Distal airbag device

Abstract

The occupant's arm is pressed upward by the airbag in its initial expansion phase. The airbag (31), which is in a non-expanded, planar form without being filled with inflation gas, is folded into a storage form. The non-expanded airbag (31) has a lower expansion portion (42) and an upper expansion portion (45) which is adjacent to the upper side of the lower expansion portion (42) in a connected state. In the storage form, the upper expansion portion (45) is folded into a corrugated shape in the vertical direction while alternating the folding direction. In the storage form, at least a portion of the lower expansion portion (42) is positioned further away from the side wall portion to which the impact is applied than the upper expansion portion (45) (side of the side frame portion (18): left side).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a distal airbag device that deploys and inflates between adjacent vehicle seats to protect occupants from impact. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicles with multiple seats arranged in the width direction, there are structures equipped with a distal airbag system. This type of airbag system, like a typical side airbag system, has an airbag and a gas generator that supplies inflation gas to the airbag.

[0003] In the aforementioned distal airbag device, the airbag and gas generator are housed in the side portion of the vehicle seat, close to the adjacent vehicle seat. During this housing, the airbag, which is in a non-inflated, planar deployment state without being filled with inflation gas, is folded, thereby forming a compact housing configuration suitable for storage.

[0004] For example, regarding the distal airbag device described in Patent Document 1, the upper part of the non-inflatable airbag is repeatedly folded from top to bottom in the same direction to form a roll. Additionally, the lower part of the non-inflatable airbag is folded from top to bottom while alternating the folding direction to form a corrugated shape.

[0005] Furthermore, the airbag housed in the side section of the vehicle seat, near the adjacent vehicle seat, is fixed in the side section together with the gas generator at the rear end of the airbag.

[0006] Here, if the side wall of the vehicle, such as the side door, is impacted from the outside due to a side collision, the occupant of the vehicle seat sitting on the side away from the side wall will move towards the side where the impact was applied due to inertia.

[0007] In contrast, regarding the aforementioned distal airbag device, when an impact is detected against the side wall or an impact is anticipated, inflation gas is ejected from the gas generator. Using this inflation gas, the airbag deploys and inflates between adjacent vehicle seats while the fixing portion remains within the side. As described above, this airbag protects the upper body of an occupant moving towards the side where an impact is expected from being struck.

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-52492 Summary of the Invention

[0009] However, regarding the distal airbag device described in Patent Document 1, inflation gas is first supplied to the lower part of the airbag. The folded, corrugated lower part of the airbag is then unfolded and inflated upwards while the creases are removed. The occupant's arm is located in front of and above the unfolding direction of the lower part. Therefore, in the initial stage of airbag deployment and inflation, it is possible for the airbag to press the arm upwards.

[0010] The distal airbag device that solves the above problem is applied to a vehicle with multiple vehicle seats arranged in the width direction of the vehicle seats, and the two sides in this width direction are formed by a pair of sidewalls. When one of the two sidewalls is designated as a specific sidewall, an airbag in a storage form is housed in the side of the seat back of the adjacent vehicle seat that is farther from the specific sidewall and closer to the specific sidewall. The airbag is fixed within this sidewall at a fixing part that is part of itself. When an impact is detected on the specific sidewall from the outside, or when an impact is predicted, air is released from the gas... The generator supplies inflation gas to the airbag, and while the fixing part remains in the side portion, the airbag is deployed and inflated between adjacent vehicle seats. The airbag, which is in a non-inflated deployment form without being filled with inflation gas and is deployed in a planar shape, is folded to form the storage form. The airbag in the non-inflated deployment form has: a lower expansion portion; and an upper expansion portion, which is adjacent to the upper side of the lower expansion portion in a communicating state. In the storage form, the upper expansion portion is folded into a corrugated shape in the vertical direction while alternately changing the folding direction. At least a portion of the lower expansion portion is disposed on a side further away from the specific side wall portion than the upper expansion portion.

[0011] According to the above structure, if an impact is applied to a specific side wall from the outside, the upper body of the occupant sitting in the vehicle seat on the side away from the specific side wall will move towards the specific side wall due to inertia.

[0012] On the other hand, if an impact is detected on a specific sidewall from the outside, or if an impact is predicted, inflation gas is supplied from the gas generator to the upper and lower inflation portions of the airbag. Using the supplied inflation gas, the airbag deploys and inflates in the reverse order of its folding. The airbag deploys and inflates between adjacent vehicle seats while its own fixing parts remain within the sidewall.

[0013] Here, at least a portion of the lower expansion section, supplied with expansion gas, expands further away from the specific sidewall than the upper expansion section. Furthermore, the upper expansion section, folded into a corrugated shape, unfolds and expands upwards while being pressed against the specific sidewall by the expanding lower expansion section. Thus, the airbag unfolds and expands while meandering relative to the arm. Therefore, in the initial stage of airbag deployment and expansion, it is less likely to cause the airbag to press the occupant's arm upwards.

