JP4135514B2 - Airbag device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention protects an occupant in an emergency such as a vehicle collision.NoThe airbag for the driver's seat, which is related to the airbag device, especially installed in the steeringapparatusSuitable asNaeThe present invention relates to an airbag device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  As an airbag device for a driver's seat, an airbag device attached to a retainer and folded is covered with a cover member called a module cover.
[0003]
  When the collision of the vehicle is detected by the sensor, the inflator is activated, and the airbag is deployed by the gas generated from the inflator (inflation gas).
[0004]
  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-74440, a driver's seat airbag is partitioned into a central chamber and two outer peripheral chambers by a partition panel, the central chamber is first inflated, and then the outer peripheral chamber is inflated. An airbag as described is described. The partition panel is provided with a gas distribution through hole. This partitioning panel connects the rear side and the front side of the airbag, and has a function of preventing the airbag from protruding forward when inflated. A vent hole is provided in the central chamber.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
          Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-74440
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  When the airbag disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-74440 is inflated and a passenger hits the airbag, the gas in the outer peripheral room tends to flow out of the vent hole in the central chamber. In order to keep it high for a long time, it is necessary to use an inflator having a long gas generation duration. However, if this inflator is used, it is difficult to adjust the internal pressure of the airbag.
[0007]
  Even if a small capacity inflator is used as the inflator, the present invention can keep the internal pressure high for a long time compared to the conventional case.RueIt is an object of the present invention to provide an airbag device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Airbag of the present invention (Claim 1)apparatusThe airbag has an opening for gas supply on the rear side, and the front side faces the occupant when inflatedAnd an inflator for inflating the airbagA central chamber facing the opening, an outer peripheral front chamber disposed on the front side of the outer periphery of the central chamber, and an outer peripheral rear chamber disposed on the rear side of the outer periphery of the central chamber. The outer peripheral rear chamber communicates with the outside of the airbag via a vent hole, and the central chamber communicates directly with the outer peripheral front chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber. The outer peripheral rear chamber communicates only through the central chamber, and is configured such that gas for inflating the airbag flows into the outer peripheral front chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber from the central chamber, respectively.A gas outlet of the inflator is disposed in the central chamber, and a through hole is formed at the position facing the gas outlet to communicate the central chamber with the outer peripheral rear chamber.It is characterized by being.
[0009]
  Such airbagapparatusIn this case, gas is supplied into the airbag from the opening or an inflator inserted into the opening, and the airbag is inflated. This gas first expands the central chamber, and then expands the outer front chamber and the outer rear chamber. The outer peripheral front chamber does not directly communicate with the outer peripheral rear chamber, and the gas in the outer peripheral front chamber flows out from the vent hole through the central chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber. As a result, the time during which the gas is retained in the outer front chamber is longer than in the conventional example, and even if a small capacity inflator is employed, the impact of the occupant can be sufficiently absorbed on the outer peripheral side of the airbag. .
[0010]
  Air bag of the present invention (Claim 2)apparatusThe airbag has an opening for gas supply on the rear side, and the front side faces the occupant when inflatedAnd an inflator for inflating the airbagA central chamber facing the opening, an outer peripheral front chamber disposed on the front side of the outer periphery of the central chamber, and an outer peripheral rear chamber disposed on the rear side of the outer periphery of the central chamber. The outer peripheral rear chamber communicates with the outside of the airbag via a vent hole, and the central chamber communicates directly with the outer peripheral front chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber. The outer peripheral rear chamber communicates directly, and the gas for inflating the airbag is configured to flow from the central chamber to the outer peripheral front chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber, respectively.A gas outlet of the inflator is disposed in the central chamber, and a through hole is formed at the position facing the gas outlet to communicate the central chamber with the outer peripheral rear chamber.It is characterized by being.
[0011]
  Such airbagapparatusEven if it exists, gas will be supplied in an airbag from the inflator inserted from this opening or this opening, and this airbag will expand | swell. This gas first expands the central chamber, and then expands the outer front chamber and the outer rear chamber. The outer peripheral front chamber does not directly communicate with the vent hole, and the gas in the outer peripheral front chamber flows out from the vent hole through the outer peripheral rear chamber or through the central chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber. As a result, the time during which the gas is retained in the outer front chamber is longer than in the conventional example, and even if a small capacity inflator is employed, the impact of the occupant can be sufficiently absorbed on the outer peripheral side of the airbag. .
