Vehicle occupant restraint device

Abstract

To provide an occupant restraint device for a vehicle, capable of effectively restraining an occupant upon a head-on collision of the vehicle, regardless of a seat position.SOLUTION: An occupant restraint device 10 for a vehicle includes: a seat belt 22 for restraining an occupant P seated in a vehicle seat 12 to the vehicle seat 12; and an upper-body restraint airbag 36 which, when gas is supplied from an inflator 32 upon a head-on collision of the vehicle, is thereby inflated and deployed between a shoulder belt 22A in the seat belt 22 and a chest of the occupant P to restrain at least the chest of the occupant P.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an occupant restraint device for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] There has conventionally been known an occupant restraint device for a vehicle in which a head protection bag that expands toward the front side of the vehicle and receives the head of an occupant is provided in a belt inflation portion provided in a shoulder belt, thereby avoiding contact between the head of the occupant and the steering wheel and making it possible to eliminate or reduce the size of an airbag that expands and deploys from the steering wheel toward the front of the occupant (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, there has conventionally been known an occupant restraint device in which an auxiliary airbag device that expands and deploys an auxiliary bag body toward the front side of the vehicle of the shoulder on the side opposite to the anti-shoulder belt (inside in the vehicle width direction) of the occupant at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle is provided in the shoulder belt, whereby the shoulder on the side opposite to the anti-shoulder belt of the occupant seated on the seat is restrained by the seat via the auxiliary bag body, and both sides in the vehicle width direction of the upper body of the occupant can be stably restrained (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the occupant restraint devices described above are based on the premise that the steering wheel or an airbag that inflates and deploys from the steering wheel toward the occupant's front is the receiving surface for the reaction force during a frontal collision. Therefore, when occupants seated in seats, such as the driver's seat, passenger seat, or rear seats during autonomous driving, are positioned far enough away from the steering wheel or the airbag that inflates and deploys toward the occupant's front, it becomes difficult to effectively restrain the occupants.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle occupant restraint device that can effectively restrain occupants regardless of their seat position during a frontal collision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a first embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle occupant restraint device comprising: a seat belt that restrains an occupant seated in a vehicle seat to the vehicle seat; and an upper body restraint airbag that, when gas is supplied from an inflator during a frontal collision of the vehicle, inflates and deploys between the shoulder belt of the seat belt and the occupant's chest, restraining at least the occupant's chest.

[0008] According to the first embodiment of the invention, when a vehicle is hit in a frontal collision, gas is supplied from an inflator, causing the upper body restraint airbag to inflate and deploy between the shoulder belt of the seat belt and the occupant's chest, restraining at least the occupant's chest. In other words, the shoulder belt of the seat belt acts as a receiving member for the reaction force of the upper body restraint airbag. Therefore, even if an occupant seated in a vehicle seat, such as in the driver's seat, passenger seat, or rear seat during autonomous driving, is seated at a position far away from the steering wheel or the airbag that inflates and deploys in front of the occupant, the occupant is effectively restrained. Thus, according to the present invention, an occupant is effectively restrained in the event of a frontal collision, regardless of the seat position.

[0009] Furthermore, because this upper body restraint airbag inflates and deploys between the seatbelt's shoulder strap and the occupant's chest, the concentrated load applied to the occupant's chest by the shoulder strap is distributed over a wider area of ​​the occupant's chest. As a result, chest injury values ​​are reduced for occupants with relatively lower chest tolerance, such as women and the elderly. Note that the term "frontal collision" here also includes situations where the inevitability of a frontal collision is predicted (foreseen).

[0010] Furthermore, a second embodiment of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the present invention is a vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment, wherein the upper body restraint airbag is folded and attached to the occupant side of the shoulder belt, the seat belt shoulder belt anchor and the inflator are provided on the seat back of the vehicle seat, and the upper body restraint airbag is supplied with gas from the inflator via a gas supply duct that passes below the shoulder belt anchor.

[0011] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the upper body restraint airbag is folded and attached to the occupant side of the shoulder belt, and the seat belt shoulder belt anchor and inflator are provided on the seat back of the vehicle seat. Gas is supplied to the upper body restraint airbag from the inflator via a gas supply duct that passes below the shoulder belt anchor. In other words, each of these components is provided on the vehicle seat. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the occupant is effectively restrained regardless of the seat position, and the installation of the vehicle occupant restraint device on the vehicle is also easy, as it only requires the installation of the vehicle seat.

[0012] Furthermore, a third embodiment of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the present invention is a vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the upper body restraint airbag, after inflation and deployment is complete, has an area in a front view on the side opposite to the shoulder belt side that is smaller than the area in a front view on the shoulder belt side, the shoulder belt side restrains the occupant from the shoulder to the abdomen, and the side opposite to the shoulder belt restrains the occupant from the shoulder to the chest.

[0013] According to the third embodiment of the invention, in the upper body restraint airbag after inflation and deployment, the area of ​​the anti-shoulder belt side in a front view is set to be smaller than the area of ​​the shoulder belt side in a front view. The upper body restraint airbag restrains the occupant from the shoulder to the abdomen on the shoulder belt side, and restrains the occupant from the shoulder to the chest on the anti-shoulder belt side. In other words, this upper body restraint airbag can generate an appropriate restraining force on the shoulder on the anti-shoulder belt side where the shoulder belt is not attached. Therefore, the occupant's left and right shoulders are efficiently restrained. Furthermore, this upper body restraint airbag distributes and reduces the input load on the occupant's chest and abdomen (including the flanks) that is applied by the shoulder belt.

[0014] Furthermore, a fourth embodiment of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the present invention is a vehicle occupant restraint device according to the third embodiment, wherein the upper body restraint airbag, after inflation and deployment is complete, has a triangular shape when viewed from the front, and has a plurality of chambers extending along the width direction of the seat inside, and is configured to sequentially supply gas from the uppermost chamber to the lowermost chamber.

[0015] According to the fourth embodiment of the invention, the shape of the upper body restraint airbag after inflation and deployment is triangular in a front view. Therefore, a gap is formed between the shoulder belt and the occupant's abdomen, mitigating the strong pressure on the occupant's abdomen caused by the concentrated load applied by the shoulder belt. Furthermore, this upper body restraint airbag has multiple chambers extending along the width of the seat, and gas is supplied sequentially from the uppermost chamber to the lowermost chamber. In other words, the uppermost chamber inflates and deploys first. Therefore, the position of the shoulder belt is stabilized. Also, because the uppermost chamber inflates and deploys first, gaps are efficiently formed to facilitate the smooth inflation and deployment of each chamber from the uppermost to the lowermost chamber. Note that the term "triangular shape" here also includes a "approximately triangular shape" in which no sharply pointed parts are formed.

