WO2011074423A1

WO2011074423A1 - Air bag device

Info

Publication number: WO2011074423A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/071594
Authority: WO
Inventors: 輝彦晝田; 誠小川
Original assignee: タカタ株式会社
Priority date: 2009-12-15
Filing date: 2010-12-02
Publication date: 2011-06-23
Also published as: JP2011126307A

Abstract

Disclosed is an air bag device wherein the uniformity of the supplying of gas is improved. The air bag device (10) comprises an air bag (14). This air bag (14) comprises a front panel (24); a rear panel (26); an inner panel (28) which, when the air bag (14) is in the course of deployment by being inflated, is formed into a lampshade shape, and guides gas flowing from an inflator (12); and a connection panel (30). The inner panel (28) is provided with N connection ends (38) (N being an integer from 3 to 6). The connection panel (30) is provided with an opening (44) and N connection ends (42). Furthermore, the N connection ends (38) and the N connection ends (42) are connected to one another and form an inner chamber (68) inside a bag body (66), so that the higher the value of N, the larger the angle of the lampshade shape, the shorter the length of the lampshade shape, and accordingly, the more the gas is inclined to flow in the direction of the steering wheel (64).

Description

Airbag device

The present invention relates to an airbag device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

2. Description of the Related Art It has become common to mount an airbag device on a vehicle such as an automobile to absorb an impact generated by an occupant by inflating and deploying the airbag in a vehicle at the time of a collision or sudden deceleration. As an airbag device, an airbag device for a driver's seat installed in a steering wheel, an airbag device for a passenger's seat installed in an instrument panel, a side airbag device installed in a side or seat of a vehicle, and installed in an upper part of a door Various types have been developed and adopted, such as a curtain airbag device, a knee airbag device corresponding to a knee of an occupant, and a pedestrian airbag device installed under a hood. Recently, airbags for motorcycles have also been developed.

These airbag devices generally include an inflator that generates gas under a predetermined condition, an airbag that is connected to the inflator to inflate and deploy, and a retainer that accommodates the airbag. Various types of airbag shapes and configurations are applied depending on conditions such as installation location and required functions.

Conventionally, a configuration in which one or a plurality of tethers are provided inside an airbag has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese National Patent Publication No. 7-508246

In the above prior art, by connecting the ends of two tethers connected to the inner surfaces of the two main body panels constituting the airbag main body when the airbag is inflated and deployed to form one tether, A basic configuration that regulates the overall shape of the airbag when it is inflated and deployed is disclosed.

In order to optimize the inflation and deployment of this airbag, it is required to improve the uniformity of gas supply.

An object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device capable of improving the uniformity of gas supply.

In order to achieve the above object, an airbag apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an airbag apparatus having an airbag that is provided radially inward of a steering of a vehicle and that expands and expands by gas from an inflator to restrain an occupant. The airbag is located on the occupant side when the airbag is inflated and deployed; and the airbag is located on the opposite side of the occupant side when the airbag is inflated and deployed. A rear panel that forms a bag together with the panel, an inner panel that is connected to the front panel and forms a cap shape when the airbag is inflated and deployed, and guides the gas from the inflator; and the rear panel A connection panel connected to the inflow port to which the gas from the inflator is supplied. The inner panel includes N pieces (N: 3 to 6) provided radially outward at predetermined circumferential positions that are substantially equidistant from each other along the circumferential direction. Integer connection) first connection end portions, and the connection panel includes the N second connection end portions respectively provided at circumferential positions similar to the predetermined circumferential position. The greater the value, the greater the angle of inclination between the straight line drawn from the top of the shade shape so as to substantially follow the outer edge and the plane parallel to the plane including the end face on the passenger side of the steering wheel, and The N first connection ends so that the length from the top to the outer edge along a plane parallel to a plane including the end face on the occupant side of the steering is shortened and the gas flows in the steering direction. And the N second connecting end portions respectively. Connected, characterized in that by the connected inner panel and the connection panel to form an inner chamber in the interior of the bag.

The airbag device according to the first invention of the present application has an airbag, and the airbag is constituted by a front panel and a rear panel. An inner panel is connected to the front panel, and a connection panel is connected to the rear panel. By connecting the N first connection end portions of the inner panel and the second connection end portion of the connection panel, the inner panel and the connection panel constitute an inner chamber inside the bag body. The gas generated from the inflator flows into the inner chamber from the inflow port at the central portion in the radial direction of the connection panel. The entire airbag is inflated and deployed by the inflowing gas, and the occupant is restrained. At this time, the inner panel guides the gas to the radially outer peripheral side, in other words, the steering side while forming a cap shape in the bag body by the inflowing gas. As the value of N increases between 3 and 6, gas can be dispersed and flow toward the steering side located on the radially outer peripheral side, and the uniformity of gas supply can be improved.

