Occupant posture limiting device

Abstract

The present invention provides a technique for reducing the load applied to an occupant when an impact occurs. An occupant posture restricting device for restricting the posture of an occupant seated in a seat (90) when an impact occurs in a vehicle, the occupant posture restricting device having a raising element (1) that operates when the impact occurs, the raising element (1) being configured to raise the position of the occupant seated in the seat (90) when the impact occurs. The seat surface (93) of the seat (90) is raised upward such that the distance (H) in the vertical direction between the waist point (SW) and the chest point (SC) of the THOR50M dummy (99) seated on the seat (90) is smaller than that in normal times.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an occupant posture restraint device mounted on a vehicle to restrain the posture of an occupant during a collision. Background Art

[0002] It is known that when a vehicle is impacted, such as during a collision, even if an occupant sitting on a seat in the vehicle wears a seat belt, the occupant may move forward and downward.

[0003] In addition, the front side, front, etc. mentioned in this specification refer to the front side, front, etc. in the front-rear direction based on the body of an occupant sitting on the seat portion of the seat. Similarly, the rear side, rear, etc. also refer to the rear side, rear, etc. in the front-rear direction based on the body of an occupant sitting on the seat portion of the seat. Further, in this specification, the width direction described later refers to a horizontal direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. Also, up and down refer to the vertical up and the vertical down.

[0004] As one of the above phenomena, for example, the phenomenon that an occupant slides forward and downward from the seat surface of the seat (so-called submarining phenomenon) is known.

[0005] It is conceivable that the cause of the submarining phenomenon is that when an impact from the front is applied to the vehicle, the waist of the occupant moves forward and passes under the waist strap (waist belt, waist seat belt) in the seat belt that restrains the waist of the occupant.

[0006] In order to suppress the above-mentioned phenomenon of occupant movement, the following technical solution has been proposed, that is, an airbag called a seat cushion airbag is provided inside the seat portion, specifically, below the seat surface of the seat (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0007] According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, during an impact, the seat cushion airbag is inflated and expanded to raise the seat surface of the seat. Paragraph

[0007] etc. of Patent Document 1 explains that the seat cushion airbag raises the thigh portion of the occupant to suppress the forward movement of the occupant.

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-133079

[0009] However, even if the current type of seat cushion airbag described in Patent Document 1 operates, the occupant will still move forward during an impact. When the impact is large, the occupant moves forward significantly. In this case, the chest of the occupant is relatively strongly pressed backward by the seat belt, which may impose a large burden on the occupant.

[0010] The inventors of the present invention have repeatedly conducted intensive research to suppress the problem that the chest of the occupant is strongly pressed when the above-mentioned impact occurs. Moreover, as a result, it has been found that the problem that the chest of the occupant is strongly pressed when the impact occurs is related to the posture of the occupant when the impact occurs.

[0011] When an impact occurs, the waist of the occupant's body is restrained by the waist strap of the seat belt, and the shoulder is restrained by the shoulder strap of the seat belt. At this time, it can be considered that if the current type of seat cushion airbag operates, the thigh portion of the occupant rises and the above-mentioned diving phenomenon is suppressed.

[0012] However, as described above, even in a state where the occupant is restrained by the seat belt and the seat cushion airbag operates, a large force acting forward is applied to the occupant. The waist of the occupant is fixed by the waist strap and does not move forward. Therefore, in the case of a large impact, the upper body of the occupant tilts forward significantly. Moreover, at this time, the shoulder strap is along the chest of the occupant, that is, the portion between the shoulder and the waist. Therefore, the chest of the occupant is strongly pressed by the tension of the shoulder strap.

[0013] The inventors of the present invention believe that the problem that the chest of the occupant is strongly pressed is caused by the shoulder strap being formed to be along the chest of the occupant. It is desired to limit the posture of the occupant in such a way that the shoulder strap is not formed to be along the chest of the occupant, and thus the present invention has been completed. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above situation, and the problem to be solved is to provide a technology for reducing the burden applied to the occupant when an impact occurs.

[0015] An occupant posture limiting device of the present invention for solving the above problems:

[0016] An occupant posture limiting device for limiting the posture of an occupant sitting on a seat when an impact occurs in a vehicle, wherein,

[0017] the occupant posture limiting device has a raising element that operates when the impact occurs,

[0018] the raising element raises the seat surface of the seat upward in such a way that the vertical distance between the waist point and the chest point of a THOR50M dummy sitting on the seat is smaller than normal when the impact occurs.

[0019] According to the occupant posture limiting device of the present invention, the burden applied to the occupant when an impact occurs can be reduced. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a case of observing the occupant posture limiting device of Embodiment 1 from above.

[0021] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the case of the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the side.

[0022] Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the case of the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the side.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a diagram schematically showing the case of the airbag of the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from above.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a diagram schematically showing the case of the airbag of the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the side.

[0025] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the case of the airbag of the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the side and from the rear.

[0026] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the case of the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the side.

[0027] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the case of the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3 as viewed from the side.

[0028] Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 4.

[0029] Figure 10 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing one mode of the airbag of the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing one mode of the airbag of the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 12 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing one mode of the airbag of the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing one mode of the airbag of the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 14 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing one mode of the airbag of the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 15It is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating one mode of the airbag of the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 16 It is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating one mode of the airbag of the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 17 It is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the situation of the current seat and a dummy seated on the seat as viewed from the side. Detailed Embodiment

[0037] As described above, the inventor of the present invention believes that the problem of the shoulder strap of the seat belt strongly pressing the chest of the occupant during a collision is related to the posture of the occupant during a collision.

[0038] The occupant seated on the seat will be replaced with a dummy seated on the seat for explanation.

[0039] For example Figure 2 As shown, the shoulder strap 94s of the seat belt 94 extends from the shoulder 99s of the dummy 99 seated on the seat 90 along the chest 99c to the waist 99w.

[0040] For example, if Figure 17 the current seat cushion airbag device 101 shown operates during a collision, the thigh portion of the dummy 99 rises, but the upper body of the dummy 99 tilts forward, so the shoulder strap 194s of the seat belt 194 strongly restrains the chest 99c of the dummy 99. As a result, the chest 99c of this dummy 99 is strongly pressed by the shoulder strap 194s.

[0041] The inventor further thought that if the shoulder strap does not become in a state along the chest of the occupant during a collision, it is possible to avoid the shoulder strap strongly pressing the chest of the occupant.

[0042] Regarding the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention, by restricting the posture of the occupant seated on the seat during a vehicle collision, the shoulder strap does not become in a state along the chest of the occupant during a collision.

[0043] The occupant posture restricting device of the present invention has a raising element that operates during a vehicle collision. The raising element raises the seat surface upward during a collision in such a manner that the shoulder strap does not become in a state along the chest of the occupant. More specifically, the raising element raises the seat surface upward in such a manner that the vertical distance between the waist point and the chest point of the THOR50M dummy seated on the seat is smaller than normal.

[0044] The THOR50M dummy is a type of dummy doll for collision safety performance tests.

[0045] The THOR50M dummy has: a part corresponding to the waist of an occupant; and a part corresponding to the chest of the occupant. In this specification, a specified point in the part of the THOR50M dummy corresponding to the waist of the occupant is referred to as the waist point, and a specified point in the part corresponding to the chest of the occupant is referred to as the chest point.

[0046] In addition, the THOR50M dummy has a waist acceleration sensor in the part corresponding to the waist of the occupant, and a chest acceleration sensor in the part corresponding to the chest of the occupant, more specifically, at the point of the THOR50M dummy corresponding to the 4th thoracic vertebra of a human body, i.e., the occupant. Therefore, the waist point can be alternatively understood as the waist acceleration sensor, and the chest point can be alternatively understood as the chest acceleration sensor.

[0047] During a vehicle collision, the THOR50M dummy seated on the seat of the vehicle exhibits the same movement as the occupant seated on the seat.

