Airbag device for passenger seat

Abstract

Provided is a passenger-seat airbag device that can stably protect an occupant with an airbag that has completed inflation even if the device is configured to have different inflation shapes. The airbag (25) has an airbag main body (26) having an occupant-side wall portion (38) and a peripheral wall portion (27), and a restriction member (80UR, 80DR) that restricts the inflation shape of the airbag main body. On the inner peripheral surface side of the peripheral wall portion, at least two portions on the left and right direction sides, arranged in the front and rear direction sides, are provided with insertion ring portions (46UR, 46DR) into which the base portion (80a) side of the restriction member can be inserted. The restriction member is provided with ring-shaped portions (81UR, 81DR) that link the respective insertion ring portions on the base portion side, and links the front end side with a control mechanism (16R). When the airbag main body inflates in a state in which the linking of the restriction member and the control mechanism is maintained, the ring-shaped portions can cause the front and rear insertion ring portions to be pulled in a close state by folding in the portion of the peripheral wall portion disposed between the insertion ring portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger-side airbag device with the following structure: it is positioned in front of a passenger sitting in the passenger seat, and the inflation shape of the airbag is controlled by a control mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, passenger-side airbag devices with airbag inflation controlled by a control mechanism have the following structure: when the airbag is fully inflated, a connecting member is arranged inside the airbag, connecting the left and right walls that are opposite each other in the left-right direction, and the center of this connecting member is locked to a locking member provided on the outer shell side. In this current passenger-side airbag device, when inflating while maintaining the locking member locked to the center of the connecting member, and when inflating while releasing the locking member from the center of the connecting member, the width dimension of the airbag in the front-rear direction (the separation distance from the outer shell to the occupant side wall provided on the rear side) is different (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-100578

[0004] However, the current passenger-side airbag system has the following structure: the connecting component connects only one part each near the center of the left and right walls, both vertically and horizontally. By maintaining or releasing the locking component, the position of this connecting component near the center can be changed, and the position of the passenger side wall that is positioned on the passenger side when fully inflated can also be changed. Therefore, it is difficult to stably change the overall position of the passenger side wall that supports the passenger when fully inflated, and the passenger side wall may tilt, thus failing to stably protect the passenger. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a front passenger airbag device that can stably protect the occupant even if it is designed with different inflation modes.

[0006] The passenger-side airbag device of the present invention is a structure disposed in front of a passenger seat occupant and comprising an airbag, an inflator, and a control mechanism. The airbag is folded and stored in a storage area. The inflator supplies inflation gas to the airbag, and the control mechanism controls the inflation shape of the airbag. The passenger-side airbag device is characterized in that the airbag has the following components: an airbag body, which is constructed as a flexible bag shape and has a passenger side wall and a peripheral wall. The rear end of the passenger side wall is positioned directly opposite the passenger when fully inflated. The peripheral wall extends from the periphery of the passenger side wall to the front end and converges. An inlet for allowing inflation gas to flow into the interior is disposed on the front end of the peripheral wall, and the periphery of the inlet opening is mounted on the storage area side; and a restraining member, which is constructed of a flexible elongated body and disposed within the airbag body to restrain the inflation shape of the airbag body. On the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall, on... At least two portions facing each other in the vertical or horizontal direction are provided with at least two insertion ring portions that can be inserted into the base side of the limiting member, and at least two limiting members are provided in a manner facing each other in the vertical or horizontal direction. Each insertion ring portion is provided with an annular portion on its base side, which is formed into a ring shape when inserted into the insertion ring portions arranged in the front and rear directions. The front end is connected to a control mechanism located near the inflow opening. The annular portion is configured such that when the airbag body inflates while the limiting member and the control mechanism are connected, the portion of the peripheral wall portion disposed between the insertion ring portions is folded in, so that the front and rear insertion ring portions are pulled in a close manner. When the airbag body is fully inflated while the limiting member and the control mechanism are disconnected, the portion of the peripheral wall portion disposed between the insertion ring portions can be extended in the front and rear directions.

[0007] In the passenger-side airbag device of the present invention, while maintaining the connection between the restraining member and the control mechanism, the portion of the peripheral wall disposed between the insertion rings is folded in by the annular portion provided on the base side of the restraining member (bringing the insertion rings closer), thereby inflating the airbag body. That is, in the passenger-side airbag device of the present invention, while maintaining the connection between the restraining member and the control mechanism, pleats are provided in the middle portion of the front and rear of the peripheral wall portion along the vertical or horizontal direction, thereby inflating the airbag. These pleats are formed on opposite sides of the peripheral wall portion of the airbag body in the vertical or horizontal direction, thus evenly shortening the width dimension of the peripheral wall portion in the front and rear direction when fully inflated on both sides. Even in a structure where pleats are provided on a portion of the peripheral wall portion for inflation, tilting and other issues can be suppressed, and the occupant side wall portion disposed on the rear end side when fully inflated can be positioned directly opposite the occupant, stably supporting the occupant. Furthermore, with the connection between the limiting components and the control mechanism disconnected, the portion of the peripheral wall positioned between the insertion rings expands forward and backward (extends forward and backward), thereby inflating the airbag body. Therefore, compared to inflating while the connection between the limiting components and the control mechanism is maintained, the position of the occupant side wall after inflation is located rearward. Of course, even in an airbag that has inflated with the connection between the limiting components and the control mechanism disconnected, the occupant can be stably supported by the occupant side wall positioned in front of the occupant.

