JP2011111067A - Side air bag device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely prevent a side air bag from escaping outward from an automobile by sufficiently exerting a support function of the inflated and deployed air bag, to reduce manufacturing man-hours of the air bag itself, and to reduce the size of a folded state of the air bag for storing it in the predetermined storage part. <P>SOLUTION: The side air bag device is configured to cover an opening 3 of a window by inflating and deploying the air bag 4 along a side face of a vehicle. A fitting hook 6 integrally configured by foundation cloths for configuring the air bag 4 is formed on the deployment top end part 4a side of the air bag 4, and a locking part 7 to which the fitting hook 6 is fitted upon inflation and deployment of the air bag 4 is formed at a window peripheral wall part 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a side airbag device configured to inflate and deploy along a side surface of a vehicle to cover an opening of a window portion.

  By the way, in recent vehicles, particularly automobiles, from the viewpoint of improving the safety of passengers due to a collision, an airbag device that deploys an airbag toward the passenger compartment at the time of a collision is provided. As such airbag devices, various side airbag devices have been proposed that protect an occupant, for example, at the time of a side collision of an automobile, by inflating and deploying the airbag along the side surface of the automobile and covering the opening of the window. Such a side airbag device includes, for example, a curtain airbag device installed on a ceiling or side door of a vehicle and a narrow side airbag device provided on a seat on which a passenger sits.

  This type of side airbag device is configured so that the inflation tip side of an airbag that is normally inflated and deployed becomes a free end portion and is deployed along the side surface of the automobile, so that the inflation trajectory remains constant. The deployment stability is ensured by using, for example, a suitable folding method or a tether belt that is suitably applied.

  And the opening of the window part covered with an airbag in this way has a considerably large opening area, and is configured to be opened and closed by a side glass.

  Then, the technique described in patent document 1 is proposed as this kind of conventional side airbag. That is, according to Patent Document 1, a side wall member of a vehicle body of an automobile has an opening that is covered with a side glass, and a side airbag that is deployed toward a vehicle interior at the time of a side collision faces at least the opening. The airbag apparatus is configured to include escape means for mechanically engaging the deployed airbag and preventing the side airbag from escaping to the outside of the vehicle through the opening. The escape prevention means is engaged with a hook made of a separate synthetic resin or the like provided at the tip of the deployed side airbag, and a hook provided at the peripheral edge of the opening. And a hook bar to be joined.

  Therefore, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the hook of the escape preventing means is used to inflate and deploy the side airbag even when the side glass cannot be expected to prevent the side airbag from escaping to the outside of the automobile. Accordingly, by moving to the hook bar side and engaging with the hook bar, escape of the side airbag to the outside of the vehicle can be prevented or suppressed, and the impact mitigation by the side airbag can be more effectively performed. It is something that can be done.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-1198 (see especially paragraph 0019 and the like).

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the hook that constitutes the escape prevention means together with the hook bar is made of a separate synthetic resin or the like, and is in a position corresponding to the tip portion of the side airbag that is inflated and deployed. Since it is configured by mounting, not only the hook needs to be attached to the side airbag, but also the hook itself has a predetermined mass, so that the side airbag is inflated. When it is instantly popped in the direction of the hook bar during deployment, it is necessary to use an expensive material with excellent strength in order to prevent deformation due to collision with the vehicle interior material. When it is folded to be stored in the specified storage part, the hook installation site becomes bulky and it is necessary to fold it compactly and store it in the storage part. It has been properly.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described problems in the conventional technology, the present invention sufficiently exhibits the support function of the inflated airbag and reliably prevents the outward movement of the automobile, and reduces the number of manufacturing steps of the airbag itself. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a side airbag device that can be folded and compactly packed and stored in a predetermined storage unit.

  A side airbag device according to the present invention is a side airbag device configured to inflate and deploy an airbag along a side surface of a vehicle so as to cover an opening of a window portion, and a deployment tip portion of the airbag On the side, an engagement flange portion formed integrally with a base fabric constituting the airbag or formed using a separate base fabric is formed, and the engagement flange portion is formed when the airbag is inflated and deployed. The engaging portion to be engaged is formed on the peripheral wall portion of the window portion.

  In the present invention having such a configuration, the engagement hook portion formed on the deployment tip end side of the airbag engages with the locking portion formed on the peripheral wall portion of the window portion when the airbag is inflated and deployed. It can be securely supported and prevented from escaping to the outside of the vehicle, and the engaging collar is formed integrally with the base fabric constituting the airbag or is formed using a separate base fabric. Thus, the airbag can be formed at the same time as the sewing of the airbag, so that it does not require attachment man-hours, can be formed into a folded shape with a small volume, and can be stored compactly in a predetermined storage portion.