[0014] Furthermore, the upper body of the occupant, which would move toward a specific sidewall in the manner described above upon impact, is protected by the deployed and inflated airbag. The movement of the occupant's upper body toward the specific sidewall is restricted by the airbag, protecting the upper body from impact.

[0015] Regarding the aforementioned distal airbag device, preferably, in the upper expansion portion of the airbag in the non-expanded form, a plurality of straight upper fold lines separated from each other in the vertical direction are provided. In the boundary portion of the upper expansion portion with the lower expansion portion, the interval between adjacent upper fold lines is set to vary in the front-back direction. In the portion higher than the boundary portion, the interval between adjacent upper fold lines is set to be constant in the front-back direction.

[0016] In the upper part of the airbag in its non-expanded configuration, which is located above the boundary with the lower part, the spacing (folding width) of adjacent straight upper fold lines is set to be constant in the front-back direction. The aforementioned upper part of the upper part is folded into a corrugated shape by alternating the folding direction along each upper fold line while folding back in a manner where the folding width is constant in the front-back direction.

[0017] Furthermore, at the boundary between the upper and lower expansion sections, the spacing between adjacent upper fold lines is set to vary in the front-to-back direction. The aforementioned boundary section folds back along the upper fold lines, creating a corrugated shape with varying fold widths in the front-to-back direction.

[0018] Therefore, when the airbag in its non-expanded form is shaped into a storage form, multiple parts of the upper expansion portion that are higher than the boundary portion can be efficiently folded into a corrugated shape. In addition, at the boundary portion of the upper expansion portion, regardless of its shape, the entire boundary portion can be folded into a corrugated shape without excess or deficiency.

[0019] Regarding the aforementioned distal airbag device, preferably, in the lower expansion portion of the airbag in the non-expanded form, a lower fold line is provided that decreases towards the front. The lower expansion portion is composed of a lower front expansion portion that is further forward than the lower fold line and a lower rear expansion portion that is further backward than the lower fold line. The lower expansion portion is folded back along the lower fold line to form a folded state in which the lower front expansion portion and the lower rear expansion portion overlap. In the storage form, the folded lower front expansion portion and the lower rear expansion portion are arranged in a state in the width direction on the side further away from the specific sidewall portion than the upper expansion portion that is folded into a corrugated shape.

[0020] According to the above structure, the lower expansion portion is formed in a folded state, thereby further reducing the size of the airbag when it is formed in a storage form compared to the case where it is not folded back, and improving its load-bearing capacity relative to a vehicle seat.

[0021] Furthermore, if expansion gas is supplied from the gas generator to the lower expansion section, the lower front expansion section and the lower rear expansion section expand respectively, generating a force that pushes the upper expansion section toward a specific side wall.

[0022] Regarding the aforementioned distal airbag device, preferably, a pressure-receiving portion is provided at a location away from the specific sidewall portion relative to the lower expansion portion of the airbag in the storage form. This pressure-receiving portion is subjected to the pressure of the expansion gas by the expanded lower expansion portion, generating a reaction force toward the specific sidewall portion.

[0023] According to the above structure, if the lower expansion section begins to expand using expansion gas supplied from the gas generator, the pressure of the expansion gas is borne by the pressure-receiving section, and a reaction force is generated towards the specific sidewall. Therefore, the upper expansion section can be quickly squeezed towards the specific sidewall using this reaction force.

[0024] Regarding the aforementioned distal airbag device, preferably, a side frame portion is disposed within the side portion, and the pressure-bearing portion is formed by a part of the side frame portion.

[0025] According to the above structure, the side frame portion already provided in the side of the seat back functions as a pressure-bearing portion. Therefore, even without providing a separate pressure-bearing portion, it is possible to achieve the effect of rapidly expanding and inflating the lower expansion portion toward a specific side wall portion.

[0026] The effects of the invention

[0027] According to the aforementioned distal airbag device, it is possible to prevent the airbag from pressing the occupant's arms upward during the initial deployment and inflation phase. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1This is a partial top view of a vehicle equipped with a distal airbag in one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a partial top cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the side of the seat back that houses the airbag assembly in the above embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a partial front view sectional view of the vehicle seats, occupants, and side walls as seen from the front of the vehicle in the above embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a partial side view showing the positional relationship between the vehicle seats, occupants, and airbags inside the vehicle interior in the above embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a side view of an airbag assembly in the above embodiment, where the airbag is formed in a storage configuration.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a side view of the airbag assembly in the above embodiment, where the airbag is formed in a non-inflated and deployed state.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a side view illustrating the first folding process of the airbag in the above embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a side view illustrating the first and second folding processes of the airbag according to the above embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a side view illustrating the second and third folding processes of the airbag in the above embodiment.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a side view illustrating the third and fourth folding processes of the airbag in the above embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a side view illustrating the fourth folding process of the airbag in the above embodiment.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a side view illustrating the fourth and fifth folding processes of the airbag in the above embodiment.

[0040] Figure 13 From Figure 2 A top cross-sectional view showing the side frame and airbag assembly after they have been removed.

