Airbag system

Abstract

The present invention provides an airbag device that can prevent interference with inflation and deployment even if relatively rigid structures are placed on the upper cover. [Solution] The airbag device mounted on the lower cover comprises an airbag body that inflates and deploys with gas, a box-shaped cover member having a bottom wall that houses the airbag body and is located on the forward side of the moving body, an upper wall that extends from the upper end of the bottom wall in the reverse direction of the moving body, a lower wall that extends from the lower end of the bottom wall in the reverse direction, and an opening facing the reverse direction. The steering wheel has a rim portion that is grasped by the occupant of the moving body and a hub portion surrounded by at least a part of the rim portion. The lower cover is attached to the forward side of the hub portion, and the airbag body inflates and deploys by passing through a passage region which is the area between the rim portion and the hub portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an airbag device.

Background Art

[0002] Various airbag devices attached to a steering wheel have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an airbag device mounted inside a hub of a steering wheel. A bag-shaped airbag body expands and deploys to the outside when an upper cover (also referred to as a "pad") covering the surface of the hub breaks.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] <N

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An attempt has been made to arrange relatively hard structures such as a display or a smartphone holder on the upper cover. When an airbag device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to such a configuration, there is a risk that the expansion and deployment of the airbag body may be hindered.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an airbag device is provided that is mounted on the lower cover of the steering of a moving body. The airbag device comprises an airbag body that inflates and deploys by gas supplied from an inflator, and a box-shaped cover member that houses the airbag body and has a bottom wall located on the forward side of the moving body, an upper wall extending in the reverse direction from the upper end of the bottom wall, a lower wall extending in the reverse direction of the moving body from the lower end of the bottom wall, and an opening facing the reverse direction. The steering has a rim portion that is grasped by the occupant of the moving body and a hub portion surrounded by at least a part of the rim portion. The lower cover is attached to the forward side of the hub portion, and the airbag body inflates and deploys by passing through a passage region which is the area between the rim portion and the hub portion. With this type of airbag system, the airbag itself inflates and deploys by passing through a passage region, which is the area between the hub and the rim. Therefore, even if relatively hard structures such as a display are placed on the upper cover of the steering wheel, the airbag can inflate and deploy without damaging such structures. In other words, it is possible to prevent the airbag from being hindered by such hard structures. Furthermore, since the cover member has an opening facing the reverse direction, the airbag body can inflate and deploy more quickly toward the occupant on the reverse side of the steering wheel compared to a configuration where the cover member has an opening in a direction other than the reverse direction. Furthermore, since this type of airbag system is mounted on a lower cover attached to the forward-facing side of the hub, the hub can be made thinner compared to a configuration where the airbag system is mounted inside the hub. This improves the aesthetic design of the steering wheel. (2) In the airbag device of the above form, the inflator is attached to one of the upper wall and the lower wall, and the cover member may further have an excess portion extending from the rearward end of the other wall of the upper wall and the lower wall. In this type of airbag device, the inflator is attached to one of the upper or lower walls, and the cover member further has an excess portion extending from the reverse-direction end to the other of the upper or lower walls. As a result, the airbag body 110 is subjected to a reaction force from the excess portion, which restricts the direction of inflation and deployment. This makes it easier for the airbag body to pass between the rim and the hub. (3) In the airbag device of the above form, the airbag body has a main inflation section that receives the occupant of the moving body when inflated and deployed, and a conduit section that connects to the inflator and supplies the gas to the main inflation section, the conduit section having a capacity smaller than the capacity of the main inflation section, and the conduit section may be arranged from the inflator to the passage area when the airbag body is inflated and deployed. With this type of airbag device, the volume of the conduit section is smaller than the volume of the main inflation section. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the volume of the conduit section is greater than or equal to the volume of the main inflation section, the amount of gas required to inflate and deploy the entire airbag can be reduced, and the time required to inflate and deploy the entire airbag can be shortened. Furthermore, since the conduit section, which has a relatively small capacity, is positioned from the inflator to the passage region, the conduit section completes its expansion and deployment earlier than the main expansion section, and can fill the space from the inflator to the passage region. As a result, the main expansion section, while expanding and deploying, can pass through the passage region more easily. (4) In the airbag device of the above form, the excess portion covers the main inflation portion when the airbag body is stored in the cover member, and has a fixed end which is the end on the forward direction side and a free end which is the end on the reverse direction side, and the free end may be sandwiched between the conduit portion and the main inflation portion. In this form of airbag device, the excess portion covers the main inflation portion when stored, and the free end of the excess portion is sandwiched between the conduit portion and the main inflation portion, thereby delaying the inflation and deployment of the main inflation portion. This suppresses the inflation of the main inflation portion between the inflator and the passage region R, making it easier for the main inflation portion to pass between the rim portion 210 and the hub portion 220. (5) In the airbag device of the above form, the excess portion may be stretched between the other wall and the rim portion when in the inflated and deployed state. In this type of airbag device, the excess portion is stretched between the other wall and the rim when inflated and deployed. Compared to a configuration where the excess portion is not stretched between the other wall and the rim, the reaction force applied from the excess portion to the airbag body can be increased. This makes it possible to better suppress the airbag body from escaping in directions other than the reverse direction. (6) In the airbag device of the above form, the cover member may further have a belt portion that pulls the excess portion toward one of the walls when inflated and deployed. In this type of airbag device, the cover member further has a belt portion that pulls the excess portion toward one wall when inflated and deployed. Compared to a configuration in which the cover member does not have a belt portion, the reaction force applied to the inflated and deployed airbag body can be made stronger. This further suppresses the airbag body from escaping in directions other than the reverse direction. (7) In the airbag device of the above form, the inflator may be attached to the upper wall and spray the gas downward. In this type of airbag system, the inflator is mounted on the upper wall and injects gas downwards, allowing the lower part of the airbag to inflate and deploy more quickly than the upper part. As a result, the airbag can more quickly support the lower part of the vehicle occupant's body than the upper part. More specifically, for example, in a configuration where the main inflator supports the occupant's abdomen and head, the lower part of the main inflator inflates and deploys earlier than the upper part, allowing the main inflator to more quickly support the occupant's abdomen. (8) In the airbag device of the above form, the main inflation section may include a first chamber connected to the conduit section, a second chamber connected to the first chamber and having a larger capacity than the first chamber, and a partition member that separates the first chamber and the second chamber and is provided with ventilation holes. In this type of airbag system, the main inflation section has a first chamber connected to the conduit and a second chamber connected to the first chamber and having a larger capacity than the first chamber. Therefore, the first chamber, which has a relatively small capacity, can complete its inflation and deployment earlier. Accordingly, by configuring the part of the main inflation section that needs to be inflated and deployed earlier as the first chamber, the main inflation section can more effectively catch the occupant.