  Moreover, this invention can be set as the structure which arrange | positioned the said airbag to one edge part side among a pair of edge parts which mutually oppose in the said window part surrounding wall part as embodiment of the said invention.

  With this configuration, the airbag disposed on one edge side can be surely supported by the engagement flange portion engaging the locking portion during inflation and deployment, so that the airbag can be reliably supported and escape to the outside of the vehicle. Can be prevented.

  Moreover, this invention can comprise the said window part surrounding wall part which forms the said latching | locking part by the other edge part facing the said one edge part as embodiment of the said invention.

  With this configuration, when the locking portion is formed on the interior member constituting the other edge portion, for example, the door trim, it can be formed simultaneously with the molding of the trim, and the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced.

  Moreover, this invention forms as a pocket shape so that it may open to the said other edge part side formed in the deployment part front-end | tip side of the said airbag as an embodiment of the said invention. be able to.

  With such a configuration, the engagement collar portion is formed in a pocket shape so as to open to the other edge portion side formed on the distal end side of the airbag deployment portion, so that the engagement collar portion can be simultaneously formed when the airbag is manufactured and sewn. It can be formed and the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced.

  Moreover, this invention can comprise an engaging collar part as the embodiment of the said invention by the protrusion part which bulges with inflation of an airbag.

  With this configuration, the engaging flange formed as the protruding portion can be more reliably engaged with the locking portion when the airbag is inflated and deployed, and the airbag is securely supported so that the airbag can be moved outward. It is possible to reliably prevent escape.

  Further, according to the present invention, as an embodiment of the above invention, the inner chamber of the protruding portion is communicated with the air chamber of the airbag through an orifice, and the inflation sealed in the air chamber of the airbag through the orifice. The engagement gas can be formed by introducing a working gas into the inner chamber of the projecting portion and inflating the projecting portion by inflating the airbag.

  With this configuration, the present invention enables the airbag to be engaged by engaging the engagement hook formed on the airbag deployment tip portion side with the engaging portion formed on the peripheral wall portion of the window when the airbag is inflated and deployed. It can be securely supported and prevented from escaping to the outside of the vehicle, and the engaging collar is formed integrally with the base fabric constituting the airbag or is formed using a separate base fabric. Thus, the airbag can be formed at the same time as the sewing of the airbag, so that it does not require attachment man-hours, can be formed into a folded shape with a small volume, and can be stored compactly in a predetermined storage portion.

  Further, with this configuration, the engagement flange portion is formed by inflating later than the air chamber of the airbag is inflated, so that the airbag can be smoothly installed even in a narrow deployment place. An inflating and expanding operation can be performed.

  In the present invention, the airbag is securely supported by the engagement hook portion formed on the deployment tip portion side of the airbag engaging with the locking portion formed on the peripheral wall portion of the window portion when the airbag is inflated and deployed. To prevent the vehicle from escaping to the outside. In addition, since the engagement hook portion is configured integrally with the base fabric constituting the airbag or is configured using a separate base fabric, it can be formed at the same time as the airbag is sewn and requires attachment man-hours. Moreover, it can be made into the folding shape with little bulk, and can be stored compactly in a predetermined storage part.

It is the schematic perspective view which drawn the state which the air bag in Example 1 which concerns on this invention inflates and expands and has covered the opening of the window part. It is the perspective view which expanded and drawn the principal part in FIG. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 2 depicting a state in which an occupant is in contact with an inflated and deployed airbag. It is the schematic perspective view which drew the periphery of the opening of the window part of the rear part side of a motor vehicle provided with Example 2 which concerns on this invention. Similarly, it is the fragmentary perspective view which drawn the state where the airbag which inflate-deployed covered the opening of the window part. It is BB sectional drawing of FIG. It is the perspective view which drawn the deployment state of the airbag in the 3rd example concerning the present invention. Similarly, it is the fragmentary perspective view drawn from the automobile outside of the airbag in FIG. Similarly, it is the partial perspective view drawn from the automobile outside in the state where the air bag in Drawing 8 was developed. It is CC sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. It is the fragmentary perspective view which drawn the deployment state of the airbag in the 4th example concerning the present invention. It is DD sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. It is the fragmentary sectional view which drawn the deployment state of the airbag in Example 5 concerning the present invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view of Example 5 concerning the present invention which drawn the state of inflation and deployment of an airbag. In the 5th Example as a side air bag device of the narrow sense in the present invention, it is a schematic plan view on which an inflated deployment type object of an air bag was drawn.