[0012]
  In the present invention, the central chamber may be provided so as to reach from the rear portion to the front portion when the airbag is inflated. If it does in this way, the center part of an air bag will inflate first. And since the outer peripheral front chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber are inflated so as to project sideways from the early inflated central chamber, it is possible to quickly catch the occupant even on the outer peripheral side of the airbag.
[0013]
  The airbag device of the present invention (Claim 4)4. The air bag according to claim 1, wherein the airbag includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first inner panel, and a second inner panel each made of a circular cloth. The panel and the rear panel are overlapped and the outer peripheral edge portions are sewn together, and the center portion of the first inner panel is sewn to the center portion of the front panel by a first seam, and the second inner panel is sewn. The panel is disposed between the first inner panel and the rear panel, and an outer peripheral edge portion of the second inner panel is sewn into an annular shape that circulates around the first seam with respect to the first inner panel. The first inner panel and the second inner panel allow the airbag to be connected to the central chamber, the outer peripheral front chamber, and the outer peripheral rear chamber. It has been demarcated It is characterized byIs.
[0014]
  The airbag device of the present invention (Claim 5) has an opening for gas supply on the rear side, and has an airbag whose front side faces an occupant during inflation and an inflator for inflating the airbag. In the airbag device, a central rear chamber disposed on the rear side of the center and facing the opening, a front chamber disposed on the front side of the airbag, and an outer periphery of the central rear chamber in the airbag device The central rear chamber, the front chamber, and the outer peripheral chamber communicate with each other, and the inflator has a plurality of gas generating portions having different gas generation timings.And the front chamber of the airbag occupies substantially the entire front side of the airbag.It is characterized by that.
[0015]
  In such an airbag device, when the inflator is activated, the central rear chamber is first inflated, gas is supplied from the central rear chamber to the front chamber and the outer peripheral chamber, and the airbag is expanded as a whole. In this airbag apparatus, since the inflator has a plurality of gas generating portions having different gas generation times, the internal pressure of the inflated airbag can be kept high for a long time.
[0016]
  In this airbag device, the front chamber of the airbag occupies substantially the entire front side of the airbag.BecauseThe substantially entire front side is kept high for a long time.
[0017]
  The airbag apparatus of the present invention (Claim 6) is the airbag apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the gas outlet of the inflator is disposed in the central rear chamber, and the central rear chamber is located at a position facing the gas outlet. A through hole communicating with the outer peripheral chamber is formed.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 relates to the embodiment.RueLongitudinal section of the bag device, Fig. 2NoFIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the airbag device, and FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a driver seat in which the airbag device is installed. FIG. 1 shows the time when the airbag has been inflated, FIG. 3 (a) shows the middle of the inflation of the airbag, and FIG. 1 (b) shows the time when the occupant hits the airbag that has been inflated.
[0019]
  The airbag 10 includes a front panel 12, a rear panel 14, a first inner panel 22, and a second inner panel 24 each made of a circular woven fabric. The outer peripheral edge portions of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 14 are stitched together by a seam 15 made of a thread or the like to form a bag shape. The stitched portion has an annular shape that circulates along the outer peripheries of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 14.
[0020]
  The rear panel 14 is provided with an inflator opening 16 and a vent hole 18. The inflator opening 16 is disposed at the center of the rear panel 14. A bolt insertion hole 20 is provided around the inflator opening 16. The vent hole 18 is provided relatively close to the outer peripheral edge of the rear panel 14.
[0021]
  The first inner panel 22 and the second inner panel 24 are provided inside the airbag 10. The first inner panel 22 is disposed concentrically with the front panel 12 and the rear panel 14, and the outer peripheral edges thereof are overlapped with the outer peripheral edges of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 14, and are sewn together by the seam 15. Are combined. The first inner panel 22 is sewn to the central portion of the front panel 12 by a seam 23 having a central portion made of a thread or the like. The stitched portion by the seam 23 has an annular shape in which the central portions of the first inner panel 22 and the front panel 12 are concentrically circulated.
[0022]
  The first inner panel 22 is provided with a communication port 22a relatively close to the outer peripheral edge thereof.
