Airbag device

Abstract

The present invention provides an airbag device capable of both maintaining effective aspiration and retaining the internal pressure of an airbag. An airbag device 1 has a housing 15 accommodating an airbag cushion 10. The housing 15 has an opening 15a configured to allow the airbag cushion 10 to pop out of the housing 15 when the airbag cushion 10 is inflated and deployed. The airbag cushion 10 has: a communicating port 11 positioned on an outer peripheral side of the opening 15a at the time of inflation and deployment and configured to take outside air into the airbag cushion 10; and an outside air path-forming member 12 provided inside the airbag cushion 10 and forming a flow path for outside air from the communicating port 11 to the inside of the airbag cushion 10 at the time of inflation and deployment. The outside air flow path-forming member 12 has a connection part 12a connected to another portion of the inside of the airbag cushion 10 on an outside air outlet side of the flow path inside the airbag cushion 10.

Description

Airbag device 【0001】 The present invention relates to an airbag device. 【0002】 Regarding a vehicle airbag device, there is known one that inflates and deploys an airbag by introducing fluid from an inflator and aspiration (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Aspiration here is described as meaning that outside air is drawn in from the opening of the airbag when the inflator operates. In Patent Document 1, for effective aspiration, a cylindrical body is provided at the opening of the airbag, and it is deformed so as to protrude into the airbag when inflated and deployed. 【0003】 Japanese Patent No. 4563900 【0004】 In Patent Document 1, after the inflation and deployment are completed, the cylindrical body is deformed so as to protrude outward from the airbag due to the increase in the internal pressure of the airbag. By this deformation, the fluid inside the airbag is discharged to the outside. However, if the deformation of the cylindrical body occurs and the outflow of the fluid inside the airbag occurs before the restraint of the occupant starts or immediately after the restraint starts, the internal pressure of the airbag may become insufficient, which may affect the restraint performance of the occupant. 【0005】 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device that can achieve both the maintenance of effective aspiration and the retention of the internal pressure of the airbag cushion. 【0006】An airbag device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys when gas is supplied, an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag cushion, and a housing that houses the airbag cushion, the housing having an opening configured to allow the airbag cushion to pop out of the housing when the airbag cushion inflates and deploys, wherein the airbag cushion has at least one communication port that connects the inside and outside of the airbag cushion, the communication port being positioned on the outer circumference side of the opening when inflated and deployed to take outside air into the airbag cushion, and at least one outside air flow path component provided inside the airbag cushion that constitutes a flow path for outside air from the communication port to the inside of the airbag cushion when inflated and deployed, the outside air flow path component having a connection portion on the outside air outlet side of the flow path inside the airbag cushion that is connected to another part inside the airbag cushion. 【0007】 In this embodiment, the airbag cushion begins to inflate and deploy due to the supply of gas from the inflator. The airbag cushion, which has emerged from the opening of the housing, further inflates and deploys by drawing in outside air through the outside air passage component (aspiration). When an occupant comes into contact with the airbag cushion after it has finished inflating and deploying, the internal pressure of the airbag cushion increases. This may cause the outside air passage component to be pushed out of the airbag cushion through the communication opening, but the outlet side of the passage of the outside air passage component is connected inside the airbag cushion. As a result, when an occupant is restrained, the outside air passage component does not protrude outside the airbag cushion but remains inside the airbag cushion. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the maintenance of effective aspiration and the maintenance of the internal pressure of the airbag cushion. 【0008】This is a side view of an airbag device according to the embodiment installed in a vehicle, showing the inflating and deploying airbag cushion together with the instrument panel and occupant. This is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 1, where (a) shows the state in which outside air is introduced into the airbag cushion via the outside air passage component, and (b) shows the state in which the outside air passage component lies down inside the airbag cushion due to high pressure inside the airbag cushion. This is a diagram explaining Figure 2(a) from a different viewpoint. This is a diagram showing an example of the panel configuration of the airbag cushion according to the embodiment, where (a) is the main panel, (b) is the occupant side panel, and (c) is the central panel and outside air passage component, respectively. This is a diagram showing the A-A cross section of Figure 3(c) with each panel assembled for the airbag cushion according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing the position of each panel during inflation and deployment for the airbag cushion according to the embodiment. This is a graph showing an example of the relationship between internal pressure and time during inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion according to the embodiment. The diagram shows how the airbag cushion inflates and deploys according to the embodiment, where (a) is the state at 0 ms in Figure 5, (b) is the state at t1 in Figure 5, (c) is the state at t2 in Figure 5, (d) is the state at t3 in Figure 5, and (e) is the state at t4 in Figure 5. Regarding the flap of the airbag device according to another embodiment, (a) shows the state in which the flap covers the airbag cushion that has been folded and housed in the housing, and (b) shows the back surface of the central panel and the flap in a planar unfolded state before assembly. This is a diagram showing a modified example of the flap of Figure 7. 【0009】 Referring to the attached drawings, an example of an airbag device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on a vehicle will be described. In this document, up and down, left and right, and front and rear are defined as follows. When an occupant is seated in a normal posture in a seat (vehicle seat), the direction the occupant is facing is referred to as the front, and the opposite direction is referred to as the rear. When indicating the axis of the coordinate system, these directions are referred to as the front-rear direction or the vehicle front-rear direction. Similarly, when an occupant is seated in a normal posture, the right side of the occupant is referred to as the right direction, and the left side of the occupant is referred to as the left direction. When indicating the axis of the coordinate system, these directions are referred to as the left-right direction or the vehicle width direction. Likewise, when an occupant is seated in a normal posture, the direction of the occupant's head is referred to as the up direction, and the direction of the occupant's waist is referred to as the down direction. When indicating the axis of the coordinate system, these directions are referred to as the up and down direction. 