Vehicle airbag system

Abstract

To provide a vehicular airbag device which realizes both improvement of occupant restraint force and reduction of load on a windshield.SOLUTION: An airbag cushion 108 has: a main inflating part 120 which inflates as far as a more downward position than an upper surface 102a of an instrument panel 102; a front protection part 128 which is formed in a range facing an occupant 112 in the main inflating part 120 and restrains the occupant 112 from the front side of the vehicle; a pair of rearward protrusion parts 130, 132 which are provided to both sides in the vehicle width direction of the front protection part 128 and inflate in such a manner that they are protruded in the vehicle's rearward direction; and a sub-chamber 220 which inflates from a position in the side part of the main inflating part 120 which is close to a center part of the instrument panel 102 in the vehicle width direction. The airbag cushion 108 is capable of maintaining self-standing attitude because the main inflating part 120 and the sub-chamber 220 come into contact with a part of a rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 which extends in a vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device that includes an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between a vehicle instrument panel and an occupant seated in a front row seat. [Background Art]

[0002] In current vehicles, an airbag device is almost standard equipment. The airbag device is a safety device that activates in an emergency such as a vehicle collision, and catches and protects the occupant by using an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys by the force of gas. There are various types of airbag devices depending on the installation location and application. For example, in the driver's seat, a front airbag is provided at the center of the steering wheel. In the passenger seat, a passenger airbag is provided on the instrument panel and its surrounding parts.

[0003] The airbag cushions of various airbag devices are devised in consideration of the installation location and other factors so as to sufficiently restrain the occupant. For example, the airbag 2 described in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1 is for a passenger seat, and a contact portion 2a with the upper surface of the instrument panel 3 is formed to be wide so that the airbag 2 can stand on its own on the instrument panel 3. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-21726 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 only relates to the contact portion 2a in front of the inflator 4, and there is room for improvement in increasing the contact area with the instrument panel 3 to stabilize the posture of the airbag cushion. On the other hand, the instrument panel is equipped with interior components such as displays and gauges, and increasing the volume of the airbag cushion unnecessarily is undesirable because it may come into contact with these interior components.

[0006] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle airbag system that can improve occupant restraint while reducing the volume of the airbag cushion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a typical configuration of the vehicle airbag device according to the present invention is a vehicle airbag device comprising an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between the instrument panel of a vehicle and an occupant seated in a normal posture in the front row seat, and an inflator fixed to the inside of the upper surface of the instrument panel and supplying gas to the airbag cushion, wherein the airbag cushion has an inflator connection part into which a part of the inflator is inserted, a main inflation part formed behind the inflator connection part and inflating to a position below the upper surface of the instrument panel, a front protection part formed in the area of ​​the main inflation part facing the occupant and restraining the occupant from the front of the vehicle, a pair of rearward protrusions provided on both sides of the front protection part in the vehicle width direction and inflating to a state that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle, and a sub-chamber that inflates from a part of the side of the main inflation part located near the central part of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction and contacts the instrument panel, wherein the airbag cushion is characterized in that it can maintain an upright posture by the main inflation part and the sub-chamber contacting the part of the rear surface of the instrument panel that extends in the vertical direction.

[0008] With the above configuration, the airbag cushion can increase its contact area with the rear surface of the instrument panel without increasing the volume of the main inflatable section by utilizing a sub-chamber. In particular, the sub-chamber is located near the center of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction on the side of the main inflatable section. Therefore, even when an occupant approaches the front protective section of the main inflatable section at an angle toward the center in the vehicle width direction, the main inflatable section maintains an upright posture due to the sub-chamber, and the occupant can be effectively restrained. In this way, with the above configuration, it is possible to stabilize the posture of the airbag cushion during occupant restraint while keeping the volume of the airbag cushion down, thereby improving the occupant restraint force.

[0009] The main expansion section described above has a bent section configured to bend and expand along the upper and rear surfaces of the instrument panel, and the sub-chamber may be provided on the side of the main expansion section near the bent section.

[0010] The above configuration makes it possible to create a sub-chamber that is easily accessible to the instrument panel.

