Airbag device

Abstract

To provide an air bag device which can make a backrest part of a seat for a vehicle thinner and moreover can inflate and expand an air bag more swiftly.SOLUTION: An air bag device comprises a seat frame which forms a skeleton of a seat for a vehicle on which a crew member of the vehicle seats, an air bag which is disposed on a backrest part supporting a back part of the crew member among the seats for the vehicle and expands by supply of gas and a gas generator which is disposed on a seating face part supporting a hip of the crew member among the seats for the vehicle and generates the gas supplied to the air bag. A place which is one part of place of the seat frame and contains at least one part of a back frame forming the skeleton of the back rest part is formed as a flow communication pipe which connects to the air bag so as to supply the gas generated by the gas generator to the air bag.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag device and a vehicle seat equipped with the airbag device.

Background Art

[0002] As an airbag device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, a side (for side collision protection) airbag device that restrains and protects an occupant during a side collision is known. The side airbag device is usually disposed in the backrest portion (seat back) of a vehicle seat, and is configured such that an operating gas is supplied from a gas generator (inflator) to the airbag, causing the airbag to inflate and deploy.

[0003] However, in a structure where the airbag device is disposed in the backrest portion, it has been difficult to make the backrest portion thinner. In relation to this, in a side airbag device, a technique is known in which an airbag is disposed in the backrest portion, a gas generator is disposed in a reclining rod that serves as a rotation axis when the backrest portion is tilted, and the gas generator and the airbag are connected by a conduit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the airbag device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a gas generator is disposed in a hollow reclining rod, the degree of freedom in designing the position, range, etc. of the gas generator is considered to be low. Further, since the gas generator and the airbag are directly connected by a conduit having a relatively small cross-sectional area, it takes time for the gas from the gas generator to be supplied to the airbag, and there is a risk that it may be difficult to rapidly inflate and deploy the airbag.

[0006] The technology disclosed in the present application has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an airbag device that can thin the backrest portion of a vehicle seat and can more rapidly inflate and deploy an airbag.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the technology disclosed in the present application adopts the following configuration. That is, the technology disclosed in the present application includes a seat frame that forms a skeleton of a vehicle seat on which a vehicle occupant sits, an airbag that is disposed in a backrest portion that supports the back of the occupant of the vehicle seat and is deployed by supply of gas, and a gas generator that is disposed in a seat surface portion that supports the buttocks of the occupant of the vehicle seat and generates gas to be supplied to the airbag. A portion of the seat frame, which includes at least a part of a back frame that forms the skeleton of the backrest portion, is formed as a flow pipe that is connected to the airbag so as to supply the gas generated by the gas generator to the airbag. It is an airbag device.

[0008] According to the airbag device disclosed in the present application, by adopting a structure in which a gas generator is not disposed in the backrest portion of the vehicle seat, a conventional airbag device in which both an airbag and a gas generator are disposed in the backrest portion Compared with an airbag device, the backrest portion can be made thinner. Here, the seat frame for forming the skeleton of the vehicle seat usually has a sufficient thickness (cross-sectional area) to ensure the strength required as a structure. The airbag device disclosed in the present application forms a part of the seat frame, specifically a part including at least a part of the back frame, as a flow pipe, thereby ensuring a large cross-sectional area of the gas flow path in the flow pipe. As a result, the ventilation resistance can be reduced, and the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas flowing in the flow pipe can be increased. Consequently, gas can be quickly supplied to the airbag, and the airbag can be rapidly deployed.

[0009] Furthermore, the airbag device disclosed in the present application further includes a conduit for guiding the gas from the gas generator to the flow pipe, and the conduit may be connected to a part of the flow pipe that is closer to the seat surface portion than the portion where the airbag is connected.

[0010] According to this, the conduit is connected to a part of the flow pipe that is closer to the seat surface portion where the gas generator is disposed than the portion where the airbag is connected. Therefore, the distance between the gas generator and the connection portion of the conduit in the flow pipe can be shortened. As a result, the length of the conduit can be shortened. This enables the gas to be quickly guided to the flow pipe and the gas to be quickly supplied to the airbag. Consequently, the airbag can be deployed more rapidly. Also, since the length of the conduit is shortened, the routing of the conduit within the seat becomes easier, and tangling of the conduit can be suppressed. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the material cost and the weight of the seat itself.

[0011] In addition, in the airbag device including the conduit, the seat frame includes a rotation shaft portion that forms a rotation axis for tilting the backrest portion, and a part of the seat frame, which includes at least a part of the back frame and at least a part of the rotation shaft portion, is formed as the flow pipe, and the conduit may be connected to at least a part of the rotation shaft portion of the flow pipe.

[0012] According to this, the conduit connects the gas generator disposed on the seat surface portion and the rotation shaft portion that serves as the axis of rotation of the back frame with respect to the seat surface portion. Therefore, the distance between the gas generator and the portion where the conduit in the flow pipe is connected can be shortened. As a result, the length of the conduit can be shortened. Thereby, gas can be guided to the flow pipe earlier, and gas can be supplied to the airbag promptly. As a result, the airbag can be deployed more rapidly.

[0013] Further, in the airbag device disclosed in the present application, the cross-sectional area of the gas flow path in the flow pipe may be set larger than the cross-sectional area of the flow path in the conduit.

[0014] According to this, the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas in the flow pipe can be made larger than the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas in the conduit. As a result, gas can be supplied to the airbag more promptly, and the airbag can be deployed more rapidly. Here, the cross-sectional area refers to the area of the cross-section orthogonal to the direction of gas flow.

[0015] Further, in the airbag device disclosed in the present application, the airbag includes a first inflation portion that protects the occupant's chest by expanding due to the supply of the gas, and a second inflation portion that protects the occupant's waist by expanding due to the supply of the gas. In the flow pipe, the second supply port that supplies the gas to the second inflation portion may be formed at a position upstream of the first supply port that supplies the gas to the first inflation portion in the flow of the gas.

[0016] According to this, when the gas generated by the gas generator flows through the flow pipe, to the second inflation portion The supply of gas starts earlier than the supply of gas to the first inflating portion. Thereby, the second inflating portion can be inflated prior to the first inflating portion. When such an airbag device operates, first, the second inflating portion inflates to restrain the occupant's waist. Next, the first inflating portion inflates to restrain the occupant's chest. By restraining the occupant's body in the order from the waist to the chest, the sway of the occupant's body during a vehicle collision can be suitably suppressed, and thus the occupant can be more suitably protected.

[0017] In the airbag device disclosed in the present application, the airbag is a chest airbag that protects the occupant's chest by deploying upon supply of the gas, and the airbag device further includes a waist airbag that protects the occupant's waist by deploying upon supply of the gas. The flow pipe is connected to the waist airbag so as to supply the gas generated by the gas generator to the waist airbag in addition to the chest airbag. In the flow pipe, the portion where the waist airbag is connected may be located upstream of the portion where the chest airbag is connected in the flow of the gas.

[0018] According to this, when the gas generated by the gas generator flows through the flow pipe, the supply of gas to the lumbar airbag starts earlier than the supply of gas to the chest airbag. As a result, the lumbar airbag can be deployed prior to the chest airbag. In this airbag device, the lumbar airbag is provided separately from the chest airbag. When such an airbag device operates, first, the lumbar airbag is deployed to restrain the occupant's lumbar region. Next, the chest airbag is deployed to restrain the occupant's chest region. By restraining the occupant's body in the order from the lumbar region to the chest region, the sway of the occupant's body during a vehicle collision can be suitably suppressed, and thus the occupant can be more suitably protected. Further, since the protection of the chest and the protection of the lumbar region are realized by separate airbags, it is sufficient to install airbags at positions corresponding to the chest and the lumbar region of the occupant, respectively. Therefore, the airbag can be miniaturized, and the required amount of gas can also be reduced. As a result, the entire airbag device can be miniaturized.

