AIRBAG DEVICE

Abstract

The airbag device, installed in a steering column cover, comprises an airbag body configured to inflate and deploy by means of a gas, a box-like cover component configured to stow the airbag body, a front wall positioned on a forward-facing side relative to the airbag body, an upper wall extending from an upper end of the front wall in a rearward direction of the moving object, a lower wall extending from a lower end of the front wall in the rearward direction, and an opening facing in the rearward direction. A steering wheel comprises a rim portion gripped by a driver in the moving object and a hub portion surrounded by at least a portion of the rim portion.The steering column cover is mounted on the forward-facing side of the hub section, and the airbag body passes through a passage area positioned between the rim section and the hub section, inflating and deploying.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] The present application claims priority based on Japanese patent application 2024 - 15 36 49, which was filed on September 6, 2024, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an airbag device. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Various types of airbag devices mounted on a steering wheel have been proposed. For example, JP 2016-088173A discloses an airbag device installed inside the hub of a steering wheel. A bag-shaped airbag body inflates and unfolds outwards after breaking open an upper cover (also referred to as a "pad") that covers the surface of the hub.

[0004] Attempts were made to place a relatively rigid structure, such as a display or a smartphone holder, on the upper cover. However, there is a risk that such a configuration could interfere with the inflation and deployment of the airbag body when using the airbag device disclosed in JP 2016-088173A. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure enables the embodiment of the following aspect.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an airbag device is provided that is installed in a steering column cover of a steering wheel of a moving object. The airbag device comprises an airbag body configured to inflate and deploy by means of a gas supplied by the gas generator, and a box-like cover component configured to house the airbag body, comprising a front wall positioned in a forward direction relative to the airbag body, an upper wall extending rearward from an upper end of the front wall, a lower wall extending rearward from a lower end of the front wall toward the moving object, and an opening directed (pointing) rearward.The steering wheel has a rim (wheel rim) that is gripped by the driver in the moving object, and a hub that is surrounded by at least part of the rim. The steering column cover is mounted on the forward-facing side (side facing forward) of the hub. The airbag body passes through a passage located between the rim and the hub, inflates, and deploys.

[0007] The present disclosure can be achieved in various embodiments, e.g. a steering wheel equipped with the airbag device and a moving object equipped with the airbag device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a steering wheel equipped with an airbag device in a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the steering wheel at line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a drawing to explain an inflated and deployed state of an airbag body in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a view of the airbag body seen from a forward direction. Fig. Figure 5 is a view of the airbag body seen from a reverse direction. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cover component. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view to explain an airbag device in a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a drawing showing an airbag body in an inflated and deployed state of an airbag device in a third embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 is a drawing to explain the airbag body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. First embodiment: <gesamtkonfiguration>

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a steering device 200, which is equipped with an airbag device 100 in a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The steering device 200 is used as part of a steering system for determining the direction of travel of the vehicle. The steering device 200 has a rim part (wheel rim) 210, a hub part 220, and a lower cover 230.

[0009] In the present disclosure, the direction of travel of the vehicle is referred to as a "forward direction" (direction forward). If the forward direction is determined by the steering device 200, the steering device 200 is not turned. The direction opposite to the forward direction is referred to as a reverse direction (direction backward). The direction that combines the forward and reverse directions is referred to as a "front-back direction." The vertical direction, as seen from a driver seated in the vehicle, is referred to as an "up-down direction." The up-down direction may also be referred to as an "height direction." The direction along the left and right (latitudinal) direction of the vehicle is referred to as a "left-right direction." The "front-back direction," the "up-down direction," and the "left-right direction" intersect. <Konfiguration Lenkvorrichtung 200>

[0010] The ring section 210 is gripped by a driver in the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the ring section 210 has a U-shaped form when viewed along the front-to-back direction. The ring section 210 comprises a left grip section 211, a right grip section 212, and a connecting section 213. The left grip section 211 extends in the top-to-bottom direction and is configured to be gripped by the driver's left hand. The right grip section 212 extends in the top-to-bottom direction and is configured to be gripped by the driver's right hand. The connecting section 213 extends in the left-to-right direction and connects the lower ends of the left grip section 211 and the right grip section 212.

[0011] The hub part 220 is designed to span between the upper parts of the left handle part 211 and the right handle part 212. In the present embodiment, the hub part 220 can be said to intervene (enter) between the left handle part 211 and the right handle part 212. It can also be said that the hub part 220 is surrounded by at least a portion of the rim part 210. The hub part 220 also intervenes (enters) between the rim part 210 and the lower cover 230, which will be described later. The hub part 220 has a rectangular, plate-like, elongated shape in the left-right direction. The hub part 220 and the connecting part 213 are arranged some distance apart. In the present embodiment, a display is provided on the rearward-facing side (side facing backward) of the hub part 220.The display shows any information, such as information about the vehicle and information about the environment around the vehicle.

