Occupant protecting system of vehicle

Abstract

To improve a protecting system for a driver of a vehicle.SOLUTION: An occupant protecting system of a vehicle for protecting a driver seated on a seat before which a steering wheel of the vehicle os arranged includes: an upper airbag device having an upper airbag expanded from a dashboard to the rear side; and a lower airbag device having a lower airbag expanded from the dashboard to the rear side at the lower side of the upper airbag. The lower airbag is expanded more widely than the steering wheel so as to cover the steering wheel. The upper airbag is expanded more widely than the lower airbag so as to cover the lower airbag.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle occupant protection device. [Background technology]

[0002] In Patent Document 1, an airbag is deployed from the steering wheel to protect the driver of a vehicle, etc. This allows the airbag to deploy in front of the driver, supporting the head and upper body of the driver who tends to move forward in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, thereby absorbing the impact. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-35450 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 241079 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-158638 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when an airbag is deployed from the steering wheel as in Patent Document 1, the airbag can only be effectively deployed if it is the same size as the steering wheel. First, even if an airbag that deploys from the steering wheel is deployed to a size larger than the steering wheel, it is difficult to obtain a reaction force to support the driver's weight from the part that protrudes beyond the steering wheel. Second, it is difficult to secure space in the steering wheel to store a large airbag. A large airbag that deploys widely in an upward and forward direction from the steering wheel as in Patent Document 2 is unlikely to be realized. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses that two airbags are deployed from the dashboard toward the front passenger. The two airbags overlap in the front-to-rear direction. The rear airbag deploys in front of the front passenger. However, when a steering wheel is provided in front of the driver, it is difficult for the rear airbag, which deploys from the dashboard in front of the passenger, to deploy in front of the driver. For this reason, Patent Document 3 also describes the two airbags as being for the front passenger. Patent Document 2 also discloses deploying a lower airbag from the steering wheel and an upper airbag from the dashboard. However, these two airbags simply contact each other vertically in front of the driver. In this case, the driver's upper body and head are hit by different airbags. The upper airbag is thought to receive a reaction force to support the driver mainly from the dashboard, while the lower airbag is thought to receive a reaction force to support the driver mainly from the steering wheel. As a result, the upper and lower airbags, which are simply in contact vertically as in Patent Document 2, receive different reaction forces from different locations and tend to move differently even when a load acts in the same direction. The driver's head, which contacts the upper airbag, and the driver's chest, which contacts the lower airbag, are thought to be easily subjected to twisting forces or other forces on the neck due to the relative misalignment of the two airbags, which move differently in response to the load.

[0005] Furthermore, in both Patent Documents 1 and 2, which disclose driver's airbags, when the driver behaves as if they are falling diagonally forward during a frontal collision of the vehicle, it is difficult for the disclosed airbags to obtain a reaction force and support the driver's upper body and head as they fall diagonally forward. For example, when a vehicle collides frontally on the left or right front, the driver falls diagonally forward. Patent Document 3, which discloses an airbag for a passenger other than the driver, also simply discloses that the airbag is deployed by extending it outward from the passenger in the front seat. Even if the airbag is deployed by extending it outward, if the passenger falls diagonally forward, the airbag cannot obtain a reaction force and support the passenger's upper body and head.

[0006] Thus, there is a need for improved protection devices for vehicle drivers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle occupant protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle occupant protection device for protecting a driver seated in a seat in which the dashboard and steering wheel of the vehicle are disposed in front, and includes an upper airbag device having an upper airbag that can be deployed rearward from the dashboard, and a lower airbag device having a lower airbag that can be deployed rearward from the dashboard below the upper airbag, wherein the lower airbag that deploys rearward from the dashboard is wider than the steering wheel and can deploy so as to extend from inside or above the steering wheel to the rear of the steering wheel, and can deploy so as to cover the steering wheel, and the upper airbag that deploys rearward from the dashboard is wider than the lower airbag and can deploy so as to extend from above the lower airbag to the rear of the lower airbag, and can deploy so as to cover the lower airbag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the present invention, a lower airbag and an upper airbag are deployed rearward from the dashboard of the vehicle. The lower airbag and the upper airbag deployed from the dashboard can be larger than the airbag provided in the steering wheel. The lower airbag deploys below the upper airbag so as to extend from inside or above the steering wheel to behind the steering wheel. Because the lower airbag deploys to cover the steering wheel, it can receive a reaction force from the steering wheel when the driver's weight is applied. The upper airbag deploys from above the lower airbag to behind the lower airbag. Because the upper airbag deploys to cover the lower airbag, it can receive a reaction force from the lower airbag when the driver's weight is applied. In this way, the lower airbag and the upper airbag deploy so as to extend from inside or above the steering wheel to behind the steering wheel, so they can deploy to reach in front of the driver even when the steering wheel is in front of the driver. Even if the driver sitting in the seat moves forward due to the impact of a frontal collision of the vehicle, he or she can be supported by the lower airbag and upper airbag that overlap the steering wheel. The driver sitting in the seat does not come into direct contact with the steering wheel during a frontal collision. The driver sitting in the seat is well protected from collision with the steering wheel even if the steering wheel is in front of him or her. Moreover, in the present invention, the lower airbag that deploys rearward from the dashboard deploys wider than the steering wheel. The upper airbag that deploys rearward from the dashboard and covers the lower airbag deploys wider than the lower airbag. The wider lower airbag receives a reaction force from the steering wheel even at its portion protruding from the steering wheel, and the wider upper airbag receives a reaction force from the lower airbag even at its portion protruding from the lower airbag. Even if the driver behaves as if they are falling diagonally forward and falls onto the portion of the upper or lower airbag that protrudes from the steering wheel, the upper and lower airbags can support the driver's head and upper body. Moreover, the upper airbag comes into close surface contact with the lower airbag due to the driver's weight, and receives a reaction force from the lower airbag. The upper airbag is less likely to shift above the lower airbag. The upper and lower airbags can provide good support for the driver's head and upper body. Twisting forces are unlikely to act on the driver's neck. In this way, the present invention provides improved protection for the driver of a vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an automobile according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the automobile of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the passenger protection device of the automobile shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of each part of the occupant protection device of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the front collision prediction control by the control unit of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the front collision detection control by the control unit of FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which both the lower airbag and the upper airbag of the passenger protection device are deployed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the deployed state of FIG. 7 as seen from the rear of the automobile. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which only the upper airbag of the passenger protection device is deployed in the case of a small driver. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the lower airbag and the upper airbag of the vehicle occupant protection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention are deployed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the deployed state of FIG. 10 as seen from the rear of the automobile. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of frontal collision detection control by the control unit of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an automobile 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the automobile 1 of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the body 2 of the automobile 1 is shown by a dotted line, and the interior of the passenger compartment 3 is shown by a solid line. The automobile 1 is an example of a vehicle. Other examples of vehicles include vans, buses, trucks, and personal mobility vehicles. The automobile 1 in FIG. 1 has a vehicle body 2 and a passenger compartment 3 formed in the vehicle body 2. A windshield 12 and a dashboard 6 are provided at the front of the passenger compartment 3. The passenger compartment 3 also has a driver's seat 4 where a driver who operates the automobile 1 sits, a passenger seat 5 where a passenger sits, and the like. A steering wheel 7 is provided in front of the driver's seat 4. The steering wheel 7 is provided so as to protrude rearward from the dashboard 6.

