Driver's seat airbag device

Abstract

The present invention provides a driver's seat airbag device that takes into account safety during startup. The airbag device (100) includes a steering wheel (106) and an airbag module (105). The steering wheel (106) includes: an irregularly shaped rim (114) which omits the upper central portion; a module mounting surface (109) disposed at the center of the rim (114); and an outer cover member (110) that covers the airbag module (105). The outer cover member (110) includes: a front surface area (150) of the airbag module (105) on the occupant side; an upper surface area (158) on the upper side of the airbag module (105); and a tear line (156) that serves as an opening for the outer cover door (154a, 154b) of the front surface area (150) and the upper surface area (158). The tear line (156) extends continuously from near the center of the front surface region (150) to near the center of the upper surface region (158). The outer doors (154a, 154b) open to the left and right respectively from near the center of the front surface region (150) and the upper surface region (158).

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202080057949.9, application date August 3, 2020, and applicant Autoliv Development Company, entitled "Airbag Device for Driver's Seat". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a driver's seat airbag device for restraining occupants in the event of an emergency. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, most vehicles are equipped with a driver's side airbag as standard equipment on the steering wheel. The airbag cushion of the driver's side airbag is primarily housed in the center of the steering wheel, and the resin outer casing expands and deploys towards the occupant under inflationary pressure, cracking as it expands. For example, in the steering wheel 1 of Patent Document 1, when the airbag 22 inflates and deploys, the outer casing 23 opens upwards. In Patent Document 1, the outer casing 23 is brought into contact with the wheel rim 5, thus supporting the airbag 22 from the front of the vehicle.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-30718 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Typically, the shape of a driver's seat airbag is designed based on the assumption that an occupant is seated in a proper posture. However, occupants while driving may suddenly lean out, and therefore do not always maintain a fixed posture. As mentioned above, when an occupant is in an un-formal position relative to the seat, commonly known as the OUT position, in an emergency, the airbag may sometimes contact the occupant's head from below. In this situation, the airbag may cause the occupant's head to tilt backward. It is well known that, structurally, head-rotating movements such as tilting backward can easily strain the body.

[0008] In recent years, systems that transmit steering wheel operation via electrical signals have become increasingly common. Such steering wheel systems, which use wiring harnesses to transmit steering force instead of a steering shaft, are called Steering by Wire (SBW) and have garnered attention for their operability and design.

[0009] The steer-by-wire steering wheel does not need to rotate more than 180° like a traditional steering wheel; therefore, the wheel rim can take various shapes other than a circular ring. For example, the wheel rim only exists on the left and right sides relative to the central hub, and the upper central part of a traditional circular wheel rim can be omitted, i.e., Patent Document 1.Figure 1 The wheel rim portion 5a is omitted. While this is advantageous in terms of design and instrument visibility, it makes it easier for the occupant's head to move forward. For example, in Patent Document 1... Figure 1 With the wheel rim section 5a omitted, the occupant's head is more likely to move forward, increasing the possibility that the outer casing 23 and the airbag 22 will push the head upward from below.

[0010] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0011] In view of such issues, the present invention aims to provide a driver's seat airbag device that takes into account safety during startup.

[0012] Problem Solving Methods

[0013] To address the aforementioned problems, the representative structure of the driver's seat airbag device involved in this invention comprises: a vehicle steering wheel; an airbag module including an inflator and an airbag cushion, housed within the steering wheel; characterized in that the steering wheel includes: an irregularly shaped rim, omitting the upper central portion; a module mounting surface disposed at the center of the rim, and having the airbag module mounted thereon; an outer cover member covering the airbag module mounted on the module mounting surface; the outer cover member includes: a front surface area covering the occupant side of the airbag module; an upper surface area extending from the upper end of the front surface area to the front of the vehicle and covering the upper side of the airbag module; a tear line, grooved in the front surface area and the upper surface area on the airbag module side, which tears under the expansion pressure of the airbag cushion, thereby opening the front surface area and the upper surface area as one or more outer cover doors; the tear line extends continuously from at least near the center of the front surface area to at least near the center of the upper surface area; the one or more outer cover doors include at least two outer cover doors that open to the left and right respectively from near the center of the front surface area and the upper surface area.

[0014] According to the above structure, since the outer cover opens to the left and right, even if the occupant's head is above the outer cover member, it can prevent the occupant's head from being pushed upwards by the outer cover. Furthermore, since the outer cover member is open not only on its front surface but also on its top surface, when the occupant's head is above the outer cover member, the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion is easily dispersed forward of the vehicle. As described above, with this structure, by reducing and dispersing the force pushing the occupant's head upwards, head flexion can be suppressed, improving occupant safety.

[0015] The aforementioned tear line can branch out to the left and right from near the center of the upper surface region along the front end of the upper surface region, extending towards the sides of the upper surface region, and then extending towards the front surface region from each side of the upper surface region. Upon reaching the front surface region, it extends along each side of the front surface region. On each side of the front surface region, a portion of the tear line extending along the sides of the front surface region is omitted, thus forming a pair of unbreakable side hinge regions that serve as hinges for the two outer casing doors. According to this structure, outer casing doors that open to the left and right can be realized, allowing a wide opening in the upper surface region of the outer casing member.

[0016] The aforementioned pair of side hinge areas can be configured such that their axes are parallel when viewed from opposite sides of the surface. This structure allows for a well-designed outer casing door that opens smoothly to the left and right.

[0017] The aforementioned tear line extends from near the center of the front surface area to the lower end of the front surface area, branches off from the lower end towards the sides of the front surface area, and extends to a pair of side hinge areas. This structure also allows for a well-designed outer door that opens to the left and right.

