Passenger restraint device
The passenger restraint device uses a tension cloth and support groove to accurately position the airbag during inflation and deployment, addressing the issue of deviation in existing systems and enhancing occupant restraint.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AUTOLIV DEV AB
- Filing Date
- 2021-06-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing airbag systems struggle to accurately adjust the position of the airbag during inflation and deployment due to deviation from the intended position, which can compromise the effectiveness of the tension cloth in positioning the airbag correctly.
A passenger restraint device with a tension cloth fixed to the vehicle seat and equipped with a protective support groove in the airbag to retain and support the tension cloth during inflation and deployment, ensuring accurate positioning of the airbag.
The device ensures precise adjustment and deployment of the airbag, preventing deviation and effectively restraining the occupant by maintaining the airbag's position relative to the passenger.
Smart Images
Figure 112023020022780-PCT00004_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger restraint device having an airbag.
[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese application No. 2020-127516 filed on July 28, 2020, and incorporates all contents described in the said Japanese application. Background Technology
[0003] Airbag systems have recently become widely available. An airbag is a device that activates in emergencies, such as vehicle collisions, where gas pressure inflates and deploys the airbag to catch and restrain the occupant, thereby providing protection. There are various types of airbag systems depending on their installation location or intended use.
[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a side airbag device that is installed on both sides of a vehicle seat and inflates and deploys from the side of the passenger. Prior art literature
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-034356 The problem to be solved
[0006] Meanwhile, for the airbag to inflate and deploy to catch the occupant, the airbag needs to be in its intended position.
[0007] Regarding this, a technique is known for adjusting the position of an inflating and deploying airbag using a tension cloth. In this technique, when the airbag inflates and deploys, the tension cloth surrounds the outer side of the airbag to provide protection and support, thereby bringing it closer to the occupant.
[0008] Meanwhile, when the tension cloth brings the inflating airbag closer to the occupant side, if the airbag deviates from its intended position, it may become impossible for the tension cloth to accurately adjust the airbag's position.
[0009] However, the technology related to the aforementioned patent document 1 cannot solve such problems.
[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances and aims to provide a passenger restraint device in which the tension cloth can more accurately adjust the position of the airbag when the airbag is inflated and deployed. means of solving the problem
[0011] The passenger restraint device according to the present invention comprises a tension cloth, the two ends of which are respectively fixed to the upper and lower parts of a vehicle seat and which inflates and deploys an airbag from the side of a passenger seated on the seat and moves toward the passenger, wherein the airbag is characterized by having a protective support groove formed therein to protect and support the tension cloth during inflatation and deployment. Effects of the invention
[0012] According to the present invention, when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the position of the airbag can be adjusted more accurately. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the state in which a passenger restraint device according to Embodiment 1 is installed on a vehicle seat. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed in the passenger restraint device. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the inflated and deployed airbag. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag along the line VV of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which an airbag is inflated and deployed in the passenger restraint device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the inflated and deployed airbag. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag along the line IX-IX of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag along the line XX of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag along the line XI-XI of FIG. 12 is an embodiment FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the airbag is inflated and deployed in the passenger restraint device. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the airbag is inflated and deployed in the passenger restraint device according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the airbag is inflated and deployed in the passenger restraint device according to Embodiment 5. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0014] A passenger restraint device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0015] A passenger restraint device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle seat.
[0016] (Embodiment 1)
[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the state in which a passenger restraint device (100) according to embodiment 1 is installed on a seat (5) of a vehicle. FIG. 1 shows the state before the airbag is inflated and deployed. For convenience, the following description will be carried out using the front, back, left, right, up, and down directions defined in the drawings.
[0018] The seat (5) has a seat cushion (8) on which a passenger sits, and a seat back (4) that stands upright from the rear of the seat cushion (8) to support the passenger's back. The lower end of the seat back (4) is installed at the rear end of the seat cushion (8) and is rotatably supported by a shaft (6) extending in the left and right directions. Accordingly, the seat back (4) can rotate in the front and rear directions around the shaft (6) to adjust the angle.
[0019] A headrest portion (7) is installed on the upper part of the seat back (4) to allow standing from the center in the left and right directions. The headrest portion (7) supports the head of a passenger sitting on the seat cushion (8).
[0020] The passenger restraint device (100) includes an airbag module (1a, 1b) that accommodates an airbag within a case, and a tension cloth (2a, 2b) that performs position adjustment of the airbag being inflated and deployed.
[0021] An airbag module (1a) is installed on the left side of the seat back (4), and an airbag module (1b) is installed on the right side of the seat back (4). The airbag modules (1a, 1b) are positioned between the frame (not shown) inside the seat back (4) and the cover covering the frame.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which an airbag module (1b) is installed on the right side of the seat back (4) and an airbag module (1a) is installed on the left side of the seat back (4), but this is not limited to this, and only one of the airbag modules (1a, 1b) may be installed.
[0023] Each airbag module (1a, 1b) is equipped with a bag chain airbag (3) (see FIG. 2) and an inflator (not shown) that injects gas into the airbag (3).
[0024] The airbag (3) is formed by sewing the periphery of two panels together, and, for example, the inflator is placed inside the airbag (3). When a vehicle collides, the passenger restraint device (100) inflates and deploys the airbag (3) in the forward direction to catch and protect the passenger.
