JP2004182111A - Airbag type buffer equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an airbag type buffer equipment for dampening a falling shock given by a heavy weight item, supporting the heavy weight item for a long period of time and preventing a damage caused by its own heavy weight pressure. <P>SOLUTION: This airbag equipment inflates an airbag 2 with pneumatic flow generated by an inflator 5. A shock-absorbing buffer material 3 is mixed into the airbag 2 together with air gas when the airbag inflates. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an airbag device for inflating an airbag by an air pressure flow generated by an inflator.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an airbag device is known to be inflated instantaneously when a vehicle collides with an obstacle or the like to protect a passenger's head or the like.
[0003]
The principle of operation of the airbag device shown at 14 in FIG. 7A is as follows. First, a sudden change in acceleration is detected by the acceleration detection sensor 8a to determine collision, and the explosive is ignited by the electric heater shown in FIG. It is. This becomes a fire and ignites an enhancer (conductant) in the inflator 5 to burn the gas generating agent 6 (compounds such as sodium azide and molybdenum disulfide), thereby instantaneously generating a large amount of nitrogen gas. Then, this gas pressure breaks through the notch of the pad and flows into the airbag bag 2, and the volume of the bag 2 is rapidly expanded by the airflow indicated by Z1 in FIG.
[0004]
In FIG. 7A, reference numeral 2 denotes a state in which the airbag bag is folded, and in FIG. 7B, reference numeral 2 denotes a state in which the airbag bag is inflated in a direction indicated by a dotted line in the drawing. Things.
[0005]
That is, in the prior art, the impact of a light load (such as the head) is avoided by a pneumatic cushion that instantly inflates like a balloon from an instantaneous event of a collision.
[0006]
On the other hand, it is known that a powerful pneumatic cushion that inflates instantaneously puts the elderly and children at risk from the pressing force, and in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-165608 (Patent Document 1) and the like, In order to control the inflation speed of the bag, the peak pressure P at the time of inflation is weakened by time difference ignition of the two inflators indicated by 50 and 51 in FIG. Slightly lasting ones have been proposed.
[0007]
That is, in the above-described conventional technology, the airbag is inflated instantaneously by the collision, and the inflation pressure and the inflation time at that moment are controlled.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-165608
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The above-described conventional airbag device configuration deals with an instantaneous event of a collision, and is mainly configured to protect a light load such as a human body (head). There is a problem in applications where the relaxation effect must be maintained for a relatively long time.
[0009]
That is, for example, in heavy equipment such as construction equipment, the accident of overturning the body has been a serious problem, and the cabin itself is crushed in the event of an overturn, and the conventional airbag device requires workers. It was said that it was difficult to protect.
[0010]
Therefore, it is easy and desirable to arrange the airbag device on the outer surface of the cabin of the construction machine to protect heavy objects from the impact of tipping over by utilizing the principle of the airbag device described above. A heavy object falls at a slow speed.If the airbag bag is inflated instantly by detecting the inclination of the aircraft, the peak of the air pressure of the airbag bag passes during the inclination of the aircraft, and a serious collision may occur. In this case, there is a problem that the inflator burns out and can hardly output pressure.
[0011]
Further, even in a system in which the expansion speed is controlled by two combustion devices disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-165608 (Patent Document 1), a large number of inflators are required to maintain the expansion pressure for a long time. This requires a continuous time difference ignition or the like, and the peak pressure P must be maintained for a relatively long time, which is a problem in avoiding the overturn impact.
[0012]
Further, in order to support the cabin from being crushed by the air pressure of the airbag bag, it is necessary to support the own weight of the heavy equipment, but the airbag bag is sandwiched between the ground and the cabin when it falls down, and as shown in FIG. The airbag bag shown in the drawing shows that the cabin 20 falls down in the direction indicated by the arrow R in the figure, and cannot support the compression pressure because it is a gas, and the airbag or air valve ruptures. In some cases, however, it is difficult to avoid the impact due to the collision with the ground 22, and there is a problem in applying the conventional airbag device.
[0013]
Therefore, in heavy vehicles such as civil engineering or agricultural machinery that move around and carry the risk of falling, in addition to the shock absorbing element by the pneumatic cushion, a heavy pressure sustaining element that supports the weight of heavy objects for a long time is required. It has been desired that the airbag protects the cabin (operator's cab) from falling impact and falling load.
[0014]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an airbag-type impact mitigation device that alleviates a falling impact of a heavy object or the like and supports the heavy object for a long time to prevent damage due to its own weight.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An airbag-type impact mitigation device according to the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. It is characterized in that a cushioning material for absorbing impact is mixed into the bag.