[0008] Therefore, in the passenger seat airbag device of the present invention, even if it is designed with a structure having different inflation modes, the occupant can be stably protected by the inflated airbag.

[0009] Furthermore, in the passenger-side airbag device of the present invention, it is preferable to configure the insertion ring portion in a structure where it is positioned opposite to the left-right side on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion. If the passenger-side airbag device is configured in this way, the insertion ring portion can be positioned in an area that does not contact the windshield above the airbag or the instrument panel below it when the airbag is fully inflated. Therefore, when the airbag is inflated while maintaining the connection between the restraining member and the control mechanism, the restraining member is not affected by the windshield or the instrument panel, and the folds can be stably set in the area of ​​the peripheral wall portion. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of a passenger-side airbag device equipped with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the front passenger airbag device in the embodiment, in the front-rear direction.

[0012] Figure 3This is a schematic enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the passenger-side airbag device in the embodiment, in the left-right direction.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the airbag in the passenger seat airbag device of the embodiment, showing the state in which the peripheral wall portion is shortened (the state in which it is inflated in a shortening mode).

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A rough cross-sectional view of the airbag along the front-to-back direction.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A rough longitudinal section of the airbag along the front-to-back direction.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A schematic longitudinal section of the airbag along the front-to-back direction, showing the state in which the peripheral wall is elongated (inflated in an elongation mode).

[0017] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing the substrate of the airbag constituting the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the insertion ring is pulled by a limiting member and folds are provided on the peripheral wall of the airbag in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view along the front-rear direction showing the state in which the airbag in the passenger seat airbag device of the embodiment has been inflated in a shortened mode.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the front-rear direction showing the state in which the airbag in the passenger seat airbag device of the embodiment has been inflated in a shortening mode.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the front-rear direction showing the state in which the airbag in the passenger seat airbag device of the embodiment is inflated in an extended mode.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a schematic side view of the passenger-side airbag device in the embodiment when the airbag has fully inflated, showing the shortening mode and the extension mode. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the passenger-side airbag device M (hereinafter referred to as "airbag device") is configured to be top-mounted inside the upper surface 2 of the instrument panel (hereinafter referred to as "instrument panel") 1, positioned in front of the passenger seat PS of the vehicle. Furthermore, in this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, the front-to-back / up-down / left-to-right directions are consistent with the front-to-back / up-down / left-to-right directions of the vehicle.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the airbag device M includes: a folded airbag 25; an inflator 8 that supplies inflation gas to the airbag 25; a housing 12 serving as a storage portion, which stores and holds the airbag 25 and the inflator 8; a retaining member 9 for mounting the airbag 25 and the inflator 8 to the housing 12; an airbag cover 6 that covers the folded airbag 25; and two locking members 16L and 16R serving as a control mechanism, which control the inflation shape of the airbag 25. In the embodiment, the inflator 8 and the locking members 16L and 16R are... Figure 1 The control device 85 shown controls the operation.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the control device 85 inputs electrical signals from a position detection sensor 86 that can detect the body shape of the occupant MP sitting in the front passenger seat PS or the separation distance between the instrument panel 1 and the occupant MP (position of the front passenger seat PS relative to the instrument panel 1), a weight detection sensor 87 that can detect the weight of the occupant MP, and a collision detection sensor 88 that can detect the vehicle's acceleration and acceleration direction, etc., to make the inflator 8 work, and controls the operation of the locking parts 16L and 16R so that the airbag 25 inflates in an appropriate inflation mode.

[0026] The airbag cover 6 is constructed integrally with the instrument panel 1 made of synthetic resin, and opens the front and rear doors 6a and 6b by pressing them together when the airbag 25 deploys and inflates. Furthermore, a connecting wall 12c, which connects to the outer casing 12, is formed around the doors 6a and 6b of the airbag cover 6.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the inflator 8 has: a nearly cylindrical main body 8a having a plurality of gas outlets 8b; and a flange 8c for mounting the inflator 8 to the housing 12.

