Airbag device

Abstract

An airbag device has an airbag with a second airbag connected to the underside of a first airbag protecting the side head of an occupant. In order to suppress interference between the airbag and the occupant's shoulder during inflation, the airbag device (10) includes an airbag (11) for protecting an occupant (5) sitting in a vehicle seat (1) and an inflator (12) for injecting gas supplied to the airbag (11). The airbag (11) in the inflated state has a first airbag (21) that at least covers the side head of the occupant (5) and a second airbag (22) that is connected to the rear portion of the first airbag (21) at a height near the shoulder of the occupant (5) and extends downward from the connection. In the inflated state, a cutout (24) extending from the front to the rear is formed between the first airbag (21) and the second airbag (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an airbag device for protecting the head and other parts of occupants. Background Technology

[0002] There is a known airbag device that has an airbag that inflates and deploys to cover the head of the occupant during a vehicle collision or when the vehicle is impacted.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an occupant protection device as such an airbag device. The airbag of the occupant protection device includes: a front deployment portion that deploys in front of the seat relative to the occupant's head; and a pair of left and right side deployment portions that are connected to the front deployment portion and expand and deploy on the sides of the seat relative to the occupant's head, thereby forming an integral bag body that covers the occupant's head.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-019425 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in conventional airbags, when viewed from the side, the entire air cushion is positioned on the upper side of the torso. To address this, the inventors of this application developed an airbag that connects a second air cushion to the underside of a first air cushion protecting the occupant's side head. As a result, it was found that the airbag easily interferes with the occupant's shoulders during inflation and deployment.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of these problems, and its object is to provide an airbag device having an airbag having a second airbag connected to the underside of a first airbag protecting the occupant's head, wherein the airbag does not interfere with the occupant's shoulder during inflation and deployment.

[0009] Problem Solving Methods

[0010] The present invention is an airbag device comprising an airbag for protecting an occupant seated in a vehicle seat and an inflator for injecting gas supplied to the airbag, wherein the airbag in its inflated, deflated state has a first airbag covering at least the side of the occupant's head and a second airbag connected to the rear portion of the first airbag at a height near the occupant's shoulder and extending downward from the connection point, wherein in the deflated state, a cutout extending from the front to the rear is formed between the first airbag and the second airbag.

[0011] In this invention, the airbag in the inflated state may further include a conduit portion, which is located inside the incision portion and connects the first airbag and the second airbag.

[0012] In this invention, the inflator's storage part can be connected to the conduit section.

[0013] In this invention, in the side head protection part for protecting the side head of the occupant in the first air cushion, a plurality of non-inflatable parts may be arranged in the area other than the connection part with the conduit part. These non-inflatable parts are surrounded by an inflatable area that expands through gas from the inflator.

[0014] In this invention, in the side head protection part in the expanded state, a plurality of non-expanded parts can be arranged at intervals along an imaginary straight line extending from the rear to the front.

[0015] In this invention, in the side head protection part in the expanded state, a plurality of non-expanded parts can be arranged at intervals along an imaginary straight line extending from the lower side to the upper side.

[0016] In this invention, the first air cushion in the inflated state may have a side head protection part for protecting the side head of the occupant, and a front protection part connected to the front side of the side head protection part for protecting the occupant's head from the front.

[0017] In this invention, the area of ​​the side head protection part in the front protection part can be a continuous expansion area from the top to the bottom.

[0018] In this invention, a non-expanded front portion extending in the vertical direction can be provided near the center of the front protective portion in the left-right direction.

[0019] In this invention, the conduit portion has a first connection port leading to the first air cushion and a second connection port leading to the second air cushion.

[0020] When the uninflated airbag is deployed and laid flat, the minimum width of the first connection port can be set to be less than the minimum width of the second connection port.

[0021] In this invention, when the upper arm is located on the side of the occupant's torso when the airbag inflates and deploys, after the second airbag finishes inflating and deploying on the rear side of the upper arm, the first airbag, which inflates and deploys forward on the front side of the upper arm, can inflate and deploy from the top towards the upper arm.