[0041] Figure 14 Is with Figure 3 The corresponding figure is a partial front sectional view showing the initial state of the airbag during deployment and inflation, along with the occupants and vehicle seats. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a remote airbag device for a vehicle will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Furthermore, in the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle is defined as forward and the reverse direction as backward. Additionally, the up-down direction refers to the vertical movement of the vehicle, and the left-right direction is the width of the vehicle, consistent with the left-right direction when the vehicle is moving forward. Furthermore, an occupant with the same physique as the simulated crash test subject is seated in the vehicle seat. A seatbelt device (illustrated but not shown) is provided in the vehicle interior to restrain the occupant seated in the vehicle seat.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the two sides of the vehicle 10 in the width direction (left-right direction) are composed of side walls 11 and 12, which are made up of doors, pillars, etc. Vehicle seats 13 and 14, serving as front seats, are arranged in the vehicle interior in the width direction of the vehicle seats 13 and 14. The vehicle seat 13, located near the side wall 11, functions as the driver's seat where the occupant (driver) P1 sits. The vehicle seat 14, located near the side wall 12, functions as the front passenger seat where the occupant (passenger) P2 sits. The vehicle seats 13 and 14 have the same structure as each other. Therefore, only the vehicle seat 13 will be described here.

[0045] [About the general structure of vehicle seat 13]

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle seat 13 includes a seat cushion 15, a seat back 16, and a headrest 20. The seat cushion 15 is where the occupant P1 sits. The seat back 16 is used to support the upper body of the occupant P1 from behind. The seat back 16 is configured to be adjustable in tilt angle. The headrest 20 is used to support the head PH of the occupant P1 from behind. The vehicle seat 13 is configured with the seat back 16 facing forward. The width of the vehicle seat 13 configured in this way is consistent with the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle.

[0047] Figure 2 This refers to the interior structure of the seat back 16 of the vehicle seat 13, specifically the side portion 17 on the right side, which is close to the side wall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14). Inside the seat back 16 is a seat frame that forms part of its skeleton.

[0048] A side frame portion 18, which forms part of the seat frame, is disposed inside the side portion 17. The side frame portion 18 is formed by bending a metal sheet or the like.

[0049] A seat cushion 19 made of an elastic material such as polyurethane foam is disposed on the front side of the seat frame, including the side frame portion 18. Additionally, a backrest panel 21 is disposed on the rear side of the seat frame. Furthermore, the seat cushion 19 is covered with a leather cover, but... Figure 2 The diagram of its epidermis is omitted.

[0050] A storage section 22 is provided inside the aforementioned side section 17 and further outward than the side frame section 18 (side of vehicle seat 14: right side). The storage section 22 is a space for storing the airbag assembly ABM, which constitutes the main part of the distal airbag device.

[0051] The slit 23 extends diagonally forward and outward from the front corner of the storage section 22. The portion sandwiched between the front corner 19c of the seat cushion 19 and the slit 23 ( Figure 2 The portion enclosed by the double-dotted line frame constitutes the fracture pre-break portion 24 that will break due to the airbag 31 described later.

[0052] [Regarding ABM airbag components]

[0053] The airbag assembly ABM has an airbag 31 and a gas generator 25 that supplies inflatable gas to the airbag as its main structural components. The above structural components will now be described in detail.

[0054] <Gas Generator 25>

[0055] The gas generator 25 includes an inflator 26 and a retainer 27 that covers the inflator 26. Here, the inflator 26 is of a pilot-operated type. A gas generating agent (not shown) for generating expansion gas is housed inside the inflator 26. The inflator 26 has a gas ejection section 26a at its upper end. Furthermore, a wiring harness (not shown) for the input signal to the inflator 26 is connected to the lower end of the inflator 26.

[0056] Furthermore, as the inflator 26, it can replace the pilot structure that uses the aforementioned gas generating agent, and use a type that uses gunpowder or the like to break the partition wall of a high-pressure gas canister filled with high-pressure gas to eject expansion gas.

[0057] On the other hand, the retainer 27 functions as a diffuser to control the direction of the expansion gas ejection and also serves to secure the inflator 26 and the airbag 31 together to the side frame portion 18. Most of the retainer 27 is formed into a cylindrical shape by bending or other processes of sheet metal. Bolts 28 are used to secure the retainer 27 to the side frame portion 18.

[0058] Furthermore, the gas generator 25 can be a structure in which the inflator 26 and the retainer 27 are integrated. Alternatively, the gas generator 25 can be constructed solely of the inflator 26 without the retainer 27. In this case, the bolt 28 is used to secure the inflator 26.

