Vehicle side airbag device

Abstract

To provide a side airbag apparatus for a vehicle capable of improving occupant restraining performance of an airbag cushion.SOLUTION: An airbag module 110 of a side airbag apparatus 100 includes: an airbag cushion 112 having a bag shape and attached to a side frame 108 in a predetermined storage form in which the airbag cushion is rolled or folded; and an inflator 114 attached to the side frame 108 together with the airbag cushion 112. The airbag cushion 112 includes a main chamber 118 which inflates and deploys so that a main axis L2 connecting a front end 129 and a rear end 130 extends obliquely forward to the outside in a widthwise direction of a seat back 104 when viewed from above when gas is supplied from the inflator 114.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a side airbag device for a vehicle that restrains an occupant seated in a vehicle seat. [Background technology]

[0002] Airbag devices are now standard equipment on most vehicles in recent years. Airbag devices are safety devices that activate in emergencies such as vehicle collisions, and protect occupants by using an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys using gas pressure. There are various types of airbag devices depending on the installation location and purpose. For example, FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1 discloses a far side airbag device 19 as one type of side airbag device installed on the side of a seat.

[0003] Generally, the far side refers to the side of the vehicle farthest from the collision, and the near side refers to the side of the vehicle closest to the collision. In the technology of Patent Document 1, as described in paragraph 0023 and Figure 2, for example, a far side airbag device 19 is provided in seats 13 and 14, which prevents occupant P2 in far side seat 14 from interfering with occupant P1 in near side seat 13, for example, in the event of a side collision. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-154365 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the technology of Patent Document 1, as described in paragraph 0033, Figure 8, etc., the tip of the airbag 21 is bent toward the occupant P2 by a tether 28 to form an airbag protrusion 27, which makes it possible for the head T of the occupant P2 to be received by the airbag protrusion 27. However, in terms of further improving occupant restraint performance, even the configuration of Patent Document 1 still leaves room for improvement.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a side airbag device for a vehicle that can improve the occupant restraint performance of an airbag cushion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a representative configuration of a vehicle side airbag device according to the present invention is a vehicle side airbag device including a side frame that is part of a seat frame provided within a seatback of a vehicle seat and that extends along the side of the seatback, and an airbag module that is attached to the side frame, wherein the airbag module includes a bag-shaped airbag cushion that is rolled up or folded into a predetermined storage configuration and attached to the side frame, and an inflator that is attached to the side frame together with the airbag cushion, and wherein the airbag cushion has a main chamber that inflates and deploys when gas is supplied from the inflator so that a main axis connecting the front end and rear end extends diagonally forward and outward in the width direction of the seatback when viewed from above.

[0008] In the above configuration, when an occupant enters the airbag cushion from the seat, the main chamber is arranged diagonally, which increases the movement (stroke) of the main chamber in the vehicle width direction when restraining the occupant compared to when the main chamber is arranged straight in the front-rear direction, thereby increasing the amount of load absorption. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to increase the amount of load absorbed from the occupant and improve occupant restraint performance.

[0009] The airbag cushion may further include a sub-chamber that is provided in an area of ​​the main chamber that is positioned in front of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat in the normal posture when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and that protrudes from the main chamber toward the vehicle seat.

[0010] According to the above configuration, it is possible to restrain the occupant from the front using the sub-chamber, or to restrain the occupant by sandwiching the area around the head between the main chamber and the sub-chamber, thereby suppressing movement of the occupant and increasing the amount of load absorbed from the occupant.

[0011] The airbag cushion may further have a rear strap that is hung between the vicinity of the rear end of the main chamber and the side frame, and one or more tethers that are hung between a portion of the airbag cushion that is located forward of the seat back when inflated and deployed and a portion on the seat back side or the seat frame.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the rear strap suppresses the swinging of the rear end of the main chamber, and the tension of the tether can be used to stabilize the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion and improve the restraining force.

[0013] The one or more tethers may include a first tether that is stretched between the vicinity of an upper end of the main chamber and the vicinity of an upper end of the seat frame.

[0014] The first tether described above makes it possible to stabilize the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion, particularly the upper portion thereof, and to improve the restraining force.

[0015] The one or more tethers may include a second tether that is stretched between a location of the main chamber that is lower than the center in the up-down direction and a location of the main chamber or the seat frame that is higher than the lower location.

[0016] The second tether described above makes it possible to stabilize the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion, particularly the lower portion thereof, and to improve the restraining force.

[0017] The one or more tethers may include a third tether having one end connected near the front end of the sub-chamber and the other end connected to a predetermined location on the rear main chamber or the seat frame, and a portion of the third tether may extend over the sub-chamber.

[0018] The third tether described above stabilizes the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion, and its tension can be used to increase the restraining force of the sub-chamber.