[0023]
  The second inner panel 24 is disposed concentrically with the first inner panel 22 and the rear panel 14, and the outer peripheral edge thereof is the seam.15The first inner panel 22 is stitched with a seam 25 made of a thread or the like at an intermediate portion between the stitched portion and the communication port 22a. The stitched portion by the seam 25 is an annular shape that circulates along the outer periphery of the second inner panel 24. An opening 26 is provided at the center of the second inner panel 24 and is arranged concentrically with the inflator opening 16 of the rear panel 14. A bolt insertion hole 28 that overlaps the bolt insertion hole 20 of the rear panel 14 is provided around the opening 26.
[0024]
  The second inner panel 24 is provided with a communication port 24a relatively close to the outer peripheral side thereof, and a through hole 24b on the center side of the communication port 24a.
[0025]
  The peripheral portion of the inflator opening 26 of the second inner panel 24 is overlapped with the peripheral portion of the inflator opening 16 of the rear panel 14 and is overlapped with the peripheral portion of the inflator mounting port 32 of the retainer 30. The peripheral portions of the inflator openings 26 and 16 are fixed to the retainer 30 through the bolt insertion holes 28 and 20. Accordingly, the peripheral portion of the inflator opening 26 of the second inner panel 24 is continuous with the peripheral portion of the inflator opening 16 of the rear panel 14.
[0026]
  With these first inner panel 22 and second inner panel 24, the interior of the airbag 10 is the central chamber 1, and the outer peripheral front chamber 2 arranged on the front side (front panel 12 side) of the outer periphery of the central chamber 1. The central chamber 1 is divided into an outer peripheral rear chamber 3 disposed on the rear side (rear panel 14 side) of the outer periphery.
[0027]
  That is, the central chamber 1 is a space inside the second inner panel 24 and faces the inflator openings 26 and 16 of the second inner panel 24 and the rear panel 14. The outer peripheral front chamber 2 is a space between the front panel 12 and the first inner panel 22 defined by the seams 15 and 23. The outer peripheral rear chamber 3 is a space surrounded by the second inner panel 24, the first inner panel 22 and the rear panel 14 outside the second inner panel 24.
[0028]
  The central chamber 1 is in direct communication with both the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 through communication ports 22a and 24a. Further, the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 communicate with each other only through the central chamber 1 through the communication ports 22a and 24a. The outer peripheral rear chamber 3 communicates with the outside of the airbag through a vent hole 18.
[0029]
  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, four communication ports 22a and 24a are provided, and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the airbag 10, respectively. Four through holes 24b are also provided in this embodiment. The through hole 24b and the communication port 24a are out of phase with respect to the center of the airbag 10 in the circumferential direction. The through hole 24b extends on a line extending in the gas ejection direction of an inflator 36 (described later) disposed in the central chamber 1 through the inflator openings 16 and 26, that is, at a position facing a gas ejection port 36a of the inflator 36. Is formed.
[0030]
  Reinforcing patches (not shown) or the like may be attached to the peripheral portions of the openings 16 and 26, the communication ports 22a and 24a, and the through holes 24b.
[0031]
  The retainer 30 for attaching the airbag 10 is provided with an inflator attachment port 32 at the center and a bolt insertion hole (not shown) around the periphery.
[0032]
  The inflator 36 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a gas outlet 36a is provided on the side peripheral surface on the distal end side in the cylinder axis direction. In this embodiment, four gas outlets 36 a are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inflator 36. The inflator 36 is configured to eject gas in a radial direction from these gas ejection ports 36a. A flange 38 for fixing an inflator projects from a side peripheral surface of the midway portion of the inflator 36 in the cylinder axis direction (the rear end side of the gas jet port 36a). The flange 38 is provided with a bolt insertion hole (not shown). The tip side of the inflator 36 is fitted into the inflator attachment port 32 of the retainer 30.
[0033]
  In attaching the airbag 10 to the retainer 30, the peripheral portions of the inflator openings 16 and 26 of the rear panel 14 and the second inner panel 24 are pressed against the peripheral portion of the inflator mounting port 32 of the retainer 30 by the press ring 42. . The tip end side of the inflator 36 fitted in the inflator attachment port 32 is inserted into the central chamber 1 through the inflator openings 16 and 26. The gas outlets 36 a provided on the front end side of the inflator 36 are opposed to the respective through holes 24 b of the second inner panel 24.