[0025] In FIG. 1, for convenience, the tension cloths (2a, 2b) are shown as dotted lines. The tension cloths (2a, 2b) are strip-shaped with a predetermined width, and the tension cloth (2a) is installed on the left side of the seat back (4), and the tension cloth (2b) is installed on the right side of the seat back (4).
[0026] The upper portion (21a) of the tension cloth (2a) is fixed to the upper surface (41) of the seat back (4) at the fixed position (F1) of the frame of the seat back (4) on the left side of the headrest portion (7). The upper portion (21b) of the tension cloth (2b) is fixed to the upper surface (41) of the seat back (4) at the fixed position (F2) of the frame of the seat back (4) on the right side of the headrest portion (7).
[0027] Meanwhile, the lower portion (22a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the lower portion (22b) of the tension cloth (2b) are held and supported by a lower fixing portion (81) installed on the central side of the front portion of the seat cushion (8). The lower fixing portion (81) includes, for example, two metal plates, and the lower portions (22a, 22b) of the tension cloths (2a, 2b) are sandwiched between these metal plates.
[0028] Tension sheets (2a, 2b) are positioned on the inner side of these sides extending from the seat back (4) to the seat cushion (8). Tension sheet (2a) is positioned from the left side of the seat back (4) to the left side of the seat cushion (8), and tension sheet (2b) is positioned from the right side of the seat back (4) to the right side of the seat cushion (8).
[0029] Each tension sheet (2a, 2b) has its middle portion pass through the airbag module (1a, 1b) respectively and is coupled to each airbag (3) within the airbag module (1a, 1b) as described below.
[0030] In the passenger restraint device (100) according to embodiment 1, when the vehicle collides or receives a large impact, the airbag (3) instantly bursts the cover of the seat back (4) and expands and deploys to the front side of the seat (5). Additionally, simultaneously with the expansion and deployment of the airbag (3), the tension cloths (2a, 2b) protrude from both sides of the seat (5) together with the corresponding airbag (3) and support the expanding airbag (3), thereby positioning the airbag (3) to the center side of the seat back (4), that is, the seat cushion (8) to the passenger side.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which an airbag (3) is inflated and deployed in a passenger restraint device (100). FIG. 2 shows only the inflated and deployed state of the airbag (3) on the left side of the passenger (P) sitting on the seat cushion (8) for convenience. However, in reality, the airbags (3) are inflated and deployed simultaneously on both the left and right sides of the passenger (P), and the airbag (3) on the left is positioned by the tension cloth (2a), and the airbag (3) on the right is positioned by the tension cloth (2b) (see FIG. 3).
[0032] In the following, the operation and function of the left tension cloth (2a) of the sheet (5) will be explained using FIG. 2, and the explanation regarding the right tension cloth (2b) will be omitted.
[0033] In the event of a collision, as shown in FIG. 2, the left airbag (3) expands and deploys toward the front of the seat (5) by bursting the cover from the inner side (42) of the seatback (4). Additionally, simultaneously with the expansion and deployment of the airbag (3), the tension cloth (2a) also pops out and surrounds the outer side of the expanding airbag (3), positioning it toward the center of the seatback (4), that is, toward the passenger (P) sitting on the seat cushion (8), thereby catching and restraining the passenger (P) to protect them.
[0034] At this time, the tension cloth (2a) inevitably comes into partial contact with the outer surface of the airbag (3). In the passenger restraint device (100) according to embodiment 1, the tension cloth (2a) is sewn to the airbag (3) and joined at a predetermined location among the contact portions between the airbag (3) and the tension cloth (2a).
[0035] In the example of FIG. 2, the tension cloth (2a) is sewn to the airbag (3) at two joints (23a, 24a) indicated by an 'X' mark. The joint (23a) is located below the joint (24a).
[0036] In addition, in the passenger restraint device (100), a retaining support groove (9a) is formed at the lower part of the airbag (3), which is lower than the coupling part (23a), to retain and support the tension cloth (2a), as described below. When the airbag (3) inflates and deploys, the retaining support groove (9a) receives and retains the tension cloth (2a) and prevents the airbag (3) from deviating from its normal position.
[0037] Here, the lower part of the airbag (3) refers to the area from the bottom of the airbag (3) that has been inflated and deployed to the part of the airbag (3) that has been inflated to its maximum extent in the vehicle width direction. It generally refers to the part lower than the middle part of the airbag (3) in the vertical direction, but is not necessarily limited to that.
[0038] In addition, the upper part of the airbag (3) refers to the area from the upper part of the airbag (3) that has been inflated and deployed to the part of the airbag (3) that has been inflated to its maximum extent in the vehicle width direction. It generally refers to the part above the middle part of the airbag (3) in the vertical direction, but is not necessarily limited to that.
[0039] In addition, the part of the airbag (3) that is most inflated in the vehicle width direction is the part of the contact area where the inflated airbag (3) comes into contact with the tension sheet (2a, 2b), and it may be different from the part of the airbag (3) that is most inflated.
[0040] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an inflated airbag (3), FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag (3) along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section of the airbag (3) along the line VV of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a view taken from below, and in FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, the occupant (P) is shown as a dotted line. Also, in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the tension cloth (2a) is shown as a dotted line for convenience.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag (3) along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, the tension cloth (2a) is shown as a dashed line for convenience.
