JP5194579B2 - Air bag device and occupant restraint device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an airbag apparatus including a vent hole for allowing a vehicle occupant or the like to be softly received by an airbag by causing gas to flow out from the interior of the airbag to the exterior of the airbag. The present invention also relates to an occupant restraint device for restraining an occupant of a vehicle seat such as an automobile by the airbag device and the seat belt device.

  Various airbag devices have been developed as a system for restraining an automobile occupant at the time of a collision.

  A system for predicting a vehicle collision and controlling the airbag apparatus is well known as disclosed in JP-A-10-59120.

It is also well known to absorb an impact by providing a vent hole in an airbag and letting gas flow out of the inflated airbag through the vent hole.
JP-A-10-59120

  The present invention provides an airbag device capable of restricting or releasing the outflow of gas from a vent hole in accordance with the use state of a seat or a seat belt device, a collision prediction, an accident state, and the like, and the air bag device. An object of the present invention is to provide an occupant restraint device that controls a bag device together with a seat belt device in accordance with a use state of the seat and the seat belt device, a collision prediction, an accident state, and the like.

  The airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the airbag, a fixing member to which a base end side in an inflating direction of the airbag is fixed, an inflator for inflating the airbag, and the airbag provided in the airbag In an airbag device provided with a vent hole for allowing the gas inside to flow out of the airbag, limiting means for limiting the outflow of gas from the vent hole, and release means for releasing the restriction by the limiting means The restricting means has one end arranged at the periphery of the vent hole of the airbag, and the other end extending through the inside of the airbag to the base end side of the airbag. An extension body, and a connection device that removably connects the other end side of the extension body to the base end side of the airbag or the fixing member, and the release means includes the connection device. Connected solution by When the airbag is inflated, the peripheral portion of the vent hole or the vent hole is drawn into the inner side of the airbag by the extension body and the connecting device, so that the vent hole is closed or small. And when the release means releases the connection between the extended body and the base end side of the airbag or the fixing member by the connecting device, the vent hole is located outside the airbag. The air bag is inflated so as to be exposed to the water, and the vent hole is opened or opened to a large degree.

  The airbag device according to claim 2 is the airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the vent hole has a slit shape, and the extending body is disposed in a longitudinal direction of the vent hole in a peripheral portion of the vent hole of the airbag. It is characterized by being connected to at least one of a pair of extending opposing sides or its vicinity.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the airbag device according to the first aspect, wherein the vent hole has a slit-like shape, and the extending body extends in a longitudinal direction of the vent hole in the peripheral portion of the vent hole of the airbag. One of the extended pair of opposing sides is connected to one or the vicinity thereof, and the other side of the opposing sides or the vicinity thereof is connected to the base end side of the airbag by a hanging strap. To do.

  The airbag device according to claim 4 is the airbag device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the extension body has an extension direction and a cross direction width substantially equal to a longitudinal width of the vent hole. The one end of the body is connected to the opposite side or the vicinity thereof so that both ends in the width direction are aligned with both ends in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole.

  The airbag device according to claim 5 is the airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the two vent holes are arranged close to each other, and the one end of the extended body is in the vicinity of the middle of the vent holes in the airbag. It is characterized by being connected to.

  The airbag device according to claim 6 is the airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the coupling device protrudes from the fixing member, and a distal end of the coupling device is inserted into the airbag. A cap detachably attached to the distal end of the extending portion, and the other end of the extending body is provided with an insertion hole through which the tubular portion is inserted. The diameter is larger than the insertion hole, and the cap prevents the tubular portion from coming out of the insertion hole.

  The airbag device according to claim 7 is the airbag device according to claim 6, wherein the release means is disposed in the cylindrical portion, and a gas is injected into the cylindrical portion, and the cap is attached to the cylindrical portion by the gas pressure. It is characterized in that it is an initiator that is disengaged from.

The airbag device according to claim 8 is an airbag, a fixing member to which a base end side of the airbag in the inflating direction is fixed, an inflator for inflating the airbag, and the airbag provided in the airbag In an airbag device provided with a vent hole for allowing the gas inside to flow out of the airbag, limiting means for limiting the outflow of gas from the vent hole, and release means for releasing the restriction by the limiting means The restricting means includes a cylindrical nozzle having one end connected to the vent hole and the other end disposed inside the airbag, and the other end of the nozzle passes through the vent hole. A restraining means for restraining the movement out of the airbag so that the restraint can be released. The releasing means releases the restraint by the restraining means, and when the airbag is inflated, By restricting the other end side of the nozzle by the restraining means so as not to move out of the airbag, the vent hole is closed or opened to a small degree, and the releasing means releases the restraint by the restraining means. In this case, the nozzle is pushed out of the airbag through the vent hole by the gas pressure in the airbag, thereby opening or opening the vent hole with a large opening , The restraining means has one end disposed around the vent hole of the airbag and the other end extending through the nozzle and the interior of the airbag to the proximal end of the airbag; A connecting device that connects the other end side of the extension body to the base end side of the airbag or the fixing member so as to be connectable, and the releasing means releases the connection by the connecting device. That features It is intended to.

The airbag device according to claim 9 is the airbag device according to claim 8 , wherein a plurality of the extending bodies are provided, and the one end of each extending body is arranged at a different position in the circumferential direction of the vent hole. It is a feature.

The airbag device according to claim 10 is the airbag device according to claim 8 or 9 , wherein the coupling device protrudes from the fixing member, and a distal end of the coupling device is inserted into the airbag, and the distal end of the tubular portion. A cap that is detachably attached to the other end of the extension body, and is provided with an insertion hole through which the cylindrical portion is inserted, the cap being larger than the insertion hole. It is a diameter, and the cap prevents the tubular portion from coming out of the insertion hole.

The airbag device according to claim 11 is the airbag device according to claim 10 , wherein the release means is disposed in the cylindrical portion, and gas is injected into the cylindrical portion, and the cap is attached to the cylindrical portion by the gas pressure. It is characterized in that it is an initiator that is disengaged from.

The occupant restraint device according to claim 12 is an occupant restraint device having a seat belt device and an airbag device for restraining an occupant seated in a vehicle seat, the seat use state detecting means, and the seat belt device. An occupant restraint device including a control device for controlling the seat belt device and the airbag device based on at least one detection or prediction signal of a use state detection unit, a collision prediction unit, and an accident state detection unit. The bag device is the airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the control device controls the inflator and the release means based on the detection or prediction signal. To do.

The occupant restraint device according to claim 13 is the occupant restraint device according to claim 12 , wherein the seat use state detecting means includes whether the occupant is seated on the seat, the occupant's weight, the occupant's posture, the seat position, and whether the child seat is installed. It is characterized by detecting at least one of the following.

The occupant restraint device according to claim 14 is characterized in that, in claim 13 , the occupant posture detection means detects at least one position of the occupant's head, chest, and shoulder. Is.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the occupant restraint device according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects is characterized in that the collision prediction means includes a prediction of a collision direction, a prediction of a collision direction, a prediction of a full lap collision or an offset collision, It is characterized in that at least one of the types of prediction, the prediction of the size of the collision object, the prediction of the collision relative velocity, and the prediction of the collision relative acceleration is performed.

The occupant restraint device according to claim 16 is the occupant restraint device according to any one of claims 12 to 15 , wherein the accident state detection means detects whether the accident is a collision or a rollover, detects a collision part, It is characterized by performing at least one of detection and detection of collision scale.

  In the airbag device of the present invention (Claim 1), when the airbag is inflated, the vent hole peripheral portion or the vent hole is drawn into the inner side of the airbag by the extending body and the connecting device. So that the vent hole is exposed to the outside of the airbag by releasing the connection between the extended body and the proximal end side of the airbag or the fixing member by the coupling device. Since the air bag is inflated and the vent hole is opened or has a large opening, by controlling this release means, depending on the use state of the seat and seat belt device, collision prediction, accident state, etc. It is possible to restrict the outflow of gas from the vent hole or to remove this restriction.

  According to the aspect of claim 2, since the vent hole has a slit shape, the effect of suppressing gas leak from the vent hole when the vent hole is closed is high.

  In the present invention, the extending body may be connected to only one of the pair of opposing sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the slit-shaped vent hole in the vent hole peripheral portion of the airbag. The extended body may be connected to both sides.