[0034]
  At this time, the stud bolt 44 of the presser ring 42 is attached to the rear panel.14The inner panel 22, the airbag 10, and the inflator 36 are retained by tightening nuts 46 at the tips of the bolt insertion holes 28 and 20 of the second inner panel 24 and the bolt insertion holes of the retainer 30 and the flange 38. Fix to 30. And the airbag apparatus is comprised by folding the airbag 10 and attaching the module cover 48 to the retainer 30 so that the folding body of this airbag 10 may be covered. This airbag device is installed on a steering wheel 50 of an automobile (only the rim portion 52 is shown in FIG. 1).
[0035]
  In the airbag apparatus configured as described above, the inflator 36 is activated to eject gas into the airbag 10 when the vehicle collides. The airbag 10 is inflated by this gas, pushes and opens the module cover 48, and deploys in the vehicle compartment to protect the driver's seat occupant.
[0036]
  In the airbag 10, the gas from the inflator 36 is supplied into the central chamber 1, and the central chamber 1 is first inflated. Next, the gas flows into the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 through the communication ports 22a and 24a and expands them.
[0037]
  In this embodiment, the second inner panel 24 that divides the central chamber 1 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 is formed on the extension line in the gas ejection direction of the inflator 36, that is, through the gas outlet 36a of the inflator 36. A hole 24b is provided. For this reason, when the inflator 36 is activated, gas is ejected from the gas ejection port 36a toward the through hole 24b, and this gas is directly supplied to the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 through the through hole 24b. . As a result, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 expands so as to project laterally almost simultaneously with the central chamber 1. As a result, the airbag 10 can catch an occupant early even on the outer peripheral side thereof.
[0038]
  When an occupant hits the inflated airbag 10, the gas inside the airbag 10 flows out of the airbag from the vent hole 18 and the impact is absorbed. At this time, since the outer peripheral front chamber 2 does not communicate directly with the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 facing the vent hole 18, the gas in the outer peripheral front chamber 2 passes through the central chamber 1 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3. Out of the vent hole 18. Therefore, in the airbag 10, the time during which gas is held in the outer peripheral front chamber 2 becomes relatively long, and even if a small output is used as the inflator 36, the impact of the occupant on the outer peripheral side of the airbag 10 Can be sufficiently absorbed.
[0039]
  In this embodiment, the central portion of the first inner panel 22 is stitched to the central portion of the front panel 12, and the peripheral portion of the inflator opening 26 of the second inner panel 24 is secured to the inflator opening of the rear panel 14 by the press ring 42. By joining to 16, the central chamber 1 reaches from the rear part of the airbag 10 to the front part. Therefore, when the central portion 1 is first inflated by the gas from the inflator 36, the central portion of the airbag 10 is inflated at an early stage. And since the outer periphery front chamber 2 and the outer periphery rear chamber 3 expand | swell so that it protrudes from this central chamber 1 expanded early, it becomes possible to catch a passenger | crew early also on the outer peripheral side of the airbag 10. FIG.
[0040]
  FIG. 4 relates to another embodiment.RueIt is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an airbag apparatus.
[0041]
  Also in this embodiment, an inflator of the second inner panel 24 and the rear panel 14 is provided in the airbag 10A having an outer shell constituted by the front panel 12 and the rear panel 14 by the first inner panel 22A and the second inner panel 24. A central chamber 1 facing the opening for use, an outer peripheral front chamber 2 disposed on the front side of the outer periphery of the central chamber 1, and an outer peripheral rear chamber 3 disposed on the rear side of the outer periphery of the central chamber 1 are partitioned. ing.
[0042]
  The central chamber 1 and the outer peripheral front chamber 2 are partitioned by a first inner panel 22A, the central chamber 1 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 are partitioned by a second inner panel 24, and the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 are It is partitioned by the first inner panel 22A. The central chamber 1 is in direct communication with both the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 through communication ports 22a and 24a. The outer peripheral rear chamber 3 communicates with the outside of the airbag via the vent hole 18.
[0043]
  In this embodiment, the first inner panel 22A that partitions the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 is provided with a communication port 22b that communicates the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3.
