Airbag device

Abstract

An airbag device mounted on a vehicle is provided with: an airbag which is accommodated in a folded manner, is inflated by being supplied with inflation gas, and holds an occupant; an inflator that releases inflation gas supplied to the airbag; a connecting member having one end connected to the airbag; and an actuator that controls the inflation state of the airbag by switching between holding and releasing of the other end of the coupling member, the actuator having a detonator, a cover disposed facing the detonator and holding the other end of the coupling member, and a frame body that maintains a state in which the cover holds the other end by locking the cover, an actuator for releasing the locking of the cover by the housing and releasing the holding of the cover to the other end by means of the gas generated by the operation of the trigger; the bracket holds the actuator and fixes the actuator to a vehicle including the airbag device, and the bracket has a support portion that contacts an intermediate portion between one end portion and the other end portion of the coupling member in a state in which the detonator is not operated, and bends and supports the coupling member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an airbag device that uses an airbag to support and protect occupants. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, in airbag devices, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-90502, a structure was known that included an actuator that held one end of a connecting member attached to the airbag, and released the holding of that other end through operation. This actuator switched the presence or absence of tension acting on the connecting member of the airbag by switching the holding and releasing of the connecting member as described above, thereby controlling the inflation state of the airbag.

[0003] In the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-90502, the intermediate portion of the connecting member, between one end connected to the airbag and the other end held by the actuator, does not contact other components. Therefore, when the airbag inflates while the actuator is not operating, the tension of the connecting member acts directly on the actuator. In such a structure, if the gas output of the inflator supplying inflation gas to the airbag is large, it is possible to apply excessive load to the actuator, causing the actuator to deform and the holding state of the connecting member to be accidentally released. Therefore, the choice of inflator is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device that can reduce the load applied from the connecting component to the actuator when the airbag is inflated in a non-operating state.

[0005] The representative structure of the airbag device involved in this invention is as follows.

[0006] The airbag system installed in a vehicle has the following components:

[0007] An airbag is configured to be folded and housed, and to inflate by being supplied with inflatable gas to protect the occupants of the vehicle.

[0008] An inflator that releases the inflation gas supplied to the airbag;

[0009] A connecting component, one end of which is connected to the airbag;

[0010] An actuator controls the inflation state of the airbag by switching between holding and releasing the other end of the connecting member, and the actuator has a detonator, a cover, and a frame. The cover is disposed opposite to the detonator and holds the other end of the connecting member. The frame maintains the state of the cover holding the other end by locking the cover. The actuator uses gas generated by the operation of the detonator to release the locking of the frame to the cover and release the cover from holding the other end.

[0011] A bracket that holds the actuator and secures the actuator to the vehicle containing the airbag device.

[0012] in,

[0013] The bracket has a support portion that, when the detonator is not in operation, contacts the middle portion between one end and the other end of the connecting member, causing the connecting member to bend and provide support. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a slanted, general-looking view of the dashboard.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a view of the area around the passenger seat from the left side of the vehicle.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a view from the left side of the passenger side, showing the airbag fully inflated.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag device.

[0018] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a slanted, oblique view of the area around the airbag flap.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a slanted schematic diagram of the actuator.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the actuator.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a slanted view of the actuator and bracket.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a slanted, oblique view of the shell.

[0023] Figure 10 It is a slanted oblique view of the actuator around the housing.

[0024] Figure 11This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the area around the actuator when the airbag inflates while the actuator is not in operation.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the area around the actuator when the airbag inflates while the actuator is in operation. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, an airbag device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the dimensions, materials, shapes, etc., of the structural components described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to these specific details.