  The side airbag apparatus according to the present invention sufficiently exhibits the support function of the inflated airbag and reliably prevents escape to the outside of the automobile, reduces the manufacturing man-hour of the airbag itself, and has a folded form. It is compact and can be stored in a predetermined storage unit.

  Next, the Example which concerns on the airbag apparatus of this invention is described using figures.

  First, the structure of Example 1 as a side airbag apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

  In the first embodiment according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, in order to cover the opening 3 of the window portion in the side door 2 before and after the vehicle as the side wall member of the automobile 1, The airbag 4 is installed in a folded state in the direction (front-rear direction of the automobile).

  The airbag 4 is configured, for example, by forming a bag-like body by stitching the peripheral portions of two base fabrics made of nylon base fabric of 315 denier and 62 / inch. 1 is connected to an inflator (not shown) installed in the rear pillar 1b, and inflated and expanded by introducing an expansion gas injected from the inflator at the time of a side collision of the automobile 1 into the bag-like body. As clearly shown in FIG. 2, the opening 3 of the window portion is covered.

  The window opening 3 includes a front window opening 3a and a rear window opening 3b. The front window opening 3a and the rear window opening 3b are formed in a substantially rectangular window peripheral wall 5. A central window frame 3c is formed so as to surround the front side window 3a and the rear side window opening 3b in the front-rear direction of the automobile 1.

  Accordingly, among the four edge parts 5a to 5d constituting the substantially rectangular window part peripheral wall part 5, a pair of edge parts 5a and 5c (upper side edge part and lower side edge part facing each other in the vertical direction of the automobile) ), The airbag 4 is configured to be inflated and deployed so as to be inflated and deployed from the upper side edge 5a facing the roof side rail 1a toward the lower side edge 5c (of course, such a configuration). For example, the airbag 4 can be configured from the lower side edge portion 5c side toward the upper side edge portion 5a. In such a configuration, the airbag 4 is configured as the inner side of the side door 2. And it is installed in the bag-shaped part which an outer panel comprises.

  And the deployment front-end | tip part 4a of the airbag 4 is divided into two forks toward the lower part of the automobile from the base end part 4d extending in the front-rear direction of the automobile, and the front-side window opening 3a and the rear-side window opening respectively. 3b is covered.

  The deployment tip 4a is formed with an engagement collar 6 that extends the base fabric constituting the airbag 4 below the automobile 1 and bends the exterior of the automobile 1 by sewing or the like. As shown in FIG. 3, when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the engagement collar portion 6 engages with a locking portion 7 formed by, for example, recessing the upper side of the armrest 2b in the door trim 2a of the side door 2. Thus, it is comprised in the pocket shape so that it may open to the upper side edge part 5a side of the window part surrounding wall part 5. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the latching | locking part 7 is formed in the lower side edge part 5c of the window part surrounding wall part 5 (In addition, when installing the airbag 4 in the lower side edge part 5c side, it is a latching part. 7 is formed on the upper edge 5a side). In addition, 9 has shown the side door glass which opens and closes the opening 3 of a window part.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when the side door 2 is deformed and moved to the occupant 10 side at the time of a side collision of the automobile when the airbag 4 shown in FIG. 3 is inflated and deployed, As shown in FIG. 4, the airbag 4 captures and protects, for example, the head 10 a of the occupant 10, but at this time, if the opening 3 of the window portion is left open by a side glass (not shown). In this case, the airbag 4 is pushed toward the outside of the automobile 1 from the opening 3 of the window portion by the collision force of the head portion 10a, but the engagement hook portion 6 is engaged with the locking portion 7. Therefore, the occupant 10 can be safely captured without escaping from the opening 3 of the window portion to the outside of the automobile 1.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the engagement flange 6 formed on the deployment tip side of the airbag 4 is formed on the lower edge 5c of the window peripheral wall 5 of the window when the airbag 4 is inflated and deployed. By engaging with the locking portion 7, the airbag 4 can be reliably supported and prevented from escaping to the outside of the automobile 1.

  In addition, since the engagement flange portion 6 is integrally formed by the base fabric constituting the airbag 4, it can be formed at the same time as the airbag 4 is sewn and does not require any special mounting man-hours. It can be made into a small folding shape and can be stored compactly in a predetermined storage part.

