Head protection airbag device

Abstract

The head protection airbag device (M) can protect the head (MH) of an occupant (MD) seated on a seat (3) of a vehicle. The head protection airbag device (M) includes an airbag (25) configured to be folded and arranged on a side of the occupant and on a side of an end edge (7a) of a roof (7) of the vehicle, and to be deployed downward to cover the side of the head of the occupant when an external force from the side of the vehicle acts, and a guide unit (GM) that guides the deployment of the airbag downward from a storage position to a deployment position. The airbag includes an in-vehicle side wall portion (27) arranged on an in-vehicle side when inflation is completed, an out-of-vehicle side wall portion (28) arranged on an out-of-vehicle side, and a connecting wall portion (29) connecting end edges of the in-vehicle side wall portion and the out-of-vehicle side wall portion to each other, and an air inlet hole (35) through which air can flow into the inside when deployed downward is arranged in a region of the connecting wall portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a head protection airbag device capable of protecting the head of an occupant sitting in a vehicle seat. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, head protection airbag devices used to protect the heads of occupants seated in vehicles have structures that inflate the airbag using an inflator. Additionally, there are now vehicles that are designed for single occupants, do not have doors, and have the left and right sides of the occupant open (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-83858

[0004] For vehicles without doors, the preferred device for protecting occupants is also designed to be simple in structure, and it is desirable to have a device that can protect occupants with a simple structure without using an air compressor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a head protection airbag device that can protect the head of an occupant as a simple structure.

[0006] The head protection airbag device involved in this invention can protect the head of an occupant sitting in a vehicle seat, characterized in that...

[0007] The head protection airbag device is configured to have:

[0008] An airbag, configured to fold and be positioned to the side of the occupant and at the edge of the vehicle roof, deploys downwards to cover the side of the occupant's head when subjected to an external force from the side of the vehicle; and

[0009] The guiding unit guides the downward deployment of the airbag from its retracted position to its deployed position.

[0010] The airbag has: an inner sidewall portion disposed inside the vehicle when fully inflated; an outer sidewall portion disposed outside the vehicle; and a connecting wall portion connecting the end edges of the inner sidewall portion and the outer sidewall portion to each other, and an air intake vent is provided in the area of ​​the connecting wall portion to allow air to flow into the interior when deployed downwards.

[0011] Regarding the head protection airbag device of the present invention, the airbag is structured such that, when deployed downwards, air flows into the interior through the air inlet and inflates. That is, the head protection airbag device of the present invention eliminates the need for a gas supply component such as an inflator to supply inflation gas to the airbag, allowing for a simple structure. The air inlet is formed in the region of the connecting wall portion that connects the end edges of the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall of the vehicle, thus allowing it to open stably when deployed downwards, enabling air to flow smoothly into the interior of the airbag. Furthermore, regarding the head protection airbag device of the present invention, the airbag is configured to deploy downwards guided by a guide unit; therefore, even with a structure that allows air to flow into the interior and inflate, the airbag can rapidly deploy downwards to cover the sides of the occupant's head.

[0012] Therefore, the head protection airbag device of the present invention can protect the head of the occupant as a simple structure.

[0013] Furthermore, regarding the head protection airbag device of the present invention, preferably, the guide unit is configured to have: a guide rod on the vehicle body side, which is arranged approximately along the vertical direction behind the airbag when it is fully deployed;

[0014] The connecting ring, which is positioned on the airbag side and can slide on the guide rod when the airbag deploys; and

[0015] The driving force causes the airbag to deploy downwards.

[0016] The airbag is configured to utilize gravity as a propulsion source, and is guided downwards by a guide rod during freefall.

[0017] If the head protection airbag device is configured as described above, the airbag is designed to deploy downwards by utilizing its own weight during free fall, thus eliminating the need for a drive unit to deploy downwards and further simplifying the structure.

[0018] Furthermore, regarding the head protection airbag device with the above-mentioned structure, if the air inlet is configured to have: an inlet body formed by opening the connecting wall portion; and a check valve mechanism that can block the inlet body, it is possible to suppress the outflow of air (temporarily flowing into the airbag) to the outside, thereby maintaining a high internal pressure in the airbag and reliably protecting the occupant's head with the inflated airbag.

[0019] Specifically, the fully inflated shape of the airbag, viewed from the inside and outside, is configured as an approximately triangular plate with the lower edge roughly along the front-back direction. If the air inlet is configured to be located on the lower surface of the fully inflated airbag, a large amount of air can flow in through the air inlet when the airbag unfolds downwards, allowing the airbag to inflate rapidly, which is preferred.