[0042] The airbag (3) is a pouch formed by joining a first panel (3a) (contact portion) and a second panel (3b) (non-contact portion) of roughly the same shape by a surrounding seam. The first panel (3a) and the second panel (3b) are, for example, circular. Thus, the airbag (3) is restricted in expansion by the seam (34) during inflation and deployment, and upon completion of inflation and deployment, the airbag (3) forms a roughly elliptical shape when viewed in longitudinal and transverse sections.
[0043] When the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the first panel (3a) and the second panel (3b) face each other, the first panel (3a) is combined with the tension cloth (2a) as described above, and the second panel (3b) faces the passenger (P). In FIGS. 4 and 5, the seam (34) of the airbag (3) is shown as a dashed line.
[0044] Additionally, the airbag (3) is equipped with an internal tether (32) that regulates the shape of the airbag (3) during inflation and deployment. Furthermore, as described below, a retaining support groove (9a) is formed in the first panel (3a) and a groove (9b) is formed in the second panel (3b) at the bottom of the airbag (3). The retaining support groove (9a) and the groove (9b) are formed by the internal tether (32).
[0045] For convenience of explanation, the following description uses the case where the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed.
[0046] As described above, the inner tether (32) is installed on the inner side of the airbag (3). The inner tether (32) has a roughly trapezoidal seat shape and is installed on the lower side of the airbag (3) with the shorter of the two roughly parallel sides facing downward and the longer side facing upward (see FIG. 5). The inner tether (32) is installed at a predetermined distance from the lower part of the airbag (3).
[0047] An inner tether (32) is installed between the first panel (3a) and the second panel (3b). Of the two sides of the inner tether (32) adjacent to the short side, one side is sewn to the bottom of the first panel (3a) and the other side is sewn to the bottom of the second panel (3b). By doing so, a seam (35a) is formed on the first panel (3a) and a seam (35b) is formed on the second panel (3b) (see FIGS. 3 and 4).
[0048] In addition, as described above, since the inner sides of the first panel (3a) and the second panel (3b) are constrained to the inner tether (32), when the airbag (3) expands, the expansion of the airbag (3) in the opposing direction of the first panel (3a) and the second panel (3b) (hereinafter, the thickness direction of the airbag (3)) is restricted.
[0049] In particular, the first panel (3a) is joined to the inner tether (32) at the lower seam (35a), and the second panel (3b) is joined to the inner tether (32) at the lower seam (35b). Accordingly, in the first panel (3a), other parts can be expanded relatively freely except for the part facing the seam (35a), and in the second panel (3b), other parts can be expanded relatively freely except for the part corresponding to the seam (35b).
[0050] That is, when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the lower part of the first panel (3a) and the lower part of the second panel (3b) are pulled together through the internal tether (32), so the part regarding the seam (35a) and the area around the seam (35a) in the first panel (3a), and the part regarding the seam (35b) and the area around the seam (35b) in the second panel (3b) are concave. As a result, a retaining support groove (9a) is formed in the first panel (3a) and a groove (9b) is formed in the second panel (3b).
[0051] In other words, in the first panel (3a), a retaining support groove (9a) is formed in the part corresponding to the inner tether (32) (seam (35a)). Also, in the second panel (3b), a groove (9b) is formed in the part corresponding to the inner tether (32) (seam (35b)) (see FIG. 4). In FIG. 5, the outer side of the area enclosed by the dashed line corresponds to the retaining support groove (9a) and the groove (9b).
[0052] In addition, as described above, the inner tether (32) is approximately trapezoidal and has a predetermined dimension in the height direction. Accordingly, the seam (35a) and seam (35b) are formed over a predetermined range in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the retaining support groove (9a) and groove (9b) extend over a predetermined range in the vertical direction. Furthermore, since the inner tether (32) is approximately trapezoidal, the dimension in the direction intersecting the height direction (hereinafter, width direction) gradually decreases downward.
[0053] Additionally, as described above, the area around the seam (35a) in the first panel (3a) and the area around the seam (35b) in the second panel (3b) are concave, and the internal tether (32) gradually decreases in the width direction downward. As a result, at the bottom of the airbag (3), the retaining support groove (9a) of the first panel (3a) and the groove (9b) of the second panel (3b) are connected, and a concave portion (36) is formed at the bottom of the airbag (3).
[0054] As described above, in the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 1, a retaining support groove (9a) is formed to extend in the vertical direction at the lower part of the first panel (3a) that contacts the tension sheet (2a) when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed. When the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the tension sheet (2a) is received within the retaining support groove (9a) (see FIG. 4). At this time, while the two ends in the width direction of the tension sheet (2a) are in contact with the first panel (3a) within the retaining support groove (9a), a gap exists between the central part excluding the two ends and the first panel (3a).
[0055] Accordingly, the tension cloth (2a) can slide along the length direction of the first panel (3a) within the holding support groove (9a) (see FIG. 6). Additionally, the movement of the tension cloth (2a) in the width direction of the holding support groove (9a) is restricted.
[0056] Therefore, when inflating, the lower part of the airbag (3) can be prevented from separating from the tension cloth (2a) and moving away from the intended position, and the tension cloth (2a) can reliably press the airbag (3) toward the passenger (P) to perform position adjustment.