  In the aspect of claim 3, the extending body is connected to one of the pair of opposing sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the slit-shaped vent hole in the vent hole peripheral portion of the airbag, and the other of the opposing sides And the base end side of the airbag are connected by a hanging strap. When the connection by the connecting device is released, only one of the opposite sides is inflated to the outside of the airbag, and the other of the opposite sides is pulled to the inside of the airbag by the hanging strap. It has become. Therefore, the opening degree of the vent hole when the vent hole is opened can be arbitrarily set by adjusting the length of the hanging strap.

  According to this aspect of the present invention, when the vent hole peripheral portion or the vent hole is pulled toward the inside of the airbag by the extending body, the vent hole is Since the air bag is almost uniformly drawn over the entire length in the longitudinal direction, the effect of suppressing gas leak from the vent hole when the vent hole is closed is improved.

  In the aspect of claim 5, when the vent hole is inflated, the vicinity of the middle between the two vent holes arranged close to each other is drawn into the inside of the airbag by the extending body and the connecting device. The one vent hole side and the other vent hole side face each other across the extended body of the airbag, and these vent holes close or overlap each other, so that each vent hole is closed or has a small opening.

  In the aspect of Claim 6, the structure of a connection apparatus can be made simple.

  In this case, as described in claim 7, it is convenient to use an initiator that ejects gas into the cylindrical portion as the releasing means.

  In the airbag device of the present invention (invention 8), when the airbag is inflated, the nozzle connected to the vent hole is restrained by the restraining means so as not to move out of the airbag. The opening is small, and the release means releases the restraint by the restraining means, so that the nozzle is pushed out of the airbag from the vent hole by the gas pressure in the airbag and the vent hole is opened or has a large opening. Therefore, by controlling this release means, the outflow of gas from the vent hole can be restricted or the restriction can be released according to the use state of the seat or seat belt device, the collision prediction, the accident state, etc. Is possible.

The restraining means has one end disposed at the periphery of the vent hole of the airbag and the other end extending to the proximal end side of the airbag through the inside of the nozzle and the airbag. The other end side is provided with a connecting device that is connected to the base end side of the airbag or the fixing member so as to be connectable , and is simple . Cancel means to release the connection between the extension body and the airbag base end side or the fixing member by the coupling device.

In the embodiment of this eighth aspect, during the time of inflation of the airbag, when the connection by the connecting device does not clear, the vent hole and the base end of the airbag extending body through the interior of the nozzle The extension body prevents the nozzle from being pushed out of the airbag from the vent hole by the gas pressure in the airbag, and the nozzle is extended by the gas pressure in the airbag. As it sticks to the body, it is crushed and closed. As a result, the vent hole is closed or opened by the nozzle.

  Further, when the releasing means releases the connection between the extended body by the restraining device and the proximal end side of the airbag or the fixing member, the restriction of the nozzle by the extending body is also released, and the nozzle is released from the gas pressure in the airbag. Is pushed out of the airbag from the vent hole. Then, when the gas flows into the nozzle, the diameter of the nozzle expands into a cylindrical shape and opens, and the gas flows out of the airbag through the nozzle.

In the present invention, only one extension body may be provided, or a plurality of extension bodies may be provided. When the extending body a plurality of providing, as claimed in claim 9, preferably arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the vent hole to one end of the vent hole peripheral portion of the extending body.

An occupant restraint device according to the present invention (Claim 12 ) detects or predicts at least one of a vehicle seat use state detection means, a seat belt device use state detection means, a collision prediction means, and an accident state detection means. Since it has a control device that controls the seat belt device, the inflator of the airbag device and the release means based on the signal, depending on the use state of the seat, the use state of the seat belt device, the collision prediction, or the accident state The inflator and release means of the seat belt device and the airbag device are appropriately controlled.

As in Claim 13, in the present invention, detection means use state of the seat, presence or absence of the sitting posture of the occupant of the seat occupant weight, the occupant posture, seat position and detecting at least one of the presence or absence of installation of the child seat It is preferable that

In this case, the occupant posture detection means preferably detects at least one position of the occupant's head, chest, and shoulders as claimed in claim 14 .

As in Claim 15, in the present invention, collision predicting means may generate prediction of a collision, prediction of the collision direction, full-wrap collision or offset collision of the prediction, the type of prediction of a collision object, prediction of the size of the object of crash It is preferable to perform at least one of prediction of collision relative velocity and prediction of collision relative acceleration.

As in Claim 16, in the present invention, the accident state detection means, accident detection if it were a a rollover crash, detection of the collision site, the detection of collision type, and at least one detection of the collision scale of detection It is preferable to carry out.

  Thus, the passenger restraint device can be appropriately controlled by predicting or detecting the details of the collision in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag apparatus according to the embodiment when the vent hole is closed (including a small opening of the vent hole; the same applies hereinafter), and FIG. 2 is a portion II of FIG. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are sectional views of the vicinity of the connecting device of the airbag device, and FIG. 4 is an IV portion (extension) of FIG. 3A. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag device when the vent hole is opened. FIG. 2 is a view of the vicinity of the vent hole of the airbag as viewed from the outside of the airbag. FIG. 3 (a) shows a state in which the cap and the cylindrical portion of the coupling device are separated, and FIG. 3 (b) shows a state in which this cap is attached to the cylindrical portion.

  FIG. 20 is a system block diagram of an occupant restraint device provided with the airbag device and seat belt device, and FIGS. 21 to 23 are flowcharts showing control contents of the occupant restraint device.

  In this embodiment, the airbag device 1 is an occupant restraining airbag device installed in a vehicle compartment.

  The airbag device 1 includes an airbag 10, a retainer 20 to which a surface 11 on the proximal end side in the inflation direction of the airbag 10 is connected, an inflator 30 that inflates the airbag 10, and the airbag 10. The vent hole 40 provided in the planned region 12 that does not face the occupant when the airbag 10 is inflated, and one end of the airbag 10 is connected to the peripheral portion of the vent hole 40 and the other end is located inside the airbag 10. A first tether 50 as an extending body extending to the base end side of the airbag 10 and a peripheral portion of the vent hole 40 at one end opposite to the first tether 50 with the vent hole 40 interposed therebetween The other end of the first tether 50 is connected to the retainer 20 so that the other end of the second tether 60 is connected to the proximal side surface 11 of the airbag 10 and the other end of the first tether 50 is releasable. And it is provided with a coupling device 70 and the like.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the vent hole 40 has a slit shape. One end of the first tether 50 is connected to the edge portion 13 along one of a pair of opposing sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole 40 in the peripheral portion of the slit-shaped vent hole 40, and on the other side. One end of the second tether 60 is connected to the edge 14 along the edge.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, each of the tethers 50 and 60 is formed of a belt-like body that is configured separately from the base fabric of the airbag 10. Further, in this embodiment, the tethers 50 and 60 have the same width in the longitudinal direction and the cross direction as the width in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole 40. The one ends of the tethers 50 and 60 are overlapped from the inner side of the airbag 10 in the vicinity of the sides 13 and 14 so that both ends in the width direction are aligned with both ends in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole 40, respectively. , 61 are sewn to the edges 13, 14.

  On the other end side of the first tether 50, an insertion hole 52 through which a cylindrical portion 71 of the connecting device 70 described later is inserted is provided.

  In this embodiment, the other end side of the second tether 60 is sewn by a seam 62 inside the proximal end side surface 11 of the airbag 10 in the vicinity of the connecting portion between the first tether 50 and the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70. Has been. However, the sewing position of the second tether 60 to the proximal side surface 11 is not limited to this.

  The length of the first tether 50 is such that when the airbag 10 is inflated in a state where the first tether 50 is connected to the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70, the edge portion 13 is brought to a predetermined depth inside the airbag 10. It is the dimension to pull.

  In this embodiment, the length of the second tether 60 is substantially the same as that of the edge 13 when the airbag 10 is inflated as shown in FIG. The dimensions are such that they are pulled to a certain depth. However, the length of the second tether 60 as the hanging strap is not limited to this, and may be longer or shorter than this. By making the length of the second tether 60 longer or shorter than this, a gap is generated between the edges 13 and 14 even when the vent hole is closed, and gas flows out of the airbag 10 from this gap. Can do. Further, by adjusting the length of the second tether 60, the distance between the edge portions 13 and 14 when the vent hole is opened, that is, the opening degree of the vent hole 40 can be controlled.