[0018] To address the aforementioned problems, another representative structure of the driver's seat airbag device involved in this invention comprises: a vehicle steering wheel; an airbag module including an inflator and an airbag cushion, housed within the steering wheel, characterized in that the steering wheel includes: an irregularly shaped rim, omitting the upper central portion; a module mounting surface disposed at the center of the rim, and having the airbag module mounted thereon; and an outer cover member covering the airbag module mounted on the module mounting surface, the outer cover member including: a front surface area covering the occupant side of the airbag module; and an upper surface area extending from the upper end of the front surface area to the front of the vehicle. The airbag module is covered on the upper side of the airbag module; a tear line is provided in a groove shape on the airbag module side of the front surface area and the upper surface area, which is torn by the expansion pressure of the airbag pad, thereby opening the front surface area and the upper surface area as one or more outer doors; the tear line at least traverses the front surface area to each side of the front surface area, extends along the side to a portion near the side of the upper surface area, and extends from each portion near the side of the upper surface area along the side of the upper surface area to the front side of the module mounting surface of the upper surface area of ​​the vehicle; one or more outer doors may also include at least one outer door that opens upwards.

[0019] According to the above structure, even with an upward-opening outer cover, the large opening towards the front of the vehicle on the module mounting surface prevents the occupant's head from being pushed upwards by the outer cover. Furthermore, by making the upper surface area of ​​the outer cover component a large opening, the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion is easily dispersed towards the front of the vehicle. As described above, with this structure, by reducing and dispersing the force pushing the occupant's head upwards, head flexion can be suppressed, improving occupant safety.

[0020] In the aforementioned upper surface area, within a specified range on the front side of the vehicle on the module mounting surface, a front hinge area can also be formed, which cannot be broken due to the omission of the tear line, thus becoming a hinge for an outer cover door. This structure also allows for a large opening in the upper surface area of ​​the outer cover component.

[0021] One or more of the aforementioned outer cover doors may also be formed in the upper surface area within a range of 35mm or more from the chin of an occupant who has stopped moving forward due to contact with the steering wheel to the front side of the vehicle. By opening the upper surface area of ​​the outer cover component according to this size, it is possible to effectively suppress the airbag cushion from pushing the occupant's head upward.

[0022] The area formed by one or more of the aforementioned outer cover doors may also include the area from the front surface area of ​​the upper surface region to the front side of the vehicle where the module is installed. This structure also allows for a large opening in the upper surface region of the outer cover component.

[0023] A portion of the tear line located on the aforementioned front surface area can be thinner than the tear line located on the upper surface area. This structure allows the outer casing component to typically crack first from the front surface area, and in cases where the front surface area is difficult to open, such as in situations involving occupant contact, crack from the upper surface area, thus dispersing the airbag cushion's inflation pressure towards the front of the vehicle.

[0024] The aforementioned airbag cushion comprises: a bag-shaped main airbag; and a rectifier fabric that covers the portion of the inflator's gas nozzle contained within the main airbag. The rectifier fabric has one or more nozzles for ejecting gas supplied from the inflator, and when viewed directly from the surface area, the one or more nozzles can expel gas diagonally upwards and to the left or right. This rectifier fabric structure effectively applies gas pressure to the outer casing components, causing the outer casing door to open to the left and right.

[0025] One or more of the aforementioned injection ports can be formed on the path connecting the inflator and the tear line. The rectifier fabric of this structure can effectively cause the tear line of the outer casing component to crack.

[0026] When viewed from the width of the vehicle, one or more of the aforementioned injection ports can be tilted to the side opposite to the front surface area to expel gas. This structure disperses the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion towards the front of the vehicle.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] According to the present invention, a driver's seat airbag device that takes into account safety during startup can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an outline of a driver's seat airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 Examples are shown from all directions. Figure 1 (b) A diagram of the airbag module after activation.

[0031] Figure 3 Examples are shown from all directions. Figure 1 (a) A diagram of a steering wheel.

[0032] Figure 4 It is shown as a separate example. Figure 3 (a) A perspective view of the outer casing components.

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 (a) A cross-sectional view of the steering wheel.

[0034] Figure 6 This example illustrates the following: Figure 5 (b) A diagram of the airbag cushions during inflation and deployment, and of an occupant in an irregularly seated position.

[0035] Figure 7 This example illustrates the proximity Figure 5 (a) A diagram of the occupants' steering wheel position.

[0036] Figure 8 This example illustrates Figure 4 (a) A diagram of the first modified example of the outer casing component.

[0037] Figure 9 This example illustrates Figure 4 (a) Figures of the second to fourth variations of the outer casing component.

[0038] Figure 10 This example illustrates Figure 2 (a) A diagram of a first variant of the airbag module.

[0039] Figure 11 Examples are shown from various directions. Figure 10 (b) is a diagram of the rectifier fabric.

[0040] Figure 12 This example illustrates Figure 2 (a) A diagram of a second variant of the airbag module. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention and, unless specifically indicated, do not limit the invention. Furthermore, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same function or structure are omitted from repeated description by assigning the same symbols, and illustrations of elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an outline of a driver's seat airbag device (hereinafter referred to as airbag device 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (a) is a diagram illustrating the state before the airbag device 100 is activated. Later, in... Figure 1 In the accompanying drawings, the forward and backward directions of the vehicle are represented by arrows F (Forward) and B (Back), the left and right directions of the vehicle width are represented by arrows L (Left) and R (Right), and the up and down directions of the vehicle are represented by arrows U (up) and D (down).

[0043] In this embodiment, the airbag device 100 is implemented as the driver's seat 102 in the front left row of a left-hand drive vehicle. Hereinafter, it will be described as the front left seat 102, for example, the outer side in the vehicle width direction (hereinafter referred to as the outer side of the vehicle) refers to the left side of the vehicle, and the inner side in the vehicle width direction (hereinafter referred to as the inner side of the vehicle) refers to the right side of the vehicle.