[0028] The outer casing 12, which serves as the storage compartment, is formed into an approximately cuboid shape using a thin metal plate with a rectangular opening at the top. Figures 1 to 3As shown, the airbag 25 has: a roughly rectangular bottom wall portion 13, to which the inflator 8 is inserted and installed from below; and a peripheral wall portion 14 extending upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 13 to lock the connecting wall portion 6c of the airbag cover 6. In this embodiment, each bolt 9a of the retainer 9 disposed within the airbag 25 is used as a mounting unit, and it is used to pass through the periphery of the airbag 25 inlet opening 33, the bottom wall portion 13 of the outer shell 12, and the flange portion 8c of the inflator 8, and is fixed by a nut 10, thereby connecting the airbag 25 and the inflator 8 to the bottom wall portion 13 of the outer shell 12. The bottom wall portion 13 of the outer shell 12 is configured to be wider on the left and right sides, and has an insertion hole (not shown) at approximately the center of the left and right sides for inserting the main body portion 8a of the inflator 8; and an insertion hole (not shown) for inserting each bolt 9a of the retainer 9. Figure 3 As shown, through holes 13a and 13a are formed on the left and right sides of the insertion hole for inserting the main body 8a of the inflator 8 on the bottom wall portion 13. Each through hole 13a is used for inserting the front end 80b side of the restraining members 80UL and 80DL (described later) extending from the airbag 25 and the front end 80b side of the restraining members 80UR and 80DR. In addition, a bracket (not shown) connected to the vehicle body side is provided on the outer casing 12.

[0029] On the lower side of the bottom wall portion 13, and near each through hole 13a (i.e., on the left and right sides of the inflator 8), locking components 16L and 16R, serving as control mechanisms, are respectively arranged. Each locking component 16L and 16R locks the front end 80b side of each restraining component 80UL and 80DL, and the front end 80b side of each restraining component 80UR and 80DR arranged on the airbag 25. As a pair of left and right, they are set with the same structure, so the locking component 16L on the left side will be described as an example. The locking member 16L includes: a locking pin 17, which is inserted into locking holes 82UL and 82DL formed on the front end 80b side of the limiting members 80UL and 80DL, and locks the front end 80b side of each limiting member 80UL and 80DL; an actuator 18, which is mounted on the lower surface side of the bottom wall portion 13 and operates in a manner that can pull the locking pin 17 in; and a support bracket 19, which is configured to extend downward from the bottom wall portion 13 on the front end side of the locking pin 17 and can support the front end side of the locking pin 17 (see reference). Figure 2The actuator 18 is configured to receive an operating signal from the control device 85 and operate in a manner that pulls the locking pin 17 in. When the actuator 18 operates in a manner that pulls the locking pin 17 in, the locking pin 17 changes from a state in which it is locked to the front end 80b side of the limiting members 80UL and 80DL to a state in which it is released. As the actuator 18, as long as the locking pin 17 can be moved by an electrical signal from the control device 85, a piston cylinder utilizing fluid pressure, including hydraulic pressure / water pressure / air pressure or the pressure of expanding gas generated by an air compressor, an electric motor utilizing the aforementioned fluid pressure or electricity, an electromagnetic solenoid, a spring utilizing the preload force during recovery, etc., can be used. Furthermore, when the actuator 18 is not operating, in order to prevent the front end 80b side of the limiting members 80UL and 80DL from disengaging from the locking pin 17 when locked, the locking pin 17 is supported on the front end side by the support bracket 19.

[0030] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the airbag 25 includes: an airbag body 26; straps 50, 57, and 58 disposed inside the airbag body 26 to restrict the inflated shape of the airbag body 26; and restraining components 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR disposed within the airbag body 26.

[0031] The airbag body 26 is configured as a bag-shaped structure formed of a flexible sheet material, and is designed to seal the upper surface 2 of the instrument panel 1 and the windshield 4 above the instrument panel 1 when fully inflated. Figure 4 As shown, the shape when fully inflated is approximately a triangular prism with the axis roughly along the left-right direction. The airbag body 26 has: an occupant sidewall portion 38, which is disposed at the rear end side when fully inflated; and a front-pointing peripheral wall portion 27, which tapers in width by extending forward from the periphery of the occupant sidewall portion 38 and gradually decreasing in width up to the front end side.

[0032] The peripheral wall portion 27 is configured to primarily seal the space between the upper surface 2 of the instrument panel 1 and the windshield 4 above the instrument panel 1 when the airbag 25 is fully inflated. It includes an upper wall portion 28 and a lower wall portion 29 arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction; and a left wall portion 30 and a right wall portion 31 arranged opposite each other in the horizontal direction. Near the front end of the lower wall portion 29 of the peripheral wall portion 27, located near the front end 26a when the airbag body 26 is fully inflated, an inflow opening 33 is formed. This inflow opening 33 allows inflation gas to flow into the interior in an approximately circular opening, and its periphery is mounted to the bottom wall portion 13 of the housing 12. Multiple (four in this embodiment) mounting holes 34 are formed around the periphery of the inflow opening 33 for the insertion of bolts 9a of the retainer 9 to mount the periphery of the inflow opening 33 to the bottom wall portion 13. On the left and right sides of the inflow opening 33, slit-shaped insertion holes 35L and 35R are formed to allow the front ends 80b and 80b of the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR extending from the peripheral wall adjustment portions 42L and 42R (described later) to be inserted, respectively, in a manner generally along the left and right direction (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 8 Additionally, on the left wall portion 30 and right wall portion 31 of the peripheral wall portion 27, vent holes 36, 36 for discharging the remaining expansion gas flowing into the airbag body 26 are formed with approximately circular openings. In the embodiment, the vent holes 36 are formed in the rearward region of the peripheral wall adjustment portions 42L, 42R, which will be described later.