[0048] When the above-mentioned THOR50M dummy is seated on the seat of the vehicle, when the vertical distance between the waist point and the chest point of the THOR50M dummy is smaller than normal, the vertical distance between the waist and the chest of the occupant seated on the seat is closer than normal. In other words, in this situation, the occupant seated on the seat assumes a so-called hunched-back state where the back bends forward.

[0049] If the occupant assumes a hunched-back state, the shoulder belt does not assume a state along the chest of the occupant and is installed between the shoulder and the waist of the occupant. Therefore, at this time, a gap is generated between the shoulder belt and the chest located between the shoulder and the waist. Moreover, thereby, it is possible to avoid or suppress the strong pressing of the chest of the occupant by the tension of the shoulder belt. That is, according to the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention, the burden applied to the occupant during an impact can be reduced.

[0050] Hereinafter, as needed, the THOR50M dummy may sometimes be simply referred to as the dummy, and the vertical distance between the waist point and the chest point may be referred to as the vertical inter-point distance. Additionally, as needed, when the vertical inter-point distance of the dummy seated on the seat is smaller than normal, it may sometimes be referred to as the dummy assuming a hunched-back state on the seat.

[0051] Furthermore, with regard to the dummy, the part corresponding to the waist of the occupant, the part corresponding to the chest of the occupant, etc. are referred to as the waist of the dummy, the chest of the dummy, etc. In addition to this, the same applies to each part of the dummy corresponding to each part of the occupant.

[0052] Hereinafter, for the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention, each structural element thereof will be described.

[0053] In addition, as long as the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention has a raising element, it may also have other structural elements, such as seat belts, seats, etc.

[0054] Unless otherwise specified, for the numerical range "x to y" described in this specification, the lower limit x and the upper limit y are also included in this range. Moreover, it may also include the above upper limit value, lower limit value, and the numerical values listed in the embodiments, and arbitrarily combine them to form a new numerical range. And, the numerical values arbitrarily selected from the above arbitrary numerical ranges can be set as the upper and lower limit numerical values of the new numerical range.

[0055] The occupant posture restricting device of the present invention has a raising element that operates when an impact occurs in the vehicle.

[0056] As described above, the raising element only needs to raise the seat surface upward in such a way that the dummy forms a hunched state on the seat when an impact occurs, and the details thereof are not particularly limited.

[0057] Here, the inventors of the present invention obtained the following insight, that is, in order to make the dummy form a hunched state on the seat when an impact occurs, it is more effective to raise the buttocks of the dummy instead of raising the thighs of the dummy.

[0058] When the thighs of the dummy are raised, the dummy only raises the thighs, and the dummy topples forward. Therefore, in this case, the backbone of the dummy is not easily bent and is not easily changed into a hunched state.

[0059] On the other hand, when the buttocks of the dummy are raised, a force from the lower side to the upper side acts on the backbone of the dummy. The vertical distance between the buttocks of the dummy and the raising element as the source of this force is very close, so this force directly acts on the buttocks of the dummy, and the rising speed of the buttocks is relatively large. However, this force is buffered via the backbone of the dummy and transmitted to a part that is relatively far from the raising element in the vertical direction with respect to the dummy. Therefore, as the corresponding part of the dummy moves away from the raising element in the vertical direction, the rising speed of the corresponding part slows down, and in addition, the rising amount of this part also decreases. It can be imagined that the waist of the dummy is closer to the buttocks of the dummy than the shoulders of the dummy and the dummy topples forward when an impact occurs. Therefore, if the buttocks of the dummy are raised, the shoulders of the dummy approach the waist of the dummy, and thus the dummy forms a hunched state.

[0060] In order for the dummy to show the same movement as the occupant, if the buttocks of the dummy sitting on the seat are raised when an impact occurs so that the dummy forms a hunched state, the occupant sitting on the same seat can be made to form a hunched state. As a result, it is possible to avoid or suppress the strong pressing of the occupant's chest by the tension of the shoulder strap. Moreover, thereby, the burden applied to the occupant when an impact occurs can be reduced.

[0061] It is only necessary that the vertical distance between the waist point and the chest point, for example, the vertical distance between the waist acceleration sensor and the chest acceleration sensor, is less than that in the normal state during an impact. In other words, at this time, the dummy assumes a forward-leaning posture, and it can be said that the vertical distance between the waist point and the chest point is closer during the impact than in the normal state, that is, before the impact. Preferably, the distance by which the waist point and the chest point approach each other in the vertical direction is greater than or equal to 10 mm, 20 mm, or greater than or equal to 30 mm.

[0062] Furthermore, more specifically, the above-mentioned normal state refers to the state in which the dummy is sitting properly. As described above, the waist point and the chest point can also be understood as the waist acceleration sensor and the chest acceleration sensor of the dummy by substitution.

[0063] In addition, the above-mentioned "vertical distance between the waist point and the chest point during the impact" only needs to be measured under the conditions of the frontal collision test specified in the US New Car Assessment Program (US NCAP). In addition, for reference, the frontal collision test of the US NCAP is a full-overlap frontal collision test, and it is a frontal collision test in which the entire front surface of the test vehicle with the dummy sitting in the driver's seat and the front passenger seat collides with a concrete wall (fixed obstacle) at a vehicle speed of 56 km / h.

[0064] It can be conceived that in order to efficiently or highly reliably raise the buttocks of the dummy sitting on the seat during an impact, the dummy is made to assume a hunched-back state. Preferably, the raising element satisfies any one of the following [1]-[3], and more preferably satisfies a plurality of the following.

[0065] [1] Raise the buttocks of the dummy rapidly during the impact.

[0066] [2] Raise the buttocks of the dummy from directly below during the impact.

[0067] [3] Raise the buttocks of the dummy to a relatively high position during the impact.

[0068] During the impact, [1] in order to rapidly raise the buttocks of the dummy by using the raising element, preferably, the raising element raises the seat surface upward at a speed such that the waist point (for example, the waist acceleration sensor) of the dummy rises by greater than or equal to 10 mm within 25 milliseconds. In addition, more preferably, the raising element raises the seat surface upward at a speed such that the waist point rises by greater than or equal to 20 mm within 25 milliseconds.

[0069] As a raising element that can rapidly raise the buttocks of the dummy as described in [1] above, a seat cushion airbag device disposed below the seat surface of the seat can be exemplified.

[0070] When the seat buffer airbag device expands upon impact, the seat surface of the seat rises, thereby raising the buttocks of the dummy. The seat buffer airbag device includes: an airbag formed in a bag shape; and an inflation fluid generator connected to the airbag to supply inflation fluid to the airbag. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the airbag in this specification refers to the airbag of the seat buffer airbag device.

[0071] As the inflation fluid generator, it is preferable to use a so-called inflator that generates gas as the inflation fluid, but a structure that generates an inflation fluid other than gas, such as a liquid or a gel, may be used according to circumstances.

[0072] The inflation fluid generator only needs to be a device for supplying inflation fluid to the airbag. For example, it can be a so-called pilot type inflator having a gas generating agent that generates gas as the inflation fluid. Or, it can be a so-called hybrid type inflator that breaks the partition wall of a high-pressure container to supply the gas stored in the high-pressure container. The inflation fluid generator can be entirely disposed outside the airbag, or a part or the whole can be disposed inside the airbag.

[0073] The inflation fluid generator can quickly start supplying inflation fluid to the airbag and can supply it at a large flow rate. Therefore, according to the seat buffer airbag device as the raising element, the seat surface can be quickly raised upward upon impact, and further, the buttocks of the dummy can be quickly raised.

[0074] The airbag is disposed in the seat portion of a vehicle seat. The seat portion is the part of the seat where the occupant sits and can include a seat support portion and a seat cushion-shaped seat portion supported by the seat support portion. In addition to this seat portion, the seat can have, for example, a backrest, an armrest, etc.

[0075] In addition, the seat in this specification only needs to be a structure where the occupant can sit. For example, it can be a front seat such as a driver's seat or a passenger seat, or it can be a rear seat.

