Vehicle passenger seat airbag device

Abstract

This disclosure provides a vehicle passenger seat airbag device. The vehicle passenger seat airbag device includes: an airbag body stored on a lower side of the dashboard and divided by an upper partition into a lower chamber restricting the lower limbs of an occupant and an upper chamber restricting the upper body of the occupant; and a rectifier tube configured to pass through the upper partition inside the airbag body and distribute gas ejected from an inflation device to the lower chamber and the upper chamber. The rectifier tube is configured such that when the rectifier tube expands and deploys due to the ejection of gas, at least the cross-sectional shape of the region passing through the upper partition is a flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle passenger seat airbag device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously known structures include passenger seat airbag devices with integrated knee pads and torso pads stored on the lower side of the dashboard (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-005127 (JP52-005127B)). Passenger seat airbag devices also previously known (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 08-072661 (JP 08-072661A)) in which the passenger seat airbag and inflator are stored inside the lower cover of the dashboard, and a cylindrical baffle and knee pad allowing gas to be released laterally are located inside the airbag. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In recent years, thinner dashboards have become a design trend. However, in this case, to achieve standard lower limb restraint performance in a frontal collision, a large knee airbag is needed to fill the gap between the lower surface of the dashboard, which is far from the occupant's knee, and the increased manufacturing cost and weight are issues. Therefore, it has been considered to simply construct the passenger seat airbag with a flat panel, integrating the upper body airbag (upper chamber) for the head and the knee airbag (lower chamber).

[0004] However, when the shape of an integrated three-dimensional airbag, which restrains the upper body and lower limbs, consists only of a flat panel, the occupant restraint surface is tilted backward. Since the surface opposite the occupant restraint surface (the dashboard side) does not contact the windshield (because no reaction force can be obtained from the windshield), the deployment behavior of the passenger seat airbag becomes unstable.

[0005] As a method to prevent the deployment behavior of passenger seat airbags from becoming unstable, it is conceivable to place a rectifier with a circular cross-section inside the airbag for distributing gas to the upper and lower chambers, and to form the rectifier in a curved shape along the rear surface of the dashboard. However, when such a rectifier is installed, for example in the case of a three-year-old child occupant, the amount of contact between the airbag and the rectifier with high internal pressure (the amount of interference overlapping in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from the width direction) increases, and may therefore impose an excessive load on the child occupant.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle passenger seat airbag device capable of suppressing the application of excessive load to child occupants.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: an airbag body stored on the lower side of the dashboard in front of the area from the knee to the shin of an occupant seated in a vehicle, and divided by an upper partition member into a lower chamber restricting the occupant's lower limbs and an upper chamber restricting the occupant's upper body; and a rectifier tube configured to pass through the upper partition member inside the airbag body and to distribute gas ejected from the inflation device to the lower chamber and the upper chamber. The rectifier tube is configured such that when the rectifier tube expands and deploys due to the ejection of gas, at least the cross-sectional shape of the area passing through the upper partition member is a flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction.

[0008] In the invention according to the first embodiment, in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the inflation device is activated, and the gas ejected from the inflation device is distributed through a rectifier tube to the lower and upper chambers of the airbag body. The occupant's lower limbs are restrained by the lower chamber of the airbag body, and the occupant's upper body is restrained by the upper chamber of the airbag body. In this invention, "occupant" refers to an adult occupant corresponding to the AM50 human dummy (hereinafter referred to as "adult").

[0009] Furthermore, the rectifier tube that distributes the gas ejected from the inflation device to the lower and upper chambers of the airbag body is configured such that when the rectifier tube expands and deploys due to the ejection of gas, the cross-sectional shape of at least the area passing through the upper partition member is a flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction. Here, for example, for an occupant equivalent to a three-year-old child, the chest faces the position corresponding to the upper partition member.

[0010] Because the cross-sectional shape of the area passing through the upper partition member of the airbag is formed into a flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction, and the thickness in the front-rear direction is reduced, the amount of contact (interference) between the child occupant and the airbag body with the high internal pressure is reduced. This suppresses the application of excessive load to the child occupant and reduces the injury value to the child occupant's chest and neck.

[0011] The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the second embodiment is the same as the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment, wherein the lower chamber is divided into a first lower chamber and a second lower chamber by a lower partition member, and the rectifier tube is further configured to pass through the lower partition member, and the cross-sectional shape of the region passing through the lower partition member is configured as a flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the width direction of the vehicle.

[0012] In the invention according to the second embodiment, the lower chamber is divided into a first lower chamber and a second lower chamber by a lower partition member. Furthermore, the airbag is configured to pass through the lower partition member, and the cross-sectional shape of the region passing through the lower partition member is set to a flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction. That is, the thickness of the airbag in the region passing through the lower partition member in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle's front-to-back direction is reduced. Therefore, even when a smaller child occupant is facing the lower partition member with their chest facing it, the amount of contact (interference) between the airbag body and the airbag with high internal pressure is reduced. This suppresses the application of excessive load to the child occupant and reduces the injury value to the child occupant's chest and neck.

[0013] The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the third scheme is the same as the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first or second scheme, wherein the rectifier is configured into the flat shape by a tether that adjusts the thickness along the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0014] In the invention according to the third embodiment, the rectifier is made into a flat shape by means of a tether that adjusts the thickness along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Therefore, it is easier to form a flat shape compared to cases where the rectifier is formed into a flat shape by means other than a tether.

[0015] A vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes: an airbag body located on the lower side of the dashboard in front of the area from the knee to the shin of an occupant seated in a vehicle, and divided by an upper partition member into a lower chamber restricting the occupant's lower limbs and an upper chamber restricting the occupant's upper body; and a rectifier tube configured to pass through the upper partition member inside the airbag body and to distribute gas ejected from the inflation device to the lower chamber and the upper chamber. The rectifier tube is configured to be generally "Y"-shaped in a front view such that when the rectifier tube inflates and deploys due to the ejection of gas, the upper portion branching along the vehicle width direction is positioned facing the two knees of the occupant.

[0016] In the invention according to the fourth embodiment, in the event of a frontal collision, the inflation device is activated, and the gas ejected from the inflation device is distributed through a rectifier tube to the lower and upper chambers of the airbag body. The occupant's lower limbs are restrained by the lower chamber of the airbag body, and the occupant's upper body is restrained by the upper chamber of the airbag body. In this invention, "occupant" refers to an adult occupant corresponding to the AM50 human dummy.

