JP2000153747A - Vehicle airbag system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To have an airbag inflate in a short period of time with a small amount of gas, and to regulate the amount that the airbag is projected toward an occupant to a predetermined value. SOLUTION: The airbag system is provided with a center airbag 1 that is located in the center and constitutes the overall framework, and a peripheral airbag 2 that is located on the peripheral of the center airbag 1 and which operates so as to inflate after the peripheral airbag 1 has inflated. A gas generator 3 which supplies gas to both airbags 1 and 2 is provided. A communicating hole 12 is provided in the parting member 15 which divides the airbag 1 and the airbag 2. This communicating hole 12 is closed in the initial stage, and opens when the center airbag 1 inflates to a predetermined level. A gas venting means 6 is provided in a part of the peripheral airbag 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag forming a core portion and an airbag provided around the core portion. The present invention relates to a two-stage airbag device in which a skeleton portion is formed by deploying an airbag forming a nucleus of the airbag, thereby restricting a deployment region of the airbag forming a peripheral portion. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As described above, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-132444, there is a type comprising a main airbag provided at a central portion and a sub airbag provided at a peripheral portion. . In this device, first, gas is introduced into the main airbag in the center, and when the main airbag starts to expand, gas is supplied to the airbag in the peripheral portion through the distribution port accordingly,
Thus, the sub airbag is also deployed. In addition, since the sub airbag is provided with a vent hole and the vent hole is open from the beginning, the gas is discharged from the vent hole at the same time as the sub airbag is deployed. Is to be performed.

[0003]

Therefore, in the above-mentioned prior art, a large amount of gas is required to sufficiently deploy the central airbag forming the main airbag. Therefore, if a large-capacity gas generator is used, the deployment speed of the airbag locally increases, and the impact force on the occupant may increase. Further, when the gas generation capacity is reduced, there is a problem that the gas cannot be developed within a short time. Furthermore, if you do not provide a vent hole to let the airbag deploy in a short time,
When the occupant's face or chest collides with the airbag, a large repulsive force is generated, which is not preferable for protecting the occupant. In order to solve such a problem, first, the airbag forming the core portion is rapidly deployed, whereby the deployment region of the entire airbag device is regulated, and then the peripheral airbag is deployed. It is an object (problem) of the present invention to provide a vehicle airbag device that efficiently absorbs the energy of the occupant's face, chest, and the like.

[0004]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following measures. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the core and the peripheral portion are formed of separate airbags, and the gas is supplied to the peripheral airbag via the core airbag. Regarding the airbag device for vehicles,
The communication port provided in a part of the partition member that separates the core airbag and the peripheral airbag is kept closed until the core airbag has been deployed by a predetermined amount, or In this case, a configuration is adopted in which the gas is hardly circulated so as to be in a throttle state.

[0005] By adopting such a configuration, the present invention has the following effects.
That is, the gas generated by the gas generator is first introduced into the core airbag, and the core airbag is deployed. At this time, the communication port connecting the airbag of the core portion and the airbag of the peripheral portion is in a closed state or a throttled state, so that the airbag of the core portion has a small capacity. It will be deployed quickly with gas. Further, when the airbag of the core portion has been fully deployed in this way and the skeleton portion as the airbag device has been formed, the communication port is opened, and the gas introduced into the airbag of the core portion becomes The air is supplied to the airbag in the peripheral portion through the communication port.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is one in which a vent hole for venting provided in an airbag in a peripheral portion is initially closed. This shortens the deployment time of the entire airbag device by keeping the vent hole for degassing initially closed,
When the occupant collides with the airbag due to the state in which the entire airbag device has been deployed, or when the occupant collides with the airbag due to a collision of the vehicle, the vent hole is immediately opened so that the entire airbag device rebounds in the event of an occupant collision. It is intended to reduce the power. Therefore, the energy of the occupant's face, chest, or the like is efficiently absorbed by the action of discharging the gas from the vent hole. Further, the first airbag, which is mainly used for a passenger seat and forms a core, is deployed between the dashboard and the front windshield glass to form a skeleton shape of the entire airbag device. In the case where the second airbag is subsequently deployed so as to cover the dashboard, the first airbag protects the occupant's face and the like at a minimum, and if the occupant becomes irregular, Even if the driver is in a position close to the dashboard, for example, the face of the occupant can be prevented from violently colliding with the deployed airbag. Also, in the case where the second airbag is deployed downward compared to the conventional one,
Even if the occupant is in a close position and collides with the second airbag, the direction of the acting force is downward, and the force for pushing the occupant backward is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the damage and the like received by the incorrectly seated occupant.