[0020] Alternatively, the airbag can be structured such that, when fully inflated and viewed from the inside or outside, it is formed into an approximately triangular plate shape with the rear edge roughly along the vertical direction, and the air inlet is positioned on the rear surface of the fully inflated airbag. If this structure is adopted, compared to the case where the air inlet is positioned on the lower surface, rapid inflation can be suppressed, but air resistance generated around the air inlet can be suppressed. Therefore, swaying can be suppressed, and the airbag can be stably deployed downwards. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a vehicle equipped with a head protection airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view of a vehicle equipped with a head protection airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged rough longitudinal section view of the locking component located on the upper side of the guide rod.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged, approximate side view of the stop located at the lower end of the guide rod.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view of the state in which the individual airbags used in the head protection airbag device of the embodiment are inflated.

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A rough bottom view of the airbag.

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 End view of part VII-VII.

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of section VIII-VIII.

[0029] Figure 9 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the open and closed state of the air intake.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic side view of a vehicle showing the state of the head protection airbag device in the embodiment after the airbag has fully inflated.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic front view of a vehicle showing the fully inflated state of the head protection airbag device according to the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 12This is a schematic perspective view of an airbag according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the head protection airbag device M of the embodiment is mounted on a single-passenger vehicle V. As Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle V does not have doors, and the driver MD, as an occupant, is seated in seat 3 with the left and right sides of the driver MD open.

[0034] The head protection airbag M is positioned to the side of the driver MD, who is seated in seat 3. In this embodiment, it is positioned on the right side of the driver MD (see reference). Figure 2 The head protection airbag device M includes: an airbag 25, which is folded and disposed on the right edge 7a side of the roof 7 of the vehicle V; and a guide unit GM, which guides the downward deployment of the airbag 25. The guide unit GM includes: a guide rod 10, which is disposed on the body 1 side of the vehicle V; a connecting ring 46, which is disposed on the side of the airbag 25; and a retaining unit (locking unit 12), which is used to retain the position of the connecting ring 46 of the airbag 25 in the folded position relative to the guide rod 10.

[0035] The guide rod 10, which constitutes the guide unit GM, is positioned approximately vertically along the side of the vehicle body 1 and behind the fully inflated airbag 25, and is also positioned approximately vertically along the right rear of the seat back 4 of the seat 3 in the vehicle V (see reference). Figure 1 , 2 (10, 11). Specifically, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the guide rod 10 is configured such that its upper end 10a connects to the right edge 7a of the roof 7, and its lower end connects to the side of the vehicle body 1 at a position to the right rear of the seat portion 5 of the seat 3. The guide rod 10 is cylindrical in shape and, in this embodiment, is made of a metal tube made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, or the like. This guide rod 10 guides the downward deployment of the airbag 25 from its retracted position to its deployed position by sliding the connecting ring portion 46 located on the side of the airbag 25.

[0036] As a retaining unit for maintaining the position of the connecting ring portion 46 of the airbag 25 in the folded configuration in the storage position relative to the guide rod 10, such as Figure 3 As shown in A and B, a locking member 12 is provided on the upper end 10a side of the guide rod 10 to lock the connecting ring 46 of the airbag 25 when folded and positioned in the storage position. This locking member 12 is configured to maintain the holding state of the connecting ring 46 and to release the holding state of the connecting ring 46 during operation. In this embodiment, an electromagnetic solenoid is used as the locking member 12. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown in Figure A, the locking member 12 has a fixed core portion 13 disposed inside the upper end 10a side of the guide rod 10, a movable core portion 14, and a coil 15 disposed on the outer periphery side of the movable core portion 14 and the fixed core portion 13. The movable core portion 14 is disposed below the fixed core portion 13 such that its lower surface side is supported by a support portion 10d extending from the inner periphery side of the guide rod 10. On the outer periphery side of the lower end side of the movable core portion 14, a locking groove 14a that allows the connecting ring portion 46 to be inserted and locked is formed to be recessed throughout the entire circumference. The locking groove 14a is formed in the movable core 14 in the non-energized state (the lower surface side is supported by the support portion 10d) at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 10c formed by cutting off at least the rear surface side of the guide rod 10. The inner peripheral edge 46a side of the connecting ring 46 is inserted into the insertion hole 10c to lock the connecting ring 46 (keeping the connecting ring 46 in place). The coil 15, in the non-energized state (the lower surface side is supported by the support portion 10d), is positioned from the outer periphery of a region higher than the locking groove 14a to the outer periphery of the upper fixed core 13 in the movable core 14. The fixed core 13 is positioned above the movable core 14 and isolated from it in a manner that ensures the travel distance of the movable core 14. Furthermore, regarding the locking member 12 in the embodiment, when the coil 15 is energized, the movable iron core 14 moves upward toward the side of the fixed iron core 13 (see reference). Figure 3 (B) As the movable core 14 moves upward, the locking state between the connecting ring 46 and the locking groove 14a is released. If the locking with the locking groove 14a is released, the connecting ring 46 descends by sliding on the guide rod 10 due to gravity. After the locking state between the connecting ring 46 and the locking groove 14a is released, if the energization of the coil 15 is stopped, the movable core 14 descends, its lower surface supported by the support 10d. This locking member 12 is electrically connected to a working circuit (not shown) provided on the body 1 side of the vehicle V.

