Side airbag safety device for vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a side airbag safety device for a vehicle, the side airbag safety device being capable of improving occupant restraint performance with a simple structure. An airbag cushion (112) of a side airbag safety device (100) is characterized by being provided with: a pre-push chamber (122) into which an inflator (114) is inserted; an upper chamber (118), at least a portion of which expands and deploys in the width direction of the seat (102) toward the outside of the pre-push chamber (122); inner exhaust ports (144a, 144b) that supply gas from the pre-push chamber (122) to the upper chamber (118); a lower chamber (120) that receives gas from the pre-push chamber (122) and expands and deploys at least to a range below the upper chamber (118); and a gas non-exchange partition section (140) that partitions the upper chamber (118) and the lower chamber (120) so that gas cannot be exchanged between the upper chamber (118) and the lower chamber (120).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a side airbag device for a vehicle for restraining an occupant seated on a seat of the vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, a vehicle is basically equipped with a safety airbag device as standard. The safety airbag device is a safety device that works in an emergency such as a vehicle collision, and protects an occupant by catching the occupant with an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys under air pressure.

[0003] The safety airbag device has various kinds according to the setting position and the use. For example, in the side airbag device for a vehicle of Patent Literature 1 of the present applicant, the airbag cushion inflates and deploys from the side of the seat toward the gap between the occupant and the side of the vehicle, and can restrain the occupant from the side. In particular, the side airbag 4 of Patent Literature 1 can appropriately restrain the chest and the waist, which are strong and tough on the skeleton, and the abdomen, which is weak, by changing the thickness according to the portion by providing a partition member 7 inside.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT LITERATURE Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2014 / 123055 SUMMARY

[0005] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION Now, the side airbag device for a vehicle is required to further improve the occupant restraining performance of the airbag cushion. For this reason, it is effective to restrain the occupant from the initial stage of the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion, on the basis of suppressing the amount of movement of the occupant from the seat. In particular, in addition to sufficiently restraining the waist, which is particularly heavy in the body of the occupant, it is required to take measures to suppress the increase in cost as much as possible.

[0006] The present application is made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a side airbag device for a vehicle capable of achieving improvement in occupant restraining performance with a simple structure.

[0007] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS To solve the above problems, the representative structure of the side airbag safety device for a vehicle according to the present application is a side airbag safety device for a vehicle that has an airbag module mounted on a side frame of a seat back of a seat for a vehicle, characterized in that the airbag module has: an airbag cushion that is in a prescribed housed form in which it is wound or folded, and is mounted on the side frame; and an inflator that is mounted on the side frame in a state in which it is inserted into the airbag cushion, the airbag cushion having: a pre-push chamber into which the inflator is inserted; an upper chamber that at least a part of which expands and deploys to a range outside the pre-push chamber in a width direction of the seat for a vehicle; an inner gas outlet that supplies gas from the pre-push chamber to the upper chamber; a lower chamber that receives gas from the pre-push chamber and at least expands and deploys to a range below the upper chamber; and a gas non-exchange partition that partitions the upper chamber and the lower chamber so that gas cannot exchange between the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

[0008] The airbag cushion of the above structure can effectively restrain the body of the occupant by the pre-push chamber early expanding and deploying to push the occupant back to the center side of the seat, and then the upper chamber and the lower chamber expanding and deploying.

[0009] Further, in the above structure, gas does not directly flow bidirectionally between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. In particular, the lower chamber can maintain a high internal pressure without causing gas to escape to the upper chamber side because the gas does not directly communicate with the upper chamber, and can sufficiently restrain the weighty waist. Therefore, according to the above structure, the amount of movement of the occupant from the seat can be suppressed with a simple structure, and the occupant restraining performance of the airbag cushion can be improved.

[0010] The above airbag cushion further has: a pre-push panel that forms an outer surface of the inner side in the width direction of the seat for a vehicle of the pre-push chamber and the lower chamber; a main panel that is disposed on the outer side in the width direction of the pre-push panel to form an outer surface of the outer side in the width direction of the upper chamber and the lower chamber; and a partition panel that is disposed between the pre-push panel and the main panel to partition the pre-push chamber and the upper chamber.

[0011] According to the above structure, the pre-push chamber, the upper chamber, and the lower chamber can be appropriately formed using the respective panels.

[0012] The above gas non-exchange partition can include a baffle that is erected between the main panel and the partition panel to partition the upper chamber and the lower chamber and to block gas from passing through.

[0013] By having the above baffle, the gas non-exchange partition is realized, and the internal pressure of the lower chamber can be maintained.

[0014] The airbag cushion can further include one or more upper panels forming an upper chamber, one or more pre-push panels connected to the one or more upper panels from the width direction inner side of the vehicle seat to form a pre-push chamber, and one or more lower panels connected to the one or more upper panels from the width direction inner side to form a lower chamber.

[0015] According to the above structure, the pre-push chamber, the upper chamber, and the lower chamber can be appropriately formed using the respective panels.

[0016] The airbag cushion can further include one or more lower panels forming a lower chamber, one or more pre-push panels connected from both width direction sides of the vehicle seat above the one or more lower panels to form a pre-push chamber, and one or more upper panels connected from the width direction outer side of the one or more pre-push panels above the one or more lower panels to form an upper chamber in a state in which the upper chamber is built into the pre-push chamber.

[0017] According to the above structure, the pre-push chamber, the upper chamber, and the lower chamber can be appropriately formed using the respective panels.

[0018] The airbag cushion can further include a diffuser provided in a state in which the diffuser is built into the inflator inside the pre-push chamber with one end inserted into the lower chamber, the diffuser being formed in a cylindrical shape, and a check valve provided at one end of the diffuser, which is a remaining portion of the panel member, for preventing backflow of gas.

[0019] According to the above structure, the check valve is provided at one end of the diffuser on the lower chamber side, so that the internal pressure of the lower chamber can be appropriately maintained.