[0057] The position of the inner tether (32) is not limited to the position exemplified in FIGS. 4-6. The inner tether (32) is installed so that a retaining support groove (9a) is formed at the position where the tension cloth (2a) must contact to accurately bring the airbag (3) that is inflated and deployed toward the passenger (P).
[0058] Also, as described above, the inner tether (32) is approximately trapezoidal and its dimensions in the width direction gradually decrease downward. Meanwhile, the lower end (22a) of the tension cloth (2a) is held and supported by a lower fixing part (81) installed on the central side of the entire seat cushion (8) (see FIG. 1).
[0059] That is, the closer the holding support groove (9a) is to the lower part (22a) (lower fixing part (81)) of the tension cloth (2a), the closer it is to the lower part of the airbag (3). Therefore, when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the tension cloth (2a) is easily accommodated in the holding support groove (9a).
[0060] Furthermore, since a retaining support groove (9a) is installed at the bottom of the airbag (3) and a concave portion (36) is formed at the bottom of the airbag (3), when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, a tension cloth (2a) is inserted into the retaining support groove (9a) and the concave portion (36), and the airbag (3) is lifted and positioned more accurately at a desired location close to the head of the passenger (P).
[0061] And as described above, by pre-connecting the airbag (3) and the tension cloth (2a) at the connecting parts (23a, 24a), the position adjustment of the inflating airbag (3) can be adjusted more stably.
[0062] In the above description, the case where the tension cloth (2a) has two connecting parts (23a, 24a) was explained as an example, but it is not limited to this. The connecting parts (23a, 24a) are not mandatory and may be omitted.
[0063] In addition, the above description was given as an example where the tension cloth (2a) has two connecting parts (23a, 24a), but it is not limited to this. The connecting part of the tension cloth (2a) may be one place or three or more places.
[0064] In the above description, the case where two connecting parts (23a, 24a) in the tension cloth (2a) are installed in a narrow area of a pin point was described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, each connecting part (23a, 24a) may be installed over a predetermined range along the length direction of the tension cloth (2a).
[0065] In the above description, the case where the tension cloth (2a, 2b) is sewn to the airbag (3) was explained as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the tension cloth (2a) may be fixed to the airbag (3) by an adhesive, or it may be fixed using a cotton fastener, etc.
[0066] In addition, the above description uses the case where the tension fabric (2a, 2b) is in the shape of a strip as an example, but it is not limited to this. The tension fabric (2a, 2b) may be a fabric with a wide width or a fabric with a wide surface area.
[0067] (Embodiment 2)
[0068] In embodiment 1, the case in which one tension cloth (2a, 2b) is installed for each airbag (3) was described as an example, but it is not limited to this.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed in the passenger restraint device (100) according to embodiment 2. FIG. 7 shows only the inflated and deployed state of the airbag (3) on the left side of the passenger (P) for convenience, but in reality, the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed equally on both the left and right sides of the passenger (P).
[0070] In the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 2, the left airbag (3) is positioned by the tension cloth (2a, 2b), and the right airbag (3) is positioned by the tension cloth (2a, 2b) (see FIG. 8).
[0071] In the following, only an example of the inflation and deployment of the airbag (3) on the left side of the passenger (P) will be explained using FIG. 7.
[0072] The upper portion (21a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the upper portion (21c) of the tension cloth (2c) are fixed to the upper part of the seat back (4). Additionally, the lower portion (22a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the lower portion (22c) of the tension cloth (2c) are held and supported by the lower fixed portion (81) on the front central side of the seat cushion (8) (see FIG. 1). The tension cloths (2a, 2c) are placed together on the left side of the seat (5).
[0073] In the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 2, the tension cloth (2a) has two connecting parts (23a, 24a) and the tension cloth (2c) has two connecting parts (23c, 24c). Among the connecting parts (23a) and (24a), the connecting part (23a) is located lower than the connecting part (24a), and among the connecting parts (23c) and (24c), the connecting part (23c) is located lower than the connecting part (24c).
[0074] In addition, in the passenger restraint device (100), a retaining support groove (9c) is installed at the bottom of the airbag (3) below the connecting part (23a) of the tension cloth (2a) to receive and retain support the tension cloth (2a) when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, and a retaining support groove (9d) is installed at the bottom of the airbag (3) below the connecting part (23c) of the tension cloth (2c) to receive and retain support the tension cloth (2c) when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed. The retaining support grooves (9c, 9d) each receive and retain support the tension cloths (2a, 2c) when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, and prevent the airbag (3) from deviating from the intended position.
[0075] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the airbag (3) that has been inflated and deployed, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag (3) along the line IX-IX of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a longitudinal section of the airbag (3) along the line XX of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a view taken from below, and in FIG. 10, for convenience of explanation, the occupant (P) is shown as a dotted line. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section of the airbag (3) along the line XI-XI of FIG. 10. For convenience, the tension cloths (2a, 2c) are shown as dotted lines in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 and as dashed lines in FIG. 11.
[0076] The airbag (3) is a pouch formed by joining a first panel (3a) and a second panel (3b) of roughly the same shape by a seam. The first panel (3a) and the second panel (3b) are, for example, circular. Therefore, when the airbag (3) is inflated, the inflation is restricted by the seam (34), and when inflation is complete, the airbag (3) forms a roughly elliptical shape when viewed in the longitudinal and transverse sections.
