Airbag device

Abstract

To improve the safety of an occupant in the event of a collision from a side surface of a vehicle V.SOLUTION: An airbag device includes: an airbag portion 200 housed in a seating seat S1 and configured to expand and inflate inward in a vehicle widthwise direction toward an occupant P1 in the event of a collision of a vehicle V; a base cloth 300, a base cloth 310, and a base cloth 320 as base cloths that are joined to the airbag portion 200; and a tether 400 and a tether 410, one ends of which are joined to the airbag portion 200 and the other ends of which are joined to the seating seat S1. The airbag portion 200 includes: an air chamber 210 that projects in a U-shape on a vehicle upper side, an air chamber 220 that projects in a U-shape on a vehicle lower side, an air chamber 230 and an air chamber 240 that inflate in a vehicle vertical direction, all of which are coupled together in an annular form and inflated; the tether 400 one end of which is joined to the airbag portion 200 and the other end of which is joined to a seat back portion 100; and the tether 410 one end of which is joined to the airbag portion 200 and the other end of which is joined to a vehicle front side of a seat cushion portion 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, airbag devices have been widely used and are in widespread use as safety devices for protecting occupants in the event of a vehicle collision. As one of the above airbag devices, a far side airbag device has been put into practical use, which protects the occupant when a side collision occurs against the vehicle, thereby suppressing the behavior of the occupant caused by the side collision.

[0003] In this type of airbag device, for example, when a side impact is applied to the vehicle, the airbag is deployed and inflated between a plurality of seats. The airbag includes an airbag body, an airbag protrusion protruding from a front end of an upper part of the airbag body toward the front side of the vehicle, and a tether connecting a tip end of the airbag protrusion to a part of the airbag body on the occupant side. A technology has been disclosed in which the length of the tether is shorter than the length between the connecting parts of the front and rear ends of the tether along the occupant side surface of the airbag, and the rear end of the tether is positioned rearward of the contact surface of the headrest that comes into contact with the head of the occupant (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2022-154365 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the airbag device described in Patent Document 1 above, when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle, the U-shaped tip of the airbag protrusion is pulled by a tether, causing the airbag protrusion to bend and restrain and support the occupant's head. However, because the inflated airbag and the tether are fixed to the seat, the upper body of the occupant, including the head, rotates around the fixed point of the airbag, which creates a problem that the upper body of the occupant may rotate together with the airbag and may face in the direction of movement due to the collision.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an airbag device that improves the safety of occupants when a side collision occurs in a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Mode 1: One or more embodiments of the present invention include an airbag section that is provided in at least one vehicle seat at the front of a vehicle, is stored in the vehicle seat, and is inflated and deployed toward the inside of a vehicle occupant in a vehicle width direction when a collision occurs to the vehicle, a base fabric joined to the airbag section, and a tether having one end joined to the airbag section and the other end joined to the vehicle seat, wherein the airbag section has a plurality of cylindrical air chambers connected in an annular shape, and when the airbag section is inflated and deployed, a first air chamber that protrudes in a U-shape toward the inside of the vehicle width direction at an upper side of the airbag section and has a first base fabric joined along the inside of the U-shape, when the airbag section is inflated and deployed, a second air chamber that protrudes in a U-shape toward the inside of the vehicle width direction at an upper side of the airbag section and has a second base fabric joined along the inside of the U-shape, and a second air chamber that protrudes in a U-shape toward the inside of the vehicle width direction at an lower side of the airbag section and has a second base fabric joined along the inside of the U-shape, and a tether that is joined to the vehicle rear side of the first air chamber at the upper side of the airbag section and has a tether joined to the vehicle rear side of the first air chamber at the upper side of the airbag section, and the airbag section is connected to the vehicle rear side of the first air chamber. a third air chamber which is joined to the vehicle rear side of the second air chamber on the vehicle underside of the airbag section and which extends and deploys in the vehicle up-down direction when the airbag section is inflated and deployed, and a fourth air chamber which is joined to the vehicle front side of the first air chamber on the vehicle upper side of the airbag section and joined to the vehicle front side of the second air chamber on the vehicle underside of the airbag section and which extends and deploys in the vehicle up-down direction when the airbag section is inflated and deployed, are connected in an annular shape and deployed, and between the third air chamber and the fourth air chamber proposes an airbag device provided with: a first tether to which a third base fabric is joined, one end of which is joined to the airbag portion at a joint between the first air chamber and the fourth air chamber at the front of the vehicle and the other end of which is joined to the vehicle front side of the seating surface of the vehicle seat; and a second tether one end of which is joined to the airbag portion at a joint between the second air chamber and the fourth air chamber at the front of the vehicle and the other end of which is joined to the vehicle front side of the seating surface of the vehicle seat. Effect of the Invention

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE One or more embodiments of the present invention can improve vehicle occupant safety in the event of a side impact collision. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a vehicle equipped with an airbag device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above the vehicle. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a seat mounted with an airbag device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above a vehicle. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of an airbag device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed, as viewed from above a vehicle. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view seen from the vehicle travel direction, illustrating a state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed when a side collision occurs in an airbag device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view seen from above the vehicle, illustrating a state in which an airbag in an airbag device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is inflated and deployed when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed in an airbag device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a front view seen from the vehicle travel direction, showing a state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed when a side collision occurs in an airbag device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13 is a perspective view seen from above the vehicle, illustrating a state in which an airbag in an airbag device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is inflated and deployed when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an airbag device according to a first modified example of the present invention, in which an airbag is inflated and deployed, as viewed from above the vehicle. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an airbag device according to Modification 2 of the present invention, in which an airbag is inflated and deployed, as viewed from above the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the airbag device 1 and the airbag device 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 10. Note that the arrow FR shown as appropriate in the drawings indicates the vehicle travel direction of the vehicle V, the arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle, and the arrow RH indicates the right side with respect to the vehicle travel direction. In addition, in the following description, when the up-down, front-rear, and left-right directions are used, they indicate the up-down direction of the vehicle, the front-rear direction with the vehicle travel direction being the front, and the left-right direction with respect to the vehicle travel direction, unless otherwise specified. The driver's seat may be located on the left or right side of the vehicle V in the direction of travel.

