JP4631172B2

JP4631172B2 - Airbag device

Info

Publication number: JP4631172B2
Application number: JP2001013382A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 一朗雨森
Original assignee: Takata Corp
Current assignee: Takata Corp
Priority date: 2001-01-22
Filing date: 2001-01-22
Publication date: 2011-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-22
Also published as: JP2002211348A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、車両衝突時等の緊急時にエアバッグを展開させて乗員を保護するエアバッグ装置に係り、特に、エアバッグの膨張途中の形状を拘束する手段を有するエアバッグ装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
エアバッグ装置は、周知の通り、例えば自動車の緊急時の乗員保護装置として適用される。一般に、このようなエアバッグ装置は、エアバッグと、このエアバッグを膨張させるインフレータ（ガス発生器）とを備え、自動車の衝突時等の緊急時にインフレータをガス噴出作動させ、エアバッグにガスを供給してこのエアバッグを車両室内に展開させるよう構成されている。
【０００３】
車両衝突時において、乗員は、このエアバッグの乗員対向面に突っ込んでくる。このとき、エアバッグは、その内部に充填されたガスの内圧により反力を生ぜしめ、乗員を受け止める。また、通常、このようなエアバッグには内部のガスを流出させるためのベントホールが設けられており、エアバッグに乗員が突っ込んできた後にこのベントホールからエアバッグ内部のガスを流出させることにより、エアバッグ内圧が過度に上昇することを防止すると共に、乗員対向面が乗員に適度な反力を与えつつ乗員からの押圧力によりゆるやかに後退し、乗員の運動エネルギーを吸収する。
【０００４】
このようなエアバッグ装置として、テアシーム、ストラップ、接着剤等の拘束手段によりエアバッグの膨張途中の形状を拘束するように構成したものが知られている。このエアバッグ装置においては、緊急時にインフレータがガス噴出作動すると、エアバッグは、該拘束手段によってその膨張が拘束され、全開形状よりも小さい形状に展開する。該エアバッグに対し比較的体の小さい乗員が突っ込んできたときには、拘束手段の拘束は解除されない。一方、このエアバッグに体の大きな乗員が突っ込んできたときには、エアバッグ内圧が大幅に上昇し、該拘束手段による拘束が解除され、衝撃エネルギーがより多く吸収される。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
エアバッグ内圧の上昇により拘束を解除するよう構成したエアバッグ装置の場合、エアバッグに乗員が突っ込んできたときの状況或いはインフレータ出力等のエアバッグ装置の作動状況によっては、乗員の体の大きさに合わせて適正に該拘束手段によるエアバッグの膨張の拘束を継続させ又は解除させるようにコントロールすることが難しい場合がある。
【０００６】
本発明は、乗員の体の大きさに合わせて確実にエアバッグの膨張形状を変化させるエアバッグ装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明のエアバッグ装置は、エアバッグと、該エアバッグが取付けられたエアバッグ取付部材と、該エアバッグを膨張させるガス発生器と、該エアバッグの膨張形状を全開形状よりも小さい形状に止めるための膨張拘束部材とを有するエアバッグ装置において、該膨張拘束部材による拘束を解除する拘束解除手段を備えてなり、該拘束解除手段は、乗員の大きさが所定以上であるときに拘束を解除し、所定以下であるときに拘束を継続するものである。
【０００８】
かかるエアバッグ装置にあっては、乗員の体が大きいときには拘束解除手段がエアバッグ装置作動時に膨張拘束部材によるエアバッグの膨張の拘束を解除し、該エアバッグを全開形状まで展開させる。また、乗員の体が小さいときには、該拘束解除手段がエアバッグ装置作動時に膨張拘束部材によるエアバッグの膨張の拘束を継続させ、該エアバッグの展開形状を全開形状よりも小さい形状に止める。これにより、このエアバッグ装置は、車両衝突時等のエアバッグ装置作動時の状況によらず、確実に乗員の体の大きさに合わせてエアバッグの膨張形状を変化させることができる。
【０００９】
このエアバッグ装置では、乗員の体の大きさを計測する計測装置が設けられ、前記拘束解除手段は、この計測装置の計測値が所定値以上のときに作動信号を受けて作動し、エアバッグ膨張時における膨張拘束部材による該エアバッグの膨張の拘束を解除すると共に、該計測値が所定値以下のときには、作動せずに該エアバッグの膨張の拘束を継続するよう構成されている。このように構成されたことにより、本発明のエアバッグ装置は、より的確に乗員の体の大きさに合わせてエアバッグの膨張形状を変化させることができる。
【００１０】
請求項１のエアバッグ装置においては、エアバッグは、ガス流出用のベントホールと、該ベントホールを覆うシート状部材とを備え、該シート状部材は、一端がエアバッグに接続されると共に、他端が前記エアバッグ取付部材に対し連結装置を介して連結されており、該連結装置は、該エアバッグが膨張したときに前記拘束解除手段が拘束を継続するときには連結を解除し、前記拘束解除手段が拘束を解除するときには連結を継続するものであり、且つ、該シート状部材は、エアバッグが全開形状にまで膨張するときには前記一端側が断裂し、これによってベントホールを開放させる。
【００１１】
このように構成された請求項１のエアバッグ装置では、エアバッグがその全開形状よりも小さい形状に膨張する場合には、連結装置がシート状部材のエアバッグ取付部材への連結を解除するため、該シート状部材はエアバッグの膨張に伴ってエアバッグ取付部材から離脱し、ベントホールを覆い続ける。また、エアバッグが全開形状まで膨張する場合には、連結装置がシート状部材のエアバッグ取付部材への連結を解除せず、該シート状部材は、エアバッグの膨張に伴って作用する張力によりその前記一端側が断裂してベントホールから取り去られる。
【００１２】
従って、このエアバッグ装置においては、エアバッグが全開形状よりも小さい形状に膨張したときには、開放量の小さいベントホールから内部のガスを比較的小さい流出速度にて流出させる。一方、エアバッグが全開形状まで膨張したときには、開放量の大きいベントホールから比較的大きな流出速度にて内部のガスを流出させる。
【００１３】
このようにして、突っ込んできた乗員の体の大きさに合わせて適切にその衝撃エネルギーを吸収することができる。
【００１４】
なお、本発明のエアバッグ装置においては、エアバッグにベントホールを設け、一端が該エアバッグに接続されると共に他端が連結装置を介してエアバッグ取付部材に連結されたシート状部材によってこのベントホールを覆うように構成した場合のエアバッグ膨張時における該連結装置によるシート状部材とエアバッグ取付部材との連結の解除又は継続の条件は上記の限りではなく、その作動状況等によっては、例えばエアバッグが全開形状まで膨張する場合でも連結装置がシート状部材のエアバッグ取付部材への連結を解除し、該シート状部材がエアバッグの膨張に伴ってエアバッグ取付部材から離脱してベントホールを覆い続けるようにしてもよく、また、エアバッグが全開形状よりも小さい形状に膨張する場合でも、連結装置がシート状部材のエアバッグ取付部材への連結を継続し、該シート状部材がエアバッグの膨張に伴って生じる張力によりその前記一端側又は前記エアバッグへの接続が断裂してベントホールから取り去られるようにしてもよい。
【００１５】
さらに、本発明のエアバッグ装置においては、エアバッグにベントホールを設けた場合に、上記以外の構成によりエアバッグの膨張形状に合わせて該ベントホールの開放量を変化させるようにしてもよい。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態について説明する。
【００１７】
第１図は本発明の実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置の分解斜視図、第２図はこのエアバッグ装置においてエアバッグが膨張を拘束された状態で展開したときの斜視図、第３図は拘束を解除されたエアバッグが全開形状まで展開したときの斜視図であり、第４図はこのエアバッグ装置におけるエアバッグの膨張拘束機構の説明図である。なお、第４図（ａ）は第２図のIV−IV線に沿う断面斜視図、第４図（ｂ）は第４図（ａ）のＢ−Ｂ線に沿う断面図である。
【００１８】
このエアバッグ装置１０は、助手席用エアバッグ１１を備えている。このエアバッグ１１は、１対のサイドパネル１２，１２と、フロントパネル１３とを縫合したものであり、サイドパネル１２にはベントホール１５が設けられている。エアバッグ１１の後部には、インフレータ（図示略）からのガスを受け入れる開口１６が設けられている。この開口１６の周囲には、エアバッグ１１をコンテナ３０に連結するためのフラップ１７，１８，１９，２０が設けられている。
【００１９】
エアバッグ１１の上面１１ａと下面１１ｂとには、それぞれ該エアバッグ１１の膨張を拘束するための膨張拘束部材としてストラップ４１が取り付けられている。このストラップ４１は、その一端が該上面１１ａの途中又は下面１１ｂの途中に縫着等の結合手段により結合されており、その他端側はエアバッグ１１の後部側に延在されている。
【００２０】
ストラップ４１の該他端側には、後述の拘束解除装置５０のストラップ連結部材としてのピン５１が差し込まれるピン係合部４２が設けられている。本実施の形態では、このピン係合部４２は、ストラップ４１の該他端を該一端側へ折り返し、該ストラップの途中部分に縫着等の結合手段により結合してなる前記ピン５１を挿通可能なループ状の部分である。
【００２１】
また、ベントホール１５には、その開口を所定量だけ覆う幅を有したストラップ７１が取り付けられている。このストラップ７１は、その一端側がベントホール１５からエアバッグ１１内に挿通され、サイドパネル１２のエアバッグ内側面に縫着等の結合手段により結合されており、その他端側は、該サイドパネル１２の外側面に沿ってエアバッグ１１の後部側へ延在されている。このストラップ７１の該一端側のサイドパネル１２との結合部分よりも他端寄りで且つベントホール１５からエアバッグ１１の外部に露出していない途中部分の幅方向の両縁部には１対の切欠き状のノッチ７３が設けられており、これにより、ストラップ７１は、その長手方向に所定張力が加わったときに該途中部分から断裂するように構成されている。また、ストラップ７１の該他端には、前記ストラップ４１の係合部４２と同様のループ状のピン係合部７２が形成されており、このピン係合部７２に後述の拘束解除装置６０のピン６１が差し込まれる。
【００２２】
エアバッグ１１は、その後端部の開口１６の周縁部に設けられたフラップ１７〜２０を介してエアバッグ収納用のコンテナ３０の前面側の開口（図示略）から該コンテナ３０内に連結される。このコンテナ３０内には図示しないインフレータが設置されており、このインフレータから発生したガスが開口１６を通じてエアバッグ１１内に導入される。このエアバッグ１１は、折り畳まれて各ストラップ４１，７１ともどもコンテナ３０内に収容される。
【００２３】
コンテナ３０の上側及び下側の各側面には、エアバッグ１１と共に該コンテナ３０内に収容された各ストラップ４１のピン係合部４２を該コンテナ３０の外部に引き出すための開口３１が設けられている。この開口３１の近傍には、該開口３１からコンテナ３０の外部に引き出されたストラップ４１のピン係合部４２に先端側が差し込まれるストラップ連結部材としてのピン５１を有する拘束解除装置５０が設置されている。ピン５１は、その先端側が拘束解除装置５０から突出し、ストラップ４１の開口３１からの引き出し方向と直交方向に延在した棒状体である。このピン５１がピン係合部４２に差し込まれることにより、各ストラップ４１はコンテナ３０に連結され、エアバッグ１１の上面１１ａ又は下面１１ｂと該コンテナ３０とを結合してエアバッグ１１の前方への膨張を拘束する。
【００２４】
第４図に示す通り、この拘束解除装置５０は、ピン５１と同軸状に延設された中空のシリンダ５２を有しており、ピン５１は、その後端側（第４図（ｂ）における右端側。以下同様。）がこのシリンダ５２の先端側（第４図（ｂ）における左端側。以下同様。）から該シリンダ５２内に進退可能に挿入されている。このシリンダ５２の該先端側には、終端に小インフレータ５５が連結されたガス流入路５４が連なっている。この小インフレータ５５は、コネクタ５６を介して後述の図示しない制御装置に接続されており、該制御装置からの作動信号によりガス噴出作動し、この噴出ガスを該流入路５４を通してシリンダ５２内に供給する。なお、ピン５１の後端側にはその側周面から放射方向に張り出してシリンダ５２の内周面に摺動可能に当接したフランジ５３が設けられている。
【００２５】
このように構成された拘束解除装置５０においては、該制御装置からの作動信号が入力されると、小インフレータ５５がガス噴出作動し、流入路５４を通してシリンダ５２の先端側からその内部にガスを流入させる。シリンダ５２内に流入したガスは、ピン５１の後端側のフランジ５３の前面（第４図（ｂ）における左端面）に当たり、その噴出圧によってフランジ５３をシリンダ５２の後端側へ押圧し、該フランジ５３を介してピン５１をシリンダ５２の後端側へ移動させる。この結果、ピン５１の先端側がシリンダ５２内に退動してストラップ４１のピン係合部４２から抜け出し、ストラップ４１とコンテナ３０との連結が解除され、これにより、ストラップ４１によるエアバッグ１１の上面１１ａと下面１１ｂの前方への膨出に対する拘束が解除される。なお、以下、該制御装置から作動信号が入力され、ピン５１がシリンダ５２内に退動して係合部４２から抜け出すまでの一連の作動を拘束解除装置５０の作動と称す。
【００２６】
また、コンテナ３０の左右の各側面には、エアバッグ１１と共に該コンテナ３０内に収容された各ストラップ７１のピン係合部７２を該コンテナ３０の外部に引き出すための開口３２が設けられている。この開口３２の近傍には、該開口３２から引き出されたピン係合部７２に先端側が差し込まれるストラップ連結部材としてのピン６１を有する拘束解除装置６０が設置されている。この拘束解除装置６０は、前記拘束解除装置５０と同一の構成を有しており、ピン６１も、ピン５１と同様、その先端側が該拘束解除装置６０から突出してストラップ７１の開口３２からの引き出し方向と直交方向に延在している。
【００２７】
また、この拘束解除装置６０も図示しない制御装置に接続されており、この制御装置から作動信号が入力されると、前述した拘束解除装置５０と同様に作動し、ピン６１の先端側を退動させて前記ピン係合部７２から抜き出させる。なお、これらの拘束解除装置５０と拘束解除装置６０とは、同一の制御装置に接続されてもよく、それぞれ別個に構成された制御装置と接続されてもよいが、仮に同一の制御装置と接続されている場合であっても、それぞれ別個の作動信号により作動するものとなっている。
【００２８】
エアバッグ１１を折り畳んでストラップ４１，７１ともどもコンテナ３０内に収容し、次いで各ストラップ４１，７１のピン係合部４２，７２をそれぞれ開口３１，３２からコンテナ３０の外部に引き出して該ピン係合部４２に拘束解除装置５０のピン５１を差し込み、ピン係合部７２に拘束解除装置６０のピン６１を差し込んだ後、このコンテナ３０の前記開口部を覆うようにモジュールカバー（図示略）を装着することにより、エアバッグ装置１０が構成される。そして、このエアバッグ装置１０は、自動車の助手席用エアバッグ装置として適用され、自動車のインストルメントパネル（図示略）に設置される。
【００２９】
なお、このエアバッグ装置１０は、車両の座席に座った乗員の体格（体の大小）を検出する体格検出装置（図示略）を備えた図示しない制御装置によって作動制御される。なお、体格検出装置としては、乗員の体重検知装置や、乗員の座高の検知装置、乗員を撮像して得た像データから乗員の外形の大きさを検知する装置などを用いることができるが、これ以外のものであってもよい。
【００３０】
この制御装置は、車両衝突時等の緊急時には、コンテナ３０内に設置されたエアバッグ膨張用のインフレータ（図示略）をガス噴出作動させる。エアバッグ１１は、このインフレータからの噴出ガスにより膨張し、前記モジュールカバーを押し開いて車両室内に展開する。
【００３１】
また、エアバッグ１１の膨張に際し、この制御装置は、前記体格検出装置からの検出値に基づき乗員の体が比較的小さいと判断したときには、前記エアバッグ膨張用インフレータと共に拘束解除装置６０を作動させ、且つ拘束解除装置５０は作動させない。すると、ストラップ４１は、拘束解除装置５０が作動せず、ピン５１がピン係合部４２から抜け出さないため、該ピン５１を介してコンテナ３０に連結されたままとなり、エアバッグ１１は、該ストラップ４１によってその上面１１ａと下面１１ｂの前方への膨出が拘束され、全開形状よりも小さい第２図に示すような形状に展開する。このとき、ストラップ７１は、拘束解除装置６０が作動し、ピン６１がピン係合部７２から抜け出すため、コンテナ３０との連結が解除され、ベントホール１５を覆ったままサイドパネル１２の膨出に伴ってコンテナ３０から離脱し、該ベントホール１５の開放量を小さく止める。
【００３２】
一方、体格検出装置からの検出値に基づき乗員の体が比較的大きいと判断したときには、この制御装置は、前記エアバッグ膨張用インフレータと共に拘束解除装置５０を作動させ、且つ拘束解除装置６０は作動させない。すると、ピン５１が拘束解除装置５０の作動により退動してピン係合部４２から抜け出し、ストラップ４１がコンテナ３０との連結を解除されるため、エアバッグ１１は該ストラップ４１による上面１１ａと下面１１ｂの拘束が解除されて全開形状まで大きく展開する。このとき、ストラップ７１は、拘束解除装置６０が作動しないことからピン係合部４２からピン６１が抜け出さず、該ピン６１を介してコンテナ３０に連結され続ける。このため、該ストラップ７１にはエアバッグ１１の膨張に伴って非常に大きな張力が加わるようになる。そして、ストラップ７１は、エアバッグ１１が大きく膨張してこの張力が所定値以上となったときに前記ノッチ７３から断裂し、ベントホール１５から抜け出して該ベントホール１５の開放量を増大させる。
【００３３】
このように構成された上記エアバッグ装置１０にあっては、上記のように乗員の体の大きさに合わせて確実にエアバッグ１１の大きさを変化させることができ、常時乗員に対して適正な保護を与えることが可能である。また、このエアバッグ装置１０では、エアバッグ１１の膨張形状に合わせてベントホール１５の開放量も変化するため、エアバッグ１１は突っ込んできた乗員の体の大きさに合わせて極めてスムーズにその運動エネルギーを吸収することも可能である。
【００３４】
なお、このエアバッグ装置１０においては、制御装置に乗員の着座位置を検知する位置検知装置を設け、前記体格検出装置により検出された乗員の体の大小の情報にこの位置検知装置からの乗員の位置情報を加味して総合的にエアバッグ１１の膨張形状を決定するように構成してもよく、これにより、エアバッグは、一層適正な乗員保護能力を発現させることができるようになる。
【００３５】
また、本実施の形態では、制御装置が、乗員の体が小さいときにはエアバッグ膨張用インフレータと共に拘束解除装置６０を作動させ且つ拘束解除装置５０を作動させず、乗員の体が大きいときには該エアバッグ膨張用インフレータと共に拘束解除装置５０を作動させ且つ拘束解除装置６０を作動させないようにエアバッグ装置を制御することにより、エアバッグ１１が全開形状よりも小さい形状に展開を止めるときにはストラップ７１でベントホール１５を覆って該ベントホール１５の開放量を小さくし、エアバッグ１１が全開形状まで展開するときにはベントホール１５からストラップ７１を取り去ってベントホール１５の開放量を大きくするように構成されているが、制御装置によるエアバッグ装置の制御方法はこの限りではなく、該エアバッグ装置の作動状況によっては、例えばエアバッグ膨張用インフレータと共に拘束解除装置５０と拘束解除装置６０を両方とも作動させ、エアバッグ１１が全開形状まで展開するときでもベントホールをストラップ７１で覆ったままにして該ベントホールの開放量を小さく止めたり、或いは逆にエアバッグ膨張用インフレータ作動時に拘束解除装置５０も拘束解除装置６０も作動させず、エアバッグ１１が全開形状よりも小さく展開するときにもベントホール１５からストラップ７１を取り去って該ベントホール１５の開放量を大きくするようにエアバッグ装置を制御してもよい。
【００３６】
さらに、本実施の形態では、一端がエアバッグ１１に接続されると共に他端が拘束解除装置６０を介してエアバッグ収納用コンテナ３０に連結され、且つ長手方向に所定以上の張力が加わると該一端側が断裂するよう構成されたストラップ７１によってベントホール１５が覆われており、エアバッグ膨張時に該拘束解除装置６０がストラップ７１とコンテナ３０との連結を継続すると該ストラップ７１が断裂して該ベントホール１５の開放量を増大させ、逆に該拘束解除装置６０がストラップ７１とコンテナ３０との連結を解除すると該ストラップ７１がベントホール１５を覆ったままコンテナ３０から離脱し、該ベントホール１５の開放量を小さく止めるように構成されているが、エアバッグの膨張形状に合わせてベントホールの開放量を変化させるための構成はこれに限られるものではない。
【００３７】
第１３，１４図は共に本発明の別の実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置１０Ｅのエアバッグ膨張時の斜視図であり、第１３図はベントホールの開放量が増大された状況を示し、第１４図は該ベントホールの開放量が小さく止められた状況を示している。なお、各図中、第１〜４図と同一の符号は同一の部分を示している。
【００３８】
このエアバッグ装置１０Ｅは、前述のエアバッグ装置１０と同様に、１対のサイドパネル１２とフロントパネル１３とから構成された助手席用エアバッグ１１Ｅと、前面側の開口（図示略）から内部に該エアバッグ１１Ｅの後部が連結されたコンテナ３０Ｅを備えている。左右のサイドパネル１２にはそれぞれベントホール１５が設けられている。
【００３９】
なお、本実施の形態において、このエアバッグ装置１０Ｅは、後述の通り、乗員の体が所定より小さい場合にはエアバッグ１１Ｅを全開形状よりも小さい形状に膨張させ、且つベントホール１５の開放量を大きくして比較的大きな流出速度にてエアバッグ内部のガスを流出させ、逆に乗員の体が所定よりも大きい場合には、エアバッグ１１Ｅを全開形状まで膨張させ、且つベントホール１５の開放量を小さくして比較的小さな流出速度にてエアバッグ内部のガスを流出させるように構成されている。
【００４０】
エアバッグ１１Ｅの上面１１ａと下面１１ｂとには、それぞれ該エアバッグ１１Ｅの膨張を拘束するための膨張拘束部材としてストラップ４１Ｅが取り付けられている。このストラップ４１Ｅは、その一端が該上面１１ａの途中又は下面１１ｂの途中に縫着等の結合手段により結合されており、その他端側はエアバッグ１１Ｅの後部側に延在されている。また、ストラップ４１Ｅの該他端側には、コンテナ３０Ｅに設置された拘束解除装置５０Ｅのストラップ連結部材としてのピン５１Ｅが差し込まれるピン係合部４２Ｅが設けられている。
【００４１】
このエアバッグ１１Ｅの左右の各ベントホール１５には、その開口を所定量だけ覆う幅を有したストラップ７１Ｅが取り付けられている。
【００４２】
各ストラップ７１Ｅの一端側は、前述のストラップ７１と同様に、ベントホール１５からエアバッグ１１Ｅ内に挿通され、サイドパネル１２のエアバッグ内側面に縫着等の結合手段により結合されている。また、各ストラップ７１Ｅの該一端側のサイドパネル１２との結合部分よりも他端寄りで且つベントホール１５からエアバッグ１１Ｅの外部に露出していない途中部分の幅方向の両縁部には１対の切欠き状のノッチ７３Ｅが設けられており、これにより、ストラップ７１Ｅは、その長手方向に所定張力が加わったときに該途中部分から断裂するように構成されている。
【００４３】
各ストラップ７１Ｅの他端側は、サイドパネル１２の外側面に沿ってエアバッグ１１Ｅの上面１１ａ又は下面１１ｂ側に引き回され、それぞれエアバッグ１１Ｅの後部側に延在されたストラップ４１Ｅの該他端側に逢着等の結合手段によって結合されている。これにより、ストラップ７１Ｅは、後述の通りストラップ４１Ｅがピン５１Ｅによりコンテナ３０Ｅに連結されているときには該ストラップ４１Ｅを介してコンテナ３０Ｅ側に引き留められ、拘束解除装置６０が作動してストラップ４１Ｅとコンテナ３０Ｅとの連結が解除されると該ストラップ４１Ｅと共にコンテナ３０Ｅから離脱可能となる。
【００４４】
エアバッグ１１Ｅは、前述のエアバッグ１１と同様、折り畳まれて各ストラップ４１Ｅ，７１Ｅともどもコンテナ３０Ｅ内に収容される。
【００４５】
コンテナ３０Ｅの上側及び下側の各側面には、エアバッグ１１Ｅと共に該コンテナ３０Ｅ内に収容された各ストラップ４１Ｅのピン係合部４２Ｅを該コンテナ３０Ｅの外部に引き出すための開口３１Ｅが設けられている。この開口３１Ｅの近傍には、該開口３１Ｅからコンテナ３０Ｅの外部に引き出されたストラップ４１Ｅのピン係合部４２Ｅに差し込まれるピン５１Ｅを有した拘束解除装置５０Ｅが設置されている。ピン５１Ｅは、ストラップ４１Ｅの開口３１Ｅからの引き出し方向と直交方向に延在している。このピン５１Ｅがピン係合部４２Ｅに差し込まれることにより、各ストラップ４１Ｅはコンテナ３０Ｅに連結され、エアバッグ１１Ｅの上面１１ａ又は下面１１ｂと該コンテナ３０Ｅとを結合してエアバッグ１１Ｅの前方への膨張を拘束する。
【００４６】
なお、この拘束解除装置５０Ｅは、前述のエアバッグ装置１０の拘束解除装置５０と同一のものであり、図示しない制御装置に接続され、該制御装置からの作動信号により作動してピン５１Ｅを退動させる。
【００４７】
エアバッグ１１Ｅを折り畳んでストラップ４１Ｅ，７１Ｅともどもコンテナ３０Ｅ内に収容し、次いでストラップ４１Ｅのピン係合部４２Ｅを開口３１Ｅからコンテナ３０Ｅの外部に引き出して該ピン係合部４２Ｅに拘束解除装置５０Ｅのピン５１Ｅを差し込んだ後、このコンテナ３０Ｅの前記開口部を覆うようにモジュールカバー（図示略）を装着することにより、エアバッグ装置１０Ｅが構成される。そして、このエアバッグ装置１０Ｅは、自動車の助手席用エアバッグ装置として適用され、自動車のインストルメントパネル（図示略）に設置される。
【００４８】
なお、このエアバッグ装置１０Ｅは、前述のエアバッグ装置１０と同様、車両の座席に座った乗員の体格を検出する体格検出装置（図示略）を備えた図示しない制御装置によって作動制御される。この制御装置は、車両衝突時等の緊急時には、コンテナ３０Ｅ内に設置されたエアバッグ膨張用のインフレータ（図示略）をガス噴出作動させる。エアバッグ１１Ｅは、このインフレータからの噴出ガスにより膨張し、前記モジュールカバーを押し開いて車両室内に展開する。
【００４９】
また、エアバッグ１１Ｅの膨張に際し、この制御装置は、前記体格検出装置からの検出値に基づき乗員の体が比較的小さいと判断したときには、前記エアバッグ膨張用インフレータのみを作動させ、拘束解除装置５０Ｅは作動させない。すると、ストラップ４１Ｅがピン５１Ｅを介してコンテナ３０Ｅに連結されたままとなり、エアバッグ１１Ｅは、該ストラップ４１Ｅによってその上面１１ａと下面１１ｂの前方への膨出が拘束され、全開形状よりも小さい第１３図に示すような形状に展開する。このとき、ストラップ７１Ｅは、その一端がストラップ４１Ｅと結合されているため、該ストラップ４１Ｅを介してコンテナ３０Ｅ側に引き留められる。このため、該ストラップ７１Ｅにはエアバッグ１１の膨張に伴って非常に大きな張力が加わるようになり、この張力が所定値以上となったときに該ストラップ７１Ｅは前記ノッチ７３Ｅから断裂し、ベントホール１５から抜け出して該ベントホール１５の開放量を増大させる。
【００５０】
一方、体格検出装置からの検出値に基づき乗員の体が比較的大きいと判断したときには、この制御装置は、前記エアバッグ膨張用インフレータと共に拘束解除装置５０Ｅを作動させる。すると、ピン５１Ｅが拘束解除装置５０Ｅの作動により退動してピン係合部４２Ｅから抜け出し、ストラップ４１Ｅがコンテナ３０Ｅとの連結を解除されるため、エアバッグ１１Ｅは該ストラップ４１Ｅによる上面１１ａと下面１１ｂの拘束が解除されて全開形状まで大きく展開する。このとき、ストラップ７１Ｅは、ベントホール１５を覆ったままストラップ４１Ｅと共にサイドパネル１２の膨出に伴ってコンテナ３０Ｅから離脱し、該ベントホール１５の開放量を小さく止める。
【００５１】
即ち、このように構成されたエアバッグ装置１０Ｅにあっても、乗員の体の大きさに合わせて確実にエアバッグ１１Ｅの大きさを変化させて常時乗員に対して適正な保護を与えることが可能であると共に、エアバッグ１１Ｅの膨張形状に合わせてベントホール１５の開放量も変化させることができ、エアバッグ１１Ｅは突っ込んできた乗員の体の大きさに合わせて適切にその運動エネルギーを吸収することが可能である。
【００５２】
また、このように構成されたエアバッグ装置１０Ｅでは、ベントホール１５を覆うストラップ７１Ｅはストラップ４１Ｅと連動し、該ストラップ４１Ｅを介してコンテナ３０Ｅ側に引き留められ、又はコンテナ３０Ｅから離脱可能となるため、拘束解除装置５０Ｅの他にストラップ７１Ｅをコンテナ３０Ｅに連結又は連結解除するための拘束解除装置等を別途設ける必要がなく、構成が非常に簡便である。
【００５３】
なお、上記実施の形態において、例えばエアバッグ装置１０では、ストラップ７１のエアバッグ１１と結合される側の端部近傍にノッチ７３を設け、エアバッグ１１が全開形状まで展開するときにはこのノッチ７３から断裂して該ストラップ７１がベントホール１５から抜け出すように構成しているが、このストラップ７１の断裂構造は任意である。また、例えば、ストラップ７１からノッチ７３のような断裂構造を省略し、所定張力により破断又は剥離するテアシームや接着剤等によりストラップ７１の該端部をエアバッグ１１に結合し、エアバッグ１１が全開形状まで展開するときにはこのテアシーム等によるストラップ７１とエアバッグ１１との接合が断裂して該ストラップ７１がベントホール１５から抜け出すように構成してもよい。
【００５４】
また、このエアバッグ装置１０では、エアバッグの膨張を拘束するための膨張拘束部材として、一端がエアバッグ１１の上面１１ａの途中又は下面１１ｂの途中に結合され、エアバッグ１１の後部側に延在された他端側に拘束解除装置５０のピン５１が差し込まれるピン係合部４２を有したストラップ４１を設けているが、該膨張拘束部材の構成や取付位置等はこれに限られるものではない。
【００５５】
例えば、第５図に示すエアバッグ装置１０Ａのように、エアバッグ１１Ａの上面１１ａと下面１１ｂとに、それぞれ膨張拘束部材として、一端が該上面１１ａの途中又は下面１１ｂの途中に結合され、他端が該上面１１ａの後端又は下面１１ｂの後端に結合されると共に、その途中に拘束解除装置５０のピン５１が差し込まれるピン係合部４２Ａを有したストラップ４１Ａをエアバッグの膨張拘束部材として設けてもよい。このピン係合部４２Ａは、ストラップ４１Ａの途中の離隔した一部同士を互いに縫着等の結合手段により結合し、ループ状に短絡してなるものである。このエアバッグ装置１０Ａのその他の構成並びに作動態様は前述のエアバッグ装置１０と全く同様のものである。
【００５６】
なお、第５図は本発明の別の実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置１１Ａのエアバッグが全開形状に展開したときの斜視図であり、図中、第１〜４図と同一の符号は同一の部分を示している。
【００５７】
このようなストラップ４１Ａをエアバッグの膨張拘束部材とした場合には、エアバッグ膨張時に拘束解除装置５０が作動してピン係合部４２Ａとピン５１との係合が解除され、ストラップ４１Ａがエアバッグ１１の膨張に伴ってコンテナ３０の外に飛び出しても、該ストラップ４１Ａがバタついたりすることがない。
【００５８】
また、第６図に示すストラップ４１Ｂは、一端がエアバッグに結合され、エアバッグの後部側に延在された他端側には各種の紐やワイヤ等の線状体よりなるリング４３が取り付けられており、このリング４３を拘束解除装置のピン等のストラップ連結部材に引掛けて該ストラップとコンテナとを連結するようにしたエアバッグの膨張拘束部材である。
【００５９】
さらに、第９図に示すストラップ４１Ｄは、両端部にピン係合部４２Ｄを有し、エアバッグ１１Ｄの前面並びに左右両側面を引き回され、該両端部がこのエアバッグ１１Ｄの後部側の左右に配置されたものであり、該ピン係合部４２Ｄが図示しない拘束解除装置のピン等のストラップ拘束部材と係合することにより、エアバッグ膨張時には、該エアバッグ１１Ｄを引きしぼるようにその膨張を拘束するように構成されている。
【００６０】
なお、膨張拘束部材によるエアバッグの膨張の拘束を継続させ或いは拘束を解除させるための拘束解除装置等の構成も前記実施の形態のものに限られない。
【００６１】
第７図は、実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置１０Ｃの斜視図であり、エアバッグが拘束部材により膨張を拘束されている状況を示している。なお、第７図中、第１〜５図と同一の符号は同一の部分を示している。
【００６２】
このエアバッグ装置１０Ｃは、前述のエアバッグ装置１０等と同様に、１対のサイドパネル１２とフロントパネル１３とから構成された助手席用エアバッグ１１Ｃと、前面側の開口（図示略）から内部に該エアバッグ１１Ｃの後部が連結されたコンテナ３０Ｃを備えている。
【００６３】
エアバッグ１１Ｃの上面１１ａと下面１１ｂとには、それぞれ各種の紐又はワイヤからなるリング４５が掛通されたフラップ４４が取り付けられている。
【００６４】
また、このエアバッグ１１Ｃの左右のサイドパネル１２にはベントホール１５が設けられており、各ベントホール１５には、その開口を所定量だけ覆う幅を有したストラップ７１Ｃが取り付けられている。
【００６５】
このストラップ７１Ｃは、前述のストラップ７１等と同様に、その一端側がベントホール１５からエアバッグ１１内に挿通され、サイドパネル１２のエアバッグ内側面に縫着等の結合手段により結合されており、その他端側は、該サイドパネル１２の外側面に沿ってエアバッグ１１Ｃの後部側へ延在されている。また、このストラップ７１Ｃの該一端側のサイドパネル１２との結合部分よりも他端寄りで且つベントホール１５からエアバッグ１１Ｃの外部に露出していない途中部分の幅方向の両縁部には１対の切欠き状のノッチ７３Ｃが設けられており、これにより、ストラップ７１Ｃは、その長手方向に所定張力が加わったときに該途中部分から断裂するように構成されている。
【００６６】
このストラップ７１Ｃの該他端側には、各種の紐又はワイヤ等からなる小リング７４が取り付けられている。
【００６７】
エアバッグ１１Ｃは、前述のエアバッグ１１等と同様、折り畳まれてコンテナ３０Ｃ内に収容される。また、リング４５及びストラップ７１Ｃもこのエアバッグ１１Ｃと共にコンテナ３０Ｃ内に収容される。
【００６８】
コンテナ３０Ｃの上側及び下側の各側面には、エアバッグ１１Ｃと共に該コンテナ内に収容されたリング４５を外部に引き出すための開口３１Ｃが設けられている。この開口３１Ｃの近傍には、該開口３１Ｃからコンテナ３０Ｃの外部に引き出されたリング４５が引掛かるフック８１を有した拘束解除装置８０が設置されている。リング４５は、このフック８１に引掛かってエアバッグ１１Ｃの上面１１ａ又は下面１１ｂをコンテナ３０Ｃに係止し、膨張時のエアバッグ１１Ｃの前方への膨出を拘束する。
【００６９】
第８図は、本実施の形態における拘束解除装置８０の機構を示す概略図である。図示の通り、この拘束解除装置８０において、フック８１は、開口３１Ｃから引き出されたリング４５に対し軸８２を回動中心として回動し、リング引掛姿勢とリング引掛解除姿勢とをとりうるようになっており、且つ常時図示しない回動付勢手段によって引掛け解除方向に付勢されている。また、フック８１には回動阻止片８３が設けられており、この回動阻止片８３がシア８４と係合することによりフック８１がリング引掛姿勢を維持するようになっている。なお、このシア８４は、図示しない制御装置に接続されたトリガー８５の作動により該回動阻止片８３との係合を解除するように構成されており、該トリガー８５は、該制御装置からの作動信号により作動する。トリガー８５が作動してシア８４と回動阻止片８３との係合が解除されると、フック８１は前記付勢手段の付勢力により回動してリング引掛解除姿勢となる（以下、該制御装置からトリガー８５に作動信号が入力され、フック８１がリング引掛解除姿勢となるまでの一連の作動を拘束解除装置８０の作動と称する。）。
【００７０】
また、コンテナ３０Ｃの左右の各側面には、エアバッグ１１Ｃと共に該コンテナ内に収容された各ストラップ７１Ｃの小リング７４を外部に引き出すための開口３２Ｃが設けられている。この開口３２Ｃの近傍には、該開口から引き出された小リング７４が引掛かるフック９１を有した拘束解除装置９０が設置されている。リング７４はこのフック９１に引掛かってストラップ７１Ｃの端部をコンテナ３０Ｃに連結する。この拘束解除装置９０は、前記拘束解除装置８０と同様の構成を有している。即ち、フック９１はリング引掛姿勢と引掛解除姿勢とをとりうるようになっており、拘束解除装置９０は、図示しない制御装置からの作動信号により作動して該フック９１をリング引掛姿勢から引掛解除姿勢へと移行させる。
【００７１】
エアバッグ１１Ｃを折り畳んでリング４５及びストラップ７１Ｃともどもコンテナ３０内に収容し、次いで各リング４５及びストラップ７１Ｃの小リング７４をそれぞれ開口３１Ｃ，３２Ｃからコンテナ３０Ｃの外部に引き出して拘束解除装置８０，９０のリング引掛姿勢のフック８１，９１に引掛けた後、このコンテナ３０Ｃの前記開口部を覆うようにモジュールカバー（図示略）を装着することにより、エアバッグ装置１０Ｃが構成される。そして、このエアバッグ装置１０Ｃは、自動車の助手席用エアバッグ装置として適用され、自動車のインストルメントパネル（図示略）に設置される。
【００７２】
なお、このエアバッグ装置１０Ｃも、前述のエアバッグ装置１０等と同様、車両の座席に座った乗員の体格を検出する体格検出装置（図示略）を備えた図示しない制御装置によって作動制御される。この制御装置は、車両衝突時等の緊急時には、コンテナ３０Ｃ内に設置されたエアバッグ膨張用のインフレータ（図示略）をガス噴出作動させる。エアバッグ１１Ｃは、このインフレータからの噴出ガスにより膨張し、前記モジュールカバーを押し開いて車両室内に展開する。
【００７３】
