Vehicle side airbag device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a vehicle side airbag device capable of improving occupant restraint performance with a simple structure. [Solution] An airbag cushion 112 of a side airbag device 100 is characterized by comprising: a pre-push chamber 122 into which an inflator 114 is inserted; an upper chamber 118 of which at least a portion inflates and deploys in a range outside the pre-push chamber 122 in the width direction of a seat 102; inner vents 144a, 144b for supplying gas from the pre-push chamber 122 to the upper chamber 118; a lower chamber 120 which accepts the gas from the pre-push chamber 122 and inflates and deploys to at least a range below the upper chamber 118; and a baffle 140 that serves as a gas non-exchange partitioning portion for partitioning the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120 and preventing gas from being exchanged between the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120.

Description

Vehicle side airbag device

[0001] The present invention relates to a side airbag device for a vehicle that restrains an occupant seated in a vehicle seat.

[0002] Airbag systems are now standard equipment on most modern vehicles. Airbag systems are safety devices that activate in emergencies such as vehicle collisions, and protect occupants by using an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys using gas pressure.

[0003] There are various types of airbag devices depending on the installation location and application. For example, in the vehicle side airbag device disclosed in Patent Document 1 by the present applicant, an airbag cushion inflates and deploys from the side of the seat into the gap between the occupant and the side of the vehicle, restraining the occupant from the side. In particular, the side airbag 4 in Patent Document 1 has an internal partition member 7 that varies the thickness depending on the part, allowing it to appropriately restrain the skeletal strong chest and waist areas and the weak abdominal area, respectively.

[0004] International Publication No. 2014 / 123055

[0005] Currently, there is a demand for further improvements in the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion in vehicle side airbag devices. To achieve this, it is effective to start restraining the occupant from the early stage of airbag cushion inflation and deployment, and to restrain the occupant while limiting the amount of movement of the occupant from the seat. In particular, there is a demand for measures that not only fully restrain the occupant's waist, which is the heaviest part of the occupant's body, but also minimize cost increases.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a side airbag device for a vehicle that has a simple structure and is capable of improving occupant restraint performance.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a representative configuration of a vehicle side airbag device according to the present invention is a vehicle side airbag device including an airbag module attached to a side frame of a seat back of a vehicle seat, wherein the airbag module has an airbag cushion that is rolled up or folded into a predetermined storage form and attached to the side frame, and an inflator that is attached to the side frame while being inserted into the airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion has a pre-push chamber into which the inflator is inserted, an upper chamber that inflates and deploys at least partially outside the pre-push chamber in the width direction of the vehicle seat, an inner vent that supplies gas from the pre-push chamber to the upper chamber, a lower chamber that receives gas from the pre-push chamber and inflates and deploys at least to a range below the upper chamber, and a gas non-exchange partition that separates the upper chamber and the lower chamber and prevents gas from being exchanged between the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

[0008] In the airbag cushion configured as described above, the pre-push chamber inflates and deploys early to push the occupant back toward the center of the seat, and then the upper and lower chambers inflate and deploy, thereby efficiently restraining the occupant's body.

[0009] In addition, the above-described configuration prevents direct bidirectional gas flow between the upper and lower chambers. In particular, the lower chamber does not directly communicate with the upper chamber, preventing gas from escaping to the upper chamber, allowing the internal pressure to be maintained high and ensuring sufficient restraint of the heavy lumbar region. Therefore, with this simple configuration, the amount of occupant movement from the seat can be reduced, improving the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion.

[0010] The airbag cushion further includes a prepush panel that forms the outer surfaces of the prepush chamber and the lower chamber on the inside of the width direction of the vehicle seat, a main panel that is positioned on the outside of the prepush panel in the width direction and forms the outer surfaces of the upper chamber and the lower chamber on the outside of the width direction, and a partition panel that is positioned between the prepush panel and the main panel and separates the prepush chamber from the upper chamber.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the pre-push chamber, the upper chamber, and the lower chamber can be suitably formed using the panels.

[0012] The non-gas exchange compartment may include a baffle that spans the main panel and the partition panel to separate the upper and lower chambers and prevent gas from passing through.

[0013] By providing the baffle, it is possible to realize a gas non-exchange compartment and maintain the internal pressure of the lower chamber.

[0014] The airbag cushion may further include one or more upper panels that form an upper chamber, one or more pre-push panels that are connected to the one or more upper panels from the inside in the width direction of the vehicle seat to form a pre-push chamber, and one or more lower panels that are connected to the one or more upper panels from the inside in the width direction to form a lower chamber.

[0015] The above-described configuration also makes it possible to suitably form the pre-push chamber, the upper chamber, and the lower chamber using the respective panels.

[0016] The airbag cushion may further have one or more lower panels that form a lower chamber, one or more pre-push panels that are connected above the one or more lower panels from both sides of the vehicle seat in the width direction to form a pre-push chamber, and one or more upper panels that are connected above the one or more lower panels from the outside of the one or more pre-push panels in the width direction to form an upper chamber that contains the pre-push chamber.

[0017] The above-described configuration also makes it possible to suitably form the pre-push chamber, the upper chamber, and the lower chamber using the respective panels.

[0018] The airbag cushion may further include a diffuser that is provided in a state in which the inflator is contained within the pre-push chamber and has one end inserted into the lower chamber, the diffuser being formed in a cylindrical shape, and one end of the diffuser may be provided with an excess panel member and a check valve that prevents backflow of gas.

[0019] According to the above configuration, by providing a check valve at one end of the diffuser on the lower chamber side, it is possible to maintain the internal pressure of the lower chamber in an appropriate manner.

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a side airbag device for a vehicle that can improve occupant restraint performance with a simple configuration.