[0044] The airbag cushion of the airbag device 100, hereinafter referred to as airbag cushion 104, is referenced. Figure 1 (b) The airbag 104 is stored in the center rim 108 of the steering wheel 106 in front of the seat 102 in a rolled or folded state. At this time, the airbag cushion 104 and the inflator 112 that provides gas (see reference) Figure 2 (a) Together they form airbag module 105, as shown in the reference. Figure 2 (a).

[0045] Assuming the steering wheel 106 is a structure that converts the occupant's operation into an electrical signal and transmits it to the wheels, the shape of the wheel rim 114 held by the occupant differs from the circular shape of the prior art. In particular, the wheel rim 114 has only the left, right and bottom sides of the central hub 108, and the shape of the upper central part located above the hub 108 is omitted.

[0046] Figure 1 (b) is a diagram illustrating the state of the airbag device 100 after activation. The airbag cushion 104 is supplied by the inflator 112 (see reference 112). Figure 2(a)) gas, tearing open hub 108 (refer to) Figure 1 (a) The outer cover component 110 begins to expand simultaneously. The airbag cushion 104 expands and unfolds forward of the seat 102's seating position, restraining the upper body and head of the occupant who intends to move forward from the seating position. The airbag cushion 104 is circular when viewed from the seating position side and is formed by overlapping and sewing or gluing multiple panels constituting the surface.

[0047] Figure 2 Examples are shown from all directions. Figure 1 (b) A diagram of the airbag module 105 after activation. Figure 2 (a) An example is shown when viewed from slightly above the outside of the vehicle. Figure 1 (b) The airbag module 105. In Figure 2 In (a), a portion of the panel constituting the airbag cushion 104 is cut open to expose the internal inflator 112.

[0048] The shape of the airbag cushion 104 is from the steering wheel 106 side (see reference). Figure 1 (a) The airbag cushion 104 has a cone-like shape, with its diameter increasing towards the occupant side (rear side of the vehicle). It is formed of multiple panels, including a front panel 120 on the occupant side and a panel on the steering wheel 106 side (see reference). Figure 1 (a)) The rear panel 122, and the side panel 124 that connects the front panel 120 and the rear panel 122 to form the side portion of the airbag cushion 104. An exhaust port 126 for discharging gas is provided on the side panel 124.

[0049] The inflator 112 is a device for supplying gas; in this embodiment, a disc-shaped (round) inflator is used. The inflator 112, with a portion forming a gas injection port 116, is inserted from the rear panel 122 into the airbag cushion 104. It is activated based on an impact detection signal from a sensor (not shown) and supplies gas to the airbag cushion 104. The inflator 112 is provided with a plurality of studs 118. The studs 118 pass through the rear panel 122 of the airbag cushion 104 and are fastened to the steering wheel 106 (see reference). Figure 4 (b) The module mounting surface 109 inside the wheel hub 108. The airbag cushion 104 is also fixed to the steering wheel 106 by fastening the module mounting surface 109 to the stud 118.

[0050] In addition, currently common types of inflators include: those filled with a gas generating agent that burns to produce gas; those filled with compressed gas that does not generate heat but supplies gas; and those that utilize a mixture of combustion gas and compressed gas. Any type can be used as inflator 112.

[0051] Figure 2(b) An example is shown of the airbag cushion 104 and the occupant 138 properly seated on the seat 102, viewed from the left side in the width direction of the vehicle. The airbag cushion 104 uses the front panel 120 on the occupant side as the primary restraint surface, restraining the occupant 138 from the head 140 to the chest 142 and abdomen 144. In an emergency, the upper part 104a of the airbag cushion 104 makes early contact with the occupant 138 who wishes to move forward. The upper part 104a of the inflated airbag cushion 104 is wider than the lower part 104b of the airbag cushion 104, thereby effectively absorbing the load from the head 140 of the occupant 138. In addition, the width of the airbag cushion 104 in the front-rear direction decreases as it moves towards the lower part 104b, making it easier for the lower part 104b to enter the narrow space between the steering wheel 106 and the abdomen 144.

[0052] Figure 3 Examples are shown from all directions. Figure 1 (a) A diagram of steering wheel 106. Figure 3 (a) is Figure 1 (a) An enlarged view of the steering wheel 106. A resin cover member 110 is mounted on the hub 108 of the steering wheel 106. The occupant-side front surface area 150 of the cover member 110 is formed to allow for proper seating on the seat 102 (see reference). Figure 2 (b) When viewed from the occupant side, the larger frontal planar or curved area of ​​the outer casing 110 that enters the field of vision is decorated with a car logo 152 and the like.

[0053] In the following description, the up-down and left-right directions of the outer cover member 110 refer to the up-down and left-right directions of the steering wheel 106 in the neutral position. Specifically, the up-down direction of the outer cover member 110 refers to the up-down direction when viewing the front surface area 150 from directly in front of the steering wheel 106 in the neutral position, and does not refer to a strictly vertical direction. Similarly, the left-right direction of the outer cover member 110 refers to the left-right direction when viewing the front surface area 150 from the front of the steering wheel 106 in the neutral position. Furthermore, the front-back direction of the outer cover member 110 refers to the forward and rearward sides of the vehicle when viewed from a certain position on the outer cover member 110, and does not refer to a strictly horizontal front-back direction.

[0054] In this embodiment, the outer cover component 110 is configured such that, within the airbag cushion 104 (see reference...) Figure 1 (b)) When it expands and unfolds, it cracks and the two outer cover doors 154a and 154b open to the left and right. The outer cover doors 154a and 154b are defined by tear lines 156 provided on the outer cover member 110.

