Airbag system

Abstract

To provide an airbag device capable of early inflating / deploying an entire airbag, especially a portion for protecting the head of an occupant to a prescribed position.SOLUTION: An airbag device which is fitted to a side part of a seatback of a vehicle seat, and is inflated / deployed at a console box side disposed at an inner side in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle seat, as a side of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat includes: an inflator generating gas; and a bag-like airbag inflated / deployed by gas from the inflator. The airbag device is such that: the airbag has a body part inflated / deployed to a vehicle front side from the side part of the seatback, and protecting the occupant, and a support inflation part positioned at the inner side in the vehicle width direction relative to the body part, and inflated / deployed on the console box; the support inflation part is disposed over a vehicle front-back direction; and the vehicle front side of the support inflation part is positioned in a natural inflation state at a lower side in a vehicle vertical direction than the vehicle rear side of the support inflation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an airbag system. [Background technology]

[0002] An airbag system is known that is installed in vehicles such as automobiles and inflates and deploys during a vehicle collision to protect occupants. This airbag system is stored in the side of the vehicle's seat back and inflates and deploys from the occupant's head to the side of their torso during a side collision, preventing secondary collisions between occupants.

[0003] In the airbag device disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to stabilize the deployment behavior of the part of the airbag that protects the occupant's head, gas from the inflator is ejected from the upper nozzle toward the upper side of the airbag, and also ejected from the lower nozzle toward the rearward-sloping side along the lower edge of the airbag. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-144996 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In the airbag disclosed in Patent Document 1, the gas flows in a roundabout way, which may cause delays in inflation and deployment to the tip of the airbag, which is far from the inflator.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an airbag device that can inflate and deploy the entire airbag, particularly the portion that protects the occupant's head, to a predetermined position at an early stage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an airbag device attached to the side of the seat back of a vehicle seat, which inflates and deploys on the side of a console box located on the inside of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle seat, and is located to the side of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat, comprising an inflator that generates gas, and a bag-shaped airbag that inflates and deploys with the gas from the inflator, wherein the airbag has a main body that inflates and deploys from the side of the seat back toward the front of the vehicle to protect the occupant, and a support inflation part located on the inside of the vehicle width direction relative to the main body and inflates and deploys on the console box, wherein the support inflation part is provided in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and in a naturally inflated state, the front side of the support inflation part is located below the rear side of the support inflation part in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is an airbag device attached to the side of the seat back of a vehicle seat, which inflates and deploys on the side of a console box located on the inside of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle seat, and is located on the side of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat, comprising an inflator that generates gas, and a bag-shaped airbag that inflates and deploys with the gas from the inflator, wherein the airbag has a main body that inflates and deploys from the side of the seat back toward the front of the vehicle to protect the occupant, and a support inflation part located on the inside of the vehicle width direction relative to the main body and inflates and deploys on the console box, wherein the support inflation part is located toward the front of the vehicle and contacts the upper surface of the console box. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an airbag device that can inflate and deploy the entire airbag, particularly the portion that protects the occupant's head, to a predetermined position at an early stage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the airbag system of Embodiment 1 when the occupant is restrained by the airbag, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the airbag system of Embodiment 1 when the occupant is restrained by the airbag, as viewed from the side of the vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the three-dimensional shape of the airbag according to Embodiment 1 when it is inflated and deployed, as viewed from the occupant side and the front of the vehicle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the three-dimensional shape of the airbag according to Embodiment 1 when it is inflated and deployed, as viewed from the center and rear of the vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the airbag in its naturally inflated state, as seen from the panel opposite the occupant. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between the airbag support inflation section and the console box in the naturally inflated state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship of the airbag during the mid-stage of deployment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship of the airbag during the mid-to-late stages of deployment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship in the later stages of airbag deployment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the airbag support inflation section and the console box in the naturally inflated state, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the state of occupant restraint by airbags as viewed from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the state of occupant restraint by airbags as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the state of occupant restraint by airbags as viewed from above the vehicle. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional shape at the time of inflation and deployment of the airbag according to Embodiment 2 as viewed from the occupant side and the vehicle front side. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a state of restraining an occupant by an airbag when viewed from the vehicle front of the airbag device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag included in the airbag device according to Embodiment 3 when viewed from the vehicle front. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a state of restraining an occupant by an airbag when viewed from the vehicle side of the airbag device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a state of restraining an occupant by an airbag when viewed from the vehicle front of the airbag device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag included in the airbag device according to Embodiment 4 when viewed from the vehicle front. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a state of restraining an occupant by an airbag when viewed from the vehicle side of the airbag device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a cover member. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a front view schematically showing a form in which a folded airbag is housed in a cover member. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a state when the periphery of the cover member when the airbag is inflated and deployed for an airbag device provided with a cover member as viewed from the vehicle front. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view schematically showing another example of a cover member. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view schematically showing a state after the upper part of the cover member of the cover member shown in FIG. 24 is deformed. [Figure 26]Figures 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, 26F, 26G, 26H, 26I, and 26J are schematic plan views illustrating an example of how an airbag is folded. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the airbag device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, directions in this specification are based on the vehicle. For example, "front" refers to the front of the vehicle, "rear" refers to the rear of the vehicle, "up" refers to the upper part of the vehicle, "down" refers to the lower part of the vehicle, and "side" refers to the inner part in the vehicle's width direction. Additionally, arrows FR indicated in each figure indicate the front of the vehicle, RE indicates the rear of the vehicle, UP indicates the upper part of the vehicle, DOWN indicates the lower part of the vehicle, IN indicates the inner part in the vehicle's width direction, and OUT indicates the outer part in the vehicle's width direction. Components placed inside the vehicle seats are shown as if viewed through the vehicle seat.

[0012] An airbag device according to one aspect of the present invention is an airbag device that is attached to the side of the seat back of a vehicle seat and inflates and deploys on the side of the console box provided on the inside of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle seat, to the side of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat, and comprises an inflator that generates gas and a bag-shaped airbag that inflates and deploys with the gas from the inflator, wherein the airbag has a main body that inflates and deploys from the side of the seat back toward the front of the vehicle to protect the occupant and a support inflation part that is located inside the main body in the vehicle width direction and inflates and deploys on the console box, wherein the support inflation part is provided in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and in the natural inflation state, the front side of the support inflation part is located below the rear side of the support inflation part in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] The airbag device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The airbag device of Embodiment 1 is an airbag device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the airbag system of Embodiment 1 when the occupant is restrained by the airbag, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the airbag system of Embodiment 1 when the occupant is restrained by the airbag, as viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the airbag device of Embodiment 1 is a far-side airbag device that inflates and deploys on the inside of the vehicle width direction of the occupant 40 during a side collision of a vehicle such as an automobile, and is fixed to the side (the side on the inside in the vehicle width direction) of the seat back (backrest portion) 31 of the vehicle seat (vehicle seat) 30.

