Vehicle airbag device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a vehicle airbag device capable of suppressing an injury value of a driver with a simple configuration. [Solution] An airbag cushion 104 of a vehicle airbag device 100 has a bottom surface 114 on a structure side, a restraining surface 116 on an occupant side, a side surface 118 connecting the bottom surface 114 and the restraining surface 116, and a recess 120 formed in a predetermined range in the center of the restraining surface 116 so as to be recessed toward the bottom surface. A range extending from the side surface 118 of the airbag cushion 104 to at least part of the restraining surface 116 is formed by a side panel 132. The side panel 132 includes a plurality of sub panels 132a–132c divided in the circumferential direction of the side surface 118. The sub panels 132a–132c have a pair of side edges 134, 135 joined to adjacent sub panels, an edge 136 on the restraining-surface side, and another edge 138 on the bottom-surface side. The edge 136 is characterized by being shorter than the other edge 138.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device for restraining an occupant in an emergency. [Background technology]

[0002] Airbag devices have become standard equipment in most modern vehicles. For example, many vehicles are equipped with a driver airbag in the steering wheel. The driver airbag cushion is mainly housed in the center of the steering wheel, and its inflation pressure tears open a plastic cover or the like, causing the airbag to inflate and deploy in front of the occupant.

[0003] Airbag cushions are required to restrain occupants more efficiently. The inventors of the present application have focused on the fact that, due to the structure of the human body, rotation of the occupant's head tends to place strain on the body, and are developing an airbag cushion that can efficiently restrain the occupant while suppressing head rotation.

[0004] For example, it has been found that in the case of an oblique collision, which is a collision from an angle relative to the direction of travel, the occupant enters the airbag cushion at an angle, and the head is likely to rotate. In light of this, the applicant of the present application has developed a technology for forming a recess 120 using an internal tether 122 in the center of the airbag cushion 104 on the occupant side, as disclosed in Fig. 2 of Patent Document 1, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-37382 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technology of Patent Document 1 uses components such as a central base fabric 118 and three internal tethers 122 to form the recess 120. Currently, development is underway on a technology that can form recesses more efficiently.

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle airbag device that can reduce the injury level of an occupant with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a typical configuration of a vehicle airbag device according to the present invention is a vehicle airbag device comprising an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between a structure in the vehicle cabin and an occupant seated in a seat in an emergency, and an inflator installed on the structure, wherein the airbag cushion has a bottom surface on the structure side, a restraint surface on the occupant side, a side surface connecting the bottom surface and the restraint surface, and a recess formed in a predetermined range in the center of the restraint surface so as to recess toward the bottom surface, and the range extending from the side surface to at least a portion of the restraint surface is formed by a predetermined side panel, and the side panel includes a plurality of sub-panels divided circumferentially around the side surface, and each of the plurality of sub-panels has a pair of side edges joined to an adjacent sub-panel, one side on the restraint surface side, and another side on the bottom side, and the one side is shorter than the other side.

[0009] According to the above configuration, by forming a recess in the center of the restraint surface, when the occupant enters the airbag cushion at an angle due to an oblique collision or the like, it is possible to suppress, for example, rotation of the head compared to when the occupant is restrained by a simple flat surface. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to restrain the driver with a lower injury level.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above configuration, one side of the sub-panel on the restraining surface side is shorter than the other side on the bottom surface side, so when the sides of the sub-panels are connected to form the side panel, the side panel has a narrower shape on the restraining surface side. This side panel makes it possible to efficiently form a recess in the restraining surface. Furthermore, this side panel has a simple configuration and can reduce the amount of material used, which reduces costs by reducing weight and improving material yield, and also makes it possible to fold the airbag cushion more compactly for storage.

[0011] The sub-panel may extend from the side to the recess in the restraining surface.

[0012] The above-described configuration also makes it possible to form an airbag cushion having a recess in the restraining surface.

[0013] Each of the plurality of sub-panels may be joined to the adjacent sub-panel by sewing.

