JP2002225670A - Air bag device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air bag device that can suppress damage to an air bag and hold an internal pressure of the air bag in a deployed and inflated condition for a long time. SOLUTION: The air bag device comprises the air bag 10 housed in a vehicle in a deployable and inflatable folded condition, and an inflator 28 connected to the air bag 10 to supply gas to the air bag 10. The inflator 28 comprises an inflating gas supplying member 29 for supplying the air bag 10 with deploying and inflating gas G1 for deploying and inflating the folded air bag 10, and an internal pressure holding gas supplying member 41 for supplying the air bag 10 with internal pressure holding gas G2 for holding an internal pressure of the inflated air bag 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag apparatus including an airbag which is folded and stored so as to be inflated and inflatable, and an inflator for supplying an inflatable gas to the airbag.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an airbag device having an airbag and an inflator is disclosed in
There was one as shown in JP-A-208410.
In this airbag device, the front pillar portion, the roof side rail portion, and the rear pillar portion on the upper edge side edge of the opening of the door or window inside the vehicle are folded and housed to protect the occupant's head when required. The airbag is configured to include an airbag that is deployed and inflated, and two inflators that are arranged near the front pillar portion and near the rear pillar portion and supply inflation gas to the airbag.

The airbag device disclosed in the above publication aims at shortening the time required for completing the inflation of the airbag. The airbag device is provided with two inflators disposed near the front pillar portion and near the rear pillar portion to inflate the airbag. Since the gas is introduced, the time required for completing the inflation of the airbag can be reduced.

However, in the airbag device disclosed in the above publication,
There is room for improvement in maintaining the internal pressure after the completion of the inflation of the airbag. By the way, for this measure, it is conceivable to increase the output of each inflator to increase the internal pressure of the airbag, and to keep the internal pressure high after a lapse of a predetermined time even if gas leakage occurs. However, the internal pressure at the time of completion of the inflation becomes too high, damaging the airbag, causing gas leakage from the airbag, and conversely, the internal pressure of the airbag may not be maintained.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device capable of holding the internal pressure of an expanded and inflated airbag for a long time while suppressing damage to the airbag.

[0006]

An airbag device according to the present invention comprises an airbag which is folded to be deployable and inflatable and is housed in a vehicle, an inflator connected to the airbag and supplying gas to the airbag, An airbag device comprising: an inflator, an inflation gas supply member that supplies a gas for deployment and inflation for deploying and inflating the folded airbag into the airbag, and an internal pressure of the inflated airbag. The gas for holding the internal pressure for holding
And a gas supply member for maintaining an internal pressure to be supplied into the airbag.

Further, it is preferable that the internal pressure holding gas supply member be operated after the expansion gas supply member is operated.

Further, it is preferable that the inflator is configured such that an inflation gas supply member and an internal pressure holding gas supply member are integrated and connected to one gas inflow portion provided in the airbag.

In this case, the inflator is configured such that the gas supply member for inflation is disposed on the distal end side and the gas supply member for maintaining the internal pressure is disposed on the base side, and the gas supply member for inflation is provided in the gas inflow section A gas outlet connected to the
A first gas chamber capable of discharging the inflation gas, a first communication portion communicating the gas outlet with the first gas chamber, and the inflation gas being supplied to the gas through the first communication portion when an operation signal is input. A first outflow means capable of flowing out to the outflow port, wherein the internal pressure holding gas supply member is capable of discharging the internal pressure holding gas, a first gas chamber and a second gas chamber. And a second outflow means capable of allowing the internal pressure holding gas to flow to the gas outlet through the second communication portion, the first gas chamber, and the first communication portion when the operation signal is input. And the second outflow means may be operated after the operation of the first outflow means.

Further, in the above case, the inflator is configured such that the inflation gas supply member is disposed on the distal end side and the internal pressure holding gas supply member is disposed on the base side. A gas outlet connected to the gas inflow portion, a first gas chamber capable of discharging the inflation gas, a first communication portion communicating the gas outlet with the first gas chamber, And an outflow means for allowing the internal pressure maintaining gas to be supplied to the gas outlet through the first communication portion, wherein the internal pressure maintaining gas supply member stores the internal pressure maintaining gas.
A gas chamber, and a second communication portion that communicates the first gas chamber with the second gas chamber. The second communication portion is configured such that the flow rate of the internal pressure holding gas is reduced toward the first gas chamber by reducing the flow rate. It may be configured as a small hole that can flow out.