[0011] <First embodiment> The configuration of an airbag device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. In the first embodiment, an airbag device 1 provided in a seat on the driver's seat side will be described.

[0012] <About the Airbag Device 1> The airbag device 1 is provided in at least one vehicle seat in the front side of a vehicle V, and is housed in a seating seat S1 serving as a vehicle seat, for example, as shown in FIG. The airbag device 1 includes an airbag portion 200, tethers 400 to 430, and an inflator IF.

[0013] <About the seat S1> The vehicle V is provided with a seat S1 and a seat S2 on which an occupant P1 and an occupant P2 are seated. In the first embodiment, the seat S1 is described as a seat on the driver's seat side.

[0014] The seat S1 includes a seat back portion 100, a seat cushion portion 110, and a headrest portion 120, as shown in FIG. A back frame portion BF is provided inside the seat back portion 100, and houses an airbag portion 200 and an inflator IF. The seat cushion portion 110 is provided with a seat frame portion SF, in which a part of the airbag portion 200 is housed.

[0015] The seat back portion 100 supports the lumbar region and back of the occupant P1. The seat back portion 100 is disposed in an upright state on the vehicle rear side of the seat cushion portion 110 and facing in the vertical direction of the vehicle. A part of the airbag portion 200, the tether 420 and the tether 430 are stored in a folded state inside the seat back portion 100 on the vehicle inner side. Inside the seat back portion 100, a back frame portion BF that serves as the framework of the seat back portion 100 is provided. The back frame portion BF is provided with a seat rotation axis SR extending in the vehicle width direction on the underside of the vehicle, and the seat back portion 100 is fixed to the seat cushion portion 110 so as to be tiltable in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, with the seat rotation axis SR as the rotation axis. An inflator IF, which will be described later, is fixed to the back frame portion BF. The front surface of the seat back portion 100 is covered with a seat cover made of material such as cloth or leather. The seat cover of the seat back portion 100 is provided with a stitching portion SW indicated by a thick solid line in FIG.

[0016] The seat cushion portion 110 is a seating surface for the occupant P1, is disposed on the vehicle lower side of the seating seat S1, and supports the buttocks to thighs of the occupant P1. The front surface side of the seat cushion portion 110 is covered with a seat cover made of a material such as cloth or leather. A part of the airbag section 200, the tether 400 and the tether 410 are stored in a folded state on the inner side of the seat cushion section 110 in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] The seat cover of the seat back portion 100 and the seat cover of the seat cushion portion 110 are provided with a sewn portion SW shown by a thick solid line in Fig. 2. The sewn portion SW is provided as an opening through which the airbag portion 200 and the tethers 400 to 430 can protrude toward the upper front side of the vehicle when a collision occurs in the vehicle V.

[0018] The headrest portion 120 is provided at the center in the vehicle width direction of the upper end of the seat back portion 100, and protrudes from the seat back portion 100 toward the upper side of the vehicle. The headrest portion 120 is provided with a substantially long rod-shaped stay (not shown), which is inserted into the seat back portion 100 from the upper side of the vehicle, and the headrest portion 120 is supported by the seat back portion 100. The front surface side of the headrest portion 120 is covered with a seat cover made of a member such as cloth or leather.

[0019] <Regarding the airbag section 200> The airbag unit 200 is stored in the seat S1, and inflates and deploys toward the inside of the vehicle width direction of the occupant P1 when a collision occurs in the vehicle V. The airbag unit 200 is stored on the inside of the seat back unit 100 and the seat cushion unit 110 in the vehicle width direction. The airbag section 200 has a plurality of cylindrical air chambers connected in an annular shape. In the airbag section 200, an air chamber 210 as a first air chamber, an air chamber 220 as a second air chamber, an air chamber 230 as a third air chamber, and an air chamber 240 as a fourth air chamber are provided and connected in an annular shape.

[0020] (Regarding air chambers 210 to 240) When the airbag section 200 is inflated and deployed, the airbag section 200 inflates and deploys toward the inside in the vehicle width direction of the occupant P1, as shown in Fig. 3. Specifically, on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the occupant P1 seated in the seating seat S1, the airbag section 200 inflates and deploys from the inside of the upper part of the vehicle to the inside of the lower part of the vehicle of the seat back section 100 and the seat cushion section 110 of the seating seat S1.

