper portion downward.

[0058] Further, the front wall 20F constituting the front end surface of the side portion 24L is broken, for example, in a straight line along the up-and-down direction, in conjunction with the deployment of the airbag main body 32. Here, the broken portion is preferably the seat width direction inner end portion 20N of the front wall 20F. In other words, a weak portion or the like that is easily broken is preferably formed at the seat width direction inner end portion 20N of the front wall 20F.

[0059] When the broken portion is the seat width direction inner end portion 20N of the front wall 20F, the front wall 20F opens with the seat width direction outer end portion 20T as a hinge portion, and thus, the contact of the deployed airbag main body 32 with the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 can be further suppressed.

[0060] Further, as shown in Figure 3 As shown, the accommodation portion S1 formed in the side portion 24L is provided with a cloth (hereinafter referred to as "guide cloth") 42 as a guide member 40 that protrudes from the side portion 24L (the accommodation portion S1) before the deployment of the airbag main body 32, and is positioned between the airbag main body 32 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2. Further, as shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 The illustration of the guide cloth 42 is omitted in

[0061] One end portion of the guide cloth 42 is fixed to the inner surface of the outer wall 20A of the side portion 24L by an adhesive or a rivet or the like. Further, the other end portion of the guide cloth 42 is disposed along the outer surface of the side wall 32B between the inner surface of the front wall 20F and the outer roll portion 32A of the airbag main body 32 accommodated in a roll shape, and between the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall 20C of the housing portion 20 and the outer surface of the seat width direction inner side wall 32B of the airbag main body 32.

[0062] Thus, as shown in Figure 4As shown, when the gas is ejected from the inflator 28 and the airbag main body 32 is to be deployed by breaking the seat width direction inner end portion 20N of the front wall 20F, the other end portion side of the guide cloth 42 is pushed by the airbag main body 32 and protrudes from the side portion 24L (the housing portion S1), and the guide cloth 42 is positioned between the airbag main body 32 and the head P2h of the central side occupant P2.

[0063] Further, the length of the guide cloth 42 in the protruding direction is preferably set to a length that covers the right side of the face of the central side occupant P2 when viewed from above. In addition, the height (length in the up and down direction) of the guide cloth 42 is preferably set to a height that covers the right side of the face of the central side occupant P2, for example, to a height of about 250 mm to 300 mm.

[0064] In addition, the rigidity of the guide cloth 42 is preferably higher than that of the airbag main body 32, and is preferably a coated cloth obtained by coating a base cloth that is a raw material of the airbag main body 32 with silicone rubber or the like. However, the guide cloth 42 is not limited thereto, and can be formed of the same raw material as the airbag main body 32, for example.

[0065] In addition, although not shown, a non-inflating portion that extends in the up and down direction is formed by sewing in the substantially central portion of the airbag main body 32 in the front and rear direction in the state where the gas is not filled. With this non-inflating portion, the following structure is obtained: the front end chamber 36 is able to bend to the seat width direction inner side with respect to the front and rear chamber 34, and is able to be deployed to the seat width direction inner side. That is, the portion of the airbag main body 32 that is on the upstream side of the deployment direction with respect to the non-inflating portion becomes the front and rear chamber 34, and the portion on the downstream side of the deployment direction with respect to the non-inflating portion becomes the front end chamber 36.

[0066] Next, the operation of the airbag device 30 according to the first embodiment having the above-described structure will be described.

[0067] When the detection device detects that the vehicle has undergone a head-on collision, the inflator 28 operates and instantaneously ejects the gas into the inside of the airbag main body 32. When the gas is ejected into the inside of the airbag main body 32, the airbag main body 32 is deployed, but the guide cloth 42 protrudes from the side portion 24L prior to this deployment. That is, by being pushed from the side of the housing portion S1 by the airbag main body 32 to be deployed, the seat width direction inner end portion 20N of the front wall 20F is broken, and the other end portion side of the guide cloth 42 is pushed out from the side portion 24L (the housing portion S1).

[0068] Thus, first, the guide cloth 42 is positioned between the airbag main body 32 and the head P2h of the central side occupant P2. Also, the airbag main body 32 deploys from the side portion 24L, inside in the seat width direction of the guide cloth 42, through the gap D between the head P1h of the window side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the central side occupant P2 (the guide cloth 42), to the front side.