[0011]

In the airbag device according to the present invention, when necessary, the inflation gas is supplied from the inflation gas supply member into the airbag, the folded airbag is deployed and inflated, and the internal pressure holding gas is maintained. An internal pressure maintaining gas for maintaining the internal pressure of the inflated airbag is supplied from the supply member into the airbag. Therefore, the internal pressure of the deployed and inflated airbag can be maintained for a long time, the restraining force of the airbag can be increased, and the occupant can be properly protected. Also, unlike the gas supply member for inflation, the internal pressure holding gas supply member does not need to rapidly flow the internal pressure holding gas into the airbag, so that the internal pressure holding gas leaks from the airbag. According to the amount of gas, it is possible to flow into the airbag little by little for a long time, and the internal pressure of the airbag is not rapidly increased. As a result, it is possible to suppress damage to the airbag when the internal pressure maintaining gas supply member operates.

Therefore, in the airbag device according to the present invention, the internal pressure of the deployed and inflated airbag can be maintained for a long time while suppressing damage to the airbag.

[0013] Further, if the internal pressure holding gas supply member is configured to operate after the operation of the inflation gas supply member, the inflation gas from the inflation gas supply member is introduced into the airbag at the initial stage of deployment and inflation. , And damage to the airbag during the operation of the inflator can be further suppressed as compared with the case where the inflation gas supply member and the internal pressure holding gas supply member are simultaneously operated.

Further, if the inflator is constructed by integrating the inflation gas supply member and the internal pressure holding gas supply member and is connected to one gas inflow portion provided in the air bag, The size of the bag device can be reduced, and the airbag device can be easily mounted on a narrow portion of the vehicle body.

Further, according to the configuration as described in claim 4, when necessary, first, an operation signal is input to the first outflow means, and the inflation gas is supplied from the first gas chamber to the first communication chamber. Through the section, it flows out to the gas outlet and flows into the airbag. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time, an operation signal is input to the second outflow means, and the internal pressure holding gas flows from the second gas chamber through the second communication section, the first gas chamber, and the first communication section,
The gas flows out of the gas outlet and flows into the airbag. As a result, the gas for maintaining the internal pressure flows into the airbag after the airbag is substantially inflated by the inflation gas, thereby suppressing damage to the airbag and reducing the internal pressure of the airbag after the inflation is completed. Can be held for a long time. In addition, since the gas supply member for inflation is disposed on the tip side and the gas supply member for maintaining the internal pressure on the base portion, respectively, the inflator can be formed in a cylindrical shape, thereby reducing the size. Can be. Furthermore, since the first outflow means or the second outflow means are respectively arranged in the inflation gas supply member and the internal pressure holding gas supply member, the operation timing of the second outflow means is adjusted, and the inflation gas is adjusted. The time difference from the start of the operation of the supply member to the start of the operation of the internal pressure holding gas supply member can be appropriately set.

Further, according to the configuration as described in claim 5, when necessary, an operation signal is input to the outflow means, and the inflation gas flows from the first gas chamber through the first communication portion, At the same time as flowing out to the gas outlet and flowing into the airbag, the internal pressure holding gas gradually flows out of the second gas chamber into the first gas chamber via the small hole which is the second communication portion, and thereafter, Through the first communication portion, the gas flows out to the gas outlet and gradually flows into the airbag. The small holes constituting the second communicating portion reduce the flow rate and allow the internal pressure holding gas to flow out to the first gas chamber side. Therefore, even after the inflation gas completes inflation of the airbag, the internal pressure holding gas is maintained. However, the air gradually flows into the airbag, and the internal pressure of the airbag after the completion of the inflation can be maintained for a long time. With such a configuration, the inflator can be formed in a cylindrical shape and can be made compact, and at the same time, a small hole as a second communication portion between the first gas chamber and the second gas chamber. The internal pressure holding gas supply member does not need to be provided with an outflow means for discharging the internal pressure holding gas, so that the configuration of the inflator can be simplified, and the number of steps and costs can be reduced. Thus, the airbag device can be manufactured.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The airbag device M of the present invention is used for protecting the head. As shown in FIG. 1, a front pillar portion FP at an upper edge side edge of an opening W of a door or window inside the vehicle is provided. The airbag 10 is folded and housed over the roof side rail RR and the rear pillar RP. The airbag device M includes, in addition to the airbag 10, an inflator 28 connected to the airbag 10 and supplying gas to the airbag 10, and an airbag cover 5 that covers the folded airbag 10. It is configured.