[0017] Furthermore, the rectifier tube, which distributes the gas ejected from the inflation device to the lower and upper chambers of the airbag body, is formed in a roughly "Y" shape in the front view such that when the rectifier tube expands and deploys due to the gas ejection, the upper part of the branch along the vehicle width direction is positioned facing the two knees of the occupant. Here, for example, in a child occupant dummy corresponding to a three-year-old child, the chest faces the position corresponding to the upper partition member. That is, the child occupant's chest faces the position corresponding to the area between the rectifier tubes branching along the vehicle width direction.

[0018] Therefore, compared to a configuration where the airbag does not branch along the vehicle's width, the amount of contact (interference) between the child occupant and the high-pressure airbag through the airbag body is reduced. This prevents excessive load from being applied to the child occupant and reduces the risk of chest and neck injuries.

[0019] The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the lower chamber is divided into a first lower chamber and a second lower chamber by a lower partition member, and the rectifier tube is configured to pass through a pair of left and right openings provided in the upper partition member, and to pass through a single opening provided in the lower partition member.

[0020] In the invention according to the fifth embodiment, the lower chamber is divided into a first lower chamber and a second lower chamber by a lower partition member. Furthermore, the rectifier tube is configured to pass through a pair of left and right openings provided in the upper partition member, and to pass through a single opening provided in the lower partition member. That is, the position of the rectifier tube is adjusted by the upper and lower partition members. This prevents the rectifier tube's expansion behavior from becoming unstable when gas is supplied instantaneously, causing it to expand and deploy.

[0021] The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the sixth embodiment is the same as the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the fourth or fifth embodiment, wherein the upper chamber is provided with a retaining member, the retaining member including a through hole, and the upper end of the rectifier tube is inserted through the through hole.

[0022] In the invention according to the sixth embodiment, the upper chamber is provided with a retaining member, the retaining member including a through hole through which the upper end of the rectifier tube is inserted. This prevents the expansion behavior of the upper end of the rectifier tube from becoming unstable when gas is supplied instantaneously to cause the rectifier tube to expand and unfold.

[0023] The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the seventh embodiment is a vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to any one of the fourth to sixth embodiments, wherein the rectifier is constructed by overlapping two pieces of base fabric that are set in a generally “Y” shape in the front view and sewing the periphery except for the gas exhaust port.

[0024] In the invention according to the seventh embodiment, the rectifier is constructed by overlapping two base fabrics that are set in a roughly "Y" shape in the front view and sewing the perimeter except for the gas exhaust port. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the rectifier and reduces its manufacturing cost.

[0025] The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the eighth embodiment is a vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the rectifier is configured to form a curved shape along the rear surface of the dashboard when the rectifier expands and deploys due to the ejection of the gas.

[0026] In the invention according to the eighth embodiment, the rectifier is configured to form a curved shape along the rear surface of the dashboard when it expands and deploys due to the ejection of gas. Therefore, the dashboard side of the inflated and deployed airbag body is arranged along the shape of the rear surface of the dashboard and contacts the windshield. Thus, even if the airbag body for the passenger seat, having a lower and upper chamber, becomes larger due to the thinner size of the dashboard, the unstable deployment behavior of the airbag body is prevented.

[0027] The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the ninth embodiment is a vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments, wherein the airbag body includes a first flat panel arranged on the dashboard side and a second flat panel arranged on the occupant side, and the perimeter along the vertical direction of the first flat panel is set to be shorter than the perimeter along the vertical direction of the second flat panel.

[0028] In the invention according to the ninth embodiment, the airbag body includes a first flat panel disposed on the dashboard side and a second flat panel disposed on the occupant side, and the circumference along the vertical direction of the first flat panel is set to be shorter than the circumference along the vertical direction of the second flat panel. Therefore, the dashboard side of the inflated and deployed airbag body is arranged along the shape of the rear surface of the dashboard and contacts the windshield. Thus, even if the airbag body for the passenger seat, having a lower chamber and an upper chamber, becomes larger due to the thinner size of the dashboard, the unstable deployment behavior of the airbag body is prevented.

[0029] As described above, according to the present invention, the vehicle passenger seat airbag device is capable of suppressing the application of excessive load to child occupants. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment is shown with a child occupant seated in the passenger seat.

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic side view showing the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment, enlarged;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic front cross-sectional view showing the airbag body and rectifier of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4 For along Figure 3 Enlarged cross-sectional view of line XX;

[0035] Figure 5A A front view of the first planar panel that constitutes the airbag body of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment;

[0036] Figure 5B A front view of the second planar panel that constitutes the airbag body of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0037] Figure 6A A schematic side sectional view showing a partially enlarged airbag body of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment;

[0038] Figure 6B A schematic side sectional view showing a modified example of a partially enlarged airbag body of a vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment;

[0039] Figure 7A For corresponding Figure 4 And an enlarged cross-sectional view of the shape of the rectifier tube in the region passing through the upper and lower partition members of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0040] Figure 7B For corresponding Figure 4 And an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first variant of the shape of the rectifier tube in the region passing through the upper and lower partition members of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0041] Figure 7C For corresponding Figure 4 And an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second variation of the shape of the rectifier tube in the region passing through the upper and lower partition members of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0042] Figure 8 For corresponding Figure 4 And an enlarged cross-sectional view is shown of a variant example of the tether installed in the rectifier of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the first embodiment;

[0043] Figure 9 A schematic side view showing the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the second embodiment, enlarged;

[0044] Figure 10 A schematic perspective view showing the airbag body of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the second embodiment;

[0045] Figure 11 For along Figure 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the line YY section;

[0046] Figure 12 For along Figure 9 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the ZZ section;

[0047] Figure 13A A front view of the first planar panel that forms part of the rectifier cylinder of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the second embodiment;

[0048] Figure 13B A front view of the second planar panel that forms part of the rectifier tube of the vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0049] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of description, the arrows “UP,” “FR,” and “RH,” suitably shown in the drawings, indicate the upward direction, forward direction, and rightward direction of the vehicle, respectively. Therefore, when directional terms (i.e., up and down, forward and backward, and right and left) are used in the following description unless otherwise specified, these terms mean the upward and downward direction, the forward and backward direction, and the right and left direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the left and right directions are synonymous with the vehicle width direction.