[0044]
  The other configuration of the airbag 10A is the same as that of the airbag 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above. In FIG. 4, the same parts as those shown in FIGS. Is omitted.
[0045]
  Also in the airbag apparatus of FIG. 4 provided with the airbag 10A, when the inflator 36 disposed in the central chamber 1 is operated through the inflator openings of the rear panel 14 and the second inner panel 24, the inflator 36 The gas first expands the central chamber 1, and then flows into the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 through the communication ports 22 a and 24 a to expand the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3. The outer peripheral front chamber 2 does not directly face the vent hole 18, and the gas in the outer peripheral front chamber 2 passes through the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 or through the central chamber 1 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3. And flows out of the airbag from the vent hole 18.
[0046]
  Therefore, even in the airbag 10A, the time during which gas is held in the outer front chamber 2 is longer than in the conventional example, and even if a relatively small capacity is used as the inflator 36, the outer periphery of the airbag 10A It is possible to absorb the passenger's impact sufficiently on the side.
[0047]
  In this embodiment, the communication port 22b that connects the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and the outer peripheral rear chamber 3 is broken when the internal pressure of the outer peripheral front chamber 2 exceeds a predetermined value. May be closed by a closure member, such as a breakable film, configured to open.
[0048]
  In such a configuration, when the internal pressure of the outer peripheral front chamber 2 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, it is possible to suppress the outflow of gas from the outer peripheral front chamber 2 and to maintain the internal pressure of the outer peripheral front chamber 2 for a long time. . Further, when the occupant strongly hits the inflated airbag 10A and the internal pressure of the outer peripheral front chamber 2 becomes a predetermined value or more, the closing member opens the communication port 22b and the outflow of gas in the outer peripheral front chamber 2 occurs. Promote. As a result, the amount of shock absorption can be increased.
[0049]
  FIG. 5 relates to still another embodiment.RueIt is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an airbag apparatus.
[0050]
  Also in this embodiment, the airbag 10B includes a front panel 12, a rear panel 14, a first inner panel 54, and a second inner panel 56 each made of a circular woven fabric. The peripheral portions are stitched together by a seam 15 made of a thread or the like to form a bag. The rear panel 14 is provided with an inflator opening (not shown) and a vent hole 18. The inflator opening is disposed at the center of the rear panel 14. The vent hole 18 is provided relatively close to the outer peripheral edge of the rear panel 14.
[0051]
  The first inner panel 54 and the second inner panel 56 are provided inside the airbag 10B. The first inner panel 54 is disposed concentrically with the front panel 12 and the rear panel 14, and the outer peripheral edges thereof are overlapped with the outer peripheral edges of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 14, and are sewn to each other by the seam 15. Are combined. The first inner panel 54 is provided with a communication port 54a so as to be relatively close to the outer peripheral edge thereof, and another communication port 54b is provided on the center side of the first inner panel 54.
[0052]
  The second inner panel 56 is disposed concentrically between the first inner panel 54 and the rear panel 14, and the outer peripheral edge of the second inner panel 56 is located at the intermediate portion between the communication ports 54 a and 54 b. The panel 54 is sewn with a seam 57 made of thread or the like. The stitched portion by the seam 57 is an annular shape that circulates along the outer periphery of the second inner panel 56. In the center of the second inner panel 56, an inflator opening (not shown) is provided concentrically with the inflator opening of the rear panel 14.
[0053]
  The second inner panel 56 is provided with a communication port 56a relatively close to the outer peripheral side thereof, and is provided with a through hole 56b closer to the center than that.
[0054]
  The peripheral portion of the inflator opening of the second inner panel 56 is overlapped with the peripheral portion of the inflator opening of the rear panel 14, overlapped with the peripheral portion of the inflator attachment port 32 of the retainer 30, and fixed to the retainer 30. Accordingly, the peripheral portion of the inflator opening of the second inner panel 56 is continuous with the peripheral portion of the inflator opening of the rear panel 14.
[0055]
  By these first inner panel 54 and second inner panel 56, the interior of the airbag 10B is the central rear chamber 4, the front chamber 5 disposed on the front side (front panel 12 side) of the airbag 10B, and the It is divided into an outer peripheral chamber 6 disposed on the outer periphery of the central rear chamber 4.
