JP2023094959A - air bag device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air bag device which can stably inflate and expand an air bag by regulating movement of the air bag relative to an inflator.SOLUTION: An air bag device comprises an air bag which is inflated and expanded by a gas from a cylinder type inflator, and a regulation member provided in the air bag. The air bag has a first base cloth, a second base cloth facing the first base cloth, an inflator fitting part, and an end part which is positioned on a side opposite to an expansion direction with respect to the inflator fitting part. The regulation member has a first fixed part fixed to the first base cloth, a second fixed part fixed to the second base cloth, and a contact part which contacts the inflator when inflating and expanding the air bag. The contact part is positioned between the inflator and the end part when inflating and expanding the air bag, and a length from the first fixed part to the second fixed part of the regulation member is shorter than a length from a first fixed part to a second fixed part of the air bag.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an airbag device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an airbag system for vehicles such as automobiles, and particularly to an airbag system using a cylinder-type inflator.

2. Description of the Related Art There is known an airbag device in which a cylinder type inflator is included in an airbag and the airbag is fixed to a seat back frame by stud bolts provided in the inflator (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this airbag device, when the inflator is activated, the airbag is inflated and deployed in the deployment direction around the portion attached to the seat frame by the gas generated by the inflator.

JP 2016-094079 A

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an airbag device according to a comparative embodiment attached to a vehicle seat, viewed from the side of the vehicle. when the occupant is restrained). FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the inflator of the airbag device shown in FIG. 14 as viewed from the side of the vehicle, showing the airbag before inflation and deployment and before folding. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line DD shown in FIG. 15, and shows the time when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the airbag restrains the occupant after inflation and deployment is completed). In addition, FIG. 16 shows the state seen from the lower side of the vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the airbag device 100 according to the comparative embodiment is a far-side airbag device that inflates and deploys on the inside in the vehicle width direction of an occupant in the event of a side collision of a vehicle such as an automobile. The inflator 110 is attached to the vehicle seat 130 by fixing it to the side frame 133 of the seat back 131 of the vehicle seat 130 in a pinched state. The inflator 110 is attached to the side frame 133 with attachment members 112 such as a pair of bolts. The mounting member 112 is mounted at a position displaced from the longitudinal center of the inflator 10 to one side, here, to the upper side of the vehicle.

The presence of the inflator 110 prevents the airbag 120 from moving in the deployment direction XX when the airbag 120 is inflated and deployed. Moving. As a result, the airbag 120 cannot be inflated and deployed at an appropriate position, and the occupant 40 may not be protected appropriately.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an airbag device capable of stably inflating and deploying by restricting relative movement of the airbag with respect to the inflator.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, one aspect of the present invention provides a cylinder-type inflator that ejects gas from one side in the longitudinal direction, a cylinder-type inflator that includes the inflator, and is deployed in a predetermined manner by the gas from the inflator. An airbag device comprising: a bag-like airbag that inflates and deploys in a direction; and a regulating member provided in the airbag, wherein the airbag includes a first base fabric and the first a second base fabric arranged to face the base fabric, an inflator attachment portion to which the inflator is attached, and an end portion located on the side opposite to the deployment direction with respect to the inflator attachment portion, The regulating member includes a first fixing portion fixed to the first base cloth, a second fixing portion fixed to the second base cloth, and a contact portion contacting the inflator when the airbag is inflated and deployed. and the abutting portion is positioned between the inflator and the end portion when the airbag is inflated and deployed, and has a length from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion of the restricting member. The length of the airbag device is shorter than the length from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion of the airbag.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an airbag device that can be stably inflated and deployed by restricting relative movement of the airbag with respect to the inflator.