[0019] Further, the technology disclosed in the present application can also be specified as a vehicle seat including any of the airbag devices described above. That is, in the vehicle seat disclosed in the present application, the gas generator is a first gas generator, and the airbag device further includes a second gas generator disposed on the seat surface at an interval in the width direction of the vehicle seat with respect to the first gas generator. The first gas generator and the second gas generator are disposed within a region surrounded by a cushion frame that forms the skeleton of the seat surface among the seat frames, and are attached along a side frame disposed on the side of the occupant's buttocks among the cushion frames. The cushion frame is provided with a first cover portion that covers the first gas generator from the seat surface side of the seat surface portion, and a second cover portion that covers the second gas generator from the seat surface side. A holding portion that holds the occupant's side buttocks from both sides in the width direction of the vehicle seat may be formed on the seat surface portion by covering the cushion attached to the cushion frame with the first cover portion and the second cover portion.

[0020] According to the vehicle seat disclosed in the present application, by attaching the first gas generator and the second gas generator along the side frame and covering them with the first cover part and the second cover part to form a holding part, the side hips of the occupant can be held from both sides in the width direction by the holding part. As a result, the holding performance of the vehicle seat can be enhanced.

[0021] Further, in the vehicle seat disclosed in the present application, the side frame extends in the depth direction of the vehicle seat on the side of the occupant's hip, the first gas generator and the second gas generator have a cylindrical shape in which the axial dimension is longer than the radial dimension, and they are attached so as to extend in the direction in which the side frame extends together with the first cover part and the second cover part. It may be attached.

[0022] According to this, the holding part can be made longer in the depth direction. Therefore, the range held by the holding part in the side hips of the occupant can be widened. As a result, the holding performance of the vehicle seat can be further enhanced.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the technology related to the present disclosure, the backrest part of the vehicle seat can be made thinner, and the airbag can be inflated and deployed more quickly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 13

Figure 14

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the airbag device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each configuration and their combinations in each embodiment are examples, and within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, addition, omission, substitution, and other changes of the configuration can be made as appropriate. The present invention is not limited by the embodiments, but is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0026] <Embodiment 1> As Embodiment 1, an airbag device provided in a vehicle will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat S10 equipped with the airbag device according to Embodiment 1. The vehicle seat S10 is for a passenger of the vehicle to sit on. In this specification, the front-rear direction (depth direction), left-right direction (width direction), and up-down direction (height direction) of the vehicle seat S10 are described based on the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions as seen from a passenger (seated person) sitting on the vehicle seat S10.

[0027] [Overall Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat S10 includes a seat cushion (seat surface portion) S1 that supports the buttocks of the passenger, a seat back (backrest portion) S2 that supports the back of the passenger, and a headrest S3 that supports the head of the passenger. The seat cushion S1 has a seat surface S11 on which the passenger sits. The seat back S2 is tiltably connected to the rear end portion of the seat cushion S1. The headrest S3 is vertically movably connected to the upper end portion of the seat back S2.

[0028] The reference numeral 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a seat frame that forms the skeleton of the vehicle seat S10. The seat frame 10 is formed of a metal material in this embodiment. The reference numeral P10 is a pad that covers the seat frame 10. The pad P10 is formed of, for example, urethane foam or the like. The reference numeral U10 is a skin material that forms the outer surface of the vehicle seat S10. The skin material U10 is formed of an appropriate material such as fabric or leather. The vehicle seat S10 is formed by the seat frame 10 being covered with the pad P10 and further the pad P10 being covered with the skin material U10.

[0029] The pad P10 includes a cushion pad P1 provided on the seat cushion S1 and a back pad P2 provided on the seat back S2. Further, the skin material U10 includes a skin material U1 provided on the seat cushion S1 to cover the cushion pad P1 and a skin material U2 provided on the seat back S2 to cover the back pad P2. The cushion C1 is formed by the cushion pad P1 and the skin material U1.

[0030] The vehicle seat S10 according to the present embodiment includes an airbag device that inflates and deploys an airbag during a vehicle collision to restrain and protect an occupant. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the airbag device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the airbag device 100 includes a seat frame 10, an airbag 20, a gas generator 30, and a conduit 40. The airbag 20 is a chest airbag, which is disposed on the seat back S2 and protects the occupant's chest by deploying upon supply of gas. However, the airbag according to the technology disclosed in the present application is not limited to the one for the chest. The gas generator 30 is disposed on the seat cushion S1 and generates gas to be supplied to the airbag 20. Although details will be described later, as shown in FIG. 2, a part of the seat frame 10 is formed as a flow pipe X1 that connects to the airbag so as to supply the gas generated by the gas generator 30 to the airbag 20. And the conduit 40 connects the gas generator 30 and the flow pipe X1 so as to guide the gas generated by the gas generator 30 to the flow pipe X1. Hereinafter, each component of the airbag device 100 will be described.

[0031] [Seat Frame] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat frame 10 includes a cushion frame 1, a back frame 2, a first connecting frame 3R, a second connecting frame 3L, and a reclining rod (rotating shaft portion) 4.

[0032] The cushion frame 1 is a frame that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion S1. The cushion frame 1 includes a front frame 11, a first cushion side frame 12R, a second cushion side frame 12L, and a rear frame 13. The front frame 11 extends in the left-right direction and forms the front end of the cushion frame 1. The first cushion side frame 12R extends rearward from the right end portion of the front frame 11 and forms the right side end of the cushion frame 1. The second cushion side frame 12L extends rearward from the left end portion of the front frame 11 and forms the left side end of the cushion frame 1. The first cushion side frame 12R and the second cushion side frame 12L are arranged on the seat frame 10 so as to be positioned on the sides of the buttocks of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat S10. More specifically, the buttocks of the occupant are positioned between the first cushion side frame 12R and the second cushion side frame 12L. The front frame 11, the first cushion side frame 12R, and the second cushion side frame 12L are integrally formed into a tubular shape by bending a metal pipe material having a hollow shape into a U shape. In this embodiment In this state, the front frame 11, the first cushion side frame 12R, and the second cushion side frame 12L have a cylindrical cross-section, but their cross-sectional shapes are not particularly limited. The rear frame 13 is provided behind the front frame 11 and extends in the left-right direction to connect the first cushion side frame 12R and the second cushion side frame 12L. The rear frame 13 is formed of, for example, sheet metal, and its right end is connected to the first cushion side frame 12R by welding or the like, and its left end is connected to the second cushion side frame 12L by welding or the like. The rear frame 13 also functions as a support member for supporting the gas generator 30. In the following description, when the first cushion side frame 12R and the second cushion side frame 12L are not distinguished and described together, they are simply referred to as the cushion side frame 12. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the region surrounded by the cushion frame 1 is defined as the first region A1. Specifically, the first region A1 is a region surrounded by the front frame 11, the first cushion side frame 12R, and the second cushion side frame 12L, which are the parts in the cushion frame 1 that form the outer shape of the skeleton of the seat cushion S1.

[0033] Note that support members (not shown), such as springs and wires for supporting the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat S10, may be spanned between the first cushion side frame 12R and the second cushion side frame 12L of the cushion frame 1, and the cushion pad P1 may be placed on these support members.

