Airbag device and occupant protection device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a safety airbag device and a passenger protection device that can properly restrain a passenger regardless of the passenger's size. The safety airbag device includes a safety airbag that is inflated and deployed by a gas generated by an inflator at the time of a collision of a vehicle and that expands and deploys from a rear side of a seat for the vehicle to a front side through an upper side. The safety airbag in an expanded and deployed state has a pair of front and rear cavities that pass from left and right sides of a head H of a passenger and extend in a front and rear direction, a safety airbag main body that communicates with the pair of front and rear cavities and is disposed in front of the passenger D between the pair of front and rear cavities, and a pair of rear belts having one end portions mounted to the safety airbag main body and the other end portions mounted to a seat back. At the time of restraint of the passenger, the safety airbag main body is pulled to an obliquely rear and lower side by the pair of rear belts, so that the pair of front and rear cavities press the passenger's shoulders from the upper side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an airbag device and an occupant protection device incorporating an airbag device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, the airbag device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-018593 includes: an inflation device that generates high-pressure gas upon impact; and a bag that inflates and deploys from the seat back of a vehicle seat upon receiving gas from the inflation device. The bag includes: a torso support that extends to the side opposite to the seat back, passing over the torso of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat; and a pair of head supports that extend on both sides of the seat width, passing over the occupant's head, and connected to the torso support. Furthermore, a clearance portion is formed on the bag, which, in the deployed state, passes vertically between the pair of head supports and avoids the occupant's head. Moreover, this airbag device includes a connecting member that connects the deployed torso support portion to the vehicle seat or vehicle body.

[0003] As described above, this airbag device includes a connecting member that links the deployed torso support to the vehicle seat or body. Therefore, the movement of the deployed torso support towards the front of the seat is restricted by the connecting member, thereby accommodating and blocking the occupant's upper body. In other words, the occupant's upper body is restrained.

[0004] However, the relative vertical position of the airbag body (bag) and the occupant's upper body (including the head) varies depending on the occupant's physique. That is, in the case of a short occupant (e.g., an occupant comparable to dummy AF05), the restraint force of the airbag body relative to the head will be excessive, which may result in kyphosis.

[0005] On the other hand, when a tall occupant (e.g., someone comparable to the AM95 dummy) has an airbag installed in the rear seats, the head may press against the front seats due to insufficient restraint from the airbag body relative to the head. From the perspective of appropriately restraining the occupant's upper body according to their physique, there is still room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides an airbag device capable of properly restraining an occupant regardless of their physical condition, and an occupant protection device incorporating the airbag device.

[0007] The first type of airbag device includes: an inflation device that generates gas upon vehicle collision; and an airbag supplied with the gas generated by the inflation device, which inflates and deploys from the rear side of the vehicle seat, through the upper side of the seat, towards the front side of the seat. In its inflated state, the airbag has a pair of front and rear chambers, an airbag body, and a pair of rear straps. The pair of front and rear chambers pass through the left and right sides of the head of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat and extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. The airbag body communicates with the pair of front and rear chambers and is disposed between the pair of front and rear chambers on the front side of the occupant's seat. One end of each pair of rear straps is attached to the front portion of the airbag body or the front and rear chambers, and the other end is attached to the seat back or body of the vehicle seat. When the occupant is restrained, the front portion of the airbag body or the front and rear chambers is pulled diagonally backward and downward towards the seat via the rear straps, thereby pressing the front and rear chambers against the occupant's shoulders from the upper side of the seat.

[0008] According to the first method, in the event of a vehicle collision, gas generated by an inflation device is supplied to the airbag, and the airbag inflates and deploys from the rear side of the vehicle seat, passing above the seat and extending towards the front of the seat. The inflated airbag has a pair of front and rear chambers and an airbag body. The pair of front and rear chambers extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the occupant's head, passing from the left and right sides of the occupant's head while seated in the vehicle seat. The airbag body communicates with the pair of front and rear chambers and is positioned between the two chambers in front of the occupant's seat.

[0009] Furthermore, the airbag has a pair of rear straps, one end of which is installed on the front side of the seat of the airbag body or the front and rear chambers, and the other end is installed on the seat back or body of the vehicle seat.

[0010] Therefore, when the occupant is restrained, the front part of the airbag body or the front and rear chambers is pulled diagonally backward and downward towards the seat by a pair of rear straps, thereby pressing the front and rear chambers against the occupant's shoulders from the upper side of the seat.

[0011] Therefore, regardless of occupant size differences, the airbag body can maintain a stable position relative to the occupant's head in the vertical direction of the seat. In other words, this airbag can appropriately restrain the occupant regardless of their size. Furthermore, a pair of rear straps suppresses the vertical and longitudinal movement of the airbag when it has fully inflated. Additionally, the term "at the time of collision" here includes situations where the inevitability of a collision is predicted (foreseen).

[0012] Furthermore, in the second type of airbag device, the width of the inner surfaces of the front and rear cavities is set to the shoulder width of a short occupant, similar to that of the dummy AF05, in the first type of airbag device.

[0013] According to the second method, the width of the inner surfaces of the pair of front and rear chambers is set to the shoulder width of a short occupant, similar to that of the AF05 dummy. Therefore, regardless of the occupant's physique, the front and rear chambers will not detach from the occupant's shoulders. In other words, when restraining the occupant, the occupant's shoulders can be reliably pressed down from above the seat via the front and rear chambers, regardless of the occupant's physique. Therefore, the occupant will be properly restrained.

[0014] Furthermore, the third type of airbag device is, in the first type of airbag device, a larger pulling force on the non-shoulder strap side generated by the rear strap on the front side of the airbag body or the front and rear chambers of the seat is set to the lower rear side of the seat, compared to the shoulder strap side of the seat belt device, so that the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body and the three-point seat belt device is approximately the same on the left and right sides.