[0027] In addition, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, left and right directions refer to the left and right views as observed from the passenger seat 3 of vehicle 1, and front and back directions refer to the front and rear views as observed from the passenger seat 3 of vehicle 1. Up and down directions refer to the vertical directions of up and down.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a slanted schematic view of the instrument panel 2 (hereinafter referred to as "instrument panel 2") of vehicle 1. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the area around the passenger seat 3 of vehicle 1, viewed from the left, indicating the placement of the dashboard 2 and the airbag system 10. Figure 1 The cross-section shown is cut at section A1-A1. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the passenger seat 3 from the left side, with the airbag 50 fully inflated, indicating the position of the dashboard 2 and the airbag unit 10. Figure 1 The cross-section shown is cut at section A1-A1. Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag device 10. Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a slanted view of the area around the baffle 51 of the airbag 50.

[0029] In this embodiment, the airbag device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1, and the airbag 50 supports and protects the occupant M sitting in the front passenger seat 3 (seat) of the vehicle 1. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B As shown, the airbag 50 of the airbag device 10 is disposed on the dashboard 2 of the vehicle 1, located in front of the passenger seat 3. The dashboard 2 has: a driver's side portion 2a, located in front of the driver's seat (not shown); a passenger side portion 2b, located in front of the passenger seat 3; and a central portion 2c at the front of the center console, located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat 3. The airbag 50 is disposed on the passenger side portion 2b.

[0030] The airbag device 10 includes: an airbag 50; an inflator 14 that supplies inflation gas to the airbag 50; a housing 15 that holds the airbag 50 and the inflator 14; an actuator 70 that controls the degassing of the inflation gas within the airbag 50; and an airbag cover 20 that covers the folded airbag 50. Additionally, the airbag device 10 includes a control device 18 that controls the operation of the inflator 14 and the actuator 70, an acceleration sensor 19, and a weight sensor 25.

[0031] Acceleration sensor 19 is installed at a designated location on the body of vehicle 1 and detects the impact generated by collisions or other events involving vehicle 1 as acceleration. Weight sensor 25 (weight detection unit) is installed in the passenger seat 3 and detects the weight of the occupant M sitting in the passenger seat 3.

[0032] The control unit 18 (control section), consisting of a CPU, memory, etc., is installed at a designated location on the vehicle body 1 and is electrically connected to the acceleration sensor 19, weight sensor 25, air compressor 14, and actuator 70 via cables not shown. Based on the detection results from the acceleration sensor 19, the control unit 18 sends a working signal to the air compressor 14 to operate it. Additionally, based on the detection results from the weight sensor 25, the control unit 18 sends a signal to the squib 71 of the actuator 70 to activate it. Figure 7 The working signal is sent to the detonator 71.

[0033] The inflator 14 is an approximately cylindrical component that generates and releases expansion gas. The inflator 14 has a release port 14a at its upper part for releasing the expansion gas, and the portion with the release port 14a is disposed inside the airbag 50. Furthermore, the inflator 14 has a flange 14b as a connection point to the housing 15, and this flange 14b extends radially from the surface with the release port 14a towards the aforementioned cylindrical shape. The inflator 14 operates by receiving a working signal from the control device 18, generating expansion gas.

[0034] The airbag 50 is a bag-shaped component made of flexible fabric such as polyester yarn, and is folded and stored inside the passenger side 2b of the dashboard 2. The lower surface of the folded airbag 50 has an opening (not shown) for inserting the inflator 14, which has a release port 14a. Additionally, a retainer 12 is housed inside the airbag 50 for securing the airbag 50 and the inflator 14 to the housing 15.

[0035] The airbag 50 inflates to seal the space between the dashboard 2 and the windshield 8 of the vehicle 1 by supplying inflation gas from the inflator 14. Specifically, the inflated airbag 50 has a rear wall portion 50a, which is disposed at the rear to protect the occupant M from the impact caused by a collision with the vehicle 1. The airbag 50 also has: an upper wall portion 50b, which is disposed at the top and extends along the windshield 8 of the vehicle 1, connecting at the rear to the upper end portion 50a1 of the rear wall portion 50a; a lower wall portion 50c, which is disposed at the bottom and connects at the rear to the lower end portion 50a2 of the rear wall portion 50a; and a left wall portion 50d and a right wall portion 50e, respectively disposed on the left and right sides. The lower wall portion 50c is supported on the dashboard 2.

