Airbag device

Abstract

To provide an airbag device that can be easily manufactured and can restrain an occupant in a state closer to a sitting posture as much as possible.SOLUTION: An airbag device, which inflates and expands at the side of an occupant seated on a seat of a vehicle, comprises: an inflator; a first panel having a first fixed part and a second fixed part opposing to each other; a second panel forming an airbag together with the first panel; and a regulating member, provided inside the airbag, which has a first site and a second site fixed to the first fixed part and the second fixed part respectively. A length from the first fixed part to the second fixed part of the first panel is longer than a length from the first site to the second site of the regulating member. The airbag has a main bag and a sub inflating part formed of the first panel and the regulating member. When the airbag inflates and expands, gas from the inflator is introduced into the main bag, the second panel faces the occupant, and the sub inflating part contacts the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag device. More specifically, the present invention relates to an airbag device that inflates and deploys during a side collision of a vehicle such as an automobile to protect an occupant.

Background Art

[0002] As an airbag device that inflates and deploys during a side collision of a vehicle such as an automobile to protect an occupant, there are known a side airbag device that inflates and deploys between the side wall inside the vehicle (hereinafter simply referred to as the "vehicle side wall") of the vehicle and an occupant seated on a seat, and a curtain airbag device that inflates and deploys from above to below the vehicle side wall.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a curtain airbag device that folds back at least one of a plurality of chambers (air chambers) and thickens the thickness during inflation to restrain an occupant at a position as close as possible to the inside of the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the curtain airbag device described in Patent Document 1 requires folding back the chamber and folding it in the folded state, so the manufacturing work is complicated, and after folding, the diameter of the folded chamber portion of the curtain airbag device becomes large.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device that can be easily manufactured and can restrain an occupant in a state as close as possible to the sitting posture.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an airbag device that inflates and deploys on the side of an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat, comprising an inflater that generates gas, an edge, a first fixing portion, and a first panel having a second fixing portion that is a portion facing the first fixing portion, a second panel having an edge coupled to the edge of the first panel and forming a bag-shaped airbag together with the first panel, and a restricting member provided inside the airbag and having a first portion fixed to the first fixing portion and a second portion fixed to the second fixing portion, wherein at least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is provided at a position different from the edge of the first panel, the length from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion of the first panel is longer than the length from the first portion to the second portion of the restricting member, the airbag includes a main bag formed by the first panel, the second panel, and the restricting member excluding the portion between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, and a sub-inflation portion formed by the first panel and the restricting member between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, and when the airbag inflates and deploys, the gas from the inflater is introduced into the main bag, the second panel faces the occupant, and the sub-inflation portion abuts against the vehicle.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an airbag device that can be easily manufactured and can restrain an occupant in a state as close as possible to the sitting posture.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the airbag device of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Descriptions regarding directions in this specification are based on the vehicle unless otherwise specified. For example, "front" indicates the front direction of the vehicle, "rear" indicates the rear direction of the vehicle, "upper" indicates the upper direction of the vehicle, "lower" indicates the lower direction of the vehicle, and "side" indicates the outer direction in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the arrow FR appropriately shown in each figure indicates the front direction of the vehicle, the arrow UP indicates the upper direction of the vehicle, and the arrow OUT indicates the outer direction in the vehicle width direction. Note that members arranged inside the vehicle seat are illustrated in a state where the vehicle seat is seen through.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state before the inflation and deployment of the curtain airbag for the airbag device of Embodiment 1, and is a view of the vehicle side wall as seen from the inside of the vehicle in the front view.

[0012] The airbag device 100 is a curtain airbag device and is housed and covered with an interior material above the vehicle side wall 50 of the vehicle. The airbag device 100 is housed in a space (the storage portion of the vehicle side wall 50) formed between the vehicle side wall 50 and the interior material so as not to be visible to the passengers inside the vehicle. However, in FIG. 1, for the convenience of explanation, the airbag device 100 is specifically illustrated.

[0013] The vehicle side wall 50 is not particularly limited as long as it is a vehicle body portion located on the side of the passenger sitting on the seat, and collectively refers to the side door, pillar, side window, etc. Examples of the vehicle side wall 50 include the roof side rail 51 above the vehicle, the front pillar (A pillar) 54 in the front of the vehicle, the center pillar (B pillar) 52 in the center of the vehicle, the rear pillar (C pillar) (not shown) in the rear of the vehicle, the side window 53, the door trim (not shown in FIG. 1), etc. Note that in FIG. 1, illustrations of the front portion, rear portion, and lower portion of the vehicle side wall 50 are omitted.

[0014] The interior material is not particularly limited as long as it is a member that covers the vehicle side wall 50. For example, it includes a ceiling material 51A that covers the roof side rail 51, a front pillar trim 54A that covers the front pillar, a center pillar trim 52A that covers the center pillar 52, a rear pillar trim (not shown) that covers the rear pillar, and the like.

[0015] In this embodiment, an international standard side impact dummy (World-SID: World Side Impact Dummy) 40 is seated on a vehicle seat (not shown). The seating posture of the international standard side impact dummy 40 is determined by the side impact test method (ECE R95) currently adopted in Japan and Europe, or the side impact test method (FMVSS214) adopted in the United States. The position and size at the time of inflation and deployment of the airbag are set according to the position of the head 41 etc. of the international standard side impact dummy 40 as shown in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the international standard side impact dummy 40 will be referred to as "occupant 40".

[0016] The airbag device 100 is a curtain airbag device that inflates and deploys on the side of the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat, and includes an inflater 110 that generates gas and a bag-shaped curtain airbag 120 that is foldably arranged so as to be inflatable and deployable.

[0017] The inflater 110 is a cylinder-shaped (columnar) gas generator and has a gas ejection hole at one end in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The gas ejection hole is inserted into the gas introduction part 123 of the curtain airbag 120 formed by being sewn in a cylindrical shape.