[0034] The back frame 2 is a frame that forms the skeleton of the seat back S2, and is formed into a tubular shape by bending a metal pipe material having a hollow shape into a U shape. The back frame 2 includes an upper frame 21, a first back side frame 22R, and a second back side frame 22L. The upper frame 21 extends in the left-right direction and forms the upper end of the back frame 2. Note that a bracket (not shown) for inserting and attaching a pillar (not shown) of the headrest S3 is attached to the upper frame 21 by welding or the like. The first back side frame 22R extends downward (i.e., toward the seat cushion S1 side) from the right end portion of the upper frame 21 and forms the right side end of the back frame 2. The second back side frame 22L extends downward (i.e., toward the seat cushion S1 side) from the left end portion of the upper frame 21 and forms the left side end of the back frame 2. The first back side frame 22R and the second back side frame 22L are arranged on the vehicle seat S10 so as to be located on the side of the back of an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat S10. More specifically, the back of the occupant is positioned between the first back side frame 22R and the second back side frame 22L. The back frame 2 in the present embodiment has a cylindrical cross section, but these cross-sectional shapes are not particularly limited. Hereinafter, when the first back side frame 22R and the second back side frame 22L are not distinguished from each other in the description, they are simply referred to as the back side frame 22. As shown in FIG. 2, a part of the back side frame 22 is formed as a circulation pipe X1, and in addition to the function as the skeleton of the vehicle seat S10, it also serves as a gas flow path. Details of the circulation pipe X1 will be described later. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the region surrounded by the back frame 2 is defined as the second region A2. Specifically, the second region A2 is a region surrounded by the upper frame 21, the first back side frame 22R, and the second back side frame 22L, which are the parts of the back frame 2 that form the outer shape of the skeleton of the seat back S2.

[0035] The first connecting frame 3R and the second connecting frame 3L are members for connecting the cushion frame 1 and the back frame 2. The first connecting frame 3R and the second connecting frame 3L are provided spaced apart from each other left and right. Hereinafter, when explaining without distinguishing between the first connecting frame 3R and the second connecting frame 3L, it is simply referred to as the connecting frame 3. The connecting frame 3 is connected to the rear end portion of the cushion side frame 12 of the cushion frame 1 and extends rearward, and the cushion side connecting frame 31, and the back side frame 22 of the back frame 2 It includes a back - side connecting frame 32 connected to the lower end and extending downward. The cushion - side connecting frame 31 is formed, for example, by sheet metal and is connected to the cushion - side frame 12 by welding or the like. Similarly, the back - side connecting frame 32 is formed, for example, by sheet metal and is connected to the back - side frame 22 by welding or the like. The rear ends of the cushion - side connecting frames 31 of the first connecting frame 3R and the second connecting frame 3L are connected by a reclining rod 4 extending in the left - right direction. The reclining rod 4 is a member that forms the rotation axis of the back frame 2 for tilting the seat back S2 and is formed of a metal pipe material having a hollow shape. The right end of the reclining rod 4 penetrates the cushion - side connecting frame 31 of the first connecting frame 3R and is connected to the cushion - side connecting frame 31 of the first connecting frame 3R by welding or the like. And, at the part of the reclining rod 4 that protrudes to the right from the cushion - side connecting frame 31 of the first connecting frame 3R, the lower end of the back - side connecting frame 32 of the first connecting frame 3R is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable. Similarly, the left end of the reclining rod 4 penetrates the cushion - side connecting frame 31 of the second connecting frame 3L and is connected to the cushion - side connecting frame 31 of the second connecting frame 3L by welding or the like. And, at the part of the reclining rod 4 that protrudes to the left from the cushion - side connecting frame 31 of the second connecting frame 3L, the lower end of the back - side connecting frame 32 of the second connecting frame 3L is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable. Thus, the cushion frame 1 and the back frame 2 are connected so that the back frame 2 can rotate with respect to the cushion frame 1.

[0036] [Airbag] As shown in FIG. 1, airbags 20 are arranged one on each side, left and right, corresponding to the chest of the occupant, on the seat back S2 of the vehicle seat S10. Hereinafter, when the two airbags 20 are to be described separately, the airbag 20 on the right side is referred to as the first airbag 20R, and the airbag 20 on the left side is referred to as the second airbag 20L. When they are described without distinction, they are simply referred to as the airbag 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the airbag 20 is attached to the back frame 2 of the seat frame 10. More specifically, the first airbag 20R is attached to the first back side frame 22R of the back frame 2, and the second airbag 20L is attached to the second back side frame 22L of the back frame 2. The airbag 20 is attached to an intermediate portion of the back side frame 22 in the back frame 2 in the vertical direction. However, the attachment position of the airbag 20 is not limited to these, and the airbag 20 may be attached to, for example, the upper frame 21 of the back frame 2.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the airbag 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the airbag 20 includes a case 210, a mounting bracket 220 for attaching the case 210 to the back frame 2, and an airbag bag body 230 that is housed in the case 210 and expands by gas supplied from a gas generator 30.

[0038] The case 210 includes a rear plate 201 and a case body 202, and is integrally formed in a box shape as a whole. The rear plate 201 is, for example, a plate member made of metal, and is fastened and fixed to the back side frame 22 of the back frame 2 by a mounting bracket 220. An introduction hole 203 is formed in the rear plate 201 as a through hole penetrating in the plate thickness direction. The introduction hole 203 is an opening for introducing gas for inflating the airbag bag body into the inside of the case 210. The introduction hole 203 is formed at a position on the rear plate 201 facing the back side frame 22 of the back frame 2. Further, a seal member 203a formed in an annular shape by an elastic material such as rubber is provided at the peripheral edge of the introduction hole 203 in the rear plate 201. The seal member 203a may be vulcanized and adhered to the rear plate 201, for example.

[0039] The case body 202 of the case 210 is formed of, for example, resin or the like, and includes side surfaces 2021 and a front surface 2022. The side surfaces 2021 stand upright from the rear plate 201 and form the sides of the case 210. The front surface 2022 is connected to the tips of the respective side surfaces 2021 so as to face the rear plate 201, and forms the front of the case 210. Note that the case body 202 and the rear plate 201 can be integrally fixed by an appropriate method. As shown in FIG. 1, in the vehicle seat S10, the surface of the front surface 2022 of the case body 202 is exposed to the outside from an opening formed in the skin material U2 of the seat back S2, and is flush with the surface of the skin material U2.

[0040] The airbag bag body 230 is housed inside the case 210 in a folded state. The airbag bag body can be housed in the case 210 in a known folding manner. For example, the airbag bag body may be folded in a bellows fold, may be folded in a roll fold, or may be folded in a combination of these.

[0041] [Gas generator] As shown in Fig. 1, in the seat cushion S1 of the vehicle seat S10, gas generators 30 are arranged one on each side, corresponding to the left and right airbags 20. Hereinafter, when the two gas generators 30 are to be described separately, the gas generator 30 on the right side is referred to as the first gas generator 30R, and the gas generator 30 on the left side is referred to as the second gas generator 30L. When they are described without distinction, they are simply referred to as the gas generator 30. The first gas generator 30R generates gas to be supplied to the first airbag 20R. The second gas generator 30L generates gas to be supplied to the second airbag 20L. The first gas generator 30R and the second gas generator 30L are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction (i.e., the width direction of the vehicle seat S10) and are supported by the rear frame 13 of the cushion frame 1.

