Vehicle curtain airbag device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle curtain airbag device that can efficiently reduce the injury value of an occupant in an emergency.SOLUTION: An airbag cushion 102 of a vehicle curtain airbag device 100 includes: each main chamber that inflates and deploys; a split chamber 136 that extends in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle along a lower edge of the airbag cushion 102 and is separated from each main chamber except for one end 136a that receives gas from a third main chamber 128; and a tuck-in portion 142 formed on one end 136a side of the split chamber 136 by folding a panel 146 on the one end 136a side of the split chamber 136 inward toward the other end 136b side. The tuck-in portion 142 is formed so that a folded portion of the panel 146 becomes wider as proceeding downward. The tuck-in portion 142 causes the split chamber 136 to inflate and deploy into a curved downwardly convex shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle curtain airbag device that protects occupants in the event of a side collision or rollover of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle curtain airbag device is equipped with an airbag cushion that covers the side window or the like on the side wall of the vehicle compartment in an emergency, and receives and restrains the occupant from the side. The airbag cushion of the curtain airbag device is required to adequately cover the side window to prevent the occupant from being thrown out of the vehicle even when the vehicle transitions from a side collision to a rollover (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-71554 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the airbag cushion shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, the lower end of the front seat main chamber 54 and the lower chamber 56B of the rear seat auxiliary chamber 56 are configured to inflate and deploy below the door belt line BL. Extending the inflation area of ​​the airbag cushion downward is also effective when the occupant's head or other parts of the body are moved to a lower position due to inertia during a collision. Furthermore, there is currently a demand for a configuration that can further reduce the gas volume of the airbag cushion. [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a curtain airbag device for a vehicle that can efficiently reduce the injury level of an occupant in an emergency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a typical configuration of a vehicle curtain airbag device according to the present invention is a vehicle curtain airbag device including an airbag cushion that is attached to an upper part of a side wall of the vehicle compartment in a storage form that is long in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag cushion, wherein the airbag cushion has a main chamber that inflates and deploys to cover an opening in the side wall of the vehicle compartment, a split chamber that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the lower edge of the airbag cushion and receives gas from the main chamber at one end and is separated from the main chamber at all ends except for the one end, and a tuck-in portion that is formed on one end of the split chamber and is formed by folding a panel on one end of the split chamber inward toward the other end, and the tuck-in portion is formed so that the portion where the panel on one end is folded in becomes wider downward, and the split chamber is characterized in that, due to the formation of the tuck-in portion, it inflates and deploys into a curved shape that is convex downward.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the split chamber inflates and deploys in a curved shape that is convex downward, thereby enabling the inflation area to be expanded downward without increasing the volume of the airbag cushion. Furthermore, the tuck-in portion is formed by folding one end panel of the split chamber inward toward the other end, so that the shape is not biased toward the inside or outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the tuck-in portion is less likely to sway in the vehicle width direction when the split chamber inflates and deploys.

[0008] Furthermore, the portion of the tuck-in portion that is folded inward toward the other end of the split chamber functions as a check valve against gas returning from that other end. Therefore, with the above configuration, the tuck-in portion can be used to maintain the inflation pressure of the split chamber, thereby improving the occupant restraint force of the split chamber.

[0009] The airbag cushion may further have a sewn portion where the folded-in portion of the panel on one end side is joined.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the tuck-in portion can be held in place by the sewn portion.

[0011] The airbag cushion may further include a joint where the other end of the split chamber is joined to a predetermined location on the airbag cushion.

[0012] The above joint makes it possible to suitably hold the split chamber in a curved shape that is convex downward.

[0013] The split chamber is preferably provided in an area overlapping the door trim near the rear seat of the vehicle.

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent rear seat passengers from coming into contact with the door trim by utilizing the split chamber.

[0015] The airbag cushion may further include upper and lower tethers that span the split chamber and a portion of the airbag cushion above the split chamber.

[0016] According to the above configuration, by using the tension of the upper and lower tethers to support the split chamber, it is possible to suppress the shaking of the split chamber when inflated and deployed.

[0017] The upper and lower tethers may be arranged across the curved lower edge of the split chamber and the upper edge of the airbag cushion.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the upper and lower tethers are suitably deployed when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and the upper and lower tethers suppress the oscillation of the split chamber, while the tension of the upper and lower tethers also makes it possible to restrain the occupant.

