JP5251846B2 - Airbag device for vehicle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device, and more particularly to a vehicle airbag device for absorbing an impact applied to a collision body when the collision body collides with a vehicle.

  For example, for the purpose of absorbing an impact applied to a collision body when a collision object such as a pedestrian or a bicycle collides with a vehicle, a vehicle airbag device having a bag body that is deployed toward the outside of the vehicle body has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-291756 A JP 2008-284935 A JP 2003-11754 A JP 2008-285110 A

  However, in the vehicle airbag device described in Patent Document 1, the bag body is formed in a long shape and the center in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the vehicle body. For this reason, when this bag is unfolded, the longitudinal end of the bag is a free end. Accordingly, when a collision body hits the longitudinal end portion of the bag body in a state where the bag body is unfolded, the longitudinal end portion of the bag body is not held at a desired position on the outer surface of the vehicle body, or the bag body There is a possibility that the longitudinal end portion of the vehicle is not sufficiently supported by the vehicle body outer surface portion.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, Comprising: It aims at providing the vehicle airbag apparatus which can improve an impact-absorbing performance compared with the conventional structure.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the vehicle airbag device according to claim 1 is extended along the vehicle body outer surface portion outside the vehicle body with respect to the vehicle body outer surface portion, and at least both ends in the extending direction are the vehicle body outer surface portion. And a base fabric fixed to the base fabric, and is provided on the outer side of the vehicle body with respect to the base fabric, and has an expansibility, and the base fabric and a peripheral edge of each other are joined to form a bag body with the base fabric A cloth and a gas generator for inflating the inflatable cloth by inserting gas into the bag body at the time of collision detection or prediction of collision between the vehicle and the collision body.

  In this vehicle airbag device, when a collision between the vehicle and a collision body is detected or predicted, gas is inserted into the bag body by the gas generator, and the inflatable cloth constituting the bag body is the outer surface portion of the vehicle body. Is expanded outside the vehicle body. The impact on the collision body during the collision between the collision body and the vehicle is absorbed by the collision body hitting the inflatable cloth.

  Here, as for this expansion | swelling cloth, a base fabric and a mutual peripheral part are joined, and the base fabric comprises the bag body. The base fabric extends along the outer surface of the vehicle body, and at least both ends in the extending direction are fixed to the outer surface of the vehicle body. Therefore, as described above, even when the collision body hits the expanded fabric, the end portions of the bag body (both ends in the extending direction of the base fabric) can be held at desired positions on the outer surface of the vehicle body. At the same time, it can be supported by the outer surface of the vehicle body. Thereby, the impact absorption performance can be improved as compared with the conventional configuration.

  The vehicle airbag device according to claim 2 is the vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the base fabric extends along the outer surface of the vehicle body formed in a curved shape. Has been.

  If the bag is formed in a long shape, the center in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the vehicle body, and the outer surface of the vehicle body is formed in a curved shape, the collision body hits the longitudinal end of the bag. In such a case, there is a possibility that the longitudinal end portion of the bag body which is a free end is not sufficiently supported by the vehicle body outer surface portion.

  On the other hand, according to this vehicle airbag device, at least both ends in the extending direction of the base fabric are fixed to the outer surface of the vehicle body. Therefore, even if the outer surface of the vehicle body is formed in a curved surface, when the impact body hits the end of the inflatable cloth, the end of the bag (both ends in the extending direction of the base fabric) is supported by the outer surface of the vehicle body. can do.

  A vehicle airbag device according to a third aspect is the vehicle airbag device according to the first or second aspect, wherein a large number of granular materials are accommodated inside the bag body. .

  In the conventional vehicle airbag device described above, the rigidity of the bag body is increased when the bag body is folded and stored. Therefore, when this bag body is fixed to, for example, a curved vehicle body outer surface portion, the bag body may not be fixed in a state of being in close contact with the vehicle body outer surface portion. In this case, there is a possibility that the bag body cannot be expanded to a desired shape (a shape in close contact with the outer surface of the vehicle body).

  However, according to this airbag apparatus for a vehicle, a large number of granular materials are accommodated in the bag body, and the fluid inside the bag body is discharged. Even if it is in a high state, the bag body can be bent (bent) starting from among the numerous granular materials. Therefore, even if the vehicle body outer surface portion is formed in a curved shape, the base fabric can be fixed in close contact with the vehicle body outer surface portion when the bag body is in a contracted state. Thereby, the bag body can be inflated to a desired shape (a shape in close contact with the outer surface of the vehicle body).

  A vehicle airbag device according to a fourth aspect is the vehicle airbag device according to the third aspect, wherein each of the plurality of granular materials is made of an elastic body.