[0020] Effects of Invention According to the present application, a side airbag safety device for a vehicle that can improve occupant restraining performance with a simple structure can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a side airbag safety device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram independently illustrating Figure 1 (b) an airbag cushion.

[0023] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating Figure 2 (a) a structure of a panel member of an airbag cushion.

[0024] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is an A-A sectional view of the airbag cushion of Figure 3

[0025] Figure 5 ​is Figure 3 Cross-sectional views of the airbag cushion of (a).

[0026] Figure 6 is a view illustrating Figure 2 a positional relationship between the airbag cushion of (b) and an occupant.

[0027] Figure 7 is a view illustrating Figure 3 a modification example of the baffle of (a).

[0028] Figure 8 is a view illustrating Figure 3 a first modification example of the airbag cushion of (a).

[0029] Figure 9 is Figure 8 Cross-sectional views of the airbag cushion of (a).

[0030] Figure 10 is a view illustrating Figure 3 a second modification example of the airbag cushion of (a).

[0031] Figure 11 is Figure 10 Cross-sectional views of the airbag cushion of (a).

[0032] Figure 12 is a view illustrating Figure 3 a third modification example of the airbag cushion of (a).

[0033] Figure 13 is Figure 12 a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion of (a).

[0034] Figure 14 is a view illustrating Figure 3 a fourth modification example of the airbag cushion of (a).

[0035] Figure 15 is Figure 14 Cross-sectional views of the airbag cushion of (a).

[0036] Figure 16 is a view illustrating Figure 5 each modification example of the diffuser of (a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present application will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings in detail. The dimensions, materials, other specific numerical values and the like shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the application, and the present application is not limited unless otherwise specified. Also, in the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and structure are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation is omitted, and elements having no direct relation with the present application are omitted from the illustration.

[0038] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a side airbag safety device for a vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a side airbag safety device 100) according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 (a) illustrates a state before the airbag cushion 112 is activated. The side airbag safety device 100 can be provided on any seat of the front row, the rear row, or either side of a vehicle.

[0039] In the present embodiment, when an occupant is seated in a regular posture with respect to the seat for a vehicle 102, the direction toward which the occupant faces is set as the front direction, the direction of the back of the occupant opposite to the front direction is set as the rear direction, the right-hand side of the occupant is set as the right direction, and the left-hand side of the occupant is set as the left direction. Also, when the occupant is seated in the regular posture, the direction of the head of the occupant is set as the upper direction, and the direction of the feet of the occupant is set as the lower direction. In the drawings used in the following description, the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions with respect to the occupant seated in the regular seating position are indicated by arrows F (Forward), B (Back), L (Left), R (Right), U (Up), and D (Down), as needed.

[0040] In Figure 1 (a), the skin or the soft pad (e.g., urethane material) of the seat back 104 of the seat 102 is omitted, and only the seat frame 106 is illustrated. The seat frame 106 is a component that becomes a skeleton built in the seat back 104.

[0041] The airbag module 110 is built in the side portion of the seat 102, for example, 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.

[0042] 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 can also 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 can be provided on the side portion (proximal side) close to the door side of the collision portion in the seat 102, or on the side portion (distal side) away from the collision portion on the in-vehicle side.

[0043] The airbag module 110 is configured to include the airbag cushion 112 and the inflator 114. The airbag cushion 112 is a bag-shaped component that can be inflated by a gas, and is mounted on the side frame 108 in a prescribed storage form of being wound or folded. The airbag cushion 112 is inflated and deployed in an emergency such as a vehicle impact, and restrains the occupant seated on the seat 102.

[0044] The inflator 114 is a gas generating device electrically connected to the vehicle side, and supplies gas to the airbag cushion 112 when a signal from the vehicle side due to impact detection is received. In the present embodiment, a cylinder type inflator is used as the inflator 114. The inflator 114 is attached to the side frame 108 by means of unillustrated studs in a state in which it is inserted into the airbag cushion 112 with the longitudinal direction of the side frame 108 as the long side.

[0045] Popular inflators include a type in which a gas generating agent is filled and gas is generated by combustion of the agent, a type in which compressed gas is filled and gas is supplied without generation of heat, or a hybrid type in which both combustion gas and compressed gas are used, and the like. Any type of inflator can be used as the inflator 114.

[0046] Figure 1 (b) is a view illustrating the state of the airbag cushion 112 after inflation and deployment. Figure 1 (a) is a view illustrating the state of the airbag cushion 112 after inflation and deployment.

[0047] The inflator 114 ejects gas due to an activation signal sent from the ECU or the like. The airbag cushion 112 inflates and deploys toward the interior space with the skin of the seat back 104 or the like removed by the gas from the inflator 114.

[0048] Figure 2 (b) is a view illustrating the airbag cushion 112 alone. Figure 1 (b) is a view illustrating the airbag cushion 112 alone. Figure 2 (a) is a view illustrating the airbag cushion 112 of Figure 1 (b) as viewed from the outside in the width direction of the seat 102.

[0049] The airbag cushion 112 of the present embodiment has an upper chamber 118 and a lower chamber 120 as main parts for restraining the occupant.

[0050] The upper chamber 118 is an inflation portion for restraining the range from the chest to the shoulders and the abdomen of an occupant seated in a normal posture on the seat 102, and inflates and deploys widely toward the front from the side frame 108 (see Figure 1 (b)).

[0051] The lower chamber 120 is an inflation portion for restraining the waist of an occupant seated in a normal posture on the seat 102. The lower chamber 120 deploys along the seat cushion 105 of the seat 102 (see Figure 1 (b)) to a range below the upper chamber 118.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown in (b), the airbag cushion 112 includes a pre-expansion chamber 122, which expands and deploys before the upper chamber 118 and the like. The pre-expansion chamber 122 expands and deploys to a state where it protrudes towards the central side of the seat back 104 in the width direction relative to the upper chamber 118 and the like.

