Airbag device

Abstract

In order to realize a safety airbag device that reduces the volume and thickness of a side airbag and allows the flow of inflation gas from an inflator to exert occupant restraining performance of the side airbag, in a safety airbag device (10), a side airbag (11, 12) in an inflation completion state is provided with a torso side protection chamber (20) and a head side protection chamber (30) integrated with the torso side protection chamber (20). In the torso side protection chamber (20) in the inflation completion state, a thickness suppression portion (15) composed of a recess or a through hole is formed in a region opposite to an upper arm portion (5a) of an occupant (5) in a state of extending obliquely downward from a shoulder portion (5s) of the occupant (5). In the torso side protection chamber (20), an upper side flow path is formed, which allows inflation gas to flow toward a front portion of the thickness suppression portion (15) via an upper portion of the thickness suppression portion (15), and a lower side flow path is formed, which allows inflation gas to flow toward a lower portion of the thickness suppression portion (15) via a rear portion of the thickness suppression portion (15), while inflation gas branched from the upper side flow path flows into the head side protection chamber (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an airbag device for protecting occupants from the side. Background Technology

[0002] Side airbags have long been known as safety devices. When a vehicle is involved in a collision or other impact, the side airbag inflates to cover the occupant's torso from the side.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes such an airbag device. In this airbag device, the inflation space within the airbag body is divided into a lower inflation chamber and an upper inflation chamber by a transverse dividing portion. The transverse dividing portion is located between the middle portions of the two main body fabric portions that connect (with straps) constituting the airbag in the vertical direction.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-127014 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, when the protection area of ​​a side airbag is expanded—that is, when the side view area is increased—the volume of the side airbag increases, which in turn increases the amount of inflation gas required by the inflator. Furthermore, the time required for inflation and deployment also increases. Moreover, due to the increased thickness of the side airbag, it is more likely to interfere with the vehicle's interior walls during inflation and deployment, potentially hindering its expansion. While existing side airbags have slightly reduced volume and thickness through linear lateral divisions, this is still not sufficient to adequately expand the protection area.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the following circumstances, and its object is to realize an airbag device that reduces the volume and thickness of the side airbag and allows the expansion gas from the inflator to circulate, so as to exert the occupant restraint performance of the side airbag.

[0010] Problem Solving Methods

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the inventors of this application have noticed that by providing a recess or through hole in the area of ​​the side airbag opposite to the upper arm of the occupant, the occupant restraint performance can be ensured and the volume and thickness of the side airbag can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this concept, the present invention is an airbag device comprising: a side airbag for protecting an occupant seated in a vehicle; an inflator that injects inflatable gas to inflate the side airbag; the side airbag in its fully inflated state comprising: a torso side protection chamber that covers the occupant's torso from the side; and a head side protection chamber that is integrated with the torso side protection chamber and covers the occupant's head from the side. In the fully inflated torso side protection chamber, a thickness-suppressing portion consisting of a recess or a through hole is formed in a region opposite to the upper arm portion extending obliquely downward from the occupant's shoulder. In the torso side protection chamber, an upper flow path is formed, through which inflatable gas from the inflator disposed on the rear side of the thickness-suppressing portion flows through the upper portion of the thickness-suppressing portion and to the front portion of the thickness-suppressing portion; and a lower flow path, through which inflatable gas flows through the rear portion of the thickness-suppressing portion and to the lower portion of the thickness-suppressing portion, while inflatable gas branching from the upper flow path flows into the head side protection chamber.

[0012] The present invention may also provide a gas guide inside the protective cavity on the side of the torso, the gas guide having: a first guide disposed above the thickness suppression part to form an upper flow path; and a second guide disposed behind the thickness suppression part to form a lower flow path.

[0013] The first guide of the present invention may also branch off midway and communicate with the protective chamber on the side of the head.

[0014] The gas guide of the present invention can also be fixed to the protective cavity on the side of the torso at the outer periphery of the thickness suppression part.

[0015] The torso side protection chamber in the expanded state of the present invention may also have: a shoulder side protection chamber that covers the shoulder of the occupant from the side; a waist side protection chamber that covers the waist of the occupant from the side, and a thickness suppression portion formed in the vertical direction in the area between the shoulder side protection chamber and the waist side protection chamber.

[0016] The present invention may also provide a flow restriction part on the lower part of the protective chamber on the side of the torso, which is used to prevent or hinder the expansion gas from flowing from the lower part of the thickness suppression part to the front part of the thickness suppression part.

[0017] In this invention, the head flow path that connects the torso side protection chamber and the head side protection chamber can also be connected to the rear of the head side protection chamber.

[0018] In the side airbag of the present invention, a non-inflatable sheet portion connecting the torso side protection chamber and the head side protection chamber can also be provided on the front side of the head flow path.

[0019] The present invention may also include a strap that, when fully expanded, restricts only the torso side protection chamber and the head side protection chamber from the outside.

[0020] The present invention may also provide a non-inflatable sheet portion at the upper part of the side airbag, and insert the strap into the insertion hole formed in the sheet portion.

[0021] The present invention may also include a front protective chamber, which is installed in front of the side protective chamber of the torso and communicates with the side protective chamber of the torso, and covers the occupant from the front when the expansion is complete.

[0022] In this invention, when the internal pressure of the side protection chamber of the torso exceeds a predetermined value, the connecting part that connects the front protection chamber and the side protection chamber of the torso can also be switched from a non-connected state to a connected state.

[0023] In this invention, a joint portion is provided that joins the front protective chamber to the inner side of the front part of the side protective chamber of the torso. In the fully expanded state, the joint portion can also extend in a direction that is inclined towards the torso of the occupant, with respect to the vertical direction, towards the lower side.