[0016]
Further, it is preferable that the mitigating material to be mixed is composed of a large number of mitigating material pieces, and the mitigating material pieces are styrene foam pieces.
[0017]
Then, as long as the cushioning member disposed in the air passage through which the air pressure flow generated by the inflator is mixed into the airbag bag, mixing of the cushioning member with a simple configuration can be realized at low cost.
[0018]
Furthermore, as long as the mitigating material to be mixed is covered with the inner bag in the air passage, even if the mitigating material is small, the mitigating material does not disperse in the bag and absorbs the impact in one place.
[0019]
On the other hand, a large amount of the cushioning material can be mixed into the relatively large airbag bag by supplying the cushioning material from the replenishing device connected to the air passage through which the air pressure flow generated by the inflator flows.
[0020]
Further, since the air pressure flow generated by the inflator flows into the airbag bag via the check valve, the speed at which the air pressure in the airbag bag flows backward to reduce the pressure is greatly improved.
[0021]
(Action)
With the above configuration, the present invention can perform the following operations. That is, in an airbag device that inflates an airbag bag by an air pressure flow generated by an inflator, an inflator is generated by mixing a cushioning material for reducing impact into the airbag bag together with air gas during operation of the airbag device. By using the air pressure flow to mix the material as the relaxation material together with the compressed air gas into the airbag bag, the gas (air) and the relaxation material coexist in the airbag bag.
[0022]
Here, suppose that a heavy object is applied to an airbag bag containing only air, and the air in the bag first absorbs the impact to support the heavy object, while the dynamic load accompanying the rollover operation The internal air pressure will be over-pressurized, eventually causing the bag to rupture or the air valve to break, losing its role as a shock absorber and cushion.
[0023]
However, in the above-described configuration in which gas (air) and the cushioning material coexist in the bag, the cushioning material put in the bag is completely pechiyanko and the heavy object collides with the ground. The air is pressurized by a dynamic load, and the weight is gradually supported by the cushioning material. By this support, that is, the air pressure in the airbag bag wraps around the gap created by the cushioning material existing between the ground and the cabin, preventing the airbag bag from bursting, and the wrapping air pressure and cushioning material reduce the weight of heavy objects. It can support a static load for a long time and can function as a cushion.
[0024]
This point is significantly different from airbags containing only air. Bags containing a cushioning material can support heavy objects for a long time in addition to the shock absorbing element in the initial stage of collision. It also has a withstand pressure holding element.
[0025]
In addition, if the mitigating material to be mixed is composed of a large number of mitigating material pieces and the mitigating material piece is a styrofoam piece, the mitigating material pieces of a large number of styrofoam can be easily mixed into the airbag bag by air flow, and There are a wide variety of materials from hard materials to soft materials, so it is possible to select materials according to the load, and it is effective for absorbing shocks and supporting heavy objects according to the load It is.
[0026]
Then, if the cushioning material arranged in the air passage through which the air pressure flow generated by the inflator is mixed into the airbag bag, the cushioning material in the air passage can be extremely easily controlled by the pressure of the air pressure flow generated by the inflator. Can be mixed into the airbag bag, and the mixing means can be realized at a low cost with a simple configuration.
[0027]
Furthermore, if the mitigating material to be mixed is covered with the inner bag in the air passage, even with a small amount of mitigating material, the mitigating material does not disperse in the bag and collects in one place, where excessive shock can be absorbed. it can.
[0028]
On the other hand, if the mitigating material to be mixed is supplied from a replenishing device coupled to the air passage through which the air pressure flow generated by the inflator flows, a large amount of the mitigating material can be mixed into the relatively large airbag bag. it can.
[0029]
Furthermore, if the air pressure flow generated by the inflator flows into the airbag bag via the check valve, the check valve becomes a resistance of the air flow and slowly discharges the air pressure of the inflator, while the momentum of the inflator is reduced. At this time, it is possible to prevent the air pressure in the airbag bag from flowing back in the direction of the air passage due to the impact of the falling of the heavy object, thereby greatly improving the speed of decompression of the airbag bag.
[0030]
As described above, the airbag-type impact mitigation device of the present invention has an effect of alleviating the overturning impact of a heavy object and supporting the heavy object for a long time to prevent breakage due to its own weight.
[0031]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 6 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the principle of an airbag-type impact mitigation device 1 according to the present invention. , An airbag 2.
[0032]
Here, the inclination sensor indicated by 8 in FIG. 1A detects the inclination of the machine body of the working machine. Heater is ignited.