[0076] The airbag is disposed in the seat portion of a vehicle seat below the seat surface and deforms itself and presses the seat surface of the seat portion upward when it expands.

[0077] Preferably, this airbag is stored in the seat portion in a folded or flattened state in a normal state, and as the material of the airbag, a material that can be folded and unfolded is preferably selected.

[0078] As the material of the specific airbag, a material having flexibility and high strength is preferably selected. For example, a woven fabric using high-strength resin fibers such as polyester and polyamide can be particularly preferably used.

[0079] When using a seat cushion airbag device as a lifting element, depending on the position of the airbag relative to the seat part, it is also possible to lift the dummy's buttocks from directly below as described in [2] above. In addition, the "directly below" mentioned here does not refer to the position directly below the dummy's buttocks in the vertical direction, but includes the concept of a position where the crossing angle relative to the vertical direction is within 30°.

[0080] Specifically, the position of the airbag relative to the seat can be a position between the central part and the front end part in the front-back direction of the seat part of the seat, which is below the seat surface.

[0081] When the position of the airbag is the above position, the airbag expands and deforms the area between the central part and the front end part in the front-back direction in the seat part upward. At least a part of the area between the central part and the front end part in the front-back direction in the seat part coincides with the area from the ischium to the thigh of the dummy sitting on the seat. Therefore, at this time, the area from the ischium to the thigh of the dummy sitting on the seat part of the seat, that is, the buttocks, rises from directly below. Similarly, at this time, the buttocks of the occupant sitting on the seat part of the seat rise from directly below.

[0082] More preferably, the position of the airbag relative to the seat part is more rearward than the front 1 / 5 position in the front-back direction of the seat part, more rearward than the front 1 / 4 position in the front-back direction of the seat part, or more rearward than the front 1 / 3 position in the front-back direction of the seat part. In the above cases, since the airbag is arranged near the buttocks of the dummy sitting on the seat, when an impact occurs, it can lift the dummy's buttocks from directly below.

[0083] In order to lift the dummy's buttocks higher when an impact occurs as described in [3] above, it is preferable to make the airbag of the seat cushion airbag device as a lifting element deform greatly upward when it expands, so as to increase the position above the top to a certain extent.

[0084] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the airbag of a general seat cushion airbag device is formed into a flat shape by sewing an upper sheet 50u forming the top 11t of the airbag and a lower sheet 50l forming the bottom of the airbag. Regarding this airbag, the seam of the upper sheet 50u and the lower sheet 50l is formed along the peripheral part of the upper sheet 50u and the lower sheet 50l over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. Hereinafter, this airbag will be referred to as a flat airbag as needed.

[0085] The above flat airbag 11F, in its normal state, that is, when it is neither deployed nor inflated, is formed into a flat shape with almost no thickness in the up-down direction. And as Figure 11As shown, when the flat airbag 11F expands upon impact, the lower sheet 50l expands downward to form the bottom 11b, and then the upper sheet 50u expands upward to form the top 11t.

[0086] In order for such a flat airbag 11F to deform significantly upward when expanding, and to raise the position above the top 11t to a certain extent, it is necessary to increase its outer shape.

[0087] Specifically, it is preferable that the size of the flat airbag in its normal state is greater than or equal to 80% of the width direction length of the seat portion in the width direction of the seat portion, and more preferably greater than or equal to 90%.

[0088] In addition, as described above, the flat airbag for the seat cushion airbag device used as the raising element requires a structure with a relatively large outer shape in its normal state. However, it is sometimes difficult to arrange such a large flat airbag depending on the shape of the seat portion of the seat.

[0089] That is, in order to improve the degree of freedom in arranging the airbag, it can be said that even when the outer shape of the airbag in its normal state is not too large, a structure that deforms significantly upward when expanding is also used.

[0090] As the above-mentioned airbag, specifically, it is preferably formed in a shape having side portions between the top and the bottom when expanding. More preferably, the airbag has standing walls extending in the vertical direction in at least two relatively opposed regions of its side portions.

[0091] Hereinafter, this airbag will be referred to as a three-dimensional airbag as needed.

[0092] The three-dimensional airbag is an airbag that is connected to an inflation fluid source and expands by supplying inflation fluid to the inside, and can be said to be a seat cushion airbag as follows, that is,

[0093] when expanding, it has side portions between the top and the bottom,

[0094] and has standing walls extending in the vertical direction in at least two relatively opposed regions of the side portions.

[0095] Regarding the three-dimensional airbag, the standing walls included in the side portions extend in the vertical direction when expanding. Therefore, the standing walls guide the deformation direction of the airbag in a manner that raises the position above the top when expanding.

[0096] It can be said that the standing walls contribute to the significant upward deformation of the airbag when expanding.

[0097] According to the three-dimensional airbag having such a standing wall on the side, even if the outer shape in the normal state is not very large, the position above the top is sufficiently increased when expanded. Therefore, when using the seat cushion airbag device having the three-dimensional airbag as a lifting element, at the time of impact, the buttocks of the dummy sitting on the seat can be lifted higher, and the dummy can be efficiently formed into a hunched state.

[0098] Regarding the three-dimensional airbag, the side portion can be formed only when expanded, or can be formed not only when expanded but also in the normal state.

[0099] Here, the top of the three-dimensional airbag refers to the region including the upper end portion when expanded and the peripheral portion smoothly continuous with the upper end portion in the three-dimensional airbag mounted on the seat portion. The size and shape of the top only need to be a shape corresponding to the shape of the three-dimensional airbag, and can be any shape such as linear or planar.

[0100] The top of the three-dimensional airbag can extend three-dimensionally in the vertical direction, and its vertical length varies according to the shape of the three-dimensional airbag, and thus is not particularly limited. The side portion including the standing wall is formed continuously with the top, and the boundary between the top and the side portion and the standing wall may sometimes be unclear.

[0101] In contrast, the bottom refers to the region including the lower end portion when expanded and the peripheral portion smoothly continuous with the lower end portion in the three-dimensional airbag mounted on the seat portion. In addition, the size and shape of the bottom only need to be a shape corresponding to the shape of the three-dimensional airbag, and can be any shape such as linear or planar.

[0102] In addition, the bottom can also extend three-dimensionally in the vertical direction, and its vertical length varies according to the shape of the three-dimensional airbag, and thus is not particularly limited. The side portion including the standing wall is formed continuously with the top, and the boundary between the top and the side portion and the standing wall may sometimes be unclear.

[0103] The side portion of the three-dimensional airbag exists between the above-mentioned top and bottom when expanded. When expanded, the top and the bottom are in different positions in the vertical direction. Therefore, it can be said that the side portion exists between the top and the bottom in the vertical direction of the three-dimensional airbag. The side portion exists between the top and the bottom throughout the entire circumference of the three-dimensional airbag.

[0104] In this specification, the circumferential direction of the three-dimensional airbag refers to the direction in which the side portion extends in the three-dimensional airbag.

[0105] In addition, the above-mentioned top, bottom, and side portion are also parts existing in the flat airbag.

[0106] The three-dimensional airbag has standing walls extending in the vertical direction in at least two opposite regions in the above-mentioned side portion.

[0107] The vertical wall of the three-dimensional airbag may form only a portion of the side portion or the entire side portion. In other words, the vertical wall may exist between the top and bottom portions of only a portion of the circumference of the three-dimensional airbag or may exist between the top and bottom portions along the entire circumference of the three-dimensional airbag.

[0108] The standing wall of the three-dimensional airbag can be said to be thickened, that is, to be formed in a so-called insert shape by adding a portion where the thickness is insufficient for a flat airbag formed only of an upper sheet and a lower sheet.

[0109] For example, the vertical wall of the three-dimensional air bag can be integrally formed with the top and / or bottom. Alternatively, the vertical wall can be separately formed with the top and / or bottom and then engaged with the top and / or bottom to achieve integration.

[0110] In this specification, the term "joining" is a concept including sewing with sutures, binding with various fasteners such as staples, bonding with adhesives, and welding.

