Side airbag device for vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a side airbag device for a vehicle, the side airbag device being capable of improving occupant restraint performance with a simple structure. An airbag cushion (112) of a side airbag device (100) is provided with: a pre-push chamber (122) that initially receives gas from an inflator (114); and a main chamber (116) that receives gas from the pre-push chamber (122). The pre-push chamber (122) has a pre-upper chamber (122a) along the seat back (104) and a pre-lower chamber (122b) along the seat cushion (105). The main chamber (116) has: a main upper chamber (118) connected to the pre-upper chamber (122a) at a first inner exhaust port (140a); a main lower chamber (120) connected to the pre-lower chamber (122b) at a check valve (144); and a shutter (146) that partitions the two.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle side airbag device for restraining an occupant seated on a vehicle seat. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, most vehicles are equipped with airbags as standard. Airbags are safety devices that are activated in emergency situations such as vehicle collisions, and use airbag cushions that expand and deploy under air pressure to block and protect passengers.

[0003] There are various types of airbag devices depending on the installation location and purpose. For example, in the vehicle side airbag device of Patent Document 1 of the present applicant, the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed from the side of the seat to the gap between the occupant and the side of the vehicle, and the occupant can be restrained from the side. In particular, the side airbag 4 of Patent Document 1 is provided with a partition member 7 inside so that the thickness varies from part to part, and can appropriately restrain the strong chest and waist and the fragile abdomen.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2014 / 123055 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Nowadays, the vehicle side airbag device is required to further improve the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion. To this end, it is effective to restrain the occupant from the initial stage of the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion and to restrain the occupant while suppressing the amount of movement of the occupant from the seat.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle side airbag device capable of improving occupant restraint performance with a simple structure.

[0010] Solutions to the problem

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a representative structure of a vehicle side airbag device involved in the present invention is a vehicle side airbag device having an airbag module mounted on a side frame of a seat back of a vehicle seat, characterized in that the airbag module comprises: an airbag cushion which is in a predetermined storage form of being rolled or folded and mounted on the side frame; an inflator which is mounted on the side frame in a state of being inserted into the airbag cushion, the airbag cushion comprising: a pre-thrust chamber which initially receives gas from the inflator and expands; a main chamber which receives gas via the pre-thrust chamber and expands, the pre-thrust chamber comprising: a pre-upper chamber which extends in the up-down direction along the seat back; A pre-lower chamber extends forward from the lower part of the pre-upper chamber along the seat cushion of the vehicle seat, and the main chamber comprises: a main upper chamber, which is arranged in a range overlapping with the pre-upper chamber when viewed from the side of the vehicle seat; a main lower chamber, which is arranged below the main upper chamber in a range overlapping with the pre-lower chamber; a baffle or a sewn portion, which divides the main upper chamber and the main lower chamber so that gas cannot pass through, and the airbag cushion also comprises: a first inner exhaust port, which supplies gas from the pre-upper chamber to the main upper chamber; a check valve, which is used to supply gas from the pre-lower chamber to the main lower chamber and, at the same time, prevent gas from flowing from the main lower chamber to the pre-lower chamber.

[0012] The pre-thrust chamber is a part that starts to expand and deploy earlier than the main chamber. The pre-thrust chamber expands and deploys earlier to push the occupant back to the center side of the seat, and then the main chamber expands and deploys widely, thereby effectively restraining the occupant.

[0013] In the above structure, the pre-lower chamber expands along the seat cushion, receives gas from the pre-lower chamber, and the main lower chamber expands and unfolds. The main lower chamber can restrain the waist of the occupant sitting on the seat cushion. In particular, since the main lower chamber prevents the backflow of gas to the pre-lower chamber through the check valve, the internal pressure can be maintained at a high level, and the waist with weight can be fully restrained. Therefore, according to the above structure, the simple structure of the baffle or the check valve can be used to suppress the movement of the occupant from the seat, thereby improving the restraint performance of the airbag cushion on the occupant.

[0014] The above-mentioned check valve comprises: a second internal exhaust port, which passes through a specified position of the panel component that divides the pre-lower chamber and the main lower chamber; a patch, which covers the second internal exhaust port in the main lower chamber and is installed on the panel component; a pair of joints, which are arranged at two positions opposite to each other with the second internal exhaust port as the center, and join the panel component and the patch, and the patch can be separated from the panel component within the range outside the pair of joints.

[0015] According to the above configuration, a check valve that prevents gas from flowing back from the main lower chamber to the pre-lower chamber can be preferably realized.

[0016] The above-mentioned check valve may also have: a second internal exhaust port, which passes through a specified position of the panel component that divides the pre-lower chamber and the main lower chamber; a pair of patches, which cover the second internal exhaust port in the main lower chamber and are installed on the panel component; a joint portion, which joins the panel component and a pair of patches, and the pair of patches are semicircular in shape, and the straight edges overlap each other on the second internal exhaust port and are installed on the panel component.

[0017] With the above structure, a check valve that prevents gas from flowing back from the main lower chamber to the pre-lower chamber can be preferably realized.

[0018] The above-mentioned check valve may also have: a second internal exhaust port, which passes through a specified position of the panel component that divides the pre-lower chamber and the main lower chamber; a cross-shaped bridge portion, which overlaps with the second internal exhaust port and is installed on the panel component; and a patch with a specified cutout, which covers the second internal exhaust port in the main lower chamber and is installed on the panel component.