[0016] Furthermore, a fifth embodiment of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the present invention is a vehicle occupant restraint device according to the fourth embodiment, wherein at least the uppermost chamber is provided with a check valve structure for maintaining internal pressure, and the check valve structure includes a cloth-like member that has slack so as not to block the vent hole through which gas from the inflator passes during the inflation and deployment process, and removes the slack to block the vent hole when inflation and deployment is complete.

[0017] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, at least the uppermost chamber is provided with a check valve structure for maintaining internal pressure. This check valve structure includes a fabric-like member that has slack during inflation and deployment so as not to block the vent hole through which gas from the inflator passes, and removes the slack to block the vent hole when inflation and deployment is complete. Therefore, the internal pressure of the upper body restraint airbag directly below the shoulder belt is effectively maintained, and deformation of the upper body restraint airbag by bending away from the occupant (towards the front of the seat) with the shoulder belt as the pivot point is suppressed. Furthermore, because the internal pressure of the upper body restraint airbag is effectively increased, collapse of the upper body restraint airbag due to concentrated load from the shoulder belt is also suppressed.

[0018] Furthermore, a sixth embodiment of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the present invention is a vehicle occupant restraint device according to the third embodiment, wherein the upper body restraint airbag, after inflation and deployment is complete, has a triangular shape when viewed from the front, and has a central chamber directly below the shoulder belt that extends along the shoulder belt, and left and right chambers from which gas is supplied from the central chamber.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the shape of the upper body restraint airbag after inflation and deployment is triangular in a front view. Therefore, a gap is formed between the shoulder belt and the occupant's abdomen, mitigating the strong pressure on the occupant's abdomen caused by the concentrated load applied by the shoulder belt. Furthermore, this upper body restraint airbag has a central chamber directly below the shoulder belt that extends along the shoulder belt, and left and right chambers from which gas is supplied from the central chamber. In other words, the central chamber directly below the shoulder belt inflates and deploys first. Therefore, the thickness of the upper body restraint airbag is ensured, and the collapse of the upper body restraint airbag due to the concentrated load from the shoulder belt is suppressed. Note that the term "triangular shape" here also includes a "approximately triangular shape" in which no sharply pointed parts are formed.

[0020] Furthermore, a seventh embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle occupant restraint device according to the sixth embodiment, wherein, after inflation and deployment are complete, the upper body restraint airbag is configured such that the left and right chambers partially overlap the central chamber in a plan view.

[0021] According to the seventh embodiment of the invention, in a cross-sectional view, the left and right chambers of the upper body restraint airbag partially overlap with the central chamber after inflation and deployment are complete. Therefore, even if the occupant's upper body (upper half) tries to fall forward of the seat due to inertial force during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the bending deformation of the upper body restraint airbag is suppressed, and the occupant is effectively restrained.

[0022] Further, the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the sixth or seventh aspect, and is provided with a check valve structure for maintaining the internal pressure in the central chamber. The check valve structure has a slack so as not to block the vent hole for passing the gas from the inflator during the inflation deployment, and includes a cloth-like member in which the slack is removed and the vent hole is blocked when the inflation deployment is completed.

[0023] According to the invention of the eighth aspect, a check valve structure for maintaining the internal pressure in the central chamber is provided. The check valve structure has a slack so as not to block the vent hole for passing the gas from the inflator during the inflation deployment, and includes a cloth-like member in which the slack is removed and the vent hole is blocked when the inflation deployment is completed. Therefore, the internal pressure of the upper body restraint airbag (central chamber) directly below the shoulder belt is effectively maintained, and the upper body restraint airbag is suppressed from bending and deforming toward the non-occupant side (front side of the seat) with the shoulder belt as a base point (fulcrum). Further, since the internal pressure of the upper body restraint airbag is effectively increased, the upper body restraint airbag is also suppressed from being crushed by the concentrated load of the shoulder belt.

[0024] Further, the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle occupant restraint device according to any one of the fourth to eighth aspects, wherein both end portions in the seat width direction of the upper body restraint airbag are connected by a tether or a strap disposed on the occupant side, thereby forming a curved shape that is convex toward the front side of the seat in plan view.

[0025] According to the invention of the ninth aspect, both end portions in the seat width direction of the upper body restraint airbag are connected by tethers or straps disposed on the occupant side, so that the upper body restraint airbag has a curved shape that is convex toward the front side of the seat in plan view. Therefore, it is more effectively suppressed that the upper body restraint airbag bends and deform to the anti-occupant side (front side of the seat) with the shoulder belt as a base point (fulcrum). Further, thereby, the contact pressure on the occupant at both end portions in the seat width direction of the upper body restraint airbag increases, so that the amount of movement of the upper body (upper half body) of the occupant toward the front side of the seat with the shoulder belt as a base point (fulcrum) is reduced.

[0026] Further, the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the third aspect, wherein the upper body restraint airbag has a semicircular shape in a front view after the expansion and deployment are completed, and has a central chamber directly below the shoulder belt extending along the shoulder belt inside, a semi-arc-shaped chamber into which gas is supplied in the circumferential direction from the upper end portion of the central chamber, and a linear chamber into which gas is supplied radially outward from the central portion which is the lower end portion of the central chamber.

[0027] According to the invention of the tenth aspect, the shape of the upper body restraint airbag after the expansion and deployment are completed has a semicircular shape in a front view. Therefore, a gap is formed between the shoulder belt and the abdomen of the occupant, and the strong pushing of the abdomen of the occupant by the concentrated load applied by the shoulder belt is alleviated. Further, this upper body restraint airbag has a central chamber directly below the shoulder belt extending along the shoulder belt inside, a semi-arc-shaped chamber into which gas is supplied in the circumferential direction from the upper end portion of the central chamber, and a linear chamber into which gas is supplied radially outward from the central portion which is the lower end portion of the central chamber. That is, the central chamber directly below the shoulder belt expands and deploys first. Therefore, the thickness of the upper body restraint airbag is ensured, and it is suppressed that the upper body restraint airbag is crushed by the concentrated load by the shoulder belt.

[0028] Furthermore, an 11th embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the upper body restraint airbag, after inflation and deployment is complete, has a circular shape when viewed from the front, and includes a central chamber directly below the shoulder belt that extends along the shoulder belt, an upper semi-circular chamber from which gas is supplied circumferentially from the upper end of the central chamber, and a lower semi-circular chamber from which gas is supplied circumferentially from the lower end of the central chamber.

