JP2004338514A - Inflator bag, and waist restraint system using the inflator bag - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inflator bag to reduce the cost, and a waist restraint system using the inflator bag. <P>SOLUTION: When an inflator 24 is operated during the sudden deceleration caused by a head-on collision of a vehicle, high-pressure gas is ejected inside an auxiliary bag 11 from the inflator 24. The auxiliary bag 11 is inflated and deployed by filling the injected high-pressure gas inside the auxiliary bag, and presses an inner wall surface of mainly a ceiling part 27b of a bag body 27 to push up the bag body 27, and the bag body 27 is inflated and deployed thereby. In addition, the bag body 27 is inflated and deployed to push up a seat cushion part 22 to give a restraint force to an occupant. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an inflator bag for a waist restraint device that protects an occupant by restraining the seat in a seat in a vehicle collision, for example, and a waist restraint device using the inflator bag.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When the vehicle collides forward, the occupant tries to move forward due to inertia. When the occupant wears a seat belt, the forward movement of the occupant is suppressed to some extent by the restraining action of the shoulder belt and the waist belt of the seat belt device, but is often insufficient.
In order to prevent the occupant from moving forward, when the vehicle suddenly decelerates due to a forward collision, the front end of the seat cushion is instantaneously raised to restrict the occupant from moving forward, so that a PRC (Pelvis Restriction Cushion) is provided. ) A waist restraint device to which the technology is applied has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 and Patent Document 3).
Further, a leg restraint device for protecting a leg of an occupant moving forward has also been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 4 and 5).
[0003]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of the waist restraint device described in Patent Literature 3, for example. FIG. 11A shows a state before inflation and deployment, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state after expansion and deployment.
As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the waist restraint device 1 includes a concave portion 3 formed on a front portion of a seat frame 2, the concave portion 3 having a concave shape when viewed from above. An inflator bag 5 having, for example, a metal sheet 4 disposed to cover the inflator bag 5, and an inflator 6 for generating high-pressure gas and filling the internal space of the inflator bag 5.
[0004]
Here, the inflator bag 5 is attached to the seat frame 2 by welding, bonding, or the like, and a part of the seat frame 2 also serves as a lower surface of the inflator bag 5.
In the vehicle provided with the lumbar restraint device 1, when suddenly decelerating due to a forward collision or the like, the inflator 6 operates to send high-pressure gas into the inflator bag 5, as shown in FIG. As a result, the metal seat 4 constituting the inflator bag 5 is inflated and deployed, and the front seat surface of the seat cushion 7 is raised, thereby preventing the occupant M sitting on the seat from moving forward.
[0005]
12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining the configuration and operation of the leg restraint device, wherein FIG. 12A shows a state before inflation and deployment, and FIG. 12B shows a state after inflation and deployment. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, an airbag module 11 as a leg restraint device includes an inflator bag 13 having, for example, a metal sheet provided on the back side of a cover panel 12. And an inflator 14 for generating a high-pressure gas to fill the internal space of the inflator bag 13. In FIGS. 12A and 12B, reference numeral 15 denotes an instrument panel.
[0006]
In the vehicle provided with the airbag module 11 as the leg restraint device, when suddenly decelerating due to a forward collision or the like, the inflator 14 operates to send high-pressure gas into the inflator bag 13 as shown in FIG.
As a result, the inflator bag 13 expands and deploys, pushes out the car panel 12, restrains the legs N of the occupant sitting on the seat, and reduces the impact when the legs N collide with the in-vehicle equipment.
[0007]
Meanwhile, in the above-described waist restraint device and airbag module, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, two metal sheets 17 and 18 are bonded by welding to form an inflator bag 16, or as shown in FIG. The bellows-type inflator bag 19 has a bellows-shaped peripheral wall.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-229378 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-217818 [Patent Document 3]
UK Patent GB2357466
[Patent Document 4]
JP-A-8-40177 [Patent Document 5]
JP-A-9-123857
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, a relatively large amount of high-pressure gas must be blown into the inflator bag in order to reliably and quickly inflate and deploy the inflator bag. However, there is a problem that the cost increases.
Another problem is that the height (thickness) of the inflator bag at the time of contraction (when folded) is reduced while securing a predetermined deployment stroke, and the inflator bag cannot be stored compactly.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to provide an inflator bag which can contribute to cost reduction and a waist restraint device using the inflator bag.
It is a second object of the present invention to provide an inflator bag which can be compactly stored with a reduced height while securing a sufficient deployment stroke, and a waist restraint device using the inflator bag.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 relates to an inflator bag for a waist restraint device that restrains an occupant's waist by being inflated and deployed by being filled with a high-pressure gas, and at least a ceiling portion, A bag body extending from a part or all of the periphery of the ceiling portion and having a foldable side portion, and a flatly folded bag body; and a bag body arranged inside the bag body and inflated and deployed by filling with a high-pressure gas. An inflatable auxiliary means for inflating and expanding the bag body which is capable of being expanded or expandable, wherein the high-pressure gas is supplied to the inflatable auxiliary means, whereby the inflatable auxiliary means expands or expands, and The bag body is inflated and deployed by pushing up the ceiling portion of the body.