[0033]
This becomes a kind of fire and ignites an enhancer (conductant) in the inflator 5 to burn a gas generating agent 6 (a compound such as sodium azide and molybdenum disulfide), thereby instantaneously generating a large amount of nitrogen gas. .
[0034]
Then, due to the air pressure flow generated by the inflator 5, the air gas flows out to the air passage 4 connecting the inflator 5 and the airbag bag 2. 3, and the relaxation material 3 is extruded in the direction indicated by Z1 in FIG. 1 (b). Both the air pressure flow and the relieving material are omitted for convenience of the drawing, but break through the notch of the holding pad for holding the folded airbag 2, flow into the airbag 2, and the volume of the airbag 2 Is to expand rapidly.
[0035]
Therefore, in this state, the air gas and the cushioning material 3 are mixed in the airbag bag 2.
[0036]
The mitigating material 3 to be mixed is a hard material with little elastic deformation, and here is composed of a large number of mitigating material pieces composed of the hard foamed styrene pieces 3a. Further, a net indicated by 13 in FIGS. 1A and 1B is provided at the entrance of the air passage 4 to prevent the relaxing material 3 from flowing back into the inflator. Further, the airbag bag 2 is made of a thick rubber material to withstand heavy loads and projections, although detailed description is omitted due to space limitations. The dotted line in FIG. 1B shows how the airbag 2 is inflated.
[0037]
As described above, if the cushioning material 3 provided in the air passage 4 through which the air pressure flow generated by the inflator 5 flows enters the airbag bag 2, the cushioning material 3 is mixed into the airbag bag 2. The device can be realized with a simple configuration.
[0038]
Next, the other structure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 that are common to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.
[0039]
First, a mesh bag (inner bag) indicated by 9 in FIG. 2A is a mesh-like bag covering the cushioning material 3 (a large number of styrene foam pieces).
As described above, as long as the mitigating material 3 to be mixed is covered with the inner bag 9 in the air passage 4, even if the mitigating material 3 is small or in the airbag bag 2 shown in FIG. In one place, it can absorb shocks in one place.
[0041]
On the other hand, if the mitigating material 3 to be mixed is supplied from the replenishing device shown by 11 in FIG. The relaxation material 3 can be mixed.
[0042]
In the replenishing device 11 shown in FIG. 3A, the movable member 11a is stopped by the lock 11b in a state where the spring 11c is contracted, and buffers 3 and 3a are packed above the movable member 11a.
[0043]
Here, when the inclination sensor 8 makes a fall determination, airflow from the inflator 5 indicated by Z1 in FIG. 3B is generated, and the lock shown by 11b in FIG. As a result, the movable member 11a is pushed up in the Z2 direction in the figure.
[0044]
By this pushing-up operation, the relief material 3 packed in the replenishing device 11 is pushed out in the direction of the air path 4 indicated by Z3 in the drawing, and a large amount of the relief material 3 rides on the air flow from the inflator 5 as shown in FIG. In the airbag bag 2 indicated by Z4.
[0045]
Further, the check valve indicated by 10 in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) is provided at the inlet side of the air passage 4 in the same manner as the net shown in FIG. The air pressure flow generated by the inflator 5 flows through the check valve into the airbag bag, and prevents the air in the airbag bag 2 from flowing back when the momentum of the inflator 5 decreases. This greatly improves the decompression speed.
[0046]
Next, the operation concept of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0047]
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram in which the principle of the airbag type shock absorbing device 1 of the above embodiment is applied to a cabin indicated by 20 in FIG. Therefore, portions common to the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.
[0048]
When detecting the inclination indicated by R1 in FIG. 5B, the airbag-type impact mitigation device 1 disposed on the upper outer surface of the cabin 20 at a position above the door 24, first detects the airflow Z1 generated by the inflator, and detects the lid. The body 21 is opened, and the air gas and the cushioning material 3 are mixed into the airbag bag 2. Therefore, the airbag 2 is inflated toward the outside (side direction) of the cabin 20 to protect the cabin 20.
[0049]
Next, when the cabin 20 collides with the ground indicated by reference numeral 22 in FIG. 5 (c) when the fuselage falls, the impact of the collision is first absorbed by the air gas in the airbag bag 2, but the impact is indicated by R in FIG. The aircraft will receive its own weight pressure in the direction shown. Here, since the relief material 3 in the airbag bag 2 is inserted between the ground surface 22 and the cabin 20, the self-weight is supported by the relief material 3, and the air pressure of the airbag bag 2 is reduced by the relief material 3 It is dispersed in the gap formed between the cabin 20 and the cabin 20, and acts to support the cabin 20 on the surface.
