JP3523080B2 - Airbag device for side collision - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a side collision airbag device for restraining an occupant by deploying an airbag in a passenger compartment with high-pressure gas generated by an inflator when the vehicle collides.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a side collision airbag device, an inflator for generating high-pressure gas is housed at a base end portion of a folded airbag, and the high-pressure gas generated by the inflator at the time of a vehicle collision is directly supplied to the inside of the airbag. What is supplied to expand and deploy is known from Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-323607.

[0003]

FIG. 19 shows a conventional side impact airbag device in which a cylindrical inflator 32 is vertically accommodated in the base end portion of an airbag 4. When the airbag 4 is inflated by the high pressure gas ejected from the gas ejection port 32 ₁ provided at the lower end of the inflator 32 at the time of a vehicle collision, the gas ejection port 32 ₁
Since it is difficult to supply high-pressure gas to the upper end portion of the airbag 4 which is located at a diagonal position farthest from, the expansion of the upper end portion may be delayed and smooth deployment of the entire airbag 4 may be hindered. This problem also occurs when the gas outlet 32 ₁ is provided at the upper end of the inflator 32.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and makes it possible to smoothly deploy the airbag when the gas ejection port of the inflator is located at a position deviated vertically from the center line of the airbag. With the goal.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is such that an elongated inflator is housed vertically in a base end portion of a folded airbag,
In a side-collision airbag device in which a high-pressure gas ejected from a gas ejection port provided at one end of the inflator in a vertical direction at the time of a vehicle collision expands the airbag to deploy in a vehicle interior, the gas ejection port of the airbag One of the upper and lower side edges is formed as a curved line in which the central portion is bulged inward of the bag in the vertical direction with respect to the jet outlet, so that the inner surface of the upper and lower one side edge facing the gas jet outlet is A gas deflection surface is formed to guide the high-pressure gas ejected from the ejection port in a diagonal direction from one end side to the other end side in the vertical direction of the airbag.

According to the above construction, the high pressure gas ejected from the gas ejection port provided at one end of the inflator in the vertical direction at the time of a collision of the vehicle is positioned above and below the gas ejection port of the airbag so as to face the gas ejection port. is guided by the gas deflecting surface formed on the inner surface of one side edge, to flow from the vertical direction one end side of the airbag in the diagonal direction toward the other end, the other end of the air bag remote from the gas ports It is possible to reliably prevent the expansion delay from occurring on the side.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a vertically elongated slender inflator is housed in the base end portion of the folded airbag, and a gas ejection port is provided at one end portion in the vertical direction of the inflator when a vehicle collides. In a side-collision airbag device in which an airbag is inflated by ejected high-pressure gas and deployed in a vehicle compartment, a retainer holding an inflator inside the airbag is inclined obliquely so as to face the gas ejection port. A gas deflection surface extending diagonally from one end side to the other end side of the airbag in the up-down direction is formed, and the high-pressure gas ejected from the gas ejection port is passed from the one end side of the airbag in the up-down direction to the other end by the gas deflection surface. It is characterized by guiding in a diagonal direction toward the side.

According to the above construction, the high-pressure gas ejected from the gas ejection port provided at one vertical end of the inflator at the time of a vehicle collision is formed in the retainer so as to face the gas ejection port and one vertical end of the airbag is formed. Side to other end
Extending obliquely inclined diagonally Te is guided to the gas deflecting surface, to flow from the vertical direction one end side of the airbag in the diagonal direction toward the other end side, of the air bag remote from the gas ports It is possible to reliably prevent the expansion delay from occurring on the other end side.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

1 to 17 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat provided with an airbag device, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 3 is 3 in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, and FIG.
5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG.
7 is an enlarged view of part 7 of FIG. 3, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the airbag module, FIG. 9 is a view in the direction of arrow 9 in FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a view in the direction of arrow 10 of FIG. 8, and FIG. 11-11 sectional view,
12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9, and FIG. 13 is 1 of FIG.
Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of part 3 in Fig. 9, Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of part 15 in Fig. 9, Fig. 16 is an explanatory view of the action when assembling the airbag module, and Fig. 17 is a diagram when expanding the airbag. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a front seat S on the right side of an automobile has a seat cushion 1 arranged substantially horizontally.
And a seat back 2 extending rearward and upward from a rear end of the seat cushion 1, and a headrest 3 provided at an upper end of the seat back 2. An airbag module M is housed inside the right side of the seat back 2 of the front seat S, and when the airbag module M is activated, the airbag 4 breaks and pushes open the sewn portion 25 of the seat back 2 to open the front seat S. The vehicle is deployed diagonally forward so as to block the space between the right side of the occupant sitting on the vehicle and the center pillar (not shown) and the front door.

