WO2022009757A1 - Airbag device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an airbag device capable of securely restraining an occupant seated in a seat regardless of the posture of the occupant. [Solution] An airbag device according to the present invention to be installed in a vehicle seat, said airbag device being equipped with: an inflator which is secured to the side frame of the vehicle seat and generates an expansion gas; and an airbag which expands/deploys as a result of the expansion gas being emitted from the inflator and is housed along the side frame. The airbag includes a main chamber which deploys toward the front from the lateral section of the vehicle seat, an inner chamber which deploys so as to overlap the main chamber in the vehicle seat widthwise direction on the occupant side of the main chamber, and a gas guide which guides gas from the inflator into the main chamber and the inner chamber. The gas guide includes an inflator insertion part where the inflator is inserted and a gas branching structure for guiding the gas discharged from the inflator in at least two different directions. The inner chamber forms a structure which has a gas introduction part for introducing the gas which has branched off due to the gas branching structure.

Description

Airbag device

The present invention relates to an airbag device mounted on a vehicle seat. In particular, the present invention relates to an airbag device capable of reliably restraining an occupant regardless of the posture of the occupant seated in the seat.

It is well known that one or more airbags are installed in a vehicle to protect occupants in the event of a vehicle accident. Airbags are, for example, so-called driver airbags that inflate from near the center of the steering wheel to protect the driver, and deploy downward inside the window of the vehicle to cause lateral impact, rollover, or overturning of the vehicle. There are various forms such as a curtain airbag that sometimes protects the occupant, and a side airbag that is deployed between the occupant and the side panel to protect the occupant in the event of a lateral impact of the vehicle.

In recent years, with the progress of automatic driving technology of vehicles, it is expected that the occupant will take various sitting postures such as reclining the seat greatly and sitting in a relaxed posture, and even in such a situation, the occupant is appropriately protected. There is a need to. Therefore, it is more important than ever to improve the airbags installed in the seats.

In well-known side airbag devices mounted on vehicle seats, the deployed airbag often receives a reaction force from the inner surface of the door to maintain an appropriate deployment behavior and posture. However, if the seat is far away from the door, or if the seat itself has a structure that rotates, the deployed airbag cannot receive the reaction force from the door and sits on the seat. It becomes difficult to properly protect the occupants.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device capable of reliably restraining an occupant regardless of the posture of the occupant seated on the seat.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device capable of reliably restraining an occupant seated on a seat regardless of the orientation of the seat.

The following describes the means for solving the above problems and their effects. In the present invention, when the occupant sits on the seat in a normal posture facing the traveling direction, the direction in which the occupant is facing (front side of the seat) is "forward" and the opposite direction (seat back side) is ". It is called "backward", and when indicating the axis of coordinates, it is called "front-back direction". In addition, when the occupant sits on the seat in the normal posture, the right side of the occupant (right side of the seat) is referred to as "right direction" and the left side of the occupant (left side of the seat) is referred to as "left direction" to indicate the axes of coordinates. Sometimes it is called "left-right direction". Furthermore, when the occupant sits on the seat in a normal posture, the occupant's head direction (headrest side) is referred to as "upward" and the occupant's waist direction (seat surface side) is referred to as "downward" to indicate the coordinate axes. When we say "up and down".

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an airbag device mounted on a vehicle seat, the inflator fixed to the side frame of the vehicle seat and generating expansion gas, and along the side frame. The airbag is accommodated and expanded and expanded by the expansion gas released from the inflator. The airbag includes a main chamber that expands forward from the side of the vehicle seat, and an inner chamber that expands so as to overlap the main chamber and the vehicle seat in the width direction on the occupant side of the main chamber. It includes a gas guide that guides the gas of the inflator to the main chamber and the inner chamber. The gas guide includes an inflator insertion section that receives the inflator and a gas branch structure section that guides the gas released from the inflator in at least two different directions. The inner chamber has a structure having a gas introduction portion for introducing the gas branched by the gas branch structure portion.

The expansion gas released from the inflator inserted in the gas guide is guided to the main chamber and the inner chamber by the branch structure of the gas guide. As described above, in the present invention, the gas does not flow into the main chamber through the inner chamber, but the gas flow is directly adjusted by the gas guide. Therefore, when the device is operated, the expansion gas is promptly supplied to both the main chamber and the inner chamber, the main chamber and the inner chamber are rapidly expanded, and the restraint performance of the occupant is improved. ..

Further, since the inner chamber has a structure that expands between the main chamber and the occupant so as to overlap the main chamber, the main chamber can be used as a reaction force surface and can be reliably deployed to the occupant side.