[0056]
  That is, the central rear chamber 4 is a space inside the second inner panel 56, is disposed on the rear side of the center of the airbag, and faces the inflator openings of the second inner panel 56 and the rear panel 14. The outer peripheral front chamber 5 is a space between the front panel 12 and the first inner panel 54, and is disposed on the front side of the airbag 10B. In this embodiment, the front chamber 5 occupies substantially the entire front side of the airbag 10B. The outer peripheral chamber 6 is a space surrounded by the second inner panel 56, the first inner panel 54, and the rear panel 14 outside the second inner panel 56, and is disposed on the outer periphery of the central rear chamber 4.
[0057]
  The central rear chamber 4 directly communicates with both the front chamber 5 and the outer peripheral chamber 6 through communication ports 54b and 56a. The front chamber 5 and the outer peripheral chamber6Is communicated directly with the communication port 54a. That is, the central rear chamber 4, the front chamber 5, and the outer peripheral chamber 6 communicate with each other through the communication ports 54a, 54b, and 56a. The outer peripheral chamber 7 communicates with the outside of the airbag through a vent hole 18.
[0058]
  Also in this embodiment, four communication ports 54a, 54b, and 56a are provided, and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the airbag 10B. Four through holes 56b are also provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the airbag 10B. The through hole 56b and the communication port 56a are out of phase in the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the airbag 10B. The through hole 56b is formed on an extension line in the gas ejection direction of a first gas generation part 60 of an inflator 36A described later disposed in the central rear chamber 4 through the opening for the inflator, that is, the first gas generation part. It is formed at a position facing 60 gas outlets 60a.
[0059]
  In this embodiment, the inflator 36A has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a first gas generation unit 60 and a second gas generation unit 62 are provided on the tip side of the inflator 36A at different positions in the cylinder axis direction. ing. The first gas generator 60 is disposed on the lower side in FIG. 5, and the second gas generator 62 is disposed on the upper side. Gas outlets 60a and 62a are provided on the side peripheral surfaces of the first gas generation unit 60 and the second gas generation unit 62, respectively. Each gas generation part 60, 62 ejects gas in the radial direction from each gas ejection port 60a, 62a.
[0060]
  A plurality of these gas outlets 60a and 62a are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inflator 36A. The same number (four) of gas outlets 60a of the first gas generator 60 as the through holes 56b are provided. In addition, the gas ejection ports 60a and 62a are out of phase with respect to the axis of the inflator 36A so that the gas ejection directions are not the same.
[0061]
  An inflator fixing flange 38 projects from a side peripheral surface of the inflator 36 </ b> A in the middle of the cylinder axis direction (the rear end side of the first gas generator 60).
[0062]
  The leading end side (first and second gas generating portions 60, 62) of the inflator 36A is fitted into the inflator mounting port 32 of the retainer 30, and the inflator openings of the rear panel 14 and the second inner panel 56 of the airbag 10B are installed. The peripheral edge is pressed against the peripheral edge of the inflator mounting port 32 of the retainer 30 by the pressing ring 42. The tip end side of the inflator 36A fitted in the inflator attachment port 32 is inserted into the central rear chamber 4 through the inflator opening. The gas outlets 60a of the first gas generation unit 60 of the inflator 36A are opposed to the through holes 56b of the second inner panel 56, respectively.
[0063]
  The stud bolt 44 of the presser ring 42 is connected to the rear panel.14The inner panel 56, the airbag 10 </ b> B, and the inflator 36 </ b> A are fixed to the retainer 30 by passing through the bolt insertion holes (not shown) of the second inner panel 56 and the retainer 30 and the flange 38 and tightening the nut 46 at the tip thereof. Is done. And the airbag apparatus is comprised by folding the airbag 10B and attaching the module cover 48 to the retainer 30 so that the folding body of this airbag 10B may be covered. This airbag apparatus is also installed on the steering wheel 50 (only the rim portion 52 is shown in FIG. 5) of the automobile.
[0064]
  In this embodiment, the airbag device operates the first and second gas generators 60 and 62 of the inflator 36A at different operation timings, and also determines the weight and physique of the driver's seat occupant, A control device (not shown) having a function of adjusting the operation output of the first gas generator 60 and the second gas generator 62 of the inflator 36A according to the seating position (distance from the steering wheel 50) and the like is provided. It has been. Although not shown, the vehicle in which the airbag device is installed is provided with a detection device that detects the weight, physique, seating position, etc. of the driver's seat occupant. The controlapparatusAdjusts the outputs of the first gas generator 60 and the second gas generator 62 based on the detection value from the detection position.