[0111] For example Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the three-dimensional airbag 11T can be formed by joining and integrating a thickened body 50s, which is separate from the upper sheet 50u and the lower sheet 50l, with the upper sheet 50u and the lower sheet 50l. When the three-dimensional airbag 11T is deployed and inflated, a portion of the thickened body 50s forms the upright wall 20.

[0112] also, Figure 12 and Figure 13 These are explanatory diagrams schematically illustrating one embodiment of a three-dimensional airbag, and more specifically, schematically illustrating a state where the three-dimensional airbag is cut along the width direction, that is, the left-right direction shown in each diagram.

[0113] Figure 12 The three-dimensional airbag 11T shown in FIG. 1 is as follows in a normal state. Figure 13 The three-dimensional airbag 11T is folded or flattened as shown. Figure 12 Shown unfolded and inflated.

[0114] like Figure 12 As shown, when the three-dimensional airbag 11T is deployed and inflated, the upright wall 20 extends in the vertical direction. Thus, the upright wall 20 guides the deformation direction of the three-dimensional airbag 11T so as to raise the position above the top portion 11t.

[0115] In addition, if Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, in this three-dimensional airbag 11T, a seam (specifically, seam 30) exists at the upper end of the upright wall 20 between the upright wall 20 and the top portion 11t, and a seam (i.e., seam 30) exists at the lower end of the upright wall 20 between the upright wall 20 and the bottom portion 11b. The seam between the upright wall 20 and the top portion 11t can be referred to as the seam between the thickened body 50s and the upper sheet 50u. Furthermore, the seam between the upright wall 20 and the bottom portion 11b can be referred to as the seam between the thickened body 50s and the lower sheet 50l.

[0116] The portion of the upright wall 20 near the joint 30 is more rigid than the rest of the upright wall 20 (referred to as the general portion 21 of the upright wall 20 as needed). Therefore, the portion near the joint 30 of the upright wall 20 is less likely to deform than the general portion of the upright wall 20 and is more likely to maintain its shape.

[0117] Therefore, in the three-dimensional airbag 11T of this embodiment, when it is deployed and inflated, the general portion 21 of the upright wall 20 deforms preferentially, thereby guiding the deformation direction of the three-dimensional airbag 11T so as to raise the upper position of the top portion 11t.

[0118] Therefore, in this case, even if the outer shape of the three-dimensional airbag 11T in the normal state is not too large, the upper position of the top portion 11t thereof is sufficiently high when deployed and inflated.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, substantially the entire upper sheet 50u forms the top portion 11t of the three-dimensional airbag 11T.

[0120] In addition, for example Figure 14 As shown, the thickened body 50s and the upper sheet 50u of the three-dimensional airbag 11T can be integrally formed, and the upper sheet 50u and the integrally formed body of the upright wall 20 and the lower sheet 50l can be integrated by sewing.

[0121] In the three-dimensional airbag 11T of this embodiment, it can be said that the upright wall 20 is constituted by a part of the upper sheet 50u.

[0122] Furthermore, it can be said that in this embodiment, the upright wall 20 also functions as a thickening between the top portion 11 t and the bottom portion 11 b .

[0123] For reference, Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating one embodiment of a three-dimensional airbag, and more specifically, schematically illustrates a state where the three-dimensional airbag is cut along the width direction.

[0124] In addition, the three-dimensional airbag 11T of this method is also in the normal state. Figure 15 Furthermore, if an inflation fluid is supplied to the three-dimensional airbag 11T from an inflation fluid generating source (not shown), the airbag 11T will be folded or flattened as shown.Figure 14 is shown expanded and inflated.

[0125] As Figure 15 shown, when the three-dimensional airbag 11T expands and inflates, in a manner that raises the position above the top 11t which is a part of the upper sheet 50u, the vertical wall 20 which is another part of the upper sheet 50u and extends in the vertical direction guides the deformation direction of the three-dimensional airbag 11T in the vertical direction.

[0126] Therefore, in this case, even if the internal pressure of the three-dimensional airbag 11T during expansion and inflation is not too high, the position above the top 11t is high enough. Thus, not only is the height of the three-dimensional airbag 11T that expands and inflates during impact high enough, but also it has the following advantage, that is, the speed at which the height of the three-dimensional airbag 11T increases during impact increases, and furthermore, the buttocks of the dummy can be quickly lifted during impact.

[0127] And, for example Figure 16 shown, the top 11t, the bottom 11b, and the vertical wall 20 of the three-dimensional airbag 11T can be respectively divided into a plurality of divided bodies. Moreover, the divided body of the top 11t, the divided body of the vertical wall 20 that is continuous with the divided body of the top 11t, and the divided body of the bottom 11b that is continuous with the divided body of the vertical wall 20 can be integrally formed to form one airbag divided body 11d.

[0128] Regarding the three-dimensional airbag 11T in this manner, it can be said that the four airbag divided bodies 11d are joined together to achieve integration and form the three-dimensional airbag 11T.

[0129] At the top 11t of the three-dimensional airbag 11T in this manner, there is a seam 30 between the part forming the top 11t in a certain airbag divided body 11d and the part forming the top 11t in another adjacent airbag divided body 11d.

[0130] In addition, at the bottom 11b of the three-dimensional airbag 11T in this manner, there is a seam 30 between the part forming the bottom 11b in a certain airbag divided body 11d and the part forming the bottom 11b in another adjacent airbag divided body 11d.

[0131] And, at the vertical wall 20 of the three-dimensional airbag 11T in this manner, there is a seam 30 between the part forming the vertical wall 20 in a certain airbag divided body 11d and the part forming the vertical wall 20 in another adjacent airbag divided body 11d.

[0132] In this case, when the three-dimensional airbag 11T that is folded or flattened in the normal state expands and inflates, the vertical wall extending in the vertical direction also guides the deformation direction of the three-dimensional airbag 11T in a manner that raises the position above the top 11t.

[0133] Therefore, in this case, even if the outer shape of the three-dimensional airbag in the normal state is not very large, for the three-dimensional airbag when it is deployed and inflated, the position above the top thereof is high enough.

[0134] Preferably, the vertical wall is folded back to the inside or outside of the three-dimensional airbag in the normal state. Thereby, there is an advantage that it is easy to flatten or fold the airbag in such a way that the length of the vertical wall in the up-and-down direction increases when deployed and inflated and the outer shape of the three-dimensional airbag decreases in the normal state.

[0135] As described above, in the case where the vertical wall is folded back to the inside or outside of the three-dimensional airbag in the normal state, it is also preferable to form a stitching mark or a seam at the crease portion of the vertical wall. Thereby, the rigidity of the crease portion is improved, and it is easy to maintain the shape of the crease in the normal state.

[0136] It is sufficient that the three-dimensional airbag has vertical walls extending in the up-and-down direction in at least two opposite regions in the side portion, and the length of the vertical wall in the up-and-down direction is not particularly limited. In addition, the vertical wall may be continuous throughout the up-and-down direction, or may have a seam at any part in the up-and-down direction.

[0137] Regarding the three-dimensional airbag, in order to further increase the position above the top when deployed and inflated, it is preferable to set the length of the vertical wall in the up-and-down direction, that is, the height of the vertical wall, to be long.

[0138] When the internal pressure of the three-dimensional airbag is set to 175 kPa during deployment and inflation, the length of the vertical wall in the up-and-down direction is preferably greater than or equal to 120 mm. The length of the vertical wall in the up-and-down direction is not particularly set with an upper limit, and if forced to give an example, it is sufficient if it is less than or equal to 300 mm.

[0139] Regarding the three-dimensional airbag, in the case where the vertical walls are in two opposite regions in the side portion, each of the vertical walls in the two regions may have the same shape or different shapes. And, the length of each vertical wall in the up-and-down direction in this case may be the same or different.

[0140] In the case where the vertical wall exists in the entire circumference of the three-dimensional airbag, the length of the vertical wall in the up-and-down direction may be the same or different throughout the entire circumference. In order to suppress the above-mentioned diving phenomenon, it is preferable that the length of the front side portion of the vertical wall in the up-and-down direction is longer than the length of the rear side portion of the vertical wall in the up-and-down direction.

