JP4993452B2 - Airbag device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an airbag device that inflates and protects an occupant in the event of a vehicle collision or the like, and more particularly to an airbag device that divides the interior of an airbag into a plurality of chambers to improve the occupant protection function.

  In recent years, for example, automobiles equipped with an air bag device on a steering wheel or an instrument panel of a vehicle have been widely used in order to protect a driver's seat or passenger's passenger in an emergency such as a vehicle collision. This airbag device inflates and deploys the head of an occupant who moves toward the front of the vehicle by activating an inflator to supply gas into the airbag and inflating it when a vehicle collision is detected. The air bag is received and restrained by the air bag to protect it from the impact of a collision.

  Therefore, in such an airbag device, it is necessary to rapidly inflate and deploy the airbag in the event of a vehicle collision or the like so that sufficient occupant restraining force (restraining performance) can be exhibited. On the other hand, after the occupant is received by the inflated airbag, it is necessary to exhaust the gas in the airbag to the outside and receive the occupant softly by the airbag to absorb the impact applied to the occupant by the collision. Therefore, conventionally, an airbag apparatus is used in which the interior of an airbag is partitioned into a plurality of chambers and vent holes are formed in the airbag to meet the above-described requirements (see Patent Document 1). ).

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the airbag of this conventional airbag device is inflated and deployed.
As shown in the figure, the airbag apparatus 100 includes a bag-shaped airbag 110 formed in a substantially fan shape when viewed from the side, and an inflator (not shown) provided in the gas inlet 120 on the lower surface of the airbag 110. In the event of a vehicle collision or the like, the airbag 110 is inflated and deployed in the direction in which the occupant is positioned (in the figure, in the upper right direction in the figure), etc., with the gas supplied from the inflator through the gas inlet 120.

  The airbag 110 includes a substantially rectangular upper surface portion 111 and a lower surface portion 112, a pair of substantially fan-shaped side surface portions 113 provided between both edge portions of the respective portions 111 and 112, and an outer side of the airbag 110. It is comprised from five surfaces of the front part 114 which curves and is located in the passenger | crew side of the airbag 110. FIG. The airbag 110 includes a partition wall 115 that divides the interior of the airbag 110 into a first chamber 110A on the inflator side and a second chamber 110B on the occupant side, in an internal space partitioned by the above portions 111 to 114, and A connecting band 116 having a predetermined length is provided to connect the partition wall 115 and the first chamber 110 </ b> A side of the airbag 110.

  The partition wall 115 is substantially L-shaped in a side view, divides the first chamber 110A into a substantially V-shape in a side view, and the second chamber 110B into a substantially fan-like shape in a side view, and the first chamber 110A and the second chamber 110B. And a plurality of communication holes 121 for moving the gas. Further, vent holes 122 for exhausting the gas in the airbag 110 are provided on both side surface portions 113 on the second chamber 110B side, and the gas supplied from the gas inlet 120 is the first chamber of the airbag 110. After inflating 110 </ b> A, the second chamber 110 </ b> B is inflated through the communication hole 121 to inflate and deploy the entire airbag 110, and is exhausted from the vent hole 122.

  The airbag device 100 is configured to receive and restrict the movement of the occupant's head and the like and restrain the occupant by the second chamber 110B inflated and deployed as described above. At this time, in the airbag apparatus 100, the connecting band 116 adjusts the protruding distance and the protruding pressure of the airbag 110 and the second chamber 110B toward the occupant to improve their deployment characteristics and improve the occupant's restraining force. ing. In addition, after receiving the occupant, the gas in the airbag 110 is exhausted from the vent hole 122 to absorb the impact applied to the occupant to some extent in the event of a collision, thereby enhancing its protection function.

  However, in this conventional airbag device 100, as the internal pressure of the second chamber 110B gradually decreases due to the exhaust of gas from the vent hole 122, the occupant restrained by the second chamber 110B becomes easy to move. The restraining force that restricts the movement of the occupant exerted by the two chambers 110B and the airbag 110 also tends to gradually decrease. Therefore, in such an airbag device 100, it is difficult to cope with a case where a greater restraining force for the occupant is required, and in some cases, the occupant's restraining force may be insufficient. Further improvements are needed.

  Further, in the airbag device 100, since the vent hole 122 is provided on the occupant-side second chamber 110B side, the position and manner of the collision of the occupant with the airbag 110, or the expansion of the second chamber 110B at the time of the collision. Depending on the degree or the like, for example, the vent hole 122 may be sandwiched between the occupant and the partition wall 115, and gas exhaust from the vent hole 122 may be hindered. In such a case, there is a problem in that the amount of gas exhausted from the airbag 110 when the occupant is received is insufficient, impact absorption performance is reduced, and the impact received by the occupant during a collision is increased.

  The above-mentioned problems are particularly caused when an occupant who is not in a normal seating state, such as an occupant seated close to the airbag device 100 or seated in a position leaning forward from a normal riding posture, is used. This is likely to occur when the airbag 110 is in contact with the airbag 110 and the position and timing of the airbag 110 are shifted. Further, when the occupant is relatively small, for example, a child seated in the passenger seat, the contact position with the airbag 110 may be deviated even in the normal seating state, and the above-described problems may occur. Furthermore, when such an occupant is in a posture greatly deviated from the normal seating state, such as approaching the instrument panel or contacting the head or chest, the risk of the above problem is further increased. . Therefore, in order to alleviate the impact on the occupant and protect it more safely, even when the occupant is in an abnormal riding posture (Out Of Position, hereinafter referred to as OOP) as described above, It is necessary to ensure that the gas is exhausted and to improve the shock absorbing performance of the airbag 110.

JP 2000-159045 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and the purpose thereof is to increase the restraining force of the airbag on the occupant to more reliably regulate the movement at the time of collision, and the occupant is in the OOP state. In addition, it is possible to more reliably exhaust gas from the airbag to reduce the impact on the occupant and to improve the occupant protection function of the airbag device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an airbag apparatus comprising an airbag that can be inflated and deployed by introducing gas, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag. A partition wall having a gas passage which divides into one chamber and a second chamber on the passenger side and enables gas to flow between the first chamber and the second chamber; and the first chamber side of the airbag A first vent hole and a second vent hole for exhausting the gas in the airbag, and exhausting the gas in the airbag through the first and second vent holes. The first and second exhaust state switching members, one end of which is connected to the first exhaust state switching member and the other end of which is connected to the partition wall, and one end of which is the second exhaust state switching member. The other end of the exhaust state switching member is in an expanded and deployed configuration. A second connecting member connected to a lower position on the first chamber side of the airbag, and the first and second connecting members are in a state where the airbag is inflated and deployed when the inflator is operated. Then, when each of the connecting members applies tension to the first and second exhaust state switching members to close the vent holes, and when the inflated airbag receives an occupant who has invaded and is deformed, When the first connecting member is loosened to release the tension to the first exhaust state switching member to open the first vent hole, and the airbag is in the middle of inflation and deployment, The 1st and / or 2nd connection member opens the said 1st and / or 2nd vent hole, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the airbag device according to the first aspect, the first chamber of the airbag in the inflated and deployed configuration is partitioned to form a third chamber, and the first and third chambers are formed. And a second partition wall having a gas passage that enables gas to flow between the second connection member and the other end of the second connection member connected to the second partition wall. .
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the airbag device according to the first or second aspect, each of the first and second exhaust state switching members is connected to one end portion surrounding an opening provided in the airbag, and It comprises a pair of base cloth pieces having the other end part that is joined to cover the opening part, and both side openings between the one end part and the other end part of the pair of base cloth pieces are used as the respective vent holes. And
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the airbag apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, each of the first and second exhaust state switching members is configured so that each of the vent holes is in a state of exhausting the gas. The vent holes are opened to the outside of the airbag to open the vent holes. In the non-exhaust state, the vent holes are introduced together with the vent holes to close the vent holes.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the airbag apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first and second exhaust state switching members are respectively provided on both side portions of the airbag in the inflated and deployed form. It is provided in.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the airbag device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the gas flows from the first chamber into the second chamber or the third chamber into the gas passage of each partition wall. And a check valve for preventing gas in the second chamber or the third chamber from flowing into the first chamber.