[0033] The occupant sidewall portion 38 is positioned directly opposite the occupant MP seated in the front passenger seat PS when the airbag body 26 is fully inflated, and is positioned approximately vertically along the rear end 26b of the airbag body 26 on the occupant MP side (see reference). Figures 10 to 13 ).

[0034] In the embodiment, peripheral wall adjustment portions 42L and 42R are provided on the peripheral wall portion 27, on the left wall portion 30 and right wall portion 31 which are opposite each other in the left-right direction (see reference). Figures 4 to 7 The peripheral wall adjustment portions 42L and 42R are connected to the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR, allowing adjustment of the front-to-back length of the peripheral wall portion 27 of the airbag 25 when fully inflated. The peripheral wall adjustment portions 42L and 42R are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall adjustment portion 42R located on the right wall portion 31 will be described as an example. Regarding the peripheral wall adjustment portion 42L located on the left wall portion 30, it is marked with "L" at the end of the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

[0035] The peripheral wall adjustment portion 42R is disposed near the center in the front-rear direction of the right wall portion 31. In the embodiment, it has: an upper portion 43R disposed near the upper edge of the right wall portion 31; and a lower portion 44R disposed below the upper portion 43R near the center of the upper and lower sides of the right wall portion 31 (see reference). Figure 6 , Figure 7 Each upper portion 43R and lower portion 44R has an insertion ring 46UR and 46DR, respectively. In this embodiment, three insertion rings 46UR and 46DR are arranged separately on the upper portion 43R and lower portion 44R in the front-rear direction. That is, in the airbag 25 of this embodiment, a total of six insertion rings 46UR and 46DR are arranged on the right wall portion 31. In addition, in this embodiment, reinforcing members 75R and 76R are arranged in the arrangement areas of the upper portion 43R and lower portion 44R, respectively (see reference). Figures 5 to 7 When the airbag body 26 is fully inflated while mounted in a vehicle, the upper part 43R and the lower part 44R (each reinforcing component 75R, 76R) are arranged approximately parallel to each other in a roughly longitudinal direction (see reference). Figures 6 to 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 Additionally, when the airbag body 26 is fully inflated while mounted in the vehicle, the lower part 44R is positioned approximately directly below the upper part 43R (see reference). Figure 10 , Figure 13 That is, such as Figure 7 As shown, each insertion ring portion 46DR located on the lower side is positioned approximately directly below each insertion ring portion 46UR located on the upper side. Each insertion ring portion 46UR is inserted into the base portion 80a side of the limiting member 80UR and connected to the annular portion 81UR located on the base portion 80a side of the limiting member 80UR. Similarly, each insertion ring portion 46DR located on the lower side portion 44R is connected to the annular portion 81DR located on the base portion 80a side of the limiting member 80DR (see reference). Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0036] Specifically, in the implementation embodiment, the insertion rings 46UR and 46DR disposed on each of the upper portion 43R and lower portion 44R are configured such that, in the strip-shaped substrate 47 (refer to) which is composed of a flexible sheet body, the insertion rings are arranged in a structure such that ... Figure 8 In its triple-folded state, the configuration is such that, roughly along the vertical direction, both ends are sewn (joined) to the right wall portion 31, and the base 80a side of the limiting members 80UR and 80DR is inserted between them and the right wall portion 31 (see reference). Figure 5Furthermore, in the embodiment, the separation distance between the front and rear sides of each insertion ring 46UR, 46DR is set to a size slightly larger than the width of the substrate 47 (i.e., the insertion rings 46UR, 46DR themselves) in the triple-folded state (see reference). Figure 7 , Figure 12 ).