[0014] The above-described configuration also makes it possible to form an airbag cushion having a recess in the restraining surface.

[0015] The bottom surface of the airbag cushion may be formed by a predetermined bottom panel, and the other side may be joined to the edge of the bottom panel.

[0016] The above-described configuration also makes it possible to form an airbag cushion having a recess in the restraining surface.

[0017] The inflator may be inserted into the airbag cushion with a portion of the inflator passing through the bottom panel, and the airbag cushion may further have a tether that pulls the recess toward the inflator.

[0018] According to the above configuration, by pulling the recessed portion with the tether, it is possible to efficiently form and maintain the recessed portion in a recessed state.

[0019] The insole of the recess of the airbag cushion may be formed by a predetermined central panel, one side of which is joined to the edge of the central panel, and the tether may be stretched between the central panel and the inflator or at a predetermined location around the inflator.

[0020] With the above configuration, by pulling the central panel with the tether, it is possible to efficiently form and maintain a recessed recess.

[0021] The structure may be a steering wheel of a vehicle, with the inflator installed in a portion near the center of the steering wheel and the airbag cushion rolled or folded and housed in the portion near the center.

[0022] According to the above configuration, a driver airbag is realized, making it possible to restrain the driver in an appropriate manner.

[0023] The pair of side edges of the sub-panel may be configured to protrude and curve away from each other, and by connecting the side edges of the sub-panels with each other, it is possible to suitably form a side panel having a tapered shape on the restraining surface side.

[0024] The sub-panel may have the other side widest. Even with this configuration, by connecting the side edges of the sub-panels together, it is possible to suitably form a side panel having a narrower shape on the restraining surface side.

[0025] The sub-panel may have a widest intermediate portion formed between the one side and the other side. This configuration also makes it possible to suitably form a side panel with a narrower shape on the restraining surface side by connecting the side edges of the sub-panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle airbag device that can reduce the injury level of an occupant with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of a vehicle airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1(b) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion when inflated and deployed from various directions. FIG. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the panels that constitute the airbag cushion of FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the panels of FIG. 3(b) spread out on a plane. [Figure 5] 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views of the airbag cushion of FIG. [Figure 6] 1(b) is a diagram illustrating a process in which the airbag cushion of FIG. 1(b) restrains the driver in an oblique collision. [Figure 7] This is a modified example of the sub-panel illustrated in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of a vehicle airbag device (hereinafter referred to as airbag device 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the airbag device 100 in a state before it is activated. As shown in Fig. 1(b), the airbag device 100 is implemented as a driver airbag for a driver's seat 102 on the front left side of a left-hand drive vehicle.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the driver 166 (see FIG. 6(a)) is seated in the driver's seat 102 in a normal posture, the direction that the driver 166 faces is referred to as forward, and the opposite direction is referred to as backward, and the axes of the coordinate system are referred to as the front-to-back direction. Also, when the driver 166 is seated in the driver's seat 102 in a normal posture, the right side of the driver 166 is referred to as the right direction, and the left side of the driver 166 is referred to as the left direction, and the axes of the coordinate system are referred to as the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, when the driver 166 is seated in a normal posture, the direction of the head of the driver 166 is referred to as upward, and the direction of the driver's 166's waist is referred to as downward, and the axes of the coordinate system are referred to as the up-down direction.

[0031] In the drawings used below to explain the embodiments of the present invention, as necessary, the front, rear, left, right, up and down directions based on the driver 166 (see FIG. 6(a)) are indicated by arrows F (Forward), B (Back), L (Left), R (Right), U (up), and D (down).

[0032] 1(a), in an emergency, the airbag cushion 104 inflates and deploys between the vehicle interior structure and the driver seated in the seat, protecting the driver from contact with the structure. As described above, in this embodiment, the airbag device 100 is implemented as a driver airbag, and the airbag cushion 104 restrains the driver 166 (see FIG. 6(c)) to protect him from contact with the steering wheel 106, being thrown out through the windshield, etc.