  According to the present invention, the restraining force of the airbag on the occupant is increased, and the movement of the occupant at the time of the collision can be more reliably regulated, and even when the occupant is in the OOP state, the gas is more reliably discharged from the airbag. The impact on the occupant can be reduced, and the occupant protection function of the airbag device can be improved.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an airbag device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
This airbag apparatus is an airbag apparatus for a driver's seat or a passenger seat that is attached to, for example, a steering wheel or an instrument panel of a vehicle and protects an occupant. In the following embodiments, an airbag for a passenger seat is used. The apparatus will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the airbag of the airbag device of the present embodiment has been inflated and deployed, and schematically shows the occupant 5S seated in a normal state and the occupant 5P in an OOP state together with the airbag device. Indicate.
As shown in the figure, the airbag device 1 includes an airbag 10 that can be inflated and deployed by introducing gas, an inflator 2 attached to a gas inlet 20 on the lower surface of the airbag 10, and the like.

  The inflator 2 is attached to the inside of an instrument panel of the vehicle together with the airbag 10 folded in a predetermined manner, and supplies gas into the airbag 10 through the gas introduction port 20 when the vehicle collides. With this gas, the inflator 2 inflates and deploys the airbag 10 in the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the like around the direction in which the occupants 5S, 5P are located.

  The airbag 10 is formed in a bag shape that can be inflated and deployed. For example, both end portions in the longitudinal direction of a substantially band-shaped base fabric are joined together by stitching, bonding, welding, etc. to form a cylindrical shape, and the peripheral edge portions of both side openings A pair of side cloths are joined to each other to close the side portions. Further, in the airbag 10, a partition wall 11 that divides the internal space, a first tether belt 12 that is a restricting member that restricts movement of the partition wall 11 when the airbag 10 is inflated, and one end of the airbag 10 is more than the partition wall 11. A second tether belt 13 connected to a lower portion of the lower airbag 10 is provided at a predetermined position.

  Furthermore, on one side (the first chamber 10A side to be described later) divided by the partition wall 11 of the airbag 10, first and second openings 23 and 24 communicating with the inside and outside of the airbag 10 are formed. Each of the openings 23 and 24 is provided with a switch vent hole mechanism (exhaust state switching members 30 and 35) capable of switching the exhaust state of the gas in the airbag 10 according to the state. Among these exhaust state switching members 30, 35, the first exhaust state switching member 30 provided in the first opening 23 is connected to the partition wall 11 by the first tether belt 12, and the second opening 24. The second exhaust state switching member 35 provided in the is connected to the lower portion of the airbag 10 by the second tether belt 13.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the tether belts 12 and 13 connected to each other for easy understanding of each connection state of the airbag 10. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the first tether belt 12. FIG. 2B shows the second tether belt 13 connected to each other.
Hereinafter, each member etc. are demonstrated in detail for every each figure.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the partition wall 11 connected to the first tether belt 12 divides the interior of the airbag 10 at the time of inflation and deployment into a first chamber 10A on the inflator 2 side and a second chamber 10B on the occupant 5S side. Here, the second chamber 10B is partitioned so as to be a small air chamber having a smaller volume than the first chamber 10A. Further, in the airbag device 1, the partition wall 11 is disposed and joined relatively upward on the side of the occupant 5S of the airbag 10, and the second chamber 10 </ b> B is mainly in a normal seating state when the airbag 10 is inflated and deployed. This is a regular occupant restraint section that receives and restrains the occupant 5S. That is, the partition wall 11 is provided with a second chamber 10B at a position mainly facing the upper body of the occupant 5S. The second chamber 10B receives and restrains the chest from the head of the occupant 5S that enters. .

  Here, the occupant 5S in the regular seating state mainly refers to a state in which the seat belt is seated or seated in a regular (normal) posture where the seat belt can be worn or worn, and from the posture, for example, somewhat closer to the airbag device 1 or tilted forward. This refers to the occupant 5S in a normal general state that does not deviate significantly from the normal seating posture. Therefore, the normal seating state mainly in the present invention includes the normal general state as described above, which is a light OOP state, in addition to the normal seating state.

  In the present embodiment, the second chamber 10B is formed between the base fabric pieces by superposing the base fabric pieces for the partition wall 11 on the base fabric pieces for the airbag 10 and joining the predetermined positions to each other. ing. That is, the second chamber 10 </ b> B forms a base fabric piece for the partition 11 (for example, a silicon-coated base fabric piece) constituting the partition 11, and forms a second chamber 10 </ b> B for the base fabric piece for the airbag 10 constituting the airbag 10. It is formed by overlapping the power portion (front portion 10C facing the occupant 5S of the airbag 10) and joining the portions corresponding to the boundary between the airbag 10 and the partition wall 11 of the overlapped base fabric pieces. Yes. Therefore, for example, the airbag 10 cuts the base fabric into substantially the same shape as the front portion 10C of the airbag 10 or a shape close thereto to form a base fabric piece for the partition wall 11, and joins it into a bag shape. It overlaps with the flat base fabric piece for the airbag 10 in the front, and after the peripheral edge of the base fabric piece for the partition wall 11 is sewn to the base fabric piece for the airbag 10 in a flat state, it is joined to another base fabric piece. Etc. to form a bag.

  In addition, the partition wall 11 is formed with a gas passage 22 such as a substantially circular communication hole that allows gas to flow between the first chamber 10A and the second chamber 10B in a substantially central portion, and from there A check valve 25 for controlling the gas flow is attached. The check valve 25 is a one-way valve that allows gas to flow from the first chamber 10A to the second chamber 10B, but prevents the gas flowing into the second chamber 10B from flowing out to the first chamber 10A. Yes, for example, covering the gas passage 22 with a size capable of closing the gas passage 22 so as to cover the gas passage 22 from the second chamber 10B side, and bonding and fixing several places around it to the partition wall 11 It is installed in the gas passage 22.