As is apparent from FIG. 2, the seat back 2
Pipe frame 11 extending vertically along the right edge of the
The metal module mounting frame 12 extending to the front of the vehicle body and the metal retainer 13 extending to the inside of the vehicle body are fixed to each other by welding. On the right side surface of the module mounting frame 12, the airbag module M has two bolts 14,
It is fixed by 14 and two nuts 15, 15.
The shape-retaining material 16 made of a coarse blanket is used in the airbag module
From the front of the seat back 2 to the left side of the vehicle body in the thickness direction middle portion, and is connected to a pipe frame (not shown) on the left side of the vehicle body. A mesh-shaped spring 17 is stretched on the inner circumference of the pipe frame 11, and a pad 19 made of sponge is attached to the front surface of the shape-retaining material 16.

The central portion of the front surface of the seat back 2 is covered with the first covering material 20, and the left and right side portions and the upper portion of the first covering material 20 are covered with the second covering material 21. The left and right side surfaces and the upper surface of the continuous seat back 2 are covered with the third covering material 22, and the rear surface of the seat back 2 is covered with the fourth covering material 23. First
The covering material 20 and the second covering material 21 are sewn at the sewn portion 24, and the second covering material 21 and the third covering material 22 are sewn at the sewn portion 25. The sewn portion 25 has a bead 2
6 is sewn together. Tongue piece 27 extending from the sewing portion 24
A clip 28 is provided at the tip of the first cover member 20 and the second cover member 21 are held in a predetermined shape by locking the clip 28 to the spring 17.
A clip 30 is provided at the tip of a tongue piece 29 connected to the rear part of the third covering material 22, and the third covering material 22 is fixed by locking the clip 30 to the retainer 13.

Next, the structure of the airbag module M will be described with reference to FIGS.

The metal retainer 31 comprises a main body 31 ₁ having a J-shaped cross section, and a pair of clamp portions 31 ₂ , 31 ₂ extending from one side edge of the main body 31 _1. A substantially cylindrical inflator 32 having a propellant filled therein is supported by a circular cross section formed by 31 ₁ and the clamp portions 31 ₂ , 31 ₂ . Retainer 31
And the inflator 32 is the folded airbag 4
It is stored so that it is wrapped in the base end of. The bolt 1
4, 14 are clamp parts 31 ₂ , 31 ₂ of the retainer 31,
The nuts 34, 34 are passed through the main body 31 ₁ and the side plate 33 and fastened by nuts 34, 34, and the nuts 15, 15 are passed through the module mounting frame 12.

The retainer 31, the side plate 33, the inflator 32 and the folded airbag 4 are housed inside a module case 35 integrally formed of synthetic resin. The module case 35 includes a tray-shaped case main body 36 that opens toward the right side of the vehicle body, and the case main body 3
The lid 37 connected to the rear edge of 6 through the hinge 38
And five hooks 36 ₁ provided on the upper edge, the front edge and the lower edge of the case main body 36 are attached to the upper edge of the lid 37,
The lid 37 is fixed so as to cover the opening of the case main body 36 by engaging with the five hook engaging holes 37 ₁ provided at the front edge and the lower edge.