[0018] The inflator 110 operates in the event of an emergency of the vehicle (for example, in the event of a side collision of the vehicle). Specifically, first, when a collision detection sensor mounted on the vehicle detects a side collision of the vehicle, the ECU (Electroric Control Unit) calculates the signal sent from the collision detection sensor, and the level of the collision is determined. Then, when the determined collision level corresponds to inflating the curtain airbag 120, the inflator 110 is ignited, and gas is generated by a chemical reaction due to combustion. As a result, the gas generated from the inflator 110 is introduced into the curtain airbag 120 from the gas ejection holes of the inflator 110 through the gas introduction part 123 of the curtain airbag 120.

[0019] The type of the inflator 110 is not particularly limited. For example, there are a pyrotechnic inflator that uses gas generated by burning a gas generating agent, a stored inflator that uses compressed gas, a hybrid inflator that uses a mixed gas of gas generated by burning a gas generating agent and compressed gas, and the like.

[0020] The curtain airbag 120 has a gas introduction part 123 into which the gas generated from the inflator 110 is introduced. The gas introduction part 123 is tightened with a band 112 together with the inserted inflator 110 so that the gas generated from the inflator 110 does not leak out. The inflator 110 is attached to the roof side rail 51 above the center pillar 52. On the other hand, the gas introduction part 123 is arranged at the upper edge (the upper end in the vehicle height direction) of the curtain airbag 120. Since the gas introduction part 123 is arranged near the center in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, inside the curtain airbag 120, a gas flow from near the center in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle toward the front end and a gas flow from near the center in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle toward the rear end will occur.

[0021] The curtain airbag 120 is a bag-shaped body, and before inflation and deployment, it is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on the roof side rail 51 and the front pillar 54. And the curtain airbag 120 is folded in a rod shape and stored in a state of being wound with a wrapping material (not shown) that can be broken when inflated. In the event of an emergency in the vehicle, the gas generated from the inflator 110 is introduced into the interior of the curtain airbag 120, so that the curtain airbag 120 expands and its folding is released. And when the interior trim material is pushed open by the force applied from the inflated curtain airbag 120, the curtain airbag 120 descends into the vehicle interior and further expands, and expands and deploys in a curtain shape from above to below the vehicle side wall 50. As a result, since the inflated and deployed curtain airbag 120 covers the vehicle side wall 50 from the inside of the vehicle along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the occupant 40 in the vehicle is protected with the head 41 as the center.

[0022] Next, the deployment state of the airbag device 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the three-dimensional shape of the curtain airbag after inflation and deployment of the airbag device according to Embodiment 1, showing the state as viewed from the outside of the vehicle. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion corresponding to the line segment A1-A2 in FIG. 2, showing the state as viewed from the front.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the curtain airbag 120 has a first panel 130, a second panel 140, and a restricting member 150.

[0025] The first panel 130 has an edge portion 131, a first fixing portion 132, and a second fixing portion 133 which is a portion facing the first fixing portion 132. Here, the first fixing portion 132 and the second fixing portion 133 are each a portion different from the edge portion 131 and are provided at positions different from the edge portion 131.

[0026] The first fixing part 132 and the second fixing part 133 are linear parts along a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as the extending direction, which is the front-rear direction here), and are located inside the edge part 131. Also, the first fixing part 132 and the second fixing part 133 may be substantially parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 2, or may be non-parallel to each other. For example, the distance between the two may gradually change. Furthermore, the first fixing part 132 and the second fixing part 133 may be linear as shown in FIG. 2, or at least one of them may be non-linear such as curved (e.g., arc-shaped), zigzag-shaped, wavy, etc.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the edge part 131 of the first panel 130 includes a first edge part 131a located outside the first fixing part 132 and a second edge part 131b located outside the second fixing part 133. That is, the first edge part 131a, the first fixing part 132, the second fixing part 133, and the second edge part 131b are arranged in this order.

[0028] The second panel 140 has an edge part 141 coupled to the edge part 131 of the first panel 130, and forms a bag-shaped curtain airbag 120 together with the first panel 130. The first panel 130 and the second panel 140 are each formed from a single base fabric, and are formed in substantially the same shape, for example, in a strip shape, so that the edge part 131 of the first panel 130 coincides with the edge part 141 of the second panel 140.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, when inflated and deployed, the curtain airbag 120 is arranged corresponding to at least the head 41 of the occupant 40.

[0030] The restricting member 150 is provided inside the curtain airbag 120, and has a first part 151 fixed to the first fixing part 132 and a second part 152 fixed to the second fixing part 133.

[0031] The restricting member 150 is a member provided to form a sub-inflation part 122 described later. It is provided only on one panel (here, the first panel 130), and restricts the complete inflation of the first panel 130 during inflation and deployment. The restricting member 150 is formed from a single strip-shaped base fabric, and is respectively coupled to the first panel 130 at the first fixing part 132 and the second fixing part 133. The first part 151 of the restricting member 150 and the first fixing part 132 of the first panel 130 are located at the same position on the curtain airbag 120, and the second part 152 of the restricting member 150 and the second fixing part 133 of the first panel 130 are located at the same position on the curtain airbag 120.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the restricting member 150 is not fixed to the first panel 130 in the lateral direction (the extending direction and the opposite direction, here the front-rear direction) with respect to the direction in which the first part 151 and the second part 152 face each other, and openings 160 through which gas can flow are respectively provided. Through these openings 160, the gas from the inflator 110 can flow between the main bag 121 and the sub-inflation part 122 described later.