[0059] [Airbag 31]

[0060] exist Figure 4 and Figure 6 The airbag 31 is shown in a planar unfolded form without being filled with inflatable gas (hereinafter referred to as the "non-inflatable unfolded form"). The airbag 31 is formed by folding a piece of fabric (also called base fabric, panel fabric, etc.) forward along a fold line 33 set at its central portion, overlapping it in the width direction of the vehicle seat 13, and combining the overlapping portions into a bag shape. Here, to distinguish the two overlapping portions of the airbag 31, the portion located on the side wall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14) is referred to as fabric portion 34, and the portion located on the side wall portion 11 is referred to as fabric portion 35 (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fabric piece is folded so that the fold line 33 is located at the rear end of the airbag 31. However, the fabric piece can also be folded so that the fold line 33 is located at other ends, such as the front end, the upper end, or the lower end. Additionally, the airbag 31 can be composed of two fabric pieces divided along the fold line 33. In this case, the two fabric pieces overlap in the aforementioned width direction (left-right direction), and the two fabric pieces are joined together throughout the entire circumference to form the airbag 31. Furthermore, at least one of the fabric portions 34 and 35 can be composed of two or more fabric pieces.

[0062] In the airbag 31, the shapes of each fabric portion 34 and 35 are linearly symmetrical about the fold line 33 as the axis of symmetry. For each fabric portion 34 and 35, it is more suitable to use a material with high strength, difficult to stretch, and flexible enough to be easily folded, such as a fabric made of polyester yarn or polyamide yarn.

[0063] The aforementioned joining of the two fabric portions 34 and 35 is achieved at a peripheral joining portion 36 provided along their periphery. The peripheral joining portion 36 is formed by sewing (using sewing thread) the periphery portions of the two fabric portions 34 and 35, excluding the rear ends (the portion around the fold line 33). Figure 6 In the middle, the peripheral joint 36 is represented by thick lines of constant length arranged intermittently. These thick lines are shown in the state of the seam when viewed from the side. This is important for... Figures 7-12 Similarly. Furthermore, the peripheral joint 36 can be formed by a method different from sewing using the aforementioned sutures, such as bonding using an adhesive.

[0064] The space between the two fabric sections 34 and 35, and enclosed by the peripheral joint 36 and the fold line 33, is an expansion section 41 that expands and unfolds using an expansion gas. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the expansion portion 41 protects multiple parts of the upper body of the occupant P1, specifically the area from the waist PP to the head PH in this embodiment. The expansion portion 41 is shaped and sized to constrain these protected parts and protect them from impact.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, the inflatable portion 41 of the non-inflated airbag 31 has: a lower inflatable portion 42, which includes the lower end 31L of the airbag 31 and is generally fan-shaped; and an upper inflatable portion 45, which is adjacent to the upper side of the lower inflatable portion 42. Figure 10 As shown, the front portion of the lower expansion portion 42 is formed by the lower front expansion portion 43, and the rear portion of the lower expansion portion 42 is formed by the lower rear expansion portion 44. The lower front expansion portion 43 and the lower rear expansion portion 44 are connected to each other. Figure 6 As shown, the upper expansion portion 45 is composed of the following parts: a boundary portion 46, which constitutes the lower end of the upper expansion portion 45 and is adjacent to the upper side of the lower expansion portion 42; and a non-boundary portion 47, which is adjacent to the upper side of the boundary portion 46.

[0066] A thickness limiting section (not shown) is provided within the expansion section 41. The thickness limiting section limits the expansion thickness of the expansion section 41 in the aforementioned width direction (left-right direction). The thickness limiting section has the same structure as a structure commonly referred to as a tie. Furthermore, an inner tube (not shown) is disposed in the lower rear portion within the expansion section 41. The inner tube extends vertically while surrounding the gas generator 25. The inner tube has the function of rectifying the expansion gas generated by the gas generator 25.

[0067] The rear end of the airbag 31 is set as a fixing part 32 relative to the side frame part 18. Moreover, the gas generator 25 is generally formed in a vertically extending position and is housed in the fixing part 32. Furthermore, the bolt 28 is inserted into the inner tube, airbag 31, etc., so that the gas generator 25 is locked in a position relative to the airbag 31, etc.

[0068] [How the ABM (Airbag Component) is Secured]

[0069] However, the airbag assembly ABM in airbag 31, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, it is stored in the storage section 22 in a compact storage configuration. Figure 3 As shown, the airbag assembly ABM is fixed to the side 17 with its upper end located, for example, at the height described below.

[0070] The aforementioned height refers to "when the occupant P1, for example, is holding the steering wheel 73 and adopting a driving posture (refer to...)". Figure 4 The upper arm portion of the PAU is at the same height as or lower than the lower end of the upper arm portion.

[0071] Figure 6 The airbag 31 in its non-expanded configuration, as shown, is formed by folding together with the thickness limiting portion (strap), inner tube, etc., at a location different from the fixing portion 32 (rear end) which houses the gas generator 25, thereby creating a... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The storage configuration shown.

[0072] In its storage form, such as Figure 13 As shown, the upper expansion portion 45 is folded into a corrugated shape in the vertical direction while alternately changing the folding direction. At least a portion of the lower expansion portion 42 is disposed on a side further away from the side wall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14) than the front portion 49 of the upper expansion portion 45 (described later) (side frame portion 18 side: left side). More specifically, as shown... Figure 13 As shown, the lower expansion portion 42 is formed in a folded state such that the lower front expansion portion 43 and the lower rear expansion portion 44 overlap. The lower front expansion portion 43 and the lower rear expansion portion 44 in the folded state are arranged in the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle seat 13.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the airbag 31 is formed as an airbag assembly (ABM) for storage and is housed within the storage section 22. Furthermore, a bolt 28 protruding from the fixing portion 32 of the airbag 31 is inserted into the side frame portion 18. A portion of the bolt 28 protrudes further towards the side wall portion 11 than the side frame portion 18, and a nut 29 is fastened to this protruding portion. This fastening secures the gas generator 25 together with the fixing portion 32 (rear end) of the airbag 31 to the side frame portion 18.