[0019] The other end may be connected to the vicinity of the lower end of the main chamber, and the intermediate portion may extend across at least the lower end of the sub-chamber.

[0020] According to the third tether having the above-described configuration, it is possible to efficiently increase the restraining force of the sub-chamber.

[0021] The airbag cushion may further include a hook strap having one end connected to the vicinity of the upper end of the main chamber and the other end connected to the vicinity of the rear end of the main chamber or the seat frame, and a middle portion of the hook strap may extend over the sub-chamber.

[0022] The above-mentioned hook strap also stabilizes the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion, and its tension can be used to increase the restraining force of the sub-chamber.

[0023] The sub-chambers may be located in the frontal area of ​​the occupant's head and upper arms.

[0024] According to the above configuration, it is possible to restrain the head and upper arms of the occupant by utilizing the sub-chamber.

[0025] The main chamber may have a non-inflatable portion in a range rearward of the sub-chamber and in the vicinity of the occupant's shoulders.

[0026] According to the above configuration, the area around the occupant's shoulders is accommodated in the recess formed by the non-inflatable portion, making it easier for the sub-chamber to restrain the head and other parts of the occupant.

[0027] The main axis may have an angle within a range of 30° to 45° with respect to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle seat when viewed from above.

[0028] The airbag cushion having the above configuration also makes it possible to efficiently absorb the load from the occupant.

[0029] The vehicle side airbag device may further include a seat pad disposed around the seat frame within the seat back, and the seat pad may have a predetermined weakened portion in front of the airbag cushion in the stored configuration.

[0030] By providing the weakened portion, the airbag cushion can be inflated and deployed more smoothly.

[0031] The airbag cushion further includes a sub-chamber that is provided in a range of the main chamber that is located in front of an occupant seated in a normal position on the vehicle seat when the main chamber is inflated and deployed, and that protrudes from the main chamber toward the vehicle seat when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed; a rear strap that is hung between the rear end of the main chamber and the side frame; a first tether that is hung between the upper end of the main chamber that is forward of the seat back and the upper end of the seat frame when the main chamber is inflated and deployed; and a second tether that is hung between a location of the main chamber below the center in the vertical direction and a location above the lower location of the main chamber or the seat frame, and the sub-chamber may be provided in a range in front of the occupant's head and upper arms.

[0032] In the above configuration, the sub-chamber is used to restrain the occupant, and the rear strap and each tether are used to stabilize the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion, thereby improving the restraining force. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a side airbag device for a vehicle that can improve the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle side airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1(b) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion in various directions. FIG. [Figure 3] 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating the side airbag device of FIG. 1B from various directions. [Figure 4] 3(a) is a diagram illustrating a process in which the side airbag device of FIG. 3(a) restrains an occupant. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device of FIG. 4 from another direction. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device of FIG. 4 from another direction. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the side airbag device of FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the airbag cushion of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion of FIG. 8 as viewed from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 10] 3 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the airbag cushion of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 11] 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a third modified example of the airbag cushion of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] 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.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle side airbag device (hereinafter referred to as side airbag device 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1(a) is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device 100 in a state before it is activated. Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate a front row left seat 102 to which the side airbag device 100 is applied, as viewed from the left side in the vehicle width direction, i.e., from the outer side in the vehicle width direction (outside the vehicle).

[0037] In FIG. 1, the seat back 104 of the seat 102 is illustrated with the cover and seat pad (for example, urethane material) omitted, and only the seat frame 106, which is the internal framework, is shown.

[0038] In this embodiment, when an occupant P1 (see FIG. 4(a) etc.) is seated in a normal position on the seat 102, the direction that the occupant P1 faces is defined as forward, the opposite direction, that is, the direction of the occupant P1's back is defined as backward, the right hand side of the occupant P1 is defined as the right direction, and the left hand side of the occupant P1 is defined as the left direction. Furthermore, when the occupant P1 is seated in a normal position, the direction of the occupant P1's head is defined as upward, and the direction of the occupant P1's feet is defined as downward. In the drawings used in the following description, as necessary, the front, rear, left, right, up and down directions based on the occupant P1 in the normal seating position described above are indicated by arrows F (Forward), B (Back), L (Left), R (Right), U (Up), and D (Down).

[0039] The airbag module 110 includes an airbag cushion 112 that restrains an occupant P1 (see FIG. 4(a) and the like), and an inflator 114 that supplies gas to the airbag cushion 112.

[0040] The side frames 108 are portions of the seat frame 106 that extend along the left and right sides of the seat back 104. The airbag module 110 of this embodiment is attached to the side frames 108 of the seat frame 106 from the outside of the seat back 104 in the width direction.