[0016] Examples of vehicle seats 30 include the driver's seat, passenger seat, etc.

[0017] The airbag device 1 includes an inflator 10 and an airbag 20.

[0018] The inflator 10 is located inside the airbag 20. The inflator 10 is a cylindrical gas generator and is positioned along the extending direction (height direction) of the seat back 31. A pair of bolts protrude from the top and bottom of the inflator 10, and these bolts pass through the airbag 20. The inflator 10 is fixed to the side of the seat back 31 (for example, the side frame) by this pair of bolts.

[0019] The inflator 10 activates during a side collision with the vehicle. Specifically, when a collision detection sensor mounted on the vehicle detects a side collision, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) processes the signal sent from the collision detection sensor to determine the level of the collision. If the determined level of the collision is such that the airbag 20 should be inflated, the inflator 10 is ignited, and gas is generated by a chemical reaction caused by combustion. As a result, the gas generated from the inflator 10 is introduced into the airbag 20.

[0020] The types of inflators 10 are not particularly limited, and examples include pyro-type inflators that use gas generated by burning a gas generating agent, stored-type inflators that use compressed gas, and hybrid-type inflators that use a mixture of gas generated by burning a gas generating agent and compressed gas.

[0021] The airbag 20 is bag-shaped and, before inflation and deployment, is folded and secured to the side of the seatback 31 (for example, the side frame), and is stored covered by the upholstery of the seatback 31 along with the cushion pad.

[0022] The airbag 20 is held in a predetermined shape by fixing members such as tape, and then fixed to a synthetic resin cover member 70, thereby maintaining the external shape of the airbag device 1. Examples of preferred forms of the cover member will be described later.

[0023] In this embodiment, a World Side Impact Dummy (World-SID) 40 is seated in a vehicle seat 30. The seating position of the World Side Impact Dummy 40 is determined by the side impact test method currently used in Japan and Europe (ECE R95), or the side impact test method used in the United States (FMVSS214). The position and size of the airbag 20 when it is inflated and deployed (hereinafter also simply referred to as "when inflated and deployed") are set according to the positions of the torso 41, waist 42, head 43, arms 44, shoulders 45, etc. of the World Side Impact Dummy 40 as shown in Figure 1. Hereafter, the World Side Impact Dummy 40 will be referred to as "occupant 40".

[0024] Furthermore, in this specification, "airbag inflation and deployment" means any point in time or period from the activation of the inflator until the airbag inflation and deployment are completed (fully deployed). For example, this could be the period from the activation of the inflator until the airbag inflation and deployment are completed (fully deployed), or it could be the time when the airbag inflation and deployment are completed (fully deployed). Moreover, any multiple instances of "airbag inflation and deployment" described herein may be the same point in time or period, or they may be different points in time and / or periods.

[0025] The vehicle side wall 50 is not particularly limited to any part of the vehicle body located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction from the occupant 40 seated in the vehicle seat 30 (opposite side from the console box 60), and collectively refers to the side door, pillar, side window, etc.

[0026] The console box 60 is located on the inside of the vehicle seats 30 in the vehicle width direction. For example, the console box 60 is located in the center of the vehicle width direction inside the vehicle, between the driver's seat and the passenger seat. The console box 60 may also function as an armrest to support the inside of the occupant's arm 44 in the vehicle width direction.

[0027] When a vehicle collides with an obstacle (for example, another vehicle) from the side, specifically when the obstacle collides with the vehicle side wall 50 and the vehicle side wall opposite in the vehicle width direction (the part of the vehicle body located on the outside of the passenger seat in the vehicle width direction if the vehicle seat 30 is the driver's seat), the inflator 10 activates, and the gas generated from the inflator 10 is introduced into the airbag 20, causing the airbag 20 to inflate as it unfolds. When the force applied by the inflated airbag 20 ruptures the surface of the seat back 31, the airbag 20 inflates and deploys above the console box 60 of the vehicle and to the side of the occupant 40 seated in the vehicle seat 30, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, protecting the occupant 40. An airbag 20 that inflates and deploys in this manner is also called a far-side airbag.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the three-dimensional shape of the airbag according to Embodiment 1 when it is inflated and deployed, as viewed from the occupant side and the front of the vehicle. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the three-dimensional shape of the airbag according to Embodiment 1 when it is inflated and deployed, as viewed from the center side and the rear side of the vehicle.

[0029] The airbag 20 shown in Figures 3 and 4 has a main body 20a that inflates and deploys from the side of the seatback toward the occupant's side and toward the front of the vehicle to protect the occupant, and a support inflation part 20b that is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the main body 20a and inflates and deploys above the console box. The main body 20a protects at least the head 43 and torso 41 of the occupant 40. Furthermore, the airbag 20 is composed of an occupant-side panel 21 positioned on the occupant 40 side, an occupant-opposite-side panel 22 (central-side panel) positioned opposite the occupant-side panel 21, and a connecting panel that connects the outer edge 21a of the occupant-side panel 21 and the outer edge 22a of the occupant-opposite-side panel 22. The connecting panel includes a first connecting panel 23 positioned on the front side of the vehicle, which connects the outer edge of the occupant-side panel 21 with the outer edge of the occupant-opposite-side panel 22. The first connecting panel 23 has a main body forming portion 23a that is located between the occupant and the side of the console box when viewed from the front of the vehicle when the airbag inflates and deploys, and a first protruding portion 23b that is located above the console box. Furthermore, as a connecting panel, there is a second connecting panel 24 positioned on the rear side of the vehicle, which connects the outer peripheral edge 21a of the occupant-side panel 21 and the outer peripheral edge 22a of the occupant-opposite-side panel 22. The second connecting panel 24 has a second protrusion 24b that is located above the console box when viewed from the rear of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated and deployed. In the airbag 20 shown in Figures 3 and 4, the occupant-side panel 21, the occupant-opposite-side panel 22, the first connecting panel 23, and the second connecting panel 24 are each independent panels. However, each panel may be formed integrally with the adjacent panel, or the first connecting panel and the second connecting panel may be connected. The configuration in which the first connecting panel and the second connecting panel are connected will be described later.