In the present invention, the waist includes the legs.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the inflator bag according to the first aspect, wherein the inflation assisting means comprises a collapsible auxiliary bag, and the high-pressure gas is blown into the auxiliary bag to cause the inflator to inflate. It is characterized in that the auxiliary bag is inflated and deployed, the ceiling of the bag body is pushed up, and the bag body is inflated and deployed.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the inflator bag according to the first aspect, wherein the inflation assisting means is formed of a hollow tubular member which is closed at the tip end and is elastic. By being ejected into the inside, the tubular member expands, and the tip of the tubular member pushes up the ceiling of the bag body, and the bag body is inflated and deployed. And
[0014]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the inflator bag according to the third aspect, wherein the cylindrical member has a cap-shaped member provided at a tip thereof and a cylindrical body having one or a plurality of openings at both ends. It is characterized in that they are slidably connected to each other in common.
[0015]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the inflator bag according to the third or fourth aspect, further comprising a guide means for guiding the high-pressure gas to the vicinity of the distal end of the tubular member.
[0016]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the inflator bag according to the third, fourth or fifth aspect, wherein a relatively wide area dish-shaped member is attached to a tip end of the tubular member. And
[0017]
The invention according to claim 7 relates to the inflator bag according to claim 3, wherein the cylindrical member has a bellows-like side wall portion.
[0018]
Further, the invention according to claim 8 relates to the inflator bag according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bag body has a side wall portion of a substantially rectangular rectangular opening at both ends as a gusset, The gusset is characterized in that it is folded flat by being folded inward at an intermediate portion in the height direction of the gusset.
[0019]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waist restraint device using the inflator bag according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising an inflator for injecting high-pressure gas into the inflation assisting means. The high-pressure gas ejected from is ejected into the inflation assisting means, whereby the inflation assisting means inflates and expands or expands, and the inflation assisting means pushes up a ceiling portion of the bag body, and the bag body It is characterized by expanding and expanding.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The description will be made specifically using an embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a waist restraint device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a bag body of an inflator bag of the waist restraint device. FIG. 3 is a process diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the bag body, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of the waist restraint device.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, a waist restraint device 21 of this example is disposed and used at a lower front portion of a seat cushion portion 22 of a vehicle, and is used to inflate and expand an inflator bag 23 by filling with high-pressure gas. Plate 25 having a substantially cylindrical outer shape for inflating the inflator bag 23 by injecting a high-pressure gas into the inflator bag 23 and a semi-cylindrical concave portion 25a for holding the inflator 24 in the center. Is provided with a mounting member 26 for mounting on a vehicle.
The inflator bag 23 has a bag body 27 having both open end faces, and a bag-like auxiliary bag (inflation assisting means) 28 that can be inflated and deployed by being filled with high-pressure gas.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 2, the bag body 27 has, as a gusset, both side surfaces 27 a of a rectangular cylindrical body having a substantially rectangular cross section and an open end at both ends, and is valley-folded inward at an intermediate portion in the height direction of the gusset. Both sides are flatly folded into a substantially S-shaped cross section, and both end faces are open. The bag body 27 is in contact with the seat cushion portion 22 at the ceiling portion 27b, and a holding recess 27p for holding the inflator 24 is formed at the center of the bottom portion 27c of the bag body 27.
The auxiliary bag 28 is formed by laminating a cloth using a synthetic resin fiber such as polyethylene and a metal film such as an aluminum film, and is stored inside the bag body 27 in a folded state. I have.
[0023]
The mounting member 26 has a substantially semi-cylindrical member provided with a rod-shaped projection 26a having an external thread formed in the center thereof in a hanging state, and the rod-shaped projection 26a is formed in an insertion hole 25p formed in a concave surface 25a of the mounting plate 25. , The inflator 24 is held on the inner wall surface side, and the lower portions of the bag body 27 and the auxiliary bag 28 are sandwiched between the outer wall surface side and the mounting plate 25. The inflator 24, the bag body 27, and the auxiliary bag 28 are attached to the attachment plate 25 by tightening using the female screw 32 that is screwed with the male screw.
Note that, in this example, the inflator 24 is provided with a plurality of gas ejection ports along the outer peripheral surface thereof, for blowing high-pressure gas upward near the gas ejection ports provided on the lower side. A reflector is arranged.
Further, the mounting plate 25 to which the inflator bag 23 and the inflator 24 are mounted is mounted on the seat frame 31 using fixtures 29a and 29b.