[0033] The restricting member 150 may be fixed to the first fixing part 132 and the second fixing part 133 at one end and the other end as shown in FIG. 2, or may be fixed to the first fixing part 132 and the second fixing part 133 at an intermediate part excluding the ends. In the latter case, one end and the other end of the restricting member 150 extend to the edge 131 of the first panel 130 and the edge 141 of the second panel 140, and may be coupled with the edges 131 and 141.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the length L11 from the first fixing portion 132 to the second fixing portion 133 of the first panel 130 is longer than the length L12 from the first portion 151 to the second portion 152 of the restricting member 150. In this specification, the “length from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion of the first panel” and the “length from the first portion to the second portion of the restricting member” mean the lengths measured in a state where a cross section (for example, the cross section in FIG. 3) passing through an arbitrary first point on the first fixing portion (which may be a point on each location of the first fixing portion) and a second point on the second fixing portion that is located at the shortest distance from the first point is viewed.

[0035] As a result, when the restricting member 150 is flattened before inflation, the portion from the first fixing portion 132 to the second fixing portion 133 of the first panel 130 becomes slack. In other words, before inflation, the restricting member 150 is fixed to the first fixing portion 132 and the second fixing portion 133 in a state where the portion from the first fixing portion 132 to the second fixing portion 133 of the first panel 130 is slack.

[0036] The curtain airbag 120 has a main bag 121 formed by the first panel 130 excluding the portion between the first fixing portion 132 and the second fixing portion 133, the second panel 140, and the restricting member 150, and a sub-inflation portion 122 formed by the first panel 130 between the first fixing portion 132 and the second fixing portion 133 and the restricting member 150.

[0037] The main bag 121 is a chamber that constitutes the main part of the curtain airbag 120 and mainly undertakes the basic function of the curtain airbag 120 to inflate and deploy between the vehicle side wall 50 and the occupant 40 seated on the seat to protect the occupant 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the main bag 121 is arranged corresponding to at least the head 41 of the occupant 40, similar to the entire curtain airbag 120.

[0038] In addition, the main bag 121 is provided with a plurality of linear connecting portions 124 where the first panel 130 and the second panel 140 are joined. According to the connecting portion 124, the thickness of the curtain airbag 120 in the vehicle width direction during inflation can be partially regulated, and the inflation shape of the curtain airbag 120 can be controlled. Thereby, the internal volume and thickness of the curtain airbag 120 during inflation are adjusted, and the protection performance for the occupant 40 (mainly the head 41) can be enhanced.

[0039] Also, a plurality of fixing fabrics (tabs) 125 are provided at the upper edge portion of the curtain airbag 120 (main bag 121) as fixing portions. The fixing fabric 125 is joined so as to protrude from the upper edge of the main bag 121. The fixing fabric 125 is fixed to the upper part of the vehicle side portion, for example, the roof side rail 51 and the front pillar 54, using, for example, bolts, clips, etc.

[0040] The sub-inflation portion 122 is a chamber provided on the outer side of the vehicle (opposite to the occupant 40) of the main bag 121, and it inflates and expands between the main bag 121 and the vehicle to move the main bag 121 toward the occupant 40 side, and it has an additional function of the curtain airbag 120 to gain a stroke between the occupant 40 and the vehicle when the curtain airbag 120 inflates and deploys. As shown in FIG. 3, when the curtain airbag 120 inflates and deploys, the sub-inflation portion 122 is arranged at a position corresponding to the head 41 of the occupant 40.

[0041] When the curtain airbag 120 inflates and deploys, the gas from the inflator 110 is introduced into the main bag 121, the second panel 140 faces the occupant 40, and the sub-inflation portion 122 abuts against the vehicle. Therefore, the first panel 130 faces the side opposite to the occupant 40 (outer side of the vehicle).

[0042] More specifically, the gas ejected from the inflator 110 flows into the main bag 121 via the gas introduction portion 123, and then flows from the main bag 121 through the opening 160 into the sub-inflation portion 122 and expands. In the present embodiment, the sub-inflation portion 122 abuts against the vehicle side wall 50, for example, the side window 53.

[0043] The manufacturing process of the curtain airbag 120 is not particularly limited. For example, first, the first panel 130 and the second panel 140 are respectively cut out from the base fabric, then the restricting member 150 is cut out from the base fabric, then the second portion 152 of the restricting member 150 is joined to the second fixing portion 133 of the first panel 130, and then, with the first panel 130 folded and contracted at the central portion, the first portion 151 of the restricting member 150 is joined to the first fixing portion 132 of the first panel 130. Next, a pair of edge portions 131 and 141 of the first panel 130 and the second panel 140 are overlapped and joined, and a joining portion 124 is provided by joining predetermined portions of the first panel 130 and the second panel 140 to manufacture the bag-shaped main bag 121. Thereafter, the bag-shaped curtain airbag 120 can be manufactured by joining the fixing cloth 125 to a predetermined portion of the main bag 121.

[0044] Note that examples of the joining method include sewing, adhesion, welding, etc., or a combination thereof, and among them, sewing is preferable.

[0045] The base fabric used for the first panel 130, the second panel 140, the restricting member 150, and the fixing cloth 125 can be formed of, for example, yarns such as nylon 66 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Further, in order to improve heat resistance, airtightness, etc., the base fabric may be one whose surface is coated with silicon or the like.

[0046] As described above, in the present embodiment, the length L11 from the first fixing portion 132 to the second fixing portion 133 of the first panel 130 forming the sub-inflation portion 122 is longer than the length L12 from the first portion 151 to the second portion 152 of the regulating member 150. Thus, among the curtain airbag 120 formed in a bag shape by joining a pair of edge portions 131 and 141 of the first panel 130 and the second panel 140, the main bag 121 and the sub-inflation portion 122 separated by the regulating member 150 have the main bag 121 larger than the sub-inflation portion 122, and the reaction force of the curtain airbag 120 generated by the internal pressure is also larger in the main bag 121 than in the sub-inflation portion 122. Therefore, the sub-inflation portion 122 becomes softer than the main bag 121. In addition, due to the difference in the sizes of the main bag 121 and the sub-inflation portion 122, the tension generated on the surface of the second panel 140 forming the main bag 121 when the curtain airbag 120 expands is also larger than that on the first panel 130.

