Crew protection devices

Abstract

To provide an occupant protection device which prevents an air bag from becoming hard to expand provided on a lap belt part by an interference object in front of a seat, and can perform positioning in a lateral direction of the air bag on an occupant.SOLUTION: An occupant protection device 10 includes an air bag 30 provided on a lap belt part 13. A bag body part 30a of the air bag 30 has a rear wall part 30a1 to which one end of a tether 30c is connected, and that has projection parts 30a1b and 30a1c, a front wall part 30a2 that is arranged with an interval from a rear wall part 30a1 in front of the rear wall part 30a1, and to which the other end of the tether 30c is connected, and an upper wall part 30a3 for connecting the rear wall part 30a1 and the front wall part 30a2 above the tether 30c, and is supported on a handle 80 through the tether 30c by engaging the tether 30c with a handle 80 as a support by catching the tether 30c in the handle 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an occupant protection device for protecting an occupant seated on a vehicle seat.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a configuration for protecting an occupant seated in the driver's seat, a configuration in which an airbag is provided on the steering wheel is widely known. Further, in Patent Document 1, a configuration is described in which an airbag is provided in a lap belt portion that restrains the waist of the occupant in a seat belt to protect the occupant.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the driver's seat is generally configured to be movable in the front-rear direction, the distance between the occupant seated on the driver's seat and the steering wheel changes according to the position of the driver's seat. Here, when the distance between the occupant seated on the driver's seat and the steering wheel is large, it may be possible to more accurately protect the occupant with an airbag provided in the lap belt portion as in the configuration described in Patent Document 1 than with an airbag provided on the steering wheel. In particular, this configuration is effective when a configuration is adopted that allows the driver's seat to be moved further rearward than before in order to secure a wide space in front of the occupant seated on the driver's seat due to the automation of the vehicle or the like.

[0005] On the other hand, the airbag described in Patent Document 1 is shaped to expand without gaps in front of the occupant when inflation is complete. Therefore, if the distance between the driver's seat and the steering wheel is short when the airbag inflates, there is a risk that the airbag may interfere with the steering wheel and become difficult to expand. Furthermore, the airbag described in Patent Document 1 does not have a configuration for positioning the airbag in the lateral direction relative to the occupant when inflation is complete, so there is a risk that the relative position of the two may deviate from the target position.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an occupant protection device that prevents interference in front of the seat from hindering the deployment of the airbag provided in the lap belt area, and that can position the airbag in the lateral direction relative to the occupant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A typical configuration of the occupant protection device according to the present invention for solving the above problems is an occupant protection device for protecting an occupant seated in a vehicle seat, comprising: a seat belt having at least a tongue, a buckle to which the tongue is connected, and a lap belt portion that restrains the waist of the occupant seated in the seat when the tongue is connected to the buckle; an inflator that generates inflation gas; an airbag provided in the lap belt portion, having a main body portion that inflates when the inflation gas is supplied and catches the occupant; a conduit portion connected to the inflator that guides the inflation gas generated from the inflator to the main body portion and allows the inflation gas to flow into the main body portion; and a tether connected to the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion, wherein when inflation is complete The main body comprises a rear wall portion to which one end of the tether is connected and which abuts the occupant, and having a first projection portion located on one end in the left-right direction and projecting downward such that at least a portion of it is located below the connection portion of the tether on the rear wall portion, and a second projection portion located on the other end in the left-right direction at a distance from the first projection portion and projecting downward such that at least a portion of it is located below the connection portion of the tether on the rear wall portion, and a front wall portion located in front of the rear wall portion at a distance from the rear wall portion in the front-rear direction to which the other end of the tether is connected, and an upper wall portion connecting the rear wall portion and the front wall portion above the tether, wherein the main body is supported by the support via the tether by the tether being hooked and locked to the support.

[0008] According to the present invention, in an occupant protection device, it is possible to suppress the difficulty of deploying the airbag provided in the lap belt area due to interference in front of the seat, and to position the airbag in the lateral direction relative to the occupant. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a seat equipped with an occupant protection device. [Figure 2]This is a left side view of the seat. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the seat. [Figure 4] This is a left-side view of the seat when the airbag is inflated. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the bag assembly after section AA, shown in Figure 3, has been cut. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the airbag assembly with the airbag inflated, seen from below. [Figure 7] This is a view from the left side of the area around the seat when the airbag is inflated. [Figure 8] This is a view from the left side of the area around the seat when the airbag is inflated. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the area around the seat when the airbag is inflated. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the airbag assembly with the airbag inflated, seen from below. [Figure 11] This is a view from the left side of the area around the seat when the airbag is inflated. [Figure 12] This is a view from the left side of the area around the seat when the airbag is inflated. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the airbag assembly with the airbag inflated, seen from below. [Figure 14] This is a view from the left side of the area around the seat when the airbag is inflated. [Figure 15] This is a view from the left side of the area around the seat when the airbag is inflated. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the area around the seat when the airbag inflates, viewed from the left side, in a configuration where the occupant protection device is installed in the passenger seat. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (First Embodiment) The overall configuration of the occupant protection device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described below are not intended to limit the scope of this invention to those specific components. Furthermore, in the following description, the left-right direction refers to the left and right directions of the seat 1 on which the occupant protection device 10 is mounted, specifically the left and right directions as seen from the perspective of an occupant M seated on the seat 1. The front-rear direction refers to the front and rear directions of the seat 1, specifically the front and rear directions as seen from the perspective of an occupant M seated on the seat 1. The up-down direction refers to the upward and downward directions in the vertical direction.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of seat 1 equipped with occupant protection device 10. Figure 2 is a left side view of seat 1. Figure 3 is a front view of seat 1, showing occupant M seated on seat 1 with seat belt 11 fastened and the inflated airbag 30 of occupant protection device 10 with dashed lines. Figure 4 is a left side view of seat 1 when airbag 30 is inflated, showing occupant M seated on seat 1 with seat belt 11 fastened with dashed lines.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the occupant protection device 10 is mounted on the driver's seat 1 of the vehicle and is provided to protect the occupant M seated in the seat 1. The occupant protection device 10 consists of a seat belt 11, a bag assembly 29 equipped with an airbag 30, and an inflator 24 that supplies inflation gas to the airbag 30. The seat 1 has a backrest 2 and a seat 5. The seat 1 is also configured to slide in the front-rear direction by a seat slide (not shown). The seat slide has two rails attached to the vehicle body on the underside of the seat 1, and a rail that engages with these two rails is attached to the seat frame 4, with a locking mechanism provided between them. Although the vehicle in this embodiment is not equipped with an automatic driving mode, the seat 1 is configured to move significantly rearward by a seat slide (not shown) so that it can also be used in vehicles equipped with an automatic driving mode, thereby ensuring ample legroom for the occupant M.