Further, as the value of N increases between 3 and 6, the slope formed by the straight line drawn from the top of the shade shape so as to extend substantially along the outer edge and the plane parallel to the plane including the end face on the occupant side of the steering wheel The angle increases, and the length from the top to the outer edge along the plane parallel to the plane including the end face on the passenger side of the steering becomes shorter. Therefore, as the value of N increases between 3 and 6, gas flows toward the steering side, and the flow of gas toward the passenger can be regulated. As a result, the amount of protrusion in the direction toward the passenger can be regulated.

In addition to this, a unique effect is obtained in each of N = 3, 4, 5, and 6. For example, when N = 3, the gas flow toward the occupant can be suppressed, and the airbag can be quickly deployed between the occupant and the steering wheel. Further, when N = 4, productivity and mass productivity at the time of panel manufacture can be improved. Further, in the case of N = 5, it is possible to improve the uniformity of gas supply, suppress the gas flow toward the occupant, and quickly deploy the airbag between the occupant and the steering. In the case of N = 6, the uniformity of gas supply can be most improved.

In the airbag device according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, N = 3, and the inner panel is connected to the first connection at three circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately three equal parts. An end portion is provided, and the connection panel includes the second connection end portions at three circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately three equal parts.

In the second invention of the present application, the inner panel is provided with the first connection end portions at three equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Thereby, an inner panel can be formed in a substantially equilateral triangle, and a 1st connection edge part can be arrange | positioned at three vertexes of the said equilateral triangle. Since the inner panel is a substantially equilateral triangle, there are three gas passages between each of the three connection ends that are the three apexes of the triangle. And in the normal state where one first connection end that becomes one vertex of the triangle is located above the occupant, the lower side on the opposite side is between the vertex and the vertex of the triangle, and the first connection end It becomes a gas passage that does not exist.

At this time, the gas flow in the direction upward from the occupant, that is, in the direction directly toward the occupant is blocked by the first connection end, while the gas flow in the downward direction from the occupant, that is, in the steering direction is Since the gas flows out from the gas passage without being blocked at the first connection end, the bag is pushed downward as seen from the passenger. As a result, the gas flow toward the occupant can be suppressed, and the airbag can be quickly deployed between the occupant and the steering.

In the airbag device according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, N = 4, and the inner panel is connected to the first connection at four circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into four equal parts. The connection panel includes the second connection end portions at four circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately four equal parts.

In the third invention of the present application, the inner panel is provided with the first connection end portions at four equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Thereby, an inner panel can be formed in a substantially square and a 1st connection edge part can be arrange | positioned at the four vertexes of the said substantially square. When the inner panel is substantially square, when the panel base fabric is cut out and obtained from a strip-shaped woven fabric (fabric), it can be cut out by two parallel sides. Thereby, the useless part at the time of cutting reduces, and productivity improves. In addition, since the number of panels that can be cut out from the above-mentioned piece of unit length is increased, the mass productivity is improved.

In the airbag device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, N = 5, and the inner panel is connected to the first connection at five circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately five equal parts. The connection panel includes the second connection end portions at five circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately five equal parts.

In the fourth invention of the present application, the inner panel is provided with the first connection end portions at equal intervals at five locations in the circumferential direction. Thereby, an inner panel can be formed in a substantially regular pentagon, and a 1st connection edge part can be arrange | positioned at the five vertexes of the said substantially regular pentagon. Since the inner panel is a substantially regular pentagon, five gas passages are formed between each of the five connection ends that are the five apexes of the pentagon. Thereby, the gas is relatively uniformly dispersed and guided by these five gas passages, and the uniformity of gas supply can be improved.

Further, in a normal state where one first connection end serving as one apex of the pentagon is positioned above the occupant, the lower side on the opposite side is between the apex and apex of the pentagon, and the first connection end of the first connection end It becomes a gas passage that does not exist.

As described above, in the fourth invention of the present application, it is possible to improve the uniformity of gas supply, suppress the flow of gas toward the occupant, and quickly deploy the airbag between the occupant and the steering wheel.

The airbag device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the airbag system according to the first aspect, wherein N = 6, and the inner panel is connected to the first connection at six circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately six equal parts. The connection panel includes the second connection ends at six circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately six equal parts.

In the fifth invention of the present application, the inner panel is provided with the first connection end portions at six equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Thereby, an inner panel can be formed in a substantially regular hexagon, and a 1st connection edge part can be arrange | positioned at the six vertexes of the said substantially regular hexagon. Since the inner panel is a substantially regular hexagon, six gas passages are formed between the six connection ends that are the six apexes of the hexagon. Accordingly, the gas is most uniformly dispersed and guided by these six gas passages, and the uniformity of gas supply can be most improved.