  In this embodiment, the retainer 20 is in the shape of an open container having a bottom plate portion 21 and a peripheral wall portion 22 erected from the periphery of the bottom plate portion 21. An inflator mounting opening 23 is provided near the center of the bottom plate portion 21, and a plurality of bolt insertion holes (reference numerals are omitted) are provided around the opening 23.

  A cylindrical portion 71 having a substantially cylindrical shape protrudes from the bottom plate portion 21 toward the inner side of the retainer 20 at a position separated from the inflator attachment opening 23 by a predetermined distance. The inner hole of the cylindrical portion 71 communicates with the back side of the bottom plate portion 21. Further, from the back side of the bottom plate portion 21, a substantially cylindrical initiator accommodating chamber 24 is provided so as to be coaxial with the cylindrical portion 71 and accommodate an initiator 80 as a releasing means described later. The initiator accommodation chamber 24 communicates with the cylindrical portion 71.

  An inflator receiving opening 15 and a plurality of bolt insertion holes (not shown) are provided on the base end side surface 11 of the airbag 10 so as to overlap with the inflator mounting opening 23 and each bolt insertion hole of the bottom plate portion 21. Is provided. In addition, a cylindrical portion receiving opening (reference numeral is omitted) is provided at a position overlapping the cylindrical portion 71 in the base end side surface 11.

  The base end side surface 11 of the airbag 10 is fixed to the retainer 20 so as to be pressed against the bottom plate portion 21 by the pressing member 25 from the inside of the airbag 10. The presser member 25 has a plate shape extending along the bottom plate portion 21. The presser member 25 is also provided with an inflator receiving opening 26 and a cylindrical part receiving opening (reference numeral omitted) at a position that overlaps with the inflator receiving opening 15 and the cylindrical part receiving opening of the airbag 10. It has been. Further, a plurality of stud bolts 27 that are inserted into the bolt insertion holes of the airbag 10 and the retainer 20 protrude from the peripheral portion of the inflator receiving opening 26 of the pressing member 25.

  The inflator 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a plurality of gas ejection ports 31 are provided on the side peripheral surface on the distal end side in the cylinder axis direction. A flange 32 for fixing an inflator projects from a side peripheral surface of a midway portion of the inflator 30 in the cylinder axis direction (the rear end side of the gas ejection port 31). The tip end side of the inflator 30 is fitted into the inflator 23 of the bottom plate portion 21. The flange 32 is provided with a plurality of bolt insertion holes (reference numerals omitted) that overlap the bolt insertion holes of the bottom plate portion 21.

  When attaching the airbag 10 to the retainer 20, the peripheral portion of the inflator receiving opening 15 on the base end side surface 11 of the airbag 10 is overlapped with the peripheral portion of the inflator mounting opening 23 of the retainer 20. Then, the stud bolt 27 of the holding member 25 is passed through the bolt insertion holes of the base end side surface 11, the retainer 20, and the flange 32 of the inflator 30, and the nut 28 is tightened at the tip thereof, thereby the base end side surface 11 and the inflator 30. Is fixed to the retainer 20. At this time, the cylindrical portion 71 protruding into the retainer 20 is inserted into the airbag 10 through the base end side surface 11 and the respective cylindrical portion receiving openings of the pressing member 25.

  In this embodiment, the connecting device 70 includes the cylindrical portion 71 and a cap 72 that is detachably attached to the tip of the cylindrical portion 71. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the cap 72 includes a shaft portion 73 to be inserted into the cylindrical portion 71, and a flange projecting radially from the rear end side of the shaft portion 73 in the insertion direction. A portion 74, a locking projection 75 projecting from the side peripheral surface of the shaft portion 73, and a connecting piece 76 extending laterally from the flange portion 74. As shown in FIG. 4, the width of the flange portion 74 in the radial direction of the shaft portion 73 is larger than the diameter of the insertion hole 52 of the first tether 50.

  A plurality of small holes 74a are formed in a perforated shape at the edge of the connecting piece 76 in the extending direction. The distal end side of the connecting piece 76 is sewn to the first tether 50 with a seam 77 through the small hole 74a.

  On the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 71, a groove 78 is provided in which the locking projection 75 is engaged when the shaft portion 73 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 71. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the groove 78 extends from the distal end side of the cylindrical portion 71 along the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 71 toward the back side of the cylindrical portion 71, This is a substantially L-shaped groove bent in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 71 on the back side. The end of the groove 78 on the distal end side of the cylindrical portion 71 communicates with the distal end surface of the cylindrical portion 71.

  Inside the airbag 10, after inserting the cylindrical portion 71 into the insertion hole 52 of the first tether 50, the shaft portion 73 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 71 so that the locking projection 75 is inserted into the groove 78. . Thereafter, the cap 72 is slightly rotated to engage the locking projection 75 with the inner side of the groove 78, whereby the cap 72 is fixed to the tip of the cylindrical portion 71. As a result, the cylindrical portion 71 is prevented from coming out of the insertion hole 52 by the flange portion 74 of the cap 72, and the first tether 50 is connected to the retainer 20 via the cylindrical portion 71 and the cap 72.

  In this embodiment, an initiator (gas generator) 80 is inserted into the initiator accommodating chamber 24 from the back side of the retainer 20 as release means for releasing the connection between the first tether 50 and the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70. Yes. The initiator 80 is actuated by operating signals from a control device (FIG. 20) of the airbag device 1 and a seat belt device (not shown) to be described later, and jets gas into the cylindrical portion 71. By this gas pressure, The cap 72 is detached from the cylindrical portion 71. Reference numeral 29 denotes a lid that holds the initiator 80 in the accommodation chamber 24. Reference numeral 81 denotes a harness for inputting an operation signal from the control device to the initiator 80 connected to the rear end of the initiator 80.

  The airbag 10 and the inflator 30 are fixed to the retainer 20 as described above, and the other end side of the first tether 50 is connected to the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70, and then the airbag 10 is folded and the front surface of the retainer 20 is folded. The airbag apparatus 1 is configured by mounting a lid (not shown) so as to cover the opening. However, the airbag 10 may be attached to the retainer 20 in a state of being folded in advance.

  Although illustration is omitted, the seat of the vehicle includes a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and the position in the front-rear direction can be adjusted along a guide rail installed on the floor surface in the vehicle compartment. An airbag device 1 is installed in front of the seat.

  The weight of the passenger sitting on the seat is detected by a load sensor.

  An imaging device such as a CCD camera and an image processing device are provided in the vehicle compartment in order to detect the posture of an occupant sitting on the seat or to identify the shape of an object placed on the seat cushion. . The occupant posture detection device preferably detects at least one of the occupant's head, chest, and shoulders (hereinafter collectively referred to as the occupant's head).

  In addition, when the child seat attachment apparatus is installed in the seat, it may be determined whether or not the object on the seat cushion is a child seat by detecting the attachment of the child seat to the attachment apparatus.

  In the case of a system in which the child seat is fixed to the seat by the webbing of the seat belt device provided in the vehicle, the unwinding amount of the webbing and the tension applied to the webbing are detected, and these detection data and the detection data by the load sensor are combined. It may be determined whether the object on the seat is a human body or a child seat.

  A buckle of a seat belt device is installed on the side of the seat. A tongue on which the webbing of the seat belt device is passed is attached to the buckle.

  The buckle is provided with a tongue detection sensor for detecting that the tongue is attached. A retractor for winding the webbing is provided with a sensor for detecting the unwinding of the webbing. In addition, the retractor and buckle are equipped with a pretensioner that pulls the webbing for a predetermined length and restrains the occupant in the event of a vehicle collision. An EA device (energy absorption device) for absorbing the generated impact is provided.

  Further, this vehicle is provided with a collision prediction device including a millimeter wave sensor, an image sensor, an infrared laser sensor, a vehicle position-to-other vehicle position detection device from GPS, and the like. This collision prediction is performed in all directions, front, rear, left and right. Whether or not to collide is predicted by this collision prediction device, and when it is predicted that a collision will occur, prediction of the collision direction, prediction of full-lap collision or offset collision, prediction of the type of collision object, size of the collision object Prediction, collision relative velocity prediction, and collision relative acceleration prediction are performed.

