Airbag device

Abstract

To realize an airbag device in which the side airbag cushions that inflate and deploy on both sides of the seat operate as an integral unit in the event of a side collision or similar incident, the device includes an airbag (11) and an inflator (12) that injects gas to inflate the airbag (11). The airbag (11) includes: a first side airbag cushion (21) that inflates and deploys to cover one side of an occupant (5) seated on the vehicle seat; a second side airbag cushion (22) that inflates and deploys to cover the other side of the occupant (5); and a connecting member (23) that connects the first side airbag cushion (21) and the second side airbag cushion (22). In the fully inflated state of the airbag (11), the connecting member (23) is located at a height within the upper part of the seat (1) that is lower than the top of the occupant's head, extending along the width direction of the seat (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a side airbag device for protecting occupants, etc. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, it was well known that there was an airbag device used to protect occupants in the event of a side collision or rollover of a vehicle. In this airbag device, the airbag inflates and deploys to cover the side of the occupant seated in the vehicle.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an occupant restraint device as an airbag system that protects an occupant from both proximal and distal impacts. This occupant restraint device includes: an airbag for protecting the occupant from proximal impacts; and an upper torso restraint member for protecting the occupant from distal impacts. The upper torso restraint member abuts against the occupant's shoulder or chest from the front of the vehicle, restraining the occupant to the seat. In Patent Document 1… Figure 6 The text describes the use of airbags as a restraint component for the upper body.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-135016 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, when a vehicle is involved in a side collision, occupants initially move towards the side of the impact due to inertia, and then move towards the opposite side due to the impact force. However, in existing airbag systems, the proximal and distal airbags operate independently, which may not effectively restrain the occupants moving as described above.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the following circumstances, and its object is to realize a safety airbag device in which the side airbag cushions expand and deploy to both sides of the seat in the event of a side collision of a vehicle.

[0010] Problem Solving Methods

[0011] The airbag device of the present invention comprises: an airbag and an inflator, wherein the inflator sprays gas to inflate the airbag, the airbag having: a first side airbag cushion that inflates to cover one side of an occupant seated in a vehicle; a second side airbag cushion that inflates to cover the other side of the occupant; and a connecting member that connects the first side airbag cushion and the second side airbag cushion, wherein in the fully inflated state of the airbag, the connecting member is located at a height within the height range of the upper part of the seat that is lower than the top of the occupant's head, and extends along the width direction of the seat.

[0012] The present invention can also be configured such that the connecting member is a pipe through which gas can flow, the inflator is mounted on the first side airbag, and a portion of the gas injected from the inflator to the first side airbag is supplied to the second side airbag through the pipe.

[0013] The present invention can also be configured such that the first side airbag is disposed on the proximal side of the door near the seat, and the second side airbag is disposed on the far side of the door away from the seat.

[0014] The present invention may also be configured such that the first side airbag cushion has: a first head airbag cushion portion that expands to cover one side of the occupant's head; a first body airbag cushion portion that expands to cover one side of the occupant's body; and the second side airbag cushion has a second head airbag cushion portion that expands to cover the other side of the head.

[0015] The present invention may also be configured such that the first side airbag cushion has: a first head airbag cushion portion that expands to cover one side of the occupant's head; a first body airbag cushion portion that expands to cover one side of the occupant's body; and the second side airbag cushion has: a second head airbag cushion portion that expands to cover the other side of the head; and a second body airbag cushion portion that expands to cover the other side of the body.

[0016] The present invention can also be configured such that, in the fully inflated state, when an occupant sitting in the seat collides with one of the first side airbag cushions and the second side airbag cushion, the other side airbag cushion is pulled tight by the side airbag cushion of one side airbag cushion via a connecting member, and collides with the side of the headrest of the seat.

[0017] The present invention can also be configured such that, in the flat state where the uninflated airbag is deployed and placed flat on a flat surface, in a direction orthogonal to the left and right direction of the airbag, the side fixed to the seat is designated as the rear side and the opposite side as the front side. In the flat state, a first side airbag pad is connected to one end of a connecting member extending in the left and right direction of the airbag, and a second side airbag pad is connected to the other end. The front end of the connecting member is located at a position further rear than the front ends of the first side airbag pad and the second side airbag pad, respectively.

[0018] The present invention can also be configured such that, in the flat state, the first side airbag cushion and the second side airbag cushion can each have: an outer airbag cushion portion, which is located outside the connecting member in the left-right direction of the airbag and extends outward to the front side of the front end of the connecting member; and an inner airbag cushion portion, which extends inward from the portion extending outward from the outer airbag cushion.

[0019] The present invention can also be configured such that, in a flat state, the inner airbag portion of the first side airbag cushion and the inner airbag portion of the second side airbag cushion overlap each other.

[0020] The present invention can also be configured such that, in the retracted state when the airbag is stored in the seat, the first side airbag pad and the second side airbag pad are respectively formed such that the inner airbag pad portion is rolled up toward the outer airbag pad portion, or the inner airbag pad portion is pressed into the interior of the outer airbag pad portion, or the inner airbag pad portion is rolled up or folded into a roll in a form that overlaps with the outer surface of the outer airbag pad portion.

[0021] The airbag of the present invention can also be constructed by connecting a first bag portion having a first side airbag cushion and a second bag portion having a second side airbag cushion to each other.

[0022] The present invention can also be configured such that, in the airbag, a seat fixing part is provided on one side of the first side airbag cushion and the second side airbag cushion, and an inflator storage part is provided on the other side, and the airbag is fixed to the seat by the fixing part and the inflator storage part.

[0023] The present invention can also be configured such that a seat fixing part is also provided on the connecting member in the airbag.

[0024] The seat of the present invention can also be configured such that a headrest is installed on the backrest, and in the fully expanded state, the connecting member is located in front of or behind the gap between the backrest and the headrest.