[0021] The air chamber 210 has a cylindrical shape made of a base fabric material or the like, and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction in a U-shape when viewed from above the vehicle on the vehicle upper side of the airbag section 200. A base fabric 300 as a first base fabric is joined to the air chamber 210 along the U-shape of the air chamber 210. The air chamber 210 is joined to an upper end of the air chamber 230 on the vehicle rear side of the airbag section 200, and is joined to an upper end of the air chamber 240 on the vehicle front side of the airbag section 200. A tether 430 is joined to the air chamber 210 at the tip of the U-shape on the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0022] The air chamber 220 has a cylindrical shape made of a base fabric material or the like, and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction in a U-shape when viewed from above the vehicle on the vehicle lower side of the airbag section 200. A base fabric 310 as a second base fabric is joined to the air chamber 220 along the U-shape of the air chamber 220. Air chamber 220 is joined to a vehicle lower end of air chamber 230 at the vehicle rear side of airbag section 200, and is joined to a vehicle lower end of air chamber 240 at the vehicle front side of airbag section 200. A tether 420 is joined to the air chamber 220 at the tip of the U-shape on the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] The air chamber 230 is formed into a cylindrical shape using a base fabric material or the like, and inflates and deploys in the vehicle vertical direction on the vehicle rear side of the airbag section 200. The air chamber 230 is joined to the vehicle rear end of the air chamber 210 on the vehicle upper side of the airbag section 200, and joined to the vehicle rear end of the air chamber 220 on the vehicle lower side of the airbag section 200, and deploys extending in the vehicle vertical direction when the airbag section 200 inflates and deploys. The upper rear side and the lower rear side of the vehicle of the air chamber 230 are fixed to the back frame portion BF.

[0024] The air chamber 240 is formed into a cylindrical shape using a base fabric material or the like, and inflates and deploys in the vehicle up-down direction on the vehicle front side of the airbag section 200. The air chamber 240 is joined to the vehicle front end of the air chamber 210 on the vehicle upper side of the airbag section 200, and joined to the vehicle front end of the air chamber 220 on the vehicle lower side of the airbag section 200, and deploys extending in the vehicle up-down direction when the airbag section 200 inflates and deploys. A tether 400 is joined to the joint between the vehicle upper end of the air chamber 240 and the vehicle front end of the air chamber 210. In addition, a tether 410 is joined to the joint between the vehicle lower end of the air chamber 240 and the vehicle front end of the air chamber 220. Between the air chamber 230 and the air chamber 240, a base cloth 320 serving as a third base cloth is joined to the air chamber 230 and the air chamber 240 by sewing or the like.

[0025] (About air chamber 250) 3 is joined in a U-shape along the outer side of the air chamber 210 on the vehicle upper side of the airbag section 200. The base fabric 330 is joined in a U-shape along the outer side of the air chamber 220 on the vehicle lower side of the airbag section 200. The base fabric 330 is joined along the vehicle outer vertical direction of the air chamber 230 on the vehicle rear side of the airbag section 200. The base fabric 330 is joined along the vehicle outer vertical direction of the air chamber 240 on the vehicle front side of the airbag section 200. When the airbag portion 200 is inflated and deployed, an air chamber 250 is provided as a fifth air chamber surrounded by the base fabrics 300, 310, 320, and 330.

[0026] When airbag section 200 is inflated and deployed, air chamber 250 forms a substantially semi-cylindrical shape surrounded by air chambers 210-240 and base fabrics 300-340, and inflates and deploys while extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle. When air chamber 250 is inflated and deployed, air chamber 250 is maintained at a lower pressure than air chambers 210-240.

[0027] <About Tether 400~Tether 430> Tethers 400 to 430 are made of string-like members that are flexible and non-stretchable. The tethers 400 to 430 are stored in a folded state inside the seat back portion 100 and the seat cushion portion 110 of the seat S1. When the airbag portion 200 is inflated and deployed, the tethers 400 to 430 maintain a taut state without slack.

[0028] Tether 400 as a first tether has one end joined to airbag section 200 at the joint between air chamber 210 and air chamber 240 at the front side of the vehicle, and the other end joined to the front side of the vehicle of seat frame section SF in seat cushion section 110.

[0029] Tether 410 as the second tether has one end joined to airbag section 200 at the joint between air chamber 220 and air chamber 240 at the front side of the vehicle, and the other end joined to the front side of the vehicle of seat frame section SF in seat cushion section 110.

[0030] One end of tether 420 is joined to the tip of the U-shape in air chamber 220, and the other end of tether 420 is joined to the inside of the vehicle lower portion of back frame portion BF in seat back portion 100.

[0031] One end of tether 430 is joined to the tip of the U-shape in air chamber 210, and the other end of tether 430 is joined to the inside of the upper part of the vehicle of back frame portion BF in seat back portion 100.

[0032] <About Inflator IF> The inflator IF supplies gas to the airbag portion 200 when a collision occurs in the vehicle V. The inflator IF is fixed to the back frame portion BF of the seat back portion 100.

[0033] <Actions and Effects> In the airbag device 1 according to this embodiment configured as above, the operation when a collision occurs from the passenger seat side of the vehicle V will be described with reference to Figs.

[0034] As shown by arrow IM in FIG. 4, when a collision occurs on the passenger side of the vehicle V, gas is supplied from the inflator IF to the airbag section 200, and the airbag section 200 inflates on the inside of the vehicle of the occupant P1 toward the upper front side of the vehicle. The airbag portion 200 opens the sewn portion SW due to the expanding force of the gas filled in the airbag portion 200, and protrudes toward the upper front side of the vehicle. When gas is further supplied from the inflator IF to the airbag portion 200 protruding from the sewn portion SW, the air chambers 210 to 240 which are connected in an annular shape are inflated and deployed.

