DE102014008595A1 - Side air bag device - Google Patents

Abstract

A side airbag device is disclosed that can accurately deploy and inflate an airbag on one side of an area extending from a chest area to the head of an occupant. The side airbag device supplies inflation gas from an inflator assembly 30 to an airbag 40 in response to an impact applied from a lateral direction of a vehicle, and deploys and inflates the airbag 40 between an occupant P seated in a vehicle seat 12 and a side wall of the vehicle in an area extending from the chest area to the head PH of the occupant P. The airbag 40 is divided into a front inflation chamber 47 and a rear inflation chamber 46 by a partition 50 extending in a substantially vertical direction, and the inflator assembly 30 is disposed at a lower portion of the rear inflation chamber 46. The partition 50 is provided with an upper communication hole 54 for communicating rear loading chamber 46 and front loading chamber 47 at the portion that is the side of the head PH of the occupant P, and the partition 50 is provided with a lower communication hole 55 for communicating rear Filling chamber 46 and front filling chamber 47 at a portion that is the side of the occupant P's chest area. An opening area of the lower communication hole 55 is set to be equal to or larger than that of the upper communication hole 54.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a side airbag device that fills and deploys an airbag in a space between a passenger sitting in a vehicle seat and a side wall of the vehicle when a shock is applied to the vehicle from a lateral direction due to a side collision or the like, thereby forming an area which extends from a chest area to the occupant's head, from which shock is protected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A side airbag apparatus including an airbag and a gas generator is widely known as a device that can protect an upper body of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat from a shock caused by a side collision or the like. The airbag and the inflator of the side airbag device are housed in a seatback (backrest) of the vehicle seat, the airbag being folded. When an impact is exerted on a side wall such as a side door of the vehicle from a lateral direction due to the side collision or the like, charge gas from the inflator is supplied to the air bag. The airbag is deployed and inflated so that it pops out of the vehicle seat in a state where a portion of the airbag remains in the seat back. Thereafter, the airbag is deployed and filled in a narrow space between the upper body of the occupant and the side wall of the vehicle. The airbag is interposed between the occupant and the sidewall moving toward an inside of a vehicle interior to hold the upper body of the occupant and at the same time cushion the shock applied to the upper body via the sidewall.

One aspect of such a side airbag device is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-280853 disclosed (see 9A . 9B . 10A and 10B ), wherein an airbag is deployed and filled in an approximately vertical oblong shape between the area extending from the chest area to the head of the occupant and the side wall of the vehicle. The airbag of the side airbag device is divided into a front charge chamber and a rear charge chamber by a partition inclined downward toward the front thereof, and a gas generator is disposed at a lower portion of the rear charge chamber. The partition is provided with a plurality of fine holes for communicating the rear filling chamber with the front filling chamber. The number of these fine holes is increased toward a rear portion of the partition, that is, these fine holes are provided in a front portion of low density but are provided in the rear portion in high density. The airbag is housed together with the inflator in the seatback adjacent to one side of the chest region, the airbag being folded.

According to the side airbag apparatus, when the inflation gas is discharged from the inflator in response to the impact caused by the side collision or the like, the inflation gas is supplied upward into the rear inflation chamber to deploy and fill the rear inflation chamber in an approximately upward direction , Also, a part of the charge gas is supplied through the fine holes into the front charge chamber to deploy and fill the front charge chamber while being fed approximately upwards into the rear charge chamber.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With respect to the upper body of the occupant, one shoulder protrudes mainly in a lateral direction and thus comes closest to the side wall of the vehicle. The gap between the upper body of the occupant and the sidewall has a minimum at a position adjacent to the shoulder before the impact is applied to the vehicle from the lateral direction.

Meanwhile, as described above, the airbag is accommodated in the seatback adjacent to the side of the chest area before being unfolded and filled. For this reason, in order to deploy and inflate the airbag on the side of the head, it is necessary for the airbag to pass through the narrow space between the shoulder and the side wall higher than the chest area.

The side airbag device disclosed in U.S. Pat Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-280853 is disclosed, does not make any special study of how the airbag passes through the narrow gap between the shoulder and the sidewall as described above. For this reason, a portion of the airbag, which is deployed and inflated on the side of the occupant's head, is unfolded and filled early in relation to other portions, so that when the portion is unfolded and filled before passing the side of the shoulder, it will pass the section through the narrow gap hardly occurs, which may interrupt the filling and unfolding of other portions of the airbag. In particular, it is disclosed in the Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-280853 That is, since the fine holes are provided in low density in the front portion and are provided in high density in the rear portion, the inflation gas can easily be supplied to the portion of the airbag on the side of the occupant's head which is deployed and filled the above-described problem easily occurs.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a side airbag device that correctly unfolds and fills an airbag at a side of a region extending from a chest region to an occupant's head can.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, there is provided a side airbag device having a gas generator for discharging a charging gas in response to a shock applied from a lateral direction of a vehicle and an airbag housed in a folded state and by the filling gas thereof Inflator is inflated and filled between an occupant seated in a vehicle seat and a sidewall of the vehicle in an area extending from a chest area to the occupant's head, the airbag extending through a partition extending in a substantially vertical direction; is divided into a front filling chamber and a rear filling chamber, the gas generator is disposed at a lower portion of the rear filling chamber, the partition having an upper communication hole for communicating the rear filling chamber and the front filling chamber a n a portion that is one side of the head of the occupant, the partition is provided with a lower communication hole for communicating the rear filling chamber and the front filling chamber at a portion that is one side of the chest area of the occupant, and an opening area of the lower one Communication hole is set so that it is equal to or greater than that of the upper communication hole.

With the configuration given above, since a part of the charging gas supplied from the inflator flows upward in the rear inflation chamber of the airbag, the rear inflation chamber is deployed and filled. When the inflation gas arrives at the chest area of the occupant, part of the inflation gas flows through the lower communication hole into the lower portion of the front inflation chamber. Also, the filling gas, which does not pass through the lower communicating hole but flows upward with respect to the lower communicating hole, arrives at the occupant's head side, with a part of the filling gas flowing through the upper communication hole into the upper portion of the front filling chamber. In this case, since the opening area of the lower communication hole is set to be equal to or larger than that of the upper communication hole, the charge gas flows in an amount equal to or larger than that of the upper communication hole through the lower communication hole ,

The lower portion of the front filling chamber is unfolded and filled by the filling gas passing through the lower communication hole on the side of the front portion of the chest area of the occupant. Also, the upper portion of the front filling chamber is unfolded and filled by the filling gas passing through the upper communication hole on the side of the front portion of the head of the occupant. As described above, since the flow rate of the filling gas at the lower communication hole and the upper communication hole is different, the portion to be unfolded and filled at the front portion side of the head does not become earlier than other portions, particularly the front side Portion of the chest area, unfolded and filled, but it is unfolded and filled after passing through the portion of the narrow space between the shoulder and the side wall.