[0041] In this embodiment, the airbag module 110 is mounted to a side frame 108 on the right side in the width direction of the seat back 104. This right side in the width direction of the seat back 104 is the side farthest from the collision, or the so-called far side, as seen by an occupant P1 seated in the front left seat 102 (see FIG. 4(a) etc.), when a collision occurs on the left side of the vehicle. Conversely, the left side in the vehicle width direction as seen by the occupant in the seat 102 is the side closer to the collision, or the so-called near side. In other words, the airbag module 110 is installed on the far side of the seat back 104.

[0042] The airbag module 110 can also be attached to the side frame on the left side in the width direction of the seat back 104. In other words, the airbag module 110 can be installed on either the far side or the near side of the seat back 104.

[0043] The airbag cushion 112 is a bag-shaped member that can be inflated with gas, and inflates and deploys in an emergency such as when an impact occurs to the vehicle, to restrain an occupant P1 (see FIG. 4(a) etc.) seated in the seat 102. Before being deployed, the airbag cushion 112 is in a rolled or folded stored state. In the stored state, the airbag cushion 112 is covered with a seat cover or the like, and therefore cannot be seen from the outside.

[0044] The inflator 114 is a gas generating device, and in this embodiment, a cylindrical inflator is adopted. The inflator 114 is housed in the lower rear portion of a main chamber 118 (described later) of the airbag cushion 112, with its longitudinal direction in the up-down direction along the seat back 104. The inflator 114 is electrically connected to the vehicle side, and is activated upon receiving a signal from the vehicle side resulting from the detection of an impact, to supply gas to the airbag cushion 112.

[0045] Currently popular 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 114.

[0046] The inflator 114 is provided with two stud bolts 116a, 116b spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The stud bolts 116a, 116b penetrate the panel of the airbag cushion 112, are exposed to the outside, and are fastened and fixed to the side frame 108. The airbag cushion 112 is also attached to the side frame 108 by fastening the stud bolts 116a, 116b to the side frame 108.

[0047] Fig. 1(b) is a diagram illustrating the state after activation of the side airbag device 100 of Fig. 1(a). The side airbag device 100 activates the airbag module 110 when it detects or predicts a collision via various sensors and a predetermined electronic control unit (ECU).

[0048] The inflator 114 ejects gas in response to an operating signal sent from the ECU etc. The airbag cushion 112 uses the gas from the inflator 114 to push aside the surface of the seat back 104 and is inflated and deployed into the passenger compartment.

[0049] The airbag cushion 112 of this embodiment is configured to include a wide main chamber 118 and a sub-chamber 120 that protrudes from the main chamber 118 toward the occupant P1 (see Figure 4(a) etc.), which serve as an inflatable portion that restrains the occupant P1.

[0050] The main chamber 118 constitutes a major part of the airbag cushion 112, and inflates and deploys so as to spread forward from the seat back 104. The outer surface of the main chamber 118 is made up of a main panel 118a located on the left side in the width direction and facing the occupant, and a main panel 118b located on the right side in the width direction and facing away from the occupant. The main panels 118a and 118b are made from a base fabric, and form the bag-shaped main chamber 118 by sewing, bonding, or the like. The main chamber 118 can also be formed by spinning or weaving using OPW (One-Piece Woven).

[0051] The sub-chamber 120 inflates and deploys, protruding toward the occupant from a position slightly forward of the upper portion of the main chamber 118 on the occupant side. The sub-chamber 120 of this embodiment mainly restrains the area from the head 140 to the shoulders 144 and upper arms 142 of the occupant P1 (see FIG. 5(b)).

[0052] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 112 of Figure 1(b) from various directions. Figure 2(a) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 112 of Figure 1(b) placed on a flat surface.

[0053] The main chamber 118 has the inflator 114 built in the lower rear part, and is inflated and deployed by receiving gas directly from the inflator 114. Inside the main chamber 118, a reinforcing fabric (not shown) is also provided near the mounting position of the inflator 114.

[0054] Figure 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the airbag cushion 112 in Figure 2(a). The sub-chamber 120 is connected to the main panel 118a on the occupant's side of the main chamber 118. One or more gas receiving ports 122 are provided in the connecting area between the main panel 118a of the main chamber 118 and the sub-panel 120b of the sub-chamber 120. The sub-chamber 120 receives gas from the main chamber 118 using the gas receiving ports 122, and is inflated and deployed so as to protrude from the main chamber 118 toward the seat 102 (see Figure 1(b)).

[0055] 2(a), the airbag cushion 112 is provided with a rear strap 124 and multiple tethers (a first tether 126 and a second tether 128). The rear strap 124, the first tether 126, etc. have the function of applying tension to the main chamber 118, etc., to stabilize the deployment behavior and increase the restraining force.