[0029] According to the eleventh embodiment of the invention, the shape of the upper body restraint airbag after inflation and deployment is circular in a front view. Therefore, a gap is formed between the shoulder belt and the occupant's abdomen (flank), mitigating the strong pressure on the occupant's abdomen (flank) caused by the concentrated load applied by the shoulder belt. Furthermore, this upper body restraint airbag has a central chamber directly below the shoulder belt that extends along the shoulder belt, an upper semi-circular chamber from which gas is supplied circumferentially from the upper end of the central chamber, and a lower semi-circular chamber from which gas is supplied circumferentially from the lower end of the central chamber. In other words, the central chamber directly below the shoulder belt inflates and deploys first. Therefore, the thickness of the upper body restraint airbag is ensured, and the collapse of the upper body restraint airbag due to the concentrated load from the shoulder belt is suppressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] As described above, according to the present invention, occupants can be effectively restrained during a frontal collision of a vehicle, regardless of their seat position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment in an inflated and deployed state. [Figure 2] This is a schematic front view showing the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment in an inflated and deployed state. [Figure 3]This is a schematic side view showing the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment in an inflated and deployed state. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view showing a check valve structure provided inside the upper body restraint airbag of a vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] (A) A schematic cross-sectional view showing the check valve structure inside the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment before the vent hole is closed. (B) A schematic cross-sectional view showing the check valve structure inside the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment after the vent hole is closed. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of a check valve structure provided inside the upper body restraint airbag of a vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] (A) A schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the check valve structure provided inside the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment, before the vent hole is closed. (B) A schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the check valve structure provided inside the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment, after the vent hole is closed. [Figure 8] (A) A schematic side view showing the state of the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment before inflation and deployment. (B) A schematic side view showing the state of the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment during inflation and deployment. (C) A schematic side view showing the state of the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the first embodiment after inflation and deployment is complete. [Figure 9] (A) A schematic front view showing the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the second embodiment in an inflated and deployed state. (B) A schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in Figure 9(A). [Figure 10] (A) A schematic front cross-sectional view showing the upper body restraint airbag of a vehicle occupant restraint device according to a modified example of the second embodiment in an inflated and deployed state. (B) A schematic cross-sectional view taken along the YY line in Figure 10(A). [Figure 11]This is a schematic front view showing the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the third embodiment in an inflated and deployed state, along with a tether provided on the occupant side. [Figure 12] (A) A schematic cross-sectional view taken along the ZZ line in Figure 11. (B) A schematic cross-sectional view taken along the ZZ line in Figure 11, showing the case where the occupants move due to inertial force. [Figure 13] This is a schematic front view showing the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the fourth embodiment in an inflated and deployed state. [Figure 14] This is a schematic front view showing the upper body restraint airbag of the vehicle occupant restraint device according to the fifth embodiment in an inflated and deployed state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of explanation, in each figure, the arrow UP will indicate the upward direction of the vehicle and the vehicle seat, the arrow FR will indicate the forward direction of the vehicle and the vehicle seat, and the arrow RH will indicate the rightward direction of the vehicle and the vehicle seat. Therefore, in the following description, when the directions of up and down, front and back, and left and right are mentioned without further specification, they refer to the up and down, front and back, and left and right directions of the vehicle and the vehicle seat. Also, the left and right directions are synonymous with the vehicle width direction and the seat width direction.

[0033] <First Embodiment> First, the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 according to the first embodiment is provided on a vehicle seat 12. The vehicle seat 12 is either the front seat or the rear seat of a vehicle (automobile), and here, the front seat will be referred to as the vehicle seat 12. This vehicle seat 12 has a seat cushion 14, a seat back 16 provided at the rear end of the seat cushion 14 so as to be rotatable in the axial direction of the seat width, and a headrest 18 provided at the upper end of the seat back 16 so as to be vertically movable.

[0034] In Figure 1, etc., a dummy mannequin (human body dummy) for crash testing is shown seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12, serving as a model of the occupant (seater) to be protected. The dummy mannequin is, for example, an AM50 (50th percentile of an adult American male) dummy for frontal crash testing (Hybrid III). The dummy mannequin is seated in the standard seating position specified in the crash test method, and the vehicle seat 12 is positioned in the standard setting position corresponding to the seating position. Hereinafter, this dummy mannequin will be referred to as "occupant P".

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, an occupant P seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12 is restrained to the vehicle seat 12 by a seat belt (webbing) 22 provided by the seat belt device 20. The seat belt device 20 is a three-point seat belt device, with a retractor (not shown) provided at the bottom of the seat back 16, a shoulder belt anchor 24 provided on the left side (one end in the seat width direction) of the upper end surface of the seat back 16, and a buckle 26 provided on the right side (the other end in the seat width direction) of the seat cushion 14, making it a so-called seat belt device with a seat. In the following, a portion of the seat belt 22 that spans from the occupant P's shoulders Ps to his abdomen Pt will be referred to as the shoulder belt 22A.

[0036] The vehicle seat 12 is equipped with an airbag device 30. The airbag device 30 comprises an inflator 32 embedded in the left side portion 16S of the seat back 16, and an upper body restraint airbag 36 which is normally folded and integrally held by a cover member 28 (see Figure 3), and is positioned on the occupant P side (back side) of the upper part of the shoulder belt 22A (above the occupant P's shoulder portion Ps) by attaching the cover member 28.

[0037] The inflator 32 is, for example, a gas-filled (cold type) cylindrical inflator, and is activated by a control device (not shown) installed in the vehicle when a collision sensor (including cameras, etc.) (not shown) detects a frontal collision of the vehicle or predicts (foresees) that a frontal collision is unavoidable (hereinafter referred to as "at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle"), thereby generating gas.

[0038] In other words, the control device is electrically connected to the inflator 32 and collision sensors (including cameras, etc.), and in the event of a frontal collision of a vehicle, it activates the inflator 32 based on information from the collision sensors. The types of frontal collisions in which the control device activates the inflator 32 include not only full-wrap frontal collisions but also offset frontal collisions such as oblique collisions and minute-wrap collisions.

[0039] The inflator 32 is mounted, for example, on the left side frame (not shown) of the seat back 16 with its axis oriented approximately vertically. One end (lower end) of a gas supply duct 34, which is made of a flexible tube or the like, is connected to the nozzle 32A at its upper end. The other end (upper end) of the gas supply duct 34 protrudes from the seat back 16 below the shoulder belt anchor 24 and is connected to the upper body restraint airbag 36.