[0037] The limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR extending from the peripheral wall adjustment portions 42L and 42R are made of flexible strips, and in this embodiment, they are made of flexible strip-shaped fabric. The limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR extend from the upper portions 43L and 43R and the lower portions 44L and 44R of each peripheral wall adjustment portion 42L and 42R, respectively, and are arranged in two on the left wall portion 30 and two on the right wall portion 31. Since each limiting member 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR has the same structure, the limiting member 80UL (referring to the one extending from the upper portion 43L on the left wall portion 30 side) is used. Figure 9 Let's take A) as an example for illustration. Figure 9 As shown in Figure A, the limiting member 80UL forms an annular shape in the region on the base 80a side when inserted into the three insertion rings 46UL disposed on the upper side 43L. That is, the limiting member 80UL has an annular portion 81UL on the base 80a side that connects the insertion rings 46UL. A locking hole 82UL is formed on the front end 80b side of the limiting member 80UL, into which the locking pin 17 of the locking member 16L can be inserted (see Figure A). Figure 8 The length dimension of the limiting component 80UL (length L1 from the end edge of the annular portion 81UL to the locking hole 82UL, see reference) Figure 8 The dimensions are set such that when the airbag 25 inflates with the locking pin 17 inserted into the locking hole 82UL and held in a locked state with the locking pin 17, the front and rear insertion rings 46UL, 46UL can be pulled together when they are close together by folding in the portion of the left wall portion 30 disposed between each insertion ring portion 46UL, 46UL. (This maintains the state where the tack 27a is provided between the insertion rings 46UL, 46UL of the left wall portion 30). The annular portion 81UL is configured such that its length L2 in the flat unfolded state (see reference) Figure 8 The separation distance L3 between the edges of the insertion rings 46UL and 46UL positioned at the front and rear ends when the left wall portion 30 is unfolded flat (refer to...) Figure 9A) Slightly larger. That is, the inner diameter of the annular portion 81UL is set to such that when the airbag body 26 is fully inflated after the connection between the front end 80b of the limiting member 80UL and the locking member 16L is released, the left wall portion 30, including the portion disposed between the insertion rings 46UL and 46UL, is configured to extend forward and backward as a whole.

[0038] In the airbag 25 of the embodiment, on the inner peripheral surface near the front end of the left wall portion 30 and the right wall portion 31 of the airbag body 26, limiting ring portions 48L and 48R are respectively provided on the left wall portion 30 side and the right wall portion 31 side, extending from the upper portion 43L and 43R and the lower portion 44L and 44R of each peripheral wall adjustment portion 42L and 42R, allowing the insertion of two limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR arranged vertically. (Refer to...) Figures 5 to 7 If we take the limiting ring 48R provided on the right wall 31 side as an example, the limiting ring 48R is configured as follows: similar to each insertion ring 46UR, 46DR, when... Figure 8 With the substrate 49 shown in a triple-folded state, both ends are sewn (joined) to the right wall portion 31, allowing the areas near the front ends 80b of the limiting members 80UR and 80DR to be inserted between them and the right wall portion 31 (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 6 The limiting ring 48R is configured to allow insertion near the front end 80b of the limiting members 80UR and 80DR, which extend from the upper and lower separated positions, to limit the position of the area near the front end 80b, enabling the front end 80b to protrude stably from the insertion hole 35R.

[0039] As a strap disposed inside the airbag body 26, in the embodiment, front and rear straps 50 and left and right straps 57 and 58 are provided.

[0040] The front and rear straps 50 connect approximately the center of the left and right sides of the occupant sidewall portion 38 to the front end 26a side of the airbag body 26. In the embodiment, they are configured to connect the front portion 51 extending from the periphery of the inflow opening 33 and the rear portion 52 extending from the occupant sidewall portion 38 (see reference). Figures 5 to 7 In the embodiment, the front portion 51 is formed to... Figure 8The front strip shown is folded with a portion of the substrate 54 so that the rear edge runs vertically. The rear strip 52 is configured to have an approximate trapezoidal shape with a decreasing width toward the front end 52a connected to the front strip 51. The rear end 52b of the rear strip 52 is connected to the occupant sidewall 38 near the center of its vertical, horizontal, left, and right sides. The front and rear straps 50 are configured to connect the occupant sidewall 38 near the center of its vertical, horizontal, left, and right sides and the periphery of the inlet opening 33 when the airbag 25 is fully inflated, thus preventing excessive rearward protrusion of the occupant sidewall 38 during the initial stage of airbag 25 inflation and rearward movement of the occupant sidewall 38 after inflation (increasing the separation distance between the inlet opening 33 and the occupant sidewall 38).

[0041] In the implementation scenario, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the left and right tethers 57 and 58 are positioned above and below the front and rear tethers 50, respectively, connecting the left wall portion 30 and the right wall portion 31. When the airbag body 26 is fully inflated, they are positioned approximately along the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 5 In this embodiment, the left and right straps 57, located on the upper side, are positioned near the rear of the peripheral wall adjustment portions 42L and 42R, and in front of the vent hole 36 (between the peripheral wall adjustment portions 42L and 42R and the vent hole 36). The left and right straps 58, located on the lower side, are positioned approximately directly below the vent hole 36. The left and right straps 57 and 58 are each composed of two strip-shaped strap substrates 59, 59, 60, and 60 (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 8 The aforementioned left and right straps 57 and 58 are configured to suppress excessive separation of the left wall portion 30 and the right wall portion 31 during the initial stage of airbag 25 inflation, and to suppress the increase in the width dimension (separation distance between the left wall portion 30 and the right wall portion 31) of the airbag body 26 in the left and right directions when inflation is complete.