[0037] A stopper 18 is formed on the lower end 10b side of the guide rod 10, which locks the connecting ring 46 after the airbag 25 has fully deployed (after the descent movement is complete), thus restricting its upward return. Figure 4 As shown, the stop 18 is formed to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the guide rod 10, and in the embodiment, it expands in diameter to the lower end. The outer diameter of the lower end of the stop 18 is set to be able to pass through the descending connecting ring 46, and to be able to lock onto the inner peripheral edge of the connecting ring 46 after the descent is completed, thereby limiting the upward movement of the connecting ring 46.

[0038] like Figures 5-8As shown, the airbag 25 has: an airbag body 26 that allows air to flow into it and inflate; a connecting lug 42 that connects the upper edge of the airbag body 26 to the right edge 7a of the roof 7; a connecting strap 45 that extends rearward from the lower rear end of the airbag body when fully deployed; and a connecting ring 46 that is disposed at the front end 45a of the connecting strap 45 and inserted into the guide rod 10.

[0039] The airbag body 26 is designed to inflate to cover the side of the head MH of the driver MD seated in the seat 3. When inflated and viewed from the inside / outside (left / right) direction, its fully inflated shape is an approximately right-angled triangular plate with its sloping side positioned at the upper front. Specifically, when fully inflated and viewed from the inside / outside direction, the upper front edge 26a is positioned approximately along the curved and slightly downward-sloping roof 7 (the right edge 7a of the roof 7). More specifically, the lower edge 26b is positioned approximately along the front-rear direction, and the rear edge 26c is positioned approximately along the vertical direction (see reference). Figure 10 More specifically, when fully inflated, the lower edge 26b of the airbag body 26 is positioned slightly inclined in a forward-leaning manner relative to the front-rear direction, and the rear edge 26c is positioned inclined in a forward-leaning manner relative to the plumb line. Furthermore, the airbag body 26 is structured as follows: an inner sidewall portion 27, which is disposed on the inner side of the vehicle when fully inflated; an outer sidewall portion 28, which is disposed on the outer side of the vehicle; and a connecting wall portion 29, which connects the end edges of the inner sidewall portion 27 and the outer sidewall portion 28 to each other. In this embodiment, the connecting wall portion 29 is configured to cover approximately the entire circumference of the inner sidewall portion 27 and the outer sidewall portion 28; that is, the connecting wall portion 29 is configured to have: a front upper wall portion 29a, which forms the front upper surface side when fully inflated; a lower wall portion 29b, which forms the lower surface side when fully inflated; and a rear wall portion 29c, which forms the rear surface side when fully inflated. The airbag body 26 is structured such that, when fully inflated, its lower rear end is positioned slightly above the center of the backrest 4, covering the right side of the head MH of the driver MD seated in the seat 3 over a wide area. The airbag body 26 is made of a flexible sheet material, specifically a woven fabric made of polyester or polyamide yarns. Regarding the airbag body 26, the peripheries of the substrate material cut to a predetermined shape from this woven fabric are sewn together to form a bag shape. In this embodiment, the substrate material 26d is configured as three layers overlapping only in the area of ​​the lower wall portion 29b connecting the wall portion 29 (see reference). Figure 7 , 8 ).