[0007] This disclosure can be implemented in various forms. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a steering wheel equipped with an airbag system, a mobile body equipped with an airbag system, and so on. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a steering wheel equipped with an airbag device in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows a cross-section along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the airbag body has inflated and deployed. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the airbag unit as seen from the forward direction. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the airbag unit as seen from the reverse direction. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the cover component. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the airbag device of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the airbag body in the airbag device of the third embodiment in an inflated and deployed state. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the airbag unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A. First Embodiment: <Overall Structure> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steering wheel 200 equipped with an airbag device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The steering wheel 200 is used as part of a steering device for indicating the traveling direction of a vehicle. The steering wheel 200 includes a rim portion 210, a hub portion 220, and a lower cover 230.

[0010] In the present disclosure, the traveling direction of the vehicle is referred to as the "forward direction", and the direction opposite to the forward direction is referred to as the "backward direction". Also, the forward direction and the backward direction together are referred to as the "front-rear direction". Further, the vertical direction as viewed from a driver in the vehicle is referred to as the "vertical direction". The "vertical direction" may also be referred to as the "height direction". Also, the direction along the left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle is referred to as the "left-right direction". The "front-rear direction", the "vertical direction", and the "left-right direction" are directions that intersect each other.

[0011] <Configuration of the steering wheel 200> The rim portion 210 is gripped by the vehicle occupants. In the present embodiment, the rim portion 210 has a U-shaped outer appearance when viewed in the direction along the front-rear direction. The rim portion 210 includes a left grip portion 211, a right grip portion 212, and a connecting portion 213. The left grip portion 211 extends in the vertical direction and can be gripped by the left hand of the occupant. The right grip portion 212 extends in the vertical direction and can be gripped by the right hand of the occupant. The connecting portion 213 extends in the left-right direction and connects the lower ends of the left grip portion 211 and the right grip portion 212.