[0069] Further, at this time, the outer roll portion 32A of the airbag main body 32, which is wound in a roll shape, deploys while spreading, to the front side, and thus deploys in the vicinity of the head P2h of the central side occupant P2. Thus, at the time of deployment, the airbag main body 32 can be inhibited or prevented from hitting (interfering with) the head P1h of the window side occupant P1. Thus, the face of the window side occupant P1 can be inhibited or prevented from being injured by the deployed airbag main body 32.

[0070] Also, for example, even if the head P1h of the window side occupant P1 is leaning toward the head P2h of the central side occupant P2 so that the gap D between the head P1h of the window side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the central side occupant P2 becomes narrow, the airbag main body 32 can be inhibited or prevented from hitting (interfering with) the head P2h of the central side occupant P2 by the guide cloth 42.

[0071] That is, the guide cloth 42 protrudes before the airbag main body 32 and is positioned between the airbag main body 32 and the head P2h of the central side occupant P2, and thus, at the time of deployment of the airbag main body 32, even if the airbag main body 32 deploys in the vicinity of the head P2h of the central side occupant P2, there is no concern that the face of the central side occupant P2 will be injured by the deployed airbag main body 32. In other words, the face of the central side occupant P2 can be protected by the guide cloth 42 at the time of deployment of the airbag main body 32.

[0072] Further, the guide member 40, which protrudes before the airbag main body 32, is constituted by the guide cloth 42, and thus, compared to a case in which the guide member 40 is constituted by plastic, for example, even if the guide member 40 (the guide cloth 42) hits the head P2h of the central side occupant P2, there is less concern that the head P2h (the face) will be injured. In other words, since the guide member 40 is the guide cloth 42, it is possible to minimize the injury to the head P2h of the central side occupant P2.

[0073] Thus, the deployment behavior of the airbag main body 32 is controlled by the outer roll portion 32A and the guide cloth 42 so as not to hit the head P1h of the window side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the central side occupant P2. Thus, as described above, there is no concern that the deployed airbag main body 32 will hit the head P1h of the window side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the central side occupant P2 to cause injury, and the airbag main body 32 can be smoothly deployed by being guided by the guide cloth 42.

[0074] Furthermore, the fully deployed airbag body 32 can restrain at least a portion of the head P1h and chest of the window-side occupant P1 seated in the vehicle seat 10. In other words, during a frontal collision, the airbag body 32 can prevent at least a portion of the head P1h and chest of the window-side occupant P1 from moving forward due to inertial forces.

[0075] Furthermore, the airbag body 32 is rolled up after its upper part is folded downwards to form an outer roll portion 32A. Therefore, when the airbag body 32 is deployed forward by using the gas ejected from the inflator 28 from the side portion 24L through the gap D between the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the central-side occupant P2 (guide fabric 42), the outer roll portion 32A, which is rolled up outwards, first unfolds while dispersing, and then the upper part, which is folded downwards, unfolds upwards.

[0076] Therefore, the airbag body 32, which has an outer roll portion 32A that is folded downwards from the top as described above and then rolled outwards, can unfold to the front side more quickly and complete the unfolding earlier than an airbag body (not shown) that is rolled outwards and then folded downwards from the top.

[0077] Furthermore, the side portion 24L, which houses the airbag body 32, is located on the outer side of the main body 16A of the headrest 16 at the vehicle seat 10 on the window side, in the seat width direction opposite to the window side. Therefore, when the airbag body 32 deploys forward from the side portion 24L, there is no concern that its deployment will be obstructed by the seat belt (shoulder belt) and curtain airbag (not shown) located on the window side.

[0078] <Second Implementation>

[0079] Next, the airbag device 30 according to the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions (including those for common functions) are appropriately omitted.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, in this second embodiment, a guide cloth 42 is not provided, and the guide member 40 is only composed of the front wall 20F, which is different from the first embodiment described above. That is, as the airbag body 32 deploys, the front wall 20F, which breaks off at the inner end 20N in the seat width direction, opens the outer end 20T in the seat width direction as a hinge, thereby positioning it between the airbag body 32 to be deployed and the head P2h of the central occupant P2.