[0077] When the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the first panel (3a) and the second panel (3b) face each other, the first panel (3a) is combined with the tension sheet (2a, 2c), and the second panel (3b) faces the passenger (P). In FIGS. 9 and 10, the seam (34) of the airbag (3) is shown as a dashed line.
[0078] Additionally, the airbag (3) is equipped with internal tethers (32a, 32b), and as described below, a retaining support groove (9c, 9d) is formed in the first panel (3a) and a groove (9e, 9f) is formed in the second panel (3b) of the lower part of the airbag (3). The retaining support grooves (9c, 9d, 9e, 9f) are formed by the internal tethers (32a, 32b).
[0079] For convenience of explanation, the following description uses the case where the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed.
[0080] As described above, the inner tether (32a, 32b) is installed on the inner side of the airbag (3). The inner tether (32a, 32b) has a roughly trapezoidal seat shape and is installed on the lower side of the airbag (3) with the shorter of the two roughly parallel sides facing downward and the longer side facing upward (see FIG. 10). The inner tether (32a, 32b) is installed at a predetermined distance from the lower end of the airbag. The inner tether (32a, 32b) is installed at a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction.
[0081] An inner tether (32a, 32b) is installed between the first panel (3a) and the second panel (3b). One of the two sides adjacent to the short side of the inner tether (32a, 32b) is sewn to the bottom of the first panel (3a) and the other side is sewn to the bottom of the second panel (3b). A seam (35c, 35d) is formed on the first panel (3a) and a seam (35e, 35f) is formed on the second panel (3b) (see FIG. 8 and 9).
[0082] In addition, as described above, since the inner sides of the first panel (3a) and the second panel (3b) are constrained by the inner tether (32a, 32b), the airbag (3) is restricted from expanding in the thickness direction during expansion.
[0083] In particular, the first panel (3a) is joined to the inner tether (32a, 32b) at the lower seam (35c, 35d), and the second panel (3b) is joined to the inner tether (32a, 32b) at the lower seam (35e, 35f). Therefore, in the first panel (3a), other parts can be expanded relatively freely except for the parts corresponding to the seam (35c, 35d), and in the second panel (3b), other parts can be expanded relatively freely except for the parts corresponding to the seam (35e, 35f).
[0084] That is, when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the lower part of the first panel (3a) and the lower part of the second panel (3b) are pulled together through the internal tether (32a, 32b), so the part related to the seam (35c, 35d) and the area around the seam (35c, 35d) in the first panel (3a), and the part related to the seam (35e, 35f) and the area around the seam (35e, 35f) in the second panel (3b) become concave. As a result, a retaining support groove (9c, 9d) is formed in the first panel (3a) and a groove (9e, 9f) is formed in the second panel (3b).
[0085] In other words, in the first panel (3a), a retaining support groove (9c, 9d) is formed in the part corresponding to the inner tether (32a, 32b) (seam (35c, 35d)). Also, in the second panel (3b), a groove (9e, 9f) is formed in the part corresponding to the inner tether (32a, 32b) (seam (35e, 35f)) (see FIG. 9). Also, in FIG. 10, the outer side of the area (A, C) enclosed by dashed lines corresponds to the retaining support groove (9c, 9d), and the outer side of the area (B, D) enclosed by dashed lines corresponds to the groove (9e, 9f).
[0086] In addition, as described above, since each inner tether (32a, 32b) is approximately trapezoidal, the seams (35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) are formed over a predetermined range in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the retaining support grooves (9c, 9d, 9e, 9f) extend over a predetermined range in the vertical direction. Furthermore, since the inner tethers (32a, 32b) are approximately trapezoidal, the dimensions in the width direction gradually decrease downward.
[0087] In addition, as described above, the area around the seam (35c, 35d) in the first panel (3a) and the area around the seam (35e, 35f) in the second panel (3b) are concave, and the internal tether (32a, 32b) gradually decreases in the width direction toward the bottom. Accordingly, the retaining support groove (9c, 9d) of the first panel (3a) and the groove (9e, 9f) of the second panel (3b) are connected at the bottom of the airbag (3), and two concave portions (36a, 36b) are formed at the bottom of the airbag (3).
[0088] As described above, in the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 2, when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, a retaining support groove (9c, 9d) is formed to extend in the vertical direction on the first panel (3a). When the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the tension cloth (2a, 2c) is received within the retaining support groove (9c, 9d) (see FIG. 9). At this time, in the tension cloth (2a), both ends in the width direction are in contact with the first panel (3a) within the retaining support groove (9c), whereas a gap exists between the central part excluding both ends and the first panel (3a). Also, in the tension cloth (2c), both ends in the width direction are in contact with the first panel (3a) within the retaining support groove (9d), whereas a gap exists between the central part excluding both ends and the first panel (3a) (see FIG. 9).
[0089] Accordingly, the tension sheet (2a) can be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the first panel (3a) within the retaining support groove (9c), and the tension sheet (2c) can be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the retaining support groove (9d) within the retaining support groove (9d) (see FIG. 11).
[0090] Additionally, the movement of the tensioning sheet (2a) in the width direction of the retaining support groove (9c) is restricted, and the movement of the tensioning sheet (2c) in the width direction of the retaining support groove (9d) is restricted.