[0015] According to the third method, compared to the shoulder strap side of a three-point seatbelt system, the pulling force generated by the rear strap on the non-shoulder strap side, relative to the front part of the seat relative to the airbag body or the front and rear chambers, is set to be larger in the direction of downward and backward movement of the seat. This ensures that the occupant restraint forces generated by the airbag body and the seatbelt system are set to be approximately equal on both sides. Therefore, the lateral restraint balance of the occupant becomes better, thereby improving occupant restraint performance.

[0016] Furthermore, in the fourth type of airbag device, in the third type of airbag device, the height position of the other end of the rear strap on the non-shoulder strap side is higher than the height position of the other end of the rear strap on the shoulder strap side.

[0017] According to the fourth method, the height of the other end of the rear seatbelt on the non-shoulder strap side is higher than that on the shoulder strap side. Therefore, the pulling angle (pulling force) of the rear seatbelt changes left and right, resulting in a greater pulling force on the non-shoulder strap side relative to the front of the seat relative to the airbag body or the front and rear chambers, directed diagonally backward and downward towards the seat, compared to the shoulder strap side. In other words, by using a simple structure that only changes the height of the other end of the rear seatbelt, the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body and seatbelt device is made approximately the same on both sides, thereby improving occupant restraint performance.

[0018] Furthermore, in the fifth type of airbag device, in the third type of airbag device, the length of the rear strap on the non-shoulder strap side is shorter than the length of the rear strap on the shoulder strap side.

[0019] According to the fifth method, the length of the rear seatbelt on the non-shoulder strap side is shorter than the length of the rear seatbelt on the shoulder strap side. Therefore, the pulling force of the rear seatbelt changes from side to side, resulting in a greater pulling force on the non-shoulder strap side, relative to the shoulder strap side, on the front and rearward side of the seat relative to the airbag body or the front and rear chambers. In other words, by using only a simple change in the length of the rear seatbelt, the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body and seatbelt device is made approximately the same on both sides, thereby improving occupant restraint performance.

[0020] Furthermore, the sixth type of airbag device is an airbag device in which a force limiter mechanism is provided at the other end of the rear strap, and the load-bearing capacity of the force limiter mechanism is set to be larger on the non-shoulder strap side compared to the shoulder strap side.

[0021] According to the sixth method, the load-bearing capacity of the force limiter mechanism located at the other end of the rear seatbelt is set to be larger on the non-shoulder strap side compared to the shoulder strap side. Therefore, the pulling force of the rear seatbelt changes from side to side, resulting in a greater pulling force on the non-shoulder strap side, relative to the front and rearward side of the seat, generated by the rear seatbelt, towards the airbag body or the front and rear chambers. In other words, the occupant restraint forces generated by the airbag body and seatbelt device are approximately the same on both sides, and it is easy to achieve this, thereby improving occupant restraint performance.

[0022] In addition, the seventh type of occupant protection device includes: a vehicle seat for occupants to sit on; and an airbag device of any one of the first to sixth types, which is mounted on the rear side of the vehicle seat.

[0023] According to the seventh method, an airbag device is installed on the rear side of the vehicle seat where the occupant sits. Since this airbag device is any one of the first to sixth methods, it can achieve the same effect as any one of the first to sixth methods.

[0024] Furthermore, the occupant protection device of the eighth method includes: an inflation device that generates gas upon vehicle collision; an airbag supplied with gas generated by the inflation device, which inflates and deploys from the rear side of the vehicle seat, through the upper side of the seat, towards the front side of the seat; and a three-point seatbelt device for restraining the occupant to the vehicle seat. The airbag, in its inflated state, has a pair of front and rear chambers, an airbag body, and a rear harness. The pair of front and rear chambers pass through the left and right sides of the occupant's head and extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. The airbag body communicates with the pair of front and rear chambers and extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. The rear seatbelt is positioned between the front and rear chambers on the front side of the occupant's seat. One end of the rear seatbelt is installed on the front portion of the airbag body or the front and rear chambers, and the other end is installed on the seat back or body of the vehicle seat. The rear seatbelt is only positioned on the non-shoulder side of the seatbelt device so that the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body and the seatbelt device is approximately the same on both sides. When the occupant is restrained, the airbag body or the front portion of the front and rear chambers is pulled diagonally backward and downward towards the seat via the rear seatbelt, thereby pressing the front and rear chambers against the occupant's shoulders from above the seat.

[0025] According to the eighth method, in the event of a vehicle collision, gas generated by an inflation device is supplied to the airbag, and the airbag inflates and deploys from the rear side of the vehicle seat, through the upper side of the seat, towards the front side of the seat. The inflated airbag has a pair of front and rear chambers and an airbag body. The pair of front and rear chambers extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat from the left and right sides of the occupant's head, and the airbag body communicates with the pair of front and rear chambers and is positioned between the pair of chambers in front of the occupant's seat.

[0026] Furthermore, the airbag has rear straps, one end of which is installed on the front side of the seat of the airbag body or the front and rear chambers, and the other end is installed on the seat back or body of the vehicle seat. Here, the rear straps are only located on the non-shoulder strap side of the seatbelt assembly. That is, the rear straps are not located on the shoulder strap side of the seatbelt assembly. Therefore, the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body and the seatbelt assembly is approximately the same on both sides, thereby improving occupant restraint performance.

[0027] Furthermore, when the occupant is restrained, the front portion of the airbag body or its front and rear chambers is pulled diagonally backward and downward towards the seat via the rear seat straps, thereby pressing the front and rear chambers against the occupant's shoulders from above the seat. Thus, regardless of the occupant's body size, the vertical position of the airbag body relative to the occupant's head is stabilized. In other words, this airbag allows for appropriate restraint of the occupant regardless of their body size.