[0042] The gas generator 30 has a cylindrical shape that is long in the axial direction. More specifically, the gas generator 30 has a cylindrical shape in which the dimension in the axial direction is longer than the dimension in the radial direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the gas generator 30 is arranged in the first region A1 so that its axial direction coincides with the front-rear direction. An ejection hole 301 for ejecting gas is formed at the rear end portion of the gas generator 30. The gas generator 30 operates under the control of an airbag ECU mounted on the vehicle to generate gas. Note that the method by which the gas generator according to the present disclosure generates gas is not particularly limited. Examples of the method of the gas generator include a pyrotechnic method in which a solid gas generating agent is burned to generate gas, a stored gas method using pressurized gas, and a hybrid method that combines the pyrotechnic method and the stored gas method.

[0043] [Conduit] The conduit 40 is a tubular member through which gas can flow inside. As shown in Fig. 2, the airbag device 100 includes two conduits 40 corresponding to the first gas generator 30R and the second gas generator 30L. The conduit 40 corresponding to the first gas generator 30R is referred to as the first conduit 40R, and the conduit 40 corresponding to the second gas generator 30L is referred to as the second conduit 40L. When explaining them without distinction, they are simply referred to as the conduit 40. One end of the first conduit 40R is connected to the ejection hole 301 of the first gas generator 30R, and the other end is connected to the lower end 221 of the first backside frame 22R of the back frame 2. One end of the second conduit 40L is connected to the ejection hole 301 of the second gas generator 30L, and the other end is connected to the lower end 221 of the second backside frame 22L of the back frame 2. When the conduit 40 is connected to the ejection hole 301 of the gas generator 30, the gas ejected from the gas generator 30 flows into the conduit 40. Here, at least a part of the conduit 40 is formed of a flexible material and can be bent in any direction. Thereby, the rotation of the back frame 2 with respect to the cushion frame 1 accompanying the tilting of the seat back S2 is not inhibited by the conduit 40 connecting the gas generator 30 and the back frame 2.

[0044] [Flow pipe] As described above, in this embodiment, a part of the seat frame 10, specifically, a part of the backside frame 22 of the back frame 2, is formed as a flow pipe X1 that is connected to the airbag 20 so as to supply the gas generated by the gas generator 30 to the airbag 20. Fig. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the flow pipe according to Embodiment 1. In Fig. 4, a cross-section orthogonal to the front-rear direction (depth direction) is shown.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, a part of the first backside frame 22R of the back frame 2 is formed as a first flow pipe X1R for supplying the gas from the first gas generator 30R to the first airbag 20R. Also, a part of the second backside frame 22L of the back frame 2 is formed as a second flow pipe X1L for supplying the gas from the second gas generator 30L to the second airbag 20L. Hereinafter, when explaining without distinguishing between the first flow pipe X1R and the second flow pipe X1L, it is simply referred to as the flow pipe X1. The flow pipe X1 utilizes the hollow shape of the backside frame 22 of the back frame 2 as a gas flow path. The flow pipe X1 is formed by a continuous part extending from the lower end 221 to which the conduit 40 is connected to the part where the airbag 20 is attached in the backside frame 22. Here, an inflow hole h1 communicating with the conduit 40 is formed in the lower end 221 of the backside frame 22. Thus, the flow pipe X1 and the conduit 40 are connected so that the gas flowing from the conduit 40 flows into the flow pipe X1 through the inflow hole h1. Also, a supply hole h2 communicating with the introduction hole 203 is formed at a position corresponding to the introduction hole 203 of the airbag 20 in the part of the backside frame 22 where the airbag 20 is attached. Thus, the flow pipe X1 and the airbag 20 are connected so that the gas flowing in the flow pipe X1 is supplied to the airbag 20 through the supply hole h2 and the introduction hole 203. As described above, the flow pipe X1 forms a part of the flow path for the gas generated by the gas generator 30 to flow from the gas generator 30 to the airbag 20. Hereinafter, among the gas flow paths, the flow path formed by the flow pipe X1 is referred to as the flow path F1, and the flow path formed by the conduit 40 is referred to as the flow path F2. Here, the reference sign d1 in FIG. 4 indicates the inner diameter of the backside frame 22, that is, the inner diameter of the flow pipe X1. Also, the reference sign d2 indicates the inner diameter of the conduit 40. In the airbag device 100 according to the present embodiment, d1 is set to be larger than d2. Thereby, the cross-sectional area of the gas flow path F1 in the flow pipe X1 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the flow path F2 in the conduit 40. Note that the cross-sectional area referred to here means the area of a cross-section orthogonal to the direction in which the gas flows, and specifically, it is a cross-section orthogonal to the extending direction of the flow pipe X1.

[0046] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, inside the first backside frame 22R, a first partition wall 23R is provided that vertically divides the space within the first backside frame 22R. The first partition wall 23R is a metal disk member having an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the first backside frame 22R, and is welded to the inner wall of the first backside frame 22R in a full circumference at a position above the supply hole h2 formed in the first backside frame 22R. Also, inside the second backside frame 22L, a second partition wall 23L is provided that vertically divides the space within the second backside frame 22L. The second partition wall 23L is a metal disk member having an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the second backside frame 22L, and is welded to the inner wall of the second backside frame 22L in a full circumference at a position above the supply hole h2 formed in the second backside frame 22L. Thereby, the terminals (upper ends) of the first flow pipe X1R and the second flow pipe X1L are defined, and the first flow pipe X1R and the second flow pipe X1L are separated. As a result, the gas from the first gas generator 30R flowing into the first flow pipe X1R is prevented from being supplied to the second airbag 20L through the inside of the upper frame 21. Also, the gas from the second gas generator 30L flowing into the second flow pipe X1L is prevented from being supplied to the first airbag 20R through the inside of the upper frame 21.

[0047] [Operation] FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the operation of the airbag device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the deployment operation of the airbag of the airbag device 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. When the airbag ECU detects a collision of the vehicle based on a signal from a collision sensor (not shown), an operating current (ignition current) is supplied to the gas generator 30. As a result, the gas generator 30 operates, and gas is ejected from the ejection holes 301. The gas ejected from the ejection holes 301 flows into the conduit 40. The gas that has flowed into the conduit 40 flows through the conduit 40 and flows into the distribution pipe X1 through the inflow hole h1. The gas that has flowed into the distribution pipe X1 flows upward along the extending direction (axial direction) of the backside frame 22 in the distribution pipe X1, and flows into the case 210 through the supply hole h2 and the introduction hole 203. Thereby, the gas generated by the gas generator 30 is supplied to the airbag 20. When the supply of gas to the airbag 20 is started, the airbag bag body 230 in a folded state in the case 210 expands. Then, due to the expansion pressure of the airbag bag body 230, the case 210 cracks, and the airbag bag body 230 pops out from the case 210 while expanding. As described above, the first airbag 20R and the second airbag 20L are deployed, and the chest of the occupant is restrained. As a result, the occupant is protected. Note that the airbag device 100 may operate the first gas generator 30R and the second gas generator 30L independently, and deploy the first airbag 20R and the second airbag 20L independently according to the manner in which the impact is applied.