In the side airbag device, the front charge chamber is preferably provided with a vent hole for discharging the charge gas between the upper communication hole and the lower communication hole.

With the configuration described above, when the charging gas flowing through the upper communication hole to the upper portion of the front charging chamber is going to flow upward, a part of the charging gas from the vent hole that exists between the upper communication hole and the lower communication hole is provided, drained to the outside of the airbag. For this reason, the filling gas flows to the lower portion of the front filling chamber, thereby preventing the lower portion from being unfolded and filled with the excessive pressure at the side of the chest area.

The side airbag device preferably has a thickness reduction portion provided on a portion of the airbag located on one side of the occupant's shoulder and having a filling thickness in one Transverse direction of the vehicle compared to other sections during filling reduced.

With the above-described configuration, the filling thickness of the airbag portion that is the side of the occupant's shoulder in the transverse direction of the vehicle by the thickness reduction portion is smaller than that of other portions. For this reason, even at the portion of the narrow space between the shoulder and the side wall of the vehicle, the airbag portion which is the occupant's shoulder side is easily unfolded and filled.

In the side airbag apparatus, preferably, when the airbag is fully deployed and filled, a front end of a portion of the airbag positioned on the occupant's head side is positioned closer to a front of the vehicle than a front end of a portion of the airbag the side of the chest area of the occupant is positioned.

With the configuration described above, the air bag area unfolded and filled at the side of the head is widened forward, thereby enhancing its ability to hold and protect the head from the impact.

In the side airbag device, the airbag is preferably provided with folded portions formed by folding the airbag from top to bottom and positioning the upper communication hole of the partition at the uppermost folded portion.

In the airbag including the plurality of folded portions formed by folding the airbag from top to bottom, a part of the inflation gas discharged from the inflator flows from the folded portion closest to the inflator to the top most folded one from the inflator Section, so that the rear filling chamber unfolds and is filled. Here, when the upper communicating hole of the partition is positioned at a folded portion lower than the uppermost folded portion, the filling gas flows through the upper communicating hole to the front portion of the folded portion to unfold and fill the front portion can interrupt the unfolding and filling of the top folded portion.

In view of this, since the upper communication hole of the partition is positioned in the uppermost folded portion of the airbag, the airbag is deployed in order from the lower folded portion to the upper folded portion. In the process in which the uppermost folded portion is deployed, the filling gas in the rear filling chamber flows through the upper communication hole to the front filling chamber, and therefore it is possible to prevent the unfolding and filling of the uppermost folded portion due to the upper communication hole from interrupting.

According to the side airbag device, since the opening area of the lower communication hole is set equal to or larger than that of the upper communication hole in the partition, the airbag can be on the side of the area extending from the chest area to the head of the occupant unfolded and filled correctly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 Fig. 12 is a side view illustrating an occupant and a vehicle seat provided with a side airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 FIG. 11 is a sectional plan view illustrating a positional relationship between the vehicle seat, the airbag, the occupant and a side wall of the vehicle according to the embodiment; FIG.

3 FIG. 15 is a front view in section illustrating a positional relationship between the vehicle seat, the airbag, the occupant and the side wall of the vehicle according to the embodiment; FIG.

4 Fig. 15 is a partial plan view in section illustrating an internal structure of a side portion of a seat back in which an air bag module is housed according to the embodiment;

5 FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the airbag module in a state in which the airbag is unfolded but not yet filled, according to the embodiment; FIG.

6 Fig. 12 is a sectional plan view schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the airbag according to the embodiment;

7 is a partial side view in section showing the interior structure of the airbag module in FIG 5 illustrated together with the occupant and the vehicle seat;

8th FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the state before the airbag of the airbag module according to the embodiment is not folded; FIG.

9A and 9B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment; FIG. in which 9A a side view is and 9B a rear view when viewed from a left side of 9A is;

10A and 10B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 10A a side view is and 10B a rear view when viewed from a left side of 10 is;

11A and 11B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 11A a side view is and 11B a rear view when viewed from a left side of 11A is;

12A and 12B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 12A a side view when viewed from a back of 11A is and 12B a rear view when viewed from a right side of 12A is;

13A and 13B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 13A a side view is and 13B a sectional view taken along the line AA in 13A is;

14A and 14B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 14A a side view is and 14B a sectional view taken along the line BB in 14A is;

15A and 15B FIG. 15 is diagrams illustrating the folded airbag housed in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 15A a side view is and 15B a sectional view taken along the line CC in 15A is;

16 Fig. 10 is a partial plan view in section illustrating a state in which the airbag is deployed and filled after it has jumped out of the vehicle seat, leaving a part of the airbag in the seat back;

17 FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a positional relationship between a fold line and a folded portion in the airbag according to the embodiment; FIG. and

18 FIG. 16 is a partial side view illustrating an occupant and a vehicle seat provided with an airbag according to a modification. FIG.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

vehicle

11

Side wall

12

vehicle seat

31

inflator

40

air bag

40a, 40b

front end

46

rear filling chamber

47

front filling chamber

50

subdivision

54

upper communication hole

55

lower communication hole

56

Entlüfungsloch

66, 68, 69, 72, 73

folded section

86

Connection section (thickness reduction section)

87

concave section

P

inmate

PH

head

PS

shoulder

PT

chest

DE-DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a side airbag device according to an embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG 1 to 17 described.

Hereinafter, the direction in which a vehicle advances is referred to as a forward direction, and the terms front, rear, up (up), down (down), left and right are defined with reference to the forward direction. Also, in each drawing, front indicates a front of the vehicle, rear indicates a rear of the vehicle, the inside indicates an inner side of the vehicle, and the outside indicates an outer side of the vehicle. The inner side of the vehicle is a side located near the central axis of the transverse direction of the vehicle with respect to the transverse direction of the vehicle, and the outer side of the vehicle is a side spaced from the central axis.

Also, it is assumed that an inmate (adult) with a standard body in a vehicle seat is seated in a predetermined posture (normal posture).

As in 1 to 3 is illustrated, there is a vehicle seat 12 in the vicinity of the vehicle interior side of a side wall 11 in a vehicle 10 , Here is the sidewall 11 a vehicle component that on the side of the vehicle 10 is arranged, and it generally comprises a door and a pillar. By way of example, the sidewall corresponding to a front seat comprises 11 a front door and a central column (B-pillar). Also includes a rear seat corresponding side wall 11 a rear portion of a side door (rear door), a C-pillar, a front portion of a wheel arch and a rear quarter panel.

