Airbag

Abstract

To provide an airbag configured so that force acting on a coastal cartridge in particular that may be damaged in the chest can be reduced and force does not act on a head and a neck excessively.SOLUTION: Positions at which one ends of a first tether 62, of a second tether 64 and of a third tether 66 are attached to an airbag 100 and lengths of the first tether 62, the second tether 64 and the third tether 66 are set so that inflation of the airbag 100 is regulated in a first connection part 72, a second connection part 74 and a third connection part 76 connected with the other ends of the first tether 62, of the second tether 64 and of the third tether 66, in an inflated state of the airbag 100, and dents 52, 54 and 56 are formed in the inflated airbag 100 along a first surface 42 extending in a six-o'clock-direction, a second surface 44 extending in a two-o'clock direction, and a third surface 46 extending in a ten-o'clock direction, from a center shaft 11 of the airbag 100, when viewing the inflated airbag 100 from an occupant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag.

Background Art

[0002] An airbag that inflates by gas supplied from an inflater attached to a vehicle body part such as a steering wheel is known in order to protect a passenger's body from the impact during a vehicle collision.

[0003] Such an airbag absorbs collision energy while receiving the passenger's body during a collision and protects the passenger's body.

[0004] For example, in the case of an airbag disposed in front of a passenger, the force applied to the passenger from the inflating airbag mainly acts on the passenger's forehead and chest. Among these body parts, the forehead is protected by a relatively robust frontal bone, while the costal cartilage of the chest is easily deformed and may be damaged to cause lung contusion.

[0005] Therefore, in order to reduce the impact acting on the chest, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an airbag having a depression provided in a central portion corresponding to the passenger's chest.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] According to the airbag of Patent Document 1, while the force acting on the passenger's chest during a collision is reduced, it is conceivable that the force acting on the neck connecting the head and the chest increases, and the force acting on the passenger's head and neck increases.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an airbag that reduces the force acting on the costal cartilage in the chest, which is particularly vulnerable to damage, while absorbing the impact energy acting on the chest in the airbag portions corresponding to the relatively hard ribs and collarbones mainly on both sides of the costal cartilage, so as to prevent excessive force from acting on the head and neck.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is characterized by being configured as follows.

[0010] First, the present invention is an airbag for a vehicle, a rear panel attached to an inflator by a retainer ring, a front panel facing an occupant, and a cylindrical side panel connecting the rear panel and the front panel to each other, wherein the airbag is provided with a first tether, a second tether, and a third tether disposed inside the airbag, the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are respectively arranged along a first plane extending in the 6 o'clock direction, a second plane extending in the 2 o'clock direction, and a third plane extending in the 10 o'clock direction from the central axis of the airbag when the inflated airbag is viewed from the occupant, one ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are respectively connected to the front panel or the side panel, the positions where the other ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are attached to the airbag and the lengths of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are determined such that, in a state where the airbag is inflated, the inflation of the airbag is restricted by the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether at first connection portions, second connection portions, and third connection portions where the one ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are connected, and depressions are formed in the inflated airbag along the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane.

[0011] According to the present invention, the positions where the other ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether disposed inside the airbag are attached to the airbag and the lengths of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are such that, in a state where the airbag is inflated, the inflation of the airbag is restricted by the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether at the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion where one ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are connected, and depressions are formed in the inflated airbag along the first surface extending in the 6 o'clock direction, the second surface extending in the 2 o'clock direction, and the third surface extending in the 10 o'clock direction from the central axis of the airbag. Due to this depression, the costal cartilage of the occupant is received, so that the load applied to the costal cartilage is reduced. In addition, since the chest other than the costal cartilage abuts against the airbag other than the depression, the load applied to the entire chest remains substantially unchanged. Therefore, while reducing the force acting on the costal cartilage, which is particularly vulnerable to damage in the chest, the airbag portion corresponding to the relatively hard ribs and collarbones mainly on both sides of the costal cartilage absorbs the collision energy acting on the chest, so that excessive force does not act on the head and neck.

[0012] Further, the other ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether may be connected to each other on the central axis of the airbag.

[0013] According to this configuration, since the other ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are connected to each other on the central axis of the airbag, the deployment balance when the airbag inflates can be maintained.

[0014] Further, the other ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether may be connected to the retainer ring or the rear panel.

[0015] According to this configuration, since the other ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are connected to the retainer ring or the rear panel, the deployment balance when the airbag inflates can be maintained.

[0016] Further, the side panel has first recessed portions, second recessed portions, and third recessed portions that respectively extend in a wedge shape from the outer periphery of the side panel toward the center of the airbag along the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface in a state where the airbag is inflated. The inner ends of the first recessed portion, the second recessed portion, and the third recessed portion may constitute the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion.