[0081] Furthermore, the front wall 20F is configured such that it opens only to a predetermined angle that allows the airbag body 32 to deploy, using a rope-like member 26 as a stop member. Specifically, one end 26A of the rope-like member 26 is installed approximately at the center of the lower wall in the width direction at the side portion 24L, and the other end 26B of the rope-like member 26 is installed approximately at the center of the lower end portion in the width direction of the front wall 20F. The length of the rope-like member 26 is set such that, when viewed from above, the front wall 20F opens only to approximately 90 degrees.

[0082] Therefore, when the airbag body 32 deploys forward from the side 24L through the gap D between the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 using the gas ejected from the inflator 28, the front wall 20F, which is only open to a predetermined angle, can suppress or prevent injury from hitting the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2, and can deploy smoothly.

[0083] Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, when the guide member 40 is composed only of the front wall 20F of the side portion 24L, compared with the case where the guide member 40 and the front wall 20F of the side portion 24L are separately provided, for example, compared with the case where it is composed only of the guide cloth 42, the manufacturing cost of the guide member 40 and the shell portion 20 can be reduced.

[0084] Furthermore, the front wall 20F is configured to open only to a predetermined angle (approximately 90 degrees when viewed from above) under the action of the rope-like member 26, allowing the airbag body 32 to deploy. Therefore, it is possible to prevent injury to the head P2h of the central side occupant P2 from being hit by the front wall 20F opening too far beyond the predetermined angle.

[0085] <Third Implementation>

[0086] Next, the airbag device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described. Furthermore, detailed descriptions (including common functions) of the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments will be appropriately omitted.

[0087] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, in this third embodiment, a guide cloth 44 is provided at the inner end 20N of the front wall 20F in the seat width direction, which is different from the first and second embodiments described above. That is, the guide member 40 in the third embodiment is composed of the front wall 20F and the guide cloth 44.

[0088] The length of the guide cloth 44 in the direction of protrusion thereof is formed shorter than the guide cloth 42, and only this point is different from the guide cloth 42, the height (length in the up-down direction) is set to be the same as the guide cloth 42. Also, the one end portion of the guide cloth 44 is attached to the seat width direction inner end portion 20N of the front wall 20F by sewing or the like, and the other end portion of the guide cloth 44 is disposed along the outer surface of the side wall 32B of the airbag main body 32 between the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall 20C of the housing portion 20 and the outer surface of the side wall 32B of the airbag main body 32 on the seat width direction inner side.

[0089] Further, in this state, the other end portion of the guide cloth 44 is disposed in the same position as the other end portion of the guide cloth 42. In other words, the length of the guide cloth 44 in the direction of protrusion is set so that the other end portion of the guide cloth 44 disposed along the outer surface of the side wall 32B of the airbag main body 32 on the seat width direction inner side is disposed in the same position as the other end portion of the guide cloth 42.

[0090] In the case of the guide member 40 provided with such a structure, as shown in FIG. 6, by the seat width direction inner end portion 20N of the front wall 20F at the side portion 24L breaking due to the airbag main body 32 to be deployed, the front wall 20F rotates with the seat width direction outer end portion 20T as a hinge portion, thereby pushing out the other end portion side of the guide cloth 44 from the side portion 24L (accommodation portion S1). Figure 7

[0091] Thus, the front wall 20F and the guide cloth 44 are positioned between the airbag main body 32 and the head P2h of the center side occupant P2, and the airbag main body 32 deploys to the front side from the side portion 24L through the gap D between the head P1h of the window side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center side occupant P2 on the seat width direction inner side of the front wall 20F and the guide cloth 44. That is, the outer roll portion 32A of the airbag main body 32, which is rolled in a roll shape, deploys to the front side while spreading.