1 is a schematic diagram of the airbag device according to Embodiment 1 attached to a vehicle seat as viewed from the side of the vehicle, showing the initial state of the airbag device; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram when the airbag device shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from the front of the vehicle; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the airbag device according to the first embodiment attached to the vehicle seat when viewed from the side of the vehicle, when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially after inflation and deployment is completed and the occupant is restrained by the airbag); ). FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the airbag device shown in FIG. 4 when viewed from the front of the vehicle; FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the inflator of the airbag device shown in FIG. 4 when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and shows the airbag before inflation and deployment and before folding. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line BB shown in FIG. 6, showing the airbag before inflation and deployment and before folding. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 6, showing the time when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the airbag restrains the occupant after inflation and deployment is completed). FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of an inflator of an airbag device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the side of the vehicle, and shows the airbag before inflation and deployment and before folding. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in FIG. 9, showing the time when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the airbag restrains the occupant after inflation and deployment is completed). FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag device according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1, showing the time when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the airbag restrains the occupant after inflation and deployment is completed). FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an airbag device according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1, showing the time when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the airbag restrains the occupant after inflation and deployment is completed). FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an airbag device according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1, showing the time when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the airbag restrains the occupant after inflation and deployment is completed). FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an airbag device according to a comparative form attached to a vehicle seat, viewed from the side of the vehicle, when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially after inflation and deployment is completed and the occupant is restrained by the airbag); indicates FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the inflator of the airbag device shown in FIG. 14 as viewed from the side of the vehicle, showing the airbag before inflation and deployment and before folding. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line DD shown in FIG. 15, showing the time when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the airbag restrains the occupant after inflation and deployment is completed).

Descriptions of directions in this specification are based on the vehicle, unless otherwise specified. Arrow UP indicates the upward direction of the vehicle, arrow DOWN indicates the downward direction of the vehicle, arrow IN indicates the inner direction in the vehicle width direction, and arrow OUT indicates the outer direction in the vehicle width direction. It should be noted that members arranged inside the vehicle seat are illustrated in a state in which the vehicle seat is seen through.

[Embodiment 1]
An airbag device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the airbag device according to Embodiment 1 attached to a vehicle seat as viewed from the side of the vehicle, showing the initial state of the airbag device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the airbag device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front of the vehicle. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the airbag device 1 of the first embodiment is a far-side airbag device that inflates and deploys inside the vehicle width direction of an occupant 40 in the event of a side collision of a vehicle such as an automobile. It is fixed to (vehicle seat) 30 .

The vehicle seat 30 includes a seat back (backrest portion) 31 that supports the back of an occupant 40. The seat back 31 has a seat frame 32 that functions as a skeleton of the seat back 31 as a whole. It includes side frames 33 positioned on the sides of the bag 31 . The airbag device 1 is fixed to the side frame 33 , and a cushion pad 34 is provided between the side frame 33 and the occupant 40 .

As the vehicle seat 30, for example, a driver's seat and a passenger's seat of a vehicle are assumed.

The airbag device 1 has a cylinder type inflator 10 and an airbag 20 .

In this specification, the "initial state" means the state before the inflator is activated, that is, before the airbag is inflated and deployed.

The inflator 10 is included in the airbag 20. - 特許庁That is, the whole is provided inside the airbag 20 . The inflator 10 is a cylindrical (columnar) gas generator, and is arranged along the extending direction (height direction) of the seat back 31 . The inflator 10 is provided with a mounting member 12 for mounting the inflator 10 to the airbag 20. - 特許庁As the mounting member 12, a pair of bolts are provided here. A pair of bolts protrude from the inflator 10 and pass through the airbag 20 . The inflator 10 is fixed to the side frame 33 on the side of the seat back 31 (the inner side in the width direction of the vehicle) by such mounting members 12 (for example, a pair of bolts).

Further, the mounting member 12 is mounted at a position shifted to one side of the longitudinal center of the inflator 10, in this case, to the upper side of the vehicle. More specifically, one of the pair of bolts is provided on one longitudinal side of the inflator 10 (upper side of the vehicle), and the other of the pair of bolts is provided near the longitudinal center of the inflator 10 .

The inflator 10 is activated during a side collision of the vehicle. Specifically, first, when a collision detection sensor mounted on the vehicle detects a side collision of the vehicle, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) calculates the signal sent from the collision detection sensor and determines the level of the collision. . If the determined collision level corresponds to the case of inflating the airbag 20, the inflator 10 is ignited and gas is generated by a chemical reaction caused by burning of the explosive inside. As a result, the generated gas is ejected from one longitudinal side of the inflator 10 , specifically, from the gas ejection hole 10 a and introduced into the airbag 20 . Here, the gas ejection holes 10a are provided at the upper end of the inflator 10. As shown in FIG. Note that the gas is not ejected from the other longitudinal side of the inflator 10 .

The type of the inflator 10 is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, a pyro-type inflator using gas generated by burning a gas generating agent, a stored type inflator using compressed gas, and a gas generated by burning a gas generating agent. and a hybrid inflator using a mixed gas of air and compressed gas.