[0025] The present invention can also be configured such that, in the fully inflated state, the rear end of one of the first side airbag cushions and the second side airbag cushion is fixed to the seat frame at a position inside the side of the side airbag cushion of one of the seat frames of the backrest of the seat. Thus, when one side airbag cushion is pushed to the outside of the seat, the rear part of the other side airbag cushion is pushed to the side of the seat.

[0026] The present invention can also be configured such that when the seat belt is obliquely mounted on the body of the occupant sitting on the seat from the first side airbag cushion side to the second side airbag cushion side, the first side cushion is positioned between the seat belt and the occupant in the fully inflated state.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] In this invention, when fully inflated, the connecting member linking the first and second side airbags is located below the top of the occupant's head within the height range of the upper part of the seat. Here, in the event of a side collision, the occupant seated in the seat moves laterally from shoulder to upper side, colliding with one of the side airbags. At this time, that side airbag, within the height range of the upper part of the seat corresponding to the area from the occupant's shoulder to upper side, bears the occupant's collision load and moves outward. Furthermore, with this movement, the other side airbag is laterally stretched and moves towards the occupant's side via the connecting member. If the occupant moves to the opposite side from the initial stage of the collision, the occupant collides with the other side airbag.

[0029] In this invention, the connecting member is located within the height range of the initial impact on the occupant. Therefore, the lateral load acts directly on the connecting member. Consequently, compared to an airbag where, for example, the two side airbags are connected above the occupant's head, the two side airbags move laterally as a single unit. Thus, the occupant, moving to the opposite side from the initial impact, has a shorter travel distance before colliding with the other side airbag, allowing for earlier restraint of the occupant. According to this invention, an airbag device can be realized where the side airbags on both sides of the seat operate as a single unit in the event of a side impact, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1A This is a diagram showing the state of the airbag in the embodiment after it has fully inflated and deployed, and it is a diagram of the seat where the occupant is seated, viewed from the front.

[0031] Figure 1B It is a diagram showing the airbag fully inflated and deployed, and a diagram showing the seat where the occupant is not present, viewed from the front.

[0032] Figure 1C This diagram shows the airbag fully inflated and deployed, and is a view of the seat where the occupant is not present, viewed from the side of the first airbag cushion.

[0033] Figure 1D This diagram shows the airbag fully inflated and deployed, and it is a view of the seat where the occupant is not present, viewed from the side of the second airbag cushion.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a top view of the airbag in its flat position.

[0035] Figure 3A (a) is a top view of an airbag used to illustrate the first folding method of the airbag. Figure 3A (b) is Figure 3A (a) shows the AA section diagram.

[0036] Figure 3B This is a top view of an airbag used to illustrate the second folding method of the airbag.

[0037] Figure 3C (a) to (c) are top views of an airbag used to illustrate the third folding method of the airbag.

[0038] Figure 3D (a) to (c) are top views of airbags used to illustrate other methods of airbag folding.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a front view of the seat with the airbags stowed up.

[0040] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the movement of the first side airbag when an occupant collides with the second side airbag.

[0041] Figure 6 (a) to (b) are diagrams used to illustrate the state of the first side airbag cushion between the seat belt and the occupant.

[0042] Figure 7A (a) to (b) are diagrams illustrating the state of the gas pipe located near the front side of the headrest's support structure.

[0043] Figure 7B (a) to (b) are diagrams illustrating the state of the gas pipe in front of the headrest support member, located at a position slightly away from the support member.

[0044] Figure 7C (a) to (b) are diagrams illustrating the state of the gas pipe located near the rear side of the headrest's support structure.

[0045] Figure 8 (a) is a top view of the airbag according to the first variation of the embodiment. Figure 8 (b) is a top view of the intermediate manufacturing part of the airbag and the bag body connected to the intermediate manufacturing part.

[0046] Figure 9 This is an intermediate manufacturing product of the airbag involved in the second variation of the embodiment, and is a top view of the first bag portion and the second bag portion.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a top view of the airbag in a flat position according to the third variation of the embodiment.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a front view of the seat in the fully inflated state of the airbag according to the fourth variation of the embodiment.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the seat viewed from a distant, oblique rearward position, in the fourth variation of the embodiment, with the airbag fully inflated.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the state of the airbag in the fifth variation of the embodiment after it has fully expanded, and it is a diagram of the seat where the occupant is seated, viewed from the front. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, its applicability, or its uses.

[0052] In this invention, the term "occupant" refers to a dummy used in frontal collision tests (Hybrid III AM50 / NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] standard "49CFR Part 572 Subpart E and 0" for frontal collision tests), with a physique equivalent to that of an average American male, approximately 175cm in height, 88cm in seat height, and 78kg in weight.

[0053] In this manual, "upper" and "upper side" refer to the direction of the head of the occupant 5 when seated in the proper position of the seat 1 in the vehicle, while "lower" and "lower side" refer to the direction of the feet of the occupant 5. "Front" and "front side" refer to the frontal direction of the occupant 5 when seated in the proper position of the seat 1, while "rear" and "rear side" refer to the rear direction of the occupant 5. "Left" and "left side" refer to the left-hand direction of the occupant 5 when seated in the proper position of the seat 1, while "right" and "right side" refer to the right-hand direction of the occupant 5. "Proper position" refers to the position where the back of the occupant 5 contacts the backrest (seat back) 3 of the seat 1 in a vertically aligned manner, at the center of the seat cushion 2 in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, "proper position" will sometimes be referred to as "proper seating position".