According to the present invention, the uniformity of gas supply can be improved.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the airbag apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the inner panel in the case where N = 3, and a connection panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the shade angle and shade length in the shade shape by an inner panel in the case of N = 3. It is explanatory drawing of the inner panel in the case where N = 4 and a connection panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the shade angle and shade length in the shade shape by an inner panel in the case of N = 4. It is explanatory drawing of the inner panel and connection panel in the case of N = 5. It is explanatory drawing which shows the shade angle and shade length in the shade shape by an inner panel in the case of N = 5. It is explanatory drawing of the inner panel and connection panel in the case of N = 6. It is explanatory drawing which shows the shade angle and shade length in the shade shape by an inner panel in the case of N = 6. It is explanatory drawing which compares and shows the shade angle and shade length in the shade shape by an inner panel in the case of N = 3, 4, 5, 6. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the flow of the gas which flowed into the inner chamber. It is explanatory drawing explaining the intrinsic | native effect in case N = 3.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing an airbag apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, an airbag device 10 according to the present embodiment is a driver seat airbag device built in a steering 64 of a vehicle (see FIG. 3A described later). The airbag device 10 includes an inflator 12 that generates gas under a predetermined condition, an airbag 14 that is inflated and deployed by gas supplied from the inflator 12, and restrains an occupant D (see FIG. 12 described later). And a retainer 16 for accommodating the airbag 14.

The inflator 12 has a gas outlet 18 formed at the tip end included in the airbag 14. The inflator 12 has a flange portion 20 at an intermediate portion, and a plurality of bolt holes 22 are formed in the flange portion 20. The inflator 12 having such a configuration is connected to an ECU (electronic control unit) (not shown) and is controlled based on measurement values of an acceleration sensor or the like. When the ECU senses or predicts a vehicle collision or sudden deceleration, the inflator 12 is ignited by the ignition current from the ECU, burns the chemical stored in the inflator 12 to generate gas, and the gas is supplied to the airbag 14. Supply.

The airbag 14 is provided inside the steering 64 in the radial direction. The airbag 14 includes a front panel 24 located on the occupant D side when inflated and deployed, a rear panel 26 located on the opposite side of the occupant D side when inflated and deployed, and the front panel 24. An inner panel 28 that is connected and forms a cap shape when the airbag 14 is inflated and deployed, and guides gas from the inflator 12, and the rear panel 26 and the connection panel 30 connected to the inner panel 28 are provided. Have. In the example shown in FIG. 1, an inner panel 28 and a connection panel 30 each having three

connection end portions

38 and 42 described later (that is, inner panels shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B described later). 28A and connection panel 30A).

The front panel 24 and the rear panel 26 each have a substantially disk shape, and their peripheral portions are stitched together to form a bag body 66 (see FIG. 3A described later). An opening 32 for guiding the inflator 12 to the inside of the airbag 14 is formed at the radial center of the rear panel 26. A plurality of bolt holes 34 are formed around the opening 32. The rear panel 26 may be formed with a vent hole (not shown) for exhausting the gas in the airbag 14.

The inner panel 28 includes a central stitching portion 36 connected to the inner surface of the front panel 24 and N (N is an integer of 3 or more and 6 or less, three in the example shown in FIG. 1) connection end portions 38 (first number). 1 connection end). The N connection end portions 38 are provided so as to protrude outward in the radial direction at predetermined circumferential positions that are substantially equidistant from each other along the circumferential direction of the inner panel 28.

The connection panel 30 has the same number as the number of the central stitching portions 40 connected to the rear panel 26 and the connection end portions 38 of the inner panel 28, that is, the N connection ends (three in the example shown in FIG. 1). 42 (second connection end). The N connecting end portions 42 are provided to protrude outward in the radial direction at circumferential positions similar to the circumferential position on the inner panel 28. In addition, an opening 44 (inflow port) through which the inflator 12 is guided into the airbag 14 and gas from the inflator 12 is supplied is formed in the central portion in the radial direction of the connection panel 30. A plurality of bolt holes 46 are formed around the opening 44.

Further, the inner panel 28 and the connection panel 30 include an inner surface (a lower surface in FIG. 1) of the N connection end portions 38 of the inner panel 28 and the N connection end portions 42 of the connection panel 30. Are connected to each other by overlapping and stitching them so as to contact each other. Then, the connected inner panel 28 and connection panel 30 are integrated when the airbag 14 is inflated and deployed, and an inner chamber 68 (see FIG. 3A described later) is formed inside the bag body 66. See also).

The front panel 24, the rear panel 26, the inner panel 28, and the connection panel 30 are each constituted by cut parts obtained by cutting a panel base fabric into a predetermined shape from a strip-shaped woven fabric (fabric).

The airbag 14 having the above-described configuration is fixed and stored on the retainer 16 via a presser ring 48.