Next, the invention according to claim 2 will be described. This is also basically the same as the first aspect. The feature is that the capacity of the airbag of the core forming the skeleton is regulated to a predetermined value. That is, in the vehicle airbag device according to the first aspect, the airbag capacity of the core portion is set to one of the capacity of the entire airbag device including the peripheral airbag in the device provided on the driver's seat side.
/ 2 or less, while the one provided on the passenger seat side has a value of 1/3 or less of the capacity of the entire airbag device including the peripheral airbag. Was decided. By adopting such a configuration, the deployment time of the airbag in the core is shortened, and the portion forming the skeleton is formed early,
The protrusion amount (deployment amount) toward the occupant can be made as small as possible. As a result, when the occupant adopts an irregular sitting posture, that is, even if the occupant is at a position close to the airbag device, the collision of the airbag with the occupant's face or the like can be reduced, Damage to the occupant can be reduced.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Although according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a core airbag 1 provided near the center of a steering wheel 5 and an airbag of the core are provided. 1 and a part of a partition member 15 for partitioning the peripheral airbag 2 between the core airbag 1 and the peripheral airbag 2 in an annular shape. And a gas generator 3 for supplying gas for deploying each airbag to the core airbag 1 and the peripheral airbag 2. Things.

In the air bag having such a structure, each of the airbags 1 and 2 is, as shown in FIGS.
A partition member that separates the central airbag 1 and the peripheral airbag 2 from the gas generated by the gas generator 3 after the core airbag 1 provided at the center is deployed by a predetermined amount. A communication port (hole) 12 provided in a part of the opening 15 is opened, and gas is supplied also to the peripheral airbag 2, whereby the peripheral airbag 2 is also deployed. . That is, first, as shown in FIG.
The gas generated by the gas generator 3 is introduced into the core airbag 1, and the core airbag 1 is fully deployed, and at the same time, the skeleton shape of the entire airbag device is formed to some extent. In this state, the communication port (hole) 12 is opened, and gas is supplied from the core airbag 1 to the peripheral airbag 2 through the communication port (hole) 12. And in this case, the airbag 2 in the peripheral portion
The deployment range is regulated by the deployment mode (inflation mode) of the airbag 1 in the core. The amount of deployment of the airbag 1 at the core is preferably about 以下 or less of the total amount of deployment of the airbag including the amount of deployment of the airbag 2 at the peripheral portion, and most preferably 1/2. 2 to 1/5
Within the range.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a communication is provided between the airbags 1 and 2 having such a structure, specifically, at a partition member 15 for separating the airbags from each other. A mouth (hole) 12 is provided, and the gas generated by the gas generator 3 through such a communication port (hole) 12 is transferred from the core airbag 1 provided at the center to the peripheral portion. Is introduced into the airbag 2. The communication port (hole) 12 is closed at an initial stage as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and the airbag 1 at the core has been deployed by a predetermined amount as shown in FIG. 2, for example. In this state, the airbag 1 is opened by the tension of the airbag 1 at the core. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a part of a partition member 15 for partitioning between the core airbag 1 and the peripheral airbag 2 is overlapped in a folded shape, and a part thereof is attached to the sewing means 13. As a result, the communication port (hole) 12 is closed in the initial state, and as shown in FIG. 2, the core airbag 1 is fully deployed. The partition member 1
The portion 5 is extended by the gas pressure of the airbag 1 at the core, the sewing means 13 is cut off, and the communication port (hole) 12 is opened.
In addition, such a communication port (hole) 12 forms a deployment delay of the airbag 2 in the peripheral portion, and the delay is as follows.
