JPH08225055A - Vehicular air bag device for side collision - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To control impact load to which a seater is subjected, and effectively absorb inertial force applied to the seater by quickly discharging gas within an air bag main body after the air bag main body of the air bag device has been swelled up when a vehicle collides at its side section. CONSTITUTION: A passage change-over valve 21 is formed in a housing container 14 between a gas belching opening 14c of the housing container 14 and a gas generator 15. A gas outflow port 23 for discharging gas formed in the housing container 14 is so designed as to be opened/closed by the passage change-over valve 21. The passage change-over valve 21 communicates an air bag main body with the gas generator 15 when the gas generator 15 is initiated, also allows the gas outflow port 23 of the housing container to be closed, and allows the gas outflow port 23 to be opened when the air bag main body is in a specified swelled condition, and thereby allows gas within the air bag main body to be discharged out of the gas outflow port 23.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle side impact airbag device.
Alternatively, a storage container provided on a side portion of the vehicle body corresponding to a side portion of the seat and having a gas ejection opening formed therein, a gas generator housed and fixed in the storage container, and the gas generator during operation of the gas generator. An airbag apparatus for a side collision of a vehicle, comprising: an airbag main body fixed to the storage container so that gas ejected from a generator flows in through the gas ejection opening.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to avoid a direct impact between a side wall of a vehicle body such as a door and a seated person, which is deformed by an impact load when a side collision of a vehicle occurs, various airbag devices have been used. There has been a proposal, for example, a vehicle seat structure as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-50052.

In this vehicle seat structure, an airbag device is provided outside the seat back side portion facing the side wall of the vehicle body and bulging into the space perpendicular to the side wall of the vehicle body or in the space between the seated person and the seat. Has been. The airbag main body of the airbag device has a relatively large diameter in the expanded state and is formed to largely inflate laterally of the seated person.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the air bag device 2 is mounted on the side of the door 1 which is the side wall of the vehicle body, the storage container 4 accommodating the gas generator 5 and the air bag body 6 is fixed to the door inner panel 3. The airbag body 6 is formed so as to bulge from the side of the door trim 7. The door 1 that has been deformed toward the passenger compartment by the impact load is in a state of further pressing the largely inflated airbag body 6 toward the seated person. Also, after the airbag body 6 swells, the airbag body 6
The gas is discharged from the exhaust hole 6a formed on the back side of the.

[0005]

However, in such a conventional technique, the exhaust hole 6a formed on the back side of the airbag body 6 is blocked by the glass 1a on the side surface of the vehicle or the inner surface of the door when it swells. Therefore, there is a risk that the gas discharging function may be hindered.

According to the present invention, in the case of a side collision of a vehicle, after the airbag body of the airbag device swells, the airbag body and the outside of the storage container are in communication with each other, so that the gas in the airbag body is quickly discharged. It is an object of the present invention to provide an airbag device for a side collision of a vehicle, which is capable of suppressing an impact load discharged to the seated person and effectively absorbing an inertial force applied to the seated person.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a vehicle side collision airbag device according to claim 1 of the present invention is a side part of a seat or a seat side. A storage container provided on a side portion of the vehicle body corresponding to the side portion and having a gas ejection opening formed therein, a gas generator housed and fixed in the storage container, and a gas generator when the gas generator operates. An airbag apparatus for a side collision of a vehicle, comprising: an airbag body fixed to the storage container so that the ejected gas flows in through the gas ejection opening. A flow path switching valve is formed between the air bag body and the gas generator, and the flow path switching valve connects the airbag body and the gas generator when the gas generator is operating, and the airbag body is in a predetermined bulging state. In case, store with the airbag body Vessels of the external and the communicating state, the gas in the airbag body is characterized in that it is adapted to be discharged.

A vehicle side impact airbag device according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided on a side portion of a seat or a side portion of a vehicle body corresponding to the side portion of the seat, and has a gas ejection opening formed therein. A storage container, a gas generator that is fixedly stored in the storage container, and the storage that allows the gas ejected from the gas generator when the gas generator is operating to flow through the gas ejection opening. In a vehicle side impact airbag device including an airbag body fixed to a container, a flow passage switching valve is formed in a storage container between the gas ejection opening and a gas generator, and the flow passage switching valve is formed. The valve is adapted to open and close a gas outlet for discharging gas formed in the storage container, and the flow path switching valve connects the air bag body and the gas generator when the gas generator is activated, and also stores the storage container. The gas outlet for gas discharge formed in A state, when the airbag body reaches a predetermined bulging state, said the gas outlet opened, gas in the airbag body is characterized in that it is adapted to be discharged.