[0040] The airbag body 26 is provided with an air inlet 35 that allows atmospheric air A to flow into the interior when it is deployed downwards. The air inlet 35 is located in the region of the connecting wall portion 29, and in the embodiment, specifically, it is located in the region of the lower wall portion 29b on the lower surface side when it is fully inflated (see reference). Figures 6-8 The air inlet 35 includes: an inlet body 36, which forms an opening in the lower wall portion 29b; and a check valve mechanism 37, which can block the inlet body 36. In the embodiment, the inlet body 36 is formed as an elongated hole with a larger width in the front-rear direction at approximately the center of the front and rear of the airbag body 26. The check valve mechanism 37 is configured to have two valve bodies 38 and 39, which are formed as elongated strips capable of blocking the inlet body 36 and are arranged to overlap in the vertical direction when fully inflated. The valve bodies 38 and 39 are formed from a flexible sheet material (woven fabric made of polyester yarn, polyamide yarn, etc.) that is similar to the base material constituting the airbag body 26, with one end 38a and 39a facing each other in the longitudinal direction in an overlapping state connected to the lower wall portion 29b side, and the other end 38b and 39b side being free ends (see reference). Figure 8 When the air inlet 35 is in the retracted state of the airbag 25, the air inlet 35 is blocked. When the airbag body 26 is deployed downwards, the air resistance acting on the lower wall 29b causes the valve bodies 38 and 39 to float up, allowing atmospheric air A to flow into the airbag body 26 through the opening 36 that causes the valve bodies 38 and 39 to float up (see reference). Figure 9 (A). After the airbag body 26 descends (after the airbag body 26 has fully inflated), the inlet port 35 is blocked by the pressure of atmospheric air A flowing into the airbag body 26, and is sealed by the two valve bodies 38 and 39 (see reference). Figure 9 (B) suppresses the backflow of atmospheric A into the interior, keeping the airbag body 26 in an inflated state.

[0041] The connecting tab 42, which connects the upper edge of the airbag body 26 to the roof 7, is not shown in detail, but it is configured to be mounted on the right edge 7a side of the roof 7. The connecting tab 42 extends from the upper front edge 26a side of the airbag body 26 and is formed at multiple locations along the front-rear direction; in this embodiment, it is formed at four locations, including the upper front end and the upper rear end of the airbag body 26. This connecting tab 42 is formed from a flexible sheet material (woven fabric made of polyester yarn, polyamide yarn, etc.) that is as flexible as the substrate constituting the airbag body.

[0042] The connecting band 45, which is configured to extend rearward from the lower rear end of the airbag body 26 when fully deployed, is provided with a connecting ring 46 for the guide rod 10 to be inserted at the front end 45a side, and is configured to connect the rear end side (more specifically, the lower rear end side) of the airbag body 26 to the guide rod 10 side by means of the connecting ring 46. Regarding the connecting band 45, in the embodiment, it is formed of a sheet material (woven fabric made of polyester yarn, polyamide yarn, etc.) that is as flexible as the substrate constituting the airbag body 26. The length is set such that it does not obstruct the descent of the connecting ring 46 along the guide rod 10 when the airbag body 26 is deployed downwards. When the airbag body 26 is fully deployed (when the descent of the connecting ring 46 is completed), the connecting ring 46 is positioned approximately directly below the stop 18, and tension is generated approximately in the front-back direction between the connecting band 45 and the lower edge 26b of the airbag body 26.

[0043] In this embodiment, the connecting ring 46 is made of a metal such as aluminum or aluminum alloy and is designed as a circular plate that allows the guide rod 10 to be inserted. Specifically, the connecting ring 46 is sized to allow the guide rod 10 to slide smoothly when descending along it and to allow the stop member 18 to be inserted. The connecting ring 46 is structured such that, in the state where the airbag 25 is folded and stored on the right edge 7a side of the roof 7, as described above, the portion on the inner peripheral edge 46a side is inserted into the locking groove 14a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the movable core portion 14 of the locking member 12 and locked to the locking member 12 (see reference). Figure 3 (A). Moreover, after the locking component 12 is released (see A). Figure 3 (B) Due to gravity, the airbag 25 falls freely along the guide rod 10, and at this time, the airbag body 26 also deploys downwards due to gravity. That is, regarding the head protection airbag device M of the embodiment, the guide unit GM that guides the downward deployment of the airbag 25 is configured such that gravity is used as the driving source for the downward deployment of the airbag 25, and the airbag 25 is guided by the guide rod 10 and deployed downwards due to free fall.