[0054] In this embodiment, the airbag device 10 is configured such that, in the event of a side collision or rollover of a passenger car or similar vehicle, the side airbag cushions 21 and 22 installed on both sides of the seat 1 inside the vehicle operate as a single unit. In the airbag device 10, the side airbag cushions 21 and 22 on both sides are concentrated in one airbag 11. Before describing the airbag device 10 below, the seat 1 equipped with the airbag device 10 will be described.

[0055] [About the general structure of the seat]

[0056] like Figures 1A to 1D As shown, the seat 1 has a seat cushion 2 and a backrest 3. A headrest 4 is mounted on the upper end of the backrest 3 via a rod-shaped support member 6. Alternatively, the seat 1 may be integrally formed with the backrest 3 and the headrest 4.

[0057] [About the structure of the airbag device]

[0058] The airbag device 10 includes an airbag 11 and an inflator 12 (see reference). Figure 1C The airbag 11 is a cloth bag. The inflator 12 is a device that injects gas to inflate the airbag 11. Hereinafter, the airbag device 10 installed on the driver's seat or passenger seat 1 that is adjacent to the left and right sides will be described as an example. Hereinafter, the side of the vehicle door closer to the seat 1 will sometimes be referred to as the "near side", and the side of the vehicle door farther away from the seat 1 will be referred to as the "far side".

[0059] [Regarding the airbag in its fully inflated state]

[0060] First, the airbag 11 in the fully inflated state (hereinafter referred to as "fully inflated state") will be described with reference to FIG1.

[0061] like Figure 1AAs shown in Figure 1B, the airbag 11 includes: a first side airbag cushion 21, which inflates and deploys to cover one side of the occupant 5 in a properly seated position; a second side airbag cushion 22, which inflates and deploys to cover the other side of the occupant 5 in a properly seated position; and a gas conduit 23, which connects the first side airbag cushion 21 and the second side airbag cushion 22. The gas conduit 23 acts as a connecting member connecting the first side airbag cushion 21 and the second side airbag cushion 22.

[0062] The first side airbag cushion 21 is positioned near the seat 1. The rear side of the first side airbag cushion 21 is fixed to the near side of the seat 1. Figure 1C As shown, the first side airbag cushion 21 extends forward from the fixing part to the seat 1. The first side airbag cushion 21 includes: a first head airbag cushion portion 31, which expands to cover one side of the head of the occupant 5 in the normal sitting position; and a first body airbag cushion portion 41, which expands to cover one side of the body (from the shoulder to the abdomen) of the occupant 5 in the normal sitting position. The first head airbag cushion portion 31 is erected at a rearward and obliquely upward position from the front part of the first body airbag cushion portion 41.

[0063] The second side airbag cushion 22 is positioned on the distal side of the seat 1. The rear side of the second side airbag cushion 22 is fixed to the distal side of the seat 1. Figure 1D As shown, the second side airbag cushion 22 extends forward from the fixing part to the seat 1. The second side airbag cushion 22 includes: a second head airbag cushion portion 32, which expands to cover the other side of the head of the occupant 5 in the normal sitting position; and a second body airbag cushion portion 42, which expands to cover the other side of the body (shoulder) of the occupant 5 in the normal sitting position. The second head airbag cushion portion 32 is erected from the front part of the second body airbag cushion portion 42 and is positioned diagonally upward and backward.

[0064] The gas conduit 23 is formed in a tubular shape, as shown in Figure 1B, and extends along the upper end surface of the backrest 3 in the width direction of the seat 1. One end of the gas conduit 23 opens into the first side airbag cushion 21, and the other end of the gas conduit 23 opens into the second side airbag cushion 22.

[0065] The gas duct 23 is located within the height range of the upper part of the seat 1, within the range x below the top of the head of the occupant 5 in the proper seated position, as shown in the figure. Figure 1A In this embodiment, the gas conduit 23 is located in front of the gap between the backrest 3 and the headrest 4. The gas conduit 23 has a thickness that covers a range from the upper end of the backrest 3 to the lower end of the headrest 4. Furthermore, "the height range of the upper part of the seat 1" refers to the range above the center of the backrest 3 in the vertical direction.

[0066] Regarding airbags in the horizontal position

[0067] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structure of the airbag 11 in its uninflated state, which is laid flat on a flat surface (hereinafter referred to as the "flat state"), will be described.

[0068] The airbag 11 is a bag formed by sewing together two overlapping pieces of fabric of the same shape and size, along with specified parts such as the outer perimeter. Figure 2 In this context, thick dotted lines are used to indicate sewn areas. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the airbag 11 is a roughly rectangular shape with a horizontal length. In the description of the airbag 11 in its horizontal position, the length direction of the airbag 11 is referred to as the "left-right direction," and the width direction is referred to as the "front-back direction." In the front-back direction of the airbag 11, one side fixed to the seat 1 ( Figure 2 The upper middle side is called the "rear side," and its opposite side is called the "front side." Additionally, Figure 2 The upper side of the airbag shown is the rear side even when fully inflated.

[0069] The airbag 11 includes: a gas line 23 extending in the left-right direction; a first side airbag cushion 21 connected to one end of the gas line 23; and a second side airbag cushion 22 connected to the other end of the gas line 23.

[0070] The gas pipe 23 is horizontally elongated and roughly rectangular. The gas pipe 23 is located at the rear of the airbag 11. The front end of the gas pipe 23 (at...) Figure 2 The transverse slit 35 is located further back than the front end of the first side airbag 21 and the second side airbag 22. The front-to-back dimension (thickness) of the gas conduit 23 is less than half the front-to-back dimension of each side airbag 21 and 22.

[0071] The first side airbag cushion 21 has: a first body airbag cushion portion 41, which is located outside the gas conduit 23 in the left-right direction; and a first head airbag cushion portion 31, which is located in front of the gas conduit 23. The first body airbag cushion portion 41 extends forward toward the front end of the gas conduit 23. The first head airbag cushion portion 31 extends inward in the left-right direction from the portion extending forward from the first body airbag cushion portion 41. Figure 2 (Extending to the left side). The first body airbag cushion 41 corresponds to the outer airbag cushion, and the first head airbag cushion 31 corresponds to the inner airbag cushion.