[0022] In this invention, relative to the first air cushion protecting the side of the occupant's head, multiple air cushions can be connected in the circumferential direction of the occupant's head, thereby covering the front of the occupant's head and the opposite side of the occupant's head.

[0023] In this invention, when the first air cushion and the second air cushion are unfolded and placed on a flat surface, the angle formed between the outer periphery of the first air cushion and the outer periphery of the second air cushion with the cut formed in the state after the expansion is completed can be an obtuse angle.

[0024] Invention Effects

[0025] In this invention, in the fully inflated state, a cutout extending from the front to the rear is formed between the first airbag covering the occupant's head and the second airbag extending downward from its connection point with the first airbag. Conventional airbags covering the occupant's head, such as the one described in Patent Document 1, have their lower ends positioned near the occupant's shoulder. Therefore, if the downwardly extending airbag is connected without this cutout, the upper part of the airbag can easily interfere with the occupant's shoulder. In contrast, in this invention, the aforementioned cutout creates a gap between the first and second airbags during inflation. Therefore, interference between the airbag and the occupant's shoulder during inflation can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the airbag in its fully inflated state, viewed from the side of the seat, of the airbag device according to this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the airbag in its fully inflated state as viewed from the front, representing the airbag device according to this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the airbag device according to this embodiment, showing the airbag in its fully inflated state as viewed from the oblique front.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the airbag in its fully inflated state as viewed from the side, representing the airbag device according to this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the airbag of the airbag device according to this embodiment, in its flat state with the airbag deployed and placed on a flat surface.

[0031] Figure 6 middle, Figure 6 (a) Regarding the airbag device according to this embodiment, it indicates the state in which the airbag has just begun to inflate and deploy. Figure 6 (b) indicates the state of the torso immediately after the air cushion has finished inflating and deploying. Figure 6 (c) indicates the state of the head after the air cushion has finished expanding.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the first and second airbags in their fully inflated state, viewed from the upper front of the seat, according to the first variation of this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the first airbag in its fully inflated state, viewed from the side of the seat, according to the first variation of this embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a plan view of the airbag device according to the first variation of this embodiment, showing the first and second airbags deployed and placed on a flat surface in a flat state.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a diagram of the airbag in its fully inflated state, viewed from the upper front of the seat, of the airbag device according to the second variation of this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 11 middle, Figure 11 (a) indicates the state of the airbag device during airbag inflation and deployment according to the second variation of this embodiment. Figure 11 (b) indicates the state after the airbag has finished inflating and deploying. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the invention, its applications, or other uses.

[0038] In this invention, "occupant" refers to a frontal collision test dummy as defined by the Hybrid III AM50 / NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) standard [49CFR Part 572 Subpart E and 0], whose physique is equivalent to that of an average American male, with a height of approximately 175cm, a sitting height of approximately 88cm, and a weight of approximately 78kg.

[0039] In addition, in this specification, "upper" and "upper side" can refer to the head direction of the occupant 5 when seated in the proper position of the seat 1 in the vehicle, while "lower" and "lower side" can refer to the foot direction of the occupant 5. Furthermore, "front" and "front side" can refer to the frontal direction of the occupant 5 when seated in the proper position of the seat 1, while "rear" and "rear side" can refer to the rear direction of the occupant 5. Additionally, "left" and "left side" can refer to the left-hand direction of the occupant 5 when seated in the proper position of the seat 1, while "right" and "right side" can refer to the right-hand direction of the occupant 5. Furthermore, "proper position" refers to the center position of the seat cushion 2 in the seat 1 in the left-right direction, where the back of the occupant 5 contacts the backrest 3 of the seat 1 from top to bottom.

[0040] This embodiment is an airbag device 10, comprising: an airbag 11 for protecting an occupant 5 seated in a seat 1 during a collision with a vehicle such as an automobile; and an inflator 12 for injecting gas to supply the airbag 11. The airbag 11 is a bag formed by overlapping two pieces of fabric of the same shape and size and sewing them together at predetermined positions such as the outer periphery. The inflator 12 is a device for injecting gas to inflate the airbag 11.

