Occupant protection device and airbag cover

Abstract

The occupant protection device (S) is mounted on a seat (1) of a vehicle and has an airbag (25) attached to a seatbelt main body (8) of a seatbelt (7) in a folded state. The airbag is inflated so that the inflation gas discharged from the inflator (17) flows into the airbag and protrudes forward, and the airbag is inflated so as to protect the occupant (MP) seated on the seat. An airbag cover (45), which covers the periphery of a folded body (75) in a state where the airbag is folded, is formed in a long strip shape capable of covering the folded body together with the outer peripheral side of a part of the webbing main body, and closes both end sides in the longitudinal direction such that at least the webbing main body can be inserted therethrough.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an occupant protection device and an airbag cover mounted on a seat of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Currently, there is a structure shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-506401 as an occupant protection device arranged on a seat. In the current occupant protection device, an airbag is installed in the seat belt body of the seat belt, and when the inflator is operated, the inflation gas discharged from the inflator flows into the inside, and the airbag is inflated in a forward convex manner to protect the occupant sitting on the seat. Specifically, the current occupant protection device has a structure in which the airbag is arranged in the belt body in the area of ​​the waist belt that restrains the waist of the occupant when wearing the belt, and more specifically, the airbag is covered by the airbag cover in a state where it is folded into a long strip in a manner roughly along the waist belt.

[0003] The current occupant protection device has a structure in which the airbag cover is arranged together with the folded airbag (folded body) to cover the entire waist belt. Therefore, the entire area of ​​the waist belt is increased, and the wearing performance is also poor. From the perspective of compact mounting and good wearing performance of the seat belt, it is preferred to cover only the folded airbag (folded body) and a part of the seat belt body with the airbag cover. However, in the case of such a structure, it is desirable to limit the entry of foreign matter into the airbag cover. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide an occupant protection device which can restrict entry of foreign matter into the airbag cover even if the occupant protection device is formed to cover only the periphery of a folded airbag.

[0005] The occupant protection device of the present invention has the following characteristics:

[0006] A seat mounted on a vehicle has:

[0007] Seat belts;

[0008] Inflator;

[0009] an airbag which is mounted in a folded state on a seat belt body of the seat belt and which, when the inflator is operated, is inflated so that the inflation gas discharged from the inflator flows into the interior and bulges forward to protect an occupant seated on the seat; and

[0010] The airbag cover covers the periphery of the folded body of the airbag in a folded state, wherein:

[0011] The airbag cover is formed in a long strip shape capable of covering the folded body and a part of the outer peripheral side of the seat belt main body, and closes both ends in the longitudinal direction so that at least the seat belt main body can be inserted therethrough.

[0012] The occupant protection device of the present invention is formed into a structure in which the airbag cover covering the periphery of the folded body formed by folding the airbag is formed into a structure capable of covering the outer peripheral side of a part of the seat belt body, but the two ends in the length direction are closed in a manner that at least the seat belt body can be inserted through. Therefore, when wearing the seat belt, etc., it is possible to reliably restrict foreign matter from entering the airbag cover.

[0013] Therefore, even if the occupant protection device of the present invention is configured to cover only the periphery of the folded airbag, it is possible to restrict entry of foreign matter into the airbag cover.

[0014] In addition, the occupant protection device of the present invention is structured such that the airbag cover covers only the outer peripheral side of the folded body and a portion of the seat belt body, so that it can be formed into a compact structure compared to the existing occupant protection device, and the wearability of the seat belt (seat belt body) on the occupant is also good.

[0015] In the occupant protection device of the present invention, the airbag is preferably formed into a structure including: an airbag body that is inflated in a manner capable of protecting an occupant; and a duct portion that is connected to an inflator and allows an inflation gas to flow into the airbag body.

[0016] The airbag cover is formed into a structure that has an insertion opening at least on the end side of the duct portion side, into which a folded body formed by folding the airbag main body can be inserted.

[0017] The insertion opening has: an opening body for inserting the folded body; and a diameter-reducing member disposed around the opening body and capable of reducing the diameter of the opening body after the folded body is inserted into the airbag cover.

[0018] The diameter reducing member is configured to maintain the reduced diameter state of the opening body while the conduit portion is convexed when the diameter is reduced.

[0019] If the occupant protection device is formed into such a structure, after the folded body is inserted from the opening body of the insertion opening into the inside of the airbag cover, the opening body can be reduced in diameter by using the diameter reducing member, and the reduced diameter state of the opening body in which the conduit portion is protruding can be maintained. Therefore, the storage operation of the folded body into the airbag cover can be performed simply. In addition, the reduced diameter state of the opening body can be maintained, so the expansion of the opening body after the folded body is stored (release of the reduced diameter state) can be reliably suppressed. As a result, it is also possible to reliably restrict the entry of foreign matter into the airbag cover when the seat belt is worn.

