JP2008149918A - Airbag device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To swell and deploy an airbag in a substantially spherical shape by quickly rupturing a lid by solving a problem of being difficult to make both compatible in quickly rupturing the lid and stably swelling and deploying the airbag. <P>SOLUTION: This airbag device 30 has the airbag 31, an inflator 32 supplying gas to the airbag 31, the lid 34 covering the airbag 31 and the inflator 32, an introducing pipe 45 introducing the gas toward the airbag 31 from the inflator 32, and a gas releasing means 46 releasing the gas when one end of the introducing pipe 45 is blocked via the airbag 31. The airbag 31 has a first chamber 37 arranged between the inflator 32 and the introducing pipe 45, and a second chamber 38 arranged so as to enclose the introducing pipe 45 and abutting on a protective object, and the second chamber 38 is folded and stored so that the first chamber 37 is folded so as to be superposable. <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 apparatus includes an airbag that protects an occupant, an inflator that inflates and deploys the airbag, a case that stores the airbag and the airbag, and a lid that covers the case. This was sufficient for practical use.

As such a vehicle airbag device, there is known a device that performs lid breakage and shock absorption of an object to be protected by an integrated airbag (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-160600 (5th page, FIG. 2)

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 for protecting an occupant, and the airbag is inflated and deployed. The inflator 202, a case 203 for storing the airbag 201 and the inflator 202, and a lid (lid body) 204 that is provided in the case 203 and breaks when the airbag 201 is inflated and deployed.

However, in the vehicle airbag device 200, the lid 204 is quickly broken and the airbag 201 is stabilized in order to break the lid 204 and absorb the impact of the object to be protected by the integrated airbag 201. It was difficult to achieve both expansion and expansion.
That is, if the lid 204 is quickly broken, the air bag 201 tends to be bulging and deploying with directivity such that the air bag 201 is blown toward an object to be protected such as an occupant. When trying to bulge and expand in accordance with the outer shape of the lid 204, the lid 204 could not be quickly broken.

  Therefore, there is a demand for a vehicle airbag device that can quickly break the lid and can inflate and deploy the airbag in accordance with the inflated and deployed outer shape of the airbag.

  The present invention solves the problem that it is difficult to simultaneously break the lid quickly and to inflate and deploy the airbag in accordance with the inflated and deployed outer shape of the airbag. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle airbag device that can be ruptured and that can inflate and deploy the airbag in accordance with the inflated and deployed outer shape of the airbag.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an airbag that is deployed toward a vehicle occupant, an inflator that supplies inflation gas to the airbag, a lid that covers the airbag and the inflator, and an interior of the airbag. An airbag device comprising an introduced pipe for guiding gas from the inflator toward the airbag, and a gas releasing means for releasing the gas when one end of the introduced pipe is closed via the airbag; The airbag includes a first chamber arranged between the inflator and the introduction pipe, and a second chamber arranged so as to surround the introduction pipe and abutting against the object to be protected. The airbag is folded on the first chamber. The second chamber is folded and stored so as to overlap.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that a connecting band for connecting the first chamber and the second chamber is arranged along the inner periphery of the lid.

  In the invention according to claim 1, the airbag includes a first chamber disposed between the inflator and the introduction pipe, and a second chamber disposed so as to surround the introduction pipe and abutting against the object to be protected, Since the second chamber is folded and stored so as to overlap the first chamber, the first chamber is first bulged and expanded by the gas generated by the inflator, and the lid is broken and the second chamber is bulged and expanded. Thus, the impact of the object to be protected can be absorbed. As a result, it is possible to quickly break the lid, and it is possible to avoid the airbag from being inflated and deployed vertically, and to follow the outer shape of the airbag that has been inflated and deployed. Both expansion and expansion can be achieved.

  In the invention according to claim 2, since the connecting band for connecting the first chamber and the second chamber is disposed along the inner periphery of the lid, the second chamber is formed on the lid when the second chamber is expanded and deployed. It is possible to prevent sliding on the inner part. That is, it is possible to protect from the lid when the second chamber is expanded and deployed.

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 device (passenger seat airbag module) 30 according to the present invention can quickly break the lid 34 and avoid the airbag 31 (see FIG. 2) from being inflated and deployed vertically. It is a device that can bulge and deploy the airbag 31 following the bulged and deployed outer shape of the airbag 31.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle airbag device according to the present invention in a state where the airbag is stored, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG. 4 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 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.

  The second chamber 38 is a portion that comes into contact with the object to be protected, and causes the sub-introduction pipe 42 of the first chamber 37, which is an opening of the base portion (connection portion) of the chamber main body 44 and the introduction pipe 45, to face the chamber main body 44. In addition, a gas release means 46 for releasing the gas from the first chamber 37 is included.