[0019] The above structure can also preferably realize a check valve that prevents gas from flowing back from the main lower chamber to the pre-lower chamber.

[0020] The above-mentioned check valve may also have: a second internal exhaust port, which passes through a specified position of the panel component that divides the pre-lower chamber and the main lower chamber; a pair of patches, which cover the second internal exhaust port in the main lower chamber and are installed on the panel component, and the pair of patch components respectively have a cross cut, and can also be installed on the panel component in a state where the centers of the cross cuts are aligned and overlapped and the cross cuts are rotated without overlapping outside the center.

[0021] The above structure can also preferably realize a check valve that prevents gas from flowing back from the main lower chamber to the pre-lower chamber.

[0022] The above-mentioned airbag cushion can also have a main panel, which forms the pre-push chamber side of the main chamber. The main panel can also have: an upper side panel, which forms the upper part from the main upper chamber to the main lower chamber; a lower side panel, which forms the lower part of the main lower chamber. The check valve can also have: a sewn part, in which the lower edge of the upper side panel and the upper edge of the upper side panel are folded back toward the main lower chamber side and sewn in a state of overlapping up and down; a non-sewn part, which is formed on a part of the overlapping range without sewing.

[0023] The above structure can also preferably realize a check valve that prevents gas from flowing back from the main lower chamber to the pre-lower chamber.

[0024] The lower panel may have one or more gathers which are provided to form folds within the range of the non-sewn portion.

[0025] By providing the gathers, a loose space is formed near the unsewn portion of the lower panel, so that gas can flow efficiently.

[0026] The main upper chamber and the main lower chamber are divided by a baffle, and the baffle may have a cutout portion formed by cutting out a range overlapping the inflator near the rear end portion when viewed in the width direction of the vehicle seat.

[0027] According to the above structure, the main upper chamber and the main lower chamber are divided by the baffle plate, and the notch portion is provided in the baffle plate to reduce the thickness of the rear portion of the airbag cushion, so that the airbag cushion can be smoothly inflated and deployed while being grounded to the seat frame.

[0028] The above-mentioned main upper chamber and main lower chamber are divided by a baffle, and the baffle has a cutout portion with a specified range near the rear end portion when viewed in the width direction of the vehicle seat. The rear end portion of the baffle including the cutout portion can also be sewn along the sewing portion that forms the rear edge of the main chamber in a state bent toward the upper side of the airbag cushion.

[0029] According to the above structure, by providing a cutout portion at the rear end portion of the baffle and sewing the rear end portion together with the sewn portion of the rear edge of the main chamber, the thickness of the rear portion of the airbag cushion can be suppressed, so that the airbag cushion can be smoothly inflated and deployed while being grounded to the seat frame.

[0030] Effects of the Invention

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle side airbag device capable of achieving improved occupant restraint performance with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a diagram illustrating a vehicle side airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a separate example Figure 1 (b) Diagram of the airbag cushion.

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 (b) are cross-sectional views of the airbag cushion.

[0035] Figure 4 This is an example Figure 3 (b) Diagram of the check valve.

[0036] Figure 5 It is a diagram illustrating the results of a performance test of the airbag cushion according to the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 This is an example Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first variation of a check valve.

[0038] Figure 7 This is an example Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a second variation of the check valve.

[0039] Figure 8 This is an example Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a third variation of the check valve.

[0040] Fig. 9 This is an example Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram of a fourth variation of the check valve.

[0041] Fig.10 This is an example Fig. 9 (b) The lower panel of the image.

[0042] Fig.11 This is an example showing the formation Fig. 9 (a) Diagram of the process of the check valve.

[0043] Fig.12 This is an example Fig.11 (c) is a diagram showing the state when the check valve is movable.

[0044] Fig.13 This is an example Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a modified example of a baffle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In addition, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, for elements having substantially the same function and structure, repeated descriptions are omitted by marking the same symbols, and elements that are not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a diagram illustrating a side airbag device for a vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a side airbag device 100 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 1 (a) shows the state of the airbag cushion 112 before it is movable. The side airbag device 100 can be installed in any seat of the front row, rear row, or even on either side of the vehicle.

[0048] In the present embodiment, when the occupant is seated in a normal posture relative to the vehicle seat 102, the direction in which the occupant is facing is set to the front, the direction of the back opposite to the occupant is set to the rear, the right hand side of the occupant is set to the right direction, and the left hand side of the occupant is set to the left direction. Furthermore, when the occupant is seated in a normal posture, the direction of the occupant's head is set to the top, and the direction under the occupant's feet is set to the bottom. In the drawings used in the following description, arrows F (Forward), B (Back), L (Left), R (Right), U (up), and D (down) are used as needed to indicate the front, back, left, right, and up and down directions based on the occupant in the normal seated position.

[0049] exist Figure 1 In (a), the outer skin and seat pad (for example, polyurethane material) of the seat back 104 of the seat 102 are omitted, and only the seat frame 106 is illustrated. The seat frame 106 is a member that serves as a framework built into the seat back 104.