[0036] Additionally, an exhaust port 50x is provided on the right wall portion 50e of the airbag 50. This exhaust port 50x is used to exhaust excess inflation gas supplied to the interior of the airbag 50. The exhaust port 50x is blocked by a baffle 51 (blocking member) when the airbag 50 is not inflated and when the actuator 70 is not activated even if the airbag 50 is inflated.

[0037] The baffle 51 is an approximately rectangular component that covers and blocks the exhaust port 50x from the outside. In this embodiment, it is made of the same fabric as the airbag 50. The rear portion of the baffle 51 is sewn to the rear portion of the exhaust port 50x of the airbag 50 via a seam 51a. Furthermore, the portion near the center of the baffle 51 is sewn to one end 55a of the connecting strap 55 along its length via a seam 51b. That is, one end 55a of the connecting strap 55 is indirectly connected to the airbag 50 via the baffle 51.

[0038] The connecting strap 55 (connecting component) is a narrow strip, in this embodiment formed of the same fabric as the airbag 50. A through hole 55b1 extending in the thickness direction of the connecting strap 55 is formed at the other end 55b along its length. The other end 55b of the connecting strap 55 is held in the actuator 70 by inserting the cover 73 of the actuator 70 (described later) through this through hole 55b1. That is, one end 55a along the length of the connecting strap 55 is connected to the airbag 50 via the baffle 51, while the other end 55b is held in the actuator 70.

[0039] Furthermore, a large portion of the middle portion 55c between one end 55a and the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55 is disposed inside the airbag 50. Specifically, the middle portion 55c of the connecting strap 55 is inserted into the airbag 50 through a through hole 50v1 formed near the exhaust port 50x of the airbag 50 near one end 55a, and enters the airbag 50 through a through hole 50v2 formed near the actuator 70 near the other end 55b. Figure 11(Refer to) Extends to the outside of the airbag 50. Thus, most of the middle portion 55c of the connecting strap 55 is disposed inside the airbag 50.

[0040] The actuator 70 is fixed to the housing 15 via the bracket 80. Before operation, the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55 is held; if operation is required, the holding of the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55 is released. When the airbag 50 inflates, the actuator 70 switches between the state where the exhaust port 50x is covered and closed by the baffle 51 and the state where it is uncovered and open by switching the holding and release of the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55. Specifically, if the airbag 50 inflates while the actuator 70 holds the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55, the connecting strap 55 is pulled by the airbag 50 and the actuator 70. This generates tension in the connecting strap 55, which presses the baffle 51 against the area around the exhaust port 50x of the airbag 50, thus blocking the exhaust port 50x. Therefore, inflation gas is not discharged from the exhaust port 50x, and the internal pressure of the airbag 50 is maintained. The detailed structure of the actuator 70 will be described later.

[0041] On the other hand, if the airbag 50 inflates while the actuator 70 is released from holding the connecting belt 55, no tension is generated in the connecting belt 55. Therefore, the baffle 51 is pressed outward by the inflatable gas that will flow out from the exhaust port 50x. As a result, the exhaust port 50x opens, the inflatable gas is discharged from the exhaust port 50x, and the internal pressure of the airbag 50 decreases.

[0042] The housing 15 has a rectangular plate-shaped bottom wall portion 15a and a square cylindrical side wall portion 15b extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion 15a, and is connected to the vehicle body 1 via a bracket (not shown). In this embodiment, the housing 15 is formed of a thin metal plate. Hook-shaped hook portions 15b1 are formed at the upper ends of the front and rear side wall portions 15b, respectively. Multiple hook portions 15b1 are arranged in the left-right direction on the front and rear side wall portions 15b. In addition, an insertion hole (not shown) is formed on the bottom wall portion 15a for the inflator 14 to be inserted.