[0074] Furthermore, the gas generator 25 can be fixed to the side frame portion 18 using components different from the bolts 28 and nuts 29 described above. Alternatively, if the gas generator 25 consists only of an inflator 26, the inflator 26 can be fixed to the side frame portion 18 using bolts 28 fixed to the inflator 26 and nuts 29 fastened to the bolts.

[0075] A pressure-bearing portion is provided on the side away from the side wall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14) relative to the lower expansion portion 42 of the airbag 31 in its storage form. The pressure-bearing portion is subjected to the pressure of the expanding gas through the expanded lower expansion portion 42, and is responsible for generating a reaction force toward the side wall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14). In this embodiment, the pressure-bearing portion is formed by a part of the side frame portion 18.

[0076] [Folding method of airbag 31]

[0077] To form the airbag 31 from its non-expanded state into a storage state, the following folding processes (1st to 5th folding steps) and a process for maintaining the storage state are performed. Furthermore, Figures 7-11 The diagram shows the airbag assembly ABM tilted at the same angle as when it is fixed to the side frame portion 18.

[0078] (First folding process)

[0079] In the first folding process, Figure 7 The upper expansion portion 45 of the airbag 31 shown in its non-expanded form has a non-boundary portion 47 and a middle portion in the vertical direction with a broken line 51 extending in a generally straight line in the front-back direction.

[0080] like Figure 7 As indicated by arrow A, for the portion 52 of the non-boundary portion 47 that is higher than the fold line 51, a fold is made along the fold line 51 towards the side wall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14). By performing this first folding process, as... Figure 8 As shown, the portion 52 is formed to overlap with the portion 53 on the sidewall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14). In addition, the vertical dimension of the upper expansion portion 45 (airbag 31) is smaller than before the first folding process.

[0081] (Second folding process)

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, in the second folding process, relative to the non-boundary portion 47 after the first folding process, there are multiple straight upward fold lines 54 and 55. The dotted line indicates the upward fold line 54, which forms the crease when a convex fold is formed. The dashed line indicates the upward fold line 55, which forms the crease when a concave fold is formed. A convex fold is a folding method where the crease (upper fold line 54) is exposed outwards. The convex fold portion is formed in a raised state like a mountain. A concave fold is a folding method where the crease (upper fold line 55) is hidden inwards. The concave fold portion is recessed inwards like a valley.

[0083] The upper fold lines 54 and 55 are arranged alternately. Adjacent upper fold lines 54 and 55 extend approximately in the front-to-back direction while being parallel to each other. The interval (fold width) between adjacent upper fold lines 54 and 55 is constant at any point in the front-to-back direction.

[0084] The non-boundary portion 47 alternately changes its folding direction while folding downwards in a corrugated pattern. This folding method is called corrugated folding. Through this corrugated folding, as... Figure 9 As shown, the dimensions of the non-boundary portion 47 and the airbag 31 in the vertical direction are smaller than those after the first folding process.

[0085] (Third folding process)

[0086] like Figure 9 As shown, in the third folding process, two types of straight upward fold lines 57 and 58 are set relative to the boundary 46 of the upper expansion portion 45. The upward fold line 57, shown as a dashed line, forms a crease when folded convexly. The upward fold line 58, shown as a dashed line, forms a crease when folded concavely.

[0087] The interval between the two upward fold lines 57 and 58 is set to vary in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the interval is set to be larger towards the front. Figure 10 As shown, the boundary portion 46 is folded into a corrugated shape by folding back along the upper fold lines 57 and 58 in different ways in the front-to-back direction. Through this folding, the vertical dimensions of the upper expansion portion 45, and thus the airbag 31, are further reduced to be smaller than after the second folding process.

[0088] (Folding process #4)

[0089] like Figure 10 As shown, in the fourth folding process, a straight downward fold line 61 is provided on the approximately fan-shaped lower expansion portion 42 of the airbag 31 in its non-expanded state, with the lower expansion portion 42 decreasing in height towards the front. This design divides the lower expansion portion 42 into a lower front expansion portion 43, which is further forward than the lower fold line 61, and a lower rear expansion portion 44, which is further backward than the lower fold line 61.

[0090] On the other hand, in the fourth folding process, the middle portion 48 of the upper expansion portion 45 in the front-rear direction after the third folding process is set as the center. The portion of the upper expansion portion 45 that is further forward than the middle portion 48 (front portion 49), as shown by arrow B, is bent in a downward rotating manner. Furthermore, the front portion 49 is... Figure 10 The part enclosed by a dotted-dash line.