[0020] In addition, in the occupant protection device of the above structure, it is preferable that the diameter-reducing member is formed into a structure having a strip-shaped body that can be wound around the opening body, and the strip-shaped body is formed into a structure that can be maintained in a state of being wound around the opening body by a fixing member. That is, the strip-shaped body is wound around the opening body to reduce the diameter of the opening body, and the reduced diameter state is maintained by the fixing member, so that the reduced diameter state of the peripheral edge of the opening body can be maintained by pressing with the strip-shaped body. Therefore, even in a state where the conduit portion is inserted, the reduced diameter state of the opening body can be stably maintained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a seat on which an occupant protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the seat.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The front view of the seat shows the state of wearing the seat belt.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of a seat showing the state of wearing a seat belt.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a schematic perspective view showing a state where an airbag used in the occupant protection device according to the embodiment is inflated in its single form.

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an airbag.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing a state in which the airbag cover used in the occupant protection device according to the embodiment is flatly deployed.

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Bottom view of the airbag cover.

[0029] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the IX-IX portion of FIG.

[0030] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the XX portion.

[0031] Fig.11 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the XI-XI portion of FIG.

[0032] Fig.12 yes Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of the XII-XII portion.

[0033] Fig.13 It is a schematic perspective view showing a region on the left end side of the airbag cover which is the insertion opening side.

[0034] Fig.14 It is a schematic perspective view showing the area on the right end side of the airbag cover.

[0035] Fig.15 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the occupant protection device according to the embodiment is worn.

[0036] Fig.16 This is a front view of a seat in a state where the airbag has been completely inflated in the occupant protection device according to the embodiment.

[0037] Fig.17 It is a side view of a seat in a state where the airbag has been completely inflated in the occupant protection device according to the embodiment.

[0038] Fig.18 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an airbag cover according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the occupant protection device S of the embodiment is mounted on the seat 1 of the vehicle. The occupant protection device S includes: a seat belt 7; an airbag 25; an inflator 17 that supplies inflation gas to the airbag 25; and an airbag cover 45 that covers the periphery of the folded body 75 of the airbag 25 in a folded state. Regarding the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, the airbag 25 is arranged in the area of ​​the lap belt 10 of the belt body 8 described later of the seat belt 7. The seat 1 has a backrest portion 2 and a seat portion 3. In addition, in the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the front-back, top-bottom, and left-right directions are consistent with the front-back, top-bottom, and left-right directions relative to the occupant MP sitting on the seat 1.

[0040] In the embodiment, the seat belt 7 is mounted on the seat 1. Figure 1 , 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the seat belt 1 has a seat belt body 8 for restraining an occupant MP seated on the seat 1; a tongue plate 12 mounted on the seat belt body 8; and a buckle 13 for connecting the tongue plate 12. In the embodiment, the buckle 13 is arranged on the rear right end side of the seat portion 3 of the seat 1 (the right side near the boundary between the backrest portion 2 and the seat portion 3) (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 , 2 , 4). The seat belt body 8 is configured such that one end is locked to a take-up shaft of a retractor (not shown) disposed in the backrest portion 2, and an anchor member 14 (see Figure 1 , 2 4) The other end side (end 8a side) is locked to the left rear end 3a side of the seat portion 3 of the seat 1, so that it can be pulled out from the retractor when worn. In detail, the seat belt body 8 is configured to be exposed to the outside from the upper left edge side of the backrest portion 2. In the embodiment, when the occupant MP is not sitting, Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the seat belt body 8 is configured so that the lap belt 10 on which the airbag 25 is arranged is exposed on the front surface of the backrest portion 2. Specifically, when the occupant MP is not in a seated position, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the lap belt 10 is exposed on the front surface of the backrest portion 2 substantially along the up-down direction on the left edge 2a side of the backrest portion 2. The safety belt body 8 has: a lap belt 10; and a shoulder belt 9, which is accommodated in the backrest portion 2. The structure is formed as follows, that is, when the occupant is seated and the buckle 12 is fastened to the buckle 13, the lap belt 10 is arranged between the anchor member 14 and the buckle 13 so as to substantially along the left-right direction to restrain the lower body MD (waist) of the occupant MP, and the shoulder belt 9 extending from the upper left edge side of the backrest portion 2 and obliquely arranged to the buckle 13 restrains the upper body MU (from the shoulder to the chest) of the occupant MP (refer to Figure 3 , 4 ) In the seat belt 7, a retractor (not shown) disposed in the backrest portion 2 has a pretensioning mechanism.

[0041] In the embodiment, the inflator 17 is mounted on the seat 1, specifically, is arranged at a position near the lower end of the seat portion 3 on the back side of the seat 1. The inflator 17 includes: an approximately cylindrical inflator body 18 (detailed illustration omitted), which is arranged so that the axial direction is approximately along the left-right direction; and a pipe portion 19, which extends from the inflator body 18 and supplies inflation gas to the airbag 25 (see Figure 2). Although not shown in detail, the inflator body 18 is mounted on the seat frame 4 using a predetermined bracket. The pipe portion 19 is configured to extend from the inflator body 18 and to have its front end located near the boundary between the seat portion 3 and the backrest portion 2 on the left side of the seat 1. The front end of the pipe portion 19 is connected to the duct portion 35 of the airbag 25 described later using a clamp 20 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 , 2 4) In the embodiment, the inflator body 18 is set to start operation later than the pretensioner of the seat belt 7 in order to restrict the withdrawal of the belt body 8 of the seat belt 7 accompanying the inflation of the airbag 25 .