The inner chamber is connected so as to project rearward from the trailing edge of the main chamber, and can be accommodated in a folded state toward the main chamber side.

Here, the trailing edge of the main chamber means including the back side of the occupant or the back side of the seat back. The inner chamber is molded so that it protrudes rearward from the main chamber, and when it is housed, the inner chamber is folded toward the main chamber side, so it is possible to mold the inner chamber with a simple configuration and demonstrate sufficient restraint performance. Become.

The inflator can be placed on the opposite side (outside) of the occupant of the side frame.

Further, the inner chamber can be provided with a tab for fixing on the edge portion (trailing edge portion) opposite to the main chamber.

The tab can be configured to extend over the leading edge of the side frame to the inside of the side frame.

Then, the tab can be connected to the stud bolt of the inflator penetrating the side frame, or can be connected to a part of the side frame.

The tabs of the inner chamber extend over the leading edge of the side frame to the inside of the side frame, where they are connected to the inflator stud bolts or the side frame itself so that the inner chamber is on the occupant side with the inner surface of the side frame as the reaction force surface. Will be expanded to. Further, by fixing the end portion of the inner chamber, the unfolding behavior and the unfolding shape of the inner chamber are stabilized.

The airbag is formed by stacking and sewing two panels having substantially the same shape, and the main chamber and the inner chamber can be integrally formed in a plane. Here, "planar integral molding" means that when two panels are stacked in a flat state, the main chamber and the inner chamber are molded in one panel without overlapping in the thickness direction. Means.

The gas guide includes a first guide region arranged in the main chamber and a second guide region arranged in the inner chamber, and the inflator insertion portion is the first and second guide regions. It can be provided in common at the boundary portion of the guide area.

At this time, the first guide region of the gas guide is configured to communicate with the duct portion extending in the vertical direction on the trailing edge side of the main chamber. Then, in the first guide region (56), a first opening for guiding the expansion gas in the vertical direction of the duct portion is formed, and in the second guide region (58), the expansion gas is introduced. It can be configured to form a second opening leading up and down the inner chamber.

The gas guide is arranged in the main chamber and communicates with a duct portion extending in the vertical direction on the trailing edge side of the main chamber. Further, the gas branch structure portion is configured to include a first gas outlet facing the upper side of the duct portion and a second gas outlet facing downward to the expanded gas. Then, the gas introduction portion of the inner chamber can be configured to be located in the vicinity of at least one of the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet.

The inner chamber can have a structure having a chamber main body portion extending substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the main chamber.

The inner chamber is formed into a cylindrical shape having first and second gas introduction portions, and the first and second gas introduction portions of the inner chamber are the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet. It can be configured to be located in the vicinity of each of the gas outlets.

The main chamber of the airbag includes a side region that mainly protects the vicinity of the chest from the waist of the occupant when the airbag is deployed, and an upper region that mainly protects the vicinity of the occupant's head. The side regions may be arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle seat, and the upper regions may be arranged so as to connect the upper end portions of the side regions on both the left and right sides.

In this case, the left and right side areas and the central upper area are connected, and the airbag (main chamber) expands in a dome shape so as to completely cover the sides and the upper part of the occupant seated on the seat. become. As a result, it is possible to reliably restrain the movement of the occupant at least in the left-right direction, the upward direction, and the diagonally upward direction, and it is possible to appropriately protect the occupant from the head to the lumbar region.

At this time, the side regions arranged on the left and right and the upper region are integrally and continuously molded, and all the portions other than the inner chamber in the housed state are arranged on the outside of the side frame. Can be.