[0042] The airbag body 26 is formed by joining the peripheries of a substrate of a predetermined shape together to create a bag-like structure. In this embodiment, the airbag body 26 is composed of... Figure 8 The front panel 70, rear panel 71, left panel 73L, and right panel 73R shown are configured.

[0043] The front panel 70 mainly comprises the area of ​​the upper wall 28 and lower wall 29 of the peripheral wall 27, such as Figure 8 As shown, the shape is approximately a strip with roughly left-right symmetry. The rear panel portion 71 mainly forms the area of ​​the passenger side wall portion 38 (more specifically, the passenger side wall portion 38 includes the rear end side of the upper wall portion 28 and the rear end side of the lower wall portion 29), as... Figure 8As shown, the outer shape is set to an approximate strip shape that is roughly symmetrical from left to right. The left panel portion 73L and the right panel portion 73R respectively form the left wall portion 30 and the right wall portion 31 and are set as a pair of left and right sides.

[0044] In this embodiment, the front panel 70, rear panel 71, left panel 73L, right panel 73R, reinforcing members 75L, 75R, 76L, 76R, substrate 47 constituting insertion rings 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, 46DR, substrate 49 constituting restraining rings 48L, 48R, and the front and rear portions of the front and rear straps 50 and the left and right straps 57, 58, and the strap substrates 59, 59, 60, 60 are all formed of flexible fabric, which is composed of polyester yarn, polyamide yarn, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restraining members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR are also formed of flexible fabric, which is composed of polyester yarn, polyamide yarn, etc., similar to the airbag body 26.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the airbag body 26 is bag-shaped by sewing (joining) the corresponding edges of the front panel 70, rear panel 71, left panel 73L, and right panel 73R together using sutures. The upper rear edge 70a of the front panel 70 is sewn to the upper edge 71a of the rear panel 71, and the lower rear edge 70b of the front panel 70 is sewn to the lower edge 71b of the rear panel 71. The outer peripheral edge 73a of the left panel 73L is sewn to the left edges 70c and 71c of the front panel 70 and the rear panel 71, and the outer peripheral edge 73a of the right panel 73R is sewn to the right edges 70d and 71d of the front panel 70 and the rear panel 71.

[0046] Next, the installation of the airbag device M in the vehicle according to the embodiment will be described. First, with the retainer 9 housed inside, the airbag 25 is folded so that it can be housed within the outer casing 12. Detailed illustrations of the airbag 25 are omitted, but it is folded from the pre-folded airbag state in a way that reduces its width in all directions. Furthermore, in this embodiment, detailed illustrations are omitted, but when forming the pre-folded airbag, a portion of the area of ​​the peripheral wall 27 is folded in. Specifically, as... Figure 9 A, Figure 9 As shown in the schematic diagram of B, in the configuration area of ​​the peripheral wall adjustment portions 42L and 42R of the left wall portion 30 and the right wall portion 31, the portion between the insertion rings 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, and 46DR is folded in such a way that the insertion rings 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, and 46DR are brought closer together. More specifically, as... Figure 9As shown in the schematic diagram of B, the left wall portion 30 (right wall portion 31) is folded in such a way that the portion between the insertion rings 46UL (46UR, 46DL, 46DR) protrudes outward to form a pleat 27a. Furthermore, the airbag 25 is folded while maintaining this folded-in state. That is, in this embodiment, detailed illustrations of the airbag 25 are omitted, but the airbag 25 is folded in the regions of the left wall portion 30 and the right wall portion 31 such that vertically extending pleats 27a are respectively provided at two locations on the front-rear direction side.

[0047] After the airbag 25 is folded, the folded body is wrapped around it in a secure manner using a breakable packaging component (not shown). At this time, the front ends 80b of the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR extending from the peripheral wall adjustment portions 42L and 42R protrude from the insertion holes 35L and 35R formed in the airbag body 26, respectively. Furthermore, the folded airbag 25 is housed in the outer shell 12, on which locking members 16L and 16R are pre-installed, with bolts 9a protruding from the bottom wall portion 13. Next, the locking pins 17 of each locking member 16L and 16R are inserted into the locking holes 82UL, 82UR, 82DL, and 82DR of the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR, which protrude from the through holes 13a formed in the bottom wall portion 13. The front ends of the locking pins 17 are supported on the support bracket 19, and the front ends 80b of the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR are locked to the locking members 16L and 16R. Then, the main body 8a of the inflator 8 is inserted into the housing 12 from below the bottom wall portion 13, and the bolts 9a of the retaining member 9, which protrude downward from the bottom wall portion 13, are inserted into the flange portion 8c of the inflator 8. Finally, by tightening the nuts 10 into the bolts 9a protruding from the flange portion 8c of the inflator 8, the folded airbag 25 and the inflator 8 can be mounted on the housing 12.