[0091] During the aforementioned bending, in the lower expansion portion 42, the lower rear expansion portion 44, which is separated from the upper expansion portion 45, does not deform or is difficult to deform. In contrast, the lower front expansion portion 43, which is adjacent to the upper expansion portion 45, deforms following the movement (bending) of the upper expansion portion 45. Thus, as Figure 11 As shown, the lower expansion portion 42 folds back at the lower fold line 61, causing the lower front expansion portion 43 to be formed in a folded state relative to the lower rear expansion portion 44, overlapping from the side wall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14) (see reference). Figure 13 Furthermore, the aforementioned front portion 49 of the upper expansion portion 45, which is folded into a corrugated shape, is located on the side wall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14) further than the aforementioned lower front expansion portion 43.

[0092] Next, as described above, the lower front expansion portion 43 and the lower rear expansion portion 44 overlapping in the width direction of the vehicle seat 13 are as follows: Figure 12 As shown, the front part 49 is wound around the upper expansion portion 45.

[0093] (5th folding process)

[0094] In the 5th folding process, such as Figure 12 As shown, in the area following the fourth folding process of the airbag 31, a fold line 64 extending along the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle seat 13 is provided. This area is in front of the front part 49, the lower front inflator 43, and the lower rear inflator 44, and is a part that moves upward from the lower end, such as the part diagonally forward and above the lower end of the gas generator 25.

[0095] Such as Figure 12 As indicated by arrow C, in the airbag 31, the portion 65 lower than the fold line 64 is folded upwards along the fold line 64. This fold causes the lower portion 65 to overlap with the front of the portion 66 higher than the fold line 64. Consequently, the vertical dimension of the airbag 31 is smaller than before the fifth folding step. However, the longitudinal dimension of the airbag 31 is larger than before the fifth folding step due to the overlap of the lower portion 65. Furthermore, the airbag 31 is deformed by the folded portion in a manner close to the fixing portion 32 (rear end) to form a storage configuration (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0096] (The process of maintaining the shape for storage)

[0097] For the multiple parts of the airbag 31 that are separated from each other in the vertical direction after the fifth folding process to form a storage form, such as Figure 5 As shown, the end band 68 is wound up. The airbag 31 is held in a storage position by the end band 68.

[0098] [Other structures of the distal airbag device]

[0099] like Figure 2 As shown, in addition to the airbag assembly ABM, the distal airbag device also includes an impact sensor 71 and a control device 72. The impact sensor 71 is composed of an acceleration sensor, etc., and detects impacts applied to the vehicle 10 from the outside (side or oblique front side) relative to the sidewalls 11 and 12.

[0100] The control device 72 is configured to include a processor that performs actions according to a computer program (software), a dedicated hardware circuit that performs at least a portion of various processes, or a combination thereof. The control device 72 controls the operation of the gas generator 25 based on a detection signal from the impact sensor 71. In this embodiment, when the impact sensor 71 detects an impact of a magnitude greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control device 72 outputs an operating signal to activate the gas generator 25.

[0101] <Functions and Effects>

[0102] Next, the operation of this embodiment configured as described above will be explained. Additionally, the effects accompanying the operation will also be explained. Furthermore, as a prerequisite, assuming that occupant P1 is seated in a suitable posture in the vehicle seat 13, and that the upper body of occupant P1 is restrained to the vehicle seat 13 by a seatbelt device.

[0103] [(1) When the distal airbag device is not in operation]

[0104] In the absence of Figure 2 When the impact sensor 71 detected an impact greater than or equal to a specified value applied to both sidewalls 11 and 12, it did not output a working signal to the gas generator 25 from the control device 72. Consequently, expansion gas was not ejected from the gas ejection section 26a of the inflator 26. Figure 2 As shown, the airbag 31 is continuously stored in the storage section 22 in a storage form.

[0105] [(2) When the distal airbag device is in operation]

[0106] Next, we will explain the following situation, in which one of the two sidewall portions 11 and 12, for example, sidewall portion 12, is designated as a specific sidewall portion, such as... Figure 1 As indicated by the middle arrow, an impact caused by a side collision or the like is applied to the sidewall portion 12 from the outside (side or oblique front).

[0107] In this case, Figure 1 The upper body of occupant P1 will move towards the side where the impact was applied, i.e., side wall 12, due to inertia. This movement also includes the action of tilting towards side wall 12.

[0108] On the other hand, if by Figure 2The impact sensor 71 detects an impact greater than or equal to a predetermined value applied to the side wall portion 12, and based on this detection signal, the control device 72 outputs the aforementioned operating signal to the gas generator 25. Based on this operating signal, expansion gas is ejected from the gas ejection section 26a of the inflator 26. The expansion gas is supplied to the lower expansion section 42 and the upper expansion section 45 of the storage-type airbag 31, respectively.

[0109] The supply of expansion gas increases the internal pressure of the lower expansion section 42 and the upper expansion section 45. The lower expansion section 42 and the upper expansion section 45 unfold and expand in the reverse order of the folding method described above.