[0011] The vehicle airbag system may further include a front contact portion that inflates from the inflator connection portion so as to protrude wedge-shaped toward the front of the vehicle along the upper surface of the instrument panel.

[0012] The above-described airbag cushion maintains an upright posture and achieves both improved occupant restraint and enhanced occupant restraint by having its front contact portion contact the upper surface of the instrument panel and its main inflation portion and sub-chamber contact the rear surface of the instrument panel.

[0013] The above-described airbag cushion may further include a diffuser provided inside the airbag cushion around the inflator connection portion and covering a part of the inflator, the diffuser having a front opening that guides the gas supplied from the inflator to the front contact portion at the front of the vehicle, and a rear opening that guides the gas supplied from the inflator to the main inflation portion at the rear of the vehicle.

[0014] With the above configuration, by supplying gas to the front contact area and the main expansion area via the diffuser, the front contact area and the main expansion area are rapidly inflated and deployed to make contact with the instrument panel, thereby making it possible to stabilize the posture of the airbag cushion.

[0015] The main expansion portion may have a rear contact portion that bulges forward from a position below the upper surface of the instrument panel and contacts the rear surface of the instrument panel.

[0016] With the above configuration, the main inflation portion is more likely to come into contact with the rear surface of the instrument panel by the rear contact portion. Therefore, with the above configuration, it becomes possible to use the rear surface of the instrument panel as a reaction force surface to further stabilize the posture of the airbag cushion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle airbag system that can improve occupant restraint while reducing the volume of the airbag cushion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an overview of a vehicle airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion. [Figure 3] Figure 1(b) shows an example of the airbag cushion when it is inflated and deployed. [Figure 4]It is a diagram illustrating each panel member forming the airbag cushion of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a diagram illustrating a process of forming a rear protruding portion from the side panel of FIG. 4(b). [Figure 6] It is a diagram illustrating a process in which the airbag cushion of FIG. 3(b) restrains an occupant. [Figure 7] It is a diagram illustrating a state in which the airbag cushion of FIG. 2 restrains an occupant. [Figure 8] It is a C-C cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion of FIG. 6(b). MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit repeated description, and illustrations of elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a vehicle airbag apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) is a diagram illustrating a state of the vehicle airbag apparatus 100 before movement. In the present embodiment, the vehicle airbag apparatus 100 is implemented as a passenger airbag for a front passenger seat in a left-hand drive vehicle, and is provided in front of a seat 104 on the front right side.

[0021] Hereinafter, in FIG. 1(a) and other drawings, the vehicle front-rear direction is indicated by arrows F (Forward) and B (Back), the left and right in the vehicle width direction are indicated by arrows L (Left) and R (Right), and the vehicle vertical direction is indicated by arrows U (Up) and D (Down), respectively. In particular, "upper" refers to the direction of the head as viewed from an occupant seated in a normal posture on the seat, and "lower" refers to the direction of the lower limbs as viewed from the occupant.

[0022] The airbag cushion 108 (see Figure 1(b)) of the vehicle airbag system 100 is stored in a storage compartment 106 provided in the instrument panel 102. The storage compartment 106 is located in front of the seat 104 of the vehicle, and the storage compartment 106 also houses the inflator 110 (see Figure 2), which is a gas generator, along with the airbag cushion 108.

[0023] Figure 1(b) illustrates the vehicle airbag system 100 after deployment, as shown in Figure 1(a). When a collision is predicted or detected, the airbag cushion 108 inflates and deploys from the storage compartment 106 (see Figure 1(a)) toward the front of the seat 104. The airbag cushion 108 is bag-shaped and is formed by overlapping and sewing or bonding multiple panels that make up its surface.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic AA cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 108 in Figure 1(b). Figure 2 also illustrates an occupant 112 seated in a normal position in seat 104.

[0025] The occupant 112 in Figure 2 is an example of a dummy used in automobile crash tests. Examples of dummies that can be used for occupant 112 include the HybridIII AM50 and AF05, which are frontal crash test dummies.

