WO2012059987A1

WO2012059987A1 - Vehicle airbag device

Info

Publication number: WO2012059987A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/069531
Authority: WO
Inventors: 修深渡瀬; 祐介藤原
Original assignee: トヨタ自動車株式会社
Priority date: 2010-11-02
Filing date: 2010-11-02
Publication date: 2012-05-10

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle airbag device which is capable of starting airbag deployment sooner. A vehicle airbag device (10) is provided with an airbag (24), a first inflator (26A) for supplying a gas to the airbag (24), a second inflator (26B) for supplying to the airbag (24) a gas at a higher pressure than the pressure of the gas supplied to the first inflator (26A), and a control unit (14) for operating the first inflator (26A) and the second inflator (26B). At the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the control unit (14) determines the collision velocity before determining whether or not a passenger is wearing a seatbelt. If the collision velocity (V) is greater than or equal to a first threshold value (v1) and less than a second threshold value (v2), then said control unit (14) operates the first inflator (26A) to inflate the airbag (24) without determining whether the passenger is wearing a seatbelt. Consequently, by simplifying the processing function of the control unit (14), deployment of the airbag (24) can be started sooner.

Description

Airbag device for vehicle

The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device.

In Patent Document 1, the control unit is configured to determine the deployment pressure of the airbag by determining the presence or absence of the seat belt by the occupant or the collision speed of the vehicle after determining the weight of the occupant. An airbag apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed.

JP-A-11-91502 Japanese National Patent Publication No. 10-509396 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-273012 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-91501 JP 2000-326819 A JP 2009-1259 A

However, in the airbag apparatus of this vehicle, it is necessary to determine whether or not the occupant is wearing a seat belt or the occupant's weight even when the collision speed of the vehicle is low. For this reason, the processing function in the control unit is complicated, and even if it is within an appropriate range, the start of airbag deployment may be delayed.

This invention is made in view of the said subject, Comprising: It aims at providing the airbag apparatus for vehicles which can accelerate | stimulate the deployment start of an airbag.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a vehicle airbag apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an airbag that is inflated and deployed toward a front seat occupant upon supply of gas, and supplies gas to the airbag. A first inflator that performs, a second inflator that supplies a gas having a pressure higher than that of the first inflator to the airbag, and a signal output from a deceleration sensor according to the deceleration of the vehicle at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle Based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor when the collision speed is determined to be greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold based on the first inflator to inflate and deploy the airbag. When it is determined that the collision speed is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, and based on a signal output from the seat belt switch according to whether or not the front seat occupant wears the seat belt. When it is determined that the front seat occupant is wearing a seat belt, the second inflator is operated to inflate and deploy the airbag, and the collision speed is determined based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor. When it is determined that it is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and when it is determined that the front seat occupant is not wearing a seat belt based on a signal output from the seat belt switch, the first inflator and the second inflator A control unit that operates the two inflators to inflate and deploy the airbag.

According to this vehicle airbag device, the control unit determines the collision speed before determining whether or not the seat belt is worn, and when the collision speed is not less than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, The air bag is inflated and deployed by operating the first inflator without determining whether or not the seat belt is worn. Therefore, for example, the processing function of the control unit can be simplified as compared with the case of determining whether or not the seat belt is worn before determining the collision speed, so that the start of airbag deployment can be accelerated. .

Also, when the collision speed is not less than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the first inflator is activated and the airbag is inflated and deployed at a low pressure. On the other hand, when the collision speed is equal to or higher than the second threshold and the front seat occupant wears the seat belt, the second inflator is activated and the airbag is inflated and deployed at medium pressure. Further, when the collision speed is equal to or higher than the second threshold and the front seat occupant is not wearing the seat belt, the first inflator and the second inflator are operated and the airbag is inflated and deployed at a high pressure. Therefore, since the airbag is inflated and deployed at an appropriate pressure according to the collision speed and whether or not the seat belt is worn, the front seat occupant can be appropriately protected.