  Furthermore, in addition to the vehicle attitude detection sensor such as a gyro, this vehicle is provided with acceleration sensors and impact sensors at a number of locations. When a collision accident actually occurs, whether the accident is a collision or roll It is configured to detect whether it is over, to detect a collision site, to detect a collision form, and to detect a collision scale (crash severity).

  As shown in FIG. 20, the seat is used (whether the passenger is seated in the seat, whether the baggage or child seat is placed on the seat, the weight of the passenger on the seat, the posture of the passenger, and the front and rear positions of the seat) Detection signal and collision prediction signal (prediction of whether to collide, prediction of collision direction, prediction of full-lap collision or offset collision, prediction of the type of collision target, prediction of collision target, prediction of collision relative velocity, And prediction of collision relative acceleration) and an accident state detection signal (detection of whether the accident is a collision or rollover, detection of a collision site, detection of a collision type, and detection of a collision scale) are input to the control device. Thus, the seat belt device of the vehicle and the airbag device 1 (the inflator 30 and the initiator 80 (release means)) are controlled.

  Next, this series of control contents will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 shows a process for detecting the state of use of the seat. When the program starts, it is first determined in step 201 whether or not an occupant is sitting on the seat. When it is determined that an occupant is sitting, the airbag apparatus 1 is put into an operable state. Next, each determination of steps 202 to 204 is performed.

  In step 202, the weight (body weight) of the occupant is determined. When the occupant weight is light, the initiator 80 of the airbag device 1 is not operated, and when the occupant weight is heavy, the initiator 80 is operated. At the same time, it controls the pretensioner force and EA force of the seat belt device.

  In step 203, the posture of the occupant is determined. In this embodiment, the occupant's posture detection device detects the position of the occupant's head or the like. The inflator 30 is operated when the occupant's head or the like is positioned behind the predetermined position, and the inflator 30 is not operated when the occupant's head or the like is positioned ahead of the predetermined position. In the present invention, a variable output type inflator 30 may be used, and control may be performed such that the output of the inflator 30 is reduced as the occupant's head is positioned forward.

  In step 204, it is determined whether or not the seat belt is worn. The seat belt retractor (hereinafter referred to as retractor) and sensor information on the buckle detect whether or not the seat belt is worn so that the EA force (amount) is optimized when the seat belt is worn and not worn. The operation of the inflator 30 and the initiator 80 of the airbag device 1 and the pretensioner of the seat belt device are controlled.

  FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of a processing procedure when a collision is predicted. First, in step 211, it is determined whether or not a collision is predicted. If it is determined that there is a collision, processing in steps 212 to 217 is performed.

  In step 212, the collision direction is determined. This prediction is performed in all the front-rear and left-right directions of the vehicle, and at the same time, the detailed position is also predicted. The prediction information is used to operate the seat belt device and the airbag device 1 or to change the threshold value of the deceleration for operating the seat belt device and the airbag device 1 in the accident determination process.

  In step 213, it is determined whether the predicted collision is a full lap collision or an offset collision, and the vehicle behavior at the time of the collision is predicted based on the determination result. This collision prediction information is used to optimally control the operation mode of the seatbelt device and the airbag device 1, and to change the deceleration threshold value for operating the seatbelt device and the airbag device 1 in the judgment processing at the time of an accident. The

  In step 214, the type of collision target is determined. That is, a collision target is identified and the crash severity at the time of collision is predicted. This prediction information is used to optimally control the operation mode of the seat belt device for restraining the occupant and the airbag device 1 and to change the threshold value of the deceleration for operating each restraint device in the determination process at the time of an accident.

  In step 215, the size and mass of the collision target are determined, and the crash severity at the time of collision is predicted. This prediction information is used to optimally control the operation mode of the seat belt device and the airbag device 1 and to change the deceleration threshold value for operating the seat belt device and the airbag device 1 in the determination processing at the time of an accident. .

  In step 216, the relative speed with respect to the collision target is determined, and the crash severity at the time of the collision is predicted. This prediction information is used to optimally control the operation mode of the seat belt device and the airbag device 1 and to change the deceleration threshold value for operating the seat belt device and the airbag device 1 in the determination processing at the time of an accident. .

  In step 217, the relative acceleration with respect to the collision target is determined, and the crash severity at the time of the collision is predicted. This prediction information is used to optimally control the operation mode of the seat belt device and the airbag device 1 and to change the deceleration threshold value for operating the seat belt device and the airbag device 1 in the determination process at the time of an accident. The

  FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of a processing procedure when an accident such as a collision actually occurs.

  In step 221, a collision of the vehicle is detected by an acceleration sensor using capacitance and strain attached in the front-rear and left-right directions of the vehicle. The collision determination threshold can be changed according to the collision prediction information.

  In step 221, when it is not determined that there is a collision, the process proceeds to step 222, and it is determined whether or not a rollover has occurred. When it is neither a collision nor a rollover, the process returns to step 221. In the case of rollover, the process proceeds from step 222 to step 227, and the operation / non-operation of the inflator 30 and the initiator 80 of the airbag apparatus 1 are controlled so as to obtain the optimum EA force (amount). At the same time, it controls the pretensioner force and EA force of the seat belt device.

  If it is determined in step 221 that there is a collision, the processes in steps 223 to 226 are performed.

  In step 223, the colliding part is determined, and the operation / non-operation of the initiator 80 of the airbag apparatus 1 is controlled so that the optimum EA force (amount) is obtained. At the same time, it controls the pretensioner force and EA force of the seat belt device.

  In step 224, the collision mode is determined (forward / diagonal / lateral collision, etc.), and the activation / deactivation of the initiator 80 of the airbag apparatus 1 is controlled so that the optimum EA force (amount) is obtained. At the same time, it controls the pretensioner force and EA force of the seat belt device.

  In step 225, the magnitude of crash impact (crash severity) is determined. The inflator 30 and the initiator 80 of the airbag apparatus 1 are controlled so that an optimum EA force (amount) is obtained based on the determination result. At the same time, it controls the pretensioner force and EA force of the seat belt device.

  Note that even if the result of determination in step 226 does not correspond to rollover, it may roll over due to a collision. Therefore, it is determined in step 226 whether rollover has occurred again, and the optimal EA force (amount) is determined. The operation / non-operation of the inflator 30 and the initiator 80 of the airbag apparatus 1 are controlled so as to be obtained. At the same time, it controls the pretensioner force and EA force of the seat belt device.

  The operation of the airbag device 1 is as follows.

  When the inflator 30 is in a gas jetting operation by the operation signal from the control device, the airbag 10 pushes the lid open by the gas from the inflator 30 and expands into the vehicle compartment.

  At this time, if an operation signal is not input from the control device to the initiator 80, the first tether 50 remains connected to the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70 as shown in FIG. And the second tether 60 pull both opposite edges 13 and 14 of the vent hole 40 into the interior of the airbag 10, thereby closing the vent hole 40. As a result, the outflow of gas from the vent hole 40 is limited.

  In addition, when an operation signal is input from the control device to the initiator 80, the initiator 80 performs a gas ejection operation. As a result, gas is ejected from the initiator 80 into the cylindrical portion 71, and the cap 72 is detached from the cylindrical portion 71 by this gas pressure, and the connection between the first tether 50 and the retainer 20 is released.

  As a result, the pulling force on the one edge 13 of the vent hole 40 by the first tether 50 is released, and the edge 13 is moved to the outside of the airbag 10 by the internal pressure of the airbag 10 as shown in FIG. Bulge out. At this time, the other edge portion 14 of the vent hole 40 remains connected to the proximal side surface 11 of the airbag 10 by the second tether 60, so that the other edge portion 14 is pulled into the inner side of the airbag 10. It is in the state. Therefore, the interval between the edge portions 13 and 14 is increased. As a result, the vent hole 40 opens or has a large opening, and the gas flows out of the airbag 10 through the vent hole 40.