[0026] AM50 is a dummy modeled after a male who is 175cm tall and weighs 78kg, representing a physique suitable for 50% of the average American adult male. AF05 is a model of a petite female, a dummy modeled after a woman who is 145cm tall, sits 79cm tall, and weighs approximately 45kg. Each of these dummies is created according to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) standards.

[0027] The airbag cushion 108 inflates and deploys between the instrument panel 102 and the occupant 112 seated in a normal position in the seat 104 (see Figure 1(b)). In particular, the airbag cushion 108 in this embodiment stands upright, restraining itself on the upper surface 102a and rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102, and inflates and deploys between the upper surface 102a and the windshield 114, and between the rear surface 102b and the occupant 112 in the seat 104, thereby restraining the occupant 112 from the front of the vehicle.

[0028] The airbag cushion 108 is connected to an inflator 110, which is a gas generator, by an inflator connection part 118. The inflator 110 is fixed to the inside of the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102 using stud bolts (not shown), and the part having the gas ejection hole is inserted into the airbag cushion 108 from the inflator connection part 118.

[0029] The inflator 110 moves in response to an impact detection signal sent from a predetermined sensor and supplies gas to the inside of the airbag cushion 108. The airbag cushion 108 begins to inflate due to the gas from the inflator 110, and the resulting inflation pressure causes the cover of the storage compartment 106 to tear open and expand towards the seat 104 (see Figure 1(b)).

[0030] In this embodiment, the inflator 110 is of the disc type (circular shape). Currently available inflators include types that are filled with a gas generating agent and burned to produce gas, types that are filled with compressed gas and supply gas without generating heat, and hybrid types that utilize both combustion gas and compressed gas. Any of these types can be used for the inflator 110.

[0031] The diffuser 116 is a component that rectifies the gas supplied from the inflator 110. The diffuser 116 is positioned around the inflator connection portion 118 inside the airbag cushion 108 and covers the inflator 110 inserted into the airbag cushion 108.

[0032] The diffuser 116 has a front opening 116a and a rear opening 116b as openings for gas to flow through. By guiding the gas in the front-rear direction through these openings, the diffuser 116 makes it possible to efficiently fill the airbag cushion 108 with gas.

[0033] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 108 in the inflated and deployed state shown in Figure 1(b) on its own. Figure 3(a) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 108 shown in Figure 1(b) viewed from the left side in the vehicle width direction.

[0034] The airbag cushion 108 is provided with an inflator connection portion 118, into which a part of the inflator 110 (see Figure 2) is inserted. The inflator connection portion 118 is located on the airbag cushion 108 where it overlaps the instrument panel 102 from above, and in this embodiment, it is located slightly forward of the center of the airbag cushion 108.

[0035] The airbag cushion 108 is provided with a main inflation section 120 as its primary inflation part. The main inflation section 120 is a larger vertical portion formed further rearward than the inflator connection section 118, and provides broad restraint for the occupant 112 (see Figure 2).

[0036] As illustrated in Figure 2, the main inflatable section 120 inflates such that its upper end 120a is located near the windshield 114 and its lower end 120b is located below a virtual line L1 extending rearward from the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102. This allows the main inflatable section 120 to broadly restrain the upper body of the occupant 112, mainly from the head 172 to the chest 184.

[0037] The airbag cushion 108 is provided with a front contact portion 122 as an inflatable part to maintain an upright position. The front contact portion 122 inflates from the inflator connection portion 118 along the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102, protruding in a wedge shape towards the front of the vehicle. The front contact portion 122 fits into the space between the instrument panel 102 and the windshield 114 and makes surface contact with the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102, thereby supporting the upright position of the airbag cushion 108.

[0038] The main inflatable portion 120 is also provided with a rear contact portion 124, which supports the self-supporting posture of the airbag cushion 108. The rear contact portion 124 is provided so as to bulge forward toward the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102, in the front part of the main inflatable portion 120 that is located below the imaginary line L1 (see Figure 2) extending from the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102. The bulging shape of the rear contact portion 124 makes it easier for the main inflatable portion 120 to come into contact with the design surface 232 (see Figure 1(b)) of the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102, especially the vertically extending design surface.