[0021] 1( a). FIG. 1( b). A diagram illustrating a vehicle side airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1( b). A diagram illustrating the airbag cushion of FIG. 1( b) in isolation. FIG. 2( a). A diagram illustrating the configuration of a panel member of the airbag cushion of FIG. 2( a). A cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion of FIG. 3( a). A diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the airbag cushion of FIG. 2( b) and an occupant. A diagram illustrating a modified example of the baffle of FIG. 3. A diagram illustrating a first modified example of the airbag cushion of FIG. 3. A cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion of FIG. 8( a). A diagram illustrating a second modified example of the airbag cushion of FIG. 3. A cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion of FIG. 10( a). A diagram illustrating a third modified example of the airbag cushion of FIG. 3. A cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion of FIG. 12( a). A diagram illustrating a fourth modified example of the airbag cushion of FIG. 3. A cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion of FIG. 14( a). A diagram illustrating modified examples of the diffuser of FIG. 5( a).

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0023] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a vehicle side airbag device (hereinafter referred to as side airbag device 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1A illustrates an example of an airbag cushion 112 before it is deployed. The side airbag device 100 can be installed in any seat in the front or rear row of a vehicle, or on either the left or right side.

[0024] In this embodiment, when an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 102 in a normal position, the direction the occupant faces is referred to as the forward direction, the opposite direction, that is, the direction of the occupant's back, the right side of the occupant, and the left side of the occupant, are referred to as the rearward direction. Furthermore, when an occupant is seated in a normal position, the direction of the occupant's head is referred to as the upward direction, and the direction of the occupant's feet is referred to as the downward direction. In the drawings used in the following description, the front, back, left, right, up and down directions relative to the occupant in the normal seating position described above are indicated as necessary by arrows F (Forward), B (Back), L (Left), R (Right), U (Up), and D (Down).

[0025] 1A illustrates only a seat frame 106 of a seat back 104 of a seat 102, omitting the upholstery and seat pad (e.g., urethane material). The seat frame 106 is a skeletal member built into the seat back 104.

[0026] The airbag module 110 is built into the side of the seat 102 and is attached, for example, to a side frame 108 of the seat frame 106. The side frame 108 is a portion of the seat frame 106 that extends along the left and right side surfaces of the seat back 104.

[0027] In this embodiment, the airbag module 110 is attached to the side frame 108 on the left side in the width direction of the seat back 104. However, the airbag module 110 can also be attached to the side frame on the right side in the width direction of the seat back 104. In other words, the airbag module 110 can be installed either on the side of the seat 102 on the door side that is closer to the collision point (near side), or on the side on the interior side of the vehicle that is farther from the collision point (far side).

[0028] The airbag module 110 is configured to include an airbag cushion 112 and an inflator 114. The airbag cushion 112 is a bag-shaped member that can be inflated with gas, and is attached to the side frame 108 in a predetermined rolled or folded storage configuration. The airbag cushion 112 inflates and deploys in the event of an emergency, such as when a vehicle impact occurs, to restrain the occupant seated in the seat 102.

[0029] The inflator 114 is a gas generator that is electrically connected to the vehicle and is activated upon receiving a signal from the vehicle resulting from detection of an impact, thereby supplying gas to the airbag cushion 112. In this embodiment, a cylindrical inflator is used as the inflator 114. The inflator 114 is inserted into the airbag cushion 112 with its length oriented vertically along the side frame 108, and is attached to the side frame 108 using stud bolts (not shown).

[0030] Currently popular inflators include types that are filled with gas generating agent and burn it to generate gas, types that are filled with compressed gas and supply gas without generating heat, and hybrid types that use both combustion gas and compressed gas. Any of these types can be used as the inflator 114.

[0031] Fig. 1(b) is a diagram illustrating the state after the airbag cushion 112 in Fig. 1(a) has been inflated and deployed. When the side airbag device 100 detects a collision via various sensors and a predetermined electronic control unit (ECU), it activates the airbag module 110.

[0032] The inflator 114 ejects gas in response to an operating signal sent from the ECU etc. The airbag cushion 112 uses the gas from the inflator 114 to push aside the cover of the seat bag 104 and inflate into the passenger compartment.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 112 in Fig. 1(b) in isolation. Fig. 2(a) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 112 in Fig. 1(b) as viewed from the outside in the width direction of the seat 102.

[0034] The airbag cushion 112 of this embodiment includes an upper chamber 118 and a lower chamber 120 as main portions for restraining the occupant.

[0035] The upper chamber 118 is an inflatable section that restrains the area from the chest to the shoulders and abdomen of an occupant seated in the seat 102 in the correct posture, and inflates and deploys widely forward from the side frame 108 (see FIG. 1(b)).

[0036] The lower chamber 120 is an inflatable portion that restrains the lumbar region of an occupant who is seated in a normal posture in the seat 102. The lower chamber 120 inflates and deploys along the seat cushion 105 of the seat 102 (see FIG. 1(b)), at least to a range below the upper chamber 118.

[0037] 1B, the airbag cushion 112 includes a pre-push chamber 122 that inflates and deploys before the upper chamber 118, etc. The pre-push chamber 122 inflates and deploys in a state where it protrudes toward the center of the seat back 104 in the width direction relative to the upper chamber 118, etc.

[0038] The pre-push chamber 122 is provided on the side of the occupant seated in the seat 102 as viewed from the upper chamber 118. The pre-push chamber 112 has the inflator 114 inserted therein, and receives gas from the inflator 114 first, inflating and deploying before the thorax main chamber 116 and the like, pushing the occupant back toward the center of the seat 102. The upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120 then receive gas that has passed through the pre-push chamber 122, inflating and deploying, and widely restraining the occupant's body.