[0013] The seat belt 11 is formed of a belt-shaped material woven from polyester fibers or the like with good sliding performance. The seat belt 11 is configured to be able to be drawn out from a winding mechanism 15 provided inside the upper left edge of the backrest portion 2 near the left shoulder of the occupant M sitting on the seat 1 on the upper end 11a side. The lower end 11b side of the seat belt 11 is a fixed end fixed to an anchor member 17 provided on the left side of the seat portion 5. Also, a tongue 20 is provided at an intermediate portion of the seat belt 11. The tongue 20 is fastened to a buckle 19 provided on the right side of the seat portion 5 of the seat 1. The state where the occupant M is seated on the seat 1 and the tongue 20 is fastened to the buckle 19 is the state where the occupant M is wearing the seat belt 11.

[0014] The seat belt 11 in the state of being worn by the occupant M extends from the tongue 20 toward the winding mechanism 15 side, is disposed on the front side of the upper body MU of the occupant M, and has a shoulder belt portion 12 which is a portion capable of restraining the upper body MU of the occupant M, and a lap belt portion 第十三条 which extends from the tongue 20 toward the lower end 11b side and is disposed on the front side of the waist MW of the occupant M and is a portion capable of restraining the waist MW. Note that the occupant M can release the fastening state of the tongue 20 to the buckle 19 by pressing a release button (not shown) provided on the buckle 19 and remove the tongue 20 from the buckle 19. <00000怪盗基德96> The winding mechanism 15 has a pretensioner mechanism 16 configured to stop the drawing out in the case of a sudden drawing out of the seat belt 11 and further to be able to wind up the drawn out seat belt 11 in the case of a vehicle collision or the like. The pretensioner mechanism 16 is a general-purpose one which operates a built-in gas generator to rotate the shaft around which the seat belt 11 was wound and instantaneously winds up the seat belt 11.

[0016] The inflator 24 consists of an inflator body 25 that releases inflation gas and a pipe section 26 that guides the inflation gas released from the inflator body 25 to the airbag 30. The inflator body 25 is attached to the seat frame 4 that supports the seat portion 5 of the seat 1. The pipe section 26 extends from the inflator body 25 and is bent in a roughly L-shape so as to follow the bottom surface and side of the seat portion 5.

[0017] The bag assembly 29 comprises an airbag 30 having a bag body 30a and a conduit 30b, a bag connecting part 52, and a bag cover 59. Before the airbag 30 is deployed, the bag body 30a is folded and stored inside the bag cover 59. The conduit 30b of the airbag 30 is connected to the pipe 26 of the inflator 24, and takes in the inflation gas released from the inflator 24 and guides it to the bag body 30a. The base ends 30bx2 of the conduit 30b of the airbag 30 and the pipe 26 of the inflator 24 are connected by being fastened with a clamp 27.

[0018] Next, the protective action of the occupant M by the occupant protection device 10 will be described. First, when the vehicle collides, the pretensioner mechanism 16 of the winding mechanism 15 is activated, and the seat belt 11 attached to occupant M is wound up to stabilize occupant M's seated position on the seat 1. As a result, the lap belt portion 13 of the seat belt 11 is pulled towards the tongue 20, and the shoulder belt portion 12 connected to the lap belt portion 13 is pulled towards occupant M's shoulder. Subsequently, the inflator 24 is activated, and inflation gas is supplied from the inflator body 25 to the bag body portion 30a of the airbag 30 via the pipe portion 26 and the conduit portion 30b of the airbag 30, causing the bag body portion 30a to inflate. As a result, the upper body MU of occupant M, which is moving forward, is caught by the bag body portion 30a, protecting occupant M.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the bag assembly 29 will be described. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bag assembly 29 with section AA shown in Figure 3 cut off. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bag assembly 29 with the airbag 30 inflated, viewed from below, with the bag cover 59 omitted. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the bag assembly 29 comprises the airbag 30, the bag connecting section 52, and the bag cover 59.

[0020] The airbag 30 is made of a bag base fabric, which is a woven fabric formed by plain weaving polyester fibers, and consists of a bag body 30a that inflates with inflation gas to catch the occupant M, a conduit 30b connected to the pipe 26 of the inflator 24 and guiding the inflation gas released from the inflator 24 to the inlet 30a1a of the bag body 30a so that the inflation gas flows into the bag body 30a, and a tether 30c connected to the outer surface of the bag body 30a. The bag body 30a and the conduit 30b are connected by sewing.