[0028] Furthermore, the ninth type of occupant protection device is, in the eighth type of occupant protection device, a force limiter mechanism is provided at the other end of the rear tether.

[0029] According to the ninth method, a force limiter mechanism is installed at the other end of the rear seatbelt. Therefore, it is easy to make the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body and seatbelt device approximately the same on both sides, thereby improving occupant restraint performance.

[0030] As shown above, according to this disclosure, it is possible to properly restrain occupants regardless of their physical condition. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view showing the state of the airbag in the airbag device of the occupant protection device according to the first embodiment after it has inflated and deployed.

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic side view showing the state of the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment after it has inflated and deployed relative to an occupant equivalent to AF05.

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic side view showing the state of the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment after it has inflated and deployed relative to an occupant equivalent to AM50.

[0035] Figure 4 A schematic side view showing the state of the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment after it has inflated and deployed relative to an occupant equivalent to AM95.

[0036] Figure 5 A top view showing the state of the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment after it has inflated and deployed relative to an occupant equivalent to AF05.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the front and rear cavities of the airbag constituting the airbag device according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 An unfolded view of the airbag body constituting the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment;

[0039] Figure 8 A schematic side view showing the state in which the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment passes through the gap between the occupant's head and the roof of the vehicle body while it is inflating and deploying.

[0040] Figure 9 A schematic side view showing the state of the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment passing through the shoulder of the occupant while inflating and deploying;

[0041] Figure 10 A schematic side view showing the state in which the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment is positioned in front of the occupant while it is inflating and deploying.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a summary side view showing the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment after its inflation and deployment are completed.

[0043] Figure 12 A schematic side view showing the initial occupant restraint achieved by the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment;

[0044] Figure 13 This is a schematic side view showing the occupant restraint achieved by the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment during the middle stage.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a schematic side view showing the occupant restraint effect achieved by the airbag of the airbag device according to the first embodiment during the later stage of occupant restraint.

[0046] Figure 15 A schematic side view showing the state of the airbag of the airbag device according to the second embodiment after it has inflated and deployed relative to an occupant equivalent to AM50.

[0047] Figure 16A A graph showing the relationship between the input load on the shoulder girdle side (right torso side) and the amount of chest movement in the second embodiment;

[0048] Figure 16B A graph showing the relationship between input load on the non-shoulder girdle side (left torso side) and chest movement in the second embodiment;

[0049] Figure 17A top view showing the state of the airbag of the airbag device according to the third embodiment after it has inflated and deployed relative to an occupant equivalent to AM50.

[0050] Figure 18 A top view showing the state of the airbag of the airbag device according to the fourth embodiment after it has inflated and deployed relative to an occupant equivalent to AM50.

[0051] Figure 19 A top view showing the state of the airbag of the airbag device according to the modified example of the fourth embodiment after it has inflated and deployed relative to an occupant equivalent to AM50.

[0052] Figure 20 A top view showing the state of the airbag of the airbag device according to the fifth embodiment after it has inflated and deployed relative to an occupant equivalent to AM50.

[0053] Figure 21 A graph showing the relationship between input load and chest movement on the shoulder girdle side (right torso side) and the non-shoulder girdle side (left torso side) according to the fifth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, arrow UP will be used to indicate the top of the vehicle and its seat, arrow FR to indicate the front of the vehicle and its seat, arrow RH to indicate the right side of the vehicle and its seat, and arrow LH to indicate the left side of the vehicle and its seat. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions of up / down, front / back, and left / right refer to the up / down, front / back, and left / right directions of the vehicle and its seat. Furthermore, the left / right direction is synonymous with the vehicle width direction and the seat width direction.

[0055] <First Implementation>

[0056] First, the first embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the occupant protection device 10 according to the first embodiment is composed of a vehicle seat 12 and an airbag device 30. The vehicle seat 12 is either the front seat or the rear seat of a vehicle (car). Here, the front seat 13 (see reference) is not included. Figures 8 to 10 Instead of using a vehicle seat, the rear seat is designated as vehicle seat 12. The vehicle seat 12 has a seat cushion 14, a seat back 16 that is rotatable at the rear end of the seat cushion 14, and a headrest 18 that is height-adjustable at the upper end of the seat back 16.

[0057] In addition, Figures 2 to 4 In the model shown, representing occupants (seat-takers) to be protected, crash test dummies of different sizes are depicted seated on the cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12. For example, dummy D is a frontal crash test dummy (Hybrid III), i.e. Figure 2 The AF05 shown is 5% of adult women in the United States. Figure 3 The AM50 figure shown is for 50% of adult males in the United States. Figure 4 The AM95 shown is 95% of the adult male in the United States. Each dummy D is seated in a standard seating posture as specified by the crash test method, and the vehicle seat 12 is located at a reference setting position corresponding to this seating posture. Hereinafter, for ease of understanding, the dummy D will be referred to as "occupant D".

[0058] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the occupant D, seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12, is restrained to the vehicle seat 12 by the seat belt 22 provided by the seat belt device 20. The seat belt device 20 is a three-point seat belt device, and the retractor, fastener, and buckle (not shown) are respectively provided on the vehicle seat 12 as a so-called seat belt device attached to the seat.

[0059] The airbag device 30 includes: an airbag 32 and a pair of inflators 44 (see reference). Figure 6 The airbag 32 is normally housed in a folded state within the module box 46 along with a pair of inflators 44. The module box 46 is formed into a hollow cuboid shape. The module box 46 is located at the upper rear of the vehicle seat 12 (specifically, above the seat back 16 and behind the headrest 18) and is secured to the upper end of the seat back 16 or a vehicle body (not shown).