  As described above, in the airbag device 1, when the airbag 10 is inflated, one edge portion 13 of the vent hole 40 is pulled to the inside of the airbag 10 by the first tether 50 and the connecting device 70. When the other edge 14 is pulled to the inside of the airbag 10 by the second tether 60, the vent hole 40 is closed or opened to a small degree, and the initiator 80 is actuated to activate the first tether by the connecting device 70. When the connection between the retainer 20 and the retainer 20 is released, the one edge 13 of the vent hole 40 is inflated to the outside of the airbag 10 so that the vent hole 40 is opened or has a large opening. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the initiator 80 by the control device, it responds to the use state of the seat and the seat belt device, the collision prediction, the accident state, etc. Or restrict the outflow of gas from the vent hole 40 Te, it is possible to remove this restriction.

  In this embodiment, since the vent hole 40 has a slit shape, the effect of suppressing gas leak from the vent hole 40 when the vent hole 40 is closed is high.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width in the longitudinal direction and the cross direction of each tether 50, 60 is substantially equal to the width in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole 40, and each tether 50, 60 has its width direction. Both ends are connected to the edges 13 and 14 on both sides of the vent hole 40 so that both ends are aligned with both ends of the vent hole 40 in the longitudinal direction. For this reason, when the edge portions 13 and 14 are pulled to the inside of the airbag 10 by the tethers 50 and 60, the vent holes 40 are pulled into the airbag 10 almost evenly over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the gas leak suppression effect from the vent hole 40 when the vent hole 40 is closed is improved.

  In the above embodiment, one edge 13 of the vent hole 40 is connected to the retainer 20 by the first tether 50 and the connecting device 70 as an extended body so that the connection can be released, and the other edge 14 is used as a hanging strap. The second tether 60 is connected to the base end side surface 11 of the airbag 10 so as not to be disconnected. However, the second tether 60 is also connected to the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70 as an extended body so that the connection can be released. May be.

  In this case, both the tethers 50 and 60 may be connected to the retainer 20 by a common connecting device 70, or may be connected to the retainer 20 by separate connecting devices 70 and 70, respectively. When the tethers 50 and 60 are connected to the retainer 20 by separate connecting devices 70 and 70, respectively, an initiator 80 of the connecting device 70 that connects the tether 50 to the retainer 20 and a connecting device 70 that connects the tether 60 to the retainer 20. These initiators 80 may be operated simultaneously or at different timings.

  In the present invention, the second tether 60 as the hanging strap is omitted, and only one edge portion 13 or 14 of the vent hole 40 is connected to the retainer 20 so as to be disengageable by the tether 50 and the connecting device 70 as the extending body. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the airbag 10 is provided with only the open / closed vent hole 40 that is opened and closed by the first tether 50 and the connecting device 70 as the extending body. A normally open vent hole may be provided.

  Although illustration is omitted, a reinforcing patch may be attached to the peripheral portion of the vent hole 40. In this case, the tethers 50 and 60 may be attached to the patch, or the patch and the tethers 50 and 60 may be integrally formed from a single fabric.

  In said embodiment, although the 1st tether 50 as an extending body and the 2nd tether 60 as a hanging strap are each comprised by the base fabric which comprises the outer surface of the airbag 10, it is comprised separately. In the present invention, these tethers 50 and 60 may be integrally formed with the base fabric constituting the airbag 10. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the thus configured airbag device, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the VII portion (near the vent hole of the airbag) of FIG. FIG. 6 shows the airbag apparatus when the vent hole is closed. FIG. 7 is a view of the vicinity of the vent hole of the airbag as viewed from the inside of the airbag.

  In the airbag apparatus 1A of this embodiment, the outer surface of the airbag 10A near the vent hole 40 is configured by sewing two base fabrics 16 and 17 together. One base fabric 16 constitutes one surface across the vent hole 40, and the base fabric 17 constitutes the other surface. Reference numeral 18 in FIG. 2 indicates a seam in which the opposite edges of the base fabrics 16 and 17 are stitched together.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, a first tether 50A as an extended body and a second tether 60A as a hanging strap extend from the edges of the base fabrics 16 and 17, respectively. I'm out. The first tether 50A is formed integrally with the base fabric 16 from a fabric common to the base fabric 16, and the second tether 60A is formed integrally with the base fabric 17 from a common fabric with the base fabric 17. ing. These tethers 50A and 60A are arranged in a positional relationship where they overlap each other when the edges of the base fabrics 16 and 17 are brought into contact with each other. Also in this embodiment, the tethers 50A and 60A are substantially equal in width in the longitudinal direction and crossing direction.

  In this embodiment, when the edges of the base fabrics 16 and 17 are sewn together by the seam 18, the tethers 50A and 60A are not sewn at the part where the tethers 50A and 60A overlap. . In this embodiment, the non-sewn portion becomes a vent hole 40 communicating with the inside and outside of the airbag 10, and a first tether as an extension body is formed at the edge of one base fabric 16 facing the vent hole 40. 50A is continuous, and a tether 60A as a hanging string is connected to the edge of the other base fabric 17. Also in this embodiment, the width of the non-sewn portion, that is, the width in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole 40 is substantially equal to the width of the tethers 50A and 60A in the cross direction and the width of the vent hole 40. Both ends in the longitudinal direction are configured to substantially coincide with both ends in the width direction of the respective tethers 50A and 60A.

  Also in this embodiment, an insertion hole 52 through which the cylindrical portion 71 of the coupling device 70 is inserted is provided on the distal end side in the extending direction of the first tether 50A. Inside the airbag 10 </ b> A, the tubular portion 71 is inserted into the insertion hole 52, and a cap 72 is attached to the distal end of the tubular portion 71, whereby the distal end side of the first tether 50 </ b> A is connected to the retainer 20. ing.

  Further, the distal end side in the extending direction of the second tether 60A is sewn by a seam 62 on the inner side of the base end side surface 11 of the airbag 10A in the vicinity of the connecting portion between the first tether 50 and the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70. ing.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the base fabrics 16 and 17 may also be comprised with one base fabric continuous in parts other than a vent hole formation plan area | region.

  Other configurations of the airbag apparatus 1A are the same as those of the airbag apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 described above. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 denote the same parts. The operation of the airbag apparatus 1A is the same as that of the airbag apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. Further, the control method of the inflator 30 and the initiator 80 of the airbag apparatus 1A and the seat belt apparatus by the passenger restraint apparatus including the airbag apparatus 1A and the seat belt apparatus is also described in the above-described embodiments (20th to 23rd embodiments). This is the same as FIG.

  Like the airbag device 1A, the tethers 50A and 60A and the base fabrics 16 and 17 constituting the outer surface of the airbag 10A are integrally formed in a series so that the sewing operation of the airbag 10A is facilitated. can do.

  Note that the configuration of the airbag 10A in this embodiment is an example, and the number and arrangement of the base fabrics constituting the outer surface of the airbag are not limited thereto.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag apparatus according to still another embodiment when the vent hole is closed, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the vent hole of the airbag apparatus, and FIG. 10 is the airbag. It is sectional drawing at the time of vent hole opening of an apparatus. FIG. 9 is a view of the vicinity of the vent hole of the airbag as viewed from the outside of the airbag when the vent hole is opened.

  In the airbag apparatus 1B of this embodiment, two vent holes 41 and 42 are provided close to a planned area 12 that does not face an occupant when the airbag 10B is inflated, of the outer surface of the airbag 10B. ing. In this embodiment, these vent holes 41 and 42 are substantially circular openings, but the shape of each vent hole 41 and 42 is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the vent holes 41 and 42 have substantially the same size, but the vent hole 41 and the vent hole 42 may have different sizes.

  In this embodiment, in the airbag 10B, one end of a tether 50B as an extending body is sewn by a seam 51 from the inner side of the airbag 10B in the vicinity of the middle between the vent holes 41 and 42. .

  Also in this embodiment, an insertion hole 52 through which the tubular portion 71 of the coupling device 70 is inserted is provided on the other end side of the tether 50B, and the insertion hole 52 has a cylindrical shape inside the airbag 10B. The portion 71 is inserted, and the cap 72 is attached to the tip of the cylindrical portion 71, so that the other end side of the tether 50 </ b> B is connected to the retainer 20.

  In this embodiment, the width of the tether 50B in the longitudinal direction and the crossing direction is larger than the diameter of each of the vent holes 41 and 42. Further, the tether 50B is sewn to the airbag 10B with the width direction being substantially orthogonal to the line connecting the centers of the vent holes 41 and 42.