[0012] Incidentally, automobile 1 may collide head-on with another automobile 70, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, when automobile 1 collides head-on, the upper body of the driver seated in driver's seat 4 falls toward the input direction of the frontal collision, i.e., toward the front of automobile 1. For this reason, an airbag 8 is deployed from steering wheel 7 in automobile 1. By deploying airbag 8 in front of the driver who falls forward, the upper body of the driver is supported by airbag 8. The impact acting on the driver can be absorbed by the deployed airbag 8.

[0013] However, when the airbag 8 is deployed from the steering wheel 7 as in the example of Figure 1, the airbag 8 can basically only be deployed effectively if it is the same size as the steering wheel 7. First, even if the airbag 8 deployed from the steering wheel 7 is deployed to a size larger than the steering wheel 7, it is difficult to obtain a reaction force to support the driver's weight in the portion that protrudes beyond the steering wheel 7. Second, it is difficult to secure space in the steering wheel 7 to store a large-capacity airbag 8. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 2, when the automobile 1 collides head-on at the left front, the driver behaves as if they are falling diagonally forward to the left, as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 2. When the automobile 1 collides head-on at the right front, the driver behaves as if they are falling diagonally forward to the right, as shown by the thick dashed arrow in Figure 2. In this case, after the upper body of the falling driver hits the airbag 8, it slides down the surface of the airbag 8, which is tilted by the reaction force, and then falls further diagonally forward. For this reason, for example, if the automobile 1 yaws and the driver behaves as if he is falling diagonally forward in the event of a frontal collision, the upper body and head of the driver who is falling diagonally forward cannot be supported by the part of the airbag 8 that extends beyond the steering wheel 7.

[0014] As described above, it is difficult for the airbag 8 deployed from the steering wheel 7 to provide the necessary reaction force to support the upper body and head of the driver who falls diagonally forward. Improvements are needed in protective devices for the driver of the automobile 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the passenger protection device 20 of the automobile 1 of FIG. The occupant protection device 20 in FIG. 3 includes a steering position detection sensor 21, a seat position detection sensor 22, a driver sensor 23, a collision detection sensor 24, an outside camera 25, a timer 26, a control unit 27, an upper airbag device 28, a lower airbag device 29, and a steering control device 30. Each part of the occupant protection device 20 in FIG.

[0016] The steering position detection sensor 21 detects the position of the steering wheel 7 adjusted by a tilt mechanism or a telescopic mechanism. The tilt mechanism is a mechanism for adjusting the position of the steering wheel 7 in the up-down direction. The telescopic mechanism is a mechanism for adjusting the position of the steering wheel 7 in the front-to-rear direction. The driver sitting in the driver's seat 4 can adjust the position of the steering wheel 7 to suit his or her physique using the tilt mechanism or the telescopic mechanism. The steering position detection sensor 21 may detect the up-down position and the front-to-rear position of the steering wheel 7 after adjustment. The steering position detection sensor 21 may directly detect the actually adjusted position of the steering wheel 7, or may indirectly detect the position of the steering wheel 7 based on the state of the tilt mechanism or the telescopic mechanism.

[0017] The seat position detection sensor 22 detects the front-rear position and seat back angle of the driver's seat 4. The driver adjusts the front-rear position and seat back angle of the driver's seat 4 to suit his or her physique. The seat position detection sensor 22 may detect the front-rear position and seat back angle of the driver's seat 4 after adjustment. The seat position detection sensor 22 may directly detect the actually adjusted front-rear position and the like of the driver's seat 4, or may indirectly detect the front-rear position and the like of the driver's seat 4 based on the state of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position and the seat back angle of the driver's seat 4.

[0018] The driver sensor 23 detects the driver seated on the driver's seat 4. The driver sensor 23 may be, for example, a pressure sensor embedded in the seat portion of the driver's seat 4. The pressure sensor can detect the load of the driver seated on the driver's seat 4. The sheet-shaped pressure sensor can detect the load distribution of the driver on the driver's seat 4.

[0019] In this way, the steering position detection sensor 21, the seat position detection sensor 22, and the driver sensor 23 function as occupant sensors for detecting the physique and seating state of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4. For example, a small driver adjusts the driver's seat 4 forward based on the position of a pedal (not shown). The seat position detection sensor 22 can detect the front-rear position of the driver's seat 4 that has been adjusted forward. Furthermore, a small driver adjusts the steering wheel 7 to a position that is closer to the front and upper side than the standard position. The steering position detection sensor 21 can detect the position of the steering wheel 7 that is adjusted closer to the front and upper side. In contrast, a large driver adjusts the driver's seat 4 rearward based on the position of a pedal (not shown). The seat position detection sensor 22 can detect the front-rear position of the driver's seat 4 that has been adjusted rearward. Furthermore, a large driver may adjust the steering wheel 7 to a position that is lower and rearward compared to the standard position. The steering position detection sensor 21 can detect the position of the steering wheel 7 that is adjusted to be lower and rearward.