In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle airbag apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an airbag that is inflated and deployed toward a front seat occupant upon supply of gas, and a gas that is supplied to the airbag. The first inflator for supplying the first inflator, the second inflator for supplying a gas having a pressure higher than that of the first inflator to the airbag, and output from the deceleration sensor according to the deceleration of the vehicle at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle When it is determined that the collision speed is greater than or equal to the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value based on the signal, the first inflator is activated to inflate and deploy the airbag, and the signal output from the deceleration sensor On the basis of the signal output from the physique sensor according to the size of the physique of the front seat occupant. When it is determined that the size of the case is less than the reference value, the first inflator and the second inflator can be operated after a certain delay time has elapsed after operating one of the first inflator and the second inflator. The other is operated to inflate and deploy the airbag, and based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor, it is determined that the collision speed is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and is output from the physique sensor When it is determined that the size of the front seat occupant is greater than or equal to the reference value based on the signal, a delay time longer than the delay time after operating one of the first inflator and the second inflator A control unit that operates the other of the first inflator and the second inflator after the passage of time to inflate and deploy the airbag; Eteiru.

According to this vehicle airbag device, the control unit determines the collision speed before determining the size of the front seat occupant, and when the collision speed is not less than the first threshold and less than the second threshold. Operates the first inflator to inflate and deploy the airbag without determining the size of the physique of the front seat occupant. Therefore, for example, the processing function of the control unit can be simplified as compared with the case where the size of the front seat occupant is determined before the collision speed is determined. Can do.

Further, when the collision speed is equal to or higher than the second threshold, the first inflator and the second inflator are activated, and the airbag is inflated at a higher pressure than when the collision speed is equal to or higher than the first threshold and lower than the second threshold. Be expanded. Furthermore, when the collision speed is equal to or higher than the second threshold and the size of the front seat occupant is greater than or equal to the reference value, the first seat occupant size is less than the reference value. A long delay time is set from when one of the inflator and the second inflator is activated until the other is activated. Therefore, an airbag in a higher pressure state is set by setting a longer delay time for an occupant with a large physique, which takes time until the passenger sits behind the vehicle and is restrained by the airbag as compared to an occupant with a small physique. Can restrain a large occupant. As a result, the front seat occupant can be appropriately protected according to the collision speed and the size of the physique.

Further, the vehicle airbag device according to the third aspect of the present invention is the vehicle airbag device according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit collides based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor. It is determined that the speed is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and based on a signal output from the physique sensor, the size of the physique of the front seat occupant is determined to be less than a reference value and the front seat When it is determined that the front seat occupant is not wearing a seat belt based on a signal output from a seat belt switch according to whether or not the seat belt is worn by the occupant, one of the first inflator and the second inflator After a certain delay time elapses after the air bag is operated, the air bag is inflated and deployed by operating the other one of the first inflator and the second inflator. , When it is determined that the collision speed is greater than or equal to the second threshold based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor, and the size of the physique of the front seat occupant based on the signal output from the physique sensor And when the front seat occupant determines that the seatbelt is not wearing a seatbelt based on a signal output from the seatbelt switch, the first inflator and the second inflator The air bag is inflated and deployed by operating the other of the first inflator and the second inflator after a delay time longer than the delay time elapses after operating one.

According to the vehicle airbag device, when the collision speed is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the size of the front seat occupant is greater than or equal to the reference value on the condition that the seat belt is not worn. In this case, the delay time is set longer from when one of the first inflator and the second inflator is activated until when the size of the physique of the front seat occupant is less than the reference value. Therefore, in addition to the collision speed and the physique of the front seat occupant, the airbag is inflated and deployed with an appropriate pressure depending on whether or not the seat belt is worn, and thus the front seat occupant can be appropriately protected.

Further, the vehicle airbag device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle airbag device according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit determines that the collision speed is equal to or higher than the second threshold value. In this case, when it is determined that the front seat occupant is wearing a seat belt, one of the first inflator and the second inflator is more than when it is determined that the front seat occupant is not wearing a seat belt. It is set as the structure which sets the delay time until it is operated after the other is operated long.

According to the vehicle airbag device, when the collision speed is equal to or higher than the second threshold, when the front seat occupant is wearing the seat belt, than when the front seat occupant is not wearing the seat belt, The delay time from when one of the first inflator and the second inflator is activated until the other is activated is set long. Thereby, even when it takes time to be restrained by the airbag by wearing the seat belt, the front seat occupant can be appropriately protected.

Moreover, the vehicle airbag apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle airbag apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the airbag is in a closed state in which the vent hole and the vent hole are closed. An opening / closing portion that can be changed to an open state that opens the vent hole, and an actuator that changes the opening / closing portion from a closed state to an open state, wherein the control unit has a collision speed equal to or higher than the second threshold value. When it is determined that the size of the front seat occupant is less than the reference value, and when it is determined that the front seat occupant is wearing a seat belt, the opening / closing portion is The air bag is inflated and deployed after the actuator is operated so as to be changed from the closed state to the open state.