[0050] The airbag module 110 is mounted on the side frame 108 of the seat frame 106. The side frame 108 is a portion of the seat frame 106 along the left and right sides of the seat back 104.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the airbag module 110 is mounted on the side frame 108 on the left side in the width direction of the seat back 104. However, the airbag module 110 may be mounted on the side frame on the right side in the width direction of the seat back 104. That is, the airbag module 110 may be arranged on the side portion (near side) of the door side close to the collision site of the seat 102, or on the side portion (outer side) on the vehicle inner side far from the collision site, and may be arranged on any side.

[0052] The airbag module 110 includes an airbag cushion 112 and an inflator 114. The airbag cushion 112 is a bag-shaped member that can be expanded by gas and is mounted on the side frame in a predetermined storage form of rolling or folding. The airbag cushion expands and deploys in an emergency such as a vehicle collision to restrain the occupant sitting on the seat 102.

[0053] The inflator 114 is a gas generating device, which is electrically connected to the vehicle side, and is activated when receiving a signal due to the detection of an impact from the vehicle side, and supplies gas to the airbag cushion 112. In the present embodiment, a cylinder-type (cylindrical) inflator is used as the inflator 114. The inflator 114 is installed on the side frame 108 by a stud (not shown) while being inserted into the airbag cushion 112 along the side frame 108 with the long side in the vertical direction.

[0054] Popular inflators include a type that is filled with a gas generating agent and combusts to generate gas, a type that is filled with compressed gas and supplies gas without generating heat, or a hybrid type that utilizes both combustion gas and compressed gas. Any type of inflator may be used as the inflator 114 .

[0055] Figure 1 (b) is an example showing Figure 1 (a) is a diagram showing a state where the airbag cushion 112 is inflated and deployed. The side airbag device 100 activates the airbag module 110 when a collision is detected by various sensors and a predetermined electronic control unit (ECU).

[0056] The inflator 114 ejects gas in response to an activation signal sent from the ECU, etc. The airbag cushion 112 is inflated and deployed into the interior space by removing the outer skin of the seat back 104 and the like using the gas from the inflator 114 .

[0057] Figure 2 is independently exemplified Figure 1 (b) is a diagram of the airbag cushion 112. Figure 2 (a) is an example showing the outer side of the seat in the width direction. Figure 1 (b) is a diagram showing the airbag cushion 112.

[0058] The airbag cushion 112 of this embodiment includes a main chamber 116 as a main portion for restraining an occupant. The main chamber 116 is formed from the side frame 108 (see Figure 1 (b) The main chamber 116 is divided into a main upper chamber 118 that mainly restrains the shoulders and chest of the upper occupant and a main lower chamber 120 that mainly restrains the waist of the lower occupant by a baffle 146 described later.

[0059] The airbag cushion 112 includes a pre-thrust chamber 122 as a portion that expands and deploys before the main chamber 116. Figure 1 As shown in (b), the pre-thrust chamber 122 protrudes from the rear side of the main chamber 116 toward the center side in the width direction of the seat back 104 and expands and expands.

[0060] The pre-thrust chamber 122 first receives gas from the inflator 114 and expands rapidly, pushing the occupant back to the center side of the seat 102. Then, the main chamber 116 receives gas from the pre-thrust chamber 122 and expands, restraining the occupant's body in a wider range.

[0061] Figure 2 (b) is an example showing Figure 2(b) is a diagram showing the structure of a panel member of the airbag cushion 112. The airbag cushion 112 is a bag-shaped member formed by overlapping a plurality of base fabrics constituting its surface and sewing or bonding them, or weaving using OPW (One-Piece Woven).

[0062] The inflator insertion portion 124 is provided at the rear side when the airbag cushion 112 is deployed. The inflator insertion portion 124 is a portion where the inflator 114 (see Figure 2 The portion (a)) is provided at a portion located behind the main chamber 116 in the interior of the pre-push chamber 122 .

[0063] The inflator insertion portion 124 is provided with bolt holes 126 and 128 for passing the inflator 114 (see Figure 2 The studs are exposed to the outside through the bolt holes 126 and 128 and are fastened to the side frame 108 (see Figure 1 (b)). Thus, the airbag cushion 112 is also mounted on the side frame 108.

[0064] In addition, although the inflator insertion portion 124 is assumed to be a structure in which the studs are fastened to the side frame 108 from the center side of the seat 102 , a structure in which the studs are fastened to the side frame 108 from the outside may also be used.

[0065] A frame grounding portion 130 is formed at the rear of the main chamber 116. The frame grounding portion 130 is a portion on the outer side of the pre-pushing chamber 122 in the width direction. The frame grounding portion 130 is provided along the side frame 108 (see Figure 1 (b)) is shaped to pre-push the chamber 122 to receive the reaction force of the side frame 108.

[0066] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 (b) are cross-sectional views of the airbag cushion 112 . Figure 3 (a) Yes Figure 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 112 taken along the line AA. The main chamber 116 is configured to include the seat 102 (see FIG. 1 ) as a panel member. Figure 1 (a)) and a main panel 134 on the outer side in the width direction of the seat 102 and a main panel 136 on the center side in the width direction of the seat 102. The pre-thrust chamber 122 is formed by providing a panel member 138 on the main panel 136 of the main chamber 116.