  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.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second chambers 37 and 38 are accommodated by folding the second chamber 38 so as to overlap the folded first chamber 37.

  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. In addition, 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 expansion of the second chamber 38.

  Further, the introduction tube 45 is formed so that the inner diameter of the end portion on the second chamber 38 side, which is the tip 45a, is tapered, and the end portion on the second chamber 38 side is folded so as to be positioned in the introduction tube 45 and stored in the case 33. The

  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.

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

  The airbag 31 includes a first chamber 37 that is disposed between the inflator 32 and the introduction pipe 45, and a second chamber 38 that is disposed so as to surround the introduction pipe 45 and abuts against an object to be protected. Since the second chamber 38 is folded and stored so as to overlap with the folded chamber 37, the first chamber 37 is first bulged and expanded by the gas generated by the inflator 32 to break the lid 34, and the second chamber 38. It is possible to absorb the impact of the object to be protected by bulging and unfolding.

  As a result, the lid 34 can be quickly broken, and the airbag 31 can be prevented from being inflated and deployed vertically. The airbag 31 has already been inflated and deployed. It is possible to achieve both expansion and expansion following the outer shape.

Further, since the connecting bands 39, 39 for connecting the first chamber 37 and the second chamber 38 are arranged along the inner periphery of the lid 34, when the second chamber 38 is expanded and deployed, It is possible to prevent sliding on the inner portion of the lid 34. That is, the second chamber 38 can be protected from the lid 34 when the second chamber 38 is expanded and deployed.
Furthermore, the deformation of the first chamber 37 is restricted before the lid 34 breaks, and the expansion pressure of the first chamber 37 is transmitted to the lid 34 by being interposed between the lid 34 and the first chamber 37. It can be made smoother. Thereby, the opening of the lid 34 can be realized more reliably.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory views of the airbag storage state of the vehicle airbag apparatus 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 sub-introducing pipe 42 of the first chamber 37 is folded in the middle, and is accommodated in the case 33 while being sandwiched between the chamber main body 41 of the first chamber 37 and the chamber main body 44 of the second chamber 38. Has been. As a result, when the inflation gas is generated by the inflator 32, the chamber body 41 of the first chamber 37 can be first bulged and deployed preferentially.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are explanatory views of the initial stage of the inflation and deployment of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG.
In (a) and (b), the sub-introducing pipe 42 of the first chamber 37 is folded halfway and sandwiched between the chamber body 41 of the first chamber 37 and the chamber body 44 of the second chamber 38. Since it is housed in the case 33, the first chamber 37 is a closed space in the state of being housed in the case 33.

Therefore, when the inflation gas is generated by the inflator 32, the chamber main body 41 of the first chamber 37 is preferentially expanded and deployed, and the internal pressure of the chamber main body 41 can be rapidly increased. As a result, the chamber body 41 can push up the second chamber 38 to the lid 34 side and break the lid 34 quickly. That is, the first chamber 37 becomes an effective portion (space) for breaking the lid 34.
It should be noted that when the second chamber 38 is expanded and deployed, 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 portions of the connection bands 39 and 39. Good. 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.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG.
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.

  In the vehicle airbag device 30, the gas generated by the inflator 32 is once stored in the first chamber 37, and the gas is supplied to the second chamber 38 through the introduction pipe 45 facing the sub introduction pipe 42. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the second chamber 38 from being bulged longer than necessary during the expansion and expansion of the second chamber 38, and the second chamber 38 can be disposed even during the expansion and expansion of the second chamber 38. It can bulge and expand while maintaining a substantially spherical shape.

  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, 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.

8 (a) and 8 (b) are explanatory diagrams 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 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 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.

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 (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, the gas generated by the inflator 32 is discharged from the introduction pipe 45 to the second chamber 38, and the expanded second chamber 38 is attached to the passenger seat 22. It develops toward the child seat 23. At this time, for example, the second chamber 38 contacts 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 side surface sectional drawing of the airbag accommodation state of the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inflation and deployment of the vehicle airbag device shown in FIG. It is side surface sectional drawing of the airbag apparatus for vehicles shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the airbag accommodation state 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 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.

Claims (2)

An airbag that is deployed toward a vehicle occupant; an inflator that supplies inflation gas to the airbag; a lid that covers the airbag and the inflator; and an inflator that extends into the airbag. An airbag apparatus comprising an introduction pipe for guiding gas from the airbag toward the airbag, and a gas release means for releasing the gas when one end of the introduction pipe is closed via the airbag;
The airbag includes a first chamber disposed between the inflator and the introduction tube, and a second chamber disposed so as to surround the introduction tube and abutting against an object to be protected,
A vehicle airbag device, wherein the second chamber is folded and stored so as to overlap the first chamber.   The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, wherein a connecting band connecting the first chamber and the second chamber is disposed along an inner periphery of the lid.

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