[0050] First Embodiment

[0051] First, the first embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 1As shown, as an example, the vehicle passenger seat airbag device (hereinafter referred to as "airbag device") 20 according to the first embodiment is provided in the right-hand drive vehicle 10. That is, the airbag device 20 is stored on the lower side of the resin dashboard 14 (inside the door 16 described later), which is located in front of the area from the knee to the shin of the occupant P1, who sits in the passenger seat 12, which serves as the left front seat of the vehicle 10.

[0052] The airbag device 20 includes an airbag body 30 made of fabric and a single inflator 24. The airbag body 30 is supported on a support member 22 located on the lower side of the dashboard 14 (inner side of the door 16) and stored in a folded state. The single inflator 24 is supported on the support member 22 and momentarily injects (supplyes) gas into the airbag body 30. Figure 1 In order to show the shape of the inflated and deployed airbag body 30, the occupant P1, who is sitting in the passenger seat 12, is deliberately removed from the airbag body 30.

[0053] The inflation device 24 is electrically connected to a detection device (not shown), such as an acceleration sensor disposed in the vehicle 10, and is activated to instantaneously release gas when the detection device detects a frontal collision with the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the door portion 16, which is destroyed and opened by the airbag body 30 that expands and deploys upon activation of the inflation device 24, is integrally disposed on the lower side of the dashboard 14, and... Figure 1 The image shows the door section 16 in a damaged state.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the airbag body 30 is divided into a lower chamber 32 and an upper chamber 38 by an upper partition 37 made of fabric, described later. The lower chamber 32 restrains the lower limbs of occupant P1, and the upper chamber 38 restrains the upper body, including the head of occupant P1. That is, the airbag body 30 is constructed by integrating an airbag for the upper body (upper chamber 38) and a knee airbag (lower chamber 32). The width of the airbag body 30 (its length along the left-right direction) is considered to be the width projecting outwards from the two knees of the adult occupant P2 in the left-right direction (see [reference]). Figure 11 ).

[0055] The lower chamber 32 is further divided into an upper and a lower portion by a lower partition member 35 made of fabric, described later. That is, the lower chamber 32 is divided by the lower partition member 35 into a first lower chamber 34 located on the lower side and a second lower chamber 36 located on the upper side. It should be noted that the first lower chamber 34 serves as... Figure 1The knee airbag of the child occupant P1 shown (e.g., the occupant of a human dummy corresponding to a three-year-old child), while the second lower chamber 36 is used as... Figure 9 The knee airbag shown is for the adult occupant P2 (e.g., the occupant of the human dummy AM50).

[0056] In other words, the first lower chamber 34 below the lower partition member 35 faces the knees of the child occupant P1 in a generally forward-backward direction, while the second lower chamber 36 between the lower partition member 35 and the upper partition member 37 faces the knees of the adult occupant P2 in a generally forward-backward direction. The upper partition member 37 faces the chest of the child occupant P1 in a generally forward-backward direction. There is no vent in the lower chamber 32 through which gas is discharged after restraining the lower limbs of the occupant P1, but vents (not shown) through which gas is discharged after restraining the upper bodies of the occupants P1 and P2 are provided on the left and right wall surfaces of the upper chamber 38.

[0057] Furthermore, inside the airbag body 30, a fabric-made rectifier 40 is provided to distribute the gas ejected from the inflator 24 to the lower chamber 32 (first lower chamber 34 and second lower chamber 36) and the upper chamber 38. The rectifier 40 is configured to form a generally cylindrical shape (including a generally elliptical cylindrical shape) in a plan view, except for a portion (the area described later), when it expands and deploys due to the ejection of gas, and is configured to form a curved shape along the profile of the rear surface 14A of the dashboard 14 in a side view viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a supply port 41, which communicates with the exhaust port 24A of the inflation device 24, is located at the lower end of the front-facing wall surface of the rectifier cylinder 40 (hereinafter referred to as "front surface 43") and at the center in the vehicle width direction. A circular opening 42A is located in the central portion (axial portion) of the lower end surface 42 of the rectifier cylinder 40, and the opening 42A faces the inner surface of the front wall 34A of the first lower chamber 34. That is, the gas ejected from the opening 42A is blown toward the inner surface of the front wall 34A of the first lower chamber 34.

[0059] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, a circular opening 44A is provided on a portion of the rear-facing wall surface of the rectifier cylinder 40 (hereinafter referred to as "rear surface 44"), and the opening 44A faces the inner surface of the rear wall 36A of the second lower chamber 36. That is, the gas ejected from the opening 44A is blown toward the inner surface of the rear wall 36A of the second lower chamber 36.

[0060] Furthermore, a circular opening 46A is provided in the center (axial portion) of the upper end surface 46 of the rectifier cylinder 40, and the opening 46A faces the inner surface of the front wall 38A of the upper chamber 38 (the first flat panel 26 described later). That is, the gas ejected from the opening 46A is blown onto the inner surface of the front wall 38A of the upper chamber 38.

[0061] Therefore, a portion of the outer surface of the front wall 38A of the upper chamber 38 (the surface opposite to the occupant restraint surface) contacts the inner surface of the windshield 18 with a predetermined pressure and is pressed backward relative to the windshield 18 (obtaining a reaction force from the windshield 18).

[0062] In the first embodiment, as an example, the inner diameter of the opening 46A on the upper end surface 46 of the rectifier 40 is larger than the inner diameter of the opening 44A on the rear surface 44 of the rectifier 40, and the inner diameter of the opening 44A on the rear surface 44 of the rectifier 40 is larger than the inner diameter of the opening 42A on the lower end surface 42 of the rectifier 40.

[0063] However, there is no restriction on the inner diameter of each of the openings 42A, 44A, and 46A, and it is only necessary that the inner diameter of the opening 46A on the upper end surface 46 is greater than the inner diameter of the opening 42A on the lower end surface 42 and the opening 44A on the rear surface 44. Therefore, for example, the inner diameter of the opening 42A on the lower end surface 42 and the inner diameter of the opening 44A on the rear surface 44 can be the same.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the upper partition member 37 is made of fabric with a predetermined thickness and is configured to separate the lower chamber 32 (second lower chamber 36) and the upper chamber 38 of the airbag body 30, except for the rectifier tube 40. That is, the outer periphery of the upper partition member 37 is sewn to the inner surface of the airbag body 30 without gaps.