[0039] The diffuser 116 in Figure 2 also helps maintain the self-supporting posture of the airbag cushion 108. Specifically, the diffuser 116 has a front opening 116a that opens toward the front contact portion 122 at the front of the vehicle, and a rear opening 116b that opens toward the main inflation portion 120 at the rear of the vehicle. In other words, the diffuser 116 quickly guides the gas supplied from the inflator 110 to the front contact portion 122 and the main inflation portion 120. As a result, the airbag cushion 108 is able to inflate and deploy the front contact portion 122 and the main inflation portion 120 early and become self-supporting early.

[0040] The cushion upper surface portion 126 is the upper surface of the airbag cushion 108, extending from the front contact portion 122 to the main inflation portion 120. The airbag cushion 108 can also be configured to inflate and deploy with the cushion upper surface portion 126 separated from the windshield 114. This configuration reduces the load that the airbag cushion 108 may place on the windshield 114.

[0041] Figure 3(b) is an example of the airbag cushion 108 shown in Figure 3(a) viewed from above. The main inflatable section 120 is provided with a front protective section 128 that restrains the occupant 112 (see Figure 2) from the front, and a pair of rearward protrusions 130, 132 that restrain the head from the sides.

[0042] The frontal protection section 128 is a region formed vertically within the main inflatable section 120, in the area facing the occupant 112 (see Figure 2) at the rear of the vehicle. The frontal protection section 128 restrains the occupant 112 from the front of the vehicle, from the head 172 to the chest 184 and abdomen 190.

[0043] The pair of rearward projections 130 and 132 are parts that expand outwards from the upper part of the main expansion section 120, protruding toward the rear of the vehicle. The rearward projections 130 and 132 are located on both sides of the front protection section 128 in the vehicle width direction and primarily restrain the temporal region 174 of the occupant 112 (see Figure 6(b)).

[0044] Refer again to Figure 3(a). The airbag cushion 108 is provided with a sub-chamber 220 as an inflatable portion that supports the posture of the main inflatable portion 120. The sub-chamber 220 expands from a portion of the side of the main inflatable portion 120 that is located near the center portion in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 102 (see Figure 2), and contacts the portion of the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 that extends in the vertical direction.

[0045] The main expansion section 120 has a bent section 222 configured to bend and expand along the upper surface 102a and rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 (see Figure 2). The sub-chamber 220 is provided on the side of the main expansion section 120 near the bent section 222. This configuration makes it easy for the sub-chamber 220 to come into contact with the instrument panel 102.

[0046] The airbag cushion 108 has a front contact portion 122 that contacts the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102 (see Figure 2), and the rear contact portion 124 of the main inflation portion 120 and the sub-chamber 220 contact the portion of the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 that extends in the vertical direction, so that these upper surface 102a and rear surface 102b can be used as reaction force surfaces when restraining an occupant.

[0047] Figure 4 is an example of the panel members that form the airbag cushion 108 shown in Figure 3.

[0048] Figure 4(a) is an example showing the main panel 134 of the airbag cushion 108 shown in Figure 3(b) spread out and placed on a flat surface. The main panel 134 is a panel member that forms the cushion upper surface portion 126, the front protective portion 128, and the lower surface of the airbag cushion 108 extending from the main inflation portion 120 to the front contact portion 122.

[0049] The main panel 134 is a long, strip-shaped piece, and its side edges 136 and 138 are joined to the edges of the side panels 152 and 154 in Figures 4(b) and 4(c) by sewing or other means. The ends 140 and 142 of the main panel 134 are joined to each other by sewing or other means.

[0050] Curved sections 144 and 146 are provided on parts of the side edges 136 and 138 of the main panel 134. Inner lobe panels 160 and 162 (see Figures 4(d) and 4(e)) that form the inside of the rearward protruding sections 130 and 132 (see Figure 3(b)) are joined to the curved sections 144 and 146.

[0051] The main panel 134 is provided with an inflator connection section 118 into which the inflator 110 (see Figure 2) is inserted. The inflator connection section 118 is formed on the main panel 134 in a location that overlaps the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102 from above.