【0010】 In this book, "occupant" refers to a dummy used for frontal crash tests (a human body dummy for frontal crash tests as defined by the Hybrid III AM50 / NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] standards [49CFR Part 572 Subpart E and O]), with a physique equivalent to that of an average American male, approximately 175 cm tall, 88 cm sitting, and 78 kg in weight. 【0011】 The airbag system described below is, for example, mounted on the instrument panel (hereinafter referred to as "instrument panel") located at the front of the vehicle inside the passenger compartment. The airbag system is equipped with an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys toward the occupant (for example, the passenger in the front seat) in the event of a vehicle emergency. A vehicle emergency includes, but is not limited to, a collision with the front of the vehicle or a rollover. Under normal circumstances, the airbag cushion is housed within a housing and then contained within the instrument panel. In the event of a vehicle emergency, the airbag cushion inflates upon receiving gas from an inflator and is ejected from the housing. Subsequently, the airbag cushion inflates and deploys toward the occupant inside the windshield. 【0012】 In the airbag device according to this embodiment, when the airbag cushion pops out of the housing and inflates and deploys, the airbag cushion inflates and deploys not only by the supply of gas from the inflator but also by aspiration. The inflated and deployed airbag cushion strikes the occupant's upper body (chest, head, etc.), absorbing the impact on the occupant and restraining the occupant. For aspiration, a component that constitutes a flow path for incoming outside air (outside air flow path component) is provided inside the airbag cushion. The outside air flow path component has its outlet side in the flow path inside the airbag cushion connected to another part inside the airbag cushion, thereby preventing the outside air flow path component from protruding outside the airbag cushion when the occupant is restrained. 【0013】Airbag devices with such aspiration functions are useful when the airbag cushion is large. For example, some vehicles can have a spacious passenger compartment, resulting in a relatively large space (front-to-back distance) between the passenger and the instrument panel. In this case, a larger airbag cushion is required, which may necessitate an increase in the inflator's output. However, by incorporating an aspiration function, it becomes possible to inflate and deploy a larger airbag cushion without increasing the inflator's output. The airbag device according to this embodiment can achieve both effective maintenance of aspiration and retention of the internal pressure of the airbag cushion. 【0014】 As shown in Figure 1, the airbag system 1 is equipped with an airbag cushion 10 that inflates and deploys in the event of a vehicle emergency. The airbag cushion 10 receives gas from the inflator 13 and inflates and deploys from the instrument panel 3 located at the front of the passenger compartment 2 toward the occupant 100. 【0015】 The airbag system 1 includes an airbag cushion 10 and an inflator 13, as well as a housing 15. The airbag cushion 10, inflator 13, and housing 15 are modularized so that the airbag system 1 is housed inside the instrument panel 3. The airbag system 1 is positioned, for example, on the passenger side 5 of the instrument panel 3. An occupant 100 is seated in the passenger seat 5 in a normal posture and is restrained to the passenger seat 5 by a seat belt system 6. 【0016】 The housing 15 is fixed to the vehicle within the instrument panel 3. The housing 15 houses the airbag cushion 10. The housing 15 may also house part or all of the inflator 13. For example, the airbag cushion 10 is folded and housed in the housing 15, and the inflator 13 is fixed to the bottom of the housing 15. 【0017】The housing 15 has an opening 15a configured to allow the airbag cushion 10 to pop out of the housing 15 when the airbag cushion 10 inflates and deploys. For example, the housing 15 is composed of a shallow case with the opening 15a at the top. As an example, the housing 15 has a bottom surface 15c and side surfaces 15b rising from the periphery of the bottom surface 15c, and has an opening 15a in the portion facing the bottom surface 15c. In Figure 1, the opening 15a opens upward, but in other embodiments, it may open diagonally upward toward the occupant 100. 【0018】 The opening 15a may be covered with a lid (cover). The lid may be integrated with the case body of the housing 15 or be a separate part. The lid may also have a weak point (tear line) that is ruptured by the airbag cushion 10 when the airbag cushion 10 is ejected from the opening 15a. That is, the airbag cushion 10 may normally be located in a space closed by the housing 15 and the lid, and when inflated and deployed, it may be configured to deploy towards the lid while being subjected to a reaction force from the inner wall (bottom, etc.) of the housing 15, rupturing the weak point of the lid and ejecting from the opening 15a. After ejecting from the opening 15a, the airbag cushion 10 then ruptures the weak point (tear line) of the instrument panel 3 and continues to inflate and deploy outside the instrument panel 3. 【0019】 In other embodiments, the housing 15 may not have a lid. That is, the airbag cushion 10 may normally be located in the space of the housing 15, which is partially open, and when inflated and deployed, it may be configured to deploy toward the opening 15a while being subjected to a reaction force from the inner wall of the housing 15, and to pop out from the opening 15a. 【0020】The inflator 13 is electrically connected to the vehicle's electronic control unit (not shown). The electronic control unit supplies a predetermined current to the inflator 13 in the event of a vehicle emergency (when it detects acceleration exceeding a threshold). The inflator 13 operates when current is supplied from the electronic control unit and supplies gas to the airbag cushion 10. Various types of inflators can be used, such as those filled with a gas generating agent, compressed gas, or both. For example, a micro gas generator can be used as the inflator 13. 