[0030] By using connecting panels, the occupant-side panel 22 can be positioned with a gap in the vehicle width direction relative to the occupant-side panel 21. The occupant-side panel 22 is positioned towards the center in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle seat 30. The airbag 20 is formed into a roughly box-shaped three-dimensional form by connecting the outer edges 21a of the occupant-side panel 21 and the outer edges 22a of the occupant-side panel 22, which are spaced apart, with the first connecting panel 23 and the second connecting panel 24 closing the gap between them.

[0031] The crew-side panel 21, the crew-opposite-side panel 22, the first connecting panel 23, and the second connecting panel 24 are joined to each other along the joint line. Examples of joining methods include sewing, bonding, welding, and combinations thereof.

[0032] For the crew-side panel 21, the crew-opposite-side panel 22, the first connecting panel, and the second connecting panel 24, for example, a cloth woven from yarn such as nylon 66 or polyethylene terephthalate is used. This cloth may be coated on the surface with an inorganic substance such as silicone to improve heat resistance and airtightness.

[0033] The airbag 20 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is in a naturally inflated state. In the airbag device of Embodiment 1, a support inflation section that inflates and deploys is provided on the console box, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the naturally inflated state, the front side of the support inflation section is located lower in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the rear side of the support inflation section.

[0034] Figure 5 is a side view of the airbag in its naturally inflated state, as seen from the panel opposite the occupant. Figure 5 shows a dotted line representing boundary line B, which divides the airbag 20 into two sections in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The front side of the support inflation section 20b is indicated by 25F, and the rear side of the support inflation section 20b is indicated by 25R. The area in front of boundary line B is designated as the front side 25F of the support inflation section 20b, and the area in the rear of the vehicle is designated as the rear side 25R of the support inflation section 20b.

[0035] The statement, "In the natural inflation state, the front side of the support inflation section is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the rear side of the support inflation section," means that, assuming the airbag inflates and deploys without a console box, the front side of the support inflation section is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the rear side of the support inflation section. In other words, as illustrated in Figure 5, the support inflation section 20b of the inflated and deployed airbag 20 is sloping downwards to the right. The reference numerals 25F and 25R do not indicate specific locations, but merely represent approximate locations for comparison when considering whether the front side of the support inflation section is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the rear side of the support inflation section.

[0036] While the shape and position of an airbag change during the inflation and deployment process, the term "natural inflation state" as used herein refers to the state during the intermediate stage of the airbag's inflation and deployment. In the airbag of this invention, the vehicle front side of the support inflation section comes into contact with the upper surface of the console box during the inflation and deployment process. The state from the moment the vehicle front side of the support inflation section comes into contact with the upper surface of the console box to the state for 1 millisecond thereafter is considered to be the natural inflation state. For example, if an airbag fully deploys in 30 milliseconds, it is appropriate to assume that the state after 25 milliseconds + 1 millisecond is the state of natural inflation.

[0037] The airbag's natural inflation state, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, represents the inflation state when the airbag inflates without interfering with other components such as the console box. However, when an airbag is actually installed in a vehicle and inflated, interference occurs with other components such as the console box, so it does not inflate to the same shape as when it is naturally inflated. The following describes the interference between the airbag and the console box.

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between the airbag support inflation section and the console box in the naturally inflated state. Figure 6 shows the position of the support inflation section 20b in the airbag's naturally inflated state. Similar to Figure 5, the front side of the support inflation section 20b is denoted as 25F, and the rear side is denoted as 25R. The positions of the console box 60 and the upper surface 60U of the console box adjacent to the airbag are indicated by dotted lines. In the state of natural expansion, the vehicle-front side 25F of the support expansion portion 20b is located below the upper surface 60U of the console box in the vehicle-vertical direction. If, in its naturally inflated state, the vehicle-front side 25F of the support inflation part 20b is located below the upper surface 60U of the console box in the vertical direction of the vehicle, then when the airbag actually inflates, the vehicle-front side 25F of the support inflation part 20b will interfere with the console box 60, and the inflation of the airbag will apply a downward force to the support inflation part 20b pushing the upper surface 60U of the console box. In response, the upper surface 60U of the console box will apply an upward force pushing back against the vehicle-front side 25F of the support inflation part 20b.

[0039] Furthermore, since the position of the vehicle front side 25F of the support expansion section 20b is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the position of the vehicle rear side 25R of the support expansion section 20b, the amount of interference between the support expansion section 20b and the console box 60 at the vehicle front side 25F is greater than the amount of interference between the support expansion section 20b and the console box 60 at the vehicle rear side 25R. As a result, the force exerted by the vehicle front side 25F of the support expansion section 20b on the upper surface 60U of the console box is greater, and the upper surface 60U of the console box applies a reaction force that pushes the support expansion section 20b upward and towards the rear of the vehicle. In addition, because the position of the vehicle front side 25F of the support expansion section 20b is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the position of the vehicle rear side 25R of the support expansion section 20b, the vehicle front side 25F of the support expansion section 20b can contact the console box 60 earlier than the vehicle rear side 25R.

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship of the airbag during the mid-stage of deployment. Figure 7 shows the state where the vehicle front side 25F of the support expansion section 20b interferes with the upper surface 60U of the console box, pushing the upper surface 60U of the console box downwards and forwards. At this point, the vehicle rear side 25R of the support expansion section 20b hardly interferes with the upper surface 60U of the console box. Thus, since the vehicle front side 25F of the support inflation section 20b is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the vehicle rear side 25R of the support inflation section 20b, the airbag 20 receives a force at the vehicle front side 25F of the support inflation section 20b that pushes it upward and backward. In addition, the upper part of the airbag 20 rotates towards the rear of the vehicle, centered on the inflator 10 fixed to the side of the seat back 31, with the part of the vehicle front side 25F of the support inflation section 20b that interferes with the console box as the pivot point. Figure 7 shows the direction of the force that the support inflation section 20b receives from the upper surface 60U of the console box, and the direction in which the upper part of the airbag rotates, indicated by arrows.

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship of the airbag during the mid-to-late stages of deployment. Figure 8 shows a state where the airbag has deployed further than the state shown in Figure 7. As the airbag 20 continues to receive upward and rearward pushing forces on the support inflation portion 20b at the vehicle front side 25F of the support inflation portion 20b, the upper portion of the airbag 20 rotates further toward the rear of the vehicle, causing the entire airbag to move toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0042] Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship in the later stages of airbag deployment. Figure 10 shows the state in which the airbag 20 has deployed further from the state shown in Figure 8, and the upper part of the airbag 20 has rotated toward the rear of the vehicle, so that the part that protects the occupant's head has inflated and deployed to the predetermined position. In this state, the rear side 25R of the support expansion portion 20b also interferes with the upper surface 60U of the console box.