  The length of the tether 50B is such that when the airbag 10B is inflated in a state where the tether 50B is connected to the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70, the airbag is located near the middle between the vent holes 41 and 42 of the airbag 10B. 10B is pulled inside, the outer surfaces of the airbags on one vent hole 41 side and the other vent hole 42 side are opposed to each other across the middle, and the vent holes 41, 42 are closed or small-opened. The dimensions are taken as degrees.

  The other structure of this airbag apparatus 1B is the same as that of the airbag apparatus 1 of the above-mentioned FIGS. 1-5, and the same code | symbol as FIGS. 1-5 has shown the same part in FIGS. 8-10. In addition, the control method for the inflator 30 and the initiator 80 of the airbag apparatus 1B and the seat belt apparatus by the passenger restraint apparatus including the airbag apparatus 1B and the seat belt apparatus is also described in the above-described embodiments (20th to 23rd embodiments). This is the same as FIG.

  The operation of the airbag device 1B is as follows.

  When an operation signal is input from the control device to the inflator 30, the inflator 30 is in a gas ejection operation, and the airbag 10 </ b> B is inflated into the vehicle compartment by the gas from the inflator 30.

  At this time, when the operation signal is not input from the control device to the initiator 80, the tether 50B remains connected to the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70 as shown in FIG. 10B, the vicinity of the middle between the vent holes 41 and 42 is pulled into the inner side of the airbag 10B, so that the airbag on one vent hole 41 side and the other vent hole 42 side sandwiching the middle vicinity. The outer surfaces face each other, and the vent holes 41 and 42 are closed or have a small opening. As a result, the outflow of gas from the vent holes 41 and 42 is restricted.

  In addition, when an operation signal is input from the control device to the initiator 80, the initiator 80 performs a gas ejection operation. As a result, gas is ejected from the initiator 80 into the cylindrical portion 71, and the cap 72 is detached from the cylindrical portion 71 by this gas pressure, and the connection between the tether 50B and the retainer 20 is released.

  As a result, the tensile force of the tether 50B to the vicinity of the middle between the vent holes 41, 42 of the airbag 10B is released, and as shown in FIG. 10, the middle of the middle is caused by the internal pressure of the airbag 10B. Bulge out. Thereby, the vent holes 41 and 42 are separated from each other and exposed to the outer surface of the airbag 10B, and the vent holes 41 and 42 are opened or have a large opening. As a result, gas flows out of the airbag 10B through the vent holes 41 and 42.

  As described above, even in the airbag device 1B, when the airbag 10B is inflated, the vicinity of the middle between the vent holes 41 and 42 of the airbag 10B is located inside the airbag 10B by the tether 50B and the connecting device 70. When the vent holes 41 and 42 are closed or opened by a small amount and the initiator 80 is operated to release the connection between the tether 50B and the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70, the vent holes 41 and 42 are opened. , 42 are exposed to the outer surface of the airbag 10B, and the vent holes 41, 42 are configured to open or have a large opening. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the initiator 80 by the control device, Controls the outflow of gas from vent holes 41 and 42 according to the use state of seat belt device, collision prediction, accident state, etc. Or, it is possible to remove this restriction.

  14 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag apparatus according to still another embodiment when the vent hole is closed, and FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the XV portion (near the vent hole of the airbag) of FIG. These are sectional drawings at the time of vent hole opening of this air bag device.

  In the airbag apparatus 1C according to this embodiment, a vent hole 43 is provided between the center and the peripheral edge of the base end side surface 11 of the airbag 10C, and the vent hole 43 has a cylindrical shape whose both ends are open. One end of the nozzle 90 is connected. The nozzle 90 is disposed on the inner side of the airbag 10C.

  In this embodiment, the nozzle 90 is arranged on the inner side of the airbag 10C from the beginning by sewing one end from the inner side of the airbag 10C to the periphery of the vent hole 43 with the seam 91. It is in a state. However, the nozzle 90 may be sewn to the peripheral portion of the vent hole 43 from the outside of the airbag 10C. In this case, the other end side of the nozzle 90 is pushed into the airbag 10C through the vent hole 43, so that the nozzle 90 is disposed in the airbag 10C.

  In this embodiment, the nozzle 90 is formed by winding a base fabric into a cylindrical shape and stitching both ends in the winding direction, but the configuration of the nozzle 90 is not limited to this. For example, it may be composed of a flexible rubber or synthetic resin tube. Or this nozzle 90 may be comprised integrally with the base fabric which comprises the outer surface of the airbag 10C.

  In this embodiment, a tether 53 is provided as an extended body that restrains the nozzle 90 from moving through the vent hole 43 to the outside of the airbag 10C. One end of the tether 53 is connected to the peripheral portion of the vent hole 43, and the other end is routed to the center side of the airbag 10C through the inside of the nozzle 90 and the airbag 10C.

  In this embodiment, the one end side of the tether 53 is sewn from the outside of the airbag 10C to the peripheral edge of the vent hole 43 by the seam 54, but from the inside of the airbag 10C, the vent hole 43 is sewn. And an area surrounded by the one end (the seam 91) of the nozzle 90. Alternatively, the tether 53 may be configured integrally with a base fabric that forms the outer surface of the airbag 10C. Alternatively, the one end side of the tether 53 may be connected to the nozzle 90.

  Also in this embodiment, an insertion hole 55 through which the cylindrical portion 71 of the coupling device 70 is inserted is provided on the other end side of the tether 53, and the insertion hole 55 has a cylindrical shape inside the airbag 10C. The portion 71 is inserted, and the cap 72 is attached to the tip of the cylindrical portion 71, so that the other end side of the tether 53 is connected to the retainer 20.

  The length of the tether 53 is such that when the airbag 10C is inflated while the tether 53 is connected to the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70, the tether 53 is connected to the vent hole 43 and the tubular portion 71 of the connecting device 70. It is the size of the tension between.

  Other configurations of the airbag apparatus 1C are the same as those of the airbag apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 described above. In FIGS. 14 to 16, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 denote the same parts. Further, the control method for the inflator 30 and the initiator 80 of the airbag device 1C and the seat belt device by the occupant restraint device including the airbag device 1C and the seat belt device is also the above-described embodiment (FIGS. 20 to 23). ).

  The operation of the airbag device 1C is as follows.

  When an operation signal is input from the control device to the inflator 30, the inflator 30 is operated to eject gas, and the airbag 10 </ b> C is inflated into the vehicle compartment by the gas from the inflator 30.

  At this time, if an operation signal is not input from the control device to the initiator 80, the tether 53 remains connected to the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70 as shown in FIG. And tension between the cylindrical portion 71. Thus, the nozzle 90 is prevented from being pushed out of the airbag 10C from the vent hole 43 by the gas pressure in the airbag 10C. Then, the nozzle 90 is crushed so as to stick to the tether 53 by the gas pressure in the airbag 10 </ b> C and is closed. As a result, the vent hole 43 is closed (including a small opening degree) by the nozzle 90.

  In addition, when an operation signal is input from the control device to the initiator 80, the initiator 80 performs a gas ejection operation. As a result, gas is ejected from the initiator 80 into the cylindrical portion 71, and the cap 72 is detached from the cylindrical portion 71 by this gas pressure, and the connection between the tether 53 and the retainer 20 is released. As a result, the restriction of the nozzle 90 by the tether 53 is also released, so that the nozzle 90 is pushed out of the airbag 10C from the vent hole 43 by the gas pressure in the airbag 10C as shown in FIG. Then, when the gas flows into the nozzle 90, the diameter of the nozzle expands into a cylindrical shape and is opened, and the gas flows out of the airbag 10C through the nozzle 90.

  As described above, in the airbag device 1C, the nozzle 90 connected to the vent hole 43 of the airbag 10C is not pushed out of the airbag 10C from the vent hole 43 when the airbag 10C is inflated. When the vent hole 43 is closed by being restrained by the tether 53 and the connecting device 70 and the initiator 80 is activated to release the connection between the tether 53 and the retainer 20 by the connecting device 70, the nozzle 90 Is pushed out of the airbag 10C through the vent hole 43 by the gas pressure in the airbag 10C, and the vent hole 43 is opened through the nozzle 90. By controlling the control device with the control device, the use state of the seat and the seat belt device, the collision Knowledge, or restrict the outflow of gas from the vent hole 43 in response to accident conditions like, it is possible to remove this restriction.