[0033] The airbag cushion 104 is a bag-shaped member that can be inflated with gas, and is rolled or folded into a small storage form, and is stored together with an inflator 112 (see Figure 5) in a storage section 110 provided near the center of the steering wheel 106.

[0034] The storage compartment 110 is located closer to the center than the rim 108 of the steering wheel 106. The storage compartment 110 has a groove-like tear line or the like on the inside of a resin cover on the surface, and is designed to tear when the airbag cushion 104 (see FIG. 1(b)) is inflated and deployed.

[0035] 1(b) is a diagram illustrating a state after the airbag device 100 has been activated. The airbag cushion 104 is inflated and deployed toward the driver 166 (see FIG. 6) in the driver's seat 102 while tearing open the cover of the accommodation portion 110 due to inflation pressure from the gas from the inflator 112 (see FIG. 5), and restrains the upper body and head of the driver 166 who is attempting to move forward.

[0036] The airbag cushion 104 is circular when viewed from the driver's seat side, and inflates and deploys into a shape with a recess 120 formed in the center. The airbag cushion 104 is formed by sewing or bonding a plurality of panels that make up its surface.

[0037] 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating the airbag cushion 104 in Fig. 1B when inflated and deployed, from various directions. Fig. 2A illustrates the airbag cushion 104 in Fig. 1B as viewed from slightly above and outside the vehicle.

[0038] The airbag cushion 104 inflates and deploys into a rounded, nearly cylindrical shape. The surface of the airbag cushion 104 is broadly divided into a bottom surface 114 on the steering wheel 106 (see FIG. 1(a)) side, a restraining surface 116 on the occupant side, and a side surface 118 connecting the bottom surface 114 and the restraining surface 116.

[0039] The airbag cushion 104 has a characteristic portion, a recess 120 recessed in the center of the restraint surface 116. As shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later, the recess 120 is used to suppress rotation of the head 168 of the driver 166 when the occupant is restrained.

[0040] The recess 120 is formed by a tether 122 provided inside the airbag cushion 104 pulling a panel forming the restraining surface 116 of the airbag cushion 104 toward the bottom surface 114 .

[0041] Fig. 2(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the exposed tether 122 of Fig. 2(a). The tether 122 is a belt-shaped member, and a total of three tethers 122 are provided (first tether 122a, second tether 122b, and third tether 122c). One end of the tether 122 is connected to the central panel 130 on the restraint surface side inside the airbag cushion 104, and the other end is connected to a location on the bottom surface 114 side inside the airbag cushion 104, which is the opposite end.

[0042] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating each panel that constitutes the airbag cushion 104 of Fig. 2(a). Fig. 3(a) is an exploded view of the panels of the airbag cushion 104 of Fig. 2(a).

[0043] The bottom surface 114 of the airbag cushion 104 is formed by a bottom panel 124. An inner panel 126 is disposed inside the airbag cushion 104, overlapping the bottom panel 124, and a tether 122 is connected to the inner panel 126.

[0044] The composite panel 128 is a panel in which the tether 122 and the central panel 130 are integrated. The central panel 130 is disposed in the center of the restraining surface 116 (see FIG. 2(a)) and forms the insole of the recess 120. The tether 122 extends in three directions from the central panel 130 and is joined to the inner panel 126.

[0045] The side panel 132 is a panel that forms a range extending from the side surface 118 to the inner wall of the recess 120 of the restraint surface 116, and is joined to the bottom panel 124 and the central panel 130.

[0046] 3(b) is a diagram illustrating the panels of FIG. 3(a) in an unfolded state. Of these, the side panel 132 is formed by a plurality of sub-panels 132a to 132c divided in the circumferential direction of the side surface 118. In this embodiment, the side panel 132 is formed by combining three sub-panels 132a to 132c. Each of the sub-panels 132a to 132c has the same polygonal configuration. These sub-panels 132a to 132c form an area extending from the side surface 118 of the airbag cushion 104 to the inner wall of the recess 120 of the restraint surface 116.