[0017] According to this configuration, the inner ends of the first recessed portion, the second recessed portion, and the third recessed portion that respectively extend in a wedge shape from the outer periphery of the side panel toward the center of the airbag along the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface constitute the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion, so that the shape of the first recessed portion that receives the costal cartilage of the occupant and the second recessed portion and the third recessed portion that maintain the deployment balance when the airbag inflates is maintained.

[0018] Further, the present invention is an airbag for a vehicle, a rear panel attached to an inflator by a retainer ring, a front panel facing an occupant, and a cylindrical side panel that connects the rear panel and the front panel to each other. The airbag includes a tether disposed inside the airbag. One end of the tether is connected to the side panel and the front panel along a first surface that extends in the 6 o'clock direction from the central axis of the inflated airbag when viewed from the occupant. The other end of the tether is connected to the retainer ring or the rear panel along the first surface. The length of the tether is determined such that, in a state where the airbag is inflated, at the first connection portion to which one end of the tether is connected, the inflation of the airbag is restricted by the tether, and a depression along the first surface is formed in the inflated airbag. This is the gist of the invention.

[0019] According to the present invention, the length of the first tether disposed inside the airbag is determined such that, in a state where the airbag is inflated, at the first connection portion to which one end of the first tether is connected, the inflation of the airbag is restricted by the first tether, and a depression along the first surface extending in the 6 o'clock direction from the central axis of the airbag is formed in the inflated airbag. Due to this depression, the costal cartilage of the occupant is received, so the load applied to the costal cartilage is reduced. In addition, the chest other than the costal cartilage abuts against the airbag other than the depression, so the load applied to the entire chest remains substantially unchanged. Therefore, while reducing the force acting on the costal cartilage, which is particularly vulnerable to injury in the chest, the airbag portion corresponding to the relatively hard ribs and collarbones mainly on both sides of the costal cartilage absorbs the collision energy acting on the chest, so that excessive force does not act on the head and neck.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] Therefore, according to the airbag according to the present invention, while reducing the force acting on the costal cartilage, which is particularly vulnerable to injury in the chest, the airbag portion corresponding to the relatively hard ribs and collarbones mainly on both sides of the costal cartilage absorbs the collision energy acting on the chest, so that excessive force does not act on the head and neck.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an airbag according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an airbag system including an airbag according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated airbag system is a driver's seat airbag system that protects an occupant (driver) sitting in front of the steering wheel 10 of an automobile from the impact during a collision. In the figure, the airbag 100 of the airbag system is shown in an inflated state, but is normally (when not operating / not inflated) folded and stored inside a horn pad (not shown).

[0024] The steering wheel 10 has a steering wheel shaft 12 extending along a central axis 11 and a ring-shaped wheel rim 13 provided around the steering wheel shaft 12. An inflater 20 for supplying inflation gas into the airbag 100 is attached to the end of the steering wheel shaft 12 on the occupant side. The inflater 20 is connected to the airbag 100 by inserting the end on the occupant side into the airbag 100. Further, on the side surface of the inflater 20, a case 23 with an opening on the occupant side is provided so that the end of the airbag 100 on the vehicle body side is fixed and stored.

[0025] The airbag 100 is composed of three panels: a rear panel 32 fixed to the case 23 of the inflator 20, a front panel 34 facing the occupant, and a cylindrical side panel 36 connecting the rear panel 32 and the front panel 34 to each other. The three panels are manufactured from an airbag base fabric processed from a woven fabric made of chemical fibers such as nylon, for example.

[0026] The shapes of the three panels are determined such that the inflated airbag 100 forms a cylindrical bag extending along the central axis 11 of the steering wheel 10.

[0027] An opening (inflation gas inlet) 38 surrounding the central axis 11 is formed in the rear panel 32. The airbag 100 and the inflator 20 are connected by inserting the end of the inflator 20 on the occupant side into the opening 38, so that the inflation gas jetted from the inflator 20 is supplied into the interior of the airbag 100. Further, a ring-shaped retainer ring 24 surrounding the opening 38 is provided on the occupant side of the rear panel 32 so that the inflator 20 can pass through. The retainer ring 24 is bolted to the case 23 of the inflator 20 so as to sandwich the rear panel 32 of the airbag 100. Therefore, the rear panel 32 of the airbag 100 is attached to the inflator 20 by the retainer ring 24.

