JP2019077225A - Air bag device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air bag device that has a simple configuration but can properly protect an occupant under an OOP state and avoid interference with equipment arranged inside a cabin.SOLUTION: An air bag device includes: an air bag that is inflated and deployed to constrain an occupant inside a cabin; and an inflator that generates a gas for inflating the air bag. The air bag is constituted of: a first bag with an open space that penetrates therethrough in a vertical direction; and a second bag connected to the first bag and having a bottom surface for blocking an upper end of the open space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device, and more particularly to a structure of a passenger seat airbag device housed in an instrument panel.

  In the case of an air bag device, particularly an air bag device for a driver's seat housed in the center of a steering wheel (handle) or an air bag device for a passenger seat housed in an instrument panel (dashboard) Development is important.

  On the other hand, it is required to reduce the occupant injury value when the occupant abnormally approaches the steering wheel or the instrument panel. When the passenger airbag is deployed with the child approaching the instrument panel, the impact on the child's head and neck may cause a serious failure.

  Further, in the case of an airbag device in consideration of a collision in an oblique direction, the airbag itself protrudes to the vehicle center side (center console side), and therefore interferes with the display device etc. there's a possibility that. For this reason, it is desirable to avoid interference with these devices.

  Although various measures have been proposed to reduce the occupant injury value in the so-called OOP (out-of-position) as described above, all have complicated structures, have problems in cost, and can not exert sufficient effects. There are many.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an airbag apparatus capable of appropriately protecting an occupant in an OOP state while having a simple structure.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an air bag apparatus capable of avoiding interference with a device disposed near the air bag deployment area.

  In order to achieve the above object, in an airbag apparatus according to the present invention, the airbag apparatus according to the present invention includes an airbag that restrains a passenger in a vehicle compartment by inflating and deploying; and an inflator that generates a gas for inflating the airbag. The air bag is constituted by a first bag having an open space penetrating in the vertical direction; and a second bag connected to the first bag and having a bottom surface closing an upper end of the open space.

  As described above, in the present invention, the air bag is constituted by a plurality of independent bags, and an open space (hole) penetrating the at least one bag (first bag) is formed, and the open upper end thereof is formed. By closing the bag with another bag (second bag), a certain space is formed at the bottom of the airbag, and the head of an occupant in an abnormally approaching state (OOP) or a position where it interferes with the deployment of the airbag. An object such as an electronic device can be accommodated and protected in the space.

  In order to form the hole which penetrated to the 1st bag, compared with the case where only a crevice is formed, the situation where pressure is applied from the inner wall in the space to be formed can be avoided. That is, when a recess is simply formed, after all, pressure is applied to the inner wall of the recess when the air bag is deployed, the space shape is deformed, and the protection target (head, electronic device, etc.) in the recess is There is a possibility of pressure.

  The airbag apparatus according to the present invention is suitable for a passenger seat airbag apparatus housed in an instrument panel.

  The first bag may be arranged to surround the outer side of the second bag. In this case, the shape of the first bag can be designed flexibly, and it becomes easy to deploy the air bag into a desired shape. For example, by simply forming the second bag into a bag and designing only the first bag surrounding it into the required shape, the overall shape of the airbag can be changed only by changing the design of the first bag. It can correspond.

  Alternatively, the second bag can be placed on top of the first bag. In this case, simply speaking, the structure of the conventional airbag is simply joined together on the first bag shaped like a floating ring, so that the structure of the whole airbag is further simplified. Can.

  The inflator may be connected to the second bag, and the first bag and the second bag may form connection holes through which gas flows between the two bags. When such a structure is adopted, the second bag contributing to the restraint of the occupant seated properly is deployed first to protect the occupant promptly. In addition, since the first bag is deployed after a slight delay, it is possible to reduce the damage caused by the rapid inflation of the air bag to the occupant in the abnormally approaching state.

  The opening shape of the lower end portion of the open space of the first bag is preferably an elliptical shape extending in the traveling direction of the vehicle. With such a structure, even if the position of the person or member to be protected entering the open space through the opening is slightly offset in the front-rear direction, it is possible to ensure protection.