[0044] Regarding the airbag 25 of the embodiment, detailed illustrations are omitted, but it has the following structure: the airbag body 26 is folded into an approximately strip shape while maintaining the lower wall portion 29b flat and expanding, and the width dimension in the vertical direction is reduced. The folded body 50 is maintained in a folded state by a package (not shown) that can break when the airbag body 26 moves downwards, and is mounted on the right edge 7a side of the roof 7. At this time, the connecting ring portion 46 is engaged with the locking member 12 while the guide rod 10 is inserted.

[0045] Regarding the head protection airbag device M in the embodiment, when an external force from the side (right) of the vehicle V is applied, it receives an operating signal from a control circuit (not shown). If the locking member 12 releases the locking state of the connecting ring 46, the airbag body 26, which is folded and located on the end edge (right edge 7a) side of the roof 7, is unfolded and unfolds downwards. At this time, the airbag body 26 inflates by allowing air A to flow into it through the air inlet 35 formed on the lower wall 29b side. The inflated airbag 25 (airbag body 26) is configured to cover the side (right) of the driver MD's head MH (see reference). Figure 10 , 11 ).

[0046] Furthermore, regarding the head protection airbag device M of the embodiment, the airbag 25 (airbag body 26) is structured such that, when deployed downwards, air flows into the interior through the air inlet 35 and inflates. That is, the head protection airbag device M of this embodiment does not require a gas supply component such as an inflator to supply inflation gas to the airbag 25, allowing for a simple structure. The air inlet 35 is formed in the airbag 25 (airbag body 26) in the region of the connecting wall portion 29 that connects the end edges of the inner sidewall portion 27 and the outer sidewall portion 28 of the vehicle, thus opening stably when deployed downwards, allowing air to flow smoothly into the interior of the airbag 25. Additionally, regarding the head protection airbag device M of this embodiment, the airbag 25 is structured to deploy downwards guided by the guide unit GM; therefore, even if it is designed to inflate by allowing air A to flow into the interior, it can quickly deploy downwards in a manner that side-covers the head MH of the driver MD as an occupant.

[0047] Therefore, the head protection airbag device M of the embodiment can protect the head MH of the driver MD as an occupant with a simple structure.

[0048] Furthermore, regarding the head protection airbag device M of the embodiment, the guide unit GM is configured as follows: it includes a guide rod 10 on the vehicle body side, which is positioned approximately vertically behind the airbag 25 when fully deployed; and a connecting ring 46, which is positioned on the side of the airbag 25 and can slide on the guide rod 10 when the airbag 25 is deployed. This serves as a drive source for the airbag 25 to deploy downwards, utilizing gravity to allow the airbag 25 to be guided downwards by the guide rod 10 and deployed by free fall. In other words, the head protection airbag device M of the embodiment is structured so that the airbag 25 deploys downwards by free fall using its own weight, thus eliminating the need for a drive unit for downward deployment and further simplifying the structure. Specifically, regarding the airbag 25 of the embodiment, the lower wall portion 29b of the connecting wall portion 29, which is positioned on the lower surface side when fully inflated, is a structure consisting of three overlapping layers of the substrate 27d, allowing for smooth downward deployment during deployment.

[0049] Furthermore, regarding the head protection airbag device M in the embodiment, the air inlet 35 is configured as follows: it has an inlet body 36, which is formed to allow the connecting wall portion 29 to open; and a check valve mechanism 37, which can block the inlet body 36. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outflow of atmospheric A (air) temporarily flowing into the airbag 25, thereby maintaining a high internal pressure in the airbag 25 and reliably protecting the head MH of the driver MD using the inflated airbag 25.

[0050] Specifically, the head protection airbag device M of the embodiment is configured such that the air inlet 35 is disposed in the region of the lower wall portion 29b on the lower surface side of the airbag when fully inflated. Therefore, when the airbag 25 deploys downwards, a large amount of air can flow in through the air inlet 35, allowing the airbag 25 to inflate rapidly.