[0067] As described above, the inflator insertion portion 124 is provided in the pre-thrust chamber 122. The inflator insertion portion 124 is configured to include an inner tube 132 for rectifying gas in the vertical direction. The inflator insertion portion 124 is configured such that the stud of the inflator 114 is exposed to the outside through the bolt hole 126 and the like, and the side frame 108 (see Figure 1(b)) The seat back 104 is mounted from the center side in the width direction.

[0068] From the inflator 114 (refer to Figure 2 (a)) is supplied to the pre-thrust chamber 122 earlier, and the expansion and deployment are completed before the main chamber 116. The pre-thrust chamber 122 pushes the seat 102 (refer to Figure 1 (a)) The seat pad or the like inside ensures space for the main chamber to expand and deploy, and pushes the occupant back to the center side of the seat 102.

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown in (b), the pre-thrust chamber 122 is L-shaped and is provided from the rear to the lower part of the airbag cushion 112. In the pre-thrust chamber 122, the pre-upper chamber 122a extends in the vertical direction along the seat back 104. In addition, the pre-lower chamber 122b extends forward from the lower part of the pre-upper chamber 122a along the seat cushion 105 of the seat 102.

[0070] exist Figure 2 In the main chamber 116 of (b), the main upper chamber 118 is provided in a range overlapping with the preliminary upper chamber 122a when the seat 102 is viewed from the side. The main upper chamber 118 is connected to the preliminary upper chamber 122a via the first inner exhaust ports 140a and 140b.

[0071] like Figure 3 (a) shows an example, the inflator 114 (see Figure 2 (a)) The gas is supplied from the pre-upper chamber 122a to the main upper chamber 118 through the first inner exhaust port 140b. Exhaust holes 142a and 142b are provided on the front side of the main upper chamber 118, and the gas used to expand and expand the main upper chamber 118 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust holes 142a and 142b.

[0072] Figure 3 (b) Yes Figure 2 (b) is a BB cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 112. The main lower chamber 120 is provided below the main upper chamber 118 in a range overlapping with the pre-lower chamber 122b. The main lower chamber 120 receives gas from the pre-lower chamber 122b via the check valve 144 to mainly restrain the waist of the occupant.

[0073] A baffle 146 is provided inside the main chamber 116. The baffle 146 is a panel member made of the same base fabric as the main panel 134, and is joined to the main panels 134 and 136 by sewing. The main chamber 116 is divided into the main upper chamber 118 and the main lower chamber 120 by the baffle 146, so that gas cannot pass between the main upper chamber 118 and the main lower chamber 120.

[0074] In addition, the baffle 146 can also be sewn on the main panel 136 together with the panel component 138. Figure 3 In (b), the fold is arranged on the upper side, but it can also be arranged on the lower side. In addition, by joining the main panels 134 and 136 as an element replacing the baffle 146 in the same range as the joining part of the baffle 146, the interior of the main chamber 116 can also be divided into the main upper chamber 118 and the main lower chamber 120.

[0075] Figure 4 This is an example Figure 3 (b) Diagram of the check valve 144. Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing an outline of the check valve 144. The check valve 144 is used to transfer the liquid from the preliminary lower chamber 122b (see Figure 3 (b)) While supplying gas to the main lower chamber 120, it is possible to prevent the gas from flowing from the main lower chamber 120 to the pre-lower chamber 122b.

[0076] The check valve 144 is implemented by a second inner exhaust port 148 provided on the main panel 136 , a patch 150 covering the second inner exhaust port 148 , and a pair of joint portions 152 a and 152 b .

[0077] The second inner exhaust port 148 is a portion through which gas passes, and serves as a through-partitioning lower chamber 122b (see Figure 3 (b)) and the through hole of the main panel 136 of the main lower chamber 120.

[0078] The patch 150 is mounted on the main lower chamber 120 side of the main panel 136 (see Figure 3 (b)) to cover the second inner exhaust port 148.

[0079] The pair of joints 152a and 152b are locations for joining the main panel 136 and the patch 150, and are provided at two locations facing each other with the second inner exhaust port 148 as the center. In this embodiment, the joints 152a and 152b are formed by sewing along the right and left edges of the patch 150.

[0080] Figure 4 (b) is an example showing Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the check valve 144 is opened. The interval between the joints 152a and 152b is shorter than the size of the upper edge and the lower edge of the patch 150, and slack occurs on the patch 150. Therefore, when the force of the gas is applied from the pre-lower chamber 122b side, the patch 150 separates from the main panel 136 to the main lower chamber 120 side, and the gas can flow from the upper edge side and the lower edge side in the vertical direction.

[0081] In addition, as another form of the patch 150, the joints 152a and 152b may be provided as one connection. For example, the sewing portion may be provided from the upper edge to the left and right edges of the patch 150, and only the lower edge of the patch 150 may be implemented as a non-sewn structure. If this structure is adopted, a check valve having a structure in which gas flows only downward can be realized.

[0082] Figure 4 (c) is an example showing Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the check valve 144 is closed. When restraining the occupant, if external pressure is applied to the main lower chamber 120, the force of the gas in the main lower chamber 120 presses the patch 150 against the main panel 136, and the second inner exhaust port 148 is blocked. Therefore, the backflow of the gas from the main lower chamber 120 is suppressed, and the internal pressure of the main lower chamber 120 is maintained.