[0065] To allow passage through the rectifier tube 40, the inner diameter (length in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions) of the approximately elliptical opening 37A in the central portion (axial portion) of the upper partition member 37 is slightly larger than the outer diameter (length in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions) of the expanded and unfolded rectifier tube 40 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0066] Specifically, the rectifier cylinder 40 is configured to pass through the opening 37A of the upper partition member 37, and the periphery of the opening 37A is not sewn onto the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier cylinder 40. The rectifier cylinder 40 is configured such that, when the rectifier cylinder 40 expands and unfolds due to the ejection of gas, the cross-sectional shape of the central portion in the vehicle width direction, at least in the area passing through the opening 37A of the upper partition member 37, is a generally rectangular flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction in a plan view. That is, the rectifier cylinder 40 is constructed such that the thickness of the central portion in the vehicle width direction, at least in the area passing through the opening 37A of the upper partition member 37, in the vehicle longitudinal direction is adjusted by a pair of left and right tethers 48.

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each tether 48 extends vertically with its lower end facing the supply port 41. The upper end of each tether 48 extends beyond a predetermined position beyond the upper partition member 37. Therefore, the gas ejected from the supply port 41 into the rectifier cylinder 40 is delivered to the upper chamber 38 through three flow paths divided by each tether 48 into a right, left, and central section.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the width of each tether 48 along the front-to-back direction is shorter than the diameter R (length in the front-to-back direction, i.e., thickness) of the portion of the rectifier 40 having a generally circular cross-section on the left and right sides of each tether 48. At least in the region passing through the opening 37A of the upper partition member 37, the front end 48A of each tether 48 is sewn to a portion of the front surface 43 of the rectifier 40, and the rear end 48B of each tether 48 is sewn to a portion of the rear surface 44 of the rectifier 40.

[0069] Therefore, at least in the region passing through the opening 37A of the upper partition member 37 in the vehicle width direction, each tether 48, the front surface 43, and the rear surface 44 of the rectifier cylinder 40 form a generally rectangular flat shape in the plan view. Thus, in the region passing through the opening 37A of the upper partition member 37, a gap S1 is formed between the periphery of the opening 37A and the outer peripheral surfaces (front surface 43 and rear surface 44) of the expanded and unfolded rectifier cylinder 40 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, in addition to being connected via the rectifier cylinder 40, the lower chamber 32 (second lower chamber 36) and the upper chamber 38 are also connected via the gap S1.

[0070] The same applies to the lower partition member 35. That is, the lower partition member 35 is also made of fabric with a predetermined thickness and is configured to separate the first lower chamber 34 and the second lower chamber 36 of the lower chamber 32, except for the rectifier tube 40. In other words, the outer periphery of the lower partition member 35 is sewn seamlessly to the inner surface of the airbag body 30.

[0071] To allow passage through the rectifier tube 40, the inner diameter (length in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions) of the approximately elliptical opening 35A in the central portion (axial portion) of the lower partition member 35 is slightly larger than the outer diameter (length in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions) of the expanded and unfolded rectifier tube 40 (see...). Figure 7A ).

[0072] Specifically, the rectifier cylinder 40 is configured to also pass through the opening 35A of the lower partition member 35, and the periphery of the opening 35A is not sewn to the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier cylinder 40. The rectifier cylinder 40 is configured such that, when the rectifier cylinder 40 expands and unfolds due to the ejection of gas, the cross-sectional shape of the central portion in the vehicle width direction, at least in the area passing through the opening 35A of the lower partition member 35, is a generally rectangular flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction in the plan view. That is, the rectifier cylinder 40 is constructed such that the thickness of the central portion in the vehicle width direction, at least in the area passing through the opening 35A of the lower partition member 35, in the vehicle longitudinal direction is adjusted by a pair of left and right tethers 48.

[0073] As described above, the width of each tether 48 along the front-to-back direction is shorter than the diameter R (length in the front-to-back direction, i.e., thickness) of the portion of the rectifier cylinder 40 having a generally circular cross-section on the left and right sides of each tether 48 (see [reference]). Figure 7A At least in the region passing through the opening 35A of the lower partition member 35, the front end 48A of each tether 48 is sewn to a portion of the front surface 43 of the rectifier cylinder 40, and the rear end 48B of each tether 48 is sewn to a portion of the rear surface 44 of the rectifier cylinder 40 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0074] Therefore, at least in the region passing through the opening 35A of the lower partition member 35, at the center in the vehicle width direction, each tether 48, the front surface 43 of the fairing cylinder 40, and the rear surface 44 form a roughly rectangular flat shape in the plan view. Therefore, in the region passing through the opening 35A of the lower partition member 35, the gap S2 (see...) Figure 7A A gap S2 is formed between the periphery of the opening 35A and the outer peripheral surfaces (front surface 43 and rear surface 44) of the expanded and unfolded rectifier cylinder 40. That is, in addition to being connected via the rectifier cylinder 40, the first lower chamber 34 and the second lower chamber 36 are also connected via the gap S2.

[0075] like Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the airbag body 30 consists of a first flat panel 26 arranged on the side of the instrument panel 14 and a second flat panel 28 arranged on the side of the occupant P1. The first flat panel 26 and the second flat panel 28 have the same size and shape, and their outer peripheral edges are sewn together (by sewing two base fabrics together in a flat stitch), thereby manufacturing the airbag body 30.

[0076] The perimeter along the vertical direction of the first planar panel 26 is set to be shorter than the perimeter along the vertical direction of the second planar panel 28 (in... Figure 5A In the diagram, the short perimeter is shown by a dashed line. Specifically, the first planar panel 26 is tucked and sewn so that its perimeter along the vertical direction is set (formed) to be short.

[0077] That is, such as Figure 5A As shown, in the approximately central portion of the first planar panel 26 in the vertical direction, a diamond-shaped sewing area SE is provided in a plan view taken along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10, with the longer side being the diagonal in the left-right direction. By pinching the fabric in the vertical direction and sewing the sewing area SE, the circumference of the first planar panel 26 in the vertical direction is shorter than the circumference of the second planar panel 28 in the vertical direction.