According to this vehicle airbag device, when the collision speed is equal to or higher than the second threshold, when the size of the front seat occupant is less than the reference value and the front seat occupant is wearing the seat belt, The opening / closing part is opened and the vent hole is opened. In this state, the airbag is inflated and deployed. As a result, when the size of the physique is less than the reference value and the occupant wearing the seat belt is restrained by the airbag, the pressure of the airbag can be lowered quickly, so that the front seat occupant is appropriately protected. can do.

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the start of airbag deployment can be accelerated.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a vehicle airbag device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side sectional view showing a part of a vehicle to which a vehicle airbag device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inflator shown in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the vehicle airbag apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the vehicle airbag apparatus which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the airbag apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the vehicle airbag apparatus which concerns on 4th embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the vehicle airbag apparatus which concerns on 4th embodiment of this invention.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle airbag apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an airbag unit 12 and a control unit 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, the airbag unit 12 is provided in a portion of the instrument panel 16 positioned in front of the passenger seat 18. The instrument panel 16 is formed in a vertical direction that is curved so as to protrude toward the rear side and the upper side of the vehicle between an upper portion 16A facing the upper side of the vehicle and a lower portion 16B provided with the door 20 of the grab box. It has an intermediate part 16C. More specifically, the airbag unit 12 is provided at the intermediate portion 16C in the vertical direction. The airbag unit 12 includes a case 22, an airbag 24, and an inflator 26.

The case 22 is arranged on the back side of the intermediate portion 16C in the vertical direction, and is formed in a box shape that opens to the front side of the intermediate portion 16C in the vertical direction. The airbag 24 is housed in a folded state inside the case 22, and the inflator 26 is provided at the bottom of the case 22.

The inflator 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 3, and is divided into a first inflator 26A and a second inflator 26B in the axial direction. The first inflator 26A and the second inflator 26B have

main body portions

28A and 28B and

ignition portions

30A and 30B, respectively. The

main body portions

28A and 28B are filled with a gas generating agent, and the

ignition portions

30A and 30B are activated when an operation signal is input, and the gas generating agents filled in the

main body portions

28A and 28B are respectively supplied. It is configured to ignite.

The

main body portions

28A and 28B are respectively formed with

gas ejection ports

32A and 32B for ejecting the gas generated when the gas generating agent is ignited. The

gas outlets

32A and 32B communicate with the inside of the airbag 24 (see FIG. 2). The main body 28B has a larger capacity than the main body 28A, and the second inflator 26B is configured to supply a gas having a higher pressure than the first inflator 26A to the airbag 24. Further, the airbag 24 shown in FIG. 2 receives the gas supply from at least one of the first inflator 26A and the second inflator 26B, so that the front side of the instrument panel 16 toward the passenger P of the passenger seat 18 is obtained. Inflated and deployed.

The control unit 14 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by an electronic circuit having an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, and the like. A program for inflating and deploying the airbag 24 is stored in advance in the storage device of the control unit 14. The contents of this program will be described in detail later together with the operation of the vehicle airbag device 10. Further, a deceleration sensor 34 and a seat belt switch 36 are connected to the control unit 14.

The deceleration sensor 34 is provided in the vehicle body, and is configured to output a signal corresponding to the deceleration of the vehicle to the control unit 14. Although a single deceleration sensor 34 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of deceleration sensors 34 are usually provided on the vehicle body.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the passenger seat 18 is equipped with a seat belt 38. The seat belt 38 is provided with a tongue 40, and the vehicle body is provided with a buckle 42 that can be engaged with the tongue 40. The seat belt switch 36 shown in FIG. 1 is built in the buckle 42 described above, and outputs a signal corresponding to the engagement state and the disengagement state of the tongue 40 and the buckle 42 to the control unit 14. It is said that.

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

The control unit 14 shown in FIG. 1 detects signals output from the deceleration sensor 34 according to the vehicle deceleration at regular intervals. When the control unit 14 determines that the collision speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor 34 due to the frontal collision of the vehicle, the storage device A program for inflating and deploying the airbag 24 stored in the above is executed, and each step shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

First, in step ST1 shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 14 determines that the collision speed V during a frontal collision of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the first threshold v1 and less than the second threshold v2 based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor 34 described above. Or whether the collision speed V is equal to or higher than the second threshold value v2. Here, as an example, the first threshold value v1 is set to 16 mph, and the second threshold value v2 is set to 20 mph.