[0043] The airbag 50 and the inflator 14 are secured to the bottom wall 15a of the housing 15 via a retainer 12 within the airbag 50. Specifically, the periphery of the opening (not shown) of the airbag 50 is held between the lower surface of the retainer 12 and the upper surface of the bottom wall 15a of the housing 15. Additionally, the upper surface of the flange 14b of the inflator 14 is pressed against the lower surface of the bottom wall 15a of the housing 15. In this state, the bolt 5 is inserted into the threaded holes formed at the periphery of the opening of the airbag 50, the bottom wall 15a of the housing 15, and the flange 14b of the inflator 14, respectively, and the nut 13 is tightened. Thus, the airbag 50 and the inflator 14 are secured to the bottom wall 15a of the housing 15.

[0044] The airbag cover 20 covers the top of the airbag 50 to prevent it from protruding when folded. Furthermore, the airbag cover 20 partially breaks when the airbag 50 inflates, forming an opening 20a for pulling the airbag 50 outwards. In this embodiment, the airbag cover 20 is formed of synthetic resin and consists of a base material 21 and a connecting portion 22 connected to the back of the base material 21 by small screws or the like. The base material 21 is a component of the instrument panel 2, extending to the driver's side 2a portion and the central portion 2c portion. In other words, the instrument panel 2 also serves as part of the airbag cover 20.

[0045] The connecting portion 22 has: a top portion 22a that extends generally horizontally along the substrate 21 and connects to the back side of the substrate 21; and a nearly square cylindrical sidewall portion 22b that extends downward from the top portion 22a and is disposed adjacent to the sidewall portion 15b of the housing 15. The front and rear sidewall portions 22b have multiple engaging holes 22b1 that engage with multiple hook portions 15b1 formed on the sidewall portions 15b of the housing 15. By hooking and engaging the hook portions 15b1 into the engaging holes 22b1, the airbag cover 20 and the housing 15 are connected.

[0046] A recessed portion 22a1, with its wall thickness decreasing, is formed in the center of the back side of the top surface portion 22a in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, when the airbag 50 inflates, the front portion of the recessed portion 22a1 of the top surface portion 22a becomes a door portion 22a2 that rotates forward and upward, centered on the corner portion 22a4 formed between it and the front sidewall portion 22b. Similarly, when the airbag 50 inflates, the rear portion of the recessed portion 22a1 of the top surface portion 22a becomes a door portion 22a3 that rotates rearward and upward, centered on the corner portion 22a5 formed between it and the rear sidewall portion 22b.

[0047] Next, the operation of the airbag device 10 in protecting occupant M will be explained. First, if an impact occurs during a collision with vehicle 1, the acceleration sensor 19 detects this impact as acceleration. If the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 19 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control device 18 sends an operating signal to the inflator 14. As a result, the inflator 14 operates, supplying inflation gas to the interior of the airbag 50, and the airbag 50 begins to inflate.

[0048] The inflating airbag 50 first contacts the top surface 22a of the connecting portion 22 of the airbag cover 20, pushing the top surface 22a upward. As a result, the top surface 22a breaks, starting from the vulnerable recess 22a1, and simultaneously, the portion of the substrate 21 connected to the top surface 22a breaks.

[0049] Next, due to the pressure received from the airbag 50, deformation occurs near the corners 22a4 and 22a5 of the top surface 22a. The openings 22a2 and 22a3 of the top surface 22a, along with the fractured substrate 21, are pushed upward by the airbag 50, thereby forming the opening 20a. Furthermore, Figure 4 The double-dotted line shown indicates the state of the top surface 22a, the door portions 22a2 and 22a3, and the substrate 21 after they are rotated upwards.

[0050] Next, the airbag 50 is pulled out from the opening 20a toward the side of the occupant M sitting in the front passenger seat 3, i.e., the rear of the vehicle 1, and inflates. The occupant M, who moves forward with the collision of the vehicle 1, is protected by the rear wall 50a of the inflated airbag 50.

[0051] Furthermore, if the weight of the occupant M detected by the weight sensor 25 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount when the airbag 50 is inflated, the control device 18 will not activate the actuator 70, but will instead maintain the other end 55b of the connecting belt 55 in a fixed state. As a result, the exhaust port 50x is blocked by the baffle 51, and the internal pressure of the airbag 50 is ensured to be high, thus the airbag 50 reliably supports the large occupant M.

