Occupant restraint device

Abstract

Provided is an occupant restraint device capable of enhancing occupant restraint during a vehicle collision and providing broad protection for an occupant.　An occupant restraint device 200 includes: webbing 14 that has a shoulder belt 16; and a folded airbag cushion 50 that inflates and deploys between an occupant wearing the webbing 14 on a vehicle seat 100 and the shoulder belt 16 during a vehicle collision. The airbag cushion 50 is configured such that during inflation and deployment an upper part of the airbag cushion 50 moves from the front of the vehicle seat 100 toward the rear of the vehicle seat 100 while the folded state thereof is released.

Description

Occupant restraint device

[0001] The present invention relates to an occupant restraint device.

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with seat belt devices that restrain occupants on vehicle seats and airbags that deploy during vehicle emergencies to suppress occupant movement. For example, the occupant restraint device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an upper body restraint airbag that inflates and deploys between the shoulder belt of the seat belt and the occupant's chest when gas is supplied from an inflater during a frontal collision of the vehicle. The shoulder belt functions as a receiving member for the reaction force of the upper body restraint airbag, and the upper body restraint airbag restrains the occupant's chest.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-128880

[0004] However, in the occupant restraint device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the range in which the upper body restraint airbag inflates and deploys is limited to the occupant's chest and abdomen, and the range for protecting the occupant is limited. On the other hand, even if the range of inflation and deployment of the upper body restraint airbag is extended to the occupant's head, it is necessary to pay attention to the direction and behavior of inflation and deployment.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an occupant restraint device that can enhance occupant restraint performance and appropriately inflate and deploy an airbag cushion to widely protect the occupant during a vehicle collision.

[0006] The occupant restraint device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a webbing having a shoulder belt and a folded airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between an occupant wearing the webbing on a vehicle seat and the shoulder belt during a vehicle collision. The airbag cushion is configured such that when inflated and deployed, while the folded state is loosened, the upper part of the cushion of the airbag cushion moves from the front of the vehicle seat toward the rear of the vehicle seat.

[0007] In this embodiment, during a vehicle collision, the airbag cushion inflates and deploys between the occupant and the shoulder belt, and the forward movement of the inflated airbag cushion can be suppressed by the webbing acting as a reaction surface. Therefore, during a vehicle collision, the inflated airbag cushion can suppress the forward movement of the occupant by working in cooperation with the webbing while absorbing the impact. In addition, as the airbag cushion inflates and deploys, the folded state of the airbag cushion unfolds, and the upper part of the cushion moves from the front to the rear of the vehicle seat. As a result, the airbag cushion deploys so as to wrap around the occupant's head from the front, and the upper part of the airbag cushion can protect the occupant's head from the front. Therefore, during a vehicle collision, it is possible to broadly protect the occupant, including the occupant's head, while avoiding the airbag cushion inflating and deploying towards the occupant's chin, for example.

[0008] In an occupant restraint device according to one aspect of the present invention, the upper part of the cushion is preferably configured to bend away from the occupant at a bending portion in the middle of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion in the vertical direction when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat. According to this aspect, since the upper part of the cushion of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion bends away from the occupant, it is possible to further prevent the airbag cushion from inflating and deploying toward, for example, the occupant's chin.

[0009] This is a perspective view showing a vehicle seat having an occupant restraint device according to an embodiment. This is a perspective view showing a seat belt device. This is a view of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion as seen from the front of the vehicle seat. This is a view of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion as seen from the side of the vehicle seat. This is a diagram showing an external tether attached to the outer surface of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion, where (a) is a view from the front of the vehicle seat and (b) is a view from the side of the vehicle seat. This is a diagram showing an internal tether attached to the inner surface of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion as seen from the side of the vehicle seat. This is a view of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion as seen from the front of the vehicle seat, relating to an occupant restraint device according to another embodiment. This is a view of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion as seen from the side of the vehicle seat, relating to an occupant restraint device according to another embodiment. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion and shoulder belt. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the airbag cushion and inflator housed in the inflation tube within the shoulder belt. This diagram shows an airbag cushion sandwiched between two webbings in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. (a) is a view of the shoulder belt from the front of the vehicle seat, and (b) is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in (a). This diagram shows the airbag cushion, which is positioned on the shoulder belt via a slider, as seen from the side of the vehicle seat when the webbing is attached. This perspective view shows an example of the structure around the tongue and inflator. This diagram shows the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion as seen from the side of the vehicle seat, illustrating how the upper part of the airbag cushion moves from the front to the rear of the vehicle seat when it inflates and deploys. This diagram shows an example of how to fold the airbag cushion. (a) shows the airbag cushion in a planar configuration placed on the rear side of a portion of the webbing, (b) shows the airbag cushion folded toward the webbing so that it aligns with the longitudinal direction of the webbing, (c) shows the c-c cross-section in (b), and (d) shows how half of the airbag cushion is folded downwards from the top. Figure 15(d) shows how the upper half of the folded airbag cushion unfolds upwards as if unraveling.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0011] In this book, up and down, left and right, and front and back 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 called the front, and the opposite direction is called the rear; when indicating the axis of the coordinate system, these are referred to as the front and back directions. Similarly, when an occupant is seated in a normal posture in a vehicle seat, the right side of the occupant is called the right direction, and the left side of the occupant is called the left direction; when indicating the axis of the coordinate system, these are referred to as the left and right directions. Likewise, when an occupant is seated in a normal posture, the direction of the occupant's head is called the up direction, and the direction of the occupant's waist is called the down direction; when indicating the axis of the coordinate system, these are referred to as the up and down directions.