[0141] As described above, the standing wall can be integrally formed with the top and / or the bottom, but it is more preferable to achieve integration by joining the standing wall, which is preferably formed separately from the top and the bottom, to the top and / or the bottom. The general part of the standing wall is clamped by the seams of the top and the standing wall and the bottom and the standing wall, which are relatively rigid parts. Thus, when expanding, the force causing the general part to deform in the vertical direction is difficult to be transmitted from the general part to the top side and from the general part to the bottom side. For example, it can also be conceived that when expanding, if the general part deforms in the vertical direction, the upper sheet and the lower sheet will flexibly deform accordingly. Such flexible deformation of the upper sheet and the lower sheet may hinder the vertical deformation of the general part.

[0142] By clamping the general part with the above-mentioned seams, it is difficult to hinder the vertical deformation of the general part. Therefore, even when the internal pressure during expansion is low, the vertical length of the three-dimensional airbag is large enough, and when an impact occurs, the speed at which the three-dimensional airbag stands up upward is high. Thus, when an impact occurs, the buttocks of the dummy can be raised highly and quickly.

[0143] Regarding the three-dimensional airbag, in order to raise the buttocks of the dummy sitting on the seat highly, it is preferable to extend the length of the three-dimensional airbag in the width direction to a certain extent.

[0144] Specifically, in the normal state, it is preferable that the length of the three-dimensional airbag in the width direction is greater than or equal to 280 mm. Or, when the width direction length of the seat part is set to 100%, it is preferable that the size of the three-dimensional airbag in the normal state is greater than or equal to 70%.

[0145] Regarding the three-dimensional airbag, the length in the front-rear direction is not particularly limited. It can be of the same degree as the length in the width direction or longer than the length in the width direction. However, if the three-dimensional airbag is made more compact, the weight of the three-dimensional airbag can be reduced.

[0146] Therefore, it is preferable that the length of the three-dimensional airbag in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length in the width direction. In other words, it is preferable that the three-dimensional airbag has a long side direction and a short side direction, and its long side direction is along the width direction of the seat part.

[0147] Specifically, it is preferable that the length of the three-dimensional airbag in the front-rear direction is greater than or equal to 25% of the length of the three-dimensional airbag in the width direction.

[0148] In addition, in order to raise the buttocks of the dummy sitting on the seat highly, when expanding, it is preferable that the area of the three-dimensional airbag corresponding to the position of the dummy's buttocks and the outer side in the width direction is at a higher position than the area corresponding to the ischium of the dummy.

[0149] In other words, it is preferable to arrange the three-dimensional airbag such that the long side direction thereof is along the width direction of the seat portion, and the top of the three-dimensional airbag has raised portions at both end portions in the long side direction. It can be said that when the airbag expands upon deployment, the raised portions are at a position higher above than the central portion in the long side direction.

[0150] Specifically, regarding the three-dimensional airbag, it is preferable that when the airbag expands upon deployment, the raised portions and the central portion in the long side direction are separated in the vertical direction by an amplitude greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0151] Regarding the three-dimensional airbag, the top and the bottom can be connected by a lacing. The lacing is a member having a shape such as a cord shape, a band shape, or a filament shape, and is also referred to as a tether or a strip. By connecting the top and the bottom using the lacing, the position above the top can be controlled with high precision when the airbag expands upon deployment. This is beneficial for raising the buttocks of the dummy seated on the seat to a relatively high position.

[0152] Similarly, regarding the three-dimensional airbag, it is preferable to connect the opposing side walls to each other, in other words, to connect the paired side walls to each other using a lacing. By connecting the side walls to each other using the lacing, there is an advantage that the relative positions of the side walls can be controlled with high precision when the airbag expands upon deployment.

[0153] In the case where the three-dimensional airbag is in this manner, it is particularly preferable that the side walls are at both end portions in the long side direction of the three-dimensional airbag, and the long side direction of the three-dimensional airbag is along the width direction of the seat portion.

[0154] In this case, by precisely controlling the length in the width direction of the three-dimensional airbag when it expands upon deployment, the buttocks of the dummy seated on the seat can be raised to a relatively high position.

[0155] And, [2] In order to raise the buttocks of the dummy from directly below in the event of a collision, it is also useful to use at least a part of the seat portion of the seat as part of the raising element.

[0156] For example, the raising element can have a seat portion including the seat surface of the seat. In this case, it is sufficient that at least a part of the seat portion changes its position upward in the event of a collision.

[0157] As described above, the seat portion is a part of the seat portion of the seat, and is also a part supported by the seat support portion which is a part of the seat portion. The seat portion is formed in a cushion shape and includes the seat surface. The seat portion can also be referred to as the portion in contact with the buttocks of the occupant.

[0158] The seat portion can be composed of a single component or multiple divided bodies. For example, the seat portion can be formed into a divided body shape that is divided in the front-rear direction at a position between the front end portion and the rear end portion. In this case, the lifting element can include all of the divided bodies of the seat portion that are present in multiple numbers, or can include only a part of the divided bodies of the seat portion that are present in multiple numbers. In other words, when the seat portion is composed of multiple divided bodies, only a part of the divided bodies can change their positions upward when an impact occurs, or all of the divided bodies can change their positions upward when an impact occurs.

[0159] The lifting element having at least a part of the seat portion further has a lifting drive portion that changes the position of at least a part of the seat portion upward on the basis of at least a part of the seat portion.

[0160] The lifting drive portion can change the position of the entire seat portion upward when an impact occurs, or can change the position of only a part of the seat portion upward. If the position of the entire or a part of the seat portion changes upward, the buttocks of a dummy sitting on the seat portion can be lifted from directly below.

[0161] In this case, the lifting drive portion can, for example, apply a force to the front end portion of the seat portion to tilt the front end portion upward, or can apply a force to the rear end portion of the seat portion to tilt the rear end portion upward. Alternatively, the lifting drive portion can lift the entire seat portion upward.

[0162] When the seat portion is composed of multiple divided bodies, the lifting drive portion can lift the front-side divided body including the front end of the seat portion in the divided bodies upward, or can lift the rear-side divided body including the rear end of the seat portion in the divided bodies upward.

[0163] Alternatively, a force can be applied to the rear end portion of the front-side divided body to tilt the rear end portion of the front-side divided body upward, or a force can be applied to the front end portion of the rear-side divided body to tilt the front end portion of the rear-side divided body upward.

[0164] And the seat portion can be composed of three or more divided bodies arranged in the front-rear direction, and the middle divided body located between the front-side divided body and the rear-side divided body in the divided bodies is lifted upward by the lifting drive portion. The middle divided body can be only one or multiple. The lifting drive portion can lift the entire middle divided body upward, or can tilt the front end portion or the rear end portion of the middle divided body upward.

[0165] The raising drive unit only needs to be able to change the position of at least a part of the seat unit upward as described above, and its mechanism and the like are not particularly limited. As the raising drive unit, for example, a motor, an inflater, etc. can be cited as the drive source, but it is not limited thereto. In addition, it is preferable that the raising drive unit quickly executes an operation when an impact occurs, and it is particularly preferable that the raising drive unit uses a structure including an inflater as the drive source.

[0166] Based on the above drive source, the raising drive unit may have a follower that changes the position of at least a part of the seat unit upward following the drive source. The follower may be the seat unit itself, may be integrated with the seat unit, or may be the above-mentioned seat support unit that supports the seat unit.

[0167] As the seat support unit, for example, a seat rod and a seat plate are preferable, and the seat support unit functions as a follower.

[0168] Among them, the seat rod is a long member that is below the seat surface of the seat and is provided in the width direction of the seat, and is a member that supports the seat unit from below and particularly contributes to improving the strength of the seat portion in the width direction.

[0169] When the seat rod is a follower, when an impact occurs, the position of the seat rod that follows the drive source changes upward, and at least a part of the seat unit is raised upward by using the seat rod to change the position.