[0052] Furthermore, if the weight of the occupant M detected by the weight sensor 25 is less than a predetermined value when the airbag 50 inflates, the control device 18 activates the actuator 70 to release the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55. This opens the exhaust port 50x, allowing the inflation gas inside the airbag 50 to escape. Therefore, it prevents injury to the small-sized occupant M due to the reaction force of the airbag 50.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating timing of the actuator 70 and the inflator 14 is substantially simultaneous, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it may also be configured such that the actuator 70 operates before the inflator 14 operates, thereby releasing the holding of the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55, or that the actuator 70 operates after the inflator 14 operates, thereby releasing the holding of the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55.

[0054] Next, the detailed structure of actuator 70 will be described. Figure 6 This is a slanted schematic view of the actuator 70, with the other end 55b of the connecting strip 55 indicated by a double-dotted line. Figure 7 Is Figure 6 The schematic cross-sectional view of actuator 70 shown is cut at section A2-A2.

[0055] like Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the actuator 70 includes: a detonator 71; a cover 73 disposed opposite to the detonator 71 to hold the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55; and a frame 72 that holds the detonator 71 inside, and the cover 73 is held in a state where the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55 is held by locking the cover 73. In this embodiment, the frame 72 and the cover 73 are made of synthetic resin, but they may also be formed of other materials.

[0056] The detonator 71 includes: a metallic gas generating section 71a that generates gas upon operation; and a pair of conductive pins 71b connected to a cable (not shown) that electrically connects the control device 18 and the detonator 71. A gas generating agent (not shown) is contained inside the gas generating section 71a. The detonator 71 receives an operating signal from the control device 18 and operates, causing the gas generating agent inside the gas generating section 71a to burn. This releases gas from the gas generating section 71a toward the cover 73, thereby releasing the locking of the cover 73 from the frame 72, and causing the cover 73 to detach from the frame 72. This also releases the cover 73 from retaining the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55.

[0057] The frame 72 is a component that holds the detonator 71 in an approximately cylindrical shape, and has a base 72a for holding the detonator 71. In this embodiment, the base 72a of the frame 72 is integrally formed with the detonator 71 by insert molding, thereby holding the gas generating part 71a and the conductive pin 71b of the detonator 71. In addition, a positioning protrusion 72c for positioning with the bracket 80 is provided on the outer periphery of the base 72a of the frame 72.

[0058] Additionally, the frame 72 has a cylindrical sidewall portion 72b that extends from the base 72a toward the cover 73, separating the gap and covering the side of the gas generating section 71a of the detonator 71 throughout the entire circumference. A retaining recess 72b1 is provided on the inner circumference of the sidewall portion 72b, recessed throughout the entire circumference. The cover 73 is engaged with the retaining recess 72b1 as described later.

[0059] The cover 73 holds the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55 and maintains the state of the other end 55b by locking it to the frame 72. The cover 73 has: a nearly circular plate-shaped canopy portion 73a, which is disposed opposite to the detonator 71; and a nearly cylindrical leg portion 73b, which extends from the periphery of the canopy portion 73a toward the detonator 71. The front end portion 73b1 of the leg portion 73b is inserted into the gap between the side wall portion 72b of the frame 72 and the gas generating portion 71a of the detonator 71.

[0060] Furthermore, the portion of the leg 73b that is exposed at its base end 73b2, not inserted into the gap between the side wall portion 72b of the frame 72 and the gas generating portion 71a of the detonator 71, becomes the portion that passes through the through hole 55b1 of the connecting strap 55, thus holding the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55. Moreover, the size of the through hole 55b1 of the connecting strap 55 is set such that the leg 73b can be inserted through but the top portion 73a cannot. Therefore, when the cover 73 is locked to the frame 72, the through hole 55b1 will not fall off the leg 73b, thereby maintaining the cover 73's holding of the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55. Furthermore, if the frame 72 releases the lock on the cover 73, the leg 73b is pulled out through the through hole 55b1, releasing the cover 73's holding of the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55.

