JP4486849B2 - Airbag device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device, and more particularly, to an improvement in a deployment regulation structure of an airbag device for a driver seat and a passenger seat.

  Rapid deployment of airbags in airbag devices, particularly driver airbag devices housed in the center of a steering wheel (handle) and passenger seat airbag devices housed in an instrument panel (dashboard) is important. On the other hand, it is required to reduce the occupant injury value when the occupant is approaching the steering wheel or the instrument panel.

  In the invention described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-187512, the folded airbag is accommodated in a state of being wrapped in a sheet material. The sheet material includes a regulation wall portion that covers an upper surface in the airbag deployment direction, and the regulation wall portion is provided with a planned fracture portion that can be broken when the airbag is deployed. In the initial stage of airbag deployment, the airbag is deployed to the right with respect to the occupant. Thereby, it is supposed that the passenger | crew injury value at the time of proximity | contact deployment of an airbag can be reduced.

JP 2002-187512 A

  In the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-30863, a folded airbag is held and regulated by a belt-shaped interference portion, and the airbag is deployed in the lateral direction at the initial stage of deployment. The interference portion is broken and the airbag spreads throughout. Thereby, the deployment control of the airbag can be easily performed.

JP 2001-30863 A

  However, according to the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-187512, since the airbag is biased and deployed in the initial stage of airbag deployment, depending on the position of the occupant, the occupant may be It is difficult to reliably restrain an occupant seated close to the airbag.

  Further, in the invention described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-30863, since the configuration is such that the airbag deployment restriction is canceled by the breakage of the interference part, the breakage is too early depending on the strength of the interference part itself and the joint strength of the interference part. Or too late, it was difficult to delicately control the deployment regulation timing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device that can easily control the deployment timing in the frontal direction of an occupant without impairing the occupant's restraining performance. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, an airbag apparatus according to the present invention is a deployment regulation means for temporarily regulating deployment of the airbag in a first direction facing an occupant at the initial deployment stage of the airbag. And a restriction releasing means for releasing the restriction by the deployment restricting means in conjunction with the inflation of the airbag in a second direction different from the first direction. In the initial stage of airbag deployment, deployment of the airbag in a direction that is perpendicular (opposite) to the occupant is temporarily restricted, and in conjunction with deployment in another direction that does not face the occupant, Deployment restrictions are lifted. For this reason, a passenger | crew's restraining performance is not impaired like the case where the airbag is unbiasedly deployed. In addition, since the airbag deployment restriction is released in conjunction with a force in a direction different from the direction facing the occupant, reliable and delicate deployment timing can be achieved without depending on the strength of the restriction member itself or the bonding strength. Adjustment can be easily achieved. Here, the “first direction facing the occupant” is the front of the normally seated occupant and includes the direction toward the head, depending on the height of the occupant, the installation status of the airbag device, etc. May be displaced.

  It is preferable that the deployment restricting means and the restriction releasing means include at least two first flaps that surround the airbag; and a sewing portion that stitches them together at an overlapping portion of the first flaps. A configuration in which the end of the thread of the sewing portion is pulled by the deployment force of the airbag in the second direction, whereby the sewing portion is frayed and the regulation by the deployment regulating means is released; It is preferable to do.

By adopting a configuration in which the sewing portion extends substantially parallel to the second direction, the restriction on the deployment of the airbag to the occupant can be released smoothly, and the length of the sewing portion is adjusted to adjust the sewing portion. Subtle timing control can be expected. The sewing portion is preferably formed by double ring stitching.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a use state of the airbag apparatus 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and mainly shows a positional relationship between the airbag 30 and the occupant 34. The airbag device 11 is accommodated inside the instrument panel (instrument panel) 36 or the dashboard in such a posture that the upper part is generally directed to the head of the occupant 34. In addition, the airbag apparatus 11 which concerns on this invention can also be accommodated and used in the handle | steering-wheel (steering wheel) of a driver's seat. In the present embodiment, the direction linearly heading from the airbag device 11 to the head of the passenger 34 in the normal posture is the first direction 1D, is substantially orthogonal to the first direction 1D, and the shoulder width of the passenger 34 in the normal posture A direction substantially parallel to the direction is a second direction 2D. In order to demonstrate the effect of the present invention, the second direction may be other than the 2D direction in the figure.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the surrounding sheet 10 that is a main part of the airbag device 11, and mainly shows the configuration of the flaps (14 a, 14 b, 16 a, 16 b) surrounding the airbag 30. FIG. 3 is a development view illustrating the structure of the surrounding sheet 10 according to the embodiment. The airbag device 11 includes an airbag 30 accommodated in an inflatable and deployable state; at the initial deployment stage of the airbag 30, the airbag 30 is temporarily deployed in the first direction 1D facing the occupant 34. A deployment regulation means (14a, 14b, 18a, 18b) that regulates the regulation of the airbag 30 in association with the inflation of the airbag 30 in the second direction 2D different from the first direction 1D. Release means (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 118a, 118b). Although not shown in FIG. 2, the airbag 30 in a folded state is accommodated in the surrounding sheet 10. An inflator (28) is connected to the airbag 30, and the airbag 30 is deployed and inflated by gas generated in the inflator (28).