The "inside of the side frame" means the occupant side of the side frame extending in the vertical direction, and the "outside of the side frame" means the side opposite to the occupant.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view mainly showing an external shape of a vehicle seat on which an airbag device according to the present invention can be mounted, and the illustration of the airbag device is omitted. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure (seat frame) that functions as a frame of the vehicle seat shown in FIG. 1, and the illustration of the airbag device is omitted. 3A and 3B are a side view (A) and a front view (B) showing a state in which the airbag device according to the present invention is mounted on a vehicle seat, and the vehicle seat is shown in perspective. FIG. 4 shows an operating state (expanded state of the airbag) of the airbag device according to the present invention, (A) shows a state seen from the side surface in the width direction of the vehicle seat, and (B) shows. It shows the state seen from the front. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which an airbag adopted in the airbag device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is deployed (a state in which the airbag is placed flat before storage). FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing a part (X) of FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the inner chamber is folded toward the main chamber side in a state where the airbag according to the first embodiment is deployed (a state in which the airbag is placed flat before accommodation). FIG. 8 is an explanatory view schematically showing an operating state (expanded state of the airbag) of the airbag device according to the first embodiment, and (A) is a state seen from the side surface in the width direction of the vehicle seat. (B) shows a cross section in the direction of AA in FIG. (A). 9 (A) and 9 (B) are plan views showing a part of an airbag adopted in the airbag device according to the second embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state (a state in which the airbag is laid flat before storage). Yes, the figure (A) has a tab for fixing, and the figure (B) has a tab for fixing. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing an operating state (expanded state of the airbag) of the airbag device according to the second embodiment, and (A) is a state seen from the side surface in the width direction of the vehicle seat. (B) shows a cross section in the direction of AA in FIG. (A). 11 (A) and 11 (B) are plan views showing a part of an airbag adopted in the airbag device according to the third embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state (a state in which the airbag is placed flat before storage). Yes, the figure (A) has a tab for fixing, and the figure (B) has a tab for fixing. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view schematically showing an operating state (expanded state of the airbag) of the airbag device according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 12A is a view of the vehicle seat viewed from the side surface in the width direction. (B) shows a cross section in the direction of AA in FIG. (A). 13 (A) and 13 (B) are plan views showing a part of an airbag adopted in the airbag device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state (a state in which the airbag is placed flat before storage). Yes, the figure (A) has a tab for fixing, and the figure (B) has a tab for fixing. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view schematically showing an operating state (expanded state of the airbag) of the airbag device according to the fourth embodiment, and (A) is a state seen from the side surface in the width direction of the vehicle seat. (B) shows a cross section in the direction of AA in FIG. (A).

Hereinafter, the vehicle seat according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that, again, the "front" displayed in each figure means the front of the vehicle seat, and the "rear" means the rear of the vehicle seat, and does not necessarily match the traveling direction of the vehicle. Further, "inside" means the inside of the vehicle seat in the width direction (occupant side), and "outside" means the outside of the vehicle seat in the width direction (opposite side to the occupant).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view mainly showing an external shape of a vehicle seat to which the airbag device according to the present invention can be applied, and the illustration of the airbag device is omitted. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure (seat frame) that functions as a frame of the vehicle seat shown in FIG. 1, and the illustration of the airbag device is omitted here as well.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the vehicle seat is viewed as a part, the seat cushion 2 of the portion where the occupant sits; the seat back 1 forming the backrest; and the headrest 3 connected to the upper end of the seat back 1 Includes.

As shown in FIG. 2, a seat back frame 1f forming the skeleton of the seat is provided inside the seat back 1, and a pad and a skin (not shown) made of a urethane foam material or the like are provided on the surface and the periphery thereof. Has been done. Similar to the seat back 1, the seat cushion 2 is provided with a pad and a skin (not shown) made of a urethane foam material or the like on the upper surface and the periphery of the seating frame 2f. The seating frame 2f and the seat back frame 1f are connected via the reclining mechanism 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the seat back frame 1f includes side frames 10L and 10R arranged apart from each other on the left and right and extending in the vertical direction, and an upper frame 11 connecting the upper ends of these side frames 10L and 10R. , It is configured in a frame shape by a lower frame connecting the lower ends.

FIG. 3 is a side view (A) and a front view (B) showing a state in which the airbag device according to the present invention is mounted on a vehicle seat, and the vehicle seat is shown in perspective. It should be noted that the chamber configuration of the airbag according to the feature of the present invention (the main chamber and the inner chamber will be described in detail in Examples after FIG. 5, and the description will be omitted in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The airbag device according to the present invention is housed in the left and right sides of the seat back 1, and is housed in the seat bag 1 in a rolled or folded state with a pair of inflators 12L and 12R that generate expansion gas. It includes an airbag 14 that is deployed by the expansion gas released from the inflators 12L and 12R. Although the seat back 1 is separated from the headrest 3 in FIG. 3, the airbag device according to the present invention can also be applied to a seat back integrated with a headrest.

The airbag 14 overlaps the main chamber (16L, 16R, 18) extending forward from the side of the vehicle seat and the occupant side of the main chamber in the width direction of the main chamber and the vehicle seat. Includes an inner chamber to be deployed (50, 150, 250, 350). Then, in the airbag 14 in the housed state, the main chambers (16L, 16R, 18) are arranged along the outside of the left and right side frames 10L, 10R. In FIGS. 3 and 4, reference numerals 20L and 20R indicate introduction portions of the inflators 12L and 12R.