  According to this vehicle airbag device, each of the large number of granular materials is constituted by an elastic body. Therefore, in addition to the inflatable cloth, the large number of granular materials can cause a collision body when the collision body collides with the vehicle. The impact to the vehicle can be absorbed, and the collision body can be prevented from bottoming on the outer surface of the vehicle body.

  The vehicle airbag device according to claim 5 is the vehicle airbag device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the gas generator generates a swirling gas flow inside the bag body. The gas is inserted into the bag body.

  According to this vehicle airbag device, when gas is inserted into the bag body by the gas generator, a swirling flow of gas is generated inside the bag body. The granular material can be dispersed substantially uniformly within the bag.

  The vehicle airbag device according to claim 6 is the vehicle airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base fabric includes a front fender portion or a front pillar portion of a vehicle body. It is set as the structure extended along the said vehicle body outer surface part to comprise.

  According to this vehicle airbag device, since the inflatable fabric is inflated to the outside of the vehicle body with respect to the front fender portion or the front pillar portion, the front fender portion or the front pillar portion, which is generally a relatively rigid portion in the vehicle body. And collision with the collision object can be suppressed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the vehicle airbag device according to claim 7 is provided on the vehicle body outer side with respect to the vehicle body outer surface portion of the vehicle body, has inflatability, and has a peripheral edge portion on the vehicle body outer surface. An inflatable cloth fixed to the part, and a gas generator for inflating the inflatable cloth by inserting gas into a space formed by the outer surface of the vehicle body and the inflatable cloth when a vehicle collision is detected or predicted It is equipped with.

  In this vehicle airbag device, when a collision between a vehicle and a collision object is detected or predicted, gas is inserted into a space formed by a vehicle body outer surface portion and an expansion cloth by a gas generator, and the expansion cloth Is expanded to the outside of the vehicle body with respect to the outer surface of the vehicle body. The impact on the collision body during the collision between the collision body and the vehicle is absorbed by the collision body hitting the inflatable cloth.

  Here, the peripheral edge of the inflatable cloth is fixed to the outer surface of the vehicle body. Therefore, as described above, even when a collision body hits the expanded fabric, the end (peripheral portion) of the expanded fabric can be held at a desired position on the outer surface of the vehicle body, and The collision body can be supported also at the end. Thereby, the impact absorption performance can be improved as compared with the conventional configuration.

  The vehicle airbag device according to claim 8 is the vehicle airbag device according to claim 7, wherein a large number of granular materials each formed of an elastic body are accommodated in the space portion. Yes.

  According to this vehicle airbag device, in addition to the inflatable cloth, a large number of granular materials each formed of an elastic body can absorb the impact on the collision body when the collision body collides with the vehicle. The collision body can be prevented from bottoming out on the outer surface of the vehicle body.

  The vehicle airbag device according to claim 9 is the vehicle airbag device according to claim 8, wherein the gas generator generates gas in the space so that a swirling flow of gas is generated in the space. It is configured to purchase.

  According to this vehicle airbag device, when gas is inserted into the space portion by the gas generator, a swirling flow of gas is generated in the space portion. Therefore, a large number of granular materials accommodated in the space portion are formed in the space portion. It can be dispersed substantially uniformly.

  The vehicle airbag device according to claim 10 is the vehicle airbag device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the inflatable cloth includes a front fender portion or a front pillar portion of a vehicle body. It is the structure provided in the vehicle body outer side with respect to the said vehicle body outer surface part to comprise.

  According to this vehicle airbag device, since the inflatable fabric is inflated to the outside of the vehicle body relative to the front fender portion or the front pillar portion, the front fender portion or the front pillar portion, which is a relatively stiff portion of the vehicle body, and the collision body Can be prevented from colliding.

  The vehicle airbag device according to claim 11 is the vehicle airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a design surface is provided on a vehicle body outside of the inflatable cloth. Has been.

  According to this vehicle airbag device, the design surface is provided on the outer side of the vehicle body of the inflatable fabric, so that the design properties can be ensured at the outer surface portion of the vehicle body on which the inflatable fabric is disposed and the peripheral portion thereof. .

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the impact absorbing performance can be improved as compared with the conventional configuration.