  The deployment restricting means and the restriction releasing means include two first flaps 14a and 14b surrounding the airbag 30 from the occupant 34 side and the opposite occupant side; and the airbag 30 from a direction substantially orthogonal to the first flaps 14a and 14b. Two surrounding second flaps 16a and 16b; and sewing portions 18a and 18b obtained by partially sewing the first flaps 14a and 14b together on the occupant 34 side. One end of the thread of the sewing portions 18a and 18b is connected to the end portions 20a and 20b (118a and 118b) of the second flaps 16a and 16b, and the second flap 16a is caused by the inflating force of the airbag 30 in the second direction 2D. , 16b and the thread (18a, 18b) are pulled, whereby the sewn portions 18a, 18b are frayed, and the restriction of deployment of the airbag 30 in the first direction 1D is released.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the surrounding seat 10 includes a seat bottom region 12 in which an opening 50 through which an output portion of the inflator (28) is formed in the center; an airbag from the passenger side and the non-occupant side (front-rear direction) A first flap 14a, 14b that wraps 30; a second flap 16a, 16b that wraps the airbag 30 from the lateral direction; a narrow tip region that extends from the vicinity of the tip center of the second flap 16a, 16b toward the left and right outer sides 20a, 20b. The first flaps 14a and 14b are formed wider than the second flaps 16a and 16b, and can cover the airbag 30 by themselves.

  In the first flaps 14a and 14b, two openings 22a and 22b are respectively formed near the center. The openings 22a and 22b of the flap 14a and the openings 22a and 22b of the flap 14b overlap each other. As shown in FIG. 2, these openings 22a and 22b are arranged and formed so that the outer edge portions thereof coincide with the end portions of the second flaps 16a and 16b, and sewing operations using an industrial sewing machine or the like are performed. It can be terminated at the openings 22a and 22b. The opening of the sewing end portion formed in the first flaps 14a and 14b is not limited to the circular shape shown in the figure, and an ellipse, a rectangle, or the like can be adopted.

  The sheet bottom 12, the first flaps (longitudinal flaps) 14a and 14b, and the second flaps (side flaps) 16a and 16b constituting the surrounding sheet 10 are formed as one sheet or by joining a plurality of sheets together. Can be molded. These sheets can be formed of the same material as the airbag 30 (for example, 66 nylon).

  The sewing area between the first flaps 14a and 14b and the sewing area between the second flaps 16a and 16b and the first flaps 14a and 14b are shown as hatched areas 18a and 18b in FIG. Moreover, the sewing area | region in edge part 20a, 20b of 2nd flap 16a, 16b is shown as 118a, 118b. These sewing areas 18a, 18b, 118a, 118b are formed by double chain stitching. In the region where the first flaps 14a, 14b overlap each other, sewing is performed by double chain stitching, and the end of the sewing is connected to the end portions (20a, 20b) of the second flaps 16a, 16b. At the sewing end portion of the sewing area of the first flaps 14a, 14b, the upper thread is cut and the lower thread is pulled to loosen the double chain stitch. In the double chain stitch, the upper thread and the looper are sewn in an intersecting manner, and the upper thread and the looper are intersected with the upper thread in a double manner. As the upper thread of the double chain stitch, for example, 1260 denier 66 nylon can be used. In this case, the tensile strength can be 83 N or more, and the tensile elongation can be about 23%. As the lower thread, for example, 840 denier 66 nylon can be used. In this case, the tensile strength can be 64 N or more, and the tensile elongation can be about 25%.

  In the present invention, the opening of the first flaps 14a and 14b is regulated and released by mechanical fasteners (magic tape: registered trademark), hooks, etc., in addition to double ring stitching, etc., in addition to double ring stitching. Is also possible.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the surrounding sheet 10 according to the embodiment, and shows sewing parts 18a and 118a of double chain stitching. The flap 16b side also has the same structure (symmetry). It is also possible to omit the front end regions 20a and 20b and fold the end portions of the second flaps 16a and 16b inward so as to be directly connected to the threads of the sewing portions 18a and 18b. However, by providing the tip regions 20a and 20b, the sewing operation can be facilitated and the sewing thread can be pulled reliably.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a folded state of the airbag 30 used in the airbag apparatus 11 according to the embodiment. The airbag 30 includes a lower bellows region 30a and an upper folding region 30b. The folding region 30b is preferably folded at least twice. As a result, the momentum at which the airbag 30 tends to deploy upward (occupant side) at the initial stage of deployment can be suppressed (restricted) for a moment. The method of folding the airbag 30 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5, and any other configuration can be employed as long as the upward deployment (occupant side) in the initial deployment can be suppressed to some extent.