[0053] The pre-expansion chamber 122 is positioned on the occupant side of the seat 102 when viewed from the upper chamber 118. An inflator 114 is inserted into the pre-expansion chamber 112, which initially receives gas and expands before the main chest chamber 116, pushing the occupant back to the center of the seat 102. Furthermore, the upper chamber 118 and lower chamber 120 expand upon receiving gas from the pre-expansion chamber 122, extensively restraining the occupant's body.

[0054] Figure 2 (b) is from seat 102 (refer to) Figure 1 (b)) in front of Figure 2 (a) The figure illustrates the observation of the airbag cushion 112. Exhaust ports 142a and 142b are provided on the front side of the upper chamber 118, so that the gas that expands and unfolds in the upper chamber 118 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust ports 142a and 142b.

[0055] Figure 3 This example illustrates Figure 2 (a) A diagram showing the structure of the panel component of the airbag cushion 112. Figure 3 (a) An example is shown corresponding to Figure 2 (a) The panel component of the airbag cushion 112.

[0056] The airbag cushion 112 is a bag-shaped component formed by overlapping and sewing or bonding multiple base fabrics that make up its surface, or by weaving OPW (One-Piece Woven).

[0057] A diffuser 124 is provided on the rear portion when the airbag cushion 112 is deployed. The diffuser 124 is inserted into the inflator 114 (see reference). Figure 2 (a) The cylindrical component supplies gas into the pre-push chamber 122 through the upper opening 124a and into the lower chamber 120 through the lower opening 124b. The diffuser 124 is located inside the pre-push chamber 122, behind the upper chamber 118.

[0058] An air supply device 114 is provided on the diffuser 124 (see reference). Figure 2 (a) The two studs 126a and 126b have bolt holes 128a and 128b through them. The studs 126a and 126b protrude to the outside through the bolt holes 128a and 128b and are fastened to the side frame 108 (see reference). Figure 1(b) ). Thus, the air bag cushion 112 is also mounted on the side frame 108.

[0059] Further, the diffuser 124 is conceived to be secured to the side frame 108 (refer to Figure 1 (b) ) from the central side of the seat 102, but a structure of securing the diffuser 124 from the outer side of the side frame 108 can also be adopted.

[0060] A frame ground portion 130 is formed at the rear of the main chamber 116. The frame ground portion 130 is a portion of the rear side of the upper chamber 118 and the width direction outer side of the pre-push chamber 122. The frame ground portion 130 is provided in a shape along the side frame 108 (refer to Figure 1 (b) ), so that the pre-push chamber 122 is subjected to a reaction force from the side frame 108.

[0061] Figure 3 (b) is Figure 3 (a) of the air bag cushion 112. The air bag cushion 112 has, as main panel members, a pre-push panel 132, a partition panel 134, and a main panel 136.

[0062] The pre-push panel 132 is a panel that forms an outer surface of the seat 102 on the width direction inner side of the pre-push chamber 122 (refer to Figure 1 (b) ) and the lower chamber 120, and has a shape along an L letter. Between the pre-push panel 132 and the partition panel 134, the diffuser 124 (refer to Figure 2 (a) ) of the inflator 114 is disposed.

[0063] The main panel 136 is provided on the width direction outer side of the seat 102 (refer to Figure 1 (b) ), as viewed from the pre-push panel 132, and forms an outer surface of the seat 102 on the width direction outer side of the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120.

[0064] The partition panel 134 is disposed between the pre-push panel 132 and the main panel 136 to partition the pre-push chamber 122 (refer to Figure 1 (b) ) and the upper chamber 118. The partition panel 134 has a shape that omits a range of the lower chamber 120, as compared with the main panel 136.

[0065] A baffle 140 is disposed between the main panel 136 and the partition panel 134. The baffle 140 is erected between the main panel 136 and the partition panel 134 to partition the upper chamber 118 (refer to Figure 3The baffle 140 functions as a gas non-exchange partition. By blocking the gas communication between the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120 with the baffle 140, the gas is made non-exchangeable between the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120.

[0066] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an A-A sectional view of the air bag cushion 112 of (a). The inflator 114 and the diffuser 124 are provided inside the pre-push chamber 122.

[0067] The gas from the inflator 114 (see Figure 2 (a) is supplied early to the pre-push chamber 122, and rapid inflation and deployment are completed prior to the upper chamber 118 and the like. The pre-push chamber 122 eliminates the seat cushion and the like inside the seat 102 (refer to Figure 1 (a)), and ensures a space for inflation and deployment of the upper chamber 118 and the like, while pushing the occupant back to the center side of the seat 102.

[0068] Figure 3 The upper chamber 118 of (a) is provided so that at least a part thereof inflates and deploys to the range outside the pre-push chamber 122 when the seat 102 is viewed from the width direction outside. The upper chamber 118 is connected to the pre-push chamber 122 through the inner exhaust ports 144a, 144b.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4 , the gas from the inflator 114 is supplied to the upper chamber 118 from the pre-push chamber 122 through the inner exhaust port 144b and the like. The exhaust port 142a and the like are provided on the front side of the upper chamber 118, and the gas that inflates and deploys the upper chamber 118 is exhausted to the outside from the exhaust port 142a and the like.

[0070] Figure 5 is Figure 3 each sectional view of the air bag cushion 112 of (a). Figure 5 (a) is Figure 3 a B-B sectional view of the air bag cushion 112 of (a). The lower end of the diffuser 124 is inserted in the lower chamber 120. The lower chamber 120 receives the gas from the inflator 114 early through the opening portion 124b of the lower end of the diffuser 124, and restrains the waist of the occupant.