In the present application, "upper, lower" indicates the upper side and lower side in the vertical direction, "front, rear" indicates the front and rear of the traveling direction of the vehicle, and "left, right" indicates the vehicle traveling The left side and the right side in the vehicle width direction are shown in the state of facing the direction.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an operating state of a general airbag device. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an expanded state of the air bag of the air bag apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is viewed from the side, (B) shows the instrument panel side from the seat. It shows how it was seen (front). FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployed state of the airbag of the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a bottom view (A) and a top view (B) showing the deployed state of the airbag of the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the developed state of the air bag of the air bag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is viewed from the side, (B) shows the instrument panel side from the seat. It shows how it was seen (front). FIG. 6 is a bottom view (A) and a top view (B) showing a deployed state of the airbag of the airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a deployed state of the airbag of the airbag apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front view (A) and a top view (B) showing a deployed state of the airbag of the airbag apparatus according to the third embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an operating state of a general passenger seat airbag device to which the present invention is applicable. The air bag device 10 includes an air bag 12 housed in a housing 20 in an expandable and deployable state, and an inflator 18 that generates an inflation gas. The airbag device 10 is disposed in the instrument panel 16 and basically restrains the passenger 14 of the front passenger seat. In addition, the airbag apparatus which concerns on this invention mentioned later is applicable also to the airbag apparatus for driver's seats incorporated in the steering wheel. In the figure, 12a indicates the air bag in a deployed state, and 22 indicates a seat.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an expanded state of the air bag of the air bag apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is viewed from the side, (B) shows the instrument panel side from the seat. Show the appearance (front). FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployed state of the airbag of the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The air bag device according to the present embodiment is configured to be accommodated inside the instrument panel 16, and is inflated and deployed to hold an occupant in the vehicle compartment (102, 104); And an inflator 18 (see FIG. 1) for generating a gas for inflating. The air bag (102, 104) is composed of a first bag 102 and a second bag 104 which are independent of each other. The first bag 102 includes an open space 106 vertically penetrated. The second bag 104 is connected to the first bag 102 and has a bottom surface 104 a that closes the upper end of the open space 106.

  The first bag 102 is arranged to surround the outside of the second bag 104. Then, the occupant seated normally in the upper region of the airbag corresponding to the second bag 104 is restrained.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inflator 18 is connected to the second bag 104 through the inflator opening 108, and the gas released from the inflator 18 is initially supplied to the inside of the second bag 104. Ru. Then, the gas in the second bag 104 flows to the first bag 102 in the first bag 102 and the second bag 104 through a connection hole (not shown) through which the gas flows between the two bags. It is supposed to be.

  When such a structure is adopted, the second bag 104 contributing to the restraint of the occupant seated properly is deployed first to protect the occupant promptly. Also, the first bag 102 is deployed with a slight delay. At this time, the head 12a of the occupant in the abnormally approaching state is accommodated inside the open space 106, and the impact of the air bag can be mitigated to the maximum extent.

  Alternatively, the inflation gas may be first supplied to the first bag 102 and flowed to the second bag 104 through the connection hole. When such a structure is adopted, the open space 106 of the first bag 102 is rapidly formed, and therefore, it is possible to rapidly protect the head 12a of the occupant in an abnormally close state.

  FIG. 4 is a bottom view (A) and a top view (B) showing the deployed state of the airbag of the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The opening shape (inlet shape) of the lower end portion of the open space 106 formed in the first bag 102 can be an elliptical shape extending in the traveling direction of the vehicle. With such a structure, even if the position of the occupant's head 12a to be entered into the open space 106 through the opening is slightly offset from the design inference point in the front and back direction, it can be reliably protected. It becomes possible. The opening shape of the open space 106 is preferably changed as appropriate according to the shape of the instrument panel 16, the developed shape of the air bag (102, 104), and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the air bag is constituted by a plurality of independent bags (102, 104), and an open space (a hole) penetrating the first bag 102 is formed, and the open upper end is a second By closing with the bag 104 (104a), a certain space is formed at the bottom of the airbag. Then, the occupant's head 14 a in the abnormal approaching state (OOP) can be accommodated and protected in the space 106.

  That is, since the hole 106 penetrating the first bag 102 is formed, it is possible to avoid a situation in which pressure is applied from the inner wall into the space to be formed, as compared with the case where the concave portion is simply formed. On the other hand, in the case where a recess is simply formed, after all, pressure is applied to the inner wall of the recess when the air bag is deployed, the space shape is deformed, and the protection target (head, electronic equipment, etc.) in the recess is There is a possibility of pressure.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the developed state of the air bag of the air bag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is viewed from the side, (B) shows the instrument panel side from the seat. Show the appearance (front). FIG. 6 is a bottom view (A) and a top view (B) showing a deployed state of the airbag of the airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the second bag 204 is stacked on the first bag 202 having the open space 206. This is simply a structure in which a second bag 204 of a normal shape is joined by sewing or the like on the first bag 202 shaped like a floating ring, so that the structure of the entire airbag is It can be simplified more.

  The airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention also has the same function and effect as those of the first embodiment described above in the sense of protecting the head 14a of the occupant in the abnormal approaching state (OOP). Play.