[0078] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, on the surface side (occupant restraint surface side) that contacts the occupant P1 seated in the passenger seat 12, there is no pleat 26A formed as the part pinched and sewn as the sewing area SE, so that as Figure 6A The pleated portion 26A shown can protrude forward from the first planar panel 26. Furthermore, as... Figure 6B As shown, the pleats 26A can be folded into the airbag body 30 (upper chamber 38) so as not to protrude forward from the first planar panel 26.

[0079] Next, the operation of the airbag device 20 according to the first embodiment having the above-described structure will be described.

[0080] When the detection device detects a frontal collision with vehicle 10, the inflation device 24 is activated, and gas is instantly ejected (supplyed) through the interior of the rectifier tube 40 into the interior of the airbag body 30. Specifically, as Figure 2 As shown, the gas ejected from the inflation device 24 is first ejected (supplied) into the rectifier cylinder 40.

[0081] Subsequently, the gas ejected (supplied) into the rectifier cylinder 40 is ejected from the opening 42A in the center of the lower end surface 42 of the rectifier cylinder 40 and supplied to the first lower chamber 34 of the lower chamber 32. The gas is also ejected from the opening 44A in the rear surface 44 of the rectifier cylinder 40 and supplied to the second lower chamber 36 of the lower chamber 32.

[0082] Furthermore, the gas ejected (supplied) into the rectifier cylinder 40 is ejected from the opening 46A in the central portion of the upper end surface 46 of the rectifier cylinder 40 and supplied to the upper chamber 38. In other words, the gas ejected into the rectifier cylinder 40 is distributed by the rectifier cylinder 40 to the lower chamber 32 (the first lower chamber 34 and the second lower chamber 36) and the upper chamber 38.

[0083] Therefore, compared with the configuration without the rectifier 40 (where the ejected gas is not distributed to the upper chamber 38), the high pressure of the instantaneously ejected gas in the lower chamber 32 is suppressed, and the internal pressure of the upper chamber 38 can be easily adjusted to be lower than that of the lower chamber 32.

[0084] In other words, in the airbag body 30, the internal pressure of the upper chamber 38 needs to be set to be lower than the internal pressure of the lower chamber 32, and the gas ejected into the rectifier 40 is distributed to the lower chamber 32 (first lower chamber 34 and second lower chamber 36) and the upper chamber 38 through the rectifier 40, so that this setting can be easily achieved.

[0085] Furthermore, in the rectifier cylinder 40 according to the first embodiment, the inner diameter of the opening 46A provided on the upper end surface 46 is larger than the inner diameter of the opening 42A provided on the lower end surface 42 and the inner diameter of the opening 44A provided on the rear surface 44 through which the gas is ejected into the second lower chamber 36.

[0086] Therefore, the amount of gas ejected into the upper chamber 38 and the amount of gas ejected into the lower chamber 32 (first lower chamber 34 and second lower chamber 36) can be appropriately controlled, and the damage to the lower chamber 32 (first lower chamber 34 and second lower chamber 36) due to the high pressure of the instantaneously ejected gas can be further suppressed.

[0087] An opening 44A is provided on the rear surface 44 of the rectifier 40 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, compared with a rectifier (not shown) that only an opening 42A is provided on the lower end surface 42 and an opening 46A is provided on the upper end surface 46, when the rectifier 40 expands and unfolds due to the instantaneous ejection (supply) of gas, the unfolding behavior of the rectifier 40 (especially the portion arranged in the upper chamber 38) can be prevented from becoming unstable.

[0088] Therefore, the expanded and unfolded rectifier cylinder 40 is rapidly arranged in a curved shape along the rear surface 14A of the instrument panel 14 in the side view, and the gas ejected from the opening 42A of the rectifier cylinder 40 is blown toward the inner surface of the front wall 34A of the first lower chamber 34. Subsequently, the gas ejected from the opening 44A of the rectifier cylinder 40 is blown toward the inner surface of the rear wall 36A of the second lower chamber 36, and the gas ejected from the opening 46A of the rectifier cylinder 40 is blown toward the inner surface of the front wall 38A of the upper chamber 38.

[0089] Therefore, the entire airbag body 30 inflates and deploys to be propelled forward, and the inflated and deployed airbag body 30 is arranged along the shape of the rear surface 14A of the instrument panel 14 on the instrument panel 14 side. In particular, a portion of the outer surface of the front wall 38A of the upper chamber 38 contacts the inner surface of the windshield 18 with a predetermined pressure and is pressed backward relative to the windshield 18 (receiving a reaction force from the windshield 18).

[0090] Therefore, for example, even if the airbag body 30 for the passenger seat 12, having a lower chamber 32 and an upper chamber 38, becomes larger due to the thinner size of the dashboard 14, it is possible to supply gas instantaneously to inflate the airbag body 30 and prevent the deployment behavior of the airbag body 30 from becoming unstable (the deployment behavior can be stabilized). Therefore, it is possible to properly restrain the lower limbs and upper body (including the head) of the occupant P1 sitting in the passenger seat 12.

[0091] Furthermore, when the rectifier tube 40 expands and unfolds, the cross-sectional shape of the central portion in the vehicle width direction, at least in the area passing through the upper partition member 37, is formed into a generally rectangular flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction. Here, for example, in a child occupant P1 corresponding to a three-year-old child dummy, the chest faces the position corresponding to the upper partition member 37.

[0092] Because the cross-sectional shape of the rectifier cylinder 40, at least in the region passing through the upper partition member 37, in the central part of the vehicle width direction, is formed into a generally rectangular flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction, and the thickness in the front-rear direction is reduced, the amount of contact between the child occupant P1 and the rectifier cylinder 40 with high internal pressure through the airbag body 30 can be reduced (the amount of interference overlapping in the front-rear direction in the side view (see...) Figure 2 This enables the suppression of excessive loads on child occupant P1 and reduces the injury values ​​to the chest and neck of child occupant P1.

[0093] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the rectifier cylinder 40, at least in the region passing through the lower partition member 35, at its central portion in the vehicle width direction, is also formed as a generally rectangular flat shape in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction, and its thickness in the front-rear direction is reduced. Therefore, even when a smaller child occupant (not shown) is facing the lower partition member 35 at chest level, the amount of contact between the airbag body 30 and the rectifier cylinder 40 with high internal pressure (the amount of interference overlapping in the front-rear direction in the side view) can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the application of excessive load to the child occupant and to reduce the injury value to the child occupant's chest and neck.