[0012] The hub portion 220 is provided so as to span the upper portions of the left grip portion 211 and the right grip portion 212 respectively. It can be said that the hub portion 220 in the present embodiment intervenes between the left grip portion 211 and the right grip portion 212. Also, it can be said that the hub portion 220 is surrounded by at least a part of the rim portion 210. Further, the hub portion 220 intervenes between the rim portion 210 and a lower cover 230 described later. The hub portion 220 has an outer appearance shape of a rectangular plate that is long in the left-right direction. The hub portion 220 and the connecting portion 213 are separated from each other. In the present embodiment, a display is provided on the backward direction side of the hub portion 220. Arbitrary information such as vehicle information and information regarding the environment around the vehicle is displayed on the display.

[0013] The lower cover 230 is provided on the forward direction side of the hub portion 220. The lower cover 230 in the present embodiment has a box-shaped outer appearance. The lower cover 230 houses the airbag device 100. A door portion 231 is provided on the lower surface of the lower cover 230. The door portion 231 opens when the airbag device 100 operates, thereby expanding and deploying the airbag body 110 of the airbag device 100 to the outside of the lower cover 230. A steering shaft 240 of the vehicle is connected to the forward direction side of the lower cover 230. In the present embodiment, the steering shaft 24 refers to

[0014] <Configuration of the airbag device 100> FIG. 2 is a view showing a cross section taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. That is, FIG. 2 is a view showing a cross section of the steering 200 cut by a plane passing through the center of the steering shaft 240 and parallel to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. FIG. 2 shows a state where the airbag body 110 has not been inflated and deployed. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a state where the airbag body 110 in FIG. 2 has been inflated and deployed. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, the surplus portion 320 is exaggeratedly shown. The airbag device 100 reduces the impact applied to the occupant when a collision of the vehicle is detected or predicted. The airbag device 100 is mounted on the lower cover 230. The airbag device 100 includes an airbag body 110, an inflater 120, and a cover member 300.

[0015] <Configuration of the airbag body 110> The airbag body 110 inflates and deploys when gas is supplied from the inflator 120. Hereinafter, the state in which the airbag body 110 is inflated and deployed will also be referred to as the "inflated and deployed state". The airbag body 110 has a bag-like external shape. The airbag body 110 is manufactured by sewing together a base fabric made of nylon, polyamide, etc. In this disclosure, the airbag body 110 inflates and deploys by passing through a passage region R, which is the area between the rim portion 210 and the hub portion 220, as shown in Figure 3. The passage region R is located below the center in the vertical direction of the steering wheel 200. As shown in Figure 2, the airbag body 110 is folded multiple times and stored in the metal case 150 and cover member 300. In this disclosure, this state will be referred to as the "stored state".

[0016] Figure 4 is a front view of the airbag body 110 as seen from the forward direction. Figure 5 is a front view of the airbag body 110 as seen from the reverse direction. Figures 4 and 5 show the airbag body 110 in a flat, uninflated state. The airbag body 110 comprises a conduit section 111 and a main inflation section 112.

[0017] As shown in Figure 4, the conduit section 111 hangs down like a tongue from the central part of the main expansion section 112. The conduit section 111 is connected to the main expansion section 112. The conduit section 111 is provided with an insertion hole 113 into which the inflator 120 is inserted. Around the insertion hole 113, there are four fixing holes 114 into which fixing members for fixing the inflator 120 are inserted. The fixing members are, for example, bolts. The conduit section 111 is connected to the inflator 120 and supplies gas to the main expansion section 112. As shown in Figure 3, in the expanded and deployed state, the conduit section 111 is positioned from the inflator 120 across the passage region R. In this embodiment, the capacity of the conduit section 111 is smaller than the capacity of the main expansion section 112. In other words, the conduit section 111, which is located upstream of the main expansion section 112 and has a smaller capacity than the main expansion section 112, completes its expansion and deployment before the main expansion section 112 completes its expansion and deployment.