As is apparent from FIG. 6, the case main body 36
Of which stepped portions 36 ₂ retracted is formed than the outer surface of the case body 36 along the opening edge 39 of the outer periphery, the lid 3
Flange 37 ₂ formed on the outer periphery of 7 the stepped portion 36 ₂
Fit around the outer circumference of. A large number of projections 37 ₃ are formed along the flange 37 ₂ on the inner surface of the front edge of the lid 37, and the opening edge 39 of the case body 36 is formed between the projections 37 ₃ and the flange 37 _2. Fit together. As a result, as shown by a chain line in FIG. 6, in the vicinity of the opening edge 39 of the case body 36, the step between the outer surface of the case body 36 and the outer surface of the lid 37 disappears and becomes flush with the case body. The tip of the flange 37 ₂ of the lid 37 does not project outward from the main body 36. As a result, when the weight of the occupant is added to the seat back 2 and the pad 19 and the third covering material 22 are deformed or moved, they are caught by the flange 37 _{2 of the} lid 37 and the hooks 36 ₁ ... It is possible to solve the problem that it deviates from ₁ . Moreover, since the opening edge 39 of the case body 36 is fitted and positioned between the flange 37 _{2 of the} lid 37 and the protrusion 37 _3, ..., Between the outer surface of the case body 36 and the outer surface of the lid 37 due to the load. It is possible to more surely prevent a step from being generated.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 16, the airbag module M includes an airbag 4, an inflator 32, and
The retainer 31, the side plate 33, the module case 35, the bolts 14 and 14, the nuts 34 and 34, and the nuts 15 and 15 are provided, and the protector sheet 40 is integrally sewn to the base end portion of the airbag 4. The protector sheet 40 is made of, for example, a nylon cloth made of the same material as the airbag 40. The inflator 32, the retainer 31, and the bolts 14 and 14 are previously assembled in the subassembly 41.
Then, the subassembly 41 is inserted into the airbag 4 through a slit 47, which will be described later, formed in the base end portion of the airbag 4.

Next, the structures of the airbag 4 and the protector sheet 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the air bag 4, the belt-shaped base cloth 42 is folded back in half along the folding line F at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction, and the reinforcing cloth 43 is superposed on the inner surface of the base end side of the base cloth 42 and the reinforcing cloth. 43 is sewn with three sewing lines S ₁ , S ₂ and S ₃ and is sewn with two sewing lines S ₄ and S ₅ extending in parallel to the upper and lower edges of the doubled base cloth 42. I will do it. The sewing lines S ₄ and S ₅ are sewn with the base cloth 42 turned inside out, and the sewn base cloth 42 is turned upside down through the slits 47.

The protector sheet 40 has a base end portion 40 _1.
After being sewn at the sewing line S _{6 in} a state of being folded in two, the doubled portion is overlapped with the base end portion of the base cloth 42 and is integrally sewn at the sewing line S ₇ . The sewing line S ₆ of the protector sheet 40 is sewn with thick thread than the other sewing lines _{S 1 ~S 5, S 7 ~S} 12, thus sewing manufactured line S ₆ from the surface of the protector sheet 40 It is greatly raised (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 13).

As is apparent from FIGS. 9, 10 and 14, two vent holes 44, 44 are formed in the vicinity of the folding line F at the tip of the airbag 4. Bent hole 4
4, 44 are slightly outside the fold line F and outside the vehicle body (on the side opposite to the occupant, the center pillar and the door).
The high pressure gas discharged from the vent holes 44, 44 is designed so as not to hit an occupant.

As best shown in FIG. 14, a substantially circular patch cloth 45 is superposed on the back surface of the base cloth 42 so as to surround each vent hole 44, and sewing lines S ₈ and S are formed.
Sewn with ₉ . In addition, FIG. 14 is shown in a state in which the base cloth 42 is turned over, and the patch cloth 4 by the sewing lines S ₈ and S ₉ is shown.
5 is sewn at a stage before the base cloth 42 is sewn on the sewing lines S ₄ and S ₅ . The protrusion 45 ₁ protruding from the outer periphery of the patch cloth 45 extends so as to overlap with the vicinity of the end of the folding line F, and the ends of the sewing lines S ₄ and S ₅ for sewing the upper and lower edges of the base cloth 42. After the protrusion 45 ₁ of the patch cloth 45 is sewn integrally with the base fabric 42, the protrusion 45 ₁ protruding from the fold line F is connected in a U-shape.