[0035] Because tether 430 is joined to the U-shaped tip of air chamber 210 and back frame portion BF, air chamber 210 bends toward the passenger seat side and protrudes in a U-shape as viewed from above the vehicle toward the passenger seat side. Therefore, when the head of occupant P2 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, air chamber 210 receives the head of occupant P2. Also, when the head of occupant P1 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, base fabric 300 provided in air chamber 210 receives the head of occupant P1. The air chamber 220 is bent toward the passenger seat side and protrudes toward the passenger seat side in a U-shape as viewed from above the vehicle, because the tether 420 is joined to the U-shaped tip of the air chamber 220 and the seat frame portion SF. Therefore, when the waist of the occupant P2 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, the air chamber 220 receives the waist of the occupant P2.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, air chamber 230 and air chamber 240 expand into a cylindrical shape and extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Since air chamber 230 is fixed to back frame portion BF, when air chamber 230 is inflated and deployed, a pulling force toward the rear of the vehicle is generated in air chamber 230, as indicated by arrows AR1 and AR2. Tether 400 and tether 410 are joined to air chamber 240, with tether 400 joining the vehicle upper side of air chamber 240 to seat frame section SF, and tether 410 joining the vehicle lower side of air chamber 240 to seat frame section SF. When air chamber 240 is inflated and deployed, a pulling force toward the vehicle front side is generated in air chamber 240, as shown by arrows AR3 and AR4. Therefore, a pulling force in the vehicle front-rear direction is generated on base fabric 320 provided between air chamber 230 and air chamber 240 by air chamber 230 and air chamber 240, as indicated by arrows AR5 and AR6.

[0037] Furthermore, air chamber 250 inflates into a substantially semi-cylindrical shape and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle. When air chamber 250 inflates and deploys, pressure toward the outside of the vehicle is applied to base cloth 320. Then, in airbag section 200, the pressure of air chamber 250 toward the outside of the vehicle is received by base cloth 300 and base cloth 320, and the head and waist of occupant P1 are received by base cloth 300 and base cloth 320. Since the air chamber 250 is maintained at a lower pressure than the air chambers 210 to 240, the air chamber 250 envelops and receives the head and waist of the occupant P1. Therefore, when the upper body of occupant P1 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and when the upper body of occupant P1 rotates toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, the base fabric 320 restricts the movement of the upper body of occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and the rotational movement of the upper body of occupant P1, and supports occupant P1.

[0038] Then, as the supply of gas from the inflator IF ends, the inflation and deployment of the airbag portion 200 ends.

[0039] As described above, when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle V, the airbag device 1 inflates and deploys the airbag portion 200. The air chamber 210 in the airbag section 200 receives the head of the occupant P2, and the air chamber 220 in the airbag section 200 receives the waist of the occupant P2, so that the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the occupant P2 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. The air chamber 230, the air chamber 240, the base fabric 310, the tether 400 and the tether 410 in the airbag section 200 support the upper body of the occupant P1, so that the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and the rotational movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, air chamber 250 inflates into a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, and extends in the vehicle up-down direction. As air chamber 250 inflates and deploys, pressure toward the outside of the vehicle is applied to base cloth 320. In airbag device 1, the pressure of air chamber 250 toward the outside of the vehicle is received by base cloths 300 and 320, and the head and waist of occupant P1 are received by base cloths 300 and 320. Therefore, when a side collision occurs to the vehicle V, the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the upper bodies and heads of the occupants P1 and P2 in a direction in which they approach each other.

[0040] As described above, the airbag device 1 according to this embodiment is provided at least in either the seating seat S1 or the seating seat S2 at the front side of the vehicle V, and is stored in the seating seat S1. When a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the airbag device 1 includes the airbag section 200 that is inflated and deployed toward the inside of the vehicle width direction of the occupant P1, the base fabrics 300, 310, and 320 that serve as base fabrics joined to the airbag section 200, and the tethers 400 and 410 that serve as tethers that are joined at one end to the airbag section 200 and at the other end to the seating seat S1. The airbag section 200 has an annular shape. the air chamber 210 as a first air chamber, which when the airbag section 200 is inflated and deployed, protrudes in a U-shape toward the inside in the vehicle width direction at the vehicle upper side of the airbag section 200, and has a base fabric 300 as a first base fabric joined along the inside of the U-shape; the air chamber 220 as a second air chamber, which when the airbag section 200 is inflated and deployed, protrudes in a U-shape toward the inside in the vehicle width direction at the vehicle lower side of the airbag section 200, and has a base fabric 310 as a second base fabric joined along the inside of the U-shape; An air chamber 230 as a third air chamber which is joined to the vehicle rear side of the air chamber 210 on the vehicle upper side and joined to the vehicle rear side of the air chamber 220 on the vehicle lower side of the airbag section 200, and which extends and deploys in the vehicle up-down direction when the airbag section 200 is inflated and deployed, and an air chamber 240 as a fourth air chamber which is joined to the vehicle front side of the air chamber 210 on the vehicle upper side of the airbag section 200 and joined to the vehicle front side of the air chamber 220 on the vehicle lower side of the airbag section 200, and which extends and deploys in the vehicle up-down direction when the airbag section 200 is inflated and deployed are connected in an annular shape and deployed, and the air chambers 230 and 240 Between them, a base fabric 320 serving as a third base fabric is joined, and a tether 400 serving as a first tether is provided, one end of which is joined to the airbag section 200 at the junction between the air chamber 210 and the air chamber 240 at the front side of the vehicle and the other end of which is joined to the vehicle front side of the seat cushion section 110 serving as the seating surface of the seating seat S1, and a tether 410 serving as a second tether is provided, one end of which is joined to the airbag section 200 at the junction between the air chamber 220 and the air chamber 240 at the front side of the vehicle and the other end of which is joined to the vehicle front side of the seat cushion section 110 in the seating seat S1. That is, when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle V, the airbag device 1 inflates and deploys the airbag portion 200. The air chamber 210 in the airbag section 200 receives the head of the occupant P2, and the air chamber 220 in the airbag section 200 receives the waist of the occupant P2, so that the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the occupant P2 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. The air chamber 230, the air chamber 240, the base fabric 320, the tether 400 and the tether 410 in the airbag section 200 support the upper body of the occupant P1, so that the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and the rotational movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when a side collision occurs to the vehicle V, the airbag device 1 can restrict the movement of the upper bodies and heads of the occupants P1 and P2 in directions approaching each other. Therefore, the safety of occupants in the event of a side collision of the vehicle V can be improved.