[0083] Figure 5 1 is a diagram illustrating the results of a performance test of the airbag cushion 112 according to the present embodiment. Figure 5 (a) is a diagram illustrating the results of an internal pressure test of the airbag cushion 112 .

[0084] exist Figure 5 In (a), the horizontal axis represents time (msec) and the vertical axis represents internal pressure (kPa). In the embodiment, the airbag cushion 112 includes a pre-thrust chamber 122, a main chamber 116 divided into a main upper chamber 118 and a main lower chamber 120 by a baffle 146, and a check valve 144 provided on the main lower chamber 120.

[0085] In Comparative Example 1, a pre-push chamber 122 (see Figure 3 (b)) and a main chamber whose interior is not divided by the baffle plate 146. In Comparative Example 2, the pre-thrust chamber 122 and the main chamber 116 whose interior is divided into an upper part and a lower part by the baffle plate 146 are included. Both Comparative Examples 1 and 2 do not have the check valve 144.

[0086] This test measured the internal pressure in the area where the occupant's waist is restrained. The results showed that compared with Comparative Examples 1 and 2, Figure 5 As shown in (a), the airbag cushion 112 of this embodiment includes a check valve 144, whereby the internal pressure of the main lower chamber 120 for restraining the waist can be maintained high.

[0087] Figure 5 (b) is a diagram showing the results of a static deployment test of the airbag cushion 112. This test analyzes the speed of each region until the expansion and deployment is completed when the airbag cushion 112 is deployed. Figure 3 (b)) An example of a conventional side airbag cushion having a baffle 146.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown in (b), it can be seen that the airbag cushion 112 of this embodiment, especially the area that restrains the waist, is inflated and deployed quickly. Figure 3 (b)) and the baffle 146 are used to adjust the flow of gas and can quickly expand and expand the main lower chamber 120 to restrain the waist.

[0089] As described above, the airbag cushion 112 (see Figure 1 (b)), the preliminary lower chamber 122b expands along the seat cushion 105, and the main lower chamber 120 (refer to Figure 3 (b)) receives gas from the pre-lower chamber 122b to expand and deploy, and the check valve 144 prevents the gas from flowing back from the main lower chamber 120 to the pre-lower chamber 122b. As a result, the airbag cushion 112 can achieve relatively rapid expansion and deployment of the main lower chamber 120 and maintain a high internal pressure, thereby being able to fully restrain the heavy waist. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the simple structure of the baffle 146 or the check valve 144 can suppress the movement of the occupant from the seat 102, thereby improving the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion 112.

[0090] (Airbag Cushion of Modified Example)

[0091] Figure 6 This is an example Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first variation (check valve 200) of the check valve 144. In the following description, the same symbols are marked on the components that have been described, and their descriptions are omitted. In addition, components with the same names as the components that have been described have the same structure and function even if they are marked with different symbols.

[0092] Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing an outline of the check valve 200. The check valve 200 is composed of the second inner exhaust port 148 and the inner portion of the main lower chamber 120 (see Figure 3 (b)) This is achieved by a pair of patches 202a and 202b mounted on the main panel 136 to cover the second inner exhaust port 148.

[0093] The patches 202a and 202b are semicircular and are located on the main lower chamber 120 side of the main panel 136 (see Figure 3 (b)), above the second inner exhaust port 148, the straight edges 204, 206 are mounted on the main panel 136 so as to overlap each other.

[0094] The joint 208 is provided as sewing along the arc of the semicircular patches 202 a and 202 b , and joins the patches 202 a and 202 b and the main panel 136 .

[0095] Figure 6 (b) is an example showing Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the check valve 200 is opened. The patches 202a and 202b are mounted on the main panel 136 with a certain degree of slack. The patches 202a and 202b are mounted on the main panel 136 with a certain degree of slackness. Figure 3 (b) When the force of gas is applied, the straight edges 204 and 206 separate from the main panel 136 toward the main lower chamber 120, and an opening is formed between the straight edges 204 and 206, and gas passes through.

[0096] Figure 6 (c) is an example showing Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the check valve 200 is closed. When restraining an occupant, the main lower chamber 120 (see Figure 3 (b) When external pressure is applied, the force of the gas in the main lower chamber 120 is used to press the patches 202a and 202b against the main panel 136, and the second inner exhaust port 148 is blocked. Therefore, in the check valve 200, the backflow of the gas from the main lower chamber 120 can also be suppressed, and the internal pressure of the main lower chamber 120 can be maintained.

[0097] Figure 7 This is an example Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second modified example (check valve 220 ) of the check valve 144 . Figure 7 (a) is a diagram showing an outline of the check valve 220. The check valve 220 is composed of the second inner exhaust port 148, a cross-shaped bridge portion 222 mounted on the main panel 136 overlapping the second inner exhaust port 148, and a main lower chamber 120 (see Figure 3 (b)) This is achieved by using a patch 224 mounted on the main panel 136 to cover the second inner exhaust port 148 .

[0098] The bridge portion 222 is to prevent the patch 224 from moving toward the preliminary lower chamber 122b (see Figure 3 (b) The movable member is mounted by overlapping the second inner exhaust port 148 and sewing each end of the cross shape to the main panel 136.