The airbag 20 has a bag-like shape and is fixed to the side frame 33 in a folded state before the airbag 20 is inflated and deployed. are stored.

The airbag 20 is held in a predetermined shape by a fixing member such as tape, and then fixed to the cover 11 made of synthetic resin. maintained at

In this embodiment, an internationally standardized side impact dummy (World-SID: World Side Impact Dummy) 40 is seated on the vehicle seat 30 . The seating posture of the internationally standardized side impact dummy 40 is currently stipulated by the side impact test method (ECE R95) adopted in Japan and Europe, or the side impact test method (FMVSS214) adopted in the United States. is. The position and size of the airbag 20 when inflated and deployed (hereinafter, simply referred to as inflated and deployed) are the torso 41, waist 42, head 43, and arms of the internationally standardized side collision dummy 40 shown in FIG. 44, shoulder 45 and the like. In this specification, the internationally standardized side impact dummy 40 is referred to as "occupant 40".

Further, in this specification, the term "at the time of inflation and deployment of the airbag" means an arbitrary point in time or an arbitrary period during the period from the activation of the inflator to the completion (full deployment) of the inflation and deployment of the airbag. For example, it may be the period from when the inflator is activated until the inflation and deployment of the airbag is completed (fully deployed), or when the inflation and deployment of the airbag is completed (during full deployment). . Furthermore, the multiple "deployment times of the airbag" described herein may be the same point in time or period, or may be different points in time and/or period.

The vehicle side wall 50 is not particularly limited as long as it is a vehicle body portion positioned on the vehicle width direction outer side (on the side opposite to the console box 60) of the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat 30, and includes a side door, a pillar, a side window, and the like. are collectively called.

The console box 60 is provided inside the vehicle seat 30 in the vehicle width direction. For example, the console box 60 is provided between the driver's seat and the front passenger's seat in the center of the vehicle in the width direction of the vehicle. The console box 60 may function as an armrest portion (armrest portion) that supports the arm portion 44 of the occupant 40 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the airbag device according to the first embodiment attached to a vehicle seat, as seen from the side of the vehicle. when the occupant is restrained by FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the airbag device shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the front of the vehicle. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the inflator of the airbag device shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the side of the vehicle, and shows the airbag before inflation and deployment and before folding. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line BB shown in FIG. 6, showing the airbag before inflation and deployment and before folding. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 6, and shows the time when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the airbag restrains the occupant after inflation and deployment is completed). In addition, FIG.7 and FIG.8 shows the state seen from the vehicle downward side.

When the vehicle collides sideways with an obstacle (for example, another vehicle), specifically, when the vehicle side wall 50 faces the vehicle side wall 50 in the vehicle width direction (when the vehicle seat 30 is the driver's seat, the vehicle width of the front passenger seat). When an obstacle collides with the vehicle body portion located on the outside in the direction) and the inflator 10 is activated, the gas generated from the inflator 10 is introduced into the airbag 20, and the airbag 20 inflates while being unfolded. . When the seat cover of the seatback 31 is torn from a predetermined position by the force applied by the inflated airbag 20, the airbag 20 is deployed in a predetermined deployment direction X, here forward of the vehicle (or It inflates and deploys diagonally upward and forward of the vehicle to protect the occupant 40.例文帳に追加More specifically, it inflates and deploys above the console box 60 and to the side of the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat 30 to protect the side of the occupant 40 . The airbag 20 that inflates and deploys in this way is also called a far side airbag.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the airbag 20 has a first base fabric 21 and a first base fabric 21 as fabrics that define the outer shape of the airbag 20 when inflated and deployed. It has a second backing 22 and an intermediate backing 23 therebetween. When inflated and deployed, the first base fabric 21 is positioned on the occupant 40 side, the second base fabric 22 is positioned on the opposite side of the occupant 40, and the intermediate base fabric 23 is positioned between the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric. It is located between the cloth 22. Both the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 are substantially rectangular base fabrics, and have substantially the same width in the vehicle front-rear direction, while the second base fabric 22 has a width in the vehicle height direction. is large. The intermediate base fabric 23 is provided one by one in the vehicle front-rear direction of the airbag 20, and the outer peripheral edge of the first base fabric 21 in the vehicle front-rear direction and one outer peripheral edge of the intermediate base fabric 23 are aligned. They are joined at a joining line (for example, a sewing line), and the outer peripheral edge of the second base fabric 22 in the vehicle front-rear direction and the other outer peripheral edge of the intermediate base fabric 23 are joined at a joining line (for example, a sewing line). be. Thereafter, by joining the outer peripheral edge of the first base fabric 21 in the vehicle vertical direction and the outer peripheral edge of the second base fabric 22 in the vehicle vertical direction, the airbag 20 as a whole becomes three-dimensional when inflated and deployed. Formed into a bag shape.