[0019] The upper and lower tethers may be joined in a range including at least the lowest end of the curved lower edge.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the upper and lower tethers support the lowest portion of the split chamber in a suspended manner, thereby making it possible to effectively suppress the oscillation of the split chamber. Furthermore, by joining the upper and lower tethers to the lowest portion of the split chamber, tension can be efficiently generated in the upper and lower tethers, making it possible to improve the occupant restraint force of the upper and lower tethers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a curtain airbag device for a vehicle that can efficiently reduce the injury level of an occupant in an emergency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of a vehicle curtain airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the airbag cushion of FIG. 1(b) by itself. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating the periphery of a split chamber of the airbag cushion of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a process of forming the tuck-in portion of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 4(c) is a diagram illustrating an example of the gas flow when the split chamber of FIG. 4(c) is inflated and deployed. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion of FIG. 3 taken along line BB. [Figure 7] 5 illustrates a first modified example of the airbag cushion according to FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 illustrates a second variant of the airbag cushion according to FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 illustrates a third variant of the airbag cushion according to FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion of FIG. 9(b) taken along the line DD. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of a vehicle curtain airbag device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1(a) is a diagram illustrating the state of the vehicle curtain airbag device 100 before activation. The vehicle curtain airbag device 100 illustrated in the figure is for the right side of the vehicle compartment, but a left side one (not shown) also has a similar symmetrical structure.

[0025] 1(a) and other drawings, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows F (Forward) and B (Back), the left and right directions in the vehicle width direction are indicated by arrows L (Left) and R (Right), and the up-down direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows U (Up) and D (Down). In particular, "up" refers to the direction of the head of an occupant normally seated in a seat, and "down" refers to the direction of the lower legs of the occupant.

[0026] The vehicle is assumed to have two rows of seats, with front seats 104 and rear seats 106 arranged from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle is provided with multiple pillars that support the roof. The multiple pillars include, from the front of the vehicle, A pillar 108, B pillar 110, and C pillar 112.

[0027] The airbag cushion 102 is wound or folded to be stored in a long roll extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is installed on a roof side rail 114 on the upper part of the side wall of the vehicle compartment. The installed airbag cushion 102 is covered with a roof trim (not shown), and is stored in the space between the roof side rail 114 and the roof trim.

[0028] The vehicle curtain airbag device 100 includes an inflator 116, which is a gas generator. The airbag cushion 102 is inflated by the pressure of the gas supplied from the inflator 116 to restrain the occupant.

[0029] In this embodiment, a cylindrical inflator is used as the inflator 116. Currently popular inflators include types that are filled with a gas generating agent and burn it to generate gas, types that are filled with compressed gas and supply gas without generating heat, and types that are equipped with both a gas generating agent and compressed gas. Any of these types can be used as the inflator 116.

[0030] The vehicle can predict or detect a collision such as a side collision through various sensors and a predetermined electronic control unit (ECU). When a side collision or the like is predicted or detected, a signal is sent to the inflator 116, which then activates and supplies gas to the airbag cushion 102.

[0031] 1(b) is a diagram illustrating the state after activation of the vehicle curtain airbag device 100. When the airbag cushion 102 receives gas from the inflator 116, it inflates and deploys downward along the side walls of the vehicle compartment, such as side windows 117 and 118 (see FIG. 1(a)), to protect the occupants.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 102 of Fig. 1(b) by itself. Fig. 2 illustrates the airbag cushion 102 in a state where it is placed on a flat surface.

[0033] The airbag cushion 102 has a large shape that spreads along the side wall inside the vehicle cabin. The airbag cushion 102 is formed into a bag shape by overlapping and sewing or bonding two pieces of base fabric that make up the surface, or by weaving using OPW (One-Piece Woven).

[0034] An inflator insertion part 122 is provided near the upper center of the upper edge 120 of the airbag cushion 102. The inflator insertion part 122 is provided in a shape that protrudes upward beyond the other part of the upper edge 120 of the airbag cushion 102, and the gas ejection hole side of the inflator 116 (see FIG. 1(b)) is inserted into the inflator insertion part 122.

[0035] The inflator insertion portion 122 communicates with a duct portion 123 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Gas from the inflator 116 is supplied to each chamber through the duct portion 123.

[0036] The inflation area of ​​the airbag cushion 102 is divided into multiple small compartments called chambers, taking into consideration the positions where the occupant may come into contact. Each chamber is divided by a seam or the like, which is a linear non-inflatable area.

