Airbag device for vehicle
By designing the structure in which the airbag pad contacts the dashboard, the problem of the load caused by the contact between the airbag device and the windshield was solved, the occupant restraint force was improved and the load on the windshield was reduced, thus achieving a highly efficient restraint effect for the airbag device.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, airbag devices can put a strain on the windshield when they come into contact with it, affecting occupant restraint and safety performance.
Design an airbag structure that contacts the upper and rear surfaces of the dashboard when it inflates and deploys, maintains an upright posture, and avoids contact with the windshield. The dashboard is used as a reaction surface for constraint through a combination design of the inflator connection, main expansion part, front contact part and rear contact part.
It achieves improved occupant restraint and reduced windshield load without damaging the windshield, and has a simple structure and low cost.
Smart Images
Figure CN122122044A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device having an airbag cushion that expands and deploys between the vehicle's dashboard and an occupant seated in the front seat. Background Technology
[0002] Most modern vehicles come standard with airbags. Airbags are safety devices that activate in emergencies such as vehicle collisions, using inflated airbags to protect occupants. There are various types of airbags depending on their location and purpose. For example, a front side airbag is located in the center of the steering wheel in the driver's seat. Additionally, a passenger airbag is located in and around the dashboard in the front passenger seat.
[0003] Various airbag devices employ airbag cushioning, and research has been conducted considering factors such as the placement location to ensure adequate restraint for occupants. For example, Patent Document 1... Figure 1 The airbag 2 is a passenger-side airbag, and in order to stand upright on the dashboard 3, the contact portion 2a with the upper surface of the dashboard 3 is formed to be wide.
[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-21726 Summary of the Invention
[0005] The problem the invention aims to solve In recent years, vehicle safety performance evaluations have required that windshields not bear excessive load. Patent Document 1, in paragraph 0006, also describes an airbag 2 with a shape that does not contact the windshield 5. However, the technology in Patent Document 1 only relates to the contact portion 2a in front of the inflator 4, leaving room for improvement in terms of stabilizing the airbag's posture and ensuring non-contact with the windshield.
[0006] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle airbag device that combines improved occupant restraint with reduced windshield load.
[0007] Problem Solving Methods To address the aforementioned problems, the representative structure of the vehicle airbag device involved in this invention is a vehicle airbag device comprising: an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between the vehicle's dashboard and an occupant seated in a proper posture in the front seat; an inflator fixed to the inner side of the upper surface of the dashboard and supplying gas to the airbag cushion; characterized in that the airbag cushion includes: an inflator connector for inserting a portion of the inflator; a main expansion portion formed at a position further rearward than the inflator connector and inflating to below the upper surface of the dashboard; and a front contact portion extending from the inflator... The connecting portion expands in a wedge shape towards the front of the vehicle along the upper surface of the dashboard; the upper surface portion of the pad is formed on the upper side from the front contact portion to the main expansion portion; the front surface protection portion is formed in the main expansion portion in the area opposite to the occupant and restrains the occupant from the front of the vehicle; a pair of rear protrusions are provided on both sides of the front surface protection portion in the vehicle width direction and expand in a state of protruding towards the rear of the vehicle, the airbag cushion contacts the upper surface of the dashboard through the front contact portion, and the main expansion portion contacts the portion of the rear surface of the dashboard that extends in the vertical direction, thereby being able to maintain an upright posture.
[0008] The front contact portion of the airbag cushion contacts the upper surface of the instrument panel, and the main inflator contacts the rear surface of the instrument panel, thereby maintaining an upright posture. According to this structure, the airbag cushion can stabilize its posture even when it is not in contact with the windshield, thus effectively restraining the occupants. Therefore, according to the above structure, the load on the windshield can be reduced while increasing occupant restraint.
[0009] The main expansion portion described above may also have a lower expansion portion that expands downward along the virtual line extending along the upper surface of the instrument panel; and the lower expansion portion may also have a rear contact portion formed in the lower part of the lower expansion portion and bulging forward relative to the upper part of the lower expansion portion to contact the rear surface of the instrument panel.
[0010] According to the above structure, the main expansion portion can easily contact the rear surface of the instrument panel through the rear contact portion formed on the lower expansion portion. Therefore, according to the above structure, by using the rear surface of the instrument panel as a reaction force surface, the posture of the airbag cushion can be made more stable.