また、エアバッグ１１Ｃの膨張に際し、この制御装置は、前記体格検出装置からの検出値から乗員の体が比較的小さいと判断したときには、前記エアバッグ膨張用インフレータと共に拘束解除装置９０を作動させ、且つ拘束解除装置８０は作動させない。すると、リング４５がフック８１に引掛かったままとなり、エアバッグ１１Ｃは、該リング４５によってその上面１１ａと下面１１ｂの前方への膨出が拘束されるため、全開形状よりも小さい形状に展開する。このとき、ストラップ７１Ｃは、リング７４がフック９１から外れるため、ベントホール１５を覆ったままサイドパネル１２に張り付いてコンテナ３０から離脱し、該ベントホール１５の開放量を小さく止める。
【００７４】
一方、体格検出装置からの検出値から乗員の体が比較的大きいと判断したときには、この制御装置は前記エアバッグ膨張用インフレータと共に拘束解除装置８０を作動させ、且つ拘束解除装置９０は作動させない。すると、リング４５がフック８１から外れ、該リング４５による上面１１ａと下面１１ｂの拘束が解除されるため、エアバッグ１１Ｃはその全開形状まで大きく展開する。このとき、小リング７４はフック９１に引掛かったままとなっており、一端が前方へ膨出するサイドパネル１２に結合され、他端が該小リング７４を介してコンテナ３０に連結された状態のストラップ７１Ｃには非常に大きな張力が加えられる。そして、ストラップ７１Ｃは、この張力が所定値以上となったときに前記ノッチ７３Ｃから断裂してベントホール１５から抜け出し、該ベントホール１５を開放する。
【００７５】
即ち、このように構成されたエアバッグ装置１０Ｃにあっても、乗員の体の大きさに合わせて確実にエアバッグ１１Ｃの大きさを変化させることができ、常時乗員に対して適正な保護を与えることが可能である。また、このエアバッグ装置１０Ｃでも、エアバッグ１１Ｃの膨張形状に合わせてベントホール１５の開放量が変化するため、エアバッグ１１Ｃは突っ込んできた乗員の体の大きさに合わせてきわめてスムーズにその運動エネルギーを吸収することができる。
【００７６】
なお、この実施の形態では、拘束解除装置８０のフック８１に引掛かるリング４５は、フラップ４４を介してエアバッグ１１Ｃの上面１１ａ及び下面１１ｂに取り付けられているが、該リングをエアバッグに取り付けるための部材の構成はこれに限られず、またエアバッグが十分な強度を有するものであれば、例えば図示はしないが該上面１１ａ及び下面１１ｂにリング掛通用の孔を設け、該孔にリング４５を掛通して直接的にエアバッグ１１Ｃに取り付けるように構成してもよい。
【００７７】
上述の実施の形態では、各エアバッグ装置は自動車の助手席用乗員保護装置として構成されているが、本発明のエアバッグ装置は、例えば自動車の運転席用乗員保護装置やその他各種の人体保護装置として適用できる。
【００７８】
以下に、第１０，１１図を参照して本発明のエアバッグ装置の他の用途への適用について説明する。第１０図は、自動車の運転席用乗員保護装置として適用された本発明の実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置のエアバッグ部分の分解斜視図であり、第１１図（ａ）はこのエアバッグ装置において膨張拘束状態でエアバッグが展開したときの断面図、第１１図（ｂ）は該エアバッグが全開形状に展開したときの断面図である。
【００７９】
エアバッグ装置１１０は、自動車のステアリングに設置されるものであり、運転席用エアバッグ１１１を備えている。このエアバッグ１１１は、それぞれ円形の布等よりなるフロントパネル１１１ａ及びリアパネル１１１ｂの周縁部同士を縫い合わせることにより袋体状に構成されている。このエアバッグ１１１は、車両に設置された際に、フロントパネル１１１ａが乗員に対面し、リアパネル１１１ｂがその反対側においてリテーナ１３０に対し押え部材１３２等により連結されるものとなっている。このエアバッグ１１１はリテーナ１３０に設けられたインフレータ１３１からのガスによって膨張する。
【００８０】
リアパネル１１１ｂの中央付近にはインフレータ用の開口１１２が設けられている。このリアパネル１１１ｂの開口１１２の周縁部には、エアバッグ１１１をリテーナ１３０に取り付けるためのボルト等が挿通される挿通孔１１３が設けられている。
【００８１】
このエアバッグ１１１の内部には、円形のインナパネル１２０が設けられている。このインナパネル１２０は、その周縁部がフロントパネル１１１ａの内周面に縫着等の結合手段により結合されている。また、このインナパネル１２０の中央付近には、リアパネル１１１ｂの開口１１２からエアバッグ１１１内に挿入されたインフレータ１３１の周りを囲む開口１２１が設けられており、この開口１２１の周縁部にはストラップ挿通部１２３が形成されている。さらに、このインナパネル１２０には、エアバッグ１１１内のガスの移動・流通を保証するための通気孔１２２が設けられている。
【００８２】
インナパネルの該挿通部１２３にはストラップ１４０が挿通されている。このストラップ１４０は、その両端側がリアパネル１１１ｂに設けられた開口１１４からエアバッグ１１１の外部に引き出されている。このストラップ１４０の該両端には、それぞれエアバッグ１１１の外部に設置された拘束解除装置１５０の先端から突出した退動可能なピン１５１が差し込まれるピン係合部１４１が設けられている。
【００８３】
拘束解除装置１５０は、前述の拘束解除装置５０と同様の構成を有したものであり、図示しない制御装置に接続され、該制御装置からの作動信号により作動してその先端から突き出たピン１５１を退動させる。
【００８４】
インナパネル１２０は、挿通部１２３に挿通されたストラップ１４０の両端がリアパネル１１１ｂの開口１１４からエアバッグ１１１の外部に引き出され、該両端のピン係合部１４１とピン１５１とが係合することにより、その中央部が該ストラップ１４０によってリアパネル１１１ｂから離反不能に引き留められた状態となる。
【００８５】
エアバッグ１１１を押え部材１３２を介してボルト等によりリテーナ１３０に連結すると共に、該エアバッグ内部のインナパネル１２０の挿通部１２３に挿通されたストラップ１４０の両端側をリアパネル１１１ｂの開口１１４から外部に引き出し、該両端のピン係合部を拘束解除装置１５０のピン１５１と係合させた後、このエアバッグ１１１を折り畳んでモジュールカバー（図示略）で覆うことによりエアバッグ装置１１０が構成される。
【００８６】
なお、このエアバッグ装置１１０も、車両の座席に座った乗員の体格（体の大小）を検出する体格検出装置（図示略）を備えた図示しない制御装置によって作動制御される。この制御装置は、車両衝突時等の緊急時には、インフレータ１３１をガス噴出作動させる。エアバッグ１１１は、このインフレータ１３１からの噴出ガスにより膨張し、前記モジュールカバーを押し開いて車両室内に展開する。
【００８７】
また、エアバッグ１１１の膨張に際し、この制御装置は、前記体格検出装置からの検出値に基づき乗員の体が比較的小さいと判断したときには、前記インフレータ１３１のみを作動させ、拘束解除装置１５０は作動させない。すると、ストラップ１４０の両端のピン係合部１４１とピン１５１とが係合したままとなり、このストラップ１４０によってインナパネル１２０の中央部分がリアパネル１１１ｂから離反しないよう強く引き留められる。このため、インナパネル１２０の外側の周縁部と結合したエアバッグ１１１のフロントパネル１１１ａは、このインナパネル１２０によって前方への膨出を拘束され、全開形状よりも小さい第１１図（ａ）に示すような形状に展開する。
【００８８】
一方、体格検出装置からの検出値から乗員の体が比較的大きいと判断したときには、この制御装置は、前記インフレータ１３１と共に拘束解除装置１５０を作動させる。すると、ピン１５１が拘束解除装置１５０の作動により退動してピン係合部１４１から抜け出し、ストラップ１４１は、その両端側が解放されてインナパネル１２０をリアパネル１１１ｂに引き留めようとしなくなる。このため、インナパネル１２０の周縁部と結合したフロントパネル１１１ａが該インナパネル１２０により拘束されることなく膨出できるようになり、エアバッグ１１１は第１１図（ｂ）に示すような全開形状まで大きく展開する。
【００８９】
このように構成されたエアバッグ装置１１０にあっても、乗員の体の大きさに合わせて確実にエアバッグ１１１の大きさを変化させることができ、常時乗員に対して適正な保護を与えることが可能である。
【００９０】
第１２図は、運転席用乗員保護装置の参考例に係るエアバッグ装置の構成を示す説明図である。なお、第１２図（ａ）はこのエアバッグ装置において膨張拘束状態でエアバッグが展開したときの断面図であり、第１２図（ｂ）はこのエアバッグが全開形状まで展開したときの断面図である。
【００９１】
このエアバッグ装置２１０は、前述のエアバッグ装置１１０と同様、それぞれ円形のフロントパネル２１１ａとリアパネル２１１ｂの周縁部を縫着等の結合手段により結合してなる運転席用エアバッグ２１１を備えている。このエアバッグ２１０も、車両に設置された際に、フロントパネル２１１ａが乗員に対面し、リアパネル２１１ｂがその反対側においてリテーナ２３０に対し押え部材２３２等を介して連結される。このリテーナ２３０には、制御装置からの作動信号によりガス噴出作動してエアバッグ２１１にガスを供給するインフレータ２３１が取り付けられている。
【００９２】
エアバッグ２１１の内部にはストラップ２４０が延設されている。このストラップ２４０の一端側はフロントパネル２１１ａに結合されている。また、このストラップ２４０の他端側にはリング２４１が取り付けられており、このリング２４１を介して該他端側がリテーナ２３０に設置された拘束解除装置２８０に連結されている。
【００９３】
この拘束解除装置２８０は、前述の拘束解除装置８０等と同様の構成を有している。即ち、この拘束解除装置２８０は、リング引掛姿勢と引掛解除姿勢とをとりうるフック２８１を有し、制御装置からの作動信号によりこのフック２８１を該リング引掛姿勢から引掛解除姿勢へと移行させるものである。ストラップ２４０は、その他端側のリング２４１がこのフック２８１に引掛かることにより、エアバッグ膨張時のフロントパネル２１１ａの前方への膨出を拘束する。
【００９４】
なお、第１２図では拘束解除装置２８０はエアバッグ２１１の内部において押え部材２３２の上部に設置されるように図示されているが、この拘束解除装置２８０の設置形態は任意である。例えば、この拘束解除装置２８０をエアバッグ２１１の外部に設置すると共にリアパネル２１１ｂにストラップ挿通用の開口を設け、ストラップ２４０の他端側を該開口からエアバッグ外部に引き出した後、拘束解除装置２８０のフック２８１に引掛けてもよい。
【００９５】
なお、このエアバッグ装置２１０も、車両の座席に座った乗員の体格（体の大小）を検出する体格検出装置（図示略）を備えた図示しない制御装置によって作動制御される。そして、この制御装置は、車両衝突時等の緊急時にはインフレータ２３１をガス噴出作動させる。エアバッグ２１１は、このインフレータ２３１からの噴出ガスにより膨張し、前記モジュールカバーを押し開いて車両室内に展開する。
【００９６】
また、エアバッグ２１１の膨張に際し、この制御装置は、前記体格検出装置からの検出値に基づき乗員の体が比較的小さいと判断したときには、前記インフレータ２３１のみを作動させ、拘束解除装置２８０は作動させない。すると、ストラップ２４０のリング２４１がフック２８１に引掛かったままとなり、このストラップ２４０によってフロントパネル２１１ａの前方への膨出が拘束されるため、エアバッグ２１１は、全開形状よりも小さい第１２図（ａ）に示すような形状に展開する。
【００９７】
一方、体格検出装置からの検出値から乗員の体が比較的大きいと判断したときには、この制御装置は、前記インフレータ２３１と共に拘束解除装置２８０を作動させる。すると、拘束解除装置２８０の作動によりフック２８１がリング引掛解除姿勢となり、ストラップ２４０のリング２４１が該フック２８１から外れる。このため、フロントパネル２１１ａが該ストラップ２４０によって拘束されることなく膨出できるようになり、エアバッグ２１１は第１２図（ｂ）に示すような全開形状まで大きく展開する。
【００９８】
このように構成されたエアバッグ装置２１０にあっても、乗員の体の大きさに合わせて確実にエアバッグ２１１の大きさを変化させることができ、常時乗員に対して適正な保護を与えることが可能である。
【００９９】
なお、上述の各実施の形態では、エアバッグ装置は、乗員の体の大小を一つの所定値（閾値）に基づいて判別し、乗員の体が閾値よりも大きいときにはエアバッグを全開形状まで膨張させ、閾値よりも小さいときには全開形状よりも一段小さい形状に膨張させるように構成されているが、本発明のエアバッグ装置においては、乗員の体の大きさを判別する基準としての閾値が複数設定されてもよく、これに合わせて、エアバッグが全開形状か又は該全開形状よりも小さい複数のサイズに膨張できるように構成されてもよい。
【０１００】
エアバッグを全開形状か又は該全開形状よりも小さい複数のサイズに膨張させるための構成としては、例えば、数種類の長さの異なるストラップ等、拘束時のエアバッグの膨張形状が異なる複数の膨張拘束部材と、各膨張拘束部材によるエアバッグの膨張の拘束を解除又は継続させるための複数の拘束解除装置とを設けることにより様々な形状にエアバッグの膨張を拘束するようにした構成や、次の第１５〜１７図に示すエアバッグ装置３１０のように、１つの膨張拘束部材でエアバッグの膨張を全開形状よりも小さい複数の大きさに止めるようにした構成などが挙げられる。
【０１０１】
第１５〜１７図は、実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置３１０のエアバッグ膨張時の斜視図であり、それぞれ、乗員の体の大きさが比較的小さいとき、乗員の体の大きさが中位のとき、並びに乗員の体の大きさが比較的大きいときの作動状況を示している。
【０１０２】
このエアバッグ装置３１０は、前述のエアバッグ装置１０等と同様に、１対のサイドパネル３１２とフロントパネル３１３とから構成された助手席用エアバッグ３１１と、前面側の開口（図示略）から内部に該エアバッグ３１１の後部が連結されたコンテナ３３０を備えている。左右のサイドパネル３１２にはそれぞれベントホール３１５が設けられている。
【０１０３】
なお、本実施の形態において、このエアバッグ装置３１０は、後述の通り、乗員の体が比較的大きいときにはエアバッグ３１１を全開形状まで膨張させ、乗員の体の大きさが中位のときにはエアバッグ３１１を全開形状よりも一段小さい形状に膨張させ、乗員の体が比較的小さいときにはエアバッグ３１１を全開形状よりもさらにもう一段小さい形状に膨張させるようになっている。
【０１０４】
また、このエアバッグ装置３１０は、エアバッグ３１１が全開形状よりも小さい形状に膨張するときにはベントホール３１５の開放量を大きくして比較的大きな流出速度にてエアバッグ内部のガスを流出させ、逆にエアバッグ３１１が全開形状まで膨張するときにはベントホール３１５の開放量を小さくして比較的小さな流出速度にてエアバッグ内部のガスを流出させるように構成されている。
【０１０５】
エアバッグ３１１の上面３１１ａと下面３１１ｂとには、それぞれ該エアバッグ３１１の膨張を拘束するための膨張拘束部材としてストラップ３４０が取り付けられている。このストラップ３４０は、その一端が該上面３１１ａの途中又は下面３１１ｂの途中に縫着等の結合手段により結合されており、その他端側はエアバッグ３１１の後部側に延在されている。
【０１０６】
ストラップ３４０途中には、コンテナ３３０に設置された第１の拘束解除装置３５０Ａのストラップ連結部材としてのピン３５１Ａが差し込まれる第１のピン係合部３４１が設けられている。また、ストラップ３４０の該他端（以下、ストラップ３４０の該他端をストラップ３４０の「後端」という。）側には、同じくコンテナ３３０に設置された第２の拘束解除装置３５０Ｂのピン３５１Ｂが差し込まれる第２のピン係合部３４２が設けられている。ストラップ３４０は、第１のピン係合部３４１にピン３５１Ａが差し込まれることによりその途中部分がコンテナ３３０に連結され、第２のピン係合部３４２にピン３５１Ｂが差し込まれることによりその後端がコンテナ３３０に連結される。
【０１０７】
また、ベントホール３１５には、その開口を所定量だけ覆う幅を有したストラップ３７１が取り付けられている。このストラップ３７１は、その一端側がベントホール３１５からエアバッグ３１１内に挿通され、サイドパネル３１２のエアバッグ内側面に縫着等の結合手段により結合されており、その他端側は、該サイドパネル３１２の外側面に沿ってエアバッグ３１１の後部側へ延在されている。このストラップ３７１の該一端側のサイドパネル３１２との結合部分よりも他端寄りで且つベントホール３１５からエアバッグ３１１の外部に露出していない途中部分の幅方向の両縁部には１対の切欠き状のノッチ３７３（第１７図）が設けられており、これにより、ストラップ３７１は、その長手方向に所定張力が加わったときに該途中部分から断裂するように構成されている。また、ストラップ３７１の該他端（以下、ストラップ３７１の該他端をストラップ３７１の「後端」という。）には、コンテナ３３０に設置された拘束解除装置３６０のピン３６１が差し込まれるピン係合部３７２が設けられている。ストラップ３７１は、該ピン係合部３７２にピン３６１が差し込まれることによりその後端がコンテナ３３０に連結される。
【０１０８】
エアバッグ３１１は、折り畳まれて各ストラップ３４０，３７１ともどもコンテナ３３０内に収容される。
【０１０９】
コンテナ３３０の上側及び下側の各側面には、エアバッグ３１１と共に該コンテナ３３０内に収容されたストラップ３４０の途中の第１のピン係合部３４１を該コンテナ３３０の外部に引き出すための開口３３１と、第２のピン係合部３４２を該コンテナ３３０の外部に引き出すための開口３３２とが設けられている。各開口３３１，３３２の近傍には、それぞれ該開口からコンテナ３３０の外部に引き出されたピン係合部３４１，３４２に差し込まれるストラップ連結部材としてのピン３５１Ａ，３５１Ｂを有する拘束解除装置３５０Ａ，３５０Ｂが設置されている。これらのピン３５１Ａ，３５１Ｂは、それぞれ先端側が拘束解除装置３５０Ａ，３５０Ｂから突出し、ストラップ３４０の各開口３３１，３３２からの引き出し方向と直交方向に延在している。
【０１１０】
なお、各拘束解除装置３５０Ａ，３５０Ｂは、前述のエアバッグ装置１０の拘束解除装置５０等と同一のものであり、それぞれ図示しない制御装置に接続されており、エアバッグ膨張時に該制御装置から作動信号が入力されると作動してピン３５１Ａ，３５１Ｂを退動させる。そして、ピン３５１Ａ，３５１Ｂが退動すると、これらが第１のピン係合部３４１や第２のピン係合部３４２から抜け出し、ストラップ３４０の途中部分又は後端部のコンテナ３３０への連結が解除される。
【０１１１】
また、コンテナ３３０の左右の各側面には、エアバッグ３１１と共に該コンテナ３３０内に収容されたストラップ３７１のピン係合部３７２を該コンテナ外部に引き出すための開口３３３が設けられている。この開口３３３の近傍には、該開口から引き出されたピン係合部３７２に差し込まれるストラップ連結部材としてのピン３６１を有する拘束解除装置３６０が設置されている。この拘束解除装置３６０は、前記拘束解除装置３５０と同様の構成を有しており、ピン３６１も、ピン３５１と同様、その先端側が該拘束解除装置３６０から突出してストラップ３７１の開口３３３からの引き出し方向と直交方向に延在している。また、この拘束解除装置３６０も前記図示しない制御装置に接続されており、エアバッグ膨張時に該制御装置から作動信号が入力されると、ピン３６１を退動させてピン係合部３６１から抜け出させる。ピン３６１がピン係合部３７２から抜け出すと、ストラップ３７０の後端部のコンテナ３３０への連結が解除される。
【０１１２】
エアバッグ３１１を折り畳んでストラップ３４０，３７１ともどもコンテナ３３０内に収容し、次いでストラップ３４０のピン係合部３４１，３４２をそれぞれ開口３３１，３３２からコンテナ外部に引き出し、これらに対しそれぞれ拘束解除装置３５０Ａ，３５０Ｂのピン３５１Ａ，３５１Ｂを差し込むと共に、ストラップ３７１のピン係合部３７２を開口３３３からコンテナ外部に引き出してこのピン係合部７２に拘束解除装置３６０のピン３６１を差し込んだ後、このコンテナ３３０の前記開口部を覆うようにモジュールカバー（図示略）を装着することにより、エアバッグ装置３１０が構成される。そして、このエアバッグ装置３１０は、自動車の助手席用エアバッグ装置として適用され、自動車のインストルメントパネル（図示略）に設置される。
【０１１３】
このエアバッグ装置３１０は、前述のエアバッグ装置１０等と同様、車両の座席に座った乗員の体の大きさを検出する体格検出装置（図示略）を備えた図示しない制御装置によって作動制御される。本実施の形態では、この制御装置は、予め設定された２つ閾値と該体格検出装置の検出値とを比較して乗員の体の大きさを判別し、該乗員の体の大きさに合わせてエアバッグ３１１の膨張形状を３段階に変化させる。
【０１１４】
詳しくは、この制御装置は、該体格検出装置の検出値が所定の第１の閾値よりも大きいときには乗員の体が比較的大きいと判断してエアバッグ３１１を全開形状まで大きく膨張させ、また、該検出値が所定の第２の閾値よりも小さいときには乗員の体が比較的小さいと判断してエアバッグ３１１の膨張形状を全開形状よりもずっと小さく止めるようにする。さらに、この制御装置は、該体格検出装置の検出値が該第１の閾値と第２の閾値との間にあるときには乗員の体の大きさが中位であると判断してエアバッグ３１１を全開形状よりも幾分小さい形状に膨張させる。
【０１１５】
以下に、この制御装置による緊急時のエアバッグ装置３３０の作動制御手順について説明する。
【０１１６】
車両衝突時等の緊急時には、該制御装置がコンテナ３３０内に設置されたエアバッグ膨張用のインフレータ（図示略）をガス噴出作動させる。エアバッグ３１１は、このインフレータからの噴出ガスにより膨張し、前記モジュールカバーを押し開いて車両室内に展開する。
【０１１７】
エアバッグ３１１の膨張に際し、この制御装置は、前記体格検出装置の検出値に基づき乗員の体が比較的小さいと判断したときには、前記エアバッグ膨張用インフレータのみを作動させ、各拘束解除装置３５０Ａ，３５０Ｂ及び拘束解除装置３６０は作動させない。このようにすると、ストラップ３４０は、その途中部分がピン３５１Ａを介してコンテナ３３０に連結されたままとなり、見かけ上、長さが短いストラップとしてエアバッグ３１１とコンテナ３３０とを結合し続けるため、エアバッグ３１１は該ストラップ３４０によってきつく拘束され、該エアバッグ３１１の膨張は第１５図に示すような全開形状よりも二回りほど小さい形状に止まる。またこのとき、ストラップ３７１もその後端がコンテナ３３０に連結されたままとなり、該ストラップ３７１にはエアバッグ３１１の膨張に伴って非常に大きな張力が加わるようになる。そして、ストラップ３７１は、この張力が所定値以上となったときに前記ノッチ３７３から断裂し、ベントホール３１５から抜け出して該ベントホール３１５の開放量を増大させる。
【０１１８】
また、前記体格検出装置の検出値に基づき乗員の体の大きさが中位であると判断したときには、この制御装置は、前記エアバッグ膨張用インフレータと共に拘束解除装置３５０Ａを作動させ、且つ他の拘束解除装置３５０Ｂ，３６０は作動させない。このようにすると、ストラップ３４０は、その後端側はピン３５１Ｂを介してコンテナ３３０に連結されたままとなっているが、その途中部分は連結が解除されてコンテナ３３０から抜け出すため、前述のケースよりも長めのストラップとして比較的緩やかにエアバッグ３１１を拘束する。このため、該エアバッグ３１１は、第１６図に示すような全開形状よりも一回りほど小さい形状に膨張する。なお、このときも、ストラップ３７１はその後端がコンテナ３３０に連結されたままとなり、該ストラップ３７１にはエアバッグ３１１の膨張に伴って非常に大きな張力が加わるようになる。そして、ストラップ３７１は、この張力が所定値以上となったときに前記ノッチ３７３から断裂し、ベントホール３１５から抜け出して該ベントホール３１５の開放量を増大させる。
【０１１９】
そしてさらに、前記体格検出装置の検出値に基づき乗員の体が比較的大きいと判断したときには、該制御装置は、前記エアバッグ膨張用インフレータと共にすべての拘束解除装置を作動させる。このようにすると、ストラップ３４０はコンテナ３３０への連結を完全に解除されて該コンテナ３３０から離脱するため、エアバッグ３１１は、第１７図に示すように、該ストラップ３４０による拘束を全く受けずに全開形状まで大きく膨張する。一方、ストラップ３７１は、コンテナ３３０の連結を解除され、ベントホール３１５を覆ったままコンテナ３３０から離脱し、該ベントホール３１５の開放量を小さく止める。
【０１２０】
このように構成されたエアバッグ装置３３０では、膨張時のエアバッグ３１１の大きさを乗員の体の大きさに応じて細かく変化させることができるため、より適切な乗員保護能力を発現させることが可能である。
【０１２１】
なお、本発明のエアバッグ装置は、上記のような構成に加え、エアバッグ膨張用のインフレータの出力を調節する各種のインフレータ出力調節機構を備えてもよく、エアバッグの膨張形状やベントホールの開放量と共に乗員の体の大きさに合わせてインフレータの出力も調節することにより、乗員に対し一層適切な保護を与えることができるようになる。
【０１２２】
また、本発明のエアバッグ装置では、乗員の体の大きさだけでなく、車両衝突時の衝突速度や衝突エネルギーの大きさ等にも鑑みてエアバッグの大きさを変化させるようにしてもよい。
【０１２３】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述した通り、本発明のエアバッグ装置によると、緊急時には保護すべき人体の体の大きさに合わせて確実にエアバッグの形状を変化させ、常に適正な人体保護能力を発現することが可能となる。また、本発明のエアバッグ装置では、エアバッグにベントホールを設け、エアバッグの形状の変化に合わせてこのベントホールの開放量も変化させるように構成することができ、これにより、エアバッグに突っ込んできた乗員の運動エネルギーをその体の大きさに合わせてスムーズに吸収することが可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置１０の分解斜視図である。
【図２】第１図のエアバッグ装置１０のエアバッグが膨張拘束状態で展開したときの斜視図である。
【図３】第１図のエアバッグ装置１０のエアバッグが全開形状まで展開したときの斜視図である。
【図４】第１図のエアバッグ装置１０の拘束解除装置５０の構成を示す説明図である。
【図５】エアバッグ装置１０の膨張拘束部材の変形例を示す斜視図である。
【図６】実施の形態に係る膨張拘束部材の要部斜視図である。
【図７】実施の形態に係るエアバッグとこのエアバッグの膨張拘束部材の斜視図である。
【図８】本発明の別の実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置１０Ｃの斜視図である。
【図９】第８図のエアバッグ装置１０Ｃの拘束解除装置８０の構成図である。
【図１０】本発明の実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置１１０のエアバッグ部分の分解斜視図である。
【図１１】第１０図のエアバッグ装置のエアバッグ膨張時の状況を示す図である。
【図１２】実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置２１０のエアバッグ膨張時の状況を示す図である。
【図１３】実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置１０Ｅのエアバッグが膨張拘束状態で展開したときの斜視図である。
【図１４】第１３図のエアバッグ装置１０Ｅのエアバッグが全開形状まで展開したときの斜視図である。
【図１５】実施の形態に係るエアバッグ装置３３０のエアバッグがきつく拘束された状態で膨張したときの斜視図である。
【図１６】第１５図のエアバッグ装置３３０のエアバッグが緩やかに拘束された状態で膨張したときの斜視図である。
【図１７】第１５図のエアバッグ装置３３０のエアバッグが全開形状まで展開したときの斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１０，１０Ａ，１０Ｃ，１０Ｅ，１１０，２１０，３３０エアバッグ装置
１１，１１Ａ，１１Ｃ，１１Ｄ，１１Ｅ，１１１，２１１，３１１エアバッグ
３０，３０Ｃ，３０Ｅ，１３０，２３０，３３０コンテナ
４１，４１Ａ，４１Ｂ，４１Ｄ，４１Ｅ，１４０，２４０，３４０ストラップ
４２，４２Ａ，４２Ｄ，４２Ｅ，１４１，３４１，３４２ピン係合部
４３，４５，７４，２４１リング
５０，５０Ｅ，６０，８０，９０，１５０，２８０，３５０Ａ，３５０Ｂ，３６０拘束解除装置
５１，５１Ｅ，６１，１５１，３５１Ａ，３５１Ｂ，３６１ピン
８１，９１，２８１フック[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an airbag apparatus that deploys an airbag to protect an occupant in an emergency such as a vehicle collision, and more particularly to an airbag apparatus having means for restraining the shape of the airbag in the middle of inflation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is well known, the airbag device is applied, for example, as an occupant protection device in an automobile emergency. In general, such an airbag apparatus includes an airbag and an inflator (gas generator) that inflates the airbag. The airbag device injects gas into the airbag in an emergency such as a collision of an automobile. The airbag is supplied and deployed in the vehicle compartment.
[0003]
When the vehicle collides, the occupant rushes into the occupant-facing surface of the airbag. At this time, the airbag generates a reaction force due to the internal pressure of the gas filled therein and receives the occupant. In addition, such an airbag is usually provided with a vent hole for allowing the gas inside to flow out, and after an occupant has plunged into the airbag, the gas inside the airbag flows out from the vent hole. The air bag internal pressure is prevented from excessively rising, and the occupant-facing surface is gently retracted by the pressing force from the occupant while applying an appropriate reaction force to the occupant to absorb the kinetic energy of the occupant.
[0004]
As such an airbag apparatus, an apparatus configured to restrain the shape of the airbag in the middle of inflation by restraining means such as a tear seam, a strap, and an adhesive is known. In this airbag device, when the inflator is in a gas-spouting operation in an emergency, the airbag is restrained from being inflated by the restraining means and developed into a shape smaller than the fully opened shape. When an occupant having a relatively small body has thrust into the airbag, the restraint of the restraining means is not released. On the other hand, when an occupant with a large body is thrust into the airbag, the internal pressure of the airbag is significantly increased, the restraint by the restraining means is released, and more impact energy is absorbed.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of an airbag device configured to release the restraint due to an increase in the internal pressure of the airbag, the size of the occupant's body may vary depending on the situation when the occupant has thrust into the airbag or the operation status of the airbag device such as the inflator output In some cases, it is difficult to perform control so that the restraint of the inflation of the airbag by the restraining means is appropriately continued or released.
[0006]
An object of this invention is to provide the airbag apparatus which changes the expansion | swelling shape of an airbag reliably according to the magnitude | size of a passenger | crew's body.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
 The airbag device of the present invention includes an airbag, an airbag attachment member to which the airbag is attached, a gas generator for inflating the airbag, and an inflated shape of the airbag smaller than a fully open shape. An airbag device having an inflating restraint member for stopping includes an restraint releasing means for releasing the restraint by the inflating restraint member, and the restraint releasing means restrains the passenger when the size of the occupant is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. To release and continue restraint when it is below the specified levelThe
[0008]
In such an airbag device, when the occupant's body is large, the restraint releasing means releases the restraint of the inflation of the airbag by the inflation restraining member when the airbag device is operated, and the airbag is deployed to the fully open shape. Further, when the occupant's body is small, the restraint releasing means continues restraining the inflation of the airbag by the inflation restraining member when the airbag device is activated, and stops the deployed shape of the airbag to be smaller than the fully opened shape. Thereby, this airbag apparatus can change the expansion | swelling shape of an airbag reliably according to the magnitude | size of a passenger | crew's body irrespective of the condition at the time of airbag apparatus operation | movement, such as the time of a vehicle collision.
[0009]