[0071] Figure 5 (b) is Figure 3 a C-C sectional view of the air bag cushion 112 of (b). The lower chamber 120 has an increased thickness in the width direction of the seat 102 (refer to Figure 6 ) compared to the upper chamber 118. The lower chamber 120 has a large capacity in the width direction of the seat 102, and thus can appropriately restrain the waist of the occupant who has weight.

[0072] The baffle 140 is a panel member made of the same base fabric as the main panel 136, and is joined to the main panel 136 and the partition panel 134 by sewing. The upper chamber 118 and the waist protection chamber 120 are separated by the baffle 140 so that gas cannot pass between these upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120.

[0073] In addition, in Figure 5 The baffle 140 in (b) can be configured with the crease on the upper side, but can also be configured with the crease on the lower side.

[0074] Figure 6 is illustrated Figure 2 A diagram showing the positional relationship of the airbag cushion 112 of (b) with the occupant PI.

[0075] In the airbag cushion 112 of the present embodiment, the pre-push chamber 122 (see Figure 1 (b)) receives gas directly from the opening 124a at the upper end of the diffuser 124 (see Figure 3 (a)) to expand early, and pushes the occupant PI back toward the center side of the seat 102. At the same time, the lower chamber 120 receives gas directly from the opening 124b at the lower end of the diffuser 124 to expand early, and sufficiently restrains the waist 154 of the occupant PI. Then, the upper chamber 118 receives gas via the pre-push chamber 122 to expand widely, and restrains the chest 150, the shoulder 148, and the abdomen 152 of the occupant PI.

[0076] The upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120 of the airbag cushion 112 of the present embodiment are divided by the baffle 140 (see Figure 5 (b)) as a gas non-exchange partition, so that gas does not flow directly between the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120 in both directions. In particular, the lower chamber 120 receives gas directly from the diffuser 124 to be pressurized early, and since the gas is not directly communicated with the upper chamber 118, the gas does not escape to the upper chamber 118 side and the internal pressure is maintained high, so that the weighty waist 154 (see Figure 6 ) can be sufficiently restrained. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount of movement of the occupant PI away from the seat 102 can be suppressed, and the occupant restraining performance of the airbag cushion 112 can be improved.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3 (b), the airbag cushion 112 according to the present embodiment appropriately forms the pre-push chamber 122 (see Figure 3(a) The upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120 are separated by a baffle 140, which prevents gas from passing between the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120. Based on the structure of this airbag cushion 112, a simple structure that reduces the amount of panel components used can achieve a side airbag safety device 100 with high occupant restraint while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0078] In addition, Figure 3 In (b), other panel components may be further configured along the edges of the main panel 136 and the dividing panel 134. For example, the thickness of the upper chamber 118 may be increased by mounting additional panel components between the upper edge of the main panel 136 and the upper edge of the dividing panel 134, or the thickness of the lower chamber 120 may be increased by mounting additional panel components between the lower edge of the main panel 136 and the lower edge of the pre-push panel 132.

[0079] (The baffle in the modified example) Figure 7 This example illustrates Figure 3 A diagram of a modified version of baffle 140 (baffle 160). Figure 7 (a) corresponds to Figure 3 (a) shows a diagram of baffle 160.

[0080] The baffle 160 also serves as a non-exchange gas partition. The baffle 160 is configured such that its rear end portion 162 is bent upward along the stitching portion 164 that flares out the front edge of the frame ground portion 130 of the main chamber 116.

[0081] Figure 7 (b) corresponds to Figure 3 (b) A diagram illustrating the baffle 160 is shown. The rear end 162 of the baffle 160 has a cutout 166 formed on the central side and two side edges 168a and 168b formed thereon. The side edges 168a and 168b are elongated in shape and do not expand after being overlapped and sewn along the stitching portion 164, thus suppressing the thickness of the airbag cushion 112 when it expands and unfolds.

[0082] As described above, by bending the rear end portion 162 upward and sewing it onto the stitching portion 164, the baffle 160 can suppress the thickness of the rear side of the airbag cushion 112 and properly form the frame grounding portion 130. Therefore, if the airbag cushion 112 has the baffle 160, it can smoothly expand and unfold while grounded with the seat frame 106.

[0083] (Airbag cushion of the modified example) Figure 8 This example illustrates Figure 3FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first example of an airbag cushion (airbag cushion 200) of the present application. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those already described, and the description thereof is omitted. In addition, the components having the same names as those already described have the same configuration and function even if different reference numerals are assigned thereto.

[0084] Figure 8 (a) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 200 corresponding to Figure 3 (a). The airbag cushion 200 also has the pre-push chamber 202, the upper chamber 204, and the lower chamber 206.

[0085] Figure 8 (b) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 200 corresponding to Figure 3 (b). The airbag cushion 200 has a pair of pre-push panels 202a, 202b, a pair of upper panels 204a, 204b, and a pair of lower panels 206a, 206b as main panel members.

[0086] The pair of upper panels 204a, 204b are panel members that form the upper chamber 204 (see Figure 8 (a)) and are formed in a symmetrical shape. Of these, the upper panel 204a on the inner side in the width direction of the seat 102 (see Figure 1 (b)) is provided with the upper inner exhaust ports 208a, 208b connected to the pre-push panel 202b and the exhaust ports 142a, 142b that exhaust gas to the outside.

[0087] The pair of pre-push panels 202a, 202b are panel members that form the pre-push chamber 202 (see Figure 8 (a)) and are connected to the upper panels 204a, 204b from the inner side in the width direction of the seat 102. The pre-push panel 202b on the outer side in the width direction of the seat 102 is provided with the upper inner exhaust ports 210a, 210b connected to the upper panel 204a and the lower inner exhaust ports 212a, 212b connected to the lower panel 206a. The diffuser 124 is arranged between the pre-push panels 202a, 202b.

[0088] The pair of lower panels 206a, 206b are panel members that form the lower chamber 206 (see Figure 8 (a)) and are connected to the upper panels 204a, 204b from the inner side below the pre-push panels 202a, 202b. The lower panel 206a on the inner side in the width direction of the seat 102 is provided with the lower inner exhaust ports 214a, 214b connected to the pre-push panel 202b.