[0040] In other words, the upper body restraint airbag 36 is configured to receive gas from an inflator 32 via a gas supply duct 34 that passes below the shoulder belt anchor 24. As a result, the upper body restraint airbag 36 inflates and deploys between the shoulder belt 22A and the occupant P's chest Pc, enabling it to restrain at least the occupant P's chest Pc.

[0041] Here, after inflation and deployment are complete, the upper body restraint airbag 36 has a front view area on the side opposite to the shoulder belt 22A (left side), which is the opposite side of the shoulder belt 22A (right side), which is set to be smaller than the front view area on the shoulder belt 22A side. More specifically, the shape of the upper body restraint airbag 36 after inflation and deployment is such that, in a front view, the lower right side (the side opposite the shoulder belt 22A) is missing, forming a roughly right-angled triangle shape (a right-angled triangle shape where the interior angles are not right angles, and the right end and bottom end are not sharply pointed at an acute angle) (see Figure 2).

[0042] Therefore, the upper body restraint airbag 36 is configured such that the shoulder belt 22A side restrains the occupant P from the shoulder Ps to the abdomen Pt, and the opposite shoulder belt 22A side restrains the occupant P from the shoulder Ps to the chest Pc. The upper body restraint airbag 36 has multiple (for example, three) chambers 38 extending along the width direction of the seat.

[0043] To explain in more detail, the upper body restraint airbag 36 is formed into a bag shape by overlapping two base fabrics, which are shaped like approximately right triangles when viewed from the front, namely base fabric 36F which constitutes the front wall of the upper body restraint airbag 36 and base fabric 36B which constitutes the rear wall, and sewing their respective edges together. The base fabrics 36F and 36B are made of, for example, polyamide or polyester fabric.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, multiple (e.g., two) fabric tethers 42 and 44 are attached vertically at intervals to connect the base fabric 36F and base fabric 36B inside the upper body restraint airbag 36. In other words, the upper body restraint airbag 36 is divided into multiple (e.g., three) chambers 38 by the multiple (e.g., two) tethers 42 and 44 provided inside. The tethers 42 and 44 are also made of, for example, polyamide or polyester fabric.

[0045] The upper tether 42 has its longitudinal direction in the sheet width direction, with its front end 42F sewn to the base fabric 36F and its rear end 42B sewn to the base fabric 36B. The left end 42L of the tether 42 is sewn to the left edge (one end in the sheet width direction) of the base fabrics 36F and 36B, and the right end 42R of the tether 42 is sewn to the right edge (the other end in the sheet width direction) of the base fabrics 36F and 36B.

[0046] This upper tether 42 separates the uppermost chamber (hereinafter referred to as the "upper chamber") 38U from the middle chamber (hereinafter referred to as the "middle chamber") 38C. A circular through-hole, or opening 42A, is formed on the left side of the tether 42, allowing gas to be supplied from the upper chamber 38U to the middle chamber 38C, as will be described later.

[0047] Similarly, the lower tether 44 has its longitudinal direction in the sheet width direction, with its front end 44F sewn to the base fabric 36F and its rear end 44B sewn to the base fabric 36B. The left end 44L of the tether 44 is sewn to the left edge (one end in the sheet width direction) of the base fabrics 36F and 36B, and the right end 44R of the tether 44 is sewn to the right edge (the other end in the sheet width direction) of the base fabrics 36F and 36B.

[0048] This lower tether 44 separates the middle chamber 38C from the lowest chamber (hereinafter referred to as the "lower chamber") 38D. A circular through-hole, or opening 44A, is formed on the left side of the tether 44, allowing gas to be supplied from the middle chamber 38C to the lower chamber 38D, as will be described later.

[0049] The upper body restraint airbag 36 is configured to sequentially supply gas from the upper chamber 38U to the lower chamber 38D. The upper chamber 38U and the middle chamber 38C are equipped with check valve structures 40 (see Figures 4 and 5) to maintain internal pressure, and the gas is sequentially filled from the upper chamber 38U through the middle chamber 38C to the lower chamber 38D.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the left side (one end in the sheet width direction) of the upper peripheral edge of the base fabrics 36F and 36B and the left side (one end in the sheet width direction) of the upper tether 42 are connected by the partition fabric 46. Specifically, the upper end of the partition fabric 46 is sewn to the left side of the upper peripheral edge of the base fabrics 36F and 36B, and the lower end of the partition fabric 46 is sewn to the left side of the tether 42. The front end of the partition fabric 46 is sewn to the base fabric 36F, and the rear end of the partition fabric 46 is sewn to the base fabric 36B.

[0051] Furthermore, a vent hole 46A, which is a through-hole, for example, that is circular in shape, is formed in the center of the partition cloth 46. On the left side of the partition cloth 46 (outside in the seat width direction), a rectangular movable cloth 48 is provided, which is a cloth-like member that has slack to open the vent hole 46A before the upper body restraint airbag 36 has finished inflating and deploying (during inflation and deployment), and closes the vent hole 46A when the upper body restraint airbag 36 has finished inflating and deploying.

[0052] To explain in more detail, the length of the movable fabric 48 in the vertical direction is set to be greater than or equal to the length of the partition fabric 46 in the vertical direction, the upper end of the movable fabric 48 is sewn to the upper part of the partition fabric 46 which is directly above the vent hole 46A, and the lower end of the movable fabric 48 is sewn to the lower part of the partition fabric 46 which is directly below the vent hole 46A.

[0053] As a result, before the upper body restraint airbag 36 is fully inflated and deployed (during inflation and deployment), a slack is formed in the vertical center of the movable fabric 48. Then, the slackened movable fabric 48 and the partition fabric 46 form an opening 50 that opens in the front-to-back direction and communicates with the vent hole 46A.

[0054] Furthermore, one end of a tension fabric 52, whose longitudinal direction is the sheet width direction, is sewn to the inner surface of the movable fabric 48 (the surface facing the vent hole 46A), and the other end of the tension fabric 52 is sewn through the vent hole 46A to the peripheral edge on the right side (the other end side in the sheet width direction) of the base fabrics 36F and 36B.

[0055] Therefore, the check valve structure 40 operates as follows: When gas is supplied to the upper body restraint airbag 36, first, as shown in Figure 5(A), the gas is supplied to the upper chamber 38U through the opening 50 and the vent hole 46A. Consequently, the upper chamber 38U expands and deploys toward the right side (towards the other end in the seat width direction).