[0041] Here, as Figure 1 As shown, the seat 1 equipped with the airbag device 10 includes 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. Alternatively, the seat 1 can be a seat in which the backrest 3 and headrest 4 are formed as a single unit.

[0042] [Regarding the airbag at the end of its inflation state]

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The airbag 11 in its fully expanded state, hereinafter referred to as the "fully expanded state," will be described below. Furthermore, in the description of the fully expanded airbag 11, the occupant 5 is assumed to be seated in a normal position.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the airbag 11 includes: a head cushion 21 that covers the head of the occupant 5 from the front and sides; a pair of torso cushions 22 that cover the torso of the occupant 5 from the sides; and a pair of conduits 23 that connect each torso cushion 22 to the head cushion 21. The head cushion 21 corresponds to a first cushion that at least protects the side of the occupant 5's head. The torso cushions 22 correspond to a second cushion that connects to the rear of the first cushion at a height near the shoulders of the occupant 5 and extends downward from that connection. Each torso cushion 22 is integrated with the side head protection portion 25 described later in the head cushion 21. In addition, the head cushion 21 includes a pair of side head protection portions 25 that cover the head of the occupant 5 from the sides and a front protection portion 26 that covers the head of the occupant 5 from the front. Furthermore, in this specification, "height near the shoulders" includes not only the area near the upper or lower side of the shoulders, but also the height within the same range as the shoulders.

[0045] Furthermore, in the airbag 11, a pair of torso air cushions 22 are symmetrically arranged when viewed from the front. In addition, in the head air cushion 21, a pair of side head protection parts 25 are symmetrically arranged when viewed from the front.

[0046] The size of the side head protection part 25 is configured to catch the head of the occupant 5 moving laterally and the head of the occupant 5 moving diagonally forward in the event of a side collision. Figure 2 As shown, the front ends of a pair of side head protection portions 25 are connected to each other via a front head protection portion 26. Figure 3As shown, at the upper ends of a pair of side head protection parts 25, the front part 21a is separated from each other to form a gap, and the rear part 21b is joined together by means of sewing or the like.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the side head protection section 25 is provided with a plurality of non-expandable sections 30, which are surrounded by an expansion region that expands through gas from the inflator 12. The non-expandable section 30 is a portion separated from the expansion region by being bonded between the two base fabrics over the entire circumference of this region. The same applies to the non-expandable section 32, which will be described later. Details of the non-expandable section 30 will be explained later in its flat position.

[0048] The front head protection section 26 is sized to catch the head of the forward-moving occupant 5 in the event of a frontal collision. The front head protection section 26 is connected to a pair of side head protection sections 25. When viewed from the front, the front head protection section 26 is symmetrically arranged. Multiple non-expanding sections 32 are also provided within the front head protection section 26. Each non-expanding section 32 corresponds to a front non-expanding section. Details of the non-expanding sections 32 will be explained later in the description of the flat-lying state.

[0049] The conduit 23 is generally tubular and forms a gas passage connecting the head air cushion 21 and the torso air cushion 22. The conduit 23 extends downward from the rear end of the lower end 21c of the head air cushion 21. An inflator storage portion 31, fixed to the seat frame 1a of the backrest 3, is continuously formed on the lower side of the conduit 23. The torso air cushion 22 is connected to the front side of the conduit 23.

[0050] The torso air cushion 22 is a longitudinally elongated bag-shaped structure. It is sized to catch the torso of the occupant 5 moving laterally during a side collision. The torso air cushion 22 extends forward and downward from its connection point with the guide tube 23 along the side of the backrest 3. It covers, for example, the area from the chest to the abdomen of the occupant 5 from the side. Unlike the head air cushion 21, the torso air cushion 22 does not have a non-inflatable portion.

[0051] In this embodiment, on both sides of the occupant 5, a cutout, i.e., a space 24, extending from the front to the rear, is formed between the head protection portion 25 and the torso airbag 22. The cutout 24 is a gap extending along the upper arm portion 6 of the occupant 5 holding the steering wheel to the shoulder or near the shoulder. A conduit portion 23 is located inside the cutout 24. The cutout 24 extends obliquely downward and forward from the front surface of the conduit portion 23. In a side view, the cutout 24 widens towards the front. The cutout 24 serves to suppress interference between the airbag 11 and the shoulder of the occupant 5 during inflation and deployment.