The airbag cover 5 has lids 6 disposed on the lower edge sides of a front pillar garnish 6 disposed on the front pillar section FP and a roof head lining 7 disposed on the roof side rail section RR.
a.7a.

The front pillar garnish 6 is made of synthetic resin and fixed to the inner panel 2 of the body 1 inside the front pillar portion FP, so that the airbag 10 at the time of deployment and inflation can be protruded to the lower edge side. A lid 6a that opens inward is provided.

The roof head lining 7 is made of synthetic resin and is fixedly attached to the inner panel 2 of the body 1 inside the roof side rail portion RR, so that the airbag 10 at the time of deployment and inflation can project to the lower edge side. A lid 7a that opens to the inside of the vehicle is provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, the airbag 10 is supplied with gas from the inflator 28 and is deployed from the folded state to cover the opening W.
The airbag device includes a gas inflow portion 22 that guides gas from the inflator 28 to the airbag body 11 and a mounting portion 21 provided on an upper edge side of the airbag body 11. The airbag 10 is formed by weaving using polyamide yarn or polyester yarn.

The gas inflow portion 22 is formed to protrude rearward from the airbag body 11. This gas inflow section 22
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a clamp 25 is used for a connection port 31 of the inflator 28, which will be described later.
Are linked.

A plurality of mounting portions 21 are arranged so as to protrude upward from the peripheral edge portion 17 on the upper edge side of the airbag main body 11, and mounting brackets 23 for mounting to the inner panel 2 are fixed thereto. Each of the mounting portions 21 has a mounting hole 21a through which the mounting bolt 24 is inserted.

The airbag body 11 is communicated with the gas inflow section 22 to allow the inflation gas to flow therein and expand the inflation section 1.
3 and a non-inflation portion 16 into which the inflation gas does not flow.

The inflatable section 13 communicates with a gas inflow section 22 and a front inflatable section 13F which can be arranged at a position on the front seat side of the vehicle, a rear inflatable section 13B which can be arranged at a position on the rear seat side of the vehicle.
And a communicating expanding portion 13C which communicates the upper portions of the front and rear expanding portions 13F and 13B. Each of the inflatable portions 13F, 13B, and 13C is configured to be separated into a vehicle inner side wall portion 14a and a vehicle outer side wall portion 14b when the inflation gas flows.

The non-expandable portion 16 is configured to connect the inner side wall portion 14a and the outer side wall portion 14b in the inflatable portion 13, and in the case of the embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of the inflatable portion 13 provides airtightness. A peripheral portion 17 that is densely woven so that it can be secured;
A plurality of restricting portions 1 arranged so as to partition the expanding portion 13 at the time of expansion, and restricting the thickness of the expanding portion 13 substantially equally at each portion.
8 and a plate-shaped portion 19. In addition,
The peripheral portion 17 forms an upper edge of the rear inflatable portion 13B, and separates the rear inflatable portion 13B from the communication inflatable portion 13C.
B is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inflator 28 is of a cylinder type, and is disposed at the distal end side to supply an inflation gas G1 for deploying and inflating the airbag 10 into the airbag 10. Gas supply member 29 and the inflated airbag 10 arranged on the base side.
An internal pressure maintaining gas supply member 41 for supplying an internal pressure maintaining gas G2 for maintaining the internal pressure of the airbag 10 into the airbag 10;
It is composed of The inflator 28 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, the outer peripheral side is sandwiched by a mounting bracket 53 made of sheet metal. And the inflator 28
As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting bracket 53 is attached to the inner panel 2 made of sheet metal on the body 1 side on the vehicle inner side of the rear pillar portion RP by using two mounting bolts 54 as shown in FIG. It is fixed.