[0018] As shown in Figure 5, the main expansion section 112 has a shell-like appearance before expansion and deployment. Gas supplied from the inflator 120 is introduced into the main expansion section 112 via the conduit section 111. As shown in Figure 3, the main expansion section 112 expands and deploys in the reverse direction relative to the steering 200. The expanded main expansion section 112 receives a reaction force from the steering 200 and supports the occupant.

[0019] <Inflator 120 Configuration> The inflator 120 supplies gas to the airbag body 110. More specifically, the inflator 120 begins supplying gas to the airbag body 110 upon receiving a signal from the vehicle's ECU when a vehicle collision is detected or predicted. In this embodiment, the inflator 120 is mounted on the top surface of the metal case 150. A harness 122 is connected to the inflator 120 via a connector 121. When a collision with the vehicle is detected or predicted, a signal is transmitted from the vehicle's ECU to the harness 122. Upon receiving such a signal, the inflator injects gas downward.

[0020] <Configuration of cover member 300> Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cover member 300. The cover member 300 houses the airbag body 110. The cover member 300 has a box-like external shape with an opening 310 facing the reverse direction. The cover member 300 is manufactured by sewing a base fabric together, similar to the airbag body 110. The cover member 300 comprises a bottom wall 301, a pair of side walls 302, 303, an upper wall 304, a lower wall 305, an excess portion 320, and a belt portion 330.

[0021] The bottom wall 301 is located on the forward direction side of the vehicle. A pair of side walls 302 and 303 extend in the reverse direction from the left and right ends of the bottom wall 301, respectively. The top wall 304 extends in the reverse direction from the upper end of the bottom wall 301. The top wall 304 is provided with a mounting hole 306 into which the inflator 120 is attached, and four fixing holes 307 into which fixing members are inserted. The lower wall 305 extends in the reverse direction from the lower end of the bottom wall 301. The top wall 304 and the lower wall 305 are approximately the same size. The opening 310 is defined by the reverse-direction ends of the pair of side walls 302 and 303, the top wall 304, and the lower wall 305. The airbag body 110 inflates and deploys to the outside of the cover member 300 through the opening 310.

[0022] The excess portion 320 extends from the rearward-facing end of the lower wall 305. The excess portion 320 is configured to open and close at least a portion of the opening 310, with the forward-facing end being a fixed end E1 and the reverse-facing end being a free end E2. As shown in Figure 2, when the airbag body 110 is stowed, the excess portion 320 covers the reverse-facing surface of the main inflation section 112. Also, in the stowed state, the free end E2 is sandwiched between the conduit section 111 and the main inflation section 112.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, when the airbag body 110 is inflated and deployed, the excess portion 320 is stretched between the lower wall 305 and the connecting portion 213 on the rim portion 210. Specifically, as the airbag body 110 inflates and deploys, the excess portion 320 is pushed in the reverse direction. At this time, the excess portion 320 rotates clockwise around the fixed end E1 in the direction shown in Figures 2 and 3. When the free end E2 side comes into contact with the upper surface of the rim portion 210, frictional resistance is generated between the excess portion 320 and the rim portion 210, and the free end E2 side catches on the rim portion 210. The excess portion 320 stretched in this way restricts the inflation and deployment direction of the airbag body 110 to the reverse direction.

[0024] As shown in Figure 6, the belt portion 330 has a strip-like external shape. The belt portion 330 is sewn along the left-right direction to the lower surface SF1 on the fixed end E1 side of the excess portion 320. Through holes 331 are provided at one end and the other end of the belt portion 330. The belt portion 330 is positioned so that the through holes 331 and the fixing holes 307 of the upper wall 304 overlap. Specifically, the belt portion 330 is positioned so that the through holes 331 overlap with the two fixing holes 307 located on the forward direction side out of the four fixing holes 307. Fixing members are inserted into the fixing holes 114 of the airbag body 110, the fixing holes 307 of the upper wall 304, and the through holes 331, and these members are fixed to the lower cover 230 by fastening the fixing members to the lower cover 230. The belt portion 330 pulls the excess portion 320 toward the upper wall 304 when the airbag body 110 is inflated and deployed. This prevents the free end E2 side of the excess portion 320 from shifting away from the upper surface of the rim portion 210 due to the pressure of the inflated and deployed airbag body 110, and makes it easier to maintain the state in which the excess portion 320 is stretched between the lower wall 305 and the rim portion 210.