[0072] The first head airbag cushion 31 is generally rectangular (or generally square). The first head airbag cushion 31 is adjacent to the gas conduit 23 via a transverse slit 35 extending in the left-right direction. The first body airbag cushion 41 is also generally rectangular in shape. Strictly speaking, the first body airbag cushion 41 gradually shortens in the front-back direction as it approaches its outermost portion in the left-right direction. The portion of the first body airbag cushion 41 on the side of the gas conduit 23 constitutes an upper airbag cushion 41a for protecting the shoulders of the occupant 5. The portion of the first body airbag cushion 41 on the side opposite to the gas conduit 23 constitutes a lower airbag cushion 41b for protecting the chest and abdomen of the occupant 5.

[0073] A receiving portion 45 for an inflator 12 is formed on the rear side of the first body airbag cushion portion 41. A gas guide 18 is provided inside the receiving portion 45. As an outlet for the gas ejected from the inflator 12, the gas guide 18 has: a first outlet 18a, which opens to the upper airbag cushion portion 41a; and a second outlet 18b, which opens to the lower airbag cushion portion 41b.

[0074] The second side airbag cushion 22 has: a second body airbag cushion portion 42, which is located outside the gas conduit 23 in the left-right direction; and a second head airbag cushion portion 32, which is located in front of the gas conduit 23. The second body airbag cushion portion 42 extends forward of the front end of the gas conduit 23. The second head airbag cushion portion 32 extends inward from the portion of the second body airbag cushion portion 42 that extends forward, towards the left-right direction. Figure 2 (Extending to the right side of the middle). The second body airbag cushion 42 corresponds to the outer airbag cushion, and the second head airbag cushion 32 corresponds to the inner airbag cushion.

[0075] The second head airbag cushion 32 is generally rectangular (or generally square). The second head airbag cushion 32 is adjacent to the gas pipe 23 via the aforementioned transverse slit 35. In addition, the second body airbag cushion 42 is a slightly elongated, generally rectangular shape. The second body airbag cushion 42 is the part used to protect the side of the shoulder of the occupant 5.

[0076] The first head airbag cushion portion 31 and the second head airbag cushion portion 32 are adjacent to each other at their front ends via a longitudinal slit 36 ​​extending in the front-rear direction. The first head airbag cushion portion 31 and the second head airbag cushion portion 32 are formed symmetrically on both sides, separated by the longitudinal slit 36. The longitudinal slit 36 ​​is a cut extending from the front end of the airbag 11 in the front-rear direction and connects to the center of the transverse slit 35 at the rear. The transverse slit 35 extends to the left and right respectively from the rear end of the longitudinal slit 36. When the transverse slit 35 and the longitudinal slit 36 ​​are combined, they form a roughly T-shaped cut. In addition, the length of the transverse slit 35 can be adjusted according to the width of the upper end of the seat frame 1a. In this embodiment, each slit 35, 36 is a cut with almost no gap, but it can also be a cut with a certain degree of gap.

[0077] At the rear end of the airbag 11, a plurality of tabs 16a to 16d are provided as a fixing part for securing the airbag 1 to the seat frame 1a of the seat 1, as shown in the figure. Figure 2 Specifically, the airbag 11 includes a first connecting piece 16a, which is located at the outer end of the first side airbag pad 21 in the left-right direction. Figure 2 The right end of the middle; the second connector 16b, which is located at the end of the first side airbag cushion 21 of the gas pipe 23, i.e. Figure 2 The right end of the middle; the third connector 16c, which is located at the end of the second side of the gas pipe 23 on the side of the airbag cushion 22, that is Figure 2 The left end of the middle; the fourth piece 16d, which is located at the outer end of the second side airbag cushion 22, i.e. Figure 2 The left end of the middle.

[0078] [Regarding the folding method of airbags, etc.]

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The folding method for storing the airbag 11 on the seat 1, the storage method of the folded airbag 11, and the setting state of the airbag 11 on the seat 1 are explained.

[0080] When the airbag 11 is in a flat position, it can be rolled up from the front to the rear into a coil shape, or folded into a corrugated tube shape from the front to the rear, thereby shortening its front-to-back dimensions and achieving its stowed configuration when stored in the seat 1. As a method of rolling it up, it can also be... Figure 2 The airbag 11 can be wound around its surface or rear side. Alternatively, the airbag 11 can be wound into a roll almost entirely, or it can be wound into a roll only halfway through in the front-to-back direction.

[0081] Additionally, before rolling the airbag 11 from front to back into a coil or folding it into a bellows shape, such as Figure 3AAs shown, the head airbag cushions 31 and 32 can also be pressed into the body airbag cushions 41 and 42 (first folding method). Additionally, as... Figure 3B As shown, before rolling the airbag 11 from front to back into a coil or folding it into a corrugated shape, the head airbag cushions 31 and 32 can also be folded into a corrugated shape at the position where they overlap with the outer surfaces of the body airbag cushions 41 and 42 (second folding method). Additionally, as... Figure 3C As shown in (c), the airbag 11 can also be rolled up or folded into a corrugated tube shape from the front to the rear (see reference). Figure 3C (b) The head airbag pads 31 and 32 are bent at the root (or near the root) in a manner that overlaps with the outer surface of each body airbag pad 41 and 42 (third folding method).