[0011] The airbag cushion may also have a diffuser disposed on the inner side of the airbag cushion around the inflator connection and covering a portion of the inflator. The diffuser has: a front opening that guides the gas supplied from the inflator to a front bulge at the front of the vehicle; and a rear opening that guides the gas supplied from the inflator to a main expansion portion at the rear of the vehicle.
[0012] According to the above structure, by using the diffuser to deliver gas to the front contact part and the main expansion part, the front contact part and the main expansion part are rapidly expanded and deployed to contact the instrument panel, thereby making the posture of the airbag cushion more stable.
[0013] The aforementioned airbag cushion includes: a main panel that forms the upper surface of the cushion, the front surface protection portion, and the lower surface of the airbag cushion from the main expansion portion to the front contact portion, and is provided with an inflator connection portion; a pair of side panels that respectively form the main expansion portion, the front contact portion, and the rear protrusion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction; and a pair of inner circular convex (lobe) panels that respectively form the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the rear protrusion. The outer circular convex panel portion that forms the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear protrusion has a larger area than the inner circular convex panel portion when unfolded and placed on a flat surface. The outer circular convex panel portion can also be formed into a three-dimensional shape by joining a predetermined cut portion cut towards the center in a closed state.
[0014] According to the above structure, an airbag cushion with a pair of rear protrusions can be preferably achieved. In particular, by making the outer circular convex panel portion three-dimensional, the capacity of the pair of rear protrusions can be increased. In addition, since the area of the inner circular convex panel portion is smaller than that of the outer circular convex panel portion, the tension of the inner circular convex panel portion is greater than that of the outer circular convex panel portion. As a result, since the pair of rear protrusions are stretched inward and inflated by the inner circular convex panel, the restraint force on the occupant entering between the pair of rear protrusions can be improved.
[0015] The upper surface of the aforementioned pad can be configured such that the upper surface of the airbag pad expands and unfolds in a state separate from the vehicle's windshield.
[0016] According to the above structure, the upper surface of the pad unfolds in a state separate from the windshield, which can reduce the burden on the windshield.
[0017] Invention Effects According to the present invention, a vehicle airbag device can be provided that simultaneously improves occupant restraint and reduces the burden on the windshield. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an outline of a vehicle airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 (b) is a schematic diagram of the AA section of the airbag cushion.
[0020] Figure 3 It is shown as a separate example. Figure 1 (b) is a diagram of the airbag cushion during its expansion and deployment.
[0021] Figure 4 This example illustrates the formation Figure 3 A diagram of the various panel components of the airbag cushion.
[0022] Figure 5 This example illustrates the process from... Figure 4 (b) is a diagram illustrating the process by which the rear protrusion is formed on the side panel.
[0023] Figure 6 This example illustrates Figure 3 (b) is a diagram illustrating the process by which the airbag cushions restrain the occupants.
[0024] Figure 7 This example illustrates Figure 2 The diagram shows the state in which the airbag cushions restrain the occupants.
[0025] Figure 8 This example illustrates Figure 5 A diagram showing a modified example of the side panel. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values shown in the embodiments are merely illustrative for ease of understanding and do not limit the invention unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same function or structure are omitted from repeated description by using the same symbols; additionally, elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.
[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a schematic of a vehicle airbag device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (a) is a diagram illustrating the state of the vehicle airbag device 100 before it begins to operate. In this embodiment, the vehicle airbag device 100 is implemented as an occupant airbag for the front passenger seat of a left-hand drive vehicle, and is installed in front of the right front seat 104.
[0028] Below, in Figure 1 In the other figures of (a), arrows F (Forward) and B (Back) indicate the forward and backward directions of the vehicle, arrows L (Left) and R (Right) indicate the left and right directions of the vehicle's width, and arrows U (Up) and D (Down) indicate the vertical directions of the vehicle. In particular, "up" refers to the direction of the head when viewed from the perspective of an occupant sitting in a proper posture, and "down" refers to the direction of the lower limbs when viewed from the perspective of the occupant.
[0029] Airbag cushion 108 of vehicle airbag device 100 (reference) Figure 1(b) The airbag is stored in a storage section 106 located on the dashboard 102. The storage section 106 is located in front of the seat 104 in the vehicle. In the storage section 106, the inflator 110, which is a gas generating device, is also stored together with the airbag cushion 108 (see reference). Figure 2 ).