However, the airbag 20 only needs to have at least the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 as fabrics that define the outer shape of the airbag 20 when inflated and deployed, and has the intermediate base fabric 23. It doesn't have to be.

As each base fabric constituting the airbag 20, for example, a fabric woven with threads such as nylon 66 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used. The surface of the cloth may be coated with an inorganic material such as silicon in order to improve heat resistance and airtightness.

Each of the first base fabric 21, the second base fabric 22, and the intermediate base fabric 23 may be formed from one base fabric, or may be formed from a plurality of base fabrics.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first base cloth 21 is arranged in a region extending from the waist 42 of the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat 30 to the head 43 via the body 41 when inflated and deployed. During inflation and deployment, the second base fabric 22 extends from a position corresponding to the waist 42 of the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat 30 along the side surface 61 and the upper surface 62 of the console box 60 in order, and then passes through the body 41. and is arranged in a region extending over the head 43 . The intermediate base cloth 23 is provided with a convex portion 23a above the console box 60 when viewed from the front and rear of the vehicle when inflated and deployed. Therefore, the thickness of the airbag 20 in the vehicle width direction at the time of inflation and deployment changes at the convex portion 23a, and the thickness increases in the region corresponding to the convex portion 23a. Alternatively, the outer peripheral edge of the first base fabric 21 and the outer peripheral edge of the second base fabric 22 may be joined without providing the intermediate base fabric 23, and the convex portion 23a may be omitted.

Also, the airbag 20 inflates and deploys so as to have a body protection portion 24 , a waist protection portion 25 , and a head protection portion 26 . The body protection portion 24 is inflated and deployed on the side of the body 41 of the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat 30 and comes into contact with the body 41 . The waist protector 25 is inflated and deployed between the waist 42 of the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat 30 and the side surface 61 of the console box 60 . The head protection portion 26 is inflated and deployed on the side of the head 43 of the occupant 40 seated on the vehicle seat 30 and comes into contact with the head 43 .

In the event of a side collision of the vehicle, the airbag 20 is inflated and deployed, and the body protection portion 24 receives the body 41 of the occupant 40, that is, the portion below the shoulder 45, thereby restraining the occupant 40. The waist protection part 25 receives the waist 42 of the occupant 40 to restrain the waist 42 , and the head protection part 26 receives the head 43 of the occupant 40 to restrain the head 43 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the airbag 20 has a thickness suppressing portion 27 that joins the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 to each other. The thickness suppressing portion 27 is provided at a position corresponding to the waist portion 42 of the occupant 40 during inflation and deployment, and suppresses the thickness of the airbag 20 in the vehicle width direction during inflation and deployment. That is, the thickness of the airbag 20 in the vehicle width direction when inflated and deployed is smaller at the thickness suppressing portion 27 than on both sides sandwiching the thickness suppressing portion 27 . Here, the thickness suppressing portion 27 is a joining line 27a (for example, a sewing line) that directly joins the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 to each other, and the thickness suppressing portion 27 serves as an airbag during inflation and deployment. The thickness of 20 in the vehicle width direction (the direction orthogonal to the deployment direction X) is substantially zero.

At least part of the thickness restraint portion 27 may be a cloth (for example, a belt-like tether) that indirectly joins the first base cloth 21 and the second base cloth 22 to each other.

7 and 8, the airbag 20 includes an inflator attachment portion 28 to which the inflator 10 is attached, and an end located on the opposite side to the deployment direction X with respect to the inflator attachment portion 28 (inflator 10). a portion 29;

The inflator mounting portion 28 is provided with through holes through which the mounting member 12 passes. Here, a pair of through holes are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of bolts. When a pair of bolts provided on the inflator 10 pass through the pair of through holes and are fixed to the side frame 33 , the airbag 20 is positioned between the inflator 10 adjacent to the inflator mounting portion 28 and the side frame 33 . It is fixed to the side frame 33 in a state of being sandwiched between.