[0061] Additionally, the leg 73b has a locking protrusion 73b3 that protrudes outward from its outer periphery and engages with the locking recess 72b1 of the frame 72. The locking protrusion 73b3 of the leg 73b is inserted into and engaged with the locking recess 72b1 of the frame 72, thereby locking and holding the cover 73 in the frame 72.

[0062] Next, the mounting structure of the actuator 70 to the housing 15 will be described. Figure 8 This is a slanted schematic view of the actuator 70 and the bracket 80. Figure 9 This is a slanted schematic view of the shell 15. Figure 10 This is a slanted schematic view of the actuator 70 around the housing 15. Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the area around the actuator 70 when the airbag 50 is inflated while the actuator 70 is not in operation. Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the area around the actuator 70 when the airbag 50 is inflated while the actuator 70 is in operation.

[0063] The bracket 80 is a component that secures the actuator 70 to the housing 15. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the bracket 80 is constructed by connecting two thin metal plates, namely a frame retaining plate 80a that holds the frame 72 of the actuator 70 and a support plate 80b that supports the connecting strap 55, with bolts 89. Furthermore, the bracket 80 does not necessarily have to be made of thin metal plates; it can also be made of other materials such as synthetic resin. Additionally, the frame retaining plate 80a and the support plate 80b can be integrally molded.

[0064] The frame retaining plate 80a has: an approximately U-shaped winding portion 80a1, which is wound around the outer periphery of the frame 72 to retain the frame 72; and a mounting portion 80a2, which extends in a planar shape from near the opening of the U-shape of the winding portion 80a1. The winding portion 80a1 is provided with a fitting hole 80a1a that engages with a positioning protrusion 72c of the frame 72. The engagement of the positioning protrusion 72c of the frame 72 with the fitting hole 80a1a of the winding portion 80a1 positions the frame 72 and the bracket 80. Additionally, the mounting portion 80a2 has a threaded hole (not shown) through which a bolt 89 is inserted.

[0065] The support plate 80b has: a base 80b1 that contacts the upper surface of the frame 72 and clamps the frame 72 vertically together with the winding portion 80a1 of the frame retaining plate 80a; and a cover-opposing portion 80b2 that extends downward from the right end of the base 80b1. The cover-opposing portion 80b2 is disposed opposite to the cover 73 at a position opposite to the detonator 71, with reference to the cover 73.

[0066] Additionally, the support plate 80b includes: a support portion 80b3, which bends to the left from the lower end of the cover-opposite portion 80b2 and contacts the connecting band 55 to support it; and a mounting portion 80b4, which extends forward from the left end of the base portion 80b1 and forms a threaded hole (not shown) for a bolt 89 to be inserted through. The support portion 80b3 contacts a portion near the other end 55b of the middle portion 55c of the connecting band 55, causing the middle portion 55c to bend and be supported.

[0067] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the bracket 80 is fixed to the lower surface 15a1 of the bottom wall portion 15a of the housing 15 by bolts 89 and nuts (not shown). Thus, the actuator 70 is mounted to the bottom wall portion 15a of the housing 15 via the bracket 80.

[0068] Additionally, as described above, the connecting strap 55 extends from the insertion hole 50v2 of the airbag 50 to the outside of the airbag 50. Then, the connecting strap 55 extends from the insertion hole 15b2 (insertion hole) formed in the side wall portion 15b of the housing 15 through a cutting process to the outside of the housing 15. Furthermore, a strap support portion 15b3 (strip support portion) is formed in the side wall portion 15b of the housing 15. This strap support portion 15b3 (strip support portion) extends from the lower edge of the insertion hole 15b2 towards the insertion direction of the connecting strap 55 relative to the insertion hole 15b2, and outwards from the housing 15. The strap support portion 15b3 is the portion of the side wall portion 15b cut out during the forming of the insertion hole 15b2.