[0030] Figure 1 (b) is an example. Figure 1 (a) is a diagram showing the state of the vehicle airbag system 100 after it has been activated. When a collision is predicted or detected, the airbag cushion 108 is released from the storage section 106 (see Figure 106). Figure 1 (a) It expands and unfolds in front of the seat 104. The airbag cushion 108 is bag-shaped and is formed by overlapping and sewing or gluing multiple panels that make up its surface.
[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 (b) Schematic diagram of the AA section of the airbag cushion 108. Figure 2 The image also shows an occupant 112 sitting in a formal posture on seat 104.
[0032] Figure 2 Occupant 112 illustrates a human model used for automobile crash tests. Examples of human models suitable for occupant 112 include the AM50 or AF05 of the Hybrid III, which can be used as human models for frontal crash tests.
[0033] The AM50 is a mannequin modeled after a male who is 175cm tall and weighs 78kg, and its physique is suitable for 50% of the average American adult male. The AF05 is a mannequin modeled after a petite female, modeled after a female who is 145cm tall, has a sitting height of 79cm, and weighs approximately 45kg. These mannequins are made according to the standards of the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
[0034] The airbag 108 is positioned towards the dashboard 102 and seated in a proper posture in the seat 104 (see reference). Figure 1 (b) The airbag 108 expands and deploys between the occupants 112 on the instrument panel 102. In particular, the airbag 108 of this embodiment, while in contact with the upper surface 102a and the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 and standing upright, expands and deploys between the upper surface 102a and the windshield 114, and between the rear surface 102b and the occupants 112 on the seat 104, thereby restraining the occupants 112 from the front of the vehicle.
[0035] The airbag cushion 108 is connected to the inflator 110, which is a gas generating device, via the inflator connector 118. The inflator 110 is fixed to the inside of the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102 with bolts (not shown), so that the part with the gas ejection hole is inserted into the interior of the airbag cushion 108 from the inflator connector 118.
[0036] The inflator 110 starts operating upon receiving an impact detection signal from a designated sensor, supplying gas to the inside of the airbag cushion 108. The airbag cushion 108 inflates using the gas from the inflator 110, and the resulting expansion pressure causes the cover of the storage section 106 to crack, etc., towards the seat 104 (see reference). Figure 1 (b) Expansion and unfolding.
[0037] In this embodiment, the inflator 110 is a disc-type (round disc) inflator. Commonly used inflators include those that fill with a gas-generating agent and burn it to produce gas, those that fill with compressed gas but supply gas without generating heat, and those that use a mixture of combustion gas and compressed gas. As inflator 110, any type of inflator can be used.
[0038] The diffuser 116 is a component that rectifies the gas supplied from the inflator 110. The diffuser 116 is disposed around the inflator connection 118 inside the airbag cushion 108, covering the inflator 110 inserted into the airbag cushion 108.
[0039] The diffuser 116 has a front opening 116a and a rear opening 116b as openings for releasing gas. The diffuser 116 guides the gas in a forward and backward direction through these openings, enabling the gas to effectively fill the airbag cushion 108.
[0040] Figure 3 It is shown as a separate example. Figure 1 (b) A diagram of the airbag 108 when it expands and deploys. Figure 3 (a) is an example shown when viewed from the left side in the vehicle width direction. Figure 1 (b) Figure 108 of the airbag cushion.
[0041] On the airbag cushion 108, as an insert inflator 110 (see reference) Figure 2 An inflator connection portion 118 is provided in a portion of the airbag cushion 108 that overlaps with the instrument panel 102 from above. In this embodiment, it is provided in a portion slightly forward of the center of the airbag cushion 108.
[0042] On the airbag cushion 108, a main expansion section 120 is provided as the main expansion section. The main expansion section 120 is a larger section in the vertical direction formed further rearward than the inflator connection section 118, and extensively restrains the occupant 112 (see reference). Figure 2 ).
[0043] like Figure 2 As illustrated, when the main expansion section 120 expands, its upper end 120a is located near the windshield 114, and its lower end 120b is located below the virtual line L1 extending rearward from the upper surface 102a of the dashboard 102. Thus, the main expansion section 120 can extensively restrain the upper body of the occupant 112, primarily from the head 172 to the chest 184.
[0044] The airbag cushion 108 has a front contact portion 122 as an inflatable portion for maintaining its upright position. When inflated, the front contact portion 122 protrudes in a wedge shape from the inflator connection portion 118 along the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102 toward the front of the vehicle. The front contact portion 122 enters the space between the instrument panel 102 and the windshield 114 and makes surface contact with the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102, thereby supporting the upright position of the airbag cushion 108.
[0045] On the main expansion section 120, a rear contact section 124 is also provided to support the self-standing posture of the airbag cushion 108. For example... Figure 3 As illustrated, the main expansion portion 120 includes: an upper expansion portion 121a, which is relative to the section along the dashboard 102 (see reference 121a). Figure 2 The virtual line L1 extending from the upper surface 102a of the main expansion portion 120 expands upwards from the virtual line L1; the lower expansion portion 121b expands downwards from the virtual line L1. The rear contact portion 124 is formed on the lower expansion portion 121b in the main expansion portion 120.
[0046] The rear contact portion 124 is formed at the lower part of the lower expansion portion 121b, and is formed such that the upper part of the lower expansion portion 121b bulges forward relative to the virtual line L1 side. In particular, the rear contact portion 124 is configured to face the instrument panel 102 (see reference). Figure 2 The rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 bulges forward. The main expansion portion 120 easily contacts the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 through the bulging rear contact portion 124.
[0047] As described above, the front contact portion 122 of the airbag cushion 108 contacts the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102, and the main expansion portion 120 contacts the portion extending in the vertical direction of the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 via the rear contact portion 124, thereby enabling these upper surfaces 102a and rear surfaces 102b to be used as reaction force surfaces during occupant restraint.
[0048] Figure 2 The diffuser 116 also helps maintain the self-standing posture of the airbag cushion 108. Specifically, the front opening 116a of the diffuser 116 opens towards the front contact portion 122 at the front of the vehicle, and the rear opening 116b opens towards the main inflator 120 at the rear of the vehicle. That is, the diffuser 116 rapidly guides the gas supplied from the inflator 110 to the front contact portion 122 and the main inflator 120. Therefore, the airbag cushion 108 is able to inflate and deploy the front contact portion 122 and the main inflator 120 early, thus achieving early self-standing.
[0049] In this embodiment, the airbag cushion 108 can stand upright using the upper surface 102a and rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102, thus eliminating the need for the windshield 114 to maintain its position. Therefore, the upper surface portion 126 of the cushion is configured to be detached from the windshield 114.
[0050] The upper surface portion 126 is the portion of the upper surface of the airbag cushion 108 extending from the front contact portion 122 to the main expansion portion 120. The airbag cushion 108 is formed by inflating the upper surface portion 126 in a state away from the windshield 114, thereby reducing the load applied to the windshield 114. Furthermore, by suppressing the volume of the airbag cushion 108 to a level that does not contact the windshield 114, the amount of panel components used to form the airbag cushion 108 can be reduced, a low-power inflator can be used, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag cushion 108 can be suppressed.
[0051] Figure 3 (b) is an example shown from above. Figure 3 (a) is a diagram of the airbag cushion 108. A restraint mechanism for the occupant 112 from the front is provided on the main inflation section 120 (see Figure 108). Figure 2 The front surface protection part 128 and the pair of rear protrusions 130, 132 that restrain the head from the side.
[0052] The front surface protection part 128 is located in the main expansion part 120 and is adjacent to the occupant 112 on the rear side of the vehicle (see reference). Figure 2 The area formed in the vertical direction within the relative range. The front surface protection part 128 restrains the area from the head 172 of the occupant 112 to the chest 184 and abdomen 190 from the front of the vehicle.
[0053] A pair of rear protrusions 130 and 132 are portions that expand outward from the upper part of the main expansion portion 120 toward the rear of the vehicle. The rear protrusions 130 and 132 are located on both sides of the front surface protection portion 128 in the vehicle width direction, primarily for the occupant 112 (see reference). Figure 6 (b)) The side head 174 is constrained.
[0054] Figure 4This example illustrates the formation Figure 3 A diagram of the various panel components of the airbag cushion 108.
[0055] Figure 4 (a) is an example of... Figure 3 (b) The main panel 134 of the airbag cushion 108 is unfolded and placed on a flat surface. The main panel 134 is a panel component formed in the airbag cushion 108, extending from the upper surface portion 126, the front surface protection portion 128, and the main expansion portion 120 to the front contact portion 122 of the lower surface of the airbag cushion 108.