[0055] Figure 3 (b) is Figure 3(a) A cross-sectional view of the wheel hub 108 of the steering wheel 106. Located at the rim 114 (see...) Figure 3 (a)) The central hub 108 houses the airbag module 105. The airbag module 105 is disposed on the module mounting surface 109 inside the hub 108, and is formed to be covered by the outer cover member 110. The tear line 156 is formed into a groove on the airbag module 105 side of the outer cover member 110. By reducing the thickness of the outer cover member 110, the tear line 156 causes the outer cover member 110 to crack when it receives inflation pressure from the airbag pad 104.

[0056] Figure 4 It is shown as a separate example. Figure 3 (a) A perspective view of the outer casing component 110. Figure 4 (a) An example of the outer casing component 110 before cracking is shown. The front surface area 150 of the outer casing component 110 covers the airbag module 105 (see reference). Figure 3 (b) On the occupant side, the upper surface region 158 covers the upper side of the airbag module 105. A tear line 156 is provided from the front surface region 150 of the outer casing member 110 to the upper surface region 158.

[0057] Figure 4 (b) An example of the outer casing member 110 after cracking is shown. The outer casing member 110 of this embodiment is made of resin and, under normal temperature conditions, for example at approximately 23°C, develops a tear line 156 (see reference 156) due to the expansion pressure of the airbag cushion 104. Figure 4 The crack originates from (a)). In the cracked outer casing component 110, the two outer casing doors 154a and 154b open to the left and right respectively when viewed from near the center of the front surface region 150.

[0058] The outer covers 154a and 154b are formed by dividing the front surface region 150 and the upper surface region 158 of the outer cover member 110 to the left and right, and the car logo 152 is included in the outer cover 154b on the left side. In addition, hinges 160a and 160b are formed on the outer cover member 110 to connect the main body of the outer cover member 110 and the outer covers 154a and 154b to prevent the covers 154a and 154b from flying away.

[0059] like Figure 4As illustrated in (a), the tear line 156 extends continuously from near the center of the front surface region 150 to near the center of the upper surface region 158 while avoiding the logo 152. In the upper surface region 158, the tear line 156 extends from near the center towards the front end 162, and branches to the left and right along the front end 162, extending towards the sides 164a and 164b of the upper surface region 158, respectively. Furthermore, the tear line 156 extends towards the front surface region 150 from the sides 164a and 164b of the upper surface region 158, respectively. The tear line 156 reaching the front surface region 150 extends along the sides 168a and 168b of the front surface region 150, respectively. In addition, the tear line 156 reaches the lower end 166 of the front surface region 150 below the logo 152, forming a state where it branches from the lower end 166 towards the sides 168a and 168b of the front surface region 150, respectively.

[0060] Furthermore, as described above, "near the center of the front surface region 150" refers to the area including the centroid of the area and its vicinity when the front surface region 150 is viewed from above in its vertical direction as a plane, or the area including the geometric center of the front surface region 150 and its vicinity. Similarly, "near the center of the upper surface region 158" refers to the area including the centroid of the area and its vicinity when the upper surface region 158 is viewed from above in its vertical direction as a plane, or the area including the geometric center of the upper surface region 158 and its vicinity, or simply the area near the centerline in the left-right direction of the upper surface region 158.

[0061] In tear line 156, the portions 168a and 168b along the sides of the front surface region 150 cannot be disconnected because a portion is omitted. These undisconnectable portions form the hinges 160a and 160b constituting the outer door 154a (see reference). Figure 4 (b)) A pair of side hinge areas 170a, 170b.

[0062] A pair of side hinge regions 170a and 170b are formed on the sides 168a and 168b of the front surface region 150 as areas without tear lines 156. The pair of side hinge regions 170a and 170b are formed such that, when viewed directly opposite the front surface region 150, the axes of their hinges 160a and 160b (refer to...) Figure 4 (b) Parallel. Through this structure, the outer doors 154a and 154b can be opened significantly in a direction that is 180° apart, forming a large opening.

[0063] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 (a) Cross-sectional view of steering wheel 106. Figure 5(a) illustrates the state of the outer cover member 110 before cracking. As described above, the front surface region 150 of the outer cover member 110 covers the occupant side of the airbag module 105. In addition, the upper surface region 158 extends from the upper end of the front surface region 150 toward the front of the vehicle, covering the upper side of the airbag module 105.

[0064] Figure 5 (b) illustrates the state of the outer casing component 110 after cracking. In this embodiment, the airbag cushion 104 (see reference) is taken into consideration. Figure 6 (a) Safety during expansion and deployment, upper surface area 158 of outer casing component 110 (refer to) Figure 5 (a) The opening widens. More specifically, in the upper surface region 158, the opening range includes a position approximately s1 away from the module mounting surface 109 of the inflator 112 of the airbag module 105, relative to the module mounting surface 109.

[0065] To achieve the above structure, outer doors 154a and 154b (refer to...) Figure 4 (a)) Includes the area from the positive surface region 150 side of the upper surface region 158 to the module mounting surface 109 (see reference). Figure 6 (b)) is formed up to the front side of the vehicle. That is, the tear line 156 extends from near the center of the front surface region 150 to near the center of the upper surface region 158 on the front side of the module mounting surface 109 of the vehicle.

[0066] Figure 6 This example illustrates the following: Figure 5 (b) A diagram of the airbag 104 when it expands and deploys, and the occupant 138 in an out-of-position position. Figure 6 Viewed from the left side in the vehicle width direction, the airbag cushion 104 and occupant 138 are illustrated. The steering wheel 106 is capable of adjusting its angle appropriately, as is typical in vehicles. Figure 5 (a) In contrast, it is in a posture with its upper part tilted towards the front of the vehicle.