  In this embodiment, only one tether 53 is provided as an extended body that restrains the nozzle 90 from moving to the outside of the airbag 10C through the vent hole 43. In the present invention, this tether 53 is provided. A plurality of may be provided.

  FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the thus configured airbag device when the vent hole is closed, FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the XIII portion (near the vent hole of the airbag) of FIG. 17, and FIG. It is sectional drawing at the time of vent hole open | release of an airbag apparatus.

  In the airbag apparatus 1D of this embodiment, two tethers 53 are provided on the airbag 10D as an extending body that restrains the nozzle 90 from moving outside the airbag 10C through the vent hole 43. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 18, one end of each of these tethers 53 is sewn by a seam 54 to each edge of the peripheral edge of the vent hole 43 that faces the center of the vent hole 43.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the other end sides of these tethers 53 are connected to the retainer 20 by a common connecting device 70. However, these tethers 53 may be connected to the retainer 20 by separate connecting devices 70.

  Other configurations of the airbag device 1D are the same as those of the airbag device 1C shown in FIGS. 14 to 16. In FIGS. 17 to 19, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 14 to 16 denote the same parts. The operation of the airbag apparatus 1D is the same as that of the airbag 1C shown in FIGS. Further, the control method for the inflator 30 and the initiator 80 of the airbag 1D and the seat belt device by the passenger restraint device including the airbag device 1D and the seat belt device is also the same as that of the above-described embodiment (FIGS. 20 to 23). It is the same.

  In the present invention, three or more tethers 53 may be provided as extended bodies that restrain the nozzle 90 from moving through the vent hole 43 to the outside of the airbag. When a plurality of tethers 53 are provided, it is preferable that the tethers 53 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the vent hole 43. However, the arrangement of the tether 53 is not limited to this.

  The present invention is suitably applied to an airbag device for a passenger seat of a vehicle. Hereinafter, a configuration example of a passenger airbag device for a vehicle to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

  11 is a perspective view of the airbag of the passenger seat airbag apparatus according to the embodiment, FIG. 12 is a side view of the passenger seat airbag apparatus when the airbag is inflated, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows a XIII-XIII line.

  In the passenger seat airbag device of this embodiment, the airbag 100 includes a right half airbag 101 that is inflated on the front right side of the passenger occupant and a left half airbag that is inflated on the front left side of the passenger occupant. 102 and a base end chamber 103 communicating with base end sides of the right half airbag 101 and the left half airbag 102 in the inflating direction. In the airbag 100, the base end chamber 103 is positioned on the most front side when viewed from the passenger seat passenger, and a gas introduction opening 105 is provided on the bottom surface of the base end chamber 103.

  The peripheral edge portion of the gas introduction opening 105 is connected to the retainer 110 having an upper open container shape, and the airbag 100 is folded and accommodated in the retainer 110. The airbag 100 is inflated by the gas from the inflator 111 installed in the retainer 110.

  When the airbag 100 is inflated, there is no bridge member such as a tie panel between the front end portions of the right half airbag 101 and the left half airbag 102, and A space 104 is formed between the tip portions. This space portion 104 is open toward the passenger seat occupant side (that is, toward the right in FIGS. 11 to 13).

  In the airbag 100, vent holes 106 that are opened and closed by first tethers 109 as extending bodies described later are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the base end chamber 103, respectively. In this embodiment, each slit 106 has a slit shape extending substantially in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 13, each vent hole 106 has a base end side of the base end chamber 103 relative to the base ends of the right half airbag 101 and the left half airbag 102, that is, in the right half airbag 101 and It does not reach the left-half airbag 102 and is disposed at a position facing the proximal chamber 103.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the present invention, the vent hole 106 is formed from the vertical line segment L passing through the front edge of the gas introduction opening 105 when the airbag 100 is inflated. It is preferably disposed at a position that is not separated by 100 mm or more on the front end side of the inflating direction, that is, on the passenger side of the passenger seat. It is preferable.

  In this embodiment, among the peripheral portions of each vent hole 106, a first extension body is formed on an edge portion (not shown) along one of a pair of opposing sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole 106. One end of the tether 108 is connected, and one end of the second tether 109 as a hanging strap is connected to an edge portion (not shown) along the other side.

  The other end side of the first tether 108 is routed to the gas introduction opening 105 side through the inside of the airbag 100 and is connected to the retainer 110 by a connecting device (not shown) provided in the retainer 110. It is connected releasably. This connecting device is the same as the connecting device 70 in each of the embodiments described above. The left and right first tethers 108 and 108 may be connected to the retainer 110 by a common connecting device, or may be connected to the retainer 110 by separate connecting devices.

  The other end side of the second tether 109 is also routed to the gas introduction opening 105 side through the inside of the airbag 100. The other end side of the second tether 109 is connected to the retainer 110 so as not to be released by a fastener (not shown) such as a bolt or a rivet. However, the connecting position on the other end side of the second tether 109 is not limited to this, and may be sewn to the bottom surface of the base end chamber 103, for example. In the present invention, the second tether 109 may also be connected to the retainer 110 so that the connection can be released by a connecting device.

  The length of the first tether 108 is such that when the airbag 100 is inflated in a state where the first tether 108 is connected to the retainer 110 by a connecting device, the edge of the vent hole 106 to which the first tether 108 is connected. The dimension is such that the airbag 100 is pulled to a predetermined depth inside the airbag 100.

  Also, the length of the second tether 109 is substantially the same as the edge of the vent hole 106 connected to the first tether 108 when the airbag 100 is inflated. The dimensions are such that the airbag 100 is pulled into the airbag 100 to a certain depth. However, as described above, the length of the second tether 109 as the hanging strap is not limited to this, and may be longer or shorter than this. By making the length of the second tether 109 longer or shorter than this, a gap is created between the opposing edges of the vent hole 106 even when the vent hole is closed, and the air bag 100 is exposed from this gap. Gas can flow out. Further, by adjusting the length of the second tether 109, the distance between the opposing edges of the vent hole 106 when the vent hole is opened, that is, the opening degree of the vent hole 106 can be controlled.

  The passenger seat airbag apparatus including the airbag 100 configured as described above is installed in an airbag installation section 121 provided on the upper surface of the instrument panel 120. Reference numeral 130 denotes a windshield of the vehicle.

  The method for controlling the inflator 111 and the initiator of the passenger seat airbag device and the passenger seat belt device by the passenger seat occupant restraint device including the passenger seat airbag device and the passenger seat seat belt device is described above. This is the same as the embodiment (FIGS. 20 to 23).

  The operation of the passenger seat airbag device is as follows.

  When an operation signal is input from the control device to the inflator 111, the inflator 111 is operated to eject gas, and the airbag 100 is inflated forward of the passenger seat by the gas from the inflator 111 as shown in FIG.

  At this time, when the operation signal is not input from the control device to the initiator of the connecting device, the connection between each first tether 108 and the retainer 110 by the connecting device is not released. In this case, each vent hole 106 is pulled into the inside of the airbag 100 by the first tether 108 and the second tether 109, and is closed or opened to a small degree. As a result, the outflow of gas from each vent hole 106 is limited.

  Further, when an operation signal is input from the control device to the initiator of the connecting device, the initiator performs gas ejection operation, and the connection between the first tether 108 and the retainer 110 by the connecting device is released. As a result, the pulling force on one edge of the vent hole 106 by each first tether 108 is released, and this edge bulges to the outside of the airbag 100. As a result, each vent hole 106 is opened or has a large opening, and gas flows out of the airbag 100 through each vent hole 106.

  As described above, even in the passenger seat airbag device, when the airbag 100 is inflated, each vent hole 106 is brought into the interior of the airbag 100 by the first tether 108, the connecting device, and the second tether 109. By pulling, each vent hole 106 is closed or opened to a small degree, and when the connection between the first tether 108 and the retainer 110 is released by the connecting device, one edge of each vent hole 106 is in the air. Since each vent hole 106 is inflated to the outside of the bag 100 so as to open or have a large opening, an initiator as a release means of the connecting device is controlled by the control device, so that the seat or seat Limit the outflow of gas from each vent hole 106 according to the belt device usage status, collision prediction, accident status, etc. It is possible to remove the restrictions.