[0012] 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.

[0013] In this book, "vehicle collision" primarily refers to a frontal collision. However, it may also include side collisions and oblique collisions.

[0014] [Vehicle Seat] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat 100 includes a seat back 110 that supports the occupant's back, a seat cushion 112 on which the occupant sits, and a headrest 114 that supports the occupant's head. The vehicle seat 100 may be a front seat (i.e., the driver's seat or passenger seat) or a rear seat.

[0015] [Occupant Restraint Device] The occupant restraint device 200 has a seat belt device 12 and an airbag cushion 50, and is installed in association with the vehicle seat 100.

[0016] [Seatbelt device] The seatbelt device 12 has a webbing 14 which is a seatbelt that restrains the occupant. The webbing 14 has a shoulder belt 16 which extends from an upper guide loop or anchorage 18 to a tongue 20 and a lap belt 22 which extends from the tongue 20 to an anchorage 24. The tongue 20 may include a loop portion 26 through which the webbing 14 extends. The tongue 20 is configured to be insertable into a buckle 28 for locking and unlocking the seatbelt device 12. The cable 30 of the buckle 28 secures the buckle 28 to a part of the vehicle structure 31 (e.g., the vehicle frame), either directly or in cooperation with other components. When the tongue 20 is inserted into the buckle 28 and fastened, the seatbelt device 12 defines three-point restraint between the anchorage 18, the tongue 20, and the anchorage 24.

[0017] [Retractor] As shown in Figure 2, the seat belt device 12 has a retractor 32. The retractor 32 is configured to extend the webbing 14, so that the effective length of the webbing 14 can be adjusted. The retractor 32 is positioned within the vehicle seat 100 or structurally coupled to the vehicle body.

[0018] The retractor 32 has a spool 36 rotatably housed in the frame 34. The spool 36 engages with the end of the shoulder belt 16 of the webbing 14 and rotates to wind up or unwind the webbing 14. The spool 36 biases the webbing 14 in the winding direction by means of a spring or an electric motor. Meanwhile, the end of the lap belt 22 of the webbing 14 is fixed to an anchorage 24 (for example, the frame 34, the vehicle seat 100, or another part of the vehicle such as the floor pan).

[0019] Furthermore, the retractor 32 may have a torsion bar and a locking mechanism. Known configurations can be used for the torsion bar and the locking mechanism. An example of these will be described. For example, the torsion bar constitutes a force limiter and is positioned inside the spool 36, with one end connected to the spool 36 and the other end connected to a locking member of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism locks the rotation of the spool 36 by restricting the rotation of the locking member (locking the locking member) when the vehicle decelerates at a predetermined rate or when the brakes are applied with a predetermined force, thereby stopping the extension of the webbing 14. During normal operation of the vehicle, the retractor 32 allows the extension of the webbing 14, giving the occupants a certain degree of freedom of movement, and the webbing 14 may become loose during normal use.

[0020] [Airbag cushion] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the airbag cushion 50 is provided in association with the seat belt device 12. Here, the airbag cushion 50 is provided on the rear side (occupant side) of the shoulder belt 16. Also, the airbag cushion 50 is provided on the upper part of the shoulder belt 16. However, the arrangement and method of the airbag cushion 50 are not limited to these, and in other embodiments, it may not be provided on the webbing 14.

[0021] The airbag cushion 50 is formed into a bag shape, for example, by sewing or bonding one or more base fabrics at appropriate positions, or by weaving using OPW (One-Piece Woven). The airbag cushion 50 is installed in a folded state. The folding method can be a roll shape, an accordion shape (bellows shape), or a combination of these. An example of a folding method will be described later with reference to Figure 15. The unfolding behavior of the folded airbag cushion 50 will be described later with reference to Figure 14.