[0056] The rear strap 124 is a string-like member that is attached to the upper part of the main chamber 118 near the rear end 130. The rear strap 124 is hung between the rear end 130 of the main chamber 118 and the side frame 108 (see FIG. 3(b)), and secures the rear end 130 side of the main chamber 118 to prevent it from swinging when inflated and deployed.

[0057] The first tether 126 and the second tether 128 are elongated, triangular cloth-like members made of the same material as the main panel 118a (see FIG. 2(b)), etc. The first tether 126 and the second tether 128 are hung between a portion of the main chamber 118 that is located forward of the seat back 104 when inflated and deployed, and a portion of the main chamber 118 on the seat back 104 (see FIG. 1(b)) side or the seat frame 106, and pull the main chamber 118 rearward to stabilize the deployment behavior and improve the restraining force.

[0058] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device 100 of Figure 1(b) from various directions. Figure 3(a) is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device 100 of Figure 1(b) as viewed from above.

[0059] The airbag cushion 112 of this embodiment is arranged to inflate and deploy with the main chamber 118 extending diagonally forward and outward in the width direction of the seatback 104 from the side frame 108. The inclined posture of the airbag cushion 112 at this time is maintained by the above-mentioned rear strap 124, first tether 126, and second tether 128 (see FIG. 3(b)).

[0060] 2(a), the first tether 126 has a wide front end 126a connected to an upper connection portion 132 provided in the main chamber 118 near the upper end of the sub-chamber 120. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the rear end 126b of the first tether 126 is connected to the seat frame 106 near the upper end 134.

[0061] When the airbag cushion 112 inflates and deploys, the first tether 126 becomes tensed between the main chamber 118 and the seat frame 106, pulling the upper part of the main chamber 118 rearward and toward the seat frame 106. This allows the first tether 126 to stabilize the deployment behavior of the main chamber 118, particularly the upper part, and increases the restraining force of the main chamber 118 due to its tension.

[0062] 2(a), the second tether 128 has a wide front end 128a connected to a lower connection part 136 provided near the lower end of the main chamber 118, below the center in the up-down direction. The rear end 128b of the second tether 128 is hooked onto and fastened to a stud bolt 116b of the inflator 114 that protrudes from near the rear end 130 of the main chamber 118, above the lower connection part 136.

[0063] Fig. 3(b) is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device 100 of Fig. 1(b) as viewed from the left side in the vehicle width direction. The second tether 128 pulls the lower portion of the inflated and deployed main chamber 118 rearward and upward, thereby stabilizing the deployment behavior of the main chamber 118, particularly the lower portion, and increasing its restraining force. Note that the rear end 128b of the second tether 128 can also be directly connected to the side frame 108, provided that it is located above the lower connection portion 136.

[0064] 3(a), the main chamber 118 is inflated and deployed in an inclined position by the rear strap 124, the first tether 126, and the second tether 128. More specifically, when gas is supplied from the inflator 114, the main chamber 118 is inflated and deployed so that a main axis L2 linearly connecting a front end 129 and a rear end 130 of the main chamber 118 extends diagonally forward and outward in the width direction of the seat back 104, as viewed from above.

[0065] In this embodiment, the angle α of the main axis L1 of the airbag cushion 112 relative to the front-to-rear direction L1 of the seat 102 when viewed from above is set to be within a range of 30° to 45° (45°≧α≧30°). This angle α can be adjusted by changing the lengths of the rear strap 124 and the first and second tethers 126 and 128.

[0066] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the process in which the side airbag device 100 of Figure 3(a) restrains the occupant P1. Figure 4(a) illustrates the initial state of the side airbag device 100 of Figure 3(a) after it has been moved.

[0067] As described above, the main chamber 118 inflates and deploys so that the main axis L2 extends diagonally forward and outward in the width direction of the seat back 104. At this time, the sub-chamber 120 is provided so as to be located within the main chamber 118 in a range in front of the occupant P1 seated in the seat 102 in a normal posture when inflated and deployed.

[0068] Fig. 4(b) illustrates an example of the state when the occupant P1 in Fig. 4(a) moves. In this embodiment, when the occupant P1 moves from the seat 102 toward the airbag cushion 112 in the vehicle width direction, by arranging the main chamber 118 at an angle, the movement (stroke S1) of the main chamber 118 when restraining the occupant P1 can be ensured to be large in the vehicle width direction, compared to when the main chamber 118 is arranged straight in the front-rear direction L1 (see Fig. 4(a)). If the stroke S1 of the main chamber 118 can be ensured to be large, the amount of load absorbed from the occupant P1 also increases, thereby improving the occupant restraint performance.