The inflation gas supply member 29 includes a first gas chamber 30 in which the compressed inflation gas G1 is stored in a dischargeable manner,
A connection port 31 provided at the distal end of the first gas chamber 30 and having a gas outlet 31a at the distal end; and a connection chamber 32 as a first communication section communicating with the first gas chamber 30 and the connection port 31.
And the inflation gas G1 from the first gas chamber 30 to the connection chamber 3
And a first outflow means 34 that can flow out to the connection port 31 (gas outlet 31a) via the second outlet port 2. The connection port 31 is formed in a tubular shape, and the connection chamber 32 includes a communication hole 32 a communicating with the gas outlet 31 a and a first gas chamber 30.
And a communication hole 32b that communicates with the communication port.
The first outflow means 34 is disposed on the tip side of the connection chamber 32 and a shielding plate part 35 for closing the communication hole 32b from the first gas chamber 30 side. A first actuating device 36 that breaks the plate portion 35 to open the communication hole 32b. When an operation signal is input to the first operating device 36, the first outflow means 34 breaks the shielding plate 35 by the first operating device 36, and as a result, the communication hole 32b is opened, and
The gas chamber 30 and the connection port 31 (gas outlet 31a) communicate with each other, and the inflation gas G1 flows out of the first gas chamber 30.

The internal pressure holding gas supply member 41 is provided with a second gas chamber 42 in which the compressed internal pressure holding gas G2 is stored in a dischargeable manner, and a second gas chamber 42 communicating the second gas chamber 42 and the first gas chamber 30. The communication portion 48 and the internal pressure maintaining gas G2 are transferred from the second gas chamber 42 to the second communication portion 48, the first gas chamber 30, and the connection chamber 3 respectively.
2 and a second outflow means 44 that can flow out to the connection port 31 (gas outlet 31a) through the second outlet port 44.
The second communication portion 48 is arranged in a through-hole shape so as to communicate the second gas chamber 42 and the first gas chamber 31, and is closed by a shield plate portion 48 described later. Second outflow means 44
Are disposed on a shielding plate portion 45 for closing the second communication portion 48 from the first gas chamber 30 side and on a base portion side of the second gas chamber 42,
A second actuating device 46 that breaks the shielding plate portion 45 to allow communication with the second communicating portion 48 during operation, and a propellant 47 disposed near the second actuating device 46 in the second storage chamber 42.
And is composed of When an operation signal is input to the second operating device 46, the second outflow means 44 outputs the second operating device 4
6 is actuated and the propellant 47 disposed in the second gas chamber 42
, The internal pressure in the second gas chamber 42 is increased, and the shielding plate 45 is broken. As a result, the second communication part 48 is opened, and the second gas chamber 42 and the first gas The internal pressure holding gas G2 flows out from the second gas chamber 42 by communicating with the chamber 30. Also, the second actuator 45
Is covered with a cover 49 in order to maintain airtightness in the second gas chamber 42. The internal pressure holding gas supply member 41 adjusts the opening area of the second communication portion 48 and the amount of the propellant 47 so that the internal pressure of the airbag 10 can be maintained for a predetermined time so that the internal pressure holding gas G2 can be maintained. Is set to flow out into the first gas chamber 30. Specifically, the internal pressure holding gas G2 is set to flow so that the internal pressure of the airbag 10 after the inflation is completed can be maintained for about 5 to 10 seconds.

Lead wires 51 and 52 for inputting an operation signal are connected to the first and second actuators 36 and 46, respectively. Then, a predetermined signal is input to the first operating device 36 via the lead wire 51, and the first operating device 36 is operated. After a predetermined time (10 to 20 ms) has elapsed, a predetermined signal is output to the lead wire 52. The first and second actuators are input to the second actuator 46 via the second actuator 46 so that the second actuator 46 operates.
Actuators 36 and 46 are set.

A screen 38 is disposed in the communication hole 32a of the connection chamber 32 so as to cover the opening, and a shielding plate 35, 45 generated when the first and second operating devices 36, 46 are operated. Is prevented from flowing into the airbag 10 together with the inflation gas G1 or the internal pressure maintaining gas G2.

Further, the first gas chamber 30 and the second gas chamber 4
2 are respectively formed with filling holes 30a and 42a for filling the inflation gas G1 or the internal pressure holding gas G2 when the inflator 28 is manufactured, and each of the filling holes 30a and 42a is It is closed at 50.50.