[0021] When inflation is complete, the bag body 30a is positioned directly in front of the occupant M and has a rear wall portion 30a1 that contacts and supports the upper body MU of the occupant M as it moves forward, a front wall portion 30a2 positioned in front of the rear wall portion 30a1 and spaced apart from the rear wall portion 30a1, and an upper wall portion 30a3 that connects the upper part of the rear wall portion 30a1 and the upper part of the front wall portion 30a2. The front wall portion 30a2 is positioned on the opposite side of the rear wall portion 30a1 from the occupant M side. Furthermore, since the rear wall portion 30a1 and the front wall portion 30a2 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction, a gap 35 is formed between the rear wall portion 30a1 and the front wall portion 30a2 below the upper wall portion 30a3. In addition, an inlet 30a1a, which is an opening for allowing the inflation gas in the conduit portion 30b to flow in, is provided at the lower part of the rear wall portion 30a1. The shape of the bag body 30a is created by bending the roughly rectangular bag body 30a due to the tension of the tether 30c.

[0022] Furthermore, the rear wall portion 30a1 is provided with two protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c that project downward. The protrusion 30a1b (first protrusion) projects downward from the left end of the rear wall portion 30a1 and is located below the connecting portion 30a1x of the tether 30c on the rear wall portion 30a1. The protrusion 30a1c (second protrusion) projects downward from the right end of the rear wall portion 30a1 and is located below the connecting portion 30a1x of the tether 30c on the rear wall portion 30a1. In addition, the protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c are positioned in approximately symmetrical positions with respect to the left-right center of the rear wall portion 30a1, and have an approximately symmetrical shape. Here, approximately symmetrical positions include not only configurations where both are located in exactly the same position, but also configurations where they are offset within the tolerance range. Furthermore, approximately symmetrical shapes include not only shapes where both are symmetrical, but also shapes that differ within the tolerance range. Furthermore, the protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c do not necessarily have to be located at both the left and right ends of the rear wall 30a1. It is sufficient if the protrusion 30a1b is located to the left of the center of the rear wall 30a1 in the left-right direction, and the protrusion 30a1c is located to the right of the center of the rear wall 30a1 in the left-right direction, spaced apart from the protrusion 30a1b. In addition, the entire protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c may be located below the connecting portion 30a1x of the tether 30c on the rear wall 30a1, or only a part of them may be located below the connecting portion 30a1x.

[0023] The tether 30c is connected to the outer periphery of the rear wall 30a1 by stitching one end 30c1 within the gap 35 below the upper wall 30a3, and to the outer periphery of the front wall 30a2 by stitching the other end 30c2. In other words, the upper wall 30a3 connects the front wall 30a2 and the rear wall 30a1 above the tether 30c. Furthermore, the other end 30c2 of the tether 30c is connected to the upper wall 30a3 at a position closer to the upper wall 30a3 than the tip 30a2a of the front wall 30a2. Note that the tether 30c may also be formed integrally with the rear wall 30a1 and the front wall 30a2. In other words, when we say that the tether 30c is connected, it includes not only configurations in which the tether 30c is connected to the rear wall portion 30a1 or the front wall portion 30a2 by methods such as sewing, but also configurations in which the tether 30c is integrally formed with the rear wall portion 30a1 or the front wall portion 30a2. Furthermore, in order to ensure the thickness of the rear wall portion 30a1, the front wall portion 30a2, and the upper wall portion 30a3, multiple internal tethers 63 (see Figures 7 and 8) are provided inside the bag body portion 30a.

[0024] The conduit section 30b is a cylindrical member that is connected to the pipe section 26 of the inflator 24 and the bag body section 30a, respectively, and extends along the longitudinal direction of the wrap belt section 13. The conduit section 30b has a communication port 30b1 that communicates with the inlet 30a1a of the bag body section 30a. The expansion gas inside the conduit section 30b flows into the bag body section 30a via the communication port 30b1 and the inlet 30a1a.

[0025] The bag connecting portion 52 is a cylindrical member made of the same material as the base fabric for the airbag 30, and is a member that connects the airbag 30 to the wrap belt portion 13. The space inside the cylinder of the bag connecting portion 52 is a belt insertion portion 52a through which the wrap belt portion 13 is inserted. After the wrap belt portion 13 is inserted through the belt insertion portion 52a, the two are sewn together to connect the bag connecting portion 52 and the wrap belt portion 13. In addition, the upper surface of the bag connecting portion 52 is sewn to the lower surface of the conduit portion 30b of the airbag 30.

[0026] The bag cover 59 is a cylindrical member made of a fabric similar to the material used for the seat 1. The bag cover 59 houses the folded bag body 30a, a portion of the conduit 30b, the bag connecting portion 52, and the portion of the wrap belt 13 that is attached to the bag assembly 29 inside the cylinder. When the bag body 30a of the airbag 30 inflates, the bag cover 59 receives pressure from the bag body 30a, causing a portion of it to rupture and the bag body 30a to be released from the bag cover 59.