As described above, when the sewing lines S ₄ and S ₅ are extended beyond the folding line F, a gap is generated in the base cloth 42 at the portion of the folding line F, and the inside and outside of the airbag 4 communicate with each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent undesired leakage of high-pressure gas. Moreover, since the protrusion 45 ₁ is configured by using a part of the pad cloth 45 for forming the vent hole 44, it is possible to contribute to the reduction of the number of parts. In addition, two sewing lines S ₄ , S
_{Since 5} is connected in a U-shape on the protrusion 45 ₁ of the patch cloth 45, the two sewing lines S ₄ and S ₅ can be sewn in one process, and the number of steps is reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 12 and 15,
The tethers 46 and 46 connect between the inner surfaces of the base cloth 42 that is folded in two and faces each other. The base end portion of each tether 46 is sewn to the base cloth 42 at an annular sewing line S ₁₀ and then folded back so as to cover the sewing line S _10, and the doubled tethers 46 are sewn together with the base cloth 42. Further sewn at ₁₁ . Then, the tip portions of the two tethers 46, 46 are overlapped with each other and sewn at the sewing line S ₁₂ . The tethers 46, 46 are sewn by the sewing lines S ₁₀ , S ₁₁ before the base cloth 42 is sewn by the sewing lines S ₄ , S ₅ .
The tethers 46, 46 are sewn together by the sewing line S ₁₂ before the base cloth 42 sewn by the sewing lines S ₄ , S ₅ is turned upside down. When the airbag 4 is inflated, the tethers 46 extend linearly as shown in FIG. 12, whereby the distance between the facing portions of the base cloth 42 of the airbag 4 is regulated. The shape of the bag 4 when inflated can be adjusted.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the slit 47 is linearly formed at the base end of the airbag 4 so as to penetrate the base cloth 42 and the reinforcing cloth 43. The two bolts 1 at both ends of
Two bolt holes 48, 48 through which 4, 4 penetrate are formed. As described above, the slit 47 penetrating the base cloth 42 and the reinforcing cloth 43 is for inserting the subassembly 41 into the inside of the airbag 4, and extends from the subassembly 41 inserted into the inside of the airbag 4. The two bolts 14, 14 are bolt holes 4 at both ends of the slit 47.
It projects from the air bag 8, 48 to the outside of the airbag 4.

Further, two linear pin holes 49, 49 through which the two positioning pins 31 ₃ , 31 ₃ formed by cutting and raising in the retainer 31 pass are formed as the base cloth 42 and the reinforcing cloth 4.
3 is formed so as to penetrate therethrough. By inserting the positioning pins 31 ₃ , 31 ₃ of the retainer 31 into the pin holes 49, 49, the subassembly 41 inserted inside the airbag 4 is positioned so as not to be turned upside down.

The base end portion 40 ₁ of the protector sheet 40 which is superposed on the base cloth 42 so as to cover the slit 47.
The bolt holes 50, 50 and the pin holes 5 overlapping the bolt holes 48, 48 and the pin holes 49, 49 of the airbag 4.
1, 51 are formed. Further, when the protector sheet 40 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the folded airbag 4 by approximately 360 °, the distal end portion 40 ₂ which is superposed on the proximal end portion 40 ₁ of the protector sheet 40 is also formed at the proximal end portion 40 _1. Bolt holes 52, 52 and pin holes 53, 53 overlapping the bolt holes 50, 50 and pin holes 51, 51 are formed. The pin holes 49, 49 of the base cloth 42 and the reinforcing cloth 43 are formed linearly, whereas the pin holes 51, 51; 53, 53 of the protector sheet 40 are more than the linear pin holes 49, 49. It is shaped like a large circle.

As is apparent from FIG. 13, the base end portion 40 ₁ and the front end portion 40 ₂ of the protector sheet 40 are formed by four breaking portions 54, 54 formed in a narrow width so as to be easily broken by a load. Connected via 55, 55. Protector sheet 40 near the fractured portions 54, 54; 55, 55
The two bolt holes 52, 52 are formed at the tip portion 40 ₂ of the
The positional relationship with 4, 54; 55, 55 is set as follows. That is, a straight line is drawn through the centers of the bolt holes 52, 52 in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the protector sheet 40, and through the centers of the fractured parts 54, 54; 55, 55 in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the protector sheet 40. When the straight line of the book is drawn, the center of the bolt holes 52, 52 and the broken portion 5
The centers of the bolts 4, 54 are offset from each other by a distance α in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the centers of the bolt holes 52, 52 and the fractured portions 55, 5 are separated.
The center of 5 is offset by a distance β in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Next, a process of assembling the airbag module M will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 16, after the protector sheet 40 is inverted from the chain line position to the solid line position in the arrow direction, the slit 47 penetrating the base cloth 42 and the reinforcing cloth 43 of the airbag 4 is opened, and the inflator is opened. The subassembly 41 in which the 32, the retainer 31, and the bolts 14, 14 are integrated is inserted into the airbag 4 through the slit 47. Then, the two bolts 14, 14 protruding from the retainer 31 of the subassembly 41 inserted into the airbag 4 are passed through the bolt holes 48, 48 formed at both ends of the slit 47 from the inside to the outside. , And two positioning pins 31 ₃ , 3 protruding from the retainer 31
1 _3, is passed through pin holes 49 of the two linear extending through the backing 42 and the reinforcing cloth 43 of the air bag 4 from the inside to the outside.