[0022] [Inflator] As shown in Figure 3, the occupant restraint device 200 has an inflator 60. The inflator 60 supplies gas for inflation and deployment to the inside of the airbag cushion 50 in the event of a vehicle collision. The inflator 60 is electrically connected to an electronic control unit (ECU). For example, the inflator 60 receives a signal from the ECU detecting the situation during a vehicle collision and activates, instantly supplying gas to the airbag cushion 50. 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 60.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 3, the inflator 60 is positioned around the buckle 28. However, the positioning of the inflator 60 is not limited to this. The inflator 60 can be built into or attached to the airbag cushion 50, webbing 14, or vehicle seat 100, etc.

[0024] [Inflated and deployed airbag cushion] Figures 3 and 4 show the relationship between the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50 and the vehicle seat 100 (occupant). An occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 100, the tongue 20 is attached to the buckle 28, and the occupant on the vehicle seat 100 is wearing webbing 14. In the event of a vehicle collision, the airbag cushion 50 receives gas from the inflator 60 and inflates and deploys between the occupant on the vehicle seat 100 and the shoulder belt 16.

[0025] The inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50 is located in front of the occupant. The inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50 generally has an upper cushion 51, a bent portion 52, and a lower cushion 53. The shape of the airbag cushion 50 described below in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4 refers to the shape of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50 unless otherwise specified.

[0026] The upper part of the cushion 51, when viewed from the side of the vehicle seat 100 (i.e., Figure 4), is bent at the bend 52 in a direction away from the occupant. In other words, the upper part of the cushion 51 does not extend in the same direction as the extending direction of the lower part of the cushion 53, but rather extends in a direction that intersects the extending direction of the lower part of the cushion 53. The bend 52 is the boundary between the upper part of the cushion 51 and the lower part of the cushion 53, and the bend 52 is located in the middle of the vertical direction of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50. The extending direction of the upper part of the cushion 51 only needs to intersect with the extending direction of the lower part of the cushion 53. In the example shown in Figure 4, the upper part of the cushion 51 extends in a sloping manner toward the front of the vehicle from the middle of the vertical direction of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50 (the bend 52), such that the upper end 51a is located toward the front of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the upper part of the cushion 51 may extend parallel to the vertical direction.

[0027] In relation to the vehicle seat 100, the upper end 51a of the upper cushion portion 51 is located above the upper end position 110a of the seat back 110 when viewed from the side of the vehicle seat 100, and further above the upper end position 114a of the headrest 114. The upper cushion portion 51 extends longer vertically than the headrest 114. In the left-right direction, the upper cushion portion 51 extends outward beyond the headrest 114 on one side (left side in Figure 3), and extends to the same extent as or shorter than the headrest 114 on the other side (right side in Figure 3: the side with the upper guide loop or anchorage 18). In other embodiments, the upper cushion portion 51 as a whole may extend longer horizontally than the headrest 114, or it may extend horizontally to the same extent as the headrest 114.

[0028] In relation to the occupant, the upper part of the cushion 51 is positioned at least in front of the occupant's head during a vehicle collision. For example, the middle part of the upper part of the cushion 51 is at the same height level as the center of the occupant's head. Also, when viewed from the side of the vehicle seat 100, the upper end 51a of the upper part of the cushion 51 is at approximately the same height level as the top of the occupant's head, and the lower end of the upper part of the cushion 51 (which is substantially the bent part 52) ​​is at approximately the same height level as the occupant's neck or chin. The entire upper part of the cushion 51, a part of it, or one side in the left-right direction may extend beyond the occupant's head in the left-right direction.

[0029] The upper part of the cushion 51 protects the occupant's head during a vehicle collision. In particular, during a frontal collision, the occupant's head, which has moved forward due to inertia, will strike the upper part of the cushion 51 and be protected by it.

[0030] The lower part of the cushion 53 is located below the bent portion 52. The lower part of the cushion 53 has a larger expansion volume than the upper part of the cushion 51. Also, the lower part of the cushion 53 is wider than the upper part of the cushion 51. For example, the lower part of the cushion 53 extends longer than the upper part of the cushion 51 on one side in the left-right direction (the right side in Figure 3: the side with the upper guide loop or anchorage 18).

[0031] In relation to the vehicle seat 100, the lower end 53a of the lower cushion 53 is located near the vertical center of the seat back 110 when viewed from the side of the vehicle seat 100. Here, "near" means that the center is defined as approximately half the distance from the upper end 110a of the seat back 110 to the surface height of the seat cushion 112 (or the position where the surface of the seat cushion 112 contacts the seat back 110) (hereinafter, this distance may be referred to as "seat back height"), and the area includes a range from that center to ±10% of the seat back height. The lower end 53a of the lower cushion 53 is located below the shoulder belt 16. Furthermore, both left and right ends of the lower cushion 53 are located near both left and right ends of the seat back 110.