  When the airbag device 11 is manufactured (assembled), the airbag 30 folded in the state shown in FIG. 5 is inserted into the interior from the gaps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d (FIG. 2) of the envelope sheet 10 sewn in advance. To do. The airbag 30 surrounded by the surrounding sheet 10 is accommodated in a metal cover (see FIG. 26-FIG. 6), and after an inflator is set in the central opening 50, the airbag 30 is placed on the sewing end portion of the sewing area of the first flaps 14a and 14b. Cut the yarn. Then, it is installed at a predetermined position in the instrument panel (dashboard) 36 of the vehicle.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a deployment operation of the airbag device 11 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6A shows a state where the airbag apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment is set in a vehicle. When the vehicle collides, the inflator 28 is activated, and the gas is rapidly sent into the airbag 30. In the initial stage of deployment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the airbag 30 is inflated in the lateral direction (second direction D2), but deployment in the first direction D1 facing the occupant is restricted. . At this time, the airbag 30 is deployed in the lateral direction. Deployment of the airbag 30 to the passenger side is regulated by sewing (18a, 18b) of the first flaps 14a, 14b. As the airbag 30 is deployed (interlocked) in the lateral direction, the double chain stitch thread connected to the tips 20a, 20b of the second flaps 16a, 16b is pulled in the lateral direction, and the double chain stitch frays. Start (FIG. 6B).

  When the airbag 30 is further deployed in the lateral direction, as shown in FIG. 6C, the double chain stitch thread (18a, 18b) is completely frayed, and the airbag 30 is restricted from being deployed to the occupant. Is released (released). As a result, the airbag 30 is fully deployed.

  In this embodiment, the deployment speed of the airbag 30 toward the front of the occupant can be reduced, and further, the occupant injury in the state where the occupant is close to the airbag due to the reduction of the internal pressure due to the lateral expansion of the airbag 30 The value can be improved. Further, since the airbag does not move to the left and right, the passenger's restraining performance is not impaired.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these Examples at all, It can change in the category of the technical idea shown by the claim.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a use state of an airbag apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and mainly shows a positional relationship between the airbag and an occupant. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a main part (enclosure sheet) of the airbag apparatus according to the embodiment, and mainly illustrates a configuration of a flap that surrounds the airbag. FIG. 3 is a development view illustrating the structure of the surrounding sheet of the airbag apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the airbag apparatus according to the embodiment, and shows a sewing part of double chain stitching. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a folded state of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a deployment operation of the airbag apparatus according to the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1D 1st direction (opposite facing)
2D 2nd direction 10 Enclosure sheet 11 Airbag apparatus 14a, 14b 1st flap (occupant, non-occupant side flap)
16a, 16b 2nd flap (side flap)
18a, 18b Sewing part 20a, 20b Flap end part 22a, 22b Sewing end opening 30 Airbag 34 Crew

Claims (6)

An airbag housed in an inflatable state;
Deployment regulation means for temporarily regulating the deployment of the airbag in a first direction facing the occupant at an early stage of deployment of the airbag;
In conjunction with the inflation of the airbag in a second direction different from the first direction, the regulation release means for releasing the regulation by the deployment regulation means ,
The deployment restriction means and the restriction release means include at least two first flaps that surround the airbag; and a sewing portion that stitches them together at an overlapping portion of the first flaps,
The configuration is such that the end of the thread of the sewing portion is pulled by the deployment force of the airbag in the second direction, whereby the sewing portion is frayed and the regulation by the deployment regulating means is released. An airbag device characterized by the above. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the sewing portion extends substantially parallel to the second direction. The deployment restricting means and the restriction releasing means further include at least two second flaps extending in the second direction and disposed on the first flap,
The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein an end portion of the thread of the sewing portion is connected to the second flap. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the sewing portion is formed by double ring stitching.   An opening is formed in the overlapping portion of the two first flaps,
  In an undeployed state, the end of the second flap is disposed near the outer edge of the opening,
  The two first flaps are sewn substantially parallel to the second direction, and the sewing is finished at the outer edge of the opening, and is sewn at the end of the second flap at the sewing end portion. The airbag device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the yarn is connected. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the airbag is accommodated in a state in which a plurality of upper portions thereof are folded.

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