[0042] As described above, the airbag 25 is arranged in the area of ​​the lap belt 10 that restrains the lower body MD (waist) of the occupant MP sitting on the seat 1, and is formed into a bag-like shape made of a flexible sheet body. Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the airbag 25 includes: an airbag body 26 that is inflated to protect the occupant MP wearing the seat belt 7; a duct portion 35 that is connected to the inflator 17 and allows the inflation gas to flow into the airbag body 26; and a belt loop portion 40 that allows the lap belt 10 to pass through. The airbag 25 (the airbag body 26, the duct portion 35, and the belt loop portion 40) is formed of a woven fabric that is made of polyester yarn, polyamide yarn, etc. and has flexibility.

[0043] The airbag body 26 is configured such that the outer shape when fully inflated is a triangular prism with the axial direction roughly along the left-right direction. Specifically, the airbag body 26 is configured such that the fully inflated shape when viewed from the left and right sides is a roughly right triangle with a hypotenuse on the front side, and the fully inflated shape when viewed from the front-back direction is a roughly rectangular shape with a relatively large top-bottom width (see FIG. Fig.16 , 17 ).like Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the airbag body 26 has: a rear wall portion 28, which is arranged on the side of the occupant MP (rear side) when inflation is completed; a front wall portion 27, which is arranged to be opposite to the rear wall portion 28 in the front-to-rear direction; a lower wall portion 29, which is arranged at the lower end side when inflation is completed; and a left wall portion 30 and a right wall portion 31, which are arranged to be opposite to each other in the left-right direction when inflation is completed. The airbag body 26 is structured such that, when inflation is completed, the upper body MU of the occupant MP is supported by the rear wall portion 28. In addition, the airbag body 26 is formed into a structure such that, when the upper body MU is supported by the rear wall portion 28, the lower wall portion 29 is brought into contact with and supported by the thigh MT of the occupant MP, thereby supporting the occupant MP (refer to Fig.17The conduit portion 35 is connected to the lower surface side of the rear end 29a of the lower wall portion 29 of the airbag body 26. The airbag body 26 is structured such that the inflation gas from the inflator 17 flows into the inside through the conduit portion 35. In the area on the rear end 29a side of the lower wall portion 29, the communication hole 33 connected to the conduit portion 35 is opened in a circular shape. In the embodiment, two of them are arranged side by side in the left and right directions (see FIG. Figure 5 , 6 ) Furthermore, the airbag body 26 is connected to the duct portion 35 at the peripheral edge of the communication hole 33 .

[0044] The conduit portion 35 is configured to extend to the left side from the lower surface side of the airbag body 26 in the embodiment to be connected to the inflator 17 (specifically, the conduit portion 19 of the inflator 17). The base side (right end side) of the conduit portion 35 on the airbag body 26 side is closed. The front end 37a side (left end side) of the conduit portion 35 is opened in a manner that can be connected to the conduit portion 19. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the duct portion 35 has: a wide main body side portion 36, which is located on the lower surface side of the airbag main body 26; and a connecting side portion 37, which extends to the left side from the airbag main body 26 when the airbag is fully inflated. The connecting side portion 37 is formed to have a width smaller than the main body side portion 36. The duct portion 35 is arranged in a manner substantially along the left-right direction (see FIG. 1 ) in a manner substantially along the waist belt 10 when the airbag 25 is fully inflated. Fig.16 , 17 As described above, the front end 37a side (left end side) of the connection side portion 37 of the conduit portion 35 is connected to the tube portion 19 of the inflator 17 by the clamp 20 (see Figure 2 , 4 ).

[0045] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the belt loop 40 is arranged on the lower surface side of the main body side portion 36 of the duct portion 35 (that is, the area below the airbag body 26). The belt loop 40 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape arranged approximately along the left-right direction in a manner approximately along the waist belt 10, and is configured to allow the waist belt 10 to be inserted therethrough. Specifically, in the case of the embodiment, the belt loop 40 is configured to allow the seat belt body 8 in a state where the anchor member 14 is connected to the end portion 8a side to be inserted therethrough together with the anchor member 14. The structure is formed such that the airbag body 26 is held on the waist belt 10 by inserting the waist belt 10 through the belt loop 40.

[0046] In the embodiment, the airbag 25 is structured such that the airbag 25 is held on the waist belt 10 in a manner that allows it to be displaced and moved relative to the waist belt 10, while the area of ​​the airbag main body 26 is folded into a long strip that is roughly along the waist belt 10. Specifically, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the airbag 25 (airbag main body 26) is folded in the manner shown below. First, the front wall portion 27 is overlapped with the rear wall portion 28 and the lower wall portion 29, so that the airbag main body 26 is roughly flatly unfolded. Next, the airbag main body 26 that is flatly unfolded is folded in a manner that reduces the width dimension on the front-to-back direction side, thereby forming a folded body 75 that is roughly long and along the left-right direction. The folded body 75 formed by folding the airbag main body 26 in this way is configured to overlap the upper surface side of the waist belt 10 when it is worn, together with the main body side portion 36 of the duct portion 35, by inserting the waist belt 10 into the belt loop portion 40. The folded body 75 is arranged in the area of ​​the waist belt 10 in a state where the belt loop 40 and the waist belt 10 are covered by the airbag cover 45 (see Figure 3 , 15 In the embodiment, the folded body 75 is Figure 1 In the non-wearing state shown, the connection side portion 37 of the duct portion 35 is disposed on the back side (backrest portion 2 side) of the lap belt 10 exposed on the front surface of the backrest portion 2. In the embodiment, the connection side portion 37 of the duct portion 35 is disposed on the left side of the folded body 75 (airbag cover 45) in the wearing state of the seat belt 7 so as to be exposed on the upper surface side of the lap belt 10 (see Figure 3 , 4 ).