[0060] The airbag 32 is supplied with gas from a pair of inflators 44 and expands forward from the rear side of the vehicle seat 12, passing over the upper side. The airbag 32 has front and rear chambers 34 and an airbag body 40. The front and rear chambers 34 have a pair of left and right front and rear extensions 34A that pass through the left and right sides of the head H of the occupant D and extend in the front-rear direction, and a connecting portion 34B that connects the front ends of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A in the left-right direction. The airbag body 40 expands and deploys with a delay relative to the front and rear chambers 34 at the rear side of the connecting portion 34B towards the occupant D (rear side), and is positioned between the pair of front and rear extensions 34A and in front of the occupant D.

[0061] like Figure 6As shown, the front and rear cavities 34 are formed into a long, bag-like shape by overlapping two strips of base fabric 36 and 38 and sewing their peripheries together at the seam S1. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the airbag body 40 is formed into a bag shape by bending a piece of base fabric 42 along four fold lines L1, L2, L3, L4 and sewing it together at the seam S2.

[0062] In this sewing section S2, sewing threads SL21 and SL22 are sewn together, sewing threads S23 and S24 are sewn together, sewing threads S25 and S26 are sewn together, and sewing threads S27 and S28 are sewn together. Furthermore, the base fabrics 36, 38, and 42 are made of, for example, polyamide-based or polyester fiber-based fabrics. Additionally, one or both of the two base fabrics 36 and 38 constituting the front and rear cavities 34 are designed to be less stretchable compared to the base fabric 42 constituting the airbag body 40.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, the two ends of the long side of the front and rear cavities 34 (the rear ends of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A) are provided as a pair of inflation device storage portions 34C for storing the pair of left and right inflation devices 44. That is, the central part of the long side of the front and rear cavities 34 (the part that connects the front ends of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A in the left and right direction) is provided as a connecting portion 34B, and the front and rear extensions 34A are respectively provided between the connecting portion 34B and the pair of inflation device storage portions 34C.

[0064] Although not shown in the diagram, the airbag system 30 includes a control unit (ECU) that controls the operation of a pair of inflators 44. The control unit is electrically connected to the pair of inflators 44 and collision sensors (including cameras, etc., not shown), and is configured to detect a frontal collision of the vehicle or to predict the inevitability of a frontal collision (hereinafter referred to as "prediction"). Furthermore, when the control unit detects or predicts a frontal collision of the vehicle based on information from the collision sensors, it activates the pair of inflators 44.

[0065] A pair of inflation devices 44 are, for example, combustion-type or air-cooled cylinder-type inflation devices, and are activated by a control device during a frontal collision of the vehicle to generate gas. In addition, the frontal collisions in which the control device activates the inflation devices 44 include not only full-overlap frontal collisions, but also oblique collisions and minor-overlap collisions, as well as eccentric frontal collisions.

[0066] A pair of inflatable device storage sections 34C, which house a pair of inflatable devices 44, are separately arranged on the left and right sides within the module box 46. Each inflatable device 44 housed within its respective storage section 34C is arranged with its axis aligned vertically along the seat back 16. For example, a pair of double-headed bolts (not shown) are provided on each inflatable device 44.

[0067] A pair of double-ended bolts pass through the frame (not shown) of the inflator housing 34C, the module box 46, and the seat back 16, and nuts (not shown) are screwed onto each double-ended bolt. Thus, the inflator housing 34C, the inflator 44, and the module box 46 are fixed to the frame of the seat back 16.

[0068] A pair of front and rear extensions 34A are each formed as elongated tubular sections. Furthermore, an enlarged portion 34B1 is integrally formed at the center of the connecting portion 34B in the left-right direction. This enlarged portion 34B1 protrudes downwards compared to the left and right ends of the connecting portion 34B to which the pair of front and rear extensions 34A are connected. In other words, the connecting portion 34B is formed as a roughly "T"-shaped bag that communicates with each of the front and rear extensions 34A. A connecting hole 48 is provided at the rear side of the center of the connecting portion 34B in the left-right direction, including the enlarged portion 34B1.

[0069] That is, the area around the through hole 50 formed on the base fabric 36 of the front and rear cavities 34 and the through hole 52 formed on the base fabric 42 of the airbag body 40 (see reference) Figure 7 The surrounding parts are sewn together to form a sewn portion S3, and a connecting hole 48 is formed by connecting the through hole 50 and the through hole 52. Furthermore, the through holes 50 and 52 are, as an example, formed into a generally inverted trapezoidal shape. Therefore, the sewn portion S3 is, as an example, formed into a generally inverted trapezoidal shape, and the connecting hole 48, which communicates with the airbag body 40 within the connecting portion 34B, is located inside the sewn portion S3.

[0070] Furthermore, the pair of front and rear extensions 34A, the connecting portion 34B, and the airbag body 40 are normally folded in a predetermined folding manner, such as roller folding or corrugated folding, and stored inside the module box 46. A tear line (not shown) is formed in the module box 46. This tear line is configured to rupture under the inflation pressure of the airbag 32 during its expansion. Thus, the airbag 32 can expand and deploy outwards from the module box 46 in the order of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A, the connecting portion 34B, and the airbag body 40.

[0071] In addition, such as Figures 2 to 5As shown, after expansion, a pair of front and rear extensions 34A extend in the front-rear direction on the left and right sides of the head H of the occupant D, and are positioned opposite the head H with gaps between them. Furthermore, the front ends of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A are connected in the left-right direction by a connecting portion 34B after expansion. Thus, the front and rear cavity 34, including the pair of front and rear extensions 34A and the connecting portion 34B, forms a roughly "U"-shaped structure that opens rearward when viewed from above (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0072] Furthermore, the airbag body 40 is supplied with gas through the connecting hole 48, thereby inflating and deploying towards the rear (occupant D side). That is, the airbag body 40 inflates and deploys towards the occupant D (rear side) with a delay relative to the front and rear chambers 34 at the rear side of the connecting portion 34B. Therefore, when the airbag body 40 inflates and deploys in the front and rear chambers 34, it can pass from the rear side to the front side through the head H of the occupant D and the roof 28 of the vehicle compartment (see reference). Figure 8 The gap between ).