[0032] In relation to the occupant, the lower part of the cushion 53 is positioned at least in front of the occupant's chest during a vehicle collision. For example, the middle of the lower part of the cushion 53 in the vertical direction is at the same height level as the center of the occupant's chest. When viewed from the side of the vehicle seat 100, the lower end 53a of the lower part of the cushion 53 is at approximately the same height level as the lower part of the occupant's chest or the upper part of their abdomen. In the left-right direction, the lower part of the cushion 53 reaches both of the occupant's shoulders and both of their upper arms. The left and right ends of the lower part of the cushion 53 may be contained between the occupant's shoulders or may extend beyond them.

[0033] The lower part of the cushion 53 primarily protects the occupant's chest during a vehicle collision. The rear surface of the lower part of the cushion 53 contacts the front of the occupant's chest, while the front surface of the lower part of the cushion 53 contacts the shoulder belt 16. In particular, during a frontal collision, the lower part of the cushion 53 absorbs the impact and suppresses the occupant's forward movement. At this time, the forward movement of the lower part of the cushion 53 is suppressed by the shoulder belt 16 acting as a reaction surface, and the shoulder belt 16 restrains the occupant to the seat back 110 via the lower part of the cushion 53.

[0034] The bent portion 52 is located at the boundary between the upper part 51 and the lower part 53 of the cushion and extends in the left-right direction. In relation to the vehicle seat 100, the bent portion 52 is located near the upper end of the seat back 110 when viewed from the side of the vehicle seat 100. From another viewpoint, the bent portion 52 is located near the boundary between the seat back 110 and the headrest 114 when viewed from the side of the vehicle seat 100. In relation to the occupant, the bent portion 52 is located in front of the occupant's neck or chin during a vehicle collision.

[0035] In addition, "near the upper end of the seat back 110" means the range from the same height level as the upper end 110a of the seat back 110 to a height level of ±10% of the seat back height. Similarly, "near the boundary between the seat back 110 and the headrest 114" means the range from that boundary to a height level of ±10% of the seat back height or the height of the headrest 114.

[0036] [Tether] Here, the bent portion 52 is formed when the airbag cushion 50 inflates and deploys. Specifically, by attaching at least one tether to the airbag cushion 50, when the airbag cushion 50 inflates and deploys, the upper part 51 of the cushion is directed in the direction of inflation and deployment (the direction of bending), and the bent portion 52 is formed in the middle of the inflated airbag cushion 50 in the vertical direction. The tether can be formed from one or more base fabrics or threads, and can be formed from fibrous materials such as polyamide synthetic resin. The tether can be attached by sewing, bonding or other devices. Two examples of tethers are described below.

[0037] Figure 5 shows an external tether 70 attached to the outer surface of the airbag cushion 50. The external tether 70 connects the upper part 51 and the lower part 53 of the cushion on the outer surface of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50 on the vehicle front side (opposite the occupant). Specifically, the external tether 70 extends in the vertical direction, with its upper end 71 attached to the vehicle front side outer surface of the upper part 51 of the cushion, and its lower end 72 attached to the vehicle front side outer surface of the lower part 53 of the cushion. There is, for example, one external tether 70, and it is provided on one side in the left-right direction (left side in Figure 5(a): opposite to the upper guide loop or anchorage 18). However, in other embodiments, there may be multiple external tethers 70, for example, multiple external tethers 70 may be arranged in a left-right direction.

[0038] The length of the external tether 70 is shorter than the distance between the upper and lower attachment points on the airbag cushion 50 to which the external tether 70 is attached. This directs the upper part 51 of the cushion to bend at the bend portion 52 and expand when the airbag cushion 50 inflates. A space is formed between the expanded airbag cushion 50 and the external tether 70 due to the bending of the upper part 51 of the cushion, and tension is applied to the external tether 70.

[0039] Figure 6 shows internal tethers 80 and 90 attached to the inner surface of the airbag cushion 50. The inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50 has a first cushion panel 55 on the front side of the vehicle and a second cushion panel 56 on the rear side of the vehicle. The first cushion panel 55 and the second cushion panel 56 are joined to each other and define a space into which inflation gas is supplied.

[0040] Internal tethers 80 and 90 connect the first cushion panel 55 and the second cushion panel 56 on the inner surface of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50, respectively. Internal tether 80 is located above internal tether 90 and extends in a direction different from the extension direction of internal tether 90. Specifically, internal tether 80 (upper tether) is provided to extend horizontally above the bend 52, with both ends attached to the inner surfaces of the first cushion panel 55 and the second cushion panel 56, respectively. On the other hand, internal tether 90 (lower tether) is provided to extend vertically below the bend 52, with both ends attached to the inner surfaces of the first cushion panel 55 and the second cushion panel 56, respectively. In other embodiments, it is also possible to have only one internal tether.