[0047] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the panels of Figure 3(b) in a state where they are spread out on a plane. Figure 4(a) is a diagram illustrating the bottom panel 124 of Figure 3(b).

[0048] The bottom panel 124 is circular and forms a reaction surface that receives a reaction force from the steering wheel 106 (see FIG. 1(a)) when the airbag cushion 104 is inflated and deployed. A fixing area 156 is formed in the center of the bottom panel 124 as an area where the inflator 112 (see FIG. 5) is inserted and fixed to the housing portion 110 (see FIG. 1(a)). In addition, vent holes 157a and 157b are provided as areas for discharging gas to the outside.

[0049] Fig. 4(b) is a diagram illustrating the inner panel 126 of Fig. 3(b). The inner panel 126 has a fixing region 158 formed therein as a portion where the inflator 112 (see Fig. 5) is inserted, overlapping the fixing region 156 of the bottom panel 124. Also, three protrusions 160a to 160c are formed as portions where the three tethers 122a to 122c are joined.

[0050] Fig. 4(c) is a diagram illustrating the composite panel 128 of Fig. 3(b). The composite panel 128 has a trifurcated shape with three strip-shaped tethers 122a to 122c extending from a circular central panel 130. The central panel 130 is circular and forms the insole of the recess 120 (see Fig. 2(a)). The tethers 122a to 122c extend radially from the edge of the circular central panel 130 and are joined to the protrusions 160a to 160c of the inner panel 126, respectively, by sewing or the like.

[0051] Note that central panel 130 is not limited to being circular, and may be polygonal, etc. Furthermore, tethers 122a to 122c are not limited to being formed integrally with central panel 130, and may be formed as separate members and then connected to central panel 130. Either configuration allows central panel 130 to be pulled in the direction of bottom panel 124.

[0052] Fig. 4(d) is a diagram illustrating the sub-panel 132a of Fig. 3(b). The sub-panels 132a to 132c are polygonal. A pair of left and right sides 134 and 135 of the sub-panel 132a are joined to the adjacent sub-panels 132b and 132c (see Fig. 3(b)) by sewing or the like.

[0053] One side 136 is the side on the side of the restraint surface 116 (see FIG. 2(a)) and is joined to the edge of the circular inner panel 126 (see FIG. 4(c)) by sewing or the like. The other side 138 is the side on the side of the bottom surface 114 (see FIG. 2(a)) and is joined to the edge of the circular bottom panel 124 (see FIG. 4(a)) by sewing or the like. The one side 136 and the other side 138 are slightly curved to fit the shapes of the central panel 130 and the bottom panel 124.

[0054] The sub-panel 132a has angular protrusions at the midpoints of the sides 134, 135, and is widest at a portion slightly closer to the other side 138 than the center between the one side 136 and the other side 138 (middle portion 140). In this case, the dimension from one side of the sub-panel 132a to the other side 138 is set longer than the dimension of the middle portion 140.

[0055] A tapered region 142 extending from the middle portion 140 to the side 136 gradually narrows in width toward the side 136. The tapered region 142 is pulled by the tether 122 toward the bottom panel 124 (see FIG. 3(a)).

[0056] In the sub-panel 132a of this embodiment, one side 136 is shorter than the other side 138. With this configuration, when the side edges 134, 135 of the sub-panel 132a are joined to form the side panel 132, as shown in Figure 3(a), the side panel 132 has a shape that narrows on the side of the restraining surface 116. With this side panel 132, the recess 120 can be efficiently formed in the restraining surface 116.

[0057] Furthermore, with the side panel 132, the recess 120 can be formed while simplifying the configuration using the sub-panels 132a to 132c configured as described above, which reduces the amount of material used, reduces costs by reducing weight and improving material yield, and also makes it possible to fold the airbag cushion 104 more compactly for storage.

[0058] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 104 in Figure 1(b). Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 104 taken along line AA in Figure 1(b). The internal configuration of the airbag cushion 104 will be described.