[0050]
On the other hand, the hydraulic excavator 23 shown in FIG. 6 works at a high place, and in the related art, if a fall accident occurs, the excavator 23 falls down from a high place and the cabin 20 itself may be crushed. However, there is an example in which it is difficult to protect the worker 28, but an application example of protecting the cabin 20 by the operation shown in FIG.
[0051]
Since the configuration of FIG. 6 is common to that of FIG. 5, in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (d), common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted.
[0052]
Reference numeral 23 shown in FIG. 6A denotes a hydraulic excavator that performs work at a high place. An operator 28 operates the aircraft in the cabin 20. The airbag-type impact mitigation device 1 shown in FIG. 6B detects the inclination and mixes the air gas and the mitigation material 3 into the airbag bag 2 expanded by the airflow of the inflator. .
[0053]
Reference numeral 23 shown in FIG. 6C indicates a hydraulic excavator when it falls down. First, an impact due to a strong collision that should originally be applied to the cabin 20 in the initial stage causes the air pressure in the airbag bag 2 to become a cushion. While being absorbed, the air in the airbag bag 2 that receives the rollover weight is compressed by receiving an instantaneous dynamic load. Then, when the airbag bag 2 becomes loose, the cushioning material shown by 3 in FIG. 6D starts to work, supporting the dynamic weight due to the rollover operation of the excavator 23 and the ground made of the cushioning material 3. The air pressure in the airbag bag 2 spreads into the space between the cabin 20 and the cabin 20, and the cabin 20 is supported on a large surface so as to assist the cushioning member 3. It is intended to prevent it from being collapsed by receiving it.
[0054]
As described above, the airbag-type shock-absorbing device of the present invention can be used for heavy vehicles, such as civil engineering and agricultural machines, which perform moving operations and are at risk of falling. It also has the effect of protecting the cabin (operating cab) from falling impact and falling load by also having a heavy pressure resistance sustaining element that supports the weight of the vehicle for a long time.
[0055]
In the above embodiment, the softening material 3 is a hard styrofoam piece 3a. However, the hardness of the material may be selected according to the application, and the material is not limited to only styrofoam. It may be a molded piece or a hard synthetic rubber piece. Although the airbag 2 is made of a thick rubber material, any material can be used as long as it can withstand a load, a protrusion, or the like. Further, the airbag 2 may be covered with a protective cover such as cloth, or a pressure reducing valve for controlling the internal pressure of the airbag 2 may be provided. 5 and 6, the airbag bag 2 is drawn so that the state of the internal cushioning material 3 can be understood for convenience of explanation. That is, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible based on the gist of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an airbag-type impact mitigation device that alleviates a falling impact of a heavy object or the like and supports the heavy object for a long time to prevent damage due to its own weight.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, and (a) and (b) are principle diagrams.
2 (a) and 2 (b) each show the principle diagram of the inner bag. FIG.
3 (a) and 3 (b) each show a principle diagram of the replenishing device. FIG.
4 (a) and 4 (b) each show a principle diagram of the check valve. FIG.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show the operation, and FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are conceptual diagrams.
FIGS. 6A to 6D are perspective views each showing an example of the application.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show a conventional example, in which FIGS. 7A and 7B are principle diagrams, FIG. 7C is a conceptual diagram, and FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Airbag-type impact mitigation device 2 Airbag bag 3 Relief material 3a Styrofoam piece 4 Airway 5 Inflator 9 Net bag (inner bag)
Reference Signs List 10 Check valve 11 Supply device 13 Net 14 Airbag device 20 Cabin 23 Hydraulic excavator 28 Worker

Claims (6)

In an airbag device for inflating an airbag bag by an air pressure flow generated by an inflator,
An airbag-type impact mitigation device characterized in that a mitigation material for absorbing an impact is mixed together with air gas into the airbag during operation of the airbag device. 2. The airbag-type shock-absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the mitigating material to be mixed comprises a plurality of mitigating material pieces, and the mitigating material pieces are styrene foam pieces. The airbag-type impact mitigation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a mitigation material disposed in an air passage through which an air pressure flow generated by the inflator flows is mixed into the airbag bag. 4. The airbag-type shock-absorbing device according to claim 3, wherein the mixed mitigating material is covered with an inner bag in the air passage. The airbag-type impact mitigation device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the mixed mitigation material is supplied from a replenishment device connected to an air passage through which an air pressure flow generated by the inflator flows. 6. The airbag type shock absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the air pressure flow generated by the inflator flows through the check valve into the airbag bag.

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