[0056] As a result, the tension fabric 52, whose other end is sewn to the right peripheral edge of the upper chamber 38U, is pulled to the right (towards the other end in the sheet width direction). This causes the movable fabric 48, whose one end is sewn to the tension fabric 52, to be pulled to the right by the tension fabric 52 through the vent hole 46A. As a result, as shown in Figure 5(B), the movable fabric 48 is drawn into the vent hole 46A (inside the upper chamber 38U), closing the vent hole 46A. In other words, it seals the expanded upper chamber 38U.

[0057] When the vent hole 46A is closed by the movable fabric 48 (when the inflated upper chamber 38U is sealed), the gas supplied to the upper body restraint airbag 36 is supplied to the middle chamber 38C through the opening 42A of the upper tether 42, and the inflated middle chamber 38C is sealed by the check valve structure 40 provided in the middle chamber 38C. Once the inflated middle chamber 38C is sealed, the gas supplied to the upper body restraint airbag 36 is supplied to the lower chamber 38D through the opening 44A of the lower tether 44, and the lower chamber 38D is inflated and deployed (see Figure 8).

[0058] Thus, the check valve structure 40 is configured such that the movable fabric 48 has slack so as not to block the vent hole 46A through which gas from the inflator 32 passes when inflation and deployment are not yet complete (during inflation and deployment), and when inflation and deployment are complete, the slack is removed and the vent hole 46A is blocked. After inflation and deployment are complete, the upper chamber 38U, middle chamber 38C, and lower chamber 38D are each configured to have the same thickness. Note that the configuration of the check valve structure 40 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 4 and 5, and may be, for example, the configuration shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0059] In other words, the lower end of the movable fabric 48 may not be sewn to the partition fabric 46, and the lower end of the movable fabric 48 may function as a tension fabric 52. Specifically, the length of the movable fabric 48 in the vertical direction may be made longer to extend the lower end of the movable fabric 48, and a slit portion 46B may be formed at the bottom of the partition fabric 46 directly below the vent hole 46A, through which the lower end of the movable fabric 48 can be inserted. Then, a reinforcing fabric 54 that closes the slit portion 46B is sewn to the outer surface of the partition fabric 46 (the side with the slackened movable fabric 48).

[0060] The reinforcing fabric 54 is formed in a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction being the front-to-back direction. Its front end is sewn to the front of the partition fabric 46, and its rear end is sewn to the rear of the partition fabric 46. The lower end of the movable fabric 48 is inserted from above into the gap between the partition fabric 46 and the reinforcing fabric 54, passed through the slit portion 46B, and pulled into the upper chamber 38U.

[0061] As a result, the movable fabric 48 is loosened above the reinforcing fabric 54, and the loosened movable fabric 48 and the partition fabric 46 form an opening 50 that opens in the front-rear direction and communicates with the vent hole 46A. The lower end of the movable fabric 48 that is pulled into the upper chamber 38U is sewn and attached to the right side (the other end in the seat width direction) of the center of the upper tether 42 in the seat width direction.

[0062] Therefore, the check valve structure 40 operates as follows: When gas is supplied to the upper body restraint airbag 36, first, as shown in Figure 7(A), the gas is supplied to the upper chamber 38U through the opening 50 and the vent hole 46A. Consequently, the upper chamber 38U expands and deploys toward the right side (towards the other end in the seat width direction).

[0063] As a result, the movable fabric 48, whose lower end is sewn to the right of the center of the tether 42 that constitutes the upper chamber 38U in the sheet width direction, is pulled to the right (towards the other end in the sheet width direction). This causes the movable fabric 48 to be pulled downward, as shown in Figure 7(B), and closes the vent hole 46A. In other words, it seals the expanded upper chamber 38U.

[0064] When the vent hole 46A is closed by the movable fabric 48 (when the inflated upper chamber 38U is sealed), the gas supplied to the upper body restraint airbag 36 is supplied to the middle chamber 38C through the opening 42A of the upper tether 42, and the inflated middle chamber 38C is sealed by the check valve structure 40 provided in the middle chamber 38C. Once the inflated middle chamber 38C is sealed, the gas supplied to the upper body restraint airbag 36 is supplied to the lower chamber 38D through the opening 44A of the lower tether 44, and the lower chamber 38D is inflated and deployed (see Figure 8).

[0065] The operation of the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 according to the first embodiment, which has the configuration described above, will now be explained.

[0066] In the event of a frontal collision, the inflator 32 is activated by the control device. In other words, gas is ejected from the inflator 32. The gas ejected from the inflator 32 is then supplied to the upper body restraint airbag 36 through the gas supply duct 34. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(A), gas is supplied to the inside of the folded upper body restraint airbag 36, which is located on the occupant P side (back side) of the shoulder belt 22A by the cover member 28.

[0067] Then, as shown in Figure 8(B) (the cover member 28 is not shown in Figure 8(B)), gas is first supplied to the upper chamber 38U, causing it to expand and unfold. Once the expanded upper chamber 38U is sealed by the check valve structure 40 described above, the gas is supplied to the middle chamber 38C through the opening 42A of the upper tether 42, causing the middle chamber 38C to expand and unfold.

[0068] Subsequently, when the expanded middle chamber 38C is sealed by the check valve structure 40 described above, the gas is supplied to the lower chamber 38D through the opening 44A of the lower tether 44, and the lower chamber 38D expands and unfolds as shown in Figure 8(C) (the cover member 28 is not shown in Figure 8(C)).

[0069] As a result, the inflated upper body restraint airbag 36 is positioned between the shoulder belt 22A and the occupant P's chest Pc (behind the shoulder belt 22A and in front of the occupant P), restraining at least the occupant P's chest Pc. In other words, the shoulder belt 22A acts as a receiving member for the reaction force of the upper body restraint airbag 36, and the occupant P, which would otherwise move forward due to inertia caused by the impact of a frontal collision of the vehicle, is effectively restrained by the upper body restraint airbag 36.

[0070] Therefore, even if an occupant P seated in a vehicle seat 12, such as in the driver's seat or passenger seat during autonomous driving, is positioned far behind the steering wheel (not shown) or an airbag (not shown) that inflates and deploys in front of the occupant P, the occupant P can still be effectively restrained by the upper body restraint airbag 36. In other words, the upper body restraint airbag 36 can effectively restrain the occupant P during a frontal collision, regardless of the seat position of the vehicle seat 12.