[0028] The inflator 20 is electrically connected to a controller 22 provided at an appropriate location on the vehicle body. The controller 22 is connected to a sensor (not shown) that senses the impact acting on the vehicle body, and drives the inflator 20 based on the impact sensing signal output from the sensor, supplies inflation gas to the folded airbag 100, and is configured to inflate toward the occupant sitting in the driver's seat.

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inflated airbag 100 of Figure 1 as seen from the front, diagonally upward.

[0030] As shown in the figure, when viewed from the driver sitting in the driver's seat of the inflated airbag 100, the inflated airbag 100 is configured such that a wedge-shaped first recess 52, second recess 54, and third recess 56 are respectively formed along a first surface 42 extending in the 6 o'clock direction from the central axis 11 of the airbag 100, a second surface 44 extending in the 2 o'clock direction, and a third surface 46 extending in the 10 o'clock direction. The central axis is a virtual axis, and the first to third surfaces are virtual surfaces.

[0031] In the first embodiment and other embodiments, although the first surface 42 extends in the 6 o'clock direction from the central axis 11, it does not necessarily have to be exactly in the 6 o'clock direction, and for example, it may be in the range from 5:30 to 6:30. Similarly, the second surface 44 does not necessarily have to extend exactly in the 2 o'clock direction, and for example, it may be in the range from 1:30 to 2:30, and the third surface 46 does not necessarily have to extend exactly in the 10 o'clock direction, and for example, it may be in the range from 9:30 to 10:30.

[0032] As shown in the figure, each of the recesses 52, 54, 56 extends in a wedge shape from the outer periphery of the airbag 100 toward the central axis 11 of the front panel 34 in the front panel 34. Also, the radial depth of the recesses 52, 54, 56 (the depth in the direction from the outer periphery of the side panel 36 toward the central axis 11) gradually becomes shallower from the end side (occupant side) to the base end side (inflator side) of the airbag 100.

[0033] Figure 3 shows an example of a tether structure for forming the recesses 52, 54, 56.

[0034] The tether structure of Figure 3 has three tethers arranged inside the airbag 100, namely, a first tether 62, a second tether 64, and a third tether 66 arranged along the first surface 42, the second surface 44, and the third surface 46, respectively.

[0035] The first tether 62, the second tether 64, and the third tether 66 each have one end and the other end. One ends of the first tether 62, the second tether 64, and the third tether 66 are connected to each other. The other ends of the first tether 62, the second tether 64, and the third tether 66 are connected to a first connecting portion 72, a second connecting portion 74, and a third connecting portion 76 corresponding to the radially inner ends (bottoms) of the wedge-shaped first recessed portion 52, second recessed portion 54, and third recessed portion 56 formed in a state where the airbag 100 is inflated.

[0036] The lengths of the first tether 62, the second tether 64, and the third tether 66 are such that in a state where the airbag 100 is inflated, one ends of the first tether 62, the second tether 64, and the third tether 66 are located on or near the central axis 11 of the airbag 100, and the other ends of the first tether 62, the second tether 64, and the third tether 66 restrict the outward radial expansion of the airbag 100 at the first connecting portion 72, the second connecting portion 74, and the third connecting portion 76, and are determined such that the wedge-shaped first recessed portion 52, second recessed portion 54, and third recessed portion 56 are formed in the inflated airbag 100.

[0037] The first tether 62, the second tether 64, and the third tether 66 may be narrow strings, but in order to form stable wedge-shaped first recessed portion 52, second recessed portion 54, and third recessed portion 56, as shown in the figure, it is preferable to have a strip shape extending along the first surface 42, the second surface 44, and the third surface 46 in a state where the airbag 100 is inflated.

[0038] When inflated, as shown in FIG. 4, the airbag 100 having such a configuration has the deformation of the airbag portion to which the first tether 62, the second tether 64, and the third tether 66 are connected restricted by the first tether 62, the second tether 64, and the third tether 66, and the first recessed portion 52, the second recessed portion 54, and the third recessed portion 56 are respectively formed at corresponding positions. In particular, in the embodiment, since the three tethers 62, 64, 66 are evenly arranged around the central axis 11 and symmetrically with respect to the central axis 11, the shape of the inflated airbag 100 is stable, and the first recessed portion 52 is stably formed at a position corresponding to the first tether 62.

[0039] As a result, the left and right airbag inflation portions 82 and 84 located on both sides of the first recessed portion 52 receive the chest region from the relatively hard rib portions located on the left and right of the costal cartilage to the clavicle, and the airbag inflation portion 86 located between the second recessed portion 54 and the third recessed portion 56 receives the head and neck. Therefore, the impact force acting on the costal cartilage is reduced. On the other hand, since the chest region from the relatively hard rib portions to the clavicle is evenly and stably received by the left and right airbag inflation portions 82 and 84, the impact force acting on the head and neck does not increase.