[0052] [Regarding airbags in a horizontal position]

[0053] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 This describes the structure of the airbag 11 in its "flat position" when it is deployed and laid flat on a flat surface. Additionally, to ensure the airbag 11 housed in the seat 1 is in the flat position, the connection between the rear portions 21b of the upper ends of the pair of side head protection parts 25 needs to be released. Figure 5 In the middle, the thick dashed line indicates the suture site.

[0054] In the description of the airbag 11 in its flat position, the long side of the head air cushion 21 is referred to as the "left-right direction," and the short side as the "up-down direction." The airbag 11... Figure 5 The central part in the left-right direction is the front side in the fully inflated state. Furthermore, the airbag 11... Figure 5 The upper side remains the upper side even after the expansion ends.

[0055] The airbag 11 is formed symmetrically from left to right. The airbag 11 includes a head air cushion 21 with a horizontal width, a pair of duct portions 23 connected to the outer ends of the lower end of the head air cushion 21 in the left-right direction, and a pair of torso air cushions 22 connected to the inner side of each duct portion 23. The head air cushion 21 includes a pair of side head protection portions 25 located on the outer side in the left-right direction and a front protection portion 26 located in the center in the left-right direction.

[0056] The head cushion 21 has a downwardly recessed central portion on its upper outer periphery. In the head cushion 21, the front protective portion 26 is shorter than the side head protective portion 25 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the lower outer periphery of the head cushion 21 extends laterally from its central portion to the midpoint of the side head protective portion 25, and then extends obliquely upward from that midpoint. A cutout 24 is formed through this obliquely upward extending portion. Additionally, the laterally extending portion of the lower outer periphery of the head cushion 21 may be slightly lower than... Figure 5 The location of the incision. In this case, the entrance to the incision 24 becomes narrower.

[0057] In the side head protection section 25, multiple non-expansion sections 30 are arranged at intervals along multiple first imaginary lines 41 extending left and right, and also at intervals along multiple second imaginary lines 42 extending up and down. The first imaginary lines 41 are generally parallel to each other, and the second imaginary lines 42 are also generally parallel to each other. The first imaginary lines 41 and the second imaginary lines 42 are approximately orthogonal. Furthermore, each imaginary line 41 and 42 is an imaginary straight line used to illustrate the arrangement of the non-expansion sections 30, and they do not actually exist. Although each non-expansion section 30 is circular in shape, it can also be elliptical or other shapes.

[0058] Specifically, in the side head protection section 25, multiple strips are arranged vertically at predetermined intervals. Figure 5 The first imaginary line 41 (with three lines in the middle) and multiple lines arranged at predetermined intervals on the left and right ( Figure 5 Multiple non-expansion portions 30 are arranged at the grid points where the three imaginary lines 42 intersect. However, no non-expansion portions 30 are provided at the grid points closest to the connection with the duct section 23, i.e., the air inlet. In the side head protection section 25, multiple non-expansion portions 30 are arranged in the area 25a near the connection with the duct section 23. Furthermore, the arrangement of the non-expansion portions 30 is not limited to... Figure 5 The arrangement shown is as follows.

[0059] In the front protective section 26, multiple protective sections are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction near the center on both sides of the center in the left-right direction. Figure 5 There are two non-expanding portions 32. Each non-expanding portion 32 is longitudinally elongated. In this embodiment, by providing non-expanding portions 32, in the state after expansion is completed, the front protective portion 26 bends backward at the position of the non-expanding portion 32, thereby mitigating the sharpness of the front end side of the front protective portion 26. Furthermore, the shape and arrangement of the non-expanding portions 32 are not limited to... Figure 5 The shapes and arrangements shown.

[0060] Furthermore, in the front protective section 26, the front central section 26a between the left and right non-expanding sections 32 is formed as a continuous expansion region from top to bottom where no non-expanding sections exist. Additionally, in the front protective section 26, each front side section 26b on the side of the side protective section 25 opposite to the non-expanding sections 32, i.e., on the rear side in the expanded state, is also formed as a continuous expansion region from top to bottom where no non-expanding sections exist.