The vehicle seat 12 includes a seat cushion. (Seat portion) 13 and a seat back (backrest) 14 extending from a back of the seat cushion 13 extends upward and wherein a tilt angle of the seat back 14 is adjusted by a tilting mechanism (not shown). The vehicle seat 12 is in the vehicle 10 with the forward facing seat back 14 arranged. The transverse direction of the vehicle seat 12 arranged in this way coincides with the transverse direction of the vehicle.

The seat back 14 includes a seatback body 15 and a pair of side support sections 16 on both sides of the seatback body 15 in the transverse direction of the seatback body 15 are provided. The seatback body 15 is tilted backward to support an upper body of an occupant P from behind. Both side support sections 16 stand from the seatback body 15 prior to a movement of the upper body of the occupant, on the seat cushion 13 sits and against the seatback body 15 is inclined to restrain from movement in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

Next is the inner structure of the seat back 14 in particular, the lateral portion of the vehicle exterior, which includes the side support portion 16 the vehicle outside, described.

A seat frame, which is a frame of the seat back 14 is built into the seat back. A portion of the seat frame is located on the vehicle outside of an inner space of the seat back 14 , as in 4 is illustrated. The section of the seat frame is called the side frame section 17 and it is formed by bending a metal sheet. A seat pad 18 , which consists of an elastic material such as urethane foam, is in front of the seat frame, which is the side frame section 17 includes, arranged. A back plate 19 , which is made of a hard material such as a synthetic resin, is provided behind the seat frame. Although the seat pad 18 Padded upholstery, the upholstery is in 4 not shown. The same applies to the following 16 ,

An accommodation section 21 is in the seat pad 18 at a vehicle outside of the side frame portion 17 provided adjacent position. The position of the accommodation section 21 is a middle section of the seat back 14 in the up / down direction and is located obliquely behind the in the vehicle seat 12 sitting inmates P (see 2 ). An airbag module AM constituting a main part of the side airbag device is in the accommodating portion 21 accommodated.

A gap or slot 22 extends from the vehicle exterior and the front corner of the housing section 21 diagonally forward and outward. A section of the seat pad 18 that is between a front corner 18C the seat pad 18 and the gap 22 is located (ie a section of a dashed / double dotted line in 4 framed) forms a breakable section 23 by the airbag 40 break up, which is described below.

The airbag module AM, which is in the seat back 14 is incorporated comprises a gas generator assembly 30 and the airbag 40 as its main components. Next, each of the components will be described.

Inflator assembly 30

The gas generator arrangement 30 includes a gas generator 31 serving as a gas generating source, and a container or a receptacle 32 , the or the gas generator 31 covers. In this embodiment, a pyrotechnic gas generator is used as the gas generator 31 used. The gas generator 31 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and contains in the interior thereof a (not shown) gas generating means for generating a filling gas.

Instead of the pyrotechnic gas generator using the gas generating agent, it is possible to use a hybrid type gas generator which breaks up a partition of a high pressure gas filled high pressure gas cylinder by an explosive to expel gas.

On the other hand, the container acts 32 as a diffuser for controlling the discharge direction of the charge gas and also as an element for fixing the gas generator 31 on the side frame section 17 together with the airbag 40 , Most parts of the container 32 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in a substantially vertical direction obtained by bending a plate such as a metal sheet. The container 32 is provided with a (not shown) communication section for connecting the inner and outer sides of the container. Most parts of the gas generator 31 discharged filling gas be from the container 32 discharged to the outside via the communication section.

The container 32 is on the side frame 17 by a securing element, for example screws or bolts 34 , attached.

The gas generator arrangement 30 can be configured to use the gas generator 31 and the container 32 are integrally formed in one piece.

air bag 40

As indicated by the dashed / double dotted lines in 1 to 3 is shown, when a shock to the sidewall 11 from a lateral direction due to a side collision or the like is applied while the vehicle 10 drives, the airbag 40 with the filling gas from the gas generator 31 supplied and therefore unfolded and filled, leaving the airbag 40 from the seat back 14 pops out in a state in which a section of the airbag 40 in the seat back 14 remains.

5 FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the airbag module AM in a state (hereinafter referred to as unfilled, unfolded state) in which the airbag. FIG 40 is unfolded in a flat shape without being filled with the filling gas. 7 illustrates the internal structure of the airbag module AM together with the occupant P and the seat 12 where the airbag 40 in the middle of the transverse direction of the vehicle in the unfilled, unfolded or deployed state in FIG 5 is cut.

As in 5 to 7 is illustrated, is the airbag 40 by folding a fabric layer (base fabric, also known as a fabric web) in half along a fold line 42 formed on a centerline of the fabric, for superimposing the fabric in the transverse direction of the vehicle and then joining the superposed portions of the fabric to form the shape of a bag. To two overlaid sections of the airbag 40 to distinguish the tissue placed on the vehicle interior as a tissue section 43 referred to and placed on the outside of the vehicle tissue as a tissue section 44 designated. Each of the tissue sections 43 and 44 is formed in a vertically elongate shape with respect to the forward and backward directions.

According to this embodiment, the fabric is half folded so that the fold line 42 at a rear end of the airbag 40 but the fabric can be half folded so that the fold line 42 at another end of the airbag 40 , For example, a front end, an upper end or a lower end thereof is located. Also, the airbag can 40 consist of two pieces of fabric along the fold line 42 shared. In this case, the airbag 40 by laying one fabric part over the other in the transverse direction of the vehicle and joining the two fabric parts to form the shape of a bag. Furthermore, the airbag 40 be made of three or more pieces of fabric.

In the airbag 40 is the appearance of the two tissue sections 43 and 44 axisymmetric with respect to the fold line 42 , The shape and size of each tissue section 43 and 44 are set up so that the airbag 40 includes the area corresponding to the area from the chest area PT to the head PH in the upper body of the vehicle seat 12 seated occupant P corresponds when the airbag 40 between the vehicle seat 12 and the side wall 11 unfolded and filled (see 1 to 3 ). As in 7 is illustrated, is the airbag 40 formed such that a front end 40a of the one side of the head PH of the occupant P corresponding portion before the front end 40b of the one portion of the chest area PT corresponding portion is positioned.

A material that is suitable for the tissue sections given above 43 and 44 is suitable, comprises a woven fabric, which is made for example of a polyester yarn or polyamide yarn, which has high strength and flexibility and can be easily folded.

