JP2003306122A - Airbag system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an airbag system capable of inflating and expanding an airbag toward an occupant side, and effectively absorbing impact at vehicular collision. <P>SOLUTION: A supporting mechanism 23 supporting the airbag 21 in an opposite side of an occupant P when the airbag 21 is inflated and expanded is provided. When a pre-crash sensor estimates vehicular collision, the supporting mechanism 23 is moved from a non-acting position P1 to an acting position P2 before inflating and expanding the airbag 21, by operation of a moving mechanism 26. Then, the airbag 21 is inflated and expanded while being supported by the supporting mechanism 23 in the opposite side of the occupant P according to detection of collision by the collision sensor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag device provided to protect an occupant from a shock applied to a vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional airbag device of this type, for example, as shown in FIG.
A configuration as disclosed in FIG. 8 is known. In this conventional configuration, the first airbag module including the first inflator, the first airbag, and the contact plate is arranged inside the door. When the collision of the vehicle is predicted based on the detection of the pre-crash sensor, the first
The inflator is actuated to deploy and inflate the first airbag inside the vehicle compartment. Due to this expansion and expansion, the contact plate is moved to the inside of the vehicle compartment, and the occupant is pressed against the inside of the vehicle compartment.

A second air bag module including a second inflator and a second air bag is supported on the first air bag. Then, when the first airbag is deployed and inflated, the second airbag module is projected and moved inside the vehicle compartment. After that, when a collision of the vehicle is detected by the collision sensor, the second inflator is actuated to deploy and inflate the second airbag between the occupant and the door, and the impact of the impact at the time of the collision on the occupant is mitigated. It is like this.

[0004]

However, in this conventional air bag device, the second air bag is inflated and inflated by the expansion and inflation of the first air bag in an unexpanded and inflated state. No consideration is given to the support structure when the second airbag is deployed and inflated thereafter. For this reason, there is a problem that the second airbag may not be deployed and inflated in a stable state toward the occupant side, or may hit the occupant and escape from the position, which may prevent effective protection of the occupant.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to the problems existing in such conventional techniques. It is an object of the present invention to provide an airbag device capable of deploying and inflating the airbag in a stable state and effectively protecting the occupant without the airbag escaping from a position corresponding to the occupant.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 is to provide an air bag by supplying gas from an inflator when a shock of a predetermined value or more is applied to a vehicle. In an airbag device adapted to be inflated and inflated, a support means for supporting the airbag on the opposite side of an occupant when the airbag is inflated and inflated, and the support means from an inoperative position to an operating position prior to the airbag inflated and inflated. And a moving means for moving the same.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, after the supporting means is moved from the inoperative position to the operating position by the moving means before the airbag is deployed and inflated, the airbag is operated by the supporting means. It is deployed and inflated while being supported from the opposite side of the occupant. Therefore, the airbag can be deployed and inflated in a stable state without the airbag escaping from the position of the occupant, and the occupant can be effectively protected. Further, when the airbag is not inflated and inflated, the support means is retracted from the inflated and deployed position of the airbag to the inoperative position, so that the support means does not hinder driving of the vehicle and the like. Can be performed without any trouble.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the moving means is operated based on the detection of the pre-crash sensor.

Therefore, according to the second aspect of the invention, the support means can be moved from the inoperative position to the operating position in advance in accordance with the prediction of the vehicle collision based on the detection of the pre-crash sensor. Therefore, during a vehicle collision,
The support means is disposed at the working position, and the support means reliably supports the airbag, thereby providing effective occupant protection.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, a return means is provided for moving and returning the support means from the operating position to the inactive position. To do.

Therefore, according to the third aspect of the invention, when the collision of the vehicle is avoided in the state where the supporting means is moved to the operating position, the supporting means is moved back to the inactive position. It is possible to drive the vehicle without any trouble.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the supporting means is a steering wheel equipped with an airbag, and the moving means is It is characterized in that the steering wheel and the airbag are displaced so as to be directed toward the occupant.

Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 4, the steering wheel is displaced so as to be directed to the occupant, that is, the driver side together with the airbag prior to the expansion and inflation of the airbag. Therefore, the steering wheel can support the expanded and inflated airbag to effectively protect the driver.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the supporting means is a steering wheel equipped with an airbag, and the moving means is It is characterized in that the airbag is displaced relative to the steering wheel so that the airbag is directed toward the occupant.

Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the airbag is displaced relative to the steering wheel so as to be directed to the occupant side prior to the deployment and inflation thereof. Therefore, similarly to the fourth aspect, the airbag which is expanded and inflated can be supported by the steering wheel to effectively protect the driver.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the supporting means is a supporting member capable of contacting an airbag in a deployed and inflated state. The moving means moves the support member to a position opposite to the occupant.

Therefore, according to the invention of claim 6, the support member is moved to the position opposite to the occupant prior to the expansion and inflation of the air bag, and then the air bag is contacted and supported by the support member. While being expanded and expanded. Therefore, the airbag can be deployed and inflated in a stable state without escaping from the occupant to effectively protect the occupant.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of an airbag device embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
And it demonstrates based on FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a steering wheel 11 arranged in a vehicle compartment has an annular ring portion 12, a pad portion 13 arranged in the center of the ring portion 12, and a ring. It is composed of a plurality of spoke portions 14 connecting the portion 12 and the pad portion 13. The ring portion 12 and the spoke portions 14 are composed of a cored bar 15 made of an aluminum alloy or the like, and a cover 16 made of a soft synthetic resin and formed on the outer surface of the cored bar 15. Core 15
A mounting boss 17 is formed at the center of the steering wheel 11, and the steering wheel 11 is mounted on the steering shaft 18 via the mounting boss 17.

The core metal 1 is positioned so as to be located below the pad portion 13 in the central portion of the steering wheel 11.
An airbag device main body 19 is attached to the inner surface of 5 via a mounting plate 20. This airbag device body 19
Is a bag-shaped airbag 21 stored in a folded state.
And an inflator 22 as a deploying and expanding means for supplying a gas for deploying and expanding to the airbag 21. In this embodiment, the steering wheel 11 allows the ring portion 1
The support mechanism 23 as a support means for supporting the airbag 21 from the side opposite to the occupant P at the driver's seat when the airbag 21 is deployed and inflated is constituted by the spokes 2 and the spokes 14.

A tilt mechanism 25 is provided in the middle of a support column 24 that supports the steering shaft 18.
The tilt mechanism 25 tilts the steering wheel 11 forming the support mechanism 23 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the airbag device body 19 can be tilted integrally with the steering wheel 11. Below the steering wheel 11, a moving solenoid 27 that constitutes a moving mechanism 26 as a moving means is arranged, and a connecting ring 24a is fitted onto the support column 24 so as to be relatively rotatable. The armature 27a of the moving solenoid 27 is connected to the support column 24 via the connecting ring 24a. Then, prior to the expansion and inflation of the airbag 21, the steering wheel 11 is excited by the excitation of the solenoid 27.
9 is tilted and displaced from the non-acting position p1 shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 to the working position p2 shown by the chain line, and is directed toward the occupant P side, particularly near the thoracic portion of the occupant P.

Next, the circuit configuration of the airbag device constructed as described above will be described. As shown in FIG.
The control device 28 stores a program for controlling the operation of the entire airbag device. A memory 29 is connected to the controller 28, and the memory 29 stores various data such as the timing of operating the moving solenoid 27 and the inflator 22.

A pre-crash sensor 30 and a collision sensor 31 are connected to the control device 28. The pre-crash sensor 30 emits radio waves or ultrasonic waves toward the front of the vehicle to detect a vehicle or an object approaching from the front of the vehicle. The control device 28 predicts the risk of a collision from the front surface based on the detection signal. When a frontal collision of the vehicle receives an impact of a predetermined value or more, the collision sensor 31 detects the impact and outputs a collision detection signal to the control device 28.

The control device 28 is connected to the moving solenoid 27 of the moving mechanism 26 and the inflator 22 of the airbag device body 19. Then, the control device 28
Energizes the moving solenoid 27 of the moving mechanism 26 when a collision is predicted based on the detection of the pre-crash sensor 30. By this excitation, the steering wheel 11 forming the support mechanism 23 is tilted and displaced from the inoperative position p1 to the operating position p2 integrally with the airbag device main body 19 and is directed to the vicinity of the thoracic portion of the occupant P.

When the collision detection signal is input from the collision sensor 31 while the steering wheel 11 is tilting and changing, the control device 28 operates the inflator 22 to deploy and inflate the airbag 21. In this case, the support mechanism 23 is provided at a position opposite to the occupant P of the airbag 21.
By arranging the steering wheel 11 constituting the vehicle in a tilting displacement state, the airbag 21 is stably deployed and inflated toward the occupant P side while being supported by this support structure.

Further, in this embodiment, the moving mechanism 26 including the moving solenoid 27 also serves as the returning mechanism as the returning means. Then, when the collision detection signal is not output from the collision sensor 31 within the predetermined time in the tilt displacement state of the steering wheel 11, the control device 28 causes the moving solenoid 27 of the moving mechanism 26 to return to operate the steering wheel 11. The inclining return is performed from the acting position p2 to the inoperative position p1.

Next, the operation of the airbag device constructed as described above will be described. Now, during normal operation of the vehicle, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, the steering wheel 11 forming the support mechanism 23 is arranged at the inactive position p1. In this state, if the risk of collision is predicted based on the detection of the pre-crash sensor 30, the drive signal is sent to the control device 2 to the moving solenoid 27 of the moving mechanism 26.
8 is output. Then, the moving solenoid 27 is excited, and the steering wheel 11 is tilted and displaced from the non-acting position p1 to the acting position p2 integrally with the airbag device main body 19 and is directed to the vicinity of the thoracic portion of the occupant P.

After that, when a frontal collision of the vehicle is detected by the collision sensor 31, the collision detection signal is sent to the control device 28.
Is output to. Then, the inflator 22 is operated, gas is supplied from the inflator 22 to the airbag 21, and the airbag 21 is deployed and inflated toward the vicinity of the thoracic portion of the occupant P. In this case, the occupant P of the airbag 21
At a position on the opposite side, the steering wheel 11 that constitutes the support mechanism 23 is disposed at an appropriate position in a tilting displacement state. Therefore, the airbag 21 is stably expanded and inflated toward the thoracic portion of the occupant P while being supported by the steering wheel 11, particularly the ring portion 12 and the spoke portions 14. Therefore, the airbag 21 can reliably receive the occupant P without escaping from the position of the occupant P. Therefore, the airbag 21 can effectively mitigate the impact on the occupant P at the time of vehicle collision, and can effectively protect the occupant.

On the other hand, when the collision detection signal is not output from the collision sensor 31 even after a predetermined time elapses after the steering wheel 11 is tilted and displaced as described above, the controller 28 also controls the return mechanism. The moving solenoid 27 of the moving mechanism 26 is restored. Due to this returning operation, the steering wheel 11 moves to the operating position p.
The tilt return is made from 2 to the inactive position p1. Therefore, the state before detection by the pre-crash sensor 30 is achieved, and normal vehicle driving can be performed.

For some reason, the moving mechanism 26
The collision sensor 31 without moving to the working position p2.
When the collision is detected, the airbag 21 deploys and inflates at the inoperative position p1.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In this airbag device, the support mechanism 23 that supports the airbag 21 on the opposite side of the occupant P when the airbag 21 is deployed and inflated, and the support mechanism 23 is in the inactive position prior to the deployment and inflation of the airbag 21. A moving mechanism 26 for moving from p1 to the operating position p2 is provided.

Therefore, prior to the expansion and inflation of the airbag 21, the moving mechanism 26 moves the support mechanism 23 from the inoperative position p1 to the operating position p2, and the airbag 21 is supported by the occupant P by the supporting mechanism 23. It can be expanded and expanded while supporting it from the opposite side. Therefore, the airbag 21 does not escape from the occupant P, and the occupant P can be effectively protected.

(2) In this airbag device, the moving mechanism 26 is operated based on the detection of the pre-crash sensor 30. Therefore, based on the prediction of the collision of the vehicle, the support mechanism 23 is previously set to the inactive position p.
When the vehicle collides, the support mechanism 23 of the airbag 21 is surely placed at the action position p2. Therefore, when the airbag 21 is expanded and inflated in the event of a vehicle collision, the support mechanism 23 is used to support the airbag 21, and the occupant can be reliably protected by the airbag 21.

(3) This airbag device is provided with a return mechanism 26 for moving and returning the support mechanism 23 from the operating position p2 to the inactive position p1. Therefore, with the support mechanism 23 moved to the action position p2,
When the collision of the vehicle is avoided, the support mechanism 23 can be moved back to the inoperative position p1. Therefore, after the collision of the vehicle is avoided, the vehicle is in a normal drivable state and can be driven without any trouble.

(4) In this airbag device, the moving mechanism 26 for moving the support mechanism 23 and the return mechanism for moving and returning the support mechanism 23 are combined. Therefore, the structure of the support mechanism 23 can be simplified.

(5) In this airbag device, the support mechanism 23 is composed of the steering wheel 11 on which the airbag 21 is mounted. That is, since the steering wheel 11 also serves as the support mechanism 23, the configuration is simple.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on the points different from the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the airbag device main body 19 is tiltably supported by the core metal 15 of the steering wheel 11 via the support shaft 34. A moving solenoid 27 constituting a moving mechanism 26 is fixedly arranged in the steering wheel 11, and its armature is connected to a free end portion of the airbag device body 19. Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the steering wheel 11 constitutes the support mechanism 23 as a support means.

When a collision is predicted by the pre-crash sensor 30, the moving solenoid 27 is excited and the airbag apparatus body 19 is moved relative to the steering wheel 11 from the inoperative position p1 to the operating position p2. It is tilted and displaced, and is directed to the thoracic region of the occupant P.
In this state, the airbag 21 is in a posture in which it is properly held by the ring portion 12 and the spoke portion 14 of the steering wheel 11. Then, when a collision is detected by the collision sensor 31, the airbag 21 is supported by the operation of the inflator 22 on the side opposite to the occupant P, particularly by the ring portion 12 and the spoke portion 14 of the steering wheel 11 constituting the support mechanism 23. While being expanded, the occupant P is deployed and inflated toward the occupant P side in a stable state. Further, when the collision of the vehicle is avoided in the above state, the return operation of the moving solenoid 27 causes the airbag apparatus to be tilted and returned from the operating position p2 to the inactive position p1.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as the effects (1) to (5) in the first embodiment. (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on parts different from the first embodiment.

Now, in this third embodiment, FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a separation portion 36 is formed in a part of the ring portion 12 of the steering wheel 11 on which the airbag device body 19 is mounted. On both sides of the cut-off portion 36, a pair of arc-bar-shaped support members 37 forming the support mechanism 23 are arranged in the ring portion 12 so as to be able to move in and out toward the cut-off portion 36. In the steering wheel 11, a pair of moving motors 38 that constitute the moving mechanism 26 that also serves as a return mechanism are arranged, and the motor shafts of the pair of moving motors 38 are arranged in the pinion 3.
9 and the rack 40 are operatively connected to the support member 37.

When a collision is predicted based on the pre-crash sensor 30, the moving motor 38 is rotated, and the support member 37 causes the ring portion 12 shown by the broken line in FIG.
From the inactive position p1 in the ring portion 12 shown by the chain line in the figure.
It is projected and moved to the outside action position p2. Due to this protruding movement, the ring portion 12 of the steering wheel 11 is provided on the side opposite to the occupant P with respect to the deployed and inflated position of the airbag 21.
The space formed by the cut-off portion 36 is closed by the support member 37.