[0020] The collision detection sensor 24 detects a collision such as a frontal collision of the automobile 1. The collision detection sensor 24 may be, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor. The collision detection sensor 24 may also be an impact sensor stored in a bumper (not shown) of the automobile 1. The collision detection sensor 24 may detect that a collision such as a frontal collision of the automobile 1 has occurred when, for example, an acceleration equal to or greater than a threshold value that would not occur during normal driving of the automobile 1 is input.

[0021] Exterior camera 25 captures images of the surroundings of automobile 1. Exterior camera 25 may be a monocular camera, a compound eye camera, or a 360-degree camera. Exterior camera 25 preferably captures images of the front side, which is the direction of travel of automobile 1. This allows exterior camera 25 to capture and detect objects that may collide head-on with body 2 of automobile 1, such as another automobile 70 in FIG. 1, before detecting a frontal collision of automobile 1.

[0022] In this way, the collision detection sensor 24 and the outside camera 25 function as automobile 1 sensors for predicting or detecting a collision such as a frontal collision of the automobile 1.

[0023] The timer 26 measures the time or duration.

[0024] The upper airbag device 28 has an upper airbag 32 and an inflator (not shown) that ejects high-pressure gas into the upper airbag 32 . The lower airbag device 29 has a lower airbag 31 and an inflator (not shown) that ejects high-pressure gas into the lower airbag 31 .

[0025] The steering control device 30 executes control to return the rotational position of the steering wheel 7 to, for example, a neutral position. When the steering wheel 7 is in the neutral position, the automobile 1 moves straight in the longitudinal direction of the automobile 1.

[0026] The control unit 27 may be configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The CPU reads and executes a program recorded in the memory. In this way, the CPU functions as the control unit 27 of the occupant protection device 20. The control unit 27 controls the deployment of the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 to protect the driver from a frontal collision of the automobile 1.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of each part of the occupant protection device 20 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the right half of the vehicle body 2 from the left side. FIG. 4 shows a dashboard 6, a windshield 12, a steering wheel 7, a steering column cover 9, a driver's seat 4, and the like.

[0028] The driver's seat 4 can be adjusted in the front-rear direction within the range indicated by the dashed arrow in the drawing. A sheet-shaped driver sensor 23 is provided on the seat portion of the driver's seat 4. The windshield 12 is provided above the dashboard 6 . The steering wheel 7 is fixed to a steering shaft 10 that protrudes rearward from the dashboard 6. A steering column cover 9 is provided on the portion of the steering shaft 10 that protrudes rearward from the dashboard 6. The tilt mechanism and telescopic mechanism described above are provided inside the steering column cover 9. The steering wheel 7 can be adjusted upward and forward from the position shown in FIG. 4, as indicated by the dashed arrows in the figure. The distance between the bottom end of the steering wheel 7 and the front of the upper body of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4 is the separation distance between the steering wheel 7 and the driver. A thin display 13 for the meter panel is provided on the dashboard 6 in a portion in front of the steering wheel 7. The thin display 13 for the meter panel is provided at a position on the dashboard 6 above the steering shaft 10. The thin display 13 is attached to the dashboard 6 by an axis that extends in the left-right direction of the automobile 1. This allows the thin display 13 to be flipped up and rearward relative to the dashboard 6. When the thin display 13 is flipped up, an opening is formed in the dashboard 6.

[0029] An upper airbag device 28 that deploys an upper airbag 32 and a lower airbag device 29 that deploys a lower airbag 31 are provided in the passenger compartment 3 of the automobile 1. The upper airbag device 28 and the lower airbag device 29 are provided on a beam 11 that extends in the left-right direction inside the dashboard 6. The lower airbag device 29 is provided on the back side of the thin display 13 for the meter panel. The lower airbag device 29, which is provided inside the dashboard 6, flips up the thin display 13 using the lower airbag 31, and deploys the lower airbag 31 rearward from the dashboard 6. The lower airbag 31 can be deployed in front of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4. The upper airbag device 28 is provided forward and above the lower airbag device 29. A rupture structure that ruptures due to the deployment pressure of the upper airbag 32 may be formed in a portion of the dashboard 6 that faces the upper airbag device 28. The upper airbag device 28 provided inside the dashboard 6 ruptures the dashboard 6 with the upper airbag 32, causing the upper airbag 32 to deploy rearward from the dashboard 6. The upper airbag 32, which deploys from a portion of the dashboard 6 forward of the thin display 13, deploys rearward while coming into contact with the dashboard 6 and the windshield 12. This deployment allows the upper airbag 32 to deploy in front of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4. The upper airbag 32 can be deployed overlapping the lower airbag 31.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the front collision prediction control by the control unit 27 of FIG. The control unit 27 repeatedly executes the front collision prediction control shown in FIG.

[0031] In step ST1, the control unit 27 acquires detection information from the vehicle's sensors. The control unit 27 acquires the latest detection information from the vehicle 1 sensors, such as the collision detection sensor 24 and the outside vehicle camera 25. The control unit 27 may also acquire the latest detection information from occupant sensors, such as the steering position detection sensor 21, the seat position detection sensor 22, and the driver sensor 23.

[0032] In step ST2, the control unit 27 predicts whether or not a frontal collision will occur by determining the possibility of a frontal collision of the subject vehicle based on the information acquired in step ST1. The control unit 27 determines whether there is another vehicle 70 or the like that may collide with the vehicle 1, for example, based on an image of the area ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 captured by the exterior camera 25. If the distance to the other vehicle 70 captured in the image is equal to or less than a threshold value according to the vehicle speed, the control unit 27 determines that there is a possibility of a head-on collision, and proceeds to step ST3. If the other vehicle 70 or the like is not captured in the image, or if the distance to the other vehicle 70 exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 27 determines that there is no possibility of a head-on collision, and ends this control.

[0033] In step ST3, the control unit 27 determines whether the driver of the vehicle is small in stature. The driver of the automobile 1 may be a large man or a small woman. The occupant protection device 20 of this embodiment is capable of deploying a lower airbag 31 and an upper airbag 32 in front of the driver. However, a small driver may be positioned at a small distance from the steering wheel 7, as shown in FIG. 4. In such a case where the distance is small, if the lower airbag 31 and the upper airbag 32 are deployed together in front of the driver, the airbag 8 deployed by high-pressure gas may hit the driver's chest or the like. For this reason, in step ST3, the control unit 27 determines whether the driver of the vehicle is small in stature. For example, when the steering position detection sensor 21 detects that the steering wheel 7 is set to the most forward position, the control unit 27 may determine that the driver of the vehicle is small in stature. Furthermore, when the seat position detection sensor 22 detects that the driver's seat 4 is set to the most forward position, the control unit 27 may determine that the driver of the vehicle is small in stature. Furthermore, when the control unit 27 detects that the load on the driver's seat 4 by the driver is equal to or less than a threshold value for determining whether the driver is a small person, the control unit 27 may determine that the driver of the vehicle is small in physique. Alternatively, for example, if the height position of the driver's head detected by an in-vehicle camera (not shown) is equal to or lower than a threshold value, the control unit 27 may determine that the driver of the vehicle is small in stature. If it is not determined that the driver's physique is small by any of the above determinations, the control unit 27 does not determine that the driver of the vehicle is small. If it is determined that the driver is small in stature, the control unit 27 advances the process to step ST6. If the control unit 27 does not determine that the driver's physique is small, the control unit 27 advances the process to step ST4.

[0034] In step ST4, the control unit 27 further calculates the distance from the front of the driver shown in FIG. 4 to the bottom end of the steering wheel 7 in order to determine whether the driver is small in stature. The control unit 27 may calculate the separation distance from, for example, the front-to-rear difference between the position of the bottom end of the steering wheel 7 detected by the steering position detection sensor 21 and the position of the driver's seat 4 detected by the seat position detection sensor 22. The position of the bottom end of the steering wheel 7 is uniquely determined by tilt adjustment or telescopic adjustment of the steering wheel 7. Furthermore, the front-to-rear position of the seat back of the driver's seat 4 can be calculated from the position of the driver's seat 4. Then, the separation distance can be calculated by subtracting the thickness of the driver's upper body from the front-to-rear difference between the position of the bottom end of the steering wheel 7 and the front-to-rear position of the seat back. This allows the control unit 27 to determine whether the driver is small or not based on the small distance even when the steering wheel 7 is not set to the forwardmost position or the driver seat 4 is not set to the forwardmost position.

[0035] In step ST5, the control unit 27 determines whether the separation distance calculated in step ST4 is equal to or less than the threshold value for identifying a small driver. If the distance from the steering wheel 7 to the driver seated in the driver's seat 4 is equal to or less than the threshold value, the control unit 27 advances the process to step ST6. If the separation distance is not equal to or less than the threshold value, the control unit 27 ends this control.

[0036] In step ST6, the control unit 27 disables the deployment of the lower airbag 31. In this case, the control unit 27 controls the deployment of only the upper airbag 32 out of the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31. On the other hand, if the process of step ST6 is not executed, the lower airbag 31 is set to be inflatable. In this case, the control unit 27 controls the inflation of the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the front collision detection control by the control unit 27 of FIG. Based on the detection of a frontal collision of the automobile 1, the control unit 27 repeatedly executes the frontal collision detection control of FIG. 6 to protect the driver.

[0038] In step ST11, the control unit 27 acquires the latest detection information from the collision detection sensor 24.

[0039] In step ST12, the control unit 27 determines whether or not a frontal collision of the vehicle has been detected based on the latest detection information of the collision detection sensor 24 acquired in step ST11. If a frontal collision of the host vehicle has been detected, the control unit 27 advances the process to step ST13. If a frontal collision of the host vehicle has not been detected, the control unit 27 ends this control.

[0040] In step ST13, the control unit 27 acquires the setting of whether or not the lower airbag 31 is to be deployed.

[0041] In step ST14, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the setting of whether or not the lower airbag 31 is to be deployed, which is acquired in step ST13, is "uninflatable." If the deployment of the lower airbag 31 is set to be disabled, the control unit 27 advances the process to step ST15. On the other hand, if the deployment of the lower airbag 31 is not set to be disabled, the control unit 27 advances the process to step ST16.

[0042] In step ST15, the control unit 27 deploys the upper airbag 32 to protect the driver from the impact of a frontal collision. The control unit 27 outputs an activation signal to the upper airbag device 28. As a result, the upper airbag device 28 causes the upper airbag 32 to rupture the dashboard 6, and deploys the upper airbag 32 rearward from the dashboard 6. The upper airbag 32 deploys from above the steering wheel 7 to behind the steering wheel 7. The upper airbag 32 deploys so as to cover the steering wheel 7 and in front of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4. Of the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31, by deploying only the upper airbag 32, the upper airbag 32 can deploy in front of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4 without hitting a small-sized driver. Thereafter, the control unit 27 ends this control.

[0043] In step ST16, the control unit 27 first deploys the lower airbag 31 to protect the driver from the impact of a frontal collision. The control unit 27 outputs an activation signal to the lower airbag device 29. As a result, the lower airbag device 29 causes the lower airbag 31 to flip up the thin display 13, and deploys the lower airbag 31 rearward from the dashboard 6. The lower airbag 31, whose upward deployment is restricted by the thin display 13, deploys rearward, passing inside the steering wheel 7 and deploying to the rear side of the steering wheel 7. The lower airbag 31 deploys to cover the steering wheel 7, and deploys in front of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4.

