air bag

Abstract

This document discloses an example of an air bag in which the air chamber, into which air is filled, is configured in a flat polygonal shape such as a flat rectangle, and which can be smoothly inflated. [Solution] Multiple guide portions 13 are provided on the inside of the air chamber 11 within the sheet member 12A. Each guide portion 13 is a wall-like part that guides the air flowing into the air chamber 11 from the communication hole 12C toward the corners 11A to 11D of the air chamber 11. As a result, the air flowing into the air chamber 11 from the communication hole 12C is guided toward the corners 11A to 11D of the air chamber 11. Therefore, it becomes possible to reliably inflate the corners 11A to 11D, which are difficult to inflate, and thus it becomes possible to inflate the air bag 10 smoothly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an airbag applied to a vehicle seat.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in the airbag described in Patent Document 1, an annular rib surrounding the communication hole is provided around the communication hole communicating with the inside of the airbag, and a notch is provided in a part of the annular rib.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure discloses an example of an airbag that can smoothly inflate the airbag in which an air chamber filled with air is configured in a flat polygonal shape.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An airbag applied to a vehicle seat, in which an air chamber (11) filled with air is configured in a flat polygonal shape, preferably includes, for example, the following constituent elements. That is, in the central part of the sheet member (12A) constituting the air chamber (11), a communication hole (12C) communicating with the air chamber (11) is provided, and inside the air chamber (11) of the sheet member (12A), a guide part (13) for guiding the air flowing into the air chamber (11) from the communication hole (12C) toward the corner parts (11A to 11D) of the air chamber (11) is provided. Note that the corner parts (11A to 11D) also include a configuration in which chamfering or rounding is performed on the corners.

[0006] As a result, in this air bag, the air flowing into the air chamber (11) from the communication hole (12C) is guided to the corners (11A~11D) of the air chamber (11), making it possible to reliably inflate even the corners (11A~11D) that are difficult to inflate. Consequently, it may be possible to inflate the air bag smoothly.

[0007] The air bag may have, for example, the following configuration. In other words, it is desirable that the guide portion (13) be composed of a projection extending in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the communication hole (12C). Note that the "radial direction of the communication hole (12C)" refers, for example, to the diametrical direction of the communication hole if the communication hole is circular.

[0008] As a result, the length of the protrusions constituting the guide portion (13) in the air bag can be increased, so that when a load that crushes the air chamber (11) is applied from one side, contact between the inner wall surface on one side and the inner wall surface on the other side can be suppressed.

[0009] In other words, in this air bag, the length of the guide portion (13) can be made longer compared to a configuration in which the guide portion extends parallel to the radial direction. Therefore, with this air bag (10), even if a load that would crush the air chamber (11) is applied, the structure can be made capable of adequately resisting that load.

[0010] Furthermore, with this air bag, even if a load that would crush the air chamber (11) is applied, it is possible to suppress the contact and tight sealing between the inner wall surface on one side and the inner wall surface on the other side, so that air can be reliably supplied into the air chamber (11) from the communication hole (12C), and the air bag can be inflated quickly.

[0011] Furthermore, it is desirable that the protrusions constituting the guide section (13) extend in a manner that creates a vortex centered on the communication hole (12C). As a result, the airflow flowing toward the corners (11A~11D) will have a swirling component that creates a vortex, in addition to the component that flows toward the corners (11A~11D).

[0012] Therefore, the air that reaches the corners (11A to 11D) is easily redirected by the swirling component, making it possible to effectively generate the Coanda effect. Consequently, it becomes possible to distribute the air throughout the entire air chamber (11), making it possible to inflate the air bag smoothly and quickly.

[0013] Furthermore, it is desirable that the outlet width dimension (Wo) of the air passage (14) formed by the guide portion (13) be greater than the inlet width dimension (Wi) of the air passage (14). Furthermore, the air chamber (11) is not limited to an air bag configured in a flattened polygonal shape. For example, it can also be applied to shapes such as circles or ellipses. And even with an air bag of such a shape, it may be possible to smoothly inflate the air chamber.

[0014] Incidentally, the symbols in each of the parentheses above are just examples showing the correspondence with the specific configurations etc. described in the embodiments described later, and this disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations etc. indicated by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows a vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an air bag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the structure of an air bag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the structure of an air bag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the structure of an air bag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the structure of an air bag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows the structure around the communication hole of the air bag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the structure around the communication hole of the air bag according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the structure around the communication hole of an airbag according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the structure of an airbag according to the fourth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0016] The following "Embodiments of the Invention" show an example of embodiments belonging to the technical scope of the present disclosure. That is, the invention-specific matters described in the claims are not limited to the specific configurations, structures, etc. shown in the following embodiments.