[0024] In this invention, the extension direction of the joint can also be approximately orthogonal to the direction of movement of the torso of an occupant in a normal seat position when the head collides with the front protective chamber in the event of a frontal collision.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] In this invention, a thickness-suppressing portion, consisting of a recess or a through-hole, is formed in the side protection chamber of the torso. Therefore, compared to the absence of a thickness-suppressing portion, the volume and thickness of the side airbag can be reduced. Furthermore, the expanding gas from the inflator flows through an upper flow path and a lower flow path. In the upper flow path, the expanding gas flows from the upper portion of the thickness-suppressing portion in the side protection chamber of the torso to the front portion of the thickness-suppressing portion. Additionally, expanding gas branching from the upper flow path flows into the head side protection chamber. In the lower flow path, the expanding gas flows from the rear portion of the thickness-suppressing portion in the side protection chamber of the torso to the lower portion of the thickness-suppressing portion. In the side airbag, the thickness-suppressing portion creates a smooth flow path for the expanding gas, allowing inflation to begin from the area requiring early occupant restraint. According to this invention, the volume and thickness of the side airbag can be reduced while allowing the expanding gas from the inflator to circulate, thereby maximizing the occupant restraint performance of the side airbag. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a front view of the inflated state of a pair of side airbags of the airbag device according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the front.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a side view of the inflated state of a pair of side airbags according to Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the fully inflated state of a pair of side airbags according to Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a front view of the occupant seated in a seat equipped with the airbag device according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a top view of the pair of side airbags involved in Embodiment 1, which are deployed and laid flat on a flat surface.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a top view of the side airbag of one of the embodiments, in a state where the side airbag is deployed and placed flat on a flat surface before the front protective chamber is overlapped with the side protective chamber of the torso.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a front view (front view inside the seat) used to illustrate the retracted state of the side airbag in a seat equipped with the airbag device according to Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 8 It is a top view of the state in which a pair of side airbags involved in the first variation of Embodiment 1 are deployed and placed flat on a flat surface.

[0035] Figure 9 (a) is a top view of the pair of side airbags involved in the second variation of Embodiment 1, with them deployed and lying flat on a flat surface. Figure 9 (b) is Figure 9 (a) A-A section view.

[0036] Figure 10 (a) is a top view of the pair of side airbags according to the third variation of Embodiment 1, in which they are deployed and laid flat on a flat surface. Figure 10 (b) is Figure 10 (a) B-B section view.

[0037] Figure 11This is a perspective view of the completed inflation state of the pair of side airbags involved in Embodiment 2, viewed from the oblique front.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a top view of the pair of side airbags involved in Embodiment 2, which are deployed and laid flat on a flat surface.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the extension direction of the junction of the torso side protection chamber and the front protection chamber of the airbag device according to Embodiment 2 when a vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, and the direction of head movement when the occupant's head collides with the front protection chamber.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the position where the occupant's head collides with the front protective chamber when the airbag device involved in Embodiment 2 collides with the vehicle during a collision. Detailed Implementation

[0041] 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.

[0042] In this invention, the term "occupant" refers to an "occupant" with a physique equivalent to that of an average American male, based on a frontal collision test dummy (Hybrid III AM50 / NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] standard "49CFR Part 572 Subpart E and 0"). The occupant's approximate dimensions are 175cm in height, 88cm in seat height, and 78kg in weight.

[0043] Furthermore, in this instruction manual, the terms "upper" and "upper side" sometimes refer to the direction of the head of the occupant 5 when seated in the proper position of the seat 1 in the vehicle, and the terms "lower" and "lower side" sometimes refer to the direction of the feet of the occupant 5. Additionally, the terms "front" and "front side" sometimes refer to the frontal direction of the occupant 5 when seated in the proper position of the seat 1, and the terms "rear" and "rear side" sometimes refer to the rear direction of the occupant 5. Furthermore, the terms "left" and "left side" sometimes refer to the left-hand direction of the occupant 5 when seated in the proper position of the seat 1, and the terms "right" and "right side" sometimes refer to the right-hand direction of the occupant 5. Finally, the term "proper position" refers to the position where the back of the occupant 5 contacts the backrest (seat backrest) 3 in a vertically aligned manner at the center of the seat cushion 2 of the seat 1 in the left-right direction.

[0044] <Implementation Method 1>

[0045] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment includes an airbag device 10, which comprises: a pair of side airbags 11 and 12, which protect the occupant 5 seated in the seat 1 during a collision of a vehicle such as an automobile; and an inflator 13, one of which is provided on each of the pair of side airbags 11 and 12. The inflator 13 sprays inflatable gas to inflate the side airbags 11 and 12.

[0046] Here, as Figure 4 As shown, the seat 1 equipped with the airbag device 10 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. Figure 4 The image shows an occupant 5, secured by a seatbelt 7, seated in the correct position. Additionally, the backrest 3 and headrest 4 in seat 1 can be integrated as a single unit.

[0047] A pair of side airbags 11 and 12 are configured as a first side airbag 11 and a second side airbag 12. The first side airbag 11 is located on the proximal side of the door near the seat 1, and the second side airbag 12 is located on the distal side of the door away from the seat 1. The first side airbag 11 and the second side airbag 12 are symmetrically arranged. The first side airbag 11 and the second side airbag 12 will be described together below.

[0048] "Regarding the side airbags in their fully inflated state"

[0049] Reference Figures 1-3 The side airbags 11 and 12 in their fully inflated and deployed state (hereinafter referred to as "fully inflated state") will be described. Additionally, Figures 1-3 It shows that it just came from the proximal side ( Figure 1 The diagram shows the state after the collision (right side) in the direction of the arrow. As for the positional relationship between the side airbags 11 and 12 and the occupant 5 in the fully inflated state, the occupant 5 will be shown in the correct position.