  FIG. 7 is a side view showing a deployed state of the airbag of the airbag apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front view (A) and a top view (B) showing a deployed state of the airbag of the airbag apparatus according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. In addition, although the case where it mounts in the vehicle of a left-hand drive specification all is assumed, in the case of the vehicle of a right-hand drive specification, it goes without saying that it becomes opposite. Reference numeral 330 denotes an air bag housing opening.

  The airbag employed in the airbag apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a main bag 318 deployed toward the front of the occupant 12 seated on a seat, and a center bag 320 coupled to the vehicle inner side of the main bag 318. Is equipped. The center bag 320 restrains the lateral movement of the occupant when an oblique collision or the like occurs.

The center bag 320 includes a first bag 302 having an open space 306 penetrating in the vertical direction, and a second bag 304 connected to the first bag 302 and having a bottom surface 304 a closing the upper end of the open space 306. ing.
Then, when the air bag (318, 320) is deployed, the device 310 disposed around the instrument panel is housed and protected in the space area formed by the open space 306 and the bottom surface 304 a of the second bag 304. Ru. The device 310 includes, for example, a display of a navigation device, a device such as instruments, and a decorative object for the purpose of design. The point is that it projects above the instrument panel 16 and is itself anything that may be impacted by the deployment of the air bag and may be damaged or otherwise damaged.

  In this embodiment, the flow path of the inflation gas in the center bag 320 includes (1) the case of flowing from the first bag 302 to the second bag 304, and (2) the second bag 304 to the first bag 302. In addition to the case of flowing to the case, it may be considered that the route of (1) and (2) is passed via the main bag 318. In any case, it is preferable to determine in consideration of the difference in volume between the main bag 318 and the center bag 320, the difference in volume between the first bag 302 and the second bag 304, and the like.

  The top back of the main bag 318 and the top back of the center bag 320 are connected by a tether 322. In addition, a tie panel 324 connects the lower side of the occupant side (rear side) of the main bag 318 and the lower side of the occupant side (rear side) of the center bag 320. The relative positional relationship between the two bags 318 and 320 is well maintained by the tethers 322 and the tie panels 324.

  In this embodiment, the center bag 320 is constituted by a plurality of independent bags (302, 304), and an open space (hole) penetrating the first bag 302 is formed, and the open upper end thereof is The space is formed on the bottom of the center bag by closing the bag 304 (304a). Then, in a state where the air bags 302 and 304 are deployed, the device 310 disposed on the instrument panel 16 can be accommodated and protected in the space 306.

  In the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the open space (hole) 306 is formed only in the center bag 320, but the main bag 318 is also opened similarly to the first and second embodiments. Spaces (holes) can be formed.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited in any way to these Examples, It can change in the category of the technical idea shown by the claim.

Claims (10)

An airbag that restrains a passenger in a vehicle compartment by inflating and deploying;
An inflator for generating a gas for inflating the air bag;
The air bag comprises a first bag having an open space penetrating in the vertical direction; and a second bag connected to the first bag and having a bottom surface closing an upper end of the open space. Air bag device to be.   At the time of deployment of the air bag, the head of an occupant in an abnormally close state (OOP) is accommodated and protected within a space area formed by the open space of the first bag and the bottom surface of the second bag. The airbag apparatus according to claim 1,   The said airbag apparatus is a passenger-seat airbag apparatus accommodated in the instrument panel of a vehicle, The airbag apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The said 1st bag is arrange | positioned so that the outer side of a said 2nd bag may be enclosed, The airbag apparatus in any one of the Claims 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The airbag apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second bag is disposed to overlap on the first bag.   The said inflator is connected with the said 2nd bag, and the connection hole which gas distribute | circulates between the 1st bag and the 2nd bag is formed in the 1st bag and the 2nd bag. The airbag apparatus in any one of these.   The air bag device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the opening shape of the lower end portion of the open space of the first bag is an oval shape extending in the traveling direction of the vehicle. . An airbag that restrains a passenger in a vehicle compartment by inflating and deploying;
An inflator for generating a gas for inflating the air bag;
The air bag includes a main bag developed toward the front of an occupant seated in a seat, and a center bag connected to an inner side of the main bag.
The center bag includes a first bag having an open space penetrating in the vertical direction; and a second bag connected to the first bag and having a bottom surface closing an upper end of the open space. Air bag device to be.   9. The air bag device according to claim 8, wherein the air bag device is a passenger seat air bag device housed in an instrument panel of a vehicle.   A device disposed around the instrument panel is housed and protected in a space area formed by the open space and the bottom surface of the second bag when the air bag is deployed. Item 9. An air bag device according to item 8.

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