[0056] The main panel 134 is in the shape of a long strip, and the side edges 136 and 138 are joined together by sewing or other means. Figure 4 (b) and Figure 4 (c) is used on the edges of the side panels 152 and 154. The ends 140 and 142 of the main panel 134 are joined together by sewing or the like.
[0057] A portion of the side edges 136, 138 of the main panel 134 is provided with curved portions 144, 146. Rear protrusions 130, 132 (see reference) are joined to the curved portions 144, 146. Figure 3 (b)) The inner circular convex panels 160, 162 (refer to) Figure 4 (d) Figure 4 (e)).
[0058] An inflator 110 is inserted into the main panel 134 (see reference). Figure 2 The inflator connection portion 118 is formed in the main panel 134 at a portion that overlaps from above with the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102.
[0059] The inflator connection 118 includes an opening 148 into which the inflator 110 is inserted (see reference). Figure 2 The portion of the airbag 108 has a gas ejection hole; a bolt hole 150 extends from the retaining ring (not shown) for mounting the inflator 110 for inserting a bolt. The airbag cushion 108 is fixed inside the storage portion 106 by connecting the inflator connection portion 118 to the inflator 110.
[0060] Figure 4 (b) is an example of... Figure 3 (b) A view showing the left-side panel 152 in the vehicle width direction unfolded and placed on a flat surface. The side panel 152 is a panel component forming the side portion of the airbag cushion 108 in the vehicle width direction. The side panel 152 and the right-side side panel in the vehicle width direction (see reference...) Figure 4 (c) together become part of the airbag cushion 108 (refer to) Figure 3 (b) The shape is symmetrical in the width direction of the vehicle.
[0061] Side panel 152 forms a cover Figure 3 (a) The outer side of the main expansion portion 120, the front contact portion 122, and the rear protrusion 130 in the vehicle width direction. The side panel 152 is also provided with an exhaust port 153 for discharging gas.
[0062] The side panel 152 is sized such that, when the lower edge 156 of the lower surface forming the front contact portion 122 is in contact with the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102, the upper edge 158 does not contact the windshield 114, so that the upper surface portion 126 (refer to...) Figure 2 It does not come into contact with the windshield 114.
[0063] Figure 4 (c) is an example of... Figure 3 (b) The diagram shows the right-side side panel 154 unfolded and placed on a flat surface in the vehicle width direction. Side panel 154 is... Figure 4 (b) The side panel 152 has a symmetrical shape and has the same structure as the side panel 152.
[0064] Figure 4 (d) is an example of... Figure 3 (b) is a view showing the inner circular convex panel 160 on the left side in the vehicle width direction unfolded and placed on a flat surface. The inner circular convex panel 160 is a panel component that forms the inner side of the rear protrusion 130 in the vehicle width direction. The inner circular convex panel 160 is formed in a near-crescent shape, with the outer periphery 160a engaging with the side panel 152 and the inner periphery 160b engaging with the main panel 134.
[0065] Figure 4 (e) is an example of... Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing the inner circular convex panel 162 on the right side in the vehicle width direction unfolded and placed on a plane. The inner circular convex panel 162 is related to... Figure 4 (d) The inner circular convex panel 160 has a symmetrical shape and has the same structure as the inner circular convex panel 162.
[0066] Figure 5 This example illustrates the process from... Figure 4 (b) The side panel 152 forms a rear protrusion 130 (see reference). Figure 3 (b) is a diagram of the process.
[0067] Figure 5 (a) is an example Figure 4 (b) A diagram of the side panel 152. The area indicated by the diagonal lines in the side panel 152 forms the rear protrusion 130 (see Figure 152). Figure 3 (b) The outer circular convex panel portion 164 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The outer periphery 166 of the outer circular convex panel 164 and Figure 4 (d) The outer periphery 160a of the inner circular convex panel 160 is joined together to form the rear protrusion 130 together with the inner circular convex panel 160.
[0068] The outer circular convex panel portion 164 is configured such that, when unfolded and placed on a flat surface, its area is larger than that of the inner circular convex panel 160 (see reference). Figure 4 (d) Large. Moreover, an incision 168 that is cut toward the center is provided on the outer circular convex panel portion 164.