 ThisIn this airbag apparatus, a measurement device for measuring the size of the occupant's body is provided, and the restraint releasing means operates in response to an activation signal when the measurement value of the measurement apparatus is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, The airbag is restrained from being inflated by the inflation restraining member during inflation, and when the measured value is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the airbag is restrained from being inflated without being activated.TheConfigured like thisByThe airbag device of the present invention can change the inflation shape of the airbag more precisely according to the size of the occupant's body.The
[0010]
 Claim 1In the airbag apparatus, the airbag includes a vent hole for gas outflow and a sheet-like member that covers the vent hole. The sheet-like member has one end connected to the airbag and the other end connected to the airbag. It is connected to the airbag mounting member via a connecting device, and the connecting device releases the connection when the restraint releasing means continues to restrain when the airbag is inflated, and the restraint releasing means The connection is continued when the restraint is released, and the one end side of the sheet-like member is disconnected when the airbag is inflated to the fully open shape.TearThis opens the vent holeThe
[0011]
 Configured like thisClaim 1In the airbag device, when the airbag is inflated to a shape smaller than its fully open shape, the connecting device releases the connection of the sheet-like member to the airbag mounting member, so that the sheet-like member is inflated to the airbag. At the same time, it is detached from the airbag mounting member and continues to cover the vent hole. In addition, when the airbag is inflated to the fully open shape, the connecting device does not release the connection of the sheet-like member to the airbag mounting member, and the sheet-like member is caused by the tension acting with the inflation of the airbag. Its one endSide isIt is torn and removed from the vent hole.
[0012]
Therefore, in this airbag device, when the airbag is inflated to a shape smaller than the fully opened shape, the internal gas is caused to flow out from the vent hole with a small opening amount at a relatively low flow rate. On the other hand, when the airbag is inflated to a fully open shape, the internal gas is allowed to flow out from the vent hole having a large opening amount at a relatively large flow rate.
[0013]
In this way, the impact energy can be appropriately absorbed in accordance with the size of the occupant's body that has thrust.
[0014]
In the airbag device of the present invention, the airbag is provided with a vent hole, and one end is connected to the airbag and the other end is connected to the airbag mounting member via a connecting device. The condition of releasing or continuing the connection between the sheet-like member and the airbag mounting member by the connecting device when the airbag is configured to cover the vent hole is not limited to the above, and depending on the operating condition, etc. For example, even when the airbag is inflated to a fully open shape, the connecting device releases the connection of the sheet-like member to the airbag attachment member, and the sheet-like member is detached from the airbag attachment member as the airbag is inflated and vented. You may make it continue covering the hole, and even when the airbag is inflated to a shape smaller than the fully open shape, The connection of the member to the airbag mounting member is continued, and the sheet-like member is removed from the vent hole by breaking the connection to the one end side or the airbag due to the tension generated when the airbag is inflated. May be.
[0015]
Furthermore, in the airbag device of the present invention, when the vent hole is provided in the airbag, the opening amount of the vent hole may be changed according to the inflated shape of the airbag by a configuration other than the above.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the airbag is deployed in a state where inflation is restrained in this airbag device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view when the airbag released from the restraint is deployed to a fully open shape, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the inflation restraint mechanism of the airbag in this airbag apparatus. 4A is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4A.
[0018]
The airbag device 10 includes a passenger seat airbag 11. The airbag 11 is formed by stitching a pair of side panels 12 and 12 and a front panel 13, and the side panel 12 is provided with a vent hole 15. An opening 16 for receiving gas from an inflator (not shown) is provided at the rear portion of the airbag 11. Around the opening 16, flaps 17, 18, 19, and 20 for connecting the airbag 11 to the container 30 are provided.
[0019]
A strap 41 is attached to the upper surface 11 a and the lower surface 11 b of the airbag 11 as an expansion restraining member for restraining the inflation of the airbag 11. One end of the strap 41 is coupled to the middle of the upper surface 11 a or the middle of the lower surface 11 b by coupling means such as sewing, and the other end is extended to the rear side of the airbag 11.
[0020]
The other end side of the strap 41 is provided with a pin engaging portion 42 into which a pin 51 as a strap connecting member of a restraint releasing device 50 described later is inserted. In the present embodiment, the pin engaging portion 42 can be inserted through the pin 51 formed by folding the other end of the strap 41 to the one end side and coupling the strap 41 to a middle portion of the strap by a coupling means such as sewing. Loop-shaped part.
[0021]
A strap 71 having a width that covers the opening by a predetermined amount is attached to the vent hole 15. One end of the strap 71 is inserted into the airbag 11 from the vent hole 15 and is connected to the inner surface of the airbag of the side panel 12 by a connecting means such as sewing, and the other end is connected to the side panel 12. It extends to the rear side of the airbag 11 along the outer side surface of the airbag 11. A pair of straps 71 are located at both ends in the width direction of the middle portion of the strap 71 that is closer to the other end than the joint portion with the side panel 12 on the one end side and is not exposed to the outside of the airbag 11 from the vent hole 15. A notch 73 having a notch shape is provided, whereby the strap 71 is configured to be torn from the middle portion when a predetermined tension is applied in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a loop-shaped pin engaging portion 72 similar to the engaging portion 42 of the strap 41 is formed at the other end of the strap 71, and a restraint releasing device 60 described later is provided on the pin engaging portion 72. The pin 61 is inserted.
[0022]
The airbag 11 is connected to the inside of the container 30 from an opening (not shown) on the front side of the airbag 30 container via flaps 17 to 20 provided at the peripheral edge of the opening 16 at the rear end. . An inflator (not shown) is installed in the container 30, and gas generated from the inflator is introduced into the airbag 11 through the opening 16. The airbag 11 is folded and accommodated in the container 30 together with the straps 41 and 71.
[0023]
On the upper and lower side surfaces of the container 30 are provided openings 31 for pulling out the pin engaging portions 42 of the straps 41 accommodated in the container 30 together with the airbag 11 to the outside of the container 30. Yes. In the vicinity of the opening 31, a restraint releasing device 50 having a pin 51 as a strap connecting member that is inserted into the pin engaging portion 42 of the strap 41 drawn out of the container 30 from the opening 31 is installed. Yes. The pin 51 is a rod-like body whose front end protrudes from the restraint releasing device 50 and extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the strap 41 is pulled out from the opening 31. By inserting the pin 51 into the pin engaging portion 42, each strap 41 is connected to the container 30, and the upper surface 11 a or the lower surface 11 b of the airbag 11 and the container 30 are coupled to the front of the airbag 11. Restrain the expansion.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 4, the restraint releasing device 50 has a hollow cylinder 52 extending coaxially with the pin 51, and the pin 51 is connected to the rear end side (the right end in FIG. 4 (b)). Is inserted in the cylinder 52 from the front end side of the cylinder 52 (the left end side in FIG. 4 (b); the same applies hereinafter). A gas inflow passage 54 having a small inflator 55 connected to the end is connected to the tip side of the cylinder 52. The small inflator 55 is connected to a control device (not shown) via a connector 56, and operates to eject gas in response to an operation signal from the control device. The ejected gas is supplied into the cylinder 52 through the inflow passage 54. To do. A flange 53 is provided on the rear end side of the pin 51 so as to project radially from the peripheral surface of the pin 51 and slidably contact the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 52.
[0025]
In the restraint releasing device 50 configured as described above, when an operation signal is input from the control device, the small inflator 55 is operated to eject gas, and gas is introduced into the inside from the front end side of the cylinder 52 through the inflow passage 54. Let it flow. The gas flowing into the cylinder 52 hits the front surface of the flange 53 on the rear end side of the pin 51 (the left end surface in FIG. 4B), and presses the flange 53 toward the rear end side of the cylinder 52 by the jet pressure. The pin 51 is moved to the rear end side of the cylinder 52 through the flange 53. As a result, the distal end side of the pin 51 is retracted into the cylinder 52 and comes out of the pin engaging portion 42 of the strap 41, and the connection between the strap 41 and the container 30 is released, whereby the upper surface of the airbag 11 by the strap 41 is released. The restraint with respect to the bulging forward of 11a and the lower surface 11b is cancelled | released. Hereinafter, a series of operations from when the operation signal is input from the control device until the pin 51 retracts into the cylinder 52 and comes out of the engaging portion 42 is referred to as an operation of the restraint release device 50.
[0026]
Further, openings 32 for pulling out the pin engaging portions 72 of the straps 71 accommodated in the container 30 together with the airbag 11 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the container 30. . In the vicinity of the opening 32, a restraint releasing device 60 having a pin 61 as a strap connecting member into which a tip end side is inserted into a pin engaging portion 72 drawn out from the opening 32 is installed. The restraint release device 60 has the same configuration as the restraint release device 50. Like the pin 51, the pin 61 protrudes from the restraint release device 60 and is pulled out from the opening 32 of the strap 71. It extends in the direction orthogonal to the direction.
[0027]
The restraint release device 60 is also connected to a control device (not shown). When an operation signal is input from the control device, the restraint release device 60 operates in the same manner as the restraint release device 50 described above, and retracts the tip side of the pin 61. To be extracted from the pin engaging portion 72. Note that the constraint release device 50 and the constraint release device 60 may be connected to the same control device, or may be connected to separately configured control devices, but temporarily connected to the same control device. Even in the case of being operated, each is operated by a separate operation signal.
[0028]
The airbag 11 is folded and accommodated in the container 30 together with the straps 41 and 71, and then the pin engaging portions 42 and 72 of the straps 41 and 71 are pulled out from the openings 31 and 32 to the outside of the container 30, respectively. After the pin 51 of the restraint releasing device 50 is inserted into the portion 42 and the pin 61 of the restraint releasing device 60 is inserted into the pin engaging portion 72, a module cover (not shown) is mounted so as to cover the opening of the container 30. By doing so, the airbag apparatus 10 is comprised. The airbag device 10 is applied as an airbag device for a passenger seat of an automobile and is installed on an instrument panel (not shown) of the automobile.
[0029]
The airbag device 10 is controlled and operated by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detection device (not shown) that detects the physique (body size) of an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat. As the physique detection device, an occupant weight detection device, an occupant seat height detection device, a device that detects the size of the occupant's outer shape from image data obtained by imaging the occupant, and the like can be used. Other than this may be used.
[0030]
In the event of an emergency such as a vehicle collision, this control device causes an inflator (not shown) for inflating an airbag installed in the container 30 to perform a gas ejection operation. The airbag 11 is inflated by the gas ejected from the inflator, pushes the module cover open, and deploys in the vehicle compartment.
[0031]
When the airbag 11 is inflated, the control device operates the restraint releasing device 60 together with the airbag inflation inflator when it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively small based on the detection value from the physique detection device. And the restraint releasing device 50 is not operated. Then, since the restraint releasing device 50 does not operate and the pin 51 does not come out of the pin engaging portion 42, the strap 41 remains connected to the container 30 via the pin 51. The upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b are restrained from bulging forward by 41 and developed into a shape as shown in FIG. 2 smaller than the fully open shape. At this time, since the restraint releasing device 60 operates and the pin 61 comes out of the pin engaging portion 72, the strap 71 is released from the connection with the container 30, and the side panel 12 bulges while covering the vent hole 15. At the same time, the container 30 is detached from the container 30, and the opening amount of the vent hole 15 is kept small.
[0032]
 On the other hand, when it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively large based on the detection value from the physique detection device, the control device, together with the airbag inflator, restraint release device5Actuator 0 and restraint release device60 is not activated. Then, the pin 51 retreats due to the operation of the restraint releasing device 50 and comes out of the pin engaging portion 42, and the strap 41 is released from the connection with the container 30, so that the airbag 11 has an upper surface 11a and a lower surface formed by the strap 41. The restraint of 11b is released and it expands greatly to a fully open shape. At this time, since the restraint releasing device 60 does not operate, the strap 71 does not come out of the pin engaging portion 42 and continues to be connected to the container 30 via the pin 61. For this reason, a very large tension is applied to the strap 71 as the airbag 11 is inflated. The strap 71 is torn from the notch 73 when the airbag 11 is greatly inflated and the tension becomes a predetermined value or more, and comes out of the vent hole 15 to increase the opening amount of the vent hole 15.
[0033]
In the airbag device 10 configured as described above, the size of the airbag 11 can be reliably changed according to the size of the occupant's body as described above, and is appropriate for the occupant at all times. Protection can be provided. Moreover, in this airbag apparatus 10, since the opening amount of the vent hole 15 also changes according to the inflated shape of the airbag 11, the airbag 11 moves very smoothly according to the size of the occupant's body. It is also possible to absorb energy.
[0034]
In the airbag apparatus 10, a position detection device that detects the seating position of the occupant is provided in the control device, and information on the size of the occupant's body detected by the physique detection device is included in the information on the occupant from the position detection device. The airbag 11 may be configured so as to comprehensively determine the inflated shape of the airbag 11 in consideration of the position information, whereby the airbag can express more appropriate occupant protection capability.
[0035]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the occupant's body is small, the control device operates the restraint release device 60 together with the airbag inflator and does not operate the restraint release device 50. By operating the restraint release device 50 together with the inflator for inflation and controlling the airbag device so that the restraint release device 60 is not actuated, when the airbag 11 stops deployment to a shape smaller than the fully open shape, 15, the opening amount of the vent hole 15 is reduced, and when the airbag 11 is deployed to the fully open shape, the strap 71 is removed from the vent hole 15 to increase the opening amount of the vent hole 15. The control method of the airbag device by the control device is not limited to this, Depending on the operating condition of the airbag device, for example, both the restraint release device 50 and the restraint release device 60 are operated together with the airbag inflation inflator so that the vent hole remains covered with the strap 71 even when the airbag 11 is fully opened. If the opening amount of the vent hole is stopped small, or the restraint releasing device 50 and the restraining releasing device 60 are not operated when the air bag inflation inflator is operated, the air bag 11 is deployed smaller than the fully opened shape. Alternatively, the airbag device may be controlled so that the strap 71 is removed from the vent hole 15 to increase the opening amount of the vent hole 15.
[0036]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, one end is connected to the airbag 11 and the other end is connected to the airbag storage container 30 via the restraint releasing device 60, and when a predetermined tension or more is applied in the longitudinal direction, The vent hole 15 is covered with a strap 71 configured to tear one end side, and when the restraint releasing device 60 continues to connect the strap 71 and the container 30 when the airbag is inflated, the strap 71 is torn and the vent 71 is broken. When the opening amount of the hole 15 is increased and the restraint releasing device 60 releases the connection between the strap 71 and the container 30, the strap 71 leaves the container 30 while covering the vent hole 15. Although it is configured to keep the opening amount small, the opening amount of the vent hole is adjusted according to the inflation shape of the airbag. Configuration is not limited thereto for causing the reduction.
[0037]
FIGS. 13 and 14 are both perspective views of the airbag device 10E according to another embodiment of the present invention when the airbag is inflated. FIG. 13 shows a situation in which the opening amount of the vent hole is increased. FIG. 14 shows a situation where the opening amount of the vent hole is kept small. In addition, in each figure, the code | symbol same as FIGS. 1-4 has shown the same part.
[0038]
Like the airbag device 10 described above, the airbag device 10E includes a passenger seat airbag 11E including a pair of side panels 12 and a front panel 13, and an opening (not shown) on the front side. And a container 30E to which the rear portion of the airbag 11E is connected. A vent hole 15 is provided in each of the left and right side panels 12.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, the airbag device 10E inflates the airbag 11E to a shape smaller than the fully opened shape when the occupant's body is smaller than a predetermined size, and the opening amount of the vent hole 15 When the occupant's body is larger than a predetermined size, the airbag 11E is inflated to a fully open shape and the vent hole 15 is opened. The gas inside the airbag is caused to flow out at a relatively small outflow rate by reducing the amount.
[0040]
A strap 41E is attached to the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11E as an expansion restraining member for restraining the inflation of the airbag 11E. One end of the strap 41E is coupled to the middle of the upper surface 11a or the middle of the lower surface 11b by coupling means such as sewing, and the other end extends to the rear side of the airbag 11E. Further, on the other end side of the strap 41E, a pin engaging portion 42E into which a pin 51E as a strap connecting member of the restraint releasing device 50E installed in the container 30E is inserted is provided.
[0041]
A strap 71E having a width that covers a predetermined amount of the opening is attached to each of the left and right vent holes 15 of the airbag 11E.
[0042]
Similarly to the strap 71 described above, one end side of each strap 71E is inserted into the airbag 11E from the vent hole 15, and is coupled to the airbag inner surface of the side panel 12 by a coupling means such as sewing. Further, each strap 71E is closer to the other end than the connecting portion with the side panel 12 on one end side, and 1 is provided at both edges in the width direction of the middle portion that is not exposed from the vent hole 15 to the outside of the airbag 11E. A pair of cutout notches 73E are provided, whereby the strap 71E is configured to be torn from the middle portion when a predetermined tension is applied in the longitudinal direction.
[0043]
 The other end side of each strap 71E is routed along the outer surface of the side panel 12 toward the upper surface 11a or the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11E, and extends to the rear side of the airbag 11E.EIt is couple | bonded with this other end side by coupling means, such as attachment. As a result, the strap 71EAs described later, when the strap 41E is connected to the container 30E by the pin 51E, the strap 41E is held to the container 30E side, and the restraint releasing device 60 is activated to release the connection between the strap 41E and the container 30E. Then, it can be detached from the container 30E together with the strap 41E.
[0044]
The airbag 11E is folded and stored in the container 30E together with the straps 41E and 71E, as with the airbag 11 described above.
[0045]
On the upper and lower side surfaces of the container 30E, openings 31E are provided for pulling out the pin engaging portions 42E of the straps 41E accommodated in the container 30E together with the airbag 11E to the outside of the container 30E. Yes. In the vicinity of the opening 31E, a restraint releasing device 50E having a pin 51E inserted into the pin engaging portion 42E of the strap 41E drawn out from the opening 31E to the outside of the container 30E is installed. The pin 51E extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the strap 41E is pulled out from the opening 31E. By inserting the pin 51E into the pin engaging portion 42E, each strap 41E is connected to the container 30E, and the upper surface 11a or the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11E and the container 30E are coupled to the front of the airbag 11E. Restrain the expansion.
[0046]
The restraint release device 50E is the same as the restraint release device 50 of the airbag device 10 described above, is connected to a control device (not shown), and operates by an operation signal from the control device to retract the pin 51E. Move.
[0047]
The airbag 11E is folded and accommodated in the container 30E together with the straps 41E and 71E, and then the pin engaging portion 42E of the strap 41E is pulled out of the container 30E from the opening 31E and is inserted into the pin engaging portion 42E of the restraint releasing device 50E. After inserting the pin 51E, a module cover (not shown) is mounted so as to cover the opening of the container 30E, whereby the airbag device 10E is configured. And this airbag apparatus 10E is applied as an airbag apparatus for passenger seats of a motor vehicle, and is installed in the instrument panel (not shown) of a motor vehicle.
[0048]
The airbag device 10E is controlled by a control device (not shown) having a physique detection device (not shown) that detects the physique of an occupant sitting on the seat of the vehicle, as with the airbag device 10 described above. In the event of an emergency such as a vehicle collision, the control device causes the inflator (not shown) for inflating an airbag installed in the container 30E to perform a gas ejection operation. The airbag 11E is inflated by the gas ejected from this inflator, pushes the module cover open, and deploys in the vehicle compartment.
[0049]
 Further, when the airbag 11E is inflated, the control device activates only the airbag inflation inflator when it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively small based on the detection value from the physique detection device. 50E is not activated. Then, the strap 41E remains connected to the container 30E via the pin 51E, and the airbag 11E is restrained from bulging the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b forward by the strap 41E, and is smaller than the fully opened shape. The shape is developed as shown in FIG. At this time, the strap 71ESince one end thereof is coupled to the strap 41E, it is held to the container 30E side through the strap 41E. Therefore, a very large tension is applied to the strap 71E as the airbag 11 is inflated, and when the tension exceeds a predetermined value, the strap 71E.EBreaks from the notch 73E and escapes from the vent hole 15 to increase the opening amount of the vent hole 15.
[0050]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively large based on the detection value from the physique detection device, the control device operates the restraint release device 50E together with the airbag inflator. Then, the pin 51E is retracted by the operation of the restraint releasing device 50E and comes out of the pin engaging portion 42E, and the strap 41E is released from the connection with the container 30E. Therefore, the airbag 11E has an upper surface 11a and a lower surface formed by the strap 41E. The restraint of 11b is released and it expands greatly to a fully open shape. At this time, the strap 71E is detached from the container 30E with the expansion of the side panel 12 together with the strap 41E while covering the vent hole 15, and the opening amount of the vent hole 15 is kept small.
[0051]
That is, even in the airbag apparatus 10E configured as described above, it is possible to reliably change the size of the airbag 11E in accordance with the size of the occupant's body and always provide appropriate protection to the occupant. In addition, the opening amount of the vent hole 15 can be changed according to the inflated shape of the airbag 11E, and the airbag 11E appropriately absorbs the kinetic energy according to the size of the occupant's body. Is possible.
[0052]
Further, in the airbag device 10E configured as described above, the strap 71E covering the vent hole 15 is interlocked with the strap 41E, and is retained on the container 30E side via the strap 41E, or can be detached from the container 30E. In addition to the constraint releasing device 50E, there is no need to separately provide a constraint releasing device or the like for connecting or releasing the strap 71E to / from the container 30E, and the configuration is very simple.
[0053]
In the above embodiment, for example, in the airbag device 10, the notch 73 is provided in the vicinity of the end portion of the strap 71 on the side coupled to the airbag 11, and when the airbag 11 is deployed to the fully open shape, The strap 71 is configured to be broken and come out of the vent hole 15, but the tearing structure of the strap 71 is arbitrary. Further, for example, the tearing structure such as the notch 73 is omitted from the strap 71, and the end portion of the strap 71 is joined to the airbag 11 with a tear seam or an adhesive that is broken or peeled off with a predetermined tension, so that the airbag 11 is fully opened. When deployed to the shape, the connection between the strap 71 and the airbag 11 by the tear seam or the like may be broken and the strap 71 may be pulled out from the vent hole 15.
[0054]
Further, in the airbag device 10, one end is coupled to the middle of the upper surface 11 a or the lower surface 11 b of the airbag 11 as an inflation restraint member for restraining inflation of the airbag, and extends to the rear side of the airbag 11. The strap 41 having the pin engaging portion 42 into which the pin 51 of the restraint releasing device 50 is inserted is provided on the other end side, but the configuration and mounting position of the expansion restraining member are not limited to this. Absent.
[0055]
For example, as in the airbag device 10A shown in FIG. 5, one end is coupled to the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11A as an expansion restraining member, respectively, in the middle of the upper surface 11a or in the middle of the lower surface 11b. The strap 41A having a pin engaging portion 42A into which the pin 51 of the restraint releasing device 50 is inserted is connected to the rear end of the upper surface 11a or the rear end of the lower surface 11b. You may provide as. The pin engaging portion 42A is formed by connecting a part of the strap 41A separated in the middle by a connecting means such as sewing and short-circuiting in a loop shape. Other configurations and operation modes of the airbag device 10A are the same as those of the airbag device 10 described above.
[0056]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the airbag device 11A according to another embodiment of the present invention when the airbag is deployed in a fully open shape, and the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are the same. The part of is shown.
[0057]
When such a strap 41A is used as an inflation restraint member for an airbag, the restraint releasing device 50 is actuated when the airbag is inflated to release the engagement between the pin engaging portion 42A and the pin 51, and the strap 41A is Even if the bag 11 expands out of the container 30 as the bag 11 expands, the strap 41A does not flutter.
[0058]
Further, one end of the strap 41B shown in FIG. 6 is coupled to the airbag, and a ring 43 made of a linear body such as various cords or wires is attached to the other end side extended to the rear side of the airbag. The airbag 43 is an inflatable restraint member for an airbag in which the ring 43 is hooked on a strap connecting member such as a pin of the restraint releasing device to connect the strap and the container.
[0059]
 Furthermore, the strap 41D shown in FIG. 9 has pin engaging portions 42D at both ends, and the airbag 11Din frontA strap restraining member such as a pin of a restraint releasing device (not shown), wherein both the left and right side surfaces are routed, and both end portions are arranged on the left and right sides of the rear portion of the airbag 11D. When the airbag is inflated, the inflation is restrained so as to pull out the airbag 11D.
[0060]
Note that the configuration of a restraint releasing device or the like for continuing or restraining the inflation of the airbag by the inflation restraining member is not limited to that of the above embodiment.
[0061]
 FIG. 7 shows an airbag apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.0It is a perspective view of C, and has shown the situation where expansion is restrained by a restraint member. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 denote the same parts.
[0062]
As with the airbag device 10 and the like described above, the airbag device 10C includes a passenger-side airbag 11C including a pair of side panels 12 and a front panel 13, and an opening (not shown) on the front side. A container 30C having a rear portion of the airbag 11C coupled therein is provided.
[0063]
A flap 44 is attached to the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11C.
[0064]
Further, vent holes 15 are provided in the left and right side panels 12 of the airbag 11C, and straps 71C having a width that covers the opening by a predetermined amount are attached to the vent holes 15.
[0065]
As with the strap 71 and the like described above, one end of the strap 71C is inserted into the airbag 11 from the vent hole 15, and is coupled to the airbag inner surface of the side panel 12 by a coupling means such as sewing. The other end side extends along the outer surface of the side panel 12 to the rear side of the airbag 11C. Further, both ends of the strap 71 C are closer to the other end than the connecting portion with the side panel 12 on the one end side and are not exposed to the outside of the airbag 11 C from the vent hole 15. A pair of notch-shaped notches 73 C is provided, whereby the strap 71 C is configured to be broken from the middle portion when a predetermined tension is applied in the longitudinal direction.
[0066]
 On the other end side of the strap 71C, there is a small ring 7 made of various strings or wires.4Is attached.
[0067]
The airbag 11C is folded and accommodated in the container 30C, similar to the airbag 11 described above. The ring 45 and the strap 71C are also housed in the container 30C together with the airbag 11C.
[0068]
On each of the upper and lower side surfaces of the container 30C, an opening 31C for pulling out the ring 45 accommodated in the container together with the airbag 11C is provided. In the vicinity of the opening 31C, a restraint releasing device 80 having a hook 81 on which a ring 45 drawn from the opening 31C to the outside of the container 30C is hooked is installed. The ring 45 is hooked on the hook 81 to lock the upper surface 11a or the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11C to the container 30C, and restrains the airbag 11C from expanding forward when it is inflated.
[0069]