In the case of the embodiment, helium gas having a high flow rate is used as the inflation gas G1 from the viewpoint of shortening the deployment and inflation time of the airbag 10, and the inflated airbag 10 is used as the internal pressure holding gas G2. From the viewpoint of maintaining the internal pressure of the helium gas for a long time, an argon gas having a lower flow rate than the helium gas and having less leakage from the airbag 10 is used. It is preferable that a small amount (specifically, about 2 to 5 mol%) of helium gas is mixed in the internal pressure maintaining gas G2. Gas G for maintaining internal pressure
This is because if helium gas is mixed in 2, gas leakage from the second gas chamber 42 can be detected by using a device that sensitively detects helium gas and inspecting all inflators.

Next, the assembling of the airbag device M and its mounting on the vehicle will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 4, the airbag 10 is folded in a bellows at a fold C as shown in FIG. Not to be wrapped with a breakable tape material so that the
3 is attached.

Then, the mounting bracket 53 is attached to the inflator 28 in advance, and each lead wire 51 is attached.
52 is connected to the first and second actuators 36 and 46, and the gas inlet 22 of the airbag 10 is externally provided at the connection port 31 of the inflator 28. Note that the clamp 25 is provided in advance on the gas inflow section 22. Then, a clamp 25 is provided around the gas inflow portion 22 having the connection port portion 31 and the diameter thereof is reduced, and the gas inflow portion 22 is connected to the connection port portion 31 of the inflator 28. To form an airbag assembly.

Then, the mounting brackets 23 and 53 are arranged at predetermined positions on the inner panel 2 and the bolts 24.5
4 Stop, and attach the airbag assembly to the body 1. After that, the front pillar garnish 6 and the roof head lining 7 are attached to the body 1, and further, the rear pillar garnish 8 and the center pillar garnish 9
Is attached to the body 1, the airbag device M can be mounted on the vehicle.

After the airbag device M is mounted on the vehicle, if a predetermined signal is input to the first outflow means 34 via the lead wire 51, the first outflow means 34 is operated, and the inflation gas supply member 29 is operated. The inflation gas G1 flows into the airbag 10 from above, and the airbag 10 is deployed and inflated. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation of the first actuator 36, a predetermined signal is output via the lead wire 52 to the first signal. The second outflow means 44 is input to the second outflow means 44 and the second outflow means 44 is operated, so that the internal pressure holding gas G2 flows into the airbag 10 from the internal pressure holding gas supply member 41.

Specifically, the airbag device M of the embodiment
Then, a predetermined operation signal is transmitted via the lead wire 51 to the first operating device 36 (the first outflow means 3) of the inflation gas supply member 29.
4), the first operating device 36 is operated, the shielding plate portion 35 is broken, the communication hole 32b is opened, and the inflation gas G1 flows from the first gas chamber 30 to the first gas chamber 30. The gas flows out to the gas outlet 31a through the connecting chamber 32 as a communication part, and flows into the airbag 10. Next, a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation of the first operating device 36, and the airbag 1
After the expansion of 0 is substantially completed, a predetermined operation signal is input to the second operating device 46 (second outflow means 44) of the internal pressure holding gas supply member 41 via the lead wire 52.
Then, the second operating device 46 is operated, the shielding plate portion 45 is broken, the second communication portion 48 is opened, the second gas chamber 42 and the first gas chamber 30 are communicated, and the internal pressure is reduced. The holding gas G2 is passed from the second gas chamber 42 to the gas outlet 31a via the second communication portion 48, the first gas chamber 30, and the connection chamber 32.
And flows into the airbag 10. Therefore, the inflation gas G1 flows into the airbag 10 which is deployed and inflated.
Can be held for a long time by flowing the internal pressure holding gas G2, the restraining force of the airbag 10 can be increased, and the occupant can be properly protected. Also, unlike the inflation gas supply member 29, the internal pressure holding gas supply member 41 does not need to rapidly flow the internal pressure holding gas G2 into the airbag 10, so the internal pressure holding gas G2 is In accordance with the amount of gas leaking from the airbag 10, the airbag 10 can flow into the airbag 10 little by little over a long period of time.
Do not rapidly increase the internal pressure of 0. As a result, when the internal pressure holding gas supply member 41 operates, damage to the airbag 10 can be suppressed.

Therefore, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the internal pressure of the deployed and inflated airbag 10 can be maintained for a long time while suppressing damage to the airbag 10.