[0025] As described above, the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment is mounted on a lower cover 230 attached to the forward-direction side of the hub portion 220. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the airbag device 100 is mounted inside the hub portion 220, the hub portion 220 can be made thinner. This improves the aesthetic design of the steering wheel 200.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the airbag body 110 inflates and deploys by passing through a passage region R, which is the area between the hub portion 220 and the rim portion 210. Therefore, even if a relatively hard structure such as a display is placed on the upper cover of the steering wheel 200, the airbag body 110 can inflate and deploy without breaking such structure. In other words, it is possible to suppress the obstruction of the inflation and deployment of the airbag body 110 by such a hard structure.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the cover member 300 has an opening 310 facing the reverse direction, so compared to a configuration in which the cover member 300 has an opening 310 facing a direction other than the reverse direction, the airbag body 110 can inflate and deploy more quickly toward the occupant on the reverse side of the steering wheel 200.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the inflator 120 is attached to the upper wall 304, and the excess portion 320 extends from the rearward-facing end of the lower wall 305, so the gas injected from the inflator 120 is directed toward the excess portion 320. The airbag body 110, which inflates and deploys due to this gas, receives a reaction force from the excess portion 320, restricting its expansion and deployment in the forward and downward directions. As a result, the airbag body 110 can pass more easily between the rim portion 210 and the hub portion 220.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the capacity of the conduit section 111 is smaller than the capacity of the main inflation section 112. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the capacity of the conduit section 111 is greater than or equal to the capacity of the main inflation section 112, the amount of gas required to inflate and deploy the entire airbag body 110 can be reduced, and the time required to inflate and deploy the entire airbag body 110 can be shortened.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, since the relatively small capacity conduit section 111 is arranged from the inflator 120 to the passage region R, the conduit section 111 completes its inflation and deployment earlier than the main inflation section 112, and can fill the space from the inflator 120 to the passage region R. As a result, the main inflation section 112, while inflating and deploying, can pass through the passage region R more easily.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the excess portion 320 is stretched between the lower wall 305 and the rim portion 210 when the airbag body 110 is inflated and deployed. Compared to a configuration in which the excess portion 320 is not stretched between the lower wall 305 and the rim portion 210, the reaction force applied from the excess portion 320 to the airbag body 110 can be made larger. This prevents the airbag body 110 from escaping in directions other than the reverse direction.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, since the cover member 300 has a belt portion 330, the reaction force applied to the airbag body 110 from the excess portion 320 can be made larger compared to a configuration without a belt portion 330. This further suppresses the airbag body 110 from escaping in directions other than the reverse direction.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the inflator 120 is attached to the upper wall 304 and injects gas downward, so the lower part of the airbag body 110 can inflate and deploy more quickly than the upper part of the airbag body 110. As a result, the airbag body 110 can more quickly support the lower part of the vehicle occupant's body than the upper part. More specifically, for example, in a configuration where the main inflation section 112 supports the occupant's abdomen to head, the lower part of the main inflation section 112 inflates and deploys earlier than the upper part, so the main inflation section 112 can more quickly support the occupant's abdomen.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the excess portion 320 covers the main inflation portion 112 when the airbag body 110 is stored in the cover member 300, and the free end E2 is sandwiched between the conduit portion 111 and the main inflation portion 112, so that the inflation and deployment of the main inflation portion 112 can be delayed. As a result, the inflation of the main inflation portion 112 between the inflator 120 and the passage region R can be suppressed, and the main inflation portion 112 can pass more easily between the rim portion 210 and the hub portion 220.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the through holes 331 at one end and the other end of the belt portion 330 are arranged to overlap with the fixing holes 307 provided on the forward direction side among the plurality of fixing holes 307 provided in the upper wall 304. Compared to a configuration in which the through holes 331 are arranged to overlap with the fixing holes 307 provided on the reverse direction side, the force with which the belt portion 330 pulls the excess portion 320 can be made stronger.

[0036] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the airbag device 100b of the second embodiment. In Figure 7, as in Figure 3, the excess portion 320b is exaggerated. The airbag device 100b of the second embodiment has a configuration that is like the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment inverted vertically. Specifically, the airbag device 100b of the second embodiment has a different direction in which the gas of the inflator 120 is injected compared to the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment. Also, the steering wheel 200b using the airbag device 100b of the second embodiment has a different position of the hub portion 220b compared to the steering wheel 200 of the first embodiment. Configurations that are not specifically described below are the same as those of the airbag device 100 and steering wheel 200 of the first embodiment.