  Moreover, since the latching | locking part 7 is formed in the door trim 2a which is an interior component which comprises the lower edge part 5c, it can form simultaneously with shaping | molding of the door trim 2a, and can reduce a manufacturing man-hour.

  Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  That is, the second embodiment is configured by forming the engagement flange 6 on the rear side of the automobile 1 in the deployment tip 4a of the airbag 4, and the engagement flange 6 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Similarly, it is formed in a state of being bent outward of the automobile 1 by sewing a base fabric constituting the airbag 4, but the rear side edge 5 d of the window peripheral wall 5 of the window opening 3. It is formed in the up-down direction so as to follow.

  In connection with such a configuration, the engaging portion 7 with which the engaging collar portion 6 engages is formed so as to recess the door trim 2a in the rear side edge portion 5d of the window peripheral wall portion 5 of the opening 3 of the window portion. ing.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the airbag 4 that is inflated and deployed by engaging the engaging flange portion 6 with the engaging portion 7 as shown in FIG. By being captured, it is possible to prevent the vehicle 1 from escaping to the outside.

  In addition, since the engagement collar portion 6 is integrally formed by the base fabric constituting the airbag 4, it can be formed simultaneously with the sewing of the airbag 4 as in the first embodiment, and has a special mounting man-hour. Can be made into a folded shape with less bulk and can be stored compactly in a predetermined storage portion.

    In the configuration of the second embodiment, the engagement flange portion 6 and the locking portion 7 formed along the lower side edge portion 5c of the window peripheral wall portion 5 on the deployment tip portion 4a of the airbag 4 in the first embodiment. By combining and configuring, the capture function at the time of inflation and deployment of the airbag 4 can be further enhanced.

    Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 8 to 12 will be described.

In Example 3 of the present invention, a base fabric 6a that is separate from the base fabric constituting the airbag 4 is used, and the base fabric 6a is sewn to the outside of the automobile at the deployment tip portion 4a of the airbag 4. By doing so, the engagement flange portion 6 is formed.

  That is, the base fabric 6a is configured to have a substantially rectangular shape using the same material as the base fabric constituting the airbag 4, and when the airbag 4 is sewn, its upper and lower central portions are folded back. The entire peripheral portion is sewn together when the airbag 4 is sewn, and an engagement collar portion 6 is formed at the folded-back portion so that the upper side of the automobile 1 opens.

  The base fabric 6 a forms a sealed inner chamber 6 b that is partitioned from the outside by stitching the entire periphery of the base fabric 6 a to the airbag 4, and the sealed inner chamber 6 b is an airbag by an orifice 6 c formed in the base fabric of the airbag 4. 4 air chambers 4c (see FIG. 11).

  In the third embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 12, the engagement flange portion 6 formed on the deployment tip portion 4 a side of the airbag 4 is inflated when the airbag 4 is inflated and deployed, and the window By engaging the locking portion 7 formed on the lower side edge portion 5c of the peripheral wall portion 5, the airbag can be securely supported and prevented from escaping to the outside of the vehicle, and the engagement Even if the heel portion 6 is configured using a base fabric that is separate from the base fabric constituting the airbag 4, it can be formed by sewing the base fabric of the airbag 4. The bag 4 can be formed at the same time when the bag 4 is sewn, and does not require attachment man-hours. Further, the bag 4 can be formed into a small folded shape and can be stored compactly in a predetermined storage portion.

  Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the engagement flange portion 6 is configured to bulge later than the air chamber 4c of the airbag 4 formed by inflating (FIG. 12). The state in which the airbag 4 can be inflated and deployed smoothly even in a narrow deployment location.

  Next, Embodiment 4 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  That is, according to Example 4, the deployment tip 4a of the base fabric constituting the airbag 4 is extended and folded back as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 13, and then stitched together with the base fabric of the airbag 4, A sealed inner chamber 6b communicating with the air chamber 4c of the airbag 4 is formed, and the sealed inner chamber 6b is inflated together with the inflated deployment of the air chamber 4c of the airbag 4, as shown in FIG. By forming the bulging portion 6d protruding in the direction, the engaging flange portion 6 is configured.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the bulging portion 6d in which the engagement flange portion 6 formed on the deployment tip portion 4a side of the airbag 4 is bulged by the inflation and deployment of the airbag 4 is formed. The engaging hook 6 is formed at times and engages with a locking portion 7 formed on the lower edge 5c of the window peripheral wall portion 5 so that the airbag is securely supported so It is possible to prevent escape, and the engaging hook 6 is formed integrally with the base fabric that forms the airbag 4, so that it can be formed simultaneously when the airbag 4 is sewn. Thus, it does not require installation man-hours, can be made into a folded shape with a small volume, and can be stored compactly in a predetermined storage portion.