[0069] The middle portion 55c of the connecting strap 55, extending to the outside of the housing 15, is mounted on the strap support portion 15b3 and bends downward, and is supported by the strap support portion 15b3. It then mounts on the strap support portion 80b3 of the bracket 80 and bends to the left and upward, and is supported by the strap support portion 15b3. In this state, the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55 remains on the cover 73 of the actuator 70. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the inflator 14 and the detonator 71 are not in operation, the bending angle θ1 of the connecting strap 55 associated with the support of the strap support portion 15b3 of the housing 15 and the bending angle θ2 of the connecting strap 55 associated with the support of the strap support portion 80b3 of the bracket 80 are each set to less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0070] As described above, the bracket 80 with its supporting portion 80b3 contacts the middle portion 55c of the connecting belt 55, causing the middle portion 55c to bend and provide support, thereby achieving the following effect. That is, assuming the middle portion 55c of the connecting belt 55 is not in contact with other components, if the airbag 50 inflates when the actuator 70 is not operating, the tension of the connecting belt 55 acts directly on the cover 73 of the actuator 70. In such a structure, if the gas output of the inflation gas from the inflator 14 is large, an excessive load is applied to the cover 73 of the actuator 70, causing the cover 73 to deform and potentially accidentally releasing the cover 73 from its holding position on the connecting belt 55. Therefore, the selection of the inflator 14 is limited.

[0071] In contrast, in this embodiment, the bracket 80 with its supporting portion 80b3 contacts the middle portion 55c of the connecting belt 55, causing the middle portion 55c to bend and provide support. Therefore, as Figure 11 As shown, when the airbag 50 inflates while the actuator 70 is not in operation, a portion of the tension F of the connecting belt 55 acts on the belt support portion 80b3 disposed near the other end 55b of the connecting belt 55, thereby reducing the tension of the connecting belt 55 acting on the cover 73. Therefore, the airbag device 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the load applied from the connecting belt 55 to the actuator 70 when the airbag 50 inflates while the actuator 70 is not in operation.

[0072] Furthermore, the housing 15 has a strap support portion 15b3, which contacts the middle portion 55c of the connecting strap 55, causing the middle portion 55c of the connecting strap 55 to bend and be supported. Therefore, when the airbag 50 inflates while the actuator 70 is not in operation, a portion of the tension of the connecting strap 55 can act on the strap support portion 15b3, further reducing the tension of the connecting strap 55 acting on the cover 73.

[0073] Furthermore, the bending angle θ1 of the connecting strap 55 associated with the support of the bracket 15b3 of the housing 15 and the bending angle θ2 of the connecting strap 55 associated with the support of the bracket 80b3 of the bracket 80 are both set to be less than or equal to 90 degrees. Therefore, compared with structures where the bending angles θ1 and θ2 are greater than 90 degrees, it is easier for the tension of the connecting strap 55 to act on these parts, and it is easier to reduce the tension of the connecting strap 55 acting on the cover 73.