[0069] Figure 5 (b) is closed. Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing the state of the cutout 168 of the side panel 152. The outer periphery 166 of the outer circular convex panel portion 164 is closed by connecting the edge of the cutout 168 with sewing or the like, thereby becoming connected to the inner circular convex panel 160 (see Figure 160). Figure 4 (d) The outer periphery 160a has approximately the same shape and length. In this state, the outer periphery 166 of the outer circular convex panel portion 164 engages with the outer periphery 160a of the inner circular convex panel 160 to form a rear protrusion 130 (see reference). Figure 3 (a)).
[0070] Figure 5 (c) is with Figure 5 (b) A cross-sectional view of the rear protrusion 130 corresponding to the BB section of the side panel 152. As described above, the area of the outer circular convex panel portion 164 is larger than that of the inner circular convex panel 160. Based on this, when the cutout portion 168 is in the closed state, the outer circular convex panel portion 164 becomes a three-dimensional shape. Thus, since the area of the outer circular convex panel portion 164 is larger than that of the inner circular convex panel 160 and it becomes a three-dimensional shape, the rear protrusion 130 can ensure a larger capacity.
[0071] Figure 6 This example illustrates Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing the process by which the airbag cushion 108 restrains the occupant 112. Figure 6 (a) is a diagram illustrating the state of the airbag cushion 108 just after it has inflated and deployed.
[0072] The airbag 108 is placed on the seat 104 (see reference). Figure 1 (b) The airbag 108 expands and deploys in front of the occupant 112. At this time, the airbag 108 expands not only in front of the occupant 112, but also in the rear protrusions 130 and 132, which protrude rearward from both sides of the front surface protection 128 in the vehicle width direction.
[0073] Figure 6 (b) is Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the occupant 112 enters the airbag cushion 108. In a collision from the front, i.e., an oblique collision, the occupant 112 can also move forward at an angle. At this time, the rear protrusions 130 and 132 can effectively protect the occupant 112.
[0074] like Figure 6 (b) As illustrated, for example, when the occupant 112 enters facing left-southeast, the airbag cushion 108 restrains the head 172 of the occupant 112 from the front of the vehicle using the front surface protection portion 128, and at the same time restrains the head 172 of the occupant 112 from the side head 174 using the rear protrusion 130.
[0075] In oblique collisions, when the head 172 of the occupant 112 entering from the oblique front comes into contact only with the front surface protection part 128, a clockwise rotational force (rotation 176 as shown by the arrow) is generated on the head 172 when viewed from above with the neck as the axis. Such rotation 176 of the head 172 can easily increase the injury value of the occupant 112.
[0076] In this embodiment, the front surface protection portion 128 and the rear protrusion 130 actively constrain the area from the front side of the head 172 to the side head 174, thereby reducing or eliminating the absorption of rotation 176 generated in the head 172. According to this structure, the angular velocity of the rotation 176 of the occupant's head 172 can be reduced, and the damage value of the head 172 accompanying the rotation 176 can be suppressed.
[0077] For reference Figure 5 As explained in (c), the area of the inner circular convex panel 160 of the rear protrusion 130 is smaller than that of the outer circular convex panel portion 164. Therefore, the tension of the inner circular convex panel 160 is more likely to increase than that of the outer circular convex panel portion 164. This is also true for the rear protrusion 132, which is composed of the outer circular convex panel portion 165 and the inner circular convex panel 162.
[0078] Based on the above structure, Figure 6 (b) The rear protrusions 130 and 132 are tightened by the inner circular convex panels 160 and 162, respectively, which easily generate inward forces 180 and 182, thus restraining the head 172 of the occupant 112 from both sides. In addition to this function, the outer circular convex panel portion 164 (see reference) has a three-dimensional shape. Figure 5 (c) can ensure a large capacity of the rear protrusions 130 and 132, so that the rear protrusions 130 and 132 can exert an efficient occupant restraint force on the head 172 of the occupant 112.
[0079] Figure 7 This example illustrates Figure 2 The diagram shows the state in which the airbag cushion 108 restrains the occupant 112. When the occupant 112 enters the front surface protection section 128, the airbag cushion 108 can generate a force 186 in which the rear contact portion 124 of the main inflation section 120 pushes forward against the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102, and a force 188 in which the front contact portion 122 pushes downward against the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102.
[0080] In detail, when the occupant 112 leans forward, a force 186 is generated in the main inflator 120 that rotates downward around the inflator connection 118, thereby causing the rear contact portion 124 to interfere with the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102. Furthermore, when a force is generated from the occupant 112 in the direction of lifting the main inflator 120, a force 188 is generated in the front contact portion 122 that rotates downward around the inflator connection 118, thereby causing the front contact portion 122 to interfere with the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102.