In this state, when a collision is detected by the collision sensor 31, the operation of the inflator 22 causes
When the airbag 21 is on the side opposite to the occupant P, the support member 3
While being contacted and supported by the vehicle 7, it is deployed and inflated in a stable state toward the occupant P side. Further, when the collision of the vehicle is avoided in the above-described state, the return rotation of the moving motor 38 causes the support member 37 to move and return from the operating position p2 to the inactive position p1.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as the effects (1) to (5) in the first embodiment. (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on parts different from the first embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the pre-crash sensor 30 is arranged on the side of the vehicle and emits radio waves or ultrasonic waves toward the side of the vehicle. The collision sensor 31 is also arranged on the side of the vehicle and detects a collision from the side of the vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the airbag device main body 19 is accommodated in the side portion of the inner roof 42 of the vehicle. Then, as shown by the chain line in FIG. 9, when the inflator 22 is in operation, the airbag 21 pushes away the side edge of the headlining 43 to move the door 44.
It is adapted to be expanded and expanded along the inside of the upper side glass 45.

A flat plate-shaped support member 37 constituting the support mechanism 23 is provided in the door 44 so as to be capable of projecting upward. Further, a linear motor 32, which constitutes the moving mechanism 26 that also serves as a return mechanism, is arranged in the door 44, and the mover thereof is operatively connected to the support member 37.

When the side collision is predicted based on the detection of the pre-crash sensor 30, the operation of the linear motor 32 causes the support member 37 to move from the inactive position p1 in the door 44 shown by the broken line in FIG. Door 4 shown by the chain line in the figure
4 is moved to the action position p2 outside the position 4. Due to this projecting movement, the inside of the side glass 45 on the side opposite to the occupant P with respect to the expanded and inflated position of the airbag 21 is the operating position p2
Are covered with the support member 37 of FIG.

After that, when a collision is detected by the collision sensor 31, the airbag 2 is operated by the operation of the inflator 22.
On the side opposite to the occupant P, 1 is deployed and inflated in a stable state toward the occupant P side while being contacted and supported by the support member 37. Further, when the collision of the vehicle is avoided in the above state, the returning operation of the linear motor 32 causes the supporting member 3
7 is moved and returned from the acting position p2 to the inoperative position p1.

Therefore, also in the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects described in (1) to (5) in each of the above-described embodiments. (6) In this airbag device, the airbag 21 is supported by the support member 37 inside the side glass 45. Therefore, when a force is applied to the airbag 21 from the occupant side to the outside (toward the side glass 45),
No force is applied to the side glass 45. Therefore, the airbag 21 can be reliably supported and the occupant can be effectively protected.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on parts different from the first embodiment.

In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG.
As shown in 0, the airbag device main body 19 is arranged in the instrument panel 47 corresponding to the passenger P in the passenger seat. The pre-crash sensor 30 and the collision sensor 31 are configured similarly to the first embodiment.

Above the air bag device body 19,
An opening 48 is formed in the instrument panel 47,
It is covered by a cover 49 so that it can be opened and closed. Then, as shown by the chain line in FIG. 10, when the inflator 22 is in operation, the airbag 21 is deployed and inflated toward the passenger P in the passenger seat while opening the cover 49.

A flat plate-shaped support member 37 constituting the support mechanism 23 is provided inside the instrument panel 47 so as to be capable of projecting upward along the inside of the windshield 50. In addition, instrument panel 4
A linear motor 32, which constitutes the moving mechanism 26 that also serves as a return mechanism, is arranged in the inside 7, and a supporting member 37 is operatively connected to the moving element thereof.

When the collision is predicted based on the detection of the pre-crash sensor 30, the linear motor 32
The support member 37 is moved so as to project from an inactive position p1 in the instrument panel 47 shown by a solid line in FIG. 10 to an operating position p2 outside the instrument panel 47 shown by a chain line in FIG. Due to this protruding movement, on the side opposite to the occupant P with respect to the deployed and expanded position of the airbag 21, the windshield
The inner portion of 0 is covered with the support member 37 at the operating position p2.

Thereafter, when the collision is detected by the collision sensor 31, the operation of the inflator 22 causes the airbag 2 to move.
On the side opposite to the occupant P, 1 is deployed and inflated in a stable state toward the occupant P side while being contacted and supported by the support member 37. Further, when the collision of the vehicle is avoided in the above state, the returning operation of the linear motor 32 causes the supporting member 3
7 is moved and returned from the acting position p2 to the inoperative position p1.