[0047] When the airbag device 100 is activated and gas is generated from the inflator 110, the gas is introduced from the inflator 110 into the main bag 121, and the main bag 121 expands and deploys. At this time, in the curtain airbag 120, when the portion provided with the regulating member 150 expands and deploys, the sub-inflation portion 122 also deploys, and gas flows in from between the first panel 130 and the regulating member 150 (opening 160) to expand the sub-inflation portion 122. At this time, when the sub-inflation portion 122 comes into contact with the vehicle, the curtain airbag 120 moves toward the occupant 40 side due to the reaction force. Thereby, the contact between the main bag 121 and the occupant 40 can be accelerated, and since the sub-inflation portion 122 is between the main bag 121 and the vehicle, the stroke between the occupant 40 and the vehicle can be obtained.

[0048] Also, as described above, it is possible to accelerate the contact between the main bag 121 and the occupant 40, and since the sub-inflation part 122 is between the main bag 121 and the vehicle, a stroke between the occupant 40 and the vehicle can be obtained, so that the occupant 40 can be restrained at a position as close to the inside of the vehicle as possible. That is, the occupant 40 can be restrained in a state as close to the sitting posture as possible.

[0049] Furthermore, when manufacturing the curtain airbag 120, after attaching the restricting member 150 to the first panel 130, the pair of edge portions 131 and 141 of the first panel 130 and the second panel 140 may be overlapped and joined, so that it can be easily manufactured.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the ratio (L11 / L12) of the length L11 to the length L12 is not particularly limited, but the length L12 is preferably a length through which gas can flow from the opening 160 to the sub-inflation part 122.

[0051] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the length L12 from the first part 151 to the second part 152 of the restricting member 150 is shorter than the length L13 from the first fixing part 132 to the first edge part 131a of the first panel 130, and is preferably shorter than the length L14 from the second fixing part 133 to the second edge part 131b of the first panel 130. Thereby, the thickness of the main bag 121 can be increased. Therefore, a stroke can be obtained when the curtain airbag 120 is crushed by the vehicle and the occupant 40.

[0052] Here, the "length from the first fixing part to the first edge part of the first panel" and the "length from the second fixing part to the second edge part of the first panel" mean lengths measured in a state of viewing a cross section (for example, the cross section in FIG. 3) passing through an arbitrary first point on the first fixing part (which may be a point on each point of the first fixing part) and a second point on the second fixing part that is located at the shortest distance from the first point.

[0053] The ratio of the length L12 to the length L13 (L12 / L13) and the ratio of the length L12 to the length L14 (L12 / L14) are not particularly limited.

[0054] Hereinafter, a modified example of the present embodiment will be described.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a three-dimensional shape of a curtain airbag after inflation and deployment of a modified example 1 of the first embodiment, and shows a state as viewed from the front. FIG. 4 shows a portion corresponding to the line segment A1 - A2 in FIG. 2.

[0056] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the length L14 from the second fixing portion 133 to the second edge portion 131b of the first panel 130 is longer than the length L13 from the first fixing portion 132 to the first edge portion 131a of the first panel 130. That is, it is preferable that the location of the sub-inflation portion 122 is biased toward the first edge portion 131a rather than the second edge portion 131b. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, when the sub-inflation portion 122 abuts on the side window 53, the curtain airbag 120 moves toward the occupant 40 side, so that the inflation and deployment position of the curtain airbag 120 can be adjusted according to the distance from the occupant 40 and the body shape of the occupant 40. Further, the curtain airbag 120 on the second edge portion 131b side bends toward the vehicle side wall 50 side. Therefore, the curtain airbag 120 on the second edge portion 131b side is likely to abut on the vehicle side wall 50 (door trim 55), and the movement of the curtain airbag 120 toward the vehicle side wall 50 side can be restricted, and the occupant 40 can be reliably received.

[0057] At this time, the ratio of the length L14 to the length L13 (L14 / L13) is not particularly limited.

[0058] Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the intermediate portion 136 between the first fixing portion 132 and the second fixing portion 133 is located above the middle 126 in the vehicle height direction of the curtain airbag 120. Thereby, the apex in the vehicle width direction of the sub-inflation portion 122 is located above the curtain airbag 120. Further, since the vehicle side wall 50 is located on the inner side of the vehicle as it goes upward, the sub-inflation portion 122 is likely to come into contact with the vehicle side portion, and it becomes easier to move the curtain airbag 120 toward the occupant 40 side earlier.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a three-dimensional shape of an airbag device according to a modification 2 of Embodiment 1 after inflation and deployment of a curtain airbag, and shows a state seen from the front. FIG. 5 shows a portion corresponding to the line segment A1 - A2 in FIG. 2.

[0060] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, two or more sub-inflation portions 122 may be provided. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of sub-inflation portions 122 are arranged side by side in the same direction (here, the vertical direction). Among the plurality of sub-inflation portions 122 arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the lower ones may be larger. That is, the length L11 from the first fixing portion 132 to the second fixing portion 133 of the first panel 130 may be longer for the lower sub-inflation portion 122.

[0061] Note that in the present embodiment, the number of sub-inflation portions 122 per curtain airbag 120 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be one, or two or more. Also, it may be a number corresponding to the number of rows of seats. For example, the same number of sub-inflation portions 122 as the number of rows of seats may be provided. That is, one sub-inflation portion 122 may be provided for each row of seats. Also, a plurality of sub-inflation portions 122 may be provided for each row of seats.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing a three-dimensional shape of an airbag device according to a modification 3 of Embodiment 2 after inflation and deployment of a curtain airbag, and shows a state seen from the outside of the vehicle. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion corresponding to the line segment B1 - B2 in FIG. 6, and shows a state seen from above.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the extending direction along which the first fixing portion 132 and the second fixing portion 133 extend may be the vertical direction. In this case, the first portion 151 and the second portion 152 are also arranged along the vertical direction, and the restricting member 150 is not fixed to the first panel 130 in the lateral direction (the extending direction and the opposite direction thereof, here the vertical direction) with respect to the direction in which the first portion 151 and the second portion 152 face each other, and openings 160 through which gas can flow are respectively provided.