[0047] The airbag cover 45 covering the periphery of the airbag 25 is formed of a flexible sheet body. Specifically, the airbag cover 45 is formed of a sheet body such as synthetic leather or fabric (in the case of the embodiment, a sheet body made of synthetic leather).

[0048] Specifically, if Figure 3 , 15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the airbag cover 45 is configured to cover the folded body 75 formed by folding the airbag body 26 and the outer peripheral side of the main body side portion 36 of the duct portion 35 over substantially the entire area. At this time, the belt loop portion 40 and a portion of the waist belt 10 disposed on the lower surface side of the main body side portion 36 are also covered on the outer peripheral side by the airbag cover 45. Figure 7 , 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer shape of the airbag cover 45 is formed into a strip shape with the longitudinal direction substantially along the lap belt 10 (the left-right direction in the wearing state). When the seat belt 7 is worn, the airbag cover 45 has: a front side wall portion 46 that covers the upper surface side of the folded body 75; and a rear side wall portion 49 that is arranged on the lower surface side of the lap belt 10. Figure 7 As shown, at the center of the width direction of the front side wall portion 46, an appearance decoration portion 47 made of a base material different from that of the back side wall portion 49 and the remaining portion of the front side wall portion 46 is formed. Specifically, the appearance decoration portion 47 is formed continuously along the longitudinal direction of the airbag cover 45 and over the entire left and right length. In the case of the embodiment, detailed illustration is omitted, but the appearance decoration portion 47 is made of a base material having a different color tone from that of the remaining portion of the back side wall portion 49 and the front side wall portion 46.

[0049] In addition, if Figures 7 to 11 As shown, the airbag cover 45 has: a main body 52 that is approximately cylindrical; and an insertion opening 60, which is arranged on the left end 45a side of the main body 52, which is one end side (in the case of the embodiment, the side of the conduit portion 35, specifically, the side of the connecting side portion 37 of the conduit portion 35). In addition, the airbag cover 45 has a lap belt insertion portion (seat belt body insertion portion) 67, 71 (see FIG. 7 ) that allows the lap belt 10 (seat belt body 8) to be inserted on the left end 45a side and the right end 45b side that are both ends in the length direction. Figure 8 , 12 ~14). In the airbag cover 45, the right end 45b side which is isolated from the duct portion 35 (connection side portion 37) is closed except for the waist belt insertion portion 71 arranged near the right end 45b. The airbag cover 45 is constructed in the following manner, that is, the opening body 61 described later of the insertion opening portion 60 is opened, and the width dimension is made substantially constant over the entire left and right length in the flatly unfolded state (refer to Figure 7 , 8 ).

[0050] The main body 52 accommodates the folded body 75 (specifically, the folded body 75, the main body side portion 36 of the conduit portion 35, the belt loop portion 40, and a portion of the waist belt 10 disposed on the lower surface side of the main body side portion 36). A predetermined breaking portion 55 that can be broken when the airbag 25 is inflated is formed in the area on the upper surface side of the main body 52 when worn, that is, in the area of ​​the surface side wall portion 46. In the embodiment, as Figure 7 , 9As shown in Figures 10, the appearance decoration part 47 arranged on the surface side wall part 46 is structured to be divided into two parts at the approximate center (center in the width direction) of the front and back in the wearing state, and the edges of the divided base material are sewn together by using a suture part 54 formed in a manner roughly along the left and right direction (length direction). The suture part 54 is also continuously arranged over the entire left and right length of the airbag cover 45 including the insertion opening 60. In the case of the embodiment, the suture part 54 is formed by using a suture thread T that can be broken when the airbag body 26 is inflated. That is, the suture part 54 (suture thread T) constitutes the predetermined breaking part 55. Moreover, the airbag cover 45 is constructed in such a way that when the airbag 25 (airbag body 26) is inflated, the suture thread T constituting the suture part 54 is broken to make the airbag body 26 protrude. The main body 52 (airbag cover 45) has an inner diameter (width in a flatly deployed state) set to a size into which the folded body 75, the main body side portion 36 of the duct portion 35, the belt ring portion 40, and the waist belt 10 can be inserted without hindrance.