[0170] The seat plate is a plate-shaped member that is below the seat surface of the seat and extends in the width direction and the front-rear direction of the seat, and is a member that supports the seat unit from below and contributes to improving the strength of the seat portion in the width direction and the front-rear direction.

[0171] When the seat plate is a follower, when an impact occurs, the position of at least a part of the seat plate that follows the drive source changes upward. The overall position of the seat plate may change upward. For example, it may tilt around one end thereof and cause the position of the other end to change upward. The position of at least a part of the seat plate changes upward, so that at least a part of the seat unit is raised upward by using the seat plate to change the position.

[0172] For example, if the drive source is a motor, a driving force transmission mechanism represented by a rack and pinion mechanism or a cam mechanism can be interposed between the motor as the drive source and the seat rod and the seat plate as the follower. This driving force transmission mechanism is a part of the raising drive unit.

[0173] By using this driving force transmission mechanism to convert the driving force of the drive source into an upward force and transmit it to the seat rod and the seat plate, the position of at least a part of the seat rod and the seat plate changes upward.

[0174] As described above, an inflator is a device that generates various expansion fluids such as gas. If the drive source is an inflator, an airbag-like driving force transmission mechanism can be interposed between the inflator as the drive source and the seat rod and seat plate as the driven parts. In addition, this driving force transmission mechanism is also a part of the lifting drive unit.

[0175] This airbag-like driving force transmission mechanism expands and inflates by using the driving force of the drive source, that is, the expansion fluid. Thus, the driving force transmission mechanism can change the position of at least a part of the seat rod and seat plate upward.

[0176] When the lifting drive unit directly changes the position of at least a part of the seat part upward as described above, the driving force transmission mechanism can be interposed between the drive source and the seat part. In this case, it can be said that this lifting drive unit uses the seat part itself as the driven part.

[0177] When at least a part of the seat part of the seat is used as a part of the lifting element as described above, if the operation speed of the lifting drive unit is increased during a collision, [1] the buttocks of the dummy can be quickly lifted during a collision. In this case, it is also preferable that the lifting element raises the seat surface of the seat at a speed such that the waist point (for example, the waist acceleration sensor) of the dummy rises by 10 mm or more within 25 milliseconds during a collision. Additionally, it is more preferable that the lifting element raises the seat surface of the seat at a speed such that the waist point rises by 20 mm or more within 25 milliseconds.

[0178] Moreover, when at least a part of the seat part of the seat is used as a part of the lifting element as described above, if the position of at least a part of the seat part is greatly changed upward by the lifting drive unit, [3] the buttocks of the dummy can be lifted higher during a collision.

[0179] Next, specific examples will be given to illustrate the occupant posture restricting device of the present invention.

[0180] (Example 1)

[0181] The occupant posture restricting device of Example 1 has a seat cushion airbag device as a lifting element and has a seat. In Figure 1 shows an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a view of the occupant posture restricting device of Example 1 as viewed from above. In Figure 2 and Figure 3 show explanatory diagrams schematically illustrating a view of the occupant posture restricting device of Example 1 as viewed from the side. In addition, Figure 2 represents the occupant posture restricting device of Example 1 when the airbag is in its normal state, Figure 3Shows the occupant posture restraint device of Embodiment 1 when an impact occurs and when the airbag is deployed and inflated. In Figure 4 shows a diagram schematically showing the airbag of the occupant posture restraint device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from above. In Figure 5 shows a diagram schematically showing the airbag of the occupant posture restraint device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the side. In Figure 6 shows an explanatory diagram schematically explaining the airbag of the occupant posture restraint device of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the side and from the rear.

[0182] Hereinafter, in Embodiment 1, up, down, left, right, front, and rear refer to up, down, left, right, front, and rear shown in each figure. The left-right direction coincides with the width direction.

[0183] The occupant posture restraint device of Embodiment 1 has a seat cushion airbag device 1 and a seat 90 as raising elements.

[0184] As Figure 1 shown, the seat cushion airbag device 1 has a three-dimensional airbag 11T and an inflation fluid generating source 10.

[0185] The seat cushion airbag device 1 of the occupant posture restraint device of Embodiment 1 is mounted on a vehicle seat 90. More specifically, it is disposed below the seat portion 95 of the seat 90. Since the seat surface 93 of the seat portion 91 is formed by the upper surface of the seat portion 95, it can also be said that the seat cushion airbag device 1 of the occupant posture restraint device of Embodiment 1 is disposed below the seat surface 93 in the seat portion 91.

[0186] The three-dimensional airbag 11T is inside the seat portion 91 and is located above the seat bar 92 extending in the width direction near the central portion in the front-rear direction thereof. Therefore, it can be said that the seat cushion airbag 11 is disposed in the front region, which is the region between the central portion and the front end portion in the front-rear direction of the seat portion 91.

[0187] The inflation fluid generating source 10 is disposed inside the three-dimensional airbag 11T and is disposed more forward than the seat bar 92.

[0188] The inflation fluid generating source 10 of the seat cushion airbag device 1 is an inflator that generates a gas as an inflation fluid, is connected to a control device (not shown) for deploying and inflating the three-dimensional airbag 11T, and receives power supply to perform an operation. This control device is an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle.

[0189] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the three-dimensional airbag 11T is formed by sewing an upper sheet 50u, a lower sheet 50l, two thickened bodies 50s, and a lace 60.

[0190] The upper sheet 50u forms the top 11t of the three-dimensional airbag 11T, and the lower sheet 50l forms the bottom 11b of the three-dimensional airbag 11T.

[0191] The upper sheet 50u, the lower sheet 50l, and the thickening body 50s are each made of a polyester woven fabric. Among them, the upper sheet 50u and the lower sheet 50l have substantially the same shape, such that the long side direction faces the left and right directions and the short side direction faces the front and back directions. Therefore, it can be said that the long side direction of the seat cushion airbag 11 is along the width direction.

[0192] As Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the upper sheet 50u and the lower sheet 50l are sewn together at the front side portion and the rear side portion of their peripheral portions to achieve integration. It can be said that the upper sheet 50u and the lower sheet 50l are sewn together at both end portions in their short side direction to achieve integration.

[0193] One thickening body 50s is disposed at each of the two end portions in the long side direction of the three-dimensional airbag 11T. The upper side portion of each thickening body 50s is sewn to the end portion in the long side direction of the upper sheet 50u to achieve integration. The lower side portion of each thickening body 50s is sewn to the end portion in the long side direction of the lower sheet 50l to achieve integration.

[0194] As Figure 4 shown, the seams 30 of the upper sheet 50u, the lower sheet 50l, and the two thickening bodies 50s are formed along the entire circumference of the peripheral portion of the upper sheet 50u and the lower sheet 50l. As Figure 5 shown, it can be said that the seams 30 are formed along the entire circumference of the peripheral portion of each thickening body 50s. Thereby, the three-dimensional airbag 11T is formed into an approximately box shape.

[0195] Regarding the three-dimensional airbag 11T, at both end portions in its short side direction, the seams 30 of the upper sheet 50u and the lower sheet 50l and the portions near them form a part of the side portion 11s. In addition, at both end portions of the long side of the three-dimensional airbag 11T, the portion between the seam 30 of the upper sheet 50u and the thickening body 50s and the seam 30 of the lower sheet 50l and the thickening body 50s forms the remaining portion of the side portion 11s. This portion is also a vertical wall 20 extending in the up and down direction.

[0196] As Figure 4 shown, regarding the three-dimensional airbag 11T, the top 11t and the bottom 11b are connected by a tie belt 60. The tie belt 60 is disposed inside the three-dimensional airbag 11T.

[0197] The three-dimensional airbag 11T is folded in its normal state. This three-dimensional airbag 11T is inflated by supplying inflation fluid from the inflation fluid generating source 10 as Figure 5 、Figure 6 The inflated state shown

[0198] The three-dimensional airbag 11T is arranged in the seat portion 91 with its long side direction along the width direction, i.e., the left-right direction. Moreover, the central portion in the long side direction of the top 11t and the central portion in the long side direction of the bottom 11b are connected by the lacing 60. Therefore, when inflated, the central portion in the long side direction of the top 11t is at a lower position above compared to the two end portions in the long side direction of the top 11t.