As shown in FIG. 6, the end portion 29 of the airbag 20 is a portion positioned at the outer peripheral edge of the airbag 20 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Here, the edge portion 29 is a joint portion where the outer peripheral edge portion of the first base cloth 21 and the outer peripheral edge portion of the second base cloth 22 are joined, and as shown in FIGS. 29 is formed by joining the outer peripheral edge of the first base fabric 21 and the outer peripheral edge of the second base fabric 22 at a joining line 29a (for example, a sewing line).

Further, in the present embodiment, the end portion 29 is located on the vehicle rear side of the inflator mounting portion 28 (inflator 10) of the airbag 20 when inflated and deployed, and is located on the vehicle rear side of the airbag 20 when viewed from the side of the vehicle when inflated and deployed. It is located diagonally below the rear of the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the airbag device 1 further has a restricting member 13 .

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the regulating member 13 is provided inside the airbag 20 and includes a first fixing portion 14 fixed to the first base cloth 21 and a second fixing portion 14 fixed to the second base cloth 22 . 2 fixing portion 15 and a contact portion 16 that contacts the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment.

The restricting member 13 is a member provided for restricting relative movement of the airbag 20 with respect to the inflator 10 . The regulating member 13 is formed of a strip-shaped base fabric, and is fixed to the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 by the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15, respectively. The regulating member 13 is fixed to neither the first base cloth 21 nor the second base cloth 22 in areas other than the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15 . Note that the regulating member 13 may be formed from one sheet of base fabric, or may be formed from a plurality of sheets of base fabric. The restricting member 13 extends from the first fixing portion 14 to the second fixing portion 15 via the periphery of the inflator 10 (more specifically, the periphery of a part of the peripheral surface).

The first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15 are provided at positions different from the end portion 29 of the airbag 20 during inflation and deployment. More specifically, it is positioned closer to the center of the airbag 20 than the end portion 29 when inflated and deployed.

In addition, the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15 are located on the deployment direction X side of the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment, here on the front side of the vehicle.

The first fixing part 14 and the second fixing part 15 are joints with the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22, respectively. It is joined with the cloth 21 and the second base cloth 22 . In other words, the two different parts of the base fabric forming the regulating member 150, the first base fabric 21, and the second base fabric 22 are superimposed and jointed together at the joint line 17. As shown in FIG. Therefore, in the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15, the thickness of the airbag 20 in the vehicle width direction (the direction orthogonal to the deployment direction X) when inflated and deployed is substantially zero.

The joint line 17 is a part of the joint line 27a as the thickness restraining portion 27. In other words, the joint line 27a collectively connects the thickness restraining portion 27, the first fixing portion 14, and the second fixing portion 15. formed. On the other hand, the bond line 17 may be a different bond line than the bond line 27a.

The joining method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include sewing, adhesion, welding, and the like, and methods combining them. Among them, sewing is preferable.

As shown in FIG. 8, the contact portion 16 of the regulating member 13 is positioned between the inflator 10 and the end portion 29 of the airbag 20 during inflation and deployment. That is, the contact portion 16 is provided between the inflator attachment portion 28 and the end portion 29 located on the side opposite to the deployment direction X of the airbag 20 . The contact portion 16 contacts a portion of the peripheral surface of the inflator 10 (a portion located on the side opposite to the deployment direction X). Note that the contact portion 16 simply contacts the inflator 10 at least during inflation and deployment, and is not fixed, for example, joined to the inflator 10 .

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the mounting member 12 is provided at a position shifted to one side (vehicle upper side) from the longitudinal center of the inflator 10. The portion 16 abuts on the other side of the longitudinal center of the inflator 10, ie, the vehicle lower side in this case, when inflated and deployed. That is, the restricting member 13 contacts the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment in a region where the mounting member 12 is not provided.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the length from the first fixing portion 14 to the second fixing portion 15 of the regulating member 13 is longer than the length from the first fixing portion 14 to the second fixing portion 15 of the airbag 20 . is also short. In this specification, "the length from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion of the regulating member" means the length of the regulating member from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion via the contact portion. "The length from the first fixed part to the second fixed part of the airbag" means the end of the airbag from the first fixed part (on the side opposite to the deployment direction with respect to the inflator mounting part). end) to the second fixing part. Further, "the length from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion of the regulating member" and "the length from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion of the airbag" refer to arbitrary lengths on the first fixing portion. A point (which may be a point on each point of the first fixing portion), an arbitrary point on the second fixing portion (which may be a point on each point of the second fixing portion), and a regulating member and an arbitrary point on the abutment portion (preferably, a cross section perpendicular to the inflator 10, for example, the cross sections of FIGS. 7 and 8).