[0069] The airbag cushion 112 has the main chamber 118 contacting the occupant P1 from the side, while the sub-chamber 120 contacts the occupant P1 from the front. In particular, the sub-chamber 120 forms a valley V1 (see FIG. 4(a)) between itself and the main chamber 118, and the airbag cushion 112 can restrain the head 140 of the occupant P1 by pinching it between them using the valley V1. It is known that the rotation of the head 140 around the neck tends to increase the injury level of the occupant P1 as the angular velocity ωZ increases. The main chamber 118 and the sub-chamber 120 form the valley V1 to increase the contact area with the head 140, thereby suppressing and restraining the rotation and angular velocity ωZ of the head 140, and making it possible to reduce the injury level of the occupant P1.

[0070] When the airbag cushion 112 is inflated and deployed, the rear strap 124 secures the rear end 130 of the main chamber 118, and the first tether 126 and the second tether 128 pull the main chamber 118 toward the seat 102. This stabilizes the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion 112 and increases the amount of load that the airbag cushion 112 can absorb when restraining an occupant, thereby improving occupant restraint performance.

[0071] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device 100 of Figure 4 from another direction. Figure 5(a) is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device 100 etc. of Figure 4(a) as viewed from the left side in the vehicle width direction.

[0072] 5(a) is a test dummy AM50 that simulates a physique (height 175 cm, weight 78 kg) that corresponds to 50% of the average American adult male. In this embodiment, AM50 is assumed to be the occupant, and the position of the sub-chamber 120 and the like are set based on the dimensions of this AM50.

[0073] In this embodiment, the sub-chamber 120 is the area of ​​the inflated and deployed main chamber 118 that is located forward when viewed from an occupant P1 seated in the seat 102 in a normal posture, and is provided in the forward area from the head 140 to the shoulders 144 and upper arms 142 of the occupant P1.

[0074] Fig. 5(b) is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device 100 etc. of Fig. 4(b) as viewed from the left side in the vehicle width direction. The airbag cushion 112 utilizes the main chamber 118 and the sub-chamber 120 to sandwich and restrain the area from the head 140 to the upper arm 142 of the occupant P1, thereby making it possible to suitably prevent the forward movement of the upper body of the occupant P1 and the forward bending of the head 140.

[0075] In an emergency, the occupant P1 is likely to have a behavior in which the upper body falls forward around the waist, and the injury level tends to increase as the angular velocity ωY of the rotation of the head 140 increases. With this airbag cushion 112, by utilizing the main chamber 118 and the sub-chamber 120, it is possible to protect the occupant P1 while limiting the injury level.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 5(a), the main chamber 118 is provided with a non-inflatable portion 146 in an area rearward of the sub-chamber 120 and in the vicinity of the shoulder 144 of the occupant P1. As illustrated in Figure 2(b), the non-inflatable portion 146 is a non-inflatable area where the main panels 118a, 118b that form the main chamber 118 are joined, and forms a recess in the main chamber 118.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 5(b), by fitting the area around the shoulders 144 of the occupant P1 into the recess formed by the non-inflatable portion 146, it is possible to make it easier for the sub-chamber 120 described above to restrain the head 140 and the like.

[0078] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device 100 of Figure 4 from another direction. Figure 6(a) is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device 100 of Figure 4(a) as viewed from the front.

[0079] The sub-chamber 120 is provided in a range that is located in front of the occupant P1's head 140, shoulders 144, and upper arms 142 when the main chamber 118 is inflated and deployed. Therefore, the sub-chamber 120 makes it possible to restrain the area of ​​the occupant P1 from the head 140 to the upper arms 142.

[0080] Fig. 6(b) is a diagram illustrating the side airbag device 100 and the like of Fig. 4(b) as viewed from the front. According to this embodiment, even if there is no other structure supporting the occupant P1 from the opposite side of the seat 102, the tension of the first tether 126 and the second tether 128 can be used to support the main chamber 118 and sufficiently restrain the occupant P1. In particular, the first tether 126 and the second tether 128 support the occupant P1 so that he or she does not fall outward in the width direction of the seat 102, and prevent the head 140 from rotating in the left-right direction and an increase in the angular velocity ωX, making it possible to restrain the occupant P1 while suppressing injury levels.

[0081] As described above, the main chamber 118 is provided with a non-inflatable portion 146 in an area where the shoulders 144 of the occupant P1 are located, and the airbag cushion 112 fits the area around the shoulders 144 of the occupant P1 into the recess of the non-inflatable portion 146 of the main chamber 118, and can restrain the head 140, etc., by also utilizing the sub-chamber 120. In other words, the airbag cushion 112 makes contact with the occupant P1 in a shape that conforms to the human body by utilizing the valley V1 (see FIG. 4(a)) and the non-inflatable portion 146, while ensuring a large stroke S1 in the direction in which the occupant P1 falls (see FIG. 4(b)), thereby making it possible to efficiently reduce the injury level of the occupant P1.