[0009]

According to the airbag device for a side collision of a vehicle according to claim 1 of the present invention, a flow path switching valve is formed between the gas generator and the airbag body, and the flow path switching valve is a gas flow switching valve. When the generator is in operation, the air bag body and the gas generator are in communication with each other, and when the air bag body is in a predetermined expanded state, the air bag body and the outside of the storage container are in communication with each other, and Since the gas in the bag body is exhausted, there is no risk that the gas in the airbag body will be exhausted to the outside via the flow path switching valve and the exhaust function will be hindered. Further, the airbag body of the airbag device bulges correspondingly to at least the side of the head and chest of the seated person, and suppresses the impact load received by the seated person from the airbag body, and the inertial force applied to the seated person is effective. Can be absorbed.

According to the vehicle side impact airbag device of the second aspect of the present invention, the flow passage switching valve is formed in the storage container between the gas ejection opening and the gas generator, and the flow passage is formed. The switching valve is configured to open and close a gas outlet for discharging gas formed in the storage container, and the flow path switching valve communicates the airbag body and the gas generator when the gas generator is activated and stores the gas. When the gas outlet for discharging gas formed in the container is closed and the airbag body is in a predetermined expanded state, the gas outlet is opened and the gas in the airbag body is discharged. Therefore, the gas in the airbag body may be discharged to the outside from the gas outlet for gas discharge formed in the storage container via the flow path switching valve, and the discharge function may be hindered. Absent. Further, the airbag body of the airbag device bulges correspondingly to at least the side of the head and chest of the seated person, and suppresses the impact load received by the seated person from the airbag body, and the inertial force applied to the seated person is effective. Can be absorbed.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A vehicle side impact airbag device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 respectively show an embodiment of a vehicle side impact airbag device according to the present invention, and this vehicle side impact airbag device is applied to a vehicle door 1 in the present embodiment. However, the present invention can be applied to a driver's seat, a passenger seat, or a rear seat of a vehicle seat. The same reference numerals are given to the structure of the vehicle body side wall corresponding to FIG. 4, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, in a vehicle side impact airbag device 11, a storage container 14 accommodating a gas generator 15 and an airbag body 16 is fixed to a door inner panel 3, and an airbag is installed from the door trim 7 side. The body 16 is formed so that it can bulge out. Although the exhaust hole 16a is formed in the airbag body 16 in this embodiment, the exhaust hole 16a can be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the accommodating container 14 is formed so that a cylindrical gas generator 15 can be accommodated and fixed on one side, and a folded air bag body 16 can be accommodated and fixed on the other side. In order to be able to do so, it is formed in a substantially flat box shape.
A fixing bracket 15 is attached to the outer peripheral edge of the cylindrical gas generator 15.
a is fixed, and a bolt insertion hole 15b is formed in the fixing bracket 15a.

A gas generator 15 is provided on one side of the storage container 14.
Through-holes 14a for insertion and four bolts 14b for fixing the gas generator 15 are formed. Further, on the other side of the storage container 14, on the side opposite to the side on which the through hole 14a for insertion of the gas generator 15 is formed, the airbag body 16 bulges, and the gas ejection opening 14c becomes the gas ejection side. Are formed.

The gas ejection opening 14c and the gas generator 1
A flow path switching valve 21 is formed in the storage container 14 between 5 and 5. The flow path switching valve 21 is adapted to open and close a gas outlet 23 for discharging gas, which is formed between the gas ejection opening 14c of the storage container 14 and the gas generator 15.

Further, a valve receiving portion 25 is formed on the side of the air bag body 16 of the gas outlet 23, and when the flow path switching valve 21 is switched to the valve receiving portion 25 side, a gas flow for gas discharge is formed. It is formed so that the outlet 23 can be sealed.

Next, the operation of the flow path switching valve 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a), 3 (b) and 3 (c). First, FIG.
As shown in (a), when the gas generator 15 is not in operation, the airbag body 16 on the gas ejection opening 14c side.
The flow path switching valve 2 so as to shut off between the gas generator 15 and the gas generator 15.
1 is located.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), when the gas generator 15 is operated, the flow passage switching valve 21 is pressed by the gas pressure from the gas generator 15, and the flow passage switching valve 21 is closed. Two
It is switched to the 5 side, the gas outlet 23 for gas discharge is sealed, the air bag body 16 and the gas generator 15 are brought into communication with each other, and the air bag body 16 is in a predetermined expanded state.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), after the airbag body 16 is in a predetermined expanded state, the pressure of the airbag body 16 becomes higher than the gas pressure of the gas generator 15, Due to the gas pressure from the bag body 16, the flow path switching valve 21 is switched from the valve receiving portion 25 side to the gas generator 15 side, and the gas outlet 23 for discharging gas is opened, so that the air bag body 16 and the air bag body 16 are stored. The outside of the container is in communication. Therefore, the gas in the airbag body 16 is discharged. When the exhaust hole 16a is formed in the airbag body 16, the gas is exhausted into the vehicle compartment through the exhaust hole 16a.