[0067] For example, when from seat 102 (refer to) Figure 5 When the occupant leans out, the airbag cushion 104 may approach the head 140 of the occupant 138 from below. In this case, in the airbag device 100 of this embodiment, due to the outer doors 154a, 154b (see reference 104a), the airbag cushion 104 may approach the head 140 of the occupant 138 from below. Figure 4 (b) The doors open to the left and right, thus preventing the outer doors 154a and 154b from pressing the airbag cushion 104 upward. Therefore, even if the head 140 of the occupant 138 is above the outer cover member 110, it is possible to prevent the head 140 of the occupant 138 from being pushed up by the outer doors 154a and 154b.

[0068] Furthermore, in the airbag device 100 of this embodiment, the outer cover member 110 opens not only to the front surface region 150 but also to the upper surface region 158. In particular, the upper surface region 158 has a large opening towards the front of the vehicle on the module mounting surface 109. Therefore, when the head 140 of the occupant 138 is above the outer cover member 110, the airbag cushion 104 can expand towards the front of the head 140 of the occupant 138, avoiding the head 140. At this time, since the expansion pressure above the airbag cushion 104 is also dispersed towards the front of the vehicle, it is possible to suppress the situation where the head 140 of the occupant 138 is pushed up by the airbag cushion 104.

[0069] Figure 7 This example illustrates the proximity Figure 5 (a) A diagram of the state of the steering wheel 106 and the occupant 138. Figure 7 (a) illustrates the example with Figure 6 Correspondingly, the steering wheel 106 and the improperly seated occupant 138 before the airbag device 100 deploys. Additionally, Figure 7 (b) Viewed from above Figure 7 (a) A diagram of the outer casing member 110 and the head 140 of the occupant 138. In this airbag device 100, as a reference for the opening size of the upper surface region 158, for example, the upper surface region 158 preferably has an opening of more than 35 mm from the chin 141 of the occupant 138 toward the front of the vehicle when it is in contact with the steering wheel 106 and has stopped moving forward of the vehicle, i.e., S2 > 35 mm.

[0070] Here, the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 208 contains regulations regarding frontal crash tests for vehicles, which also specify the evaluation of restraint devices such as airbags and seat belts for out-of-position (OOP) occupants. In the OOP test for airbags, the load experienced by the mannequin is measured with it positioned close to the airbag.

[0071] When the steering wheel 106 of this embodiment (refer to) is placed... Figure 7 (a)) When applied to the above OPP test, the steering wheel 106 is the same as a regular steering wheel, with its upper part tilted forward at approximately 18° to 27°, but without the wheel rim 114 on the upper side. Therefore, the anatomical model simulating the occupant 138 moves forward with its head 140 not in contact with the structure, until its chin 141 and chest 142 are close to the outer casing member 110. In this forward-moving state, as... Figure 7(b) As illustrated, the upper surface region 158 of the outer casing member 110 opens from the chin 141 of the occupant 138 toward both sides of the vehicle within a range of more than 35 mm, i.e., S2 > 35 mm. Figure 6 As illustrated, the airbag cushion 104 can expand forward toward the head 140, thereby preventing the head 140 from being pushed up by the airbag cushion 104.

[0072] As an example of the aforementioned occupant 140, the Hybrid III (adult male hybrid type III) model and the Thor model of the human body specified in FMVS208 can be cited. The Hybrid III model provides multiple models that mimic people of different physiques and genders. The Thor model was developed as a successor to the Hybrid III model and uses only average-sized males as prototypes.

[0073] Among the various mannequins, the AF05 model of the Hybrid III model mimics a petite female. Generally, when a petite adult woman is driving, compared to an adult male, the seat 102 (see reference) is... Figure 1 (a) There are more instances where the driver is positioned forward, closer to the steering wheel 106. Therefore, compared to adult males, petite adult women are more likely to have their heads positioned above the outer cover 110 of the steering wheel 106. In addition, petite adult women have lower physical tolerance and are more prone to injury compared to adult males.

[0074] Therefore, for example, when the chest 142 of the AF05 model is in contact with the front surface area 150 of the outer cover member 110, the opening range of the upper surface area 158 of the outer cover member 110 can be at least 35 mm from the chin 141 of the AF05 model towards the front of the vehicle. This ensures good safety even for petite adult women. Furthermore, by applying this airbag device 100 concept, even with steering wheels of different shapes and sizes, the outer cover member of the steering wheel can open at least 35 mm from the chin of the occupant in a stationary position towards the front of the vehicle, thereby effectively ensuring occupant safety.

[0075] Refer again Figure 4(a). The outer casing member 110 of this embodiment has a sequential manner of cracking. For example, a first thin portion 156a is provided in a portion of the tear line 156 provided in the front surface region 150, particularly along the area of ​​the logo 152, as the thinnest part of the plate thickness in the tear line 156. Furthermore, a second thin portion 156b is provided in the area branching to three directions on the front end 162 side of the upper surface region 158, as the second thinnest part of the plate thickness in the tear line 156 after the first thin portion 156a. According to this structure, the outer casing member 110, under normal circumstances, cracks from the front surface region 150, starting with the first thin portion 156a. And, in the non-standard seating position of the occupant 138 (… Figure 6 (a) If the first crack is difficult to crack in the contact surface area 150, the pressure of that part is applied to the upper surface area 158, and cracking begins from the second thin part 156b. That is, when the occupant 138 is in an irregular sitting position, the outer cover member 110 is prone to cracking from the upper surface area 158, which can cause the airbag cushion 104 to expand and deploy towards the front of the vehicle towards the head 140 of the occupant 138, thereby dispersing the expansion pressure and preventing the head 140 of the occupant 138 from being pushed upward.