[0024]
Next, a method of manufacturing the bag body 27 of this example will be described with reference to FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), a circular pipe 33 cut to a predetermined length is gradually transformed into a pipe 34 having a curved side surface as shown in FIG. 3 (b). As shown in (c), the pipe is processed into a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape in which the vertical side is smaller than the horizontal side to form a slightly flat pipe 35. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. The flat bag body 27 is further folded.
[0025]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an operation of the waist restraint device 21 of this example will be described.
When the inflator 24 operates at the time of sudden deceleration due to a forward collision of the vehicle or the like, high-pressure gas is ejected from the inflator 24 into the auxiliary bag 28.
As shown in FIG. 4, the auxiliary bag 28 is inflated and deployed by being filled with the ejected high-pressure gas, and mainly presses the inner wall surface of the ceiling 27 b of the bag body 27 to push up the bag body 27. Then, the bag body 27 is inflated and deployed.
Further, the bag body 27 is inflated and deployed, thereby lifting the seat cushion portion 22 and giving a restraining force to the occupant.
[0026]
According to the configuration of this example, since the bag body 27 has a configuration in which both end surfaces are opened, the bag body 27 can be folded thin, and the height can be reduced while ensuring a sufficient deployment stroke. It can be stored compactly.
[0027]
Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a waist restraint device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a bag body of an inflator bag of the waist restraint device, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the waist restraint device.
This example is significantly different from the first embodiment described above in that a telescopic telescopic pipe is used instead of the auxiliary bag as the auxiliary inflation means, and a part of the bottom surface of the bag body is omitted. is there.
The other configuration is substantially the same as the configuration of the above-described first embodiment, so that the description will be simplified.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 5, the waist restraint device 21 </ b> A of this example is configured to inflate and deploy an inflator bag 41 that can be inflated and deployed by filling with a high-pressure gas and to inflate and deploy the inflator bag 41 by injecting the high-pressure gas into the inflator bag 41. And an inflator 42 made of MGG (Micro Gas Generator). The inflator bag 41 has a bag body 43 having both open end faces, and a telescopic pipe (expansion assisting means, tubular member) 44 whose front end is expandable by jetting high-pressure gas into the inside thereof. It is doing.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 6, the bag body 43 has, as a gusset, both side portions 43 a of a rectangular cylindrical body having a substantially rectangular cross section, and is bent inward at an intermediate portion in the height direction of the gusset, and has a cross section at both sides. It is folded flat in a substantially S-shape, both end surfaces are open, and the center of the bottom surface portion 43c is omitted. The bag body 43 is arranged so as to contact the seat cushion 22 at the ceiling 43b.
The telescopic pipe 44 includes a cap-shaped member 44a provided at the tip and cylindrical bodies 44b, 44c, 44d, and 44e each having a circumferential surface slightly inclined at a predetermined angle and having both ends opened and sliding with each other with a common axis. The upper cap-like member 44a or the tubular bodies 44b, 44c, 44d are movably connected to each other and can be housed in the lower tubular bodies 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, and are configured to extend and contract. I have.
In this example, the bag body 43 is fixed at the end of the bottom surface portion 43c using fixing tools 45a and 45b, and is attached to the attachment plate 25.
[0030]
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an operation of the waist restraint device 21A of this example will be described.
When the inflator 42 operates at the time of sudden deceleration due to a forward collision of the vehicle, etc., high-pressure gas is ejected from the inflator 42 into the telescopic pipe 44.
The telescopic pipe 44 is extended as shown in FIG. 7 by the jetted high-pressure gas being injected onto the inner wall surface at the tip end of the cap-shaped member 44a, and the inner wall surface of the bag body 43 is mainly located near the center of the ceiling portion 43b. Is pressed to push up the bag body 43 to inflate and deploy the bag body 43.
Further, the bag body 43 is inflated and deployed, thereby lifting the seat cushion portion 22 and giving a restraining force to the occupant.
[0031]
According to the configuration of this example, since the inflator gas is injected into the telescopic pipe 44, the gas pressure does not easily decrease, and the bag body 43 can be deployed at high speed. Therefore, the size of the inflator 42 can be reduced, which can contribute to cost reduction.
Further, since the bag main body 43 can be made thin, the height can be made small while a sufficient deployment stroke is secured, and the bag can be stored compactly.
[0032]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and there are design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention. Is also included in the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a waist restraint device has been described, but the present invention may be applied to a leg restraint device.
When the bag body 27 is manufactured, it may be manufactured by extrusion from the beginning. For example, a pipe having a deformed shape shown in FIG. It may be deformed, or both ends of the plate-shaped member may be joined by welding to produce a circular pipe or a slightly deformed pipe, which may be further deformed.