[0048] [Function and Effect] As described above, the airbag device 100 according to the present embodiment adopts a structure in which the airbag 20 is disposed in the seat back S2 and the gas generator 30 is disposed in the seat cushion S1 of the vehicle seat S10. According to this, by not disposing the gas generator 30 in the seat back S2, the seat back can be made thinner compared to the conventional airbag device in which both the airbag and the gas generator are disposed in the seat back. In addition, since the seat cushion has a wider space for arranging components inside due to its structure compared to the seat back, the gas generator can be arranged without significantly increasing the size of the seat cushion. Further, in the airbag device 100 according to the present embodiment, a part of the back frame 2 in the seat frame 10 is formed as a flow pipe X1 that is connected to the airbag 20 so as to supply the gas generated by the gas generator 30 to the airbag 20. That is, the airbag device 100 forms a part of the flow path for supplying gas from the gas generator 30 disposed in the seat cushion S1 to the airbag 20 disposed in the seat back S2 by the back frame 2. The seat frame for forming the skeleton of the vehicle seat usually has a sufficient thickness (cross-sectional area) in order to ensure the strength required as a structure. By forming a part of such a seat frame 10 as the flow pipe X1, a large cross-sectional area of the gas flow path in the flow pipe X1 can be ensured. Thereby, the ventilation resistance can be reduced, and the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas flowing in the flow pipe X1 can be increased. As a result, the gas can be quickly supplied to the airbag 20, and the airbag 20 can be quickly deployed. In addition, by also using a part of the seat frame 10 that forms the skeleton of the vehicle seat S10 as the flow pipe X1, it is possible to contribute to the reduction of material costs and the weight reduction of the seat itself. In particular, by using a part of the back frame 2 for forming the skeleton of the seat back S2 as the flow pipe X1, compared with the case where a member different from the back frame 2 is provided in the seat back S2 and the gas is supplied to the airbag 20 by the different member, the space required in the seat back S2 can be reduced. As a result, the seat back S2 can be made thinner and lighter.

[0049] In the above example, the flow pipe X1 is formed only by a part of the backside frame 22 of the back frame 2. However, the technology disclosed in the present application is not limited thereto. The part of the seat frame that forms the flow pipe can be changed according to the position where the airbag is attached or which part of the occupant is to be protected. For example, the flow pipe X1 may include a part of the upper frame 21, or in addition to a part of the back frame 2, it may include a part of the reclining rod 4 or a part of the cushion frame 1. Further, in the above example, the case where the airbag 20 is directly attached to the back frame 2 has been described. However, the airbag does not necessarily have to be directly attached to the back frame. For example, the airbag may be attached to a member different from the back frame, and the flow pipe and the airbag may be connected by a pipe member or the like.

[0050] In addition, in the airbag device 100 according to the present embodiment, the airbag 20 is connected to an intermediate portion of the backside frame 22 that forms the flow pipe X1, and the conduit 40 is connected to the lower end portion 221 of the backside frame 22. That is, the conduit 40 that guides the gas from the gas generator 30 to the flow pipe X1 is connected to a portion closer to the seat cushion S1 where the gas generator 30 is disposed than the portion where the airbag 20 is connected in the flow pipe X1. Thereby, the distance between the gas generator 30 and the portion where the conduit 40 in the flow pipe X1 is connected can be shortened, and the length of the conduit 40 can be shortened. Thereby, the gas can be guided to the flow pipe X1 at an early stage, and the gas can be quickly supplied to the airbag 20. As a result, the airbag 20 can be deployed more quickly. Further, since the conduit 40 can be shortened, the routing of the conduit 40 in the seat becomes easy, and entanglement of the conduit 40 can be suppressed. Furthermore, it can contribute to reduction of material costs and weight reduction of the seat itself. In particular, in the airbag device 100, the flow pipe X1 includes the lower end portion 221 which is the end portion on the seat cushion S1 side in the back frame 2, and the conduit 40 is connected to the lower end portion 221. That is, in the back frame 2, the conduit 40 is connected to the portion closest to the seat cushion S1. Therefore, the length of the conduit 40 can be made even shorter.

[0051] Furthermore, in the airbag device 100 according to the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the gas flow path F1 in the flow pipe X1 is set to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the flow path F2 in the conduit 40. According to this, the gas flow rate and flow velocity in the flow pipe X1 can be made larger than the gas flow rate and flow velocity in the conduit 40. As a result, the gas can be supplied to the airbag 20 more quickly, and the airbag 20 can be deployed more quickly. In that case, by shortening the length of the conduit 40, the gas can be guided to the flow pipe X1 where the gas flow rate and flow velocity are large at an early stage, so that the airbag 20 can be deployed even more quickly.

[0052] [Modification Example] Hereinafter, an airbag device according to a modification of Embodiment 1 will be described. In the description of the modification, the description will focus on the differences from the airbag device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, and detailed descriptions of the same points as those of the airbag device 100 will be omitted.

[0053] [Modification 1] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an airbag device 100A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 6, in the airbag device 100A, the conduit 40 is connected to the corresponding part of the flow pipe X1 from the second region A2 side. That is, the airbag device 100A according to Modification 1 has a structure in which the gas generator 30 is disposed in the first region A1, which is the region surrounded by the cushion frame 1, and the conduit 40 is connected to the flow pipe X1 from the second region A2 side, which is the region surrounded by the back frame 2. Therefore, the conduit 40 can connect the gas generator 30 and the flow pipe X1 without going out of the region including the first region A1 and the second region A2. According to such an airbag device 100A according to Modification 1, the conduit 40 can be housed inside the seat frame 10. As a result, the vehicle seat S10 can be made compact. to.

[0054] [Modification 2] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an airbag device 100B according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the back frame 2 of the airbag device 100B includes a first lower frame 24R that extends leftward from the lower end 221 of the first back side frame 22R toward the second back side frame 22L, and a second lower frame 24L that extends rightward from the lower end 221 of the second back side frame 22L toward the first back side frame 22R. The first lower frame 24R has a hollow shape continuous with the first back side frame 22R, and the second lower frame 24L has a hollow shape continuous with the second back side frame 22L. Further, the tips of the first lower frame 24R and the second lower frame 24L are both closed and spaced apart from each other. Hereinafter, when the first lower frame 24R and the second lower frame 24L are not distinguished from each other for description, they are simply referred to as the lower frame 24. In the airbag device 100B, the seat frame 10 does not have the reclining rod 4, and the back side connecting frame 32 of the connecting frame 3 is pivotally supported by the cushion side connecting frame 31 so as to be rotatable.

[0055] In the airbag device 100B according to Modification 2, the first conduit 40R is connected to the first lower frame 24R, and the second conduit 40L is connected to the second lower frame 24L. Further, the first flow pipe X1R of Modification 2 is formed by a continuous portion in the back frame 2 extending from the portion to which the first conduit 40R is connected to the portion to which the first airbag 20R is connected. The second flow pipe X1L is formed by a continuous portion in the back frame 2 extending from the portion to which the second conduit 40L is connected to the portion to which the second airbag 20L is connected. As shown in FIG. 7, the lower frame 24 is near the rotation axis of the back frame 2 and is disposed inside the outer shape of the skeleton formed by the vehicle seat S10. According to the airbag device 100B that connects such a lower frame 24 and the gas generator 30 disposed in the first region A1 by the conduit 40, the length of the conduit 40 can be made shorter. As a result, gas can be introduced into the flow pipe X1 earlier, and gas can be supplied to the airbag 20 promptly. As a result, the airbag 20 can be deployed more rapidly.

[0056] [Modification 3] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an airbag device 100C according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 8, in the airbag device 100C, a portion including a part of the back frame 2 forming the skeleton of the seat back S2 and a part of the reclining rod 4 forming the rotation axis of the seat back S2, which is a part of the seat frame 10, is formed as the flow pipe X1.