[0082] In addition, as other folding methods, such as Figure 3D As shown in (a) to (c), the position where the head is folded from the inside to the outside using the airbag cushions 31 and 32 can also be... Figure 3B More inward. Specifically, at positions 31 and 32 where the head is initially folded (using the airbag cushions). Figure 3D (a) The position of the double-dotted line) can also be slightly away from the base of the head airbag cushions 31 and 32. Furthermore, as... Figure 3D As shown in (c), the two head airbag cushions 31 and 32 may not overlap with the outer surfaces of the body airbag cushions 41 and 42. Alternatively, although not shown, one of the head airbag cushions 31 and 32 may not overlap with the outer surfaces of the body airbag cushions 41 and 42.

[0083] In use Figure 3A When folded, in the retracted configuration of the airbag 11, the head airbag cushions 31 and 32 are pressed into the body airbag cushions 41 and 42. Furthermore, during use... Figure 3B or Figure 3C When folded, in the retracted configuration of the airbag 1, the head airbag cushions 31 and 32 are folded so that they overlap with the outer surfaces of the body airbag cushions 41 and 42. In any retracted configuration, in the airbag 11, the entirety or most of the head airbag cushions 31 and 32 are moved to the outer side of the base of the head airbag cushions 31 and 32 in the flat position, and the gas conduit 23 is thinner than other parts. Furthermore, during use... Figure 3D When folded, in the stowed state of the airbag 1, the head airbag cushion 31 is folded so that it overlaps with the outer surface of the body airbag cushion 41. At this time, the portion of the gas pipe 23 corresponding to the support member 6 of the headrest 4 is thinner than the other portions.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the airbag 11 in its stowed state is stowed in the seat 1 in a bent state along the seat frame 1a. The gas pipe 23 of the airbag 11 is stowed at the upper end of the backrest 3, the first side airbag cushion 21 is stowed on the near side of the seat 1, and the second side airbag cushion 22 is stowed on the far side of the seat 1.

[0085] Here, a pair of support members 6 for supporting the headrest 4 are provided at the upper end of the backrest 3. At the upper end of the backrest 3, a storage portion for the airbag 11 can be secured on the front or rear side between the pair of support members 6. However, because a pair of support members 6 and their mounting structure are provided, the width of the storage portion for the airbag 11 can be narrowed. In this embodiment, in the airbag 11 storage method, since the gas pipe 23 is thinner than other parts, the gas pipe 23 can be easily stored at the upper end of the backrest 3. Furthermore, as a folding method, each head airbag pad 31, 32 can be folded so that approximately the entirety of each head airbag pad 31, 32 is located outside the pair of support members 6.

[0086] Furthermore, the airbag 11, which is housed in the seat 1, is fixed to the seat frame 1a of the seat 1 at five points: the four connecting pieces 16a to 16d and the storage portion 45 of the inflator 12. The inflator 12 is fixed to the seat frame 1a in the storage portion 45 using studs (not shown). In this fixing, the storage portion 45 is also fixed to the seat frame 1a by passing the studs through the insertion holes in the storage portion 45.

[0087] Furthermore, in the airbag 11 in its set state, the gas conduit 23 is fixed to the upper end of the seat frame 1a on both sides of the headrest 4 via the second and third connectors 16b and 16c. The inlet and outlet sides of the gas conduit 23 are fixed separately. Therefore, when gas is injected from the inflator 12, the gas flow in the gas conduit 23 is smooth due to the relatively stable shape of the gas conduit 23. In addition, as long as the inlet side (the side of the first airbag cushion 21) of the gas conduit 23 is fixed, the gas will flow smoothly to a certain extent, so the third connector 16c can be omitted. On the other hand, since the third connector 16c can suppress the outward movement of the second airbag cushion 22 subjected to the collision load of the occupant 5, the second connector 16b can also be omitted if this point is prioritized.

[0088] Furthermore, in the airbag 11 in its deployed state, the outer sides of each body airbag cushion 41 and 42 in the horizontal direction become the lower side. Each body airbag cushion 41 and 42 is fixed to the seat frame 1a via a first connector 16a and a fourth connector 16d. Additionally, in the airbag 11 in its horizontal position, a longitudinal slit 36 ​​is provided between the head airbag cushions 31 and 32. Therefore, when each body airbag cushion 41 and 42 inflates forward, the head airbag cushions 31 and 32 stand upright to the upper side.

[0089] [The effects of this implementation method, etc.]

[0090] In this embodiment, the airbag device 10, for example, when impacted by a side collision or rollover, inflators 12, receiving signals from sensors, inject gas into the first side airbag cushion 21. This causes the first side airbag cushion 21 to inflate and deploy. Additionally, a portion of the gas injected from the inflator 12 into the first side airbag cushion 21 is supplied to the second side airbag cushion 22 via a gas conduit 23. This causes the second side airbag cushion 22 to inflate and deploy. Furthermore, in the fully inflated state, the gas conduit 23 connecting the first and second side airbag cushions 21 is located within a range x below the top of the occupant's head, within the height range of the upper part of the seat 1. The first and second side airbag cushions 21 and 22 are positioned opposite each other, separated by the occupant 5.

[0091] Here, after a distal side impact, the occupant 5, seated on seat 1, moves laterally from the shoulder upwards and collides with the second side airbag 22. At this time, the second side airbag 22, within the height range of the upper part of seat 1 corresponding to the range from the shoulder of occupant 5 to the upper side, is moved outwards by the impact load of occupant 5. Furthermore, with this movement, the first side airbag 21 is laterally stretched and moves towards occupant 5 via the gas pipe 23. If occupant 5 moves to the opposite side from the initial impact, occupant 5 collides with the first side airbag 21. On the other hand, after a proximal side impact, the first side airbag 21 is moved outwards by the impact load of occupant 5, and with this movement, the second side airbag 22 is laterally stretched and moves towards occupant 5 via the gas pipe 23.