[0099] The patch 224 is circular and has a cross cutout 226. The patch 224 is mounted on the main lower chamber 120 side of the main panel 136 (see Figure 3 (b)) Covering the second inner exhaust port 148. The joint portion 228 is provided along the outer periphery of the patch 224 to join the patch 224 to the main panel 136.

[0100] Figure 7 (b) is an example showing Figure 7(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the check valve 220 is open. Figure 3 (b)) When the force of gas is applied, the patch 224 opens the cross cut 226, forming an opening and allowing gas to pass through.

[0101] Figure 7 (c) is an example showing Figure 7 (a) is a diagram showing the situation when the check valve 220 is closed. When restraining the occupant, if external pressure is applied to the main lower chamber 120, the force of the gas in the main lower chamber 120 presses the patch 224 against the bridge 222, the cross cutout 226 does not open, and the second inner exhaust port 148 is also blocked. Therefore, in the check valve 220, it is also possible to suppress the flow of gas from the main lower chamber 120 (see Figure 3 (b)) The gas counterflow maintains the internal pressure of the main lower chamber 120.

[0102] Figure 8 This is an example Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a third modified example (check valve 240 ) of the check valve 144 . Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing an outline of the check valve. The check valve 240 is composed of the second inner exhaust port 148 and the inner portion of the main lower chamber 120 (see Figure 3 (b)) This is achieved by a pair of patches 242 and 244 mounted on the main panel 136 to cover the second inner exhaust port 148 .

[0103] The patches 242 and 244 are circular and have cross cutouts 246 and 248, respectively. The patches 242 and 244 are mounted on the main panel 136 in a state where the centers of the cross cutouts 246 and 248 are aligned and overlapped, and the patches 242 and 244 are rotated so as not to overlap except at the centers.

[0104] Figure 8 (b) is an example showing Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the check valve 240 is open. Figure 3 (b)) is applied by the inflator 114 (refer to Figure 2 When the gas has a large force due to the activation of (a)), the patches 242 and 244 open the cross cuts 246 and 248 to form an opening and allow the gas to pass through.

[0105] Figure 8 (c) is an example showing Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the check valve 240 is closed. The patches 242 and 244 are smaller than the inflator 114 (see Figure 2(a)) is difficult to open under the force of starting and the force of restraining the occupant, and the second inner exhaust port 148 is kept blocked. Therefore, even in the check valve 240, it is possible to suppress the flow of air from the main lower chamber 120 (see Figure 3 (b)) The gas counterflow maintains the internal pressure of the main lower chamber 120.

[0106] Fig. 9 This is an example Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fourth modified example (check valve 260 ) of the check valve 144 . Fig. 9 (a) is an example showing the corresponding Figure 2 (b) Check valve 260.

[0107] The airbag cushion 262 having the check valve 260 has a main panel 264 forming the pre-thrust chamber 122 side of the main chamber 116 including an upper panel 266 and a lower panel 268. A portion between the upper panel 266 and the lower panel 268 can be opened, and this portion functions as the check valve 260.

[0108] Fig. 9 (b) Yes Fig. 9 (a) is an exploded view of the panel components of the airbag cushion 262. Fig. 9 (b) shows an example in which the main chamber 116 is provided through the seat 102 (see Figure 1 (b)) is formed by the outer main panel 134 and the inner main panel 264 in the width direction, and the baffle 146 is arranged between them. The panel member 138 of the pre-thrust chamber 122 is installed further inside the main panel 264, and the inner tube 132 is arranged inside.

[0109] In the main panel 264, the upper side panel 266 forms a main upper chamber 118 (refer to Fig. 9 (a)) to the upper portion of the main lower chamber 120. The lower side panel 268 forms the lower portion of the main lower chamber 120.

[0110] Fig.10 This is an example Fig. 9 (b) A view of the lower side panel 268. Fig.10 (a) Yes Fig. 9 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the lower panel 268 is unfolded on a plane. The lower panel 268 is configured such that the sewn portions 270a to 270c are connected to the lower panel 268 (see Fig. 9 (b)) are joined together, and the non-sewn parts 272a and 272b form openings for gas to pass through.

[0111] In order to make the openings of the non-sewn portions 272a and 272b larger, pleats 274 and 276 are formed on the lower side panel 268 (see Fig.10(b)) The pleats 274 and 276 are provided by forming folds within the range of the non-sewn portions 272a and 272b. For example, the non-sewn portion 272a has a valley fold L1 and mountain folds L2 and L3. Similarly, the non-sewn portion 272b has a valley fold L4 and mountain folds L5 and L6.

[0112] Fig.10 (b) is Fig.10 (a) is a diagram showing a state where pleats 274 and 276 are provided on the lower panel 268. By providing the pleats 274 and 276, the size of the lower panel 268 is reduced.

[0113] Fig.10 (c) Yes Fig.10 (b) CC cross-section diagram. Fig.10 As shown in (c), by providing gathers 274, the range of the non-sewn portion 272a is in a folded state.

[0114] Fig.11 This is an example showing the formation Fig. 9 (a) Diagram of the process of the check valve 260. Fig.11 (a) is an example showing Fig.10 (b) The lower side panel 268 is joined to Fig. 9 (b) is a diagram showing the situation on the upper panel 266. The lower panel 268 is first turned upside down so that the upper edge 278 is aligned with the lower edge 276 of the upper panel 266 (see Fig. 9 (b) Overlap joint.