[0094] The rectifier tube 40 is formed into a roughly rectangular flat shape by a pair of left and right tie ropes 48 that adjust the thickness in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, compared with the case where a roughly rectangular flat shape is formed by a method other than the pair of left and right tie ropes 48, it is easier to form the rectifier tube 40 into a roughly rectangular flat shape.

[0095] Furthermore, in order to allow passage through the rectifier tube 40, the inner diameters of the openings 37A in the upper partition member 37 and 35A in the lower partition member 35 are each slightly larger than the outer diameter of the expanded and unfolded rectifier tube 40. That is, gaps (including gap S1 and gap S2) are formed between the periphery of the openings 37A in the upper partition member 37 and 35A in the lower partition member 35 and the outer peripheral surface of the expanded and unfolded rectifier tube 40.

[0096] Therefore, the gas in the first lower chamber 34 can flow to the second lower chamber 36 through the gap (including gap S2) between the periphery of the opening 35A of the lower partition member 35 and the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier cylinder 40, and the gas in the second lower chamber 36 can flow to the upper chamber 38 through the gap (including gap S1) between the periphery of the opening 37A of the upper partition member 37 and the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier cylinder 40. Therefore, the pressure in the lower chamber 32 after the gas supply can also be easily adjusted (exhausted).

[0097] The airbag body 30 includes a first flat panel 26 disposed on the side of the instrument panel 14 and a second flat panel 28 disposed on the side of the occupant P1. That is, the airbag body 30 is manufactured by inexpensive flat stitching (sewing two pieces of base fabric together). Therefore, compared with an airbag body (not shown) that integrates the upper and lower chambers by three-dimensional stitching, the manufacturing cost and weight of the airbag body 30 can be reduced.

[0098] The circumference along the vertical direction of the first planar panel 26 is set to be shorter than the circumference along the vertical direction of the second planar panel 28. Therefore, compared to the case where the circumferences along the vertical direction of the first planar panel 26 and the vertical direction of the second planar panel 28 are set to be the same length, the instrument panel 14 side of the inflated and deployed airbag body 30 is arranged more reliably along the shape of the rear surface 14A of the instrument panel 14.

[0099] In other words, when the circumference along the vertical direction of the first planar panel 26 and the circumference along the vertical direction of the second planar panel 28 are set to the same length, the upper chamber 38 of the inflated and deployed airbag body 30 tilts rearward. On the other hand, when the circumference along the vertical direction of the first planar panel 26 is set to be shorter than the circumference along the vertical direction of the second planar panel 28, the upper chamber 38 of the inflated and deployed airbag body 30 tilts forward (suppressing rearward tilting).

[0100] Therefore, a portion of the outer surface of the front wall 38A of the upper chamber 38 more reliably contacts the inner surface of the windshield 18 with a predetermined pressure and is pressed back relative to the windshield 18. This allows for the instantaneous supply of gas to inflate the airbag body 30 and further suppresses the unstable deployment behavior of the airbag body 30 (further stabilizing the deployment behavior), and thus can appropriately restrain the lower limbs and upper body (including the head) of the occupant P1 seated in the passenger seat 12.

[0101] Furthermore, the first planar panel 26 is pleated and sewn so that its circumference along the vertical direction is set (formed) to be short. Therefore, compared with the case of a first planar panel (not shown) having a pre-prepared short circumference along the vertical direction, the manufacturing cost of the airbag body 30 can be further reduced.

[0102] In the first embodiment, as Figure 7A As shown, at least in the region passing through the upper partition member 37 and the lower partition member 35, the central portion of the rectifier 40 in the vehicle width direction is formed into a generally rectangular flat shape in the plan view, but the shape of the rectifier 40 is not limited to a generally rectangular flat shape.

[0103] For example, such as Figure 7B As shown, the rectifier 40 can be formed in a generally rectangular flat shape only in the region passing through the upper partition member 37, and in a circular or elliptical shape in the region passing through the lower partition member 35. In this case, the shape of the opening 35A of the lower partition member 35 can be appropriately set according to whether it is circular or elliptical.

[0104] In addition, for example, such as Figure 7CAs shown, the rectifier 40 can be formed in a generally rectangular flat shape only in the region passing through the lower partition member 35, and in a circular or elliptical shape in the region passing through the upper partition member 37. In this case, the shape of the opening 37A of the upper partition member 37 can be appropriately set according to whether it is circular or elliptical.

[0105] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the configuration can be such that only one tether 48 is provided in the central portion of the rectifier 40 in the vehicle width direction, at least in the region passing through the upper partition member 37 and the lower partition member 35. In other words, the gas ejected from the supply port 41 into the rectifier 40 can be delivered to the upper chamber 38 through two flow paths, divided into a right portion and a left portion by the tether 48.

[0106] Second Embodiment

[0107] Next, the second embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same parts as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0108] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the airbag device 20 according to the second embodiment differs from the airbag device 20 according to the first embodiment only in that the airbag device 20 according to the second embodiment is provided with a rectifier cylinder 50. When it expands and deploys due to the ejection of gas, the rectifier cylinder 50 forms a generally "Y" shape in the front view and a curved shape along the shape of the rear surface 14A of the instrument panel 14 in the side view. The airbag device 20 according to the second embodiment is provided with an upper partition member 37 and a lower partition member 35 through which the rectifier cylinder 50, which forms a generally "Y" shape in the front view, can pass. The airbag device 20 according to the second embodiment is provided with a retaining member 58 through which the upper end of the rectifier cylinder 50 passes.

[0109] Specifically, the rectifier tube 50 is configured to pass through a pair of circular openings 37B arranged at a distance from each other in the upper partition member 37 along the vehicle width direction, and is also configured to pass through a single circular opening 35B arranged in the central portion (axial portion) of the lower partition member 35. That is, the rectifier tube 50 branches into two in the second lower chamber 36, and as shown... Figure 11 As shown, the two-branched upper section is positioned at the two knees of the adult occupant P2, which corresponds to the human dummy AM50.

[0110] A circular opening 52A, serving as a gas exhaust port, is located at the center (axial portion) of the lower end surface 52 of the single unbranched portion (lower part) of the rectifier cylinder 50, and the opening 52A faces the inner surface of the front wall 34A of the first lower chamber 34. That is, in the gas ejected from the exhaust port 24A of the inflation device 24 into the rectifier cylinder 50 via the supply port 51, the gas ejected from the opening 52A is blown toward the inner surface of the front wall 34A of the first lower chamber 34.