The above-mentioned embodiment shows one embodiment of the present invention, in which the structure of the storage container and the flow path switching valve,
The shape and size are not limited to those illustrated,
Various modifications can be made.

[0021]

The above is the construction of one embodiment of the vehicle side impact airbag device according to the present invention. According to the vehicle side impact airbag device of the first aspect of the present invention, A flow path switching valve is formed between the gas generator and the airbag body, and the flow path switching valve connects the air bag body and the gas generator when the gas generator operates, and the air bag body has a predetermined size. When the air bag body is inflated, the air bag body and the outside of the storage container are brought into communication with each other so that the gas in the air bag body is discharged. It is discharged to the outside through the path switching valve,
There is no risk of impairing the discharge function. Further, the airbag body of the airbag device bulges correspondingly to at least the side of the head and chest of the seated person, and suppresses the impact load received by the seated person from the airbag body, and the inertial force applied to the seated person is effective. Can be absorbed.

According to the vehicle side collision airbag device of the second aspect of the present invention, the flow passage switching valve is formed in the storage container between the gas ejection opening and the gas generator, and the flow passage is formed. The switching valve is configured to open and close a gas outlet for discharging gas formed in the storage container, and the flow path switching valve communicates the airbag body and the gas generator when the gas generator is activated and stores the gas. When the gas outlet for discharging gas formed in the container is closed and the airbag body is in a predetermined expanded state, the gas outlet is opened and the gas in the airbag body is discharged. Therefore, the gas in the airbag body may be discharged to the outside from the gas outlet for gas discharge formed in the storage container via the flow path switching valve, and the discharge function may be hindered. Absent. Further, the airbag body of the airbag device bulges correspondingly to at least the side of the head and chest of the seated person, and suppresses the impact load received by the seated person from the airbag body, and the inertial force applied to the seated person is effective. Can be absorbed.

According to the present invention, in the case of a side collision of a vehicle,
After the airbag main body of the airbag device swells, the airbag main body and the outside of the storage container are in communication with each other, the gas in the airbag main body is rapidly discharged, and the impact load received by the occupant is suppressed, and the occupant is restrained. It is possible to obtain an airbag apparatus for a side collision of a vehicle that can effectively absorb the inertial force applied to the vehicle.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a vehicle side impact airbag device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle side impact airbag device according to the present invention applied to a vehicle body side portion.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an operating state of a flow path switching valve of a vehicle side impact airbag device according to the present invention, in which (a) is a cross-sectional view of a gas generator before operation, and (b) is a gas generator. 2C is a cross-sectional view after the operation of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional side collision airbag device for a vehicle.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Airbag device 14 Storage container 14a Through hole 14b Bolt 14c Gas ejection opening 15 Gas generator 16 Airbag body 21 Flow path switching valve 23 Gas outlet 25 Valve receiving part

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A storage container provided on a side portion of a seat or a side portion of a vehicle body corresponding to the side portion of the seat and having a gas ejection opening formed therein, and a gas generator housed and fixed in the storage container. A side collision of a vehicle provided with an airbag main body fixed to the storage container so that gas ejected from the gas generator when the gas generator is activated flows in through the gas ejection opening. In the airbag device, a flow path switching valve is formed between the gas generator and the airbag body, and the flow path switching valve sets the air bag body and the gas generator in a communication state when the gas generator operates, When the airbag body is in a predetermined bulging state, the airbag body and the outside of the storage container are brought into communication with each other, and the gas in the airbag body is discharged. Side impact air for vehicles Tsu grayed apparatus. 2. A storage container provided on a side portion of the seat or a side portion of the vehicle body corresponding to the side portion of the seat and having a gas ejection opening formed therein, and a gas generator housed and fixed in the storage container. A side collision of a vehicle provided with an airbag main body fixed to the storage container so that gas ejected from the gas generator when the gas generator is activated flows in through the gas ejection opening. In the airbag device, a flow path switching valve is formed in a storage container between the gas ejection opening and the gas generator, and the flow path switching valve opens and closes a gas outlet for discharging gas formed in the storage container. When the gas generator operates, the flow path switching valve connects the airbag body and the gas generator, and closes a gas outlet for discharging gas formed in the storage container, The airbag body is in a predetermined bulging state Case, the a gas outlet in an open state, side airbag device for a vehicle, wherein a gas in the airbag body is adapted to be discharged.