[0061] The conduit portion 23 extends obliquely downward and outward from the side head protection portion 25. The lower side of the conduit portion 23 is a gas inlet portion connected to the inflator housing portion 31. The conduit portion 23 has a first connecting port 23a leading to the side head protection portion 25, i.e., the first air cushion, and a second connecting port 23b leading to the torso air cushion 22, i.e., the second cushion. In this embodiment, the minimum width Wh of the first connecting port 23a is less than the minimum width Wb of the second connecting port 23b.

[0062] The torso air cushion 22 is located below the side head protection part 25, separated by the incision 24. The incision 24 is formed by the lower part of the outer periphery of the side head protection part 25 and the upper part of the outer periphery of the torso air cushion 22. The incision 24 is shaped to be cut obliquely upward and outward. The width of the incision 24 gradually decreases inward. In addition, the shape of the incision 24 can be larger than... Figure 5 The shape shown can be wider or narrower. Furthermore, the length of the cut 24 can be greater than... Figure 5 The length is longer or shorter.

[0063] [Regarding airbag storage and securing it to the seat]

[0064] The airbag 11 is attached to the outer portion of the upper end of a pair of side head protection parts 25 by means of sewing or other methods. Figure 5 The double-dotted sections 35 are joined together and then stored in the backrest 3 of the seat 1 in a folded state using a predetermined method.

[0065] The rear end of the airbag 11 in its fully inflated state, i.e., its left and right outer ends in the flat position, is provided with a fixing part A for securing the backrest 3 to the seat frame 1a. In the airbag 11, the fixing parts A are respectively located near the upper end of the rear end of each head protection part 25 and near the lower end of the rear end of each torso air cushion 22. The airbag 11 housed within the seat 1 is secured to the seat frame 1a by tabs (not shown) mounted on each fixing part A. Furthermore, the position of the fixing part A within the airbag 1 is not limited to the positions described in this paragraph.

[0066] Furthermore, the airbag 11 is also secured to the seat frame 1a in each inflator housing 31 by studs (not shown). The studs pass through insertion holes in the inflator housing 31, thus securing both the inflator 12 and the airbag 11 to the seat frame 1a. Two inflators 12 are used in the airbag 11.

[0067] [Inflation and deployment of the airbag]

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 6 The expansion and deployment of airbag 11 will be explained.

[0069] In the airbag device 10, when the vehicle is impacted during a collision or other event, each inflator 12 receives a signal from a sensor and sprays gas, thereby causing the airbag 11 to inflate and deploy. Figure 6 (a) indicates the state where the airbag 11 has just begun to inflate and deploy. The gas ejected from each inflator 12 is distributed to the head airbag 21 and the torso airbag 22 through the conduit 23. In the head airbag 21, the gas flowing in from the conduit 23 flows into the side head protection section 25 and the front protection section 26.

[0070] The airbag 11 inflates forward, so that the head air cushion 21 covers the head of the occupant 5 above and to the sides of the headrest 4. In addition, a pair of torso air cushions 22 inflates forward and diagonally downward toward the upper arms 6 of the occupant 5, passing to the sides of the backrest 3. In the airbag 11, each torso air cushion 22 finishes inflating before the head air cushion 21.

[0071] Figure 6(b) indicates the state immediately after the torso air cushion 22 has finished inflating and deploying, behind the upper arm 6 of the occupant 5. In this state, the lower end of the forward-expanding head air cushion 21 is near the shoulder height of the occupant 5. After the torso air cushion 22 has finished inflating and deploying, the head air cushion 21 expands and deploys from above toward the upper arm 6 (located to the side of the torso) of the occupant 5 who is holding the steering wheel. Figure 6 (c) indicates the state of the head after the air cushion 21 has finished expanding.

[0072] [Effects of this implementation method, etc.]