[0073] Furthermore, the inflated airbag body 40 is positioned relative to the occupant D's head H, chest C, and abdomen B with a gap in the anterior-posterior direction (see reference). Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 11 In addition, the airbag body 40 is designed to expand and deploy in a manner that extends from the middle to the later stages of occupant restraint, sandwiched between the thigh F and chest C of the occupant D.

[0074] In addition, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the airbag 32 is equipped with a pair of rear straps 54, a pair of upper front straps 56, and a pair of lower front straps 58. The rear straps 54, upper front straps 56, and lower front straps 58 are formed into long strips, for example, from polyamide or polyester fiber fabric. Furthermore, the fabric constituting the rear straps 54, upper front straps 56, and lower front straps 58 is configured to be less stretchable than the base fabrics 36 and 38 constituting the front and rear cavities 34 and the base fabric 42 constituting the airbag body 40. This degree of stretchability is adjusted using the fabric material and thickness.

[0075] A pair of upper front straps 56 are structured to connect to the left and right sides of the front wall of the upper part of the airbag body 40, which expands upwards compared to the front and rear cavities 34, and to the front part of a pair of front and rear extensions 34A. Specifically, one end of each pair of upper front straps 56 is sewn to the left and right sides of the front wall of the upper part of the airbag body 40, which expands upwards compared to the front and rear cavities 34. Furthermore, the other end of each pair of upper front straps 56 is sewn to the front part of a pair of front and rear extensions 34A.

[0076] A pair of front lower straps 58 are structured to connect the left and right side walls of the lower portion of the airbag body 40, which expands downwards compared to the front and rear cavities 34, to the front portions of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A. Specifically, one end of each pair of front lower straps 58 is sewn to the left and right side walls of the lower portion of the airbag body 40, which expands downwards compared to the front and rear cavities 34. Furthermore, the other end of each pair of front lower straps 58 is sewn to the front portion of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A.

[0077] On the other hand, one end of each of the pair of rear straps 54 is sewn and installed on the left and right side walls of the front side of the lower part of the airbag body 40, which expands downwards compared to the front and rear chambers 34. Furthermore, the other end of each of the pair of rear straps 54 is installed on the side of the seat back 16 (or on the rearward side of the vehicle body, not shown, compared to the occupant D). Therefore, in the inflated state of the airbag 32, the pair of rear straps 54 extend obliquely rearwards and downwards below the pair of front and rear extensions 34A.

[0078] That is, the pair of rear straps 54 are tilted in a downward and oblique rearward position when viewed from the side. As a result, when the occupant D is restrained by the airbag 32, the airbag body 40 is pulled downward and obliquely rearward by the pair of rear straps 54, and the airbag body 40 and the front of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A are pulled downward and obliquely rearward by the module box 46 as the rotation center.

[0079] Furthermore, when the occupant D is restrained by the airbag 32, the airbag body 40 and the front of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A are pulled diagonally backward and downward by a pair of rear straps 54, thereby causing the lower surfaces of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A to abut against the left and right shoulders K of the occupant D (see reference). Figures 1 to 4 :exist Figure 2 , Figure 3(represented by an imaginary line), and a pair of front and rear extensions 34A form a structure that presses the left and right shoulders K of the occupant D with a predetermined pressure from the upper side to the lower side.

[0080] Furthermore, regardless of the physical characteristics of occupant D (in other words, regardless of whether occupant D is...) Figure 2 The short stature shown is similar to that of AF05, or... Figure 3 The physique shown is comparable to that of AM50, or... Figure 4 The pair of rear straps 54, as shown in the image (which is similar in size to the AM95), are designed to press against the left and right shoulders K of the occupant D from the top to the bottom by means of a pair of front and rear extensions 34A. The length of the straps 54 and the mounting position of the other end of each strap are also set.

[0081] Furthermore, regardless of the occupant D's build, the width W of the inner surfaces of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A is set to the smallest shoulder width among the three types of occupants D, so that the pair of front and rear extensions 34A will not detach from the left and right shoulders K of the occupant D in the seat width direction. That is, the width W of the inner surfaces of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A is set to the shoulder width of an occupant D with a short build similar to AF05 (e.g., 400mm to 500mm, preferably around 400mm to 450mm) (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0082] The functions of the airbag device 30 and the occupant protection device 10, which are configured as described above, will now be explained.

[0083] When a frontal collision is detected (or anticipated) by the collision sensor, a pair of inflation devices 44 are activated under the control of the control device. That is, gas is ejected from the inflation devices 44 within the pair of inflation device housings 34C. The gas generated within the pair of inflation device housings 34C flows through a pair of front and rear extensions 34A to the connecting portion 34B and is supplied to the airbag body 40 through the connecting hole 48.

[0084] Specifically, firstly, as Figure 8 As shown, the tear line of the module box 46 is ruptured by the inflation pressure of the airbag 32, and the airbag 32 inflates and deploys forward (indicated by the arrow) from the rear side of the vehicle seat 12, passing over the upper side. That is, the airbag 32 deploys forward from the upper rear part of the seat back 16, passing over the headrest 18 and over the head H of the occupant D.

[0085] Next, as Figure 9As shown, the head H of occupant D is inserted into the front and rear extensions 34A of a pair of front and rear cavities 34 and the airbag body 40 (see reference). Figure 10 Within the gap formed by the front and rear cavities 34. That is, the front and rear extensions 34A of the pair of front and rear cavities 34 are arranged on the left and right sides of the head H of the occupant D and extend forward (as indicated by the arrow).