[0012] The lower cover 230 is also known as a steering column cover. The lower cover 230 is provided on the forward-direction side of the hub section 220. In the present embodiment, the lower cover 230 has a box-like shape. The lower cover 230 houses the airbag device 100. The lower cover 230 has a flap section 231 on its lower surface. When the airbag device 100 is activated, the flap section 231 opens, allowing an airbag body 110 of the airbag device 100 to inflate and deploy towards the outside of the lower cover 230. A steering shaft 240 is connected to the forward-direction side of the lower cover 230. In the present embodiment, the steering shaft 240 is arranged parallel to the front-to-back direction. <Konfiguration Airbagvorrichtung 100>

[0013] Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device 200 along a line II-II in Fig. 1. In other words, Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the steering device 200, cut along the plane passing through the center of the steering shaft 240 and parallel to the top-bottom direction and the front-back direction. Fig. Figure 2 shows the airbag body 110, which is not inflated or deployed. Fig. Figure 3 is a drawing to explain an inflated and deployed state of the airbag body 110. Fig. 2. In Fig. Figure 3 shows a protruding part 320 in an exaggerated manner for the sake of simplicity. The airbag device 100 reduces the impact exerted on the driver when a vehicle collision is detected or predicted. The airbag device 100 is installed in the lower cover 230. The airbag device 100 comprises the airbag body 110, a gas generator 120, and a cover component 300. <Konfiguration des Airbagkörpers 110>

[0014] The airbag body 110 inflates and deploys when gas is supplied by the gas generator 120. Hereinafter, the state in which the airbag body 110 is inflated and deployed is referred to as the "inflated and deployed state." The airbag body 110 has a bag-like shape. The airbag body 110 is manufactured by sewing a base fabric made of nylon, polyamide, or the like. In the present disclosure, the airbag body 110 passes through a passage area R, which is positioned between the ring part 210 and the hub part 220, as shown in Fig. 3 shown, and inflates and unfolds. The passage area R is positioned below the center of the steering shaft 240 in the top-bottom direction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the airbag body 110 is folded multiple times and stowed in a metal housing 150 and the cover component 300. In the present disclosure, this state is also referred to as a "stowed state".

[0015] Fig. Figure 4 is a view of the airbag body 110 when viewed in the forward direction. Fig. Figure 5 is a view of the airbag body 110 when viewed from the rear. Each of Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the airbag body 110, which is laid flat but not unfolded or inflated. The airbag body 110 comprises a duct section 111 and an inflatable main section 112.

[0016] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the conduit section 111 hangs downwards from the center of the inflatable main part 112 like a tongue. The conduit section 111 is connected to the inflatable main part 112. The conduit section 111 has an insertion hole 113 into which the gas generator 120 is inserted. Around the insertion hole 113 are four fixing holes 114 into which fixing components are inserted to secure the gas generator 120. The fixing components are, for example, bolts. The conduit section 111 is connected to the gas generator 120 and supplies a gas to the inflatable main part 112. As shown in Figure 4, the conduit section 111 is connected to the gas generator 120 and supplies a gas to the inflatable main part 112. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in the inflated and unfolded state, the conduit section 111 is arranged such that it spans from the gas generator 120 to the passage area R. In this embodiment, the capacity of the conduit section 111 is smaller than the capacity of the inflatable main section 112. In other words, the conduit section 111, which is located upstream of the inflatable main section 112 and has a smaller capacity than the inflatable main section 112, completes its inflation and unfolding before the inflatable main section 112 finishes inflating and unfolding.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the inflatable main part 112 has a shell-like shape in its state before inflation and unfolding. The gas supplied by the gas generator 120 is fed to the inflatable main part 112 via the conduit section 111. As shown in Figure 5, the inflatable main part 112 has a shell-like shape in its pre-inflation state. The gas supplied by the gas generator 120 is fed to the inflatable main part 112 via the conduit section 111. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the inflatable main section 112 inflates and unfolds in the reverse direction relative to the steering device 200. In the inflated and unfolded state, the inflatable main section 112 accommodates the driver while receiving a reaction force from the steering device 200. <Konfiguration des Gasgenerators 120>