It is a figure explaining the mounting state to the vehicle of the vehicle airbag apparatus and collision judgment apparatus which concern on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state by which the bag body (expanded cloth) shown by FIG. 1 is contracted. It is a figure which shows the initial state when a collision body hits the bag body shown by FIG. It is a figure which shows the state of the latter term when a collision body hits the bag body shown by FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the contracted state of an inflatable cloth. It is a figure which shows the inflated state of the inflatable cloth shown by FIG. 5A. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the ratio (space factor) which the granular material shown by FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B occupies for the internal space of a bag body, and the energy absorption efficiency of a bag body. It is a figure which shows the modification of the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the state by which the inflatable cloth was shrink | contracted and accommodated inside the cover. It is a figure which shows the expansion | swelling state of the expansion | swelling cloth shown by FIG. 9A. It is a principal part enlarged view of the airbag apparatus for vehicles shown by FIG. 9A. It is a figure which shows the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 4th embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the contracted state of an inflatable cloth. It is a figure which shows the inflated state of the inflatable cloth shown by FIG. 11A. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification of the vehicle airbag apparatus which concerns on 4th embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the fixed state to the front pillar of the fixing member shown by FIG. 12 from the inner side of the front pillar. It is a figure which shows a state when a collision body hits a bag body in the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on a comparative example.

[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In addition, arrow UP, arrow FR, and arrow OUT in each figure have each shown the vehicle up-down direction upper side, the vehicle front-back direction front side, and the vehicle width direction outer side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle airbag device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a bag body 12 and a gas generator 14, and is mounted on a front fender portion 112 of a vehicle body. Yes.

  The front fender portion 112 includes a front fender panel 114. The front fender panel 114 has a curved surface portion on the side of the front hood 116 as a vehicle body outer surface portion as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. 114A is formed. The curved surface portion 114A is formed in a three-dimensional curved surface shape so as to go downward in the vehicle width direction from the front hood 116 side toward the vehicle width direction outer side.

  The bag body 12 is provided on the curved surface portion 114 </ b> A and includes a base cloth 16 and an inflatable cloth 18. The base fabric 16 is disposed on the outer side of the vehicle body with respect to the curved surface portion 114A, and extends along the curved surface portion 114A. Both end portions 16A in the extending direction of the base fabric 16 are fixed to the curved surface portion 114A by, for example, adhesion. Further, an inflow port 34 is formed at the center of the base fabric 16 to communicate a gas outlet of the gas generator 14 described later and the inside of the bag body 12.

  The inflatable cloth 18 is provided outside the vehicle body with respect to the base cloth 16. The inflatable cloth 18 is joined to the base cloth 16 at the peripheral edges thereof, and forms a bag shape with the base cloth 16. Further, the inflatable cloth 18 is made of an inflatable material, and is set to have a higher expansibility than at least the base cloth 16.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, the inflatable cloth 18 is configured to form a cloth shape with the base cloth 16 in the contracted state. That is, the bag body 12 is configured to be integrated with the front fender panel 114 when the fluid inside is discharged and the inflatable cloth 18 is in a contracted state. Further, on the outer surface of the inflatable cloth 18, for example, a design surface 20 is formed on which the same coating as the front fender panel 114 is applied.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the expansion side portion 18 </ b> A of the inflatable cloth 18 and the base cloth 16 are connected by a connecting band 22. And in this bag body 12, when the expansion | swelling cloth 18 is expanded, the part 18A of the expansion | swelling side of the expansion | swelling cloth 18 becomes a substantially planar shape by the tension | pulling effect | action of this connection band 22. FIG.

  The gas generator 14 is activated when a collision determination signal output from a control unit 144 (see FIG. 1) of the collision determination device 140 described later is input, and gas is inserted into the bag body 12. The inflatable cloth 18 is inflated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the collision determination device 140 includes a collision object detection sensor 142 and a control unit 144.

  The collision object detection sensor 142 is disposed in the front part of the vehicle body (for example, the front bumper 118), emits laser light or radio waves toward the front of the vehicle 110, and reflects the laser light reflected from the front of the vehicle 110. It is configured to receive radio waves. The collision object detection sensor 142 outputs a signal corresponding to the incident laser light or radio wave to the control unit 144 when a laser beam or radio wave reflected in front of the vehicle 110 is incident. Has been.

  The control unit 144 determines a collision between the vehicle 110 and the collision body 120 based on a signal output from the collision body detection sensor 142 or other vehicle speed sensor, and predicts a collision between the vehicle 110 and the collision body 120. In this case, a collision determination signal is output to the gas generator 14.

  Next, the operation and effect will be described together with the operation of the vehicle airbag device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in order to clarify the operation and effect of the present embodiment, a comparative example will be described. In the vehicle airbag device 150 according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 14, the bag body 152 is formed in a long shape extending in the vehicle width direction, and the center side in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the front fender portion 112.

  However, when the bag body 152 is deployed, the longitudinal end 152A of the bag body 152 is a free end. Therefore, as shown by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in the drawing, when the impact body 120 hits the longitudinal end 152A of the bag body 152 in a state where the bag body 152 is unfolded, the bag body There is a possibility that the longitudinal end 152A of 152 is not held at a desired position on the curved surface 114A.