[0052] The inflator connection section 118 includes an opening 148 into which the portion of the inflator 110 (see Figure 2) having a gas outlet is inserted, and bolt holes 150 into which stud bolts extending from a retainer ring (not shown) to which the inflator 110 is attached are inserted. The airbag cushion 108 is fixed inside the storage section 106 by connecting the inflator connection section 118 to the inflator 110.

[0053] Figure 4(b) is an example showing the left side panel 152 in the vehicle width direction of Figure 3(b) spread out and placed on a flat surface. The side panel 152 is a panel member that forms the side of the airbag cushion 108 in the vehicle width direction. Together with the right side panel 154 in the vehicle width direction (see Figure 4(c)), the side panel 152 has a symmetrical shape on the left and right sides of the airbag cushion 108 (see Figure 3(b)) in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] The side panel 152 forms the outer side in the vehicle width direction, extending over the main expansion portion 120, the front contact portion 122, and the rear projection portion 130 as shown in Figure 3(a). The side panel 152 is also provided with vent holes 153 for discharging gas.

[0055] If the upper cushion portion 126 (see Figure 2) of the side panel 152 is not in contact with the windshield 114, the dimensions of the side panel 152 may be such that the lower edge 156 forming the lower surface of the front contact portion 122 is in contact with the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102, while the upper edge 158 is not in contact with the windshield 114 (see Figure 2).

[0056] Figure 4(c) is an example showing the right side panel 154 in the vehicle width direction of Figure 3(b) spread out and placed on a flat surface. The side panel 154 has a shape symmetrical to the side panel 152 in Figure 4(b) and has the same configuration as the side panel 152.

[0057] Figure 4(d) is an example showing the inner lobe panel 160 on the left side in the vehicle width direction of Figure 3(b) spread out and placed on a flat surface. The inner lobe panel 160 is a panel member that forms the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the rear projection 130. The inner lobe panel 160 has a shape close to a crescent moon, with the outer circumference 160a joined to the side panel 152 and the inner circumference 160b joined to the main panel 134.

[0058] Figure 4(e) is an example showing the inner lobe panel 162 on the right side in the vehicle width direction of Figure 3(b) spread out and placed on a flat surface. The inner lobe panel 162 has a shape symmetrical to the inner lobe panel 160 in Figure 4(d) and has the same configuration as the inner lobe panel 162.

[0059] Figure 4(f) is an example showing the inner sub-panel 224 of the sub-chamber 220 in Figure 3(a) spread out and placed on a flat surface. The inner sub-panel 224 is a panel member that forms the main expansion portion 120 side of the sub-chamber 220. The inner sub-panel 224 has a shape that is close to a circle with a part missing, and its outer peripheral portion 224a is joined to the outer sub-panel 226 (see Figure 4(g)), and the curved connecting portion 228a on the central side is joined to the side panel 152.

[0060] In Figure 4(b), the connection portion 228b of the side panel 152 to which the inner sub-panel 224 (see Figure 4(f)) is connected is provided along the bent portion 222 of the side panel 152. This configuration allows the sub-chamber 220 to be provided along the bent portion 222 on the side of the main expansion portion 120, making it possible to realize a sub-chamber 220 that can easily contact the instrument panel 102.

[0061] Figure 4(g) is an example showing the outer sub-panel 226 of the sub-chamber 220 in Figure 3(a) spread out and placed on a flat surface. The outer sub-panel 226 has a shape symmetrical to the inner sub-panel 224 in Figure 4(f), and its outer periphery 226a is joined to the outer periphery 224a of the inner sub-panel 162.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates the process of forming the rear projection 130 (see Figure 3(b)) from the side panel 152 in Figure 4(b).

[0063] Figure 5(a) is an example of the side panel 152 shown in Figure 4(b). The area of ​​the side panel 152 shown in shaded areas is the outer lobe panel portion 164 that forms the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear projection 130 (see Figure 3(b)). The outer lobe panel portion 164 has its outer periphery 166 joined to the outer periphery 160a of the inner lobe panel 160 shown in Figure 4(d), and together with the inner lobe panel 160, it forms the rear projection 130.