[0018] The gas generator 120 supplies gas to the airbag body 110. Specifically, the gas generator 120 begins supplying gas to the airbag body 110 after receiving a signal from the vehicle's ECU when a vehicle collision is detected or predicted. In the present embodiment, the gas generator 120 is mounted on the upper surface of the metal housing 150. A wiring harness 122 is connected to the gas generator 120 via a connector 121. When a vehicle collision is detected or predicted, a signal is transmitted from the vehicle's ECU to the wiring harness 122. Upon receiving such a signal, the gas generator 120 discharges gas downwards. <Konfiguration Abdeckungsbauteil 300>

[0019] Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cover component 300. The cover component 300 houses the airbag body 110. The cover component 300 has a box-like shape with an opening 310 facing backwards. The cover component 300, like the airbag body 110, is manufactured by sewing a base fabric. The cover component 300 has a front wall 301, a pair of side walls 302 and 303, an upper wall 304, a lower wall 305, the protruding part 320, and a strap section 330.

[0020] The front wall 301 is positioned on the forward side relative to the airbag body 110. The pair of side walls 302, 303 extend from the left and right ends of the front wall 301 in the rearward direction, respectively. The upper wall 304 extends from the upper end of the front wall 301 in the rearward direction. The upper wall 304 has a mounting hole 306, in which the gas generator 120 is mounted, and four fixing holes 307, into which fixing components are inserted. The lower wall 305 extends from the lower end of the front wall 301 in the rearward direction. The upper wall 304 and the lower wall 305 are approximately the same size. The opening 310 is defined by the rear ends of the pair of side walls 302, 303, the upper wall 304, and the lower wall 305. The airbag body 110 inflates and unfolds towards the outside of the cover component 300 through the opening 310.

[0021] The projecting part 320 extends from the rear end of the lower wall 305. The projecting part 320, which has its front end as a fixed end E1 and its rear end as a free end E2, is configured to open and close at least part of the opening 310. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, in the stored state of the airbag body 110, the protruding part 320 covers the rear surface of the inflatable main part 112. In the stored state, the free end E2 is sandwiched between the line part 111 and the inflatable main part 112.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in the inflated and deployed state of the airbag body 110, the protruding part 320 is positioned such that it spans between the lower wall 305 and the connecting part 213 of the ring part 210. Specifically, when the airbag body 110 inflates and deploys, the protruding part 320 is pushed backwards. Simultaneously, the protruding part 320 rotates about the fixed end E1 in a clockwise direction. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. When the free end E2 comes into contact with the upper surface of the ring part 210, frictional resistance is generated between the protruding part 320 and the ring part 210, and the free end E2 engages with the ring part 210 (becomes caught on it or adheres to it). The protruding part 320, spanning in this way, directs the inflation and deployment direction of the airbag body 110 in the reverse direction.

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the belt section 330 has a belt-like shape. The belt section 330 is sewn to a part that is closer to the fixed end E1 on a lower surface SF1 of the projecting part 320 along the left-right direction. Each end of the belt section 330 is provided with a through-hole 331. The ends of the belt section 330 are positioned such that the through-holes 331 and the fixing holes 307 of the upper wall 304 overlap. Specifically, the belt section 330 is positioned such that each of the through-holes 331 overlaps with each of the two fixing holes 307 located on the forward-direction side below the four fixing holes 307.Fixing components are inserted into the fixing holes 114 of the airbag body 110, the fixing holes 307 of the upper wall 304, and the fixing holes 331, and attached to the lower cover 230, thus fixing these components to the lower cover 230. When the airbag body 110 is inflated and deployed, the belt section 330 pulls the protruding part 320 towards the upper wall 304. This prevents the free end E2 of the protruding part 320 from displacing from the upper surface of the ring section 210, even under the pressure of the inflated and deployed airbag body 110, thus facilitating the retention of the protruding part 320, which spans between the lower wall 305 and the ring section 210.

[0024] In the first embodiment described above, the airbag device 100 is installed in the lower cover 230, which is provided on the forward-facing side of the hub part 220. The configuration described above allows the hub part 220 to be thinner compared to the configuration in which the airbag device 100 is installed within the hub part 220. This contributes to an improved design of the steering device 200.

[0025] In the first embodiment of the airbag device 100, the airbag body 110 passes through the passage area R, which is positioned between the hub part 220 and the rim part 210, and inflates and deploys. Therefore, even if a relatively rigid structure, such as a display (indicator device), is provided on an upper cover of the steering device 200, the airbag body 110 can inflate and deploy without breaking (damaging) such a structure. In other words, it is possible to prevent such a rigid structure from interfering with the inflation and deployment of the airbag body 110.

[0026] In the first embodiment of the airbag device 100, the cover component 300 has the opening 310 facing in the rearward direction. The configuration described above allows the airbag body 110 to inflate and deploy more quickly in the direction of the driver, who is seated on the rearward side relative to the steering device 200, compared to the configuration in which the cover component 300 has the opening 310 facing in a direction other than rearward.

[0027] In the first embodiment of the airbag device 100, the gas generator 120 is mounted on the upper wall 304, and the projecting part 320 extends from the rear end of the lower wall 305. Accordingly, the gas emitted by the gas generator 120 is directed towards the projecting part 320. The airbag body 110, which unfolds and inflates with the gas, receives a reaction force from the projecting part 320, thereby restricting its inflation and unfolding in the forward and downward direction. This allows the airbag body 110 to pass more easily between the ring part 210 and the hub part 220.

[0028] In the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the capacity of the line section 111 is smaller than the capacity of the inflatable main section 112. This configuration requires a smaller quantity of gas to inflate and deploy the entire airbag body 110 and requires a shorter inflation and deployment time compared to the configuration in which the capacity of the line section 111 is equal to or greater than the capacity of the inflatable main section 112.

[0029] In the first embodiment of the airbag device 100, the line section 111, which has a relatively small capacity, is arranged such that it spans from the gas generator 120 to the passage area R. The configuration described above allows the line section 111 to complete its inflation and deflation before the inflatable main section 112 has completed its inflation and deflation, thus filling the space from the gas generator 120 to the passage area R. This facilitates the passage area R for the inflatable main section 112 during inflation and deflation.

[0030] In the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, when the airbag body 110 is inflated and deployed, the protruding part 320 is positioned such that it spans between the lower wall 305 and the ring part 210. The configuration described above allows the protruding part 320 to exert a greater reaction force on the airbag body 110 compared to the configuration in which the protruding part 320 is not positioned to span between the lower wall 305 and the ring part 210. This prevents the airbag body 110 from shifting in any direction other than backward.

[0031] In the first embodiment of the airbag device 100, the cover component 300 includes the belt section 330. Compared to a configuration without the belt section 330, the configuration described above allows a greater reaction force to be applied to the airbag body 110. This also prevents the airbag body 110 from shifting in any direction other than backward.

[0032] In the first embodiment of the airbag device 100, the gas generator 120 is mounted on the upper wall 304 and emits gas downwards. The configuration described above allows the lower part of the airbag body 110 to inflate and deploy more quickly than the upper part. This enables the airbag body 110 to contain the driver's lower body in the vehicle more quickly than the upper body. Specifically, in the inflatable main section 112, which is configured to contain the driver from the lower body to the head, the lower part of the inflatable main section 112 inflates and deploys sooner than the upper part, thus enabling the inflatable main section 112 to contain the driver's lower body more quickly.

[0033] In the first embodiment of the airbag device 100, when stowed in the stowed state in which the airbag body 110 is stowed in the cover component 300, the protruding part 320 covers the inflatable main part 112, and the free end E2 is sandwiched between the line part 111 and the inflatable main part 112. The configuration described above delays the inflation and deflation of the inflatable main part 112. This prevents the inflatable main part 112 from inflating between the gas generator 120 and the passage area R and allows the inflatable main part 112 to pass more easily between the ring part 210 and the hub part 220.

[0034] In the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the through holes 331 of one end and the other end of the belt section 330 are arranged to overlap with the fixing holes 307, which are positioned on the forward-facing side below the majority of fixing holes 307 provided on the upper wall 304. The configuration described above allows the belt section 330 to pull the protruding part 320 with a greater force compared to the configuration in which the through holes 331 are arranged to overlap the fixing holes 307, which are positioned on the rearward-facing side. B. Second embodiment:

[0035] Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view to describe an airbag device 100b in a second embodiment. Fig. 7, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows an exaggerated projection 320b. The airbag device 100b in the second embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the airbag device 100b in the first embodiment, but is vertically rotated. Specifically, the airbag device 100b in the second embodiment differs from the airbag device 100b in the first embodiment in the direction in which the gas is expelled from the gas generator 120. Furthermore, a steering device 200b equipped with the airbag device 100b of the second embodiment differs from the steering device 200 of the first embodiment in the position of a hub part 220b. Configurations, unless otherwise described below, are the same as those of the airbag device 100 and the steering device 200 in the first embodiment.

[0036] In the second embodiment, the hub section 220b of the steering device 200b is designed to span between the lower parts of the left handle section 211 and the right handle section 212 in the left-right direction. A connecting section 213b joins the upper ends of the left handle section 211 and the right handle section 212. Accordingly, a passage area Rb is positioned above the center of the steering device 200b in the top-bottom direction.

[0037] A gas generator 120b is mounted on the metal housing 150. The gas generator 120b emits gas upwards.

[0038] The projecting part 320b extends from the rear end of an upper wall 304b. When an airbag body 110b is in the inflated and deployed state, a free end E2b of the projecting part 320b is in contact with the lower surface of a ring part 210b.

[0039] In the airbag device 100b of the second embodiment described above, the gas generator 120b is mounted on a lower wall 305b and emits gas upwards. The configuration described above allows the upper part of the airbag body 110b to inflate and deploy more quickly than the lower part of the airbag body 110b. This enables the airbag body 110b to contain the driver's upper body in the vehicle more quickly than the lower body. Specifically, in an inflatable main section 112b configured to contain the driver from the abdomen to the head, the upper part of the inflatable main section 112b inflates and deploys sooner than the lower part, thus enabling the inflatable main section 112b to contain the driver's head more quickly. C. Third embodiment

[0040] Fig. Figure 8 is a drawing showing an airbag body 110c in the inflated and deployed state of an airbag device 100c in a third embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 is a drawing to describe the airbag body 110c. Fig. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the airbag body 110c, which is cut along the plane parallel to the top-bottom and front-back directions in the center of the airbag body 110c in the left-right direction for illustrative purposes. The airbag device 100c in the third embodiment differs from the airbag device 100 in the first embodiment in that the airbag body 110c further comprises a subdivision component 400. Fig. Figure 9 shows the subdivision component 400 hatched for illustrative purposes. Unless otherwise described below, configurations are the same as those of the airbag device 100 in the first embodiment. The airbag body 110c in the third embodiment can be combined with the airbag device 100b in the second embodiment.

[0041] As in Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the subdivision component 400 divides an inflatable main part 112c into a first chamber 510 and a second chamber 520. Like the airbag body 110c, the subdivision component 400 is made of a base fabric. The subdivision component 400 has a first subdivision part 410 and a second subdivision part 420.

[0042] The first subdivision section 410 extends in the front-back and left-right directions. The front end of the first subdivision section 410 is positioned above the connecting part of a line section 111c and the inflatable main section 112c. The rear end of the first subdivision section 410 is positioned in the center of the inflatable main section 112c in the front-back direction. The left and right ends of the first subdivision section 410 are connected to the left and right ends of the inflatable main section 112c, respectively.

[0043] The second subdivision 420 extends in the top-bottom and left-right directions. The upper end of the second subdivision 420 is connected to the rear end of the first subdivision 410. The lower end of the second subdivision 420 is connected to the lower end of the inflatable main section 112c. The left and right ends of the second subdivision 420 are connected to the left and right ends of the inflatable main section 112c, respectively. The second subdivision 420 has a vent hole 421 in the center in the left-right direction and below the center in the top-bottom direction. The vent hole 421 serves as a passage for the gas supplied by the gas generator 120.

[0044] The inflatable main section 112c is divided into the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520 by the subdivision component 400. The first chamber 510 is connected to the piping section 111c. The first chamber 510 corresponds to the front lower section of the inflatable main section 112c in its inflated and unfolded state. The second chamber 520 is connected to the first chamber 510. The second chamber 520 corresponds exclusively to the first chamber 510 of the inflatable main section 112c. The capacity of the second chamber 520 is greater than the capacity of the first chamber 510. The gas supplied by the gas generator 120 flows through the piping section 111c and the first chamber 510 into the second chamber 520 in that order.

[0045] The airbag device 100c in the third embodiment described above has a first chamber 510, which is connected to the duct section 111c, and a second chamber 520, which is connected to the first chamber 510 and has a larger capacity than the first chamber 510. During the inflation and deployment stages of the airbag body 110c, the first chamber 510 completes its inflation and deployment first, and then the second chamber 520 completes its inflation and deployment. This allows the first chamber 510, which has a relatively small capacity, to complete its inflation and deployment earlier. The area that is desirable to be inflated and deployed earlier in the inflatable main section 112c is configured as the first chamber 510, and this allows the inflatable main section 112c to more effectively contain the driver.

[0046] The airbag device 100c in the third embodiment has the vent hole 421, which is positioned below the center of the second subdivision part 420 in the top-bottom direction. This configuration, in which the gas generator 120 expels gas downwards, allows the gas supplied to the first chamber 510 to be fed more efficiently to the second chamber 520. This enables a more uniform inflation and deployment of the inflatable main part 112c.