[0073] The airbag 11 described in this embodiment is an all-around collision airbag that integrates a side impact airbag (side head protection 25 and torso airbag 22) and a frontal impact airbag (front protection 26). This provides adequate protection not only for the head of the occupant 5 but also for their torso. Furthermore, the airbag 11 includes a cutout 24. This creates a gap between the side head protection 25 and the torso airbag 22 during inflation, suppressing interference between the airbag 11 and the occupant 5's shoulders. The airbag 11 can also deploy smoothly towards the front of the occupant 5. Additionally, when the side head protection 25 and the torso airbag 22 are fully connected, the airbag 11 may have difficulty inflating and deploying smoothly when the gap between the occupant 5 and the trim on the door side is small. This embodiment is particularly useful in such cases.

[0074] In this embodiment, the airbag device 10 is configured such that when the airbag 11 inflates and deploys, after the torso of the occupant 5 has finished inflating and deploying using the air cushion 22, the head of the occupant 5 inflates and deploys from above towards the upper arm 6 using the air cushion 21. This allows the airbag 11 to inflate and deploy smoothly.

[0075] In this embodiment, because a conduit 23 connecting the head airbag 21 and the torso airbag 22 is provided, the number of inflators 12 used in the airbag 11 can be reduced. Furthermore, the inflators 12 are positioned near the connection between the side head protection 25 and the conduit 23, and near the connection between the torso airbag 22 and the conduit 23. Therefore, the side impact airbag inflates and deploys before the frontal impact airbag. The airbag 11 according to this embodiment can handle side impacts requiring early restraint of the occupant.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gas flow path area of ​​the second communication port 23b connected to the torso air cushion 22 is larger than that of the first communication port 23a connected to the side head protection part 25. Therefore, the torso air cushion 22 finishes its expansion and deployment earlier than the side head protection part. Thus, the torso of the occupant 5 can be restrained from the side earlier.

[0077] In this embodiment, by arranging multiple non-expansion portions 30, the thickness of the head protection portion 25 in the inflated state can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the head protection portion 25, multiple non-expansion portions 30 are arranged in the area excluding the region 25a near the connection with the conduit portion 23. Therefore, gas flows smoothly from the conduit portion 23 into the head cushion 21. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, by arranging multiple non-expansion parts 30 along each imaginary line 41, 42, gas can flow along the imaginary lines 41, 42, causing the head air cushion 21 to expand rapidly.

[0078] In this embodiment, regarding the front protective portion 26 of the head air cushion 21, each non-inflatable portion 32 is formed in a longitudinally elongated shape. Furthermore, the front central portion 26a on the front side of the non-inflatable portion 32 and the front side portion 26b on the rear side of the non-inflatable portion 32 are together formed into a continuous expansion region from the top to the bottom. As a result, the impact on the head of the occupant 5 colliding with the head air cushion 21 in a frontal collision or the like can be buffered. In addition, by providing the non-inflatable portions 32, gas is less likely to flow to the front central portion 26a of the head air cushion 21, thereby allowing the front side portion 26b to expand more quickly.

[0079] [First variation of the implementation method]

[0080] In this modified example, the airbag 11 has no cutout 24 when it is laid flat. However, the cutout 24 will be formed during the expansion process.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the airbag device 10 includes a first airbag 51 and a second airbag 52 independent of the first airbag 51. Inflators (not shown) are respectively disposed on airbags 51 and 52. The first airbag 51 and the second airbag 52 are formed symmetrically from left to right. Additionally, the airbag device 10 includes straps 53 that restrain the airbags 51 and 52 from the outside when inflated.

[0082] Each airbag 51, 52 has a first air cushion 61 that protects the side of the occupant's head and torso, and a second air cushion 62 that is connected to the rear portion of the first air cushion 61 at a height near the shoulder of the occupant and extends downward from the connection point 63. A cutout 24 is formed between the first air cushion 61 and the second air cushion 62.

[0083] The first air cushion 61 includes a head-protecting chamber 65 for protecting the side of the occupant's head and a torso-side chamber 66 for protecting the sides of the occupant's torso. Figure 8As shown, the side chamber 66 extends forward and downward from the connection 63, covering the abdomen from the shoulder of the occupant 5. In the outer periphery of the side chamber 66, the rear peripheral portion 24a forming the cut 24 is inclined relative to the front surface of the backrest 3, so that it is further away from the backrest 3 towards the lower side. Furthermore, the strap 53 extends from the upper part of the seat 1, passes between the side head chamber 65 and the side chamber 66 on the outer surface of each air cushion 61, 62, and passes through the interior or lower side of the seat cushion 2.