The retainer 16 has a box shape, and an opening 50 for guiding the inflator 12 to the inside of the airbag 14 is formed at the center of the bottom. A plurality of bolt holes 52 are formed around the opening 50. The retainer 16 has various shapes. For example, the side surface portion and the bottom portion of the retainer 16 may be formed of different members. In this case, the bottom part may be referred to as a retainer and the side part may be referred to as a module cover. Here, these are collectively referred to as a retainer. That is, the retainer 16 is a general term for a member that fixes the inflator 12 and the airbag 14 and a member that stores the airbag 14.

The presser ring 48 is a member that fixes the airbag 14 to the retainer 16. An opening 54 for guiding the inflator 12 to the inside of the airbag 14 is formed at the center of the presser ring 48. A plurality of bolt holes (not shown) are formed around the opening 54, and bolts 56 are inserted into the respective bolt holes. The bolt 56 is inserted through the bolt hole 46 of the connection panel 30, the bolt hole 34 of the rear panel 26, the bolt hole 52 of the retainer 16, and the bolt hole 22 of the inflator 12, and finally fastened to the nut 58.

Here, as described above, the airbag 14 in the present embodiment includes the inner panel 28 including the N connection end portions 38 and the connection panel 30 including the N connection end portions 42. Is provided. Hereinafter, the case where the value of N is 3, 4, 5, and 6 will be sequentially described.

First, the case where N = 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are explanatory views of the inner panel 28 and the connection panel 30 when N = 3. FIG. 2A is a developed plan view of the inner panel 28, and FIG. b) is a plan development view of the connection panel 30. FIG. As a reference for facilitating comparison of the respective sizes, FIG. 2A shows the front panel 24 in a state of being coaxially overlapped, and FIG. 2B shows the rear panel 26 being coaxial. Are shown in a superimposed state.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the inner panel 28A in the case of N = 3 is formed in a substantially equilateral triangular shape as a whole. The inner panel 28A includes the center stitching portion 36 and three connection end portions 38. These three connection end portions 38 are respectively arranged at three circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension as the predetermined circumferential position into approximately three equal parts, that is, in this example, at three vertices of a substantially equilateral triangle. It protrudes toward the outside in the radial direction. Further, the side 60A between the two adjacent connection end portions 38 is substantially linear when the plane is expanded as shown in the figure. Here, a straight line drawn from the central stitching portion 36 to the midpoint 62A of the side 60A is referred to as a “straight line AL”.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the connection panel 30A in the case of N = 3 includes the central stitching portion 40, the opening 44, and the plurality of bolt holes 46 (in FIG. 2B). ), And three connection end portions 42 are provided. These three connection end portions 42 are provided to protrude outward in the radial direction at circumferential positions similar to the above-described circumferential position on the inner panel 28A. In addition, although the connection panel 30A shown in FIG.2 (b) is formed in the substantially circular shape as a whole, it is not limited to such a shape.

Further, the three connection end portions 38 of the inner panel 28A and the three connection end portions 42 of the connection panel 30A are connected to each other, whereby the inner panel 28A and the connection panel 30A are connected to the bag body. An inner chamber 68 is formed inside 66. Note that the inner panel 28A and the connection panel 30A are positioned so that the connection portions of the

connection end portions

38 and 42 are positioned above the occupant D in the normal state (as shown in FIG. 3A described later). To be connected). When the gas from the inflator 12 flows into the inner chamber 68, the airbag 14 is inflated and deployed. At this time, the inner panel 28 A forms a shade shape (see FIG. 3A described later) inside the bag body 66.

3 (a) and 3 (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the shade angle and shade length in the shade shape formed by the inner panel 28A. FIG. 3A is an external view of the airbag 14 inflated and deployed as viewed from above the steering 64 (partially see through). FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing a portion corresponding to the shaded area in FIG. 2A of the inner panel 28A formed in a shade shape.

As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the airbag device 10 including the airbag 14, the inflator 12, and the like is housed in a steering 64. At this time, when the inflator 12 is actuated by a command from the ECU, gas is generated from the inflator 12. The generated gas flows into the inner chamber 68 from the opening 44 (see FIG. 2B) of the connection panel 30A, and the entire airbag 14 is expanded and deployed. At this time, the gas flowing into the inner chamber 68 causes the inner panel 28 A to form a shade shape inside the bag body 66.

Further, by connecting the

connection end portions

38 and 42 to each other, a communication port 70 serving as a gas passage is formed between two adjacent connection portions, that is, below the cap-shaped cap portion. Is done. The size of the communication port 70 depends on the length of the side 60A of the inner panel 28A.

Here, “shade angle” and “shade length” in the shade shape by the inner panel 28 will be described.