[0051] like Figure 7 , 10 As shown in FIGS. 11 and 11 , the insertion opening portion 60 includes: an opening body 61 for inserting the folded body 75; and a reducing member 62, which is arranged around the opening body 61 and can reduce the diameter of the opening body 61. In the embodiment, the opening body 61 is configured to open the left edge 52a side of the main body 52. ​​That is, the opening body 61 is formed as follows, that is, the opening diameter is set to be approximately equal to the inner diameter dimension of the main body 52 (the width dimension of the main body 52 in a flatly unfolded state), and the folded body 75 (specifically, the folded body 75, the main body side portion 36 of the duct portion 35, the belt ring portion 40, and the waist belt 10) can be inserted without hindrance. The reducing member 62 has a strip-shaped body that can be wound around the opening body 61. Specifically, the reducing member 62 has two strips (strip-shaped bodies) 63F and 63B (refer to Figure 7 , 8 , 10).

[0052] Specifically, each of the straps 63F and 63B is configured so that the base 63a side is sewn (connected) to the front edge and the rear edge of the exterior decorative portion 47 of the surface side wall portion 46. In other words, each of the straps 63F and 63B connects the base 63a side to the airbag cover 45 (main body 52) side at a position further inward and forward than the front edge 45c and the rear edge 45d of the airbag cover 45 in a flatly deployed state (see Figure 7 , 10). In addition, each of the straps 63F and 63B is configured so that the end edge is substantially consistent with the end edge of the opening body 61. In the embodiment, each of the straps 63F and 63B is set to have a width dimension W1 that is approximately half of the width dimension W2 of the airbag cover 45 (main body 52) in a flatly deployed state (see Figure 7 ).

[0053] In the airbag cover 45 of the embodiment, the two straps 63F and 63B are wound around the opening body 61 in such a manner that the front ends 63b and 63b overlap each other, while the folded body 75 is inserted into the main body 52 and the connection side portion 37 of the duct portion 35 is inserted through the opening body 61. The overlapping straps 63F and 63B are connected to each other by a fixing member 65 such as a rivet, thereby maintaining the wound state around the opening body 61 by the straps 63F and 63B (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.13 In the embodiment, the strips 63F and 63B are wound around the opening body 61 so that the front ends 63b overlap each other on the back side wall portion 49 side (see Fig.13 ). The length of the strips 63F and 63B is set to a size that allows at least the front ends 63b and 63b to overlap each other when the strips 63F and 63B are wound around the opening body 61. Fig.13 As shown, the peripheral portion of the opening body 61 and the connection side portion 37 are reduced in diameter in a partially folded and overlapped manner. Moreover, by maintaining the winding of each belt piece 63F, 63B around the opening body 61, the reduced diameter state of the opening body 61 and the connection side portion 37 is maintained. In the embodiment, the reduced diameter state of the opening body 61 means that only the reduced diameter connection side portion 37 can be inserted, for example, a state in which foreign objects such as writing utensils cannot be inserted (a state in which there is no gap that allows foreign objects to be inserted). In addition, in the embodiment, the reduced diameter state of the opening body 61 is maintained by the fixing member 65, so that foreign objects can be stably restricted from entering the main body 52.

[0054] The lap belt insertion portion (belt body insertion portion) 67 formed on the left end 45a side of the airbag cover 45, that is, on the insertion opening 60 side, is formed near the left end of the body 52 and is a region closer to the left and right center than the belt pieces 63F and 63B. Figure 8 , 13As shown in FIG. 1 , the lap belt insertion portion 67 is formed by forming a straight slit (slit) substantially along the front-back direction in the back side wall portion 49. The length dimension (opening width dimension) of the lap belt insertion portion 67 is set to be smaller than the width dimension of the front-back direction side of the airbag cover 45 in a flatly deployed state, and is set to be slightly larger than the width dimension of the lap belt 10 (seat belt body 8). Specifically, the length dimension (opening width dimension) of the lap belt insertion portion 67 is set to a dimension that allows the lap belt 10 (seat belt body 8) connected to the anchor member 14 to be inserted together with the anchor member 14.

[0055] In the area on the right end 45b side of the airbag cover 45, a cover portion 69 made of a base material separate from the back side wall portion 49 and the front side wall portion 46 is arranged so as to cover the inner peripheral side of the portion on the right edge 49a side of the back side wall portion 49. And the right edge 69a of the cover portion 69 is sewn (joined) to the right edge 46a of the front side wall portion 46 over substantially the entire area in the front and rear directions (see Fig.12 , 14 ). The cover portion 69 is arranged to overlap with the back side wall portion 49, but is not connected to the back side wall portion 49. That is, the airbag cover 45 of the embodiment is configured in such a manner that the right edge 49a side of the back side wall portion 49 is not connected to the right edge 46a of the front side wall portion 46, and a gap (opening) is provided between the cover portion 69. Furthermore, the airbag cover 45 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 , 14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the gap formed between the back side wall portion 49 and the cover portion 69 constitutes a lap belt insertion portion 71 (seat belt body insertion portion). That is, the lap belt insertion portion 71 disposed on the right end 45b side of the airbag cover 45 is set to have a width dimension (opening width dimension) in the front-to-back direction that is substantially equal to the width dimension in the front-to-back direction of the airbag cover 45 in a flatly deployed state. In other words, the lap belt insertion portion 71 is set to have an opening width dimension larger than that of the lap belt insertion portion 67 disposed on the left end 45a side of the airbag cover 45. Of course, the lap belt insertion portion 71 disposed on the right end 45b side is also configured to allow the lap belt 10 (seat belt body 8) in a state where the anchor member 14 is connected to be inserted therethrough. At the right end 45b side of the airbag cover 45, the right edge 69a of the cover body 69 and the right edge 46a of the surface side wall 46 are sewn to each other over substantially the entire front and rear area, and the right end 45b side of the airbag cover 45 is formed into a structure through which only the lap belt 10 (seat belt body 8) can be inserted (a structure in which the area other than the lap belt insertion portion 71 is closed).