[0043] Based on the above, in the natural expansion state, the following effects are achieved when the vehicle front side 25F of the support expansion portion 20b is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the vehicle rear side 25R of the support expansion portion 20b. When gas is released from the inflator 10 attached to the side of the seatback 31, the folded airbag 20 inflates and deploys toward the front of the vehicle to protect the occupant's side. In particular, the upper part of the airbag 20 (which protects the occupant's head) is far from the mounting point of the inflator 10 fixed to the side of the seatback 31, so it inflates and deploys as if being pulled toward the front of the vehicle by the force of inflation and deployment. When the airbag 20 inflates and deploys so that the vehicle front side 25F of the support inflation part 20b is located downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the vehicle front side 25F of the support inflation part 20b comes into contact with the upper surface 60U of the console box. As a result, at the point where the upper surface 60U of the console box and the support inflation part 20b come into contact, the amount of interference of the support inflation part 20b on the vehicle front side 25F becomes greater than the amount of interference of the support inflation part 20b on the vehicle rear side 25R, generating a strong reaction force. Consequently, the upper part of the airbag 20, which is inflating and deploying as if being pulled towards the front of the vehicle by the momentum of inflation and deployment, rotates towards the rear of the vehicle, using the inflator 10 fixed to the side of the seat back 31 as a pivot point, with the point where the support inflation part 20b interferes with the upper surface 60U of the console box on the vehicle front side 25F as the pivot point. This rotation of the airbag 20 allows the entire airbag 20, especially the part that protects the occupant's head, to inflate and deploy to its predetermined position at an early stage.

[0044] As an example of a configuration to ensure that the vehicle front side 25F of the support inflation section 20b is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the vehicle rear side 25R of the support inflation section 20b in the naturally inflated state, one method is to make the size of the panels constituting the support inflation section 20b of the airbag 20 larger on the vehicle front side and smaller on the vehicle rear side. In other words, this can be described as a method of making the amount of fabric in the panels constituting the support inflation section 20b larger on the vehicle front side and smaller on the vehicle rear side. Specifically, one method is to make the area of ​​the first connecting panel 23, which connects the outer edge 21a of the occupant-side panel 21 and the outer edge 22a of the occupant-opposite-side panel 22 at the front of the vehicle, larger than the area of ​​the second connecting panel 24, which connects the outer edge 21a of the occupant-side panel 21 and the outer edge 22a of the occupant-opposite-side panel 22 at the rear of the vehicle.

[0045] The airbag comprises an occupant-side panel positioned on the occupant side, an occupant-opposite-side panel positioned opposite the occupant-side panel, and a first connecting panel positioned at least on the front side of the vehicle and connecting the outer peripheral edge of the occupant-side panel with the outer peripheral edge of the occupant-opposite-side panel. The first connecting panel has a main body forming portion positioned between the occupant and the side of the console box when viewed from the front of the vehicle during airbag inflation and deployment, and a first projection portion positioned above the console box. Preferably, the lower edge of the first projection portion is positioned below the upper surface of the console box in the vertical direction of the vehicle when in a naturally inflated state. This will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the airbag support inflation section and the console box in the naturally inflated state, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Figure 10 shows the first connecting panel 23, which has a first projection 23b located above the console box 60. In its naturally expanded state, the lower edge 23bb of the first projection 23b is located below the upper surface 60U of the console box in the vehicle's vertical direction. When this relationship holds, the amount of interference between the first protrusion 23b and the console box 60 increases, so at the point where the upper surface 60U of the console box and the support expansion portion 20b come into contact, the amount of interference on the vehicle front side 25F of the support expansion portion 20b increases, resulting in a stronger reaction force. Therefore, when the airbag 20 inflates and deploys, the vehicle-front side 25F of the support inflation part 20b comes into contact with the upper surface 60U of the console box, which makes it easier for the upper part of the airbag 20 to rotate towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0047] The airbag comprises an occupant-side panel positioned on the occupant side, an occupant-opposite-side panel positioned opposite the occupant-side panel, a first connecting panel positioned on the front side of the vehicle and connecting the outer edge of the occupant-side panel to the outer edge of the occupant-opposite-side panel, and a second connecting panel positioned on the rear side of the vehicle and connecting the outer edge of the occupant-side panel. The first connecting panel has a first projection that is located above the console box when viewed from the front of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated and deployed, and the second connecting panel has a second projection that is located above the console box when viewed from the rear of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated and deployed. Preferably, the angle between the lower edge of the second projection and the top surface of the console box when viewed from the rear of the vehicle is greater than the angle between the lower edge of the first projection and the top surface of the console box when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0048] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the state of occupant restraint by the airbag 20 as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the state of occupant restraint by the airbag 20 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 11 shows the first connecting panel 23, which has a first projection 23b located on top of the console box 60. The angle between the lower edge 23bb of the first projection 23b and the upper surface 60U of the console box is θ. 23 This is shown. Figure 12 shows the second connecting panel 24, which has a second protrusion 24b located above the console box 60. The angle between the lower edge 24bb of the second protrusion 24b and the upper surface 60U of the console box is θ. 24 This is shown. The angle θ shown in Figure 11 23 And the angle θ shown in Figure 12 24 When comparing them, θ 24 >θ 23 The relationship holds true. When this relationship holds true, the rear vehicle side 25R of the support inflation part 20b, located above the console box 60, inflates and deploys so that it separates from the upper surface 60U of the console box. Therefore, when the airbag 20 inflates and deploys, the upper vehicle portion of the airbag 20 is more likely to rotate towards the rear of the vehicle when the front vehicle side 25F of the support inflation part 20b comes into contact with the upper surface 60U of the console box.

[0049] Furthermore, it is preferable that the front contact area where the support expansion portion contacts the upper surface of the console box on the front side of the vehicle is larger than the rear contact area where the support expansion portion contacts the upper surface of the console box on the rear side of the vehicle. This will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0050] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the state of occupant restraint by the airbag as viewed from above the vehicle. Figure 13 shows the area where the upper surface 60U of the console box and the support inflation part 20b are in contact. Let the front - side contact area where the vehicle - front side 25F of the support expansion part 20b contacts the upper surface 60U of the console box be S F and let the rear - side contact area where the vehicle - rear side 25R of the support expansion part 20b contacts the upper surface 60U of the console box be S R . The area S shown in FIG. 13 F and the area S shown in FIG. 13 R When compared, the relationship S F > S R holds. When such a relationship holds, the airbag 20 located above the console box 60 expands and deploys such that the vehicle - front side 25F of the support expansion part 20b contacts the upper surface 60U of the console box over a large area, and the vehicle - rear side 25R of the support expansion part 20b hardly contacts the upper surface 60U of the console box. Therefore, when the airbag 20 expands and deploys, when the vehicle - front side 25F of the support expansion part 20b contacts the upper surface 60U of the console box, the upper - vehicle part of the airbag 20 easily rotates toward the vehicle - rear side.