[0092] In this embodiment, the gas conduit 23 is located within the initial impact height range of the occupant 5. Therefore, the lateral load acts directly on the gas conduit 23. Consequently, compared to an airbag that connects the side airbag cushions above the occupant's head, the side airbag cushions 21 and 22 move laterally as a unit. As a result, the occupant 5, moving towards the opposite side at the initial stage of the collision, travels a shorter distance until colliding with the side airbag cushions 21 and 22, allowing for earlier restraint of the occupant 5. Furthermore, since the side airbag cushions 21 and 22 at the initial impact point of the occupant 5 are held in place to some extent by the gas conduit 23, the outward movement of the side airbag cushions 21 and 22 is also suppressed, improving the restraint performance on the side where the side collision occurs. According to this embodiment, an airbag device 10 can achieve the integrated operation of the side airbag cushions 21 and 22 on both sides of the seat 1 during a side collision.

[0093] Furthermore, in the event of a vehicle rollover, the occupant 5 moves to the left or right depending on the vehicle's rotation. Similarly, in this case, the airbag device 10 according to this embodiment can restrain the occupant 5 at an early stage because the side airbags 21 and 22 on both sides operate as a single unit.

[0094] However, in the past, to protect occupants in side-impact collisions, the following airbags were used: curtain airbags to protect the occupant's head in near-side collisions; proximal airbags to protect the occupant's shoulders and waist in near-side collisions; and distal airbags to protect the head in distal-side collisions. On the other hand, future airbag systems will need to accommodate autonomous driving. In autonomous driving, it is conceivable that occupants will recline their seats to a comfortable position or change the orientation of their seats from forward to rearward. However, if the existing airbag structures are used, expanding the protection range of each airbag is necessary to accommodate autonomous driving, which presents challenges in terms of cost and design.

[0095] In contrast, in this embodiment, since the occupant 5 can be restrained at an earlier stage, the size of the side airbag cushions 21 and 22 can be prevented from becoming too large, and the side airbag cushions 21 and 22 can be set to an appropriate size, thus forming an airbag 11 with good appearance design. In addition, since the head airbag cushions 31 and 32 are tilted slightly towards the head, the restraint position relative to the head is closer to the occupant 5, which can improve restraint performance. Moreover, since the first side airbag cushion 21 covers the area from the head to the abdomen of the occupant 5, the curtain airbag can be omitted. As a result, it is not necessary to install an airbag on the roof of the vehicle, which increases the flexibility of vehicle layout. In addition, according to this embodiment, compared with the case where different side airbags are provided on both sides of the seat 1, cost and weight can be reduced.

[0096] Furthermore, the airbag device 10 can be installed in either the front or rear seats of a vehicle, or in the seat of a single-occupant vehicle. Additionally, since the airbag device 10 is independent of vehicle layout, it can be modularized in whole or in part to suit multiple vehicle models.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, since the airbag 11 can be inflated as a whole by one inflator 12, the increase in the number of components of the airbag device 10 can be suppressed.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the airbag 11 is fully inflated, the rear portion of the first head airbag cushion 31 and the rear portion of the second head airbag cushion 32 are separated by the headrest 4 of the seat 1 from each other (see reference). Figure 1C , Figure 1D In the event of a side collision, when occupant 5 collides with the second side airbag 22, the second side airbag 22 rotates around its rear end's vertical axis and moves outward from the seat 1. Thus, as... Figure 5 As shown, the first head of the first side airbag cushion 1, via the airbag cushion portion 31 and the gas pipe 23, is pulled taut by the second side airbag cushion 22 and collides with the side of the headrest 4. Through this collision, the airbag 11 receives a reaction force from the headrest 4, thus suppressing the airbag 11's movement and improving the restraint performance of the airbag 11 on the occupant 5. Furthermore, Figure 5 This is a diagram of the fully inflated airbag 11 viewed from the upper rear side of the headrest 4.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first side airbag cushion 21, on which the inflator 12 is installed, is located near the seat 1. Also, on the near side, the two outlets 18a and 18b of the gas guide 18 open to the upper side airbag cushion portion 41a and the lower side airbag cushion portion 41b. Therefore, in the event of a near-side collision, the first body airbag cushion portion 41, which has a shorter time margin before protecting the occupant 5 from the collision, can inflate and deploy before the other airbag cushion portions.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the seatbelt 7 is positioned diagonally downwards from the first side airbag cushion 21 side to the second side airbag cushion 22 side on the body of the occupant 5 seated on the seat 1, in the fully inflated state, as... Figure 6 As shown, the first side airbag cushion 21 is positioned between the seatbelt 7 and the occupant 5. The front portion of the first side airbag cushion 21 is blocked by the seatbelt 7. Therefore, the reaction force from the first side airbag cushion 21 to the occupant 5 can act earlier, thus restraining the occupant 5 laterally and in front. This effect can be achieved regardless of the location of the upper anchor 17a of the seatbelt 7 (B-pillar, seat, etc.).

[0101] In this embodiment, such as Figure 7A As shown, the gas pipe 23, in its fully expanded state, is located near the front of the support member 6. At this time, the gas pipe 23 is housed in front of the support member 6 at the upper end of the backrest 3, and for example, the connecting pieces 16b and 16c provided on the gas pipe 23 are fixed to the upper part of the upper end of the seat frame 1a. Furthermore, as... Figure 7B As shown, the position of the gas pipe 23 in the front-back direction after expansion is complete can also be compared to... Figure 7A Its position is further forward. Figure 7B In this case, each of the connecting pieces 16b and 16c is fixed to the front side of the upper end of the seat frame 1a. The further forward the gas pipe 23 is, the more forward the airbag cushions 21 and 22 are pressed, thus suppressing the rearward movement of the airbag cushions 21 and 22. Additionally, as... Figure 7C As shown, the gas pipe 23 in its fully expanded state can also be positioned behind the support member 6. In this case, the gas pipe 23 is housed behind the support member 6 at the upper end of the backrest 3. Each tab 16b and 16c is fixed to the rear side of the upper end of the seat frame 1a. When the gas pipe 23 is located behind the support member 6, it does not come into contact with the neck of the occupant 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gas pipe 23 from being flattened during expansion due to contact with the neck of the occupant 5. Furthermore, in Figure 7A In ~C(b), gas pipe 23 is indicated by black.

