JP2008149915A - Airbag device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively make the shock absorbing action of an airbag act on various protective objects such as a child seat by solving a problem of pushing out a seat back of the child seat backward, when the airbag cannot get over the upper end of the seat back of the child seat. <P>SOLUTION: This airbag device has the airbag 31 deployed toward an occupant of a vehicle 10, an inflator 32 supplying inflating gas to this air bag 31, an introducing pipe 45 extended into the airbag 31 and introducing the gas to the airbag 31 from the inflator 32, a gas releasing means 46 releasing the gas when one end (the tip) 45a of the introducing pipe 45 is blocked via the airbag 31, and a pocket 47 formed toward the bag inside under the airbag 31 and faces the seat back 24 of the child seat 23. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device that protects an occupant by inflating and deploying an airbag in an emergency.

As a vehicle airbag device, a device that inflates and deploys an airbag to protect an occupant has been put to practical use.
A practical vehicle airbag device is practically sufficient if an airbag for protecting an occupant and an inflator for inflating and deploying the airbag are provided.

As such a vehicle airbag device, for example, when a child seat is attached to the passenger seat, a device in which consideration is given to the child seat is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-160600 A (page 5, FIG. 2)

In general, when a child seat is attached to the passenger seat, the airbag is controlled so as not to expand and deploy.
However, in order to further improve the safety of the child seat (infant) at the time of a vehicle collision, there is a concept that it is preferable to inflate and deploy the airbag and restrain the child seat.

The technique of Patent Document 1 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a conventional basic configuration. A vehicle airbag device 200 is an airbag device for a passenger seat 206, and an airbag 201 that protects an occupant, and the airbag 201 is inflated and deployed. An inflator 202 to be used, a case 203 for storing the airbag 201 and the inflator 202, a lid (lid body) 204 that is provided in the case 203 and is broken when the airbag 201 is inflated and deployed, and an airbag 201. When the child seat 207 is attached to the passenger seat 206, the pocket portion 205 faces (enters) the backrest 208 of the child seat 207.

  However, in the vehicle airbag device 200, the child seat 207 is not a dedicated part of the vehicle, so various types of child seats 207 may be attached to the passenger seat 206. For example, when the height of the backrest 208 of the child seat 207 is high, the airbag 201 may not be able to get over the upper end of the backrest 208. In this case, the airbag 201 moves the backrest 208 of the child seat 207 rearward. It was thought that it was pushed out, and it was not preferable.

  That is, there is a demand for a vehicle airbag device that can effectively act as a cushioning action of an airbag on a protection object such as a wide variety of child seats.

  The present invention solves the problem that when the airbag cannot get over the upper end of the backrest portion of the child seat, the backrest portion of the child seat is pushed rearward, and the airbag is protected against various objects such as child seats. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle airbag device that can effectively act as a buffering function.

  The invention of the vehicle airbag device according to claim 1 is an airbag that is deployed toward an occupant of the vehicle, an inflator that supplies inflation gas to the airbag, and an interior of the airbag. An introduction pipe for introducing gas from the inflator to the airbag, gas release means for releasing the gas when one end of the introduction pipe is closed, and a pocket portion formed below the airbag toward the inside of the bag It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the introduction pipe has a one-way valve function for preventing gas outflow from the gas release means when the internal pressure rises after the airbag is inflated.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the introduction pipe is arranged in a direction away from the pocket portion.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the introduction tube is arranged toward the longest direction of the airbag.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the airbag, the side facing the inflator of the introduction pipe and the first chamber arranged between the inflation and the introduction pipe and the circumference of the introduction pipe are arranged. And a second chamber that communicates with an end of the abutting member and abuts against an object to be protected.

  The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the gas release means is formed between the first chamber and the second chamber.

  The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the first chamber is provided with a sub-introduction pipe for introducing gas from the first chamber to the introduction pipe.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes an introduction pipe that extends into the airbag and guides the gas from the inflator to the airbag, and a gas release means that releases the gas when one end of the introduction pipe is closed. Therefore, when the airbag cannot get over the upper end of the backrest portion of the child seat, the airbag hits the backrest portion of the child seat, one end of the introduction pipe is blocked, and the gas from the inflator can be released from the gas release means. . As a result, the airbag can be prevented from bulging and deploying in a state where the airbag is in contact with the backrest portion of the child seat. As a result, it is possible to avoid pushing the child seat backward more than necessary.