When assembling, the harness connected to the inflator 32 is removed from the inflator 32 in advance and housed inside the base cloth 42, and both ends thereof are slits 47 of the base cloth 42.
And it is made to project outside from the harness pull-out hole (not shown) of the base cloth 42. After connecting the inflator 32 to the base end of the harness protruding from the slit 47,
By inserting the inflator 32 into the inside of the base cloth 42 through the slit 47, it is possible to easily perform the work of pulling out the tip of the harness from the harness pull-out hole to the outside.

Subsequently, the protector sheet 40 is attached to FIG.
By returning from the state of FIG. 9 to the state of FIG. 9, the two bolt holes 5 formed in the base end portion 40 ₁ of the protector sheet 40
0, 50 and two pin holes 51, 51 are respectively formed in the bolts 14, 14 and the positioning pins 31 ₃ , 3
Fit to 1 ₃ . As a result, the base fabric 42 of the airbag 4 is
The slit 47 penetrating the reinforcing cloth 43 is covered and closed by the protector sheet 40. In this way, by using the protector sheet 40, the slit 47 of the airbag 4 can be closed without using a special closing member.

Subsequently, the airbag 4 is folded in a bellows shape from the tip end side toward the base end side, and the protector sheet 40 is wound around the folded outer periphery of the airbag 4 about one revolution, and then the protector sheet 40 is wound. The two bolt holes 52, 52 and the two pin holes 53, 53 formed in the tip portion 40 ₂ of the above are fitted into the bolts 14, 14 and the positioning pins 31 ₃ , 31 ₃ , respectively. As a result, the airbag 4 is wrapped in the protector sheet 40 and held in the folded state.

In this state, the two positioning pins 31 ₃ ,
31 ₃ is two linear pin holes 49, 49 of the airbag 4.
And visually confirm that the sub-assembly 41 is correctly assembled by passing through. At this time, the pin holes 51, 51 of the base end portion 40 ₁ of the protector sheet 40 which are doubly overlapped on the outside of the two linear pin holes 49, 49,
Since the pin holes 53, 53 of the tip portion 40 ₂ are both formed in a circular shape larger than the linear pin holes 49, 49, the sub-assembly is passed through the circular pin holes 51, 51; 53, 53. The assembled state of 41 can be easily confirmed (see FIG. 5).

Further, the tip portion 40 of the protector sheet 40
_{When the second} bolt holes 52, 52 are fitted into the bolts 14, 14, it is necessary to strongly pull the tip end portion 40 ₂ of the protector sheet 40 so as to compress the folded airbag 4 to give tension. At this time, the tension is applied from the base end portion 40 ₁ of the protector sheet 40 to the four breaking portions 54,
54; 55, 55 is transmitted to the tip portion 40 ₂ , but the bolt holes 52, 52 of the tip portion 40 ₂ are temporarily broken.
4, 54; 55, 55 when placed in the immediate vicinity of
Strong tension acts on the inner circumference of the bolt holes 52, 52 fitted in the bolts 14, 14, and the bolt holes 52, 52
There is a possibility that the protector sheet 40 may become loose due to stretching and deformation.

However, as apparent from FIG. 13, according to the present embodiment, the bolt holes 52, 52 are vertically offset from the fractured portions 54, 54; 55, 55 by the distance α or the distance β. It is possible to prevent a strong tension from directly acting on the bolt holes 52, 52 to cause elongation and deformation. As a result, the folded airbag 4 can be securely wrapped by the protector sheet 40 and securely held.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the bolts 14 and 14 and the positioning pins 31 ₃ and 31 ₃ are inserted into the bolt holes 33 ₁ and 33 ₁ and the pin holes 33 ₂ and 33 ₂ formed in the side plate 33. After fitting, the nuts 34, 34 are screwed into the bolts 14, 14. as a result,
Since the airbag 4 and the protector sheet 40 are sandwiched and firmly fixed between the retainer 31 and the side plate 33, the base cloth 42 and the reinforcing cloth 4 of the airbag 4 are fixed.
It is possible to more reliably close the slit 47 penetrating the groove 3 and prevent the high-pressure gas from leaking from the slit 47. In this state, the sewing line S ₆ projecting on the surface of the protector sheet 40 comes into contact with the edge of the side plate 33 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