【0021】 The airbag cushion 10 is mainly composed of two parts, namely a storage section 20 and a chamber section 25. The storage section 20 and the chamber section 25 are connected, and the interiors of the storage section 20 and the chamber section 25 are in communication. At least a portion of the inflator 13 is housed in the storage section 20. For example, the inflator 13 is attached to the bottom 20a (see Figure 2) of the storage section 20 so as to penetrate the bottom 20a, and is further attached to the bottom surface 15c of the housing 15. Gas from the inflator 13 is ejected within the storage section 20 and supplied into the chamber section 25. 【0022】 Under normal conditions, the storage section 20 and the chamber section 25 are housed inside the housing 15. During inflation and deployment, the chamber section 25 pops out of the housing 15 through the opening 15a and expands. At this time, the chamber section 25 expands to a size greater than the opening 15a. The expanded chamber section 25 comes into contact with the upper body (chest, head, etc.) of the occupant 100, protecting the occupant 100. On the other hand, the storage section 20 remains located inside the housing 15 during inflation and deployment. 【0023】The airbag cushion 10 is formed into a bag shape by joining (e.g., sewing or bonding) multiple base fabrics, such as nonwoven fabric, at appropriate positions, or by weaving using OPW (One-Piece Woven). At least a portion of the airbag cushion 10 is folded and housed in the housing 15. For example, at least a portion of the storage section 20 and / or the chamber section 25 of the airbag cushion 10 is folded and housed. The folding form can include a roll shape, an accordion shape, other forms, or a combination thereof. 【0024】 As shown in Figure 2, the airbag device 1 has a guide diffuser 14 configured to guide the gas supplied by the inflator 13 into the airbag cushion 10. The guide diffuser 14 is located inside the storage compartment 20 of the airbag cushion 10. 【0025】 As shown in Figure 2(a), when the inflator 13 is operating, the guide diffuser 14 is positioned inside the storage section 20 so as to rise in a cylindrical shape from one end to the other, forming a flow path that guides the gas from the inflator 13 into the chamber section 25 of the airbag cushion 10. One end of the guide diffuser 14 is connected to the periphery of the inflator 13 (for example, the bottom 20a of the inflator 13 or the storage section 20), while the other end of the guide diffuser 14 is a free end and is positioned inside the chamber section 25 (near the boundary between the storage section 20 and the chamber section 25). When the guide diffuser 14 rises in a cylindrical shape, it has an inclined shape that tapers upwards. 【0026】Specifically, when comparing the projected area of ​​the cylindrical guide diffuser 14, viewed from a distance perpendicular to the straight line connecting the periphery of the opening 15a (the horizontal dotted line indicated by reference numeral 15a in Figure 2), the portion on the inflator 13 side and the portion on the opposite side are smaller than the former. In other words, from the perspective of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the guide diffuser 14, the cross-sectional area 14a of the flow path on the gas outlet side (the other end of the guide diffuser 14) protruding into the airbag cushion 10 is smaller than the cross-sectional area 14b of the flow path in the vicinity of the inflator 13 (one end of the guide diffuser 14). As the cylindrical guide diffuser 14 narrows upwards in this way, the flow velocity of the gas from the inflator 13 toward the airbag cushion 10 increases. 【0027】 The guide diffuser 14 is made of, for example, cloth. In other embodiments, the guide diffuser 14 may be made of metal or resin. The guide diffuser 14 may also have a configuration other than cylindrical. For example, the guide diffuser 14 may be formed of a plurality of plate-shaped members. In the example shown in Figure 2(a), the reference numeral D indicates the direction of gas inflow from the inflator 13 toward the airbag cushion 10, and the guide diffuser 14 rises along direction D. 【0028】 The airbag device 1 has an aspiration function. Specifically, the airbag cushion 10 has a communication port 11 that connects the inside and outside of the airbag cushion 10, and an outside air flow path component 12 that forms a flow path for outside air from the communication port 11 to the inside of the airbag cushion 10 when it inflates and deploys. The number of communication ports 11 and outside air flow path component 12 can each be at least one, but here there are two of each. 【0029】The communication port 11 is positioned on the outer periphery of the opening 15a during inflation and deployment, and is configured to draw outside air into the airbag cushion 10. Here, "outer periphery of the opening 15a" means, for example, the vicinity and outside of the opening 15a, or the side of the opening 15a. The communication port 11 is formed in the chamber portion 25 of the airbag cushion 10. Specifically, the communication port 11 is formed in the chamber portion 25 at or near the boundary with the storage portion 20. An example of a specific configuration of the communication port 11 will be described later with reference to Figure 3. 【0030】 The external airflow channel component 12 is provided inside the airbag cushion 10, specifically inside the chamber portion 25. The external airflow channel component 12 can be made of, for example, cloth, similar to the base fabric of the airbag cushion 10. When the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, the external airflow channel component 12 is positioned above the guide diffuser 14. 【0031】 As shown in Figure 2(a), the external airflow channel component 12 is configured to deform into a shape that rises upward when it is inflated and deployed. For example, the external airflow channel component 12 is configured to deform into a cylindrical shape when it is inflated and deployed by the outside air flowing in from the communication port 11. One end of the cylindrical external airflow channel component 12 is connected to the base fabric that constitutes the airbag cushion 10 so as to surround the communication port 11. The other end of the cylindrical external airflow channel component 12 is open inside the airbag cushion 10. As shown in Figure 2(a), when it is inflated and deployed, one end of the external airflow channel component 12 constitutes the inlet side of the external airflow channel, and the other end of the external airflow channel component 12 constitutes the outlet side of the external airflow channel. 【0032】 The outside air passage component 12 has a connecting portion 12a on the outlet side of the outside air passage that connects to other parts inside the airbag cushion 10. In this case, there are two outside air passage components 12, and the connecting portions 12a, 12a of the two outside air passage components 12, 12 are connected to each other by a connecting member 12b. The connecting member 12b is, for example, a string-like member. 【0033】As shown in Figure 2(a), when expanded and deployed, the two communication ports 11, 11 are positioned symmetrically around the opening 15a on the outer circumference of the opening 15a. The two external airflow channel components 12, 12 are positioned diagonally such that their connecting portions 12a, 12a are close to each other. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2A, the two external airflow channel components 12, 12 are inclined with respect to a perpendicular line 300 (and the gas inflow direction D) that is perpendicular to the straight line connecting the periphery of the opening 15a. In the example of Figure 2A, the angle 350 between the central axis 120 of the external airflow channel component 12 and the perpendicular line 300 is about 45 degrees, but it goes without saying that the angle is not limited to this. 【0034】 As shown in Figure 2(a), the connecting member 12b extends in a direction intersecting the gas inflow direction D. Here, the connecting member 12b extends in a direction perpendicular to the gas inflow direction D. The connecting member 12b is made shorter than the diameter of the opening 15a. In other words, the length of the connecting member 12b is set such that the distance between the two connecting parts 12a, 12a is shorter than the distance between the two communication openings 11, 11. In this way, the outside air passage component 12 deforms into a shape that tilts towards the opening 15a while standing upright when it expands and unfolds. 【0035】 Figure 2(b) shows the airbag cushion 10 at the completion of inflation and deployment or just before completion. In this case, the outside air passage component 12 does not take in outside air from the communication port 11 and lies lying inside the airbag cushion 10. In this state, when an occupant comes into contact with the airbag cushion 10, the internal pressure of the airbag cushion 10 increases. This increase in internal pressure causes the outside air passage component 12 to experience pressure such that the connecting portion 12a moves outward from the airbag cushion 10. However, because the range of motion of the outside air passage component 12 is limited by the connecting member 12b, it does not fly out of the airbag cushion 10 from the communication port 11 but remains inside the airbag cushion 10. Therefore, the internal pressure of the airbag cushion 10 is maintained when an occupant is restrained. 【0036】 Next, with reference to Figures 3, 3A, and 4, an example of the panel configuration of the airbag cushion 10 will be described along with an example of the communication port 11 and the outside air passage component 12. 【0037】 The panel configuration of the airbag cushion 10 consists of the main panel 10a in Figure 3(a), the occupant-side panel 10b in Figure 3(b), and the central panel 10c in Figure 3(c). Each panel 10a, 10b, and 10c is a base fabric made of cloth such as nonwoven fabric. Each panel 10a, 10b, and 10c is joined (e.g., sewn, glued, welded, etc.) at appropriate positions along its periphery to form the airbag cushion 10, which defines an inflatable and deployable chamber. 【0038】 As shown in Figure 3(a), the main panel 10a constitutes the front surface 31, top surface 32, and left and right side surfaces 33 of the airbag cushion 10 when inflated and deployed (see Figure 4). The main panel 10a has at least one (two in this case) vent holes V. The vent holes V are formed through the left and right side surfaces 33 of the airbag cushion 10. 【0039】 As shown in Figure 3(b), the occupant-side panel 10b forms the rear surface 34 of the airbag cushion 10 when inflated and deployed (see Figure 4). In the event of a vehicle emergency, the occupant-side panel 10b faces the occupant 100 and makes contact with the occupant 100. 【0040】 As shown in Figure 3(c), the central panel 10c forms the bottom surface 35 of the airbag cushion 10 when inflated and deployed (see Figure 4). In the central panel 10c, the surface forming the inner surface of the airbag cushion 10 is the front surface, and the surface forming the outer surface of the airbag cushion 10 is the back surface. The central panel 10c is formed in a strip shape that extends long in a first direction, and both edges 41, 42 along its longitudinal direction L and one end 43 in the longitudinal direction are joined to most of the periphery of the main panel 10a. The other end 44 in the longitudinal direction of the central panel 10c is joined to the lower edge 51 of the occupant side panel 10b. The remaining parts of the periphery of the occupant side panel 10b and the remaining parts of the periphery of the main panel 10a that are not joined to the central panel 10c are joined to each other. The longitudinal direction L of the central panel 10c is oriented in the front-rear direction of the vehicle (see Figure 4). 【0041】The center panel 10c has the communication ports 11 for aspiration described above. Here, two communication ports 11, 11 are formed to penetrate the center panel 10c. The two communication ports 11, 11 are respectively formed on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction L of the center panel 10c. 【0042】 The center panel 10c has a connection port 11a for attachment to the inflater 13 between the two communication ports 11, 11. The connection port 11a does not have to be at the intermediate position between the two communication ports 11, 11 and may be formed closer to either one. Here, the connection port 11a is arranged closer to the communication port 11 located on the vehicle front side. 【0043】 The communication port 11 is constituted by, for example, an elongated slit S formed in the base fabric (center panel 10c). The slit S extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction L of the center panel 10c. Here, the slit S extends in the short-side direction M which is the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L. 【0044】 Here, at the time of inflation and deployment, internal pressure acts on each of the panels 10a, 10b, 10c of the airbag cushion 10 due to the supply of gas from the inflater 13 to the airbag cushion 10. Therefore, tension is applied to each of the panels 10a, 10b, 10c. At this time, the direction of the tension applied to the center panel 10c is the longitudinal direction L of the center panel 10c. The slit S extends in a direction intersecting this tension direction. For this reason, the slit S expands more than before inflation and deployment due to the tension applied to the center panel 10c at the time of inflation and deployment. That is, the slit S is configured such that the opening area expands at the time of inflation and deployment, thereby making it easier to draw in outside air. 【0045】 Further, after the completion of inflation and deployment, due to the influence of the tension applied to the center panel 10c, the slit S is deformed so as to be blocked more than at the time of inflation and deployment. Thereby, leakage of the gas inside the airbag cushion 10 from the slit S is suppressed after the completion of inflation and deployment. 【0046】In other embodiments, the slit S may not be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L. Further, instead of the slit S, the communication port 11 may be formed as an elliptical, oval, or rectangular opening. 