[0037] In the steering 200b of the second embodiment, the hub portion 220b spans the lower parts of the left grip portion 211 and the right grip portion 212 in the left-right direction. The connecting portion 213b connects the upper ends of the left grip portion 211 and the right grip portion 212. Therefore, the passage region Rb is located above the center in the vertical direction of the steering 200b.

[0038] The inflator 120b is attached to the metal case 150. The inflator 120b injects gas upwards.

[0039] The excess portion 320b extends from the rear end of the upper wall 304b. The free end E2b side of the excess portion 320b contacts the lower surface of the rim portion 210b when the airbag body 110 is inflated and deployed.

[0040] According to the airbag device 100b of the second embodiment described above, the inflator 120b is attached to the lower wall 305b and injects gas upward, so the upper part of the airbag body 110b can inflate and deploy more quickly than the lower part of the airbag body 110b. As a result, the airbag body 110b can more quickly support the upper part of the vehicle occupant's body than the lower part. More specifically, for example, in a configuration where the main inflation section 112b supports the occupant's abdomen to head, the upper part of the main inflation section 112b inflates and deploys earlier than the lower part, so that the main inflation section 112b can more quickly support the occupant's head.

[0041] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 8 shows the airbag body 110c in the airbag device 100c of the third embodiment in an inflated and deployed state. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the airbag body 110c. For illustrative purposes, Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the airbag body 110c cut at its left-right center by planes parallel to the vertical and front-rear directions. The airbag device 100c of the third embodiment differs from the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment in that the airbag body 110c further comprises a partition member 400. In Figure 9, hatching is applied to the partition member 400 for illustrative purposes. Configurations not described below are the same as those of the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment. The airbag body 110c of the third embodiment may be combined with the airbag device 100b of the second embodiment.

[0042] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the partition member 400 divides the main inflation section 112c into a first chamber 510 and a second chamber 520. The partition member 400 is made of a base fabric, similar to the airbag body 110c. The partition member 400 comprises a first partition section 410 and a second partition section 420.

[0043] The first partition section 410 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The front end of the first partition section 410 is located above the connection point between the conduit section 111c and the main expansion section 112c. The rear end of the first partition section 410 is located in the center of the main expansion section 112c in the front-rear direction. Each of the left and right ends of the first partition section 410 is connected to each of the left and right ends of the main expansion section 112c.

[0044] The second partition 420 extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. The upper end of the second partition 420 is connected to the rear end of the first partition 410. The lower end of the second partition 420 is connected to the lower end of the main expansion section 112c. Each of the left and right ends of the second partition 420 is connected to each of the left and right ends of the main expansion section 112c. A ventilation hole 421 is provided in the second partition 420 below the vertical center and in the horizontal center. The ventilation hole 421 is a passage for the gas supplied by the inflator 120.

[0045] The main expansion section 112c is divided into a first chamber 510 and a second chamber 520 by a partition member 400. The first chamber 510 is connected to the conduit section 111c. The first chamber 510 corresponds to the front and lower portion of the main expansion section 112c in its expanded and deployed state. The second chamber 520 is connected to the first chamber 510. The second chamber 520 corresponds to the portion of the main expansion section 112c excluding the first chamber 510. The volume of the second chamber 520 is larger than the volume of the first chamber 510. The gas supplied from the inflator 120 reaches the conduit section 111c, the first chamber 510, and the second chamber 520 in this order.

[0046] The airbag device 100c of the third embodiment described above has a first chamber 510 connected to the conduit section 111c and a second chamber 520 connected to the first chamber 510 and having a larger capacity than the first chamber 510. Therefore, when the airbag body 110c inflates and deploys, the first chamber 510 completes its inflation and deployment first, followed by the second chamber 520. As a result, the first chamber 510, which has a relatively small capacity, can complete its inflation and deployment earlier. Therefore, by configuring the part of the main inflation section 112c that needs to be inflated and deployed earlier as the first chamber 510, the main inflation section 112c can more effectively catch the occupant.