[0041] The airbag device 1 of this embodiment further includes a fourth base fabric 330 that is joined along the outside of air chamber 210 on the vehicle upper side of airbag section 200, joined along the outside of air chamber 220 on the vehicle lower side of airbag section 200, joined along the vehicle outer vertical direction of air chamber 230 on the vehicle rear side of airbag section 200, and joined along the vehicle outer vertical direction of air chamber 240 on the vehicle front side of the airbag section, and when airbag section 200 is inflated and deployed, a fifth air chamber 250 is provided that is surrounded by base fabrics 300, 310, 320, and 330 and deploys extending in the vehicle vertical direction. That is, when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle V, the airbag device 1 inflates and deploys the air chamber 250 in the airbag portion 200. The pressure of the air chamber 250 toward the outside of the vehicle receives the head and waist of the occupant P1 via the base fabrics 300 and 320, and the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, by the pressure of the air chamber 250 toward the outside of the vehicle receiving the upper body of the occupant P1 through the base fabric 320, the airbag device 1 can further restrict the movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and the rotational movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the pressure of the air chamber 250 toward the outside of the vehicle receives the head and waist of the occupant P2 via the base fabric 330, and the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the occupant P2 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the pressure of the air chamber 250 toward the outside of the vehicle receives the head and waist of the occupant P2 via the base fabric 330, and the airbag device 1 can further restrict the movement of the occupant P2 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the safety of occupants in the event of a side collision of the vehicle V can be improved.

[0042] <Second embodiment> The configuration of an airbag device 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the seat S1 is a driver's seat, and the seat S2 is a passenger's seat.

[0043] <About the airbag device 1A> The airbag device 1A is accommodated in a seat S2 serving as a passenger seat, for example, as shown in FIG. The airbag device 1A includes an airbag section 200A, tethers 400A to 430A, and an inflator IFA.

[0044] <Regarding seating seats S1 and S2> An airbag unit 200 is provided in a seat S1 serving as a driver's seat, and an airbag unit 200A is provided in a seat S2 serving as a passenger seat. The seating seat S2 is configured, for example, symmetrically with respect to the seating seat S1.

[0045] <About the airbag section 200A> The airbag section 200A is stored in the seat S2, and inflates and deploys toward the inside in the vehicle width direction of the occupant P2 when a collision occurs in the vehicle V. The airbag section 200A is stored inside the seat back section 100 and the seat cushion section 110 of the seat S2 in the vehicle width direction. The airbag section 200A has a plurality of cylindrical air chambers connected in an annular shape. The airbag section 200A is provided with an air chamber 210A, an air chamber 220A, an air chamber 230A, and an air chamber 240A that are connected in an annular shape. The airbag section 200A has a bilaterally symmetrical configuration with respect to the airbag section 200.

[0046] (About air chambers 210A to 250A) When the airbag section 200A is inflated and deployed, as shown in FIG. 7, the airbag section 200 inflates and deploys toward the inside in the vehicle width direction of the occupant P1, and the airbag section 200A inflates and deploys toward the inside in the vehicle width direction of the occupant P2. Specifically, the airbag section 200 inflates and deploys from the vehicle upper inner side to the vehicle lower inner side of the seat back section 100 and the seat cushion section 110 of the seat seat S1 on the vehicle widthwise inner side of the occupant P1 seated in the seat seat S1. Furthermore, on the vehicle widthwise inner side of the occupant P2 seated in the seat S2, the airbag section 200A inflates and deploys from the vehicle upper inner side to the vehicle lower inner side of the seat back section 100 and the seat cushion section 110 of the seat S2. Air chamber 210 and air chamber 210A inflate and deploy with the tips of their U-shapes facing each other. Furthermore, air chamber 230 and air chamber 230A inflate and deploy with the tips of their U-shapes facing each other.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, a base fabric 300A is joined to the air chamber 210A along the U-shape of the air chamber 210A. A base fabric 310A is joined to the air chamber 220A along the U-shape of the air chamber 220A. A base fabric 320A is joined between air chamber 230A and air chamber 240A.

[0048] Air chamber 240A is joined to the vehicle front end of air chamber 210A on the vehicle upper side of airbag section 200A, and is joined to the vehicle front end of air chamber 220A on the vehicle lower side of airbag section 200A, and extends and deploys in the vertical direction of the vehicle when airbag section 200A is inflated and deployed. A tether 400A is joined to the joint between the vehicle upper end of air chamber 240A and the vehicle front end of air chamber 210A. A tether 410A is joined to the joint between the vehicle lower end of air chamber 240A and the vehicle front end of air chamber 220A. Between air chamber 230A and air chamber 240A, base fabric 320A is joined to air chamber 230A and air chamber 240A by sewing or the like.