  Further, when the curved surface portion 114A is formed in a three-dimensional curved surface shape, when the collision body 120 hits the longitudinal direction end portion 152A of the bag body 152, the longitudinal direction end portion 152A of the bag body 152 that is a free end. Does not sufficiently contact the curved surface portion 114A, and there is a possibility that the longitudinal end portion 152A of the bag body 152 is not sufficiently supported by the curved surface portion 114A.

  On the other hand, in the vehicle airbag apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, when the control unit 144 predicts a collision between the vehicle 110 and the collision body 120, the control unit 144 A collision determination signal is output to the gas generator 14, and the gas generator 14 is activated.

  When the gas generator 14 is actuated, gas is inserted into the bag body 12 by the gas generator 14, and the inflatable cloth 18 constituting the bag body 12 is curved as shown in FIG. 2B. Inflated to the outside of the vehicle body with respect to the portion 114A. When the impacting body 120 hits the inflatable cloth 18, the internal gas of the bag body 12 is discharged from a vent hole or the like (not shown), and the inflatable cloth 18 is contracted, whereby the impacting body 120 and the vehicle 110 are in collision. The impact on the collision body 120 is absorbed.

  Here, the inflatable cloth 18 is joined to the base cloth 16 at the peripheral edges thereof, and the base cloth 16 constitutes the bag body 12. Further, the base fabric 16 extends along the curved surface portion 114A, and both end portions 16A in the extending direction are fixed to the curved surface portion 114A.

  Therefore, as described above, even when the collision body 120 hits the expanded fabric 18 that has been expanded, the ends of the bag body 12 (both ends 16A in the extending direction of the base fabric 16) are placed at desired positions on the curved surface portion 114A. It can be held and supported by the curved surface portion 114A. Thereby, compared with the above-mentioned comparative example, shock absorption performance can be improved.

  In particular, even if the curved surface portion 114A is formed in a three-dimensional curved surface shape, the collision body 120 hits the end portion of the inflatable cloth 18 by fixing the both ends 16A in the extending direction of the base fabric 16 to the curved surface portion 114A. In this case, the end portions of the bag body 12 (both end portions 16A in the extending direction of the base fabric 16) can be supported by the curved surface portions 114A.

  In general, the front fender portion 112 is a relatively stiff part of the vehicle body by arranging a vehicle body skeleton member inside the vehicle body of the front fender panel 114.

  However, according to the vehicle airbag device 10, since the inflatable cloth 18 is inflated to the outside of the vehicle body with respect to the front fender portion 112, the collision between the highly rigid front fender portion 112 and the collision body 120 can be suppressed. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, when the inflatable cloth 18 is inflated, the expansion side portion 18 </ b> A of the inflatable cloth 18 becomes substantially planar due to the tensile action of the connecting band 22. Therefore, when the collision body 120 hits the expanded fabric 18, the load distribution acting on the collision body 120 from the expansion fabric 18 can be averaged (a load is locally applied from the expansion fabric 18 to the collision body 120. Can be suppressed).

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the inflatable cloth 18 is in a contracted state, the inflatable cloth 18 forms a cloth shape with the base cloth 16, and the volume ratio of the bag body 12 becomes small. The bag body 12 can be easily disposed on the front fender portion 112.

  Moreover, since the design surface 20 is given to the vehicle body outer side of the inflatable cloth 18, the design property in the front fender part 112 is securable.

  Next, a modified example of the vehicle airbag device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the base fabric 16 has both end portions 16A in the extending direction fixed to the curved surface portion 114A, but the whole including the both end portions 16A in the extending direction may be fixed to the curved surface portion 114A. That is, the base fabric 16 only needs to have at least both ends 16A in the extending direction fixed to the curved surface portion 114A.

  Even in such a configuration, the end portions of the bag body 12 (both end portions 16A in the extending direction of the base fabric 16) can be held at desired positions on the curved surface portion 114A and supported by the front fender portion 112. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, the bag body 12 is fixed to the curved surface portion 114A that is a part of the front fender panel 114. For example, the front fender panel 114 is configured separately from the front fender panel 114. It may be fixed to a support plate or the like as an outer surface of the vehicle body provided on the vehicle.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the bag body 12 was being fixed to the curved surface part 114A which is a part of the front fender panel 114, you may be fixing to the other vehicle body outer surface part formed in the curved surface shape. .

  Further, in this case, the bag body 12 may be fixed to the vehicle body outer surface portion 122 formed in a convex curved surface shape as shown in FIG. 3, and as shown in FIG. It may be fixed to the vehicle body outer surface portion 124 formed in the above.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the vehicle airbag device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the rigidity of the bag body 12 is increased when the bag body 12 is in the contracted state. Therefore, when the bag body 12 is fixed to the curved surface portion 114A, the bag body 12 may not be fixed in close contact with the curved surface portion 114A. And in this case, there exists a possibility that the bag body 12 cannot expand | swell to a desired shape (shape closely_contact | adhered to the curved surface part 114A).