Therefore, also in the fifth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects described in the respective embodiments. (7) In this airbag device, the airbag 21 is supported by the support member 37 inside the windshield 50. Therefore, the airbag 21 can be supported by both the support member 37 and the windshield 50, and the occupant can be effectively protected.

(Modification) This embodiment can be modified and embodied as follows. In each of the above-described embodiments, a return mechanism for returning the support mechanism 23 from the operating position p2 to the inactive position p1 is provided separately without being used as the moving mechanism 26.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the moving mechanism 26 that also serves as the return mechanism is configured to be returned based on the return operation of the switch or the like. -Change the drive source of the moving mechanism 26 in each said embodiment to another drive source. For example, in the first embodiment, the moving solenoid 27 is used as a motor, and a rack and a pinion are interposed between the motor and the support column. In the fourth and fifth embodiments, a motor is used instead of the linear motor 32. To provide a rack and a pinion between the motor and the support member 37.

The present invention may be embodied in a portion different from each of the above embodiments, for example, in an airbag device provided above a rear rear windshield in a room. In this case, the pre-crash sensor is arranged at a position where the approach of the vehicle or the object to the rear surface of the vehicle can be detected, and the collision sensor is arranged at a position where the collision from the rear of the vehicle can be detected. Therefore, the airbag device in this case corresponds to a rear-end collision. Even in the case of such a configuration, the above-described effect is exhibited in the rear-end collision.

[0061]

As described above in detail, in the present invention, the airbag can be deployed and inflated in a stable state without the airbag escaping from the position corresponding to the occupant to protect the occupant. It has an excellent effect that it can be effectively performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a steering wheel including an airbag device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the steering wheel of FIG.

3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the airbag device of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a steering wheel including the airbag device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a steering wheel including an airbag device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial front view of the steering wheel of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a vehicle including an airbag device according to a fourth embodiment.

9 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vehicle including an airbag device according to a fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Steering wheel, 19 ... Airbag apparatus main body, 21 ... Airbag, 22 ... Inflator, 23 ... Support mechanism as a support means, 26 ... Moving mechanism as a moving means also serving as a returning mechanism as a returning means, 27 ... Moving solenoid, 28 ... Control device, 30 ... Pre-crash sensor, 31 ... Collision sensor, 32 ... Linear motor, 37
... Support member, 38 ... Moving motor, 42 ... Inner roof, 45 ... Side glass, 47 ... Instrument panel, 50 ... Windshield, P ... Occupant, p1 ... Inactive position, p2 ... Working position.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yuji Kuriyama             Aichi Prefecture Kasuga-cho, Nishikasugai-gun Ochiai character Nagahata 1             Address: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Nao Yamamoto             Aichi Prefecture Kasuga-cho, Nishikasugai-gun Ochiai character Nagahata 1             Address: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takashi Koyama             Aichi Prefecture Kasuga-cho, Nishikasugai-gun Ochiai character Nagahata 1             Address: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 3D054 AA02 AA03 AA07 AA13 AA18                       EE01 EE06 EE09 EE14 EE17                       EE19 EE20 EE25 EE32

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An airbag device configured to inflate and inflate an airbag by supplying gas from an inflator when an impact on the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the airbag is occupant when the airbag is inflated and inflated. An air bag device comprising: a support means for supporting the support means on the side opposite to the air bag and a moving means for moving the support means from the inoperative position to the operating position prior to the expansion and inflation of the airbag. 2. The airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving means is operated based on detection of a pre-crash sensor. 3. The airbag apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising return means for moving and returning the support means from the operating position to the inactive position. 4. The support means comprises a steering wheel fitted with an air bag, and the moving means displaces the steering wheel together with the air bag so as to be directed toward an occupant. Three
The airbag device according to any one of the above. 5. The supporting means comprises a steering wheel fitted with an air bag, and the moving means displaces the air bag relative to the steering wheel so that the air bag is directed toward an occupant. The airbag apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 6. The support means comprises a support member capable of contacting an airbag in a deployed and inflated state, and the moving means moves the support member to a position opposite to an occupant. Item 4. The airbag device according to any one of Items 3.