When the control unit 14 determines in step ST1 shown in FIG. 4 that the collision speed V when the above-mentioned vehicle collides front is less than or equal to the first threshold value v1 and less than the second threshold value v2, FIG. The operation signal is output to the ignition unit 30A of the first inflator 26A shown in FIG.

The ignition unit 30A is activated when an operation signal is input, and ignites the gas generating agent filled in the main body 28A. Further, the gas generated when the gas generating agent is ignited is supplied to the inside of the airbag 24 shown in FIG. 2 through the gas outlet 32A, whereby the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed at a low pressure. Then, the control unit 14 ends the series of steps.

On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step ST1 shown in FIG. 4 that the collision speed V is equal to or higher than the second threshold value v2, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST3 shown in FIG. Based on the signal output from the seat belt switch 36, the control unit 14 determines whether the tongue 40 and the buckle 42 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the passenger P of the seat 18 is wearing the seat belt 38.

When the control unit 14 determines in step ST3 shown in FIG. 4 that the passenger in the passenger seat is wearing the seat belt, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST4 shown in FIG. 4 and shown in FIG. The operation signal is output to the ignition part 30B of the second inflator 26B.

The ignition unit 30B operates when an operation signal is input, and ignites the gas generating agent filled in the main body unit 28B. Further, the gas generated when the gas generating agent is ignited is supplied to the inside of the airbag 24 shown in FIG. 2 through the gas ejection port 32B, whereby the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed at an intermediate pressure. Then, the control unit 14 ends the series of steps.

On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step ST3 shown in FIG. 4 that the passenger in the passenger seat does not wear the seat belt, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST5 shown in FIG. The operation signal is output to the ignition part 30A of the first inflator 26A and the ignition part 30B of the second inflator 26B shown in FIG. Thereby, gas is generated from the first inflator 26A and the second inflator 26B, and the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed at a high pressure. Then, the control unit 14 ends the series of steps.

Next, the operation and effect of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

As described above in detail, according to the vehicle airbag device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 14 determines the collision speed before determining whether or not the seat belt is worn, When the collision speed V is not less than the first threshold value v1 and less than the second threshold value v2, the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed by operating the first inflator 26A without determining whether or not the seat belt is worn. Therefore, for example, the program of the control unit 14 can be simplified as compared with the case where the presence or absence of the seat belt is determined before determining the collision speed, so that the start of deployment of the airbag 24 can be accelerated. it can.

Further, when the collision speed V is not less than the first threshold value v1 and less than the second threshold value v2, the first inflator 26A is operated and the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed at a low pressure. On the other hand, when the collision speed V is equal to or higher than the second threshold value v2, when the passenger in the passenger seat is wearing the seat belt, the second inflator 26B is activated and the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed at medium pressure. When the collision speed V is equal to or higher than the second threshold v2 and the passenger in the passenger seat is not wearing the seat belt, the first inflator 26A and the second inflator 26B are activated, and the airbag 24 is inflated at a high pressure. Be expanded. Therefore, since the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed at an appropriate pressure according to the collision speed and whether or not the seat belt is worn, the passenger in the passenger seat can be appropriately protected.

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

The vehicle airbag device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5 is different from the vehicle airbag device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. Instead, the physique sensor 52 is connected to the control unit 14 and the program stored in the storage device of the control unit 14 is changed.

The physique sensor 52 includes, for example, a weight sensor built in the seat cushion of the passenger seat, a position sensor that detects the sliding position of the passenger seat, and the like, and a signal corresponding to the size of the occupant of the passenger seat Is output to the control unit 14.

The changes in the program stored in the storage device of the control unit 14 will be described in detail later together with the operation of the vehicle airbag device 50.

Next, the operation of the vehicle airbag device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

When the control unit 14 shown in FIG. 5 determines that the collision speed is equal to or higher than the first threshold based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor 34 due to the frontal collision of the vehicle, the control unit 14 stores A program for inflating and deploying the stored airbag 24 is executed, and each step shown in FIG. 6 is executed.