[0049] (About air chamber 250A) A base fabric 330A shown in the cross-hatched portion in FIG. 8 is joined to the airbag section 200A in a U-shape along the outer side of the air chamber 210A on the vehicle upper side of the airbag section 200A. The base fabric 330A is joined to the airbag section 200A in a U-shape along the outer side of the air chamber 220A on the vehicle lower side of the airbag section 200A. The base fabric 330A is joined to the air chamber 230A in the vehicle outer vertical direction on the vehicle rear side of the airbag section 200A. The base fabric 330A is joined to the air chamber 240A in the vehicle outer vertical direction on the vehicle front side of the airbag section 200A. When the airbag portion 200A is inflated and deployed, an air chamber 250A is provided that is surrounded by the base fabrics 300A, 310A, 320A, and 330A.

[0050] When airbag section 200A is inflated and deployed, air chamber 250A forms a substantially semi-cylindrical shape surrounded by air chambers 210A-240A and base fabrics 300A-340A, and inflates and deploys extending in the vehicle up-down direction. When air chamber 250A is inflated and deployed, air chamber 250A is maintained at a lower pressure than air chambers 210A-240A.

[0051] (About Tether 400A to Tether 430A) The tethers 400A to 430A are stored in a folded state inside the seat back portion 100 and the seat cushion portion 110 of the seat S2.

[0052] One end of tether 400A is joined to airbag section 200A at the joint between air chamber 210A and air chamber 240A at the front of the vehicle, and the other end of tether 400A is joined to the front of the vehicle of seat frame section SF of seat cushion section 110 of seating seat S2.

[0053] One end of tether 410A is joined to airbag section 200A at the joint between air chamber 220A and air chamber 240A at the front of the vehicle, and the other end of tether 410A is joined to the front of the vehicle of seat frame section SF of seat cushion section 110 of seating seat S2.

[0054] One end of tether 420A is joined to the tip of the U-shape in air chamber 220A, and the other end of tether 420A is joined to the inside of the vehicle lower portion of back frame portion BF in seat back portion 100 of seating seat S2.

[0055] One end of tether 430A is joined to the tip of the U-shape in air chamber 210A, and the other end of tether 430A is joined to the inside of the vehicle upper portion of back frame portion BF in seat back portion 100 of seating seat S2.

[0056] <Actions and Effects> In the airbag device 1A according to this embodiment configured as described above, the operation when a collision occurs, for example, from the passenger seat side of the vehicle V will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0057] As shown by arrow IM in Figure 7, when a collision occurs from the passenger side of the vehicle V, gas is supplied from the inflator IF to the airbag section 200 in the seat S1, and the airbag section 200 inflates on the inside of the vehicle of the occupant P1 toward the upper front side of the vehicle. In the seat S2, gas is supplied from the inflator IFA to the airbag section 200A, and the airbag section 200A inflates toward the upper front side of the vehicle on the vehicle inner side of the occupant P2. The airbag portion 200 and the airbag portion 200A open the sewn portion SW due to the expanding force of the gas filled in the airbag portion 200 and the airbag portion 200A, and protrude toward the upper front side of the vehicle. In the seating seat S1, the airbag portion 200 protruding from the sewn portion SW is further supplied with gas from the inflator IF, so that the air chambers 210 to 240 connected in an annular shape are inflated and deployed. In the seating seat S2, the airbag portion 200A protruding from the sewn portion SW is further supplied with gas from the inflator IFA, so that the air chambers 210A to 240A connected in an annular shape are inflated and deployed.

[0058] Furthermore, by supplying gas to air chamber 250 and air chamber 250A, air chamber 250 and air chamber 250A form a substantially semi-cylindrical shape and extend in the vehicle up-down direction. When air chamber 250 is inflated and deployed, air chamber 250 is maintained at a lower pressure than air chambers 210 to 240. When air chamber 250A is inflated and deployed, air chamber 250A is maintained at a lower pressure than air chambers 210A to 240A.

[0059] 5, in the seating seat S1, the tether 430 is joined to the U-shaped tip of the air chamber 210 and the back frame portion BF, so that the air chamber 210 bends toward the passenger seat side and protrudes in a U-shape as viewed from above the vehicle toward the passenger seat side. Therefore, when the head of the occupant P2 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, the air chamber 210 receives the head of the occupant P2. Also, when the head of the occupant P1 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, the base fabric 300 provided in the air chamber 210 receives the head of the occupant P1. The air chamber 220 is bent toward the passenger seat side and protrudes toward the passenger seat side in a U-shape as viewed from above the vehicle, because the tether 420 is joined to the U-shaped tip of the air chamber 220 and the seat frame portion SF. Therefore, when the waist of the occupant P2 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, the air chamber 220 receives the waist of the occupant P2.

[0060] In the seating seat S2, as shown in Fig. 8, the air chamber 210A is bent toward the inside of the vehicle and protrudes in a U-shape when viewed from above the vehicle because the tether 430A is joined to the U-shaped tip of the air chamber 210A and the back frame portion BF. Therefore, when the head of the occupant P1 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, the air chamber 210A receives the head of the occupant P1. Also, when the head of the occupant P2 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, the base fabric 300A provided in the air chamber 210A receives the head of the occupant P2. Because tether 420A is joined to the U-shaped tip of air chamber 220A and seat frame portion SF, air chamber 220A bends toward the inside of the vehicle and protrudes in a U-shape when viewed from above the vehicle. Therefore, when the waist of occupant P1 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, air chamber 220A receives the waist of occupant P1.