[0111] Furthermore, circular openings 56A serving as gas exhaust ports are provided in the central portion (axial portion) of each upper end surface 56 of the two branches of the rectifier cylinder 50, and each opening 56A faces the inner surface of the front wall 38A (first flat panel 26) of the upper chamber 38. That is, in the gas ejected from the exhaust port 24A of the inflation device 24 into the rectifier cylinder 50 via the supply port 51, the gas ejected from each opening 56A is blown onto the inner surface of the front wall 38A of the upper chamber 38.

[0112] Therefore, a portion of the outer surface of the front wall 38A of the upper chamber 38 (the surface opposite to the occupant restraint surface) contacts the inner surface of the windshield 18 with a predetermined pressure and is pressed backward relative to the windshield 18 (receiving a reaction force from the windshield 18).

[0113] No opening is provided on the rear surface 54 of the rectifier tube 50. Instead, circular openings 35C are provided on the left and right sides of the opening 35B of the lower partition member 35, and the gas ejected into the first lower chamber 34 is supplied to the second lower chamber 36 through the pair of left and right openings 35C.

[0114] The inner diameter of opening 35C is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of opening 35B. Gas supplied to the second lower chamber 36 passes through the gap S3 between the periphery of opening 37B of the upper partition member 37 and the outer peripheral surface of the upper branch of the rectifying cylinder 50 (refer to...). Figure 11 ) flows into the upper chamber 38.

[0115] In addition, such as Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the retaining member 58 is disposed inside the upper chamber 38. The retaining member 58 has a through hole 58A, through which the upper end portion 50U of the rectifier tube 50 is inserted. The retaining member 58 is made of fabric with a predetermined thickness and is sewn onto the airbag body 30 only at both ends along the vehicle width direction. That is, a gap S4 is formed on the front and rear sides of the retaining member 58, and even when the retaining member 58 is provided, gas flows from the lower part to the upper part of the upper chamber 38 through the gap S4.

[0116] In addition, such as Figure 13A and Figure 13BAs shown, the rectifier 50 is constructed by overlapping two base fabrics that are formed in a roughly "Y" shape in the front view and sewing their peripheries together except for the openings 52A and 56A, which serve as gas exhaust ports. Specifically, the rectifier 50 is composed of a first flat panel 50A arranged on the side of the instrument panel 14 and a second flat panel 50B arranged on the side of the occupant P2. The first flat panel 50A and the second flat panel 50B have the same size and shape, and their outer peripheral edges are sewn together (by sewing the two base fabrics together in a flat stitch), thereby manufacturing the rectifier 50.

[0117] Next, the operation of the airbag device 20 according to the second embodiment having the above-described structure will be described. For operations identical to those in the first embodiment, their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0118] When the detection device detects a frontal collision with vehicle 10, the inflation device 24 is activated, and gas is instantly ejected (supplyed) through the interior of the rectifier tube 50 into the interior of the airbag body 30. Specifically, as Figure 10 As shown, the gas ejected from the inflation device 24 is first ejected (supplied) into the rectifier cylinder 50.

[0119] Subsequently, the gas ejected (supplied) into the rectifier 50 is ejected from the opening 52A in the center of the lower end surface 52 of the rectifier 50 and supplied to the first lower chamber 34 of the lower chamber 32. Furthermore, the gas supplied to the first lower chamber 34 is supplied to the second lower chamber 36 of the lower chamber 32 through the opening 35C in the lower partition member 35.

[0120] Furthermore, the gas ejected (supplied) into the rectifier 50 is ejected from an opening 56A located in the central portion of each of the two upper end surfaces 56 of the rectifier 50 and supplied to the upper chamber 38. That is, the gas ejected into the rectifier 50 is distributed by the rectifier 50 to the lower chamber 32 (first lower chamber 34 and second lower chamber 36) and the upper chamber 38.

[0121] Therefore, compared with the configuration without a rectifier 50 (where the ejected gas is not distributed to the upper chamber 38), the lower chamber 32 is prevented from being damaged by the high pressure of the instantaneously ejected gas, and the internal pressure of the upper chamber 38 can be easily adjusted to be lower than that of the lower chamber 32.

[0122] Furthermore, the gas ejected into the first lower chamber 34 is supplied to the second lower chamber 36 through the opening 35C in the lower partition member 35, and the gas supplied to the second lower chamber 36 flows to the upper chamber 38 through the gap between the periphery of the opening 37B of the upper partition member 37 and the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the two branches of the rectifier cylinder 50. In other words, a gas passage is also provided between the lower chamber 32 and the upper chamber 38, in addition to the rectifier cylinder 50.

[0123] Therefore, the amount of gas ejected into the upper chamber 38 and the amount of gas ejected into the lower chamber 32 (first lower chamber 34 and second lower chamber 36) can be appropriately controlled, and the damage to the lower chamber 32 (first lower chamber 34 and second lower chamber 36) due to the high pressure of the instantaneously ejected gas can be further suppressed.

[0124] Furthermore, as described above, the gas ejected from the opening 52A of the rectifier cylinder 50 is blown towards the inner surface of the front wall 34A of the first lower chamber 34, and the gas ejected from the opening 56A of the rectifier cylinder 50 is blown towards the inner surface of the front wall 38A of the upper chamber 38. Therefore, the entire airbag body 30 inflates and deploys, thus being propelled forward, and the inflated and deployed airbag body 30 is arranged along the shape of the rear surface 14A of the instrument panel 14 on the instrument panel 14 side.

[0125] Specifically, a portion of the outer surface of the front wall 38A of the upper chamber 38 contacts the inner surface of the windshield 18 with a predetermined pressure and is pressed backward relative to the windshield 18 (receiving a reaction force from the windshield 18).

[0126] Therefore, for example, even if the airbag body 30 for the passenger seat 12, having a lower chamber 32 and an upper chamber 38, becomes larger due to the thinner size of the dashboard 14, it is possible to supply gas instantaneously to inflate the airbag body 30 and prevent the deployment behavior of the airbag body 30 from becoming unstable (the deployment behavior can be stabilized). Therefore, it is possible to properly restrain the lower limbs and upper body (including the head) of the occupant P2 sitting in the passenger seat 12.