[0044] In step ST17, the control unit 27 deploys the upper airbag 32. After starting the deployment of the lower airbag 31, the control unit 27 outputs an activation signal to the upper airbag device 28. As a result, the upper airbag device 28 causes the upper airbag 32 to rupture the dashboard 6, and deploys the upper airbag 32 rearward from the dashboard 6. The upper airbag 32 deploys from above the lower airbag 31, which has been deployed earlier, to the rear of the lower airbag 31. The upper airbag 32 deploys so as to cover the lower airbag 31 from above, and deploys in front of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4. Thereafter, the control unit 27 ends this control.

[0045] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the lower airbag 31 and the upper airbag 32 of the occupant protection device 20 are both deployed. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the unfolded state of Fig. 7 as seen from the rear of the automobile 1. Note that in Fig. 8, only the seat portion of the driver's seat 4 is shown, and the back panel portion is omitted.

[0046] The lower airbag 31 that deploys rearward from the dashboard 6 flips up the thin display 13 and deploys so as to extend rearward from inside the steering wheel 7. 8, the lower airbag 31, which covers the inside rear side of the steering wheel 7, is deployed to a width wider than the steering wheel 7. As a result, the driver's load acting on the lower airbag 31 is counteracted by the steering wheel 7. In this way, the lower airbag 31, which is wider than the steering wheel 7, is deployed in a generally elliptical shape with a length that reaches from the dashboard 6 to the rear side of the steering wheel 7. Furthermore, the lower deployment tip portion 34 of the lower airbag 31, which deploys rearward from the dashboard 6, deploys behind the steering wheel 7 and bends downward near the steering wheel 7. The lower deployment tip portion 34 of the lower airbag 31 deploys rearward of the steering wheel 7 so as to follow the rear surface of the steering wheel 7. As a result, the lower airbag 31 is deployed so as to cover the steering wheel 7 from above to behind.

[0047] The upper airbag 32 that deploys rearward from the dashboard 6 deploys from above to the rearward of the deploying lower airbag 31. 8, the upper airbag 32, which covers the upper rear side of the lower airbag 31, is deployed to be wider than the lower airbag 31. As a result, the driver's load acting on the upper airbag 32 is counteracted by the reaction force of the lower airbag 31. In this way, the upper airbag 32 which is wider than the lower airbag 31 is deployed in a generally elliptical shape with a length that reaches from the dashboard 6 to the rear side of the lower airbag 31 . Furthermore, the upper deployment tip portion 35 of the upper airbag 32, which deploys rearward from the dashboard 6, deploys rearward from the lower airbag 31 and bends downward. The upper deployment tip portion 35 of the upper airbag 32 deploys rearward from the lower airbag 31, following the rear surface of the lower deployment tip portion 35 of the lower airbag 31. As a result, the upper airbag 32 is deployed so as to cover the lower airbag 31 or the steering wheel 7 from above to behind. Furthermore, the upper airbag 32, which is wider than the lower airbag 31, is deployed to a width equal to or greater than the left-right length of the driver's seat 4. Even when the upper airbag 32 is deployed to a wide extent in this manner, the lower airbag 31, which is deployed to a width wider than the steering wheel 7, is present in front of the upper airbag 32, and therefore the upper airbag 32 can receive a reaction force from the lower airbag 31.

[0048] 8, two divided deployment sections 33 are provided at an upper deployment tip section 35 of the upper airbag 32 that is bent downward. The two divided deployment sections 33 are deployed side by side and spaced apart in the left-right direction, which is the width direction of the automobile 1. When viewed from the rear, the upper deployment tip section 35 of the upper airbag 32 deploys into an outer shape that resembles an upside-down heart. When viewed from the driver's side, the lower airbag 31 is exposed between the two divided deployment portions 33. When the driver falls diagonally forward, the two divided deployment portions 33 come into contact mainly with the driver's head. Furthermore, because the lower airbag 31 is present in front of each divided deployment portion 33, the lower airbag 31 provides a reaction force to support the driver's head and other parts that are being hit. After hitting the divided deployment portions 33 of the upper airbag 32, the driver slides on the divided deployment portions 33, making it less likely that he or she will fall further diagonally forward.

[0049] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which only the upper airbag 32 of the occupant protection device 20 is deployed in the case of a small driver.

[0050] The upper airbag 32 that deploys rearward from the dashboard 6 deploys from above the steering wheel 7 to the rearward. The upper airbag 32, which covers the upper rear side of the steering wheel 7, is deployed to a width wider than the steering wheel 7, as in Fig. 8. As a result, the load of the driver acting on the upper airbag 32 can be deployed so as to basically obtain a reaction force from the steering wheel 7. In this way, the wide upper airbag 32 is deployed in a generally elliptical shape with a length that extends from the dashboard 6 to the rear side of the steering wheel 7. Additionally, the upper deployment tip portion 35 of the upper airbag 32, which deploys behind the steering wheel 7, deploys in a shape that bends downward. It bends downward near the steering wheel 7. The upper deployment tip portion 35 of the upper airbag 32 deploys behind the steering wheel 7 so as to follow the rear surface of the steering wheel 7. As a result, the upper airbag 32 is deployed so as to cover the area from above the steering wheel 7 to the rear side thereof. Furthermore, the wide upper airbag 32 is deployed to a width equal to or greater than the left-right length of the driver's seat 4. Even when the upper airbag 32 is deployed to a wide width in this manner, the steering wheel 7 is located in front of the upper airbag 32, and therefore the upper airbag 32 can receive a reaction force from the steering wheel 7.