[0061] In the seating seat S1, as shown in FIG. 5, air chamber 230 and air chamber 240 are inflated into a cylindrical shape and extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Since air chamber 230 is fixed to back frame portion BF, when air chamber 230 is inflated and deployed, a pulling force toward the rear of the vehicle is generated in air chamber 230, as indicated by arrows AR1 and AR2. Tether 400 and tether 410 are joined to air chamber 240, with tether 400 joining the vehicle upper side of air chamber 240 to seat frame section SF, and tether 410 joining the vehicle lower side of air chamber 240 to seat frame section SF. When air chamber 240 is inflated and deployed, a pulling force toward the vehicle front side is generated in air chamber 240, as shown by arrows AR3 and AR4. Therefore, a pulling force in the vehicle front-rear direction is generated on base fabric 320 provided between air chamber 230 and air chamber 240 by air chamber 230 and air chamber 240, as indicated by arrows AR5 and AR6.

[0062] Furthermore, air chamber 250 inflates into a substantially semi-cylindrical shape and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle. When air chamber 250 inflates and deploys, pressure toward the outside of the vehicle is applied to base cloth 320. Then, in airbag section 200, the pressure of air chamber 250 toward the outside of the vehicle is received by base cloth 300 and base cloth 320, and the head and waist of occupant P1 are received by base cloth 300 and base cloth 320. Therefore, when the upper body of occupant P1 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and when the upper body of occupant P1 rotates toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, base fabrics 300 and 320 restrict the movement of the upper body of occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and the rotational movement of the upper body of occupant P1, and support occupant P1.

[0063] In the seating seat S2, as shown in FIG. 8, air chamber 230A and air chamber 240A are inflated into a cylindrical shape and extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Since air chamber 230A is fixed to back frame portion BF, when air chamber 230A is inflated and deployed, a pulling force toward the rear of the vehicle is generated in air chamber 230A, as indicated by arrows BR1 and BR2. Tether 400A and tether 410A are joined to air chamber 240A, with tether 400A joining the vehicle upper side of air chamber 240A to seat frame portion SF, and tether 410A joining the vehicle lower side of air chamber 240A to seat frame portion SF. When air chamber 240A is inflated and deployed, a pulling force toward the vehicle front side is generated in air chamber 240A, as shown by arrows BR3 and BR4. Therefore, as indicated by arrows BR5 and BR6, a pulling force in the vehicle front-rear direction is generated in base cloth 320A provided between air chamber 230A and air chamber 240A by air chamber 230A and air chamber 240A.

[0064] Furthermore, air chamber 250A inflates into a substantially semi-cylindrical shape and extends in the vehicle up-down direction. Pressure toward the outside of the vehicle is applied to base cloth 320A as air chamber 250A inflates and deploys. Then, airbag section 200A receives the pressure of air chamber 250A toward the outside of the vehicle by way of base cloth 300A and base cloth 320A, and receives the head and waist of occupant P2. Therefore, when the upper body of occupant P2 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and when the upper body of occupant P2 rotates toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, base fabric 300A and base fabric 320A restrict the movement of the upper body of occupant P2 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and the rotational movement of the upper body of occupant P2, and support occupant P2.

[0065] Then, as the supply of gas from the inflators IF and IFA ends, the inflation and deployment of the airbag section 200 and the airbag section 200A ends.

[0066] As described above, when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle V, the airbag device 1 and the airbag device 1A inflate and deploy the airbag section 200 and the airbag section 200A. In the seating seat S1, the air chamber 210 in the airbag section 200 receives the head of the occupant P2, and the air chamber 220 in the airbag section 200 receives the waist of the occupant P2, so that the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the occupant P2 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. The air chamber 230, the air chamber 240, the base fabric 310, the tether 400 and the tether 410 in the airbag section 200 support the upper body of the occupant P1, so that the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and the rotational movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when a side collision occurs to the vehicle V, the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the upper bodies and heads of the occupants P1 and P2 in a direction in which they approach each other. In the seating seat S2, the air chamber 210A in the airbag section 200A receives the head of the occupant P1, and the air chamber 220A in the airbag section 200A receives the waist of the occupant P1, so that the airbag device 1A restricts the movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Air chamber 230A, air chamber 240A, base fabric 310A, tether 400A, and tether 410A in airbag section 200A support the upper body of occupant P2, so that airbag device 1A restricts the movement of occupant P2 toward the inside of the vehicle width direction and the rotational movement of occupant P2 toward the inside of the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when a side collision occurs to the vehicle V, the airbag device 1A restricts the movement of the upper bodies and heads of the occupants P1 and P2 in directions in which they approach each other.

[0067] In the airbag device 1A according to this embodiment, an airbag device 1 is provided in a seat S1 serving as a driver's seat in a vehicle seat, and an airbag device 1A is provided in a seat S2 serving as a passenger's seat. That is, in the seat S1, when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle V, the airbag device 1 inflates and deploys the airbag portion 200. The air chambers 210, 220 and 250 in the airbag section 200 receive the head and waist of the occupant P2, and the airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the occupant P2 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. The airbag device 1 restricts the movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside of the vehicle width direction and the rotational movement of the occupant P1 toward the inside of the vehicle width direction by the air chambers 230, 240, and 250 in the airbag section 200 and the tethers 400 and 410 supporting the upper body of the occupant P1. Furthermore, in the seating seat S2, when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle V, the airbag device 1A inflates and deploys the airbag portion 200A. Air chambers 210A, 220A and 250A in airbag section 200A receive the head and waist of occupant P1, so that airbag device 1A restricts movement of occupant P1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Air chambers 230A, 240A, and 250A in airbag section 200A, and tethers 400A and 410A support the upper body of occupant P2, so that airbag device 1A restricts the movement of occupant P2 toward the inside of the vehicle width direction and the rotational movement of occupant P2 toward the inside of the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when a side collision of the vehicle V occurs, the airbag device 1 and the airbag device 1A can further restrict the movement of the upper bodies and heads of the occupants P1 and P2 in a direction approaching each other. Therefore, the safety of occupants in the event of a side collision of the vehicle V can be further improved.