[0059] As described above, the airbag cushion 104 is capable of efficiently forming and maintaining the recess 120 in a recessed state by pulling the recess 120 toward the inflator 112 by the tether 122.

[0060] The inflator 112 is a gas generating device that is fixed to the bottom of the storage section 110 (see FIG. 1(a)), and the part having the gas outlet penetrates the bottom panel 124 and is inserted inside the airbag cushion 104.

[0061] The inflator 112 operates in response to an impact detection signal sent from a sensor (not shown), and supplies gas to the airbag cushion 104. The inflator 112 is disk-shaped and has a cylindrical main body 144 with an outlet, and a flange 146 provided on the outer periphery of the main body 144.

[0062] The inflator 112 is provided with a plurality of stud bolts 148. The stud bolts 148 pass through the bottom panel 124 of the airbag cushion 104 and are fastened to the bottom of the housing portion 110 (see FIG. 1(a)). The airbag cushion 104 is also fixed to the housing portion 110 by fastening the stud bolts 148.

[0063] Currently available inflators include types that are filled with gas generating agent and burn it to generate gas, types that are filled with compressed gas and supply gas without generating heat, and hybrid types that use both combustion gas and compressed gas. Any of these types can be used as the inflator 112.

[0064] Each tether, such as tether 122a, is stretched between the central panel 130 and the inner panel 126 around the inflator 112. A dimension L1 from a base 150 of tether 122a on the central panel 130 side to a base 162 of protrusion 160a of the inner panel 126 is formed so that, when the airbag cushion 104 is inflated and deployed, tension is applied between the central panel 130 and the inner panel 126, i.e., between the central panel 130 and the inflator 112, pulling the central panel 130 toward the inflator 112. The tether 122 configured in this manner makes it possible to efficiently form and maintain the recess 120 in the restraint surface 116, recessed toward the bottom surface 114.

[0065] In another embodiment, the tip of the tether 122 can be appropriately connected to a location on the bottom surface 114 side of the airbag cushion 104, such as the inflator 112, a retainer (not shown) used to secure the inflator 112, or the bottom of the storage section 110 (see FIG. 1(a)).

[0066] Fig. 5(b) is a diagram that schematically illustrates only the panels of the airbag cushion 104 of Fig. 5(a). When the side panel 132 is formed by combining the sub-panels 132a shaped as shown in Fig. 4(d), the side panel 132 is not simply cylindrical, but has a shape that gradually widens toward the driver's side. At this time, the middle portion 140 of Fig. 4(d) also forms a maximum diameter portion 164 with the largest diameter in the airbag cushion 104 of Fig. 5(b).

[0067] The position of the maximum diameter portion 164 can be adjusted by changing the position of the middle portion 140 of the sub-panel 132a (see FIG. 4(d)) between one side 136 and the other side 138. The portion of the side panel 132 from the maximum diameter portion 164 to the central panel 130 of the recess 120 tends to have a small radius of curvature and low tension, making it possible to more flexibly support the driver 166 (see FIG. 6(c)).

[0068] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating the process by which the airbag cushion 104 of Fig. 1B restrains the driver 166 during an oblique collision. Each diagram in Fig. 6 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 104 taken along line AA of Fig. 1B, and illustrates the airbag cushion 104 and the driver 166 as viewed from above the vehicle.

[0069] Fig. 6(a) is a diagram illustrating the state immediately after the airbag cushion 104 is inflated and deployed. As illustrated in Fig. 6(a), when an impact due to an oblique collision occurs to the vehicle, the airbag cushion 104 inflates and deploys in front of the driver's seat 102 (see Fig. 1(b)).

[0070] Fig. 6(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the state in which the driver 166 in Fig. 6(a) has moved forward of the vehicle. Due to inertia during an oblique collision, the driver 166 may move, for example, from the state in Fig. 6(a) diagonally forward to the left in the vehicle width direction.