  The partition wall 11 is formed and arranged according to the use, shape, etc. of the airbag device 1 so that the second chamber 10B of the partitioning airbag 10 can receive and restrain the occupant 5S in the event of a vehicle collision. . That is, the bulkhead 11 has a sufficient capacity of the occupant 5S in which the second chamber 10B inflated and deployed is sufficient in accordance with the portion to be restrained (here, the head and the chest) of the occupant 5S, the size of the airbag 10 and the inflated and deployed shape. The airbag 10 is formed in an appropriate size and shape so as to have a size and shape capable of exhibiting the restraining force of the vehicle and a position where the occupant 5S can be received safely.

  The first opening portion 23 is a long communication portion (communication hole) provided on the first chamber 10A side of the airbag 10 to communicate the inside and outside of the airbag 10. It is formed on one side portion 10D (the side surface on the back side in the drawing). The first opening 23 is linear at a position relatively close to the gas inlet 20 that is away from the partition wall 11 of the side portion 10D of the airbag 10 and at an angle close to the vertical direction (vertical direction in the figure). The first exhaust state switching member 30 is provided along the longitudinal direction.

  Here, in a state where the airbag 10 before being inflated is folded, the gas passage 22 of the partition wall 11 is located on the downstream side in the gas supply direction facing the gas inlet 20, and when the airbag 10 is inflated, The gas supplied from the gas inlet 20 is easy to enter. On the other hand, the first opening 23 that is relatively close to the gas inlet 20 is located on the upstream side in the gas supply direction. The communication hole at such a position is drawn by the gas flow in the airbag 10 in the initial stage of inflation, in addition to the difficulty of gas flowing out from the gas inlet 20 during the inflation of the airbag 10. Thus, the air tends to flow from the outside to the inside of the airbag 10. Therefore, it is difficult for gas to escape from the first opening 23 when the airbag 10 is inflated and deployed.

  The first exhaust state switching member 30 is a member having a vent hole 30 </ b> H for exhausting the gas in the airbag 10, depending on the tension from the connected first tether belt 12 and the internal pressure of the airbag 10. The vent hole 30H is configured to be switchable between a state of exhausting the gas in the airbag 10 and a state of non-exhaust. That is, when the airbag 10 is inflated and deployed, the first exhaust state switching member 30 is introduced into the airbag 10 together with the vent hole 30H, covers the first opening 23 and closes the vent hole 30H. Is closed, and a non-exhaust state is established in which gas exhaust in the airbag 10 is suppressed when the inflator 2 is activated. On the other hand, in a state where the occupant 5S is received by the inflated and deployed airbag 10, the first exhaust state switching member 30 is led out of the airbag 10 together with the vent hole 30H, and opens the vent hole 30H. The exhaust gas is changed to an exhaustable state.

  The first exhaust state switching member 30 does not need to completely prevent the gas from the airbag 10 in the non-exhaust state, and is in a state where a certain amount of gas is exhausted. Also good. Therefore, in the present invention, the term “non-exhaust state” or “non-exhaust state” includes a state where gas exhaust can be suppressed in addition to a state where gas exhaust can be prevented.

Hereinafter, the first exhaust state switching member 30 will be described more specifically.
3 and 4 are diagrams schematically showing the first exhaust state switching member 30 in a non-exhaust state, FIG. 3 is a side view, and FIG. 4 is a plan view. 5 and 6 are views schematically showing the first exhaust state switching member 30 in the exhaust state, where FIG. 5 is a side view and FIG. 6 is a plan view.

  The first exhaust state switching member 30 includes a pair of base cloth pieces 30K having one end portion surrounding the first opening portion 23 and the other end portion which is joined to each other and covers the first opening portion 23. Both side openings between one end and the other end are vent holes 30H. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the first exhaust state switching member 30 extends from the first opening 23 of the airbag 10, and is provided with a pair of upper and lower layers so as to close it. It consists of a base cloth piece (band-like member) 30K. This pair of base fabric pieces 30K has a substantially trapezoidal shape in plan view with a width gradually decreasing from one end (base end) on the first opening 23 side to the other end (tip end) (FIG. 4, 6) and the tip portions of the first tether belt 12 are joined together with the tip portion of the first tether belt 12 along the width direction (joint portion 30B in the figure). On the other hand, the both side portions are joined to each other only in the vicinity of the base end portion on the airbag 10 side (joint portion 30C in the figure), and the portion from the joint portion 30C to the joint portion 30B at the distal end portion is not joined and opened. It is in a state (non-joined part). Therefore, the inside and outside of the airbag 10 communicate with each other through both side openings (non-joining portions) of the pair of base cloth pieces 30K. In the present embodiment, the pair of base cloth pieces 30K surrounding the non-joining portions. A vent hole 30H of the first exhaust state switching member 30 is formed by both side portions.

  In addition, since both sides of the pair of base fabric pieces 30K are joined (joint part 30C) in the vicinity of the base end part on the airbag 10 side over a predetermined length, the vent hole 30H and the opening part of the airbag 10 are provided. 23 is not in a continuous positional relationship, and is provided at positions separated from each other across the joint 30C. Further, each of the base cloth pieces 30K is joined while forming a first opening 23 by sewing a pair of base cloths having a predetermined shape, for example, to a through hole formed in the airbag 10 so as to surround the peripheral edge thereof. For example, it is integrated with the airbag 10. Alternatively, each base fabric piece 30K is composed of, for example, two divided pieces obtained by dividing the side portion 10D of the airbag 10 by the first opening 23 portion, and when the divided pieces are cut (formed) in advance, After cutting with a portion corresponding to the base fabric piece 30K, the portions other than the first opening 23 are joined together, and a portion surrounded by one end of the pair of base fabric pieces 30K is a first opening. For example, the portion 23 may be formed integrally with the side portion 10D.

  The first tether belt 12 is a connecting member having a predetermined length that connects the first exhaust state switching member 30 and the partition wall 11 to each other, and cuts a base fabric similar to the airbag 10 or the like into a substantially band shape or a string shape. Are formed equally. In the airbag device 1, the first tether belt 12 is formed in an elongated and substantially belt-like shape, and one end portion thereof (see FIG. 2A) is sewn to a position below the gas passage 22 at the substantially central portion of the partition wall 11. And joined. In addition, the other end portion (see FIGS. 4 and 6) connected (joined) to the distal end portion of the first exhaust state switching member 30 (base cloth piece 30K) is gradually expanded toward the end portion, In addition, the joined end portions are formed so that the widths thereof are substantially the same, and tension, pull-in force, and the like are applied so as to pull the entire tip portion of the first exhaust state switching member 30. ing.