[0027] Next, the positional relationship between the airbag body 30a, its surrounding components, and the occupant M when the airbag 30 is inflated will be explained. Figure 7 is a view from the left side of the area around the seat 1 when the seat 1 is positioned towards the rear and the distance between the seat 1 and the steering wheel 80 is large, and the airbag 30 is inflated. Figure 8 is a view from the left side of the area around the seat 1 when the seat 1 is positioned towards the front and the distance between the seat 1 and the steering wheel 80 is small, and the airbag 30 is inflated. Figure 9 is a view from the front of the area around the seat 1 when the airbag 30 is inflated.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, when the distance between the seat 1 and the handle 80 is large, the main body portion 30a of the airbag 30 first inflates upward and forward, and then the tip portion 30a2a of the front wall portion 30a2 sags due to gravity. As a result, the tether 30c hooks onto the occupant M's knee portion MK (support) from above and locks in place, and the main body portion 30a of the airbag is supported by the occupant M's knee portion MK via the tether 30c. In this way, the tether 30c hooks onto the knee portion MK and locks in place, and the main body portion 30a is supported by the occupant M's knee portion MK, which allows the main body portion 30a to be stably supported by the occupant M's knee portion MK, making it easier to position the main body portion 30a in the intended location, and also making it easier for the main body portion 30a to receive reaction force from the knee portion MK and the thigh portion MD connected to the knee portion MK. In other words, if the upper wall portion 30a3, which is the connection point between the rear wall portion 30a1 and the front wall portion 30a2, is located below the tether 30c, when the upper wall portion 30a3 into which the expansion gas flows comes into contact with the knee portion MK, the upper wall portion 30a3 is easily repelled from the knee portion MK by the repulsive force of the upper wall portion 30a3, and the bag body portion 30a may not be stably supported by the knee portion MK. On the other hand, if the upper wall portion 30a3 is positioned above the tether 30c, as in this embodiment, the tether 30c, into which the expansion gas has not flowed, catches and locks along the upper surface of the knee portion MK, thereby increasing the contact area between the tether 30c and the knee portion MK and increasing the frictional force, allowing the bag body portion 30a to be stably supported by the knee portion MK via the tether 30c. As a result, it becomes easier to position the bag body portion 30a in the intended position, and the bag body portion 30a can more easily obtain reaction force from the knee portion MK and the thigh portion MD connected to the knee portion MK. Furthermore, since the other end 30c2 of the tether 30c is connected to the front wall portion 30a2 at a position on the upper wall portion 30a3 side from the tip portion 30a2a, the tip region 30a2b of the front wall portion 30a2 between the connection portion and the tip portion 30a2a can be positioned just in front of the occupant M's knee portion MK. This makes it easier to protect the occupant M's knee portion MK with the bag body portion 30a, and also makes it easier to hook the tether 30c onto the knee portion MK.

[0029] As shown in Figure 8, when the distance between the seat 1 and the handle 80 is short, the main body portion 30a of the airbag 30 first inflates upward and forward so as to go over the handle 80, and then the tip portion 30a2a of the front wall portion 30a2 hangs down due to gravity. At this time, since the handle 80 is positioned in the gap 35 formed between the rear wall portion 30a1 and the front wall portion 30a2 of the main body portion 30a, the main body portion 30a and the handle 80 are less likely to interfere with each other when the main body portion 30a inflates and expands, and the expansion of the main body portion 30a is not easily hindered. Thus, according to the occupant protection device 10 of this embodiment, even when there is an interfering object, the handle 80, in front of the seat 1, interference between the main body portion 30a and the handle 80 is suppressed, and the handle 80 can prevent the main body portion 30a of the airbag 30 from being hindered from expanding.

[0030] Furthermore, the bag body 30a that has passed over the handle 80 is supported by the ring portion 80a of the handle 80 via the tether 30c, as the tether 30c hooks onto the upper surface of the ring portion 80a of the handle 80 (support) that the occupant M grips and rotates for steering, and locks into place from above. In this way, the tether 30c hooks onto the handle 80 and locks into place, and the bag body 30a is supported via the tether 30c, allowing the handle 80 to stably support the bag body 30a, making it easier to position the bag body 30a in the intended location, and also making it easier for the bag body 30a to receive a reaction force from the handle 80. In other words, if the upper wall portion 30a3, which is the connection point between the rear wall portion 30a1 and the front wall portion 30a2, is located below the tether 30c, when the upper wall portion 30a3 into which the expansion gas flows comes into contact with the handle 80, the upper wall portion 30a3 is easily repelled by the handle 80 due to the repulsive force of the upper wall portion 30a3, and the bag body portion 30a may not be stably supported by the handle 80. On the other hand, if the upper wall portion 30a3 is positioned above the tether 30c as in this embodiment, the tether 30c, into which the expansion gas has not flowed, catches and locks along the upper surface of the ring portion 80a of the handle 80. This ensures a large contact area between the tether 30c and the handle 80, increasing the frictional force and allowing the bag body portion 30a to be stably supported by the handle 80 via the tether 30c. As a result, it becomes easier to position the bag body portion 30a in the intended location, and the bag body portion 30a can more easily receive a reaction force from the handle 80. Furthermore, since the other end 30c2 of the tether 30c is connected to the front wall portion 30a2 at a position closer to the upper wall portion 30a3 than the tip portion 30a2a, it becomes easier to position the tip region 30a2b of the front wall portion 30a2 just in front of the handle 80, making it easier to hook the tether 30c onto the handle 80.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, since protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c are provided on the rear wall portion 30a1 of the bag body portion 30a, when the bag body portion 30a is fully inflated, the thigh portion MD of the occupant M is sandwiched from both sides by the protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c. This ensures that the bag body portion 30a is positioned in the left-right direction relative to the occupant M when inflation is complete, making it easier for the bag body portion 30a to catch the occupant M at the intended position and providing stable protection for the occupant M.