[0047] In the third embodiment of the airbag device 100c, the first chamber 510 is positioned in the front lower part of the inflatable main part 112c. The configuration described above also allows for faster deployment of the lower part of the inflatable main part 112c. D. Other embodiments

[0048] (D1) In each of the embodiments described above, the steering device 200 has the U-shaped rim part 210. This disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The rim part 210 can have an annular shape, such as a ring shape or a D shape, other than an open shape, such as a U shape. In each of the embodiments described above, the hub part 220 or 220b is provided for spanning between the left handle part 211 and the right handle part 212 of the rim part 210 or 210b. This disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the hub part 220 or 220b can be configured such that it is not in direct contact with the rim part 210 or 210b. In such a configuration, the hub part 220 or 220b can be connected to the rim part 210 or 210b via, for example, a spoke part.The hub part 220 or 220b can be completely enclosed by the rim part 210 or 210b in the circumferential direction in the front view of the steering device 200. In each of the embodiments described above, the steering shaft 240 is mounted to the forward-facing side of the lower cover 230. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. The steering shaft 240 can be mounted directly to the hub part 220 or 220b. The steering shaft 240 can be mounted to the rim part 210 or 210b via any connecting element.

[0049] (D2) In each of the embodiments described above, a display is provided on the reverse-facing side of the hub part 220. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any structure, such as a smartphone holder or a switch, may be provided on the reverse-facing side of the hub part 220.

[0050] (D3) In the embodiments described above, the surface of the projecting part 320 or 320b, which is in contact with the ring part 210 or 210b, may have a roughness to increase the coefficient of friction. Such a configuration prevents the projecting part 320 or 320b from shifting, even when the projecting part 320 or 320b is pressed by the airbag body 110, 110b, or 110c, which inflates and deploys.

[0051] (D4) In each of the embodiments described above, the cover component 300 or 300b may not have the projecting part 320 or 320b. Even in such a configuration, the opening 310 of the cover component 300 or 300b faces backwards, allowing the airbag body 110, 110b or 110c to inflate and deploy more quickly in the direction of the rearward position of the driver.

[0052] (D5) In each of the embodiments described above, the airbag body 110, 110b or 110c may comprise only the inflatable main part 112, 112b or 112c without the duct part 111 or 111c. Even with such a configuration, the airbag body 110, 110b or 110c may pass through the passage area R or Rb and deploy or inflate in the reverse direction relative to the steering device 200 or 200b.

[0053] (D6) In each of the embodiments described above, the projecting part 320 or 320b need not be positioned to span between the upper wall 304 or 304b or the lower wall 305 or 305b and the ring part 210 or 210b. Even in such a configuration, the projecting part 320 or 320b can exert a reaction force on the airbag body 110, 110b or 110c, which inflates and deploys.

[0054] (D7) In each of the embodiments described above, the cover component 300 or 300b need not include the belt part 330. Even in such a configuration, the protruding part 320 or 320b can exert a reaction force on the airbag body 110, 110b or 110c, causing it to inflate and deploy.

[0055] (D8) In each of the embodiments described above, the free end E2 or E2b of the projecting part 320 or 320b does not need to be sandwiched between the conduit part 111 or 111c and the inflatable main part 112, 112b or 112c.

[0056] (D9) In each of the embodiments described above, the cover component 300 or 300b has a box-like shape with the pair of side walls 302, 303. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. The cover component 300 or 300b can have any shape. The cover component 300 or 300b need not have the pair of side walls 302, 303.

[0057] (D10) In each of the embodiments described above, the belt section 330 can have any shape. In one embodiment, the belt section 330 can have a wider width in the part that overlaps the projecting part 320 or 320b than other parts. Such a configuration allows for greater durability of the part that overlaps the projecting part 320 or 320b of the belt section 330 and allows for a greater force to be applied to pull the projecting part 320 or 320b. In another embodiment, the belt section 330 can have a narrower width at its ends than other parts. The belt section 330 with such a configuration is lighter. In each of the embodiments described above, one end and the other end of the belt section 330 are arranged such that the through holes 331 and the fixing holes 307 overlap. The present disclosure is not limited thereto.One end and the other end of the belt section 330 can be connected to the metal housing 150.

[0058] (D11) In each of the embodiments described above, the steering shaft 240 is arranged parallel to the front-back direction. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. The steering shaft 240 can be arranged parallel to any axis.