  When the airbag 10 is inflated (see FIG. 2A), the first tether belt 12 is connected to the partition 11 connected to one end to the first exhaust state switching member 30 connected to the other end. Thus, the movement of the partition wall 11 to the second chamber 10B side is restricted, and the expansion of the second chamber 10B is promoted to enable rapid expansion and deployment. At the same time, in the state where the airbag 10 is inflated and deployed when the inflator 2 is operated, the first tether belt 12 applies tension to the first exhaust state switching member 30 to the other end side (the partition wall 11 side). When the vent hole 30H (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is closed and the inflated airbag 10 receives and deforms the invading occupant 5S, the first exhaust state switching member 30 is moved according to the receiving position. The tension to the partition wall 11 side is released, and the vent hole 30H (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is opened. As described above, the first tether belt 12 causes the vent hole 30H of the first exhaust state switching member 30 to mutually pass between the state of exhausting the gas in the airbag 10 and the state of non-exhaust due to its tension. Has a function to change the state.

  That is, the first tether belt 12 receives the inflating and deploying force due to the gas supply from the inflator 2 and the first exhaust when the inflator 2 is activated and the airbag 10 is inflated and deployed (see FIG. 2A). Pulled between the state switching member 30. In this state, the first tether belt 12 substantially completes the inflation and deployment of the bag-like second chamber 10B, and the first exhaust state switching member 30 is brought into the airbag 10 against the internal pressure of the airbag 10. (Refer to FIGS. 3 and 4) and pulled in a substantially straight line to close the vent hole 30H to a non-exhaust state.

  Further, the first tether belt 12 is pulled by the first exhaust state switching member 30 connected to one end side and connected to the other end side as the airbag 10 is inflated. 11 is gradually pulled toward the one end side to restrict the movement so that the partition wall 11 is pulled into the first chamber 10A, and the partition wall 11 (second chamber 10B) is expanded into the first chamber 10A. At the time of the expansion, the first tether belt 12 pulls the substantially central portion that protrudes most toward the first chamber 10A when the expansion and deployment of the partition wall 11 is completed, and the second chamber 10B is approximately evenly directed toward the first chamber 10A. It is designed to expand. At the same time, the tension toward the partition wall 11 is applied to the first exhaust state switching member 30 to close the vent hole 30H and change the state to the non-exhaust state relatively early in the start of the inflation of the airbag 10.

  On the other hand, when the occupant 5S invading the inflated airbag 10 is received, the second chamber 10B that holds the internal pressure is deformed so as to wrap the occupant 5S in accordance with the receiving position, and the second chamber 10B. In addition, the partition wall 11 is deformed in a convex shape toward the first chamber 10A, and the entire second chamber 10B is pushed in the direction in which the occupant 5S enters and moves toward the first opening 23. As a result, the internal pressure of the first chamber 10A gradually increases, and the distance between the first opening 23 and the joining position of the first tether belt 12 of the partition wall 11 in the airbag 10 is shortened. One tether belt 12 is loosened between the partition wall 11 and the first exhaust state switching member 30, and the tension toward the partition wall 11 side is released. In this state, the first tether belt 12 is led out of the airbag 10 by the first exhaust state switching member 30 receiving the internal pressure of the airbag 10 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and opens the vent hole 30H. Thus, it is formed in a length that allows the state to be changed to the exhaust state.

  In contrast to the first tether belt 12 (see FIG. 2A) in which one end described above is connected to the partition wall 11, one end of the second tether belt 13 is directly connected to the first chamber 10A side of the airbag 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the second tether belt 13 has a lower position where one end is below the second chamber 10B (partition wall 11) of the airbag 10 (first chamber 10A) in the inflated and deployed configuration. The other end is connected to a second exhaust state switching member 35 provided in the second opening 24. The second tether belt 13 is a connecting member having a predetermined length for connecting the second exhaust state switching member 35 to a predetermined position of the airbag 10, and is formed in a long and narrow strip shape. 12 is formed. The second exhaust state switching member 35 is also composed of a pair of base cloth pieces 35K extending from the second opening 24 formed in the same manner as the first opening 23, and the openings on both sides serve as vent holes 35H. Etc., and configured in the same manner as the above-described first exhaust state switching member 30 (see FIGS. 3 to 6), and the tip portions of the pair of base cloth pieces 35 </ b> K are joined together with the tip portion of the second tether belt 13. Yes.

  However, the second opening 24 is the other side portion 10D (on the opposite side to the side portion 10D (see FIG. 1) where the first opening 23 of the airbag 10 in the inflated and deployed form is formed. In the figure, it is formed on the front side of the drawing. Further, the second opening 24 is a straight line inclined obliquely at an upper position that is far from the connection position of the second tether belt 13 to the airbag 10 and relatively close to the gas inlet 20 of the side portion 10D. It is formed to extend in a shape. Further, the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 and the tether belts 12 and 13 extending from the first and second openings 23 and 24 are separated from each other so as to extend in different directions in the inflated and deployed airbag 10. Are arranged.

  In such a connected state, the second tether belt 13 causes the second exhaust state switching member 35 to act on the other end side (the lower side of the airbag 10) when the airbag 10 is inflated and deployed. The second exhaust state switching member 35 is pulled into the airbag 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) against the internal pressure of the airbag 10 and pulled substantially linearly, and the vent hole 35H is closed to a non-exhaust state. It is formed in a length to make. In addition, the second tether belt 13 causes the second exhaust state switching member 35 to be tensioned to the other end side during the inflation and deployment of the airbag 10 so that the airbag 10 starts to be inflated. The vent hole 35H is closed relatively early to change the state to the non-exhaust state.

  On the other hand, when the inflated airbag 10 receives the occupant 5P in the OOP state, the airbag 10 (here, the lower portion) is deformed into a convex shape in the first chamber 10A according to the receiving position. As a result, the internal pressure of the first chamber 10A gradually increases, and the second tether belt 13 becomes loose. In this state, the second tether belt 13 releases the tension to the second exhaust state switching member 35 to open the vent hole 35H (see FIGS. 5 and 6), receives the internal pressure of the airbag 10, The second exhaust state switching member 35 is led out of the airbag 10 and has a length that allows the vent hole 35H to change state to the exhaust state.

  In the present embodiment, when the airbag 10 is inflated, an occupant 5P in an OOP state that is relatively far from the normal seating state comes into contact with and enters the connection position of the second tether belt 13 to the airbag 10. Placed in position. That is, when a small occupant 5P such as a child is approaching or in contact with the instrument panel, the occupant 5P is in contact with a position that is relatively far from the normal contact position with the lower portion of the airbag 10 as the center. In the case of intrusion, the tension by the second tether belt 13 is released, and the second tether belt 13 is connected to a position where the second exhaust state switching member 35 can change the state to the exhaust state. The connection position of the second tether belt 13 is a test position defined by, for example, the US Federal Safety Standard FMVSS 208, in which a 6-year-old child, a 3-year-old child, or a 12-month-old dummy is in contact with the head or chest of the instrument panel. 1 and 2, the range in which the second exhaust state switching member 35 comes into an exhaust state by contacting the airbag 10 in which the dummy is activated, for example, a lower position (bottom) near the instrument panel of the airbag 10 in the inflated and deployed form Placed in.

Next, the function of each part at the time of the action | operation of the airbag apparatus 1 demonstrated above is demonstrated.
7 and 8 are side views schematically showing a state when the airbag apparatus 1 is activated. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the occupant 5S is mainly in a normal seating state, and FIG. 8 shows an occupant 5P. An example in which each is in the OOP state described above is shown.