  Therefore, in the vehicle airbag device 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the granularity is larger than that of the vehicle airbag device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above. A material 32 is added.

  In addition, in 2nd embodiment of this invention, it is the structure same as 1st embodiment of the above-mentioned this invention except that many granular materials 32 were added, About this same structure, it is the 1st embodiment of this invention. The same reference numerals as those of the embodiment are shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a large number of granular materials 32 are accommodated inside the bag body 12. The large number of granular materials 32 are each made of an elastic body such as polystyrene foam or rubber, and are formed in a solid or hollow spherical shape.

  When configured in this way, as shown in FIG. 5A, even if the bag body 12 is in a contracted state and in a high rigidity state, the bag body 12 starts from the space between the numerous granular materials 32. Can be bent (bent). Therefore, since the bag body 12 can be fixed in a state of being in close contact with the curved surface portion 114A, the bag body 12 is inflated to a desired shape (a shape in close contact with the curved surface portion 114A) as shown in FIG. 5B. Can do.

  Moreover, in addition to the inflatable cloth 18, the large number of granular materials 32 can absorb the impact on the collision body 120 when the collision body 120 and the vehicle 110 collide, and the collision body 120 is absorbed by the curved surface portion 114 </ b> A. It is possible to suppress bottoming.

  Here, FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the ratio (space factor) of the granular material 32 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B to the internal space of the bag body 12 and the energy absorption efficiency of the bag body 12.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the ratio of the granular material 32 to the internal space of the bag body 12 (the space ratio) is set to about 50% to 60%, the energy absorption efficiency of the bag body 12 is maintained high. can do.

  When a large number of granular materials 32 are accommodated inside the bag body 12, as shown in FIG. 7, when the inflatable cloth 18 is in a contracted state, the inflatable cloth 18 becomes a large number of granular materials 32. As a result of the contact, the inflatable cloth 18 is uneven. Therefore, when the convex part 126A having a large curvature is formed on the outer surface 126 of the vehicle body, the bag body 12 may be folded using the concaves and convexes so that the inflatable cloth 18 is made to follow the convex part 126A.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the structure by which gas is inserted with the gas generator 14 toward the center part of the bag body 12 from the inflow port 34 formed in the center part in the base fabric 16, FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the gas generator 14 may be configured to insert gas into the bag body 12 from the inlet 34 formed at a position shifted from the center of the base fabric 16 toward the end side. good.

  With this configuration, a swirling flow can be generated inside the bag body 12, so that a large number of granular materials 32 housed inside the bag body 12 are distributed substantially uniformly inside the bag body 12. Can be made.

  Note that the granular material 32 does not need to be formed of an elastic body for the purpose of bringing the base fabric 16 into close contact with the curved surface portion 114A (that is, not used for shock absorption). Or a rigid body such as

  Moreover, the granular material 32 may be formed in, for example, a hemispherical shape in addition to the spherical shape.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  A vehicle airbag apparatus 40 according to a third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B includes a fixing plate 42 as a vehicle body outer surface portion, a support member 44, a cover 46, a bag body 52, and a pair. Gas generators 54A and 54B, which are mounted on the front pillar portion 128 of the vehicle body.

  The fixed plate 42 is fixed to the front pillar 130 via a support member 44, and is formed in a planar shape substantially along the vehicle width direction.

  In the present embodiment, the fixing plate 42, the support member 44, the cover 46, and the front pillar 130 constitute a front pillar portion 128. The front pillar 130 includes a pillar panel inner 132 and a pillar panel outer 134.

  The bag body 52 includes a base cloth 56 and an inflatable cloth 58. The base cloth 56 is disposed outside the vehicle body with respect to the fixed plate 42 and extends along the fixed plate 42. The both ends 56A (both ends in the vehicle width direction) of the base fabric 56 are fixed to the fixing plate 42.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, bent pieces 60 and 62 are formed at both ends 56 </ b> A in the extending direction of the base fabric 56. One bent piece 60 is sandwiched between the fixed plate 42 and the windshield 136 in a state of being bent to the back side of the fixed plate 42, and the other bent piece 62 is formed on the fixed plate 42. In a state of being inserted into the groove portion 64, it is sandwiched between the inner wall of the groove portion 64 and the end portion of the support member 44.

  The inflatable cloth 58 is provided outside the vehicle body with respect to the base cloth 56. The peripheral edge portion of the inflatable cloth 58 is joined to the peripheral edge portion including both end portions 56 </ b> A in the extending direction of the base cloth 56, whereby the inflatable cloth 58 and the base cloth 56 form a bag shape. The inflatable cloth 58 is made of an inflatable material, and is set to have an expansibility higher than at least the base cloth 56.