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the mechanism of the restraint releasing device 80 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the restraint releasing device 80, the hook 81 rotates around the shaft 82 with respect to the ring 45 pulled out from the opening 31C so that the ring hooking posture and the ring hooking releasing posture can be taken. And is always urged in the hook release direction by a rotation urging means (not shown). Further, the hook 81 is provided with a rotation preventing piece 83, and the hook 81 is maintained in the ring hooking posture by engaging the rotation preventing piece 83 with the shear 84. The shear 84 is configured to be disengaged from the rotation blocking piece 83 by the operation of a trigger 85 connected to a control device (not shown). Operates in response to an activation signal. When the trigger 85 is actuated and the engagement between the shear 84 and the rotation preventing piece 83 is released, the hook 81 is rotated by the urging force of the urging means to assume a ring hook releasing posture (hereinafter referred to as the control). A series of operations from when the operation signal is input to the trigger 85 from the device until the hook 81 is in the ring catch release posture is referred to as the operation of the restraint release device 80).
[0070]
 Further, on the left and right side surfaces of the container 30C, a small ring 7 of each strap 71C housed in the container together with the airbag 11C.4An opening 32 C is provided for drawing out to the outside. In the vicinity of the opening 32C, there is a small ring 7 drawn out from the opening.4A restraint releasing device 90 having a hook 91 that is hooked is installed. Ring 74Is hooked on the hook 91 to connect the end of the strap 71C to the container 30C. The restraint release device 90 has the same configuration as the restraint release device 80. That is, the hook 91 can take a ring hooking posture and a hook releasing posture, and the restraint releasing device 90 is actuated by an operation signal from a control device (not shown) to release the hook 91 from the ring hooking posture. Move to posture.
[0071]
 The airbag 11C is folded and accommodated in the container 30 together with the ring 45 and the strap 71C, and then each ring 45 and the small ring 7 of the strap 71C.4Are pulled out from the openings 31C and 32C to the outside of the container 30C and hooked on the hooks 81 and 91 in the ring hooking posture of the restraint releasing devices 80 and 90, respectively, and then a module cover (not shown) By attaching (omitted), the airbag device 10C is configured. The airbag device 10C is applied as an airbag device for a passenger seat of an automobile and is installed on an instrument panel (not shown) of the automobile.
[0072]
The airbag device 10C is also controlled in operation by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detection device (not shown) for detecting the physique of an occupant sitting on the seat of the vehicle, like the airbag device 10 and the like described above. . In the event of an emergency such as a vehicle collision, this control device causes an inflator (not shown) for inflating an airbag installed in the container 30C to perform a gas ejection operation. The airbag 11C is inflated by the gas ejected from this inflator, pushes the module cover open, and deploys in the vehicle compartment.
[0073]
Further, when the airbag 11C is inflated, when the control device determines that the occupant's body is relatively small from the detection value from the physique detection device, the control device operates the restraint releasing device 90 together with the airbag inflation inflator, In addition, the restraint releasing device 80 is not operated. Then, the ring 45 remains hooked on the hook 81, and the airbag 11C is deployed in a shape smaller than the fully open shape because the ring 45 restrains the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b from expanding forward. . At this time, since the ring 74 is detached from the hook 91, the strap 71C sticks to the side panel 12 while covering the vent hole 15 and is detached from the container 30 to keep the opening amount of the vent hole 15 small.
[0074]
On the other hand, when it is determined from the detection value from the physique detection device that the occupant's body is relatively large, the control device operates the restraint releasing device 80 together with the airbag inflator and does not operate the restraint releasing device 90. Then, the ring 45 is detached from the hook 81, and the restraint of the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b by the ring 45 is released, so that the airbag 11C is largely deployed to its fully open shape. At this time, the small ring 74 remains hooked on the hook 91, one end is coupled to the side panel 12 that bulges forward, and the other end is coupled to the container 30 via the small ring 74. A very large tension is applied to the strap 71C. Then, the strap 71C is torn from the notch 73C and pulled out from the vent hole 15 when the tension becomes a predetermined value or more, and the vent hole 15 is opened.
[0075]
In other words, even with the airbag device 10C configured in this way, the size of the airbag 11C can be reliably changed in accordance with the size of the occupant's body, and appropriate protection is always provided to the occupant. It is possible to give. Also in this airbag device 10C, since the opening amount of the vent hole 15 changes in accordance with the inflated shape of the airbag 11C, the airbag 11C moves very smoothly according to the size of the occupant's body that has been thrust into. It can absorb energy.
[0076]
In this embodiment, the ring 45 hooked to the hook 81 of the restraint releasing device 80 is attached to the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11C via the flap 44, but the ring is attached to the airbag. The structure of the member for this is not limited to this, and if the airbag has sufficient strength, for example, although not shown, the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b are provided with holes for passing the ring, and the ring 45 is provided in the hole. You may comprise so that it may attach to the airbag 11C directly through.
[0077]
In the above-described embodiment, each airbag device is configured as an occupant protection device for a passenger seat of an automobile. However, the airbag device of the present invention is, for example, an occupant protection device for an automobile driver seat or other various human body protections. Applicable as a device.
[0078]
Hereinafter, application of the airbag apparatus of the present invention to other uses will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an airbag portion of an airbag apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention applied as an occupant protection apparatus for a driver's seat of an automobile, and FIG. 11 (a) is this airbag apparatus. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view when the airbag is deployed in an inflated restraint state, and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view when the airbag is deployed in a fully open shape.
[0079]
 The airbag device 110 is installed in the steering of an automobile and includes a driver seat airbag 111. The airbag 111 is formed in a bag shape by sewing together the peripheral portions of the front panel 111a and the rear panel 111b each made of a circular cloth or the like. When the airbag 111 is installed in a vehicle, the front panel 111a faces the passenger, and the rear panel 111b is a retainer on the opposite side.1Presser member against 30132 and the like. This airbag 111 is a retainer.130 inflator1The gas from 31 expands.
[0080]
 An inflator opening 112 is provided near the center of the rear panel 111b. An airbag 111 is attached to the peripheral portion of the opening 112 of the rear panel 111b.130An insertion hole 113 is provided through which a bolt or the like for attachment to the body is inserted.
[0081]
 A circular inner panel 120 is provided inside the airbag 111. The peripheral edge of the inner panel 120 is coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the front panel 111a by coupling means such as sewing. Further, in the vicinity of the center of the inner panel 120, an air bag is opened from the opening 112 of the rear panel 111b.111Inflator inserted inside131An opening 121 is provided surrounding the opening 121, and a strap insertion portion 123 is formed at the periphery of the opening 121. Further, the inner panel 120 has an airbag.111A vent hole 122 is provided to guarantee the movement and distribution of the gas inside.
[0082]
A strap 140 is inserted through the insertion portion 123 of the inner panel. Both ends of the strap 140 are pulled out of the airbag 111 from openings 114 provided in the rear panel 111b. At both ends of the strap 140, pin engaging portions 141 into which retractable pins 151 protruding from the front ends of the restraint releasing devices 150 installed outside the airbag 111 are inserted are provided.
[0083]
The restraint release device 150 has the same configuration as the above-described restraint release device 50, is connected to a control device (not shown), operates by an operation signal from the control device, and has a pin 151 protruding from its tip. Retreat.
[0084]
In the inner panel 120, both ends of the strap 140 inserted into the insertion portion 123 are pulled out of the airbag 111 from the opening 114 of the rear panel 111b, and the pin engaging portion 141 and the pin 151 at the both ends are engaged. The central portion of the rear panel 111b is pulled away from the rear panel 111b by the strap 140.
[0085]
The airbag 111 is connected to the retainer 130 by a bolt or the like via the pressing member 132, and both ends of the strap 140 inserted into the insertion portion 123 of the inner panel 120 inside the airbag are exposed to the outside from the opening 114 of the rear panel 111b. After pulling out and engaging the pin engaging portions at both ends with the pins 151 of the restraint releasing device 150, the airbag 111 is folded and covered with a module cover (not shown) to constitute the airbag device 110.
[0086]
The airbag device 110 is also controlled in operation by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detection device (not shown) that detects the physique (size of the body) of an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat. In the event of an emergency such as a vehicle collision, the control device causes the inflator 131 to perform a gas ejection operation. The airbag 111 is inflated by the gas ejected from the inflator 131, pushes the module cover open, and deploys in the vehicle compartment.
[0087]
When the air bag 111 is inflated, the control device activates only the inflator 131 and activates the restraint releasing device 150 when the occupant's body is determined to be relatively small based on the detection value from the physique detection device. I won't let you. Then, the pin engaging portion 141 and the pin 151 at both ends of the strap 140 remain engaged, and the strap 140 strongly holds the central portion of the inner panel 120 so as not to separate from the rear panel 111b. For this reason, the front panel 111a of the airbag 111 coupled to the outer peripheral edge of the inner panel 120 is restrained from bulging forward by the inner panel 120, and is smaller than the fully opened shape as shown in FIG. 11 (a). Expand into a shape like this.
[0088]
On the other hand, when it is determined from the detection value from the physique detection device that the occupant's body is relatively large, the control device operates the restraint releasing device 150 together with the inflator 131. Then, the pin 151 is retracted by the operation of the restraint releasing device 150 and comes out of the pin engaging portion 141, and the strap 141 is released at both ends thereof, so that the inner panel 120 does not try to be retained on the rear panel 111b. For this reason, the front panel 111a combined with the peripheral portion of the inner panel 120 can be inflated without being restrained by the inner panel 120, and the airbag 111 can be fully opened as shown in FIG. 11 (b). Expand greatly.
[0089]
Even in the airbag device 110 configured as described above, the size of the airbag 111 can be reliably changed according to the size of the occupant's body, and appropriate protection is always provided to the occupant. Is possible.
[0090]
 FIG. 12 shows a driver's occupant protection deviceReference exampleIt is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the airbag apparatus which concerns on this. FIG. 12 (a) is a sectional view when the airbag is deployed in an inflated restrained state in this airbag device, and FIG. 12 (b) is a sectional view when the airbag is deployed to a fully open shape. It is.
[0091]
 Similar to the airbag device 110 described above, the airbag device 210 includes a driver's seat airbag 211 in which the peripheral portions of the circular front panel 211a and the rear panel 211b are coupled by a coupling means such as sewing. . This airbag210, the front panel 211a faces the occupant when installed in the vehicle, and the rear panel211b is connected to the retainer 230 on the opposite side via a pressing member 232 or the like. The retainer 230 is attached with an inflator 231 for supplying gas to the airbag 211 by performing gas ejection operation according to an operation signal from the control device.
[0092]
A strap 240 is extended inside the airbag 211. One end of the strap 240 is coupled to the front panel 211a. In addition, a ring 241 is attached to the other end side of the strap 240, and the other end side is connected to a restraint releasing device 280 installed in the retainer 230 via the ring 241.
[0093]
The restraint release device 280 has the same configuration as the restraint release device 80 described above. That is, the restraint releasing device 280 has a hook 281 that can take a ring hooking posture and a hook releasing posture, and shifts the hook 281 from the ring hooking posture to the hook releasing posture by an operation signal from the control device. It is. The strap 240 restrains the front panel 211a from bulging out forward when the airbag is inflated by the ring 241 on the other end being hooked on the hook 281.
[0094]
In FIG. 12, the restraint releasing device 280 is shown to be installed on the upper part of the presser member 232 inside the airbag 211, but the restraint releasing device 280 can be installed in any form. For example, the restraint releasing device 280 is installed outside the airbag 211, and an opening for strap insertion is provided in the rear panel 211b, and the other end side of the strap 240 is pulled out from the opening to the outside of the airbag. The hook 281 may be hooked.
[0095]
The airbag device 210 is also controlled and operated by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detection device (not shown) that detects the physique (size of the body) of an occupant sitting on the seat of the vehicle. The control device causes the inflator 231 to perform a gas ejection operation in an emergency such as a vehicle collision. The airbag 211 is inflated by the gas ejected from the inflator 231, and pushes open the module cover to be deployed in the vehicle compartment.
[0096]
Further, when the airbag 211 is inflated, when it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively small based on the detection value from the physique detection device, only the inflator 231 is activated and the restraint release device 280 is activated. I won't let you. Then, since the ring 241 of the strap 240 remains hooked on the hook 281 and the front panel 211a is restrained from being bulged forward by the strap 240, the airbag 211 is smaller than the fully opened shape (FIG. 12). Expand into a shape as shown in a).
[0097]
On the other hand, when it is determined from the detection value from the physique detection device that the occupant's body is relatively large, the control device operates the restraint release device 280 together with the inflator 231. Then, the hook 281 is brought into the ring catch releasing posture by the operation of the restraint releasing device 280, and the ring 241 of the strap 240 is detached from the hook 281. Therefore, the front panel 211a can be inflated without being restrained by the strap 240, and the airbag 211 is greatly expanded to a fully opened shape as shown in FIG. 12 (b).
[0098]
Even in the airbag apparatus 210 configured as described above, the size of the airbag 211 can be reliably changed in accordance with the size of the occupant's body, and appropriate protection is always provided to the occupant. Is possible.
[0099]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the airbag device determines the size of the occupant's body based on one predetermined value (threshold), and when the occupant's body is larger than the threshold, the airbag is inflated to a fully open shape. In the airbag apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of threshold values are set as a reference for determining the size of the occupant's body. Accordingly, the airbag may be configured to be inflated into a fully open shape or a plurality of sizes smaller than the fully open shape.