The two tissue sections 43 and 44 are along a peripheral edge connecting portion 45 at the peripheral edges of the tissue sections 43 and 44 is provided, interconnected. In this embodiment, most of the peripheral edge connecting portion becomes 45 by stitching (stitching together with a sewing thread) the peripheral edges of the fabric sections 43 and 44 with the exception of the rear ends thereof (ie the vicinity of the fold line 42 ) educated. The configuration formed by the stitching is similar to an outer connection portion 52 and an inner connecting portion 53 which will be described later.

In 5 . 7 to 15B . 17 and 18 are the quilted or sewn sections of the airbag 40 represented by three types of lines. The first of these lines is a line (a type of broken line) represented by intermittently aligning thick lines of a given length, and this shows the quilted portions as viewed from the side of the airbag 40 (See the peripheral edge connection section 45 or the like in 5 ). The second of these lines is a line (a type of broken line) that is aligned or intermittent directed placement of thin lines of a given length (longer than a general broken line) is shown, and this shows a state in which the sewing thread between the fabric sections 43 and 44 is positioned and therefore not directly seen (hidden) (see the inner connecting section 53 or the like in 5 ). The third of these lines is a line (a type of broken line) represented by aligning dots at regular intervals, and this shows a cross section of the suture thread that holds the tissue sections 43 and 44 stitched together (see the peripheral edge connection section 45 in 7 ).

As in 5 to 7 is shown, the space formed by the peripheral edge connecting portion 45 between the two tissue sections 43 and 44 is enclosed, a filling portion, which is unfolded and filled by the filling gas, on the side of the upper body of the occupant P to protect the area originating from the chest area PT and the head PH, from the shock.

In this case, the peripheral edge connecting portion 45 by an agent other than the stitching using the sewing thread, for example, by gluing using an adhesive. The configuration formed by the bonding is similar to the outer joint portion 52 and the inner connecting portion 53 which will be described later.

The airbag 40 is with a subdivision 50 at its inner middle portion in a longitudinal direction and the partition extends in a substantially vertical direction. Therefore, the airbag 40 in a rear filling chamber 46 at a position behind the subdivision 50 and a front loading chamber 47 at a position before subdivision 50 divided. The subdivision 50 has the same configuration as one, commonly referred to as a tether.

subdivision 50

The subdivision 50 includes a pair of fabric pieces 51 of a material which has high strength and flexibility and can be easily folded, for example the same woven fabric as the fabric sections 43 and 44 , Both tissue parts 51 form an elongated strip extending in the vertical direction. Each tissue part 51 is with the opposite of the two tissue sections 43 and 44 of the airbag 52 through the outer connecting portion 52 connected in the substantially vertical direction along the rear edge thereof. If the airbag 40 is filled, the two outer connecting sections 52 with the rear end of the fabric part 51 corresponding tissue sections 43 and 44 at the portion which is the side of the central portion in the horizontal direction in the upper body of the occupant P connected. Both tissue parts 51 be through the inner connecting section 53 which extends in the substantially vertical direction along the front edge thereof, connected to each other.

The subdivision 50 made from a pair of fabric pieces 51 is made between the fabric section 43 the vehicle interior and the tissue section 44 the vehicle outside in the airbag 40 placed. The subdivision 50 is in the superimposed state in the transverse direction of the vehicle when the airbag 40 in the unfilled unfolded or deployed state (see 5 and 7 ). Also, the subdivision 50 strained in the transverse direction of the vehicle when the airbag 40 filled (see 6 ), and therefore limits the thickness (filling thickness) of the airbag 40 in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

The subdivision 50 is with an upper communication hole 54 for communicating the backfilling chamber 46 and the front filling chamber 47 in the section that is the side of the head PH of the occupant P when the airbag 40 filled. Also, the subdivision 50 with a lower communication hole 55 for communicating the backfilling chamber 46 and the front filling chamber 47 at the portion which is the side of the chest area PT of the occupant P when the airbag 40 filled. In particular, the inner connecting portion 53 , the fabric parts 51 connects, in two sections, ie the upper end and the lower end, not engaged in the vertical direction. The upper end and the lower portion in the vertical direction are not with the inner connecting portion 53 , the two pieces of tissue 51 connects, provided. The non-engaging portion of the upper end of the inner connecting portion 53 forms the upper communication hole 54 and the disengagement portion of the lower portion of the inner joint portion 53 forms the lower communication hole 55 , The upper communication hole 54 and the lower communication hole 55 are in the state in which both tissue parts 51 are superimposed, closed and in the state in which the subdivision 50 in the transverse direction of the vehicle is stretched when the airbag 40 filled, opened.

In the state in which the airbag 40 in the unfilled, unfolded state, ie the tissue parts 51 the subdivision 50 are superimposed, is the vertical length L1 of the lower communication hole 55 longer than the vertical length L2 of the upper communication hole 54 , In this configuration, the opening area of the lower communication hole is 55 when the airbag 40 filled so that it is greater than the opening area of the upper communication hole 54 is.

Most of the above-described inflator assembly 30 is in the lower portion of the rear end of the rear filling chamber 46 housed, wherein the gas generator assembly extends in a substantially vertical direction. The screw or the bolt 34 of the container 32 is in the tissue section 43 the vehicle interior side of the airbag 40 introduced. With the introduction is the gas generator assembly 30 in a state of positioning with respect to the airbag 40 locked.

Furthermore, the tissue section is used 44 the vehicle outside as the front portion of the front filling chamber 47 and he has a vent hole 56 between the upper communication hole 54 and the lower communication hole 55 on. The tissue section 44 is with a reinforcement section 57 in the vicinity of the vent hole 56 provided and the reinforcing section 57 is formed by stitching the same with the sewing thread. The reinforcement section 57 reinforces the environment of the vent hole 56 of the tissue section 44 to prevent bursting or loosening of the section.

As in 4 . 15A and 15B is illustrated, the airbag module AM, which is the gas generator assembly 30 and the airbag 40 as its main components, configured to have a compact shape (hereinafter referred to as storage form) in which the airbag 40 folded. This serves to the airbag module AM in the accommodation section 21 a limited size in the seat back 14 fit for the purpose of suitable accommodation.