  The inflatable cloth 58 is covered with a cover 46 as a design surface from the outside of the vehicle body. A slit 66 is formed in the cover 46 at a portion where the center portion of the inflatable cloth 58 is located.

  Further, a large number of granular materials 72 are accommodated in the bag body 52. Each of the large number of granular materials 72 is composed of an elastic body.

  The gas generators 54 </ b> A and 54 </ b> B are respectively disposed inside the support member 44. Each of the gas generators 54A and 54B is activated when the collision determination signal output from the above-described control unit 144 (see FIG. 1) is input, and gas is inserted into the bag body 52 to expand the expansion cloth. 58 is inflated.

  One gas generator 54 </ b> A is disposed at the center of the base fabric 56, while the other gas generator 54 </ b> B is disposed at the end side of the center of the base fabric 56. The pair of gas generators 54 </ b> A and 54 </ b> B is configured to insert gas into the bag body 52 so that a swirling flow of gas is generated inside the bag body 52.

  Next, the operation and effect will be described together with the operation of the vehicle airbag device 40 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the vehicle airbag device 40, when the gas generators 54A and 54B are activated, gas is inserted into the bag body 52 by the gas generators 54A and 54B, and as shown in FIG. The inflatable cloth 58 constituting the bag body 52 breaks through the cover 46 and is inflated to the outside of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed plate 42. When the impacting body 120 hits the inflatable cloth 58, the gas inside the bag body 52 is discharged from a vent hole or the like (not shown), and the inflating cloth 58 is contracted, thereby causing a collision when the impacting body 120 and the vehicle collide. The impact on the body 120 is absorbed.

  Here, the inflatable cloth 58 is joined to the base cloth 56 at the peripheral edges thereof, and the base cloth 56 constitutes a bag body 52. The base fabric 56 extends along the fixed plate 42, and both ends 56 </ b> A of the extending direction are fixed to the fixed plate 42.

  Therefore, as described above, even when the collision body 120 hits the expanded fabric 58 that has been expanded, the end portions of the bag body 52 (both end portions 56A in the extending direction of the base fabric 56) are positioned at desired positions in the front pillar portion 128. And can be supported by the fixing plate 42. Thereby, compared with the above-mentioned comparative example, shock absorption performance can be improved.

  In addition, since a large number of granular materials 72 each formed of an elastic body are accommodated inside the bag body 52, in addition to the inflatable cloth 58, the large number of granular materials 72 allow the collision body 120, the vehicle, It is possible to absorb an impact on the collision body 120 at the time of the collision, and it is possible to suppress the collision body 120 from bottoming on the front pillar portion 128 (fixed plate 42).

  In general, the front pillar portion 128 is a relatively rigid portion of the vehicle body.

  However, according to the vehicle airbag device 40, since the inflatable cloth 58 is inflated to the outside of the vehicle body with respect to the front pillar portion 128, the collision between the highly rigid front pillar portion 128 and the collision body 120 can be suppressed. it can.

  Further, according to the vehicle airbag device 40, since the inflatable cloth 58 is covered by the cover 46 from the outside of the vehicle body, the design of the front pillar portion 128 can be ensured.

  Next, a modification of the vehicle airbag device 40 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the base fabric 56 has both ends 56 </ b> A in the extending direction fixed to the fixing plate 42, but the whole including the both ends 56 </ b> A in the extending direction may be fixed to the fixing plate 42. Even if comprised in this way, there exists an effect similar to the above.

  In the above embodiment, the fixed plate 42 is formed in a flat plate shape, and the base cloth 56 extends along the fixed plate 42. However, the fixed plate 42 is formed in a curved surface shape, and the base cloth 56 is It may extend along the fixed plate 42.

  Even when configured in this way, when the collision body 120 hits the end of the inflatable cloth 58, the end of the bag 52 (both ends 56 </ b> A in the extending direction of the base cloth 56) is supported by the fixing plate 42. Can do.

  In addition, since a large number of granular materials 72 are accommodated in the bag body 52 and the fluid in the bag body 52 is discharged, the inflatable cloth 58 is in a contracted state and has a high rigidity. However, the bag body 52 can be bent (bent) with the space between the large number of granular materials 72 as a starting point. Thereby, since the bag body 52 (base cloth 56) can be fixed in a state of being in intimate contact with the fixing plate 42, the bag body 52 can be inflated to a desired shape (a shape in close contact with the outer surface of the vehicle body). .

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  A vehicle airbag device 80 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B includes a bag body 82 and a gas generator 84, and is mounted on a front pillar portion 128 of a vehicle body. Yes.