The ratio of "the length from the first fixing part to the second fixing part of the airbag" to "the length from the first fixing part to the second fixing part of the regulating member" is not particularly limited. can be appropriately set so that is inflated and deployed at a desired appropriate position.

3, 4 and 8, the operation of the airbag device according to the first embodiment, particularly the behavior of the vicinity of the regulating member 13 during inflation and deployment, will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3 , in the initial state, the inflator 10 is fixed to the side frame 33 with the airbag 20 folded, and the airbag device 1 is attached to the seat cover of the seat back 31 together with the cushion pad 34 . Covered and stored.

In the initial state, the airbag 20 is folded downward at the vehicle upper portion at the center in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and after the end portion at the vehicle lower portion is folded upward, the airbag 20 is directed from the front of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle. It is folded into a rectangular parallelepiped shape by being roll-folded.

When the inflator 10 is activated, gas flows into the airbag 20 from the gas ejection holes 10a (see FIG. 1, etc.) of the inflator 10, the airbag 20 begins to inflate, and the force applied from the inflated airbag 20 pushes the seat back 31. seat cover is torn. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the airbag 20 inflates and deploys in a predetermined deployment direction X, here, forward of the vehicle (or diagonally upward and forward of the vehicle) to protect the occupant 40 .

At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the regulating member 13 has the first fixing portion 14 fixed to the first base cloth 21 and the second fixing portion 15 fixed to the second base cloth 22. , the restricting member 13 moves integrally with the airbag 20 . Further, when the inflator 10 generates gas and the airbag 20 is inflated and deployed, the airbag 20 moves in the deployment direction X with the inflator mounting portion 28 as a base point due to the momentum of the inflation and deployment.

However, the regulating member 13 has a contact portion 16 that contacts the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment, and the contact portion 16 is positioned between the inflator 10 and the end portion 29 of the airbag 20 during inflation and deployment. The length from the first fixing portion 14 to the second fixing portion 15 of the airbag 20 is shorter than the length from the first fixing portion 14 to the second fixing portion 15 of the airbag 20. When the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15 of 13 move in the deployment direction X of the airbag 20 , the abutment portion 16 of the restricting member 13 moves to the inflator 10 before the end portion 29 of the airbag 20 abuts on the inflator 10 . 10, tension is applied to the regulating member 13 in the deployment direction X, and the movement of the regulating member 13 stops. Accordingly, movement of the first base cloth 21 and the second base cloth 22 around the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15 of the restricting member 13 is also restricted. Therefore, excessive relative movement of the airbag 20 with respect to the inflator 10 is restricted, and the airbag 20 is stably inflated and deployed at a predetermined position. Also, the end portion 29 of the airbag 20 (for example, the joining line 29a between the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22) is prevented from coming into contact with the inflator 10. FIG.

In addition, since the length from the first fixing portion 14 to the second fixing portion 15 of the restricting member 13 is shorter than the length from the first fixing portion 14 to the second fixing portion 15 of the airbag 20, , the airbag 20 around the restricting member 13 inflates so as to form a gap between the end portion 29 and the restricting member 13 . Therefore, contact between the end portion 29 and the inflator 10 is effectively prevented as described above.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the regulating member 13 is provided in the airbag 20, and includes the first fixing portion 14 fixed to the first base cloth 21 and the second fixing portion 14 fixed to the second base cloth 22. It has a fixing portion 15 and a contact portion 16 that contacts the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment. Since the length from the first fixing portion 14 to the second fixing portion 15 of the member 13 is shorter than the length from the first fixing portion 14 to the second fixing portion 15 of the airbag 20, the airbag 20 is can be regulated, and the airbag 20 can be stably inflated and deployed. Further, the movement of the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 around the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15 of the regulating member 13 can also be restricted, and the end portion 29 of the airbag 20 (for example, the first base fabric 21 and the joint line 29a) of the second base fabric 22 can be prevented from coming into contact with the inflator 10.