The storage shape is made by folding the airbag 40 of the unfilled, unfolded state, as in 8th to 15B is shown. Next is a process of folding the airbag 40 and specifications relating to the positions of the fold lines 42 . 61 . 64 . 67 . 71 . 74 and 75 , the positions of the sections to be folded, the folding direction or the like are necessary. For this reason, when the positions of the fold lines or the positions of the portions to be folded are specified, each section of the airbag is specified 40 on the basis of the gas generator arrangement 30 specified. With respect to a direction (substantially vertical direction) along an axis AL of the inflator assembly 30 the end is near the gas generator assembly 30 referred to as a first distal portion, while the end of the gas generator assembly 30 is removed, referred to as a first proximal section. In the state in which the airbag 40 the unfilled, unfolded condition at the vehicle seat 12 is mounted, the first distal portion corresponds to the lower end of the airbag 40 and the first proximal portion of the upper end of the airbag 40 ,

The same applies to the direction (substantially horizontal direction) perpendicular to the axis AL of the gas generator arrangement 30 , The end of the same near the gas generator assembly 30 is referred to as a second distal portion, while the end thereof is that of the inflator assembly 30 is removed, is referred to as a second proximal portion. In the state in which the airbag 40 the unfilled, unfolded condition at the vehicle seat 12 is mounted, the second distal portion corresponds to the rear end of the airbag 40 and the second proximal portion of the front end of the airbag 40 ,

When the folding direction is specified, the words "vehicle outside" and "vehicle inside" are used, assuming that the airbag 40 at the vehicle seat 12 is appropriate.

8th shows the airbag 40 of the unfilled, deployed state as viewed from the vehicle exterior, with the axis L of the inflator assembly 30 and the fold line 42 extend in the vertical direction. In the airbag 40 is one to the fold line 42 vertical fold line 61 established at a portion of the gas generator assembly 30 is slightly spaced in the direction of the first proximal portion (upper side of 8th ). In the airbag 40 will, as indicated by the arrow in 8th is indicated, the portion of the first proximal portion (upper side of 8th ) except the fold line 61 along the fold line 61 to the vehicle outside (front side of 8th ) folded back. By folding back the section 62 becomes part of the section 62 with a part of the section 63 of the first distal portion (lower side of FIG 8th ) except the fold line 61 superimposed. Therefore, the airbag 40 , as in 9A and 9B shown is formed.

Next in the section 62 the fold line 64 parallel to the fold line 61 is set up at the section of the fold line 61 towards the first proximal section (lower side of FIG 9A ) is spaced. In the section 62 will, as indicated by the arrow in 9A is specified, the section 65 of the first proximal portion (lower side of FIG 9A ) except the fold line 64 along the fold line 64 to the vehicle outside (front side of 9A ) folded back. By folding back the section 65 becomes part of the section 65 with a part (hereinafter referred to as a folded section 66 referred to) of the airbag 40 that between the fold line 61 and the fold line 64 is trapped, superimposed. Therefore, the airbag 40 , as in 10A and 10B is shown trained.

The fold line 67 parallel to the fold line 64 is at the section of the section 65 set up by the fold line 64 towards the first proximal section (upper side of FIG 10A ) is spaced. In the section 65 is as indicated by the arrow in 10A is indicated, the section (hereinafter referred to as folded section 68 designated) of the first proximal portion (upper side of 10A ) except the fold line 67 to the vehicle interior (back of 10A ) along the fold line 67 folded back. By folding back the section 68 will be the largest part of the section 68 with a part (hereinafter referred to as a folded section 69 referred to) of the airbag 40 that between the fold line 64 and the fold line 67 is trapped, superimposed. Therefore, the airbag 40 , as in 11A and 11B is shown trained.

12A and 12B show the airbag 40 in 11A and 11B when viewed from a rear side thereof, ie viewed from the vehicle interior. As in 12A and 12B is illustrated is the fold line 71 at the section 63 of the airbag 40 in which the gas generator assembly 30 is housed, furnished. The fold line 71 is at the second proximal portion (front end side) with respect to the axis AL of the gas generator assembly 30 vertical direction, which is the deployment or deployment direction of the airbag 40 is, set up. The fold line 71 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the axis AL. In the section 63 is as indicated by the arrow in 12A is indicated, the section (hereinafter referred to as folded section 72 ) of the second proximal portion (oblique left lower side in FIG 12A ) except the fold line 71 to the vehicle interior (front of 12A ) folded back. Refolding the section will make the folded section 72 with a section (hereinafter referred to as a folded section 73 designated), by the fold line 71 , the fold line 42 and the fold line 61 in section 63 is enclosed, superimposed. In the airbag 40 be like in 13A and 13B Illustrated is the folded sections 69 . 68 . 66 . 73 and 72 superimposed on each other in the direction of the vehicle interior side of the vehicle outside.

As in 13A and 13B Illustrated are the fold lines 74 parallel to the fold line 42 (Axis AL) are at a plurality of portions in a portion Z1 of the second proximal portion (front end side) except the partition 50 (outer connection section 52 ) of the airbag 40 the intermediate shape with respect to the axis AL of the gas generator assembly 30 vertical direction. The area Z1 is moved toward the second distal portion (rear end side) from the second proximal portion (front end side) by a roll folding manner that repeats the area in the same direction along each fold line 74 folds, folds. By folding, the airbag becomes 40 , as in 14A and 14B shown, folded.

As in 14A and 14B Illustrated are the fold lines 75 parallel to the fold line 42 (Axis AL) are at multiple portions in a portion Z2 of the second distal portion (rear end side) except the partition 50 (outer connection section 52 ) of the airbag 40 which is roll-folded with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis AL. The area Z2 becomes toward the second distal portion (rear end side) from the second proximal portion (front end side) by a bellows-folding manner, which is the folding-back direction along each fold line 75 alternately changes, folded. By folding, the airbag becomes 40 shaped in the memory shape, as in 15A and 15B is shown.

The airbag module AM by folding the airbag 40 formed memory shape is of reduced size in the direction (substantially horizontal direction) perpendicular to the direction (substantially vertical direction) with respect to the axis AL of the gas generator assembly 30 and it is therefore for accommodation in the cramped accommodation section 21 the seat back 14 suitable.

In the airbag module AM of the memory form is, as in 4 shown is the screw or the bolt 34 that is from the container 32 extends and into the airbag 40 (Fabric section 43 ) is inserted into the side frame section 17 introduced. Because the mother 35 on the screw or the bolt 34 is attached, is the gas generator assembly 30 on the side frame section 17 together with the airbag 40 attached.

In this case, the gas generator assembly 30 on the side frame section 17 by one of the screw or the bolt 34 and the mother 34 attached to the element described above.

As in 1 is illustrated, the side airbag device comprises an impact sensor 81 and a control device 82 in addition to the above-described airbag module AM (see 2 ). The impact sensor 81 includes an acceleration sensor or the like and it is on the side wall 11 of the vehicle 10 (please refer 2 ) or the like installed on the side wall 11 detect impact from the side. The control device 82 controls the Operation of the gas generator 31 in response to the impact sensor 81 detected signal.

Although the vehicle 10 with a seat belt device for retaining the vehicle seat 12 seated occupant P in the vehicle seat 12 is provided, such a seatbelt device is in 1 or the like is not shown.

Next, the operation of the side airbag apparatus including the configuration according to this embodiment will be described.