  The front pillar portion 128 is configured to have a front pillar 130. 11A and 11B, the front pillar portion 128 is shown in a simplified manner.

  The bag body 82 includes a base cloth 86 and an inflatable cloth 88. The base fabric 86 is disposed inside the vehicle body with respect to the front side wall portion 130A of the front pillar 130, and extends along the front side wall portion 130A.

  The inflatable cloth 88 is provided on the outside of the vehicle body with respect to the front side wall portion 130 </ b> A of the front pillar 130. A plurality of tongue-like fixing pieces 89 are formed on the peripheral edge of the inflatable cloth 88, and the fixing pieces 89 are joined to the peripheral edge of the base cloth 86. As a result, the peripheral edge of the inflatable cloth 88 is fixed to the front side wall portion 130A as the outer surface of the vehicle body, and the inflatable cloth 88 and the base cloth 86 form a bag shape. Further, the inflatable cloth 88 is made of an inflatable material, and is set to have an expansibility higher than at least the base cloth 86.

  Further, on the outer surface of the inflatable cloth 88, for example, a design surface 90 is formed on which the same coating as the front pillar 130 is applied.

  Further, a large number of granular materials 92 are accommodated in the bag body 82. Each of the large number of granular materials 92 is composed of an elastic body.

  The gas generator 84 is disposed inside the front pillar 130. The gas generator 84 is activated when the collision determination signal output from the above-described control unit 144 (see FIG. 1) is input, injects gas into the bag body 82, and expands the expansion cloth 88. It is supposed to be configured.

  Further, the gas generator 84 is disposed on the end side of the center portion of the base fabric 86. The gas generator 84 is configured to insert gas into the bag body 82 so that a swirling flow of gas is generated inside the bag body 82.

  Next, the operation and effect will be described together with the operation of the vehicle airbag device 80 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the vehicle airbag device 80, when the gas generator 84 is activated, the gas generator 84 causes the interior of the bag body 82 (the space formed by the front side wall portion 130 </ b> A of the front pillar 130 and the inflatable cloth 88). 11), the expansion cloth 88 constituting the bag body 82 is expanded to the outside of the vehicle body with respect to the front side wall portion 130A, as shown in FIG. 11B. When the impact body 120 hits the inflatable cloth 88, the gas inside the bag body 82 is discharged from a vent hole or the like (not shown), and the inflatable cloth 88 is contracted, whereby a collision occurs when the impact body 120 and the vehicle collide. The impact on the body 120 is absorbed.

  Here, the peripheral edge of the inflatable cloth 88 is fixed to the front side wall 130 </ b> A of the front pillar 130. Therefore, as described above, even when the collision body 120 hits the expanded fabric 88 that has been expanded, the end portion (peripheral portion) of the expanded fabric 88 can be held at a desired position in the front side wall portion 130A. The collision body 120 can also be supported at the end of the inflatable cloth 88. Thereby, the impact absorption performance can be improved as compared with the conventional configuration.

  In addition, since a large number of granular materials 92 each formed of an elastic body are accommodated in the bag body 82, in addition to the inflatable cloth 88, the large number of granular materials 92 allow the collision body 120, the vehicle, It is possible to absorb the impact on the collision body 120 at the time of the collision, and to prevent the collision body 120 from bottoming on the front side wall portion 130A.

  In general, the front pillar portion 128 is a relatively rigid portion of the vehicle body.

  However, according to the vehicle airbag device 80, since the inflatable cloth 88 is inflated to the outside of the vehicle body with respect to the front pillar portion 128, the collision between the highly rigid front pillar portion 128 and the collision body 120 can be suppressed. it can.

  Moreover, since the design surface 90 is given to the vehicle body outer side of the inflatable cloth 88, the design property in the front pillar part 128 is securable.

  Next, a modification of the vehicle airbag device 80 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the inflatable cloth 88 and the base cloth 86 are joined to form the bag body 82, but the airtightness of the space portion formed by the front side wall portion 130 </ b> A of the front pillar 130 and the inflatable cloth 88 is ensured. If possible, the base fabric 86 may be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the front side wall portion 130A of the front pillar 130 is formed in a planar shape, but may be formed in a curved surface shape. And the peripheral part of the expansion | swelling cloth 88 may be fixed to 130 A of front side wall parts formed in this curved surface shape.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the base fabric 86 was arrange | positioned at the vehicle body inner side with respect to 130 A of front side wall parts, you may arrange | position at the vehicle body outer side with respect to 130 A of front side wall parts. In this case, the front side wall portion 130A may be formed in a curved shape, and both end portions 86A in the extending direction of the base fabric 86 may be fixed to the front side wall portion 130A.