[0039] 2(b) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 112 of FIG. 2(a) as viewed from the front of the seat 102 (see FIG. 1(b)). Vent holes 142a and 142b are provided in front of the upper chamber 118, and gas that inflates and deploys the upper chamber 118 is discharged to the outside through the vent holes 142a and 142b.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the panel member of the airbag cushion 112 in Fig. 2(a). Fig. 3(a) illustrates the panel member of the airbag cushion 112 in correspondence with Fig. 2(a).

[0041] The airbag cushion 112 is a bag-shaped member, and is formed by stacking and sewing or gluing multiple base fabrics that form its surface, or by weaving using OPW (One-Piece Woven).

[0042] A diffuser 124 is provided in a portion that becomes the rear side when the airbag cushion 112 is inflated. The diffuser 124 is a cylindrical member into which the inflator 114 (see FIG. 2(a)) is inserted, and supplies gas into the pre-push chamber 122 from an opening 124a at its upper end, and supplies gas into the lower chamber 120 from an opening 124b at its lower end. The diffuser 124 is provided in a portion inside the pre-push chamber 122 that is located rearward of the upper chamber 118.

[0043] The diffuser 124 is provided with bolt holes 128a, 128b through which two stud bolts 126a, 126b provided on the inflator 114 (see FIG. 2A) pass. The stud bolts 126a, 126b are exposed to the outside through the bolt holes 128a, 128b and fastened to the side frame 108 (see FIG. 1B). In this way, the airbag cushion 112 is also attached to the side frame 108.

[0044] The diffuser 124 is assumed to be configured such that the stud bolts 126 a, 126 b are fastened to the side frame 108 (see FIG. 1B) from the center of the seat 102, but it is also possible to configure the stud bolts 126 a, 126 b to be fastened to the side frame 108 from the outside.

[0045] A frame ground portion 130 is formed behind the main chamber 116. The frame ground portion 130 is located on the outer side of the pre-push chamber 122 in the width direction and behind the upper chamber 118. The frame ground portion 130 is shaped to follow the side frame 108 (see FIG. 1(b)) so that the pre-push chamber 122 receives a reaction force from the side frame 108.

[0046] Fig. 3(b) is an exploded view of each panel member of the airbag cushion 112 of Fig. 3(a). The airbag cushion 112 has a pre-push panel 132, a partition panel 134, and a main panel 136 as main panel members.

[0047] The prepush panel 132 is a panel that forms the outer surface of the prepush chamber 122 (see FIG. 1B) and the lower chamber 120 on the inner side in the width direction of the seat 102, and is L-shaped. Between the prepush panel 132 and the partition panel 134, a diffuser 124 is disposed, into which the inflator 114 (see FIG. 2A) is inserted.

[0048] The main panel 136 is disposed on the outer side in the width direction of the sheet 102 (see FIG. 1B) as viewed from the pre-push panel 132, and forms the outer surfaces of the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120 on the outer side in the width direction of the sheet 102.

[0049] The partition panel 134 is disposed between the pre-push panel 132 and the main panel 136, and separates the pre-push chamber 122 (see FIG. 1B) from the upper chamber 118. Compared to the main panel 136, the partition panel 134 has a shape in which the area of ​​the lower chamber 120 is omitted.

[0050] A baffle 140 is disposed between the main panel 136 and the partition panel 134. The baffle 140 spans between the main panel 136 and the partition panel 134, separating the upper chamber 118 (see FIG. 3( a)) and the lower chamber 120. The baffle 140 functions as a gas non-exchange partition. The baffle 140 prevents gas from passing between the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120, preventing gas exchange between the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120.

[0051] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 112 taken along line AA in Fig. 3. Inside the pre-push chamber 122, an inflator 114 and a diffuser 124 are provided.

[0052] The pre-push chamber 122 receives gas from the inflator 114 (see FIG. 2A) early on, and quickly completes inflation and deployment before the upper chamber 118, etc. The pre-push chamber 122 pushes the occupant back toward the center of the seat 102 while pushing aside the seat pad, etc. inside the seat 102 (see FIG. 1A) to ensure space for the upper chamber 118, etc. to inflate and deploy.

[0053] 3A is provided so that at least a portion of the upper chamber 118 inflates and deploys in a range outside the pre-push chamber 122 when viewed from the outside in the width direction of the seat 102. The upper chamber 118 is connected to the pre-push chamber 122 by inner vents 144a and 144b.

[0054] 4, gas from the inflator 114 is supplied to the upper chamber 118 from the pre-push chamber 122 through inner vents 144b, etc. Vent holes 142a, etc. are provided on the front side of the upper chamber 118, and the gas that inflates and deploys the upper chamber 118 is discharged to the outside through the vent holes 142a, etc.

[0055] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 112 in Figure 3(a). Figure 5(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the airbag cushion 112 in Figure 3. The lower end of a diffuser 124 is inserted into the lower chamber 120. The lower chamber 120 receives gas from the inflator 114 early on through an opening 124b at the lower end of the diffuser 124, thereby restraining the occupant's waist.

[0056] Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of the airbag cushion 112 in Figure 3(b). The lower chamber 120 is thicker in the width direction of the seat 102 (see Figure 6) than the upper chamber 118. The lower chamber 120 has a larger capacity in the width direction of the seat 102, which makes it possible to suitably restrain the lumbar region of a heavy occupant.

[0057] The baffle 140 is a panel member made of the same base fabric as the main panel 136, etc., and is joined by sewing to the main panel 136 and the partition panel 134. The baffle 140 separates the upper chamber 118 and the lumbar protection chamber 120, and gas cannot pass between the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120.

[0058] Although the baffle 140 is arranged so that the fold is located on the upper side in FIG. 5B, it is also possible to arrange it so that the fold is located on the lower side.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the airbag cushion 112 and the occupant P1 in FIG. 2(b).

[0060] In the airbag cushion 112 of this embodiment, the pre-push chamber 122 (see FIG. 1B) receives gas directly from an opening 124a at the upper end of the diffuser 124 (see FIG. 3A), inflates and deploys early, and pushes the occupant P1 back toward the center of the seat 102. At the same time, the lower chamber 120 receives gas directly from an opening 124b at the lower end of the diffuser 124, inflates and deploys early, and fully restrains the waist 154 of the occupant P1. Then, the upper chamber 118 receives gas via the pre-push chamber 122, inflates and deploys widely, and restrains the chest 150, shoulders 148, and abdomen 152 of the occupant P1.

[0061] In the airbag cushion 112 of this embodiment, the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120 are separated by a baffle 140 (see FIG. 5B ), which is a gas non-exchange partition, so that gas does not flow directly between the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120. In particular, the lower chamber 120 receives gas directly from the diffuser 124 and is quickly pressurized. Furthermore, because the gas does not directly communicate with the upper chamber 118, the internal pressure of the lower chamber 120 can be maintained high without gas escaping to the upper chamber 118, thereby enabling the heavy lumbar region 154 (see FIG. 6 ) to be fully restrained. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the amount of movement of the occupant P1 from the seat 102 can be reduced, and the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion 112 can be improved.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3(b), the airbag cushion 112 of this embodiment uses panel members such as a pre-push panel 132, a main panel 136, and a partition panel 134 to appropriately form a pre-push chamber 122 (see Figure 3(a)), an upper chamber 118, and a lower chamber 120, and a baffle 140 prevents gas from passing between the upper chamber 118 and the lower chamber 120. The configuration of the airbag cushion 112 makes it possible to realize a side airbag device 100 with high occupant restraint properties, while reducing manufacturing costs and using a simple configuration that limits the amount of panel members used.

[0063] 3(b), it is also possible to arrange additional panel members along the edges of the main panel 136 and the partition panel 134. For example, it is possible to increase the thickness of the upper chamber 118 by extending an additional panel member between the upper edge of the main panel 136 and the upper edge of the partition panel 134, or to increase the thickness of the lower chamber 120 by extending an additional panel member between the lower edge of the main panel 136 and the lower edge of the pre-push panel 132.

[0064] (Modified Baffle) Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a modified baffle 160 of the baffle 140 in Figure 3. Figure 7(a) is a diagram illustrating the baffle 160 in accordance with Figure 3(a).

[0065] The baffle 160 also functions as a non-gas exchange compartment. The baffle 160 is installed with its rear end portion 162 bent upward along a stitching portion 164 that borders the front side of the frame ground portion 130 of the main chamber 116.

[0066] 7(b) is a diagram illustrating the baffle 160 according to FIG. 3(b). The rear end 162 of the baffle 160 has a notch 166 formed in the center and bifurcated side edges 168a, 168b. The side edges 168a, 168b are elongated and do not expand after being overlapped and sewn along the stitching 164, thereby reducing the thickness of the airbag cushion 112 when it is inflated and deployed.

[0067] As described above, by bending the rear end portion 162 of the baffle 160 upward and sewing it to the sewing portion 164, the thickness of the rear side of the airbag cushion 112 can be reduced and the frame contact portion 130 can be suitably formed. Therefore, the airbag cushion 112 equipped with the baffle 160 can be smoothly inflated and deployed while in contact with the seat frame 106.

[0068] (Modified Airbag Cushion) Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a first modified airbag cushion (airbag cushion 200) of the airbag cushion of Figure 3. In the following description, components that have already been described will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. Furthermore, components with the same names as components already described will have the same configuration and function even if assigned different reference numerals.

[0069] 8(a) is a diagram illustrating an airbag cushion 200 corresponding to FIG. 3(a). The airbag cushion 200 also has a pre-push chamber 202, an upper chamber 204, and a lower chamber 206.

[0070] 8(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the airbag cushion 200, which corresponds to FIG. 3(b). The airbag cushion 200 has, as main panel members, a pair of pre-push panels 202a, 202b, a pair of upper panels 204a, 204b, and a pair of lower panels 206a, 206b.

[0071] The pair of upper panels 204a, 204b are panel members that form the upper chamber 204 (see FIG. 8A) and are formed symmetrically. Of these, the upper panel 204a on the inner side in the width direction of the seat 102 (see FIG. 1B) is provided with upper inner vents 208a, 208b that connect to the pre-push panel 202b, and vent holes 142a, 142b that exhaust gas to the outside.

[0072] The pair of prepush panels 202a, 202b are panel members that form the prepush chamber 202 (see FIG. 8A), and are connected to the upper panels 204a, 204b from the inside in the width direction of the seat 102. The prepush panel 202b on the outside in the width direction of the seat 102 is provided with upper inner vents 210a, 210b that connect to the upper panel 204a, and lower inner vents 212a, 212b that connect to the lower panel 206a. The diffuser 124 is disposed between the prepush panels 202a, 202b.

[0073] The pair of lower panels 206a, 206b are panel members that form the lower chamber 206 (see FIG. 8A), and are connected to the upper panels 204a, 204b from the inside in the width direction below the pre-push panels 202a, 202b. The lower panel 206a on the inside in the width direction of the seat 102 is provided with lower inner vents 214a, 214b that connect to the pre-push panel 202b.

[0074] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 200 of Figure 8(a). Figure 9(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of the airbag cushion 200 of Figure 8(a). Gas from the inflator 114 is supplied to the upper chamber 204 from the pre-push chamber 202 through the upper inner vent 210a and the like.