  The airbag device 1 is attached to a predetermined position (such as in an instrument panel) in front of a passenger seat of a vehicle in a state where the airbag 10 is assembled and assembled with the inflator 2, and in this state, the airbag 10 Each exhaust state switching member 30, 35 is folded into a predetermined mode with the airbag 10 being introduced into the airbag 10. From this state, when the vehicle collides, the inflator 2 is activated (see FIG. 1), gas is supplied from the gas inlet 20 into the airbag 10, and the first chamber 10A of the airbag 10 is inflated. At the same time, gas is introduced into the second chamber 10B from the first chamber 10A through the gas passage 22 of the partition wall 11, and the entire airbag 10 is inflated and deployed while the second chamber 10B is inflated and deployed.

  As the airbag 10 is inflated and deployed in this manner, the first tether belt 12 is gradually pulled by the first exhaust state switching member 30 to restrict the movement of the partition wall 11 and assist the expansion of the second chamber 10B. Then, the expansion and deployment proceeds. At the same time, the second tether belt 13 is also pulled between the connecting portions, and a strong tension acts on the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 in the airbag 10 connected to the tether belts 12 and 13, and these are connected to the vents. The holes 30H and 35H are substantially closed (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and the openings 23 and 24 are closed in the airbag 10. This non-exhaust state is maintained by the tension of the tether belts 12 and 13, gas exhaust from the airbag 10 is suppressed, gas leakage is reduced, and the airbag 10 is rapidly inflated and deployed. When the inflation and deployment of the airbag 10 and the second chamber 10B are almost completed, the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 are pulled more strongly in the inner direction of the airbag 10 by the tether belts 12 and 13, and this strong tension The exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 are reliably maintained in the non-exhaust state against the internal pressure in the airbag 10.

  In this state (see FIG. 7A), when the occupant 5S moving forward due to the impact of the vehicle collision comes into contact with the front portion 10C of the airbag 10 (see FIG. 7B), the airbag 10 (second chamber 10B) is occupant. The entire airbag 10 inflated and deployed upon receiving 5S is deformed toward the direction in which the occupant 5S enters. At the time of this deformation, the second chamber 10B is deformed into a concave shape so as to enclose the occupant 5S. However, the check valve 25 prevents the gas from flowing out from the inside, and the concave deformed shape is maintained to ensure the occupant 5S. To be restrained. At the same time, the gas in the first chamber 10A is compressed and its internal pressure rises, the entire second chamber 10B moves in the direction of entry of the occupant 5S (on the first opening 23 side), and the partition 11 is convex As a result, the first tether belt 12 is loosened, and the tension toward the partition wall 11 acting on the first exhaust state switching member 30 is released. As a result, the first exhaust state switching member 30 is led out so as to be pushed out of the airbag 10 by the internal pressure of the first chamber 10A (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and the vent hole 30H is opened to open the first chamber. The inside and outside of 10A communicate. As described above, the first exhaust state switching member 30 changes the state from the non-exhaust state (see FIG. 7A) to the exhaust state (see FIG. 7B), and the gas in the first chamber 10A is changed to the first opening 23. From the vent hole 30H through the first exhaust state switching member 30 to the outside. As a result, the first chamber 10A is gradually deflated and the occupant 5S is softly received by the airbag 10, and the impact of the collision applied to the occupant 5S is absorbed and mitigated for protection.

  Here, when the occupant 5S is seated in an abnormal riding posture such as leaning forward or the like and comes into contact with the airbag 10 earlier than usual, the airbag 10 occupies the occupant in the middle of completion of inflation. 5S will be contacted and further expansion and expansion will be hindered. However, even in such a case, in the airbag 10, the internal pressure of the first chamber 10 </ b> A rises with the first tether belt 12 being loosened, and the first exhaust state switching member 30 is in the first chamber due to the internal pressure. Since the gas is led out of 10A and changed to an exhaust state, the gas can be exhausted from the vent hole 30H. The second tether belt 13 (see FIG. 7C) is connected to the lower position of the airbag 10, and even if such an occupant 5S enters and the airbag 10 is deformed (see FIG. 7D), the tension is maintained. Maintained in the acted state. Therefore, the second exhaust state switching member 35 connected to the second tether belt 13 is maintained in a non-exhaust state, and the exhaust of gas from the vent hole 35H and the second opening 24 is prevented or suppressed. The

  On the other hand, when the occupant 5P in the above-described OOP state comes into contact with the vicinity of the lower part to which the second tether belt 13 of the inflated airbag 10 is connected (see FIG. 8A), the airbag 10 Takes it and deforms upwards to wrap it around. As a result, the gas in the first chamber 10A is compressed to increase the internal pressure, the second tether belt 13 is loosened, and the tension acting on the second exhaust state switching member 35 is released. As a result, the second exhaust state switching member 35 is led out of the airbag 10 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) to change the state from the non-exhaust state to the exhaust state, the vent hole 35H is opened, and the first chamber is opened. The inside and outside of 10A communicate with each other, and the gas in the first chamber 10A is exhausted from the vent hole 35H to the outside through the second opening 24. In this way, while the invaded occupant 5P is restrained by the airbag 10, the first chamber 10A is gradually deflated and the occupant 5P is softly received by the airbag 10 to absorb and mitigate the impact of the collision applied to the occupant 5P. And protect.

  The protection of the occupant 5P by the second exhaust state switching 35 is performed not only after the inflation of the airbag 10 is completed, but also when the occupant 5P contacts the airbag 10 that has been inflated and deployed to some extent before the completion. This is the same as the first exhaust state switching member 30 described above. Further, the first tether belt 12 (see FIG. 8B) is connected to the first tether belt 12 because the tension is maintained even when such an occupant 5P enters and the airbag 10 is deformed. The first exhaust state switching member 30 is maintained in a non-exhaust state, and the exhaust of gas from the vent hole 30H and the first opening 23 is prevented or suppressed.

  As described above, in the airbag device 1 of the present embodiment, the openings 23 and 24 are formed at positions where gas is difficult to escape when the airbag 10 is inflated, and the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 are not exhausted. The airbag 10 can be rapidly inflated and deployed in order to suppress gas exhaust from the airbag 10 during inflation while maintaining the state. As a result, the airbag 10 can be brought into a state where sufficient restraint force of the occupants 5S and 5P can be exerted at an early stage, and in addition to the occupant 5P in the OOP state (see FIG. 8A), for example, an occupant in a normal seating state 5S (see FIG. 7) is approaching the airbag device 1 side, or is seated in a posture leaning forward from the normal riding posture, etc. The passengers 5S and 5P can be protected even when they come into contact with the vehicle 10 or the like.