[0048] Then, if the peripheral wall 14 of the housing 12 is locked to the connecting wall 6c of the airbag cover 6 mounted on the dashboard 1 of the vehicle, the bracket (not shown) provided on the housing 12 is fixed to the side of the vehicle body, and the inflator 8 and the locking parts 16L, 16R are electrically connected to the control device 85, the airbag device M can be mounted on the vehicle.

[0049] After the airbag device M is installed in the vehicle, if a frontal collision is detected, the control device 85 outputs a working signal to the inflator 8. The inflator 8 discharges inflation gas from the gas outlet 8b, and the airbag 25 inflates by allowing the inflation gas to flow into it, pressing down on the doors 6a and 6b of the airbag cover 6 to open it. Furthermore, the airbag 25 protrudes upward from the outer shell 12 through the opening formed by pressing down on the doors 6a and 6b of the airbag cover 6, and expands towards the rear of the vehicle. Figure 1 double-dotted lines and Figure 10 , Figure 13 As shown, the expansion is completed in a manner that closes the space between the upper surface 2 of the dashboard 1 and the windshield 4 above the dashboard 1.

[0050] Furthermore, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, while maintaining the connection between the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR and the locking members 16L, 16R which serve as control mechanisms, the airbag body 26 folds in the portion of the peripheral wall portion 27 that is positioned between the insertion ring portions 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, 46DR by the annular portions 81UL, 81UR, 81DL, 81DR provided on the base 80a side of the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR (making the insertion ring portions 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, 46DR approach each other), thus completing the inflation. That is, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, while maintaining the connection of the restraining members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR and the locking members 16L, 16R, the airbag 25 inflates by providing vertically oriented pleats 27a at the midpoint of the front and rear of the peripheral wall portion 27 (left wall portion 30 and right wall portion 31 in the embodiment). In the airbag 25 of the embodiment, the pleats 27a formed when the airbag 25 is folded are configured such that, when inflating while maintaining the connection of the restraining members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR and the locking members 16L, 16R, the folded state is eased, but is still maintained to a certain extent (see reference). Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 13(A). This pleat 27a is formed on the peripheral wall portion 27 of the airbag body 26 on opposite sides (left wall portion 30, right wall portion 31) in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction (in the case of the embodiment, the horizontal direction). Therefore, the width dimension of the peripheral wall portion 27 in the front-rear direction when fully inflated can be shortened evenly on both sides. Even if the structure is inflated by setting the pleat 27a on a part of the peripheral wall portion 27, tilting and the occupant side wall portion 38 located on the rear end side when fully inflated can be positioned directly opposite the occupant MP, and the occupant MP can be stably supported. In addition, when the connection of the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR and the locking members 16L, 17R is released, the airbag body 26 expands (extends) the portion of the peripheral wall portion 27 located between the insertion rings 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, 46DR in the front and back (see reference). Figure 12 , Figure 13 Therefore, compared to the case where expansion is maintained while the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR and the locking members 16L, 16R are connected, the position of the occupant side wall portion 38 after expansion is located rearward (see reference B). Figure 1 double-dotted lines and Figure 13 (A, B). Of course, even in the inflated airbag 25 with the limiting components 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR and the locking components 16L, 16R disconnected, the occupant MP can be stably supported by the occupant side wall portion 38 located in front of the occupant MP.

[0051] Therefore, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, even if it is configured with a structure having different inflation forms, the occupant MP can be stably protected by the inflated airbag 25.

[0052] Specifically, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, when the control device 85, which has received signals from the specified sensors 86, 87, and 88, detects, for example, that a small-sized occupant MP1 has sat down or that the occupant MP is seated near the dashboard 1, in a state where no operating signal is output to the actuators 18 of the locking components 16L and 16R, inflation gas flows into the airbag 25 through the operation of the inflator 8, thereby inflating the airbag 25. That is, the airbag 25 inflates while maintaining the connection between the restraining components 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR and the locking components 16L and 16R, and with pleats 27a provided on the peripheral wall portion 27 (left wall portion 30, right wall portion 31) (maintaining the folded-in state of the pleats 27a) (shortening mode P1 of reducing the width dimension of the peripheral wall portion 27 in the front-rear direction), completes the inflation (see reference). Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 13(A). Therefore, as a shortening mode, the occupant MP or small-sized occupant MP1 can be reliably supported by the occupant side wall 38 located relatively forward in the airbag 25 when it is fully inflated, which is located relatively close to the dashboard 1.