[0057] In the seat frame 10 of the airbag device 100C, the back frame 2 and the reclining rod 4 are integrally formed. The reclining rod 4 according to Modification 3 has a first rod 41R extending leftward from the lower end 221 of the first back side frame 22R of the back frame 2 toward the second back side frame 22L, and a second rod 41L extending rightward from the lower end 221 of the second back side frame 22L toward the first back side frame 22R. The first rod 41R has a hollow shape continuous with the first back side frame 22R, and the second rod 41L has a hollow shape continuous with the second back side frame 22L. Also, the tips of the first rod 41R and the second rod 41L are both closed and spaced apart from each other. In the airbag device 100C, the connecting frame 3 does not have a back side connecting frame 32, and the reclining rod 4 integrally formed with the back frame 2 is pivotally supported by the cushion side connecting frame 31 so as to be rotatable.

[0058] In the airbag device 100C according to Modification 3, the first conduit 40R is connected to the first rod 41R, and the second conduit 40L is connected to the second rod 41L. Further, the first flow-through pipe X1R of Modification 3 is formed by a continuous part of the seat frame 10 extending from the part where the first conduit 40R is connected to the part where the first airbag 20R is connected, and the second flow-through pipe X1L is formed by a continuous part of the seat frame 10 extending from the part where the second conduit 40L is connected to the part where the second airbag 20L is connected. That is, the airbag device 100C according to Modification 3 is configured to connect the gas generator 30 disposed in the seat cushion S1 and the reclining rod 4 that serves as the axis of rotation of the back frame 2 with respect to the seat cushion S1 by the conduit 40. According to such an airbag device 100C according to Modification 3, the length of the conduit 40 can be made shorter. As a result, gas can be introduced into the flow-through pipe X1 earlier, and gas can be supplied to the airbag 20 promptly. As a result, the airbag 20 can be deployed more rapidly. In the above example, a part of the seat frame 10, specifically, a part obtained by adding the entire reclining rod 4 to a part of the back frame 2 is formed as the flow-through pipe X1. However, the technology disclosed in the present application is not limited to this. A part of the seat frame 10, which includes at least a part of the back frame 2 and at least a part of the reclining rod 4, may be formed as the flow-through pipe X1.

[0059] [Modification 4] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an airbag device 100D according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 9, in the airbag device 100D, a part of the seat frame 10, which includes a part of the back frame 2 and a part of the cushion frame 1, is formed as the flow-through pipe X1.

[0060] The seat frame 10 of the airbag device 100D has a first connecting tube 5R and a second connecting tube 5L that connect the cushion frame 1 and the back frame 2. The first connecting tube 5R connects the rear end portion 121 of the first cushion side frame 12R of the cushion frame 1 and the lower end portion 221 of the first back side frame 22R of the back frame 2. The second connecting tube 5L connects the rear end portion 121 of the second cushion side frame 12L of the cushion frame 1 and the lower end portion 221 of the second back side frame 22L of the back frame 2. Hereinafter, when explaining without distinguishing between the first connecting tube 5R and the second connecting tube 5L, it is simply referred to as the connecting tube 5.

[0061] The connecting tube 5 is a tubular member through which gas can flow inside. The connecting tube 5 connects the rear end portion 121 of the cushion side frame 12 and the lower end portion 221 of the back side frame 22 so as to guide the gas flowing inside the cushion side frame 12 into the back side frame 22. Further, the connecting tube 5 is formed of a material having flexibility at least in part so as not to inhibit the rotation of the back frame 2 with respect to the cushion frame 1 as the seat back S2 tilts, and can be bent in any direction.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, in the airbag device 100D according to the fourth modification, the conduit 40 is connected to the cushion side frame 12 of the cushion frame 1. More specifically, the first conduit 40R connects the first gas generator 30R and the first cushion side frame 12R, and the second conduit 40L connects the second gas generator 30L and the second cushion side frame 12L. And the first flow pipe X1R of the fourth modification is formed by a continuous part extending from the part where the first conduit 40R is connected to the part where the first airbag 20R is connected in the seat frame 10, and the second flow pipe X1L is formed by a continuous part extending from the part where the second conduit 40L is connected to the part where the second airbag 20L is connected in the seat frame 10. In the airbag device 100D, the gas guided from the gas generator 30 to the flow pipe X1 by the conduit 40 is supplied to the airbag 20 through the cushion side frame 12, the connecting tube 5, and the back side frame 22.

[0063] The airbag device 100D according to the fourth modification has a configuration in which the gas generator 30 disposed in the seat cushion S1 and the cushion frame 1 forming the skeleton of the seat cushion S1 are connected by a conduit 40. According to such an airbag device 100D according to the fourth modification, the length of the conduit 40 can be made shorter. As a result, the gas can be guided to the flow pipe X1 earlier, and the gas can be supplied to the airbag 20 promptly. As a result, the airbag 20 can be deployed more rapidly.

[0064] [Fourth Modification] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a flow tube according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the operation of an airbag device 100E according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 11, an airbag bag body 230 of an airbag 20 according to Modification 5 is divided into a first inflation part 230a and a second inflation part 230b by a partition material 2301 provided inside thereof. The first inflation part 230a is a part of the airbag bag body corresponding to the chest of the occupant, and protects the chest of the occupant by expanding by the supply of gas. The second inflation part 230b is a part of the airbag bag body corresponding to the waist of the occupant, and protects the waist of the occupant by expanding by the supply of gas. The second inflation part 230b expands at a position lower than the position where the first inflation part 230a expands. That is, the airbag 20 according to Modification 5 has the functions of an airbag for the chest and an airbag for the waist. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a first introduction hole 204 and a second introduction hole 205 are formed in a case 210 of the airbag 20 according to Modification 5. The first introduction hole 204 is an opening for introducing gas for inflating the first inflation part 230a into the inside of the case 210. The second introduction hole 205 is an opening for introducing gas for inflating the second inflation part 230b into the inside of the case 210.

[0065] In addition, in a flow tube X1 according to Modification 5, a first supply hole h3 that supplies gas to the first inflation part 230a by communicating with the first introduction hole 204 and a second supply hole h4 that supplies gas to the second inflation part 230b by communicating with the second introduction hole 205 are formed. Here, the second supply hole h4 is formed at a part of the flow tube X1 that is lower than the first supply hole h3, that is, at a part located upstream of the flow of gas from the first supply hole h3.

[0066] According to such an airbag device 100E, when the gas generated by the gas generator 30 flows through the distribution pipe X1, the outflow of the gas from the second supply hole h4 starts earlier than the outflow of the gas from the first supply hole h3. Therefore, the supply of gas to the second inflatable portion 230b starts earlier than the supply of gas to the first inflatable portion 230a. As a result, according to the airbag device 100E according to the fifth modification, the second inflatable portion 230b can be inflated prior to the first inflatable portion 230a. When the airbag device 100E according to the fifth modification operates, first, the second inflatable portion 230b inflates to restrain the occupant's waist. Next, the first inflatable portion 230a inflates to restrain the occupant's chest. According to the airbag device 100E according to the fifth modification, by restraining the occupant's body in the order from the waist to the chest, the sway of the occupant's body during a vehicle collision can be suitably suppressed, and thus the occupant can be more suitably protected. In addition, in order to inflate the second inflatable portion 230b preferentially over the first inflatable portion 230a, the size of the second supply hole h4 may be made larger than that of the first supply hole h3. Thereby, a larger amount of gas is supplied to the second inflatable portion 230b than to the first inflatable portion 230a in a shorter time, and the second inflatable portion 230b inflates preferentially.