[0075] Figure 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of the airbag cushion 200 of Figure 8(b). Gas is supplied to the lower chamber 206 from the pre-push chamber 202 through the lower inner vent 212a and the like from the inflator 114 (see Figure 9(a)).

[0076] The upper edges of the lower panels 206a, 206b are joined together by stitching 216. The lower edges of the upper panels 204a, 204b are also joined together by stitching 216. In other words, similar to the baffle 140 in FIG. 5(b), the stitching 216 functions as a gas non-exchange partition that separates the upper chamber 204 and the lower chamber 206 to prevent gas exchange therebetween, thereby preventing gas from passing between the upper chamber 204 and the lower chamber 206.

[0077] In the airbag cushion 200, the upper chamber 204 and the lower chamber 206 are also separated by a sewn portion 216, which is a gas non-exchange partition, so that gas does not flow directly in either direction between the upper chamber 204 and the lower chamber 206. Therefore, the lower chamber 206 is also not in direct gas communication with the upper chamber 204, so that gas does not escape to the upper chamber 204 side, and the internal pressure can be maintained high, making it possible to fully restrain the heavy lumbar region 154 (see FIG. 6 ). Therefore, this embodiment also reduces the amount of movement of the occupant P1 from the seat 102, and improves the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion 200.

[0078] As shown in Figure 8(b), the airbag cushion 200 of this embodiment uses a pair of symmetrically shaped panel members, such as pre-push panels 202a and 202b, upper panels 204a and 204b, and lower panels 206a and 206b, to suitably form the pre-push chamber 202 (see Figure 8(a)), upper chamber 204, and lower chamber 206. The airbag cushion 200 also has a simple configuration with the panel members of each chamber having a uniform shape, making it possible to realize a side airbag device that provides high occupant restraint while keeping manufacturing costs down.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second modification (airbag cushion 220) of the airbag cushion 112 of FIG.

[0080] 10(a) is a diagram illustrating an airbag cushion 220 corresponding to FIG. 3(a). The airbag cushion 220 also has a pre-push chamber 222, an upper chamber 224, and a lower chamber 226.

[0081] 10(b) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 220 corresponding to FIG. 3(b). The airbag cushion 220 has, as main panel members, a pre-push panel 230, a pair of upper panels 232a, 232b, and a lower panel 234.

[0082] The pair of upper panels 232a, 232b are panel members that form the upper chamber 224 (see FIG. 10A). The upper inner vents 208a, 208b of the upper panel 204a are connected to the upper inner vents 210a, 210b of the pre-push panel 230.

[0083] The pre-push panel 230 is a panel member that forms the pre-push chamber 222 (see FIG. 10( a)), and is implemented as a single panel member that is folded back at the front side. The pre-push panel 230 is connected to the upper panel 232a from the inside in the width direction of the seat 102. Upper inner vents 210a, 210b that connect to the upper panel 232a and lower inner vents 212a, 212b that connect to the lower panel 234 are provided in the area of ​​the pre-push panel 230 that is on the outside in the width direction of the seat 102. The diffuser 124 is disposed inside the folded-back pre-push panel 230.

[0084] The lower panel 234 is a panel member that forms the lower chamber 226 (see FIG. 10(a)), and is implemented as a single panel member that is folded back at the top. The lower panel 234 is connected to the upper panel 232a from the inside in the width direction, below the pre-push panel 230. Lower inner vents 214a, 214b that connect to the pre-push panel 230 are provided in the area of ​​the lower panel 234 that is on the inside in the width direction of the seat 102.

[0085] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 220 in Figure 10(a). Figure 11(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F of the airbag cushion 220 in Figure 10(a). Gas from the inflator 114 is supplied to the upper chamber 224 from the pre-push chamber 222 through the upper inner vent 210b, etc.

[0086] Figure 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG of the airbag cushion 220 of Figure 10(a) The lower chamber 226 is supplied with gas from the inflator 114 from the pre-push chamber 222 through the lower inner vent 212a.

[0087] The upper edge of the lower panel 234 is formed by a folded portion 236. The lower edges of the upper panels 232a, 232b are joined by a sewn portion 238. Similar to the baffle 140 in FIG. 5(b), the folded portion 236 and the sewn portion 238 function as a gas non-exchange partition that separates the upper chamber 224 and the lower chamber 226 and prevents gas from being exchanged between them, thereby preventing gas from passing between the upper chamber 224 and the lower chamber 226.

[0088] In the airbag cushion 220, the upper chamber 224 and the lower chamber 226 are also separated by a folded portion 236 and a sewn portion 238, which are gas non-exchange partitions, so that gas does not flow directly between the upper chamber 224 and the lower chamber 226. Therefore, the lower chamber 226 is also not in direct gas communication with the upper chamber 224, so that the internal pressure of the lower chamber 226 can be maintained high without gas escaping to the upper chamber 224 side, and the heavy lumbar region 154 (see FIG. 6 ) can be fully restrained. Therefore, this embodiment also reduces the amount of movement of the occupant P1 from the seat 102, thereby improving the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion 220.

[0089] 10(b), the airbag cushion 220 of this embodiment uses a single panel folded over as the pre-push panel 230 and the lower panel 234, which makes it possible to suitably form the pre-push chamber 222 (see FIG. 10(a)), upper chamber 224, and lower chamber 226. The airbag cushion 220 also has a simple configuration with each chamber formed from a single panel member, making it possible to realize a side airbag device that provides high occupant restraint while keeping manufacturing costs down.

[0090] 10(b) can be realized by folding back a single panel, similar to the pre-push panel 230 and the lower panel 234. For example, the upper panels 232a and 232b can be realized as a single upper panel whose front sides are connected to each other. This also makes it possible to realize a panel member with a simple configuration.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a third modified example (airbag cushion 240) of the airbag cushion 220 of FIG.