[0051] 8, the upper deployed tip portion 35 of the upper airbag 32, which is bent downward, is provided with two divided deployment portions 33. The two divided deployment portions 33 are deployed side by side and spaced apart in the left-right direction, which is the vehicle width direction of the automobile 1. When viewed from the driver's side, the steering wheel 7 may be exposed between the two divided deployment portions 33. However, in the case of FIG. 9, the lower airbag 31 is not deployed below the upper airbag 32. Therefore, the upper airbag 32 deploys to hang down further than in FIG. 8. As a result, the steering wheel 7 is exposed more narrowly between the two divided deployment portions 33 than in FIG. 8. A driver who falls forward will hit the upper airbag 32 and will almost never collide directly with the steering wheel 7. When the driver falls diagonally forward, the two divided deployment portions 33 mainly come into contact with the driver's head. Furthermore, since the steering wheel 7 is located in front of each divided deployment portion 33, the steering wheel 7 provides a reaction force to support the driver's head and other parts that are in contact. After hitting the divided deployment portions 33 of the upper airbag 32, the driver slides on the divided deployment portions 33, making it difficult for the driver to fall further diagonally forward. In the case of FIG. 9 , the lower airbag 31 is not deployed in front of the left and right ends of the upper airbag 32, which includes two divided deployment portions 33. Therefore, if the driver falls diagonally forward toward the left and right ends of the upper airbag 32, there is a possibility that the driver will not receive a reaction force. However, the deployment state shown in FIG. 9 is for a small driver. When a small driver falls diagonally forward, the amount of lateral movement is small. Therefore, even if a small driver falls diagonally forward, they are unlikely to fall toward the left and right ends of the upper airbag 32, where they would not receive a reaction force. Even if a small driver hits the divided deployment portions 33 of the upper airbag 32 that are deployed nearby, they are unlikely to subsequently slide on the divided deployment portions 33 and fall further diagonally forward.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, the lower airbag 31 and the upper airbag 32 are deployed rearward from the dashboard 6 of the automobile 1. The lower airbag 31 and the upper airbag 32 that deploy from the dashboard 6 can be larger than the airbag 8 that deploys from the steering wheel 7. The lower airbag 31 deploys below the upper airbag 32 so as to extend from inside or above the steering wheel 7 to behind the steering wheel 7. The lower airbag 31 deploys to cover the upper and rear sides of the steering wheel 7, so that it can receive a reaction force from the steering wheel 7 when the driver's weight is applied. The upper airbag 32 deploys from above the lower airbag 31 to behind the lower airbag 31. The upper airbag 32 deploys to cover the upper and rear sides of the lower airbag 31, so that it can receive a reaction force from the lower airbag 31 when the driver's weight is applied. In this way, the lower airbag 31 and the upper airbag 32 deploy so as to extend from inside or above the steering wheel 7 to behind the steering wheel 7, so that they can deploy to reach in front of the driver even when the steering wheel 7 is in front of the driver. Even if the driver sitting in the seat moves forward due to the impact of a frontal collision of the automobile 1, he or she can be supported by the lower airbag 31 and the upper airbag 32 that overlap on top of the steering wheel 7. In the event of a frontal collision, the driver sitting in the seat does not come into direct contact with the steering wheel 7. The driver sitting in the seat is well protected from collision with the steering wheel 7 even if the steering wheel 7 is in front of him or her. Moreover, in this embodiment, the lower airbag 31, which deploys rearward from the dashboard 6, deploys wider than the steering wheel 7. The upper airbag 32, which deploys rearward from the dashboard 6 and covers the lower airbag 31, deploys wider than the lower airbag 31. The wider lower airbag 31 receives a reaction force from the steering wheel 7 even at a portion thereof that protrudes outward from the steering wheel 7, and the wider upper airbag 32 receives a reaction force from the lower airbag 31 even at a portion thereof that protrudes outward from the lower airbag 31. Even if the driver behaves as if they are falling diagonally forward and falls onto the portions of the upper airbag 32 or the lower airbag 31 that protrude outward from the steering wheel 7, the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 can support the driver's head and upper body. Moreover, the upper airbag 32 comes into close surface contact with the lower airbag 31 due to the driver's weight, and receives a reaction force from the lower airbag 31. The upper airbag 32 is unlikely to shift above the lower airbag 31. The upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 can adequately support both the head and upper body of the driver. A twisting force is unlikely to act on the driver's neck. In this way, the present embodiment provides an improved protection for the driver of the motor vehicle 1.

[0053] In this embodiment, the lower airbag 31 is formed in a generally elliptical shape that can be deployed to a length that reaches from the dashboard 6 to the rear of the steering wheel 7. The lower airbag 31 deploys rearward from the dashboard 6, and a lower deployment tip portion 34 that deploys rearward of the steering wheel 7 deploys in a shape that bends downward near the steering wheel 7, and can deploy to cover the steering wheel 7 from above to the rear. This allows the lower airbag 31, which is wider than the steering wheel 7, to receive a reaction force from the steering wheel 7 as a whole, including the lower deployment tip portion 34 that is rearward of the steering wheel 7. The upper airbag 32 is formed in a generally elliptical shape that can be deployed to a length that reaches from the dashboard 6 to the rear of the lower airbag 31. The upper deployment tip portion 35 of the upper airbag 32, which deploys rearward from the dashboard 6, deploys in a downwardly bending shape and can be deployed to cover the area from above to behind the lower airbag 31 or the steering wheel 7. As a result, the upper airbag 32, which is wider than the lower airbag 31, as a whole, including the upper deployment tip portion 35 that is rearward of the lower airbag 31, can receive a reaction force from the steering wheel 7. The upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 can obtain reaction forces to support the weight of the driver who falls onto them from the lower airbag 31 below them or from the steering wheel 7, so that they can adequately support both the head and upper body of the driver. If the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 were combined into one airbag, the airbag would be prone to rolling on the steering wheel 7 due to the weight of the driver who falls onto it. Moreover, in this embodiment, the upper deployment tip portion 35 of the upper airbag 32, which is bent downward, is formed with two divided deployment portions 33 that deploy side by side and spaced apart in the vehicle width direction of the automobile 1. The two divided deployment portions 33 expose the lower airbag 31 between them. The upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 deploy to surround the driver in front of, on both sides, as seen from the driver. The upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31, which deploy to surround the driver in front of, on both sides, can support the driver's head and upper body even if the driver behaves as if they are falling diagonally forward and falls onto the portions of the upper airbag 32 or lower airbag 31 that protrude beyond the steering wheel 7. In this case, the upper airbag 32 can mainly support the driver's head. The lower airbag 31 can mainly support the driver's upper body, or chest.

[0054] In this embodiment, a thin display 13 for an instrument panel is provided on the dashboard 6 in a portion in front of the steering wheel 7 so as to be able to be flipped up. The lower airbag 31 deploys from the rear side of the thin display 13, flipping the thin display 13 up while deploying toward the rear side where the steering wheel 7 is located. As a result, the lower airbag 31 deploys so as to be sandwiched between the flipped-up thin display 13 and the steering wheel 7. The deployment direction of the lower airbag 31 is guided and stabilized by the thin display 13 and the steering wheel 7. For example, even if the steering wheel 7 is not a typical circular shape but has an irregular shape different from a circular shape, the lower airbag 31 can be expected to stably deploy in a desired state toward the rear of the steering wheel 7 while being restricted by the thin display 13 and the steering wheel 7. Even if the steering wheel 19 having an irregular shape is not in the neutral position, the lower airbag 31 can be expected to deploy toward the upper side of the steering wheel 19 having an irregular shape.

[0055] In this embodiment, when both the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 are deployed, the control unit 27 starts the deployment of the lower airbag 31 before the upper airbag 32. In contrast, if the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 start to deploy simultaneously, depending on the state of deployment of the lower airbag 31, it may be difficult for the lower airbag 31 to be positioned below the upper airbag 32. In particular, there is a possibility that the lower airbag 31 may overlap the upper side of the steering wheel 7, and the upper airbag 32 may not deploy above the lower airbag 31. In this case, the lower airbag 31 and the upper airbag 32 will not deploy to overlap each other as desired. In this embodiment, this situation is unlikely to occur.

[0056] In this embodiment, the control unit 27 estimates the physique of the driver seated in the seat or the distance from the steering wheel 7 based on detection by at least one occupant sensor among the steering position detection sensor 21, the seat position detection sensor 22, and the driver sensor 23. If the control unit 27 determines that the driver seated in the seat is small in physique, the control unit 27 controls the lower airbag 31 to be disabled from deploying and controls only the upper airbag 32 of the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 to be deployable. If the control unit 27 determines that the distance is equal to or less than the threshold, the control unit 27 controls the lower airbag 31 to be disabled from deploying and controls only the upper airbag 32 of the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 to be deployable. On the other hand, when neither of these cases is true, the control unit 27 controls the lower airbag 31 to be capable of being deployed, and controls the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 to be capable of being deployed. As a result, in this embodiment, when the driver has a small physique, the deployment of the lower airbag 31 is disabled, and only the upper airbag 32 of the upper airbag 32 and lower airbag 31 is deployed. As a result, only the upper airbag 32 is deployed in front of the small physique driver so as to cover the steering wheel 7. The airbag 8 that deploys in front of the small physique driver is made smaller, so that the deployed airbag 8 does not come into contact with the small physique driver. Note that when only the upper airbag 32 is deployed in this manner, the upper airbag 32 deploys so as to cover the steering wheel 7, and therefore a reaction force against the driver's load can be obtained from the steering wheel 7. The upper airbag 32 can support the occupant who falls over.

[0057] [Second embodiment] The above-described embodiment is a good example when the steering wheel 7 provided on the automobile 1 is circular. In this embodiment, a preferred example will be described in which the steering wheel provided on the automobile 1 is irregularly shaped and not circular.

[0058] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the lower airbag 31 and the upper airbag 32 of the occupant protection device 20 for the automobile 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are deployed. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the unfolded state of Fig. 10 as seen from the rear of the automobile 1. Note that in Fig. 11, only the seat portion of the driver's seat 4 is shown, and the back panel portion is omitted.

[0059] The irregular steering wheel 19 of this embodiment has an irregular shape that is substantially rectangular, as shown in FIGS. In this case, the lower airbag device 29 provided on the back side of the thin display 13 for the meter panel flips up the thin display 13 with the lower airbag 31, and deploys the lower airbag 31 rearward from the dashboard 6. The lower airbag 31 deploys from above the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19, which is approximately rectangular, to the rear of the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19. This allows the lower airbag 31 to deploy in front of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4. The upper airbag device 28, which is provided forward and above the lower airbag device 29, ruptures the dashboard 6 with the upper airbag 32, causing the upper airbag 32 to deploy rearward from the dashboard 6. The upper airbag 32 deploys from above the lower airbag 31 to behind the lower airbag 31. This allows the upper airbag 32 to deploy in front of the driver seated in the driver's seat 4. The upper airbag 32 can deploy overlapping the lower airbag 31.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the front collision detection control by the control unit 27 of the second embodiment. Based on the detection of a frontal collision of the automobile 1, the control unit 27 repeatedly executes the frontal collision detection control of FIG. 12 to protect the driver. Steps ST11 and ST12 are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 6. However, if a frontal collision of the vehicle is detected in step ST12, the control unit 27 advances the process to step ST21.

[0061] In step ST21, the control unit 27 controls the irregular steering wheel 19 to the neutral position. The control unit 27 uses the steering control device 30 to start control for returning the rotational position of the irregular steering wheel 19 to the neutral position. The steering control device 30 drives the irregular steering wheel 19 to rotate so that its long sides are aligned in the left-right direction, as shown in FIG. 11. Thereafter, the control unit 27 proceeds to step ST13.