[0127] Furthermore, the fairing 50 is formed in a roughly "Y" shape in the front view, such that when the fairing 50 expands and unfolds, the upper part of the branch along the vehicle width direction is positioned at the two knee positions facing the occupant P2 (so that it can be positioned in the lower chamber 32). Here, for example, in the child occupant P1 corresponding to a three-year-old child dummy, the chest faces the position corresponding to the upper partition member 37. That is, the chest of the child occupant P1 faces the position corresponding to the area between the two branches of the fairing 50 (the area where the fairing 50 is not located in the central part of the vehicle width direction).

[0128] Therefore, compared to the case where the rectifier 50 does not branch in the vehicle width direction (when the rectifier is located in the center of the vehicle width direction), the amount of contact between the child occupant P1 and the rectifier 50 with high internal pressure through the airbag body 30 can be reduced (the amount of interference overlapping in the front-rear direction in the side view). This makes it possible to suppress the application of excessive load to the child occupant P1 and to reduce the injury values ​​to the chest and neck of the child occupant P1.

[0129] Furthermore, since the upper parts of the expanded and deployed rectifier cylinder 50 are arranged in two sections facing the two knees of the adult occupant P2, the two knees of the occupant P2 can be effectively restrained by the rectifier cylinder 50 with high internal pressure via the airbag body 30. That is, the knee restraint performance for the adult occupant P2 can be improved. Therefore, by means of the airbag device 20 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to improve the restraint performance for both the child occupant P1 and the adult occupant P2.

[0130] Furthermore, the rectifier tube 50 is configured to pass through a pair of left and right openings 37B provided in the upper partition member 37 and a single opening 35B provided in the lower partition member 35. That is, the position of the rectifier tube 50 is adjusted by the upper partition member 37 and the lower partition member 35. This makes it possible to prevent the deployment behavior of the rectifier tube 50 from becoming unstable when gas is supplied instantaneously to cause the rectifier tube 50 to expand and deploy (it is possible to stabilize the deployment behavior of the rectifier tube 50).

[0131] The upper chamber 38 is provided with a retaining member 58, which has a through hole 58A through which the upper end portion 50U of the rectifier cylinder 50 is inserted. This makes it possible to supply gas instantaneously to cause the rectifier cylinder 50 to expand and unfold, thus preventing the unfolding behavior of the upper end portion 50U of the rectifier cylinder 50 from becoming unstable.

[0132] The rectifier 50 is constructed by overlapping two base fabrics that are roughly "Y"-shaped in the front view and sewing them together around the perimeter except for the openings 52A and 56A, which serve as gas exhaust ports. That is, the rectifier 50 is manufactured by inexpensive flat sewing (sewing the two base fabrics together). Therefore, the manufacturing process of the rectifier 50 can be simplified and its manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0133] The vehicle passenger seat airbag device 20 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the vehicle passenger seat airbag device 20 according to this embodiment is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and its design can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention. For example, the generally rectangular flat shape in the first embodiment includes an inflated shape (generally drum-shaped) in which the central portion in the vehicle width direction bulges slightly in a generally arc shape towards the front and rear sides.

[0134] Furthermore, the first planar panel 26 constituting the airbag body 30 is not limited to a first planar panel whose circumference along the vertical direction is shortened by pleating and sewing, but can be preset to be (formed) short. In addition, the inflation device 24 can be configured to activate not only when a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 is detected, but also when a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 is predicted, for example, by a collision prediction sensor.

Claims

1. A vehicle passenger seat airbag device, comprising: An airbag body is stored on the lower side of the dashboard in front of the area from the knee to the shin of an occupant seated in a vehicle, and is divided by an upper partition member into a lower chamber restricting the occupant's lower limbs and an upper chamber restricting the occupant's upper body, wherein the lower chamber is further divided by a lower partition member into a first lower chamber and a second lower chamber; and A rectifier tube, configured to pass through the upper and lower partition members inside the airbag body, and to distribute gas ejected from the inflation device to the first lower chamber, the second lower chamber, and the upper chamber, wherein the rectifier tube is configured such that when the rectifier tube expands and deploys due to the ejection of gas, at least the cross-sectional shape of the region passing through the upper partition member and the cross-sectional shape of the region passing through the lower partition member are flat in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle width direction, and form a curved shape along the shape of the rear surface of the dashboard; The gas is blown toward the inner surface of the front wall of the first lower chamber, the inner surface of the rear wall of the second lower chamber, and the inner surface of the front wall of the upper chamber.

2. The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the rectifier is configured into the flat shape by a tether that adjusts the thickness along the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

3. The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the airbag body includes a first planar panel disposed on the dashboard side and a second planar panel disposed on the occupant side, and the perimeter along the vertical direction of the first planar panel is set to be shorter than the perimeter along the vertical direction of the second planar panel.

4. A vehicle passenger seat airbag device, comprising: The airbag body is located on the lower side of the dashboard in front of the area from the knee to the shin of an occupant sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle, and is divided by an upper partition member into a lower chamber that restricts the occupant's lower limbs and an upper chamber that restricts the occupant's upper body. as well as A rectifier tube, configured to pass through the upper partition member inside the airbag body and distribute gas ejected from the inflator to the lower chamber and the upper chamber, wherein the rectifier tube is configured to be approximately "Y"-shaped in the front view such that when the rectifier tube expands and deploys due to the ejection of gas, the upper part of the branch along the vehicle width direction is positioned at the two knee positions facing the occupant. The lower chamber is divided into a first lower chamber and a second lower chamber by a lower partition member, and The rectifier tube is configured to pass through a pair of left and right openings provided in the upper partition member, and to pass through a single opening provided in the lower partition member.

5. The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to claim 4, wherein the upper chamber is provided with a retaining member, the retaining member including a through hole, and the upper end of the rectifier tube is inserted through the through hole.

6. The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the rectifier is constructed by overlapping two pieces of base fabric arranged in a generally "Y" shape in the front view and sewing the periphery except for the gas exhaust port.

7. The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the rectifier is configured to form a curved shape along the profile of the rear surface of the dashboard when the rectifier expands and deploys due to the ejection of the gas.

8. The vehicle passenger seat airbag device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the airbag body includes a first planar panel disposed on the dashboard side and a second planar panel disposed on the occupant side, and the perimeter along the vertical direction of the first planar panel is set to be shorter than the perimeter along the vertical direction of the second planar panel.

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