[0100]
The configuration for inflating the airbag to a fully open shape or a plurality of sizes smaller than the fully open shape includes, for example, a plurality of inflatable restraints having different inflated shapes of the airbag at the time of restraint, such as several types of straps having different lengths. A configuration in which the inflation of the airbag is restrained in various shapes by providing a member and a plurality of restraint releasing devices for releasing or continuing the restraint of the inflation of the airbag by each of the inflation restraining members; As the airbag device 310 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, there is a configuration in which the inflation of the airbag is stopped by a plurality of sizes smaller than the fully opened shape by one inflation restraining member.
[0101]
15 to 17 are perspective views of the airbag device 310 according to the embodiment when the airbag is inflated. When the size of the occupant's body is relatively small, the size of the occupant's body is medium. And the operating situation when the passenger's body size is relatively large.
[0102]
Like the airbag device 10 and the like, the airbag device 310 includes a passenger-side airbag 311 including a pair of side panels 312 and a front panel 313, and an opening (not shown) on the front side. A container 330 having a rear portion of the airbag 311 connected thereto is provided. A vent hole 315 is provided in each of the left and right side panels 312.
[0103]
In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the airbag device 310 inflates the airbag 311 to the fully open shape when the occupant's body is relatively large, and the airbag device 310 when the occupant's body size is medium. 311 is inflated to a shape that is one step smaller than the fully open shape, and when the occupant's body is relatively small, the airbag 311 is inflated to a shape that is one step smaller than the fully open shape.
[0104]
Further, the airbag device 310 increases the opening amount of the vent hole 315 when the airbag 311 expands to a shape smaller than the fully opened shape, and causes the gas inside the airbag to flow out at a relatively large outflow rate. In addition, when the airbag 311 is inflated to a fully open shape, the opening amount of the vent hole 315 is made small so that the gas inside the airbag flows out at a relatively small outflow rate.
[0105]
A strap 340 is attached to the upper surface 311 a and the lower surface 311 b of the airbag 311 as an expansion restraining member for restraining the inflation of the airbag 311. One end of the strap 340 is coupled to the upper surface 311 a or the lower surface 311 b by coupling means such as sewing, and the other end extends to the rear side of the airbag 311.
[0106]
In the middle of the strap 340, a first pin engaging portion 341 into which a pin 351A as a strap connecting member of the first restraint releasing device 350A installed in the container 330 is inserted is provided. Further, on the other end of the strap 340 (hereinafter, the other end of the strap 340 is referred to as a “rear end” of the strap 340), a pin 351B of the second restraint releasing device 350B that is also installed in the container 330 is provided. A second pin engaging portion 342 to be inserted is provided. As for the strap 340, the pin 351A is inserted into the first pin engaging portion 341, so that a middle portion thereof is connected to the container 330, and the pin 351B is inserted into the second pin engaging portion 342 so that the rear end thereof is the container. 330.
[0107]
A strap 371 having a width that covers the opening by a predetermined amount is attached to the vent hole 315. One end of the strap 371 is inserted into the airbag 311 from the vent hole 315, and is coupled to the inner surface of the airbag of the side panel 312 by coupling means such as sewing, and the other end is coupled to the side panel 312. Is extended to the rear side of the airbag 311 along the outer surface. A pair of straps 371 are located closer to the other end than the connecting portion with the side panel 312 on one end side and a pair of edges in the width direction of the middle portion not exposed to the outside of the airbag 311 from the vent hole 315. A notch 373 (FIG. 17) having a notch shape is provided, whereby the strap 371 is configured to be broken from the middle portion when a predetermined tension is applied in the longitudinal direction. Further, the other end of the strap 371 (hereinafter, the other end of the strap 371 is referred to as “rear end” of the strap 371) is a pin engagement in which the pin 361 of the restraint releasing device 360 installed in the container 330 is inserted. A portion 372 is provided. The rear end of the strap 371 is connected to the container 330 by inserting the pin 361 into the pin engaging portion 372.
[0108]
The airbag 311 is folded and accommodated in the container 330 together with the straps 340 and 371.
[0109]
On the upper and lower side surfaces of the container 330, an opening 331 for pulling out the first pin engaging portion 341 in the middle of the strap 340 accommodated in the container 330 together with the airbag 311 to the outside of the container 330. And an opening 332 for pulling out the second pin engaging portion 342 to the outside of the container 330. In the vicinity of the openings 331 and 332, restraint releasing devices 350A and 350B having pins 351A and 351B as strap connecting members inserted into the pin engaging portions 341 and 342 drawn out of the container 330 from the openings, respectively. is set up. The front ends of these pins 351A and 351B protrude from the restraint releasing devices 350A and 350B, respectively, and extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the straps 340 are pulled out from the openings 331 and 332, respectively.
[0110]
Each of the restraint release devices 350A and 350B is the same as the restraint release device 50 and the like of the airbag device 10 described above, and is connected to a control device (not shown), and operates from the control device when the airbag is inflated. When a signal is input, it operates to retreat the pins 351A and 351B. When the pins 351A and 351B are retracted, the pins 351A and 351B come out of the first pin engaging portion 341 and the second pin engaging portion 342, and the connection of the strap 340 to the container 330 at the middle portion or rear end portion is released. Is done.
[0111]
In addition, on each of the left and right side surfaces of the container 330, an opening 333 for pulling out the pin engaging portion 372 of the strap 371 accommodated in the container 330 together with the airbag 311 is provided. In the vicinity of the opening 333, a restraint releasing device 360 having a pin 361 as a strap connecting member inserted into a pin engaging portion 372 drawn out from the opening is installed. The restraint release device 360 has the same configuration as the restraint release device 350, and the pin 361, like the pin 351, protrudes from the restraint release device 360 and is pulled out from the opening 333 of the strap 371. It extends in the direction orthogonal to the direction. The restraint releasing device 360 is also connected to the control device (not shown). When an operation signal is input from the control device when the airbag is inflated, the pin 361 is retracted to be removed from the pin engaging portion 361. . When the pin 361 comes out of the pin engaging portion 372, the connection of the rear end portion of the strap 370 to the container 330 is released.
[0112]
The airbag 311 is folded and accommodated in the container 330 together with the straps 340 and 371, and then the pin engaging portions 341 and 342 of the strap 340 are pulled out of the container from the openings 331 and 332, respectively. The pins 351A and 351B of the 350B are inserted, the pin engaging portion 372 of the strap 371 is pulled out of the container from the opening 333, and the pin 361 of the restraint releasing device 360 is inserted into the pin engaging portion 72. An airbag device 310 is configured by mounting a module cover (not shown) so as to cover the opening. The airbag device 310 is applied as an airbag device for a passenger seat of an automobile and is installed on an instrument panel (not shown) of the automobile.
[0113]
The airbag device 310 is controlled by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detection device (not shown) that detects the size of the body of an occupant sitting on the seat of the vehicle, like the airbag device 10 described above. The In the present embodiment, the control device compares two preset threshold values with the detection value of the physique detection device to determine the size of the occupant's body, and matches the size of the occupant's body. The inflation shape of the airbag 311 is changed in three stages.
[0114]
Specifically, the control device determines that the occupant's body is relatively large when the detection value of the physique detection device is greater than a predetermined first threshold, and greatly expands the airbag 311 to the fully open shape. When the detected value is smaller than the predetermined second threshold value, it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively small, and the inflated shape of the airbag 311 is kept much smaller than the fully opened shape. Further, the control device determines that the size of the occupant's body is medium when the detection value of the physique detection device is between the first threshold value and the second threshold value. Inflate to a shape slightly smaller than the fully open shape.
[0115]
Below, the operation control procedure of the airbag apparatus 330 in emergency by this control apparatus is demonstrated.
[0116]
In the event of an emergency such as a vehicle collision, the control device causes the air bag inflation inflator (not shown) installed in the container 330 to perform a gas ejection operation. The airbag 311 is inflated by the jet gas from the inflator, and pushes open the module cover to be deployed in the vehicle compartment.
[0117]
 When the airbag 311 is inflated, the control device operates only the airbag inflation inflator when it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively small based on the detection value of the physique detection device, and the restraint release devices 350A, 350B and the restraint releasing device 360 are not operated. In this way, the strap 340 remains partly connected to the container 330 via the pin 351A, and apparently has a short length as a strap with the airbag 311.containerThe airbag 311 is tightly constrained by the strap 340 in order to continue to couple to the 330, and the inflation of the airbag 311 stops in a shape that is about two times smaller than the fully opened shape as shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the rear end of the strap 371 also remains connected to the container 330, and a very large tension is applied to the strap 371 as the airbag 311 is inflated. The strap 371 is torn from the notch 373 when the tension becomes a predetermined value or more, and comes out of the vent hole 315 to increase the opening amount of the vent hole 315.
[0118]
Further, when it is determined that the size of the occupant's body is medium based on the detection value of the physique detection device, the control device operates the restraint releasing device 350A together with the airbag inflator, and other The restraint releasing devices 350B and 360 are not operated. In this way, the strap 340 remains connected to the container 330 via the pin 351B on the rear end side, but the middle part is released from the container 330 because the connection is released. The airbag 311 is restrained relatively gently as a longer strap. For this reason, the airbag 311 is inflated to a shape that is slightly smaller than the fully open shape as shown in FIG. At this time as well, the rear end of the strap 371 remains connected to the container 330, and a very large tension is applied to the strap 371 as the airbag 311 is inflated. The strap 371 is torn from the notch 373 when the tension becomes a predetermined value or more, and comes out of the vent hole 315 to increase the opening amount of the vent hole 315.
[0119]
Further, when it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively large based on the detection value of the physique detection device, the control device operates all the restraint releasing devices together with the airbag inflator. In this way, since the strap 340 is completely disconnected from the container 330 and detached from the container 330, the airbag 311 does not receive any restraint by the strap 340 as shown in FIG. Large expansion to fully open shape. On the other hand, the strap 371 is disconnected from the container 330 and is detached from the container 330 while covering the vent hole 315, and the opening amount of the vent hole 315 is kept small.
[0120]
In the airbag device 330 configured as described above, the size of the airbag 311 when inflated can be finely changed according to the size of the occupant's body, so that more appropriate occupant protection capability can be expressed. Is possible.
[0121]
The airbag device of the present invention may include various inflator output adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the output of the inflator for inflating the airbag in addition to the above-described configuration. By adjusting the output of the inflator in accordance with the size of the occupant's body as well as the opening amount, more appropriate protection can be given to the occupant.
[0122]
Further, in the airbag device of the present invention, the size of the airbag may be changed in consideration of not only the size of the occupant's body but also the collision speed at the time of the vehicle collision and the magnitude of the collision energy. .
[0123]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the airbag device of the present invention, the shape of the airbag can be reliably changed according to the size of the human body to be protected in an emergency, and appropriate human body protection capability can always be expressed. It becomes possible. In the airbag device of the present invention, a vent hole is provided in the airbag, and the opening amount of the vent hole can be changed in accordance with the change in the shape of the airbag. It is possible to smoothly absorb the kinetic energy of the occupant who has thrust into the body according to the size of the body.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an airbag device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the airbag of the airbag device 10 of FIG. 1 is deployed in an inflated restraint state.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the airbag of the airbag device 10 of FIG. 1 is deployed to a fully open shape.
4 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a restraint releasing device 50 of the airbag device 10 of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modification of the expansion restraining member of the airbag device 10;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part of an expansion restraining member according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the airbag according to the embodiment and an expansion restraining member of the airbag.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an airbag apparatus 10C according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a configuration diagram of a restraint releasing device 80 of the airbag device 10C of FIG. 8. FIG.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an airbag portion of the airbag apparatus 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a view showing a state when the airbag of the airbag device of FIG. 10 is inflated.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a situation when the airbag apparatus 210 according to the embodiment is inflated.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view when the airbag of the airbag apparatus 10E according to the embodiment is deployed in an inflated restraint state.
14 is a perspective view when the airbag of the airbag device 10E of FIG. 13 is deployed to a fully open shape.
15 is a perspective view of the airbag device 330 according to the embodiment when the airbag is inflated in a tightly restrained state. FIG.
16 is a perspective view when the airbag of the airbag apparatus 330 of FIG. 15 is inflated while being gently restrained.
17 is a perspective view of the airbag device 330 of FIG. 15 when the airbag is deployed to a fully open shape.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 10A, 10C, 10E, 110, 210, 330 Airbag device
11, 11A, 11C, 11D, 11E, 111, 211, 311 Airbag
30, 30C, 30E, 130, 230, 330 Container
41, 41A, 41B, 41D, 41E, 140, 240, 340 strap
42, 42A, 42D, 42E, 141, 341, 342 Pin engaging portion
43, 45, 74, 241 ring
50, 50E, 60, 80, 90, 150, 280, 350A, 350B, 360 Constraint release device
51, 51E, 61, 151, 351A, 351B, 361 pins
81,91,281 hook