[0092] Therefore, at the time of deployment thereof, it is possible to suppress or prevent the airbag main body 32 from hitting (interfering with) the head P1h of the window side occupant P1, and it is possible to suppress or prevent the airbag main body 32 from hitting (interfering with) the head P2h of the center side occupant P2. That is, the behavior of deployment of the airbag main body 32 is controlled so as not to directly hit the head P1h of the window side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center side occupant P2. Thus, there is no concern that the deployed airbag main body 32 hits the head P1h of the window side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center side occupant P2 to cause injury, and the airbag main body 32 can be smoothly deployed by being guided by the front wall 20F and the guide cloth 44.

[0093] ​Furthermore, as in the third embodiment, when the guide member 40 is composed of a front wall 20F of the side portion 24L and a guide fabric 44 provided on the front wall 20F, the manufacturing cost of the guide member 40 and the shell portion 20 can be reduced compared to the case where the guide member 40 is composed of, for example, a guide fabric 42. Moreover, compared to the case where the guide member 40 is composed only of the front wall 20F of the side portion 24L, the deployed airbag body 32 can be guided to an appropriate area that reaches a position further forward than the front wall 20F.

[0094] <Fourth Implementation>

[0095] Next, the airbag device 30 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Furthermore, detailed descriptions (including those concerning common functions) of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

[0096] like Figure 8 As shown, in this fourth embodiment, the airbag body 32 of the airbag device 30 not only has an outwardly rolled portion 32A that is rolled outwardly, but also has a corrugated portion 32C that is continuously formed on the upstream side of the unfolding direction of the outwardly rolled portion 32A, which is different from the first embodiment described above.

[0097] That is, the airbag body 32 is housed in the receiving portion S1 in a state having a corrugated portion 32C formed by continuously folding the outer roll portion 32A upwards in the deployment direction into a corrugated shape when viewed from above (folded alternately multiple times with a predetermined length). Furthermore, the corrugated portion 32C shown in the figure is formed in two groups when the part that has been folded twice is considered as one group, but it is not limited to this and can be formed in three or more groups.

[0098] Thus, when the airbag body 32 is formed with an outward roll portion 32A and a corrugated portion 32C sequentially from the downstream side of the deployment direction, the airbag body 32 deploys forward from the side portion 24L through the gap D between the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the central-side occupant P2 using the gas ejected from the inflator 28. First, the corrugated portion 32C unfolds while spreading out, and then the outward roll portion 32A unfolds while spreading out.

[0099] Here, it is known that corrugated shapes generally unfold faster than rolled shapes (corrugated shapes have less resistance when unfolding than rolled shapes). Therefore, compared to the case where the airbag body 32 housed in the housing S1 only has an outer rolled portion 32A, the airbag body 32 with an outer rolled portion 32A and a corrugated portion 32C formed sequentially from the downstream side of the unfolding direction can unfold to the forward side more quickly.

[0100] However, when the airbag body 32 only has an outward curling portion 32A, compared to the case where the airbag body 32 has both an outward curling portion 32A and a corrugated portion 32C, only the outward curling portion 32A needs to be formed. Therefore, it is easy to accommodate the airbag body 32 in the receiving portion S1. That is, when there is only an outward curling portion 32A, it is easy to manufacture an airbag body 32 that is accommodated in the receiving portion S1.

[0101] <Fifth Implementation>

[0102] Finally, the airbag device 30 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, detailed descriptions (including those describing common functions) will be appropriately omitted.

[0103] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, in this fifth embodiment, the airbag body 32 of the airbag device 30 is housed in a corrugated state rather than rolled up, and the guide cloth 46, which serves as the guide member 40, is also located between the airbag body 32 and the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1. However, these two points are different from the first embodiment described above.

[0104] That is, the airbag body 32 is housed in the side portion 24L with only a corrugated portion 32C that folds into a corrugated shape (folded alternately multiple times at a predetermined length) when viewed from above. In addition, in addition to the guide cloth 42, a guide cloth 46 identical to the guide cloth 42 is provided, one end of which is attached to the vicinity of the connecting portion 31 on the side wall 32B on the inner side of the airbag body 32 in the seat width direction by sewing or the like.

[0105] Furthermore, the guide fabric 46 preferably unfolds before the guide fabric 42. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, the guide fabric 46 (in a manner that covers the guide fabric 42) is positioned further outward than the guide fabric 42 and is housed in the side portion 24L. To be more specific, the other end of the guide fabric 46 passes between the guide fabric 42 and the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall 20C, and between the guide fabric 42 and the inner surface of the front wall 20F, and is positioned on the inner surface of the outer wall 20A.