[0115] Fig.11 (b) is to Fig.11 (a) is a diagram showing the lower panel 268 being inverted downward again. The main panel 264 is formed by inverting the lower panel 268 joined to the upper panel 266 .

[0116] Fig.11 (c) Yes Fig.11 (b) is a DD cross-sectional view of the main panel 264. The check valve 260 is formed so that the lower edge 276 of the upper panel 266 and the upper edge 278 of the upper panel 266 are directed toward the main lower chamber 120 side (see Figure 3 (b)) The state where the pieces are folded back and overlapped up and down.

[0117] Fig.11 (d) from the outside in the width direction of the seat ( Fig.11 (c) on the right side Fig.11 (c) is a diagram for observing the check valve 260, from Fig. 9(a) The same direction shows the check valve 260. The check valve 260 is provided so as to form sewn portions 270a to 270c formed by overlapping and sewing the lower edge 276 of the upper panel 266 and the upper edge 278 of the lower panel 268, and to form non-sewn portions 272a and 272b which are not sewn in a part of the range.

[0118] Fig.11 (e) Yes Fig.11 (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of the check valve 260. As described above, the gathers 274 provided to form folds are formed within the range of the non-sewn portion 272a.

[0119] Fig.12 This is an example Fig.11 (c) is a diagram showing a state when the check valve 260 starts to operate. Fig.12 (a) is an example showing Fig.11 (c) is a diagram showing a state when the check valve 260 is open. The vicinity of the non-sewn portions 272a and 272b in the lower panel 268 is loosened by providing pleats 274. Therefore, when the force of the gas is applied from the pre-lower chamber 122b side, the non-sewn portions 272a and 272b are opened, and the gas can flow effectively.

[0120] Fig.12 (b) is an example showing Fig.12 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the check valve 260 is closed. When external pressure is applied to the main lower chamber 120 when restraining the occupant, the check valve 260 is pressed against the main panel 264 by the force of the gas in the main lower chamber 120, and the non-sewn portion 272a is not opened. Therefore, in the check valve 260, the backflow of the gas from the main lower chamber 120 can be suppressed, and the internal pressure of the main lower chamber 120 can be maintained.

[0121] Fig.13 This is an example Fig. 9 A diagram showing a modified example (baffle 280 ) of the illustrated baffle 146 . Fig.13 (a) is based on Fig. 9 (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the baffle 280.

[0122] The rear end portion 282 of the baffle plate 280 is provided along a sewn portion 284 that edges the front side of the frame grounding portion 130 of the main chamber 116 in a state of being bent upward.

[0123] Here, in Fig. 9 (b) The baffle plate 146 is provided with a cutout portion 147. The cutout portion 147 is formed by cutting the seat (see Figure 1 (b)) is cut out in the vicinity of the rear end portion 149 when viewed in the width direction of the inflator 114 (see Figure 2By providing the cutout portion 147 in the baffle plate 146 , the thickness of the rear portion of the airbag cushion 112 can be reduced, and the airbag cushion 112 can be smoothly inflated and deployed while being grounded to the seat frame 106 .

[0124] Fig.13 (b) is based on Fig. 9 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the baffle plate 280. The rear end portion 282 of the baffle plate 280 is in a state where a notch portion 286 is formed on the central side and two side edge portions 288a and 288b are formed.

[0125] The rear end portion 282 of the baffle plate 280 including the cutout portion 286 is bent toward the upper side of the airbag cushion 262 and extends along the main chamber 116 (see Fig.13 The side edges 288a and 288b are slender in shape and do not expand after being overlapped and sewn along the sewn portions 284, so that the thickness of the airbag cushion 262 when inflated and deployed can be suppressed.

[0126] As described above, the baffle 280 is sewn to the sewn portion 284 by bending the rear end portion 282 upward, so that the thickness of the rear side of the airbag cushion 262 can be suppressed and the frame grounding portion 130 can be appropriately formed (see Fig.13 (a)). Therefore, if the airbag cushion 262 includes the baffle 280, it can be connected to the seat frame 106 (see Figure 1 (b)) Expands and spreads smoothly while grounded.

[0127] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the above-described embodiments are preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments may also be implemented or completed by various methods. Unless otherwise specified in the subject matter of the present application specification, the present invention is not restricted by the shape, size, and structural configuration of the detailed components shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition, the expressions and terms used in the present application specification are for the purpose of explanation, and are not limited thereto unless otherwise specified in the subject matter.

[0128] Therefore, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various changes and modifications within the scope of the claims, and these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0129] Industrial Applicability

[0130] The present invention can be used for a vehicle side airbag device mounted on a vehicle.