[0059] (D12) In each of the embodiments described above, the airbag device 100, 100b or 100c can be installed in any moving object other than a vehicle. Examples of the moving object include a ship, an aircraft, a spacecraft or a so-called flying car. The moving object can be an object that enables virtual movement, such as a simulator, and is not necessarily limited to an object that enables real movement.

[0060] The present disclosure can be applied in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure and is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the technical features in the embodiments can be suitably exchanged or combined to solve some or all of the problems described above or to achieve some or all of the effects described above. Any technical feature not described as essential in the present description can suitably be omitted. For example, the present disclosure can be implemented in the following aspects.

[0061] (1) In one aspect of the present disclosure, an airbag device is provided for installation on the steering column cover of a steering wheel of a moving object. The airbag device comprises an airbag body configured to inflate and deploy by means of a gas supplied by a gas generator, and a box-like cover component configured to stow the airbag body, and a front wall positioned on a forward-facing side relative to the airbag body, an upper wall extending in a rearward direction from an upper end of the front wall, a lower wall extending in the rearward direction of the moving object from a lower end of the front wall, and an opening facing in the rearward direction.The steering wheel has a rim section, which is gripped by the driver in the moving object, and a hub section, which is surrounded by at least part of the rim section. The steering column cover is mounted on the forward-facing side of the hub section. The airbag body passes through a passage located between the rim section and the hub section, inflates, and deploys.

[0062] In the airbag system of this design, the airbag body passes through the passage located between the hub and the rim, inflating and deploying. Therefore, even if a relatively rigid structure, such as a display, is present on the upper cover of the steering wheel, the airbag body can inflate and deploy without damaging such a structure. In other words, it is possible to prevent a rigid structure from interfering with the inflation and deployment of the airbag body.

[0063] The cover component has an opening that points in the rearward direction. The configuration described above allows the airbag body to inflate and deploy more quickly towards the driver, who is seated on the rearward side relative to the steering wheel, compared to the configuration where the cover component has an opening that points in a direction other than the rearward direction.

[0064] In this particular configuration, the airbag device is installed in the lower cover located on the forward-facing side of the hub. This configuration allows for a thinner hub compared to configurations where the airbag device is integrated into the hub itself, resulting in a more streamlined steering system design.

[0065] (2) In the airbag device of the aspect described above, the gas generator may be mounted on one of the upper and lower walls, and the cover component may further have a protruding part extending from a rear end of the other of the upper and lower walls.

[0066] In the airbag system, the following aspect applies: since the gas generator is mounted on one of the upper and lower walls, and the cover component further has a protruding part extending from the rear end of the other of the upper and lower walls, the airbag body absorbs a reaction force from the protruding part, thereby restricting its inflation and deployment direction. This allows the airbag body to pass more easily between the ring part and the hub part.

[0067] (3) In the airbag device described above, the airbag body may comprise an inflatable main section configured to contain the occupant in the moving object by inflation and deployment, and a line section connected to the gas generator for supplying gas to the inflatable main section, having a smaller capacity than the inflatable main section. The line section may be arranged to bridge from the gas generator to the passage area in an inflated and deployed state, when the airbag body is inflated and deployed.

[0068] In the airbag system described above, the piping section has a smaller capacity than the inflatable main section. This configuration requires a smaller amount of gas to inflate and deploy the entire airbag body and therefore requires less time to inflate and deploy the entire airbag body compared to a configuration where the piping section has a capacity equal to or greater than that of the inflatable main section.

[0069] The duct section, which has a relatively small capacity, is positioned to span from the gas generator to the passage area. This configuration allows the duct section to complete its inflation and deflation before the main inflatable section completes its inflation and deflation, thus filling the space between the gas generator and the passage area. This facilitates the passage area for the main inflatable section during its inflation and deflation process.

[0070] (4) In the airbag device described above, the protruding part has a fixed end at the front and a free end at the rear. In a stowed state, with the airbag body stowed in the cover component, the protruding part covers the inflatable main part, and the free end is sandwiched between the ducting component and the inflatable main part.

[0071] In the airbag design described above, when stowed, the protruding portion covers the inflatable main section, and the free end is sandwiched between the duct section and the inflatable main section. This configuration delays the inflation and deflation of the inflatable main section. This prevents the inflatable main section from inflating between the gas generator and the passage area and allows it to more easily pass between the ring section and the hub section.

[0072] (5) In the case of the airbag device, the protruding part for spanning between the other wall and the ring part can be positioned in the inflated and unfolded state.

[0073] In the airbag design described above, the protruding portion is positioned to span between the other wall and the ring section when inflated and deployed. This configuration allows the protruding portion to exert a greater reaction force on the airbag body compared to a configuration where the protruding portion is not positioned to span between the other wall and the ring section. This prevents the airbag from shifting in any direction other than backward.