[0089] Figure 9 are cross-sectional views of the airbag cushion 200 of Figure 8 (a).Figure 9 (a) is Figure 8 (a) DD cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 200. Gas is supplied from the pre-push chamber 202 to the upper chamber 204 through the upper internal exhaust port 210a, etc., to the inflator 114.

[0090] Figure 9 (b) is Figure 8 (b) EE cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 200. The inflator 114 is supplied from the pre-push chamber 202 to the lower chamber 206 via the lower internal exhaust port 212a, etc. (see reference). Figure 9 (a)) gas.

[0091] The upper edges of the lower panels 206a and 206b are joined together by a sewing part 216. Similarly, the lower edges of the upper panels 204a and 204b are also joined together by a sewing part 216. That is, the sewing part 216 and... Figure 5 (b) is the same as the baffle 140, which functions as a gas non-exchange dividing section that separates the upper chamber 204 and the lower chamber 206 so that gas cannot be exchanged, thereby preventing gas from passing between the upper chamber 204 and the lower chamber 206.

[0092] In this airbag cushion 200, the upper chamber 204 and the lower chamber 206 are separated by a sewn section 216 that serves as a gas non-exchange partition, preventing direct bidirectional flow of gas between the upper chamber 204 and the lower chamber 206. Therefore, since the lower chamber 206 is not directly connected to the upper chamber 204, its internal pressure can be maintained at a high level without allowing gas to escape towards the upper chamber 204, thus adequately supporting the weighted waist 154 (see reference). Figure 6 Therefore, according to this embodiment, the amount of movement of occupant P1 away from seat 102 can also be suppressed, improving the occupant restraint performance of airbag cushion 200.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown in (b), the airbag cushion 200 of this embodiment can use a pair of symmetrically shaped panel components, such as pre-push panels 202a, 202b, upper panels 204a, 204b and lower panels 206a, 206b, to suitably form a pre-push chamber 202 (see [reference]). Figure 8 (a) Upper chamber 204 and lower chamber 206. The airbag cushion 200 also achieves a side airbag safety device with high occupant restraint because the panel components of each chamber have a uniform shape and simple structure, thus suppressing manufacturing costs.

[0094] Figure 10 This example illustrates Figure 3 A figure of a second variation of the airbag cushion 112 (airbag cushion 220).

[0095] Figure 10 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the air bag cushion 220 corresponding to Figure 3 (a) illustrates the air bag cushion 220. The air bag cushion 220 also has a pre- push chamber 222, an upper chamber 224, and a lower chamber 226.

[0096] Figure 10 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the air bag cushion 220 corresponding to Figure 3 (b) illustrates a view of the air bag cushion 220. The air bag cushion 220 has a pre-push panel 230, a pair of upper panels 232a, 232b, and a lower panel 234 as main panel components.

[0097] The pair of upper panels 232a, 232b are panel components that form the upper chamber 224 (refer to Figure 10 (a)). The upper-side inner vents 208a, 208b of the upper panel 204a are connected to the upper-side inner vents 210a, 210b of the pre-push panel 230.

[0098] The pre-push panel 230 is a panel component that forms the pre-push chamber 222 (refer to Figure 10 (a)) and is implemented using one panel component that is folded back at the front side. The pre-push panel 230 is connected to the upper panel 232a from the inner side in the width direction of the seat 102. In a region of the pre-push panel 230 on the outer side in the width direction of the seat 102, the upper-side inner vents 210a, 210b that are connected to the upper panel 232a and the lower-side inner vents 212a, 212b that are connected to the lower panel 234 are provided. The diffuser 124 is located on the inner side of the folded-back pre-push panel 230.

[0099] The lower panel 234 is a panel component that forms the lower chamber 226 (refer to Figure 10 (a)) and is implemented using one panel component that is folded back at the upper side. The lower panel 234 is connected to the upper panel 232a from the inner side below the pre-push panel 230 in the width direction. In a region of the lower panel 234 on the inner side in the width direction of the seat 102, the lower-side inner vents 214a, 214b that are connected to the pre-push panel 230 are provided.

[0100] Figure 11 are Figure 10 cross-sectional views of the air bag cushion 220 of (a). Figure 11 (a) is Figure 10 the F-F cross-sectional view of the air bag cushion 220 of (a). The gas of the inflator 114 is supplied from the pre-push chamber 222 to the upper chamber 224 through the upper-side inner vent 210b and the like.

[0101] Figure 11 (b) is Figure 10(a) is a GG cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 220. Gas from the pre-push chamber 222 is supplied to the lower chamber 226 through the lower internal exhaust port 212a.

[0102] The upper edge of the lower panel 234 is formed by a fold-back portion 236. Furthermore, the lower edges of the upper panels 232a and 232b are joined by a sewing portion 238. The fold-back portion 236 and the sewing portion 238 are connected to... Figure 5 (b) is the same as the baffle 140, which functions as a gas non-exchange dividing section that separates the upper chamber 224 and the lower chamber 226 so that gas cannot be exchanged, thereby preventing gas from passing between the upper chamber 224 and the lower chamber 226.

[0103] In this airbag cushion 220, the upper chamber 224 and the lower chamber 226 are also separated by a folding section 236 and a sewn section 238, which serve as gas non-exchange dividing sections, preventing direct bidirectional flow of gas between the upper chamber 224 and the lower chamber 226. Therefore, since the lower chamber 226 is not directly connected to the upper chamber 224, its internal pressure can be maintained at a high level without allowing gas to escape towards the upper chamber 224, thus adequately supporting the weighted waist 154 (see reference). Figure 6 Therefore, according to this embodiment, the amount of movement of occupant P1 from the seat 102 can also be suppressed, thereby improving the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion 220.