[0064] Further, in the present embodiment, the extending direction along which the first fixing portion 132 and the second fixing portion 133 extend is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an oblique direction intersecting the vertical direction and the front-rear direction.

[0065] Further, in the present embodiment, at least one of the first fixing portion 132 and the second fixing portion 133 may be provided at a position different from the edge portion 131 of the first panel 130, and one of the first fixing portion 132 and the second fixing portion 133 may be provided at the same position as the edge portion 131. In this case, at the edge portion 131 of the first panel 130, one of the first fixing portion 132 and the second fixing portion 133, one of the first portion 151 and the second portion 152 of the restricting member 150, and the edge portion 141 of the second panel 140 are coupled to each other.

[0066] Further, in the present embodiment, at least one (for example, one) gas flow hole through which gas can flow may be provided in the restricting member 150.

[0067] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the side airbag device according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. The side airbag device according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the airbag device according to Embodiment 1 except that the airbag for which the sub-inflation portion is provided is different, and thus the description of the overlapping points will be appropriately omitted. In the present embodiment, the sub-inflation portion is provided in the side airbag.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a state before the side airbag of the airbag device according to Embodiment 2 is inflated and deployed, and shows the state as viewed from the side. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a state before the side airbag of the airbag device according to Embodiment 2 is inflated and deployed, and shows the state as viewed from the front.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the airbag device 200 is a side airbag device that inflates and deploys on the side of the occupant 40 sitting on the vehicle seat (seat of the vehicle) 30, and is attached to the side portion (side portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction) of the seat back (backrest portion) 31 of the vehicle seat 30.

[0070] As the vehicle seat 30, for example, the driver's seat, the passenger seat, etc. of the vehicle are assumed.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the position and size of the airbag at the time of inflation and deployment are set according to the positions of the head 41, chest 42, arm 43, shoulder 44, abdomen 45, back 46, and waist 47 of the occupant 40 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0072] The vehicle side wall 50 is not particularly limited as long as it is a vehicle body portion located outside the vehicle (opposite side to the console box 60) of the occupant 40 sitting on the vehicle seat 30, and collectively refers to a side door, a pillar, a side window, etc.

[0073] The console box 60 is provided inside the vehicle of the vehicle seat 30. For example, the console box 60 is provided between the driver's seat and the passenger seat at the center in the vehicle width direction inside the vehicle. The console box 60 may function as an armrest portion (armrest portion) that supports the arm 43 inside the vehicle of the occupant 40.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the airbag device 200 has a bag-shaped side airbag 220 that is foldably arranged so as to be inflatable and deployable, and an inflater 210 arranged inside the side airbag 220.

[0075] The side airbag 220 is a bag-shaped body. Before inflation and deployment, it is folded and fixed to the side part of the vehicle seat 30, here, the side part of the seat back 31, via the inflator 210, and is covered and stored by the skin of the seat back 31 together with the cushion pad.

[0076] The inflator 210 is a cylinder-shaped (circular column-shaped) gas generator, and is arranged along the extending direction (height direction) of the seat back 31. A pair of bolts 211 protrude from the upper part and the lower part of the inflator 210, and the pair of bolts 211 penetrate through the side airbag 220. The inflator 210 is attached to the side part of the seat back 31 by such a pair of bolts 211.

[0077] The inflator 210 operates in the event of an emergency of the vehicle (for example, when the vehicle collides with the side), similar to the case of Embodiment 1. The gas generated from the inflator 210 will be introduced into the inside of the side airbag 220.

[0078] The type of the inflator 210 is not particularly limited, and for example, those exemplified in Embodiment 1 can be mentioned.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the airbag device of Embodiment 2 after the airbag is inflated and deployed, showing the state seen from the side. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the part corresponding to the line segment C1-C2 in FIG. 10, showing the state seen from the front.

[0080] When the vehicle collides with an obstacle (e.g., another vehicle) on the side and the inflator 210 is activated, the gas generated from the inflator 210 is introduced into the inside of the side airbag 220, and the side airbag 220 expands while its folding is released. Then, when the skin of the seat back 31 is broken by the force applied from the inflated side airbag 220, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the side airbag 220 expands and deploys (fully deploys) above the console box 60 and on the side of the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat 30, protecting the side portion of the occupant 40. The airbag 20 that expands and deploys in this way is also called a far-side airbag.

[0081] Further, the side airbag 220 has a first panel 230, a second panel 240, a first regulating member 250a, and a second regulating member 250b.

[0082] The first panel 230 has an edge portion 231, a first fixing portion 232 that is a portion different from the edge portion 231, and a second fixing portion 233 that is a portion different from the edge portion 231 and faces the first fixing portion 232.

[0083] The first fixing portion 232 and the second fixing portion 233 are linear portions along a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as the extending direction; here, the front-rear direction), and are located inside the edge portion 231. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the first fixing portion 232 and the second fixing portion 233 may be substantially parallel to each other, or may be non-parallel to each other. For example, the distance between them may gradually change. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the first fixing portion 232 and the second fixing portion 233 may be linear, or at least one of them may be non-linear such as curved (e.g., arc-shaped), zigzag-shaped, wavy, etc.

[0084] The edge portion 231 of the first panel 230 includes a first edge portion 231a located outside the first fixing portion 232 and a second edge portion 231b located outside the second fixing portion 233. That is, the first edge portion 231a, the first fixing portion 232, the second fixing portion 233, and the second edge portion 231b are arranged in this order.