[0067] [Modification 6] FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a distribution pipe according to a sixth modification of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 12, the airbag device 100F according to the sixth modification is an airbag for the chest In addition to the first airbag 20R and the second airbag 20L, there are provided a third airbag 50R and a fourth airbag 50L for protecting the occupant's waist by deploying upon gas supply. As shown in FIG. 12, the third airbag 50R for the waist is attached to the first backside frame 22R of the back frame 2 in the seat frame 10, and the fourth airbag 50L for the waist is attached to the second backside frame 22L of the back frame 2 in the seat frame 10. Hereinafter, when explaining without distinguishing between the third airbag 50R for the waist and the fourth airbag 50L for the waist, it is simply referred to as the airbag 50 for the waist. The airbag 50 for the waist has the same structure as the airbag 20 for the chest, and the position where it is attached to the seat frame 10 is different from that of the airbag 20 for the chest. More specifically, the airbag 50 for the waist is attached at a position below the airbag 20 for the chest in the flow pipe X1 formed by a part of the backside frame 22 of the back frame 2. Therefore, the airbag 50 for the waist inflates at a position below the position where the airbag 20 for the chest inflates.

[0068] Here, as shown in FIG. 12, at the position corresponding to the introduction hole 203 of the airbag 50 for the waist in the part of the flow pipe X1 where the airbag 50 for the waist is attached, a supply hole h5 for the waist communicating with the introduction hole 203 of the airbag 50 for the waist is formed. Thereby, the flow pipe X1 and the airbag 50 for the waist are connected so that the gas flowing in the flow pipe X1 is supplied to the airbag 50 for the waist through the supply hole h5 for the waist and the introduction hole 203 of the airbag 50 for the waist. And the supply hole h5 for the waist is at a position above the inflow hole h1 into which the gas flowing from the conduit 40 flows in the flow pipe X1 and at a position below the supply hole h2 for the chest through which the gas flows out to the airbag 20 for the chest. That is, in the flow pipe X1, the part where the airbag 50 for the waist is connected is located upstream of the flow of the gas from the part where the airbag 20 for the chest is connected.

[0069] According to such an airbag device 100F, when the gas generated by the gas generator 30 flows through the distribution pipe X1, the outflow of gas from the supply hole h5 for the waist starts earlier than the outflow of gas from the supply hole h2 for the chest. Therefore, the supply of gas to the waist airbag 50 starts earlier than the supply of gas to the chest airbag 20. As a result, according to the airbag device 100F according to the sixth modification, the waist airbag 50 can be deployed earlier than the chest airbag 20. When the airbag device 100F according to the sixth modification operates, first, the waist airbag 50 is deployed, thereby restraining the waist of the occupant. Next, when the chest airbag 20 is deployed, the chest of the occupant is restrained. According to the airbag device 100F according to the sixth modification, similar to the airbag device 100E according to the fifth modification, by restraining the body of the occupant in the order from the waist to the chest, the sway of the occupant's body during a vehicle collision can be preferably suppressed, and thus the occupant can be more preferably protected. Further, in the airbag device 100F, the chest airbag 20 and the waist airbag 50 are provided separately. That is, since the protection of the chest and the protection of the waist are realized by separate airbags, it is sufficient to install airbags at positions corresponding to the chest and the waist of the occupant, respectively. Therefore, the airbag can be miniaturized, and the required amount of gas can also be reduced. As a result, the entire airbag device can be miniaturized. In addition, in order to inflate the waist airbag 50 preferentially over the chest airbag 20, the size of the supply hole h5 for the waist may be made larger than the supply hole h2 for the chest. Thereby, a larger amount of gas is supplied to the waist airbag 50 than to the chest airbag 20 in a shorter time, and the waist airbag 50 inflates preferentially.

[0070] <Embodiment 2> As Embodiment 2, a vehicle seat equipped with an airbag device will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle seat S10G equipped with the airbag device according to Embodiment 2. In FIG. 13, a cross section orthogonal to the front-rear direction (depth direction) is shown. In FIG. 13, reference numeral M1 The two-dot chain line shown by represents an occupant. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the airbag device 100G according to Embodiment 2. Hereinafter, in the description of Embodiment 2, the description will focus on the differences between the vehicle seat S10 and the airbag device 100 according to Embodiment 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, and detailed descriptions of the same points as those of the vehicle seat S10 and the airbag device 100 will be omitted.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 14, in the airbag device 100G according to Embodiment 2, the gas generator 30 is attached along the cushion side frame 12 of the cushion frame 1 in the seat frame 10. More specifically, the first gas generator 30R and the second gas generator 30L are arranged in the first region A1, and their longitudinal direction (axial direction) is provided to be coincident with the extending direction of the cushion side frame 12 (that is, the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat S10). Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the cushion frame 1 of the airbag device 100G is provided with a first cover portion 14R that covers the first gas generator 30R from the seat surface S11 side of the seat cushion S1 and a second cover portion 14L that covers the second gas generator 30L from the seat surface S11 side of the seat cushion S1. Hereinafter, when the first cover portion 14R and the second cover portion 14L are not distinguished in the description, they are simply referred to as the cover portion 14. The cover portion 14 is formed of a metal material, has an arc-shaped cross section that is convex generally upward (seat surface S11 side), and extends in the front-rear direction (depth direction). The side edges of the cover portion 14 are connected to the cushion side frame 12 of the cushion frame 1 by welding or the like.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 13, in the vehicle seat S10G, a cushion C1 is attached to the cushion frame 1 of the airbag device 100G, and the seat cushion S1 is formed by the cushion frame 1 being covered by the cushion C1. At this time, in the vehicle seat S10G, since the gas generator 30 is covered from the seat surface S11 side by the cover portion 14, the gas generator 30 is protected from the load caused by the seating of the occupant. Further, since the gas generator 30 is attached along the cushion side frame 12, the first gas generator 30R, the second gas generator 30L, the first cover portion 14R, and the second cover portion 14L are also positioned on the side of the buttocks H1 of the occupant M1 sitting on the vehicle seat S10G in the same manner as the cushion side frame 12. More specifically, the buttocks H1 of the occupant M1 is positioned between the first gas generator 30R and the first cover portion 14R and the second gas generator 30L and the second cover portion 14L. At this time, in the vehicle seat S10G, the cushion C1 is divided in the left-right direction (width direction) into a first side portion C11R that is a region covering the first cover portion 14R, a second side portion C11L that is a region covering the second cover portion 14L and is spaced apart from the first side portion C11R, and a seating portion C12 that is a region sandwiched between the first side portion C11R and the second side portion C11L. The cushion C1 is a region that supports the buttocks H1 of the occupant M1 and is supported from below by a spring SP1. Further, in the vehicle seat S10G, a first holding portion HD1R is formed by the first cover portion 14R being covered by the first side portion C11R, and a second holding portion HD1L is formed by the second cover portion 14L being covered by the second side portion C11L. Since the first cover portion 14R and the second cover portion 14L are positioned at positions sandwiching the buttocks H1 of the occupant M1 from the left and right directions of the vehicle seat S10G, the first holding portion HD1R and the second holding portion HD1L are formed to hold the side buttocks SH1 of the occupant from both sides in the left-right direction.