Next, the airbag 4 wrapped in the protector sheet 40 is attached to the case body 3 of the module case 35.
6 inside, and hooks 36 ₁ ... are hook engaging holes 37.
₁ to engage the lid 37 to fix the lid 37 in the closed position. At this time, the bolts 14, 14 and the positioning pins 31 ₃ , 3
1 ₃ is a bolt hole 36 formed on the bottom surface of the case body 36.
Loosely fit into ₃ , 36 ₃ and pin holes 36 ₄ , 36 ₄ .

Subsequently, the air bag module M is fixed to the module mounting frame 12 by penetrating the bolts 14 and 14 into the module mounting frame 12 of the front seat S and screwing the nuts 15 and 15 into the tips.
As is clear from FIGS. 4 and 5, in the state where the airbag module M is fixed to the module mounting frame 12, the module case 35 made of synthetic resin does not contact the module mounting frame 12, and the airbag module M is 2 on both sides of the module mounting frame 12 made of metal
The metal nuts 34, 34; 15, 15 are fastened and fixed. At this time, if the module case 35 made of synthetic resin is sandwiched and tightened, the synthetic resin may be dented by the load and the fastening of the nuts 34, 34; 15, 15 may be loosened. Since the fastening force does not act on the module case 35, the above problem can be solved.

Thus, when the vehicle collides, the inflator 32
When the gas is generated, the airbag 4 inflates inside the module case 35. When the airbag 4 is inflated, a tension acts on the protector sheet 40 that wraps the outer periphery of the airbag 4, so that the ruptured portions 54, 54 of the protector sheet 40;
55, 55 are broken and the airbag 4 is in a state where it can be inflated freely.

Even if the pressure of the high-pressure gas supplied to the inside of the airbag 4 acts to displace the base end portion of the airbag 4 with respect to the retainer 31, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Since the sewing line S ₆ of the protector seat 40 which is integral with the airbag 4 is in contact with the edge of the side plate 33 which is integral with the retainer 31, the sewing line S ₆ serves as a stopper and the position of the airbag 4 is increased. Not only the displacement can be prevented, but also the stress can be prevented from concentrating on the base end portion of the airbag 4. Moreover, no special stopper is required, which can contribute to the reduction of the number of parts.

When the inflation pressure of the airbag 4 acts on the inner surface of the lid 37 of the module case 35, the hook 3
6 ₁ ... Disengages from the hook engaging holes 37 ₁ ... And the lid 37 rotates around the hinge portion 38 (see the chain line in FIGS. 4 and 5), so that the case main body 36 is opened.

As is clear from FIG. 7A, the lid 3
Each hook engaging holes 37 ₁ formed 7 is formed in a generally rectangular, the long side extends in a direction along the outer perimeter of the lid 37. Outer peripheral edge of lid 37 and hook engaging hole 3
Of the two corners a and b of the hook engaging hole 37 ₁ facing both ends of the elongated bridge portion 37 ₄ located between the long side of 7 _{1 and one} of the long sides, one of the corners a has a relatively large radius of curvature. Is formed in a smooth arc shape, but the other corner b has a relatively small radius of curvature and is sharply pointed.

Therefore, when the airbag 4 is inflated, the hook 3
When the hook engagement holes 37 ₁ are disengaged from 6 ₁ and the lid 37 is opened from the case main body 36, even if the corners a and b are broken, the stress is concentrated because they are sharply pointed. Only the corner portion b of the above is not broken, and the one corner portion a is not broken. As a result, both the corners a and b are prevented from breaking and the bridge portion 37 ₄ is prevented from scattering.

FIG. 7 (b) shows another embodiment of the hook engaging hole 37 ₁ . In this embodiment, the hook engagement hole 3
Of the two corners a and b of 7 _1, the bridge portion 37 ₄ facing one corner a is made thicker and the other corner b.
The thickness of the bridge portion 37 ₄ facing the above is reduced.
Also in this embodiment, by breaking the thin corner b first to avoid breaking the thick corner a,
It is possible to prevent the bridge portions 37 ₄ from scattering due to the breakage of both the corner portions a and b.