[0074] (6) In the airbag device in the aspect described above, the cover component may further include a belt part configured to pull the protruding part towards one wall when inflated and deployed.

[0075] In the airbag device described above, the cover component further includes the belt section, which is configured to pull the protruding part towards one wall when inflated and deployed. The configuration described above allows the protruding part to exert a greater reaction force on the airbag body when inflated and deployed, compared to a configuration without the belt section. Furthermore, this prevents the airbag body from being displaced in any direction other than backward.

[0076] (7) In the airbag device, in the aspect described above, the gas generator can be mounted on the upper wall and expel the gas downwards.

[0077] In this particular airbag configuration, the gas generator is mounted on the upper wall and expels the gas downwards. The configuration described above allows the lower part of the airbag body to inflate and deploy more quickly than the upper part. This enables the airbag body to capture the driver's lower body in the vehicle more rapidly than the upper body. Specifically, in the inflatable main section, which is configured to capture the driver from the lower body to the head, the lower part of the inflatable main section inflates and deploys sooner than the upper part, thus allowing the inflatable main section 112 to capture the driver's lower body more quickly.

[0078] (8) In the airbag device of the aspect described above, the inflatable main part may have a first chamber connected to the line part, a second chamber connected to the first chamber and having a larger capacity than the first chamber, and a subdivision part that divides the first chamber and the second chamber and has a vent hole.

[0079] In the airbag system described above, the inflatable main section comprises a first chamber connected to the ducting section and a second chamber connected to the first, which has a larger capacity than the first. This configuration allows the first chamber, with its relatively small capacity, to complete its inflation and deployment sooner than the second chamber, into which gas is supplied from the first chamber via the vent. Consequently, the area of ​​the inflatable main section that is designed to inflate and deploy sooner is configured to be larger than the first chamber, thus enabling the inflatable main section to more effectively inflate the occupant.

[0080] It is explicitly emphasized that all features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are to be considered separate and independent of one another for the purposes of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, irrespective of the combinations of features in the embodiments and / or the claims. It is explicitly stated that all range specifications or specifications of groups of units disclose every possible intermediate value or subgroup of units for the purposes of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, in particular also as a boundary of a range specification. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2016 - 088 173 A [0003, 0004]< / gesamtkonfiguration>

Claims

[1] Airbag device installed in a steering column cover of a steering wheel of a moving object, wherein the airbag device an airbag body configured to inflate and deploy using a gas supplied by a gas generator, and a cover component configured to stow the airbag body, wherein the cover component has a front wall positioned on a forward-direction side relative to the airbag body, a top wall extending from an upper end of the front wall in a rearward direction of the moving object, a bottom wall extending from a lower end of the front wall in a rearward direction, and an opening facing in the rearward direction, wherein the steering wheel has a rim part which is gripped by a driver in the moving object, and a hub part which is surrounded by at least part of the rim part, the steering column cover is mounted on a forward-facing side of the hub section, and the airbag body passes through a passage area that is positioned between the ring part and the hub part, and inflates and unfolds. [2] Airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the gas generator is mounted on one of the upper and lower walls, and The cover component also has a protruding part that extends from one rear end to the other end of the upper wall and the lower wall. [3] Airbag device according to claim 2, wherein The airbag body has an inflatable main section configured to contain the driver in the moving object by inflation and deflation, and a piping section connected to the gas generator for supplying gas to the inflatable main section, and having a smaller capacity than the inflatable main section. The conduit section for spanning from the gas generator to the passage area is arranged in an inflated and unfolded state, in which the airbag body is inflated and unfolded. [4] Airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the protruding part has a front end as a fixed end and a rear end as a free end, where in a stowed state in which the airbag body is stowed in the cover component, the protruding part covers the inflatable main part and the free end is sandwiched between the line part and the inflatable main part. [5] Airbag device according to claim 4, wherein the protruding part for spanning between the other wall and the ring part is positioned in the inflated and unfolded state. [6] Airbag device according to claim 5, wherein the cover component further comprises a belt part configured to pull the protruding part towards one wall in the inflated and deployed state. [7] Airbag device according to claim 6, wherein the gas generator is mounted on the upper wall and expels the gas downwards. [8] Airbag device according to claim 7, wherein the inflatable main part a first chamber connected to the conduit section, a second chamber connected to the first chamber, and having a larger capacity than the first chamber, and It has a subdivision component that divides the first and second chambers and has a vent hole.

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