According to the side airbag device, if no impact on the side wall 11 of the vehicle 10 from the lateral direction due to the side collision or the like, no operation signal from the control device 82 to the gas generator 31 to the gas generator 31 to operate, spent, and therefore the airbag 40 from the gas generator 31 no filling gas supplied. The airbag module AM is still in the housing section 21 housed as the memory form (see 4 ).

If, while the vehicle is moving, there is an impact of a given or greater value on the sidewall 11 from the lateral direction due to the side collision or the like, and then by the impact sensor 81 is detected, becomes an operation signal from the control device 82 to the gas generator 31 issued to the gas generator 31 in response to the detected signal. In response to the operation signal, a gas generating agent generates the high pressure filling gas in the gas generator 31 and then the filling gas is expelled therefrom. The expelled filling gas becomes the airbag 40 through the communication section of the container 32 fed. Here is the airbag 40 in the rear filling chamber 46 and the front filling chamber 47 through the subdivision 50 , which is provided at the central portion in the longitudinal direction thereof, divided and the gas generator assembly 30 at the lower portion of the inner rear end of the rear filling chamber 46 arranged. For this reason, the filling gas from the gas generator 31 the lower portion of the inner rear end of the rear filling chamber 46 fed.

As in 17 is illustrated, the filling gas flows in the rear filling chamber 46 from the gas generator assembly 30 adjacent folded section 73 towards the folded portions removed from the inflator assembly 68 and 72 , In other words, the charge gas flows in the rear charge chamber 46 up from the folded section 73 of the first distal portion (lower end side) toward the folded portion 68 of the first proximal portion (upper end side) with respect to the deployment direction. Also, the charge gas flows in the rear charge chamber 46 forward of the folded section 73 of the second distal portion (rear end side) toward the folded portion 72 the second proximal portion (front end side) with respect to the deployment direction. The folded section 73 of the first distal portion and the second distal portion is the folded portion in which the gas generator assembly 30 is housed.

When the filling gas flows from the second distal section towards the folded section 72 of the second proximal portion flows at the subdivision 50 arrives, the flow direction rotates along the subdivision 50 upwards and the filling gas then combines with the filling gas flowing up from the beginning.

By the upward flowing filling gas, the rear filling chamber 46 filled as it unfolds (unfolded) sequentially from bottom to top.

Also, by the forward-flowing filling gas of the bellows-folded region Z2 (see 14A and 14B ) of the airbag 40 behind the subdivision 50 filled as it unfolds successively from back to front (unfolded or deployed).

As described above, when the airbag 40 unfolded and filled up and forward, the seat pad 18 the seat back 14 through the airbag 40 encountered and therefore the breakable section 23 in 4 broken up. As in 16 is illustrated, the airbag jumps 40 from the seat back 14 in the substantially forward direction of the vehicle 10 in a state in which the rear end of the airbag 40 in the accommodation section 21 together with the gas generator assembly 30 remains.

The filling gas fills the section (behind the subdivision 50 ) of the folded section 72 of the proximal portion (front end side).

The bellows folding is characterized in that the folded state is easily released. For this reason, the bellows-folded area Z2 is behind the subdivision 50 quickly unfolded or spread and filled.

The volume of the rear filling chamber 46 is smaller than that of the airbag 40 in the event that the airbag 40 not by the subdivision 50 is divided. Also, the filling thickness of the rear filling chamber 46 with respect to the transverse direction of the vehicle smaller than that of the airbag 40 in the transverse direction of the vehicle in the event that the airbag 40 is not divided. For this reason, the rear filling chamber 46 as it passes the narrow space, it unfolds and fills easily.

As in 7 and 17 is illustrated, flows a part of the filling gas, which in the rear filling chamber 46 flows upward and arrives at the side of the rear portion of the chest portion PT of the occupant P, through the lower communication hole 55 in the front filling chamber 47 downward. Also flows a part of the filling gas in the rear filling chamber 46 above the lower communication hole 55 flows upwards without passing through the lower communication hole 55 to pass, and arrives at the side of the rear portion of the head PH of the occupant P, through the upper communication hole 54 in the front filling chamber 47 up. In this case, since the opening area of the lower communication hole flows 55 larger than the upper communication hole 54 is, the filling gas through the lower communication hole 55 in an amount larger than that of the charge gas passing through the upper communication hole 54 flows.

Part of the filling gas entering the front or the front filling chamber 47 through the lower communication hole 55 flows, turns up and down. Also, a part of the charge gas turns into the front or the front charge chamber 47 through the upper communication hole 54 flows down.

The filling gas becomes the roll-folded portion before the division 50 unfolded and filled forward on the side of the front portion of the chest area PT or the head PH. In this case, as described above, since the flow rate of the filling gas through the lower communication hole 55 and the upper communication hole 54 differently, the portion to be unfolded and inflated on the side of the front portion of the head PH is unfolded and filled barely earlier than other portions, in particular, the side of the chest portion PT, ie, it is hardly unfolded and filled before it reaches the portion of the narrow space between the shoulder PS of the occupant P and the sidewall 11 of the vehicle happens. The portion to be unfolded and inflated on the side of the front portion of the head PH is unfolded and filled after having located the portion of the narrow space between the shoulder PS and the side wall 11 happened. As a result, occurs as the section of the airbag 40 that is to be unfolded and inflated on the side of the head PH, can hardly pass the portion of the narrow gap, a phenomenon of disturbing the unfolding and filling of other portions hardly on. The airbag 40 is unfolded and filled at the side of the area extending from the chest area PT to the head PH of the occupant P.

Also, the roll folding is characterized in that the folded portion along the side wall 11 of the vehicle is easily unfolded or deployed. For this reason, the roll-folded section is before the subdivision 50 along the side wall 11 of the vehicle on the side of the front portion of the chest area PT or the head PH of the occupant P unfolds and fills.

When the filling gas, in the front or in the front filling chamber 47 through the lower communication hole 55 flows, turns in the downward direction and then the section (before the subdivision 50 ) of the folded section 72 of the second proximal portion (front end side) becomes the folded portion 72 , which is folded back to the vehicle interior, unfolded (unfolded or deployed). During unfolding occurs as the folded section 72 with the sidewall 11 the vehicle does not come into contact, hardly a break in unimpeded deployment due to friction with the side wall 11 , Also, the section (before the subdivision 50 ) of the folded section 72 through the section behind the subdivision 50 , whose filling starts early, as described above, pushed, so that the unfolding is carried out quickly.