[0106] In the case of guide member 40 with such a structure, such as Figure 10 As shown, when the front wall 20F at the side 24L breaks at the inner end 20N in the seat width direction due to the airbag body 32 that is about to deploy, causing the front wall 20F to rotate with the outer end 20T in the seat width direction as a hinge, first the other end of the guide cloth 46 is pushed out from the side 24L (accommodation part S1), and then the other end of the guide cloth 42 is pushed out from the side 24L (accommodation part S1).

[0107] Thus, the guide cloth 46 is positioned between the airbag main body 32 and the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1, and the guide cloth 42 is positioned between the airbag main body 32 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2. Also, the airbag main body 32 is deployed from the side portion 24L through the gap D between the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 (the guide cloth 46) and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 (the guide cloth 42) to the front side. That is, the corrugated portion 32C of the airbag main body 32 is spread while being deployed to the front side.

[0108] Therefore, at the time of deployment, for example, even if the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 is leaned toward the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 so that the gap D between the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 is narrowed, the airbag main body 32 can suppress or prevent from hitting (interfering with) the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 by the guide cloth 46 and can suppress or prevent from hitting (interfering with) the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 by the guide cloth 42.

[0109] That is, the deployment behavior of the airbag main body 32 is suppressed by the guide cloth 46 and the guide cloth 42 so as not to directly hit the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2. Therefore, there is no concern that the deployed airbag main body 32 hits the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 to cause injury, and the airbag main body 32 can be smoothly deployed by being guided by the guide cloth 46 and the guide cloth 42.

[0110] In addition, it is known that the corrugated shape generally spreads faster than the rolled shape (the resistance at the time of deployment of the corrugated shape is smaller than that of the rolled shape). Therefore, the airbag main body 32 in the fifth embodiment can be deployed to the front side faster than the airbag main body 32 in the first embodiment that is housed in the side portion 24L in the state of only the outer rolled portion 32A.

[0111] The seat-mounted type airbag device 30 related to the present embodiment has been described above on the basis of the drawings, but the seat-mounted type airbag device 30 related to the present embodiment is not limited to the illustrated device and can be appropriately designed within the scope of the gist of the present application. For example, the reaction force plate that supports the inflator 28 can not be fixed to the seat back frame via the bracket but can be fixed to the headrest support 18 via the bracket.

[0112] Further, the guide member 40 is not limited to being constituted by the guide cloth 42, the front wall 20F, the front wall 20F and the guide cloth 44, the guide cloth 42 and the guide cloth 46. The guide member 40 can be any structure as long as it protrudes from the side portion 24L prior to the deployment of the airbag main body 32 and is positioned between the airbag main body 32 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2, and in the case of the 5th embodiment, between the airbag main body 32 and the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1.

[0113] For example, the guide member 40 can also be constituted by a soft resin-made sheet-like member that protrudes and is positioned between the airbag main body 32 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 along the inner surface of the outer side wall 20A of the housing 20, and in the case of the 5th embodiment, along the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall 20C of the housing 20, following the deployment of the airbag main body 32.

[0114] Further, the housing 20 that accommodates the airbag device 30 can be provided such that the side portion 24L thereof is positioned outside in the seat width direction of the side of the main body portion 16A of the headrest 16 opposite the window side. Therefore, the housing 20 can also be provided, for example, to the seat back 14. That is, the side portion 24L can also be provided to the upper end portion of the seat back 14 at the seat width direction outside of the side of the main body portion 16A of the headrest 16 opposite the window side.

[0115] Further, the folding manner of the airbag main body 32 in the airbag device 30 according to the 1st to 4th embodiments is not limited to the above-described folding manner. For example, it can also be an airbag main body (not shown) that is accommodated in the side portion 24L, in which an upper portion is folded downward after being formed into an outer roll portion by sequentially outer rolling from the front end portion side into a roll shape with the seat up-down direction as an axis.