  In the invention according to claim 2, since the introduction pipe has a one-way valve function for preventing gas outflow from the gas release means when the internal pressure rises after the airbag is inflated, until the object to be protected comes into contact with the airbag During this, the internal pressure of the airbag can be maintained.

  In the invention according to claim 3, since the introduction tube is arranged in a direction away from the pocket portion, interference with the pocket portion can be prevented when the airbag is inflated and deployed. Thereby, the gas inflow to the rear of the pocket portion can be made smooth, and for example, the obstacle can be overcome by the pocket portion more reliably. As a result, the desired functions of the pocket portion and the introduction tube can be sufficiently exhibited.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 4, since the introduction pipe is arrange | positioned toward the longest direction of an airbag, the gas which flowed in from the introduction pipe can be rapidly guide | induced to the longest direction. Accordingly, the bag can be quickly deployed to the position in front of the occupant, and the outflow range of the gas from one end can be set wide in the introduction pipe.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the air bag is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the introduction tube and the first chamber disposed between the inflation and the introduction tube, and the side of the introduction tube facing the inflator A second chamber that is in communication with the end of the chamber and abuts against the object to be protected, so that the gas generated during inflation is stored in the first chamber, and the gas stored in the first chamber is stored in the second chamber. Can be supplied to. As a result, the second chamber in contact with the object to be protected can be smoothly expanded and deployed.

  In the invention according to claim 6, since the gas release means is formed between the first chamber and the second chamber, the gas release means may be provided at the connection portion between the first chamber and the second chamber. The bag structure can be simplified.

  In the invention according to claim 7, since the first chamber is provided with the sub-introduction pipe for guiding the gas from the first chamber to the introduction pipe, the gas generated by the inflator is efficiently supplied from the first chamber to the second chamber. be able to.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are viewed in the direction of the reference numerals.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle employing a vehicle airbag device according to the present invention, in which 10 is a vehicle, 11 is a passenger compartment, 12 is an instrument panel, 13 is a windshield, 14 is a front pillar, 16 is a shift lever, 17 is a vehicle meter, 18 is a steering wheel, 19 is a door, 21 is a driver's seat, 22 is a passenger seat, 23 is a child seat, 24 is a backrest, and 25 is a driver's seat airbag module. .

  The vehicle airbag device (passenger seat airbag module) 30 according to the present invention effectively acts on the cushioning action of the airbag 31 (see FIG. 2) against various objects to be protected such as the child seat 23. It is a device that can.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle airbag apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the vehicle airbag apparatus shown in FIG.
The vehicle airbag device 30 includes an airbag 31 that is deployed toward an occupant of the vehicle 10 (see FIG. 1), an inflator 32 that supplies inflation gas to the airbag 31, and the airbag 31 and the inflator. 32, and a lid 33 that covers the airbag 31 and the inflator 32 by covering the case 33 and breaks when the airbag 31 is inflated and deployed.

  The airbag 31 is disposed on the inflator 32 side, the first chamber 37 that breaks the lid 34, the second chamber 38 that contacts the object to be protected by connecting to the first chamber 37, and the first of these. It comprises connecting bands (connecting fabrics) 39, 39 for connecting the chamber 37 and the second chamber 38, and an introduction pipe 45 formed integrally with the second chamber 38.

  The first chamber 37 is a member formed of a cloth-like member, and is disposed between the inflation chamber 32 and the second chamber 38. The chamber main body 41 and the chamber main body 41 are continuously connected to the first chamber 37. A sub-introducing pipe 42 is provided that supplies the gas generated by the inflator 32 to the second chamber 38 by facing the second chamber 38.

  Since the first chamber 37 includes the sub-introduction pipe 42 that guides the gas from the first chamber 37 to the introduction pipe, the gas generated by the inflator 32 can be efficiently supplied from the first chamber 37 to the second chamber 38. it can.

  The second chamber 38 is a part that abuts on the object to be protected, is an opening of a base part (connection part) between the chamber main body 44 and the introduction pipe 45 and faces the sub introduction pipe 42 of the first chamber 37, A gas release means 46 for releasing gas from the first chamber 37 and a pocket portion 47 formed inwardly below the second chamber 38 and facing the backrest portion 24 of the child seat 23 (see FIG. 1). Become.

  The chamber main body 44 of the second chamber 38 is a member formed of a cloth-like member, and is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the introduction pipe 45, and also has an end portion (root) on the side facing the inflator 32 of the introduction pipe 45. Part). A gas release means 46 is located at the end (root part) of the introduction pipe 45 facing the inflator 32.

  The introduction pipe 45 is a member formed of a cloth-like member, and is arranged in a direction away from the pocket portion 47, arranged in the longest direction of the second chamber 38, and the second chamber 38 of the introduction pipe 45. The inner diameter of the side end (tip) 45a is tapered, and has a one-way valve function for preventing gas outflow from the gas release means 46 when the internal pressure rises after the expansion of the second chamber 38.

  Here, the center line A of the introduction pipe 45 is shown in FIG. 3, and the center line A of the introduction pipe 45 is directed in the direction away from the pocket portion 47 and directed in the longitudinal direction of the second chamber 38.

  That is, since the introduction pipe 45 is disposed in a direction away from the pocket portion 47, interference with the pocket portion 47 can be prevented when the airbag 31 (second chamber 38) is inflated and deployed. Thereby, the gas inflow to the rear of the pocket portion 47 can be made smooth, and for example, the obstacle (the child seat 23 shown in FIG. 1) can be more reliably overcome by the pocket portion 47. As a result, the desired functions of the pocket portion 47 and the introduction tube 45 can be sufficiently exhibited.

  In addition, since the introduction tube 45 is arranged toward the longest direction of the airbag 31 (second chamber 38), the inner surface of the one end (tip) 45a of the introduction tube 45 and the airbag 31 can be separated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the airbag 31 from being inflated more vertically than necessary during the inflation and deployment of the airbag 31, and the airbag 31 can be deployed even during the inflation and deployment of the airbag 31. It is possible to bulge and expand while following the outline at the time of completion.

  The gas release means 46 is formed between the first chamber 37 and the second chamber 38, and when the one end (tip) 45 a of the introduction tube 45 is closed via the inner surface of the second chamber 38, the first chamber It is means for releasing the gas supplied from 37.

  Since the gas release means 46 is formed between the first chamber 37 and the second chamber 38, the gas is released to the gap (space) portion connected by the connection bands 39, 39 of the first chamber 37 and the second chamber 38. The means 46 may be provided, and the structure of the airbag 31 can be simplified.

  The connection band 39 is a member formed of a cloth-like member, and is disposed along the inner periphery of the lid 34.

4 (a) and 4 (b) are explanatory views of the initial stage of the inflation and deployment of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG.
In (a), the inflator 32 is accommodated in the case 33, the first chamber 37 is folded and accommodated in the case 33, and the folded second chamber 38 is accommodated on the folded first chamber 37. The standby state of the vehicle airbag 30 in which the lid 34 is put on the case 33 in which the inflator 32, the first chamber 37, and the second chamber 38 are accommodated is shown.

  In (b), the inflator 32 is ignited to generate air bag inflation gas, the first chamber 37 is first inflated and deployed, the lid 34 is broken in this one chamber 37, and the sub-introduction of the first chamber 37 is performed. The pipe 42 faces the introduction pipe 45 of the second chamber 38. The gas generated by the inflator 32 is supplied to the second chamber 38 via the first chamber 37 and the introduction pipe 45, and the second chamber 38 is expanded and developed. At this time, the outside air may be sucked into the introduction pipe 45 from the gas release means 46 which is an opening communicating with the outside air from the gap portion between the connection bands 39 and 39. The amount of gas generated by the inflator 32 may be reduced by constructing the outside air from the gas release means 46 into the introduction pipe 45.

  The air bag 31 is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the introduction tube 45 and the first chamber 37 disposed between the inflation overnight 32 and the introduction tube 45, and on the side facing the inflator 32 of the introduction tube 45. Since the second chamber 38 communicated with the end portion and abuts against the object to be protected is provided, the gas generated in the inflation chamber 32 is stored in the first chamber 37, and the gas stored in the first chamber 37 is stored. It can be supplied to the second chamber 38 via the introduction pipe 45. As a result, the second chamber 38 in contact with the object to be protected can be smoothly expanded and deployed.

5 (a) and 5 (b) are explanatory views in the middle of the inflation and deployment of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG.
In (a), the gas generated by the inflator 32 from the introduction pipe 45 is supplied to the second chamber 38, and from the gas release means 46 which is an opening communicated with the outside air through the gap portions of the connection bands 39, 39. By supplying outside air to the second chamber 38 while sucking the outside air into the introduction pipe 45, the second chamber 38 is expanded. At this stage, the pressure of the first chamber 37 and the introduction pipe 45 on the inflator 32 side is higher than the pressure of the chamber body 44 of the second chamber 38.

  In (b), when the expansion of the second chamber 38 is completed and the amount of gas generated in the inflator 32 is reduced, the pressure of the second chamber 38 with respect to the pressure of the first chamber 37 and the introduction pipe 45 on the inflator 32 side is reduced. The pressure in the chamber body 44 increases. The pressures in the first chamber 37 and the introduction pipe 45 are close to atmospheric pressure because they are communicated with the outside air by the gas release means 46.

  Since the introduction pipe 45 is a member formed of a cloth-like member, as described above, when the pressure of the chamber body 44 becomes higher than the pressure of the first chamber 37 and the introduction pipe 45, the introduction pipe 45 is lost and introduced. One end (tip) 45a of the tube 45 functions to close, and the pressure of the chamber body 44 of the second chamber 38 is maintained.

  That is, since the introduction pipe 45 has a one-way valve function for preventing gas outflow from the gas release means 46 when the internal pressure rises after the airbag 31 is inflated, the introduction pipe 45 is in a period until the object to be protected contacts the airbag 31. The internal pressure of the airbag 31 can be maintained.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram at the end of the inflated deployment of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG. 2. Can be absorbed. As described above, the second chamber 38 (airbag 31) has the introduction pipe 45 having a one-way valve function for preventing gas outflow from the gas release means 46 when the internal pressure rises after the chamber body 44 is expanded. The internal pressure of the second chamber 38 can be sufficiently maintained until the occupant 51 comes into contact with the second chamber 38.

7 (a) and 7 (b) are explanatory views at the initial stage of inflation when the child seat of the vehicle airbag apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is mounted.
In (a), the inflator 32 is ignited to generate air bag inflation gas. First, the first chamber 37 is inflated and deployed, the lid 34 is broken in the first chamber 37, The introduction pipe 42 faces the introduction pipe 45 of the second chamber 38. The gas generated by the inflator 32 is supplied to the second chamber 38 via the first chamber 37 and the introduction pipe 45, and the second chamber 38 is expanded and deployed toward the child seat 23 attached to the passenger seat 22. At this time, the outside air may be sucked into the introduction pipe 45 from the gas release means 46 which is an opening communicated with the outside air from the gap between the connection bands 39 and 39.

  Further, in (b), the gas generated by the inflator 32 from the introduction pipe 45 is supplied to the second chamber 38, whereby the expansion and expansion of the second chamber 38 is advanced. At this stage, generally, the second chamber 38 gets over the backrest portion 24 of the child seat 23, and the pocket portion 47 of the second chamber 38 can fit into the backrest portion 24.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory views at the end of the expansion and deployment when the child seat of the vehicle airbag apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is mounted.
Further, in (a), the gas generated by the inflator 32 from the introduction pipe 45 is supplied to the second chamber 38, whereby the expansion and expansion of the second chamber 38 is advanced. At this stage, the pressure of the first chamber 37 and the introduction pipe 45 on the inflator 32 side is higher than the pressure of the chamber body 44 of the second chamber 38. Further, the backrest portion 24 of the child seat 23 is covered with the pocket portion 47 of the second chamber 38.

  In (b), when the expansion of the second chamber 38 is completed and the amount of gas generated in the inflator 32 is reduced, the pressure of the second chamber 38 with respect to the pressure of the first chamber 37 and the introduction pipe 45 on the inflator 32 side is reduced. The pressure in the chamber body 44 increases. The pressures in the first chamber 37 and the introduction pipe 45 are close to atmospheric pressure because they are communicated with the outside air by the gas release means 46. Since the introduction pipe 45 is a member formed of a cloth-like member, as described above, when the pressure of the chamber body 44 becomes higher than the pressure of the first chamber 37 and the introduction pipe 45, One end (tip) 45a closes, the pressure of the chamber main body 44 of the second chamber 38 is maintained, and the inflation and deployment of the airbag 31 is completed.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory views in the middle of the expansion and deployment when the child seat of the vehicle airbag apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is mounted. In FIG. 7 (b), the second chamber 38 generally gets over the backrest portion 24 of the child seat 23, and the pocket portion 47 of the second chamber 38 can be fitted into the backrest portion 24. Since 23 is not a dedicated part for the vehicle, various types of child seats 23 may be attached to the passenger seat 22. For example, when the height of the backrest 24 of the child seat 23 is high, the second chamber 38 may not be able to get over the upper end of the backrest 24.