In the inflator 28 having the above-described structure, the first outflow means 34 and the second outflow means 44 are disposed in the inflation gas supply member 29 and the internal pressure holding gas supply member 41, respectively. By setting the start of the operation of the second operating device 46 disposed in the second outflow means 44 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the operation of the first operating device 36 disposed in the first outflow means 29, the supply of the inflation gas is performed. Member 2
A time difference can be appropriately provided between the operation start time of No. 9 and the operation start time of the internal pressure holding gas supply member 41. In this way, if a time difference is provided between the operation start times of the two, the airbag 10 can be moved into the airbag 10 in the initial stage of deployment and inflation.
Since only the inflation gas G1 flows from the inflation gas supply member 29, damage to the airbag 10 during operation of the inflator 28 can be further suppressed, which is preferable. If such a point is not taken into consideration, a configuration may be adopted in which there is no time difference between the operation start times of the two. Further, the internal pressure holding gas supply member 41 may be set to start operating when a secondary collision occurs. With such a configuration, it is possible to secure the internal pressure of the airbag 10 when a secondary collision occurs, and
0 restraint force can be increased.
It is possible to protect the occupant accurately.

Further, as the inflator 58, a structure as shown in FIG. 5 may be used. The inflator 58 is of a cylinder type similarly to the above-described inflator 28, and includes an inflation gas supply member 59 disposed on the distal end side and an internal pressure holding gas supply member 71 disposed on the base side. ing.

As in the case of the inflator 28, the inflation gas supply member 59 includes a first gas chamber 60, a connection port 61 having a gas outlet 61a at the tip end, and a first gas chamber 6
0 and the first communicating with the connection port 61 (gas outlet 61a).
The connecting chamber 62 serving as a communication part and the inflation gas G3 are
Outflow means 64 that allows the gas to flow out from the gas chamber 60 to the connection port 61 (gas outlet 61a) via the connection chamber 62. The connection chamber 62 is provided with a communication hole 62a that communicates with the gas outlet 61a. And a communication hole 62 b communicating with the first gas chamber 60. Similarly to the first outflow means 34 in the inflator 28 described above, the outflow means 64 is disposed on the shielding plate 65 for closing the communication hole 62b from the first gas chamber 60 side and on the distal end side of the connection chamber 62. When an operation signal is input from a lead wire 77 described later,
An operating device 66 that breaks the shielding plate 65 to open the communication hole 62b. The internal pressure holding gas supply member 71 is similar to the inflator 28 described above,
The configuration includes a second gas chamber 72. Then, between the second gas chamber 72 and the first gas chamber 60, as a second communication part, the flow rate of the internal pressure holding gas G2 is reduced to reduce the flow rate of the first gas chamber 60.
A small hole 74 capable of flowing out to the side is formed, and the first gas chamber 60
The second gas chamber 72 is in communication with the second gas chamber 72. The first gas chamber 60 and the second gas chamber 72 store an inflation gas G3 as an inflation gas and an internal pressure maintaining gas. A filling hole 72a for filling the inflation gas G3 is formed in the side surface of the base of the second gas chamber 72 when the inflator 58 is manufactured, and is closed with the pin 50.
As the inflation gas G3, a helium gas is used in the same manner as the inflation gas G1 used in the inflator described above. A lead wire 77 for inputting an operation signal is connected to the actuating device 66 so that a predetermined signal
The operation device 66 is configured to operate when it is input to the operation device 66 via the switch 7. Further, a screen 38 is disposed in the communication hole 62a of the connection chamber 62 so as to close the opening, similarly to the inflator 28 described above.
The opening area of the small hole 74 is set such that the inflation gas G3b flows out into the first gas chamber 60 at a flow rate capable of holding the internal pressure of the airbag 10 for a predetermined time. Specifically, the internal pressure of the inflated airbag 10 is set to 5 to 1
The setting is such that the inflation gas G3b flows out such that it can be held for about 0 seconds.