[0033]
Although the case where the inflator is provided inside the bag body has been described, as shown in FIG. 8, the bag body 51 has a simple shape without providing a holding recess, and the bag body 51 has a bottom surface 51c for supplying high-pressure gas. A hole may be provided.
Further, a part of the side surface of the bag body may be omitted. For example, the bag body may include a ceiling portion and legs extending from four corners of the ceiling portion, and may have a table-like shape when unfolded.
Further, a telescoping pipe may be arranged in a conventional bag-shaped bag body having no opening at both end surfaces to form an inflator bag.
In addition, the mounting plate 25 may be used as a part of the seat frame 31 or a dedicated member may be used.
[0034]
In the second embodiment, for example, a cylindrical guide member for guiding the high-pressure gas generated by the inflator to the vicinity of the distal end of the telescopic pipe 44 may be provided. This ensures that high-pressure gas can be reliably sent to the distal end of the telescopic pipe 3 even if there is a gap at the joint between the tubular members forming the telescopic pipe 44, especially immediately after the start of extension. Also, this guide member may be formed in a telescopic pipe shape.
As shown in FIG. 9, a dish-shaped member 52 having a relatively large area may be attached to the distal end of the telescopic pipe 44 so as to distribute the pressure on the inner wall surface of the bag body 43.
Further, instead of the telescopic pipe 44, as shown in FIG. 10, a bellows-type actuator 53 having a substantially closed bellows-like side wall may be used as expansion assisting means.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a part of the side part and a part of the bottom part can be omitted, so that the bag body can be made thinner and the height can be increased while securing a sufficient deployment stroke. And can be stored compactly.
Further, by injecting the inflator gas into the expansion assisting means having a relatively small volume, the gas pressure is hardly reduced, and the bag body can be deployed at high speed. Therefore, the size of the inflator can be reduced, which can contribute to cost reduction.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a waist restraint device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a bag body of an inflator bag of the waist restraint device.
FIG. 3 is a process diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the bag body.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of the lower back restraint device.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a waist restraint device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a bag body of the inflator bag of the waist restraint device.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the lower back restraint device.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a bag body of an inflator bag of the waist restraint device according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a waist restraint device according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a lower back restraint apparatus according to another modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional technique.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional technique.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional technique.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional technique.
[Explanation of symbols]
21, 21A waist restraint device 23, 41 Inflator bag 24, 42 Inflator 27, 43 Bag body 28 Auxiliary bag (inflation assisting means)
44 Telescopic pipe (expansion assisting means, tubular member)

Claims (9)

An inflator bag for a waist restraint device that restrains the occupant's waist by being filled with high-pressure gas and inflated and deployed,
At least a ceiling portion, a bag body that extends from part or all of the periphery of the ceiling portion and is foldable, has a bag body that is folded flat, and is disposed inside the bag body and has a high pressure Inflating auxiliary means for inflating and deploying the bag body which can be inflated and deployable or expandable by filling with gas,
When the high-pressure gas is supplied to the inflation assisting means, the inflation assisting means expands or expands or expands, pushing up the ceiling portion of the bag body, and the bag body is inflated and deployed. Inflator bag characterized by the following. The inflation assisting means comprises a collapsible auxiliary bag, and when the high-pressure gas is blown into the auxiliary bag, the auxiliary bag expands and expands, pushing up a ceiling portion of the bag main body, thereby increasing the bag main body. The inflator bag according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bag is configured to be inflated and deployed. The expansion assisting means is formed of a hollow cylindrical member which is closed at the tip end and is extendable and contractible. When the high-pressure gas is jetted into the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member expands, and the cylindrical member expands. 2. The inflator bag according to claim 1, wherein a front end of the bag body pushes up a ceiling portion of the bag body to expand and deploy the bag body. The said cylindrical member, The cap-shaped member provided in the front-end | tip and the cylindrical body of one or several opening both ends are mutually connected slidably, sharing a common axis. The inflator bag as described. The inflator bag according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a guide means for guiding the high-pressure gas to a position near the tip of the tubular member. The inflator bag according to claim 3, wherein a dish-shaped member having a relatively large area is attached to a distal end portion of the tubular member. The inflator bag according to claim 3, wherein the tubular member has a bellows-like side wall portion. The bag body is characterized by being folded flat by making both sides of the rectangular tubular body having substantially rectangular openings at both ends open and valley-folding inward at an intermediate portion in the height direction of the town. The inflator bag according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A waist restraint device using the inflator bag according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An inflator for injecting high-pressure gas into the expansion assisting means,
When the high-pressure gas ejected from the inflator is ejected into the inflation assisting means, the inflation assisting means expands or expands or expands, and the inflation assisting means pushes up a ceiling portion of the bag body, and the bag inflates. A waist restraint device characterized in that the main body expands and deploys.

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