[0082] In this embodiment, AM50 is assumed to be the occupant P1 (see FIG. 5(a)), and the position of the sub-chamber 120 and other settings are based on the dimensions of AM50. As described above, AM50 is a dummy designed to represent an adult male. However, the airbag cushion 112 of the side airbag device 100 can also be designed to represent an adult female or a child being restrained, in addition to an adult male. In this case, the position of the sub-chamber 120 can be determined based on a dummy such as AF50 for women or P-0 for children. Of these, AF5 is a test dummy that simulates the physique of 5% of American adult women (height 145 cm, weight 45 kg). In addition, the child dummies are test dummies designed to simulate a newborn (height 48cm, weight 3kg), P-3 / 4 a 9-month-old (height 71cm, weight 9kg), P-1.5 an 18-month-old (height 82cm, weight 11kg), P-3 a 3-year-old (height 98cm, weight 15kg), P-6 a 6-year-old (height 120cm, weight 22kg), and P-10 a 10-year-old (height 138cm, weight 32kg).

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the description has been given assuming that the airbag cushion 112 is provided on the far side of the seat back 104. By providing the airbag cushion 112 on the far side of the seat back 104, it is possible to suitably restrain the occupant P1 who tends to move to the far side during a collision. However, it goes without saying that the airbag cushion 112 may also be provided on the near side of the seat back 104, and in that case, it is also possible to suitably restrain the occupant P1 (see FIG. 4(a) and the like) by utilizing the main chamber 118 and the sub-chamber 120.

[0084] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the side airbag device 100 of Figure 1(a). Figure 7(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the side airbag device 100 of Figure 1(a). Figure 7(a) illustrates the seat pad 150 and the upholstery 152 in the seat back 104, which are omitted in Figure 1(b).

[0085] In the side airbag device 100, a fragile portion 154 is provided in front of the airbag cushion 112 in the stored form. The fragile portion 154 is a portion that induces rupture when the airbag cushion 112 is inflated and deployed, and is configured to include a boundary 156 of the seat pad 150, a seam 158 of the upholstery 152, and further, a breakable thread 160 that sews the seam of the upholstery.

[0086] 7(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the state when the airbag cushion 112 of FIG. 7(a) is inflated and deployed. By providing a fragile portion 154 in front of the airbag cushion 112, when the airbag cushion 112 presses against the seat pad 150 and the upholstery 152, the fragile portion 154 quickly tears open, allowing the airbag cushion 112 to smoothly inflate and deploy. The fragile portion 154 can be provided, for example, in the vertical direction along the edge of the seat back 104, and by widely tearing the fragile portion 154, the first tether 126 and the second tether 128 described above can also be smoothly deployed.

[0087] (Variation) Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example (airbag cushion 200) of the airbag cushion 108 in Figure 2. In Figure 8 and subsequent figures, the same components as those already described are given the same reference numerals, and explanations of these components will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, components with the same names as those already described will have the same functions unless otherwise specified, even if they are given different reference numerals.

[0088] Fig. 8(a) is a diagram illustrating an airbag cushion 200 corresponding to Fig. 2(a). The airbag cushion 200 differs in configuration from the airbag cushion 112 in that the second tether 128 of Fig. 2(a) is omitted and a third tether 202 is newly provided.

[0089] The third tether 202 is also an elongated triangular cloth member made of the same material as the main panel 118a, etc. The third tether 202 has a wide front end 202a connected to a front connection portion 204 on the front end side of the sub-chamber 120. The front connection portion 204 is located forward of the seat back 104 when the main chamber 118 is inflated and deployed.

[0090] The rear end 202b of the third tether 202 is hung over the stud bolt 116a near the rear end 130 of the main chamber 118. The rear end 202b of the third tether 202 can also be connected directly to the side frame 108.

[0091] 8(b) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 200 corresponding to FIG. 2(b). The third tether 202 pulls the sub-chamber 120 rearward, thereby stabilizing the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion 200 and improving the restraining force.

[0092] The third tether 202 has a rear end 202b connected to a stud bolt 116a near the rear lower end of the main chamber 118, and so when the airbag cushion 200 is inflated and deployed, the middle portion 202c is tensioned in a state in which it crosses the lower end 206 of the sub-chamber 120. In other words, when the airbag cushion 200 is inflated and deployed, the third tether 202 is tensioned in a state in which it presses the lower end 206 of the sub-chamber 120 toward the main chamber 118.

[0093] The third tether 202 stabilizes the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion 200, and its tension can be used to increase the restraining force of the sub-chamber 120. In particular, the third tether 202 has an intermediate portion 202c that crosses over the sub-chamber 120, so that the restraining force of the head 140 of the occupant P1 (see FIG. 4(b)) between the main chamber 118 and the sub-chamber 120 can be efficiently increased.