The main chambers (16L, 16R, 18) have a side region 16L, 16R that mainly protects the vicinity of the chest from the waist of the occupant when the airbag is deployed, and an upper region 18 that mainly protects the vicinity of the occupant's head. It is configured to include. The side regions 16L and 16R are arranged outside the left and right side portions of the vehicle seat, and the upper region 18 is arranged so as to connect the upper end portions of the side regions 16L and 16R.

In this case, the left and right side regions 16L and 16R are connected to the central upper region 18, and the airbag (main chamber) 14 expands in a dome shape, and the side and upper portions of the occupant seated on the seat. Will completely cover. As a result, it is possible to reliably restrain the movement of the occupant at least in the left-right direction, the upward direction, and the diagonally upward direction, and it is possible to appropriately protect the occupant from the head to the lumbar region.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the inflators 12L and 12R are arranged outside the side frames 10L and 10R, and are fixed to the side frames 10L and 10R by stud bolts (12a). The upper region 18 of the airbag 14 passes through the outside of the side frames 10L and 10R and is arranged on the upper part of the seat frame 11. The upper region 18a on the seat frame 11 is accommodated, for example, in a folded state in an omega (Ω) shape.

When fixing the airbag 14 to the side frames 10L and 10R, the airbag 14 is placed outside the side frames 10L and 10R in an elongated compressed state, and the inflators 12L and 12R are placed by stud bolts (12a). It is fixed to the side frames 10L and 10R. As will be described later, in this state, the inner chambers (50, 150, 250, 350) are folded (engaged) inside the side frames 10L, 10R.

FIG. 4 shows an operating state (expanded state of the airbag) of the airbag device according to the present invention, (A) shows a state seen from the side surface in the width direction of the vehicle seat, and (B) shows. It shows the state seen from the front.

When a side collision of the vehicle occurs, expansion gas is released from the inflators 12L and 12R, and the airbag 14 expands and expands. When the expansion of the airbag 14 starts, gas flows into the side regions 16L and 16R and the upper region 18. The side regions 16L and 16R of the airbag 14 develop from the outside of the side frames 10L and 10R toward the front (traveling direction).

On the other hand, the upper region 18 of the airbag 14 jumps over the headrest 3 from the upper end of the seat back 1 and expands forward, and covers the occipital region from the back to the front of the occupant. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the upper region 18 from directly impacting the occupant's head when the airbag 14 is deployed, and it is possible to form a protective region in a wide range around the occupant's head.

(Example)
Hereinafter, the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that any of the embodiments can be applied not only to the types of airbag devices shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, but also to other types of airbag devices equipped on vehicle seats such as side airbag devices. be.
Further, in each embodiment, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

(First Example)
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which the airbag 14 adopted in the airbag device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is deployed (a state in which the airbag 14 is placed flat before being accommodated). FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing a part (X) of FIG.

The airbag device according to the present embodiment is fixed to the side frames 10L and 10R of the vehicle seat and is accommodated along the side frames 10L and 10R and the inflators 12L and 12R to generate expansion gas. It includes an airbag 14 that expands and expands due to the released expansion gas.

The airbag 14 overlaps the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 extending forward from the side of the vehicle seat and the main chambers 16L, 16R on the occupant side of the main chambers 16L, 16R in the vehicle seat width direction. The inner chamber 50 is provided with an inner chamber 50, and a gas guide 52 for guiding the gas of the inflator 12L, 12R to the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 and the inner chamber 50. The inflators 12L and 12R are arranged on the opposite side of the side frames 10L and 10R from the occupants.

The airbag 14 is formed by stacking two panels having substantially the same shape (or folding one panel) and sewing them. The main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 and the inner chamber 50 can be integrally molded in a plane. Here, "planar integral molding" means that when two panels are stacked in a flat state, the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 and the inner chamber 50 are molded without overlapping in the thickness direction. Meaning.

The gas guide 52 includes an inflator insertion portion 20L that receives the inflator 12L and a gas branch structure portion 54 that guides the gas released from the inflator 12L in two different directions (opposite directions). As shown in FIG. 6, the end portion of the gas guide 52 in the front-rear direction (vertical direction in the figure) is formed into a substantially rectangular shape, and the inflator insertion portion 20L is formed in the intermediate portion thereof. The gas branch structure portion 54 is provided with a tip portion 54a that protrudes sharply inward (on the inflator 12L side), and the tip portion 54a is formed so as to face the inflator 12L in the vertical direction. The shape of the tip portion (54a) of the gas branch structure portion 54 may be a flat surface, a curved surface, or the like. Reference numeral 55 is sewing for fixing the reinforcing panel.