[0032] Furthermore, since the protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c of the rear wall portion 30a1 are configured to protrude downward and grip the thigh portion MD of the occupant M, it is possible to suppress the risk of the occupant M's body being damaged by the pressure received from the protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c during positioning. In other words, if the protrusions protruded rearward from a position above the vertical center of the rear wall portion 30a1, the lateral position of the bag body portion 30a relative to the occupant M could be determined by contact between the protrusions and the occupant M's head and neck, but this positioning would easily put stress on the occupant M's vulnerable head and neck, potentially causing injury to the occupant M's body. In contrast, in the configuration of this embodiment, since the protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c protrude downward and grip the occupant M's thigh portion MD, it is possible to suppress the risk of the occupant M's body being damaged.

[0033] Furthermore, since the bag body 30a has a gap 35, the volume of the part of the bag body 30a into which the inflation gas flows can be reduced compared to a shape in which the bag body 30a expands without gaps in front of the occupant M. As a result, the time from when the bag body 30a starts to inflate until it is completed can be shortened, and the bag body 30a can protect the occupant M more safely.

[0034] (Second Embodiment) Next, an occupant protection device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Parts of the description that overlap with the first embodiment described above will be simplified or omitted by using the same drawings or reference numerals.

[0035] Figure 10 is a perspective view from below of the bag assembly 29 in the occupant protection device 10 according to this embodiment, with the airbag 30 inflated, and the bag cover 59 is omitted. Figure 11 is a view from the left side of the area around the seat 1 when the seat 1 is positioned towards the rear and the distance between the seat 1 and the steering wheel 80 is large and the airbag 30 has inflated. Figure 12 is a view from the left side of the area around the seat 1 when the seat 1 is positioned towards the front and the distance between the seat 1 and the steering wheel 80 is small and the airbag 30 has inflated.

[0036] As shown in Figure 10, the occupant protection device 10 of this embodiment differs from the configuration of the first embodiment only in the shape of the bag body portion 30a of the airbag 30. Specifically, the occupant protection device 10 of this embodiment lacks the protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c provided on the rear wall portion 30a1 of the bag body portion 30a1 of the occupant protection device 10 of the first embodiment, and instead has protrusions 30a1d and 30a1e provided on the rear wall portion 30a1.

[0037] The protruding portion 30a1d (first protruding portion) protrudes rearward from the left end of the rear wall portion 30a1, and the protruding portion 30a1e (second protruding portion) protrudes rearward from the right end of the rear wall portion 30a1. Furthermore, the protruding portions 30a1d and 30a1e are positioned below the vertical center of the rear wall portion 30a1. In addition, the protruding portions 30a1d and 30a1e are positioned in approximately symmetrical positions with respect to the left-right center of the rear wall portion 30a1, resulting in an approximately symmetrical shape. Here, approximately symmetrical positions include not only configurations where both are located in exactly the same position, but also configurations where they are offset within the tolerance range. Furthermore, approximately symmetrical shapes include not only configurations where both are symmetrical, but also configurations where they are different in shape within the tolerance range. Furthermore, the protrusions 30a1d and 30a1e do not necessarily need to be located at both the left and right ends of the rear wall 30a1. It is sufficient if the protrusion 30a1d is located to the left of the center of the rear wall 30a1 in the left-right direction, and the protrusion 30a1e is located to the right of the center of the rear wall 30a1 in the left-right direction, spaced apart from the protrusion 30a1d. The other components of the occupant protection device 10 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the occupant protection device 10 in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0038] According to the occupant protection device 10 of this embodiment, when the distance between the seat 1 and the steering wheel 80 is large, the airbag 30 inflates, and the tether 30c hooks onto the upper surface of the occupant M's knee MK, securing it in place, and the bag body 30a is supported via the tether 30c (Figure 11). This allows the occupant M's knee MK to stably support the bag body 30a, making it easier to position the bag body 30a in the intended location, and also makes it easier for the bag body 30a to receive reaction force from the knee MK and the thigh MD connected to the knee MK. Furthermore, since the tip region 30a2b of the front wall portion 30a2 is positioned just in front of the occupant M's knee MK, the bag body 30a can more easily protect the occupant M's knee MK, and the tether 30c can be more easily hooked onto the knee MK.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, when the distance between the seat 1 and the handle 80 is short, the airbag 30 inflates by the same mechanism as in the first embodiment, and the handle 80 is positioned in the gap 35 formed between the rear wall portion 30a1 and the front wall portion 30a2 of the bag body 30a. Therefore, even if the handle 80, which is an interfering object, is in front of the seat 1, interference between the bag body 30a and the handle 80 is suppressed, and the handle 80 can prevent the bag body 30a of the airbag 30 from becoming difficult to expand. In addition, the tether 30c is hooked from above onto the upper surface of the ring portion 80a of the handle 80 and secured, thereby being supported by the ring portion 80a of the handle 80 via the tether 30c. This allows the handle 80 to stably support the bag body 30a, making it easier to position the bag body 30a in the intended location, and also makes it easier for the bag body 30a to receive a reaction force from the handle 80. Furthermore, since the tip area 30a2b of the front wall portion 30a2 is positioned directly in front of the handle 80, the tether 30c can be easily hooked onto the handle 80.