Proportional to the opening area of the communication port (hole) 12 and proportional to about 1/2 power of the difference (differential pressure) between the internal pressure of the airbag 1 at the core and the internal pressure of the airbag 2 at the periphery. Become. Therefore,
In order to make this delay a predetermined value, the main communication port (hole) 12
Has an appropriate diameter, and depending on the diameter, a function as a throttle for controlling the deployment speed of the peripheral airbag 2 is exhibited. As means for closing the communication port (hole) 12, in addition to the means by the sewing means 13, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a part of the partition member 15 is folded and overlapped. It is also conceivable that the part is provided with a hook-and-loop fastener 14 and the like which can be attached and detached with a predetermined force.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a gas venting means 6 comprising a vent hole 21 and the like is provided on a part of the airbag 2 having the above-mentioned structure at the peripheral portion. This is provided in a part of the airbag 2 in the peripheral portion, and the vent hole 21 and the vent hole 21 are closed at an early stage when the airbag 2 in the peripheral portion is being deployed. The vent hole 21 is opened when the airbag 1 in the core portion and the airbag 2 in the peripheral portion have both been deployed, or when the occupant has collided with the airbag due to a collision. , And a valve 66 that operates. Another example (modification) of the gas venting means 6 is as shown in FIG. This is the airbag 2 in the periphery
Are formed in a folded shape, and the overlapped portion is temporarily fixed by sewing means 23, whereby the peripheral airbag 2 is not fully deployed. In an initial stage or a stage before the occupant collides with the airbags 1 and 2, the vent hole 21 is closed by an overlapping portion formed by a part of the partition member 25 (FIG. (Left side of 4)
When the airbag 1 in the core portion and the airbag 2 in the peripheral portion are both fully deployed, or when the occupant collides with the airbag with a predetermined strength, the partition wall member 25 is Then, the vent hole 21 is opened (shown on the right side in FIG. 4).

Next, an operation mode and the like of the embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the gas generated by the gas generator 3 is first introduced into the core airbag 1, and the core airbag 1 is deployed. At this time, since the communication port (hole) 12 for connecting the airbag 1 at the core and the airbag 2 at the periphery is closed, the airbag 1 at the core is small. It will be deployed quickly with a volume of gas. Further, as described above, when the airbag 1 at the core portion is fully deployed and forms the skeleton of the entire airbag device, the communication port (hole) 12 is opened, and the core portion is opened. The gas supplied to the airbag 1 is supplied to the peripheral airbag 2 through the communication port (hole) 12. As described above, first, the core airbag 1 is deployed in a short period of time, and is deployed so as to form a skeleton form of the airbag apparatus as a whole.
Is developed, so that the basic form of the entire airbag device can be formed in a short time with a small amount of generated gas. Further, the amount of projection (deployment) of the entire airbag device in the occupant direction can be regulated to a predetermined value, so that the collision of the airbag with the occupant's face, chest, or the like can be avoided. become.

Further, by providing the gas venting means 6, the vent hole 21 for venting provided in the peripheral airbag 2 is set to be initially closed so that the entire airbag can be opened. While the deployment time is shortened, in a state where the peripheral airbag 2 has been deployed, or in a state where the occupant's collision with the airbag causes the airbag internal pressure to rise, the valve 66 is opened immediately. The vent hole 21 is opened, thereby reducing the repulsive force of the entire airbag device. As a result, the energy possessed by the occupant's face or chest can be efficiently absorbed by the gas discharging means from the gas venting means 6 and the vent hole 21.