[0037] For example, a first main chamber 124, a second main chamber 126, and a third main chamber 128 are provided at the front of the vehicle as chambers for protecting occupants in the front seats 104 (see FIG. 1(b)). Also, a fourth main chamber 130 is provided at the rear of the vehicle as a chamber for protecting occupants in the rear seats 106. Each main chamber inflates and deploys to cover openings such as side windows 117 and 118 in the vehicle compartment side walls, restraining the occupants and preventing them from being thrown out of the vehicle.

[0038] The airbag cushion 102 has tabs 132 at various locations on the upper edge 120 as attachment portions to the vehicle. The tabs 132 are strip-shaped and can be made from the same material as the inflation portion of the airbag cushion 102. The tabs 132 are fixed to the roof side rails 114 (see FIG. 1(b)) using members such as clips and bolts.

[0039] A strap 134 is also provided on the front end side of the airbag cushion 102. The strap 134 is string-like and connects the airbag cushion 102 to the A-pillar 108. The strap 134 stabilizes the deployment behavior by suppressing rocking of the airbag cushion 102 when it is inflated and deployed, and also applies tension to the airbag cushion 102 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the periphery of the split chamber 136 of the airbag cushion 102 of Fig. 2. The airbag cushion 102 of this embodiment is provided with the split chamber 136 as a distinctive chamber.

[0041] The split chamber 136 is an L-shaped chamber separated from each main chamber, and is provided for the purpose of extending the protection area for rear seat occupants downward. The split chamber 136 is provided in an L-shape along the lower edge 138 of the airbag cushion 102, extending from the third main chamber 128 toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0042] One end 136a of split chamber 136 is connected to third main chamber 128, and is capable of receiving gas from third main chamber 128. Portions of split chamber 136 other than one end 136a are separated from duct portion 123 and each main chamber. In this embodiment, a non-inflatable patch 140 is provided in the area surrounded by split chamber 136, duct portion 123, and each main chamber.

[0043] Split chamber 136 expands and deploys into a curved shape that is more convex downward than each of the main chambers, such as third main chamber 128. To achieve this shape, a tuck-in portion 142 is provided on one end 136a of split chamber 136 near the base.

[0044] The tuck-in portion 142 is a portion where a panel is folded to shrink near one end 136a of the split chamber 136. In particular, the tuck-in portion 142 is formed by folding the panel 146 on the one end 136a side of the split chamber 136 inside the panel 148 toward the other end 136b.

[0045] Tuck-in portion 142 is formed so that the folded-in portion of panel 146 on one end 136a side becomes wider as it goes downward. This tuck-in portion 142 is folded in by rotating the other end 136b side downward as shown by arrow M1, with the upper part on one end 136a side of split chamber 136 as the center point P1.

[0046] The tucked-in portion 142 of the split chamber 136 is folded in the manner described above, so that the intermediate portion 136c between the one end 136a and the other end 136b can expand and deploy into a curved shape that is convex downward.

[0047] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of forming the tuck-in portion 142 of Figure 3. Figure 4(a) is a diagram illustrating the periphery of the split chamber 136 before the tuck-in portion 142 is formed.

[0048] The split chamber 136 is formed as an L-shaped expansion region surrounded by the duct portion 123, the third main chamber 128, and the fourth main chamber 130. The split chamber 136 is separated from the duct portion 123, the third main chamber 128, and the fourth main chamber 130 by making cuts in the non-expandable seam portions 144 that form the edges of the split chamber 136.

[0049] 4(b) is a diagram illustrating the state in which a tuck-in portion 142 is formed in the split chamber 136 of FIG. 4(a). The tuck-in portion 142 is formed by folding the panel 146 on one end 136a side of the split chamber 136 inside the panel 148 toward the other end 136b side.

[0050] Tuck-in portion 142 can be formed by rotating the other end 136b side downward as indicated by arrow M1, with the upper part of one end 136a side of split chamber 136 as the center point P1. Tuck-in portion 142 is formed by folding in panel 146 on one end 136a side so that it becomes wider as it goes downward.

[0051] Figure 4(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of split chamber 136 in Figure 4(b). In tuck-in portion 142, panel 146 on one end 136a side of split chamber 136 is folded inward toward the other end 136b of panel 148.

[0052] 3, after the tuck-in portion 142 is formed, a sewn portion 150 is provided. The sewn portion 150 is within the range of the tuck-in portion 142 on the lower edge 152 of the split chamber 136, and joins the folded-in portion of the panel 146 on the one end 136a side to the outer panel 148 by sewing. By providing the sewn portion 150, the tuck-in portion 142 can be held in place so that it does not come undone even when the split chamber 136 is inflated and deployed.