The gas guide 52 includes a first guide region 56 arranged in the duct portion 60 of the main chamber 16L and a second guide region 58 arranged in the inner chamber 50, and the inflator insertion portion 20L is a second guide region. It is commonly provided at the boundary portion between the first and second guide regions 56 and 58.

The first guide region 56 communicates with the duct portion 60 extending in the vertical direction on the trailing edge side of the main chamber 16L. In the first guide region 56, a pair of first openings 56a and 56b that guide the expanding gas in the vertical direction of the duct portion 60 are formed. Similarly, in the second guide region 58, a pair of second openings 62a that guide the expanding gas in the vertical direction of the inner chamber 50. 62b is formed.

The gas guide 52 can be fixed, for example, by arranging a molded product separately from the airbag 14 so as to be sandwiched between two panels constituting the airbag 14 and sewing a necessary portion. Alternatively, it is also possible to partition the internal space of the two panels constituting the airbag 14 only by sewing and use it as a gas guide.

The inner chamber 50 is integrally molded with the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 and is configured to have a shape protruding rearward of the main chamber 16L. The inner chamber 50 also includes a fixing tab 64 on the edge opposite to the main chamber 16L.

The expansion gas released from the inflator 12L is branched in the front-rear direction by the branch structure portion 54 of the gas guide 52, and is guided to the main chamber 16L and the inner chamber 50. In this embodiment, the gas does not flow into the main chamber via the inner chamber, but the gas guide 52 directly adjusts the gas flow. Therefore, when the device is operated, the expansion gas is promptly supplied to the main chamber 16L and the inner chamber 50, both the main chamber 16L and the inner chamber 50 are rapidly deployed, and the restraint performance of the occupant is improved. do.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the inner chamber 50 is folded toward the main chamber 16L in a state where the airbag 14 according to the first embodiment is deployed (a state in which the airbag 14 is laid flat before accommodation). FIG. 8 is an explanatory view schematically showing an operating state (expanded state of the airbag) of the airbag device according to the first embodiment, and (A) is a state seen from the side surface in the width direction of the vehicle seat. (B) shows a cross section in the direction of AA in FIG. (A).

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the inner chamber 50 is connected so as to project rearward from the trailing edge of the main chamber 16L. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner chamber 50 is housed in a folded state toward the main chamber 16L side. Actually, the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 are rolled and temporarily fixed to the side frames 10L, 10R, and then the inner chamber 50 is folded toward the main chamber 16L side.

Since the inner chamber 50 is molded so as to protrude rearward from the main chamber 16L and the inner chamber 50 is folded toward the main chamber 16L at the time of accommodation, the inner chamber 50 can be molded with a simple configuration, and the initial deployment of the airbag 14 can be performed. At this stage, it is possible to fully demonstrate the function of quickly restraining the occupants.

The tab 64 provided at the rear end of the inner chamber 50 is configured to extend over the front edge of the side frame 10L to the inside of the side frame. The tab 64 may be connected to the stud bolt 12a of the inflator 12L penetrating the side frame 10L, or may be directly connected to the side frame 10L. In this embodiment, the inner chamber 50 is provided with a tab 64 so that the tab 64 is connected to the side frame 10L. However, the inner chamber 50 is simply placed inside the side frame 10L without using the tab 64. (Passenger side) It is also possible to configure it so that it can be folded.

In this embodiment, the tab 64 of the inner chamber 50 extends over the leading edge of the side frame 10L to the inside of the side frame 10L, where it is connected to the stud bolt 12a of the inflator 12L and the side frame 10L itself. As shown in FIG. 8B, the inner chamber 50 expands to the occupant side with the inner surface of the side frame 10L as a reaction force surface. Further, by fixing the end portion of the inner chamber 50, the unfolding behavior and the unfolding shape of the inner chamber 50 are stabilized.

(Second Example)
9 (A) and 9 (B) are plan views showing a part of a state in which the airbag 114 adopted in the airbag device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is expanded (a state in which the airbag 114 is laid flat before storage). The figure (A) is provided with tabs 164a and 164b for fixing, and the figure (B) is provided with tabs for fixing. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing an operating state (expanded state of the airbag) of the airbag device according to the second embodiment, and (A) is a state seen from the side surface in the width direction of the vehicle seat. (B) shows a cross section in the direction of AA in FIG. (A).

In this embodiment, the inner chamber 150 is formed into a "U" -shaped tube and has a structure having a chamber main body portion 151 extending substantially parallel to the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the duct portion 60) of the main chamber 16L. ing. Further, the gas introduction portions 150a and 150b of the inner chamber 150 communicate with the duct portion 60.