[0076] According to the above, based on the airbag device 100, through the outer cover doors 154a and 154b ( Figure 4 (a) The large openings on the upper surface area 158 of the outer casing component 110, which open to the left and right, can reduce and disperse the upward push of the airbag cushion 104 against the occupant 138 (see reference). Figure 6 The force on the head 140 is reduced to inhibit the backward flexion of the head 140, thereby improving the safety of the occupants 138 during startup.

[0077] (Modified Example)

[0078] The following describes variations of each of the above-mentioned constituent elements. Figures 8 to 12 In each of the diagrams, components that are identical to those already described are labeled with the same numbers, thus omitting the description of components that have already appeared. Furthermore, in the following description, components with the same names as previously described components, even if different symbols are added, have the same function unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0079] Figure 8 This example illustrates Figure 4 (a) A first variation of the outer cover member 110 (outer cover member 200) is shown in the figure. Figure 8 (a) illustrates the example with Figure 4(a) The corresponding outer cover component 200 before cracking. The outer cover component 200 of this embodiment differs from the outer cover component 110 in that the two outer cover doors 202a and 202b open vertically. The outer cover doors 202a and 202b divide the front surface area 150 of the outer cover component 110 into upper and lower parts, and the car logo 164 is included in the upper outer cover door 202b.

[0080] The tear line 204 traverses the front surface region 150 while avoiding the logo 152, reaching the sides 168a and 168b of the front surface region 150, and extending along the sides 168a and 168b to a position near the sides 164a and 164b of the upper surface region 158. From there, the tear line 204 extends along the sides 164a and 164b of the upper surface region 158 to a position near the front end 162 of the upper surface region 158. At this point, the tear line 204 extends along the sides 164a and 164b of the upper surface region 158 to the module mounting surface 109 of the upper surface region 158 (see reference). Figure 8 (b)) The front side of the vehicle. Furthermore, at the end of the tear line 204, in the area of ​​the module mounting surface 109 of the upper surface region 158 on the front side of the vehicle, a front hinge region 206, which is a region that cannot be disconnected due to the omission of the tear line 156, is formed as the hinge of the outer cover door 202a.

[0081] Figure 8 (b) corresponds to Figure 6 The example illustrates the cracked outer casing member 200. In this modified example, even when the head 140 of the occupant 138 is above the outer casing member 200, the outer casing door 202a opens extensively towards the front of the vehicle on the module mounting surface 109, thus preventing the outer casing door 202a from pushing the airbag cushion 104 upward from below the head 140 of the occupant 138. Furthermore, by making the upper surface region 158 of the outer casing member 200 open extensively, the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion 104 is easily dispersed towards the front of the head 140 of the occupant 138. As described above, this structure also reduces and disperses the force pushing the head 140 of the occupant 138 upward, suppressing the backward bending of the head 140 and improving the safety of the occupant 138.

[0082] Figure 9 This example illustrates Figure 4 (a) A diagram showing the second to fourth variations of the outer casing member 110. Each outer casing component also contributes to the construction of the outer casing door. Figure 4 (a) The outer casing component 200 is different.

[0083] Figure 9(a) An example of a second modified example is shown in the outer cover member 220. In the outer cover member 220, in addition to the outer cover door 202a that opens upwards, three outer cover doors, 222a and 222b, which open diagonally downwards to the left and right respectively, are formed via the tear line 224. The outer cover door 202a also faces the module mounting surface 109 (see reference 109) via the outer cover member 220. Figure 8 (b) The front of the vehicle is opened up in a large area, which, like the outer cover component 200, can reduce and disperse the force that pushes the head 140 of the occupant 138 up through the airbag cushion 104.

[0084] Figure 9 (b) An example of a third modified outer casing member 240 is shown. In the outer casing member 240, the upper side is formed by two outer casing doors 242a and 242b that open to the left and right, and the lower side is formed by an outer casing door 242c that opens downward, via a tear line 244. Through the outer casing member 240, the outer casing doors 242a and 242b also open to the left and right up to the vicinity of the front end 162 of the upper surface region 158, thereby connecting with… Figure 6 The outer casing component 110 is the same, which can reduce and disperse the force of the airbag cushion 104 pushing the head 140 of the occupant 138 upward and suppress the backward flexion of the head 140, thereby improving the safety of the occupant 138 during launch.

[0085] Figure 9 (c) An example of a fourth modified example is shown: the outer casing member 260. In the outer casing member 260, a large portion of the front surface region 150 and the upper surface region 158 opens upwards as an outer casing door 264 via a tear line 262. The outer casing door 264 also opens upwards through the outer casing member 260 to the module mounting surface 109 (see reference). Figure 8 (b) The front of the vehicle is opened to a large extent, so as to reduce and disperse the force that pushes the head 140 of the occupant 138 up through the airbag cushion 104, similar to the outer cover component 200.

[0086] Figure 10 This example illustrates Figure 2 (a) A first variation of the airbag module 105 (airbag module 300). Figure 10 (a) The internal structure of the airbag cushion 104 is illustrated through each panel of the airbag cushion 104. In the airbag module 300, the internal structure of the airbag cushion 104 includes a flow-rectifying fabric 302.

[0087] The rectifier cloth 302 is used to inflate the air inflator 112 (see reference). Figure 2(a) A component that guides gas in a specific direction is built into a bag-shaped main airbag 304 that forms the outer surface of the airbag cushion 104. A rectifier fabric 302 is connected to the rear panel 122 while covering the portion including the gas nozzle 116 of the inflator 112 inserted into the main airbag 304. The rectifier fabric 302 has side nozzles 306a and 306b and a lower nozzle 306c, which are the portions from which gas from the inflator 112 is ejected.