[0064] The outer lobe panel portion 164, when unfolded and placed on a flat surface, has a larger area than the inner lobe panel 160 (see Figure 4(d)). The outer lobe panel portion 164 is provided with a notch 168 that is cut out toward the center.

[0065] Figure 5(b) shows the side panel 152 in Figure 5(a) with the notch 168 closed. The outer periphery 166 of the outer lobe panel portion 164 is joined to the edge of the notch 168 by sewing or other means, so that it has approximately the same shape and length as the outer periphery 160a of the inner lobe panel 160 (see Figure 4(d)). In this state, the outer periphery 166 of the outer lobe panel portion 164 and the outer periphery 160a of the inner lobe panel 160 are joined together, and a rear projection 130 (see Figure 3(a)) is formed.

[0066] Figure 5(c) is a cross-sectional view of the rear projection 130 corresponding to the BB cross section of the side panel 152 in Figure 5(b). As described above, the outer lobe panel portion 164 has a larger area than the inner lobe panel 160. Furthermore, when the notch 168 is closed, the outer lobe panel portion 164 takes on a three-dimensional shape. In this way, because the outer lobe panel portion 164 has a larger area and a three-dimensional shape than the inner lobe panel 160, the rear projection 130 can secure a larger capacity.

[0067] Figure 6 illustrates the process by which the airbag cushion 108 in Figure 3(b) restrains the occupant 112. Figure 6(a) illustrates the state immediately after the airbag cushion 108 has inflated and deployed.

[0068] The airbag cushion 108 inflates and deploys in front of the occupant 112 seated in seat 104 (see Figure 1(b)). At this time, the airbag cushion 108 not only inflates the front protective portion 128 of the main inflatable portion 120 in front of the occupant 112, but the rear protruding portions 130 and 132 also inflate so that they protrude rearward from both sides of the front protective portion 128 in the vehicle width direction.

[0069] Figure 6(b) shows the occupant 112 in Figure 6(a) entering the airbag cushion 108. In an oblique collision, which is a collision from the front at an angle, the occupant 112 may also move forward at an angle. At this time, the rear protrusions 130 and 132 function suitably to protect the occupant 112.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 6(b), for example, when an occupant 112 enters the vehicle diagonally to the left and forward, the airbag cushion 108 restrains the occupant 112's head 172 from the front of the vehicle with the front protective portion 128, while also restraining the occupant 112's head 172 from the side of the head 174 with the rear projection portion 130.

[0071] In oblique collisions, if the head 172 of an occupant 112 entering at an oblique angle comes into contact only with the front protective section 128, a clockwise rotational force (rotation 176 illustrated by the arrow) may be generated in the head 172 when viewed from above, with the neck as the axis. It has been found that such rotation 176 of the head 172 tends to increase the injury value of the occupant 112.

[0072] In this embodiment, the front protective portion 128 and the rear projection portion 130 actively restrain the area from the front of the head 172 to the temporal region 174, thereby reducing or canceling out and absorbing the rotation 176 that occurs in the head 172. With this configuration, the angular velocity of the rotation 176 of the occupant's head 172 can be reduced, and the injury value of the head 172 associated with the rotation 176 can be suppressed.

[0073] As explained with reference to Figure 5(c), the rear projection 130 has a configuration in which the area of ​​the inner lobe panel 160 is smaller than that of the outer lobe panel portion 164. Therefore, the inner lobe panel 160 is more prone to greater tension than the outer lobe panel portion 164. The same applies to the rear projection 132, which consists of the outer lobe panel portion 165 and the inner lobe panel 162.

[0074] With the above configuration, the rear protrusions 130 and 132 in Figure 6(b) are easily pulled inward by the inner lobe panels 160 and 162, respectively, generating inward forces 180 and 182, making it possible to restrain the occupant's head 172 by enveloping it from both sides. In addition to this effect, the three-dimensional outer lobe panel portion 164 (see Figure 5(c)) further increases the volume of the rear protrusions 130 and 132, enabling the rear protrusions 130 and 132 to exert a high occupant restraint force on the occupant's head 172.