【0047】 As shown in FIG. 3(c), corresponding to the connection port 11a, a guide diffuser 14 is provided on the surface of the central panel 10c. The guide diffuser 14 has a connection portion 14c for connecting to the connection port 11a on the surface side of the central panel 10c. The guide diffuser 14 before assembly is substantially cross-shaped with the connection portion 14c as the center and has projecting portions 14d projecting outward in four directions. The projecting portions 14d are each formed in a tapered shape toward the outside. At the time of assembly, each of the projecting portions 14d is joined to another adjacent projecting portion 14d. The guide diffuser 14 formed in this way has an inclined shape that tapers upward when it rises cylindrically due to the operation of the inflator 13. 【0048】 As shown in FIG. 3(c), corresponding to the two communication ports 11, 11, two outside air flow path forming members 12, 12 are provided on the surface of the central panel 10c. As described above, the outside air flow path forming member 12 forms the flow path of outside air during inflation and deformation into a cylindrical shape due to the inflow of outside air during inflation. The outside air flow path forming member 12 may have a flat shape normally. The end portion 12c of the outside air flow path forming member 12 on the side opposite to the connection portion 12a is connected to the central panel 10c so as to surround the communication port 11. The connection portion 12a of the outside air flow path forming member 12 is located at one end in the longitudinal direction of the outside air flow path forming member 12. In other embodiments, the connection portion 12a may be located closer to the end portion 12c side than one end in the longitudinal direction of the outside air flow path forming member 12. 【0049】The external airflow channel component 12 has connecting pieces 80 and 81 that protrude from the connection portion 12a. There are two connecting pieces 80 and 81 here, but there may be one or three. The connecting pieces 80 and 81 may be formed integrally with the external airflow channel component 12, or they may be attached separately. Here, the connecting pieces 80 and 81 are formed integrally so as to protrude from the connection portion 12a along the longitudinal direction of the external airflow channel component 12. 【0050】 As shown in Figure 3A, during assembly, the connecting piece 80 of one external airflow component 12 and the connecting piece 80 of the other external airflow component 12 are joined to each other. That is, by joining the two opposing connecting pieces 80, 80, one connecting member 12b is formed that connects the connecting portions 12a, 12a of the two external airflow components 12, 12. Similarly, the connecting piece 81 of one external airflow component 12 and the connecting piece 81 of the other external airflow component 12 are joined to each other, forming another connecting member 12b. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 3(c), two connecting members 12b are provided for the two external airflow components 12, 12. 【0051】 In other embodiments, the connecting member 12b may be one or three or more. Also, the connecting member 12b may be separate from the outside air passage component 12. The connecting member 12b may be made of cloth, metal, or resin. 【0052】 As shown in Figure 4, in the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 10, the two communication ports 11, 11 are located in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the vent hole V is located away from the two communication ports 11, 11 (in this case, closer to the occupant than the two communication ports 11, 11). Also, in the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 10, the portion around the connection port 11a in the central panel 10c constitutes the portion that remains located inside the housing 15 (storage portion 20), and the other panel components constitute the chamber portion 25. 【0053】Next, an example of the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion 10 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows the relationship between the internal pressure of the airbag cushion 10 and time during inflation and deployment. Figure 6 shows the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion 10 over time, with (a) showing the state at 0 ms in Figure 5, (b) showing the state at t1 in Figure 5, (c) showing the state at t2 in Figure 5, (d) showing the state at t3 in Figure 5, and (e) showing the state at t4 in Figure 5. 【0054】 As shown in Figure 6(a), under normal circumstances, the entire airbag cushion 10 is housed in the housing 15. 【0055】 In a vehicle emergency, the inflator 13 activates first. The airbag cushion 10 then receives gas from the inflator 13 and begins to rapidly inflate and deploy, causing a sharp increase in internal pressure (Figure 5: time 0 → time t1). At this time, the airbag cushion 10 has not yet emerged from the housing 15. The internal pressure continues to rise until the airbag cushion 10 is ejected from the opening 15a of the housing 15 and ruptures the weak point of the instrument panel 3. Once the airbag cushion 10 ruptures the weak point of the instrument panel 3 (Figure 5: time t1, Figure 6(b)), the airbag cushion 10 begins to inflate outside the instrument panel 3, and the internal pressure decreases (immediately after time t1). 【0056】 Subsequently, the airbag cushion 10 continues to inflate due to the gas from the inflator 13, but the internal pressure does not follow the expansion and decreases, becoming negative pressure (Figure 5: time t1.5). This negative pressure causes the airbag cushion 10 to draw in outside air through the communication port 11 and the outside air passage component 12 (starting aspiration), and it expands further. In the initial stage of this expansion and deployment (during aspiration), the airbag cushion 10 is not fully inflated (see Figure 6(c)). During aspiration, the communication port 11 is positioned on the outer circumference of the opening 15a of the housing 15, spaced apart from the vehicle's structure (e.g., instrument panel 3). That is, the communication port 11 is not in contact with or blocked by the vehicle's structure. 【0057】The aspiration continues until the inside of the airbag cushion 10 becomes positive pressure. By the time this aspiration ends (time t2.5), the inflation of the airbag cushion 10 is almost complete (see Figure 6(d)). In the later stages of this inflation and deployment, the communication port 11 is positioned so that it is in contact with and blocked by the structure (e.g., the instrument panel 3) by the airbag cushion 10 as it has expanded and deployed. As a result, the airbag cushion 10 becomes positive pressure again due to the remaining gas from the inflator 13 (Figure 5: after time t2.5), and can adequately restrain the occupant. 【0058】 After the occupant is restrained, the internal pressure of the inflated airbag cushion 10 can be gradually reduced by the vent holes V. This can be understood from the change in internal pressure from time t3 to time t4 in Figure 5, which shows the change in internal pressure over time when the occupant is not in contact with the airbag cushion 10. 