[0074] Furthermore, the bracket portion 15b3 is a part cut out of the side wall portion 15b during the forming of the through hole 15b2. Therefore, the bracket portion 15b3 can be easily formed without the need to provide it separately. If this aspect is not considered, the housing 15 does not need to be made of metal and can be formed of other materials such as synthetic resin.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, if the actuator 70 operates, gas is released from the gas generating section 71a of the detonator 71. Consequently, along with the increase in the air pressure of this gas, the internal pressure of the space divided by the gas generating section 71a and the leg 73b rises, releasing the lock between the locking recess 72b1 of the frame 72 and the locking protrusion 73b3 of the cover 73. The cover 73 then detaches from the frame 72 and bounces off to the opposite side of the detonator 71. In this embodiment, since the bracket 80 has a cover-opposing section 80b2, the bounced cover 73 is supported by the cover-opposing section 80b2, preventing further bounce of the cover 73.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure in which the actuator 70 is fixed to the bottom wall portion 15a of the housing 15 of the airbag device 10 via the bracket 80 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the component that fixes the actuator 70 via the bracket 80 is not limited to the housing 15, but can also be fixed to any component of the vehicle 1, including other components of the airbag device 10.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure in which one end 55a of the connecting strap 55 is indirectly connected to the airbag 50 via the baffle 51 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one end 55a of the connecting strap 55 may also be directly connected to the right wall portion 50e of the airbag 50, etc. That is, the connection of one end 55a of the connecting strap 55 to the airbag 50 as described here includes: a structure in which one end 55a of the connecting strap 55 is indirectly connected to the airbag 50 via other components, and a structure in which one end 55a of the connecting strap 55 is directly connected to the airbag 50 without being connected by other components.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure for controlling the opening and closing of the exhaust port 50x of the airbag 50 via the actuator 70 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, as long as the structure controls the inflation state of the airbag 50 by switching the holding and releasing of the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55 via the actuator 70, the actuator 70 can be used for other purposes. For example, by directly connecting one end 55a of the connecting strap 55 to the right wall portion 50e of the airbag 50, and by switching the holding and releasing of the other end 55b of the connecting strap 55 via the actuator 70, the volume and shape of the airbag 50 when fully inflated can be changed; with such a structure, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an airbag device 10 with an airbag 50 is shown installed on the dashboard 2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the airbag device 10 or the airbag 50 can achieve the same effect as described above even if it is installed in other locations in the vehicle 1. For example, even if the structure of an airbag equivalent to the airbag 50 is provided on the steering wheel (not shown) in front of the driver's seat, the same effect as described above can be achieved.

Claims

1. An airbag device (10) mounted on a vehicle (1) and comprising the following components: The airbag (50) is configured to be folded and inflated by being supplied with inflatable gas to support the occupants (M) of the vehicle (1). An inflator (14) that releases the inflation gas supplied to the airbag (50); A connecting component (55) has one end (55a) connected to the airbag (50); An actuator (70) controls the inflation state of the airbag (50) by switching between holding and releasing the other end (55b) of the connecting member (55), and the actuator (70) has a detonator (71), a cover (73), and a frame (72), the cover (73) being disposed opposite to the detonator (71) and holding the other end (55b) of the connecting member (55), the frame (72) maintaining the cover (73) holding the other end (55b) by locking the cover (73), the actuator (70) using gas generated by the operation of the detonator (71) to release the locking of the frame (72) on the cover (73) and release the holding of the cover (73) on the other end (55b); and A bracket (80) holds the actuator (70) and secures the actuator (70) to the vehicle (1) containing the airbag device (10). in, The bracket (80) has a support portion (80b3) that, when the detonator (71) is not in operation, contacts the middle portion (55c) between one end (55a) and the other end (55b) of the connecting member (55), causing the connecting member (55) to bend and provide support.

2. The airbag device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The airbag device (10) has a housing (15) that houses the airbag (50) in its folded state and secures the bracket (80). The housing (15) has a support portion (15b3) that contacts the middle portion (55c) of the connecting member (55), causing the connecting member (55) to bend and be supported.

3. The airbag device (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The housing (15) is made of metal and has a through hole (15b2) through which the connecting component (55) is inserted. This through hole (15b2) is formed by cutting. The support portion (15b3) is the part of the housing (15) that is cut out by the cutting process.

4. In the airbag device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The bracket (80) has a cover-opposite portion (80b2) which is configured opposite to the cover (73) at a position opposite to the detonator (71) with reference to the cover (73).

5. In the airbag device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, One end (55a) of the connecting member (55) is connected to the airbag (50) via a blocking member (51), which blocks the exhaust port (50x) from which the inflation gas is discharged from the airbag (50). When the airbag (50) inflates while the cover (73) holds the other end (55b) of the connecting member (55), the exhaust port (50x) is blocked by the blocking member (51). When the airbag (50) inflates while the cover (73) releases the other end (55b) of the connecting member (55), the exhaust port (50x) is not blocked by the blocking member (51) and remains open.

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