[0085] The second panel 240 has an edge 241 coupled to the edge 231 of the first panel 230, and forms a bag-shaped side airbag 220 together with the first panel 230. The first panel 230 and the second panel 240 are each formed from a single base fabric, and are formed in substantially the same shape, for example, a rectangular shape, such that the edge 231 of the first panel 230 coincides with the edge 241 of the second panel 240.

[0086] In addition, the second panel 240 further has a first fixing portion 242, which is a portion different from the edge 241, and a second fixing portion 243, which is a portion different from the edge 241 and faces the first fixing portion 242.

[0087] The first fixing portion 242 and the second fixing portion 243 are linear portions along a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as the extending direction; here, the front-rear direction), and are located inside the edge 241. Also, the first fixing portion 242 and the second fixing portion 243 may be substantially parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 10, or may be non-parallel to each other. For example, the distance between them may gradually change. Further, the first fixing portion 242 and the second fixing portion 243 may be linear as shown in FIG. 10, or at least one of them may be non-linear, such as curved (e.g., an arc), zigzag, or wavy.

[0088] The edge 241 of the second panel 240 includes a first edge 241a located outside the first fixing portion 242 and a second edge 241b located outside the second fixing portion 243. That is, the first edge 241a, the first fixing portion 242, the second fixing portion 243, and the second edge 241b are arranged in this order.

[0089] Hereinafter, when the first fixing portions 232 and 242 are not distinguished, they will be described as the first fixing portion 202, and when the second fixing portions 233 and 243 are not distinguished, they will be described as the second fixing portion 203.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 10, when inflated and deployed, the side airbag 220 is arranged corresponding to a position extending from the head 42 of the occupant 40 through the shoulders 44, chest 42, and abdomen 45 to the waist 47.

[0091] The first restricting member 250a is provided inside the side airbag 220 and has a first part 251a fixed to the first fixing part 232 and a second part 252a fixed to the second fixing part 233. The second restricting member 250b is provided inside the side airbag 220 and has a first part 251b fixed to the first fixing part 242 and a second part 252b fixed to the second fixing part 243. Hereinafter, when the first restricting member 250a and the second restricting member 250b are not distinguished, they will be described as the restricting member 250. When the first parts 251a and 251b are not distinguished, they will be described as the first part 251. When the second parts 252a and 252b are not distinguished, they will be described as the second part 252.

[0092] The restricting member 250 is a member provided to form a sub-inflation part 222 described later, and is provided on at least one panel (here, the first panel 230). The first restricting member 250a restricts the first panel 230 from fully inflating during inflation and deployment, and the second restricting member 250b restricts the second panel 240 from fully inflating during inflation and deployment. The restricting member 250 is formed from a single rectangular base fabric. The first restricting member 250a is coupled to the first panel 230 by the first fixing part 232 and the second fixing part 233, respectively. The second restricting member 250b is coupled to the second panel 240 by the first fixing part 242 and the second fixing part 243, respectively. The first part 251a of the first restricting member 250a and the first fixing part 232 of the first panel 230 are located at the same position on the side airbag 220, and the second part 252a of the first restricting member 250a and the second fixing part 233 of the first panel 230 are located at the same position on the side airbag 220. Similarly, the first part 251b of the second restricting member 250b and the first fixing part 242 of the second panel 240 are located at the same position on the side airbag 220, and the second part 252b of the second restricting member 250b and the second fixing part 243 of the second panel 240 are located at the same position on the side airbag 220.

[0093] Each regulating member 250 is not fixed to the first panel 230 or the second panel 240 in the lateral direction (the extending direction and the opposite direction, here the front-rear direction) with respect to the direction in which the first part 251 and the second part 252 face each other, and openings 260 are respectively provided. Through these openings 260, the gas from the inflator 210 can flow between the main bag 221 and the sub-inflation part 222 described later.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first regulating member 250a may be fixed to the first fixing part 232 and the second fixing part 233 at one end and the other end respectively, or may be fixed to the first fixing part 232 and the second fixing part 233 at the intermediate part excluding the end parts. In the latter case, at least one of one end and the other end of the first regulating member 250a extends to the edge part 231 of the first panel 230 and the edge part 241 of the second panel 240, and may be combined with the edge parts 231 and 241.

[0095] The second regulating member 250b may be fixed to the first fixing part 242 and the second fixing part 243 at the intermediate part excluding the end part and one end respectively as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, or may be fixed to the first fixing part 242 and the second fixing part 243 at the intermediate part excluding the end part, or may be fixed to the first fixing part 242 and the second fixing part 243 at one end and the other end respectively. In the cases of (1) and (2) above, at least one of one end and the other end of the second regulating member 250b extends to the edge part 231 of the first panel 230 and the edge part 241 of the second panel 240, and may be combined with the edge parts 231 and 241.

[0096] The length L21 from the first fixing part 232 to the second fixing part 233 of the first panel 230 is longer than the length L22 from the first part 251a to the second part 252a of the first regulating member 250a. Also, the length L31 from the first fixing part 242 to the second fixing part 243 of the second panel 240 is longer than the length L32 from the first part 251b to the second part 252b of the second regulating member 250b.

[0097] As a result, when the regulating member 250 is flattened at the stage before inflation, the portion of the first panel 230 or the second panel 240 from the first fixing portion 202 to the second fixing portion 203 becomes slack. In other words, at the stage before inflation, the regulating member 250 is fixed to the first fixing portion 202 and the second fixing portion 203 in a state where the portion of the first panel 230 or the second panel 240 from the first fixing portion 202 to the second fixing portion 203 is slack.

[0098] The side airbag 220 includes a main bag 221 formed by the first panel 230 excluding the portion between the first fixing portion 232 and the second fixing portion 233, the second panel 240 excluding the portion between the first fixing portion 242 and the second fixing portion 243, and the regulating member 250, a first sub-inflation portion 222a formed by the first panel 230 between the first fixing portion 232 and the second fixing portion 233 and the first regulating member 250a, and a second sub-inflation portion 222b formed by the second panel 240 between the first fixing portion 142 and the second fixing portion 143 and the second regulating member 250b. Hereinafter, when the first sub-inflation portion 222a and the second sub-inflation portion 222b are not distinguished, they will be described as the sub-inflation portion 222.