  Further, in the airbag device 1, in addition to gas easily entering the second chamber 10B from the gas passage 22 of the partition wall 11, the movement of the partition wall 11 to the second chamber 10B side is regulated by the first tether belt 12. Since the second chamber 10B is expanded, the expansion and expansion of the second chamber 10B (the expansion of the partition wall 11 into the first chamber 10A) can be performed earlier and reliably. At the same time, the first tether belt 12 can control the protruding distance and the protruding pressure of the partition wall 11 (second chamber 10B) toward the occupant 5S when the airbag 10 is inflated. In addition, the protection function of the occupant 5S can be improved. In addition, in this airbag apparatus 1, since the vent hole for exhausting gas is not provided on the second chamber 10B side and the check valve 25 is provided in the gas passage 22 of the partition wall 11, the second chamber 10B inflated and deployed is used. Even after the head of the occupant 5S is received, the gas is not exhausted from the second chamber 10B, and the internal pressure can be maintained. As a result, it is possible to maintain the deformed shape of the second chamber 10B that has received and deformed the occupant 5S and more strongly regulate the movement of the head of the occupant 5S after the collision. The restraining force of the occupant 5S in the second chamber 10B can be improved.

  Further, in the airbag device 1, as described above, when the inflated airbag 10 receives and deforms the occupants 5S and 5P that have contacted and intruded, the first exhaust state switching is performed according to the receiving position. In order to release the tension acting on the member 30 or the second exhaust state switching member 35 and open one of the vent holes 30H, 35H, the airbag 10 (first The gases in the chamber 10A) can be reliably exhausted to protect them safely. That is, the occupant 5S (see FIG. 7B) that contacts the front surface portion 10C of the most common airbag 10 is protected by exhausting the gas from the first exhaust state switching member 30 while being reliably restrained by the second chamber 10B. When the occupant 5P (see FIG. 8A) in the OOP state contacts the lower portion of the airbag 10, the gas is discharged from the second exhaust state switching member 35 to be protected.

  In each of the exhaust states, in the airbag device 1, the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 operate independently of each other, and only one of them is in the exhaust state, so that gas is exhausted from the airbag 10 more than necessary. In addition, the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 can be optimized for each application. For example, the vent holes 30H and 35H of the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 are formed in different sizes, or the installation positions in the airbag 10 and the lengths of the tether belts 12 and 13 are changed. Then, each vent hole 30H, 35H is opened at the optimal timing, or the exhaust amount switching member 30, 35 is optimally operated according to its application by optimizing the exhaust amount of gas. You can do that. In particular, the second exhaust state switching member 35 for protecting children and the like needs a larger gas exhaust amount, but according to the airbag device 1, the vent hole 35H is made larger than usual ( (For example, about 5 times) does not cause a problem.

  The exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 are provided in the openings 23 and 24 formed in the side portion 10D of the airbag 10, respectively. Even when the exhaust state is changed, the windshield of the vehicle. In addition, since it is led out of the airbag 10 without interference with the in-dash panel or the like, stable gas exhaust can be performed. At the same time, the openings 23 and 24 are provided in the both side portions 10D of the airbag 10 and the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 and the tether belts 12 and 13 are arranged apart from each other. Interfering with each other and preventing the operation from interfering with each other can be prevented, and more stable gas exhaust can be achieved, and a smooth and reliable operating state can be obtained.

  Further, in the airbag apparatus 1, the openings 23 and 24 are provided at positions away from the vicinity of the connection position of the second chamber 10 </ b> B and the second tether belt 13, which are contact positions of the occupants 5 </ b> S and 5 </ b> P of the airbag 10. Therefore, the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 are hardly affected by the deformation of the airbag 10 due to the intrusion of the occupants 5S and 5P, and can be reliably derived (changed to the exhaust state). As a result, a large amount of gas can be reliably exhausted stably from the first chamber 10A, a sufficient amount of gas exhausted from the airbag 10 can be secured, and the impact absorbing performance of the airbag 10 can be improved. . At the same time, even when the occupants 5S and 5P are received in the middle of inflation, the gas can be exhausted from the first chamber 10A, so that the impact on the occupants 5S and 5P in such a state can be reduced. .

  In addition, since one end of the first tether belt 12 is attached to the partition wall 11 that divides the second chamber 10B, the first tether belt 12 can be connected to any position of the airbag 10 that divides the second chamber 10B. The entire two chambers 10B can move toward the first opening 23, or the partition 11 can be deformed into a convex shape by the deformation of the second chamber 10B, and the first tether belt 12 can be slackened. As a result, regardless of the receiving position of the occupant 5S, the exhaust state of the first exhaust state switching member 30 can be switched, and the responsiveness at the time of the collision can be improved.

  In addition, in each of these exhaust state switching members 30, 35, a joint 30C is provided between the vent holes 30H, 35H and the openings 23, 24, and they are formed at positions separated from each other. Therefore, in the non-exhaust state, the base end portion (mainly the peripheral portion between the joint portions 30C) of the vent holes 30H and 35H is in close contact with and overlapped with the internal pressure of the airbag 10, The close contact part acts as a kind of valve. Thereby, it becomes difficult for gas to leak from each opening part 23 and 24 via the vent holes 30H and 35H, and it can suppress more reliably the exhaust of the gas in a non-exhaust state. Further, since the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 are pulled by the tether belts 12 and 13 over substantially the entire tip, the posture of the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 can be stabilized in the airbag 10. The non-exhaust state can also be maintained reliably and stably.

  Therefore, according to the airbag device 1 of the present embodiment, the restraining force of the occupants 5S and 5P of the airbag 10 at the time of a vehicle collision or the like is increased, and the occupant 5S at the time of the collision is reliably restrained. The movement of 5P can be more reliably regulated. Further, the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 ensure reliable and appropriate exhaust of gas from the airbag 10 even when the occupant 5P in the OOP state comes into contact with the occupant 5S in a general sitting posture. Therefore, the impact on the occupants 5S and 5P can be reduced, and the protection function of the occupants 5S and 5P of the airbag apparatus 1 can be effectively improved. This is particularly effective when the second chamber 10B is used as a head restraint portion of the airbag 10 that restrains the head of the occupant 5S, which needs to be protected, and the partition 11 is made of silicon having high airtightness. When formed with a coated base fabric, a higher effect can be obtained.

  In addition, the airbag 10 has a relatively small number of parts required for manufacturing, and for example, the second chamber 10B is overlapped with the base fabric piece for the partition wall 11 on the base fabric piece for the airbag 10 as described above. The structure is relatively simple, for example, they can be joined together. The exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 are also formed by joining the ends of a pair of base fabric pieces 30K and 35K extending from the openings 23 and 24, respectively, and opening the both sides to vent holes 30H and 35H. Yes, it can be realized with a relatively simple structure. As described above, the airbag 10 of the present embodiment has a simple configuration and structure as compared with its function, can suppress a reduction in workability and productivity in manufacturing such as stitching, and is relatively inexpensive. The airbag 10 can be manufactured.

  In the present embodiment, the tether belts 12 and 13 are formed to have a length extending substantially linearly between the connecting portions when the airbag 10 is inflated and deployed. However, the tether belts 12 and 13 have some slackness or the like when inflated and deployed. Even if there exists, the effect of restricting the movement of the partition wall 11 or maintaining the exhaust state switching members 30, 35 in the non-exhaust state can be exhibited. Therefore, the tether belts 12 and 13 may have some length.