The shade angle is defined as an inclination angle formed by a straight line drawn substantially along the outer edge from the top of the shade shape formed by the inner panel 28 and a plane parallel to the plane including the end face on the occupant D side of the steering 64. Is done. The shade length is defined as the length from the top of the shade shape formed by the inner panel 28 to the outer edge along a plane parallel to the plane including the end face on the passenger D side of the steering 64.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the shade angle in the case of N = 3 is L1, the shade angle L1 is changed from the top portion of the shade shape by the inner panel 28A to the outer edge portion. A line S1 drawn so as to be substantially along the line AL, and a plane M parallel to a plane including the end face of the steering 64 on the occupant D side (upper side in FIG. 3A). The inclination angle to be made.

Further, when the shade length in the case of N = 3 is R1, the shade length R1 is from the top portion along the surface M to the outer edge portion, in other words, from the central suture portion 36 along the surface M. The length is up to the midpoint 62A of the side 60A.

Next, the case where N = 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

4A and 4B are explanatory views of the inner panel 28 and the connection panel 30 when N = 4. FIG. 4A is a plan development view of the inner panel 28, and FIG. b) is a plan development view of the connection panel 30. FIG. As a reference for facilitating the comparison of the respective sizes, FIG. 4A shows the front panel 24 coaxially overlapped, and FIG. 4B shows the rear panel 26 coaxially. Are shown in a superimposed state.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the inner panel 28B when N = 4 is formed in a substantially square shape as a whole. The inner panel 28B includes the center stitching portion 36 and four connection end portions 38. These four connection end portions 38 are respectively provided at four circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension as the predetermined circumferential position into four equal parts, that is, in this example, four apexes of a substantially square. Projecting outward in the direction. Further, the side 60B between two adjacent connection end portions 38 is substantially linear when it is flattened as shown in the figure. Here, a straight line drawn from the central stitching portion 36 to the midpoint 62B of the side 60B is referred to as a “straight line BL”.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the connection panel 30B in the case of N = 4 includes the central stitching portion 40, the opening 44, and the plurality of bolt holes 46 (in FIG. 4B). , And four connection end portions 42 are provided. These four connection end portions 42 are provided so as to project outward in the radial direction at circumferential positions similar to the circumferential position on the inner panel 28B. In addition, although the connection panel 30B shown in FIG.4 (b) is formed in the substantially circular shape as a whole, it is not limited to such a shape.

Further, the four connection end portions 38 of the inner panel 28B and the four connection end portions 42 of the connection panel 30B are connected to each other, whereby the inner panel 28B and the connection panel 30B are connected to the bag body. An inner chamber 68 is formed inside 66. The inner panel 28B and the connection panel 30B are connected such that the connection portions of the

connection end portions

38 and 42 are positioned above the passenger D in the normal state. When the gas from the inflator 12 flows into the inner chamber 68, the airbag 14 is inflated and deployed. At this time, the inner panel 28 B forms a shade shape (not shown) inside the bag body 66.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a shade angle and a shade length in the shade shape by the inner panel 28B, and in the shaded area in FIG. 4A of the inner panel 28B formed in the shade shape. It is a schematic diagram which shows the part which corresponds.

In FIG. 5, when the shade angle in the case of N = 4 is L2, the shade angle L2 is substantially along the outer edge from the top of the shade shape by the inner panel 28B, in other words, substantially along the straight line BL. The inclination angle formed by the straight line S2 drawn in this way and the surface M is obtained.

Further, when the shade length in the case of N = 4 is R2, the shade length R2 is from the top edge along the surface M to the outer edge portion, in other words, from the central suture portion 36 along the surface M. The length is up to the midpoint 62B of the side 60B.

Next, the case where N = 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of the inner panel 28 and the connection panel 30 when N = 5. FIG. 6A is a plan development view of the inner panel 28, and FIG. b) is a plan development view of the connection panel 30. FIG. As a reference for facilitating the comparison of the respective sizes, FIG. 6A shows the front panel 24 coaxially overlapped, and FIG. 6B shows the rear panel 26 coaxially. Are shown in a superimposed state.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the inner panel 28C when N = 5 is formed in a substantially regular pentagonal shape as a whole. The inner panel 28 C includes the center stitching portion 36 and five connection end portions 38. These five connecting end portions 38 are respectively provided at five circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension as the predetermined circumferential position into approximately five equal parts, that is, in this example, five apexes of a substantially regular pentagon. It protrudes toward the outside in the radial direction. Further, the side 60C between two adjacent connection end portions 38 is substantially linear when it is flattened as shown in the figure. Here, a straight line drawn from the central stitching portion 36 to the midpoint 62C of the side 60C is referred to as a “straight line CL”.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the connection panel 30C in the case of N = 5 includes the central stitching portion 40, the opening 44, and the plurality of bolt holes 46 (in FIG. 6B). ) And five connection end portions 42 are provided. These five connection end portions 42 are provided to protrude outward in the radial direction at circumferential positions similar to the above-described circumferential position on the inner panel 28C. The connection panel 30C shown in FIG. 6B is formed in a substantially circular shape as a whole, but is not limited to such a shape.