[0092] 12(a) is a diagram illustrating an airbag cushion 240 corresponding to FIG. 3(a). The airbag cushion 240 also has a pre-push chamber 242, an upper chamber 244, and a lower chamber 246.

[0093] 12(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of an airbag cushion 240 corresponding to FIG. 3(b). The airbag cushion 240 has, as main panel members, a pair of lower panels 246a, 246b, a pair of pre-push panels 242a, 242b, and a pair of upper panels 244a, 244b.

[0094] The pair of lower panels 246a, 246b are panel members that form the lower chamber 246 (see FIG. 12(a)). The upper edges of the lower panels 246a, 246b are joined to each other at a stitching 248 at the front, but a portion of the rear is left open to form an opening 250 into which the lower end of the diffuser 124 is inserted.

[0095] The pair of pre-push panels 242a, 242b are panel members that form the pre-push chamber 242 (see FIG. 12(a)), and are joined to the upper parts of the lower panels 246a, 246b from both sides in the width direction of the sheet 102 (see FIG. 1(b)) so as to enclose the diffuser 124. The pre-push panels 242a, 242b are provided with inner vents 252a to 252d that supply gas to the upper chamber 244.

[0096] The pair of upper panels 244a, 244b are panel members that form the upper chamber 244 (see FIG. 12(a)), and are further connected to the pre-push panels 242a, 242b from both sides of the width of the sheet 102 (see FIG. 1(b)) to the upper parts of the lower panels 246a, 246b. The upper panel 244a on the inner side of the width of the sheet 102 is provided with vent holes 142a, 142b that exhaust gas to the outside.

[0097] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 240 of Figure 12(a). Figure 13(a) is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 240 of Figure 12(a) taken along line HH.

[0098] Upper chamber 244 is formed to enclose pre-push chamber 242. Gas is supplied to pre-push chamber 242 from opening 124a (see FIG. 12A) at the upper end of diffuser 124. Gas is supplied to upper chamber 244 from inner vents 252a to 252d of pre-push chamber 242.

[0099] Figure 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of the airbag cushion 240 in Figure 12(b). The lower end of the diffuser 124 is inserted into the lower chamber 246. The lower chamber 246 receives gas from the inflator 114 early on through the opening 124b at the lower end of the diffuser 124, allowing it to inflate and deploy, restraining the waist region 154 of the occupant P1 (see Figure 6).

[0100] Figure 13(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line J-J of airbag cushion 240 in Figure 12(b). The upper edges of lower panels 246a, 246b are joined together by stitching 248. The lower edges of upper panels 244a, 244b are also joined together by stitching 248. That is, similar to baffle 140 in Figure 5(b), stitching 248 functions as a gas non-exchange partition that separates upper chamber 244 and lower chamber 246 to prevent gas from being exchanged between them, thereby preventing gas from passing between upper chamber 244 and lower chamber 246.

[0101] In this airbag cushion 240, the pre-push chamber 242 receives gas directly from the opening 124a (see FIG. 12A) at the upper end of the diffuser 124, inflates and deploys early, and pushes the occupant P1 (see FIG. 6) back toward the center of the seat 102. At the same time, the lower chamber 246 also receives gas directly from the opening 124b at the lower end of the diffuser 124 (see FIG. 13B), inflates and deploys early, and fully restrains the waist 154 of the occupant P1. Then, the upper chamber 244 receives gas via the pre-push chamber 242, inflates and deploys widely, and restrains the chest 150, shoulders 148, and abdomen 152 of the occupant P1.

[0102] In the airbag cushion 240, the upper chamber 244 and the lower chamber 246 are also separated by a sewn portion 248, which is a gas non-exchange partition, so that gas does not flow directly in either direction between the upper chamber 244 and the lower chamber 246. In particular, the lower chamber 246 receives gas directly from the diffuser 124 and is quickly pressurized, and because it is not in gas communication with the upper chamber 244, it can maintain a high internal pressure without releasing gas into the upper chamber 244, thereby enabling it to fully restrain the heavy lumbar region 154 (see FIG. 6 ). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the amount of movement of the occupant P1 from the seat 102 can be reduced, and the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion 240 can be improved.

[0103] 12(b), the airbag cushion 240 of this embodiment uses a pair of symmetrically shaped panel members, such as pre-push panels 242a, 242b, upper panels 244a, 244b, and lower panels 246a, 246b, to suitably form the pre-push chamber 242 (see FIG. 12(a)), upper chamber 244, and lower chamber 246. The airbag cushion 240 also has a simple configuration with the panel members of each chamber having a uniform shape, making it possible to realize a side airbag device that provides high occupant restraint while keeping manufacturing costs down.

[0104] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modification (airbag cushion 260) of the airbag cushion 112 of FIG.

[0105] 14(a) is a diagram illustrating an airbag cushion 260 corresponding to FIG. 3(a). The airbag cushion 260 also has a pre-push chamber 262, an upper chamber 264, and a lower chamber 266.

[0106] 14(b) is a diagram illustrating an airbag cushion 260 corresponding to FIG. 3(b). The airbag cushion 260 has, as main panel members, a lower panel 274, a pre-push panel 270, and a pair of upper panels 272a, 272b.

[0107] The lower panel 274 is a panel member that forms the lower chamber 266 (see FIG. 14A) and is implemented as a single panel member that is folded back at the top. An opening 276 is provided on the rear side of the upper edge of the lower panel 274, and the lower end of the diffuser 124 is inserted into the opening 276.

[0108] The pre-push panel 270 is a panel member that forms the pre-push chamber 262 (see FIG. 14A), and is implemented as a single panel member that is folded back at the front side. The pre-push panel 270 is joined to the upper part of the lower panel 274 from both sides in the width direction of the sheet 102 (see FIG. 1B) so as to enclose the diffuser 124. The pre-push panel 270 is provided with inner vents 252a to 252d that supply gas to the upper chamber 264.