[0041] The lengths of the internal tethers 80 and 90 are shorter than the distance between the attachment points on the airbag cushion 50 to which they are attached. This directs the upper part 51 of the cushion to bend at the bend portion 52 and expand when the airbag cushion 50 inflates. The expanded airbag cushion 50 then applies tension to the internal tethers 80 and 90.

[0042] [Airbag cushion deployment behavior] Figure 14 shows the relationship between the deployment behavior of the airbag cushion 50 and the vehicle seat 100 (occupant). The occupant on the vehicle seat 100 is wearing webbing 14. As described above, in the event of a vehicle collision, the airbag cushion 50 inflates and deploys between the occupant on the vehicle seat 100 and the shoulder belt 16 upon receiving gas from the inflator 60.

[0043] In this case, when the airbag cushion 50 inflates and deploys, while the folded state is loosened, the upper portion 151 of the airbag cushion 50 is configured to move from the front of the vehicle seat 100 toward the rear of the vehicle seat 100. For example, as indicated by the arrow 700 in FIG. 14, the upper portion 151 of the airbag cushion 50 moves upward while unwinding from the front to the rear of the vehicle seat 100 in a swirling manner. This upper portion 151 is located on the front side of the vehicle seat 100 with respect to the lower portion 153 in the folded airbag cushion 50. The upper portion 151 is the portion that becomes the cushion upper part 51 in the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50. Further, the lower portion 153 is the portion that forms at least a part of the cushion lower part 53 in the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50.

[0044] [Folding Method of Airbag Cushion] Referring to FIG. 15, an example of the folding method of the airbag cushion 50 will be described. As described above, the folding method of the airbag cushion 50 can take a roll shape, an accordion shape (bellows shape), or a combination of these.

[0045] When folding, first, the airbag cushion 50 is unfolded flat, and placed flat on the rear side (the occupant side) of a part of the webbing 14 (where it becomes the shoulder belt 16 when the webbing is attached) (Fig. 15(a)). For example, on the rear side of a part of the webbing 14, the flatly unfolded airbag cushion 50 is placed flat so as to be diagonally divided into left and right parts by this part of the webbing 14. Next, the airbag cushion 50 is folded toward the webbing 14 so as to overlap (be parallel to) the longitudinal direction of the webbing 14 (Fig. 15(b)). For example, the left and right halves 50a, 50b of the airbag cushion 50 are folded in a zigzag manner toward the webbing 14 (Fig. 15(c)). Then, the airbag cushion 50 is folded from the top downward (Fig. 15(d)). For example, a part of the left and right halves 50a, 50b of the airbag cushion 50 is rolled from the top downward. The rolled part is indicated by reference numeral 155. As described above, the folded airbag cushion 50 is provided on the rear side (the occupant side) of the webbing 14.

[0046] As described above, when the airbag cushion 50 expands and deploys, it deploys while the folded state loosens. At this time, as shown in Fig. 16, the rolled part 155 (corresponding to the upper part 151 of the airbag cushion 50) loosens and expands upward, and moves from the front of the vehicle seat 100 toward the rear of the vehicle seat 100.

[0047] Incidentally, when folded as described above, the thickness of the upper part of the airbag cushion 50 increases, but by using the technique of compressing and folding, it is possible to suppress the overall thickness of the airbag cushion 50 from becoming too large. Also, for example, slits or the like can be provided at desired locations so that the airbag cushion 50 can be easily folded, and the degree of freedom of folding can be increased depending on how the slits or the like are made.

[0048] Next, the operation and effects of the occupant restraint device 2**

[0049] In some cases, a vehicle collision may occur while the occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 100 and wearing the webbing 14. During this vehicle collision, the inflator 60 activates and gas is supplied to the airbag cushion 50. This gas supply causes the lower part 53 of the cushion to inflate and deploy between the shoulder belt 16 and the occupant, and almost immediately or simultaneously, the upper part 51 of the cushion inflates and deploys.

[0050] At this time, the lower part of the cushion 53 protects the occupant's chest. In particular, the shoulder belt 16 functions as a force receiving member for the reaction force of the lower part of the cushion 53, and the lower part of the cushion 53, together with the webbing 14, restrains the occupant's chest to the seat back 110. The upper part of the cushion 51 also protects the occupant's head. Therefore, according to the occupant restraint device 200 of this embodiment, it is possible to enhance occupant restraint during a vehicle collision and to protect the occupant more broadly.