  In this embodiment, since the normally open vent holes 107 are provided in the right half vent hole 101 and the left half airbag 102, the airbag 100 is in a state where each vent hole 106 is closed. Even if the passenger seats the passenger seat, the gas flows out of the airbag 100 from the normally open vent hole 107, so that the impact applied to the passenger seat passenger is alleviated.

  In this embodiment, a vent hole opening / closing mechanism similar to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 is provided, but a vent hole opening / closing mechanism similar to any of the above-described embodiments may be provided.

  Each of the above embodiments shows an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to each of the above embodiments.

  Each of the above embodiments shows an application example of the present invention to an airbag for restraining an occupant of a vehicle, but the present invention can also be applied to other airbag devices.

It is sectional drawing at the time of the vent hole closure of the airbag apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view of the II part of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the connection apparatus vicinity of the airbag apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion IV in FIG. It is sectional drawing at the time of vent hole opening of the airbag apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing at the time of the vent hole closure of the airbag apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view of the vent hole vicinity of the airbag of the airbag apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing at the time of the vent hole closure of the airbag apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view of the vent hole vicinity of the airbag of the airbag apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing at the time of vent hole opening of the airbag apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view of the airbag of the airbag apparatus for passenger seats concerning embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view of the passenger seat airbag device of FIG. 11 when the airbag is inflated. It is sectional drawing which follows the XIII-XIII line | wire of FIG. It is sectional drawing at the time of the vent hole closure of the airbag apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the XV part of FIG. It is sectional drawing at the time of vent hole opening of the airbag apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing at the time of the vent hole closure of the airbag apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the XVIII part of FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag device of FIG. 17 when a vent hole is opened. It is a control block diagram of the passenger | crew restraint apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the passenger | crew restraint apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the passenger | crew restraint apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the passenger | crew restraint apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A, 1B, 1C Airbag device 10, 10A, 10B, 10C Airbag 20 Retainer 30 Inflator 40, 41, 42 Vent hole 50, 50A First tether (extension body)
50B tether (extended body)
52 Insertion hole 53 Tether (Extended body)
55 Insertion hole 60 2nd tether (hanging string)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 70 Connection apparatus 71 Cylindrical part 72 Cap 80 Initiator 90 Nozzle 100 Air bag 101 Right half side airbag 102 Left half side airbag 103 Base end chamber 105 Gas introduction opening 106 Vent hole 107 Normally open type vent hole 108 1st tether (Extended body)
109 Second tether
110 Retainer 111 Inflator 120 Instrument panel

Claims (16)

An airbag,
A fixing member to which the base end side in the inflation direction of the airbag is fixed;
An inflator for inflating the airbag;
In the airbag apparatus provided with the vent hole for flowing the gas in the airbag out of the airbag provided in the airbag,
Limiting means for limiting the outflow of gas from the vent hole;
Release means for releasing the restriction by the restriction means,
The limiting means is
One end is disposed around the vent hole of the airbag, and the other end extends through the inside of the airbag to the base end side of the airbag;
A coupling device that releasably couples the other end side of the extension body to the base end side of the airbag or the fixing member;
The release means performs connection release by the connection device,
When the airbag is inflated, the vent hole is closed or opened to a small degree by the peripheral portion of the vent hole or the vent hole being drawn into the inner side of the airbag by the extension body and the connecting device.
When the release means releases the connection between the extension body and the base end side of the airbag or the fixing member by the connecting device, the vent hole is exposed to the outside of the airbag. An airbag device characterized in that the airbag is inflated and the vent hole is opened or has a large opening. In Claim 1, the vent hole is slit-shaped,
The extending body is connected to at least one of a pair of opposing sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole or a portion in the vicinity thereof in the peripheral portion of the vent hole of the airbag. Bag device. In Claim 1, the vent hole is slit-shaped,
The extended body is connected to one of a pair of opposing sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole or the vicinity thereof in the vent hole peripheral portion of the airbag,
An airbag device, wherein the other side of the opposite side or the vicinity thereof and the base end side of the airbag are connected by a hanging strap. In claim 2 or 3, the width of the extending body and the width in the crossing direction are substantially equal to the width in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole,
The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the one end of the extending body is connected to the opposite side or a vicinity thereof so that both ends in the width direction are aligned with both ends in the longitudinal direction of the vent hole. In claim 1, the two vent holes are arranged close to each other,
The airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one end of the extension body is connected to an intermediate portion of the vent hole in the airbag. The connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A cylindrical portion protruding from the fixing member, the tip of which is inserted into the airbag;
A cap detachably attached to the tip of the tubular portion;
The other end of the extending body is provided with an insertion hole through which the cylindrical portion is inserted,
The airbag device characterized in that the cap has a larger diameter than the insertion hole, and the cap prevents the cylindrical portion from coming out of the insertion hole.   7. The release means according to claim 6, wherein the releasing means is an initiator that is disposed in the cylindrical portion, and that ejects gas into the cylindrical portion and causes the cap to be detached from the cylindrical portion by the gas pressure. An airbag device. An airbag,
A fixing member to which the base end side in the inflation direction of the airbag is fixed;
An inflator for inflating the airbag;
In the airbag apparatus provided with the vent hole for flowing the gas in the airbag out of the airbag provided in the airbag,
Limiting means for limiting the outflow of gas from the vent hole;
Release means for releasing the restriction by the restriction means,
The limiting means is
A cylindrical nozzle having one end connected to the vent hole and the other end disposed inside the airbag;
A restraining means for restraining the other end side of the nozzle from moving out of the airbag through the vent hole so as to be able to release the restraint;
The release means is for releasing the restraint by the restraint means,
When the airbag is inflated, the vent hole is closed or opened by being restrained by the restraining means so that the other end of the nozzle does not move out of the airbag.
When the releasing means releases the restraint by the restraining means, the nozzle is pushed out of the airbag through the vent hole by the gas pressure in the airbag, thereby opening or closing the vent hole. An airbag device having a large opening ,
The restraining means is
One end is disposed around the vent hole of the airbag, and the other end extends through the nozzle and the interior of the airbag to the proximal end of the airbag;
A connecting device that connects the other end side of the extending body to the base end side of the airbag or the fixing member;
With
The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the release means performs release of connection by the connecting device. 9. The airbag device according to claim 8 , wherein a plurality of the extending bodies are provided, and the one end of each extending body is arranged at a different position in the circumferential direction of the vent hole. In Claim 8 or 9 , the connecting device comprises:
A cylindrical portion protruding from the fixing member, the tip of which is inserted into the airbag;
A cap detachably attached to the tip of the tubular portion;
The other end of the extending body is provided with an insertion hole through which the cylindrical portion is inserted,
The airbag device characterized in that the cap has a larger diameter than the insertion hole, and the cap prevents the cylindrical portion from coming out of the insertion hole. 11. The release means according to claim 10 , wherein the release means is an initiator that is disposed in the cylindrical portion, and that ejects gas into the cylindrical portion and causes the cap to be detached from the cylindrical portion by the gas pressure. An airbag device. An occupant restraint device having a seat belt device and an airbag device for restraining an occupant seated in a vehicle seat,
The seat belt device and the airbag device are controlled based on at least one detection or prediction signal of the seat use state detection means, the seat belt device use state detection means, a collision prediction means, and an accident state detection means. In an occupant restraint device equipped with a control device,
The airbag device is the airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ,
The control device controls the inflator and the release means based on the detection or prediction signal. In Claim 12 , the means for detecting the use state of the seat comprises:
Whether a passenger is seated in the seat,
Occupant weight,
The attitude of the crew,
An occupant restraint device that detects at least one of a seat position and presence / absence of a child seat. 14. The occupant restraint apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the occupant posture detection means detects at least one position of the occupant's head, chest, and shoulders. The collision prediction means according to any one of claims 12 to 14 , wherein the collision prediction means includes a collision occurrence prediction,
Predicting the direction of the collision,
Prediction of full lap collision or offset collision,
Predicting the type of collision object,
Predicting the size of the impact object,
An occupant restraint device that performs at least one of prediction of collision relative speed and prediction of collision relative acceleration. The accident state detection means according to any one of claims 12 to 15 ,
Detecting whether the accident is a collision or a rollover,
Collision detection,
An occupant restraint device that detects at least one of collision type detection and collision scale detection.

Images