[0050] Each side airbag 11, 12 includes: a torso side protection chamber 20 that covers the torso of the occupant 5 from the side; and a head side protection chamber 30 that is integrated with the torso side protection chamber 20 and covers the head 5h of the occupant 5 from the side. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "chamber" refers to a bag (airbag cushion) that includes not only an internal space but also the base fabric forming that internal space.

[0051] The torso side protection chamber 20 is a relatively large bag-like structure in the side view. The rear end of the torso side protection chamber 20 is fixed to the seat frame 1a of the backrest 3 (see reference). Figure 7The side portion of the seat cushion 20 extends forward and slightly upward from the side portion of the backrest 3. The rear portion of the trunk side protection chamber 20 has a height covering the area from the shoulder 5s of the occupant 5 to the waist (pelvic area) 5w. In addition, the front portion of the trunk side protection chamber 20 has a height covering the area from the lower part of the head 5h of the occupant 5 to the abdomen 5ab. In the side view, the front end of the trunk side protection chamber 20 is located slightly behind the front end of the seat cushion 2.

[0052] In the side protection chamber 20 of the torso, a thickness-suppressing portion 15, consisting of a through hole, is formed in the area opposite to the upper arm portion 5a (e.g., the upper arm portion 5a when gripping a steering wheel) in a position extending obliquely downward from the shoulder 5s of the occupant 5 towards the abdomen 5ab (frontal side position). The thickness-suppressing portion 15 has a size that is embedded in at least a portion of the upper arm portion 5a, preferably in the area near the elbow. When the area near the elbow is pressed forcefully, the chest is pressed forcefully by the elbow, thus exacerbating chest deflection. To prevent this, it is preferable to provide the thickness-suppressing portion 15 in the area near the elbow. In the side view, the thickness-suppressing portion 15 extends obliquely downward and forward from near the shoulder 5s to the abdomen 5ab (or waist 5w). The thickness-suppressing portion 15 extends substantially parallel to the front of the backrest 3.

[0053] In the protective chamber 20 on the side of the torso, such as Figure 2 As shown, a thickness suppression section 15 is provided in the island-shaped area surrounded by the region expanded by the inflatable gas. The side protective chamber of the torso includes: a first airbag cushion section 21, which is formed by the front portion of the thickness suppression section 15; a second airbag cushion section 22, which is formed by the upper portion of the thickness suppression section 15; a third airbag cushion section 23, which is formed by the rear portion of the thickness suppression section 15; and a fourth airbag cushion section 24, which is formed by the lower portion of the thickness suppression section 15.

[0054] The first airbag cushion section 21 is the largest in volume among the first to fourth airbag cushion sections 21 to 24. The first airbag cushion section 21 is used to restrain the torso of the occupant 5 from the oblique front and side. A front protection chamber 27 is installed at the front of the first airbag cushion section 21 to protect the occupant 5 from the front.

[0055] The second airbag cushion 22 corresponds to a shoulder side protection chamber for restraining the shoulder 5s on the side of the occupant 5. A head side protection chamber 30 is integrally formed at the upper end of the second airbag cushion 22. The third airbag cushion 23 corresponds to an abdominal side protection chamber for restraining the back side of the abdomen 5ab on the side of the occupant 5. The third airbag cushion 23 is formed as a longitudinally elongated tube. The fourth airbag cushion 24 corresponds to a waist side protection chamber for restraining the waist 5w on the side of the occupant 5. The fourth airbag cushion 24 is formed as a curved tube. A thickness suppression portion 15 is formed in the vertical direction in the area between the shoulder side protection chamber 22 and the waist side protection chamber 24.

[0056] An inflator housing 14 for housing an inflator 13 is connected to the upper rear side of the side protection chamber 20 of the torso. The inflator 13 is located behind the thickness suppression section 15. The inflator 13 is a cylindrical inflator. In addition, a gas guide 16 for guiding the expanding gas ejected from the inflator 13 is housed in the upper rear part of the side protection chamber 20 of the torso (see reference). Figure 5 Details regarding the gas guide 16 will be provided later.

[0057] The head side protection chamber 30 is located above the torso side protection chamber 20. The head side protection chamber 30 is smaller than the torso side protection chamber 20 in both the anteroposterior and vertical directions. The head side protection chamber 30 is elongated in shape. In a side view, the head side protection chamber 30 covers at least a portion of the occupant 5's head 5h from the side.

[0058] The anterior protective chamber 27 is connected to the inner surface of the front portion of the first airbag cushion 21 of the torso side protective chamber 20. The anterior protective chamber 27 is formed in a longitudinally elongated shape. The anterior protective chamber 27 has the same height as the front portion of the first airbag cushion 21. The pair of anterior protective chambers 27 expand and deploy in a manner that blocks the gap between the pair of torso side protective chambers 20 (the anterior gap) (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 3 ).

[0059] "Regarding side airbags in the horizontal position"

[0060] Next, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure of the side airbags 11 and 12 in the state where the uninflated side airbags 11 and 12 are deployed and placed flat on a flat surface (hereinafter referred to as the "flat state") will be described.