[0040] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, the airbag system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the following description, for the components included in the airbag system of the second embodiment that are the same as or corresponding to the components included in the airbag of the first embodiment, the reference numerals of the first embodiment are suffixed with "100", and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] As shown in the figure, in the airbag 200 of the airbag system of the second embodiment, in the inflated state, in addition to the first to third recessed portions 152, 154, and 156 described above, an annular recessed portion 158 is formed along a circumference with a predetermined radius centered on the central axis 111. A tether structure different from the tether structure of the first embodiment is configured inside the airbag 200.

[0042] Specifically, the tether structure 160 disposed inside the airbag 200 of the second embodiment has a first tether 162, a second tether 164, and a third tether 166 that extend along the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface in the inflated state of the airbag 200. In addition, the tether structure 160 has a cylindrical auxiliary tether 168 located on a circumference centered on the central axis 111.

[0043] One end (the occupant side end) and the other end (the inflator side end) of the first tether 162, the second tether 164, and the third tether 166 are respectively connected to the front panel 134 and the rear panel 132 on the first surface 142, the second surface 144, and the third surface 146. As shown in the figure, the inner end portions of the first tether 162, the second tether 164, and the third tether 166, which are closer to the central axis at one end, are connected to the front panel 134 at positions separated from the central axis by a predetermined distance. On the other hand, the outer end portions of the first tether 162, the second tether 164, and the third tether 166, which are away from the central axis at one end, are connected to the front panel 134 at positions near the outer peripheral end portion of the front panel 134.

[0044] The auxiliary tether 168 is arranged on the circumference connecting the inner end portions on one end side of the first tether 162, the second tether 164, and the third tether 166, and the cylindrical one end portion is continuously connected to the front panel 134.

[0045] The other ends of the first tether 162, the second tether 164, and the third tether 166 are sandwiched and fixed between the retainer ring 124 around the inflator 120 inserted into the opening 138 and the rear panel 132 at the first connection position 192, the second connection position 194, and the third connection position 196.

[0046] The lengths of the first tether 162, the second tether 164, and the third tether 166 in the central axis direction are determined such that, in a state where the airbag 200 is inflated, the inflation of the airbag portion at the location where one ends of the first tether 162, the second tether 164, and the third tether 166 are connected is restricted by the first tether 162, the second tether 164, and the third tether 166, and the first recess 152, the second recess 154, and the third recess 156 are formed in the inflated airbag 200 along the first surface 142, the second surface 144, and the third surface 146.

[0047] As described above, according to the airbag according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the airbag portion to which one ends of the first tether 162, the second tether 164, and the third tether 166 are connected, the inflation of the airbag 200 is restricted by the first tether 162, the second tether 164, and the third tether 166, and the inflated airbag 200 forms the first recess 152, the second recess 154, and the third recess 156 along the first surface 142 extending in the 6 o'clock direction, the second surface 144 extending in the 2 o'clock direction, and the third surface 146 extending in the 10 o'clock direction. Since the three tethers 162, 164, and 166 are evenly arranged around the central axis 111 and are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis 111, the shape of the inflated airbag 200 is stable, and the first recess 152 is stably formed at a position corresponding to the first tether 162. Further, due to the presence of the auxiliary tether 168, an annular recess 158 centered on the central axis 111 is formed inside the first recess 152, the second recess 154, and the third recess 156.

[0048] Therefore, when the airbag 200 inflates during a collision, the left and right airbag inflation portions 182 and 184 located on both sides of the first recess 152 receive the chest from the relatively hard rib portions located on the left and right of the costal cartilage to the clavicle, and the airbag inflation portion 186 located between the second recess 154 and the third recess 156 receives the head and neck. Therefore, the impact force acting on the costal cartilage is reduced. On the other hand, since the chest region from the relatively hard rib portion to the clavicle is stably received by the left and right airbag inflation portions 182 and 184, the impact force acting on the head and neck does not increase.