When the inflator 58 is configured as described above, when a predetermined operation signal is input to the operating device 66 (outflow means 64) of the inflation gas supply member 59 via the lead wire 77, the operating device 66 is operated. Operates, the shielding plate portion 65 is broken, the communication hole 62b is opened, and the inflation gas G3 (G3a) is transferred from the first gas chamber 60 through the connection chamber 62 as the first communication portion. The gas flows out to the gas outlet 61a and flows into the airbag 10. Then, at the same time as the inflation gas G3a flows into the airbag 10, the inflation gas G3 (G3b) as the internal pressure holding gas stored in the second gas chamber 72 is supplied to the small communication port of the second communication section. The gas gradually flows into the first gas chamber 72 through the hole 74, flows out to the gas outlet 61 a through the connecting chamber 62, and flows into the airbag 10. The small holes 74 reduce the flow rate and
3b is caused to flow out to the first gas chamber 60 side, so that even after the inflation of the airbag by the inflation gas G3a stored in the first gas chamber 60 is completed, the internal pressure is maintained in the second gas chamber 72. The inflation gas G3b as a gas gradually flows into the airbag 10 through the small holes 74, so that the internal pressure of the airbag 10 after completion of the inflation can be maintained for a long time. Therefore, the internal pressure of the deployed and inflated airbag 10 can be held for a long time, the binding force of the airbag 10 can be increased, and the occupant can be properly protected.

Further, in the inflator 58 having the above structure, it is only necessary to arrange the small hole 74 as the second communication portion between the first gas chamber 60 and the second gas chamber 72, and the gas supply member 71 for maintaining the internal pressure is provided. In addition, since there is no need to separately provide an outflow means for allowing the internal pressure holding gas G3b to flow out, the configuration of the inflator 58 can be simplified, and the airbag device can be manufactured with reduced man-hours and costs.

FIG. 6 shows the amount of gas flowing out into the airbag of each inflator in the airbag device using the inflator used in the conventional publication and the airbag device M using the inflators 28 and 58 of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between mass flow rate (kgs) and time (ms). In the airbag device using the conventional inflator, a gas inflow portion is disposed on the front side and the rear side of the vehicle in the airbag, respectively, and the inflator is provided at two positions near the front pillar portion and near the rear pillar portion. It is a configuration to be arranged in. As shown in FIG. 6, when the conventional inflator is used, the outflow amount of gas into the airbag draws a sharp curve, and the outflow of gas ends in a short time. When the inflator 28 of the embodiment is used, first, the inflation gas
After the outflow of the inflation gas G2 is substantially completed and the inflation of the airbag 10 is substantially completed, the internal pressure holding gas G3 is discharged from the internal pressure holding gas supply member 41, and the conventional inflator is used. On the other hand, the outflow time of the gas is longer, and the curve of the outflow amount of the gas is gentler than that of the conventional inflator. Further, when the inflator 58 of the embodiment is used, the inflation gas G3 (G3
Simultaneously with the discharge of a), the internal pressure holding gas G3 (G3b) is supplied from the internal pressure holding gas supply member 71 through the small holes 74.
Is gradually discharged, so that the outflow time of the gas is longer than that of the inflator 28, and the curve of the outflow amount of the gas is more gentle. Therefore, the use of each of the inflators 28 and 58 of the embodiment makes it easier to use the airbag 1 compared to the case where a conventional inflator is used.
Since the gas can flow gently into the airbag 10 for a long time, damage to the airbag 10 can be suppressed, and the internal pressure of the airbag 10 that has been deployed and inflated can be maintained for a long time.

In the above configuration, the inflator 28
The 58 is configured such that the gas supply members 29 and 59 for inflation are disposed on the distal end side, and the gas supply members 41 and 71 for maintaining the internal pressure are disposed on the base side, whereby both are disposed in series. However, the shape of the inflator is not limited to this, for example, a bifurcated cylindrical connection port that is arranged in parallel and communicates with both the inflation gas supply member and the internal pressure holding gas supply member. May be disposed, and the tip of the connection port may be used as a gas outlet. However,
It is preferable that both are arranged in series because the inflator 58 can be formed in a cylindrical shape and can be made compact. Furthermore, two gas inlets are arranged in the airbag, and as an inflator,
A configuration in which the inflation gas supply member and the internal pressure holding gas supply member are formed separately may be used. In particular,
As an airbag device, a gas inflow portion is disposed on the vehicle front side and the rear side of the airbag, respectively, and an inflation gas supply member and an internal pressure holding gas supply member are provided near the front pillar portion and near the rear pillar portion. It is good also as composition which is arranged and connected to each gas inflow part. However, if an inflator in which an inflation gas supply member and an internal pressure holding gas supply member are integrally formed is used, the size of the airbag device can be reduced, and the airbag device can be installed in a narrow part of the vehicle body. It is preferable to use an inflator in which the gas supply member for inflation and the gas supply member for maintaining the internal pressure are integrally formed because they can be easily mounted.