Further, in the present embodiment, the airbag device 1 has a mounting member 12 for mounting the inflator 10 to the airbag 20, and the mounting member 12 is mounted at a position shifted to one side from the longitudinal center of the inflator 10. It is preferable that the contact portion 16 of the regulating member 13 contacts the other side of the longitudinal center of the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment. This makes it easier for the contact portion 16 to come into contact with the inflator 10 .

Further, in the present embodiment, the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15 are located on the deployment direction X side of the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment. As a result, tension is effectively applied to the regulating member 13 in the deployment direction X during inflation and deployment, so movement of the regulating member 13 and accompanying movement of the airbag 20 can be effectively restricted.

Other modifications of the present embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the inflator of the airbag device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the side of the vehicle, and shows the airbag before inflation and deployment and before folding. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in FIG. 9, and shows the time when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the airbag restrains the occupant after inflation and deployment is completed). In addition, FIG. 10 shows the state seen from the lower side of the vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the airbag device 1 may further have a positioning member 18. As shown in FIGS. The positioning member 18 has one end connected to the regulating member 13 and the other end connected to an end portion 29 of the airbag 20 to connect the regulating member 13 to the end portion 29 . By providing the positioning member 18 , it is possible to restrict the restricting member 13 from moving in the longitudinal direction of the inflator 10 . Therefore, when inserting the inflator 10 into the airbag 20, it is possible to prevent the regulating member 13 from being misaligned, making it difficult to insert, and preventing the inflator 10 from being erroneously inserted. Further, it is possible to prevent the restricting member 13 from coming off from the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment.

The positioning member 18 is provided inside the airbag 20 and is formed of a base fabric having a bent shape (for example, a J shape) smaller than the regulating member 13 . Here, the positioning member 18 is integrally formed from the same base cloth as the regulating member 13 , so that one end thereof is connected to the regulating member 13 . However, the positioning member 18 may be formed of a base fabric different from that of the regulating member 13, and may be connected by joining one end thereof to the regulating member 13, for example. The other end of the positioning member 18 is connected to the end portion 29 of the airbag 20 by being joined to the outer peripheral edge portion of the first base cloth 21 and the outer peripheral edge portion of the second base cloth 22 at a joint line 29a.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an airbag device according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1, and shows the time when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the occupant is restrained by the airbag after inflation and deployment is completed). FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an airbag device according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1, and shows when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially when the airbag restrains the occupant after inflation and deployment is completed). FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an airbag device according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1, and shows when the airbag is inflated and deployed (especially after inflation and deployment is completed and when the occupant is restrained by the airbag). 11 to 13 correspond to FIG. 8, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 6, and show the state viewed from the lower side of the vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the first fixing portion 14 and the first base fabric 21 may be joined together independently of the second fixing portion 15 and the second base fabric 22. FIG. That is, the first base cloth 21 is joined to the regulating member 150 at the first fixing portion 14, and the second base cloth 22 is joined to the regulating member 150 at the second fixing portion 15 which is different from the first fixing portion 14. The airbag 20 can be inflated and deployed so as to have a predetermined thickness in the vehicle width direction (direction orthogonal to the deployment direction X) in the region where the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15 are provided. good.

In the case shown in FIG. 11, as in the case of FIG. 8, the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15 are located on the deployment direction X side of the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment, here on the vehicle front side. .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, of the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15, only the second fixing portion 15 is located on the deployment direction X side (vehicle front side) of the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment. may In this case, the first fixing portion 14 is located on the side opposite to the deployment direction X (vehicle rear side) of the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment.

Conversely, of the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15, only the first fixing portion 14 may be positioned on the deployment direction X side (vehicle front side) of the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment. In this case, the second fixing portion 15 is located on the side opposite to the deployment direction X (vehicle rear side) of the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment.

In either case, as in the case of FIG. 8, the movement of the regulating member 13 and the associated movement of the airbag 20 during inflation and deployment can be effectively restricted.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, both the first fixing portion 14 and the second fixing portion 15 may be positioned on the side opposite to the deployment direction X (vehicle rear side) of the inflator 10 during inflation and deployment. Even in this case, since tension is applied to the restricting member 13 during inflation and deployment, movement of the restriction member 13 and accompanying movement of the airbag 20 during inflation and deployment can be restricted.