[0051] In particular, during the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion 50, as the folded state unfolds, the upper portion 151 (upper part of the cushion 51) moves from the front to the rear of the vehicle seat 100. As a result, the airbag cushion 50 deploys in a way that wraps around the occupant's head from the front, thus preventing the upper portion 151 (upper part of the cushion 51) from inflating and deploying towards the occupant's chin. In other words, the direction in which the airbag cushion 50 inflates and deploys can be directed to prevent it from uppercutting the occupant's chin. In this way, the upper portion 151 (upper part of the cushion 51) of the airbag cushion 50 can protect the occupant's head from the front.

[0052] Furthermore, the upper part 51 of the cushion bends at the bending portion 52 relative to the lower part 53 of the cushion and expands and unfolds in a direction away from the occupant. This makes it even more difficult to prevent the upper part 51 of the cushion from expanding and unfolding towards the occupant's chin.

[0053] [Other Embodiments] Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, an occupant restraint device 300 according to another embodiment will be described. In other embodiments, the differences from the above embodiment will be the main focus of the description, and components common to the above embodiment will be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0054] In the occupant restraint device 300, the airbag cushion 50 is configured to have multiple chambers. Specifically, the airbag cushion 50 has a main chamber 310 and a sub-chamber 320 connected to the main chamber 310. The main chamber 310 mainly constitutes the lower part 53 of the cushion, and the sub-chamber 320 mainly constitutes the upper part 51 of the cushion, with a bent portion 52 located at the boundary between the main chamber 310 and the sub-chamber 320.

[0055] The main chamber 310 and the sub-chamber 320 are connected to each other around a communication hole 330 that connects their interiors. The area around the communication hole 330 refers to the portion near the communication hole 330, excluding the communication hole 330 itself. There is one communication hole 330, and for example, when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50 is viewed from the front of the vehicle, the communication hole 330 is provided on one side in the left-right direction (left side in Figure 7: opposite to the upper guide loop or anchorage 18). In the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50, the main chamber 310 extends in the left-right direction. At this time, the sub-chamber 320 is connected to one side of the main chamber 310 (left side in Figure 7). In other embodiments, there may be multiple communication holes 330.

[0056] Thus, even when the airbag cushion 50 has multiple chambers, it is possible to enhance occupant restraint during a vehicle collision and provide broad protection to the occupants, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0057] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The elements, arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes of each embodiment are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate.

[0058] For example, the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 50 may not have a bendable portion 52, nor may it have a tether (70, 80, 90) for forming the bendable portion 52.

[0059] Furthermore, the arrangement of the airbag cushion 50 and the inflator 60 is not limited to the above. For example, the airbag cushion 50 may be provided at the bottom of the shoulder belt 16. Alternatively, the airbag cushion 50 may be provided directly on the shoulder belt 16 (for example, by sewing the two together) or indirectly (for example, by attaching a storage device containing the airbag cushion 50 to the shoulder belt 16). Several examples are described below.

[0060] In Figure 9, the airbag cushion 50 is separate from the shoulder belt 16 and is attached by sewing it to the occupant-side surface of the shoulder belt 16 at an appropriate position. An inflator 60 can also be provided inside the airbag cushion 50. In other embodiments, the airbag cushion 50 is integrated with the shoulder belt 16 and may be woven together with the shoulder belt 16. In this case, a portion of the occupant-side surface of the shoulder belt 16 constitutes a portion of the outer circumference of the airbag cushion 50.

[0061] In Figure 10, the airbag cushion 50 is stored inside the inflation tube 400 within the shoulder belt 16. For example, the airbag cushion 50 is folded and placed inside the inflation tube 400 together with the inflator 60. When the airbag cushion 50 is inflated and deployed, it unfolds from inside the inflation tube 400 outwards and inflates outside the inflation tube 400.

[0062] In Figure 11, the webbing 14 consists of at least two pieces in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and has a front webbing portion 14A and a rear webbing portion 14B. The airbag cushion 50 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the front webbing portion 14A and the rear webbing portion 14B, and is woven together with the front webbing portion 14A and / or the rear webbing portion 14B, or sewn to them.

[0063] In Figure 12, the airbag cushion 50 is positioned along the shoulder belt 16 in its longitudinal direction, and the lower end of the airbag cushion 50 is fixed to the tongue 20. Multiple (in this case, three) sliders 500, 510, and 520 are connected to the airbag cushion 50 at intervals from each other, and the sliders 500, 510, and 520 are configured to slide along the extending direction of the shoulder belt 16. In the event of a vehicle collision, the airbag cushion 50 slides relative to the shoulder belt 16 via the sliders 500, 510, and 520, and inflates and deploys between the shoulder belt 16 and the occupant.