[0081] Through the aforementioned actions, the airbag cushion 108 contacts the upper surface 102a and the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102. Utilizing these upper surface 102a and the rear surface 102b as reaction surfaces, it can restrain the occupant 112 in a stable posture. In this way, when restraining the occupant, the airbag cushion 108 can maintain its independent posture by extensively utilizing the instrument panel 102, even without using the windshield 114 as a reaction surface.
[0082] As described above, in this embodiment, after the airbag cushion 108 expands and unfolds beyond the windshield 114 via the upper surface portion 126, the front contact portion 122 contacts the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102, and the main expansion portion 120 contacts the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 via the rear contact portion 124, thereby maintaining an upright posture. With this structure, the airbag cushion 108 maintains a stable posture without contacting the windshield 114, effectively restraining the occupant 112. Therefore, the vehicle airbag device 100 of this embodiment can simultaneously reduce the load on the windshield 114 and increase occupant restraint.
[0083] The airbag cushion 108 guides gas through the diffuser 116 to the front contact portion 122 and the main expansion portion 120, thereby causing the front contact portion 122 and the main expansion portion 120 to expand and deploy rapidly. As a result, the airbag cushion 108 can also come into contact with the instrument panel 102, allowing the posture of the airbag cushion 108 to stabilize earlier.
[0084] In addition, as referenced Figure 6As explained in (b), the airbag cushion 108 utilizes the area difference between the outer circular convex panel portions 164, 165 and the inner circular convex panels 160, 162 to generate inward forces 180, 182 on the rear protrusions 130, 132. Compared to conventional methods that utilize tension such as internal straps to form protrusions on the airbag cushion 108, this airbag cushion 108 has a simpler structure, reduces the amount of material used and the number of stitching points, and lowers costs. Furthermore, by omitting the internal straps, the smooth flow of gas within the airbag cushion 108 ensures rapid inflation and deployment.
[0085] Figure 8 This example illustrates Figure 5 A diagram of a modified example of side panel 152 (side panel 200). In the following description, the same symbols will be used to mark the constituent elements that have already been described, thus omitting their descriptions. In addition, constituent elements with the same names as the constituent elements that have already been described have the same structure and function even if they are marked with different symbols.
[0086] Figure 8 (a) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the side panel 200 is unfolded and placed on a flat surface. The side panel 200 has a folded-back region 206 in the outer circular convex panel portion 202. The folded-back region 206 is the area that is folded when engaged with the inner circular convex panel 160. The side panel 200, while ensuring a large area of the outer circular convex panel portion 202, is able to fold the folded-back region 206 in a folded state with the inner circular convex panel 160 (see Figure 160). Figure 4 (d) Combination.
[0087] Figure 8 (b) is to Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the cutout portion 204 of the side panel 200 is joined. The outer periphery 208 of the outer circular convex panel portion 202, after the folded-back area 206, is closed by connecting the edge of the cutout portion 204 through sewing or the like, thereby becoming connected to the inner circular convex panel 160 (see Figure 160). Figure 4 (d) The outer periphery 160a has approximately the same shape and length. In this state, the outer periphery 208 of the outer circular convex panel portion 202 engages with the outer periphery 160a of the inner circular convex panel 160 to form a rear protrusion 210 (see reference). Figure 8 (c)).
[0088] Figure 8 (c) is with Figure 8 (b) A cross-sectional view of the rear protrusion 210 corresponding to the CC section of the side panel 200. As described above, the area of the outer circular convex panel portion 202 is larger than that of the inner circular convex panel 160 (see...). Figure 4(d)). Based on this, when the cutout 204 is in a closed state, the outer circular convex panel portion 202 forms a three-dimensional shape.
[0089] Figure 8 (d) is an example that illustrates Figure 8 (c) A diagram showing the expanded state of the rear protrusion 210. The rear protrusion 210 eliminates the folding of the folded-back region 206 by the inflow of gas, allowing the outer circular convex panel portion 202 to expand more significantly. In this way, by utilizing the rear protrusion 210 of the outer circular convex panel portion 202, a greater capacity can be ensured, further improving occupant restraint.
[0090] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described above are preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments can also be implemented or completed by various methods. Unless otherwise specified in this application specification, the present invention is not limited to the shape, size, and structural configuration of the detailed components shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the expressions and terms used in this application specification are for illustrative purposes and are not limited thereto unless otherwise specified.