If the control unit 14 determines in step ST11 shown in FIG. 6 that the collision speed V is greater than or equal to the first threshold value v1 and less than the second threshold value v2, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST12 shown in FIG. An operation signal is output to the ignition part 30A of the first inflator 26A shown in FIG. Thereby, the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed at a low pressure. The above steps are the same as the steps up to step ST2 in the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines in step ST11 shown in FIG. 6 that the collision speed V is equal to or higher than the second threshold value v2, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST13 shown in FIG. Based on the signal output from the physique sensor 52, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is less than the reference value w0. As an example, the case where the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is less than the reference value w0 assumes an AF05 dummy doll, and the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is the reference. The case where the value is greater than or equal to w0 assumes an AM50 dummy.

When the control unit 14 determines in step ST13 shown in FIG. 6 that the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is less than the reference value w0, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST14 shown in FIG. The operation signal is output to the ignition part 30A of the first inflator 26A shown in FIG. Thereby, gas is supplied to the airbag 24 from the first inflator 26A, and the airbag 24 begins to expand.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST15 shown in FIG. 6, and determines whether or not the elapsed time T after the execution of step ST14 is equal to or longer than a predetermined delay time t1.

If the control unit 14 determines in step ST15 shown in FIG. 6 that the elapsed time T is equal to or greater than a predetermined delay time t1, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST16 shown in FIG. An operation signal is output to the ignition part 30B of the second inflator 26B shown in FIG. Thereby, gas is supplied to the airbag 24 from the 2nd inflator 26B, and the airbag 24 is inflate-deployed by a pressure higher than the case of above-mentioned step ST12. Then, the control unit 14 ends the series of steps.

On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step ST13 shown in FIG. 6 that the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is greater than or equal to the reference value w0, the control unit 14 goes to step ST17 shown in FIG. The operation signal is output to the ignition part 30A of the first inflator 26A shown in FIG. Thereby, gas is supplied to the airbag 24 from the first inflator 26A, and the airbag 24 begins to expand.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST18 shown in FIG. 6, and determines whether or not the elapsed time T after the execution of step ST17 is equal to or longer than a predetermined delay time t2. In this case, the delay time t2 is set longer than the delay time t1 in the above-described step ST15. Here, as an example, the delay time t1 is set to 10 ms, and the delay time t2 is set to 30 ms.

If the control unit 14 determines in step ST18 shown in FIG. 6 that the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than a predetermined delay time t2, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST19 shown in FIG. An operation signal is output to the ignition part 30B of the second inflator 26B shown in FIG. Thereby, gas is supplied to the airbag 24 from the 2nd inflator 26B, and the airbag 24 is inflate-deployed by a pressure higher than the case of above-mentioned step ST12. Then, the control unit 14 ends the series of steps.

Next, the operation and effect of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

As described above in detail, according to the vehicle airbag device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 14 determines the collision speed before determining the size of the passenger seat occupant. If the collision speed V is equal to or greater than the first threshold value v1 and less than the second threshold value v2, the first inflator 26A is operated to determine the size of the passenger seat occupant and the airbag 24 is operated. Inflate and deploy. Therefore, for example, the program of the control unit 14 can be simplified as compared with the case where the size of the passenger in the passenger seat is determined before the collision speed is determined. You can expedite.

Further, when the collision speed V is equal to or higher than the second threshold value v2, the first inflator 26A and the second inflator 26B are operated, so that the collision speed V is equal to or higher than the first threshold value v1 and lower than the second threshold value v2. The airbag 24 is inflated and deployed at a high pressure. Further, when the collision speed V is equal to or greater than the second threshold value v2 and the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is greater than or equal to the reference value w0, the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is less than the reference value w0. The delay time is set longer than when the first inflator 26A is activated until the second inflator 26B is activated. Therefore, by setting a longer delay time for an occupant with a large physique that takes time to sit behind the vehicle and be restrained by the airbag 24 as compared to an occupant with a small physique, air in a higher pressure state can be obtained. The bag 24 can restrain an occupant having a large physique. As a result, the passenger in the passenger seat can be appropriately protected according to the collision speed and the size of the physique.

In steps ST14 to ST16 described above, the second inflator 26B has been activated after a certain delay time t1 has elapsed after the first inflator 26A has been activated, but after the second inflator 26B has been activated. The first inflator 26A may be activated after a certain delay time t1 has elapsed.