[0040] Furthermore, since protrusions 30a1d and 30a1e are provided on the rear wall portion 30a1 of the bag body portion 30a, when the bag body portion 30a is fully inflated, the upper body MU of the occupant M is sandwiched from both sides by the protrusions 30a1d and 30a1e. This ensures that the bag body portion 30a is positioned in the left-right direction relative to the occupant M when inflation is complete, making it easier for the bag body portion 30a to catch the occupant M at the intended position and providing stable protection for the occupant M.

[0041] Furthermore, the protrusions 30a1d and 30a1e of the rear wall portion 30a1 are positioned below the vertical center of the rear wall portion 30a1, and are configured to clamp the area around the lower abdomen of the occupant M. This prevents the occupant M from being injured by the pressure they receive from the protrusions 30a1d and 30a1e during positioning. In other words, if the protrusions were positioned above the vertical center of the rear wall portion 30a1 and extending backward, the lateral position of the bag body portion 30a relative to the occupant M could be determined by contact between the protrusions and the occupant M's head and neck. However, this positioning process would easily put stress on the occupant M's vulnerable head and neck, potentially causing injury to the occupant M. In contrast, in the configuration of this embodiment, the protruding parts 30a1d and 30a1e are positioned below the vertical center of the rear wall 30a1, and are configured to clamp the area around the lower abdomen of the occupant M, thereby suppressing damage to the occupant M's body.

[0042] Furthermore, since the bag body 30a has a gap 35, the volume of the part of the bag body 30a into which the inflation gas flows can be reduced compared to a shape in which the bag body 30a expands without gaps in front of the occupant M. As a result, the time from when the bag body 30a starts to inflate until it is completed can be shortened, and the bag body 30a can protect the occupant M more safely.

[0043] (Third embodiment) Next, the occupant protection device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Parts of the description that overlap with the first and second embodiments described above will be simplified or omitted by using the same drawings or reference numerals.

[0044] Figure 13 is a perspective view from below of the bag assembly 29 in the occupant protection device 10 according to this embodiment, with the airbag 30 inflated, and the bag cover 59 is omitted. Figure 14 is a view from the left side of the area around the seat 1 when the seat 1 is positioned towards the rear and the distance between the seat 1 and the steering wheel 80 is large and the airbag 30 has inflated. Figure 15 is a view from the left side of the area around the seat 1 when the seat 1 is positioned towards the front and the distance between the seat 1 and the steering wheel 80 is small and the airbag 30 has inflated.

[0045] As shown in Figure 13, the occupant protection device 10 of this embodiment differs from the configuration of the first embodiment only in the shape of the bag body portion 30a of the airbag 30. Specifically, the occupant protection device 10 of this embodiment lacks the protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c provided on the rear wall portion 30a1 of the bag body portion 30aa of the occupant protection device 10 of the first embodiment, and instead has protrusions 30a2c and 30a2d provided on the front wall portion 30a2.

[0046] The protruding portion 30a2c (first protruding portion) protrudes rearward from the left end of the front wall portion 30a2, and a part of it is positioned below the connecting portion 30a2x of the tether 30c on the front wall portion 30a2. The protruding portion 30a2d (second protruding portion) protrudes downward from the right end of the front wall portion 30a2, and a part of it is positioned below the connecting portion 30a2x of the tether 30c on the front wall portion 30a2. Furthermore, the protruding portions 30a2c and 30a2d are positioned in approximately symmetrical positions with respect to the left-right center of the front wall portion 30a2, and have an approximately symmetrical shape. Here, approximately symmetrical positions include not only configurations where both are located in exactly the same position, but also configurations where they are offset within the tolerance range. Furthermore, approximately symmetrical shapes include not only configurations where both are symmetrical, but also configurations where they are different in shape within the tolerance range. Furthermore, the protrusions 30a2c and 30a2d do not necessarily have to be located at both the left and right ends of the front wall 30a2. It is sufficient if the protrusion 30a2c is located to the left of the center of the front wall 30a2 in the left-right direction, and the protrusion 30a2d is located to the right of the center of the front wall 30a2 in the left-right direction, spaced apart from the protrusion 30a2c. In addition, the entire protrusions 30a2c and 30a2d may be located below the connecting portion 30a2x of the tether 30c on the front wall 30a2, or only a part of them may be located below the connecting portion 30a2x. The other configurations of the occupant protection device 10 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the occupant protection device 10 in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0047] According to the occupant protection device 10 of this embodiment, when the distance between the seat 1 and the steering wheel 80 is large, the airbag 30 inflates, and the tether 30c hooks onto the upper surface of the occupant M's knee MK, securing it in place, and the bag body 30a is supported via the tether 30c (Figure 14). This allows the occupant M's knee MK to stably support the bag body 30a, making it easier to position the bag body 30a in the intended location, and also makes it easier for the bag body 30a to receive reaction force from the knee MK and the thigh MD connected to the knee MK. Furthermore, since the tip region 30a2b of the front wall portion 30a2 is positioned just in front of the occupant M's knee MK, the bag body 30a can more easily protect the occupant M's knee MK, and the tether 30c can be more easily hooked onto the knee MK.