[0065]
  In the airbag device, first, the first generator 60 of the inflator 36A is activated when the vehicle collides. The gas from the first generator 60 is supplied to the central rear chamber 4 and first expands the central rear chamber 4. Next, the gas flows into the front chamber 5 and the outer peripheral chamber 6 through the communication ports 54b and 56a, and expands them.
[0066]
  In this embodiment, the second inner panel 56 that divides the central rear chamber 4 and the outer peripheral chamber 6 is provided on an extension line in the gas ejection direction of the first gas generating unit 60, that is, the inflator.36AA through-hole 56b facing the gas outlet 60a is provided. Therefore, when the inflator 36A is activated, gas is ejected from the gas ejection port 60a of the first gas generation unit 60 toward the through hole 56b, and this gas passes directly through the through hole 56b and also into the outer peripheral chamber 6. Supplied. As a result, the outer peripheral chamber 6 expands so as to protrude laterally almost simultaneously with the central rear chamber 4. As a result, the airbag 10B can catch an occupant early on the outer peripheral side.
[0067]
  After the first gas generating unit 60 starts operating, the second gas generating unit 62 operates after a predetermined time, and the gas is continuously supplied to the central rear chamber 4, the front chamber 5, and the outer peripheral chamber 6, and the airbag 10B will fully expand also in the thickness direction.
[0068]
  When an occupant hits the inflated airbag 10B, the gas inside the airbag 10B flows out of the airbag from the vent hole 18 and the impact is absorbed. At this time, since the front chamber 5 does not directly face the vent hole 18, the gas in the front chamber 5 passes through the outer peripheral chamber 6 or the central rear chamber 4 and the outer peripheral chamber 6. It flows out of the airbag from the vent hole 18. For this reason, the time during which the gas is held in the front chamber 5 is longer than in the conventional example.
[0069]
  Further, in this airbag device, since the second gas generating unit 62 operates after a predetermined time after the first gas generating unit 60 starts operating, the gas is relatively long in the airbag 10B. Continue to be supplied. As a result, the internal pressure of the airbag 10B is maintained high for a long time.
[0070]
  In this embodiment, since the front chamber 5 of the airbag 10B occupies substantially the entire front side of the airbag 10B, the entire front side of the airbag 10B is maintained high for a long time.
[0071]
  In the airbag device, the output during operation of the first gas generation unit 60 and the second gas generation unit 62 can be adjusted by the control device. For example, when the distance between the occupant and the steering wheel is relatively small, or when the weight or physique of the occupant is relatively small, the output of the second gas generation unit 62 is set low. As a result, the airbag 10B can be prevented from bulging out toward the occupant and can receive the occupant relatively softly. Even in this case, the gas can be sufficiently supplied from the first gas generation unit 60 to the outer peripheral chamber 6, so that the entire airbag 10 </ b> B can be expanded over a sufficiently wide range.
[0072]
  Further, when the distance between the occupant and the steering wheel is very large, the output of the second gas generator 62 is set high and the output of the first gas generator 60 is set low. In this case, the airbag 10B is restrained from inflating to the side, and the entire airbag 10B is greatly inflated toward the occupant. This makes it possible to catch the occupant relatively early and firmly..
[0073]
  UpEach of the embodiments described above is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in each of the above embodiments, four gas outlets, communication ports, and four through holes are provided, but the number is not limited to four. Further, the shapes of the communication port and the through hole may be shapes other than those illustrated. Further, the opening areas of the communication port and the through hole are not particularly limited.
[0074]
  The inflator may be provided with three or more gas generation units.
[0075]
  The above embodiment is,luckAlthough this is an example of application of the present invention to an airbag device for changing seats, the present invention is not limited to various uses.NoIt can also be applied to an airbag device.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, the internal pressure can be kept relatively high for a long time even when a small capacity inflator is employed.RueAn airbag device is provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 relates to an embodiment.RueIt is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an airbag apparatus.
FIG. 2NoIt is a disassembled perspective view of an airbag apparatus.