[0017] This embodiment is an example in which an airbag according to the present disclosure is applied to a seat (hereinafter referred to as a vehicle seat) mounted on a vehicle such as a car. Arrows, slashes, etc. indicating directions attached to each figure are described to facilitate understanding of the relationships between the figures and the shapes of members or parts.

[0018] Therefore, the airbag is not limited to the directions attached to each figure. The directions shown in each figure are the directions in the state where the vehicle seat according to this embodiment is assembled to the vehicle. A figure with slashes does not always show a cross-sectional view.

[0019] At least the members or parts described with reference numerals are provided with at least one, unless otherwise stated such as "one". That is, when there is no statement such as "one", two or more of the members may be provided. The airbag shown in the present disclosure includes at least one of the components such as the members or parts described with reference numerals and the structural parts shown in the drawings.

[0020] (First Embodiment) <1. Outline of Vehicle Seat> As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat 1 includes at least a seat cushion 2 and a seat back 3. The seat cushion 2 is a part for supporting the buttocks of the seated person. The seat back 3 is a part for supporting the back of the seated person.

[0021] In this embodiment, the air bag 10 is embedded, for example, in the part of the seat back 3 corresponding to the sitter's waist. High-pressure air is supplied to the air bag 10. As a result, the air bag 10 inflates and presses against the sitter's waist. Therefore, the sitter enjoys a refreshing effect from the air bag 10.

[0022] <2. Air bladder configuration> <2.1 Overview of Air Bags> In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a set of air bags is constructed by stacking multiple (for example, three) air bags 10. Specifically, each air bag 10A to 10C is constructed in the shape of a flattened polygon (in this embodiment, a flattened quadrilateral). The three air bags 10A to 10C are stacked in the thickness direction of each air bag 10A to 10C and integrated by heat welding.

[0023] An inlet / outlet 10D is provided at the outer edge of the air bag 10A, which is located at one end in the stacking direction (the bottom of the page in Figure 2). High-pressure air is supplied into the air bag 10A from this inlet / outlet 10D (see Figure 3). The air that flows into the air bag 10A flows into each air bag 10 in the order of air bag 10B → air bag 10C (see Figure 4).

[0024] <2.2 Details of the air bladder> In this embodiment, the air bags 10B and 10C are applied to the air bags according to this disclosure. The following description is an explanation of the air bags according to this disclosure, using air bag 10C as an example. In the following description, air bag 10C is simply referred to as "air bag 10".

[0025] The air bag 10 according to this embodiment is an air bag in which the air chamber 11 (the shaded area of ​​the dashed line in Figure 5) into which air is filled is configured in a flat polygonal shape, as shown in Figure 5. The air chamber 11 according to this embodiment is approximately rectangular (square) in shape, with rounded chamfers applied to each corner 11A to 11D, as shown in Figure 6.

[0026] Furthermore, "the air chamber 11 is flat" means that the dimensions of the portion of the air chamber 11 parallel to the thickness direction of the sheet member 12A (described later) are smaller than the dimensions of the portion parallel to the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0027] "The air chamber 11 is polygonal" means that the outer edge shape of the air chamber 11 projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the thickness direction is generally polygonal. In other words, each corner 11A to 11D corresponds to the four corners of the air chamber 11, which is configured in a roughly rectangular (quadrilateral) shape.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the air chamber 11 is composed of two sheet members 12A and 12B that are arranged facing each other. A communication hole 12C is provided in the center of sheet member 12A, one of the two sheet members 12A and 12B.

[0029] In other words, the sheet member 12A is a flexible, membrane-like member that separates the air chamber 11 of the air bag 10 (air bag 10C) from the adjacent air chamber of the air bag 10B. The communication hole 12C is a through-hole that connects the air chamber 11 and the air chamber of the air bag 10B.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, a plurality of guide portions 13 are provided on the inside of the air chamber 11 within the sheet member 12A. Each guide portion 13 is a wall-like portion that guides the air flowing into the air chamber 11 from the communication hole 12C toward the corners 11A to 11D of the air chamber 11.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, guides 13A and 13B guide air toward corner 11A. Guides 13C and 13D guide air toward corner 11B. Guides 13E and 13F guide air toward corner 1C. Guides 13G and 13H guide air toward corner 11D.

[0032] Each guide portion 13 is composed of a projection extending in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the communication hole 12C. In this embodiment, since the communication hole 12C is circular, the "radial direction of the communication hole 12C" coincides with the diametrical direction of the communication hole 12C.

[0033] Furthermore, each ridge constituting each guide section 13 extends in a curved manner, drawing a vortex around the communication hole 12C. In addition, as shown in Figure 7, the outlet width dimension Wo of the air passage 14 formed by two adjacent guide sections 13 is greater than the inlet width dimension Wi of the air passage 14.