In FIG. 2, when the pressure for opening the lid 37 is transmitted to the third covering material 22 of the seat back 2, the sewn portion 25 is broken and the second covering material 21 and the third covering material 22 are separated. The airbag 4 that has passed through the gap deploys diagonally forward along the center pillar and the front door to restrain the right side surface of the occupant.

As shown in FIG. 17, the inflator 32 is housed in the base end portion of the airbag 4 in a substantially vertical direction.
A gas ejection port 32 ₁ is provided at the lower end thereof. Therefore,
The gas ejection port 32 ₁ of the inflator 32 is connected to the airbag 4
Is deviated downward with respect to the center line L in the vertical direction. The lower edge of the airbag 4 is formed by a curved curve with its central portion bulging upward, and a gas deflecting surface 4 ₁ inclined upward is formed at a portion of the inflator 32 facing the gas ejection port 32 ₁ .

Thus, when the vehicle collides, the inflator 32
The gas ejected from the gas ejection port 32 _{1 of the
Since} the air flows in a diagonal direction from the lower end of the base end of the airbag 4 to the upper end of the airbag 4 by being guided by ₁ , the upper end of the airbag 4 farthest from the gas outlet 32 ₁ can be inflated surely and quickly. it can. As a result, even if the gas ejection port 32 ₁ of the inflator 32 is biased downward with respect to the center line L of the airbag 4, it is possible to uniformly inflate each part of the airbag 4 and smoothly deploy it. Become.

When the airbag 4 is inflated, as shown in FIG. 12, the tethers 46, 46 extend linearly to regulate the lateral width of the airbag 4. At this time, the tether 46,
The base end portion of 46 is folded in two to form the base cloth 4 of the airbag 4.
Whereas superimposed 2 with a 3-ply and are sewn with the sewing line S _11, the sewing line S ₁₂ tip each other of the tethers 46, 46 are superimposed as two-ply
The width γ of the sewing line S ₁₁ at the base end portions of the tethers 46, 46 is set larger than the width δ of the sewing line S ₁₂ at the tip ends of the tethers 46, 46 (FIG. 15). reference).

The strength of the sewing line S _11, S ₁₂ composed of a closed curve, the sewing line S _11, proportional to the size of the area surrounded by the S _12, the base fabric the base end portion of the tether 46, 46 42
The strength of the sewing line S ₁₁ for sewing is higher than the strength of the sewing line S ₁₂ for sewing the tip portions of the tethers 46, 46, and even if the tethers 46, 46 break due to tension, the sewing line S ₁₁ Does not break and the sewing line S
₁₂ or the tether 46, 46 itself will break. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the base cloth 42 of the airbag 4 from being torn along with the sewing line S ₁₁ and the high-pressure gas from leaking. In addition, since the base end portions of the tethers 46, 46 are simply folded in two and no special reinforcing cloth is required, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and an increase in cost.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The airbag 4 of the second embodiment has a rectangular shape in which both the upper and lower edges are formed by straight lines, and the inflator 32, which is vertically accommodated in the base end portion thereof, has a lower end portion in which gas is injected. An outlet 32 ₁ is provided. The retainer 31 holding the inflator 32 inside the airbag ₄ is integrally formed with a gas deflecting surface 31 _{4 that} is obliquely inclined so as to face the gas ejection port 32 ₁ of the inflator 32.

Also in this embodiment, the gas ejected from the gas ejection port 32 ₁ of the inflator 32 is guided by the gas deflecting surface 31 ₄ of the retainer 31 and diagonally extends from the lower end of the base end of the airbag 4 to the upper end thereof. Since the air flows in the direction, it is possible to prevent the inflation delay of the upper end portion of the airbag 4 that is farthest from the gas ejection port 32 _1, and to uniformly inflate each portion of the airbag 4 and smoothly deploy it.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, although the gas ejection port 32 ₁ is provided at the lower end of the inflator 32 in the embodiment, it can be provided at the upper end of the inflator 32. In this case, the gas deflecting surface of the airbag 4 4 ₁ and the retainer 31
The gas deflecting surface 31 _{4 of 3} is also required to be provided on the upper end portion of the inflator 32.