[0084] The second air cushion 62 extends downward from the connection 63 along the side of the backrest 3. The second air cushion 62 is provided with an inflator. In the outer periphery of the second air cushion 62, the front outer periphery 24b forming the cutout 24 extends along the upper front surface of the backrest 3.

[0085] Figure 9 This is a view of each airbag 51 and 52 in its flat position, as seen from the occupant's side after inflation. Each airbag 51 and 52... Figure 9 The inner side in the left-right direction is the front side when the expansion is complete. Additionally, in... Figure 9 The illustration of band 53 is omitted.

[0086] In the flat position, the angle formed between the rear outer periphery 24a and the front outer periphery 24b of the cutout portion 24 in the fully inflated state is an obtuse angle. Furthermore, in the first air cushion 61, an elongated non-inflatable portion 54 is provided at the boundary between the head chamber 65 and the torso side chamber 66. In the fully inflated state, the strap 53 passes through the outer surface of the non-inflatable portion 54. Additionally, a linear non-inflatable portion 55 extending in the left-right direction is provided in the torso side chamber 66. Furthermore, the second air cushion 62 is provided with an inflator connection portion 56. Each airbag 51 is secured to the seat via the second air cushion 62.

[0087] During the expansion and deployment of airbags 51 and 52, the first air cushion 61 bends inward at the junction 63 of the first air cushion 61 and the second air cushion 62. Due to this bend, the distance between the rear outer periphery 24a of the first air cushion 61 and the front outer periphery 24b of the second air cushion 62 decreases, forming a cutout 24 between them at the end of the expansion. According to this modified example, interference between the airbag 11 and the shoulder of the occupant 5 during expansion and deployment can be suppressed.

[0088] [Second variation of the implementation method]

[0089] The similarity between this modified example and the embodiment is that a cutout 24 is formed in the airbag 11 in the inflated state, but the shape of the airbag 11 is different from that of the embodiment.

[0090] like Figure 10As shown, the airbag 11 in its inflated, deflated state has multiple head cushions 71 to 74 covering the head of the occupant 5, and a torso cushion 75 covering the torso of the occupant 5 from the side. The first head cushion 71 of the head cushions 71 to 74 corresponds to a first air cushion covering the side of the occupant 5's head. The torso cushion 75 corresponds to a second air cushion that connects to the rear portion of the first air cushion at a height near the shoulder of the occupant 5 and extends downward from the connection point 76. The torso cushion 75 is connected to the first head cushion 71. Figure 11 As shown in (a) and 11(b), the torso air cushion 75 expands and unfolds from the upper part of the backrest 3 of the seat 1, and in the fully expanded state, extends forward and downward from the connection 76 with the first head air cushion 71. In this modified example, the torso air cushion 75 is provided with an inflator (not shown).

[0091] In the inflated state, among the multiple head cushions 71 to 74, the second head cushion 72, the third head cushion 73, and the fourth head cushion 74 are sequentially connected relative to the first head cushion 71, covering the front and opposite sides of the head. The first head cushion 71 covers one side of the occupant's head. The second head cushion 72 covers the occupant's head from the front. The third head cushion 73 is located on the opposite side of the first head cushion 71 and covers the occupant's head from the oblique front. The fourth head cushion 74 passes through the occupant's shoulder and covers the side of the head opposite to the first head cushion 71. In the inflated state, a cutout 24 extending from the front to the rear is formed between the first head cushion 71 and the torso cushion 75. According to this modified example, interference between the airbag 11 and the occupant's shoulder during inflation and deployment can be prevented.

[0092] [Other variations of the implementation method]

[0093] In the above embodiment, the head cushion 21 may not have a front protective portion 26. In this case, part of the front protective portion 26 can be replaced with a sheet material made of a non-expandable portion. Furthermore, a pair of side head protective portions 25 can be connected between the front portions 21a at the upper ends, instead of being connected to the front.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the torso airbag 22 can be installed on only one side of the occupant 5. In this case, the other side of the occupant 5 can be protected by other airbags 11.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the airbags 11 are formed symmetrically from left to right, but they can also be formed asymmetrically from left to right. For example, the airbags 22 used on the left and right sides of the torso can be different sizes.