[0051] In addition, the air intake 35A can be formed with the following structure, namely, as shown below. Figure 12 As shown in the airbag 25A (airbag body 26A), when the connecting wall 29A is fully inflated, it is positioned in the region of the rear wall 29c, which is arranged generally in the vertical direction (rear surface side). The air inlet 35A is formed in the region of the rear wall 29c that is lower than the center of the vertical direction. With this structure, compared to the case where the air inlet is located in the region of the lower wall 29b on the lower surface side, as in the airbag 25 described above, rapid inflation can be suppressed, and air resistance generated around the air inlet 35A can be suppressed. Therefore, swaying can be suppressed, and the airbag 25A can be stably deployed downwards. In the embodiment, the rear wall 29c of the airbag body 26A is configured to be inclined downwards relative to the plumb direction when the airbag 25A is fully inflated. Therefore, compared to the case where the rear wall is arranged generally in the vertical direction, when the airbag 25A is deployed downwards, air can easily flow in from the air inlet 35A, allowing the airbag 25A to inflate rapidly.

[0052] Regarding the head protection airbag device of the embodiment, an electromagnetic solenoid is used as the drive source for the retaining unit of the retaining connection ring. However, the drive source for the retaining unit is not limited to an electromagnetic solenoid. For example, an actuator, spring, or other pretensioning unit that can generate a small amount of driving gas during operation can also be used.

[0053] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the head protection airbag device M installed in a single-passenger vehicle V without doors is described as an example. However, the vehicles that can be equipped with the head protection airbag device of the present invention are not limited to the embodiment. Of course, it can also be installed in vehicles with doors that can be ridden by multiple people.

[0054] Explanation of the label

[0055] 3…seat, 10…guide bar, 25, 25A…airbag, 26, 26A…airbag body, 27…inner side wall, 28…outer side wall, 29, 29A…connecting wall, 29b…lower wall, 29c…rear wall, 35, 35A…air intake, 36…hole body, 37…check valve mechanism, 45…connecting belt, 46…connecting ring, GM…guide unit, MD…driver (occupant), MH…head, M…head protection airbag device.

Claims

1. A head protection airbag device capable of protecting the head of an occupant seated in a vehicle, characterized in that, The head protection airbag device is configured to have: An airbag is configured to be folded and positioned on the side of the occupant and on the edge of the vehicle roof, and to deploy downwards to cover the side of the occupant's head when an external force from the side of the vehicle is applied. as well as The guiding unit guides the downward deployment of the airbag from its retracted position to its deployed position. The airbag has: an inner sidewall portion disposed inside the vehicle when fully inflated; an outer sidewall portion disposed outside the vehicle; and a connecting wall portion connecting the end edges of the inner sidewall portion and the outer sidewall portion to each other, and an air intake vent is provided in the region of the connecting wall portion to allow air to flow into the interior when deployed downwards. The guiding unit is configured to have: The guide bar on the side of the vehicle body is configured to be positioned approximately vertically behind the airbag when it is fully deployed; A connecting ring, which is disposed on the airbag side, is able to slide on the guide rod when the airbag is deployed; as well as The driving source causes the airbag to deploy downwards. The airbag is configured to utilize gravity as the driving force, and is guided downward by the guide rod through free fall and deployed downward.

2. The head protection airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet has: an inlet body formed by opening the connecting wall portion; and a check valve mechanism capable of sealing the inlet body.

3. The head protection airbag device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fully inflated shape of the airbag, viewed from both the inside and outside, is configured such that the lower edge is approximately triangular in shape along the front-to-back direction. The air inlet is located on the lower surface of the airbag when it is fully inflated.

4. The head protection airbag device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fully inflated shape of the airbag, viewed from both the inside and outside, is configured such that the rear edge is approximately triangular in shape along the vertical direction. The air inlet is located on the rear surface of the airbag when it is fully inflated.

5. A head protection airbag device capable of protecting the head of an occupant seated in a vehicle, characterized in that, The head protection airbag device is configured to have: An airbag is configured to be folded and positioned on the side of the occupant and on the edge of the vehicle roof, and to deploy downwards to cover the side of the occupant's head when an external force from the side of the vehicle is applied. as well as The guiding unit guides the downward deployment of the airbag from its retracted position to its deployed position. The fully inflated shape of the airbag, viewed from both the inside and outside, is configured such that its rear edge is approximately triangular in shape along the vertical direction. The airbag includes: an inner sidewall portion disposed on the inside of the vehicle when fully inflated; an outer sidewall portion disposed on the outside of the vehicle; and a connecting wall portion connecting the end edges of the inner and outer sidewall portions. An air intake is provided in the region of the connecting wall portion to allow air to flow into the interior when the airbag is deployed downwards. The air inlet is located on the rear surface of the airbag when it is fully inflated, and the air inlet has: an inlet body formed by opening the connecting wall portion; and a check valve mechanism capable of sealing the inlet body.

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