[0057]

As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1, the upper and lower side edges of the air bag on the gas ejection port side are centered inward in the vertical direction with respect to the ejection port. By forming a curve that rises to the side, the high pressure gas ejected from the ejection port is directed from one end side to the other end side of the airbag in the up and down direction on the inner surface of the upper and lower one side edge of the portion facing the gas ejection port. Since a gas deflecting surface that guides in a diagonal direction is formed,
The high-pressure gas ejected from the gas ejection port provided at one end of the inflator in the vertical direction at the time of a vehicle collision is formed on the inner surface of the upper and lower one side edges of the airbag facing the gas ejection port. Since it is guided by the gas deflection surface and flows diagonally from one end side to the other end side of the airbag in the up-down direction, an expansion delay occurs at the other end side of the airbag far away from the gas ejection port. It can be surely prevented.

According to the invention described in claim 2,
A retainer that holds the inflator inside the airbag is provided with a gas deflection surface that is diagonally inclined so as to face the gas ejection port of the inflator and extends diagonally from one end side in the vertical direction of the airbag toward the other end side. Since the high-pressure gas ejected from the gas ejection port is integrally guided so as to be diagonally directed from one end side to the other end side of the airbag in the vertical direction on the gas deflecting surface, the inflator of the inflator is prevented when the vehicle collides. The high-pressure gas ejected from the gas ejection port provided at one end in the up-down direction is formed integrally with the retainer so as to face the gas ejection port and is diagonally diagonally directed from one end side in the up-down direction of the airbag to the other end side. Guided by the gas deflecting surface that extends obliquely and flows diagonally from one side of the airbag in the vertical direction to the other side, the expansion delay is delayed toward the other side of the airbag far from the gas ejection port. Can be reliably prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat including an airbag device.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a three-direction arrow view of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.

5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG.

6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG.

7 is an enlarged view of part 7 in FIG.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the airbag module.

9 is a view in the direction of arrow 9 in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a view in the direction of arrow 10 in FIG.

11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG.

12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of part 13 in FIG.

14 is an enlarged view of part 14 of FIG.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of part 15 in FIG.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of the action when assembling the airbag module.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of the action when the airbag is inflated

FIG. 18 is an operation explanatory view of the airbag according to the second embodiment of the present invention when inflated.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of the action when the conventional airbag is inflated.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 Airbag 4 ₁ Gas deflecting surface 31 Retainer 31 ₄ Gas deflecting surface 32 Inflator 32 ₁ Gas ejection port

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── --Continued from the front page (56) Reference JP 2000-16222 (JP, A) JP 9-272395 (JP, A) JP 9-323607 (JP, A) JP 10-129379 (JP, A) JP-A-11-157409 (JP, A) JP-A-11-48906 (JP, A) JP-A-11-91477 (JP, A) US Pat. No. 5586782 (US, A) Registered utility model 3014439 (JP, U) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B60R 21/22 B60R 21/16

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A gas ejecting port (1) in which a vertically elongated slender inflator (32) is housed in a base end portion of a folded airbag (4) and which is provided at one vertical end portion of the inflator (32) when a vehicle collides. an air bag apparatus for side collision to deploy into the passenger compartment inflates the air bag (4) in a high pressure gas ejected from 32 ₁₎ of the airbag (4), the gas ejection ports (32 ₁₎ and below the side one At the side edge, the central portion is above and below the jet outlet (32 ₁ ).
By forming a curved line inwardly toward the inside of the bag, the gas ejection ports (32 ₁ ) at one of the upper and lower edges thereof face each other.
A gas deflecting surface (4 ₁ ) is formed on the inner surface of the portion to guide the high-pressure gas ejected from the ejection port (32 ₁ ) diagonally from one end side to the other end side of the airbag (4) in the vertical direction. An airbag device for side impact, which is characterized in that 2. An inflator (32) elongated in the vertical direction is housed in the base end of the folded airbag (4), and a gas outlet () is provided at one vertical end of the inflator (32) when a vehicle collides. A side impact airbag device for inflating an airbag (4) with high-pressure gas ejected from the air bag (32 ₁ ) and deploying the airbag in a vehicle interior, a retainer (31) holding an inflator (32) inside the airbag (4). A gas deflection surface (31 ₄ ) which is diagonally inclined so as to face the gas ejection port (32 ₁ ) and extends diagonally from one end side to the other end side of the airbag (4) in the vertical direction. The high-pressure gas which is integrally formed and ejected from the gas ejection port (32 ₁ ) is guided diagonally in the vertical direction from one end side to the other end side of the airbag (4) by the gas deflection surface (31 ₄ ). Side impact characterized by The air bag device.