The inner chamber 150 is integrally molded with the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 and is configured to have a shape protruding rearward from the main chamber 16L. The inner chamber 150 also includes a pair of fixing tabs 164a, 164b on the edge opposite to the main chamber 16L.

The gas guide 152 is formed in a "Y" or "<" shape so as to branch the gas released from the inflator 12L in the vertical direction, and the gas branch structure portion is formed by such a shape.

The gas guide 152 includes a first gas outlet 152a that faces the expansion gas upward of the duct portion 60, and a second gas outlet 152b that faces downward. Each of the gas introduction portions 150a and 150b of the inner chamber 150 is located in the vicinity of the first gas outlet 152a and the second gas outlet 152b.

The gas guide 152 can be fixed, for example, by arranging a molded product separately from the airbag 114 so as to be sandwiched between two panels constituting the airbag 114 and sewing a necessary portion. Alternatively, it is also possible to partition the internal space of the two panels constituting the airbag 114 and use it as a gas guide only by sewing.

The expansion gas released from the inflator 12L is branched in the vertical direction by the gas guide 152 and guided to the main chamber 16L and the inner chamber 150. In this embodiment, the gas does not flow into the main chamber via the inner chamber 150, but the gas guide 152 directly adjusts the gas flow. Therefore, when the device is operated, the expansion gas is promptly supplied to the main chamber 16L (16R, 18) and the inner chamber 150, and both the main chamber 16L, 16R, 18 and the inner chamber 150 are promptly supplied. Deploy and improve occupant restraint performance.

Again, as shown in FIG. 9, the inner chamber 150 is connected so as to project rearward from the trailing edge of the main chamber 16L, and the inner chamber 150 is the same as in the first embodiment (FIG. 7). It is housed in a folded state on the 16L side of the main chamber. Actually, the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 are rolled and temporarily fixed to the side frames 10L, 10R, and then the inner chamber 150 is folded toward the main chamber 16L side.

The tabs 164a and 164b provided at the rear end of the inner chamber 150 are configured to extend over the front edge of the side frame 10L to the inside of the side frame 10L. Then, one tab 164a is directly connected to the side frame 10L, and the other tab 164b is connected to the stud bolt 12a of the inflator 12L penetrating the side frame 10L.

In this embodiment, the tabs 164a and 164b of the inner chamber 150 extend over the leading edge of the side frame 10L to the inside of the side frame 10L, where they are connected to the stud bolts 12a of the inflator 12L and the side frame 10L itself. Therefore, the inner chamber 150 expands to the occupant side with the inner surface of the side frame 10L as a reaction force surface. Further, by fixing the end portion of the inner chamber 150 by the tabs 164a and 164b, the unfolding behavior and the unfolding shape of the inner chamber 150 are stabilized.

As shown in FIG. 9B, when the inner chamber 150 is not provided with the tabs (164a, 164b), the inner chamber 150 is simply folded back inside (occupant side) of the side frame 10L.

(Third Example)
11 (A) and 11 (B) are plan views showing a part of a state in which the airbag 214 adopted in the airbag device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is expanded (a state in which the airbag is placed flat before being accommodated). The figure (A) is provided with tabs 264a and 264b for fixing, and the figure (B) is provided with tabs for fixing. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view schematically showing an operating state (expanded state of the airbag) of the airbag device according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 12A is a view of the vehicle seat viewed from the side surface in the width direction. (B) shows a cross section in the direction of AA in FIG. (A).

In this embodiment, the inner chamber 250 is formed into an "L" -shaped tube and has a structure having a chamber main body portion 251 extending substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the main chamber 16L. Further, the gas introduction portion 250a of the inner chamber 250 communicates with the duct portion 60.

The inner chamber 250 is integrally molded with the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 and is configured to have a shape protruding rearward of the main chamber 16L. The inner chamber 250 also includes a pair of fixing tabs 264a, 264b on the edge opposite to the main chamber 16L.

The gas guide 252 is formed in a "Y" or "<" shape so as to branch the gas released from the inflator 12L in the vertical direction, and the gas branch structure portion is formed by such a shape.

The gas guide 252 includes a first gas outlet 252a that faces the expansion gas upward of the duct portion 60, and a second gas outlet 252b that faces downward. The gas introduction portion 250a of the inner chamber 250 is located in the vicinity of the first gas outlet 252a.

The gas guide 252 can be fixed, for example, by arranging a molded product separately from the airbag 214 so as to be sandwiched between two panels constituting the airbag 214 and sewing a necessary portion. Alternatively, it is also possible to partition the internal space of the two panels constituting the airbag 214 and use it as a gas guide only by sewing.