[0091] Therefore, those skilled in the art will obviously be able to conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and these are of course also within the technical scope of this invention.
[0092] Industrial availability This invention can be used in vehicle airbag devices having an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between the vehicle's dashboard and an occupant seated in the front seat.
[0093] Symbol Explanation 100… Vehicle airbag system 102…Dashboard 102a…upper surface 102b…rear surface 104… Seating 106… Storage Section 108… airbag cushion 110… inflator 112…occupants 114…windshield 116…Diffuser 116a…Front opening 116b…rear opening 118…Inflator Connection 120…Main expansion section 120a…Upper end 120b…lower end 121a…upper side expansion section 121b…Lower expansion portion 122…Front contact portion 124…Rear contact portion 126…Pad surface portion 128… Positive Surface Protection Section 130, 132... Rear protrusions 134…Main Panel 136, 138... Side edges 140, 142...end 144, 146…bends 148… Opening 150… Bolt hole 152…Side panel 153…Exhaust vent 154…Side panel 155…Exhaust vent 156…bottom edge 158…top edge 160…Inner circular convex panel 160a…Outer periphery 160b…Inner Peripheral Section 162…Inner circular convex panel 164…Outer circular convex panel portion 165…Outer circular convex panel portion 166…Outer periphery 168…Incision area 170…Incision area 172…head 174…side of head 176… Rotation 180, 182… Force 184… Chest 186… Strength 188…force 190…abdomen L1…virtual line 200…side panel 202…Outer circular convex panel portion 204…Incision area 206…Returning area 208…Outer periphery 210…rear protrusion
Claims
1. A vehicle airbag device comprising: an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between the vehicle's dashboard and an occupant seated in a proper posture in the front seat; and an inflator fixed to the inner side of the upper surface of the dashboard and supplying gas to the airbag cushion. Its features are, The airbag cushion has: An inflator connector for inserting a portion of the inflator; The main expansion section is formed at a position that is further rearward than the inflator connection and expands to below the upper surface of the dashboard; The front contact portion expands in a wedge shape from the inflator connection portion along the upper surface of the dashboard toward the front of the vehicle; The upper surface portion of the pad is formed on the upper side from the front contact portion to the main expansion portion; A front surface protection section is formed in the main expansion section within a region opposite to the occupant, and restrains the occupant from the front of the vehicle; A pair of rear protrusions are located on both sides of the front surface protection part in the vehicle width direction, and expand in a state of protruding towards the rear of the vehicle. The airbag cushion contacts the upper surface of the instrument panel through the front contact portion, and the main expansion portion contacts the portion extending vertically on the rear surface of the instrument panel, thereby enabling it to maintain an upright posture.
2. The vehicle airbag device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main expansion section has a lower expansion section that expands downwards along a virtual line extending along the upper surface of the instrument panel. The lower expansion portion has a rear contact portion formed at the lower part of the lower expansion portion and bulges forward relative to the upper part of the lower expansion portion to contact the rear surface of the instrument panel.
3. The vehicle airbag device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The airbag cushion also has a diffuser, which is disposed on the inner side of the airbag cushion around the inflator connection and covers a portion of the inflator. The diffuser has: A front opening that guides the gas supplied from the inflator to the front contact portion at the front of the vehicle; The rear opening guides the gas supplied from the inflator to the main expansion section at the rear of the vehicle.
4. The vehicle airbag device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The airbag cushion comprises: The main panel forms the upper surface of the pad, the front surface protection portion, and the lower surface of the airbag pad from the main expansion portion to the front contact portion, and is provided with the inflator connection portion; A pair of side panels, which respectively form the outer side of the main expansion portion, the front contact portion, and the rear protrusion in the vehicle width direction; A pair of inner circular convex panels that form the inner side of the rear protrusion in the vehicle width direction. The outer circular convex panel portion, which forms the rear protrusion in the vehicle width direction, has a larger area than the inner circular convex panel when unfolded and placed on a flat surface. The outer circular convex panel portion is joined in a closed state by a predetermined cutout that is cut toward the center, thereby forming a three-dimensional shape.
5. The vehicle airbag device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The upper surface of the cushion is formed by expanding the upper surface of the airbag cushion in a state separated from the vehicle windshield.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Probe unit and substrate inspection device
JP2015021726A