[0056] Next, the installation of the occupant protection device S of the embodiment on the seat 1 will be described. First, the airbag body 26 is folded to form a folded body 75, and a packaging member (not shown) for preventing the folding from being unraveled is preliminarily wound around the outer peripheral side of the folded body 75 and the main body side portion 36 of the duct portion 35. Next, the front end 37a of the connection side portion 37 of the duct portion 35 configured to extend from the folded body 75 is connected to the inflator 17 by the clamp 20 to form an airbag assembly. Then, first, the inflator 17 is mounted on the seat frame 4 by a predetermined bracket not shown. The belt body 8 of the seat belt 7 configured to extend from a retractor not shown is inserted from the end 8a side together with the anchor member 14 into the lap belt insertion portion 71 provided on the right end 45b side of the airbag cover 45. Next, the end 8a of the seat belt body 8 is inserted through the belt loop 40 disposed on the lower surface side of the folded body 75 (more precisely, the lower surface side of the body side portion 36) together with the anchor member 14. At this time, the folded body 75 is simultaneously inserted from the opening body 61 of the insertion opening 60 into the body portion 52 of the airbag cover 45. The end 8a of the seat belt body 8 is inserted through the lap belt insertion portion 67 disposed on the left end 45a side of the airbag cover 45 together with the anchor member 14. Then, in a state where the connection side portion 37 of the duct portion 35 protrudes from the airbag cover 45 (in a state where the connection side portion 37 is inserted through the opening body 61), the two belt pieces 63F and 63B of the insertion opening 60 are wound around the opening body 61 in such a manner that the front ends 63b and 63b overlap each other and the opening body 61 and the connection side portion 37 are reduced in diameter. Then, the front ends 63b, 63b of the overlapping belt pieces 63F, 63B are connected to each other by a fixing member 65 such as a rivet. Thus, the occupant protection device S can be mounted on the seat 1. Next, if the end 8a of the seat belt body 8 is fixed to the left rear end 3a side of the seat portion 3 of the seat 1 by the anchor member 14, the seat belt 7 can be mounted on the seat 1.

[0057] In the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, when the occupant MP wears the seat belt 7 and sits on the seat 1 installed in the vehicle, if the inflator 17 is operated, the inflation gas discharged from the inflator 17 flows into the airbag body 26 through the duct portion 35. Then, the airbag body 26 of the airbag 25 breaks the predetermined breaking portion 55, presses the airbag cover 45 to deploy it, and makes it protrude forward and upward from the lap belt 10, and as shown in FIG. Figure 3 , 4 The double-dotted line, and Fig.16 , 17 As shown, expansion is completed.

[0058] Furthermore, in the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, the airbag cover 45 covering the periphery of the folded body 75 formed by folding the airbag 25 (specifically, the airbag body 26) is formed to be able to cover the outer peripheral side of a portion of the seat belt body 8 (lap belt 10), but is configured to be closed at least at the left end 45a side and the right end 45b side in a manner that allows the seat belt body 8 to be inserted. Therefore, when the occupant is worn, etc., it is possible to reliably restrict foreign matter from entering the airbag cover 45.

[0059] Therefore, even if the occupant protection device S of the embodiment is configured to cover only the periphery of the folded airbag 25 , it is possible to restrict entry of foreign matter into the airbag cover 45 .

[0060] In addition, in the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, the airbag cover 45 is configured to cover only the outer peripheral side of the folded body 75 and a portion of the seat belt body 8 (lap belt 10). Therefore, compared with the conventional occupant protection device, a compact structure can be formed, and the wearing property of the seat belt 7 (seat belt body 8) on the occupant MP is also improved.

[0061] In the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, the airbag cover 45 has an insertion opening 60 configured to allow the folded body 75 to be inserted, on the left end 45a side, which is the duct portion 35 side. The insertion opening 60 has an opening body 61 for inserting the folded body 75, but is configured such that the opening body 61 can be reduced in diameter by a diameter-reducing member 62 disposed around the opening body 61 after the folded body 75 is inserted into the airbag cover 45. That is, in the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, after the folded body 75 is inserted into the airbag cover 45 from the opening body 61 of the insertion opening 60, the opening body 61 can be reduced in diameter by the diameter-reducing member 62, and the reduced diameter state of the opening body 61 can be maintained in a state where the duct portion 35 (specifically, the connection side portion 37 of the duct portion 35) is protruding. Therefore, the storage operation of the folded body 75 into the airbag cover 45 can be easily performed. In addition, the reduced diameter state of the opening body 61 can be maintained, so the expansion of the opening body 61 after the folded body 75 is stored (the reduction of the reduced diameter state) can be reliably suppressed. Therefore, it is also possible to reliably restrict the entry of foreign matter into the airbag cover 45 when the seat belt 7 is worn. In addition, if this point is not taken into consideration, a structure having only an opening for inserting the folded body without an insertion opening may be used as the airbag cover. With respect to such an airbag cover, after the folded body is inserted inside, the opening portion is closed by a suturing operation such as manual suturing.