[0094] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 200 of Figure 8 as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Figure 9(a) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 200 and the like of Figure 8(a) as viewed from the front.

[0095] The third tether 202 pulls the front end side of the sub-chamber 120 rearward, and uses this tension to press the vicinity of the lower end 206 of the sub-chamber 120 toward the main chamber 118. This stabilizes the posture of the sub-chamber 120, and the sub-chamber 120 can fully restrain the head 140, upper arms 142, etc. of the occupant P1.

[0096] 9(b) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 200 and the like in FIG. 8(b) as viewed from the front. In this embodiment as well, even if there is no other structure supporting the occupant P1 from the opposite side of the seat 102, the tension of the first tether 126 and the third tether 202 can be used to support the main chamber 118 and fully restrain the occupant P1. The first tether 126 and the third tether 202 support the occupant P1 so that he or she does not fall outward in the width direction of the seat 102, and prevent the head 140 from rotating in the left-right direction and an increase in the angular velocity ωX, thereby making it possible to restrain the occupant P1 while suppressing injury levels.

[0097] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example (airbag cushion 220) of the airbag cushion 108 in Figure 2. Figure 10(a) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 220 corresponding to Figure 2(b). The airbag cushion 220 differs in configuration from the airbag cushion 112 in that the second tether 128 in Figure 2(a) is omitted and a hook strap 222 is newly provided.

[0098] The hook strap 222 is a string-like member that holds down the sub-chamber 120, with one end 222a connected to the main chamber 118 near the upper end and the other end 222b connected to the stud bolt 116a near the rear end 130 of the main chamber 118. The hook strap 222 is connected to the sub-chamber 120 near the lower end 206 by a connecting part 224, so that the middle part 222c extends vertically over the sub-chamber 120. The other end 222b of the hook strap 222 can also be connected directly to the sub-frame 108.

[0099] Figure 10(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the airbag cushion 220 corresponding to Figure 3(b). As illustrated in Figure 10(b), the hook strap 222 becomes taut when the airbag cushion 220 is inflated and deployed, and the intermediate portion 222c can press the sub-chamber 120 toward the main chamber 118. Similar to the third tether 202 (see Figure 8(b)), the hook strap 222 also stabilizes the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion 220 and increases the restraining force of the sub-chamber 120, making it possible to fully restrain the head 140, upper arms 142, etc. of the occupant P1 (see Figure 9(b) etc.).

[0100] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a third modified example (airbag cushion 240) of the airbag cushion 108 in Fig. 2. Fig. 11(a) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 240 corresponding to Fig. 2(a). The airbag cushion 240 has a simpler panel configuration than the airbag cushion 112.

[0101] The airbag cushion 240 is configured to include a main chamber 118 and a sub-chamber 242. The sub-chamber 242 is also capable of restraining the head 140 and upper arms 142 of the occupant P1 (see FIG. 4(b) etc.). The airbag cushion 240 can also include the above-mentioned rear strap 124, first tether 126, second tether 128, and further the third tether 202 of FIG. 8(a) and the hook strap 222 of FIG. 10(a).

[0102] Figure 11(b) is a CC cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 112 in Figure 11(a). The sub-chamber 242 is configured to include sub-panels 242a and 242b. In particular, the sub-panel 242a is sewn together with the main panels 118a and 118b, and the sub-panel 242b has a simplified shape compared to the sub-panel 120b (see Figure 2(b)).

[0103] The sub-chamber 242 is formed to protrude from the main chamber 118 toward the seat 102, similar to the sub-chamber 120 (see FIG. 2(b)), but has a simpler panel configuration than the sub-chamber 120. Therefore, the airbag cushion 240 can reduce material costs.

[0104] In the airbag cushion 240, similar to the airbag cushion 112 (see Figure 4(b)), the main chamber 118 and the sub-chamber 242 restrain the head 140, shoulders 144, upper arms 142, etc. of the occupant P1 by sandwiching them between them, thereby making it possible to effectively suppress movement of the upper body of the occupant P1 and forward bending of the head 140, etc.

[0105] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above-described embodiments are merely preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments may be implemented or performed in various ways. Unless otherwise specified in the present specification, the present invention is not limited to the detailed shapes, sizes, and configurations of parts shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the expressions and terms used in the present specification are for the purpose of explanation and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified.