[0075] Figure 7 illustrates how the airbag cushion 108 in Figure 2 restrains the occupant 112. When the occupant 112 enters the front protective section 128, the airbag cushion 108 may generate a force 186 in which the rear contact section 124 of the main inflatable section 120 pushes the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 forward, and a force 188 in which the front contact section 122 pushes the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102 downward.

[0076] More specifically, when the occupant 112 leans forward, a downward rotational force 186 is generated in the main inflatable section 120 around the inflator connection 118, causing the rear contact section 124 to interfere with the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102. Also, when a force is generated from the occupant 112 that lifts the main inflatable section 120, a downward rotational force 188 is generated in the front contact section 122 around the inflator connection 118, causing the front contact section 122 to interfere with the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102.

[0077] As a result of the above action, the airbag cushion 108 makes contact with the upper surface 102a and rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102, and by utilizing these upper surface 102a and rear surface 102b as reaction surfaces, it is possible to restrain the occupant 112 in a stable position. In this way, when restraining an occupant, the airbag cushion 108 can maintain an upright position by making broad use of the instrument panel 102 without using the windshield 114 as a reaction surface.

[0078] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the CC of the airbag cushion 108 shown in Figure 6(b). As described above, the sub-chamber 220 expands from a portion of the side of the main inflation section 120 that is located near the center of the instrument panel 102 in the vehicle width direction, and contacts the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102.

[0079] On the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102, slightly above the center in the vehicle width direction, is a display unit 230, which is an example of an interior component. In addition to the display unit 230, other examples of such interior components include gauges and other instruments.

[0080] In this embodiment, the sub-chamber 220 is capable of contacting the design surface 232 that extends vertically below the display 230 on the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102.

[0081] Refer again to Figure 6(b). In an oblique collision, if the occupant 112 enters towards the center in the width direction of the vehicle, the frontal protection portion 128 restrains the occupant 112's head 172 from the front of the vehicle, and the rear projection portion 130 restrains the occupant 112's head 172 from the side of the head 174. At this time, a force 234 is generated in the sub-chamber 220 from the main expansion portion 120 toward the center in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0082] As illustrated in Figure 8, when the sub-chamber 220 receives a force 234 directed toward the center in the vehicle width direction from the main inflation section 120, it interferes with the design surface 232 of the instrument panel 102. This action allows the airbag cushion 108 to use the design surface 232 as a reaction surface, enabling it to restrain the occupant 112 (see Figure 6(b)) in a stable position without tilting the main inflation section 120.

[0083] Thus, by utilizing the sub-chamber 220, the airbag cushion 108 increases the contact area with the rear surface 102b of the instrument panel 102 without increasing the volume of the main inflatable section 120 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the airbag cushion 108 can effectively restrain the occupant while avoiding interference with the display 230 by keeping the volume of the main inflatable section 120 low, and maintaining the self-supporting position of the main inflatable section 120 with the sub-chamber 220. In addition, because the volume of the airbag cushion 108 is low, it can be inflated and deployed early, and the amount of panel material used is also reduced, making it easy to fold and store.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, the airbag cushion 108 maintains an upright position because the front contact portion 122 contacts the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102, and the rear contact portion 124 of the main inflation portion 120 and the sub-chamber 220 contact the design surface 232 while avoiding the display 230. With this configuration, the airbag cushion 108 can restrain the occupant 112 in a stable position while protecting the interior components installed on the instrument panel 102, such as the display 230. Therefore, with the vehicle airbag device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the occupant restraint force while keeping the volume of the airbag cushion 108 down.

[0085] As illustrated in Figure 2, the airbag cushion 108 rapidly inflates and deploys the front contact portion 122 and the main inflation portion 120 by guiding gas to these portions via the diffuser 116. This also allows the airbag cushion 108 to make contact with the instrument panel 102, stabilizing its position more quickly.