[0062] In addition, regarding the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, the insertion opening 60 is a structure arranged only on the left end 45a side of the airbag cover 45. As the airbag cover, a structure in which the insertion opening of such a structure is arranged on both left and right ends may also be used. In the case of using an airbag cover of such a structure, when the folded body is inserted into the inside, both ends of the airbag cover can be opened widely. Therefore, the insertion operation of the folded body into the airbag cover becomes easier, and for example, the user can also replace the cover part of his choice at a dealer or the like.

[0063] In addition, regarding the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, the following structure is formed, that is, the diameter-reducing component 62 has a strip-shaped body (strip pieces 63F, 63B) that can be wound around the opening body 61, and the winding state of the strip pieces 63F, 63B around the opening body 61 can be maintained by a fixing component 65 such as a rivet. That is, regarding the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, the diameter-reducing state of the periphery of the opening body 61 can be maintained by pressing with the strip pieces 63F, 63B. Therefore, even in the state where the conduit portion 35 (specifically, the connection side portion 37 of the conduit portion 35) is inserted, the diameter-reducing state of the opening body 61 can be stably maintained. In addition, if this point is not taken into consideration, for example, as the diameter-reducing component, a structure that can reduce the periphery of the opening body into a waist bag shape and can maintain the diameter-reducing state can be used. In the embodiment, a rivet is used as the fixing component 65, but the fixing component is of course not limited to the rivet. For example, as the fixing member, if it is a structure such as a staple, a buckle body that can be engaged, a hook body, etc. that cannot easily release the fixed state, then it can be used. In addition, it can be formed into a structure that utilizes an adhesive etc. to directly bond the band pieces to each other.

[0064] In particular, regarding the airbag cover 45 of the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, two straps 63F and 63B are arranged in such a manner that the airbag cover 45 extends to both the front and rear sides in a flatly unfolded state. In addition, each strap 63F and 63B is configured such that the base 63a side is connected to the airbag cover 45 (main body 52) at a position closer to the front and rear center side than the front edge 45c and the rear edge 45d of the airbag cover 45 in a flatly unfolded state. Therefore, the opening body 61 can be easily reduced in diameter by only winding the straps 63F and 63B around the opening body 61, and the winding operation becomes easy. In addition, each strap 63F and 63B is formed so that the width dimension W1 is set to be about half of the width dimension W2 of the airbag cover 45 in a relatively wide flatly unfolded state. Therefore, the opening body 61 can be pressed around the wide area, and the reduced diameter state of the opening body 61 can be stably maintained. In addition, regarding the airbag cover 45 of the embodiment, a lap belt insertion portion 67 for inserting the lap belt 10 (seat belt body 8) is configured differently from the insertion opening portion 60. That is, it is formed into a structure in which the lap belt 10 is not inserted into the opening body 61 of the insertion opening portion 60, and only the connection side portion 37 of the conduit portion 35 is inserted into the opening body 61 of the insertion opening portion 60. Therefore, the reduced diameter state of the opening body 61 can be stably maintained. Of course, the shape and configuration position of the belt piece are not limited to the embodiment. For example, it can be formed into a structure in which only one belt piece is provided and extends only from one side of the front edge or the rear edge of the airbag cover. In addition, it can be formed into a structure in which the belt piece (belt-shaped body) is configured separately from the airbag cover.

[0065] Regarding the occupant protection device S of the embodiment, the airbag cover is made of synthetic leather, but of course the material constituting the airbag cover is not limited to synthetic leather. Considering the skin touch when worn, the airbag cover may be made of a mesh material or the like. In the case where a relatively soft material such as a mesh material is used for the airbag cover, Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , as the airbag cover 45A, it is preferable that a reinforcing layer 81 made of a high-strength material (e.g., an uncoated cloth used as a base material of the airbag) is disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the skin layer 80 made of a mesh material, and is formed into two overlapping layers. This is because even if a mesh material is used, the portion of the predetermined breaking portion 55A is stably broken when the airbag is inflated.

[0066] In addition, the occupant protection device S of the embodiment is configured such that the seat belt 7 and the inflator 17 are mounted on the seat 1. Therefore, when the seat 1 is used in a state of being moved relative to the vehicle by sliding or rotating it in the front-rear direction, the occupant MP sitting on the seat 1 can be reliably protected by the airbag 25. Of course, the occupant protection device of the present invention is not limited to a seat of such a structure, and can also be mounted on a seat of a type in which an occupant is restrained by a seat belt provided with a retractor on the vehicle body side. In addition, the inflator can also be configured to be mounted on the vehicle body side. In addition, the occupant protection device S of the embodiment is configured such that the airbag 25 is retained on the lap belt 10 of the seat belt 7, but the inflator 17 is operated with a lag (about 5 ms) compared to the operation of the pretensioning mechanism of the seat belt 7. Therefore, the airbag 25 can be inflated in a state in which the seated state of the occupant MP relative to the seat 1 is stably maintained by the seat belt 7, and the occupant MP can be stably protected by the airbag 25 and the seat belt 7.