Similarly, in steps ST17 to ST19 described above, the second inflator 26B was activated after a certain delay time t2 had elapsed after the first inflator 26A was activated, but the second inflator 26B was activated. The first inflator 26A may be activated after a certain delay time t2 has elapsed.

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

The vehicle airbag device 60 according to the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7 is different from the vehicle airbag device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. While being added, the program stored in the storage device of the control unit 14 is changed.

The seat belt switch 36 is the same as that used in the first embodiment of the present invention described above. Changes in the program stored in the storage device of the control unit 14 will be described in detail later together with the operation of the vehicle airbag device 60.

Next, the operation of the vehicle airbag device 60 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Note that the processing until the start of the execution of step ST21 shown in FIG. 8, the steps ST21 and ST22, and the step ST23 are the processing until the execution of step ST11 shown in FIG. Step ST12 is the same as step ST13.

If the control unit 14 shown in FIG. 7 determines in step ST23 shown in FIG. 8 that the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is less than the reference value w0, step ST24 shown in FIG. Migrate to Then, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the passenger in the passenger seat is wearing the seat belt based on the signal output from the seat belt switch 36.

When the control unit 14 determines in step ST24 shown in FIG. 8 that the passenger in the passenger seat is wearing the seat belt, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST25 shown in FIG. 8 and shown in FIG. The operation signal is output to the ignition part 30B of the second inflator 26B. As a result, gas is supplied from the second inflator 26B to the airbag 24, and the airbag 24 begins to expand.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST26 shown in FIG. 8, and determines whether or not the elapsed time T after execution of step ST25 is equal to or longer than a predetermined delay time t3. The delay time t3 in this case is set longer than delay times t4 and t6 in steps ST29 and ST36 described later. Here, as an example, the delay time t3 is set to 100 ms.

If the control unit 14 determines in step ST26 shown in FIG. 8 that the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than a predetermined delay time t3, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST27 shown in FIG. An operation signal is output to the ignition part 30A of the first inflator 26A shown in FIG. Thereby, gas is supplied to the airbag 24 from the first inflator 26A, and the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed at a pressure higher than that in the above-described step ST22. Then, the control unit 14 ends the series of steps.

On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines in step ST24 shown in FIG. 8 that the passenger in the passenger seat does not wear the seat belt, the control unit 14 is the same as step ST25 to step ST27 described above. Step ST30 is executed. That is, the control unit 14 activates the first inflator 26A to inflate and deploy the airbag 24 after a certain delay time t4 has elapsed after the second inflator 26B is activated. Then, the control unit 14 ends the series of steps. As an example, the delay time t4 is set to 10 ms.

On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines in step ST23 shown in FIG. 8 that the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is greater than or equal to the reference value w0, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST31 shown in FIG. . Then, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the passenger in the passenger seat is wearing the seat belt based on the signal output from the seat belt switch 36.

When the control unit 14 determines in step ST31 shown in FIG. 8 that the passenger in the passenger seat is wearing the seat belt, the control unit 14 performs the same steps ST32 to ST27 as those described above. Execute ST34. That is, the control unit 14 activates the first inflator 26A to inflate and deploy the airbag 24 after a certain delay time t5 has elapsed after the second inflator 26B is activated. Then, the control unit 14 ends the series of steps. Note that the delay time t5 in step ST33 is set to be the same as the delay time t3 in step ST26 described above. That is, here, as an example, the delay time t5 is set to 100 ms.

On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step ST31 shown in FIG. 8 that the passenger in the passenger seat does not wear the seat belt, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST35 shown in FIG. The operation signal is output to the ignition part 30A of the first inflator 26A shown in FIG. Thereby, gas is supplied to the airbag 24 from the first inflator 26A, and the airbag 24 begins to expand.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST36 shown in FIG. 8, and determines whether or not the elapsed time T after the execution of step ST35 is equal to or longer than a predetermined delay time t6. The delay time t6 in this case is set longer than the delay time t4 in the above-described step ST29. Here, as an example, the delay time t6 is set to 30 ms.

If the control unit 14 determines in step ST36 shown in FIG. 8 that the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than a predetermined delay time t6, the control unit 14 proceeds to step ST37 shown in FIG. An operation signal is output to the ignition part 30B of the second inflator 26B shown in FIG. As a result, gas is supplied from the second inflator 26B to the airbag 24, and the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed at a higher pressure than in the case of step ST22 described above. Then, the control unit 14 ends the series of steps.