The expansion gas released from the inflator 12L is branched in the vertical direction by the gas guide 252 and guided to the main chambers 16L and 18 and the inner chamber 250. In this embodiment, the gas does not flow into the main chamber via the inner chamber 250, but the gas guide 252 directly adjusts the gas flow. Therefore, when the device is operated, the expansion gas is promptly supplied to the main chamber 16L (16R, 18) and the inner chamber 250, and both the main chamber 16L, 16R, 18 and the inner chamber 250 are promptly supplied. Deploy and improve occupant restraint performance.

Again, as shown in FIG. 11, the inner chamber 250 is connected so as to project rearward from the trailing edge of the main chamber 16L, and the inner chamber 250 is the same as in the first embodiment (FIG. 7). It is housed in a folded state on the 16L side of the main chamber. Actually, the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 are rolled and temporarily fixed to the side frames 10L, 10R, and then the inner chamber 250 is folded toward the main chamber 16L side.

The tabs 264a and 264b provided at the rear end of the inner chamber 250 are configured to extend over the front edge of the side frame 10L to the inside of the side frame. Then, one tab 264a is directly connected to the side frame, and the other tab 264b is connected to the stud bolt 12a of the inflator 12L penetrating the side frame 10L.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12B, the tabs 264a, 264b of the inner chamber 250 extend over the leading edge of the side frame 10L to the inside of the side frame 10L, where the stud bolts 12a of the inflator 12L And because it is connected to the side frame 10L itself, the inner chamber 250 expands to the occupant side with the inner surface of the side frame 10L as a reaction force surface. Further, by fixing the end portion of the inner chamber 250 by the tabs 264a and 264b, the unfolding behavior and the unfolding shape of the inner chamber 250 are stabilized.

As shown in FIG. 11B, when the inner chamber 250 is not provided with the tabs (264a, 264b), the inner chamber 250 is simply folded back inside (occupant side) of the side frame 10L.

(Fourth Example)
13 (A) and 13 (B) are plan views showing a part of an airbag 314 adopted in the airbag device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state (a state in which the airbag is laid flat before being accommodated). The figure (A) is provided with tabs 364a and 364b for fixing, and the figure (B) is provided with tabs for fixing. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view schematically showing an operating state (expanded state of the airbag) of the airbag device according to the fourth embodiment, and (A) is a state seen from the side surface in the width direction of the vehicle seat. (B) shows a cross section in the direction of AA in FIG. (A).

In this embodiment, the inner chamber 350 is formed into an "L" -shaped tube and has a structure having a chamber main body portion 351 extending substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the main chamber 16L. Further, the gas introduction portion 350a of the inner chamber 350 communicates with the duct portion 60.

The inner chamber 350 is integrally molded with the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 and is configured to have a shape protruding rearward of the main chamber 16L. The inner chamber 350 also includes a pair of fixing tabs 364a, 364b on the edge opposite to the main chamber 16L.

The gas guide 352 is formed in a "Y" or "<" shape so as to branch the gas released from the inflator 12L in the vertical direction, and the gas branch structure portion is formed by such a shape.

The gas guide 352 includes a first gas outlet 352a that faces the expansion gas upward of the duct portion 60, and a second gas outlet 352b that faces downward. The gas introduction portion 350a of the inner chamber 350 is located in the vicinity of the second gas outlet 352b.

The gas guide 352 can be fixed, for example, by arranging a molded product separately from the airbag 314 so as to be sandwiched between the two panels constituting the airbag 314 and sewing the necessary portion. Alternatively, the two panels constituting the airbag 314 can be used as a gas guide by partitioning the internal space only by sewing.

The expansion gas released from the inflator 12L is branched in the vertical direction by the gas guide 352 and guided to the main chambers 16L and 18 and the inner chamber 350. In this embodiment, the gas does not flow into the main chamber via the inner chamber 350, but the gas guide 352 directly adjusts the gas flow. Therefore, when the device is operated, the expansion gas is promptly supplied to the main chamber 16L (16R, 18) and the inner chamber 350, and both the main chamber 16L, 16R, 18 and the inner chamber 350 are promptly supplied. Deploy and improve occupant restraint performance.

Again, as shown in FIG. 13, the inner chamber 350 is connected so as to project rearward from the trailing edge of the main chamber 16L, and the inner chamber 350 is connected to the first embodiment (FIG. 7). Similarly, it is housed in a folded state on the 16L side of the main chamber. Actually, the main chambers 16L, 16R, 18 are rolled and temporarily fixed to the side frames 10L, 10R, and then the inner chamber 350 is folded toward the main chamber 16L side.