[0034] Specifically, of the two adjacent guide portions 13 (for example, guide portions 13A and 12B) that constitute the air passage 14, the outer circumference of guide portion 13B, which is located on the backward side in the direction of vortex rotation, is curved more significantly toward the backward side in the direction of vortex rotation than guide portion 13A, which is located on the forward side in the direction of vortex rotation.

[0035] The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel 14 is selected so that the airflow within the airflow channel 14 is in a laminar state. This is to suppress the generation of turbulence, which is one of the causes of abnormal noise. The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel is the product of the width dimension of the airflow channel 14 and the protruding dimension of the guide portion 13.

[0036] Furthermore, no components that obstruct the airflow are provided in the range from the inlet side to the outlet side of the airflow channel 14. In other words, no wall-like portions that intersect the streamlines of the airflow are provided within the airflow channel 14 according to this embodiment.

[0037] In this embodiment, one or more (four in this embodiment) protrusions 15 are provided. Each protrusion 15 is positioned on a virtual circumference of the sheet member 12A that passes through the outer edge of each guide portion 13, and is a convex portion that protrudes in the same direction as the guide portion 13. The protruding dimension of each protrusion 15 is less than or equal to the protruding dimension of the guide portion 13.

[0038] <3. Features of the air bag according to this embodiment> In the air bag 10 according to this embodiment, the air flowing into the air chamber 11 from the communication hole 12C is guided to the corners 11A to 11D of the air chamber 11 by the guide parts 13. This makes it possible to reliably inflate even the corners 11A to 11D that are difficult to inflate, thus enabling the air bag 10 to be inflated smoothly.

[0039] In other words, because the communication hole 12C is located in the center of the air chamber 11, the distance between each corner 11A to 11D and the communication hole 12C is larger than the distance between other parts and the communication hole 12C. In contrast, in this embodiment, the air that flows into the air chamber 11 from the communication hole 12C is guided to the corners 11A to 11D of the air chamber 11 by each guide part 13.

[0040] Therefore, it is possible to suppress uneven pressure distribution of the air filling the air chamber 11. Consequently, since the pressure in each part of the air chamber 11 rises almost uniformly, it becomes possible to inflate the entire air bag 10 uniformly and smoothly.

[0041] Each guide section 13 is composed of a projection extending in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the communication hole 12C. This allows the length of the projection constituting each guide section 13 to be increased in the air bag 10.

[0042] Furthermore, when a load is applied from one side of the air chamber 11 that crushes the air chamber 11, for example, the sheet member 12A and the sheet member 12B may come into contact, and the communication hole 12C may be blocked by the sheet member 12B, which can be prevented.

[0043] In other words, the length of the guide portion 13 is longer than in a configuration where the guide portion extends parallel to the radial direction. Therefore, the air bag 10 is configured to adequately withstand loads that would crush the air chamber 11.

[0044] Furthermore, with the air bag 10, even if a load that would crush the air chamber 11 is applied, it is possible to suppress contact and tight adhesion between the sheet member 12A and the sheet member 12B, so that air can be reliably supplied into the air chamber 11 from the communication hole 12C, and the air bag 10 can be inflated quickly.

[0045] Furthermore, the protrusions constituting the guide section 13 extend in a manner that creates a vortex centered on the communication hole 12C. As a result, the airflow flowing toward the corners 11A to 11D generates a swirling component that creates a vortex, in addition to the component flowing toward the corners 11A to 11D.

[0046] Therefore, the air that reaches the corners 11A to 11D is easily redirected by the swirling component, making it possible to effectively generate the Coanda effect. Consequently, it becomes possible to distribute the air throughout the entire air chamber 11, making it possible to inflate the air bag 10 smoothly and quickly.

[0047] The outlet width dimension Wo of the air passage 14 is greater than the inlet width dimension Wi of the same air passage 14. This allows the air pressure on the outlet side of the air passage 14 to be increased through a diffuser-like action, thereby ensuring that air is reliably distributed throughout the air chamber 11.

[0048] (Second Embodiment) The projection 15 in the above-described embodiment was a dome-shaped protrusion. In contrast, the projection 15 in this embodiment is configured in a polygonal shape (triangular in Figure 8), as shown in Figure 8.

[0049] Note that components identical to those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, redundant explanations are omitted in this embodiment. (Third embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, the projection 15 was a protrusion independent of each guide portion 13. In contrast, the projection 15 in this embodiment is composed of a ridge similar to the guide portion 13, and is integrally connected to the guide portion 13.

[0050] Note that components identical to those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, redundant explanations are omitted in this embodiment. (Fourth Embodiment) The air chamber in the above-described embodiment was configured in a flat polygonal shape. In contrast, the air chamber 11 in this embodiment is configured in a flat circular or elliptical shape, as shown in Figure 10.