[0088] Figure 10 (b) is shown from the side. Figure 10 (a) A diagram of the rectifier fabric 302. The rectifier fabric 302 is formed into a bag shape by sewing, with the lower edge open to form a lower injection port 306c. The lower injection port 306c is formed such that its diameter is larger than that of the side injection ports 306a and 306b, and the gas throughput is also greater than that of the side injection ports 306a and 306b. Therefore, the airbag cushion 104 (see...) Figure 10 (a)) The airbag expands and deploys preferentially from the lower part 104b side. According to this structure, the airbag cushion 104 enables the lower part 104b to enter between the steering wheel 106 and the abdomen 144 of the occupant 138 in the early stage and to be held between the steering wheel 106 and the abdomen 144.

[0089] Figure 10 (c) Examples illustrating the unpacking Figure 10 (b) The rectifier fabric 302 is sewn and unfolded on a flat surface. An air inflator 112 is inserted into the center of the rectifier fabric 302 (see reference). Figure 2 (a)) is a portion of the insertion port 308, and is fixed together with the inflator 112 to the module mounting surface 109 (see reference). Figure 3 (b)) Above.

[0090] Figure 11 Examples are shown from various directions. Figure 10 (b) is a diagram of the rectifier cloth 302. Figure 11 (a) is Figure 10 (b) CC cross-sectional view of the rectifier cloth 302. Figure 11 (a) also illustrates the example schematically. Figure 3 (a) The upper part of the outer casing member 110. In the flow-reducing fabric 302, the side injection ports 306a and 306b are configured to eject blow-out gas diagonally upwards and to the left and right when viewed directly opposite the surface area 150. According to this structure, the gas pressure can be effectively applied to the outer casing member 110, thereby causing the outer casing doors 154a and 154b (see reference) Figure 4 (b) Opens to the left and right. In particular, the side injection ports 306a and 306b are formed on the path connecting the inflator 112 and the tear line 156. This structure allows the tear line 156 of the outer cover member 110 to open more effectively.

[0091] Figure 11 (b) illustrates the use of Figure 11 (a) The rectifier fabric 302 causes the airbag cushion 104 to inflate. From the rectifier fabric 302 (refer to...) Figure 11 (a)) Although gas is blown to the left and right from the side nozzles 306a and 306b, it is not blown directly upwards. Therefore, the occupant 138 in the non-standard seating position (see reference) Figure 6 When the head 140 of the airbag is positioned above the steering wheel 106, it can suppress the upward expansion pressure of the airbag 104 while expanding the airbag cushion 104 to the left and right.

[0092] Figure 11 (c) is Figure 10 (b) A DD cross-sectional view of the rectifier fabric 302. With the rectifier fabric 302 in an expanded state, the gas ejected from the side injection ports 306a and 306b is configured to be angled forward relative to the vehicle width direction and ejected. Through this structure, as... Figure 6 As shown, when the occupant 138 is in an irregular seating position, the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion 104 is easily dispersed towards the front of the vehicle.

[0093] Figure 11 (d) Viewed from the left side in the vehicle width direction and illustrated Figure 10 (b) the aerodynamic fabric 302 and the steering wheel 106. The side injection ports 306a and 306b are preferably positioned at a predetermined angle towards the front surface region 150, with the aerodynamic fabric 302 in an expanded state. Figure 5 (a) The vehicle on the opposite side tilts forward and ejects gas. Through this structure, such as Figure 6 As illustrated, when the occupant 138 is in an irregularly seated position, the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion 104 is also easily dispersed towards the front of the vehicle.

[0094] Through the rectifier fabric, the outer enclosure doors 154a and 154b of the outer enclosure member 110 can be effectively opened to the left and right. Therefore, the rectifier fabric 302 can be appropriately connected to the outer enclosure member 110 having outer enclosure doors that open to the left and right (see reference). Figure 4 (a)) and outer casing component 240 ( Figure 9 (b)) can be combined for implementation. Alternatively, the technical concept of the rectifying fabric 302 can be applied to implement a system that integrates with the outer casing component 200 ( Figure 8 ), outer casing component 220 ( Figure 9 (a)) and outer casing component 260 ( Figure 9 (c)) The tear line and the outer casing are adapted to the jet nozzle straightening cloth.

[0095] Figure 12 This example illustrates Figure 2(a) A second variation of the airbag module 105 (airbag module 320). The airbag module 320 also includes a rectifier fabric 322, which serves as the internal structure of the airbag cushion 104.

[0096] The construction of rectifier cloth 322 and Figure 11 The difference between (a) and the rectifier cloth 302 is that the whole is flat and circular. The rectifier cloth 322 is the same as the rectifier cloth 302, and also has side injection ports 306a, 306b and lower injection port 306c.

[0097] Figure 12 (b) illustrates the example of... Figure 12 (a) The rear panel 324 of the rectifier cloth 322 is unfolded on a plane. The rear panel 324 has an insertion port 308 in the center, and cuts along the side injection ports 306a, 306b and the lower injection port 306c and circular cuts for forming the rectifier cloth 322 are formed on the left, right and lower edges.

[0098] Figure 12 (c) illustrates the example of... Figure 12 (a) The front panel 326 of the rectifier fabric is unfolded in a plane. The front panel 326 is generally circular and can be joined to the rear panel 324 by attaching its edges. Figure 12 (b)) to achieve the rectification cloth (refer to) Figure 12 (a)).

[0099] The rectifier fabric 322 can also effectively open the outer casing doors 154a, 154b of the outer casing member 110 to the left and right. Therefore, the rectifier fabric 322 can be appropriately used with the outer casing member 110 (refer to) which has outer casing doors that open to the left and right. Figure 4 (a)) and outer casing component 240 ( Figure 9 (b)) To implement in combination.