The tabs 364a and 364b provided at the rear end of the inner chamber 350 are configured to extend over the front edge of the side frame 10L to the inside of the side frame. Then, one tab 364a is directly connected to the side frame 10L, and the other tab 364b is connected to the stud bolt 12a of the inflator 12L penetrating the side frame 10L.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14B, the tabs 364a, 364b of the inner chamber 350 extend over the leading edge of the side frame 10L to the inside of the side frame 10L, where the stud bolts 12a of the inflator 12L And because it is connected to the side frame 10L itself, the inner chamber 350 expands to the occupant side with the inner surface of the side frame 10L as a reaction force surface. Further, by fixing the end portion of the inner chamber 350 by the tabs 364a and 364b, the unfolding behavior and the unfolding shape of the inner chamber 350 are stabilized.

As shown in FIG. 13B, when the inner chamber 350 is not provided with the tabs (364a, 364b), the inner chamber 350 is simply folded back inside (occupant side) of the side frame 10L.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to Examples, the present invention is not limited to the above Examples. That is, it can be appropriately changed without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

Claims (15)

1. An airbag device installed in vehicle seats.
   An inflator that is fixed to the side frame of the vehicle seat and generates expansion gas,
   It comprises an airbag that is housed along the side frame and expands and expands by the expansion gas released from the inflator.
   The airbag includes a main chamber that expands forward from the side of the vehicle seat, and an inner chamber that expands so as to overlap the main chamber and the vehicle seat in the width direction on the occupant side of the main chamber. It includes a gas guide (52, 152, 252, 352) that guides the gas of the inflator to the main chamber and the inner chamber.
   The gas guide (52,152,252,352) includes an inflator insertion portion that receives the inflator and a gas branch structure portion (54,154,254,354) that guides the gas released from the inflator in at least two different directions. Including and
   The inner chamber is an airbag device comprising a gas introduction portion for introducing a gas branched by the gas branch structure portion (54,154,254,354).
2. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the inner chamber is connected so as to project rearward from the trailing edge portion of the main chamber, and is housed in a folded state toward the main chamber side.
3. The airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inflator is arranged on the side opposite to the occupant of the side frame.
4. The airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the inner chamber is provided with a tab for fixing at an edge opposite to the main chamber.
5. The airbag device according to claim 4, wherein the tab extends over the front edge of the side frame to the inside of the side frame.
6. The airbag device according to claim 5, wherein the tab is connected to a stud bolt of the inflator penetrating the side frame.
7. The airbag device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the tab is connected to a part of the side frame.
8. The airbag is formed by stacking and sewing two panels having substantially the same shape.
   The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main chamber and the inner chamber are integrally molded in a plane.
9. The gas guide includes a first guide region (56) disposed in the main chamber and a second guide region (58) disposed in the inner chamber.
   The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inflator insertion portion is provided in common at a boundary portion between the first and second guide regions (56, 58).
10. The first guide region (56) of the gas guide communicates with a duct portion extending in the vertical direction on the trailing edge side of the main chamber.
    The gas branch structure portion (54) is configured to guide the expansion gas released from the inflator to the first guide region (56) side and the second guide region (58) side.
    In the first guide region (56), a first opening for guiding the expansion gas in the vertical direction of the duct portion is formed.
    The airbag device according to claim 9, wherein a second opening for guiding the expansion gas in the vertical direction of the inner chamber is formed in the second guide region (58).
11. The gas guide is arranged in the main chamber and communicates with a duct portion extending in the vertical direction on the trailing edge side of the main chamber.
    The gas branch structure portion includes a first gas outlet that faces the expansion gas upward and a second gas outlet that faces downward.
    The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gas introduction portion of the inner chamber is located in the vicinity of at least one of the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet. Airbag device.
12. The airbag device according to claim 11, wherein the inner chamber has a chamber main body portion extending substantially in parallel in the vertical direction of the main chamber.
13. The inner chamber is formed into a cylinder having first and second gas introduction portions.
    12. The air according to claim 12, wherein the first and second gas introduction portions of the inner chamber are located in the vicinity of each of the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet. Bag device.
14. The main chamber of the airbag includes a lateral region that mainly protects the vicinity of the chest from the waist of the occupant when the airbag is deployed, and an upper region that mainly protects the vicinity of the occupant's head.
    The side regions are arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle seat.
    The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the upper region is arranged so as to connect the upper end portions of the side regions on both the left and right sides.
15. In the airbag, the side regions arranged on the left and right and the upper region are integrally and continuously molded.
    The airbag device according to claim 14, wherein all the parts other than the inner chamber in the housed state are arranged outside the side frame.

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