Further, the five connection end portions 38 of the inner panel 28C and the five connection end portions 42 of the connection panel 30C are connected to each other, whereby the inner panel 28C and the connection panel 30C are connected to the bag body. An inner chamber 68 is formed inside 66. The inner panel 28C and the connection panel 30C are connected so that the connection portions of the

connection end portions

38 and 42 are positioned above the passenger D in the normal state. When the gas from the inflator 12 flows into the inner chamber 68, the airbag 14 is inflated and deployed. At this time, the inner panel 28 C forms a shade shape (not shown) inside the bag body 66.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a shade angle and a shade length in the shade shape by the inner panel 28C, and in the shaded region in FIG. 6A of the inner panel 28C formed in the shade shape. It is a schematic diagram which shows the part which corresponds.

In FIG. 7, when the shade angle in the case of N = 5 is L3, the shade angle L3 is substantially along the outer edge from the top of the shade shape by the inner panel 28C, in other words, substantially along the straight line CL. The inclination angle formed by the straight line S3 drawn in this way and the surface M is the above.

Further, when the shade length in the case of N = 5 is R3, the shade length R3 is from the top portion along the surface M to the outer edge portion, in other words, from the central suture portion 36 along the surface M. The length is up to the midpoint 62C of the side 60C.

Next, the case where N = 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.

8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of the inner panel 28 and the connection panel 30 when N = 6. FIG. 8A is a plan development view of the inner panel 28, and FIG. b) is a plan development view of the connection panel 30. FIG. As a reference for facilitating comparison of the respective sizes, FIG. 8A shows the front panel 24 in a state of being coaxially overlapped, and FIG. 8B shows the rear panel 26 being coaxial. Are shown in a superimposed state.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the inner panel 28D in the case of N = 6 is formed in a substantially regular hexagonal shape as a whole. The inner panel 28D includes the central stitching portion 36 and six connection end portions 38. These six connection end portions 38 are respectively arranged at six circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension as the predetermined circumferential position into approximately six equal parts, that is, in this example, six apexes of a substantially regular hexagon. It protrudes toward the outside in the radial direction. Further, the side 60D between the two adjacent connection end portions 38 is substantially linear when the plane is expanded as shown in the figure. Here, a straight line drawn from the central stitching portion 36 to the midpoint 62D of the side 60D is referred to as a “straight line DL”.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the connection panel 30D in the case of N = 6 includes the central stitching portion 40, the opening 44, and the plurality of bolt holes 46 (in FIG. 8B). , And six connection end portions 42 are provided. These six connection end portions 42 are provided so as to protrude outward in the radial direction at circumferential positions similar to the circumferential positions of the inner panel 28D. Although the connection panel 30D shown in FIG. 8B is formed in a substantially circular shape as a whole, it is not limited to such a shape.

Further, the six connection end portions 38 of the inner panel 28D and the six connection end portions 42 of the connection panel 30D are connected to each other, whereby the inner panel 28D and the connection panel 30D are connected to the bag body. An inner chamber 68 is formed inside 66. The inner panel 28D and the connection panel 30D are connected so that the connection portions of the

connection end portions

38 and 42 are positioned above the passenger D in the normal state. When the gas from the inflator 12 flows into the inner chamber 68, the airbag 14 is inflated and deployed. At this time, the inner panel 28 D forms a shade shape (not shown) inside the bag body 66.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a shade angle and a shade length in the shade shape by the inner panel 28D. Of the inner panel 28D formed in the shade shape, the hatched area in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the part which corresponds.

In FIG. 9, when the shade angle in the case of N = 6 is L4, the shade angle L4 is substantially along the outer edge from the top of the shade shape by the inner panel 28D, in other words, substantially along the straight line DL. The inclination angle formed by the straight line S4 drawn in this way and the surface M is the above.

Further, when the shade length in the case of N = 6 is R4, the shade length R4 is from the top portion along the surface M to the outer edge portion, in other words, from the central suture portion 36 along the surface M. The length is up to the midpoint 62D of the side 60D.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a comparison between the shade angle and the shade length in the shade shape formed by the inner panels 28A to 28D when N = 3, 4, 5, 6 described above.

As shown in FIG. 10, when N = 3, 4, 5, 6, the magnitude relationship between the shade angles L1 to L4 in the shade shape by the inner panels 28A to 28D is L1 <L2 <L3 <L4. . In other words, the shade angle increases as the value of N increases between 3 and 6. Further, when N = 3, 4, 5, 6, the magnitude relation of the shade lengths R1 to R4 in the shade shape by the inner panels 28A to 28D is R1> R2> R3> R4. That is, as the value of N increases between 3 and 6, the shade length decreases. Thus, as the value of N increases between 3 and 6, the shade angle in the shade shape formed by the inner panel 28 increases, and the shade length in the shade shape decreases.