[0051] In this embodiment, the guide portion 13 guides the air that flows into the air chamber 11 from the communication hole 12C toward the outer circumference of the air chamber 11. As a result, similar to the embodiment described above, uneven pressure of the air filling the air chamber 11 can be suppressed in this embodiment as well.

[0052] Consequently, since the air pressure in each part of the air chamber 11 rises almost uniformly, it becomes possible to inflate the entire air bag 10 uniformly and smoothly. Note that components identical to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, redundant explanations are omitted in this embodiment.

[0053] (Other embodiments) The air chamber 11 according to the above embodiment had a polygonal shape with rounded chamfers at each corner 11A to 11D. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also have a configuration in which each corner is chamfered with a curved chamfer, or a configuration in which no chamfers are applied.

[0054] In the embodiments described above, each guide portion 13 was inclined with respect to the radial direction of the communication hole 12C so as to spiral to the left. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also include, for example, a configuration in which each guide portion 13 is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the communication hole 12C so as to spiral to the right.

[0055] In the embodiments described above, each guide portion 13 was inclined with respect to the radial direction of the communication hole 12C. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also include, for example, a configuration in which each guide portion 13 extends linearly so as to be parallel to the radial direction.

[0056] In the embodiment described above, the communication hole 12C was a round hole. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also include, for example, a polygonal communication hole 12C. The radial direction of a polygonal communication hole 12C refers to the direction extending outward from the center of the communication hole 12C.

[0057] In the embodiments described above, each guide portion 13 was curved and extended in a spiral shape centered on the communication hole 12C. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also include, for example, a configuration in which each guide portion 13 extends in a straight line, like the spokes of a spoked wheel.

[0058] In the embodiments described above, a set of air bags was constructed by stacking multiple air bags 10A to 10C. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also be constructed by, for example, a single air bag 10C or 10B to form the air bag set.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, a set of air bags 10A to 10C were stacked to form one air bag set, and air bags 10C and 10B had the same configuration. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0060] In the embodiments described above, the air bladders 10A to 10C were embedded in the seat back 3. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also include, for example, the air bladders 10A to 10C being embedded in the seat cushion 2.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, since the air chamber 11 was substantially rectangular (square-shaped), four air passages 14 were provided. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may, for example, have a configuration in which at least one air passage 14 is provided.

[0062] In the embodiments described above, the air chamber 11 was substantially rectangular (square-shaped). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also include an air chamber 11 having, for example, three or five or more corners.

[0063] The air bag 10 according to the above embodiment was intended to provide a refreshing effect to the seated person. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the disclosure can also be applied, for example, to an air bag for maintaining the seated person's posture.

[0064] In the embodiments described above, the vehicle seat according to this disclosure was applied to a vehicle. However, the application of the invention disclosed herein is not limited to this. That is, the disclosure can be applied, for example, to seats used in vehicles such as railway cars, ships and aircraft, as well as to stationary seats used in theaters, homes, etc.

[0065] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is sufficient to be consistent with the intent of the disclosures described in the embodiments described above. Therefore, it may be a configuration in which at least two of the embodiments described above are combined, or a configuration in which any of the illustrated components or components described with reference numerals in the embodiments described above are omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10, 10A~10C... Air bladder 10D… Outlet 11… Air chamber 11A~11D… Corner 12A, 12B… Sheet material 12C…Communication hole 13… Information department 15… Protrusion

Claims

1. An air bladder for use in a vehicle seat, wherein the air chamber in which air is filled is configured in a flattened polygonal shape, A communication hole is provided in the center of the sheet member constituting the air chamber, which communicates with the air chamber. Furthermore, the air bag is provided with a guide portion on the side of the sheet member that is inside the air chamber, which guides the air that flows into the air chamber from the communication hole toward the corner of the air chamber.

2. The air bag according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion is composed of a ridge extending in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the communication hole.

3. The air bag according to claim 2, wherein the protrusions constituting the guide portion extend in a spiral pattern centered on the communication hole.

4. In air bladders applied to vehicle seats, A communication hole is provided in the center of the sheet member that constitutes the air chamber, which is filled with air, and which communicates with the air chamber. The sheet member on the side facing the air chamber is provided with a guide portion that guides the air flowing into the air chamber from the communication hole toward the outer periphery of the air chamber. Furthermore, the guide portion is an air bag composed of protrusions extending in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the communication hole.

5. The air bag according to claim 4, wherein the protrusions constituting the guide portion extend in a spiral pattern centered on the communication hole.

6. Multiple guide sections are provided, Furthermore, the air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outlet width dimension of the air passage formed by two adjacent guide portions is greater than the inlet width dimension of the air passage.

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