Claims

An airbag (11), an airbag attachment member (30) to which the airbag (11) is attached, a gas generator for inflating the airbag (11), and an inflated shape of the airbag (11) In an airbag device having an expansion restraining member (41) for restraining the airbag (11) so as to be held in a shape smaller than a fully open shape,
A restraint releasing means (50) for releasing the restraint by the expansion restraining member (41);
The restraint releasing means (50) is an airbag device that releases the restraint when the size of the occupant is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and continues the restraint when the passenger size is less than or equal to the predetermined value.
The airbag device includes a measuring device that measures the size of an occupant;
A control device that controls the constraint releasing means (50) based on the measurement value of the measurement device,
When the measured value of the measuring device is larger than a predetermined threshold, the control device inputs an operation signal to the restraint releasing means (50) when the airbag (11) is inflated, and the restraint releasing means (50) is operated to release the restriction, and when the measured value is smaller than the threshold value, the restriction is continued without operating the restriction releasing means (50) when the airbag (11) is inflated. Is configured to
The airbag mounting member (30) is connected to the end of the airbag (11) opposite to the passenger,
The air bag mounting member (30) is provided with the restraint releasing means (50),
The restraint releasing means (50) includes a connecting member (51) for connecting the expansion restraining member (41) to the airbag attaching member (30),
The expansion restraining member (41) extends in a direction from the airbag attachment member (30) toward the occupant side,
The occupant side of the inflatable restraining member (41) is coupled to the middle part of the airbag (11) in the inflated state in the direction from the airbag mounting member (30) toward the occupant side,
The engagement member (51) of the restraint releasing means (50) is engaged with the airbag attachment member (30) side of the portion of the expansion restraining member (41) connected to the airbag (11). A joining portion (42) is provided, and the coupling member (51) of the restraint releasing means (50) is engaged with the engaging portion (42) of the expansion restraining member (41) so as to be disengageable. And
When the restraint releasing means (50) receives the operation signal, the restraint releasing means (50) is connected between the connecting member (51) of the restraint releasing means (50) and the engaging portion (42) of the expansion restraining member (41). Configured to disengage,
The airbag (11) includes a vent hole (15) for gas outflow and a sheet-like member (71) covering the vent hole (15),
The sheet-like member (71) has one end connected to the airbag (11) and the other end connected to the airbag mounting member (30) via a connecting device (60).
The coupling device (60) is provided on the airbag mounting member (30),
The connecting device (60) includes a connecting member (61) for connecting the sheet-like member (71) to the airbag mounting member (30),
The sheet-like member (71) extends in a direction from the airbag mounting member (30) toward the vent hole (15),
The end of the sheet-like member (71) on the vent hole (15) side is coupled to the occupant side with respect to the vent hole (15) of the airbag (11) in an inflated state,
The sheet-like member (71) is closer to the airbag mounting member (30) than the portion where the airbag (11) is joined, and to the middle portion of the joint portion from the vent hole (15). A pair of notch-shaped notches (73) are provided at both edges in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the sheet-like member (71),
An engaging portion (72) engaged with the connecting member (61) of the connecting device (60) is provided at an end of the sheet-like member (71) on the airbag mounting member (30) side. The coupling member (61) of the coupling device (60) is engaged with the engagement portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71) so as to be disengageable,
When the connection device (60) receives an operation signal from the control device, the connection member (61) of the connection device (60) and the engaging portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71) Is configured to release the engagement of
When the measured value of the measuring device is larger than the threshold, the control device does not input the operation signal to the connecting device (60) when the airbag (11) is inflated, and the connecting device ( 60), the engagement between the connecting member (61) and the engaging portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71) is continued, and when the measured value is smaller than the threshold value, the airbag (11) When the device expands, the operation signal is input to the connecting device (60) to operate the connecting device (60), and the connecting member (61) and the sheet-like member (71) of the connecting device (60) are operated. ) Is disengaged from the engaging portion (72),
When the engagement of the connecting member (61) of the connecting device (60) and the engaging portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71) is continued when the airbag (11) is inflated, As the airbag (11) is inflated, a tension is applied to the sheet-like member (71) in the extending direction, and this tension causes the sheet-like member (71) to break at the intermediate portion, thereby The airbag mounting member (30) side is further away from the vent hole (15) than the middle portion of the sheet-like member (71), and the opening amount of the vent hole (15) is increased. An airbag device characterized by that.