Hereinafter, the flow of the gas flowing into the inner chamber 68 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 taking N = 3 as an example. 11 (a) and 11 (b) are explanatory views conceptually showing the flow of gas flowing into the inner chamber 68 when N = 3, and FIG. 11 (a) is the above-mentioned FIG. 3 (a). 11 (b) is an arrow view (partially see through) from the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 11 (a). In addition, the arrow in a figure has shown the direction of the flow of gas.

11 (a) and 11 (b), as described above, when the gas from the inflator 12 flows into the inner chamber 68, the entire airbag 14 is inflated and deployed, and the inner panel 28A has the bag body 66. A shade shape is formed inside. The gas flowing into the inner chamber 68 flows in the direction opposite to the steering 64, that is, in the direction toward the occupant D (upward direction in FIG. 11A). At this time, when the gas reaches the upper end of the shade shape, the direction of the gas flow is changed by the upper end, and the gas flows in the radially outer peripheral side of the inner panel 28A, in other words, in the direction of the steering 64. Then, gas flows out from the three communication ports 70 to the outside of the inner chamber 68.

In this example, the flow of the gas flowing into the inner chamber 68 when N = 3 has been described. Similarly, when N = 4, 5, and 6, the gas flows in the steering 64 direction, Gas flows out from the N communication ports 70 to the outside of the inner chamber 68. Furthermore, as the value of N increases between 3 and 6, that is, as the shade angle increases and the shade length decreases, gas flows in the direction of the steering 64. Further, as the value of N increases between 3 and 6, the number of communication ports 70 serving as gas passages increases, so that the gas flows in the direction of the steering 64 in a dispersed manner.

According to the airbag device 10 of the present embodiment having the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, in the airbag device 10 of the present embodiment, the inner panel 28 is connected to the front panel 24 and the connection panel 30 is connected to the rear panel 26. Then, the N connection end portions 38 of the inner panel 28 and the N connection end portions 42 of the connection panel 30 are connected, so that the inner panel 28 and the connection panel 30 are placed inside the bag body 66. An inner chamber 68 is formed. The gas generated from the inflator 12 flows into the inner chamber 68 from the opening 44 of the connection panel 30. Then, the entire airbag 14 is inflated and deployed by the inflowing gas, and the occupant D is restrained. At this time, the inner panel 28 guides the gas toward the radially outer side, in other words, toward the steering 64 side while forming a cap shape in the bag body 66 by the inflowing gas. As the value of N increases from 3 to 6, the gas is distributed and flows toward the steering 64 located on the radially outer peripheral side, so that the uniformity of gas supply can be improved.

In addition, as the value of N increases between 3 and 6, the shade angle in the shade shape by the inner panel 28 increases and the shade length in the shade shape decreases (see FIG. 10). Therefore, as the value of N increases between 3 and 6, the gas flows toward the steering 64, and the flow of gas in the direction toward the occupant D can be regulated. As a result, the amount of protrusion in the direction toward the occupant D can be regulated.

In addition to this, a unique effect is obtained in each of N = 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Here, the unique effect when N = 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b). That is, when N = 3, the inner panel 28A is provided with connection end portions 38 at three equal intervals in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 2A). As a result, the inner panel 28A can be formed in a substantially equilateral triangle, and the connection end portions 38 can be arranged at three vertices of the substantially equilateral triangle. In addition, since the inner panel 28A is a substantially equilateral triangle, three communication ports 70 are formed between the three connection end portions 38 that are the three apexes of the triangle. And in the normal state (state shown in Drawing 12 (a) and Drawing 12 (b)) where one connection end part 38 used as one vertex of a triangle is located above seeing crew member D, the lower part on the opposite side is A communication port 70 is formed between the vertices of the triangle and does not have the connection end 38.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the gas flow in the upward direction as viewed from the occupant D, that is, in the direction directly toward the occupant D is blocked by the connecting end 38, and downward from the occupant D. That is, the gas flow in the direction of the steering 64 is not blocked by the connection end portion 38 and flows out from the communication port 70. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12B, the bag body 66 is pushed downward by the outflowed gas as viewed from the passenger D. As a result, the gas flow toward the occupant D can be suppressed, and the airbag 14 can be quickly deployed between the occupant D and the steering 64.

Further, when N = 4, the inner panel 28B is provided with connection end portions 38 at equal intervals in four circumferential directions (see FIG. 4A). Thereby, the inner panel 28B can be formed in a substantially square shape, and the connection end portions 38 can be arranged at the four vertices of the substantially square shape. Further, since the inner panel 28B is substantially square, when the panel base fabric is cut out and obtained from a strip-shaped woven fabric (fabric), it can be cut out by two parallel sides. Thereby, the useless part at the time of cutting reduces, and productivity improves. In addition, since the number of panels that can be cut out from the above-mentioned piece of unit length is increased, the mass productivity is improved.