【0059】 As described above, the airbag device 1 according to this embodiment includes an airbag cushion 10 that inflates and deploys when gas is supplied, an inflator 13 that supplies gas to the airbag cushion 10, and a housing 15 that houses the airbag cushion 10, the housing 15 having an opening 15a configured to allow the airbag cushion 10 to pop out of the housing 15 when the airbag cushion 10 inflates and deploys. The airbag cushion 10 has at least one communication port 11 that connects the inside and outside of the airbag cushion 10, the communication port 11 being positioned on the outer circumference side of the opening 15a when inflated and deployed to take outside air into the airbag cushion 10, and at least one outside air flow path component 12 provided inside the airbag cushion 10 and forming a flow path for outside air from the communication port 11 to the inside of the airbag cushion 10 when inflated and deployed, the outside air flow path component 12 has a connection portion 12a on the outside air outlet side of the flow path inside the airbag cushion 10 that is connected to another part inside the airbag cushion 10. 【0060】In this embodiment, the airbag cushion 10 begins to inflate and deploy due to the supply of gas from the inflator 13. When an occupant comes into contact with the airbag cushion 10, which has emerged from the opening 15a of the housing 15, and takes in outside air through the outside air passage component 12 (aspiration), the internal pressure of the airbag cushion 10 increases, and the outside air passage component 12 may be pushed out of the airbag cushion 10 through the communication port 11. However, the outlet side of the passage of the outside air passage component 12 is connected inside the airbag cushion 10. As a result, when an occupant is restrained, the outside air passage component 12 does not protrude outside the airbag cushion 10 but remains inside the airbag cushion 10. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both effective maintenance of aspiration and maintenance of the internal pressure of the airbag cushion 10. 【0061】 Furthermore, in the airbag cushion 10, the storage section 20 remains located inside the housing 15 when inflated and deployed, while the chamber section 25 is configured to pop out of the housing 15 through the opening 15a when inflated and deployed, and to expand and deploy beyond the opening 15a. Since there is no gas reservoir chamber between the storage section 20 and the chamber section 25, the chamber section 25 expands and deploys directly and significantly from the opening 15a. As a result, the chamber section 25 expands and deploys earlier compared to the case where a gas reservoir chamber is provided, making it possible to restrain the occupant 100 earlier. 【0062】 <Other Embodiments> As shown in Figure 7, the airbag device 1 according to another embodiment includes a flap 30 that covers and maintains the shape of the folded airbag cushion 10. The flap 30 covers, for example, the portion of the airbag cushion 10 that is folded and housed in the housing 15 that is exposed from the opening 15a of the housing 15, and maintains the shape of the folded airbag cushion 10. In detail, the flap 30 is folded back so that, for example, it covers the airbag cushion 10 folded inside the housing 15 in a C-shape, with one end positioned on the bottom surface 15c of the housing 15 and the other end positioned on the top surface of the airbag cushion 10. 【0063】The flap 30 is attached to the back surface of the central panel 10c. The flap 30 has a strip-like shape that extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction L of the central panel 10c, and is attached to the inflator 13 by overlapping the connection port 36 on one end 30a of the longitudinal direction L with the connection port 11a of the central panel 10c. The flap 30 has a weak portion 37 between the connection port 36 and the other end 30b of the longitudinal direction L. The weak portion 37 is configured to rupture when the airbag cushion 10 is inflated and deployed. The weak portion 37 extends in a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction L (in this case, a perpendicular direction). 【0064】 The vulnerable portion 37 is formed, for example, by a slit, and is configured to overlap with the communication opening 11 when the airbag cushion 10 inflates and deploys, so that the flap 30 does not block the communication opening 11 when the airbag cushion 10 inflates and deploys. The position of the vulnerable portion 37 is offset from the communication opening 11, taking into account the positional shift in the airbag cushion 10 caused by folding the communication opening 11. As a result, when the airbag cushion 10 inflates and deploys, the portion of the flap 30 that overlaps with the communication opening 11 located on the upper side of the central panel 10c (the vulnerable portion 37) is penetrated. As the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion 10 progresses, the flap 30 ruptures at the vulnerable portion 37. 【0065】 In this way, the flap 30 contributes to maintaining the shape of the airbag cushion 10 before inflation and deployment, while releasing the shape retention of the airbag cushion 10 without obstructing the intake of outside air from the communication port 11 when the airbag cushion 10 is inflated and deployed. 【0066】 In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the flap 30 may be configured such that the opening 38 does not block the communication port 11. The opening 38 is provided between the connection port 36 and the vulnerable portion 37 in the longitudinal direction L. The opening 38 is configured such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the communication port 11 when the airbag cushion 10 is inflated and deployed. The shape of the opening 38 is, for example, rectangular, but it may also be elliptical or oblong. 【0067】The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The elements, their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes, etc., of each embodiment are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to partially substitute or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments. 【0068】 For example, the communication port 11 and the outside air flow channel component 12 may each be three or more. If there are three or more, any two outside air flow channel component 12 in the plurality of outside air flow channel component 12 can connect their respective connection portions 12a to each other. If there are four or more, any two outside air flow channel component 12 in the plurality of outside air flow channel component 12 or two adjacent outside air flow channel component 12 can connect their respective connection portions 12a to each other. 【0069】 The external airflow channel component 12 only needs to have a connecting portion 12a on the outlet side of the channel that connects to another part inside the airbag cushion 10. In the above example, the "other part inside the airbag cushion 10" is the connecting portion 12a of another external airflow channel component 12. In other embodiments, the "other part inside the airbag cushion 10" may be, for example, the inner surface of the airbag cushion 10. That is, the connecting portion 12a of the external airflow channel component 12 may be connected to the inner surface of the airbag cushion 10 via a connecting member such as a tether. 