[0104] like Figure 10 As shown in (b), the airbag cushion 220 of this embodiment uses a panel folded back as a pre-push panel 230 and a lower panel 234, thereby enabling the proper formation of a pre-push chamber 222 (see [reference]). Figure 10 (a) Upper chamber 224 and lower chamber 226. The airbag cushion 220 also has a simple structure because each chamber is formed by a single panel component, which can reduce manufacturing costs while achieving a side airbag safety device with high occupant restraint.

[0105] in addition, Figure 10 (b) The upper panels 232a and 232b are the same as the pre-pushed panel 230 and the lower panel 234, and can be implemented by folding back a single panel. For example, the upper panels 232a and 232b can be implemented as a single upper panel connected to each other on the front side. Thus, a panel component with a simple structure can also be realized.

[0106] Figure 12 This example illustrates Figure 3 A figure of the third variation of the airbag cushion 220 (airbag cushion 240).

[0107] Figure 12 (a) corresponds to Figure 3aand a sectional view of the air bag cushion 240 is illustrated. The air bag cushion 240 also has a pre- push chamber 242, an upper chamber 244, and a lower chamber 246.

[0108] Figure 12 (b) is a sectional view of the air bag cushion 240. The air bag cushion 240 has a pair of lower panels 246a, 246b, a pair of pre-push panels 242a, 242b, and a pair of upper panels 244a, 244b as main panel components. Figure 3

[0109] The pair of lower panels 246a, 246b are panel components that form the lower chamber 246 (see Figure 12 (a)). The upper edges of the lower panels 246a, 246b are joined to each other by a seam 248 at the front side, but a portion of the rear side is released to form an opening portion 250 into which the lower end side of the diffuser 124 is inserted.

[0110] The pair of pre-push panels 242a, 242b are panel components that form the pre-push chamber 242 (see Figure 12 (a)), house the diffuser 124, and join the upper portions of the lower panels 246a, 246b from both widthwise sides of the seat 102 (see Figure 1 (b)). The pre-push panels 242a, 242b are provided with internal gas outlets 252a to 252d that supply gas to the upper chamber 244.

[0111] The pair of upper panels 244a, 244b are panel components that form the upper chamber 244 (see Figure 12 (a)), and are connected to the upper portions of the lower panels 246a, 246b from both widthwise sides of the seat 102 (see Figure 1 (b)) with respect to the pre-push panels 242a, 242b. The upper panel 244a on the inner side in the widthwise direction of the seat 102 is provided with gas outlets 142a, 142b that discharge gas to the outside.

[0112] Figure 13 is Figure 12 (a) a sectional view of the air bag cushion 240. Figure 13 (a) is Figure 12 (a) a sectional view of the air bag cushion 240.

[0113] The upper chamber 244 is formed in a state in which the pre-push chamber 242 is housed therein. Gas is supplied to the pre-push chamber 242 from an opening 124a (see Figure 12 (a)) of the diffuser 124 upper end. Gas is supplied to the upper chamber 244 from the internal gas outlets 252a to 252d of the pre-push chamber 242.

[0114] Figure 13 (b) is​Figure 12 (b) is a J-J sectional view of the airbag cushion 240 of (a). The upper edges of the lower panels 246a, 246b to each other are joined by the sewing portion 248. In addition, the lower edges of the upper panels 244a, 244b to each other are also joined by the sewing portion 248. That is, the sewing portion 248 functions as the gas non-exchange dividing portion that divides the upper chamber 244 and the lower chamber 246 so that the gas cannot exchange, as with the baffle 140 of (b), whereby the gas cannot pass between the upper chamber 244 and the lower chamber 246. Figure 6

[0115] Figure 13 (c) is a K-K sectional view of the airbag cushion 240 of (b). The lower edges of the lower panels 246a, 246b to each other are joined by the sewing portion 248. In addition, the upper edges of the upper panels 244a, 244b to each other are also joined by the sewing portion 248. That is, the sewing portion 248 functions as the gas non-exchange dividing portion that divides the upper chamber 244 and the lower chamber 246 so that the gas cannot exchange, as with the baffle 140 of (b), whereby the gas cannot pass between the upper chamber 244 and the lower chamber 246. Figure 12 Figure 5

[0116] In this airbag cushion 240, the pre-push chamber 242 also receives the gas directly from the opening 124a (refer to (a)) of the upper end of the diffuser 124 to early inflate and deploy, pushing the occupant PI (refer to (b)) back to the center side of the seat 102. At the same time, the lower chamber 246 also receives the gas directly from the opening 124b (refer to (b)) of the lower end of the diffuser 124 to early inflate and deploy, sufficiently restraining the waist 154 of the occupant PI. Then, the upper chamber 244 receives the gas via the pre-push chamber 242 to widely inflate and deploy, restraining the chest 150, the shoulder 148, and the abdomen 152 of the occupant PI. Figure 12 Figure 6 Figure 13

[0117] In this airbag cushion 240, the upper chamber 244 and the lower chamber 246 are also divided by the sewing portion 248 as the gas non-exchange dividing portion, and the gas does not directly flow bidirectionally between the upper chamber 244 and the lower chamber 246. In particular, the lower chamber 246 receives the gas directly from the diffuser 124 to early high-pressure, and since the gas is not communicated with the upper chamber 244, the internal pressure thereof can be kept high without escaping to the upper chamber 244 side, whereby the waist 154 (refer to (b)) having weight can be sufficiently restrained. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the moving amount of the occupant PI from the seat 102 can be suppressed, and the occupant restraining performance of the airbag cushion 240 can be improved. Figure 6

[0118] Figure 12 ​​​​​​​​(b) shown, the airbag cushion 240 of the present embodiment, using a pair of panel members of symmetrical shape, for example, the pre-push panel 242a, 242b, the upper panel 244a, 244b, and the lower panel 246a, 246b, is able to appropriately form the pre-push chamber 242 (see Figure 12 (a)), the upper chamber 244, and the lower chamber 246. This airbag cushion 240 also has a simple structure due to the uniformity of the shapes of the panel members of the chambers, and is thus able to suppress manufacturing costs while achieving a side airbag safety device with high occupant restraining performance.