3 is a side view of a driver's seat of an automobile provided with the airbag device of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 relates to another embodimentRueIt is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an airbag apparatus.
FIG. 5 relates to still another embodiment.RueIt is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an airbag apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 Central room
  2 Front perimeter room
  3 Outer rear chamber
  4 Central rear room
  5 Front room
  6 Outer chamber
  10, 10A, 10B Driver airbag
  12 Front panel
  14 Rear panel
  16,24 Inflator opening
  18 Bent hole
  22, 22A, 24, 54, 56 Inner panel
  22a, 22b, 24a, 54a, 54b, 56a Communication port
  24b, 56b Through hole
  30 Retainer
  32 Inflator mounting port
  36, 36A inflator
  36a Gas outlet
  42 Presser ring
  60 First gas generator
  60a Gas outlet
  62 Second gas generator
  62a Gas outlet

Claims (6)

In an airbag apparatus having an opening for gas supply on the rear side, and an airbag whose front side faces an occupant when inflated, and an inflator for inflating the airbag ,
A central chamber facing the opening, an outer peripheral front chamber disposed on the front side of the outer periphery of the central chamber, and an outer peripheral rear chamber disposed on the rear side of the outer periphery of the central chamber are formed in the airbag. Has been
The outer peripheral rear chamber communicates with the outside of the airbag through a vent hole;
The central chamber communicates directly with the outer front chamber and the outer rear chamber,
The outer peripheral front chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber communicate with each other only through the central chamber,
Gas for inflating the airbag is configured to flow from the central chamber into the outer peripheral front chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber ,
A gas outlet of the inflator is disposed in the central chamber;
An air bag apparatus characterized in that a through-hole that communicates the central chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber is formed at a position facing the gas ejection port . In an airbag apparatus having an opening for gas supply on the rear side, and an airbag whose front side faces an occupant when inflated, and an inflator for inflating the airbag ,
A central chamber facing the opening, an outer peripheral front chamber disposed on the front side of the outer periphery of the central chamber, and an outer peripheral rear chamber disposed on the rear side of the outer periphery of the central chamber are formed in the airbag. Has been
The outer peripheral rear chamber communicates with the outside of the airbag through a vent hole;
The central chamber communicates directly with the outer front chamber and the outer rear chamber,
The outer peripheral front chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber communicate directly with each other,
Gas for inflating the airbag is configured to flow from the central chamber into the outer peripheral front chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber ,
A gas outlet of the inflator is disposed in the central chamber;
An air bag apparatus characterized in that a through-hole that communicates the central chamber and the outer peripheral rear chamber is formed at a position facing the gas ejection port . 3. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the central chamber is provided so as to reach from the rear portion to the front portion of the airbag in an inflated state. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a front panel, a rear panel, a first inner panel, and a second inner panel each made of a circular cloth.
The front panel, the first inner panel, and the rear panel are overlapped and the outer peripheral edge portions are sewn together, and the central portion of the first inner panel is sewn in an annular shape to the central portion of the front panel by a first seam. Has been
The second inner panel is disposed between the first inner panel and the rear panel, and an outer peripheral edge portion of the second inner panel is formed in an annular shape around the first seam with respect to the first inner panel. Stitched,
An airbag device characterized in that the interior of the airbag is partitioned into the central chamber, the outer peripheral front chamber, and the outer peripheral rear chamber by the first inner panel and the second inner panel. An airbag having an opening for gas supply on the rear side, and the front side facing an occupant during inflation;
In an airbag apparatus having an inflator for inflating the airbag,
A central rear chamber disposed on the rear side of the center inside the airbag and facing the opening;
A front chamber disposed on the front side of the airbag;
An outer peripheral chamber disposed on the outer periphery of the central rear chamber, and the central rear chamber, the front chamber, and the outer peripheral chamber communicate with each other;
The inflator is have a plurality of gas generators for gas generation timing is different,
Front chamber of the airbag is an airbag apparatus characterized that you have occupied substantially the entire front side of the air bag. In claim 5, the gas outlet of the inflator is disposed in the central rear chamber,
An air bag apparatus, wherein a through-hole that communicates the central rear chamber and the outer peripheral chamber is formed at a position facing the gas outlet.

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