[0053] After forming the tuck-in portion 142, a patch 140 is joined above the split chamber 136. The patch 140 is a non-inflatable panel that is joined by sewing or the like so as to fill the space surrounded by the split chamber 136, the duct portion 123, the third main chamber 128, and the fourth main chamber 130.

[0054] The other end 136b of the split chamber 136 is also joined to the corner of the fourth main chamber 130 by the joint 154 that joins the edge of the patch 140. The other end 136b of the split chamber 136 is no longer a free end due to the joint 154. This keeps the split chamber 136 in a curved state with the middle portion 136c convex downward.

[0055] According to the above configuration, the middle portion 136c of the split chamber 136 inflates and deploys in a curved shape that is convex downward, making it possible to expand the range of the inflation area downward without increasing the capacity of the airbag cushion 102.

[0056] 1(b), the split chamber 136 is disposed in an area overlapping the door trim 156 near the rear seat 106 of the vehicle. With this configuration, the split chamber 136 can be used to prevent rear seat passengers from coming into contact with the door trim 156.

[0057] For example, when an impact is applied to the vehicle, the upper body of an occupant in the rear seat 106 may fall forward due to inertia. In particular, because the rear seat 106 has a larger space in front of it than the front seat 104, an occupant in the rear seat 106 tends to fall forward more easily than an occupant in the front seat 104. When the upper body of the occupant in the rear seat 106 is swung backward, if the occupant's upper body is in a position lower than the lower end of the airbag cushion 102, the occupant's upper body may get caught in the gap between the airbag cushion 102 and the door trim 156, which may prevent the occupant from being restrained.

[0058] In this embodiment, the protection area for the occupant is extended downward by the split chamber 136, so even if the occupant in the rear seat 106 leans back, the occupant can be suitably protected from contacting the door trim 156. As a result, in this embodiment, the injury level of the occupant in an emergency can be efficiently reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the split chamber 136 is curved downwardly convexly using the tuck-in portion 142, so the gas capacity of the airbag cushion 102 can be reduced compared to when the inflation area is simply enlarged, which is beneficial in terms of cost.

[0060] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the gas flow when the split chamber 136 of Figure 4(c) is inflated and deployed. Figure 5(a) is a diagram illustrating the state when gas is supplied to the split chamber 136 of Figure 4(c).

[0061] As described above, tuck-in portion 142 is formed by folding panel 146 on one end 136a of split chamber 136 toward the other end 136b inside panel 148. In this configuration, when gas is supplied from one end 136a to the other end 136b of split chamber 136, tuck-in portion 142 does not interfere with the gas, allowing the gas to flow smoothly.

[0062] FIG. 5(b) is a diagram illustrating the split chamber 136 of FIG. 5(a) when it is filled with gas.

[0063] 5(a), when gas attempts to return from the other end 136b side of split chamber 136 to one end 136a side, the gas interferes with tuck-in portion 142. In particular, the gas enters valley folds 158a, 158b of tuck-in portion 142, which causes valley folds 158a, 158b to expand, narrowing central opening 160 of tuck-in portion 142 and making it difficult for the gas to pass through.

[0064] In this way, the tuck-in portion 142 functions as a check valve against gas that attempts to return from the other end 136b of the panel 146 folded in toward the other end 136b. According to this embodiment, the tuck-in portion 142 is used to maintain the inflation pressure of the split chamber 136, thereby improving the occupant restraint force of the split chamber 136.

[0065] 6 is a BB cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 102 of FIG. 3. As described above, the tuck-in portion 142 is formed by folding the panel 146 on one end 136a (see FIG. 3) side of the split chamber 136 inside the other panel 148. At this time, the shape of the tuck-in portion 142 is not biased toward the inside or outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the tuck-in portion 142 is unlikely to swing in the vehicle width direction when the split chamber 136 is inflated and deployed, and a gap is also unlikely to form between the split chamber 136 and the door trim 156 (see FIG. 1(b)).

[0066] According to this embodiment, the split chamber 136 can be deployed straight downward along the side wall of the vehicle interior while being prevented from swinging toward the vehicle interior. Therefore, the split chamber 136 is less likely to move in the vehicle width direction relative to the duct portion 123 and the fourth main chamber 130. In this way, the tuck-in portion 142 makes it less likely for the split chamber 136 to swing, which allows the airbag cushion 102 to inflate and deploy with stable behavior, thereby contributing to improving the occupant restraining force of the airbag cushion 102.