[0102] [First variation of the implementation method]

[0103] In this modified example, when the airbag 11 is in a horizontal position, as Figure 8 As shown in (a), the first head airbag cushion portion 31 and the second head airbag cushion portion 32 overlap each other. Compared with the above embodiment, the length of each head airbag cushion portion 31 and 32 in the horizontal direction is longer in the flat state.

[0104] In the manufacture of the airbag 11 involved in this modified example, by sewing the outer periphery and other specified parts while two base fabrics are overlapped, intermediate parts 50 without a front end portion are produced in each head airbag pad 31, 32. Figure 8 As shown in (b), in the intermediate component 50, each head airbag pad portion 31, 32 is provided only with a root side portion 51, 52. The front end of the root side portions 51, 52 is left open without being sewn. In addition, a pair of bags 55, 56 corresponding to the front end side portions of each head airbag pad portion 31, 32 are prepared. Each bag 55, 56 is approximately rectangular or approximately square, leaving one side to be sewn onto the outer perimeter.

[0105] Furthermore, in the connection process following the sewing process, the bag body 55 and 56 are respectively connected to the front end of the root side of the head airbag pads 31 and 32 of the intermediate product 50. Thus, the head airbag pads 31 and 32 and the safety airbag 11 are completed.

[0106] According to this modified example, the height of each head airbag cushion 31, 32 in the fully inflated state can be increased, thereby expanding the protection range for the head of the occupant 5.

[0107] [Second variation of the implementation method]

[0108] The airbag 11 in this modification is constructed by connecting a first pocket portion 71 having a first side airbag cushion 21 and a second pocket portion 72 having a second side airbag cushion 22 to each other, for example, by sewing. Figure 9 As shown, the first bag section 71 has a portion of the gas conduit 23. Figure 2 The right side portion of the middle) 23a. The second bag portion 72 has the remaining portion of the gas pipe 23 ( Figure 2 The left side portion 23b of the gas pipe 23. The first bag portion 71 and the second bag portion 72 are connected to each other by, for example, sewing the front ends of these portions 23a and 23b together, thereby connecting the interior of the right side portion 23a of the gas pipe 23 with the interior of the left side portion 23b of the gas pipe 23. Thus, as Figure 8 An airbag 11 is manufactured by overlapping the first head airbag cushion 31 and the second head airbag cushion 32.

[0109] [Third variation of the implementation method]

[0110] The airbag 11 involved in this variation is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the connecting piece used as the fixing part for seat 1 is only Figure 2 The fourth connector 16d is present in the seat frame 1a. The airbag 11 is fixed to the seat 1 only through the fourth connector 16d and the housing 45 of the inflator 12. According to this modified example, since the number of mounting points of the connector 16 in the seat frame 1a is small, it is easy to modify the seat frame to cooperate with the airbag 11.

[0111] [Fourth variation of the implementation method]

[0112] In this modified example, the rear end of the second side airbag cushion 22 of the airbag 11 is fixed to the seat frame 1a on the inner side of the second side airbag cushion 22 side within the seat frame 1a of the backrest 3. Figure 11In this configuration, the fourth connecting piece 16d is fixed to the inner side of the side 1b of the seat frame 1a. In this case, in the front view of the seat 1, most of the rear portion 22a of the second side airbag cushion 22 is located inside the side 1b of the seat frame 1a. Therefore, when the second side airbag cushion 22 is pressed against the outer side of the seat 1, as... Figure 12 As shown, the rear portion 22a of the second side airbag cushion 22 is pressed against the side of the seat 1. According to this modification, the restraint performance of the airbag 11 on the distal side can be improved. Additionally, the first side airbag cushion 21 can also be fixed in the same position. That is, the rear end of the first side airbag cushion 21 can be fixed to the seat frame 1a at a position inside the side of the first side airbag cushion 21.

[0113] [Fifth variation of the implementation method]

[0114] The airbag 11 involved in this variation, such as Figure 13 As shown, the protection range of the second body airbag cushion 42 in the height direction of the second side airbag cushion 22 is the same as that of the first body airbag cushion 41. The second body airbag cushion 42 inflates and deploys in a shape that covers the area from the shoulder to the abdomen of the occupant 5 in a normal seated position from the side. Such an airbag 11 can be used in single-seat miniature mobile vehicles, etc. Furthermore, in Figure 13 In this design, the first side airbag cushion 21 and the second side airbag cushion 22 are designed to be symmetrical from left to right, but they can also be designed to be non-symmetrical from left to right.

[0115] Other variations

[0116] In the above embodiment, the connecting member 23 connecting the first side airbag cushion 21 and the second side airbag cushion 22 can also be a member in which gas cannot flow inside. The connecting member 23 can be a strip made of a base fabric. In this case, the airbag device 10 can be configured such that a second inflator can be installed on the second side airbag cushion 22, or it can be configured to use two separate lines to supply gas from one inflator to both side airbag cushions 21, 22.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the connecting member 23 in the expanded state only needs to be located within the range x below the top of the head of the occupant 5 within the height range of the upper part of the seat 1, for example, it can also be located at a height corresponding to the chest of the occupant 5. The connecting member 23 in the expanded state extends along the surface of the backrest 3 in the width direction of the seat 1.