[0106] Therefore, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The present invention can be used in a vehicle side airbag device that restrains an occupant seated in a vehicle seat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 100...side airbag device, 102...seat, 104...seat back, 106...seat frame, 108...side frame, 110...airbag module, 112...airbag cushion, 114...inflator, 116a, 116b...stud bolt, 118...main chamber, 118a, 118b...main panel, 120...sub-chamber, 120a, 120b...sub-panel, 122...gas receiving port, 124...rear strap, 126...first tether, 126a...front end, 126b...rear end, 128...second tether, 128a...front end, 128b...rear end, 129...front end, 130...rear end, 132...upper connection portion, 134...upper end , 136...lower connection portion, 140...head, 142...upper arm, 144...shoulder, 146...non-inflatable portion, 150...seat pad, 152...skin, 154...weak portion, 156...boundary, 158...joint, 160...thread, L1...front-rear direction, L2...main axis, P1...occupant, S1...stroke, V1...valley, 200...airbag cushion, 202...third tether, 202a...front end, 202b...rear end, 202c...mid-portion, 204...front connection portion, 206...lower end, 220...airbag cushion, 222...hook strap, 222a...one end, 222b...other end, 222c...mid-portion, 224...connection portion, 240...airbag cushion, 242...sub-chamber

Claims

1. A vehicle side airbag device including a seat frame provided within a seat back of a vehicle seat, a side frame along a side portion of the seat back, and an airbag module attached to the side frame, The airbag module includes: a bag-shaped airbag cushion that is rolled or folded into a predetermined storage configuration and attached to the side frame; an inflator attached to the side frame together with the airbag cushion; Including, the airbag cushion has a main chamber that inflates and deploys when gas is supplied from the inflator so that a main axis connecting a front end and a rear end of the airbag cushion extends diagonally forward and outward in a width direction of the seat back when viewed from above, the airbag cushion further includes a sub-chamber that is provided in an area of ​​the main chamber that is positioned in front of an occupant seated in a normal posture in the vehicle seat when the airbag cushion inflates and deploys, and that protrudes from the main chamber toward the vehicle seat when the airbag cushion inflates and deploys.

2. the airbag cushion further comprises: a rear strap that is stretched between a rear end of the main chamber and the side frame; one or more tethers that are stretched between a portion of the airbag cushion that is positioned forward of the seat back when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed and a portion of the airbag cushion on the seat back side or the seat frame; 2. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more tethers include a first tether that is stretched between a vicinity of an upper end of the main chamber and a vicinity of an upper end of the seat frame.

4. 3. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more tethers include a second tether that is stretched between a location of the main chamber that is lower than the center in the up-down direction and a location of the main chamber or the seat frame that is higher than the lower location.

5. the one or more tethers include a third tether having one end connected to the vicinity of the front end of the sub-chamber and the other end connected to a predetermined location on the rear of the main chamber or the seat frame; 3. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 2, wherein a middle portion of the third tether extends over the sub-chamber.

6. the other end is connected to the vicinity of the lower end of the main chamber, 6. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate portion extends across at least a lower end of the sub-chamber.

7. the airbag cushion further includes a hook strap having one end connected to the vicinity of an upper end of the main chamber and the other end connected to the vicinity of a rear end of the main chamber or to the seat frame; 2. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein a middle portion of the hook strap is disposed over the sub-chamber.

8. 2. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the sub-chamber is provided in a front area of ​​the head and upper arms of the occupant.

9. 9. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 8, wherein the main chamber has a non-inflatable portion in a region rearward of the sub-chamber and adjacent to the shoulders of the occupant.

10. 2. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the main axis is angled within a range of 30 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat when viewed from above.

11. The vehicle side airbag device further includes a seat pad disposed around the seat frame within the seat back, 2. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the seat pad has a predetermined weakened portion in front of the airbag cushion in the stored state.

12. A side airbag device for a vehicle, comprising: a seat frame provided within a seat back of a vehicle seat, a side frame along a side of the seat back; and an airbag module attached to the side frame, The airbag module includes: a bag-shaped airbag cushion that is rolled or folded into a predetermined storage configuration and attached to the side frame; an inflator attached to the side frame together with the airbag cushion; Including, the airbag cushion has a main chamber that inflates and deploys when gas is supplied from the inflator so that a main axis connecting a front end and a rear end of the airbag cushion extends diagonally forward and outward in a width direction of the seat back when viewed from above, the airbag cushion further comprises a sub-chamber that is provided in a range of the main chamber that is positioned in front of an occupant seated in a normal posture on the vehicle seat when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and that protrudes from the main chamber toward the vehicle seat when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed; a rear strap that is stretched between a rear end of the main chamber and the side frame; a first tether that is stretched between an upper end of the main chamber forward of the seat back and an upper end of the seat frame when the main chamber is inflated and deployed; a second tether that is stretched between a location of the main chamber that is lower than the center in the up-down direction and a location of the main chamber or the seat frame that is higher than the lower location; and 10. A side airbag device for a vehicle, wherein the sub-chamber is provided in a front area of ​​the head and upper arms of the occupant.

Images