If the filling gas, in the rear filling chamber 46 flows upward at the folded portion 68 of the first proximal portion (upper end side) arrives, the folded portion becomes 68 , which is folded back to the vehicle interior, unfolded (unfolded or deployed). During unfolding occurs as the folded section 68 with the sidewall 11 of the vehicle 10 does not come into contact with any interruption of unimpeded deployment due to friction with the sidewall 11 ,

As in 7 is illustrated, when the airbag 40 fully unfolded and filled, the front end 40a positioned on the side of the head PH of the occupant P, in front of (closer to the front of the vehicle than the) front end 40b Positioned on the side of the chest area PT, positioned. For this reason, the area of the airbag 40 which unfolds on the side of the head PH and is filled, extended forward compared to the area that is on the same section as the front end 40b of the airbag 40 is positioned or behind the front end 40b is positioned.

However, when the upper communication hole flows 54 at the top folded portion 68 different folded section, for example the folded section 69 , is positioned, the filling gas in the front filling chamber 47 through the upper communication hole 54 to the front filling chamber 47 to fill what is unfolding and filling the folded section 68 which is performed later, can interrupt.

In view of this, since in this embodiment the upper communication hole flows 54 at the top folded section 68 is positioned, the filling gas in the rear filling chamber 46 through the upper communication hole 54 in the front filling chamber 47 in the process in which the folded section 68 is unfolded. Therefore, the unfolding and filling of the folded section 68 due to the upper communication hole 54 hardly interrupted.

The airbag 40 which is unfolded and filled as described above is between the occupant P and the sidewall 11 moving toward the vehicle interior, as indicated by the dashed / double-dotted lines in FIG 2 and 3 is specified, whereby the occupant P is pushed and held directly in the direction of the vehicle inner side and at the same time on the occupant P from the lateral direction through the side wall 11 applied shock is damped.

In this case, the filling gas passing through the upper communication hole 54 in the upper section of the front filling chamber 47 flows and turns down, through the vent hole 56 to the outside (outside of the vehicle except the fabric section 44 ) of the airbag 40 discharged. Since the internal pressure is lowered by the discharge of the filling gas, the pressure on the occupant P becomes from the lateral direction through the side wall 11 applied shock damped. Also, since the filling gas is the upper portion of the front filling chamber 47 unfolded and inflated, as described above, from the vent hole 56 is discharged, prevents the filling gas to the lower portion of the front filling chamber 47 located below the vent hole 56 is, flows. As a result, it prevents the lower portion of the front filling chamber 47 is unfolded and filled due to the excessive pressure exerted from the lateral direction of the chest area PT.

• (1) Der Airbag 40 ist durch die Unterteilung 50, die sich in der im Wesentlichen vertikalen Richtung erstreckt, in die vordere Befüllungskammer 47 vor der Unterteilung 50 und die hintere Befüllungskammer 46 hinter der Unterteilung 50 unterteilt, und der Gasgenerator 31 ist an dem unteren Abschnitt der hinteren Befüllungskammer 46 angeordnet. Die Unterteilung 50 ist mit dem oberen Kommunikationsloch 54 zum Kommunizieren von hinterer Befüllungskammer 46 und vorderer Befüllungskammer 47 an dem Abschnitt, der die Seite des Kopfs PH des Insassen P ist, versehen und sie ist mit dem unteren Kommunikationsloch 55 zum Kommunizieren von hinterer Befüllungskammer 46 und vorderer Befüllungskammer 47 an dem Abschnitt, der die Seite des Brustbereichs PT des Insassen P ist, versehen. Die Öffnungsfläche des unteren Kommunikationslochs 55 ist derart eingerichtet, dass sie größer als die des oberen Kommunikationslochs 54 ist (siehe 7).

According to the embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.

• (1) The airbag 40 is through the subdivision 50 , which extends in the substantially vertical direction, in the front filling chamber 47 before subdivision 50 and the rear filling chamber 46 behind the subdivision 50 divided, and the gas generator 31 is at the lower portion of the rear filling chamber 46 arranged. The subdivision 50 is with the upper communication hole 54 for communicating from the rear filling chamber 46 and front filling chamber 47 at the portion which is the side of the head PH of the occupant P, and is at the lower communication hole 55 for communicating from the rear filling chamber 46 and front filling chamber 47 at the portion which is the side of the chest area PT of the occupant P. The opening area of the lower communication hole 55 is set to be larger than that of the upper communication hole 54 is (see 7 ).

• (2) Die vordere Befüllungskammer 47 ist mit dem Entlüftungsloch 56 zum Auslassen des Befüllungsgases zwischen dem oberen Kommunikationsloch 54 und dem unteren Kommunikationsloch 55 versehen (siehe 7).

For this reason, as the phenomenon occurs, the portion of the airbag becomes 40 which is to be unfolded and filled on the side of the head PH, hardly the narrow space between the shoulder PS of the occupant P and the side wall 11 of the vehicle 10 happened, the airbag 40 on the side of the area extending from the chest area PT to the head PH of the occupant P, unfolds and fills correctly.

• (2) The front filling chamber 47 is with the vent hole 56 for discharging the charge gas between the upper communication hole 54 and the lower communication hole 55 provided (see 7 ).

• (3) Wenn der Airbag 40 vollständig entfaltet und befüllt ist, ist das Vorderende 40a des Airbags 40, das an der Seite des Kopfs PH des Insassen P positioniert ist, vor dem (näher an einer Vorderseite des Fahrzeugs positioniert als das) Vorderende 40b, das an der Seite des Brustbereichs PT des Insassen P positioniert ist, positioniert (siehe 7).

For this reason, the charge gas flowing to the upper portion of the front charge chamber flows 47 unfolded and filled to the portion which is the side of the chest area PT, thereby preventing the portion from being unfolded and filled due to the excessive pressure.

• (3) If the airbag 40 is fully unfolded and filled, is the front end 40a of the airbag 40 positioned on the side of the head PH of the occupant P, in front of (closer to a front of the vehicle than the) front end 40b positioned on the side of the chest area PT of the occupant P (see FIG 7 ).

• (4) Der Airbag 40 ist mit der Mehrzahl von gefalteten Abschnitten 66, 68, 69 und 73 versehen, die durch Falten des Airbags von oben nach unten ausgebildet wurden, bevor der Airbag entfaltet und befüllt wird. Das obere Kommunikationsloch 54 der Unterteilung 50 ist an dem obersten gefalteten Abschnitt 68, der am weitesten von dem Gasgenerator 31 nach oben entfernt ist, in dem Airbag 40 positioniert (siehe 17).

For this reason, the area of the airbag 40 , which is unfolded and filled on the side of the head PH, extended forward, causing the head PH of the occupant P through the airbag 40 and the effect of protecting the occupant from the shock is improved.