Next, a second embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This is also basically the same as that according to the first embodiment. The feature is that the gas generator is made of a very small capacity by reducing the capacity of the airbag 1 at the core. As a result, a gas supply device 33 of a cylinder type filled with high-pressure gas is used instead of the explosive gas generator.
Can be adopted. Thus, as a device for controlling the gas release timing and the like of the gas supply device 33 composed of a high-pressure gas cylinder or the like, the airbag deployment control means 7 composed of a microcomputer or the like is provided. In addition, the airbag 2 around
Is provided with a gas venting means 6 comprising a vent hole 21 and the like. When an occupant's face or chest collides with the present airbag device, the gas is supplied into the present airbag device. The gas is discharged from the vent hole 21. The energy of the occupant's face and the like is absorbed by the action of discharging the gas in the peripheral airbag 2.

Next, a third embodiment (third embodiment) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. This is composed of a first airbag (first airbag) 1 forming a core airbag, and a second airbag (second airbag) 2 forming a peripheral airbag. Yes, it is mainly used as an airbag device for the passenger seat. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, first, the first airbag 1 is deployed so as to be sandwiched between the dashboard 8 and the front windshield glass 9 to form a core skeleton. In a state where the first airbag 1 serving as a core has been deployed in this manner, the second airbag 2 forming the peripheral airbag is provided.
However, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, it is developed in an asymmetric shape so as to mainly cover the dashboard 8.

By adopting such a configuration, in the present embodiment, the dashboard 8 and the front windshield glass 9 are covered with the first airbag 1 and the occupant's face, etc. Will be efficiently protected. At the same time, at this stage, the second airbag 2 has not been deployed yet, and the amount of protrusion to the occupant side is regulated to a minimum value. Therefore, even if the occupant is in an irregular state, for example, in a position close to the dashboard 8, the occupant's face and the like can be prevented from violently colliding with the deployed airbag. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the second airbag 2 is designed to expand downward as compared with the conventional airbag.
Even if the vehicle collides, the direction of the acting force is directed downward, and the force is greatly reduced when the occupant is pushed backward as compared with the conventional one. As a result, damage and the like to the improperly seated occupant are greatly reduced.

[0017]

According to the present invention, the core airbag is deployed in a short time to form a skeleton form of the airbag apparatus as a whole.
Since the peripheral airbag is deployed, it is possible to complete the deployment of the portion forming the skeleton portion of the entire airbag device in a short time with a small amount of gas generated. Therefore, by appropriately regulating the amount of protrusion (deployment amount) and the direction of deployment of the airbag in the occupant direction, it is possible to avoid collision of the airbag with the occupant's face or chest.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a state in which a communication port according to the present invention and the first embodiment is not opened.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which all airbags are deployed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a modified example of the communication port closing means according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a modification of the gas venting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which a communication port is not opened in a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an expanded state of all airbags according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a deployed state of a first airbag and a second airbag according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a deployed state of a first airbag and a second airbag according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 core airbag (first airbag) 12 communication port (hole) 13 sewing means 14 surface fastener 15 partition member 2 peripheral airbag (second airbag) 21 vent hole 23 sewing means 25 partition member Reference Signs List 3 gas generator 33 gas supply device 5 steering wheel 6 degassing means 66 valve 7 airbag deployment control means 8 dashboard 9 front windshield glass

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A vehicle airbag device in which a core portion and a peripheral portion are formed of separate airbags, and gas is supplied to the peripheral airbag via the core airbag. The communication port provided in a part of the partition member that separates the core airbag from the peripheral airbag, or the communication port provided in the core until the airbag in the core has been deployed by a predetermined amount, or is kept closed. Alternatively, an airbag device for a vehicle, characterized in that the airbag device is set in a throttle state in which gas flow is difficult. 2. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag capacity of the core portion is set to be equal to the capacity of the entire airbag device including the peripheral portion of the airbag portion provided on the driver's seat side. Of the airbag device provided on the passenger seat side, the value of which is equal to or less than 1/3 of the capacity of the entire airbag device including the peripheral airbag. An airbag device for a vehicle, comprising: