JP2008149916A - Airbag device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable swelling and deployment, while following an external shape when the swelling and deployment of an airbag are completed in the middle of swelling and deploying the airbag by solving a problem of swelling the airbag in a longitudinally long shape more than necessary in the middle of swelling and deploying the airbag, when arranging an introducing pipe in the airbag, in an airbag for a front passenger seat and an airbag for a driver's seat. <P>SOLUTION: This airbag device 30 for a vehicle has the airbag 31 deployed toward an occupant of the vehicle 10, an inflator 32 supplying inflating gas to the airbag 31, and the introducing pipe 45 formed in the airbag 31 and introducing the gas toward the airbag 31 from the inflator 32. The side end of the airbag 31 of the introducing pipe 45 is folded so as to be positioned in the introducing pipe. <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, one that covers a side of the vehicle and protects an occupant from a side collision is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 3755340 (6th page, Fig. 2-3)

The technique of Patent Document 1 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a conventional basic configuration, and FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle airbag device 210 is a side airbag that covers the side of the vehicle. The vehicle airbag device 210 is inflated and deployed by an inflator (not shown) that generates gas and the gas generated by the inflator. And the airbag 211.

  The airbag 211 includes a connecting portion 212 connected to the inflator side, and a plurality of chambers 213 and 214 divided into a plurality of rooms from the connecting portion 212. These chambers 213 and 214 are connected to the connecting portion 212, respectively. Introduced pipes 215 and 216 are connected to guide gas to the chambers 213 and 214.

  FIG. 10A shows a cross section taken along the line 10a-10a in FIG. 9. Gas is supplied from the connection pipe 212 to the introduction pipe 215, gas is supplied from the introduction pipe 215 to the chamber 213, and the chamber 213 is expanded and deployed. The As shown in FIG. 10 (b), when an occupant 218, which is an object to be protected, hits the chamber 213, the tip of the introduction pipe 215 is closed due to the pressure difference between the chamber 213 and the connection pipe 212, and the internal pressure of the chamber 213 is reduced. It is to hold.

  Since the vehicle airbag device 210 is a side airbag that is inflated and deployed from the upper part to the lower part of the vehicle, even if the chamber 213 is inflated and deployed with the introduction pipe 215 provided in the chamber 213, there is no actual harm. Rather, it is also preferable from the viewpoint that the airbag 211 is quickly bulged and deployed from the top to the bottom of the vehicle.

  However, in the case of passenger airbags and driver airbags, if an introduction pipe is provided inside the airbag, it will be elongated and expanded toward the occupant, which is the object to be protected, during the expansion of the airbag. For example, the protection object may be damaged when the airbag is inflated and deployed.

  That is, when an introduction pipe is provided inside an airbag, such as a passenger airbag or a driver airbag, the airbag may be expanded more vertically than necessary during the expansion of the airbag. There is a need for a vehicle airbag device that can be avoided and that can be inflated and deployed while following the outer shape of the airbag when the airbag is inflated and deployed even during the inflation and deployment of the airbag.

  In the present invention, when an introduction pipe is provided inside an airbag in an airbag for a passenger seat or an airbag for a driver's seat, the airbag is inflated more vertically than necessary during the inflation of the airbag. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle airbag device that solves the above-described problems and can be inflated and deployed while following the outer shape of the airbag when the airbag is inflated and deployed even during the inflation and deployment of the airbag.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an airbag that is deployed toward an occupant of a vehicle, an inflator that supplies inflation gas to the airbag, and an airbag that is formed inside the airbag and that is directed from the inflator toward the airbag. The airbag apparatus for vehicles is equipped with the introduction pipe which guide | induces, Comprising: The airbag side edge part of an introduction pipe is folded so that it may be located in an introduction pipe.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the airbag includes gas release means for releasing pressure when one end of the introduction pipe is closed via the airbag.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the inner diameter of the air bag side end portion of the introduction pipe is tapered.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the airbag is disposed so as to surround the circumference of the first chamber disposed between the inflator and the introduction pipe, and the end of the introduction pipe facing the inflator. And a second chamber that communicates with the portion and abuts against the object to be protected.

  The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the gas release means is formed between the first chamber and the second chamber.

  The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the first chamber includes a sub-introducing pipe for introducing gas from the first chamber to the introducing pipe.

  In the invention according to claim 1, the airbag that is deployed toward the vehicle occupant, the inflator that supplies the inflation gas to the airbag, and the gas that is formed inside the airbag and is directed from the inflator toward the airbag. Since the air bag side end of the introduction tube is folded so as to be positioned in the introduction tube, the introduction tube can be separated from the inner surface of the airbag. As a result, it is possible to prevent the airbag from being inflated more vertically than necessary during the inflation and deployment of the airbag, and the outer shape of the airbag when the airbag is completely deployed even during the inflation and deployment of the airbag. It can bulge and expand while following the above.

  In the invention according to claim 2, since the airbag includes gas release means for releasing pressure when one end of the introduction pipe is closed via the airbag, the gas from the inflator is released from the gas release means. Can do. As a result, the airbag can be prevented from expanding more than necessary.

  In the invention according to claim 3, since the inner diameter of the end portion on the airbag side of the introduction tube is tapered, the end portion on the airbag side of the introduction tube can be easily folded into the introduction tube.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the air bag is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the introduction chamber and the first chamber disposed between the inflation and the introduction tube, and the side of the introduction tube facing the inflator Since the second chamber communicates with the end of the first chamber and abuts against the object to be protected, the gas generated by the inflator is stored in the first chamber, and the gas stored in the first chamber is supplied to the second chamber. be able 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 5, 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 structure of the airbag can be simplified.

  In the invention according to claim 6, 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, Reference numeral 16 denotes a shift lever, 17 denotes a vehicle meter, 18 denotes a steering, 19 denotes a door, 21 denotes a driver seat, 22 denotes a passenger seat, and 25 denotes a driver airbag module.

  The vehicle airbag apparatus (passenger seat airbag module) 30 according to the present invention is inflated while following the outer shape of the airbag 31 when the airbag 31 (see FIG. 2) is inflated and deployed. It is a device that can be deployed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle airbag device according to the present invention in the middle of inflation and deployment, FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a vehicle shown in FIG. It is side surface sectional drawing of the state which completed the expansion | deployment deployment of the airbag apparatus for vehicles.
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 includes a case 33 for storing 32, and a lid (cover) 34 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 against the object to be protected, is an opening of the base part (connection part) of the chamber main body 44 and the introduction pipe 45, faces the auxiliary introduction pipe 42 of the first chamber 37, and 1 comprises a gas release means 46 for releasing the gas from the chamber 37.

  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 an arrow A shown in FIG. 4 indicates the longest direction of the second chamber 38, and bulges and expands along the longest direction. That is, it can be said that the introduction pipe 45 is arranged toward the longest direction of the second chamber 38. Further, the one-way valve that prevents the outflow of gas from the gas release means 46 when the internal pressure of the introduction tube 45 on the second chamber 38 side end (tip) 45a is tapered to increase the internal pressure after the expansion of the second chamber 38. It has a function.

  Further, the introduction tube 45 is formed with a tapered inner diameter at the end portion on the second chamber 38 side, which is the tip 45 a, and the case tube 33 is folded in such a manner that the end portion on the second chamber 38 side is positioned in the introduction tube 45. Stored. Reference numeral 45b denotes a folding surface of the introduction tube 45.

  Since the inner diameter of the distal end (second chamber 38 side end) 45a of the introduction tube 45 is tapered, the second chamber 38 side end of the introduction tube 45 can be easily folded into the introduction tube 45.

  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 release means 46 may be provided at the connection portion between the first chamber 37 and the second chamber 38, and the airbag 31. Simplification of the structure can be achieved.

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

5 (a) and 5 (b) are explanatory views at the initial stage of expansion 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. First, the first chamber 37 is inflated and deployed, the lid 34 is broken in the first chamber 37, The introduction pipe 42 is made to face 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 distal end 45 a of the introduction tube 45 is folded so as to be positioned in the introduction tube 45, so that the introduction tube 45 can be separated from the inner surface of the second chamber 38.

  That is, when the distance between the folded surface 45b of the folded introduction tube and the inner surface of the second chamber 38 is S, the distance S can be secured long. As a result, the gas can be discharged radially in the circumferential direction of the second chamber 38, and the second chamber 38 can be prevented from bulging more vertically than necessary during the bulging and unfolding of the second chamber 38. Even during the expansion and expansion of the second chamber 38, the expansion and expansion can be performed while following the outer shape of the second chamber 38 when the expansion and expansion are completed.

  Alternatively, the outside air may be sucked into the introduction pipe 45 from the gas release means 46 that is an opening communicated with the outside air from the gap between the connection bands 39 and 39. The configuration may be such that outside air is sucked into the introduction pipe 45 from the gas release means 46 so that the amount of gas generated by the inflator 32 may be reduced.

  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 communicates with the end portion and contacts the object to be protected, 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 in the first chamber 37. Two chambers 38 can be supplied. As a result, the second chamber 38 in contact with the object to be protected can be smoothly expanded and deployed.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are explanatory views in the middle of 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 to advance the expansion of the second chamber 38. The folding surface 45b of the introduction tube 45 moves gradually, and the introduction tube 45 is extended toward the inner surface of the second chamber 38 by the gas pressure.

  Further, in (b), the gas generated by the inflator 32 from the introduction pipe 45 is supplied to the second chamber 38, whereby the gas release means 46 which is an opening communicated with the outside air from the gap portion of the connection bands 39, 39. Then, the outside air is sucked into the introduction pipe 45 and the second chamber 38 is expanded and expanded, and the introduction pipe 45 is deformed into a straight (straight) tube by the gas pressure. 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.

7 (a) and 7 (b) are explanatory views at the end of the expansion and deployment of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG.
In (a), when the expansion of the second chamber 38 is completed and the amount of gas generated by the inflator 32 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 comes into contact with the airbag 31. The internal pressure of the airbag 31 can be maintained.

  In (b), the occupant 51, which is a protection object that gets on the passenger seat 22, can be received by the second chamber 38, and the impact applied to the occupant 51 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.

8 (a) and 8 (b) are explanatory views in the middle of expansion and deployment 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, 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, the second chamber 38 comes into contact with the backrest 24 of the child seat 23.

  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. 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 hits the backrest portion 24 of the child seat 23, one end (tip) 45a of the introduction pipe 45 is blocked via the airbag 31, and the gas from the inflator 32 can be released from the gas release means 46. it can. Thereby, in the state where the airbag 31 hits the backrest portion 24 of the child seat 23, the expansion and deployment of the airbag 31 can be suppressed. 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. It is a perspective view in the middle of the bulge deployment of the air bag device for vehicles concerning the present invention. It is side surface sectional drawing of the airbag apparatus for vehicles shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the inflating and deployment of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG. 2 is completed. 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 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. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG. 9.

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.

Claims (6)

An airbag that is deployed toward a vehicle occupant, an inflator that supplies inflation gas to the airbag, and an introduction pipe that is formed inside the airbag and guides the gas from the inflator toward the airbag. A vehicle airbag device comprising:
The vehicle airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the airbag side end portion of the introduction pipe is folded so as to be positioned in the introduction pipe.   The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag includes a gas release unit that releases pressure when one end of the introduction pipe is closed via the airbag.   The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inner diameter of the end portion of the introduction tube on the airbag side is tapered.   The airbag includes a first chamber disposed between the inflator and the introduction pipe, an end portion of the introduction pipe facing the inflator, and arranged to surround the introduction pipe. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a second chamber that is communicated and abuts against an object to be protected.   5. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 4, wherein the gas release means is formed between the first chamber and the second chamber.   6. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 4, wherein the first chamber includes a sub-introduction pipe that guides gas from the first chamber to the introduction pipe.

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