[0096] In the above embodiment, instead of the conduit portion 23, the head protection portion 25 and the torso air cushion 22 can be connected by a sheet with no internal gas flow. In this case, an inflator 12 is provided in both the head air cushion 21 and the torso air cushion 22.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the airbag 11 is formed by sewing two base fabrics together, but it can also be formed using the so-called "one-piece weaving" technique.

[0098] Industrial applicability

[0099] This invention can be applied to a safety airbag device for protecting the head of an occupant, etc.

[0100] Symbol Explanation

[0101] 1 seat

[0102] 5 crew members

[0103] 10. Airbag system

[0104] 11 airbags

[0105] 12 Inflators

[0106] 21. Head cushioning (first cushioning)

[0107] 22. Trunk air cushion (second air cushion)

[0108] 23 Catheter section

[0109] 24. Incision site

[0110] 25 Side head protection section

[0111] 26. Forward protective equipment

Claims

1. An airbag device comprising an airbag for protecting an occupant seated in a vehicle seat and an inflator for injecting gas supplied to the airbag, wherein, The airbag in its deflation-completed state has a first air cushion covering at least the side of the occupant's head, and a second air cushion connected to the rear portion of the first air cushion at a height near the occupant's shoulders, extending downward from the connection point to cover the occupant's torso from both sides. In the deflation-completed state, a cutout extending from the front to the rear is formed between the first and second air cushions. The first air cushion has a pair of side head protection portions for protecting the side head of the occupant, and the rear portions of the upper ends of the pair of side head protection portions are joined together by sewing so that they are positioned above the head of the occupant in the inflated state. The airbag in its fully inflated state also includes a conduit located inside the incision and connecting the first air cushion and the second air cushion. The second air cushion is integrated with the side head protection part.

2. The airbag device as described in claim 1, wherein, The inflator is connected to the conduit section.

3. The airbag device as described in claim 2, wherein, In the head protection section of the first air cushion, in the area other than the connection section with the conduit section, a plurality of non-inflatable sections are arranged, which are surrounded by an inflatable area that expands through gas from the inflator.

4. The airbag device as described in claim 3, wherein, In the side head protection section at the end of the expansion state, the plurality of non-expanded sections are arranged at intervals on an imaginary straight line extending from the rear to the front.

5. The airbag device as described in claim 3, wherein, In the side head protection section at the end of the expansion state, the plurality of non-expanded sections are arranged at intervals along an imaginary straight line extending from the lower side to the upper side.

6. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, In addition to the side head protection portion for protecting the occupant's side head, the first air cushion in the inflated state also has a front protection portion connected to the front of the side head protection portion for covering the occupant's head from the front.

7. The airbag device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The area of ​​the side head protection part in the front protection part is a continuous expansion area from the top to the bottom.

8. The airbag device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, Near the center of the front protective part in the left-right direction, there is a front non-expanded part that extends in the up-down direction.

9. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The conduit portion has a first connection port leading to the first air cushion and a second connection port leading to the second air cushion. When the uninflated airbag is laid flat, the minimum width of the first connection port is less than the minimum width of the second connection port.

10. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, When the airbag inflates and deploys, and the upper arm is located on the side of the occupant's torso, after the second airbag finishes inflating and deploying behind the upper arm, the first airbag, which has been inflating and deploying forward, inflates and deploys from above toward the upper arm on the front side of the upper arm.

11. The airbag device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, In contrast to the first air cushion protecting the side of the occupant's head, a plurality of air cushions are connected in the circumferential direction of the head, thereby covering the front and opposite side of the occupant's head.

12. The airbag device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the first air cushion and the second air cushion are unfolded and placed on a flat surface, the angle formed between the outer periphery of the first air cushion and the outer periphery of the second air cushion where the slit is formed in the state after the expansion is completed is an obtuse angle.

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