[0071] Furthermore, since this upper body restraint airbag 36 inflates and deploys between the shoulder belt 22A and the occupant P's chest Pc, the concentrated load applied to the occupant P's chest Pc by the shoulder belt 22A can be distributed over a wider area of ​​the occupant P's chest Pc. Therefore, even for occupants P with relatively low chest tolerance, such as women and the elderly, the injury value to their chest Pc can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, the upper body restraint airbag 36 is attached to the occupant P side (back side) of the shoulder belt 22A by a cover member 28 when folded, and the shoulder belt anchor 24 and inflator 32 of the seat belt 22 are provided on the seat back 16 of the vehicle seat 12. Gas is supplied to the upper body restraint airbag 36 from the inflator 32 via a gas supply duct 34 that passes below the shoulder belt anchor 24. In other words, each of these components is provided on the vehicle seat 12.

[0073] Therefore, according to the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 of this first embodiment, in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the occupant P can be effectively restrained regardless of the seat position of the vehicle seat 12. Furthermore, the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 can be easily installed in the vehicle, as it only requires the installation of the vehicle seat 12.

[0074] Furthermore, in the upper body restraint airbag 36 after inflation and deployment, the area of ​​the anti-shoulder belt 22A side (opposite to the shoulder belt 22A side) in a front view is set to be smaller than the area of ​​the shoulder belt 22A side in a front view. As a result, the upper body restraint airbag 36 restrains the occupant P from the shoulder Ps to the abdomen Pt on the shoulder belt 22A side, and restrains the occupant P from the shoulder Ps to the chest Pc on the anti-shoulder belt 22A side. In other words, this upper body restraint airbag 36 can generate an appropriate restraining force on the shoulder Ps on the anti-shoulder belt 22A side, which is not covered by the shoulder belt 22A. Therefore, the left and right shoulder Ps of the occupant P can be restrained efficiently.

[0075] Furthermore, the upper body restraint airbag 36 can also distribute and reduce the input load applied to the occupant P's chest Pc and abdomen Pt (including the flanks) by the shoulder belt 22A. Specifically, since the shape of the upper body restraint airbag 36 after inflation and deployment is approximately a right triangle when viewed from the front, the upper body restraint airbag 36 can create a gap between the shoulder belt 22A and the occupant P's abdomen Pt. Therefore, the strong pressure on the occupant P's abdomen Pt caused by the concentrated load applied by the shoulder belt 22A can be mitigated.

[0076] Furthermore, this upper body restraint airbag 36 is provided with multiple (for example, three) chambers 38 extending along the width of the seat, and gas is supplied (filled) sequentially from the upper chamber 38U through the middle chamber 38C to the lower chamber 38D. In other words, the upper chamber 38U inflates and deploys first. Therefore, the position of the shoulder belt 22A can be stabilized. Also, because the upper chamber 38U inflates and deploys first, gaps can be efficiently formed to ensure smooth inflation and deployment of each chamber from the upper chamber 38U through the middle chamber 38C to the lower chamber 38D.

[0077] Furthermore, in this upper body restraint airbag 36, the upper chamber 38U and the middle chamber 38C are provided with a check valve structure 40 for maintaining internal pressure. The check valve structure 40 has slack so as not to block the vent hole 46A through which gas from the inflator 32 passes before inflation and deployment is complete (during inflation and deployment), and when inflation and deployment is complete, the slack is removed and a movable fabric 48 is included to block the vent hole 46A.

[0078] Therefore, the internal pressure of the upper body restraint airbag 36 directly below the shoulder belt 22A can be effectively maintained, and the upper body restraint airbag 36 can be suppressed or prevented from bending and deforming toward the occupant P side (forward side) with the shoulder belt 22A as the pivot point (fulcrum). Furthermore, because the internal pressure of the upper body restraint airbag 36 can be effectively increased in this way, the upper body restraint airbag 36 can also be suppressed or prevented from being crushed by the concentrated load from the shoulder belt 22A.

[0079] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions (including common functions) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, in this second embodiment, the only difference from the first embodiment is the internal structure of the upper body restraint airbag 36. Specifically, this upper body restraint airbag 36 differs from the first embodiment in that it has a central chamber 38A directly below the shoulder belt 22A that extends along the shoulder belt 22A, and left chamber 38L and right chamber 38R, which are left and right chambers from which gas is supplied from the central chamber 38A.

[0081] The other end (upper end) of the gas supply duct 34 is connected to the upper end of the central chamber 38A, so that the gas ejected from the inflator 32 is supplied to the central chamber 38A of the upper body restraint airbag 36 through the gas supply duct 34. The lower end (downstream end in the direction of gas supply) of the central chamber 38A is open, and gas is supplied from this opening to the left chamber 38L and the right chamber 38R.

[0082] As shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 9(B), in the upper body restraint airbag 36 after inflation and deployment, the central chamber 38A, the left chamber 38L, and the right chamber 38R do not partially overlap. Similar to the upper chamber 38U, middle chamber 38C, and lower chamber 38D in the first embodiment, the central chamber 38A, left chamber 38L, and right chamber 38R are each configured to have equivalent thicknesses.

[0083] According to the upper body restraint airbag 36 of the second embodiment, which has the above-described configuration, the shape of the upper body restraint airbag 36 after inflation and deployment is approximately a right triangle when viewed from the front, similar to the first embodiment, so that a gap can be formed between the shoulder belt 22A and the abdomen Pt of the occupant P. Therefore, the strong pressure on the abdomen Pt of the occupant P due to the concentrated load applied by the shoulder belt 22A can be mitigated.

[0084] Furthermore, this upper body restraint airbag 36 is provided with a central chamber 38A extending along the shoulder belt 22A and directly below the shoulder belt 22A, and left chambers 38L and right chambers 38R to which gas is supplied from the central chamber 38A. In other words, the central chamber 38A directly below the shoulder belt 22A inflates and deploys first (inflation and deployment is completed). Therefore, the thickness of the upper body restraint airbag 36 directly below the shoulder belt 22A can be secured early, and the collapse of the upper body restraint airbag 36 due to the concentrated load from the shoulder belt 22A can be suppressed or prevented.

[0085] (Modified version of the second embodiment) Furthermore, the upper body restraint airbag 36 may be configured as shown in Figure 10(A). That is, the upper end of the central chamber 38A (the upstream end in the gas supply direction) may be open, while the lower end of the central chamber 38A (the downstream end in the gas supply direction) may be closed. In this case, the gas ejected from the inflator 32 is supplied not only to the central chamber 38A of the upper body restraint airbag 36, but also to the left chamber 38L and the right chamber 38R through the gas supply duct 34.