[0061] In addition, in the description of the side airbags 11 and 12 in the flat position, the side of the front protective chamber 27 that becomes the front side when fully inflated is called the "inner side", and the side of the inflator 13 that becomes the rear side when fully inflated is called the "outer side". In addition, the side that becomes the occupant side when fully inflated is called the "inner side", and the opposite side is called the "surface side". Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the pair of side airbags 11 and 12 viewed from the inside. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the diagram, the thick dotted lines indicate the sewn areas. However, in... Figure 5 In the middle, the sewn part covered by the 41, 42 or the front protective chamber 27 is indicated by a thin dotted line.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, a pair of side airbags 11 and 12 are formed symmetrically on both sides. Each side airbag 11 and 12 is a bag formed by sewing together two pieces of base fabric of the same shape and size in a symmetrical manner. Each side airbag 11 and 12 has: a torso side protection chamber 20, which has a thickness-restricting portion 15 formed on the outer side; a head side protection chamber 30, which is integrated with the torso side protection chamber 20; and a front protection chamber 27, which overlaps with the inner part of the inner portion of the torso side protection chamber 20.

[0063] The side protection chamber 20 of the torso extends obliquely upward from the outside towards the inside. Within the side protection chamber 20 of the torso, the first airbag cushion 21 on the inside of the thickness suppression section 15 is longer in the left-right direction than the third airbag cushion 23 on the outside of the thickness suppression section 15. The second airbag cushion 22 on the upper side of the thickness suppression section 15 and the fourth airbag cushion 24 on the lower side of the thickness suppression section 15 are at the same height.

[0064] The thickness suppression portion 15 is a through hole extending slightly inward and downward relative to the vertical direction. The outer portion of the outer periphery of the thickness suppression portion 15 extends substantially parallel to the outer end of the third airbag cushion portion 23. The lower portion of the inner portion of the outer periphery of the thickness suppression portion 15 expands slightly inward. Figure 5 In the thickness-suppressing section 15, the height H1 of the highest position is approximately half the height (internal space height) H2 of the torso side protective chamber 20 at the same left and right positions. Height H1 is preferably, for example, more than one-third of height H2, and may also be... Figure 5 Low. Additionally, height H1 can also be lower. Figure 5 high.

[0065] An inflator housing 14 is connected to the outer side of the upper portion of the protective chamber 20 on the side of the torso. Additionally, a gas guide 16 is housed inside the upper portion of the outer side portion of the protective chamber 20 on the side of the torso. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In order to clearly indicate the installation range of the gas guide 16, a shadow is added to the gas guide 16. The gas guide 16 extends inward from the inflator housing 14.

[0066] The gas guide 16 is a tubular flow path branching downstream. The gas guide 16 has: an upstream portion 19 located at the injection port side of the inflator 13; a first guide portion 17 and a second guide portion 18, which branch off from the upstream portion 19. Alternatively, the first guide portion 17 and the second guide portion 18 are integrally formed in the gas guide 16, but they can also be formed separately.

[0067] A first guide section 17 is disposed inside the second airbag cushion section 22. The first guide section 17 has a front outlet 17a, which is the outlet for supplying inflatable gas to the first airbag cushion section 21. Additionally, the first guide section 17 has an upper outlet 17b located upstream of the front outlet 17a, which is the outlet for supplying inflatable gas to the head side protection chamber 30. The first guide section 17 branches midway and communicates with the head side protection chamber 30. On the other hand, a second guide section 18 is disposed inside the third airbag cushion section 23. The second guide section 18 has a lower outlet 18a, which is the outlet for supplying inflatable gas to the fourth airbag cushion section 24.

[0068] In the torso side protection chamber 20, an upper flow path is formed via the first guide 17 for the inflatable gas from the inflator 13 to flow through the second airbag cushion 22 to the first airbag cushion 21. Additionally, the first guide 17 also forms a head-side flow path for the inflatable gas to branch off from the upper flow path and flow into the head-side protection chamber 30. On the other hand, a lower flow path is formed via the second guide 18 for the inflatable gas to flow through the third airbag cushion 23 to the fourth airbag cushion 24. Figure 5 In the diagram, a double-dotted line is used to represent the flow of expanding gas.

[0069] The gas guide 16 is fixed to the side protection chamber 20 of the torso in the outer peripheral portion 15a of the thickness suppression portion 15. In the outer peripheral portion 15a, the gas guide 16 is sewn together with the two base fabrics constituting the side protection chamber 20 of the torso (side airbags 11, 12).

[0070] On the lower part of the protective chamber 20 on the side of the torso, a flow restriction section 37 is provided to prevent the inflatable gas from flowing from the fourth airbag cushion 24 to the first airbag cushion 21. The flow restriction section 37 is formed by stitching the two base fabric pieces together in a linear fashion from the outer periphery of the thickness suppression section 15 to the outer periphery of the protective chamber 20 on the side of the torso. Alternatively, the flow restriction section 37 can also be configured to prevent the inflatable gas from flowing from the fourth airbag cushion 24 to the first airbag cushion 21. In this case, the flow restriction section 37 can be, for example, a crack that breaks when the internal pressure of the fourth airbag cushion 24 exceeds a predetermined value, or a structure that narrows the flow path area from the fourth airbag cushion 24 to the first airbag cushion 21. Alternatively, the flow restriction section 37 may not be provided.

[0071] The head side protection chamber 30 communicates with the torso side protection chamber 20 above the thickness suppression portion 15. A head flow path 30a, connecting the torso side protection chamber 20 and the head side protection chamber 30, connects from below to the outer portion (rear portion in the inflated state) of the head side protection chamber 30. The head side protection chamber 30 extends inward from the head flow path 30a along the upper end of the torso side protection chamber 20. In the side airbags 11 and 12, a non-inflatable portion 35 connecting the torso side protection chamber 20 and the head side protection chamber 30 is provided inside the head flow path 30a (front side in the inflated state).

[0072] The front protective chamber 27 is integrally formed with the side protective chamber 20 of the torso. That is, the front protective chamber 27 is composed of two base fabrics identical to those of the side protective chamber 20 of the torso. Figure 6 This indicates the state in which the side airbag 11 is deployed and laid flat on a flat surface before the front protective chamber 27 overlaps with the torso side protective chamber 20. From this state, the front protective chamber 27 folds back at the folding section 26 and overlaps inside the inner part of the torso side protective chamber 20.