[0067] (Variation) Modified examples of each of the above-mentioned components will be described below. In Figure 7 and subsequent figures, the same components as those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals, and explanations of these components will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, components with the same names as those already described will have the same functions unless otherwise specified, even if they are assigned different reference numerals.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example (airbag cushion 200) of the airbag cushion 102 according to FIG.

[0069] A patch 202 can be provided at the sewn portion 150 that holds the tuck-in portion 142. The patch 202 is a reinforcing fabric that can be made from the same material as the panel of the airbag cushion 200, and can be provided at the lower edge 152 by stitching it together with the sewn portion 150. The patch 202 reinforces the area around the sewn portion 150, which is likely to be subjected to force when the split chamber 136 is inflated and deployed, preventing damage to the area around the sewn portion 150 and making it possible to hold the tuck-in portion 142 in place.

[0070] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example (airbag cushion 220) of the airbag cushion 102 according to Fig. 2. Fig. 8(a) is a diagram illustrating the entire airbag cushion 220.

[0071] The split chamber 222 of the airbag cushion 220 is provided in an L-shape in a range along the lower edge 138 of the airbag cushion 220 so as to extend from the fourth main chamber 130 toward the front of the vehicle.

[0072] One end 222a of split chamber 222 is connected to fourth main chamber 130, and is capable of receiving gas from fourth main chamber 130. Portions of split chamber 222 other than one end 222a are separated from duct portion 123 and each main chamber. A non-inflatable patch 224 is provided in the area surrounded by split chamber 222, duct portion 123, and each main chamber.

[0073] Figure 8(b) is a CC cross-sectional view of airbag cushion 220 in Figure 8(a). Tuck-in portion 226 is formed by folding panel 228 on one end 222a side of split chamber 222 inside panel 230 toward the other end 222b. Similar to tuck-in portion 142 in Figure 5, tuck-in portion 226 also allows gas to flow smoothly from one end 222a side to the other end 222b side of split chamber 222, while functioning as a check valve against gas attempting to return from the other end 222b side.

[0074] In the airbag cushion 220 of this embodiment, the occupant protection area is also extended downward by the split chamber 222, so that the occupant in the rear seat 106 (see FIG. 1(b)) is appropriately protected even when the upper body leans forward, and it is possible to efficiently reduce the injury level of the occupant in an emergency. In this embodiment, too, the split chamber 222 is curved downward convexly using the tuck-in portion 226, so that the gas capacity of the airbag cushion 220 can be reduced compared to when the inflation area is simply expanded, which is beneficial in terms of cost.

[0075] 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a third modified example (airbag cushion 240) of the airbag cushion 102 corresponding to FIG. 2. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating the entire airbag cushion 240. The airbag cushion 240 of this embodiment differs in configuration from the airbag cushion 102 of FIG. 2 in that it includes upper and lower tethers 242.

[0076] The upper and lower tethers 242 are members that suspend and support the split chamber 136. The upper and lower tethers 242 are stretched across the split chamber 136 and a portion of the airbag cushion 102 above the split chamber 136.

[0077] 9(b) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the upper and lower tethers 242 of the airbag cushion 102 in FIG. 9(a). The lower ends 242a of the upper and lower tethers 242 are connected to the lower edge 152 of the split chamber 136, in a range including the lower end of the downwardly convex curved intermediate portion 136c. The upper ends 242b of the upper and lower tethers 242 are connected to the non-inflatable upper edge 120 of the airbag cushion 102.

[0078] The lower ends 242a of the upper and lower tethers 242 are joined by sewing or the like to the lower edge 152 of the split chamber 136 in an area that includes at least the lowermost lower end 248. The upper and lower tethers 242 support the lower end 248 of the split chamber 136 in a suspending manner, thereby making it possible to suitably suppress the swinging of the split chamber 136.

[0079] Figure 10 is a DD cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 240 in Figure 9(b). The upper and lower tethers 242 include upper and lower tethers 244 on the vehicle interior side of the airbag cushion and upper and lower tethers 246 on the vehicle exterior side. The upper and lower tethers 244, 246 are stretched across the lower edge 152 of the split chamber 136 and the upper edge 120 of the airbag cushion 240, and are in a tensed state between the lower edge 152 and the upper edge 120.