[0073] According to the airbag device 100G according to Embodiment 2, the same effects as those of the airbag device 100 according to Embodiment 1 can be obtained. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, by arranging the gas generator 30 in the seat cushion S1 of the vehicle seat S10G, the seat back S2 can be made thinner. Further, since a part of the back frame 2 in the seat frame 10 is formed as the flow pipe X1, gas can be quickly supplied to the airbag 20, and the airbag 20 can be quickly deployed. Also, it can contribute to reducing the material cost and the weight of the seat itself. Furthermore, by using a part of the back frame 2 for forming the skeleton of the seat back S2 as the flow pipe X1, the seat back S2 can be made thinner.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat S10G according to Embodiment 2, by forming the first holding portion HD1R and the second holding portion HD1L that hold the side hip SH1 of the occupant M1 from both sides in the left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle seat S10G, the holding property of the vehicle seat S10G can be enhanced.

[0075] Here, the cushion C1 is set such that the thickness T1 of the first side portion C11R and the second side portion C11L is smaller than the thickness T2 of the seating portion C12. According to this, while making the seating portion C12 relatively thick to impart appropriate flexibility and elasticity to the seating portion C12, the first side portion C11R and the second side portion C11L are made relatively thin to harden the first holding portion HD1R and the second holding portion HD1L. As a result, the side hip SH1 of the occupant M1 can be held more firmly, and the holding property of the vehicle seat S10G can be further enhanced.

[0076] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat S10G, the first gas generator 30R and the second gas generator 30L are attached so as to extend in the direction in which the cushion side frame 12 extends (i.e., the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat S10G), together with the first cover portion 14R and the second cover portion 14L. Thereby, the first holding portion HD1R and the second holding portion HD1L can be lengthened in the front-rear direction (depth direction). Therefore, the range held by the first holding portion HD1R and the second holding portion HD1L at the side hip SH1 of the occupant M1 can be widened. As a result, the holding performance of the vehicle seat S10G can be further enhanced.

[0077] As described above, the embodiments and modifications of the airbag device and the vehicle seat according to the present disclosure have been described. However, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as much as possible.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 1 ······ Cushion frame 14R ··· First cover portion 14L ··· Second cover portion 2 ······ Back frame 4 ······ Reclining rod (pivot shaft portion) 10 ······ Seat frame 20 ······ Airbag (chest airbag) 30 ······ Gas generator 40 ······ Duct 50 ······ Lumbar airbag 100 ····· Airbag device S1 ······ Seat cushion (seat surface portion) S11 ···· Seat surface S2 ······ Seat back (backrest portion) S3 ······ Headrest C1 ······ Cushion S10 ····· Vehicle seat X1 ······ Flow pipe HD1R ··· First holding portion HD1L ··· Second holding portion

Claims

1. A seat frame that forms a framework of a vehicle seat in which a vehicle occupant sits; a first airbag disposed in a backrest portion of the vehicle seat that supports a back of the occupant and that deploys when gas is supplied thereto; a gas generator that is disposed in a seat surface portion of the vehicle seat that supports the buttocks of the occupant and generates gas to be supplied to the first airbag, a portion of the seat frame including at least a portion of a back frame forming a skeleton of the backrest portion is formed as a first circulation pipe connected to the first airbag so as to supply the gas generated by the gas generator to the first airbag, The back frame includes a first back side frame that forms one end side of the back frame, a first partition wall is provided in the first back side frame to separate a space within the first back side frame into upper and lower spaces, and an upper end of the first flow pipe is defined by the first partition wall; The back frame further includes a second back side frame that forms the other end side of the back frame, A second airbag that is deployed by the supply of gas generated by the gas generator is attached to the second back side frame, A portion of the second back side frame is formed as a second circulation pipe connected to the second airbag, The second back side frame is provided with a second partition wall that divides a space within the second back side frame into upper and lower parts, and an upper end of the second flow pipe is defined by the second partition wall. Airbag device.

2. the first airbag and the second airbag communicate with the inside of the first circulation pipe and the inside of the second circulation pipe through respective supply holes formed in the first back side frame and the second back side frame, the first partition wall and the second partition wall are disposed above the supply hole, and separate an interior of the first back-side frame from an interior of the second back-side frame.

2. The airbag device according to claim 1.

3. The back frame further includes an upper frame extending between the first back side frame and the second back side frame, the first partition wall and the second partition wall prevent the gas from flowing through the upper frame; 3. The airbag device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a conduit for guiding the gas from the gas generator to the first flow pipe and the second flow pipe, Each of the conduits is connected to a portion of the first circulation pipe and the second circulation pipe that is closer to the seat portion than a portion to which the first airbag and the second airbag are connected.

4. An airbag device according to claim 1.

5. a conduit for guiding the gas from the gas generator to the first flow pipe and the second flow pipe, the seat frame includes a rotation shaft portion that forms a rotation shaft of the back frame for tilting the backrest portion, a portion of the seat frame including at least a portion of the back frame and at least a portion of the pivot shaft portion is formed as the first flow pipe and the second flow pipe, Each of the conduits is connected to at least a part of the rotation shaft portion of the first flow pipe and the second flow pipe.

4. An airbag device according to claim 1.

6. a cross-sectional area of ​​the gas flow passage in the first flow pipe and the second flow pipe is set to be larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the gas flow passage in each of the conduits; 5. The airbag device according to claim 4.

7. A seat frame that forms a framework of a vehicle seat in which a vehicle occupant sits; a first airbag disposed in a backrest portion of the vehicle seat that supports a back of the occupant and that deploys when gas is supplied thereto; a gas generator that is disposed in a seat surface portion of the vehicle seat that supports the buttocks of the occupant and generates gas to be supplied to the first airbag, a portion of the seat frame including at least a portion of a back frame forming a skeleton of the backrest portion is formed as a first circulation pipe connected to the first airbag so as to supply the gas generated by the gas generator to the first airbag, The back frame includes a first back side frame that forms one end side of the back frame, a first partition wall is provided in the first back side frame to separate a space within the first back side frame into upper and lower spaces, and an upper end of the first flow pipe is defined by the first partition wall; the first airbag includes a first inflatable portion that is inflated by the supply of gas to protect a chest region of the occupant, and a second inflatable portion that is inflated by the supply of gas to protect a waist region of the occupant, In the first flow pipe, a second supply port for supplying the gas to the second expansion section is formed at a position upstream of a flow of the gas from a first supply port for supplying the gas to the first expansion section. Airbag device.

8. A seat frame that forms a framework of a vehicle seat in which a vehicle occupant sits; a first airbag disposed in a backrest portion of the vehicle seat that supports a back of the occupant and that deploys when gas is supplied thereto; a gas generator that is disposed in a seat surface portion of the vehicle seat that supports the buttocks of the occupant and generates gas to be supplied to the first airbag, a portion of the seat frame including at least a portion of a back frame forming a skeleton of the backrest portion is formed as a first circulation pipe connected to the first airbag so as to supply the gas generated by the gas generator to the first airbag, The back frame includes a first back side frame that forms one end side of the back frame, a first partition wall is provided in the first back side frame to separate a space within the first back side frame into upper and lower spaces, and an upper end of the first flow pipe is defined by the first partition wall; the first airbag is a thorax airbag that is deployed by the supply of gas to protect the thorax of the occupant, a lumbar airbag that is deployed by the supply of gas to protect the lumbar region of the occupant; the first flow pipe is connected to the lumbar airbag in addition to the thorax airbag so as to supply the gas generated by the gas generator to the lumbar airbag, In the first circulation pipe, a portion to which the lumbar airbag is connected is located upstream in the gas flow direction relative to a portion to which the thorax airbag is connected. Airbag device.

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