[0099] The main bag 221 is a chamber that constitutes the main part of the side airbag 220 and mainly undertakes the basic function of a far-side airbag that inflates and deploys on the side of the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat 30 to protect the occupant 40. As shown in FIG. 10, the main bag 221 is arranged corresponding to the position from the head 42 of the occupant 40 to the shoulder 44, the chest 42, the abdomen 45, and then to the waist 47, similar to the entire side airbag 220.

[0100] The first sub-inflation part 222a is a chamber with a smaller capacity than the main bag 221 provided on the vehicle interior side (opposite to the occupant 40) of the main bag 221. It has an additional function of the curtain airbag 220, which expands and deploys between the main bag 221 and the vehicle, abuts against the console box 60, and restricts the movement of the main bag 221 when receiving the occupant 40. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the side airbag 220 expands and deploys, the first sub-inflation part 222a is arranged along the upper surface of the console box 60.

[0101] The second sub-inflation part 222b is a chamber with a smaller capacity than the main bag 221 provided on the occupant 40 side of the main bag 221. It has an additional function of the side airbag 220, which expands and deploys between the main bag 221 and the occupant 40 seated on the seat to protect the head 42 of the occupant 40. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the side airbag 220 expands and deploys, the second sub-inflation part 222b is arranged at a position corresponding to the head 42 of the occupant 40.

[0102] When the side airbag 220 expands and deploys, the gas from the inflator 210 is introduced into the main bag 221, the second panel 140 faces the occupant 40, and the first sub-inflation part 222a abuts against the vehicle. Therefore, the first panel 230 faces the side opposite to the occupant 40.

[0103] More specifically, the inflator 210 is provided inside the main bag 221. The gas ejected from the inflator 210 flows out into the main bag 221, then flows into the sub-inflation part 222 through the opening 260 from the main bag 221 and expands. In this embodiment, the first sub-inflation part 222a abuts against the console box 60, and the second sub-inflation part 222b receives the side surface of the head 41 of the occupant 40.

[0104] The manufacturing process of the side airbag 220 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be manufactured by the process shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, after connecting the first panel 230 and the second panel 240 to each other to form a bag shape, a method of inverting (turning inside out) the inside and outside of the bag is used.

[0105] Similar to the case of Embodiment 1, first, the first panel 230 and the second panel 240 are respectively cut out from the base fabric. The first panel 230 is formed with a cut (not shown) for inserting the inflator 210 into the side airbag 220 and a pair of holes (not shown) for inserting a pair of bolts 211. The second panel 240 is the same as the first panel 230 except that no cut and no pair of holes are formed.

[0106] Next, the first restricting member 250a and the second restricting member 250b are respectively cut out from the base fabric, and as shown in FIG. 12(a), the first restricting member 250a and the second restricting member 250b are respectively coupled to the first panel 230 and the second panel 240.

[0107] Next, as shown in FIG. 12(b), with the restricting member 250 on the outside, a pair of edges 231 and 241 of the first panel 230 and the second panel 240 are overlapped and joined to form a bag shape. At this time, an opening for inversion is provided by leaving a part of the edges 231 and 241 unsewn. Also, at this time, at least one of one end and the other end of the restricting member 250 may be overlapped and joined to the edges 231 and 241.

[0108] Then, as shown in FIG. 12(c), the bag is inverted from the opening, and after inversion, the opening is sewn to manufacture the bag-shaped side airbag 220.

[0109] Note that examples of the above joining method include sewing, adhesion, welding, etc., and among them, sewing is preferable.

[0110] The base fabrics used for the first panel 230, the second panel 240, and the restricting member 250 can be formed of threads such as nylon 66 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for example. Further, in order to improve heat resistance, airtightness, etc., the base fabric may have its surface coated with silicon or the like.

[0111] As described above, in the present embodiment, the length L21 from the first fixing portion 232 to the second fixing portion 233 of the first panel 230 is longer than the length L22 from the first portion 251a to the second portion 252a of the first restricting member 250a. Thus, when the airbag device 200 operates and gas is generated from the inflator 210, the gas is introduced from the inflator 210 into the main bag 221, and as the main bag 221 expands and deploys, the portion where the first restricting member 250a is provided also expands and deploys. That is, the first sub-expansion portion 222a also deploys, and gas flows in from between the first panel 230 and the first restricting member 250a (opening 260), causing the first sub-expansion portion 222a to expand. At this time, the first sub-expansion portion 222a abuts against the console box 60 of the vehicle, in this embodiment. During a side collision of the vehicle, the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat 30 tilts while moving inward in the vehicle width direction around the waist 47. Then, when the main bag 221 contacts the body of the occupant 40 tilted inward in the vehicle width direction, the main bag 221 tilts inward in the vehicle width direction. When the main bag 221 tilts inward in the vehicle width direction, the first sub-expansion portion 222a is immediately pressed against the upper surface of the console box 60, so a reaction force from the upper surface of the console box 60 is generated. Therefore, when this reaction force is applied to the main bag 221 via the first sub-expansion portion 222a, a force acts on the main bag 221 to try to return it outward in the vehicle width direction, and as a result, the movement of the occupant 40 inward in the vehicle width direction is suppressed early. That is, the occupant 40 can be restrained in a state as close as possible to the seated posture.