[0062] Furthermore, if the control unit 27 determines in step ST14 that the deployment of the lower airbag 31 is not disabled, the control unit 27 advances the process to step ST22. In step ST22, the control unit 27 determines whether the irregular steering wheel 19, the control of which has been started in step ST21, has returned to the neutral position. If the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19 has not returned to the neutral position, the control unit 27 proceeds to step ST15. In this case, the control unit 27 deploys only the upper airbag 32 of the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31. In this case, the upper airbag 32 is in the deployed state shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19 has returned to the neutral position, the control unit 27 proceeds to step ST16. In this case, the control unit 27 deploys the lower airbag 31 in step ST16, and then deploys the upper airbag 32 in step ST17, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. Thereafter, the control unit 27 ends this control.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 27 detects a frontal collision of the vehicle 1 based on detection information from the sensors of the vehicle 1. The control unit 27 initiates control to return the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19 to the neutral position before deploying at least the upper airbag 32 of the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31. This allows the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 to deploy with the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19 in the neutral position, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . With the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19 in the neutral position, the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 can deploy in a desired state, covering the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19 in the neutral position. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the irregular steering wheel 19 has not returned to the neutral position at the time when at least the upper airbag 32 of the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 is to be deployed, only the upper airbag 32 of the upper airbag 32 and the lower airbag 31 is deployed. This allows the upper airbag 32 to be deployed so as to cover the irregular steering wheel 19 that has not returned to the neutral position, even if the irregular steering wheel 19 is not in the neutral position. For example, if the lower airbag 31 is deployed together with the upper airbag 32 when the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19 is not in the neutral position, the desired deployment of the lower airbag 31 may be hindered by the tilted irregularly shaped steering wheel 19. The lower airbag 31, whose deployment is hindered, may not be able to deploy to cover the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19 in the desired manner as shown in FIG. 10 . Furthermore, the upper airbag 32, which deploys above the lower airbag 31, may not be able to deploy to cover the lower airbag 31 in the desired manner. The upper airbag 32 may not be able to deploy to cover the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19 in the desired manner. In this embodiment, when the irregularly shaped steering wheel 19 is not in the neutral position, only the upper airbag 32 is deployed, making such a situation less likely to occur.

[0064] The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0065] In the first embodiment described above, the lower airbag 31 passes inside the steering wheel 7 and deploys to the rear side of the steering wheel 7 . Alternatively, for example, the lower airbag 31 may pass above the steering wheel 7 and deploy to the rear side of the steering wheel 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1...Automobile (vehicle), 2...Vehicle body, 3...Vehicle interior, 4...Driver's seat, 5...Passenger seat, 6...Dashboard, 7...Steering wheel, 8...Airbag, 9...Steering column cover, 10...Steering shaft, 11...Beam, 12...Windshield, 13...Flat screen display, 19...Steering wheel, 20...Occupant protection device, 21...Steer position detection sensor, 22...Seat position detection sensor, 23...Driver sensor, 24...Collision detection sensor, 25...Exterior camera, 26...Timer, 27...Control unit, 28...Upper airbag device, 29...Lower airbag device, 30...Steering control device, 31...Lower airbag, 32...Upper airbag, 33...Split deployment section, 34...Lower deployment tip portion, 35...Upper deployment tip portion, 70...Other automobiles

Claims

1. An occupant protection device for a vehicle for protecting a driver seated in a seat of the vehicle, an upper airbag device having an upper airbag that can be deployed rearward from a dashboard disposed in front of the seat; a lower airbag device having a lower airbag that is deployable rearward from the dashboard below the upper airbag; and The lower airbag that deploys rearward from the dashboard is The seat cushion is unfolded to be wider than a steering wheel disposed in front of the seat and to extend from inside or above the steering wheel to a rear side of the steering wheel, and is unfoldable so as to cover the steering wheel, The upper airbag that deploys rearward from the dashboard is The airbag is wider than the lower airbag and is deployed so as to extend from above the lower airbag to the rear side of the lower airbag and to cover the lower airbag. Vehicle occupant protection devices.

2. The lower airbag is wider than the steering wheel. The steering wheel is formed in a substantially elliptical shape that can be unfolded to a length that reaches from the dashboard to the rear side of the steering wheel, the lower airbag deploys rearward from the dashboard, and a lower deployment tip portion that deploys rearward of the steering wheel deploys in a downwardly bending shape, thereby enabling the lower airbag to deploy so as to cover the area from above the steering wheel to the rear thereof, The upper airbag is wider than the lower airbag, The airbag is formed in a substantially elliptical shape so as to be able to expand to a length that reaches from the dashboard to the rear side of the lower airbag, an upper deployment tip portion of the upper airbag that deploys rearward from the dashboard and that is deployed rearward of the lower airbag deploys in a downwardly bending shape, thereby enabling the upper airbag to deploy so as to cover an area from above to behind the lower airbag or the steering wheel; The upper deployment tip portion of the upper airbag that is bent downward is provided with two divided deployment portions that deploy side by side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle.

2. A vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 1.

3. The dashboard is provided with a thin display for an meter panel that can be flipped up in a portion in front of the steering wheel, The lower airbag is unfolding the thin display from the back side thereof, and flipping the thin display upward; The upper airbag is The device unfolds from a portion of the dashboard that is forward of the thin display and unfolds toward the rear while contacting the dashboard and a windshield of the vehicle that is above the dashboard.

3. A vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 2.

4. a control unit that controls the deployment of the upper airbag and the deployment of the lower airbag, The control unit When both the upper airbag and the lower airbag are deployed, the deployment of the lower airbag is started before the deployment of the upper airbag.

4. A vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 1.

5. at least one occupant sensor selected from a steering position detection sensor that detects a position of the steering wheel adjusted by a tilt mechanism or a telescopic mechanism, a seat position detection sensor that detects an adjusted position of the seat, and a driver sensor that detects a driver seated in the seat; The occupant sensor is connected to the control unit, The control unit estimating a physique or a distance from the steering wheel of a driver seated in the seat based on detection by the occupant sensor; In a first case where it is determined that the physique of the driver seated in the seat is small, or in a second case where it is determined that the separation distance is equal to or less than a threshold, the lower airbag is controlled to be unable to deploy, and only the upper airbag of the upper and lower airbags is controlled to be able to deploy; When it is determined that neither the first case nor the second case applies, the lower airbag is controlled to be inflated, thereby controlling the upper airbag and the lower airbag to be inflated.

5. A vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 4.

6. a vehicle sensor for detecting a frontal collision of the vehicle; The steering wheel has an irregular shape different from a circular ring shape, The vehicle sensor is connected to the control unit, The control unit Detecting a frontal collision of the vehicle based on detection information from a vehicle sensor; before starting to deploy the upper airbag and the lower airbag, starting control to return the steering wheel to a neutral position; When the steering wheel is not in the neutral position at the timing of deploying the upper airbag and the lower airbag, only the upper airbag of the upper airbag and the lower airbag is deployed.

6. A vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 5.

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