  Even in this configuration, when the collision body 120 hits the end of the inflatable cloth 88, the end of the bag 82 (both ends 86A in the extending direction of the base cloth 86) is supported by the front side wall 130A. be able to.

  In addition, since a large number of granular materials 92 are accommodated in the bag body 82 and the fluid inside the bag body 82 is discharged, the inflatable cloth 88 is in a contracted state and has a high rigidity. However, the bag body 82 can be bent (bent) starting from the space between the numerous granular materials 92. Thereby, since the bag body 82 (base cloth 86) can be fixed in close contact with the front side wall portion 130A, the bag body 82 can be inflated to a desired shape (a shape in close contact with the vehicle body outer surface portion). it can.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the inflatable cloth 88 was being fixed to the front pillar 130, you may be fixing to the other vehicle body outer surface part.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the bag body 82 may be fixed to the front pillar 130 with the following structure.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the bag body 82 is fixed to the front side wall portion 130 </ b> A of the front pillar 130 by the fixing member 94. The fixing member 94 has a plurality of claw portions 96 made of an elastic piece at the peripheral edge thereof. The plurality of claws 96 are inserted into the opening 138 formed in the front side wall 130 </ b> A in an elastically deformed state, and then restored to the original shape, thereby engaging with the peripheral edge of the opening 138. Are combined.

  The base cloth 86 is provided outside the vehicle body with respect to the fixing member 94, and forms a bag shape with the inflatable cloth 88. An annular fixing portion 98 is formed at the peripheral portion of the bag body 82, and the fixing portion 98 is sandwiched between the plurality of claw portions 96 and the peripheral portion of the opening 138.

  The fixing member 94 is provided with a communication member 100 that allows communication between a gas generator (not shown) and the inside of the bag body 82.

  If comprised in this way, the bag body 82 can be easily fixed to the front pillar 130 after a vehicle body assembly.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and other various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is.

10, 30, 40, 80 Airbag device for vehicle 12, 52, 82 Bag body 14, 54A, 54B, 84 Gas generator 16, 56, 86 Base fabric 16A, 56A Both ends 18, 58, 88 in the extending direction Cloth 20, 90 Design surface 32, 72, 92 Granular material 42 Fixing plate (vehicle body outer surface portion)
46 Cover (design side)
112 Front fender portion 114 Front fender panel 114A Curved surface portion (vehicle body outer surface portion)
122, 124, 126 Vehicle body outer surface portion 128 Front pillar portion 130 Front pillar 130A Front side wall portion (vehicle body outer surface portion)

Claims (11)

A base fabric that extends along the vehicle body outer surface portion on the vehicle body outer surface portion with respect to the vehicle body outer surface portion, and at least both ends in the extending direction are fixed to the vehicle body outer surface portion;
An inflatable cloth that is provided on the outer side of the vehicle body with respect to the base cloth, has an expansibility, and forms a bag body with the base cloth by joining the base cloth and a peripheral edge of each other
A gas generator for inflating the inflatable cloth by inserting gas into the bag at the time of collision detection or prediction of collision between the vehicle and the collision body;
A vehicle airbag device comprising: The base fabric extends along the outer surface of the vehicle body formed in a curved shape.
The airbag apparatus for vehicles of Claim 1. A large number of granular materials are accommodated in the bag body,
The airbag apparatus for vehicles of Claim 1 or Claim 2. Each of the plurality of granular materials is composed of an elastic body.
The vehicle airbag device according to claim 3. The gas generator is configured to insert gas into the bag body so that a swirling flow of gas is generated inside the bag body.
The vehicle airbag device according to claim 3 or 4. The base fabric extends along the vehicle body outer surface portion constituting the front fender portion or the front pillar portion of the vehicle body,
The airbag apparatus for vehicles as described in any one of Claims 1-5. An inflatable cloth which is provided on the vehicle body outer surface portion of the vehicle body and has an expansibility, and a peripheral edge portion is fixed to the vehicle body outer surface portion;
A gas generator for inflating the inflatable cloth by inserting a gas into a space formed by the outer surface of the vehicle body and the inflatable cloth at the time of collision detection or prediction of a vehicle;
A vehicle airbag device comprising: A large number of granular materials each made of an elastic body are accommodated in the space portion.
The vehicle airbag device according to claim 7. The gas generator is configured to insert gas into the space so that a swirling flow of gas occurs in the space.
The vehicle airbag device according to claim 8. The inflatable cloth is provided on the vehicle body outer side with respect to the vehicle body outer surface portion constituting the front fender portion or the front pillar portion of the vehicle body,
The vehicle airbag device according to any one of claims 7 to 9. On the outside of the vehicle body of the inflatable fabric, a design surface is given,
The airbag apparatus for vehicles as described in any one of Claims 1-10.

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