[0109] The pair of upper panels 272a, 272b are panel members that form the upper chamber 264 (see Figure 14(a)), and are further connected to the pre-push panel 270 and to the upper part of the lower panel 274 on both sides of the width of the sheet 102 (see Figure 1(b)).

[0110] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 260 of Figure 14(a). Figure 15(a) is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 260 of Figure 14(a) taken along the line K-K.

[0111] The upper chamber 264 is formed to enclose the pre-push chamber 262. Gas is supplied to the pre-push chamber 262 from the opening 124a (see FIG. 14A) at the upper end of the diffuser 124. Gas is supplied to the upper chamber 264 from the inner vents 252a to 252d of the pre-push chamber 262.

[0112] Figure 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line L-L of the airbag cushion 260 in Figure 14(b). The lower end of the diffuser 124 is inserted into the lower chamber 266. The lower chamber 266 receives gas from the inflator 114 early on through the opening 124b on the lower end side of the diffuser 124, and restrains the waist 154 of the occupant P1 (see Figure 6).

[0113] Figure 15(c) is an M-M cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 260 in Figure 14(b). The upper edge of the lower panel 274 is formed by a folded portion 278. The lower edges of the upper panels 272a, 272b are joined by a sewn portion 280. Similar to the baffle 140 in Figure 5(b), the folded portion 278 and the sewn portion 280 function as a gas non-exchange partition that separates the upper chamber 264 and the lower chamber 266, preventing gas from being exchanged between them. This prevents gas from passing between the upper chamber 264 and the lower chamber 266.

[0114] In this airbag cushion 260, the pre-push chamber 262 receives gas directly from the opening 124a at the upper end of the diffuser 124, inflates and deploys early, and pushes the occupant P1 (see FIG. 6) back toward the center of the seat 102. At the same time, the lower chamber 266 also receives gas directly from the opening 124b at the lower end of the diffuser 124 (see FIG. 15(b)), inflates and deploys early, and fully restrains the waist 154 of the occupant P1. Then, the upper chamber 264 receives gas via the pre-push chamber 262, inflates and deploys widely, and restrains the chest 150, shoulders 148, and abdomen 152 of the occupant P1.

[0115] In the airbag cushion 260, the upper chamber 264 and the lower chamber 266 are also separated by a folded portion 278 and a sewn portion 280, which are gas non-exchange partitions, so that gas does not flow directly between the upper chamber 264 and the lower chamber 266. In particular, the lower chamber 266 receives gas directly from the diffuser 124 and is quickly pressurized, and because the gas does not directly communicate with the upper chamber 264, the internal pressure can be maintained high without gas escaping to the upper chamber 264, thereby enabling the heavy lumbar region 154 (see FIG. 6 ) to be fully restrained. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the amount of movement of the occupant P1 from the seat 102 can be reduced, and the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion 260 can be improved.

[0116] 15(b), the airbag cushion 260 of this embodiment uses a single folded panel as the pre-push panel 270 and the lower panel 274, which makes it possible to preferably form the pre-push chamber 262 (see FIG. 15(a)), upper chamber 264, and lower chamber 266. The airbag cushion 260 also has a simple configuration with each chamber formed from a single panel member, making it possible to realize a side airbag device that provides high occupant restraint while keeping manufacturing costs down.

[0117] 14(b) can be realized by folding back a single panel, similar to the pre-push panel 270 and the lower panel 274. For example, the upper panels 272a and 272b can be realized as a single upper panel whose front sides are connected to each other. This also makes it possible to realize a panel member with a simple configuration.

[0118] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating various modifications of the diffuser 124 of Figure 5(a) Figure 16(a) is a diagram illustrating a diffuser 300 of a first modification.

[0119] The diffuser 300 is formed in a cylindrical shape using the same panel material as the main panel 136 (see FIG. 3B), and a surplus portion 302 is provided at the lower end of the diffuser 300 that is larger than the range of the panel material that encloses the inflator 114.

[0120] When the inflator 114 starts to operate, the pressure 304 in the diffuser 300, as indicated by the arrow, is higher than the pressure 306 in the lower chamber 120 (see FIG. 5A) (pressure 304 > pressure 306), so gas is supplied from the diffuser 300 into the lower chamber 120.

[0121] Then, when the supply of gas from the inflator 114 ends and occupant P1 (see FIG. 6 ) comes into contact with the lower chamber 120 and applies force, the pressure 306 in the lower chamber 120 becomes higher than the pressure in the diffuser 300 (pressure 304 < pressure 306). At this time, the excess portion 302 is pushed by the gas pressure 306 and contracts toward the inflator 114, functioning as a check valve to prevent gas from flowing back into the diffuser 300.

[0122] As described above, by providing the excess portion 302 in the diffuser 300 and having it function as a check valve, it is possible to prevent backflow of gas from the lower chamber 120 (see FIG. 5A) to the pre-push chamber 122 and the upper chamber 118 via the diffuser 300, and to maintain a high internal pressure in the lower chamber 120 when an occupant is restrained. Therefore, according to this modification, it is possible to improve the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion.

[0123] 16(b) is a diagram illustrating a second modified diffuser 320. The diffuser 320 has a long panel member whose long sides 322 are closed by stitching 324, while the end portions are left open to form openings 326. The short sides 328 of the panel member are folded inward to form inclined portions 330 at the inner corners, making it easier to exhaust gas from the openings 326.