[0086] And then, as Figure 10 As shown, gas is supplied from the connecting portion 34B, which connects the front ends of the front and rear extensions 34A of the pair of front and rear chambers 34 in the left-right direction, causing the airbag body 40 to inflate and deploy towards the occupant D side (the rear side indicated by the arrow). That is, as... Figure 11 As shown, the airbag body 40 is positioned between a pair of front and rear chambers 34 and in front of the occupant D.

[0087] Furthermore, during the inflating and deployment of the airbag body 40, a pair of upper front straps 56 connect to the left and right sides of the upper front portion of the airbag body 40 and the front portion of a pair of front and rear extensions 34A, respectively. These upper front straps 56 prevent the airbag body 40 (airbag 32) from accidentally shifting (rotating) upwards relative to the front and rear cavities 34 around the connecting portion 34B when the inflating and deployment of the airbag body 40 (airbag 32) has ended.

[0088] Furthermore, during the inflating and deployment of the airbag body 40, a pair of front lower straps 58 connect the left and right sides of the lower front portion of the airbag body 40 and the front portion of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A, respectively. These front lower straps 58 prevent the airbag body 40 (airbag 32) from accidentally shifting (rotating) downwards around the connecting portion 34B relative to the front and rear cavities 34 at the end of its inflating and deployment.

[0089] Furthermore, at the end of the airbag 32's inflating and deployment, a pair of rear straps 54 extend obliquely rearward and downward below the pair of front and rear extensions 34A. That is, the pair of rear straps 54 restrict the obliquely forward and upward movement of the airbag body 40. This suppresses the airbag 32's upward and downward and front and rearward swaying (contributing to the stabilization of the airbag body 40's deployment), and causes the lower surfaces of the front and rear extensions 34A of the pair of front and rear chambers 34 to abut against the left and right shoulders K of the occupant D from above (see reference). Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0090] like Figure 12 As shown, in this state, occupant D, who has moved forward due to inertia from the impact of a frontal collision, will be restrained by the airbag body 40. Specifically, Figure 13 As shown, when occupant D is restrained, the front and rear cavities 34 (front and rear extensions 34A) are stretched forward due to the forward movement of occupant D. Furthermore, as... Figure 14 As shown, the airbag body 40 is compressed and deformed towards its front side because the occupant D presses it forward.

[0091] Therefore, the energy absorption performance of the airbag body 40 can be improved. In other words, although the load applied from the airbag body 40 to the occupant D will continuously increase when both the front and rear cavities 34 and the airbag body 40 are subjected to tensile loads, the load applied to the occupant D can be reduced through the compression deformation of the airbag body 40.

[0092] Furthermore, since the shape of the airbag body 40 is designed to extend from the middle to the later stages of occupant restraint implemented by the airbag 32, it is positioned between the thigh F and chest C of the occupant D, thus allowing for contact with the upper body of the occupant D with a larger area. As a result, the load applied to the occupant D from the airbag body 40 can be effectively reduced.

[0093] Furthermore, since the airbag body 40 expands and deploys towards the occupant D from the rear side of the connecting portion 34B after the front and rear cavities 34 inflate, the gap between the airbag body 40 and the occupant D becomes smaller. As a result, the occupant D is restrained by the airbag body 40 earlier, thus improving the initial restraint performance of the occupant D achieved by the airbag body 40.

[0094] Furthermore, in the airbag body 40, when the front and rear chambers 34 are inflated and deployed, gas from the inflation device 44 is supplied through a connecting hole 48 formed on the rear side of the central portion in the left-right direction of the connecting portion 34B. That is, gas ejected from the inflation device 44 and flowing into the pair of front and rear extensions 34A and the connecting portion 34B of the front and rear chambers 34 is supplied into the airbag body 40 through the connecting hole 48.

[0095] Therefore, the airbag body 40 can be allowed to inflate and deploy with a sufficiently delayed effect relative to the front and rear chambers 34. In other words, after the airbag body 40 has inflated and deployed from the rear to the front through the narrow gap between the occupant D's head H and the vehicle's roof 28 via the front and rear chambers 34, it can easily inflate and deploy rearward (see reference). Figures 8 to 10 Therefore, it is possible to prevent the airbag body 40 from getting stuck in the narrow gap, thereby suppressing or preventing the occurrence of poor deployment of the airbag 32.

[0096] Furthermore, when occupant D is restrained, the airbag body 40 is pulled diagonally rearward and downward by the rear straps 54. That is, when the occupant is restrained by the airbag body 40, the pair of rear straps 54 are stretched in the longitudinal direction together with the front and rear chambers 34, thereby blocking and supporting the load applied to the airbag body 40 from occupant D.

[0097] As a result, the front and rear extensions 34A of the front and rear cavity 34 that abut against the shoulder K of the occupant D can press the shoulder K with a predetermined pressure from the upper side to the lower side (see reference). Figures 2 to 4 Therefore, regardless of the physical differences of the occupant D, the position of the airbag body 40 relative to the head H of the occupant D in the vertical direction can be kept stable (without significant changes).

[0098] Therefore, for example, for a short occupant D, similar to the AF05, it can suppress or prevent neck flexion caused by excessive force applied by the airbag body 40 relative to the chest C when pressing down on the head H. Furthermore, for example, for a tall occupant D, similar to the AM95, it can suppress or prevent neck flexion caused by insufficient force applied by the airbag body 40 to the head H when pressing down on the front seat 13 (see reference). Figures 8 to 10 The top of the airbag 32. In other words, the airbag 32 can properly restrain the occupant D regardless of the occupant's physique.