  In addition to the sizes of the openings 23 and 24 of the airbag 10 and the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 (vent holes 30H and 35H), the configuration of the size of the gas passage 22 of the partition wall 11 and the like are also described. What is necessary is just to set to a respectively suitable magnitude | size etc. according to each expansion | swelling and exhausting patterns, such as an expansion | swelling and exhaust_gas | exhaustion speed | rate requested | required of the airbag 10 or the partition 11 (2nd chamber 10B), and the airbag 10. FIG. Similarly, although only one gas passage 22 is formed in the partition wall 11 here, a necessary number of gas passages 22 may be formed at necessary positions, for example, a plurality of gas passages 22 may be formed at a plurality of locations.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the check valve 25 is provided in the gas passage 22, but the check valve 25 may be omitted depending on the size of the gas passage 22 and the vent holes 30H and 35H. However, in this case, the gas passage 22 (the first passage) with respect to the amount of gas exhausted from the vent holes 30H and 35H, for example, by making the size of the gas passage 22 relatively small with respect to the respective vent holes 30H and 35H. When the amount of gas discharged from the two chambers 10B) is reduced, it is more preferable because the second chamber 10B is less likely to be crushed when contacting with the occupant 5S and the above-described effects can be relatively increased.

  In addition, the openings 23 and 24 of the airbag 10 extend in a direction different from the present embodiment in accordance with each aspect such as the arrangement direction of the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 and the connection position of the tether belts 12 and 13. You may form in other forms, such as forming. Further, in this airbag 10, vent holes 30H and 35H are provided only in the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35. For example, a hole-like shape is formed on the windshield side of the airbag 10 (first chamber 10A) in the inflated and deployed configuration. Another vent hole may be formed on the first chamber 10A side, such as by forming a vent hole. In this case, various exhaust patterns can be set by a combination of exhaust through another vent hole and exhaust through the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35.

  Further, the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 may be folded together with the airbag 10 in a state of being led out of the airbag 10 before the operation of the airbag device 1. Even in such a case, the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 are introduced into the airbag 10 by the tension (drawing force into the airbag 10) by the tether belts 12 and 13 from the middle of the expansion and are in the non-exhaust state. Therefore, the gas exhaust can be suppressed and the airbag 10 can be rapidly inflated and deployed. Further, when the above-mentioned occupants 5S, 5P in an abnormal posture contact the airbag 10 earlier than usual, the process of changing the state of the exhaust state switching members 30, 35 from the non-exhaust state to the exhaust state is omitted. Since the gas in the airbag 10 can be exhausted, a large amount of gas can be exhausted at an earlier stage, and the impact on the occupants 5S and 5P can be further alleviated.

  Here, the openings 23 and 24 and the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 of the airbag 10 are in an exhaust state when the airbag 10 that has been inflated or the airbag 10 in the middle of inflation receives the occupants 5S and 5P. The switching members 30 and 35 may be provided at a position where the switching member 30 and 35 are in an exhausted state and the exhaust of gas is not hindered, and may be provided at another position on the first chamber 10 </ b> A side of the airbag 10. For example, these may be provided in the same side portion 10D on the first chamber 10A side of the airbag 10 in the inflated and deployed form, the upper portion, or the like.

  Similarly, if the first tether belt 12 is attached to the partition wall 11 and a part of the distal end portion of the first exhaust state switching member 30, the exhaust state switching of the first exhaust state switching member 30 or the partition wall 11 is performed. Therefore, both ends of the first tether belt 12 may be attached at positions different from those of the present embodiment. The same applies to the attachment position of the second tether belt 13 to the second exhaust state switching member 35 and the like. That is, the positions of the openings 23 and 24, the mounting position of the first tether belt 12 to the partition wall 11, and the mounting position of the second tether belt 13 to the airbag 10 are determined by the occupant 5S. When 5P is received, the positional relationship may be such that the distance between them becomes closer.

  Further, the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 (respective base fabric pieces 30K and 35K) may be formed wider than the opening widths of the opening portions 23 and 24 of the airbag 10, respectively. In this case, when the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 move from the inside of the airbag 10 to the outside or vice versa, the opening portion is deformed so as to be reduced in the width direction. 23, 24 to move through. As a result, a predetermined resistance can be applied to the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 that move through the openings 23 and 24, and a tension by the tether belts 12 and 13 or an internal pressure of the airbag 10 that is greater than a predetermined value is applied. It is possible to prevent the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 from inadvertently moving and changing the state between the exhaust state and the non-exhaust state when there is no exhaust.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the second tether belt 13 is directly connected to the lower portion (bottom) of the airbag 10, but the first chamber 10A of the airbag 10 is further partitioned and is lower than the second chamber 10B. A third chamber may be formed, and the second tether belt 13 may be indirectly connected to the airbag 10 by joining to a partition wall defining the third chamber. That is, a small air chamber is formed around the vicinity of the joining position of the second tether belt 13 in the airbag 10 (first chamber 10A), and the second exhaust state switching member 35 is made small via the second tether belt 13. You may make it connect with the air chamber side.

  FIG. 9 is a side view schematically showing an example of the airbag apparatus 1 in which a small air chamber is formed in this way, and only the members connected to the second tether belt 13 correspond to FIG. 8A described above. Is shown.

  In this airbag device 1, as shown in FIG. 9A, the second partition 14 is joined to a lower position below the second chamber 10B (partition 11) (see FIG. 1) of the airbag 10, A portion of the first chamber 10A of the airbag 10 in the inflated and deployed configuration that is lower than the second chamber 10B (partition wall 11) from the first chamber 10A, and includes a small air chamber (third chamber) including at least the bottom of the airbag 10. ) 10F is formed. The second partition wall 14 is configured in the same manner as the partition wall 11 such as having a gas passage and a check valve (not shown) that enable gas to flow between the first chamber 10A and the third chamber 10F. The third chamber 10F is arranged in a lower portion of the airbag 10 so that the third chamber 10F is located in a range where the occupant 5P in the OOP state contacts and enters. The second tether belt 13 has one end connected to the vicinity of the center position of the second partition wall 14, and, like the first tether belt 12, the third chamber 10 </ b> F of the second partition wall 14 when the airbag 10 is inflated. While the third chamber 10F is inflated and deployed by restricting the movement to the side, a tension toward the second partition wall 14 is applied to the second exhaust state switching member 35 connected to the other end side. ing.

  In the airbag device 1, in addition to the above-described effects, when the occupant 5P in an OOP state contacts and enters the third chamber 10F portion of the inflated airbag 10, the second chamber 10B described above is The same effect as that exhibited can be obtained. That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, since the occupant 5P that has entered the third chamber 10F is received by the third chamber 10F that holds the internal pressure, the restraining force of the airbag 10 on the occupant 5P increases, The occupant 5P can be more securely restrained and protected. Even if the occupant 5P comes into contact with any position that defines the third chamber 10F of the airbag 10, the entire third chamber 10F moves toward the second opening 24 or the deformation of the third chamber 10F. As a result, the second partition wall 14 is deformed upward, and the second tether belt 13 can be slackened. As a result, regardless of the receiving position of the occupant 5P, the exhaust state of the second exhaust state switching member 35 can be switched, and the responsiveness at the time of the collision can be improved.