[0068] <Variation 1> In the above-described second embodiment, an example is shown in which the airbag device 1 is provided in the seat S1 serving as the driver's seat, and the airbag device 1A is provided in the seat S2 serving as the passenger seat, but the airbag device 1A may be provided only in the seat S2 serving as the passenger seat. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle V, the airbag section 200A inflates and deploys toward the inside of the seat S2 in the vehicle width direction, and protrudes toward the inside in the vehicle width direction in a U-shape when viewed from above the vehicle, thereby preventing the upper bodies of occupants P1 and P2 from coming into contact with each other. Therefore, the safety of occupants in the event of a side collision of the vehicle V can be improved.

[0069] <Variation 2> The airbag device 1 and the airbag device 1A may be provided in the rear seat. 10, in the case where an independent seat is installed in the rear seat, when a collision occurs from the side of the vehicle V, the airbag section 200 inflates and deploys toward the inside in the vehicle width direction of the rear seat S3, and the airbag section 200A inflates and deploys toward the inside in the vehicle width direction of the seat S4. The airbag section 200 and the airbag section 200A protrude toward the inside in the vehicle width direction in a U-shape when viewed from above the vehicle, thereby preventing the upper bodies of the occupants P3 and P4 from coming into contact with each other. Therefore, the safety of occupants in the event of a side collision of the vehicle V can be improved.

[0070] In the second modification, the rear seats are independent seats. However, for example, when the rear seats are bench seats, the airbag device 1 or the airbag device 1A may be provided in the rear seats.

[0071] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1; Airbag device 1A: Airbag device 100; Seat back part 110: Seat cushion part 120;Headrest 200;Airbag section 200A; Airbag section 210;Air chamber 210A; Air chamber 220;Air chamber 220A; Air chamber 230;Air chamber 230A; Air chamber 240;Air chamber 240A;Air chamber 250;Air chamber 220A; Air chamber 300; base fabric 300A; base fabric 310;Base fabric 310A; Base fabric 320; base fabric 320A; base fabric 330;Base fabric 330A; Base fabric 400;Tether 410;Tether 420; Tether 430; Tether BF: Back frame part S1: Seating seat S2: Seating seat SF: Seat frame part V; Vehicle

Claims

1. Provided in at least one vehicle seat in the front of the vehicle, an airbag portion that is stored in the vehicle seat and that inflates and deploys toward an inner side of an occupant in a vehicle width direction when a collision occurs in the vehicle; A base fabric joined to the airbag portion; a tether having one end connected to the airbag portion and the other end connected to the vehicle seat; Equipped with The airbag portion has a plurality of cylindrical air chambers connected in an annular shape, a first air chamber that protrudes in a U-shape toward an inner side in a vehicle width direction on a vehicle upper side of the airbag portion when the airbag portion is inflated and deployed, and a first base fabric is joined along an inner side of the U-shape; a second air chamber that protrudes in a U-shape toward an inner side in a vehicle width direction on a vehicle lower side of the airbag portion when the airbag portion is inflated and deployed, and a second base fabric is joined along an inner side of the U-shape; a third air chamber that is joined to a vehicle rear side of the first air chamber at an upper side of the airbag section and joined to a vehicle rear side of the second air chamber at a lower side of the airbag section, and that extends and deploys in the vehicle up-down direction when the airbag section is inflated and deployed; a fourth air chamber that is joined to a vehicle front side of the first air chamber at a vehicle upper side of the airbag section and is joined to a vehicle front side of the second air chamber at a vehicle lower side of the airbag section, and that extends and deploys in the vehicle up-down direction when the airbag section is inflated and deployed; are linked together in a ring and expand, A third base fabric is joined between the third air chamber and the fourth air chamber, a first tether having one end joined to the airbag portion at a joint between the first air chamber and the fourth air chamber at a vehicle front side, and having the other end joined to a vehicle front side of a seating surface of the vehicle seat; a second tether having one end joined to the airbag portion at a joint between the second air chamber and the fourth air chamber at a vehicle front side and having the other end joined to a vehicle front side of a seating surface of the vehicle seat; An airbag device comprising:

2. Further, a fourth base fabric is provided which is joined along an outer side of the first air chamber on the vehicle upper side of the airbag portion, which is joined along an outer side of the second air chamber on the vehicle lower side of the airbag portion, which is joined along an outer vertical direction of the vehicle of the third air chamber on the vehicle rear side of the airbag portion, and which is joined along an outer vertical direction of the vehicle of the fourth air chamber on the vehicle front side of the airbag portion, 2. The airbag device according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth air chamber that is surrounded by the first base fabric, the second base fabric, the third base fabric, and the fourth base fabric when the airbag portion is inflated and deployed, and that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

3. 3. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag device is provided in a driver's seat and a passenger's seat in the vehicle seat.

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