[0110] Using the deploying and inflating airbag 31 to Figure 5 The termination band 68 shown breaks. Then the airbag 31 deploys and inflates... Figure 2 The seat cushion 19 is pressed near the storage section 22, causing it to break at the breakage pre-break section 24. The airbag 31 protrudes to the outside of the side section 17 while the fixing section 32 (rear end) remains inside the storage section 22. The airbag 31 deploys and inflates between the vehicle seats 13 and 14.

[0111] (2-1) Here, as Figure 13 As shown, if expansion gas is supplied from the gas generator 25 to the lower expansion section 42 located between the upper expansion section 45 and the side frame section 18, the lower expansion section 42 begins to expand. Then, the portion of the side frame section 18 closer to the side wall section 11 than the lower expansion section 42 functions as a pressure-bearing portion. The pressure of the expansion gas is borne by the side frame section 18, generating a reaction force towards the side wall section 12. Figure 14 As shown, the upper expansion portion 45 is squeezed out toward the side wall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14) by the reaction force.

[0112] Furthermore, the upper expansion portion 45, which is folded into a corrugated shape, is pressed against the side wall portion 12 by the lower expansion portion 42 while being unfolded and expanded upwards. At this time, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in the upper expansion section 45, part 52 is rotated upwards around the fold line 51 while unfolding and expanding. This rotation occurs on the side wall 12 (vehicle seat 14) further than part 53. In this way, the airbag 31 unfolds and expands while meandering around the arm PA. Therefore, when the airbag 31 unfolds and expands, it is less likely to cause the occupant P1's arm PA to be pressed upwards.

[0113] Furthermore, the airbag 31 deploys and inflates laterally relative to the upper body of occupant P1 on the sidewall 12 (vehicle seat 14). Therefore, the upper body of occupant P1, which would move towards the sidewall 12 in the manner described above upon impact, is protected by the airbag 31 that deploys and inflates laterally. The movement of the upper body of occupant P1 towards the sidewall 12 (including tilting) is restricted, protecting the upper body from impact.

[0114] [(3) Other functions and effects besides those mentioned above]

[0115] (3-1) When the airbag 31 is folded in its non-expanded form, at the non-boundary portion 47 of the upper expansion portion 45, as... Figure 8 As shown, the interval (fold width) between adjacent straight upper fold lines 54 and 55 is set to be constant in the front-back direction. The non-boundary portion 47 is folded back along each upper fold line 54 and 55 while alternately changing the folding direction, so that the fold width is constant in the front-back direction to form a corrugated shape.

[0116] Additionally, at the boundary portion 46 of the upper expansion portion 45, such as Figure 9 As shown, the spacing between adjacent straight upper fold lines 57 and 58 is set to vary in the front-to-back direction. The aforementioned boundary portion 46 folds back along the upper fold lines 57 and 58, forming a wavy shape with the fold width increasing towards the front.

[0117] Therefore, the non-boundary portion 47 can be efficiently folded into a corrugated shape. In addition, the boundary portion 46, regardless of its shape, can be folded into a corrugated shape without excess or deficiency.

[0118] (3-2) In this embodiment, as Figure 10 and Figure 13 As shown, the lower expansion portion 42 is folded back along the lower fold line 61 to form a folded state in which the lower front expansion portion 43 and the lower rear expansion portion 44 overlap.

[0119] Therefore, compared to the case where the lower expansion portion 42 does not fold back, the size of the airbag 31 when it is formed into a storage form can be reduced, and the load-bearing capacity relative to the vehicle seat 13 can be improved.

[0120] (3-3) In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 13 As shown, a portion of the side frame portion 18, which is already installed in the side portion 17 of the seat back 16, functions as a pressure-bearing portion. Therefore, even without providing a separate pressure-bearing portion, it is possible to achieve the effect of rapidly expanding and inflating the lower expansion portion 42 toward the side wall portion 12.

[0121] (3-4) Furthermore, no explanation was given regarding... Figure 1Even when the side wall portion 11 is impacted from the outside, it still performs the same function as described above to protect the occupant P2, who is seated in the vehicle seat 14, from the impact.

[0122] <Example of Change>

[0123] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can also be implemented as modifications as described below. The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically contradictory.

[0124] [Regarding airbag 31]

[0125] • The shape or size of the airbag 31 can be changed, expanding, shrinking, or changing the part of the airbag 31 that protects the occupant P1.

[0126] • The airbag 31 can be a structure that is generally inflated as described in the above embodiment, but it can also have a non-inflatable part that is not inflated because it is not supplied with inflation gas.

[0127] • The fixing part 32 of the airbag 31 may be a component located on the side 17 of the vehicle seat 13, and may be fixed to a component with high rigidity, similar to the side frame part 18.

[0128] When the airbag 31 is configured for storage, at least a portion of the lower expansion portion 42 may be positioned further away from the side wall portion 12 (vehicle seat 14) (side frame portion 18 side) than the upper expansion portion 45. Therefore, the portion of the lower expansion portion 42 that is configured as described above may be only a part of the lower expansion portion 42 or all of it.

[0129] • The lower expansion portion 42 of the storage-type airbag 31 can be folded in more ways than in the above embodiment relative to the width direction (left-right direction).