Further, when N = 5, the inner panel 28C has connection end portions 38 at equal intervals in five circumferential directions (see FIG. 6A). Thereby, the inner panel 28C can be formed in a substantially regular pentagon, and the connection end portions 38 can be arranged at the five apexes of the substantially regular pentagon. In addition, since the inner panel 28 C is a substantially regular pentagon, five communication ports 70 are formed between the five connection end portions 38 that are the five apexes of the pentagon. Thereby, the gas is relatively uniformly dispersed and guided by these five communication ports 70, and the uniformity of gas supply can be improved.

Further, in a normal state in which one connection end 38 serving as one vertex of the pentagon is located above the occupant D, the lower side on the opposite side is between the vertex and the vertex of the pentagon, and the existence of the connection end 38 is present. It becomes the communication port 70 which does not.

At this time, as in the case of N = 3, the gas flow in the upward direction as viewed from the occupant D, that is, in the direction directly toward the occupant D is blocked by the connection end portion 38, and the downward direction as viewed from the occupant D. That is, the gas flow in the direction of the steering 64 is not blocked by the connection end portion 38 and gas flows out from the communication port 70, so that the bag body 66 is pushed downward as viewed from the passenger D. As a result, the gas flow toward the occupant D can be suppressed, and the airbag 14 can be quickly deployed between the occupant D and the steering 64.

As described above, when N = 5, improvement in the uniformity of gas supply, suppression of gas flow toward the occupant D, and rapid deployment of the airbag 14 between the occupant D and the steering 64 are achieved. Can be planned.

Further, when N = 6, the inner panel 28D has connection end portions 38 at six equal intervals in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 8A). Thereby, inner panel 28D can be formed in a substantially regular hexagon, and the connection end part 38 can be arrange | positioned at the six vertexes of the said substantially regular hexagon. In addition, since the inner panel 28D has a substantially regular hexagonal shape, there are six communication ports 70 between the six connection end portions 38 that are the six apexes of the hexagon. Thereby, the gas is most uniformly dispersed and guided by these six communication ports 70, and the uniformity of gas supply can be improved most.

The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Airbag apparatus 12 Inflator 14 Airbag 24 Front panel 26

Rear panel

28,28A-

D Inner panel

30,30A-D Connection panel 38 Connection edge part (1st connection edge part)
42 Connection end (second connection end)
44 opening (inlet)
64 Steering 66 Bag 68 Inner chamber D Passenger L1-4 Shaft angle M surface R1-4 Shaft length S1-4 Straight

Claims

In an airbag apparatus having an airbag that is provided on the radially inner side of a steering of a vehicle and inflates and deploys by gas from an inflator to restrain an occupant,
The airbag is
A front panel located on the occupant side when the airbag is inflated and deployed;
A rear panel that is located on the opposite side of the occupant when the airbag is inflated and deployed, and forms a bag together with the front panel;
An inner panel connected to the front panel to guide the gas from the inflator by forming a shade shape when the airbag is inflated and deployed;
A connection panel connected to the rear panel;
Have
The connection panel is
An inflow port to which the gas from the inflator is supplied is provided in the radial center portion,
The inner panel is
N (N: integer of 3 or more and 6 or less) first connection end portions provided radially outward at predetermined circumferential positions that are substantially equidistant from each other along the circumferential direction,
The connection panel is
The N second connection end portions respectively provided at circumferential positions similar to the predetermined circumferential position;
The greater the value of N, the greater the angle of inclination between the straight line drawn from the top of the cap shape so as to substantially follow the outer edge and the plane parallel to the plane including the end face on the passenger side of the steering wheel, and The N first pieces are arranged such that the length from the top portion to the outer edge portion along a plane parallel to a plane including the end face on the passenger side of the steering is reduced and the gas flows in the steering direction. An airbag device comprising: a connecting end portion connected to the N second connecting end portions; and an inner chamber formed within the bag body by the connected inner panel and connecting panel.
The airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
N = 3,
The inner panel is
The first connection end is provided at each of three circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately three equal parts,
The connection panel is
An airbag device comprising the second connection end portions at three circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately three equal parts.
The airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
N = 4,
The inner panel is
The first connection ends are provided at four circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately four equal parts,
The connection panel is
An airbag device comprising the second connection end portions at four circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately four equal parts.
The airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
N = 5,
The inner panel is
Each of the first connection ends is provided at five circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately five equal parts,
The connection panel is
An airbag apparatus comprising the second connection end portions at five circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately five equal parts.
The airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
N = 6,
The inner panel is
The first connection end portions are respectively provided at six circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately six equal parts,
The connection panel is
An airbag device comprising the second connection end portions at six circumferential positions that divide the entire circumferential dimension into approximately six equal parts.