[0091] Therefore, when inflating and deploying, the lower part of the airbag (3) can be prevented from separating from the tension sheet (2a, 2c) and moving away from the intended position, and the tension sheet (2a, 2c) can reliably press the airbag (3) toward the passenger (P) to perform position adjustment.
[0092] In addition, internal tethers (32a, 32b) are each installed so that a retaining support groove (9c, 9d) is formed at a position where the tension cloth (2a, 2c) inflates and deploys the airbag (3) to accurately approach the passenger (P).
[0093] In addition, as described above, the inner tether (32a, 32b) is approximately trapezoidal, and its dimensions in the width direction gradually decrease downward. That is, the closer the holding support groove (9c, 9d) is to the lower end (22a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the lower end (22c) of the tension cloth (2c), i.e., the lower fixing part (81), the closer it is to the lower end of the airbag (3). Therefore, when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the tension cloth (2a, 2c) is easily accommodated in the holding support groove (9c, 9d).
[0094] In addition, since the retaining support grooves (9c, 9d) are installed at the bottom of the airbag (3) and the concave portions (36a, 36b) are formed at the bottom of the airbag (3), when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the tension cloth (2a) is fitted into the retaining support grooves (9c) and the concave portion (36a), and the tension cloth (2c) is fitted into the retaining support grooves (9d) and the concave portion (36b), thereby lifting the airbag (3) and positioning it more accurately at a desired location close to the head of the passenger (P).
[0095] And as described above, by pre-connecting the airbag (3) and the tension cloth (2a) at the connecting parts (23a, 24a) and pre-connecting the airbag (3) and the tension cloth (2c) at the connecting parts (23c, 24c), the position adjustment of the inflating and deploying airbag (3) can be adjusted more stably.
[0096] And as described above, two tension sheets (2a, 2c) perform position adjustment for one airbag (3), and by pre-connecting the airbag (3) and the two tension sheets (2a, 2c) at the connecting parts (23a, 24a, 23c, 24c), the position adjustment of the inflating airbag (3) can be adjusted even more stably.
[0097] In the above description, the case in which two tension sheets (2a, 2c) are installed for one airbag (3) was explained as an example, but it is not limited to this, and three or more tension sheets may be installed for one airbag (3).
[0098] For parts identical to those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed descriptions are omitted.
[0099] (Embodiment 3)
[0100] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed in the passenger restraint device (100) according to embodiment 3. FIG. 12 shows only the inflated and deployed state of the airbag (3) on the left side of the passenger (P). In reality, since the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed equally on both the left and right sides of the passenger (P), FIG. 12 will be used to explain only the example of the inflated and deployed state of the airbag (3) on the left side of the passenger (P) below.
[0101] In the passenger restraint device (100) of the embodiment (3), a tension cloth (2a, 2c) is installed on one airbag (3) on the left side. The upper part (21a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the upper part (21c) of the tension cloth (2c) are fixed to a fixed position (F1) (see FIG. 1) of the seat back (4).
[0102] In addition, the lower portion (22a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the lower portion (22c) of the tension cloth (2c) are retained and supported by the lower fixed portion (81) (see FIG. 1) on the front central side of the seat cushion (8). The tension cloths (2a, 2c) are placed together on the left side of the seat (5).
[0103] The tension cloth (2a) has two connecting parts (23a, 24a), and the connecting part (23a) is located below the connecting part (24a). Also, the tension cloth (2c) has two connecting parts (23c, 24c), and the connecting part (23c) is located below the connecting part (24c).
[0104] In the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 3, the upper portions of the tension cloths (2a, 2c) are integrated. That is, the upper portion (21a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the upper portion (21c) of the tension cloth (2c) are sewn together, for example, over a predetermined range, and an integrated portion (2e) is formed. The integrated portion (2e) is formed between the connecting portion (24a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the connecting portion (24c) of the tension cloth (2c) and the fixed position (F1) on the upper part of the seat back (4). Additionally, the integrated portion (2e) may be formed using an adhesive.
[0105] In addition, in the passenger restraint device (100), a holding support groove (9c) is installed at the bottom of the airbag (3), which is lower than the connecting part (23a) of the tension cloth (2a), as in embodiment 2, to receive and hold the tension cloth (2a). A holding support groove (9d) is installed at the bottom of the airbag (3), which is lower than the connecting part (23c) of the tension cloth (2c), to receive and hold the tension cloth (2c). The holding support grooves (9c, 9d) restrain the airbag (3) to the tension cloth (2a, 2c) so that when the airbag (3) inflates and deploys, the airbag (3) does not deviate from the intended position.
[0106] The configuration of the retaining support grooves (9c, 9d) is the same as in embodiment 2, so a detailed description is omitted.
[0107] As described above, in the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 3, when inflated and deployed, a retaining support groove (9c, 9d) is formed in the airbag (3), and the tension sheet (2a, 2c) is retained and supported in the retaining support groove (9c, 9d), so the airbag (3) is restrained by the tension sheet (2a, 2c). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lower part of the airbag (3) from separating from the tension sheet (2a, 2c) and deviating from the intended position. Thus, the tension sheet (2a, 2c) can reliably position the airbag (3) close to the passenger (P).
[0108] In addition, a retaining support groove (9c, 9d) is formed at a position where the tension cloth (2a, 2c) must make contact to accurately bring the airbag (3) that is inflating and deploying toward the passenger (P). Therefore, when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the tension cloth (2a, 2c) is easily accommodated in the retaining support groove (9c, 9d).