【0070】 Furthermore, the airbag system 1 is not limited to a passenger-side airbag. It can be applied to other airbag systems as long as the configuration for the aspiration function described above can be used. For example, it may be an airbag for the driver's seat or a rear seat. 【0071】 <Additional considerations regarding various embodiments> 【0072】[Embodiment 1] An airbag device comprising: an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys when gas is supplied; an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag cushion; and a housing that houses the airbag cushion, the housing having an opening configured to allow the airbag cushion to pop out of the housing when the airbag cushion inflates and deploys, wherein the airbag cushion has at least one communication port that connects the inside and outside of the airbag cushion, the communication port being positioned on the outer circumference side of the opening when inflated and deployed to take outside air into the airbag cushion; and at least one outside air flow path component provided inside the airbag cushion that constitutes a flow path for outside air from the communication port to the inside of the airbag cushion when inflated and deployed, wherein the outside air flow path component has a connection portion on the outside air outlet side of the flow path inside the airbag cushion that is connected to another part inside the airbag cushion. 【0073】 [Embodiment 2] The airbag device according to Embodiment 1, wherein there are a plurality of communication ports and external airflow channel components, and any two or adjacent external airflow channel components in the plurality of external airflow channel components are connected to each other at their respective connection portions. 【0074】 [Embodiment 3] The airbag device according to Embodiment 2, further comprising a connecting member for connecting the connection parts. 【0075】 [Embodiment 4] The airbag device according to Embodiment 3, wherein the connecting member extends in a direction intersecting the direction of gas inflow from the inflator to the airbag cushion when inflated and deployed. 【0076】 [Embodiment 5] The airbag device according to Embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the two external airflow channel components connected by the connecting member are configured such that, when inflated and deployed, the distance between the connecting portions is shorter than the distance between the portions located on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction from the connecting portion. 【0077】[Embodiment 6] An airbag device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, the outside air passage component is configured to be inclined with respect to a perpendicular line perpendicular to the straight line connecting the periphery of the opening. 【0078】 [Embodiment 7] The airbag device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the end of the external air passage component opposite to the connection portion is connected to the base fabric constituting the airbag cushion so as to surround the communication opening. 【0079】 [Embodiment 8] The airbag device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the airbag cushion has a guide diffuser connected around the inflator and configured to guide the gas supplied by the inflator into the airbag cushion, and the portion of the guide diffuser on the inflator side and the portion on the opposite side are configured such that when the projected area viewed from a distance in a direction perpendicular to the straight line connecting the periphery of the opening is compared, the portion on the opposite side is smaller than the portion on the inflator side. 【0080】 [Embodiment 9] The airbag device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the external air passage component is configured to deform into a cylindrical shape by the external air flowing in from the communication port when it is inflated and deployed. 【0081】 [Embodiment 10] The airbag device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the communication port is formed in the base fabric constituting the airbag cushion as a slit or as an elliptical, oblong, or rectangular opening. 【0082】 [Embodiment 11] The airbag device according to Embodiment 10, wherein the slit is configured to expand more than before inflation and deployment due to the tension applied to the base fabric by the supply of gas from the inflator to the airbag cushion during inflation and deployment. 【0083】[Embodiment 12] The airbag device according to Embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the slit extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the tension applied to the base fabric during inflation and deployment. 【0084】 [Embodiment 13] An airbag device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein when the airbag device is installed in a vehicle, the communication opening is positioned at a distance from the structure of the vehicle on the outer circumference of the opening of the housing in the initial stage of inflation and deployment, and is positioned to be closed by contact with the structure by the airbag cushion as it has expanded and deployed in the later stage of inflation and deployment. 【0085】 [Embodiment 14] The airbag cushion comprises a storage section for housing the inflator, and a chamber section connected to the storage section and having the communication port and the external air passage component, wherein the storage section remains located inside the housing when inflated and deployed, while the chamber section is configured to pop out of the housing through the opening and expand and deploy beyond the opening when inflated and deployed, according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13. 【0086】 [Embodiment 15] An airbag device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, further comprising a flap that covers and maintains the shape of the airbag cushion before inflation and deployment and in a folded state, wherein the portion of the flap that overlaps with the communication opening when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed passes through it. 【0087】1...Airbag device, 2...Vehicle interior, 3...Instrument panel, 5...Passenger seat, 6...Seat belt device, 10...Airbag cushion, 10a...Main panel, 10b...Occupant side panel, 10c...Center panel, 11...Communication port, 11a...Connection port, 12...Outside airflow channel component, 12a...Connection part, 12b...Connecting member, 12c...End, 13...Inflator, 14...Guide diffuser, 14a, 14b...Flow Cross-sectional area of ​​the road, 14c...connection part, 14d...projection part, 15...housing, 15a...opening, 15b...side, 15c...bottom, 20...storage part, 20a...bottom, 25...chamber part, 30...flap, 36...connection port, 37...vulnerable part, 38...opening, 100...occupant, 120...central axis, 300...perpendicular, 350...angle, D...inflow direction, L...longitudinal direction, M...short direction, S...slit, V...vent hole