[0119] Figure 14 is a drawing illustrating a fourth modification example (airbag cushion 260) of the airbag cushion 112 of Figure 3

[0120] Figure 14 (a) is a drawing illustrating the airbag cushion 260. The airbag cushion 260 also has a pre-push chamber 262, an upper chamber 264, and a lower chamber 266. Figure 3

[0121] Figure 14 (b) is a drawing illustrating the airbag cushion 260. The airbag cushion 260 has, as main panel members, a lower panel 274, a pre-push panel 270, and a pair of upper panels 272a, 272b. Figure 3

[0122] The lower panel 274 is a panel member that forms the lower chamber 266 (see Figure 14 (a)), and is implemented as one panel member that is folded back on the upper side. An opening 276 is provided on the rear side of the upper edge of the lower panel 274, into which the lower end side of the diffuser 124 is inserted.

[0123] The pre-push panel 270 is a panel member that forms the pre-push chamber 262 (see Figure 14 (a)), and is implemented as one panel member that is folded back on the front side. The pre-push panel 270 is joined to the upper portion of the lower panel 274 from both sides in the width direction of the seat 102 (see Figure 1 (b)), such that the diffuser 124 is built into the pre-push panel 270. The pre-push panel 270 is provided with internal gas outlets 252a to 252d that supply gas to the upper chamber 264.

[0124] The pair of upper panels 272a, 272b are panel members that form the upper chamber 264 (see Figure 14 (a)), and are joined to the upper portion of the lower panel 274 from both sides in the width direction of the seat 102 (see Figure 1 (b) with respect to the pre-push panel 270.

[0125] Figure 15 is​​​Figure 14 (a) is a sectional view of the airbag cushion 260 taken along the line K-K. Figure 15 (a) is Figure 14 (a) is a sectional view of the airbag cushion 260 taken along the line K-K.

[0126] The upper chamber 264 is formed in a state that the pre-push chamber 262 is built in. The gas is supplied to the pre-push chamber 262 from the opening 124a (refer to Figure 14 (a)) of the upper end of the diffuser 124. The gas is supplied to the upper chamber 264 from the inner exhaust ports 252a to 252d of the pre-push chamber 262.

[0127] Figure 15 (b) is Figure 14 (b) is a sectional view of the airbag cushion 260 taken along the line L-L. The lower end of the diffuser 124 is inserted in the lower chamber 266. The lower chamber 266 receives the gas from the inflator 114 early through the opening 124b of the lower end side of the diffuser 124, and restrains the waist 154 of the occupant PI (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0128] Figure 15 (c) is Figure 14 (b) is a sectional view of the airbag cushion 260 taken along the line M-M. The upper edge of the lower panel 274 is formed by the turn-back portion 278. In addition, the lower edges of the upper panels 272a, 272b are joined by the sewing portion 280. The turn-back portion 278 and the sewing portion 280 function as the gas non-exchange dividing portion that divides the upper chamber 264 and the lower chamber 266 so that the gas cannot exchange, and thus the gas cannot pass between the upper chamber 264 and the lower chamber 266. Figure 5

[0129] In this airbag cushion 260, the pre-push chamber 262 also receives the gas directly from the opening 124a of the upper end of the diffuser 124 to expand and deploy early, and pushes the occupant PI (refer to Figure 6 ) to the center side of the seat 102. At the same time, the lower chamber 266 also receives the gas directly from the opening 124b of the lower end of the diffuser 124 (refer to Figure 15 (b)) to expand and deploy early, and sufficiently restrains the waist 154 of the occupant PI. Then, the upper chamber 264 receives the gas via the pre-push chamber 262 to expand and deploy widely, and restrains the chest 150, the shoulder 148, and the abdomen 152 of the occupant PI.

[0130] ​In the airbag cushion 260, the upper chamber 264 and the lower chamber 266 are also divided by the turn-back portion 278 as a non-gas exchange division portion and the sewing portion 280, and gas does not directly flow between the upper chamber 264 and the lower chamber 266. In particular, the lower chamber 266 receives gas directly from the diffuser 124 and is early pressurized, and since the gas is not directly communicated with the upper chamber 264, it is possible to maintain the pressure in the lower chamber 266 higher without causing the gas to escape to the upper chamber 264 side, thereby enabling sufficient restraint of the weighty waist portion 154 (see Figure 6 ) of the passenger PI. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the amount of movement of the passenger PI from the seat 102, and to improve the passenger restraining performance of the airbag cushion 260.

[0131] As shown in Figure 15 (b), the airbag cushion 260 of the present embodiment turn-backs one panel to be used as the pre-push panel 270 and the lower panel 274, thereby enabling appropriate formation of the pre-push chamber 262 (see Figure 15 (a)), the upper chamber 264, and the lower chamber 266. The airbag cushion 260 also has a simple structure since each chamber is formed of one panel member, and thus it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost while realizing a side airbag safety device with high passenger restraining performance.

[0132] In addition, Figure 14 The upper panels 272a, 272b of (b) are the same as the pre-push panel 270 and the lower panel 274, and can be implemented by turn-back of one panel. For example, the upper panels 272a, 272b can be implemented as one upper panel connected to each other at the front sides thereof. Thereby, it is also possible to realize a panel member with a simple structure.

[0133] Figure 16 are diagrams illustrating each modification example of the diffuser 124 of Figure 5 (a). Figure 16 (a) is a diagram illustrating a first modified diffuser 300.

[0134] The diffuser 300 is formed in a cylindrical shape by the same panel member as the main panel 136 (see Figure 3 (b)) and the like, and a remaining portion 302 more than the range in which the inflator 114 is built in the panel member is provided at the lower end side of the diffuser 300.