[0051] [Embodiment 2] The airbag device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The airbag device of Embodiment 2 is an airbag device according to one aspect of the present invention. Since the airbag device of Embodiment 2 is the same as the airbag device of Embodiment 1 except for the configuration of the airbag, descriptions of overlapping points will be appropriately omitted.

[0052] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the three - dimensional shape at the time of inflation and deployment of the airbag according to Embodiment 2 as viewed from the occupant side and the vehicle - front side. The airbag 120 shown in FIG. 14 is formed by combining an occupant - side panel 21 arranged on the occupant 40 side, an occupant - reverse - side panel 22 (center - side panel) arranged opposite to the occupant - side panel 21, and a connecting panel 127 as an integrated connecting panel that connects the outer peripheral edge 21a of the occupant - side panel 21 and the outer peripheral edge 22a of the occupant - reverse - side panel 22.

[0053] In the airbag according to Embodiment 2, the first connecting panel on the front side of the vehicle and the second connecting panel on the rear side of the vehicle are integrated into one unit. In other words, the connecting panel 127 has a first connecting portion 127a that connects the outer edge 21a of the occupant-side panel 21 and the outer edge 22a of the occupant-opposite-side panel 22 at the front of the vehicle, a second connecting portion 127b that connects the outer edge 21a of the occupant-side panel 21 and the outer edge 22a of the occupant-opposite-side panel 22 at the rear of the vehicle, and a front and rear connecting portion 127c that connects the first connecting portion 127a and the second connecting portion 127b. The first connecting portion 127a, the front and rear connecting portion 127c, and the second connecting portion 127b of the connecting panel 127 are distinguished for convenience, but it is actually a single panel without boundaries.

[0054] In the airbag according to Embodiment 1, the connecting panel was divided into a first connecting panel and a second connecting panel, but in the airbag according to Embodiment 2, the connecting panel is a single, integrated connecting panel, which is different from the airbag according to Embodiment 1.

[0055] By making the area of ​​the first connecting portion 127a in the connecting panel 127 larger than the area of ​​the second connecting portion 127b, the airbag shape can be made the same as in the case where the area of ​​the first connecting panel 23 is larger than the area of ​​the second connecting panel 24 in the airbag 20 according to Embodiment 1. Furthermore, by making the airbag shape this way, in the naturally inflated state, the vehicle front side of the support inflation portion can be positioned lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the vehicle rear side of the support inflation portion.

[0056] An airbag device according to another aspect of the present invention is an airbag device that is attached to the side of the seat back of a vehicle seat and inflates and deploys on the side of the console box provided on the inside of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle seat, to the side of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat, comprising an inflator that generates gas and a bag-shaped airbag that inflates and deploys with the gas from the inflator, wherein the airbag has a main body that inflates and deploys from the side of the seat back toward the front of the vehicle to protect the occupant and a support inflation part that is located on the inside of the vehicle width direction relative to the main body and inflates and deploys on the console box, wherein the support inflation part is provided toward the front of the vehicle and contacts the upper surface of the console box.

[0057] [Embodiment 3] The airbag device of Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The airbag device of Embodiment 3 is an airbag device according to another aspect of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the state of occupant restraint by the airbag in the airbag system of Embodiment 3, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag provided in the airbag system of Embodiment 3, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the airbag system of Embodiment 3 when the occupant is restrained by the airbag, as viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0059] The airbag device 2 shown in Figure 15 has an airbag 220. The airbag 220 has a main body 220a that inflates and deploys from the side of the seatback 31 toward the side of the occupant 40 and toward the front of the vehicle to protect the occupant 40, and a support inflation part 220b that is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the main body 220a and inflates and deploys on top of the console box 60. The support expansion portion 220b is provided on the front side of the vehicle and is positioned to contact the upper surface 60U of the console box.

[0060] The main body 220a has a crew-side panel 21 positioned on the crew side and a crew-opposite-side panel 22 positioned opposite the crew-side panel 21, and the support expansion portion 220b is formed on the crew-opposite-side panel 22.

[0061] As shown in Figure 16, the support inflation section 220b is sewn to the surface of the occupant-side panel 22 and becomes a part that inflates to a predetermined size as a sub-bag. The support expansion section 220b is located inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the main body section 220a, and contacts the upper surface 60U of the console box, expanding and unfolding towards the front of the vehicle. Figure 17 shows the state in which the support expansion section 220b has expanded and unfolded on the front side of the vehicle.

[0062] In the airbag device of Embodiment 3, the support inflation section 220b is provided only on the front side of the vehicle and not on the rear side.

[0063] When the support inflation section 220b deploys on the front side of the vehicle, it contacts the upper surface 60U of the console box on the front side of the vehicle. On the other hand, the airbag does not contact the rear side of the upper surface 60U of the console box. As a result, the support inflation section 220b exerts a downward and forward force on the upper surface 60U of the console box on the front side of the vehicle, and the upper surface 60U of the console box exerts a reaction force that pushes the support inflation section 220b upward and backward. In this way, by providing a support inflation section 220b located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the main body 220a and inflating and deploying towards the front of the vehicle, the upper portion of the airbag 220, which is inflated and deployed by the momentum of inflation and deployment, is pulled towards the front of the vehicle. This portion rotates towards the rear of the vehicle, with the inflator 10 fixed to the side of the seat back 31 as the pivot point, and the support inflation section 220b in contact with the upper surface 60U of the console box. This rotation of the airbag 220 allows the entire airbag 220, especially the portion that protects the occupant's head, to inflate and deploy to its predetermined position as quickly as possible.

[0064] [Embodiment 4] The airbag device of Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The airbag device of Embodiment 4 is an airbag device according to another aspect of the present invention. The airbag device of Embodiment 4 is the same as the airbag device of Embodiment 3, except for the configuration in which a support inflation section is provided, so the explanation of overlapping points will be omitted as appropriate.