[0086] In the case of the upper body restraint airbag 36 according to this modified second embodiment, the check valve structure 40 of the first embodiment can be applied to the central chamber 38A. That is, the other end (upper end) of the gas supply duct 34 may be positioned to face the opening 50, and the central chamber 38A may be inflated and deployed before the left chamber 38L and the right chamber 38R and sealed by the check valve structure 40, after which gas may be supplied to the left chamber 38L and the right chamber 38R.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 10(B), the upper body restraint airbag 36 after inflation and deployment according to this modified second embodiment is configured such that the left chamber 38L and the right chamber 38R partially overlap the central chamber 38A in the thickness direction. Specifically, the front side of the left chamber 38L and a portion of the shoulder belt 22A side, and the front side of the right chamber 38R and a portion of the shoulder belt 22A side are arranged to cover the front side of the central chamber 38A from the front.

[0088] According to the modified upper body restraint airbag 36 of the second embodiment with this configuration, the internal pressure in the thickness direction can be increased in the portion where the central chamber 38A, the left chamber 38L, and the right chamber 38R overlap in the thickness direction. In addition to the effects described above, even if the upper body of the occupant P tries to fall forward due to inertial force during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the bending deformation of the upper body restraint airbag 36 toward the opposite side of the occupant P (forward side) with the shoulder belt 22A as the pivot point can be suppressed or prevented by the portion where the central chamber 38A, the left chamber 38L, and the right chamber 38R overlap in the thickness direction. Therefore, the occupant P can be effectively restrained.

[0089] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. Note that parts equivalent to those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions (including common functions) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0090] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, this third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the upper body restraint airbag 36 has a curved shape (bow-like shape) that is convex forward in a plan view, because both left and right ends (both ends in the seat width direction) of the upper body restraint airbag 36 are connected by tethers 56 that are positioned on the occupant P side (base fabric 36B side).

[0091] The tether 56 is formed in a roughly right-angled triangular shape, identical in shape to the upper body restraint airbag 36 when viewed from the front, and its length along the seat width direction is predetermined to be shorter than the length of the upper body restraint airbag 36 along the seat width direction. The left end (one end in the seat width direction) and right end (the other end in the seat width direction) of the tether 56 are sewn to the left and right ends of the base fabric 36B that constitutes the rear wall of the upper body restraint airbag 36, respectively.

[0092] Therefore, after the upper body restraint airbag 36 has finished inflating and deploying, as shown in Figure 12(A), the upper body restraint airbag 36 has a curved shape that is convex towards the front in a plan view. Consequently, even if the upper body restraint airbag 36 attempts to bend and deform towards the opposite side of the occupant P (forward side) with the shoulder belt 22A as the pivot point (fulcrum), this bending deformation can be more effectively suppressed or prevented.

[0093] Furthermore, with the upper body restraint airbag 36 according to the third embodiment configured in this way, the contact pressure on the occupant P at both ends of the upper body restraint airbag in the seat width direction increases, which reduces the amount of forward movement of the occupant P's upper body (upper half) with the shoulder belt 22A as the pivot point (fulcrum), specifically, the amount of movement that causes the right side (opposite the shoulder belt 22A) of the occupant P's upper body (upper half) to protrude forward, as shown in Figure 12(B) (it can be held in the position shown by the dashed line).

[0094] Furthermore, the tether 56 described above is not the only device that, when the upper body restraint airbag 36 is inflated and deployed, forms a curved shape (bow-like shape) that is convex forward in a plan view. For example, it may be a rectangular strap (not shown) with the seat width direction as its longitudinal direction. In other words, the strap may be formed so that its length along the seat width direction is shorter by a predetermined length than the length of the upper body restraint airbag 36 along the seat width direction.

[0095] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. Note that parts equivalent to those in the first to third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations (including common functions) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0096] As shown in Figure 13, this fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that, after the upper body restraint airbag 36 has finished inflating and deploying, the shape in a front view is a semicircular shape with the lower right side (opposite the shoulder belt 22A side) missing, and the gas supplied from the inflator 32 through the gas supply duct 34, and from the other end (upper end) of the gas supply duct 34, is supplied in the left and right circumferential directions and toward the center of the circle 36C, and further supplied radially outward from the center 36C.

[0097] In other words, the upper body restraint airbag 36 according to this fourth embodiment has a configuration comprising: a central chamber 38A extending along the shoulder belt 22A and directly below the shoulder belt 22A; a semi-circular chamber 38S extending circumferentially to the left and right from the upper end (upstream end in the gas supply direction) of the central chamber 38A; and a linear chamber 38T extending radially outward from the lower end (downstream end in the gas supply direction) of the central chamber 38A, which is the center 36C of the circle of the upper body restraint airbag 36.

[0098] With the upper body restraint airbag 36 configured in this way according to the fourth embodiment, a gap can be formed between the shoulder belt 22A and the occupant P's abdomen Pt, similar to the first and second embodiments described above. Therefore, the strong pressure on the occupant P's abdomen Pt due to the concentrated load applied by the shoulder belt 22A can be mitigated.

[0099] Furthermore, the upper body restraint airbag 36 is provided with a central chamber 38A extending along the shoulder belt 22A and directly below the shoulder belt 22A, a semi-circular chamber 38S from which gas is supplied circumferentially from the upper end of the central chamber 38A, and a linear chamber 38T from which gas is supplied radially outward from the center of the circle 36C, which is the lower end of the central chamber 38A.

[0100] In other words, the central chamber 38A directly below the shoulder belt 22A is the first to inflate and deploy (inflation and deployment are completed). Therefore, the thickness of the upper body restraint airbag 36 directly below the shoulder belt 22A can be secured early, and the collapse of the upper body restraint airbag 36 due to the concentrated load from the shoulder belt 22A can be suppressed or prevented.

[0101] <Fifth Embodiment> Finally, the fifth embodiment will be described. Note that parts equivalent to those in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations (including common functions) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] As shown in Figure 14, in this fifth embodiment, the shape of the upper body restraint airbag 36 after inflation and deployment is circular in a front view, and gas supplied from the inflator 32 through the gas supply duct 34, with the other end (upper end) of the gas supply duct 34 being supplied in the left and right circumferential directions and toward the center 36C of the circle, and further supplied from the opposite side beyond the center 36C toward the left and right circumferential directions.

[0103] In other words, the upper body restraint airbag 36 according to this fifth embodiment has a configuration comprising: a central chamber 38A extending along the shoulder belt 22A and directly below the shoulder belt 22A; an upper semi-circular chamber 38Su extending in the left and right circumferential directions from the upper end (upstream end in the gas supply direction) of the central chamber 38A; and a lower semi-circular chamber 38Sd extending in the left and right circumferential directions from the lower end (downstream end in the gas supply direction) of the central chamber 38A located on the opposite side beyond the center 36C of the circle of the upper body restraint airbag 36.