Next, the operation and effect of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with respect to differences from the above-described second embodiment of the present invention.

According to the vehicle airbag device 60 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the collision speed V is equal to or higher than the second threshold v2, the passenger in the passenger seat is provided on the condition that the seat belt is not worn. One of the first inflator 26A and the second inflator 26B is when the size W of the passenger is greater than or equal to the reference value w0 than when the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is less than the reference value w0. The delay time is set longer from when the other is activated until the other is activated. Therefore, since the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed with an appropriate pressure according to whether or not the seat belt is worn, in addition to the collision speed and the physique of the passenger in the passenger seat, the passenger in the passenger seat can be appropriately protected.

Further, when the collision speed V is equal to or higher than the second threshold value v2, when the passenger in the passenger seat is wearing the seat belt, the first inflator 26A is more effective than when the passenger in the passenger seat is not wearing the seat belt. The delay time from when one of the second inflators 26B is activated until the other is activated is set longer. Thereby, even when it takes time to be restrained by the airbag 24 by wearing the seat belt, the passenger in the passenger seat can be appropriately protected.

In steps ST25 to ST27, ST28 to ST30, and ST32 to ST34 described above, the first inflator 26A was activated after a certain delay time had elapsed after the second inflator 26B was activated. However, the second inflator 26B may be activated after a certain delay time has elapsed after the first inflator 26A is activated.

Similarly, in steps ST35 to ST37 described above, the second inflator 26B is activated after a certain delay time has elapsed after the first inflator 26A is activated. However, after the second inflator 26B is activated. The first inflator 26A may be activated after a certain delay time has elapsed.

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

The vehicle airbag device 70 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 has the following configuration with respect to the vehicle airbag device 60 according to the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. has been edited.

That is, in the airbag 24, in addition to the existing vent hole 62, an additional vent hole 64 corresponding to the vent hole in the present invention is formed. The airbag 24 is provided with an opening / closing portion 66 that can be changed from a closed state in which the additional vent hole 64 is closed to an open state in which the additional vent hole 64 is opened. Further, an actuator 68 for changing the opening / closing part 66 from the closed state to the open state is added to the airbag unit 12. Moreover, the program memorize | stored in the memory | storage device of the control unit 14 is changed with these additions.

Next, the operation of the vehicle airbag device 70 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 14 executes step ST41 between step ST24 and step ST25 shown in FIG. 10, and executes step ST42 between step ST31 and step ST32. . Steps other than step ST41 and step ST42 are the same as the steps in the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8 except for setting delay times t3 to t6, and only the differences will be described here. .

The control unit 14 outputs an operation signal to the actuator 68 when it is determined in step ST24 shown in FIG. 10 that the passenger in the passenger seat is wearing the seat belt. The actuator 68 operates when an operation signal is input, and changes the opening / closing part 66 from a closed state to an open state. As a result, the additional vent hole 64 is opened.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 sequentially executes step ST25 to step ST27. Thereby, in addition to the vent hole 62 being opened, the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed with the additional vent hole 64 being opened.

Similarly, when it is determined in step ST31 shown in FIG. 10 that the passenger in the passenger seat is wearing the seat belt, the control unit 14 outputs an operation signal to the actuator 68. As a result, the actuator 68 is actuated to change the opening / closing part 66 from the closed state to the open state, and the additional vent hole 64 is opened.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 sequentially executes step ST32 to step ST34. Thereby, in addition to the vent hole 62 being opened, the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed with the additional vent hole 64 being opened.

Here, as an example, the delay times t3 to t6 are all set to 10 ms.

Next, the operation and effect of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with respect to differences from the above-described third embodiment of the present invention.

According to the vehicle airbag device 70 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the collision speed V is equal to or higher than the second threshold v2, the size W of the passenger in the passenger seat is less than the reference value w0. When the passenger in the passenger seat is wearing the seat belt, the opening / closing part 66 is opened and the additional vent hole 64 is opened. In this state, the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed. As a result, when the physique size W is less than the reference value w0 and the occupant wearing the seat belt is restrained by the airbag 24, the pressure of the airbag 24 can be quickly reduced. Crew can be properly protected.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, step ST42 may be omitted. Further, when step ST42 is omitted, the delay time t5 may be set to 100 ms.