[0049] [Third Embodiment] Hereinafter, the airbag system according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the following description, for the components included in the airbag system of the third embodiment that are the same as or corresponding to the components included in the airbag of the first embodiment, the reference numerals of the first embodiment are appended with "200", and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] In the third embodiment, the tether structure 260 disposed inside the airbag 300 includes a first tether 262 arranged to extend along the central axis 211 of the airbag 300 in an inflated state, and a second tether 264 arranged along a first surface extending in the 6 o'clock direction from the central axis 211. One end (the occupant-side end) of the first tether 262 is connected to the center of the front panel 234, and a substantially middle portion (the middle portion between the occupant-side end and the inflator-side end) of the first tether 262 has a branch portion 263 that branches in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock directions from the central axis 211 toward the inflator 220. The other ends (the inflator-side ends) of the first tether 262 in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock directions are sandwiched and fixed between a retainer ring 224 around the inflator 220 inserted into the opening 238 and the rear panel 232. One end (the inner end) of the second tether 264 is connected to the first tether 262, and the other end (the outer end) is connected to a first connection portion 272 corresponding to the inner end (the bottom) of the recessed portion 252 formed in the inflated state of the airbag 300.

[0051] The length of the first tether 262 in the central axis direction and the length of the second tether 264 in the radial direction are determined such that in the inflated state of the airbag 300, the inflation of the front panel 234 is restricted by the first tether 262, the inflation of the side panel 236 is restricted by the second tether 264, and the recessed portion 252 is formed along the first surface 242 extending in the 6 o'clock direction from the central axis 211 of the inflated airbag 300.

[0052] Thus, according to the airbag of the third embodiment, in the inflated state of the airbag 300, the inflation of the airbag portion to which the first tether 262 and the second tether 264 are connected is restricted, and the recessed portion 252 is formed along the first surface 242 extending in the 6 o'clock direction from the central axis 211 of the airbag 300.

[0053] Therefore, when the airbag 300 inflates during a collision, the left and right airbag inflation portions 282, 284 located on both sides of the recessed portion 252 receive the chest from the relatively hard rib portions located on the left and right of the costal cartilage to the clavicle, and the head and neck. Therefore, the impact force acting on the costal cartilage is reduced. On the other hand, since the chest region from the relatively hard rib portion to the clavicle is stably received by the left and right airbag inflation portions 282, 284, the impact force acting on the head and neck does not increase.

[0054] In addition, in the third embodiment, the first tether 262 and the second tether 264 may be separate members, or may be a single member cut out from a single base fabric.

[0055] [Other Embodiments] As described above, the embodiments in which the present invention is applied to the driver's seat airbag have been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the passenger seat airbag or the rear seat airbag. Further, the present invention is not limited to the airbags mounted on automobiles, and can be widely applied to the airbags of other vehicles.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0056] 20 Inflator 32 Rear Panel 34 Front Panel 36 Side Panel 62 First Tether 64 Second Tether 66 Third Tether 42 First Surface 44 Second Surface 46 Third Surface 52 Recess (First Recessed Portion) 54 Recess (Second Recessed Portion) 56 Recess (Third Recessed Portion) 72 First Connecting Portion 74 Second Connecting Portion 76 Third Connecting Portion 100 Airbag

Claims

1. An airbag for a vehicle, comprising: a rear panel attached to an inflator by a retainer ring; a front panel facing an occupant; and a cylindrical side panel connecting the rear panel and the front panel to each other, wherein the airbag: includes a first tether, a second tether, and a third tether disposed inside the airbag; the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are respectively disposed along a first plane extending in the 6 o'clock direction, a second plane extending in the 2 o'clock direction, and a third plane extending in the 10 o'clock direction from the central axis of the airbag when the inflated airbag is viewed from the occupant; one ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are respectively connected to the front panel or the side panel; the positions where the other ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are attached to the airbag and the lengths of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are determined such that when the airbag is inflated, the inflation of the airbag is restricted by the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether at first connection portions, second connection portions, and third connection portions where the one ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are connected, and depressions are formed in the inflated airbag along the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane.

2. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein the other ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are connected to each other on the central axis of the airbag.

3. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein the other ends of the first tether, the second tether, and the third tether are connected to the retainer ring or the rear panel.

4. The side panel has a first recess, a second recess, and a third recess respectively extending in a wedge shape from the outer periphery of the side panel toward the center of the airbag along the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane when the airbag is inflated; the inner ends of the first recess, the second recess, and the third recess constitute the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An airbag for a vehicle, a rear panel attached to an inflator by a retainer ring, a front panel facing an occupant, and a cylindrical side panel connecting the rear panel and the front panel to each other, wherein the airbag comprises a tether disposed inside the airbag, one end of the tether is connected to the side panel and the front panel along a first surface extending in the 6 o'clock direction from the central axis of the airbag when the inflated airbag is viewed from the occupant, the other end of the tether is connected to the retainer ring or the rear panel along the first surface, and the length of the tether is determined such that, in a state where the airbag is inflated, the inflation of the airbag is restricted by the tether at a first connection portion to which the one end of the tether is connected, and a depression along the first surface is formed in the inflated airbag. An airbag characterized by this.

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