[0073] The front protective chamber 27 is connected to the side protective chamber 20 of the torso via an elongated joint 28, for example. Within the joint 28 are multiple connecting portions 29 that communicate between the front protective chamber 27 and the side protective chamber 20 of the torso. Each connecting portion 29 is composed of a vent, which switches from a non-connected state to a connected state when the internal pressure of the side protective chamber 20 of the torso exceeds a predetermined value. Alternatively, there may be only one connecting portion 29.

[0074] Here, the airbag device 10 also includes a first strap 41 and a second strap 42, which, in the fully inflated state, restrain only the torso side protection chamber 20 and the head side protection chamber 30 from the outside. Each strap 41, 42 is provided across the first side airbag 11 and the second side airbag 12. Furthermore, in Figures 1-3 In the middle, add shading to each of the bands 41 and 42.

[0075] On the upper part of each side airbag 11, 12, a first insertion portion 31 for inserting the first strap 41 and a second insertion portion 32 for inserting the second strap 42 are formed on the aforementioned plate portion 35. Each strap 41, 42 passes through the inner side of the head side protection chamber 30 and through the surface side of the torso side protection chamber 20, inserting into each insertion portion 31, 32. A third insertion portion 33 for inserting the first strap 41 is formed on the lower part of each side airbag 11, 12. Each strap 41, 42 is fixed to the surface side of the torso side protection chamber 20, for example, by fixing portions 41a, 42a. The two ends 40 of the two straps 41, 42 are fixed to each other.

[0076] Regarding the storage of side airbags and the securing of the seats.

[0077] The side airbags 11 and 12 are folded and stored in the side of the backrest 3 of the seat 1 (see reference). Figure 7 When the side airbags 11 and 12 are stowed in the backrest 3, the rear ends of each side airbag 11 and 12 are fixed to the seat frame 1a using fasteners such as connectors (not shown). Each side airbag 11 and 12 is also fixed to the seat frame 1a in each inflator housing 14 by studs (not shown). The studs are inserted through the insertion holes of the inflator housing 14 to fix the inflator 13 and the side airbags 11 and 12 to the seat frame 1a.

[0078] The two ends 40 of the two straps 41 and 42 are respectively fixed to the left and right support members 6 (or the upper end of the seat frame 1a). Furthermore, the two ends 40 of each strap 41 and 42 extend along the outer periphery of the seat frame 1a of the backrest 3, passing through the interior (or lower side) of the seat cushion 2. On the side of the backrest 3, each strap 41 and 42 passes above the insertion portions 31 and 32, passing inside the head side protection chamber 30, and below the insertion portions 31 and 32, passing outside the torso side protection chamber 20. Additionally, each strap 41 and 42 is not fixed to the seat cushion 2.

[0079] "Effects of this implementation method, etc."

[0080] In this embodiment, for example, when an impact is applied to the vehicle during a collision, each inflator 13, having received a signal from a sensor, ejects expanding gas, thereby inflating and deploying the side airbags 11 and 12. Here, each side airbag 11 and 12 has a relatively large through-hole formed as a thickness suppression portion 15. Around the outer periphery of the thickness suppression portion 15, the two base fabric pieces are sewn together, reducing the thickness. Therefore, compared to the case without the thickness suppression portion 15, the volume and thickness of each side airbag 11 and 12 can be reduced.

[0081] In this embodiment, the expanding gas from the inflator 13 branches into a first guide section 17 and a second guide section 18 at the gas guide 16. The first guide section 17 allows for the early supply of expanding gas to the second airbag cushion 22 protecting the shoulder 5s of the occupant 5 and the first airbag cushion 21 in front of it. The second guide section 18 allows for the early supply of expanding gas to the fourth airbag cushion 24 protecting the waist 5w of the occupant 5. The gas guide 16 forms a flow path for the expanding gas, allowing the expansion and deployment action to begin in the torso side protection chamber 20 from the area requiring early restraint of the occupant 5.

[0082] In this embodiment, the gas guide 16 can also be used to reinforce the area around the thickness suppression portion 15 in the side protection chamber 20 of the torso. Furthermore, since the gas guide 16 is fixed to the side protection chamber 20 of the torso, it is less likely to shift its position when folded to accommodate the side airbags 11 and 12, and it will not move erratically during the flow of inflated gas. Therefore, the inflated gas can flow smoothly. Additionally, since the gas guide 16 has an upper outlet 17b that opens into the side protection chamber 30 of the head, the inflated gas can also flow smoothly into the side protection chamber 30 of the head.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a thickness suppression portion 15 is provided opposite to the upper arm portion 5a of the occupant 5. The thickness suppression portion 15 has a size that allows at least a portion of the upper arm portion 5a to be embedded, for example, a size that allows at least a portion of the upper arm portion 5a to be embedded. Here, when the torso side protection chamber 20 presses forcefully against the area near the elbow, the chest is pressed forcefully by the elbow, thus worsening chest deflection. According to this embodiment, the pressing force acting on the upper arm portion 5a from the torso side protection chamber 20 and the associated chest deflection can be reduced respectively.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the head flow path 30a, which connects the torso side protection chamber 20 and the head side protection chamber 30, is connected to the rear of the head side protection chamber 30, expansion gas can be smoothly supplied to the head side protection chamber 30. Additionally, since the head flow path 30a is relatively narrow, it can suppress the possibility of slow expansion of the torso side protection chamber 20 due to the supply of expansion gas from the torso side protection chamber 20 to the head side protection chamber 30.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, since a flow restriction section 37 is provided to prevent or hinder the inflatable gas from flowing from the lower part of the thickness suppression section 15 to the front part of the thickness suppression section 15, the inflation of the fourth airbag cushion section 24 that protects the waist 5w can be completed as early as possible.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a front protective chamber 27 is installed at the front of the side protective chamber 20 of the torso, the airbag device 10 can be provided with forward thrust protection. Additionally, since a vent is used in the communication portion 29 between the side protective chamber 20 of the torso and the front protective chamber 27, it is possible to avoid or suppress the situation where the expansion of the side protective chamber 20 of the torso slows down due to the supply of expanding gas from the side protective chamber 20 to the front protective chamber 27.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, since a plate 35 is provided on the front side of the head flow path 30a in the side airbags 11 and 12, the position of the head side protection chamber 30 in the fully inflated state can be stabilized.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the straps 41 and 42 are provided to restrain the side protection chamber 20 of the torso from the outside when the expansion is complete, the occupant restraint performance of the side protection chamber 20 of the torso can be improved. In addition, in this embodiment, since the straps 41 and 42 are inserted into the insertion portions 31 and 32 formed in the plate portion 35, the positional displacement of the straps 41 and 42 can be prevented.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, since the straps 41 and 42 are not fixed to the seat cushion 2, when the occupant 5 collides with one of the side airbags 11 or 12, the straps 41 and 42 slide within the seat cushion 2. This allows the pair of side airbags 11 and 12 to operate in conjunction with the movement of the occupant 5. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, since the pair of front protective chambers 27 overlap front and rear, the forward protrusion protection performance can be improved.