When a gas supply member for inflation and a gas supply member for maintaining the internal pressure are used separately, the gas supply member for maintaining the internal pressure suddenly stores the gas for maintaining the internal pressure in the airbag. Since there is no need to flow in, a solenoid valve or the like set to be opened by a predetermined operation signal may be arranged as the outflow means. Further, as the second outflow means 44 in the inflator 28, the first gas chamber 30
A configuration may be adopted in which an electromagnetic valve is disposed between the second gas chamber 42 and the second gas chamber 42.

Further, in the embodiment, the first and second gas chambers 30, 42, 60 in the inflators 28, 58 are provided.
Inside, the compressed expansion gas G1 (G3a) or the internal pressure maintaining gas G2 is stored, but for example, an inflator using a gas generating agent may be used. Specifically, as an inflator, a configuration including a gas outlet (connection port) which is in communication with each other, and first and second gas chambers in which a gas generating agent is stored is provided,
In the vicinity of the first and second gas chambers, operating devices as outflow means for operating the gas generating agent in response to the operating signal are arranged, respectively. A configuration in which gas is generated and discharged into the airbag may be used.

In the embodiment, the airbag device M for protecting the head is shown. However, the present invention can be applied to other types of airbag devices such as a side collision airbag device attached to a seat. It is preferably applicable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the inside of a vehicle.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the vicinity of an inflator of the airbag device used in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view near an inflator of the airbag device used in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state where the airbag used in the embodiment is inflated by itself.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of an inflator of another embodiment in the airbag device of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a graph comparing the inflow rate of gas into the airbag between the inflator and the conventional inflator in the airbag device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Airbag 22 Gas inflow part 28.58 Inflator 29.59 Inflation gas supply member 30.60 First gas chamber 31.61 Gas outlet 32.62 Connection chamber (first communication part) 33.63 Communication hole 34. 63 First outflow means 35, 45, 65 Shield plate 36 First operating device 41, 71 Internal pressure holding gas supply member 42, 72 Second gas chamber 44 Second outflow means 46 Second operating device 48, 74 Second communication Part 66 Actuator G1, G3 Inflation gas G2 Internal pressure holding gas M Airbag device

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An airbag device comprising: an airbag that is folded to be deployable and inflatable and is stored in a vehicle; and an inflator connected to the airbag and supplying gas to the airbag. An inflation gas supply member for supplying a gas for deployment and inflation for deploying and inflating the folded airbag into the airbag; and an internal pressure holding member for maintaining the internal pressure of the inflated airbag. And a gas supply member for maintaining the internal pressure for supplying the gas into the airbag. 2. The airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal pressure holding gas supply member is operated after the operation of the inflation gas supply member. 3. The airbag includes one gas inflow portion, and the inflator is configured by integrating the inflation gas supply member and the internal pressure holding gas supply member,
The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag device is connected to the gas inflow portion. 4. The inflator is configured such that the inflation gas supply member is disposed on the distal end side and the internal pressure holding gas supply member is disposed on the base side, and the inflation gas supply member is A gas outlet connected to a gas inflow portion, a first gas chamber capable of discharging the inflation gas, a first communication portion communicating the gas outlet with the first gas chamber, input of an operation signal A first outflow means capable of allowing the inflation gas to flow out to the gas outlet through the first communication portion, wherein the internal pressure maintaining gas supply member comprises: A second gas chamber capable of being discharged; a second communication portion that communicates the first gas chamber with the second gas chamber;
And a second outflow means capable of flowing out to the gas outlet through the communication part, the first gas chamber, and the first communication part, wherein the second outflow means is the first outflow means. The airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the airbag device is configured to operate after the operation of (1). 5. The inflator is configured such that the inflation gas supply member is disposed on a distal end side, and the internal pressure holding gas supply member is disposed on a base portion side. A gas outlet connected to a gas inflow portion, a first gas chamber capable of discharging the inflation gas, a first communication portion communicating the gas outlet with the first gas chamber, input of an operation signal And an outflow means capable of allowing the inflation gas to flow out to the gas outlet through the first communication portion. The internal pressure holding gas supply member stores the internal pressure holding gas. A second gas chamber; and a second communication portion that communicates the first gas chamber with the second gas chamber. The second communication portion reduces the flow rate to reduce the flow rate of the internal pressure maintaining gas. It is configured as a small hole that can flow out to the first gas chamber side. The airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the airbag device is provided.