[0064] Next, the arrangement of the inflator 60 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the inflator 60 can be connected to the airbag cushion 50 via a pipe section 61. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the inflator 60 can also be connected directly to the buckle 28. In this case, the buckle 28 and the tongue 20 are provided with gas passages 610 and 620, respectively, for guiding the inflation and deployment gas from the inflator 60 to the airbag cushion 50. For example, the gas passage 620 of the tongue 20 has a protrusion that projects toward the buckle 28, while the gas passage 610 of the buckle 28 has a recess that can receive this protrusion. The inflation and deployment gas from the inflator 60 is guided from the buckle 28 through the tongue 20 to the airbag cushion 50, with or without the pipe section 61 (see Figure 3). The insert portion 20a of the tongue 20 is inserted into the insertion opening 28a in the buckle 28, thereby attaching the tongue 20 to the buckle 28.

[0065] <Additional Considerations Regarding Various Embodiments> [Embodiment 1] An occupant restraint device comprising: a webbing having a shoulder belt; and a folded airbag cushion which, in the event of a vehicle collision, inflates and deploys between the occupant wearing the webbing on the vehicle seat and the shoulder belt, wherein, when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, the folded state is unfolded, and the upper part of the cushion (upper portion) of the airbag cushion moves from the front of the vehicle seat to the rear of the vehicle seat.

[0066] [Embodiment 2] The occupant restraint device of Embodiment 1, wherein when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the upper part of the cushion is configured to bend away from the occupant at a bending portion in the middle of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion in the vertical direction.

[0067] [Embodiment 3] An occupant restraint device comprising: a webbing having a shoulder belt; and a folded airbag cushion which, in the event of a vehicle collision, inflates and deploys between the occupant wearing the webbing on the vehicle seat and the shoulder belt, wherein the inflated and deployed airbag cushion has an upper part that, when viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, bends away from the occupant at a bending portion in the middle of the vertical direction.

[0068] [Embodiment 4] The occupant restraint device of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the upper end of the upper part of the cushion is located above at least one of the upper end position of the seat back of the vehicle seat and the upper end position of the headrest of the vehicle seat.

[0069] [Embodiment 5] The occupant restraint device of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the upper part of the cushion is longer in the vertical direction than the headrest of the vehicle seat.

[0070] [Embodiment 6] The occupant restraint device according to Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the upper part of the cushion is inclined toward the front of the vehicle from the middle portion in the vertical direction of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion, such that the upper end is located toward the front of the vehicle.

[0071] [Embodiment 7] The upper part of the cushion is the occupant restraint device of Embodiments 1 to 6, which protects the occupant's head in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0072] [Embodiment 8] The occupant restraint device of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein, when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the bent portion in the middle of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion in the vertical direction is located in the vertical direction near the upper end of the seat back of the vehicle seat and near the boundary between the seat back of the vehicle seat and the headrest.

[0073] [Embodiment 9] The inflated and deployed airbag cushion has a lower cushion portion below a bent portion in the middle of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion in the vertical direction, and when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the lower end of the lower cushion portion is located near the vertical center of the seat back of the vehicle seat and at least one of the lower side of the shoulder belt, the occupant restraint device of Embodiments 1 to 8.

[0074] [Embodiment 10] The occupant restraint device of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the inflated and deployed airbag cushion has a lower part that is wider than the upper part of the cushion, located below the bent portion in the middle of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion in the vertical direction.

[0075] [Embodiment 11] An occupant restraint device according to Embodiments 1 to 10, comprising at least one tether attached to the airbag cushion, wherein the at least one tether is configured to point in the direction of inflation and deployment of the upper part of the cushion when the airbag cushion inflates and deploys, and to form a bent portion in the middle of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion in the vertical direction.

[0076] [Embodiment 12] The occupant restraint device of Embodiment 11, wherein the at least one tether has at least one external tether connecting the upper part of the cushion and the lower part of the cushion below the bent portion on the outer surface of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion on the vehicle front side.

[0077] [Embodiment 13] The occupant restraint device of Embodiment 11, wherein the inflated and deployed airbag cushion has a first cushion panel on the front side of the vehicle and a second cushion panel on the rear side of the vehicle, and the at least one tether has at least one internal tether connecting the first cushion panel and the second cushion panel on the inner surface of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion.

[0078] [Embodiment 14] The occupant restraint device of Embodiment 13, wherein the at least one internal tether comprises an upper tether provided to extend horizontally above the bent portion when viewed from the bent portion of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion, and a lower tether provided to extend vertically below the bent portion when viewed from the bent portion.

[0079] [Embodiment 15] The occupant restraint device of Embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the airbag cushion has a main chamber and a sub-chamber connected to the main chamber and forming the upper part of the cushion, and the bent portion in the upper and lower intermediate part of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is located at the boundary between the main chamber and the sub-chamber.