[0071] 6(c) is a diagram illustrating an example in which the driver 166 in FIG. 6(b) has moved further forward in the vehicle. The driver 166, who has moved diagonally forward, brings the left shoulder, for example, into contact with the portion of the restraint surface 116 surrounding the recess 120, and the left side of the head 168 comes into contact with the inner wall of the recess 120.

[0072] Compared to a conventional restraining surface that spreads out in a flat shape, the restraining surface 116 that forms the recess 120 can restrain the head 168 from the diagonal front by the inner wall of the recess 120 while reducing tension around the recess 120. As a result, the airbag cushion 104 can minimize rotation 172 of the head 168 of the driver 166 relative to the shoulder 170 by using the recess 120, and can restrain the movement of the head 168 in line with the movement of the shoulder 172, without dislodging the driver 166 who moves diagonally in an oblique collision.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the tether 122 pulls the restraint surface 116, thereby efficiently forming the recess 120 that is recessed in the center of the restraint surface 116. This airbag cushion 104 not only aims to restrain the occupant in a normal collision, but also significantly reduces or cancels the rotation 172 of the head 168 of the driver 166 in an oblique collision, and by reducing the angular velocity of the head 168, it is possible to suppress the injury level of the driver 166 associated with the rotation 172 of the head 168.

[0074] In this embodiment, the recess 120 is formed with a simple configuration using a side panel 132 made up of a combination of multiple sub-panels 132a to 132c and a tether 122. Therefore, with this embodiment, less material is used for the panels, etc., and costs can be reduced by reducing weight and improving material yield, and further, the airbag cushion 104 can be folded and stored more compactly.

[0075] In the explanation above with reference to FIG. 6(c), clockwise rotation 172 was given as an example of a rotation that occurs in head 168. However, depending on the situation in an emergency, for example, driver 166 may move diagonally forward to the right in the vehicle width direction, causing head 168 to rotate counterclockwise around the neck when viewed from above. With the airbag cushion 104 of this embodiment, the recess 120 can be used to reduce or cancel out this counterclockwise rotation, thereby reducing the angular velocity of head 168. In this way, the airbag cushion 104 of this embodiment can achieve the same effect for driver 166 moving in either direction in the vehicle width direction.

[0076] Figure 7 shows a modification of the sub-panel 132a shown in Figure 4(d) Figure 7(a) is a diagram showing a sub-panel 180 of a first modification.

[0077] The other side 182 of the sub-panel 180 is the widest. With this configuration, it is possible to realize an airbag cushion 104 that has a maximum diameter portion 164 (see FIG. 5(b)) on the bottom surface 114 side and that can inflate and deploy in a more stable posture. Furthermore, with this configuration, by connecting the side edges of multiple sub-panels 180 together, it is possible to preferably form a side panel 132 (see FIG. 3(a)) that is narrowed on the restraining surface 116 side.

[0078] 7(b) is a diagram illustrating a sub-panel 190 of a second modified example. The sub-panel 190 has curved side edges 192 and 194.

[0079] The sub-panel 190 has a curved configuration in which a pair of left and right side edges 192, 194 protrude in directions away from each other. By combining multiple sub-panels 190, it is possible to realize a side panel 132 (see FIG. 3(a)) that can expand into a gently curved shape. By connecting the side edges of the sub-panels 190 together, it is also possible to suitably form a side panel 132 (see FIG. 3(a)) that is narrowed on the side of the restraining surface 116.

[0080] In each of the above examples, the combined sub-panels do not have to be the same shape, and may be divided into three or more pieces. In any configuration, by joining the sides of the sub-panels, it is possible to preferably realize a side panel 132 (see FIG. 3(a)) that is narrower on the passenger side.

[0081] In the above examples, the technical concept of the airbag device 100 is embodied as a driver airbag, but the airbag device 100 can also be embodied as, for example, a knee airbag. Even when the airbag device 100 is configured as a knee airbag, the recessed portion utilizing the tether can suitably restrain the knees of the occupant from the front and protect them from contact with the instrument panel, etc. The airbag device 100 can also be implemented to restrain a rear seat occupant, for example, by restraining a rear seat occupant from the front and protecting the occupant from contact with the front seat or being thrown forward.