Claims

1. An airbag device comprising: an airbag cushion that inflates and deploys when gas is supplied; an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag cushion; and a housing that houses the airbag cushion, the housing having an opening configured to allow the airbag cushion to pop out of the housing when the airbag cushion inflates and deploys, wherein the airbag cushion has at least one communication port that connects the inside and outside of the airbag cushion, the communication port being positioned on the outer circumference side of the opening when inflated and deployed to take outside air into the airbag cushion; and at least one outside air flow path component provided inside the airbag cushion that constitutes a flow path for outside air from the communication port to the inside of the airbag cushion when inflated and deployed, wherein the outside air flow path component has a connection portion connected to another part inside the airbag cushion at the outlet side of the outside air in the flow path inside the airbag cushion.

2. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of the communication port and the external airflow channel component, and any two or adjacent external airflow channel components in the plurality of external airflow channel components are connected to each other at their respective connection portions.

3. The airbag device according to claim 2, further comprising a connecting member for connecting the aforementioned connection parts.

4. The airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the connecting member extends in a direction intersecting the direction of gas inflow from the inflator to the airbag cushion when inflated and deployed.

5. The airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the two external airflow channel components connected by the connecting member are configured such that, when inflated and deployed, the distance between the connecting portions is shorter than the distance between the portions located on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction from the connecting portion.

6. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein, when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, the external airflow channel component is configured to be inclined with respect to a perpendicular line perpendicular to the straight line connecting the periphery of the opening.

7. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the end of the external airflow channel component opposite to the connection portion is connected to the base fabric constituting the airbag cushion so as to surround the communication opening.

8. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag cushion has a guide diffuser connected around the inflator and configured to guide the gas supplied by the inflator into the airbag cushion, and the portion of the guide diffuser on the inflator side and the portion on the opposite side are configured such that, when comparing the projected area viewed from a distance in a direction perpendicular to the straight line connecting the periphery of the opening, the portion on the opposite side is smaller than the portion on the inflator side.

9. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the external air passage component is configured to deform into a cylindrical shape by the external air flowing in from the communication port when the airbag is inflated and deployed.

10. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the communication opening is formed in the base fabric constituting the airbag cushion as a slit or as an elliptical, oblong, or rectangular opening.

11. The airbag device according to claim 10, wherein the slit is configured to expand more than before inflation and deployment due to the tension applied to the base fabric caused by the supply of gas from the inflator to the airbag cushion during inflation and deployment.

12. The airbag device according to claim 10, wherein the slit extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the tension applied to the base fabric during inflation and deployment.

13. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the airbag device is installed in a vehicle, the communication opening is positioned at a distance from the structure of the vehicle on the outer circumference of the opening of the housing in the initial stage of inflation and deployment, and is positioned to be closed by contact with the structure by the airbag cushion as it has expanded and deployed in the later stage of inflation and deployment.

14. The airbag cushion comprises a storage section for housing the inflator, and a chamber section connected to the storage section and having a communication port and an external air passage component, wherein the storage section remains located inside the housing when inflated and deployed, while the chamber section is configured to pop out of the housing through the opening and expand and deploy beyond the opening when inflated and deployed. This is the airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. An airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a flap that covers and maintains the shape of the airbag cushion before inflation and deployment and in a folded state, wherein the portion of the flap that overlaps with the communication opening when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed penetrates the flap.

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