[0099] Furthermore, since the width W of the inner surfaces of the front and rear extensions 34A of the pair of front and rear cavities 34 is set to the shoulder width of a short-statured occupant D (e.g., 400mm to 500mm, preferably around 400mm to 450mm), regardless of the occupant D's physique, there is no need to worry about the pair of front and rear extensions 34A detaching from the left and right shoulders K of the occupant D. In other words, when the occupant D is restrained, the shoulders K of the occupant D can be reliably pressed from above via the front and rear extensions 34A of the front and rear cavities 34, regardless of the occupant D's physique. Therefore, the occupant D can be reliably and appropriately restrained by the airbag 32.

[0100] <Second Implementation>

[0101] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the same symbols will be used to mark the same parts as in the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions (including common functions) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] In this second embodiment, compared to the shoulder strap side (the side on the shoulder K where the seat belt 22 is attached) of the seat belt device 20, the relative pulling force on the obliquely rearward and downward side of the airbag body 40 generated by the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side (the side on the shoulder K where the seat belt 22 is not attached) is set to be larger, so that the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body 40 and the three-point seat belt device 20 is approximately the same on both sides.

[0103] Specifically, such as Figure 15 As shown, the height of the other end of the back strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side (left side) is higher than that of the back strap 54 on the shoulder strap side (right side). Figure 15 The height position of the other end (shown by the dashed line). This allows the pulling angle of the rearward and downward side formed by the rear strap 54 to differ (varie) on the left and right sides. Although the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side reduces the load-bearing capacity in the vertical direction, it increases the load-bearing capacity in the front-to-back direction (in...). Figure 16B (As shown by the dashed line in the middle).

[0104] In other words, the pulling force generated by the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side is greater than the pulling force generated by the rear strap 54 on the shoulder strap side. Therefore, as Figure 16A , Figure 16B As shown, the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body 40 and the seat belt device 20 can be adjusted to be approximately equal on the left and right sides, thereby enabling good left-right restraint balance for the occupant D, especially the upper body. In this way, according to the second embodiment, occupant restraint performance can be improved by using a simple structure that only changes the height position of the other end of the rear harness 54.

[0105] <Third Implementation Method>

[0106] Next, the third embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the same symbols will be used to mark the same parts as in the first and second embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions (including common functions) will be omitted where appropriate.

[0107] In this third embodiment, compared to the shoulder strap side of the seat belt 22 of the seat belt device 20, the relative pulling force generated by the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side relative to the oblique rearward and downward side of the airbag body 40 is set to be larger, so that the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body 40 and the three-point seat belt device 20 is approximately the same on the left and right sides.

[0108] Specifically, such as Figure 17As shown, the length of the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side (left side) is shorter than the length of the rear strap 54 on the shoulder strap side (right side). This allows the pulling force generated by the rear strap 54 to differ (change) on both sides, thereby increasing the load-bearing capacity in the front-to-back direction of the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side.

[0109] In other words, the pulling force generated by the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side can be greater than the pulling force generated by the rear strap 54 on the shoulder strap side. Therefore, the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body 40 and the seat belt device 20 can be adjusted to be approximately equal on both sides, thereby achieving good left-right restraint balance for the occupant D, especially the upper body. In this way, according to the third embodiment, occupant restraint performance can be improved using only a simple structure that modifies the length of the rear strap 54.

[0110] <Fourth Implementation>

[0111] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the same symbols will be used to mark the same parts as in the first to third embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions (including common functions) will be appropriately omitted.

[0112] In this fourth embodiment, the relative pulling force on the airbag body 40 from the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side is set to be larger than that from the shoulder strap side of the seat belt 22 of the seat belt device 20, so that the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body 40 and the three-point seat belt device 20 is approximately the same on the left and right sides.

[0113] Specifically, it is configured such that a relative pulling force, achieved by the rear strap 54, is generated only on the non-shoulder strap side (left side) relative to the obliquely rearward and downward side of the airbag body 40. That is, as Figure 18 As shown, the rear tether 54 is located only on the non-shoulder strap side, and not on the shoulder strap side. Therefore, no relative pulling force exerted by the rear tether 54 on the obliquely rearward and downward side of the airbag body 40 is generated on the shoulder strap side.

[0114] Therefore, the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body 40 and the seat belt device 20 can be adjusted to be approximately equal on both sides, thereby achieving good lateral restraint balance for the occupant D, especially the upper body. In this way, according to the fourth embodiment, occupant restraint performance can be improved using a simple structure that only provides the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side.

[0115] Alternatively, the rear strap 54 can be provided on the shoulder strap side as long as it is configured not to generate a relative pulling force on the obliquely rearward and downward side of the airbag body 40. For example, the rear strap 54 can also be provided on the shoulder strap side as long as it is made of a material that stretches with tensile loads but does not generate tension (which can limit the vertical swing of the airbag body 40, but cannot limit the forward and backward swing).

[0116] In addition, such as Figure 19 As shown, a force limiter mechanism 24 can also be provided at the other end of the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side (left side). The force limiter mechanism 24 consists of a metal traction plate 25 integrally mounted at the other end of the rear strap 54 and three winding portions 26 that wind the traction plate 25 together in different ways. Through the plastic deformation of the traction plate 25, a structure is formed that prevents the rear strap 54 from pulling out (sliding) obliquely forward and upward when the peak load (resistance load) is below the limit in the later stage of restraint.

[0117] According to this force limiter mechanism 24, it is easy to make the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body 40 and the seat belt device 20 approximately the same on both sides, thereby further improving the occupant restraint performance simply. In addition, the load-bearing capacity of the force limiter mechanism 24 can be set with good precision by adjusting the material or thickness of the traction plate 25 and the spacing between the winding portions 26 on which the traction plate 25 is wound.