[0065] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the state of occupant restraint by the airbag in the airbag system of Embodiment 4, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag provided in the airbag system of Embodiment 4, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the airbag system of Embodiment 4 when the occupant is restrained by the airbag, as viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0066] The airbag device 3 shown in Figure 18 has an airbag 320. The airbag 320 has a main body 320a that inflates and deploys from the side of the seat back 31 toward the side of the occupant 40 and toward the front of the vehicle to protect the occupant 40, and a support inflation part 320b that is located inward in the vehicle width direction and downward in the vehicle vertical direction relative to the main body 320a, and inflates and deploys above the console box 60. The support expansion portion 320b is provided on the front side of the vehicle and is positioned to contact the upper surface 60U of the console box.

[0067] As shown in Figure 19, the support expansion section 320b is located below the main body section 320a in the vehicle's vertical direction. The support expansion section 320b is a portion of the base fabric of the occupant-opposite-side panel 22 that is separated by a strip-shaped tether 341, and the portion of the base fabric that cannot stretch beyond the width of the tether 341 becomes the support expansion section 320b that expands to a predetermined size. The support expansion section 320b is located inward in the vehicle width direction and downward in the vehicle vertical direction relative to the main body section 320a, and in contact with the upper surface 60U of the console box, expanding and unfolding towards the front of the vehicle. Figure 20 shows the support expansion section 320b in an expanded and deployed state on the front side of the vehicle.

[0068] The effects exerted by the support expansion portion 320b deploying on the upper surface 60U of the console box on the front side of the vehicle are the same as those of the airbag device in Embodiment 3.

[0069] In other words, the airbag devices of Embodiments 3 and 4, which are another aspect of the present invention, are similar to the airbag devices of Embodiments 1 and 2, which are also aspects of the present invention, in that when the airbag inflates and deploys, the support inflation part applies a force that pushes downward and forward on the upper surface of the console box on the front side of the vehicle. A key feature is that the support inflation part is provided on the front side of the vehicle as a means of applying such a force. In the case where a support inflation section is provided, such as in the airbag devices of Embodiments 3 and 4, the support inflation section contacts the upper surface of the console box on the front side of the vehicle, so it is not necessary to provide the support inflation section in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the airbag system can be the same as that of Embodiments 1 and 2, except for the configuration of the airbag itself.

[0070] [Cover component] The airbag device of the present invention further comprises a cover member that covers the folded airbag from the side opposite to the occupant, wherein the cover member is located on the upper surface of the console box extending from the upper part of the vehicle to the lower part of the vehicle, and preferably the cover member is provided with a deformation-promoting portion that facilitates deformation of at least a portion of the cover member located above the console box. The following describes cover members that can be used in the airbag device of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a cover member, and Figure 22 is a schematic front view showing a folded airbag stored in the cover member.

[0072] The cover member 70 shown in Figure 21 has an uncovered portion 74 in the middle of the cover member 70 in the vehicle's vertical direction. An upper cover member 71 is provided above the uncovered portion 74 on the vehicle, and a lower cover member 72 is provided below the uncovered portion 74 on the vehicle. The upper cover member 71 and the lower cover member 72 are the surfaces that are located on the outside (the side of the seat back 31's surface) when the airbag is housed in the cover member 70 and fixed to the side of the seat back of the vehicle seat. The uncovered portion 74 is provided from the front end of the cover member 70 toward the rear of the vehicle. The uncovered portion 74 can also be described as a space created by cutting out a part of the surface located on the outside of the cover member, dividing it into the upper cover member 71 and the lower cover member 72. On the side opposite to the upper part 71 and lower part 72 of the cover member, an inflator mounting hole 73 is provided, through which the inflator mounting bolts can be passed to secure the inflator to the seat back of the vehicle seat.

[0073] The airbag 20, together with the inflator (not shown), is folded and held in a predetermined shape by the tape 26, and then stored in the cover member 70 as shown in Figure 22. By providing a cover component, the unevenness of the folded airbag is no longer reflected in the appearance visible from the seatback surface, resulting in a better appearance of the seatback in the area where the airbag is stored.

[0074] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the area around the cover member of an airbag system equipped with a cover member, as viewed from the front of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated and deployed. As shown in Figure 23, when the airbag 20 inflates and deploys, the force received from the airbag causes the upper part 71 of the cover member to undergo elastic deformation so that it opens inward in the vehicle width direction, and the airbag 20 inflates and deploys inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0075] The elastic deformation of the upper part 71 of the cover member prevents the cover member 70 from obstructing the deployment behavior of the airbag 20. The upper part 71 of the cover member deforms, but the lower part 72 of the cover member cannot deform because it is adjacent to the console box 60. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the lower part 72 of the cover member more prone to elastic deformation.

[0076] If the cover member 70 does not have a deformation-promoting section 74, and when the airbag 20 is housed in the cover member 70 and fixed to the side of the seat back 31 of the vehicle seat, and the entire surface of the outer side (the side facing the seat back's surface material) is covered with a resin surface, the rigidity of the cover member 70 is high, and when the airbag 20 inflates and deploys, the upper part of the cover member 70, which has elastically deformed, tries to return to its original shape. In particular, the lower part of the cover member 70 is adjacent to the console box 60 and therefore cannot deform, which encourages the upper part of the cover member 70 to return to its original shape. When the upper part of the cover member 70 attempts to return to its original position, a force is applied that pushes the airbag 20 forward. This applies a force opposite to the rotational movement of the airbag 20 toward the rear of the vehicle, thus delaying the overall inflation and deployment of the airbag 20 to its predetermined position. Therefore, it is preferable to use a cover member 70 that does not easily apply a force to the airbag 20 when the elastically deformed cover member 70 attempts to return to its original position.

[0077] Here, by providing the deformation-promoting portion 74 on the cover member 70, the upper part 71 of the cover member becomes more easily deformed. The upper part 71 of the cover member has a weak force that tries to return to its original shape after elastic deformation. Therefore, the rotational movement of the airbag 70 toward the rear of the vehicle is not weakened, and the entire airbag 20 inflates and deploys to its predetermined position smoothly.

[0078] The cover member 70 shown in Figure 21 has an uncovered portion 74 located in the middle of the cover member 70 in the vertical direction of the vehicle, which does not cover the folded airbag 20. The uncovered portion 74 is a space where no resin material is present. The presence of the uncovered portion 74 reduces the rigidity of the upper part 71 of the cover member, making the upper part 71 of the cover member deformable.