[0199] That is, as Figure 6 shown, the top 11t of the three-dimensional airbag 11T has raised portions 40 at both end portions in its long side direction. Moreover, these raised portions 40 are at a higher position above compared to the central portion 41 in the long side direction when inflated.

[0200] The three-dimensional airbag 11T has standing walls 20 extending in the vertical direction in regions at both ends in the long side direction of its side portion 11s. The standing walls 20 deform in the vertical direction when inflated. Therefore, the deformation direction of the three-dimensional airbag 11T when inflated is guided in the vertical direction by the standing walls 20.

[0201] Thus, regarding this three-dimensional airbag 11T, the position above the top 11t when inflated is relatively high. Accordingly, the occupant posture restricting device of the first embodiment uses the raising element, i.e., the seat cushion airbag device 1, to raise the seat surface 93 of the seat 90 upward to a relatively high position, thereby enabling the buttocks 99b of the dummy 99 seated on the seat 90 to be raised to a relatively high position.

[0202] In addition, regarding the above three-dimensional airbag 11T, even when the internal pressure when inflated is not too high, the position above the top 11t is sufficiently high. Thus, the occupant posture restricting device of the first embodiment can use the raising element, i.e., the seat cushion airbag device 1, to raise the buttocks 99b of the dummy 99 seated on the seat 90 to a relatively high position quickly.

[0203] However, as Figure 2 shown, the dummy 99 has a lumbar acceleration sensor SW at its waist 99w and a chest acceleration sensor SC at its chest 99c. The lumbar acceleration sensor SW is located at the lumbar point of the dummy 99, and the chest acceleration sensor SC is located at the chest point of the dummy 99.

[0204] The seat cushion airbag device 1 of the occupant posture restricting device according to Embodiment 1 causes the three-dimensional airbag 11T to deploy and expand at a speed such that the waist point of the dummy 99, i.e., the waist acceleration sensor SW, rises by 20 mm or more within 25 milliseconds. That is, the three-dimensional airbag 11T deploys and expands at a relatively high speed. Thus, the rising element of the occupant posture restricting device according to Embodiment 1 can also cause the buttocks 99b of the dummy 99 sitting on the seat 90 to rise higher and more quickly.

[0205] Regarding the occupant posture restricting device according to Embodiment 1, through the above-described cooperative action, the vertical distance H between the waist acceleration sensor SW and the chest acceleration sensor SC of the dummy 99, in other words, the vertical distance between the waist point and the chest point, becomes smaller during an impact than in the normal state. Specifically, regarding the occupant posture restricting device according to Embodiment 1, the vertical distance H between the waist acceleration sensor SW and the chest acceleration sensor SC is shorter by 10 mm or more during an impact than in the normal state.

[0206] That is, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 1, as Figure 2 shown, when an impact occurs to the dummy 99 sitting on the seat 90, as Figure 3 shown, it is formed into a hunched state in which its back bends forward. Of course, the occupant sitting on the seat 90 also forms a hunched state when an impact occurs.

[0207] If the dummy 99 is formed into a hunched state, the shoulder strap 94s is not in a state of running along the chest 99c of the dummy 99 and is stretched between the shoulder 99s and the waist 99w of the dummy 99. Therefore, at this time, a gap is generated between the shoulder strap 94s and the chest 99c located between the shoulder 99s and the waist 99w. And, thereby, it is possible to avoid or suppress the chest 99c of the dummy 99 being strongly pressed by the tension of the shoulder strap 94s, and thus, it is possible to avoid or suppress the chest of the occupant being strongly pressed. That is, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 1, it is possible to reduce the burden applied to the occupant during an impact.

[0208] In addition, during an impact, the waist of the dummy wearing the seat belt first moves forward due to inertia and then returns backward. Depending on the situation, the waist of the dummy repeats this forward and backward movement multiple times.

[0209] The seat cushion airbag device 1 of the occupant posture restriction device according to Embodiment 1 maintained a state in which the vertical distance H between the lumbar acceleration sensor SW and the chest acceleration sensor SC of the dummy 99 was smaller than normal until the initial forward movement of the lumbar point of the dummy stopped, specifically, for a time greater than or equal to 55 milliseconds. Thus, the hunched state of the dummy 99 was maintained for a sufficient length of time, and it was possible to avoid or suppress with high reliability the strong pressing of the chest 99c of the dummy 99 by the tension of the shoulder strap 94s.

[0210] (Embodiment 2)

[0211] The occupant posture restriction device of Embodiment 2 has a seat portion and a lifting drive portion as lifting elements, instead of the seat cushion airbag device. Other than that, the occupant posture restriction device of Embodiment 2 is substantially the same as the occupant posture restriction device of Embodiment 1.

[0212] In Figure 7 shows an explanatory diagram schematically explaining the occupant posture restriction device of Embodiment 2.

[0213] Hereinafter, the occupant posture restriction device of Embodiment 2 will be described centering on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0214] As Figure 7 shown, the occupant posture restriction device of Embodiment 2 has a seat portion 95 and a lifting drive portion 15 as a lifting element 1.

[0215] More specifically, the seat 90 of the occupant posture restriction device of Embodiment 2 has a seat portion 95 and a seat support portion 96. The seat support portion 96 is a portion of the seat portion 91 of the seat 90 that supports the seat portion 95 from below. The seat portion 95 can be tilted relative to the seat support portion 96 about a tilt axis (not shown) located on its rear side so that its front end faces upward.

[0216] The lifting drive portion 15 is disposed between the seat portion 95 and the seat support portion 96 and has: a drive source 16 constituted by an inflator; and an airbag-shaped driving force transmission mechanism 17. The driving force transmission mechanism 17 is disposed at a front position between the seat portion 95 and the seat support portion 96.

[0217] The driving source 16, i.e., the inflator, is connected to the ECU in the same way as various airbag devices and generates an expansion fluid upon impact, supplying this expansion fluid to the airbag-like driving force transmission mechanism 17. The driving force transmission mechanism 17 supplied with the expansion fluid expands between the seat support portion 96 and the seat portion 95. As the driving force transmission mechanism 17 expands, the seat portion 95 rises from below and the front end tilts upward. Thus, the lifting element 1 can lift the buttocks 99b of the dummy 99 sitting on the seat 90 to a relatively high position.

[0218] In addition, the lifting element 1 of the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 2 also causes the driving force transmission mechanism 17 to expand at a speed such that the waist point of the dummy 99, i.e., the waist acceleration sensor, rises by 20 mm or more within 25 milliseconds. Therefore, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 2, the buttocks 99b of the dummy 99 sitting on the seat 90 can also be lifted to a relatively high position quickly.

[0219] Furthermore, regarding the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 2, the vertical distance H between the waist acceleration sensor and the chest acceleration sensor of the dummy 99 is shorter by 10 mm or more than normal during impact.

[0220] Therefore, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 2, the dummy 99 sitting on the seat 90 also assumes a hunched-back state during impact. Similarly, the occupant sitting on the seat 90 also assumes a hunched-back state during impact.

[0221] Thus, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 2, it is possible to avoid or suppress the chest of the occupant from being strongly pressed during impact, and further reduce the burden imposed on the occupant during impact.

[0222] (Embodiment 3)

[0223] The occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3 includes a seat rod in the lifting element and is substantially the same as the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 2 except for the lifting element.

[0224] In Figure 8 shows an explanatory diagram schematically explaining the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3.

[0225] Hereinafter, the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3 will be described centering on the differences from Embodiment 2.

[0226] As Figure 8 shown, the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3 has, as the lifting element 1, a seat rod 96b that is part of the seat support portion 96 and a lifting drive portion 15.