[0135] When the inflator 114 starts to activate, since the pressure 304 in the diffuser 300 indicated by the arrow is higher than the pressure 306 in the lower chamber 120 (see Figure 5 (a)) (pressure 304 > pressure 306), gas is supplied from the diffuser 300 into the lower chamber 120.

[0136] Then, the supply of gas from the inflator 114 ends, and the occupant Pl (refer to Figure 6 ) contacts the lower chamber 120 and exerts a force, whereby the pressure 306 in the lower chamber 120 is higher than the pressure in the diffuser 300 (pressure 304 < pressure 306). At this time, the remaining portion 302 is pushed by the pressure 306 of the gas and contracts toward the inflator 114 side, functioning as a check valve that prevents backflow of the gas into the diffuser 300.

[0137] As described above, by providing the remaining portion 302 on the diffuser 300 to function as a check valve, backflow of the gas from the lower chamber 120 (refer to Figure 5 (a)) to the pre-push chamber 122 and the upper chamber 118 via the diffuser 300 is prevented, and the internal pressure of the lower chamber 120 can be kept high at the time of occupant restraint. Therefore, according to the present modification, the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion can be improved.

[0138] Figure 16 (b) is a view that illustrates a diffuser 320 of a second modification. The diffuser 320 is in a state where the long side 322 of the panel member of the long strip is closed with the sewing 324, and the range of the end portion side is opened to form an opening 326. In addition, by folding in with the short side 328 of the panel member on the inner side to set the inner corner as an inclined portion 330, a structure that easily discharges the gas from the opening 326 is obtained.

[0139] The diffuser 320 can effectively expand and deploy the lower chamber 120 (refer to Figure 5 (a)) because it is configured so that the opening 326 faces forward in the lower chamber 120. In addition, the diffuser 124 can function as a check valve that is pushed by the pressure of the gas in the lower chamber 120 to contract toward the inflator 114 side to prevent backflow of the gas, by forming a prescribed range including the opening 326 as a remaining portion that does not include the inflator 114 (refer to Figure 16 (a)), like the remaining portion 302 of Figure 16 (a).

[0140] As described above, the diffuser 320 can also effectively expand and deploy the lower chamber 120 (refer to Figure 5 (a)), while preventing backflow of the gas from the lower chamber 120 to the pre-push chamber 122 and the upper chamber 118 via the diffuser 320, and keeping the high internal pressure of the lower chamber 120 at the time of occupant restraint. Therefore, according to the present modification, the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion can also be improved.

[0141] The above describes the preferred embodiments of the present application with reference to the drawings, but the above-described embodiments are preferred examples of the present application, and embodiments other than these can be implemented or accomplished by various methods. In the present application specification, the present application is not restricted by the detailed shapes, sizes, and structural configurations of the components shown in the drawings, and the like, as long as there is no description of a specific subject. In addition, the expressions and terms used in the present application specification are for the purpose of explanation, and are not limited to them as long as there is no description of a specific subject.

[0142] Therefore, it is apparent that various modifications and changes can be made to the present application by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications and changes are to be included within the scope of the present application.

[0143] Industrial Applicability The present application can be used for a side airbag safety device for a vehicle mounted on a vehicle.

[0144] Explanation of Symbols

[0145]

[0146]

Claims

1. A side airbag safety device for a vehicle, comprising an airbag module mounted on a side frame of a seat back of a seat for a vehicle, characterized in that: the airbag module has: an airbag cushion in a prescribed accommodation form of being wound or folded, and mounted on the side frame; and an inflator mounted on the side frame in a state of being inserted into the airbag cushion, the airbag cushion has: a pre-push chamber into which the inflator is inserted; an upper chamber which at least a part thereof is inflated and deployed to an outer side range of the pre-push chamber in a width direction of the seat for a vehicle; an inner gas outlet which supplies gas from the pre-push chamber to the upper chamber; a lower chamber which receives gas from the pre-push chamber and at least is inflated and deployed to a range below the upper chamber; and a gas non-exchange dividing portion which divides the upper chamber and the lower chamber so that gas cannot exchange between the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

2. The side airbag safety device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: the airbag cushion further has: a pre-push panel which forms an outer surface of an inner side in the width direction of the seat for a vehicle of the pre-push chamber and the lower chamber; a main panel which is disposed on an outer side in the width direction of the pre-push panel to form an outer surface of an outer side in the width direction of the upper chamber and the lower chamber; and a dividing panel which is disposed between the pre-push panel and the main panel to divide the pre-push chamber and the upper chamber.

3. The side airbag safety device for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: the gas non-exchange dividing portion includes a baffle which is erected between the main panel and the dividing panel to divide the upper chamber and the lower chamber to block gas passing.

4. The side airbag safety device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: the airbag cushion further has: one or more upper panels which form the upper chamber; one or more pre-push panels which are connected from an inner side in the width direction of the seat for a vehicle to the one or more upper panels to form the pre-push chamber; and one or more lower panels which are connected from the inner side in the width direction to the one or more upper panels to form the lower chamber.

5. The side airbag safety device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: the airbag cushion further has: one or more lower panels which form the lower chamber; one or more pre-push panels which are connected from both sides in the width direction of the seat for a vehicle above the one or more lower panels to form the pre-push chamber; and one or more upper panels which are connected from an outer side in the width direction of the one or more pre-push panels above the one or more lower panels to form the upper chamber in a state of housing the pre-push chamber.

6. The side airbag safety device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: the airbag cushion further has: a diffuser which is provided in the pre-push chamber in a state of housing the inflator, and one end of which is inserted into the lower chamber, the diffuser is formed in a cylindrical shape. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A check valve is provided at one end of the diffuser, which is the remaining part of the panel member, for preventing backflow of gas.

Images