[0047] Furthermore, the airbag device 100c of the third embodiment has a ventilation hole 421 located below the vertical center of the second partition 420. This allows the gas supplied to the first chamber 510 to be supplied to the second chamber 520 more efficiently in a configuration where the inflator 120 injects gas downward. As a result, the main inflation section 112c can inflate and deploy more smoothly.

[0048] Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the airbag device 100c, since the first chamber 510 is located in the front and lower part of the main inflation section 112c, the lower part of the main inflation section 112c can be deployed more quickly.

[0049] D. Other embodiments: (D1) In each of the above embodiments, the steering 200 had a U-shaped rim portion 210, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The shape of the rim portion 210 may be an annular shape such as a ring or D shape, not just an open shape like a U. Also, in each of the above embodiments, the hub portions 220, 220b were provided to bridge the left grip portion 211 and the right grip portion 212 of the rim portions 210, 210b, respectively, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the hub portions 220, 220b may be configured not to be in direct contact with the rim portions 210, 210b. In such a configuration, the hub portions 220, 220b may be connected to the rim portions 210, 210b by, for example, spokes. Also, the hub portions 220, 220b may be surrounded all around by the rim portions 210, 210b in the circumferential direction when viewed from the front of the steering 200. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the steering shaft 240 was attached to the forward-facing side of the lower cover 230, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The steering shaft 240 may be directly attached to the hub portions 220, 220b. Alternatively, the steering shaft 240 may be attached to the rim portions 210, 210b via any connecting member.

[0050] (D2) In each of the above embodiments, a display was provided on the reverse-direction side of the hub portion 220, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Any structure such as a smartphone holder or a switch may be provided on the reverse-direction side of the hub portion 220.

[0051] (D3) In each of the above embodiments, the surfaces of the excess portions 320, 320b that are in contact with the rim portions 210, 210b may be provided with irregularities to increase the coefficient of friction. Similarly, the surfaces of the rim portions 210, 210b that are in contact with the excess portions 320, 320b may be provided with irregularities to increase the coefficient of friction. With this configuration, the displacement of the excess portions 320, 320b can be suppressed as they are pressed by the airbag bodies 110, 110b, 110c as they inflate and deploy.

[0052] (D4) In each of the above embodiments, the cover members 300 and 300b do not need to have excess portions 320 and 320b. Even with such a configuration, since the openings 310 of the cover members 300 and 300b face the reverse direction, the airbag bodies 110, 110b, and 110c can inflate and deploy more quickly toward the reverse direction where the occupants are located.

[0053] (D5) In each of the above embodiments, the airbag bodies 110, 110b, and 110c may not have conduit sections 111 and 111c, and may consist only of main inflation sections 112, 112b, and 112c. Even with such a configuration, the airbag bodies 110, 110b, and 110c can pass through passage regions R and Rb and inflate and deploy on the reverse side of the steering 200 and 200b.

[0054] (D6) In each of the above embodiments, the excess portions 320, 320b do not have to be spanned between the upper wall 304, 304b or the lower wall 305, 305b and the rim portions 210, 210b. Even with such a configuration, the excess portions 320, 320b can provide a reaction force to the inflating and deploying airbag bodies 110, 110b, 110c.

[0055] (D7) In each of the above embodiments, the cover members 300 and 300b do not have to have the belt portion 330. Even with such a configuration, the excess portions 320 and 320b can provide a reaction force to the inflating and deploying airbag bodies 110, 110b, and 110c.

[0056] (D8) In each of the above embodiments, the free ends E2, E2b of the excess portions 320, 320b do not have to be sandwiched between the conduit portions 111, 111c and the main expansion portions 112, 112b, 112c.

[0057] (D9) In each of the above embodiments, the cover members 300 and 300b were box-shaped with a pair of side walls 302 and 303, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The cover members 300 and 300b may have any shape. Also, the cover members 300 and 300b do not have a pair of side walls 302 and 303.