[0104] With the upper body restraint airbag 36 configured in this way according to the fifth embodiment, a gap can be formed between the shoulder belt 22A and the occupant P's abdomen Pt (specifically, the right side of the abdomen), similar to the first, second, and fourth embodiments described above. Therefore, the strong pressure on the occupant P's abdomen Pt (right side of the abdomen) due to the concentrated load applied by the shoulder belt 22A can be mitigated.

[0105] Furthermore, the upper body restraint airbag 36 is provided with a central chamber 38A extending along the shoulder belt 22A and directly below the shoulder belt 22A, an upper semi-circular chamber 38Su from which gas is supplied circumferentially from the upper end of the central chamber 38A, and a lower semi-circular chamber 38Sd from which gas is supplied circumferentially from the lower end of the central chamber 38A.

[0106] In other words, the central chamber 38A directly below the shoulder belt 22A is the first to inflate and deploy (inflation and deployment are completed). Therefore, the thickness of the upper body restraint airbag 36 directly below the shoulder belt 22A can be secured early, and the collapse of the upper body restraint airbag 36 due to the concentrated load from the shoulder belt 22A can be suppressed or prevented.

[0107] The vehicle occupant restraint device 10 according to this embodiment has been described above based on the drawings. However, the vehicle occupant restraint device 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to the illustrated version, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the other end (upper end) of the gas supply duct 34 may be configured to protrude through the shoulder belt anchor 24.

[0108] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the chamber 38 formed inside the upper body restraint airbag 36 may be, for example, two-stage, in which case the check valve structure 40 is provided only in the upper chamber 38U. In other words, the check valve structure 40 only needs to be provided in at least the upper chamber 38U. Also, the chamber 38 formed inside the upper body restraint airbag 36 may be four or more stages.

[0109] Furthermore, in the upper body restraint airbag 36, the shape that sets the area of ​​the side opposite to the shoulder belt 22A in a front view to be smaller than the area of ​​the shoulder belt 22A in a front view is not limited to the roughly right-angled triangle or semicircular shape shown in the figure. For example, it may be a roughly triangular shape that does not have a right-angle interior angle, or it may be an arrow-like shape in which only the part directly below the shoulder belt 22A is slightly extended in the downward right direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10. Vehicle occupant restraint devices 12 Vehicle seats 16 Seatback 22 Seat belts 22A Shoulder belt 24 Shoulder belt anchor 30 Airbag system 32 Inflator 34 Gas supply duct 36 Upper body restraint airbag 38 Chambers 38A Central Chamber 38D Lower chamber (the lowest chamber) 38L Left Chamber 38R Right Chamber 38S Semi-circular chamber 38Sd Lower semi-circular chamber 38Su Upper semi-circular chamber 38T Linear Chamber 38U Upper Chamber (Topmost Chamber) 40 Check valve structure 46A Vent Hole 48. Movable cloth (cloth-like member) 56 Tether P Crew

Claims

1. A seat belt that restrains an occupant seated in a vehicle seat, An upper body restraint airbag that, upon receiving gas from an inflator during a frontal collision of a vehicle, inflates and deploys between the shoulder belt of the seat belt and the occupant's chest, restraining at least the occupant's chest, Equipped with, After inflation and deployment are complete, the upper body restraint airbag The area of ​​the side opposite to the shoulder strap in a front view is set to be smaller than the area of ​​the shoulder strap in a front view. A vehicle occupant restraint device wherein the shoulder belt side restrains the occupant from the shoulder to the abdomen, and the opposite shoulder belt side restrains the occupant from the shoulder to the chest.

2. The aforementioned upper body restraint airbag, The shape after expansion and unfolding is triangular when viewed from the front. The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 1, having a plurality of chambers extending along the width direction of the seat inside, and configured to sequentially supply gas from the uppermost chamber to the lowermost chamber.

3. At least the uppermost chamber is provided with a check valve structure for maintaining internal pressure, The aforementioned check valve structure is, The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 2, comprising a fabric-like member that has slack during inflation and deployment so as not to block the vent holes through which gas from the inflator passes, and which removes the slack to block the vent holes when inflation and deployment is complete.

4. The aforementioned upper body restraint airbag, The shape after expansion and unfolding is triangular when viewed from the front. The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 1, further comprising a central chamber directly below the shoulder belt extending along the shoulder belt and left and right chambers from which gas is supplied from the central chamber.

5. The upper body restraint airbag after inflation and deployment is complete, The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 4, wherein the left and right chambers are configured to partially overlap with the central chamber in a plan view.

6. The central chamber is provided with a check valve structure for maintaining internal pressure, The aforementioned check valve structure is, The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 5, comprising a fabric-like member that has slack during inflation and deployment so as not to block the vent holes through which gas from the inflator passes, and which removes the slack to block the vent holes when inflation and deployment is complete.

7. The upper body restraint airbag is The shape after expansion and unfolding is semicircular when viewed from the front. The vehicle occupant restraint device according to claim 1, further comprising: a central chamber extending along the shoulder belt directly below the shoulder belt; a semi-circular chamber from which gas is supplied circumferentially from the upper end of the central chamber; and a linear chamber from which gas is supplied radially outward from the center which is the lower end of the central chamber.

8. A seat belt for restraining an occupant seated in a vehicle seat, An upper body restraint airbag that, upon receiving gas from an inflator during a frontal collision of a vehicle, inflates and deploys between the shoulder belt of the seat belt and the occupant's chest, restraining at least the occupant's chest, Equipped with, The aforementioned upper body restraint airbag, The shape after expansion and unfolding is circular when viewed from the front. A vehicle occupant restraint device having a central chamber directly below the shoulder belt that extends along the shoulder belt, an upper semi-circular chamber from which gas is supplied circumferentially from the upper end of the central chamber, and a lower semi-circular chamber from which gas is supplied circumferentially from the lower end of the central chamber.

9. The aforementioned upper body restraint airbag, A vehicle occupant restraint device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein both ends in the width direction of the seat are connected by tethers or straps positioned on the occupant side, thereby forming a curved shape that is convex toward the front of the seat in a plan view.

10. The upper body restraint airbag is folded and attached to the occupant side of the shoulder belt. A vehicle occupant restraint device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shoulder belt anchor and the inflator of the seat belt are provided on the seat back of the vehicle seat, and the upper body restraint airbag is supplied with gas from the inflator via a gas supply duct that passes below the shoulder belt anchor.

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