[0080] According to this embodiment, by using the tension of the upper and lower tethers 242 to support the split chamber 136, it is possible to suppress the swinging of the split chamber 136 in the vehicle width direction when inflated and deployed, thereby improving the occupant restraint force.

[0081] In particular, the upper and lower tethers 244 on the vehicle interior side are tensioned when the airbag cushion 240 is inflated and deployed, and this tension can be used to restrain the occupant. The upper and lower tethers 244 make it possible to restrain the occupant even in areas where there is no chamber, thereby expanding the occupant protection area of ​​the airbag cushion 240.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9(b), the upper and lower tethers 242 are joined to an area including the lower end 248, which is the lowest end of the split chamber 136, so that tension is efficiently generated in the vertical direction when the split chamber 136 is inflated and deployed. Therefore, the upper and lower tethers 244 (see Figure 10) on the vehicle interior side of the upper and lower tethers 242 also quickly become taut due to the vertical tension, thereby improving the occupant restraint force.

[0083] The upper and lower tethers 242 may be configured to include only one of the upper and lower tethers 244 on the vehicle interior side or the upper and lower tethers 246 on the vehicle exterior side. In either configuration, the upper and lower tethers 242 are deployed in a tensioned state in the vertical direction, thereby suppressing swinging of the split chamber 136 in the vehicle width direction and improving the occupant restraint force.

[0084] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above-described embodiments are merely preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments may be implemented or performed in various ways. Unless otherwise specified in the present specification, the present invention is not limited to the detailed shapes, sizes, and configurations of parts shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the expressions and terms used in the present specification are for the purpose of explanation and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified.

[0085] Therefore, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The present invention can be used in a curtain airbag device that protects occupants in the event of a side collision or rollover of a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100...vehicle curtain airbag device, 102...airbag cushion, 104...front seat, 106...rear seat, 108...A pillar, 110...B pillar, 112...C pillar, 114...roof side rail, 116...inflator, 117...side window, 118...side window, 120...upper edge, 122...inflator insertion portion, 123...duct portion, 124...first main chamber, 126...second main chamber, 128...third main chamber, 130...fourth main chamber, 132...tab, 134...strap, 136...split chamber, 136a...one end, 136b...other end, 136c...middle portion, 138...lower edge, 1 40...Patch, 142...Tuck-in portion, 144...Seam portion, 146...Panel, 148...Panel, 150...Sewn portion, 152...Lower edge, 154...Joint portion, 156...Door trim, 158a, 158b...Valley fold portion, 160...Opening, P1...Center point, 200...Airbag cushion, 202...Patch, 220...Airbag cushion, 222...Split chamber, 222a...One end, 222b...Other end, 224...Patch, 226...Tuck-in portion, 228...Panel, 230...Panel, 240...Airbag cushion, 242...Upper and lower tethers, 242a...Lower end, 242b...Upper end, 244...Upper and lower tethers, 246...Upper and lower tethers, 248...Lower end

Claims

1. A vehicle curtain airbag device includes an airbag cushion that is attached to an upper portion of a vehicle compartment side wall in a storage form that is long in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag cushion, The airbag cushion is a main chamber that inflates and deploys to cover the opening in the vehicle compartment side wall; a split chamber extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction along a lower edge of the airbag cushion, receiving gas from the main chamber at one end and having the other end separated from the main chamber; a tuck-in portion formed on the one end side of the split chamber by folding a panel on the one end side of the split chamber inward toward the other end side; and The tuck-in portion is formed such that the portion where the panel on the one end side is folded in becomes wider as it goes downward, The split chamber is configured to inflate and deploy in a downwardly convex curved shape due to the tuck-in portion.

2. 2. The vehicle curtain airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag cushion further comprises a sewn portion where the folded-in portion of the panel on the one end side is joined.

3. 2. The vehicle curtain airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag cushion further comprises a joint portion where the other end of the split chamber is joined to a predetermined portion of the airbag cushion.

4. 2. The vehicle curtain airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the split chamber is provided in an area overlapping a door trim near a rear seat of the vehicle.

5. 5. The vehicle curtain airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag cushion further includes upper and lower tethers extending between the split chamber and a portion of the airbag cushion above the split chamber.

6. 6. The vehicle curtain airbag device according to claim 5, wherein the upper and lower tethers are disposed between the curved lower edge of the split chamber and the upper edge of the airbag cushion.

7. 7. The vehicle curtain airbag device according to claim 6, wherein the upper and lower tethers are joined to a range including at least the lowest end of the curved lower edge.

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