[0118] <Fifth Implementation>

[0119] Finally, the fifth embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the same symbols are used for the parts that are the same as in the first to fourth embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions (including common functions) are appropriately omitted.

[0120] In this fifth embodiment, the relative pulling force on the obliquely rearward and downward side of the airbag body 40 generated by the rear strap 54 on the non-shoulder strap side is set to be larger than that on the shoulder strap side of the seat belt 22 of the seat belt device 20, so that the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body 40 and the three-point seat belt device 20 is approximately the same on the left and right sides.

[0121] Specifically, such as Figure 20As shown, force limiter mechanisms 24 are respectively provided at the other ends of the pair of rear straps 54. Furthermore, the load-bearing capacity of these force limiter mechanisms 24 is set larger on the non-shoulder strap side compared to the shoulder strap side. Therefore, the pulling force of the rear straps 54 changes from left to right, resulting in a greater relative pulling force on the non-shoulder strap side generated by the rear straps 54 on the obliquely rearward and downward side of the airbag body 40 compared to the shoulder strap side.

[0122] In other words, it can be adjusted in such a way that the occupant restraint force generated by the airbag body 40 and the seat belt device 20 is approximately the same on both sides, thereby enabling good lateral restraint balance for the occupant D, especially the upper body (see reference). Figure 21 Therefore, occupant restraint performance can be improved. Furthermore, with such a force limiter mechanism 24, it is easy to make the occupant restraint forces generated by the airbag body 40 and the seatbelt device 20 approximately the same on both sides.

[0123] Although the airbag device 30 and occupant protection device 10 of this embodiment have been described above based on the accompanying drawings, the airbag device 30 and occupant protection device 10 of this embodiment are not limited to the illustrated manner, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0124] For example, instead of sewing one end of each of the rear straps 54 onto the left and right walls of the lower part of the airbag body 40 that expands downwards relative to the front and rear cavities 34, they can be sewn onto the middle part of the long side of the pair of front and rear extensions 34A, specifically the front part (front side portion) of each of the expanded front and rear extensions 34A. That is, it can also be configured such that when the occupant D is restrained, the front part of each of the front and rear extensions 34A is pulled diagonally backwards and downwards by the rear straps 54, thereby pressing the pair of front and rear extensions 34A against the shoulder K of the occupant D from above.

Claims

1. An airbag device, comprising: An inflation device that generates gas upon vehicle collision; An airbag is supplied with gas generated by the inflation device and inflates and deploys from the rear side of the vehicle seat, through the upper side of the seat, towards the front side of the seat. The airbag in its inflated and deployed state has front and rear cavities, an airbag body, and a pair of rear straps. The front and rear cavities have a pair of front and rear extensions that pass through the left and right sides of the head of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat and extend in the front-rear direction of the seat, and a connecting portion that connects the front end portions of the pair of front and rear extensions. The airbag body communicates with the pair of front and rear extensions and the connecting portion, and is positioned between the pair of front and rear extensions and on the rear side of the connecting portion on the front side of the occupant's seat. One end of the pair of rear straps is installed on the front side of the seat of the airbag body or the front and rear extensions, and the other end is installed on the seat back or body of the vehicle seat. When the occupant is restrained, the front side portion of the airbag body or the front and rear extensions is pulled diagonally backward and downward towards the seat via the rear strap, thereby pressing the lower surface of the front and rear extensions against the occupant's shoulder from the upper side of the seat.

2. The airbag device as described in claim 1, wherein, The width of the inner sides of the front and rear extensions is set to the shoulder width of a short occupant, similar to that of the dummy (AF05).

3. The airbag device as described in claim 1, wherein, Compared to the shoulder strap side of the seatbelt device, the pulling force generated by the rear strap on the non-shoulder strap side, which is applied to the front side of the airbag body or the front and rear extensions of the seat, is set to be larger towards the lower rear side of the seat.

4. The airbag device as described in claim 3, wherein, The height of the other end of the rear strap on the non-shoulder strap side is higher than the height of the other end of the rear strap on the shoulder strap side.

5. The airbag device as described in claim 3, wherein, The length of the rear strap on the non-shoulder strap side is shorter than the length of the rear strap on the shoulder strap side.

6. The airbag device as described in claim 3, wherein, A limiter mechanism is provided at the other end of the rear tether, and Compared to the shoulder strap side, the load-bearing capacity of the force limiter mechanism is set to be larger on the non-shoulder strap side.

7. An occupant protection device, comprising: Vehicle seats, for passengers to sit on; The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is mounted on the rear side of the seat in the vehicle seat.

8. An occupant protection device, comprising: An inflation device that generates gas upon vehicle collision; An airbag is supplied with gas generated by the inflation device and expands from the rear side of the vehicle seat, through the upper side of the seat, toward the front side of the seat. A three-point seatbelt device is used to restrain occupants to the vehicle seats. The airbag in its inflated and deployed state has a pair of front and rear chambers, an airbag body, and a rear harness. The pair of front and rear chambers pass through the left and right sides of the head of the occupant seated in the vehicle and extend in the front-rear direction of the seat. The airbag body communicates with the pair of front and rear chambers and is positioned between the pair of front and rear chambers on the front side of the occupant's seat. One end of the rear seatbelt is installed on the front side of the seat in the airbag body or the front and rear chambers, and the other end is installed on the seat back or body of the vehicle seat. The rear harness is positioned only on the non-shoulder strap side of the seatbelt assembly to ensure that the occupant restraint forces generated by the airbag body and the seatbelt assembly are approximately equal on both sides. When the occupant is restrained, the airbag body or the front and rear chambers of the seat are pulled diagonally backward and downward by the rear straps, thereby pressing the occupant's shoulders from above the seat.

9. The occupant protection device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, A force limiter mechanism is provided at the other end of the rear tether.

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