[0109] In addition, in the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 3, as described above, the upper part (21a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the upper part (21c) of the tension cloth (2c) are sewn together over a predetermined range to form an integrated part (2e).
[0110] Therefore, it is easier to place the tension cloths (2a, 2c) on the side of the seat back (4). Also, when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the upper part (21a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the upper part (21c) of the tension cloth (2c) pop out together, so the position of the airbag (3) can be adjusted earlier.
[0111] In addition, the above description explains the case where only the upper part (21a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the upper part (21c) of the tension cloth (2c) are integrated, but it is not limited to these. The lower part (22a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the lower part (22c) of the tension cloth (2c) may also be integrated together.
[0112] For parts identical to those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed descriptions are omitted.
[0113] (Embodiment 4)
[0114] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed in the passenger restraint device (100) according to embodiment 4. FIG. 13 shows only the inflated and deployed airbag (3) on the left side of the passenger (P) for convenience. In reality, since the airbag (3) inflates equally on both the left and right sides of the passenger (P), FIG. 13 will be used to explain only the example of the inflated and deployed airbag (3) on the left side of the passenger (P) below.
[0115] In the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 4, a tension cloth (2a, 2c) is installed on one airbag (3) on the left side. The upper part (21a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the upper part (21c) of the tension cloth (2c) are fixed to the upper part of the seat bag (4).
[0116] Meanwhile, the lower portion (22a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the lower portion (22c) of the tension cloth (2c) are each supported and held in the lower fixed portion (81) (see FIG. 1) of the seat cushion (8) via pretensioner mechanisms (25a, 25b) (tension applying mechanisms). The pretensioner mechanisms (25a, 25b) each apply tension to the tension cloths (2a, 2c).
[0117] The pretensioner mechanism (25a) is installed between the lower end (22a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the lower fixing part (81) of the seat cushion (8), and the pretensioner mechanism (25b) is installed between the lower end (22c) of the tension cloth (2c) and the lower fixing part (81) of the seat cushion (8).
[0118] The pretensioner mechanism (25a, 25b) has the same configuration as a buckle pretensioner used to pull the buckle of a vehicle seat belt in response to an impact. The pretensioner mechanism (25a, 25b) applies tension by pulling the tension cloth (2a, 2c) toward the lower fixing part (81) when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed.
[0119] In the same manner as in embodiment 2, the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 4 has a tension cloth (2a) with two connecting parts (23a, 24a) and a tension cloth (2c) with two connecting parts (23c, 24c).
[0120] In addition, in the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 4, similar to embodiment 2, when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, a holding support groove (9c, 9d) is formed at the bottom of the airbag (3) to receive and support the tension cloth (2a, 2c), respectively. A holding support groove (9c) that supports the tension cloth (2a) is formed below the coupling portion (23a) of the tension cloth (2a), and a holding support groove (9d) that supports the tension cloth (2c) is formed below the coupling portion (23c) of the tension cloth (2c).
[0121] By having the above configuration, the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 4 can prevent the lower part of the airbag (3) from separating from the tension cloth (2a, 2c) and moving away from the intended position, and the tension cloth (2a, 2c) can accurately position the airbag (3) toward the passenger (P).
[0122] In addition, in the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 4, when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, the pretensioner mechanism (25a, 25b) pulls the tension cloth (2a, 2c) toward the lower fixing part (81), respectively, thereby increasing the force with which the tension cloth (2a, 2c) presses the airbag (3) toward the passenger (P). Therefore, the airbag (3) can be positioned toward the passenger (P) more quickly and reliably, and the passenger (P) can be protected.
[0123] For parts identical to those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed descriptions are omitted.
[0124] (Embodiment 5)
[0125] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed in the passenger restraint device (100) according to embodiment 5. FIG. 14 shows only the inflated and deployed airbag (3) on the left side of the passenger (P) for convenience. In reality, since the airbag (3) inflates equally on both the left and right sides of the passenger (P), FIG. 14 will be used to explain only the example of the inflated and deployed airbag (3) on the left side of the passenger (P) below.
[0126] Also, in FIG. 14, for convenience, only the seat cushion (8) is shown in a cross-sectional view.
[0127] In the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 5, a tension cloth (2a, 2c) is installed on one left airbag (3). The upper part (21a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the upper part (21c) of the tension cloth (2c) are fixed to the upper part of the seat bag (4).
[0128] In addition, the lower part (22a) of the tension cloth (2a) and the lower part (22c) of the tension cloth (2c) are retained and supported by the lower fixing part (81) of the seat cushion (8) (see FIG. 1).
[0129] In the same manner as in embodiment 2, the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 5 has a tension cloth (2a) with two connecting parts (23a, 24a) and a tension cloth (2c) with two connecting parts (23c, 24c).
[0130] In addition, in the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 5, similar to embodiment 2, when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, a retaining support groove (9c, 9d) is formed at the bottom of the airbag (3) to receive and retain the tension cloth (2a, 2c), respectively. The retaining support groove (9c) is formed below the coupling portion (23a) of the tension cloth (2a), and the retaining support groove (9d) is formed below the coupling portion (23c) of the tension cloth (2c).