• (4) The airbag 40 is with the majority of folded sections 66 . 68 . 69 and 73 provided, which were formed by folding the airbag from top to bottom, before the airbag is deployed and filled. The upper communication hole 54 the subdivision 50 is at the top folded section 68 , the furthest from the gas generator 31 is located up in the airbag 40 positioned (see 17 ).

For this reason, in the process in which the uppermost folded portion flows 68 is unfolded, the filling gas in the rear filling chamber 46 in the front filling chamber 47 through the upper communication hole 54 so as to interrupt the unfolding and filling of the uppermost folded portion 68 due to the upper communication hole 54 can be prevented.

The embodiment may be modified as follows.

The opening area of the lower communication hole 55 can be set to be equal to the upper communication hole 54 is. In this case, the same effect as that of the embodiment is obtained.

The vent hole 56 may be formed in other shapes other than a circle, for example, a gap shape.

The gas generator 31 can be right on the page frame 17 without the use of the container 32 to be appropriate.

The roughly entire part of the airbag 40 can be filled as in the embodiment, but the airbag 40 be provided with a non-filling section, which is not supplied with the filling gas and therefore is not filled.

The subdivision 50 can be formed from a fabric layer.

Instead of the seat back 14 of the vehicle seat 12 can the side wall 11 be provided with a portion of the housing section 21 corresponds, and the airbag module AM may be inserted therein.

The section of the airbag 40 , which is the side of the shoulder PS of the occupant P, may be provided with a thickness reduction portion for reducing the filling thickness in the transverse direction of the vehicle from that of other portions during filling.

For example, as indicated by the thick broken lines in 18 is indicated, a connecting portion 86 (also referred to as a seam) for connecting the portions which are the side of the shoulder PS of the occupant P or the vicinity thereof, of the two tissue sections 43 and 44 of the airbag 40 be provided and the connecting portion 86 can serve as a thickness reduction section. In 18 is the connecting section 86 that is different from a section of the subdivision 50 in the state in which a pair of a fabric part 51 superimposed with each other when the airbag 40 not filled, to one of the subdivision 50 extends adjacent portion provided in a hook shape, but the connecting portion 86 be provided at other sections. At the with the connection section 86 provided section, the airbag 40 a filling thickness of substantially zero.

If the section that is the side of the shoulder PS of the occupant P, the front end 40c of the airbag 40 or its surroundings to a position indicated by the dashed / double dotted line in FIG 18 is changed, may have a concave section 87 at the portion which is the side of the shoulder PS or the vicinity thereof as the front end of the airbag 40 be provided, and the concave section 87 may serve as the thickness reduction portion. At the one with the concave section 87 provided section, the airbag 40 a filling thickness of substantially zero.

In each case described above, the filling thickness of the portion which is the shoulder PS side of the occupant P or the vicinity thereof is through the connecting portion 86 or the concave section 87 in the transverse direction of the vehicle smaller than that of other positions. For this reason, the section of the airbag 40 which is the side of the shoulder PS of the occupant P, easily unfolded and filled without even the portion of the narrow gap between the shoulder PS and the side wall 11 of the vehicle 10 to be caught, leaving the airbag 40 unfolded unfolded and filled.

Vehicles for which the side airbag device is used include various commercial to private vehicles used for transportation.

• (A) Bei der Seitenairbagvorrichtung gemäß dem dritten Aspekt wird der Airbag durch Überlagern des Gewebeabschnitts der Fahrzeuginnenseite mit dem Gewebeabschnitt der Fahrzeugaußenseite und Verbinden der Gewebeabschnitte entlang der Umfangsränder derselben gebildet und der Dickenverminderungsabschnitt besteht aus dem Verbindungsabschnitt zur Verbindung der Abschnitte, die die Seiten der Schulter des Insassen oder die Umgebung derselben sind, von beiden Gewebeabschnitten in dem Zustand, in dem die Abschnitte miteinander in Kontakt kommen oder einander nahe kommen.

Next, technical ideas obtained by the above-described embodiments will be described along with their effects.

• (A) In the side airbag device according to the third aspect, the airbag is formed by superposing the fabric portion of the vehicle inside with the fabric portion of the vehicle outside and joining the fabric portions formed along the peripheral edges thereof and the thickness reduction portion consists of the connecting portion for connecting the portions which are the sides of the shoulder of the occupant or the vicinity thereof, of both tissue sections in the state in which the portions come into contact or close to each other.

• (B) Bei der Seitenairbagvorrichtung gemäß dem dritten Aspekt besteht der Dickenverminderungsabschnitt aus dem konkaven Abschnitt, der an dem Vorderende des Airbags vorgesehen ist und von dem Rand des Vorderendes nach hinten konkav geformt ist.

According to the above-described configuration, since the connecting portion is provided, the airbag portion which is the side of the occupant's shoulder has a filling thickness of about zero, whereby the effect indicated in the third aspect is obtained.

• (B) In the side airbag device according to the third aspect, the thickness reduction portion consists of the concave portion provided at the front end of the airbag and concaved rearwardly from the edge of the front end.

According to the configuration described above, since the concave portion is provided, the airbag portion which is the side of the occupant's shoulder has a filling thickness of zero, whereby the effect indicated in the third aspect is obtained.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 2000-280853 [0003, 0007, 0007]

Claims (5)

A side airbag device including a gas generator for discharging a charge gas in response to a shock applied from a lateral direction of a vehicle and an airbag accommodated in a folded state and the charge gas from the inflator between a vehicle seat occupant and a side wall of the vehicle in an area extending from a chest area to the occupant's head is unfolded and filled, wherein the airbag is divided into a front filling chamber and a rear filling chamber by a partition extending in a substantially vertical direction, the gas generator is arranged at a lower portion of the rear filling chamber, the partition is provided with an upper communicating hole for communicating the rear filling chamber and the front filling chamber at a portion which is one side of the occupant's head; the partition is provided with a lower communication hole for communicating the rear filling chamber and the front filling chamber at a portion which is one side of the chest area of the occupant, and an opening area of the lower communication hole is set to be equal to or larger than that of the upper communication hole. The side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the front charge chamber is provided with a vent hole for discharging the charge gas between the upper communication hole and the lower communication hole. The side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the side airbag device has a thickness reduction portion provided on a portion of the airbag located on one side of a shoulder of the occupant and having a filling thickness in a transverse direction of the vehicle relative to other portions of the airbag during the Filling down. The side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein when the airbag is fully deployed and filled, a front end of a portion of the airbag positioned on the occupant's head side is positioned closer to a front of the vehicle than a front end of a vehicle Section of the airbag, which is positioned on the side of the chest area of the occupant. The side airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the airbag is provided with folded portions formed by folding the airbag from top to bottom, and the upper communication hole of the partition is positioned at the uppermost folded portion.

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