[0082] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the airbag device according to the present invention was applied to an automobile, but it can also be applied to aircraft, ships, and other vehicles other than automobiles, and similar effects can be obtained. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] The present invention can be used in a vehicle airbag device that restrains an occupant in an emergency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100...airbag device, 102...driver's seat, 104...airbag cushion, 106...steering wheel, 108...rim, 110...accommodation section, 112...inflator, 114...bottom surface, 116...restraint surface, 118...side surface, 120...recess, 122...tether, 122a...first tether, 122b...second tether, 122c...third tether, 124...bottom side panel, 126...inner panel, 128...composite panel, 130...center panel, 132...side panel, 132a-132c...sub-panel 134, 135...side edge, 136...one edge, 138...other edge, 140...middle portion, 142...tapered region, 144...main body, 146...flange, 148...stud bolt, 150...root, 156...fixing region, 157a, 157b...vent hole, 158...fixing region, 160a...protrusion, 162...root, 164...maximum diameter portion, 166...operator, 168...head, 170...shoulder, 172...rotation, 180...subpanel, 182...other edge, 190...subpanel, 192, 194...side edge, L1...dimension

Claims

1. An airbag device for a vehicle, comprising an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between a structure in a vehicle interior and a seated occupant in an emergency, and an inflator that is installed on the structure, The airbag cushion is A bottom surface on the structure side; the occupant-side restraint surface; a side surface connecting the bottom surface and the restraint surface; a recess formed in a predetermined range at the center of the restraint surface so as to be recessed toward the bottom surface; and The area extending from the side surface to at least a part of the restraining surface is formed by a predetermined side panel, The side panel includes a plurality of sub-panels divided in the circumferential direction of the side surface, Each of the plurality of sub-panels comprises: a pair of side edges joined to adjacent sub-panels; One side on the restraint surface side; The other side of the bottom surface side; and the one side is shorter than the other side, The sub-panel further has a widest intermediate portion formed between the other side and the one side, The sub-panel is formed so that its width gradually narrows from the middle portion toward the one side.

2. 2. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the sub-panel defines a range extending from the side surface to the recessed portion of the restraining surface.

3. 3. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sub-panels is joined to an adjacent sub-panel by sewing.

4. The bottom surface of the airbag cushion is formed by a predetermined bottom panel, 3. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the other side is joined to an edge of the bottom panel.

5. The inflator is inserted into the airbag cushion with a portion of the inflator passing through the bottom panel, 5. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 4, wherein the airbag cushion further includes a tether that pulls the recess toward the inflator.

6. The insole of the recess of the airbag cushion is formed by a predetermined central panel, The one side is joined to the edge of the central panel, 6. The airbag device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the tether is stretched between the central panel and the inflator or at a predetermined location around the inflator.

7. The structure is a steering wheel of a vehicle, The inflator is installed near the center of the steering wheel, 7. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 6, wherein the airbag cushion is rolled or folded and accommodated in the central vicinity portion.

8. 7. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of side edges of the sub-panel are curved and project in directions away from each other.

9. A vehicle airbag device comprising an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between a structure in the vehicle cabin and a seated occupant in an emergency, and an inflator installed on the structure, The airbag cushion is A bottom surface on the structure side; the occupant-side restraint surface; a side surface connecting the bottom surface and the restraint surface; a recess formed in a predetermined range at the center of the restraint surface so as to be recessed toward the bottom surface; and The area extending from the side surface to at least a part of the restraining surface is formed by a predetermined side panel, The side panel includes a plurality of sub-panels divided in the circumferential direction of the side surface, Each of the plurality of sub-panels comprises: a pair of side edges joined to adjacent sub-panels; One side on the restraint surface side; The other side of the bottom surface side; and the one side is shorter than the other side, The sub-panel is formed so that the other side is widest and the width gradually decreases from the other side toward the one side.

Images