[0080] [Embodiment 16] The occupant restraint device of Embodiment 15, wherein the main chamber and the sub-chamber are connected to each other around a communication hole that connects their interiors.

[0081] [Embodiment 17] An occupant restraint device according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein in the inflated and deployed airbag cushion, the main chamber extends in the left-right direction, and the sub-chamber is connected to one side of the main chamber, either left or right.

[0082] 12...Seat belt device, 14...Webbing, 16...Shoulder belt, 18...Anchorage, 20...Tang, 20a...Insert part, 22...Wrap belt, 24...Anchorage, 26...Loop part, 28...Buckle, 28a...Insertion slot, 30...Cable, 31...Vehicle structure part, 32...Retractor, 34...Frame, 36...Spool, 50...Airbag cushion, 50a, 50b...Half of airbag cushion, 51...Upper part of cushion, 51a...Upper end, 52...Bend part, 53...Lower part of cushion, 53a...Lower end, 60...Inf 61...pipe section, 70...external tether, 71...upper end, 72...lower end, 80, 90...internal tether, 100...vehicle seat, 110...seat back, 112...seat cushion, 112a...upper end, 114...headrest, 114a...upper end, 151...upper part, 153...lower part, 155...rolled part, 200, 300...occupant restraint device, 310...main chamber, 320...sub-chamber, 3330...communication hole, 400...expansion tube, 500, 510, 520...slider, 610, 620...gas passage, 700...arrow

Claims

1. An occupant restraint device comprising: a webbing having a shoulder belt; and a folded airbag cushion that inflates and deploys between the occupant wearing the webbing on the vehicle seat and the shoulder belt during a vehicle collision, wherein the airbag cushion is configured such that when it inflates and deploys, the folded state unfolds and the upper part of the airbag cushion moves from the front of the vehicle seat to the rear of the vehicle seat.

2. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the upper part of the cushion is configured to bend away from the occupant at a bending portion in the middle of the inflated airbag cushion in the vertical direction when the inflated airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat.

3. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the upper end of the upper part of the cushion is located above at least one of the upper end position of the seat back of the vehicle seat and the upper end position of the headrest of the vehicle seat.

4. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the upper part of the cushion is longer in the vertical direction than the headrest of the vehicle seat.

5. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the upper part of the cushion is inclined toward the front of the vehicle from the middle portion in the vertical direction of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion, such that the upper end is located toward the front of the vehicle.

6. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper part of the cushion protects the occupant's head in the event of a vehicle collision.

7. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the bent portion in the middle of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion in the vertical direction is located in the vertical direction near the upper end of the seat back of the vehicle seat and near the boundary between the seat back of the vehicle seat and the headrest.

8. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inflated and deployed airbag cushion has a lower cushion portion below a bent portion in the middle of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion in the vertical direction, and when the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is viewed from the side of the vehicle seat, the lower end of the lower cushion portion is located near the vertical center of the seat back of the vehicle seat and at least one of the lower side of the shoulder belt.

9. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inflated and deployed airbag cushion has a lower part that is wider than the upper part of the cushion, located below a bent portion in the middle of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion in the vertical direction.

10. The occupant restraint device according to claim 2, comprising at least one tether attached to the airbag cushion, wherein the at least one tether is configured to point in the direction of inflation and deployment of the upper part of the airbag cushion when the airbag cushion inflates and deploys, and to form a bent portion in the middle of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion in the vertical direction.

11. The occupant restraint device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one tether has at least one external tether connecting the upper part of the cushion and the lower part of the cushion below the bend on the outer surface of the inflated airbag cushion on the vehicle front side.

12. The occupant restraint device according to claim 10, wherein the inflated and deployed airbag cushion has a first cushion panel on the front side of the vehicle and a second cushion panel on the rear side of the vehicle, and the at least one tether has at least one internal tether connecting the first cushion panel and the second cushion panel on the inner surface of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion.

13. The occupant restraint device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one internal tether comprises, in the inflated and deployed airbag cushion, an upper tether provided to extend horizontally above the bend and with respect to the bend, and a lower tether provided to extend vertically below the bend and with respect to the bend.

14. The occupant restraint device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the airbag cushion comprises a main chamber and a sub-chamber connected to the main chamber and constituting the upper part of the cushion, and the bent portion in the vertical intermediate portion of the inflated and deployed airbag cushion is located at the boundary between the main chamber and the sub-chamber.

15. The occupant restraint device according to claim 14, wherein in the inflated and deployed airbag cushion, the main chamber extends in the left-right direction, and the sub-chamber is connected to one of the left or right sides of the main chamber.

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