Further, although the delay time t6 is set to 10 ms, it may be set to 30 ms.

In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the airbag unit 12 is provided in a portion of the instrument panel 16 positioned in front of the passenger seat 18. It may be provided on the wheel. That is, the airbag unit 12 may be provided for the driver's seat in addition to being provided for the passenger seat.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the processing function for inflating and deploying the airbag 24 in the control unit 14 is a program, but it may be a logic circuit.

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.

Claims

An airbag that is inflated and deployed toward the front seat occupant upon receiving gas supply;
A first inflator for supplying gas to the airbag;
A second inflator for supplying a gas having a pressure higher than that of the first inflator to the airbag;
When it is determined that the collision speed is greater than or equal to the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value based on a signal output from the deceleration sensor according to the deceleration of the vehicle at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the first inflator is activated. The airbag is inflated and deployed, and it is determined that the collision speed is equal to or higher than the second threshold based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor, and the front seat occupant is wearing the seat belt. When it is determined that the front seat occupant is wearing a seat belt based on a signal output from a seat belt switch according to presence or absence, the second inflator is operated to inflate and deploy the airbag, and the reduction Based on the signal output from the speed sensor, it is determined that the collision speed is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the signal output from the seat belt switch When the front seat passenger is determined not to wear a seat belt Zui includes a control unit, wherein the first inflator and by operating the second inflator to the inflatable air bag deployment,
A vehicle airbag device comprising:
An airbag that is inflated and deployed toward the front seat occupant upon receiving gas supply;
A first inflator for supplying gas to the airbag;
A second inflator for supplying a gas having a pressure higher than that of the first inflator to the airbag;
When it is determined that the collision speed is greater than or equal to the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value based on a signal output from the deceleration sensor according to the deceleration of the vehicle at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the first inflator is activated. The airbag is inflated and deployed, and it is determined that the collision speed is greater than or equal to the second threshold based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor, and the size of the front seat occupant Accordingly, when it is determined that the size of the physique of the front seat occupant is less than a reference value based on a signal output from the physique sensor, a constant is applied after operating one of the first inflator and the second inflator Based on a signal output from the deceleration sensor by operating the other of the first inflator and the second inflator after the delay time has elapsed to inflate and deploy the airbag. When it is determined that the collision speed is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, and when it is determined that the size of the front seat occupant is greater than or equal to the reference value based on a signal output from the physique sensor, The air bag is inflated and deployed by operating the other one of the first inflator and the second inflator after a delay time longer than the delay time has elapsed after operating one of the first inflator and the second inflator. A control unit,
A vehicle airbag device comprising:
The control unit determines that the collision speed is greater than or equal to the second threshold value based on a signal output from the deceleration sensor, and is based on the signal output from the physique sensor. And the front seat occupant wears the seat belt based on a signal output from the seat belt switch according to whether the front seat occupant wears the seat belt. When it is determined that the first inflator and the second inflator are activated, a certain delay time elapses and the other one of the first inflator and the second inflator is activated to activate the airbag. When the collision speed is determined to be greater than or equal to the second threshold value based on the signal output from the deceleration sensor. Based on the signal output from the physique sensor, it is determined that the size of the physique of the front seat occupant is greater than a reference value, and the front seat occupant wears the seat belt based on the signal output from the seat belt switch When it is determined that the first inflator and the second inflator have not been operated, the first inflator and the second inflator are operated after a delay time longer than the delay time has elapsed after operating one of the first inflator and the second inflator. Let the airbag inflate and deploy,
The vehicle airbag device according to claim 2.
When the control unit determines that the front seat occupant is wearing a seat belt when the collision speed is determined to be equal to or greater than the second threshold, the front seat occupant does not wear the seat belt. Rather than when it is determined that the delay time until one of the first inflator and the second inflator is activated until the other is activated,
The vehicle airbag device according to claim 3.
The airbag has a vent hole, and an opening / closing part capable of changing from a closed state for closing the vent hole to an open state for opening the vent hole,
An actuator for changing the opening / closing part from a closed state to an open state;
The control unit determines that the size of the front seat occupant is less than the reference value when the collision speed is determined to be equal to or greater than the second threshold, and the front seat occupant When the actuator is operated so that the opening / closing part is changed from a closed state to an open state, the airbag is inflated and deployed.
The vehicle airbag device according to claim 3.