[0131] Explanation of symbols

[0132] 100…Side airbag device 102…Seat

[0133] 104…Seat back 105…Seat cushion

[0134] 106...Seat frame 108...Side frame

[0135] 110...air bag module 112...air bag cushion

[0136] 114 ... Inflator 116 ... Main chamber

[0137] 118…main upper chamber 120…main lower chamber

[0138] 122...Pre-push chamber 122a...Pre-upper chamber

[0139] 122b ...Preliminary lower chamber 124 ...Inflator insertion portion

[0140] 126…bolt hole 130…frame grounding part

[0141] 132…Inner tube 134…Main panel

[0142] 136 ... Main panel 138 ... Panel components

[0143] 140a, 140b ... first inner exhaust port

[0144] 142a, 142b…exhaust hole 144…check valve

[0145] 146 ... baffle 147 ... cutout

[0146] 148 ... second inner exhaust port 149 ... rear end portion

[0147] 150 ... patch 152a, 152b ... junction

[0148] 200...check valve 202a, 202b...patch

[0149] 204, 206 ... straight edge 208 ... joint

[0150] 220…Check valve 222…Bridge

[0151] 224…Patch 226…Incision

[0152] 228 ...Joint 240 ...Check valve

[0153] 242, 244… Patches 246, 248… Incision

[0154] 260…Check valve 262…Airbag cushion

[0155] 264…Main panel 266…Upper side panel

[0156] 268 ... lower side panel 270a to 270c ... sewing portion

[0157] 272a, 272b ... non-sewn portion 274 ... pleats

[0158] 276…lower edge 278…upper edge

[0159] 280…Baffle 282…Rear end portion

[0160] 284 ...sewing part 286 ...cut part

[0161] 288a, 288b ... side edge

Claims

1. A vehicle side airbag device comprising an airbag module mounted on a side frame of a seat back of a vehicle seat, characterized in that: The airbag module comprises: an airbag cushion which is in a predetermined storage configuration of being rolled or folded and mounted on the side frame; an inflator installed on the side frame in a state of being inserted into the airbag cushion, The airbag cushion has: a pre-thrust chamber that initially receives gas from the inflator to expand and deploy; The main chamber is expanded and unfolded by receiving gas from the pre-thrust chamber. The pre-push chamber has: a preliminary upper chamber extending in an up-down direction along the seat back; a preliminary lower chamber extending forward from a lower portion of the preliminary upper chamber along a seat cushion of the vehicle seat, The main chamber has: a main upper chamber, which is provided in a range overlapping with the preliminary upper chamber as viewed from the side of the vehicle seat; a main lower chamber, which is arranged below the main upper chamber and within a range overlapping the pre-lower chamber; a baffle or sewn portion that divides the main upper chamber and the main lower chamber so that gas cannot pass through, The airbag cushion also has: a first inner exhaust port for supplying gas from the pre-upper chamber to the main upper chamber; A check valve is used to supply gas from the pre-lower chamber to the main lower chamber and prevent gas from flowing from the main lower chamber to the pre-lower chamber.

2. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein: The check valve has: a second inner exhaust port penetrating a predetermined portion of a panel member that divides the pre-lower chamber and the main lower chamber; a patch mounted on the panel member in the main lower chamber covering the second inner exhaust port; a pair of joints, which are provided at two locations opposite to each other with the second inner exhaust port as the center and join the panel component and the patch, The patch is separable from the panel member in a range other than the pair of joint portions.

3. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein: The check valve has: a second inner exhaust port, which passes through a predetermined portion of a panel member that divides the pre-lower chamber and the main lower chamber; a pair of patches mounted on the panel member in the main lower chamber covering the second inner exhaust port; a joining portion that joins the panel member and the pair of patches, The pair of patches are semicircular in shape, and are mounted on the panel component with straight edges overlapping each other above the second inner exhaust port.

4. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein: The check valve has: a second inner exhaust port penetrating a predetermined portion of a panel member that divides the pre-lower chamber and the main lower chamber; a cross-shaped bridge portion, which overlaps with the second inner exhaust port and is mounted on the panel member; A patch having a predetermined cutout is mounted on the panel member in the main lower chamber to cover the second inner exhaust port.

5. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein: The check valve has: a second inner exhaust port penetrating a predetermined portion of a panel member that divides the pre-lower chamber and the main lower chamber; a pair of patches mounted on the panel member in the main lower chamber covering the second inner exhaust port, The pair of patch components each have a cross cutout, and are mounted on the panel component in a state where the cross cutouts are aligned in center and overlapped, and the patch components are rotated so as not to overlap except at the center.

6. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein: The airbag cushion also has a main panel that forms the pre-thrust chamber side of the main chamber, The main panel has: an upper side panel forming an upper portion from the main upper chamber to the main lower chamber; a lower side panel forming the lower portion of the main lower chamber, The check valve has: a sewing portion that folds the lower edge of the upper panel and the upper edge of the upper panel toward the main lower chamber side and sews the panels in a state where the panels overlap each other vertically; The non-sewn portion is formed in a part of the upper and lower overlapping range and is not sewn.

7. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 6, wherein: The lower side panel has one or more gathers which are arranged to form folds within the range of the non-sewn portion.

8. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein: The main upper chamber and the main lower chamber are divided by the baffle. The baffle has a cutout portion formed by cutting out a range overlapping the inflator near a rear end portion of the vehicle seat when viewed in the width direction.

9. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein: The main upper chamber and the main lower chamber are divided by the baffle. The baffle has a cutout portion formed by cutting out a predetermined range near a rear end portion when viewed in the width direction of the vehicle seat. A rear end portion of the baffle including the cutout portion is sewn along a sewn portion forming a rear edge of the main chamber in a state of being bent toward the upper side of the airbag cushion.

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