[0053] Conversely, when the control device 85 detects, for example, the seating of the large-sized occupant MP2 or the occupant MP being seated in a position away from the dashboard 1, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the airbag 25 inflates while outputting operating signals to the actuators 18 of the locking members 16L and 16R approximately simultaneously with the operation of the inflator 8. That is, the airbag 25 releases the connection between the restricting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR and the locking members 16L and 16R, and completes the inflation while the peripheral wall portion 27 (left wall portion 30, right wall portion 31) extends back and forth over the entire area (extension mode P2). Figure 12 , Figure 13 (B). Therefore, the occupant MP or large occupant MP2, which is seated separately from the dashboard 1, can be reliably supported by the occupant side wall 38 located on the rear side of the airbag 25 when it is fully inflated.

[0054] Furthermore, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the insertion rings 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, and 46DR are arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 27, facing each other in the left and right directions, on the left wall portion 30 and the right wall portion 31. That is, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the insertion rings 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, and 46DR are arranged in areas that do not contact the windshield 4 above the fully inflated airbag 25 or the dashboard 1 below it. Therefore, when the airbag 25 is inflated while maintaining the connection of the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR and the locking members 16L and 16R, the limiting members 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, and 80DR are not affected by the windshield 4 and the dashboard 1, and the folds 27a can be stably set in the area of ​​the peripheral wall portion 27 (left wall portion 30 and right wall portion 31). Furthermore, if this is not taken into account, an airbag can also be used with a structure in which the insertion ring is positioned on the upper and lower walls that are opposite each other when the airbag is fully inflated.

[0055] Furthermore, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, six insertion rings 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, and 46DR are respectively arranged on the left wall portion 30 and the right wall portion 31 (three are arranged on each side in the front-rear direction, arranged in two rows). Therefore, when inflated in the shortening mode, the folds 27a are formed on the left wall portion 30 and the right wall portion 31 in a vertically elongated manner, and two are arranged on each side in the front-rear direction. Thus, the peripheral wall portion 27 (left wall portion 30 and right wall portion 31) can maintain a shortened state with a large vertical range and stability. Of course, the number of insertion rings is not limited to the embodiment, as long as at least two are arranged on each side in the front and rear directions in opposite areas in the vertical or left-right directions.

[0056] Explanation of the label

[0057] 1…Instrument panel (dashboard)

[0058] 4…windshield

[0059] 8…Inflator

[0060] 12…Outer shell (storage section)

[0061] 16L, 16R... locking components (control mechanisms)

[0062] 25… airbags

[0063] 26… Airbag main body

[0064] 27… Zhoubi section

[0065] 27a…folds

[0066] 30...left wall

[0067] 31…right wall

[0068] 33…Inflow opening

[0069] 38… Passenger side wall

[0070] 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, 46DR… Insertion ring

[0071] 80UL, 80UR, 80DL, 80DR… Limiting components

[0072] 80a…base

[0073] 80b…frontend

[0074] 81UL, 81UR, 81DL, 81DR… Circular portion

[0075] 85…Control Device

[0076] MP… Crew

[0077] MP1…Small-sized crew

[0078] MP2…Large-sized occupants

[0079] PS… Passenger seat

[0080] M… Passenger side airbag system (airbag system)

Claims

1. A passenger-side airbag device, comprising an airbag, an inflator, and a control mechanism, wherein the airbag is folded and stored in a storage area, the inflator supplies inflation gas to the airbag, and the control mechanism controls the inflation shape of the airbag. The passenger-side airbag device is characterized in that... The airbag is configured to have the following components: The airbag body is configured as follows: it is a flexible bag shape, having an occupant sidewall and a peripheral wall. The occupant sidewall, when fully inflated, is positioned opposite the occupant at its rear end. The peripheral wall extends from the periphery of the occupant sidewall and converges at its front end. An inlet for allowing inflation gas to flow into the interior is provided at the front end of the peripheral wall, and the periphery of this inlet is attached to the storage portion. A limiting component, which is composed of a flexible elongated body and disposed within the airbag body, restricts the inflation shape of the airbag body. On the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion, at least two locations opposite each other in the vertical or horizontal direction are provided with at least two insertion rings arranged separately in the front-rear direction, each capable of being inserted into the base side of the limiting member. The limiting component is configured such that at least two are arranged opposite each other in the vertical or horizontal direction, corresponding to the insertion ring portion. Each of these components has a ring-shaped portion on its base side, which connects the insertion ring portions by forming a ring shape when inserted into each of the insertion ring portions arranged in a front-to-back configuration. The front end is connected to the control mechanism located near the inflow opening. The annular portion is configured such that, when the airbag body inflates while the connection between the limiting member and the control mechanism is maintained, the portion of the peripheral wall portion disposed between the insertion rings is folded in, so that the front and rear insertion rings are pulled in a close manner. When the airbag body is fully inflated while the connection between the limiting member and the control mechanism is released, the portion of the peripheral wall portion disposed between the insertion rings can be extended front to back.

2. The passenger-side airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion ring portion is configured to face each other on the inner circumferential surface side of the peripheral wall portion in the left-right direction.

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