[0079] The cover member 70 is made of resin and is integrally molded. The material of the resin constituting the cover member 70 is not particularly limited, but TPO (olefin-based resin elastomer), polypropylene resin, polyethylene terephthalate, urethane resin, etc. can be suitably used. A material with low rigidity that allows the upper part of the cover member to deform without cracking when the airbag inflates and deploys is preferred. Furthermore, it is preferable that the upper part 71 of the cover member 70 has a thickness of 2 to 4 mm so that it can deform without cracking when the airbag inflates and deploys. The thickness of the upper part 71 of the cover member may be thinner than that of the lower part 72 of the cover member and other parts of the cover member 70.

[0080] The cover component may also be one of the following: Figure 24 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the cover member, and Figure 25 is a schematic perspective view showing the state after the upper part of the cover member shown in Figure 24 has been deformed. The cover member 170 shown in Figure 24 has an upper cover member 171 at its upper end and a lower cover member 172 at its lower end. A tear line 174 is provided between the upper cover member 171 and the lower cover member 172.

[0081] The tear line 174 is the part that ruptures when the airbag inflates and deploys, and it is a groove in which the thickness of the resin material is reduced. When the tear line 174 ruptures, the upper part 171 of the cover member can undergo elastic deformation so that it opens inward in the vehicle width direction, as shown in Figure 25. The thickness of the resin material in the tear line 174 is preferably 0.5 to 1.4 mm. Furthermore, the width of the tear line 174 is preferably 1 to 5 mm. Additionally, multiple tear lines 174 may be provided parallel to each other above the lower part 172 of the cover member.

[0082] If the cover member 170 ruptures at the tear line 174 during airbag inflation and deployment, the upper part 171 and lower part 172 of the cover member separate, reducing the rigidity of the upper part 171 and making it more susceptible to deformation. Similar to the case of the cover member 70 shown in Figure 21 above, the ability of the upper part 171 to deform weakens the force that causes the upper part 171 to return to its original shape after elastic deformation. As a result, the rotational movement of the airbag toward the rear of the vehicle is not weakened, and the entire airbag inflates and deploys smoothly to its predetermined position.

[0083] Furthermore, the cover members described above can be used for airbag devices other than the airbag device of the present invention. In other words, this specification discloses a cover member that covers the folded airbag from the side opposite to the occupant, and which is located on the upper surface of the console box, extending from the upper part of the vehicle to the lower part of the vehicle, and which is provided with a deformation-promoting portion that makes it easier to deform a part of the cover member that is located at least above the console box. Furthermore, in the cover member, the deformation-promoting portion is an uncovered portion located in the middle of the cover member in the vertical direction of the vehicle, which does not cover the folded airbag, and it is preferable that the uncovered portion is provided at least from the front end of the cover member toward the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the cover member, the deformation-promoting portion is preferably a tear line provided from the front end of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle. The cover member can be used with airbag devices without being limited to the specifications of the airbag device of the present invention.

[0084] The airbag used in the airbag device of the present invention can be folded and installed in the airbag device as follows. Figures 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, 26F, 26G, 26H, 26I, and 26J are schematic plan views illustrating an example of how an airbag is folded. Figure 26A shows the airbag 20 connected to the inflator 10. This airbag 20 is folded laterally according to the procedure shown in Figures 26A, 26B, and 26C.

[0085] Next, as shown in Figure 26D, the lower end of the airbag 20 is folded upwards. The folded tip is indicated by the symbol P. In the folding method used until now, a roll fold is performed afterward, but because the roll fold places the tip P deep inside the roll, the tip P sometimes rubs against the surrounding base fabric when the airbag inflates and deploys.

[0086] Therefore, as shown in Figure 26E, the tip P is folded downwards before the roll fold, and then the roll fold is performed as shown in Figures 26F, 26G, 26H, and 26I. In this way, the position of the tip P is shallower compared to the conventional method, so the tip P is less likely to rub when the airbag inflates and deploys. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 26J, folds are made to adjust the surrounding shape, and then it is secured with tape (see Figure 22). Then, the folded airbag is stored in the cover member in the form shown in Figure 22. The airbag stored in the cover member is attached to the side of the seat back of the vehicle to form an airbag device.

[0087] Up to this point, the airbag device of the present invention has been described, but an occupant protection system comprising a vehicle seat, the airbag device of the present invention attached to the side of the seat back of the vehicle seat, and a console box provided on the inside of the vehicle seat in the vehicle width direction is also an invention disclosed herein.

[0088] One embodiment of an occupant protection system disclosed herein comprises a vehicle seat, an airbag device attached to the side of the seatback of the vehicle seat, and a console box provided on the inside of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle seat. The aforementioned airbag device An inflator that generates gas, It comprises a bag-shaped airbag that inflates and deploys using gas from the inflator, The airbag inflates and deploys from the side of the seatback toward the front of the vehicle, and has a main body that protects the occupant, It has a support expansion portion that is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the main body and expands and unfolds on top of the console box, The support expansion portion is provided across the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, and in the natural expansion state, the front side of the support expansion portion is located lower in the vehicle's vertical direction than the rear side of the support expansion portion.

[0089] Furthermore, in the occupant protection system disclosed herein, the airbag comprises an occupant-side panel positioned on the occupant side, an occupant-opposite-side panel positioned opposite the occupant-side panel, and a first connecting panel positioned at least on the front side of the vehicle and connecting the outer peripheral edge of the occupant-side panel and the outer peripheral edge of the occupant-opposite-side panel. The first connecting panel has a main body forming portion located between the occupant and the side of the console box when viewed from the front of the vehicle when the airbag inflates and deploys, and a first protrusion located above the console box. Preferably, the lower edge of the first protrusion is located below the upper surface of the console box in the vehicle's vertical direction when in a naturally expanded state.

[0090] Furthermore, in the occupant protection system disclosed herein, the airbag comprises an occupant-side panel positioned on the occupant side, an occupant-opposite-side panel positioned opposite the occupant-side panel, a first connecting panel positioned on the front side of the vehicle and connecting the outer periphery of the occupant-side panel and the outer periphery of the occupant-opposite-side panel, and a second connecting panel positioned on the rear side of the vehicle and connecting the outer periphery of the occupant-side panel and the outer periphery of the occupant-opposite-side panel. The first connecting panel has a first projection that is located above the console box when viewed from the front of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated and deployed, and the second connecting panel has a second projection that is located above the console box when viewed from the rear of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated and deployed. Preferably, the angle between the lower edge of the second protrusion and the upper surface of the console box, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, is greater than the angle between the lower edge of the first protrusion and the upper surface of the console box, as viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0091] Another aspect of the occupant protection system disclosed herein comprises a vehicle seat, an airbag device mounted on the side of the seatback of the vehicle seat, and a console box provided on the inside of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle seat. The aforementioned airbag device An inflator that generates gas, It comprises a bag-shaped airbag that inflates and deploys using gas from the inflator, The airbag inflates and deploys from the side of the seatback toward the front of the vehicle, and has a main body that protects the occupant, It has a support expansion portion that is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the main body and expands and unfolds on top of the console box, The support expansion portion is provided on the front side of the vehicle and is characterized by contacting the upper surface of the console box.