[0130] [Regarding control device 72]

[0131] • The specifications of the control device 72 can be changed to output a working signal to the gas generator 25 if it is predicted that one of the sidewalls 11 and 12 will be impacted from the outside.

[0132] [Regarding the application location of the distal airbag device]

[0133] • The aforementioned distal airbag device may be applied to either of the vehicle seats 13 or 14.

[0134] Furthermore, the aforementioned remote airbag device is not limited to the front seats (driver's seat and front passenger seat) of vehicle 10, but can also be applied to the rear seats (seats after the second row). However, in the case of the rear seats, the adjacent vehicle seats 13 and 14 are also independent of each other, and the structure in which the vehicle seats are separated in the width direction becomes the application object.

[0135] In the case of a vehicle 10 in which the vehicle seats 13 and 14 are arranged in a position where the seat back 16 faces a direction different from the front, such as the side (left-right direction), the above-mentioned distal airbag device can also be applied to the above-mentioned vehicle seats 13 and 14.

[0136] • In the case where the vehicle 10 has three or more vehicle seats 13 and 14 arranged in the width direction, the above-mentioned distal airbag device can also be applied to the above-mentioned vehicle seats 13 and 14.

[0137] [other]

[0138] • The pressure-bearing part can be composed of components different from the side frame part 18.

[0139] • Not limited to private cars, the vehicles 10 that use the aforementioned remote airbag device also include various industrial vehicles.

[0140] The aforementioned airbag device can also be applied to remote airbag devices mounted on seats in vehicles other than vehicles, such as aircraft and ships.

[0141] Explanation of the label

[0142] 10… Vehicles (means of transportation)

[0143] 11…Side wall portion

[0144] 12…Side wall portion (specific side wall portion)

[0145] 13, 14… Vehicle seats (seats for vehicles)

[0146] 16… Seat backrest

[0147] 17…side

[0148] 18…Side frame section

[0149] 25… Gas Generator

[0150] 31… airbags

[0151] 32…Fixed part

[0152] 42…Lower expansion section

[0153] 43… Lower front expansion section

[0154] 44…rear expansion section

[0155] 45… Upper expansion section

[0156] 46…Boundary section

[0157] 54, 55, 57, 58… (upward fold line)

[0158] 61…downward fold line

Claims

1. A distal airbag device applied to a vehicle, wherein a plurality of vehicle seats are arranged in the width direction of the vehicle seats, and both sides in the width direction are formed by a pair of sidewall portions, wherein, when one of the two sidewall portions is designated as a specific sidewall portion, an airbag in a storage configuration is housed in the seat back of the vehicle seat farther from the specific sidewall portion in adjacent vehicle seats, on the side portion closer to the specific sidewall portion, and the airbag is fixed in the side portion at a fixing portion provided as part of itself; when an impact is detected on the specific sidewall portion from the outside, or when an impact is predicted, an inflation gas is supplied to the airbag from a gas generator, and with the fixing portion remaining in the side portion, the airbag is deployed and inflated between adjacent vehicle seats, wherein... The airbag, which is in a non-expanded, planar form without being filled with the expansion gas, is folded to form the storage form. The airbag in its non-inflatable deployment configuration has: a lower inflatable portion; and an upper inflatable portion adjacent to the upper side of the lower inflatable portion in a connected state. In the storage configuration, the upper expansion portion is folded into a corrugated shape in the vertical direction while alternating the folding direction, and at least a portion of the lower expansion portion is disposed on a side further away from the specific sidewall portion than the upper expansion portion.

2. The distal airbag device according to claim 1, wherein, In the non-inflated deployment form of the airbag, the upper inflatable portion is provided with a plurality of straight upward folds that are separated from each other in the vertical direction. In the boundary between the upper expansion portion and the lower expansion portion, the spacing of adjacent upper fold lines is set to vary in the front-back direction, while in the portion higher than the boundary portion, the spacing of adjacent upper fold lines is set to be constant in the front-back direction.

3. The distal airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the lower expansion portion of the airbag in its non-inflated deployment state, a downward fold line is provided that decreases towards the front. The lower expansion portion is composed of a lower front expansion portion that is located further forward than the lower fold line, and a lower rear expansion portion that is located further backward than the lower fold line. The lower expansion portion folds back along the lower fold line to form a folded state in which the lower front expansion portion and the lower rear expansion portion overlap. In the storage configuration, the lower front expansion portion and the lower rear expansion portion in the folded state are arranged in the width direction on a side further away from the specific sidewall portion than the upper expansion portion folded into a corrugated shape.

4. The distal airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A pressure-bearing portion is provided at a location away from the specific sidewall portion relative to the lower expansion portion of the airbag in the storage form. This pressure-bearing portion is subjected to the pressure of the expansion gas by the expanded lower expansion portion, generating a reaction force toward the specific sidewall portion.

5. The distal airbag device according to claim 4, wherein, A side frame portion is disposed within the side portion, and the pressure-bearing portion is formed by a portion of the side frame portion.

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