Next, another example of the exhaust state switching member will be described.
Hereinafter, a case where each exhaust state switching member is attached to the first opening 23 (hereinafter referred to as the opening 23) of the two openings 23 and 24 of the airbag 10 will be described as an example. .

10A and 10B are schematic views showing a first modification of the exhaust state switching member. FIG. 10A is a side view and FIG. 10B is a plan view.
As shown in the figure, the exhaust state switching member 50 has a pair of substantially rectangular base cloth pieces 51 extending from the opening 23 of the airbag 10, and is joined by sewing the tip portions 51C together. . Further, one end portion of the long tether belt 55 is connected to the joint portion between the tip portions 51C, and a pair of vent holes 51H (see FIG. 5) are formed by both side portions surrounded by the substantially parallel both sides 51D of the pair of base fabric pieces 51. In FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a second modification of the exhaust state switching member, FIG. 11A is a side view, and FIG. 11B is a plan view.
As shown in the figure, the exhaust state switching member 60 has a pair of substantially trapezoidal base fabric pieces 61 extending from the opening 23 of the airbag 10, and each base 61 </ b> B, which is the long side, is connected to the opening 23 side. The inclined end sides 61D are joined to each other. Further, one end of the long tether belt 65 is connected to the upper side 61C which is the short side of the pair of base cloth pieces 61, and the vent hole 61H (see FIG. In FIG.

12A and 12B are schematic views showing a third modification of the exhaust state switching member. FIG. 12A is a side view and FIG. 12B is a plan view.
As shown in the figure, the exhaust state switching member 70 has a pair of substantially trapezoidal base cloth pieces 71 extending from the opening 23 of the airbag 10, and each base side 71 </ b> B, which is the long side, is connected to the opening 23 side. The upper end 71C on the short side and the inclined sides 71D that are inclined are joined to each other. Further, one end of a long tether belt 75 is connected to each upper side 71C of the pair of base cloth pieces 71, and a substantially circular hole is formed in one or both of the pair of base cloth pieces 71 to form a vent hole. 71H.

  Also in the first to third modifications of the exhaust state switching member, the exhaust state switching members 50, 60, and 70 are introduced into or extracted from the airbag 10 in the same manner as the exhaust state switching members 30 and 35 described above. Thus, the state is changed between the non-exhaust state and the exhaust state.

It is a perspective view which shows the state which the airbag of the airbag apparatus of this embodiment expanded and expanded. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the airbags of FIG. 1 connected to each other by tether belts. It is a side view which shows typically the exhaust state switching member in a non-exhaust state. It is a top view which shows typically the exhaust state switching member in a non-exhaust state. It is a side view which shows typically the exhaust state switching member in an exhaust state. It is a top view which shows typically the exhaust state switching member in an exhaust state. It is a side view which shows typically a state when an airbag apparatus act | operates. It is a side view which shows typically a state when an airbag apparatus act | operates. It is a side view which shows typically the other example of the airbag apparatus of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st modification of an exhaust state switching member. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd modification of an exhaust state switching member. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 3rd modification of an exhaust state switching member. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the airbag of the conventional airbag apparatus was inflate-deployed.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Airbag apparatus, 2 ... Inflator, 5S, 5P ... Passenger, 10 ... Airbag, 10A ... 1st chamber, 10B ... 2nd chamber, 10C ... Front Part, 10D ... side part, 10F ... third chamber, 11 ... partition, 12 ... first tether belt, 13 ... second tether belt, 14 ... second partition , 20 ... gas inlet, 22 ... gas passage, 23 ... first opening, 24 ... second opening, 25 ... check valve, 30 ... first Exhaust state switching member, 30B ... Joint portion, 30C ... Joint portion, 30H ... Vent hole, 30K ... Base fabric piece, 35 ... Second exhaust state switching member, 35H. -Vent hole, 35K ... base cloth piece, 50 ... exhaust state switching member, 51 ... base cloth piece, 51C ... tip, 5 D ... side, 51H ... vent hole, 55 ... tether belt, 60 ... exhaust state switching member, 61 ... base cloth piece, 61B ... bottom side, 61C ... upper side, 61D ... Slant side, 61H ... Bent hole, 65 ... Tether belt, 70 ... Exhaust state switching member, 71 ... Base fabric piece, 71B ... Bottom side, 71C ... Upper side, 71D ... -Hypotenuse, 71H ... vent hole, 75 ... tether belt.

Claims (6)

An airbag device comprising an airbag that can be inflated and deployed by introducing gas, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag,
A partition having a gas passage that divides the inside of the airbag into a first chamber on the inflator side and a second chamber on the occupant side, and enables gas to flow between the first chamber and the second chamber When,
The first and second vent holes are provided on the first chamber side of the airbag and exhaust the gas in the airbag, and the first and second vent holes are connected to the gas in the airbag. First and second exhaust state switching members that are switchable between an exhaust state and a non-exhaust state;
A first connecting member having one end connected to the first exhaust state switching member and the other end connected to the partition;
A second connecting member having one end connected to the second exhaust state switching member and the other end connected to a lower position on the first chamber side of the airbag in the inflated and deployed configuration;
In the state where the airbag is inflated and deployed when the inflator is activated, each of the first and second connecting members causes each of the connecting members to exert a tension on the first and second exhaust state switching members. When the vent hole is closed and the inflated airbag receives an occupant invading and deforms, the first connecting member loosens and releases the tension to the first exhaust state switching member to 1 vent hole is opened, and when the airbag is in the middle of inflation and deployment, the first and / or second connecting member opens the first and / or second vent hole. A featured airbag device. In the airbag apparatus described in Claim 1,
A second chamber having a gas passage that divides the first chamber of the airbag in the inflated and deployed configuration to form a third chamber and allows gas to flow between the first chamber and the third chamber. With partition walls,
The airbag device, wherein the second connecting member has the other end connected to the second partition wall. In the airbag apparatus described in Claim 1 or 2,
Each of the first and second exhaust state switching members is composed of a pair of base cloth pieces having one end portion surrounding an opening provided in the airbag and the other end portion joined to each other to cover the opening. The airbag device is characterized in that each vent opening between the one end portion and the other end portion of the pair of base cloth pieces is the vent hole. In the airbag apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3,
Each of the first and second exhaust state switching members is led out of the airbag together with the vent holes in the state of exhausting the gas to open the vent holes, and in the non-exhaust state, An airbag device, which is introduced into the airbag together with the vent holes to close the vent holes. In the airbag apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4,
The airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second exhaust state switching members are provided on both side portions of the airbag in the inflated and deployed form. In the airbag apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 5,
Gas flows from the first chamber into the second chamber or the third chamber into the gas passage of each partition wall, and the gas in the second chamber or the third chamber flows out into the first chamber. An airbag apparatus comprising a check valve for blocking.

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