[0100] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described above are preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments may be implemented or performed in various ways. Unless specifically defined herein, the present invention is not limited to the detailed shapes, sizes, and structural configurations of the components shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the expressions and terms used in this specification are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention unless specifically defined herein.

[0101] Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these examples are of course within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0102] Industrial utilization potential

[0103] This invention can be used in driver's seat airbag devices to restrain occupants in emergency situations.

[0104] Symbol Explanation

[0105] S1… The distance between the opening end of the upper surface area of ​​the outer casing component and the module mounting surface.

[0106] S2…Dimensions of the module setting surface from the upper surface area of ​​the outer casing component.

[0107] 100…Airbag device 102…Seat

[0108] 104… airbag cushion 104a… upper part of the airbag cushion

[0109] 104b…Lower part of the airbag cushion 105…Airbag module

[0110] 106… Steering wheel 108… Wheel rim

[0111] 109…Module setting surface 110…Outer cover component

[0112] 112…Inflator 114…Wheel rim

[0113] 116…Gas outlet 118…Stud

[0114] 120…Front panel 122…Rear panel

[0115] 124…Side panel 126…Ventilation hole

[0116] 138…Crowd 140…Head

[0117] 141…down 142…breasts

[0118] 144…abdomen 150…frontal surface area

[0119] 152…Car logo 154a…Left side outer door

[0120] 154b…Right side outer door 156…Tear line

[0121] 156a…First thin section 156b…Second thin section

[0122] 158… Upper surface area 160a… Left hinge

[0123] 160b… right-side hinge

[0124] 162…front end of upper surface region

[0125] 164a… Left side of the upper surface region

[0126] 164b… right side of the upper surface region

[0127] 166… Lower end of the positive surface area

[0128] 168a…The left side of the positive surface area

[0129] 168b… right side of the front surface area

[0130] 170a…Left side hinge area

[0131] 170b…Right side hinge area

[0132] 200…Outer casing component of the first variation

[0133] 202a… Upper outer cover door 202b… Lower cover door

[0134] 204… Tear line 206… Front hinge area

[0135] 220…Outer casing component of the second variation

[0136] 222a… Lower left outer door

[0137] 222b… Lower right outer door

[0138] 240…Outer casing component of the third variation

[0139] 242a… Upper left outer door

[0140] 242b…Outer door on the upper right side

[0141] 242c…Outer door

[0142] 260…Outer casing component of the fourth variation

[0143] 262…Tear line 264…Outer door

[0144] 300…Airbag module of the first modification

[0145] 302…rectifier fabric 304…main airbag

[0146] 306a… Side injection port on the left side

[0147] 306b… right-side side injection port

[0148] 306c…lower injection port

[0149] 320…Airbag module of the second variation

[0150] 322…Rectifier fabric 324…Rear panel of rectifier fabric

[0151] 326…Front panel of the rectifier cloth

Claims

1. A driver's seat airbag device, comprising: a vehicle steering wheel; An airbag module, comprising an inflator and an airbag cushion housed within the steering wheel, is characterized in that... The steering wheel includes: The wheel rims are irregularly shaped, omitting the upper central section; The module mounting surface is located at the center of the wheel rim and has the airbag module mounted thereon. An outer casing component that covers the airbag module disposed on the module mounting surface. The outer casing component includes: The front surface area covers the occupant side of the airbag module; The upper surface area extends from the upper end of the front surface area to the front of the vehicle and covers the upper side of the airbag module; A tear line, which is grooved and located on the side of the airbag module in the front and upper surface areas, tears under the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion, thereby opening the front and upper surface areas as one or more outer doors. The tear line extends continuously from near the center of the front surface region to near the center of the upper surface region, and branches to the left and right along the front end of the upper surface region from near the center of the upper surface region, extending towards the sides of the upper surface region, and then extending towards the front surface region from each side of the upper surface region, extending along each side of the front surface region upon reaching the front surface region. On each side of the front surface area, a portion of the tear line extending along the side of the front surface area is omitted, thereby forming a pair of side hinge areas that cannot be broken and become the hinges of the two outer door panels. The one or more outer enclosure doors include at least two outer enclosure doors that open to the left and right respectively from near the center of the front surface region and the upper surface region. The airbag cushion has: The main air bladder is bag-shaped; The rectifier fabric covers the portion of the gas injection port of the inflator built into the main airbag. The rectifying fabric has one or more nozzles for injecting gas supplied from the inflator. When viewed directly over the surface area, the one or more nozzles discharge gas diagonally upwards and to the left and right.

2. The driver's seat airbag device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pair of side hinge regions are formed such that their axes are parallel when viewed directly opposite the front surface region.

3. The driver's seat airbag device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tear line extends from near the center of the positive surface region to the lower end of the positive surface region, branches off from the lower end toward the sides of the positive surface region, and extends to the pair of side hinge regions.

4. The driver's seat airbag device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The one or more outer covers are formed in the upper surface area at a distance of more than 35 mm from the chin of an occupant who has stopped moving forward of the vehicle due to contact with the steering wheel towards the front of the vehicle.

5. The driver's seat airbag device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The area formed by the one or more outer doors includes the range in the upper surface region from the front surface region side to the front side of the vehicle on the module mounting surface.

6. The driver's seat airbag device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A portion of the tear line located on the positive surface region is thinner than the tear line located on the upper surface region.

7. The driver's seat airbag device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more injection ports are formed on the path connecting the inflator and the tear line.

8. The driver's seat airbag device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from the width of the vehicle, the one or more injection ports are tilted to the side opposite to the positive surface area to discharge gas.

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