[0116] In this case, when the airbag main body deploys from the side portion 24L toward the front side through the gap D between the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 using the gas ejected from the inflator 28, first, the upper portion folded downward deploys upward, and then the outer roll portion rolled into a roll shape deploys toward the front side while spreading apart.

[0117] Therefore, the airbag main body in which the upper portion is folded downward after being rolled into a roll shape as described above easily passes through even when the gap D between the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 narrows, compared to the airbag main body 32 having the outer roll portion 32A rolled into a roll shape after the upper portion is folded downward.

[0118] In other words, according to the airbag main body that is folded into a roll shape with the upper portion folded downward after being folded, generation of a deployment failure caused by a narrowing of the gap D between the head P1h of the window-side occupant P1 and the head P2h of the center-side occupant P2 can be further suppressed or prevented.

Claims

1. A seat-mounted airbag device characterized by comprising: the seat-mounted airbag device comprises an airbag main body and a guide member, the airbag main body has a front-rear chamber and a front-end chamber, the front-rear chamber is deployed from a side portion provided at a seat width direction outer side of a headrest at a window side of a vehicle seat, through a gap between a head of an occupant seated at the window side of the vehicle seat and a head of an occupant seated at a center side of the vehicle seat, to a seat front side and is disposed in the gap using gas ejected from an inflator operated upon detection or anticipation of a head-on collision of the vehicle, the front-end chamber is deployed from a seat front side end portion of the front-rear chamber to a seat width direction inner side and is disposed at a seat front side of the head of the occupant seated at the window side of the vehicle seat, the airbag main body is housed in the side portion in a state of having an outer winding portion wound into a roll shape with a seat up-down direction as an axis, the guide member is composed of a front wall of the side portion and a guide cloth provided to the front wall, one end portion of the guide cloth is fixed to an inner surface of the side portion, the other end portion of the guide cloth is disposed along an outer surface of a side wall at the seat width direction inner side of the airbag main body and is provided to a portion of the airbag main body that is not wound into a roll shape and is close to the inflator, so that the guide cloth protrudes from the side portion prior to deployment of the airbag main body and is between the airbag main body and the head of the occupant seated at the center side of the vehicle seat, with deployment of the airbag main body, a seat width direction inner side end portion of the front wall constituting a front end face of the side portion is broken, so that the front wall opens with a seat width direction outer side end portion as a hinge portion.

2. A seat-mounted airbag device characterized by comprising: the seat-mounted airbag device comprises an airbag main body and a guide member, the airbag main body has a front-rear chamber and a front-end chamber, the front-rear chamber is deployed from a side portion provided at a seat width direction outer side of a headrest at a window side of a vehicle seat, through a gap between a head of an occupant seated at the window side of the vehicle seat and a head of an occupant seated at a center side of the vehicle seat, to a seat front side and is disposed in the gap using gas ejected from an inflator operated upon detection or anticipation of a head-on collision of the vehicle, the front-end chamber is deployed from a seat front side end portion of the front-rear chamber to a seat width direction inner side and is disposed at a seat front side of the head of the occupant seated at the window side of the vehicle seat, the airbag main body is housed in the side portion in a state of having a corrugated portion folded into a corrugated shape, the guide member is composed of a front wall of the side portion and a guide cloth provided to the front wall, One end of the guide cloth is fixed to the inner surface of the side portion, and the other end of the guide cloth is arranged along the outer surface of the side wall on the seat width direction inner side of the airbag main body, and is provided to a portion of the airbag main body that is not folded in a corrugated shape and is close to the inflator, so that the guide cloth protrudes from the side portion prior to the deployment of the airbag main body, between the airbag main body and the head of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on the window side, and between the airbag main body and the head of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat on the center side, respectively, With the deployment of the airbag main body, the seat width direction inner side end portion of the front wall constituting the front end face of the side portion is broken, so that the front wall opens with the seat width direction outer side end portion as a hinge portion.

3. The seat-mounted type airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that The airbag main body housed in the side portion has a corrugated portion that is continuously folded in a corrugated shape from the outer roll portion to the upstream side in the deployment direction.

4. The seat-mounted type airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The front wall is configured to be opened only to a prescribed angle that enables the deployment of the airbag main body under the action of the stop member.

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