[0131] The configuration of the retaining support grooves (9c, 9d) is the same as in embodiment 2, so a detailed description is omitted.
[0132] Meanwhile, the seat cushion (8) includes a cushion pad (82) and a panel member (86) positioned below the cushion pad (82) to support the cushion pad (82). The cushion pad (82) is made of a shock-absorbing cushioning material, and the panel member (86) forms the bottom portion of the seat cushion (8).
[0133] In addition, the seat cushion (8) is equipped with an airbag device (83) (tensioning mechanism) inside. The airbag device (83) is interposed between the cushion pad (82) and the panel member (86). In addition, the airbag device (83) is equipped with an airbag (85), which is a pocket chain formed by sewing the edges of two panels together, for example, and an inflator (84) that ejects gas into the airbag (85).
[0134] Before inflation and deployment, the airbag (85) is installed flat on the panel member (86) in the area corresponding to the thigh and buttocks of the passenger (P). When a collision with the vehicle is detected, the inflator (84) operates to supply gas into the airbag (85), and the airbag (85) inflates and deploys upward.
[0135] By having the above configuration, the lower part of the airbag (3) can be prevented from separating from the tension cloth (2a, 2c) and moving away from the intended position in the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 5, and the tension cloth (2a, 2c) can accurately position the airbag (3) toward the passenger (P).
[0136] In addition, in the passenger restraint device (100) of embodiment 5, an airbag device (83) is installed inside the seat cushion (8), and when a collision of the vehicle occurs, the airbag (85) inflates and deploys from the panel member (86) toward the cushion pad (82). At this time, the airbag (85) pushes the area from the thigh to the buttocks of the passenger (P) upward through the cushion pad (82). As a result, the load applied to the tension cloth (2a, 2c) increases, and tension is applied to the tension cloth (2a, 2c).
[0137] Therefore, the so-called submarine phenomenon, in which the passenger (P) slips out of the seat belt and slides out of the seat (5) into the space under the feet, can be effectively suppressed. Thus, the airbag (3) can be positioned more reliably toward the passenger (P) to catch and protect the passenger (P).
[0138] For parts identical to those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed descriptions are omitted.
[0139] The technical features (configuration requirements) described in embodiments 1-7 can be combined with one another, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed.
[0140] Additionally, reference numerals are attached to the claims to aid understanding. The scope of the invention is not limited to the description in the specification defined by these reference numerals, but includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to those defined by the claims. Explanation of the symbols
[0141] 1a, 1b Airbag module 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d Tension cloth 2e Integrated part 3 Airbag 3a First panel 3b Second panel 4 Seat back 5 Seat 7 Headrest part 8 Seat cushion 9a, 9c, 9d Retaining support groove 23a, 24a, 23c, 24c Coupling part 25a, 25b Pretensioner mechanism 32, 32a, 32b Internal tether 36, 36a, 36b Recess 41 Top surface 42, 43 Side 83 Airbag device 100 Occupant restraint device F1, F2 Fixed position P Occupant
Claims
Claim 1 A passenger restraint device (100) comprising a tension sheet (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) having both ends fixed to the upper and lower parts of a vehicle seat (5), respectively, and which inflates and deploys an airbag (3) from the side of a passenger (P) seated on the seat (5) and moves toward the passenger (P), wherein the airbag (3) has a retaining support groove (9a, 9c, 9d) formed therein to retain and support the tension sheet (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) upon inflating and deploying, wherein the retaining support groove (9a, 9c, 9d) is formed at the lower part of the inflated and deployed airbag (3), and a concave portion (36, 36a, 36b) continuous with the retaining support groove (9a, 9c, 9d) is formed at the lower part of the inflated and deployed airbag (3). Claim 2 A passenger restraint device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) is connected to the surface of the airbag (3) at least one connecting portion (23a, 24a, 23c, 24c). Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A passenger restraint device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the retaining support grooves (9a, 9c, 9d) extend in the vertical direction of the inflated airbag (3). Claim 5 A passenger restraint device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) is received within the retaining support groove (9a, 9c, 9d) when the airbag (3) is inflated and deployed, and is movable along the longitudinal direction of the retaining support groove (9a, 9c, 9d), and the retaining support groove (9a, 9c, 9d) restricts the movement of the tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) in the width direction of the retaining support groove (9a, 9c, 9d). Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A passenger restraint device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the airbag (3) has a contact portion (3a) that contacts the tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a non-contact portion (3b) that faces the contact portion (3a) when inflated and deployed, and an internal tether (32, 32a, 32b) that is installed between the contact portion (3a) and the non-contact portion (3b) and restricts the shape of the airbag (3), and the retaining support groove (9a, 9c, 9d) is formed at a position corresponding to the internal tether (32, 32a, 32b) in the contact portion (3a). Claim 8 A passenger restraint device (100) characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the retaining support grooves (9a, 9c, 9d) are installed at a position where the tension cloths (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are to contact the airbag (3) that is inflating and deploying in order to bring it toward the passenger (P). Claim 9 In claim 7, the passenger restraint device (100) is characterized in that the inner tether (32, 32a, 32b) is in the shape of a seat and has a width that narrows downward. Claim 10 A passenger restraint device (100) characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, it has a tension applying mechanism (25a, 25b, 83) installed on the seat (5) and applying tension to the tension cloth (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d).