[0090] "First variation of implementation method one"

[0091] In this variation, such as Figure 8 As shown, a circular plate-shaped inflator 113 is used. The inflator 113 is located on the upper rear part of the protective chamber 20 on the side of the torso.

[0092] "Second variation of implementation method one"

[0093] In this modified example, the thickness-restraining portion 115 of the protective chamber 20 on the side of the torso is not formed by a through hole, but by a recess that is concave compared to the surrounding area when the expansion is complete. At this time, as... Figure 9 As shown, the thickness suppression section 115 can be composed of a non-expansion section. This non-expansion section is the part separated from the expansion area by the sewing section 53, which joins the two base fabrics 51 and 52 that constitute the protective cavity 20 on the side of the torso.

[0094] "A third variation of Implementation Method 1"

[0095] In this modified example, the thickness-suppressing portion 125 of the protective chamber 20 on the side of the torso is the same as in the second modified example, and is formed by a recess. However, the thickness-suppressing portion 125 is formed by an expanded portion whose thickness is limited to be thinner than the surrounding area in the expanded state. In the thickness-suppressing portion 125, as... Figure 10 As shown, the thickness in the inflated state is limited by the strap 54 connecting the two base fabrics 51 and 52. Furthermore, in this modified example, the second guide portion 18 of the gas guide 16 extends to the position of the flow path restriction portion 37 in the above embodiment. The second guide portion 18 is provided across the third airbag cushion portion 23 and the fourth airbag cushion portion 24. At this time, the inflating gas can flow into the inflating portion constituting the thickness suppression portion 125 from the rear, or it can flow into the inflating gas from the front.

[0096] Implementation Method 2>

[0097] like Figure 11 As shown, this embodiment is an airbag device 10, comprising: a pair of side protection chambers 20 for the torso, which, when fully inflated, cover the torso 5b of an occupant 5 from the side; a pair of front protection chambers 27, which, when fully inflated, are installed inside the front portion of each side protection chamber 20 and cover the occupant 5 from the front; and an inflator 113 that injects inflation gas to inflate the side protection chambers 20 and the front protection chambers 27. In the airbag device 10, a joint portion 28 for engaging the front protection chambers 27 is provided inside the front portion of the side protection chambers 20 (see reference). Figure 12 and Figure 13In its expanded state, the joint 28 extends in a direction that is inclined towards the lower side and closer to the torso 5b of the occupant 5, relative to the upper and lower sides. The extension direction of the joint 28 is substantially orthogonal (virtually orthogonal) to the direction of movement of the torso 5b of the occupant (AMSO) 5, who is seated in the proper position on the seat 1, as they fall forward and their head 5h collides with the front protective chamber 27, in the event of a frontal collision. This substantially orthogonal direction includes, in addition to the orthogonal direction itself, a direction within a range of ±5 degrees relative to the orthogonal direction. This embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0098] Similar to Embodiment 1, the head side protection chamber 30 and the torso side protection chamber 20 are integrated. The torso side protection chamber 20 and the head side protection chamber 30 constitute side airbags 11 and 12. A pair of side airbags 11 and 12 are formed symmetrically from left to right. A pair of front protection chambers 27 are also formed symmetrically from left to right.

[0099] The rear end of the torso side protection chamber 20 is fixed to the side of the seat frame (not shown) of the backrest 3. The torso side protection chamber 20 extends forward from the side of the backrest 3 when fully inflated. In addition, as in Embodiment 1, a thickness suppression section 15 consisting of a recess or a through hole may be formed in the torso side protection chamber 20 in the area opposite to the upper arm portion 5a which extends obliquely downward from the shoulder portion 5s of the occupant 5. Moreover, in this case, an upper flow path may be formed in the torso side protection chamber 20, in which the expanding gas from the inflator 113 disposed on the rear side of the thickness suppression section 15 flows through the upper portion of the thickness suppression section 15 to the front portion of the thickness suppression section 15, and a lower flow path may be formed in the torso side protection chamber 20, in which the expanding gas flows through the rear portion of the thickness suppression section 15 to the lower portion of the thickness suppression section 15, and the expanding gas branching from the upper flow path flows into the head side protection chamber 30.