  Next, Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

  In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as in the fourth embodiment, the engagement collar portion 6 is formed by integrally forming the base fabric forming the airbag 4. As shown in FIG. 17, when the airbag 4 is inflated and deployed, the distal end portion 6e protrudes outward from the automobile. It is different in that it is formed in a bowl shape.

  Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the engagement flange portion 6 formed on the deployment tip portion 4a side of the airbag 4 projects the tip portion 6e toward the outside of the automobile due to the inflation and deployment of the airbag 4. The engagement hook portion 6 is formed in a hook shape, and the airbag is securely supported by engaging the engaging portion 7 formed on the lower edge portion 5c of the window peripheral wall portion 5. It is possible to prevent the vehicle from escaping to the outside, and the engaging collar portion 6 is formed integrally with the base fabric that forms the airbag 4, so that when the airbag 4 is sewn. It can be formed at the same time, does not require attachment man-hours, can be formed into a foldable shape with less bulk, and can be stored compactly in a predetermined storage portion.

  Next, Example 6 which implemented this invention to the side airbag apparatus of the narrow sense using FIG. 18 is demonstrated.

  That is, the side bag device in a narrow sense according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. By opening the opening 8c at the time of a collision, the airbag 4 is inflated and deployed toward the front side of the automobile 1 to protect the head and shoulders of the occupant.

  And the airbag 4 forms the engagement collar part 6 in the expansion | deployment front-end | tip part 4a by extending the base fabric which comprises this, In connection with this, the lower edge part 5c of the window part surrounding wall part 5 On the side of the door trim 2a that constitutes, an engaging portion 7 that engages the engaging flange portion 6 is formed.

  Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the engagement flange portion 6 formed on the deployment tip portion 4 a side of the airbag 4 is formed on the lower edge portion 5 c of the window peripheral wall portion 5 by the inflation and deployment of the airbag 4. By engaging with the engaging portion 7, the airbag can be reliably supported and prevented from escaping to the outside of the automobile, and the engagement flange 6 is a base that constitutes the airbag 4. Since it is constructed integrally using cloth, it can be formed at the same time as the airbag 4 is sewn, so that it does not require any man-hours for attachment, and it can be formed into a foldable shape with a small bulk, and within the predetermined storage portion. Can be stored compactly.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the engagement hook portion formed on the deployment leading end side of the airbag engages with the locking portion formed on the peripheral wall portion of the window portion when the airbag is inflated and deployed. Can be prevented from escaping to the outside of the automobile, and the engagement collar portion is formed integrally with the base fabric constituting the airbag or is formed using a separate base fabric. Thus, the airbag can be formed at the same time as the airbag is sewn, so that it does not require attachment man-hours, can be formed into a small folded shape, and can be stored compactly in the predetermined storage portion.

  Therefore, it can be said that the present invention is suitable for a side airbag device configured to inflate and deploy along the side surface of the vehicle and cover the opening of the window portion.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Car 2 Side door 3 Window part opening 4 Air bag 4a Deployment front-end | tip part 4c Air chamber 5 Window part surrounding wall part 5a Upper edge part 5b Front edge part 5c Lower edge part 5d Rear edge part 6 Engagement part 6a Base cloth 6b Sealed inner chamber 6c Orifice 6d Swelling part

Claims (6)

  A side airbag device configured to inflate and deploy an airbag along a side surface of a vehicle to cover an opening of a window portion, and a base fabric constituting the airbag on a deployment tip side of the airbag The window peripheral wall is formed with an engaging hook part formed by using a separate base cloth, and the engaging part engages with the engaging hook part when the airbag is inflated and deployed. A side airbag device characterized by being formed in a portion.   2. The side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag is disposed on one edge side of a pair of edge parts facing each other in the window peripheral wall part.   The side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the window portion peripheral wall portion forming the locking portion is the other edge portion facing the one edge portion.   The side airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the engagement flange portion is formed in a pocket shape so as to open to the other edge side formed on the distal end side of the deployment portion of the airbag.   The side airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the engagement flange portion is configured by a protruding portion that bulges as the airbag is inflated.   The inner chamber of the protruding portion is communicated with the air chamber of the airbag through an orifice, and the inflation gas sealed in the air chamber of the airbag is introduced into the inner chamber of the protruding portion through the orifice. The side airbag device according to claim 5, wherein the engagement flange portion is formed by inflating the protruding portion by inflating the airbag.

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