In the above description, the case where the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 are made of different base fabrics has been described. It may be composed of a base fabric of For example, one sheet of base fabric is folded in two, the folded portion is used as the end portion 29 of the airbag 20, and the outer peripheral edges of the folded base fabric are joined together in a region other than the end portion 29, or Alternatively, the airbag 20 may be formed by joining an intermediate base fabric 23 to the outer peripheral edge of the base fabric folded in two. In this case, the end portion 29 of the airbag 20 is formed by folding the base fabric in two.

In the above description, the intermediate base cloth 23 is provided one by one in the vehicle front-rear direction of the airbag 20, but in the present embodiment, the intermediate base cloth 23 is a belt-like base cloth. It may be formed in a cylindrical shape by joining both ends in the direction. In that case, the entire outer peripheral edges of the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 are joined to the outer peripheral edge of the intermediate base fabric 23, and the end portion 29 of the airbag 20 is composed of the intermediate base fabric 23. become.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the airbag device 1 is a far-side airbag device has been described, but the airbag device of the present invention may be, for example, a near-side airbag device or a knee airbag device. In the former case, the airbag device is fixed to the side frame on the vehicle width direction outer side of the seatback, and the airbag inflates and deploys toward the front of the vehicle (or obliquely upward and forward of the vehicle). It inflates and deploys between the side wall inside the vehicle and the occupant seated on the seat. In the latter case, the airbag device is installed inside the lower portion of the instrument panel, and the airbag is inflated and deployed toward the rear of the vehicle, and is positioned between the lower portion of the instrument panel and the knees of the occupant sitting in the driver's seat or the passenger's seat. Inflate and deploy between.

Thus, in the present invention, the predetermined deployment direction in which the airbag is inflated and deployed is not particularly limited. device or near side airbag device), or may be behind the vehicle (or obliquely above and behind the vehicle) (for example, in the case of a knee airbag device).

1, 100: Airbag device 10, 110: Inflator 10a: Gas ejection port 11: Cover 12, 112: Mounting member 13: Regulating member 14: First fixing part 15: Second fixing part 16: Contact part 17: Joint Line 18: Positioning members 20, 120: Airbag 21: First base cloth 22: Second base cloth 23: Intermediate base cloth 23a: Convex portion 24: Body protection portion 25: Waist protection portion 26: Head protection portion 27: Thickness suppressing portion 27a: Joining line 28: Inflator mounting portion 29: End portion 29a: Joining line 30, 130: Vehicle seat 31, 131: Seat back (backrest portion)
32: Seat frames 33, 133: Side frames 34, 134: Cushion pad 40: Occupant (international standard side collision dummy)
41: Torso 42: Waist 43: Head 44: Arm 45: Shoulder 50: Vehicle side wall 60, 160: Console box 61: Side 62: Upper surface X, XX: Deployment direction

Claims (4)

a cylinder type inflator that ejects gas from one longitudinal side;
a bag-shaped airbag that contains the inflator and is inflated and deployed in a predetermined deployment direction by gas from the inflator;
and a regulating member provided in the airbag, wherein
The airbag includes a first base fabric,
a second base fabric arranged to face the first base fabric;
an inflator mounting portion to which the inflator is mounted;
an end portion located on the side opposite to the deployment direction with respect to the inflator mounting portion;
The regulating member includes a first fixing portion fixed to the first base fabric;
a second fixing portion fixed to the second base fabric;
a contact portion that contacts the inflator when the airbag is inflated and deployed;
The contact portion is positioned between the inflator and the end portion when the airbag is inflated and deployed,
The airbag device, wherein the length from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion of the restricting member is shorter than the length from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion of the airbag. . The airbag device according to claim 1,
further comprising an attachment member for attaching the inflator to the airbag;
The mounting member is mounted at a position shifted to one side from the longitudinal center of the inflator,
The airbag device, wherein the abutting portion abuts on the other side of the longitudinal center of the inflator when the airbag is inflated and deployed. The airbag device according to claim 1 or 2,
The airbag device further comprises a positioning member having one end connected to the regulating member and the other end connected to the end, and connecting the regulating member to the end. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
At least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is positioned closer to the deployment direction than the inflator when the airbag is inflated and deployed.

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