[0100] The airbag device 10 also includes a first strap 41 and a second strap 42, which, in the fully inflated state, restrain the side protective chambers 20 of the torso from the outside. Each strap 41, 42 is positioned across the first side airbag 11 and the second side airbag 12. Furthermore, in Figure 11 In the middle, add shading to each of the bands 41 and 42.

[0101] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the side airbags 11 and 12 and the front protective chamber 27 deployed and placed on a flat surface in a flat position. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the pair of side airbags 11 and 12 viewed from the inside of the occupant side when fully inflated. Figure 12In this embodiment, the side that becomes the front side when fully inflated is referred to as the "inner side," and the side that becomes the rear side when fully inflated is referred to as the "outer side." The inflator 113 is provided on the outer portion of the protective chamber 20 on the side of each torso. In addition, in this embodiment, the inflator 113 is also a circular plate type, as in the first variation of Embodiment 1, but it may also be a cylindrical type or other types.

[0102] like Figure 12 As shown, the front protective chamber 27 is constructed of a base fabric different from that of the side protective chambers 20 of the torso. The front protective chamber 27 is constructed from... Figure 12 The state is reversed, and the joint 28 overlaps with each other, and is placed on the inside side of the torso side protective cavity 20 (the occupant 5 side in the inflated state), and joined to the torso side protective cavity 20 at the joint 28 by sewing or the like. The joint 28 is composed of a linear sewing part, which sews the base fabric (outer base fabric) of one side of the front protective cavity 27 onto the base fabric (inner base fabric) of one side of the torso side protective cavity 20. In addition, similar to Embodiment 1, the front protective cavity 27 may also be composed of two base fabrics identical to those of the torso side protective cavity 20.

[0103] The joint 28 is an elongated oval sewn section in the top view, consisting of two semicircular sections and two straight sections. Multiple connecting sections 29 are provided within the joint 28 to connect the front protective chamber 27 with the side protective chamber 20 of the torso. Alternatively, the shape of the joint 28 can also be other shapes (e.g., elliptical).

[0104] The connecting portion 29 is composed of a vent that is always open. Alternatively, as in Embodiment 1, the connecting portion 29 may also be composed of a vent that switches from a non-connecting state to a connected state when the internal pressure of the protective chamber 20 on the side of the torso exceeds a predetermined value.

[0105] here, Figure 13 (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams of the fully inflated airbag device 10 as viewed from the side of seat 1. Figure 13 (a) shows the situation where, in the event of a frontal collision, occupant 5, who is an AFO5 dummy (a dummy of a short adult female), falls forward from his normal position in seat 1. Figure 13 (b) shows the situation where, in the event of a frontal collision, the occupant 5, who is an AMO5 dummy (an adult male dummy of average build), falls forward from his seat 1 in his normal position. Figure 13 (c) shows the situation where, in the event of a frontal collision, the occupant 5, who is an AM95 dummy (a tall adult male dummy), falls forward from his normal position in seat 1.

[0106] The joint 28, for example, in the fully expanded state, is located directly above the front of the seat cushion 2 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the center position of the joint 28 in the vertical direction, for example, in the fully expanded state, is located within the height range from the upper end of the backrest 3 to the center of the headrest 4 in the vertical direction, and is located above the height of the fixing part of the torso side protection chamber 20 of the backrest 3. The tilt angle of the joint 28, for example, is 10 to 20 degrees relative to the vertical direction in the fully expanded state. The extending direction of the joint 28 is the same as the extending direction of the straight portion.

[0107] "Effects of this implementation method, etc."

[0108] In this embodiment, when the joint 28 is fully expanded, it extends in a direction that is inclined relative to the vertical direction, closer to the lower side and closer to the torso 5b of the occupant 5. Here, if the joint 28, when fully expanded, extends in a direction that is inclined relative to the vertical direction, further away from the torso 5b of the occupant 5, then in a frontal collision, if the center of the occupant 5's head 5h collides near the gap between the pair of front protective chambers 27, the force exerted by the occupant 5 on the front protective chambers 27 will escape upwards, exerting an outward force on each front protective chamber 27, potentially causing the pair of front protective chambers 27 to open outwards.

[0109] In contrast, in this embodiment, such as Figure 14 As shown in (a), when a collision occurs near the gap between the center of the occupant 5's head 5h and the pair of front protective chambers 27, the force exerted by the occupant 5 on the front protective chambers 27 is unlikely to escape upwards. Therefore, it is difficult for outward forces to be exerted on each of the front protective chambers 27, which can suppress the pair of front protective chambers 27 from opening outwards and can properly protect the head 5h.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the extension direction x of the joint 28 (refer to...) Figure 13 In the event of a frontal collision, the direction of movement of the torso 5b of the occupant (AM50 dummy) 5, seated in the normal position in seat 1, as it falls forward and its head 5h collides with the front protective chamber 27 is approximately orthogonal. Therefore, it can more effectively suppress the outward opening of the pair of front protective chambers 27. Furthermore, even when the occupant 5 is an AFO5 dummy smaller than the AM50 dummy (…), Figure 13 (a) under the condition that occupant 5 is an AM95 dummy larger than the AM50 dummy ( Figure 13In case (c), the extension direction x of the joint 28 also forms an angle of approximately 90° relative to the movement direction of the head 5h. Therefore, regardless of body size, it is possible to prevent the pair of front protective chambers 27 from opening outward.