[0058] (D10) In each of the above embodiments, the belt portion 330 may have any shape. For example, the belt portion 330 may have a wider width in the portion that overlaps with the excess portions 320, 320b than in other portions. This configuration can improve the durability of the portion of the belt portion 330 that overlaps with the excess portions 320, 320b and can also increase the pulling force on the excess portions 320, 320b. Alternatively, for example, the width of the belt portion 330 may be narrower at the ends than in other portions. This configuration can reduce the weight of the belt portion 330. In addition, in the above embodiments, one end and the other end of the belt portion 330 were arranged so that the through hole 331 and the fixing hole 307 overlapped, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. One end and the other end of the belt portion 330 may be connected to the metal case 150.

[0059] (D11) In each of the above embodiments, the steering shaft 240 was parallel to the front-rear direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The steering shaft 240 may be provided in a direction parallel to any axis.

[0060] (D12) In each of the above embodiments, the airbag devices 100, 100b, and 100c may be installed on any moving body other than a vehicle. Such moving bodies include, for example, ships, airplanes, spacecraft, and so-called flying cars. Furthermore, the moving body is not necessarily limited to an object that realizes actual movement, but may also be an object that realizes virtual movement, such as a simulator.

[0061] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 100, 100b, 100c... Airbag device, 110, 110b, 110c... Airbag body, 111, 111c... Conduit section, 112, 112b, 112c... Main inflation section, 113... Insertion hole, 114... Fixing hole, 120, 120b... Inflator, 121... Connector, 122... Harness, 150... Metal case, 200, 200b... Steering, 210, 210b... Rim section, 211... Left grip section, 212... Right grip section, 213, 213b... Connection section, 220, 220b... Hub section, 230... Lower cover, 231 ...Door section, 240...Steering shaft, 300, 300b...Cover member, 301...Bottom wall, 302, 303...Side walls, 304, 304b...Top wall, 305, 305b...Bottom wall, 306...Mounting hole, 307...Fixing hole, 310...Opening, 320, 320b...Excess portion, 330...Belt section, 331...Through hole, 400...Partition member, 410...First partition section, 420...Second partition section, 421...Ventilation hole, 510...First chamber, 520...Second chamber, E1...Fixed end, E2, E2b...Free end, R, Rb...Passage area, SF1...Bottom surface

Claims

1. An airbag device mounted on the lower cover of the steering of a moving vehicle, The airbag unit inflates and deploys using gas supplied from the inflator, A cover member having a bottom wall located on the forward direction side of the moving body, an upper wall extending from the upper end of the bottom wall in the reverse direction of the moving body, a lower wall extending from the lower end of the bottom wall in the reverse direction, and an opening facing the reverse direction, Equipped with, The steering has a rim portion that is grasped by the occupant of the moving body, and a hub portion that is surrounded by at least a part of the rim portion. The lower cover is attached to the forward-facing side of the hub portion. The airbag body inflates and deploys by passing through the passage region, which is the area between the rim portion and the hub portion. Airbag system.

2. An airbag device according to claim 1, The inflator is attached to one of the walls, the upper wall and the lower wall. The cover member further has an excess portion extending from the end of the other wall of the upper wall and the lower wall on the backward direction side. Airbag system.

3. An airbag device according to claim 2, The airbag body comprises a main inflation section that inflates and deploys to catch the occupant of the moving body, and a conduit section that connects to the inflator and supplies the gas to the main inflation section, the conduit section having a capacity smaller than the capacity of the main inflation section. The conduit portion is arranged from the inflator to the passage region when the airbag body is inflated and deployed. Airbag system.

4. An airbag device according to claim 3, The aforementioned surplus portion is, In the stored state in which the airbag body is housed in the cover member, the main inflation part is covered, It has a fixed end which is the end on the forward direction side and a free end which is the end on the reverse direction side, The free end is sandwiched between the conduit portion and the main expansion portion. Airbag system.

5. An airbag device according to claim 4, The excess portion is an airbag device that, in the inflated and deployed state, is stretched between the other wall and the rim portion.

6. An airbag device according to claim 5, The cover member further has a belt portion that pulls the excess portion toward one of the walls when in the inflated and deployed state, in an airbag device.

7. An airbag device according to claim 6, The inflator is attached to the upper wall and is an airbag device that injects the gas downward.

8. An airbag device according to claim 7, The main expansion portion is, A first chamber connected to the aforementioned conduit section, A second chamber connected to the first chamber and having a larger capacity than the first chamber, A partition member that separates the first chamber and the second chamber and has ventilation holes, An airbag device having an airbag.

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