[0112] Further, when gas is generated from the inflator 210, the portion where the second regulating member 250b is provided also expands and deploys together with the main bag 221. That is, the second sub-expansion part 222b also deploys, and gas flows in from between the second panel 240 and the second regulating member 250b (opening 260) to expand the second sub-expansion part 222b. And in the present embodiment, since the length L31 from the first fixing part 242 to the second fixing part 243 of the second panel 240 is longer than the length L32 from the first part 251b to the second part 252b of the second regulating member 250b, as in the case of the first embodiment, the second sub-expansion part 222b becomes softer than the main bag 221, and the second sub-expansion part 222b can contact the occupant 40 earlier. Therefore, the soft second sub-expansion part 222b formed by a part of the second panel 240 can be interposed between the hard main bag 221 and the occupant 40 to softly receive the head 42 of the occupant 40 at an early stage. This also contributes to restraining the occupant 40 in a state as close as possible to the sitting posture.

[0113] Also, as in the case of the first embodiment, the side airbag 220 can be easily manufactured.

[0114] Further, when the first sub-expansion part 222a is provided so as to abut on the console box 60, that is, on the second edge part 231b side below the side airbag 220, the first edge part 231a side above the side airbag 220 tends to bend to the side opposite to the occupant 40, but by providing the second sub-expansion part 222b by a part of the second panel 240, the bending is alleviated.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the ratio of the length L21 to the length L22 (L21 / L22) and the ratio of the length L31 to the length L32 (L31 / L32) are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the lengths L22 and L32 are lengths through which gas can flow from the opening 260 to the sub-expansion part 222.

[0116] Hereinafter, modifications of the present embodiment will be described.

[0117] In addition, in the present embodiment, at least one (for example, one) gas flow hole through which gas can flow may be provided in at least one of the first restricting member 250a and the second restricting member 250b.

[0118] In addition, in the present embodiment, the extending direction along which the first fixing portion 142 and the second fixing portion 143 of the second panel 240 extend is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the vertical direction, or may be an oblique direction intersecting the vertical direction and the front-rear direction.

[0119] In addition, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to provide at least one (for example, one) vent hole for discharging gas in at least one of the first panel 230 and the second panel 240. When the inflated and deployed side airbag 220 is crushed, the internal pressure increases, so the reaction force of the side airbag 220 becomes higher. That is, the side airbag 220 becomes harder, but by appropriately discharging gas from the vent hole, the absorption characteristics of the side airbag 220 can be controlled.

[0120] In addition, in the present embodiment, the number of sub-inflation portions 222 per side airbag 220 is not particularly limited, and for example, only one first sub-inflation portion 222a may be provided, or three or more sub-inflation portions 222 may be provided.

[0121] The present invention is not limited to the content described in the above embodiments. Each configuration described in the embodiments may be appropriately deleted, added, changed, or combined without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0122] 30: Vehicle seat 31: Seat back 40: Occupant (International standard side impact dummy) 41: Head 42: Chest 43: Arm 44: Shoulder 45: Abdomen 46: Back 47: Lumbar region 50: Vehicle side wall 51: Roof side rail 51A: Ceiling material 52: Center pillar (B pillar) 52A: Center pillar trim 53: Side window 54: Front pillar (A pillar) 60: Console box 100, 200: Airbag device 110, 210: Inflator 112: Band 120: Curtain airbag 121, 221: Main bag 122, 222: Sub-inflation part 123: Gas introduction part 124: Joint part 125: Fixing cloth (tab) 126: Middle part of the curtain airbag in the vehicle height direction 130, 230: First panel 131, 231: Edge 131a, 231a, 241a: First edge 131b, 231b, 241b: Second edge 132, 202, 232, 242: First fixing part 133, 203, 233, 243: Second fixing part 136: Intermediate part between the first fixing part and the second fixing part 140, 240: Second panel 141, 241: Edge 150, 250: Restraining member 151, 251a, 251b, 251: First part 152, 252a, 252b, 252: Second part 160, 260: Opening 220: Side airbag 211: Bolt 250a: First restraining member 250b: Second restraining member L11, L21: Length from the first fixing part to the second fixing part of the first panel L12: Length from the first part to the second part of the regulating member L13: Length from the first fixing part to the first edge of the first panel L14: Length from the second fixing part to the second edge of the first panel L22: Length from the first part to the second part of the first regulating member L31: Length from the first fixing part to the second fixing part of the second panel L32: Length from the first part to the second part of the second regulating member

Claims

1. An airbag device that inflates and deploys laterally to an occupant seated on a vehicle seat, an inflator that generates gas, a first panel having an edge, a first fixing portion, and a second fixing portion that is a portion facing the first fixing portion, a second panel having an edge coupled to the edge of the first panel, and forming a bag-shaped airbag together with the first panel, a restricting member provided inside the airbag and having a first portion fixed to the first fixing portion and a second portion fixed to the second fixing portion, comprising: the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are provided at positions different from the edge of the first panel, the length from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion of the first panel is longer than the length from the first portion to the second portion of the restricting member, the airbag is formed by a main bag formed by the first panel, the second panel, and the restricting member excluding between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, and a sub-inflation portion formed by the first panel and the restricting member between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, when the airbag inflates and deploys, gas from the inflator is introduced into the main bag, the second panel faces the occupant, and the sub-inflation portion abuts against the vehicle. An airbag device characterized by this.

2. The airbag device according to claim 1, the edge of the first panel has a first edge located outside the first fixing portion and a second edge located outside the second fixing portion, the length from the first portion to the second portion of the restricting member is shorter than the length from the first fixing portion to the first edge of the first panel, and is shorter than the length from the second fixing portion to the second edge of the first panel. An airbag device characterized by this.

3. The airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, the edge of the first panel has a first edge located outside the first fixing portion and a second edge located outside the second fixing portion, the length from the second fixing portion to the second edge of the first panel is longer than the length from the first fixing portion to the first edge of the first panel. An airbag device characterized by this.

4. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein two or more sub-inflation portions are provided. An airbag device characterized by this.

5. An airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the airbag has a fixing portion attached to an upper portion of a vehicle side portion at its upper edge portion, and an intermediate portion between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is located above an intermediate portion of the airbag in the vehicle height direction, characterized by the airbag device.

Images