[0111] Additionally, in vehicles with narrower widths, such as Figure 14 As shown in (b), there is a situation where the first side airbag 11 on the near side abuts against the door trim panel 8, and the pair of side airbags 11 and 12 deploy asymmetrically. In this case, the center of the occupant 5's head 5h collides near the near side joint 28. Additionally, in a frontal oblique collision, as... Figure 14 As shown in (c), occupant 5 leans forward and to the near side, and... Figure 14 (b) Similarly, the center of the head 5h of the occupant 5 collides with the vicinity of the joint 28 on the near side. In these cases, the joint 28, which is formed by the sewn part, can properly absorb the impact of the head 5h. Furthermore, in Figure 14 The description of the head side protective chamber 30 is omitted. In addition, only the head 5h is described for crew member 5.

[0112] Other variations

[0113] In the above embodiment, the thickness suppression portion 15 in the region opposite the upper arm portion 5a in the side protection chamber 20 of the torso can be composed of, for example, multiple recesses (non-expansion portions, thickness-restricted expansion portions) arranged vertically or multiple through holes, or a combination of recesses and through holes. In the former case where the recesses are non-expansion portions, a gas flow path from the rear to the front of the thickness suppression portion 15 can be formed between the multiple non-expansion portions, or it can be omitted. Furthermore, even when a gas flow path is formed, its height should be reduced.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the thickness suppression portion 15 may be formed only on one of the pair of torso side protection chambers 20. Alternatively, the thickness suppression portions 15 may be of different sizes between the pair of torso side protection chambers 20, and the thicknesses of the pair of first airbag cushion portions 21 may be different in the inflated state.

[0115] In the above embodiment, a pair of side airbags 11 and 12 are formed symmetrically on the left and right, but they can also be formed asymmetrically on the left and right.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the rear part of the side protection chamber 20 of the torso can also cover the area from the shoulder 5s of the occupant 5 to the abdomen 5ab.

[0117] In the above embodiments, the side airbags 11 and 12 are formed by sewing two pieces of base fabric together, but they can also be formed using the so-called "one-piece weaving" technique.

[0118] Industrial availability

[0119] This invention can be applied to airbag devices and the like that which protect occupants from the side.

[0120] Symbol Explanation

[0121] 1…seats 5…occupants

[0122] 10…Airbag device

[0123] 11…First side airbag (side airbag)

[0124] 12…Second side airbag (side airbag)

[0125] 13…Inflator 15…Thickness suppression section

[0126] 16…Gas guide 17…First guide section

[0127] 18…Second guiding section 20…Side protective chamber of the torso

[0128] 30… Head Side Protective Chamber

Claims

1. An airbag device comprising: a side airbag for protecting an occupant seated on a seat of a vehicle; and an inflator that ejects inflation gas for inflating the side airbag, wherein the side airbag in an inflation completion state after completion of inflation and deployment has: a torso side protection chamber that covers a torso of the occupant from a side; and a head side protection chamber that covers a head of the occupant from the side in integration with the torso side protection chamber, wherein in the torso side protection chamber in the inflation completion state, a thickness regulating portion constituted by a recess or a through hole is formed in a region opposite to an upper arm portion in a state of extending obliquely downward from a shoulder of the occupant, wherein in the torso side protection chamber, an upper flow path is formed for the inflation gas from the inflator disposed at a rear side of the thickness regulating portion to flow via an upper side portion of the thickness regulating portion and to a front side portion of the thickness regulating portion, and a lower flow path is formed for the inflation gas to flow via a rear side portion of the thickness regulating portion and to a lower side portion of the thickness regulating portion while the inflation gas branched from the upper flow path flows into the head side protection chamber, and wherein the airbag device further comprises a front protection chamber that is installed at a front portion of the torso side protection chamber and communicates with the torso side protection chamber, and covers the occupant from the front in the inflation completion state, and wherein an engaging portion that engages the front protection chamber is provided at an inner side of the front portion of the torso side protection chamber, and wherein the engaging portion extends in the inflation completion state in a direction inclined with respect to a vertical direction and closer to the torso of the occupant at a lower side.

2. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein a gas guide member having a first guide member disposed at the upper side portion of the thickness regulating portion to form the upper flow path and a second guide member disposed at the rear side portion of the thickness regulating portion to form the lower flow path is provided inside the torso side protection chamber.

3. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the first guide member is branched in the middle and communicates with the head side protection chamber.

4. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the gas guide member is fixed to the torso side protection chamber at a peripheral portion of the thickness regulating portion.

5. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the torso side protection chamber in the inflation completion state has a shoulder side protection chamber that covers a shoulder of the occupant from the side and a waist side protection chamber that covers a waist of the occupant from the side, and wherein the thickness regulating portion is formed in a region between the shoulder side protection chamber and the waist side protection chamber in a vertical direction.

6. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a flow restricting portion that prevents or hinders the inflation gas from flowing from the lower side portion of the thickness regulating portion to the front side portion of the thickness regulating portion is provided at a lower side portion of the torso side protection chamber. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 7. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a head flow path that communicates the torso side protection chamber and the head side protection chamber is connected to a rear portion of the head side protection chamber.

8. The airbag device according to claim 7, wherein a non-inflatable panel portion that connects between the torso side protection chamber and the head side protection chamber is provided on a front side of the head flow path in the side airbag.

9. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a belt that restrains only the torso side protection chamber among the torso side protection chamber and the head side protection chamber from the outside in the inflated completion state is further provided.

10. The airbag device according to claim 9, wherein a non-inflatable panel portion is provided in an upper portion of the side airbag, the belt is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the panel portion.

11. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein a communication portion that communicates the front protection chamber and the torso side protection chamber is switched from a non-communication state to a communication state in a case where an internal pressure of the torso side protection chamber exceeds a prescribed value.

12. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein an extension direction of the joint portion is a direction that is substantially orthogonal to a moving direction when a head of an occupant who has fallen down forward with a torso in a normal position on the seat collides with the front protection chamber in a case where the vehicle collides from the front.

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