[0092] Furthermore, in the occupant protection system disclosed herein, the main body preferably comprises an occupant-side panel positioned on the occupant side and an occupant-opposite-side panel positioned opposite the occupant-side panel, and the support expansion portion is preferably formed on the occupant-opposite-side panel.

[0093] Furthermore, the occupant protection system disclosed herein further comprises a cover member that covers the folded airbag from the side opposite to the side of the seatback, The cover member is located on the upper surface of the console box, extending from the upper part of the vehicle to the lower part of the vehicle. Preferably, the cover member is provided with a deformation-promoting portion that facilitates deformation of at least a portion of the cover member located above the console box in the vehicle.

[0094] Furthermore, in the occupant protection system disclosed herein, the deformation-promoting portion is an uncovered portion provided in the middle of the cover member in the vertical direction of the vehicle, which does not cover the folded airbag, and it is preferable that the uncovered portion is provided at least from the front end of the cover member toward the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the occupant protection system disclosed herein, the deformation-promoting portion is preferably a tear line provided on the cover member extending from the front end of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1, 2, 3: Airbag system 10: Inflator 20, 120, 220, 320: Airbags 20a: Main body 20b: Support expansion section 21: Crew side panel 21a: Outer edge of the crew-side panel 22: Panel opposite the crew 22a: Outer edge of the panel opposite the occupant 23: First connecting panel 23a: Main body forming part 23b: First protrusion 23bb: Lower edge of the first projection 24: Second connecting panel 24b: Second protrusion 24bb: Lower edge of the second projection 25F: Vehicle front side of the support expansion section 25R: Rear side of the support expansion section 26: Tape 30: Vehicle seats 31: Seat back (backrest) 40: Crew (International standardized side-impact dummy) 41: Torso 42: Lower back 43:Head 44: Arm 45:Shoulder 50: Vehicle side wall 60: Console Box 60U: Top of the console box 70, 170: Cover component 71, 171: Upper part of cover member 72, 172: Lower part of cover component 73: Inflator mounting hole 74: Uncovered section (deformation acceleration section) 127: Connecting Panel 127a: 1st connection part 127b:Second connection part 127c: Front and rear connection section 174: Tearline (deformation acceleration part) 120a, 220a, 320a: Main body 120b, 220b, 320b: Support expansion section 341: Tether

Claims

1. An airbag device that is attached to the side of the seat back of a vehicle seat, and inflates and deploys on the side of the console box located on the inside of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle seat, to the side of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat, An inflator that generates gas, It comprises a bag-shaped airbag that inflates and deploys using gas from the inflator, The airbag inflates and deploys from the side of the seatback toward the front of the vehicle, and has a main body that protects the occupant, It has a support expansion portion that is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the main body and expands and unfolds on top of the console box, The support inflation portion is provided in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and in the natural inflation state of the airbag when the airbag is attached to the side of the seat back of the vehicle seat, the front side of the support inflation portion is located lower in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the rear side of the support inflation portion.

2. The airbag comprises an occupant-side panel positioned on the occupant side, an occupant-opposite-side panel positioned opposite the occupant-side panel, and a first connecting panel positioned at least on the front side of the vehicle and connecting the outer edge of the occupant-side panel and the outer edge of the occupant-opposite-side panel. The first connecting panel has a main body forming portion located between the occupant and the side of the console box when viewed from the front of the vehicle when the airbag inflates and deploys, and a first protruding portion located above the console box. The airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower edge of the first protrusion is located below the upper surface of the console box in the vertical direction of the vehicle when the airbag is in a state of natural inflation when the airbag is attached to the side of the seat back of the vehicle seat.

3. The airbag comprises an occupant-side panel positioned on the occupant side, an occupant-opposite-side panel positioned opposite the occupant-side panel, a first connecting panel positioned on the front side of the vehicle and connecting the outer edge of the occupant-side panel and the outer edge of the occupant-opposite-side panel, and a second connecting panel positioned on the rear side of the vehicle and connecting the outer edge of the occupant-side panel and the outer edge of the occupant-opposite-side panel. The first connecting panel has a first projection that is located above the console box when viewed from the front of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated and deployed, and the second connecting panel has a second projection that is located above the console box when viewed from the rear of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated and deployed. The airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the angle between the lower edge of the second protrusion and the upper surface of the console box, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, is greater than the angle between the lower edge of the first protrusion and the upper surface of the console box, as viewed from the front of the vehicle.

4. An airbag device that is attached to the side of the seat back of a vehicle seat, and inflates and deploys on the side of the console box located on the inside of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle seat, to the side of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat, An inflator that generates gas, It comprises a bag-shaped airbag that inflates and deploys using gas from the inflator, The airbag inflates and deploys from the side of the seatback toward the front of the vehicle, and has a main body that protects the occupant, It has a support expansion portion that is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the main body and expands and unfolds on top of the console box, The airbag device is characterized in that the support inflation portion is provided on the front side of the vehicle and contacts the upper surface of the console box.

5. The airbag device according to claim 4, wherein the main body comprises an occupant-side panel positioned on the occupant side and an occupant-opposite-side panel positioned opposite the occupant-side panel, and the support inflation portion is formed on the occupant-opposite-side panel.

6. The system further includes a cover member that covers the folded airbag from the side opposite to the side of the seatback, The cover member is located on the upper surface of the console box, extending from the upper part of the vehicle to the lower part of the vehicle. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cover member is provided with a deformation-promoting portion that facilitates deformation of at least a portion of the cover member located above the console box in the vehicle.

7. The airbag device according to claim 6, wherein the deformation-promoting portion is an uncovered portion provided in the middle of the cover member in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and does not cover the folded airbag, and the uncovered portion is provided at least from the front end of the cover member toward the rear of the vehicle.

8. The airbag device according to claim 6, characterized in that the deformation-promoting portion is a tear line provided on the cover member extending from the front end of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle.

Images