[0048] Furthermore, since protrusions 30a2c and 30a2d are provided on the front wall portion 30a2 of the bag body portion 30a, when the bag body portion 30a is fully inflated, the occupant M's thigh portion MD is sandwiched from both sides by the protrusions 30a2c and 30a2d. This ensures that the bag body portion 30a is positioned in the lateral direction relative to the occupant M when inflation is complete, making it easier for the bag body portion 30a to catch the occupant M at the intended position and providing stable protection for the occupant M.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, when the distance between the seat 1 and the handle 80 is short, the airbag 30 inflates by the same mechanism as in the first embodiment, and the handle 80 is positioned in the gap 35 formed between the rear wall portion 30a1 and the front wall portion 30a2 of the bag body 30a. Therefore, even if the handle 80, which is an interfering object, is in front of the seat 1, interference between the bag body 30a and the handle 80 is suppressed, and the handle 80 can prevent the bag body 30a of the airbag 30 from becoming difficult to expand. In addition, the tether 30c is hooked from above onto the upper surface of the ring portion 80a of the handle 80 and secured, thereby being supported by the ring portion 80a of the handle 80 via the tether 30c. This allows the handle 80 to stably support the bag body 30a, making it easier to position the bag body 30a in the intended location, and also makes it easier for the bag body 30a to receive a reaction force from the handle 80. Furthermore, since the tip area 30a2b of the front wall portion 30a2 is positioned directly in front of the handle 80, the tether 30c can be easily hooked onto the handle 80.

[0050] Furthermore, since protrusions 30a2c and 30a2d are provided on the front wall portion 30a2 of the bag body portion 30a, when the bag body portion 30a is fully inflated, the ring portion 80a of the handle 80 is sandwiched from both sides by the protrusions 30a2c and 30a2d. This positions the bag body portion 30a in the left-right direction relative to the handle 80 when inflation is complete. And since the center of the occupant M's body is generally positioned near the front of the handle 80, the positioning of the bag body portion 30a and the handle 80 indirectly positions the bag body portion 30a and the occupant M. As a result, the bag body portion 30a can more easily catch the occupant M at the intended position, and the occupant M can be stably protected.

[0051] Furthermore, since the bag body 30a has a gap 35, the volume of the part of the bag body 30a into which the inflation gas flows can be reduced compared to a shape in which the bag body 30a expands without gaps in front of the occupant M. As a result, the time from when the bag body 30a starts to inflate until it is completed can be shortened, and the bag body 30a can protect the occupant M more safely.

[0052] Furthermore, the configurations of the first, second, and third embodiments described above can be appropriately combined depending on the required positioning performance between the airbag body 30a and the occupant M. That is, for example, the configuration of the first embodiment and the configuration of the second embodiment may be combined to give the rear wall portion 30a1 of the airbag body 30a a configuration having protrusions 30a1b, 30a1c, 30a1d, and 30a1e. Alternatively, the configuration of the first embodiment and the configuration of the third embodiment may be combined to give the rear wall portion 30a1 of the airbag body 30a a configuration having protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c (first and second protrusions), and the front wall portion 30a2 a configuration having protrusions 30a2c and 30a2d (third and fourth protrusions). Furthermore, the configuration of the second embodiment and the configuration of the third embodiment may be combined to form a bag body 30a in which the rear wall portion 30a1 has protrusions 30a1b and 30a1c (first protrusion and second protrusion), and the front wall portion 30a2 has protrusions 30a2c and 30a2d (third protrusion and fourth protrusion).

[0053] Furthermore, although the first, second, and third embodiments described above describe a configuration in which the occupant protection device 10 is installed in the driver's seat of a vehicle, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be installed in the rear seat or passenger seat of a vehicle. For example, when the occupant protection device 10 of the first embodiment is installed in the passenger seat of a vehicle, as shown in Figure 16, when the airbag 30 inflates while the distance between the seat 1 and the instrument panel 95 in front of the seat 1 is large, the tether 30c hooks onto the knee portion MK of the occupant M sitting in the passenger seat from above and is locked in place, and the bag body portion 30a is supported by the knee portion MK of the occupant M via the tether 30c.

[0054] Furthermore, although the occupant protection device 10 was described using a so-called three-point seat belt 11, which comprises a shoulder belt portion 12 and a lap belt portion 13, as an example in the first, second, and third embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, even if the present invention is applied to a so-called two-point seat belt 11, which has a lap belt portion 13 but does not have a shoulder belt portion 12, the same effects as described above can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1...Seat, 10...Occupant protection device, 11...Seat belt, 13...Wrap belt section, 15...Retraction mechanism, 19...Buckle, 20...Tongue, 24...Inflator, 30...Airbag, 30a...Bag body (body section), 30a1...Rear wall section, 30a1b...Protrusion (first protrusion), 30a1c...Protrusion (second protrusion), 30a1d...Protrusion (first protrusion), 30a1e...Protrusion (second protrusion), 30a2...Front wall section, 30a2c...Protrusion (first and third protrusions), 30a2d...Protrusion (second and fourth protrusions), 30a3...Upper wall section, 30b...Conduit section, 30c...Tether, 80...Handle (support), M...Occupant, MK...Knee section (support), MW...Waist section

Claims

1. An occupant protection device for protecting occupants seated in vehicle seats, A seat belt having at least a tongue, a buckle to which the tongue is attached, and a lap belt portion that restrains the waist of the occupant seated in the seat when the tongue is attached to the buckle, An inflator that generates expansion gas, An airbag provided in the lap belt section, comprising: a main body that inflates when the inflation gas is supplied and catches the occupant; a conduit connected to the inflator, which guides the inflation gas generated from the inflator to the main body and allows the inflation gas to flow into the main body; and a tether connected to the outer circumferential surface of the main body; Equipped with, When the expansion is complete, the main body is A rear wall portion to which one end of the tether is connected and which abuts the occupant, having a first projection positioned on one end in the left-right direction and projecting downward such that at least a portion of it is located below the connection portion of the tether on the rear wall portion, and a second projection positioned at the other end in the left-right direction at a distance from the first projection in the left-right direction and projecting downward such that at least a portion of it is located below the connection portion of the tether on the rear wall portion, A front wall portion is positioned in front of the rear wall portion, with a gap between it and the rear wall portion in the front-rear direction, and the other end of the tether is connected to it. An upper wall portion connecting the rear wall portion and the front wall portion above the tether, It has, The occupant protection device is characterized in that the main body is supported by the support via the tether, by the tether being hooked and locked to the support.

2. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first projection and the second projection are arranged in substantially symmetrical positions with respect to the left-right center of the rear wall.

3. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first protrusion and the second protrusion have substantially symmetrical shapes.

4. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the front wall portion has a third projection that protrudes rearward from one end in the left-right direction and at least a portion of which is located below the tether connection portion on the front wall portion, and a fourth projection that protrudes rearward from a position at the other end in the left-right direction, spaced apart from the third projection in the left-right direction, and at least a portion of which is located below the tether connection portion on the front wall portion.

5. The occupant protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that the third projection and the fourth projection are arranged in substantially symmetrical positions with respect to the left-right center of the front wall.

6. The occupant protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that the third and fourth protrusions are substantially symmetrical in shape.

7. The aforementioned seat belt is equipped with a retraction mechanism capable of being retracted, The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inflator and the winding mechanism are mounted on the seat.

8. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support is a handle mounted on the vehicle.

9. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support is the knee of the occupant.

10. An occupant protection device for protecting occupants seated in vehicle seats, A seat belt having at least a tongue, a buckle to which the tongue is attached, and a lap belt portion that restrains the waist of the occupant seated in the seat when the tongue is attached to the buckle, An inflator that generates expansion gas, An airbag provided in the lap belt section, comprising: a main body that inflates when the inflation gas is supplied and catches the occupant; a conduit connected to the inflator, which guides the inflation gas generated from the inflator to the main body and allows the inflation gas to flow into the main body; and a tether connected to the outer circumferential surface of the main body; Equipped with, When the expansion is complete, the main body is The rear wall portion to which one end of the tether is connected and which contacts the occupant, has a first projection that protrudes rearward from one end in the left-right direction, and a second projection that protrudes rearward from a position at the other end in the left-right direction, with a gap in the left-right direction between it and the first projection. A front wall portion is positioned in front of the rear wall portion, with a gap between it and the rear wall portion in the front-rear direction, and the other end of the tether is connected to it. An upper wall portion connecting the rear wall portion and the front wall portion above the tether, It has, The occupant protection device is characterized in that the main body is supported by the support via the tether, by the tether being hooked and locked to the support.

11. The occupant protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first protrusion and the second protrusion are arranged in substantially symmetrical positions with respect to the left-right center of the rear wall.

12. The occupant protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first protrusion and the second protrusion have substantially symmetrical shapes.

13. The occupant protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that the front wall portion has a third projection that protrudes rearward from one end in the left-right direction and at least a portion of which is located below the tether connection portion on the front wall portion, and a fourth projection that protrudes rearward from a position at the other end in the left-right direction, spaced apart from the third projection in the left-right direction, and at least a portion of which is located below the tether connection portion on the front wall portion.

14. The occupant protection device according to claim 13, characterized in that the third projection and the fourth projection are arranged in substantially symmetrical positions with respect to the left-right center of the front wall.

15. The occupant protection device according to claim 13, characterized in that the third and fourth protrusions are substantially symmetrical in shape.

16. The aforementioned seat belt is equipped with a retraction mechanism capable of being retracted, The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the inflator and the winding mechanism are mounted on the seat.

17. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the support is a handle mounted on the vehicle.

18. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the support is the knee of the occupant.

19. An occupant protection device for protecting occupants seated in vehicle seats, A seat belt having at least a tongue, a buckle to which the tongue is attached, and a lap belt portion that restrains the waist of the occupant seated in the seat when the tongue is attached to the buckle, An inflator that generates expansion gas, An airbag provided in the lap belt section, comprising: a main body that inflates when the inflation gas is supplied and catches the occupant; a conduit connected to the inflator, which guides the inflation gas generated from the inflator to the main body and allows the inflation gas to flow into the main body; and a tether connected to the outer circumferential surface of the main body; Equipped with, When the expansion is complete, the main body is One end of the tether is connected to a rear wall portion that contacts the occupant, A front wall portion positioned in front of the rear wall portion, spaced apart from the rear wall portion, to which the other end of the tether is connected, having a first projection that protrudes rearward from one end in the left-right direction, with at least a portion of it located below the tether connection portion on the front wall portion, and a second projection that protrudes rearward from the other end in the left-right direction, spaced apart from the first projection in the left-right direction, with at least a portion of it located below the tether connection portion on the front wall portion, An upper wall portion connecting the rear wall portion and the front wall portion above the tether, It has, The occupant protection device is characterized in that the main body is supported by the support via the tether, by the tether being hooked and locked to the support.

20. The occupant protection device according to claim 19, characterized in that the first projection and the second projection are arranged in substantially symmetrical positions with respect to the left-right center of the front wall.

21. The occupant protection device according to claim 19, characterized in that the first protrusion and the second protrusion have substantially symmetrical shapes.

22. The aforementioned seat belt is equipped with a retraction mechanism capable of being retracted, The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the inflator and the winding mechanism are mounted on the seat.

23. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the support is a handle mounted on the vehicle.

24. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the support is the knee of the occupant.

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