[0118] In the above embodiments, the airbag 11 may also be configured such that the protection range of the first side airbag cushion 21 extends from the head to the waist of the occupant 5.

[0119] In the above embodiments, the airbag 11 can also be configured such that the protection range of the second side airbag cushion 22 is limited to the head, or the protection range extends to the abdomen or waist. Furthermore, when the vehicle's center console is large, the space for the second side airbag cushion 22 to expand and deploy becomes narrower; however, in this case, the second side airbag cushion 22 can also expand and deploy along the upper surface of the center console.

[0120] In the above embodiments, the head airbag cushion portion 31, 32 may also be provided only on one side of the first side airbag cushion 21 and the second side airbag cushion 22.

[0121] Industrial availability

[0122] This invention can be applied to safety airbag devices that protect the side of the occupant.

[0123] Symbol Explanation

[0124] 1… Seat 3… Backrest

[0125] 4…headrest 5…occupant

[0126] 10…Airbag device 11…Airbag

[0127] 12…Inflator 16a~l6d…Connector (Fixing Part)

[0128] 21…First side airbag cushion 22…Second side airbag cushion

[0129] 23…Gas Pipeline (Connecting Component)

[0130] 31…First head airbag cushion (inner airbag cushion)

[0131] 32…Second head airbag cushion (inner airbag cushion)

[0132] 41…First body airbag cushion (outer airbag cushion)

[0133] 42…Second body airbag cushion (outer airbag cushion)

Claims

1. An airbag device comprising: An airbag comprising: a first side airbag cushion that inflates to cover one side of an occupant seated in a vehicle; a second side airbag cushion that inflates to cover the other side of the occupant; and a connecting member that connects the first side airbag cushion and the second side airbag cushion. An inflator that injects gas to inflate the airbag. In the fully inflated state of the airbag, the connecting member is located at a height within the upper part of the seat that is lower than the top of the occupant's head, extending along the width direction of the seat. In the fully inflated state, when an occupant sitting in the seat collides with one of the first side airbag cushions and the second side airbag cushion, the other side airbag cushion is pulled tight by the side airbag cushion of the first side airbag cushion via the connecting member, and then collides with the side of the headrest of the seat.

2. The airbag device as described in claim 1, wherein, The connecting component is a conduit through which gas can flow. The inflator is mounted on the first side airbag cushion. A portion of the gas injected from the inflator into the first side airbag is supplied to the second side airbag through the conduit.

3. The airbag device as described in claim 2, wherein, The first side airbag cushion is located on the proximal side of the door near the seat. The second side airbag is located on the far side of the door, away from the seat.

4. The airbag device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first side airbag cushion has: The first head airbag cushion expands and unfolds to cover one side of the occupant's head; The first body airbag cushion expands and unfolds to cover one side of the occupant's body. The second side airbag cushion has: The second head uses an airbag cushion that expands to cover the other side of the head.

5. The airbag device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first side airbag cushion has: The first head airbag cushion expands and unfolds to cover one side of the occupant's head; The first body airbag cushion expands and unfolds to cover one side of the occupant's body. The second side airbag cushion has: The second head uses an airbag cushion that expands and unfolds to cover the other side of the head. The second body uses an airbag cushion that expands and unfolds to cover the other side of the body.

6. The airbag device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, With the uninflated airbag deployed and placed flat on a flat surface, in a direction orthogonal to the left-right direction of the airbag, the side fixed to the seat is designated as the rear side, and the opposite side as the front side. In the flat position, the first side airbag pad is connected to one end of the connecting member extending in the left-right direction of the airbag, and the second side airbag pad is connected to the other end. The front end of the connecting member is located behind the front ends of the first side airbag pad and the second side airbag pad, respectively.

7. The airbag device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, In the flat position, the first side airbag and the second side airbag respectively have: The outer airbag cushion portion is located outside the connecting member in the left-right direction of the airbag and extends outward to the front side of the front end of the connecting member; The inner airbag cushion portion extends inward from the outer airbag cushion portion toward the front.

8. The airbag device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, In the flat position, the inner airbag portion of the first side airbag cushion and the inner airbag portion of the second side airbag cushion overlap each other.

9. The airbag device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, In the retracted configuration where the airbag is housed in the seat, the first side airbag pad and the second side airbag pad are respectively formed such that the inner airbag pad portion is rolled up toward the outer airbag pad portion, or the inner airbag pad portion is pressed into the interior of the outer airbag pad portion; or the inner airbag pad portion is rolled up or folded into a roll in a manner that overlaps with the outer surface of the outer airbag pad portion.

10. The airbag device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The airbag is formed by connecting a first pocket portion having the first side airbag cushion and a second pocket portion having the second side airbag cushion.

11. The airbag device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the airbag, the seat fixing part is provided on one side of the first side airbag cushion and the second side airbag cushion, and the inflator storage part is provided on the other side. The airbag is secured to the seat by the fixing part and the inflator storage part.

12. The airbag device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The airbag also includes a seat fixing part on the connecting member.

13. The airbag device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The seat has a headrest installed on the backrest. In the fully expanded state, the connecting member is located in front of or behind the gap between the backrest and the headrest.

14. The airbag device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the inflated state, the rear end of one of the first side airbag cushions and the second side airbag cushions is fixed to the seat frame at a position inside the side of the side airbag cushion of the first side airbag cushion in the seat frame of the backrest of the seat. Thus, when the side airbag cushion of the first side airbag cushion is pushed to the outside of the seat, the rear part of the side airbag cushion of the first side airbag cushion is pushed to the side of the seat.

15. The airbag device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the seatbelt crosses diagonally downwards from the first side airbag cushion side to the second side airbag cushion side across the body of the occupant seated in the seat, in the fully inflated state, the first side airbag cushion is positioned between the seatbelt and the occupant.

Images