[0067] In addition, in the embodiment, an occupant protection device S having a structure in which the airbag 25 is arranged in the area of ​​the lap belt 10 is used as an example for description. However, the occupant protection device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the embodiment. The present invention can also be applied to an occupant protection device having a structure in which the airbag is arranged in the area of ​​the shoulder belt. In addition, in the embodiment, as the airbag 25, a structure in which a duct portion 35 for supplying inflation gas to the airbag main body 26 is arranged as a part of the component of the airbag 25 is used. However, the occupant protection device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the airbag of the embodiment. The present invention can also be applied to an occupant protection device having a structure in which a duct portion composed of a cylindrical body or the like separate from the airbag is connected to the airbag.

Claims

1. An occupant protection device (S), mounted on a seat (1) of a vehicle, comprising: Seat belts (7); Inflator (17); an airbag (25) which is mounted in a folded state on a seat belt body (8) of the seat belt and which, when the inflator is operated, is capable of inflating in such a manner that the inflation gas discharged from the inflator flows into the interior and protrudes forward to protect an occupant (MP) seated on the seat; and An airbag cover (45) covers the periphery of the folded body (75) of the airbag in a folded state, wherein: The airbag cover is formed in a long strip shape capable of covering the folded body and a part of the outer peripheral side of the seat belt main body, and closes both ends in the longitudinal direction so that at least the seat belt main body can be inserted therethrough.

2. The occupant protection device (S) according to claim 1, wherein: The airbag (25) is formed into the following structure, that is, it has: an airbag body (26) which is inflated in a manner capable of protecting the occupant (MP); and a duct portion (35) which is connected to the inflator (17) to allow inflation gas to flow into the airbag body. The airbag cover (45) has an insertion opening (60) configured to allow the folded body to be inserted at least on the end side of the conduit portion. The insertion opening portion comprises: an opening body (61) for inserting the folded body; and a diameter reducing member (62) disposed around the opening body and capable of reducing the diameter of the opening body after the folded body is inserted into the airbag cover. The diameter reducing member is configured to maintain the reduced diameter state of the opening body while causing the conduit portion to protrude when reducing the diameter.

3. The occupant protection device (S) according to claim 2, wherein: The diameter-reducing member (62) is formed into a structure having a strip-shaped body (63F, 63B) that can be wound around the opening body, and a fixing member (65) can be used to maintain the strip-shaped body wound around the opening body.

4. The occupant protection device (S) according to claim 2, wherein: The airbag cover (45) closes the end side away from the duct portion (35), and has a seat belt body insertion portion (71) near the end through which the seat belt body (8) can be inserted.

5. The occupant protection device (S) according to claim 3, wherein: The airbag cover (45) has a seat belt body insertion portion (67) near the insertion opening (60) through which the seat belt body (8) can be inserted.

6. The occupant protection device (S) according to claim 1, wherein: The airbag (25) is arranged in a region of a waist belt (10) that restrains the lower body of the occupant (MP) sitting on the seat (1).

7. The occupant protection device (S) according to claim 1, wherein: The occupant protection device (S) is configured such that the seat belt (7) and the inflator (17) are mounted on a seat (1).

8. An airbag cover (45) for an occupant protection device (S) mounted on a seat (1) of a vehicle, the airbag cover (45) being configured to cover the periphery of an airbag (25) of a seat belt body (8) mounted on a seat belt (7), wherein: The airbag cover (45) is formed into a long strip shape capable of covering the folded body (75) of the airbag and the outer peripheral side of a part of the seat belt body, and is closed at both ends in the longitudinal direction in a manner that at least the seat belt body can be inserted therethrough.

9. The airbag cover (45) according to claim 8, wherein: The airbag cover (45) is formed as follows, that is, it has: a main body (52) that accommodates the folded body (75); and an insertion opening (60) that is formed at least on one end side and is configured to allow the folded body to be inserted into the main body. The insertion opening portion comprises: an opening body (61) for inserting the folded body; and a diameter reducing member (62) disposed around the opening body and capable of reducing the diameter of the opening body after the folded body is inserted into the main body. The diameter reducing member is formed into a structure that can maintain the reduced diameter state of the opening body while making the conduit portion (35) protrude when reducing the diameter.

10. The airbag cover (45) according to claim 9, wherein: The diameter-reducing member (62) is formed into a structure having a strip-shaped body (63F, 63B) that can be wound around the opening body (61), and a fixing member (65) can be used to maintain the strip-shaped body wound around the opening body.

11. The airbag cover (45) according to claim 9, wherein: The airbag cover (45) closes the end side away from the duct portion (35), and has a seat belt body insertion portion (71) near the end through which the seat belt body (8) can be inserted.

12. The airbag cover (45) according to claim 10, wherein: The airbag cover (45) has a seat belt body insertion portion (67) near the insertion opening (60) through which the seat belt body (8) can be inserted.

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