  In (a), the inflator 32 is ignited to generate air bag inflation gas. First, the first chamber 37 is inflated and deployed, the lid 34 is broken in the first chamber 37, and the secondary chamber of the first chamber 37 is broken. The introduction pipe 42 faces the introduction pipe 45 of the second chamber 38, and the gas generated by the inflator 32 from the introduction pipe 45 bulges and expands toward the child seat 23 attached to the passenger seat 22 in the second chamber 38. To do. At this time, for example, when the height of the backrest 24 of the child seat 23 is high, the second chamber 38 cannot get over the upper end of the backrest 24.

  In (b), the gas generated in the inflator 32 from the introduction pipe 45 is further supplied to the second chamber 38, and the expansion and expansion of the second chamber 38 is advanced. As a result, one end (tip) 45 a of the introduction pipe 45 abuts against the inner surface of the chamber body 44, the introduction pipe 45 is closed, and the gas generated by the inflator 32 passes through the sub introduction pipe 42 of the first chamber 37. Then, the gas is released from the gas release means 46 into the atmosphere. That is, the expansion of the chamber body 44 can be suppressed. As a result, the backrest 24 of the child seat 23 can be supported with a constant pressure.

  The vehicle airbag device 30 extends inside the airbag 31, and an introduction pipe 45 that guides gas from the inflator 32 to the airbag 31 and one end (tip) 45 a of the introduction pipe 45 are closed via the airbag 31. It can be said that it is provided with a gas release means 46 for releasing the gas when the operation is performed.

  That is, when the airbag 31 cannot get over the upper end of the backrest portion 24 of the child seat 23, the airbag 31 hits the backrest portion 24 of the child seat 23, and one end (tip) 45 a of the introduction tube 45 passes through the airbag 31. The gas from the inflator 32 can be released from the gas release means 46. Thereby, inflated deployment of the airbag 31 can be suppressed in a state where the airbag 31 hits the backrest portion 24 of the child seat 23. As a result, it is possible to avoid pushing the child seat 23 rearward more than necessary, and the backrest 24 of the child seat 23 can be supported with a constant pressure.

  Note that the vehicle airbag apparatus according to the present invention prevents the chamber body 44 and the like from being appropriately provided with a vent hole for reducing the internal pressure of the second chamber 38 (airbag 31) when the occupant 51 is received. It is not a thing.

  The vehicle airbag apparatus according to the present invention is suitable for use in passenger cars such as sedans and wagons.

1 is a perspective view of a vehicle that employs a vehicle airbag device according to the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle airbag device according to the present invention. It is side surface sectional drawing of the airbag apparatus for vehicles shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the expansion | deployment initial stage of the airbag apparatus for vehicles shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing in the middle of the expansion | deployment of the airbag apparatus for vehicles shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the expansion | deployment final stage of the airbag apparatus for vehicles shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the expansion | deployment initial stage when the child seat of the airbag apparatus for vehicles shown in FIG. 2 is mounted. It is explanatory drawing of the bulging expansion | deployment final stage when mounting the child seat of the airbag apparatus for vehicles shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing in the middle of the expansion | deployment when mounting the child seat of the airbag apparatus for vehicles shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the conventional basic composition.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle, 30 ... Air bag apparatus for vehicles, 31 ... Air bag, 32 ... Inflator, 37, 38 ... 1st, 2nd chamber, 42 ... Sub-introducing pipe, 45 ... Introducing pipe, 46 ... Gas release means, 47 ... pocket part.

Claims (7)

  An airbag that is deployed toward a vehicle occupant; an inflator that supplies inflation gas to the airbag; and an introduction pipe that extends into the airbag and guides the gas from the inflator to the airbag. A vehicle air comprising: a gas release means for releasing gas when one end of the introduction pipe is closed; and a pocket portion formed below the airbag toward the inside of the bag. Bag device.   The vehicle airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the introduction pipe has a one-way valve function for preventing gas outflow from the gas release means when the internal pressure rises after the airbag is inflated.   The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the introduction pipe is disposed in a direction away from the pocket portion.   4. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the introduction tube is disposed toward a longest direction of the airbag.   The air bag is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the introduction pipe and the first chamber arranged between the inflation overnight and the introduction pipe, and the end of the introduction pipe facing the inflator The vehicle airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second chamber that communicates with the portion and contacts the object to be protected.   6. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 5, wherein the gas release means is formed between the first chamber and the second chamber.   The vehicular airbag apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first chamber includes a sub-introduction pipe that guides gas from the first chamber to the introduction pipe.

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