[0124] The diffuser 320 is arranged so that the opening 326 faces forward within the lower chamber 120 (see FIG. 5(a)), thereby enabling efficient inflation and deployment of the lower chamber 120. Furthermore, the diffuser 124 has a predetermined range including the opening 326 formed as a surplus portion that does not contain the inflator 114 (see FIG. 16(a)), so that it can function as a check valve that prevents backflow of gas by being pushed by the gas pressure within the lower chamber 120 and contracting toward the inflator 114, similar to the surplus portion 302 in FIG. 16(a) .

[0125] As described above, the diffuser 320 also efficiently inflates and deploys the lower chamber 120 (see FIG. 5A), while preventing gas from flowing back from the lower chamber 120 to the pre-push chamber 122 and the upper chamber 118 via the diffuser 320, thereby maintaining a high internal pressure in the lower chamber 120 when an occupant is restrained. Therefore, this modification also makes it possible to improve the occupant restraint performance of the airbag cushion.

[0126] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above-described embodiments are merely preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments may be implemented or performed in various ways. Unless otherwise specified in the present specification, the present invention is not limited to the detailed shapes, sizes, and configurations of parts shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the expressions and terms used in the present specification are for the purpose of explanation and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified.

[0127] Therefore, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0128] The present invention can be used in a vehicle side airbag device mounted on a vehicle.

[0129] 100...Side airbag device, 102...Seat, 104...Seat back, 105...Seat cushion, 106...Seat frame, 108...Side frame, 110...Airbag module, 112...Airbag cushion, 114...Inflator, 118...Upper chamber, 120...Lower chamber, 122...Pre-push chamber, 124...Diffuser, 124a, 124b...Openings, 126a, 126b...Stud bolts, 128a, 128b...Bolt holes, 130...Frame grounding portion, 132...Pre-push panel, 134...Partition panel, 136...Main Panel, 140... baffle, 142a, 142b... vent holes, 144a, 144b... inner vent, 148... shoulder, 150... chest, 152... abdomen, 154... waist, P1... occupant, 160... baffle, 162... rear end portion, 164... stitching, 166... ​​notch, 168a, 168b... side edge, 200... airbag cushion, 202... pre-push chamber, 202a, 202b... pre-push panel, 204... upper chamber, 204a, 204b... upper panel, 206... lower chamber, 206a, 206b... lower panel, 208a, 208b... upper inner vents, 210a, 210b...upper inner vents, 212a, 212b...lower inner vents, 214a, 214b...lower inner vents, 216...sewn portion, 220...airbag cushion, 222...pre-push chamber, 224...upper chamber, 226...lower chamber, 230...pre-push panel, 232a, 232b...upper panel, 234...lower panel, 236...folded portion, 238...sewn portion, 240...airbag cushion, 242...pre-push chamber, 242a, 242b...pre-push panel, 244...upper chamber, 244a, 244b...upper Panel, 246...lower chamber, 246a, 246b...lower panel, 248...sewn portion, 252a, 252b...inner vent, 260...airbag cushion, 262...pre-push chamber, 264...upper chamber, 266...lower chamber, 270...pre-push panel, 272a, 272b...upper panel, 274...lower panel, 276...opening, 278...folded portion, 280...sewn portion, 300...diffuser, 302...excess portion, 304...pressure, 306...pressure, 320...diffuser, 322...long side, 324...sewn portion, 326...opening, 328...opening, 330...inclined portion

Claims

1. A vehicle side airbag device comprising an airbag module attached to a side frame of a seat back of a vehicle seat, said airbag module comprising: an airbag cushion which is attached to said side frame in a prescribed storage form that is rolled or folded; and an inflator which is attached to said side frame in a state where it is inserted into said airbag cushion, said airbag cushion comprising: a pre-push chamber into which the inflator is inserted; an upper chamber at least a portion of which inflates and deploys in the width direction of said vehicle seat to an outer range of said pre-push chamber; an inner vent which supplies gas from said pre-push chamber to said upper chamber; a lower chamber which receives gas from said pre-push chamber and inflates and deploys at least to an area below said upper chamber; and a gas non-exchange partition which partitions said upper chamber and said lower chamber to prevent gas from being exchanged between said upper chamber and said lower chamber.

2. The vehicle side airbag device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the airbag cushion further comprises: a pre-push panel which forms the outer surfaces of the pre-push chamber and the lower chamber on the inner side in the width direction of the vehicle seat; a main panel which is arranged on the outer side of the pre-push panel in the width direction and forms the outer outer surfaces of the upper chamber and the lower chamber in the width direction; and a partition panel which is arranged between the pre-push panel and the main panel and which partitions the pre-push chamber and the upper chamber.

3. The vehicle side airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the gas non-exchange partition portion includes a baffle extending across the main panel and the partition panel to separate the upper chamber from the lower chamber and to prevent gas from passing through.

4. The vehicle side airbag device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the airbag cushion further has: one or more upper panels which form the upper chamber; one or more pre-push panels which are connected to the one or more upper panels from the inside in the width direction of the vehicle seat to form the pre-push chamber; and one or more lower panels which are connected to the one or more upper panels from the inside in the width direction to form the lower chamber.

5. The vehicle side airbag device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the airbag cushion further comprises: one or more lower panels which form the lower chamber; one or more pre-push panels which are connected above the one or more lower panels from both widthwise sides of the vehicle seat to form the pre-push chamber; and one or more upper panels which are connected above the one or more lower panels from the widthwise outer sides of the one or more pre-push panels to form the upper chamber in a state in which the pre-push chamber is enclosed.

6. A side airbag device for a vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the airbag cushion further has a diffuser which is disposed within the pre-push chamber in a state in which the inflator is contained therein and one end of which is inserted into the lower chamber, the diffuser being formed in a cylindrical shape, and one end of the diffuser being provided with a check valve which prevents the backflow of gas by using excess panel material.

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