[0086] Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figure 6(b), the airbag cushion 108 utilizes the difference in area between the outer lobe panel portions 164, 165 and the inner lobe panels 160, 162 to generate inward forces 180, 182 on the rear protrusions 130, 132. Compared to conventional methods of forming protrusions on the airbag cushion 108 using tension from internal tethers, this airbag cushion 108 has a simpler structure, reduces the amount of materials and sewing required, and lowers costs. In addition, by omitting internal tethers, gas flows smoothly inside the airbag cushion 108, ensuring rapid inflation and deployment.

[0087] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments described above are preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments can be implemented or carried out in various ways. Unless otherwise stated in this specification as limiting, the present invention is not limited to the detailed shapes, sizes, and configurations of the parts shown in the attached drawings. Furthermore, the expressions and terms used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and are not limited thereto unless otherwise stated as limiting.

[0088] Therefore, it is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0089] The present invention can be used in a vehicle airbag system that includes an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between the vehicle's instrument panel and an occupant seated in the front row. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 100...Vehicle airbag system, 102...Instrument panel, 102a...Top, 102b...Rear, 104...Seat, 106...Storage compartment, 108...Airbag cushion, 110...Inflator, 112...Occupant, 114...Windshield, 116...Diffuser, 116a...Front opening, 116b...Rear opening, 118...Inflator connection, 1 20...Main expansion section, 120a...Upper end, 120b...Lower end, 122...Front contact section, 124...Rear contact section, 126...Upper cushion surface, 128...Front protective section, 130, 132...Rear projection section, 134...Main panel, 136, 138...Side edge, 140, 142...End section, 144, 146...Curved section, 148...Opening, 150...Bolt hole, 152...Side panel, 153 ...Vent hole, 154...Side panel, 155...Vent hole, 156...Lower edge, 158...Upper edge, 160...Inner lobe panel, 160a...Outer perimeter, 160b...Inner perimeter, 162...Inner lobe panel, 164...Outer lobe panel section, 165...Outer lobe panel section, 166...Outer perimeter, 168...Notch, 170...Notch, 172...Head, 174...Temporal head 176...rotation, 180...force, 182...force, 184...chest, 186...force, 188...force, 190...abdomen, 220...sub-chamber, 222...flexed section, 224...inner sub-panel, 224a...outer periphery, 226...outer sub-panel, 226a...outer periphery, 228a...connection section, 228b...connection section, 230...display, 232...design surface, 234...force, L1...virtual line

Claims

1. A vehicle airbag system comprising an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between the instrument panel of the vehicle and an occupant seated in a normal posture in the front seat, and an inflator fixed to the inside of the upper surface of the instrument panel and supplying gas to the airbag cushion, The aforementioned airbag cushion is An inflator connection section into which a part of the inflator is inserted, A main expansion section is formed further rearward than the inflator connection section of the vehicle and expands to a position below the upper surface of the instrument panel, A front protective portion is formed in the area of ​​the main expansion portion that faces the occupant and restrains the occupant from the front of the vehicle, A pair of rearward protrusions are provided on both sides of the front protective section in the vehicle width direction and expand outwards towards the rear of the vehicle, A sub-chamber that bulges out from the side of the main expansion portion near the center of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction and contacts the instrument panel, It has, The airbag cushion is capable of maintaining an upright position by having the main inflation portion and the sub-chamber in contact with the portion of the rear surface of the instrument panel that extends vertically. The main expansion portion has a bent portion configured to bend and expand along the upper and rear surfaces of the instrument panel. The vehicle airbag device is characterized in that the sub-chamber has a connecting portion joined to a portion of the side of the main inflation portion that is aligned with the bent portion.

2. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, further comprising a front contact portion that inflates in a wedge shape from the inflator connection portion and protrudes forward of the vehicle along the upper surface of the instrument panel.

3. The airbag cushion further includes a diffuser provided inside the airbag cushion around the inflator connection portion and covering a part of the inflator. The aforementioned diffuser is A front opening that guides the gas supplied from the inflator to the front contact portion at the front of the vehicle, A rear opening that guides the gas supplied from the inflator to the main expansion section at the rear of the vehicle, The vehicle airbag device according to claim 2, characterized by having the following features.

4. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that the main inflation portion has a rear contact portion that expands forward from a position below the upper surface of the instrument panel and contacts the rear surface of the instrument panel.

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