[0227] The seat rod 96b is a metal component with high strength and rigidity. The seat rod 96b is formed in a long strip shape and is installed in the lower part of the seat portion 95 and in the front side portion of the seat portion 95 in the width direction of the seat portion 91. The seat rod 96b can change its position upward relative to other parts of the seat support portion 96 (referred to as the general support portion 96g).

[0228] The raising drive portion 15 is disposed below the seat rod 96b and includes: a drive source 16 constituted by an inflator; and an airbag-shaped driving force transmission mechanism 17. The driving force transmission mechanism 17 is disposed directly below the seat rod 96b and on the upper side of the general support portion 96g.

[0229] At the time of a collision, the drive source 16, that is, the inflator, generates an expansion fluid. If this expansion fluid is supplied to the airbag-shaped driving force transmission mechanism 17, the driving force transmission mechanism 17 expands and unfolds below the seat rod 96b. The driving force transmission mechanism 17 expands and unfolds, causing the position of the seat rod 96b to change upward, and causing the seat surface 93 of the seat portion 95 to rise upward. Thus, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3, the buttocks 99b of the dummy 99 seated on the seat 90 can also be raised relatively high.

[0230] In addition, the raising element 1 of the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3 also causes the driving force transmission mechanism 17 to expand and unfold at a speed such that the lumbar acceleration sensor of the dummy 99 rises by 20 mm or more within 25 milliseconds. Therefore, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3, the buttocks 99b of the dummy 99 seated on the seat 90 can also be raised relatively high and quickly.

[0231] In addition, regarding the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3, the vertical distance H between the lumbar acceleration sensor and the chest acceleration sensor of the dummy 99 is shorter by 10 mm or more than normal at the time of a collision.

[0232] Therefore, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3, the dummy 99 seated on the seat 90 also assumes a hunched-back state at the time of a collision. Similarly, the occupant seated on the seat 90 also assumes a hunched-back state at the time of a collision.

[0233] Thus, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 3, it is possible to avoid or suppress the chest of the occupant from being strongly pressed at the time of a collision, and further, it is possible to reduce the burden applied to the occupant at the time of a collision.

[0234] (Embodiment 4)

[0235] The occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 4 has a seat plate as a raising element, and is substantially the same as the occupant posture restricting device of Embodiment 2 except for the raising element.

[0236] InFigure 9 The explanatory drawing which shows schematically the occupant posture restricting device of Example 4 is shown.

[0237] Hereinafter, the occupant posture restricting device of Example 4 will be described centering on the differences from Example 2.

[0238] As Figure 9 shown, the occupant posture restricting device of Example 4 has, as the raising element 1, a seat pan 96p which is a part of the seat support portion 96 and a raising drive portion 15.

[0239] The seat pan 96p is a metal member having high strength and rigidity. The seat pan 96p is formed in a flat plate shape and extends in the front - rear direction and the width direction of the seat portion 91 below the seat portion 95 and at the rear of the seat portion 95. The seat pan 96p can be tilted upward at its front end about a tilt axis (not shown) located on its rear side. Therefore, it can be said that the seat pan 96p can change its position upward relative to the general support portion 96g.

[0240] The raising drive portion 15 is disposed below the seat pan 96p and has: a drive source 16 constituted by an inflator; and an air - bag - like driving force transmission mechanism 17. The driving force transmission mechanism 17 is disposed below the front side of the seat pan 96p.

[0241] At the time of a collision, the drive source 16, that is, the inflator generates an expanding fluid. If this expanding fluid is supplied to the air - bag - like driving force transmission mechanism 17, the driving force transmission mechanism 17 expands and unfolds below the front side of the seat pan 96p. The driving force transmission mechanism 17 expands and unfolds to tilt the front end portion of the seat pan 96p upward, causing the seat surface 93 of the seat portion 95 to rise upward. Thus, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Example 4, it is also possible to raise the buttocks 99b of the dummy 99 seated on the seat 90 from directly below to a relatively high position.

[0242] In addition, for the raising element 1 of the occupant posture restricting device of Example 4, the driving force transmission mechanism 17 is expanded such that the waist acceleration sensor of the dummy 99 rises at a speed of greater than or equal to 20 mm within 25 milliseconds. Therefore, according to the occupant posture restricting device of Example 4, it is also possible to raise the buttocks 99b of the dummy 99 seated on the seat 90 from directly below to a relatively high position quickly.

[0243] Furthermore, regarding the occupant posture restricting device of Example 4, the vertical distance H between the waist acceleration sensor and the chest acceleration sensor of the dummy 99 is shorter by greater than or equal to 10 mm at the time of a collision than in the normal state.

[0244] Therefore, with the occupant posture restricting device according to Embodiment 4, the dummy 99 seated on the seat 90 also assumes a hunched state during an impact. Similarly, an occupant seated on the seat 90 also assumes a hunched state during an impact.

[0245] Thus, with the occupant posture restricting device according to Embodiment 4, it is possible to avoid or suppress the chest of the occupant from being strongly pressed during an impact, and thus it is possible to reduce the burden applied to the occupant during an impact.

[0246] The present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like. Elements described in the embodiments and the like can be appropriately extracted and combined for implementation, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0247] In addition, the specification of the present invention discloses not only the citation relationships of the respective technical solutions at the time of application, but also the technical idea of appropriately combining the matters described in the respective technical solutions.

[0248] Description of Reference Numerals

[0249] 1: Seat Cushion Airbag Device, Rising Element, 10: Inflation Fluid Generator, 11T: Three-Dimensional Airbag, 15: Rising Drive Unit, 90: Seat, 91: Seat Portion, 93: Seat Surface, 96p: Seat Pan, 96b: Seat Rod, 96: Seat Support Portion, 99: THOR50M Dummy, 99b: Hip Portion of Dummy, 99c: Chest Portion of Dummy, 99w: Waist Portion of Dummy, SW: Waist Acceleration Sensor (Waist Point), SC: Chest Acceleration Sensor (Chest Point), H: Vertical Distance between Waist Acceleration Sensor and Chest Acceleration Sensor (Vertical Distance between Waist Point and Chest Point)

Claims

1. An occupant posture restricting device for restricting the posture of an occupant sitting on a seat when a vehicle is impacted, wherein, the occupant posture restricting device has a rising element that operates when the impact occurs, the rising element, when the impact occurs, raises the seat surface of the seat upward in such a manner that the vertical distance between the lumbar point and the chest point of a THOR50M dummy sitting on the seat is smaller than in the normal state.

2. The occupant posture restricting device according to claim ۱, wherein, the rising element, when the impact occurs, raises the seat surface of the seat upward at a speed such that the lumbar point of the THOR50M dummy rises by greater than or equal to ۲۰ mm within ۲۵ milliseconds.

3. The occupant posture restricting device according to claim ۱ or ۲, wherein, the rising element is a seat cushion airbag device having an airbag, the airbag being disposed below the seat surface of the seat and inflating when the impact occurs.

4. The occupant posture restricting device according to claim ۱ or ۲, wherein, the rising element has a seat portion including the seat surface of the seat, at least a part of the position of the seat portion changes upward when the impact occurs.

5. The occupant posture restricting device according to claim ۱ or ۲, wherein, the rising element has a seat rod that is below the seat surface of the seat and spans in the width direction of the seat, the position of the seat rod changes upward when the impact occurs.

6. The occupant posture restricting device according to claim ۱ or ۲, wherein, the rising element has a seat plate that is below the seat surface of the seat and extends in the width direction and the front - rear direction of the seat, at least a part of the position of the seat plate changes upward when the impact occurs.

7. The occupant posture restricting device according to claim ۱ or ۲, wherein, the rising element, when the impact occurs, raises the seat surface upward in such a manner that the state where the vertical distance between the lumbar point and the chest point of the THOR50M dummy is smaller than in the normal state is maintained until the first forward movement of the lumbar point relative to the vehicle stops.

8. The occupant posture restricting device according to claim ۱ or ۲, wherein, the occupant posture restricting device further has the seat and a seat belt in addition to the rising element.

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