In Claim 1, the sheet-like member (71) comprises a strap extending in a direction from the airbag attachment member (30) toward the vent hole (15),
One end in the extending direction of the strap is coupled to the occupant side with respect to the vent hole (15) of the airbag (11) in an inflated state,
The engagement portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71) is connected to the coupling device on the side of the airbag mounting member (30) with respect to the coupling portion of the strap with the airbag (11). (60) The airbag apparatus characterized by being formed by making the said connection member (61) into the loop shape which can be penetrated.

The sheet-like member (71C) according to claim 1, wherein the sheet-like member (71C) is closer to the airbag attachment member (30C) than a portion where the sheet-like member (71C) is joined to the airbag (11C). ) Is provided as a ring (74) as the engaging portion,
The airbag device, wherein the coupling member (91) of the coupling device (90) is engaged with the ring (74) so as to be disengageable.

An airbag (11E), an airbag attachment member (30E) to which the airbag (11E) is attached, a gas generator for inflating the airbag (11E), and an inflated shape of the airbag (11E) In an airbag device having an expansion restraining member (41E) for restraining the airbag (11E) so as to be held in a shape smaller than the fully open shape,
A restraint releasing means (50E) for releasing the restraint by the expansion restraining member (41E);
The restraint release means (50E) is an airbag device that releases the restraint when the size of the occupant is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and continues the restraint when the passenger size is less than or equal to the predetermined value.
The airbag device includes a measuring device that measures the size of an occupant;
A control device that controls the constraint releasing means (50E) based on the measurement value of the measurement device,
When the measured value of the measuring device is larger than a predetermined threshold, the control device inputs an operation signal to the restraint releasing means (50E) when the airbag (11E) is inflated, and the restraint releasing means (50E) is operated to release the restriction, and when the measured value is smaller than the threshold value, the restriction is continued without operating the restriction release means (50E) when the airbag (11E) is inflated. Is configured to
The airbag attachment member (30E) is connected to the end of the airbag (11E) opposite to the occupant,
The airbag release member (30E) is provided with the restraint releasing means (50E),
The restraint releasing means (50E) includes a connecting member (51E) for connecting the expansion restraining member (41E) to the airbag attaching member (30E),
The expansion restraining member (41E) extends in a direction from the airbag mounting member (30E) toward the occupant side,
The occupant side of the inflatable restraining member (41E) is coupled to the middle part of the airbag (11E) in the inflated state in the direction from the airbag attaching member (30E) toward the occupant side,
The connecting member (51E) of the restraint releasing means (50E) is engaged with the airbag attachment member (30E) side of the portion of the expansion restraining member (41E) connected to the airbag (11E). An engagement portion (42E) is provided, and the coupling member (51E) is engaged with the engagement portion (42E) so as to be disengageable,
The restraint releasing means (50E) is configured to release the engagement between the connecting member (51E) and the engaging portion (42E) when receiving the operation signal.
The airbag (11E) includes a vent hole (15) for gas outflow and a sheet-like member (71E) covering the vent hole (15),
The sheet-like member (71E) extends from the vent hole (15) toward the expansion restraining member (41E),
An end of the sheet-like member (71E) on the vent hole (15) side is connected to the airbag (11E) in a state of covering the vent hole (15),
The end of the sheet-like member (71E) on the side of the inflation restraint member (41E) is closer to the airbag mounting member (30E) than the portion where the inflation restraint member (41E) is joined to the airbag (11E). Combined,
When the restraint releasing means (50E) continues restraining when the airbag (11E) is inflated, the sheet-like member (71E) is connected to the airbag attaching member (41E) via the inflation restraining member (41E). 30E), and as the airbag (11E) is inflated, a tension is applied to the sheet-like member (71E) in the extending direction, and the tension is applied to the sheet-like member (71E). The vent hole (15) side of the air bag is torn or the connection to the airbag (11E) is torn, thereby increasing the opening amount of the vent hole (15). Airbag device.

In Claim 4, the end of the sheet-like member (71E) on the vent hole (15) side is coupled to the passenger side with respect to the vent hole (15) of the airbag (11E) in an inflated state. And
The sheet-like member (71E) is closer to the airbag attachment member (30E) than the portion where the airbag (11E) is joined and to the middle portion of the joint portion from the vent hole (15). A pair of cutout notches (73E) are provided at both edges in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the sheet-like member (71E),
When the restraint releasing means (50E) continues restraining when the airbag (11E) is inflated, the sheet-like member (71E) is connected to the airbag attachment member (41E) via the inflation restraining member (41E). 30E), and as the airbag (11E) is inflated, a tension is applied to the sheet-like member (71E) in the extending direction, and the tension is applied to the sheet-like member (71E). Is broken at the middle portion, whereby the expansion restraining member (41E) side is further away from the vent hole (15) than the middle portion of the sheet-like member (71E), and the opening amount of the vent hole (15) An airbag device characterized in that the air bag increases.

An airbag (311), an airbag attachment member (330) to which the airbag (311) is attached, a gas generator for inflating the airbag (311), and an inflated shape of the airbag (311) In an airbag device having an expansion restraining member (340) for restraining the airbag (311) so as to be held in a shape smaller than a fully open shape,
The inflation restraining member (340) has a first shape in which the airbag (311) is inflated in a smaller shape than the fully open shape, and a second shape that is larger than the first shape and smaller than the fully opened shape. The airbag (311) can be restrained to stop,
The airbag device includes:
First restraint releasing means (350A) for releasing the state in which the inflation restraining member (340) restrains the airbag (311) in the first shape;
Second restraint release means (350B) for releasing the state in which the inflation restraint member (340) restrains the airbag (311) in the second shape;
A measuring device for measuring the size of the occupant;
A control device for controlling the first constraint releasing means (350A) and the second constraint releasing means (350B) based on the measurement value of the measuring device,
The airbag attachment member (330) is connected to the end of the airbag (311) opposite to the passenger,
The airbag attachment member (330) is provided with the first restraint release means (350A) and the second restraint release means (350B),
The first restraint releasing means (350A) connects the expansion restraining member (340) to the airbag attaching member (330) in a state where the airbag (311) is restrained to the first shape. The first connecting member (351A) of
The second restraint releasing means (350B) connects the expansion restraining member (340) to the airbag attaching member (330) in a state where the airbag (311) is restrained to the second shape. A second connecting member (351B),
The inflation restraint member (340) extends in a direction from the airbag attachment member (330) toward the occupant side,
The occupant side of the inflation restraint member (340) is coupled to a midway portion in the direction from the airbag mounting member (330) toward the occupant side of the airbag (311) in an inflated state.
The first connecting member (351A) of the first restraining release means (350A) is located closer to the airbag mounting member (330) than the coupling portion of the expansion restraining member (340) to the airbag (311). ) Is engaged, and the second restraining release means is provided further on the side of the airbag mounting member (330) than the first engaging portion (341). A second engaging portion (342) engaged with the second connecting member (351B) of (350B) is provided;
The first connecting member (351A) engages with the first engaging portion (341) so as to be disengageable, and the second connecting member (351B) engages with the second engaging portion (342). Are engaged so as to be disengageable,
The first restraint releasing means (350A) releases the engagement between the first connecting member (351A) and the first engaging portion (341) when receiving an operation signal from the control device. When the second restraining release means (350B) receives the operation signal from the control device, the second restraining means (350B) and the second engaging member (351B) ) To disengage from
When the air bag (311) is inflated and the measurement value of the measurement device is greater than a predetermined first threshold, the control device is configured to use the first restraint releasing means (350A) and the second restraint. When the operation signal is input to the release means (350B) and the measured value is smaller than a predetermined second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, the first constraint release means (350A) and the second When the operation signal is not input to any of the two constraint release means (350B) and the measured value is between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, the first constraint release means (350A) ) And the second constraint releasing means (350B) are not input with the operation signal .
The airbag (311) includes a vent hole (315) for gas outflow and a sheet-like member (371) covering the vent hole (315),
The sheet-like member (371) has one end connected to the airbag (311) and the other end connected to the airbag attachment member (330) via a connecting device (360).
The coupling device (360) is provided on the airbag mounting member (330),
The coupling device (360) includes a coupling member (361) for coupling the sheet-like member (371) to the airbag mounting member (330).
The sheet-like member (371) extends in a direction from the airbag attachment member (330) toward the vent hole (315),
An end of the sheet-like member (371) on the vent hole (315) side is connected to the airbag (311) in a state of covering the vent hole (315),
An engaging portion (372) engaged with the connecting member (361) of the connecting device (360) is provided at an end portion of the sheet-like member (371) on the airbag attaching member (330) side. The coupling member (361) of the coupling device (360) is engaged with the engagement portion (372) of the sheet-like member (371) so as to be disengageable,
When the connection device (360) receives an operation signal from the control device, the connection member (361) of the connection device (360) and the engaging portion (372) of the sheet-like member (371) Is configured to release the engagement of
When the measured value of the measuring device is larger than the first threshold, the control device does not input the operation signal to the connecting device (360) when the airbag (311) is inflated, When the engagement between the coupling member (361) of the coupling device (360) and the engagement portion (372) of the sheet-like member (371) is continued, and the measured value is smaller than the first threshold value, When the airbag (311) is inflated, the operating signal is input to the connecting device (360) to operate the connecting device (360), and the connecting member (361) of the connecting device (360) The sheet-like member (371) is configured to be disengaged from the engagement portion (372).
When the coupling device (360) continues to be restrained when the airbag (311) is inflated, the extending direction with respect to the sheet-like member (371) as the airbag (311) is inflated. As a result, tension is applied to the sheet member (371), and the vent hole (315) side of the sheet-like member (371) is torn or the connection to the airbag (311) is torn, thereby opening the vent hole (315). An airbag device characterized in that the amount is increased .

In Claim 6 , the end of the sheet-like member (371) on the vent hole (315) side is coupled to the passenger side with respect to the vent hole (315) of the airbag (311) in an inflated state. And
The sheet-like member (371) is closer to the airbag mounting member (330) than the portion where the airbag is connected to the airbag (311), and the intermediate portion is closer to the portion where the joint is closer than the vent hole (315). A pair of cutout notches (373) are provided at both edges in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the sheet-like member (371),
When the airbag (311) is inflated and the engagement between the connecting member (361) of the connecting device (360) and the engaging portion (372) of the sheet-like member (371) is continued, Along with the expansion of the airbag (311), a tension is applied to the sheet-like member (371) in the extending direction, and the sheet-like member (371) is broken at the intermediate portion by this tension, thereby The airbag mounting member (330) side is further away from the vent hole (315) than the middle portion of the sheet-like member (371), and the opening amount of the vent hole (315) is increased. An airbag device characterized by that.

In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7 , The said expansion | swelling restraint member (41) consists of a strap extended in the direction which goes to a passenger | crew side from the said airbag attachment member (30),
One end of the strap constituting the expansion restraining member (41) in the extending direction is in the middle of the airbag (11) in the expanded state in the direction from the airbag mounting member (30) toward the occupant side. Combined,
The engagement portion (42) of the expansion restraining member (41) is more inflated with the airbag mounting member (30) than the portion of the strap constituting the expansion restraining member (41) connected to the airbag (11). On the side, the strap constituting the expansion restraining member (41) is formed in a loop shape through which the connecting member (51) of the restraining releasing means (50) can be inserted. Airbag device.

The inflation restraint member (41B) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the inflation restraint member (41B) is closer to the airbag mounting member (30) than a joint portion of the inflation restraint member (41B or 44) with the airbag (11). Or a ring (43 or 45) as the engaging portion of 44),
An airbag device, wherein the connection member (51) of the restraint releasing means (50) is engaged with the ring (43 or 45) so as to be disengageable.

In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9 , the said expansion | swelling restraint member (41A) consists of a strap extended in the direction which goes to a passenger | crew side from the said airbag attachment member (30A),
One end of the strap constituting the expansion restraining member (41A) in the extending direction is in the middle of the airbag (11A) in the expanded state in the direction from the airbag attachment member (30A) toward the occupant side. Combined,
The other end in the extending direction of the strap constituting the expansion restraining member (41A) is coupled to the end of the airbag (11A) opposite to the occupant,
The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion (42A) of the expansion restraining member (41A) is provided in the middle of the extending direction of the strap constituting the expansion restraining member (41A).

An airbag (11D), an airbag attachment member (30) to which the airbag (11D) is attached, a gas generator for inflating the airbag (11D), and an inflated shape of the airbag (11D) In an airbag device having an expansion restraining member (41D) for restraining the airbag (11D) so as to be held in a shape smaller than a fully open shape,
A restraint releasing means (50) for releasing the restraint by the expansion restraining member (41D);
The restraint releasing means (50) is an airbag device that releases the restraint when the size of the occupant is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and continues the restraint when the passenger size is less than or equal to the predetermined value.
The airbag device includes a measuring device that measures the size of an occupant;
A control device that controls the constraint releasing means (50) based on the measurement value of the measurement device,
When the measured value of the measuring device is larger than a predetermined threshold, the control device inputs an operation signal to the restraint releasing means (50) when the airbag (11D) is inflated, and the restraint releasing means (50) is operated to release the restriction, and when the measured value is smaller than the threshold value, the restriction is continued without operating the restriction release means (50) when the airbag (11D) is inflated. Is configured to
The airbag attachment member (30) is connected to the end of the airbag (11D) opposite to the passenger,
The air bag mounting member (30) is provided with the restraint releasing means (50),
The restraint releasing means (50) includes a connecting member (51) for connecting the expansion restraining member (41D) to the airbag attaching member (30),
The expansion restraining member (41D) includes a strap,
The strap is routed between the side surface of the occupant of the airbag (11D) and the side surfaces on both sides of the airbag (11D), and both ends of the strap are opposite to the occupant on both sides of the airbag (11D). Extending towards
Engagement portions (42D) engaged with the connection members (51) of the restraint releasing means (50) are provided on both ends of the strap, and the engagement portions of the expansion restraining member (41D). (42D) is engaged so that the coupling member (51) of the restraint releasing means (50) can be disengaged,
When the restraint release means (50) receives the operation signal, the restraint release means (50) is formed between the connection member (51) of the restraint release means (50) and the engaging portion (42D) of the expansion restraint member (41D). Configured to disengage,
The airbag (11D) includes a vent hole (15) for gas outflow and a sheet-like member (71) covering the vent hole (15),
The sheet-like member (71) has one end connected to the airbag (11D) and the other end connected to the airbag attachment member (30) via a connecting device (60).
The coupling device (60) is provided on the airbag mounting member (30),
The connecting device (60) includes a connecting member (61) for connecting the sheet-like member (71) to the airbag mounting member (30),
The sheet-like member (71) extends in a direction from the airbag mounting member (30) toward the vent hole (15),
The end of the sheet-like member (71) on the vent hole (15) side is coupled to the occupant side with respect to the vent hole (15) of the airbag (11D) in an inflated state,
The sheet-like member (71) is closer to the airbag mounting member (30) than the portion where the airbag (11D) is joined, and the middle portion on the side of the joined portion relative to the vent hole (15). A pair of notch-shaped notches (73) are provided at both edges in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the sheet-like member (71),
An engaging portion (72) engaged with the connecting member (61) of the connecting device (60) is provided at an end of the sheet-like member (71) on the airbag mounting member (30) side. The coupling member (61) of the coupling device (60) is engaged with the engagement portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71) so as to be disengageable,
When the connection device (60) receives an operation signal from the control device, the connection member (61) of the connection device (60) and the engaging portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71) Is configured to release the engagement of
When the measured value of the measuring device is larger than the threshold, the control device does not input the operation signal to the connecting device (60) when the airbag (11D) is inflated, and the connecting device ( 60) When the engagement of the connecting member (61) of the sheet-like member (71) with the engaging portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71) is continued and the measured value is smaller than the threshold value, the airbag (11D) When the device expands, the operation signal is input to the connecting device (60) to operate the connecting device (60), and the connecting member (61) and the sheet-like member (71) of the connecting device (60) are operated. ) Is disengaged from the engaging portion (72),
When the engagement of the connecting member (61) of the connecting device (60) and the engaging portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71) is continued when the airbag (11D) is inflated, Along with the inflation of the airbag (11D), a tension is applied to the sheet-like member (71) in the extending direction, and the sheet-like member (71) is broken at the middle portion by this tension, thereby The airbag mounting member (30) side is further away from the vent hole (15) than the middle portion of the sheet-like member (71), and the opening amount of the vent hole (15) is increased. An airbag device characterized by that.

The restraint releasing means (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A pin (51) as the connecting member of the restraint releasing means (50) engaged with the engaging portion (42) of the expansion restraining member (41);
A cylinder (52) in which the pin (51) is inserted so as to be able to advance and retreat;
A restraint releasing gas generator (55) for supplying gas into the cylinder (52),
The pin (51) is composed of a rod-like body extending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the expansion restraining member (41),
When the pin (51) is engaged with the engagement portion (42) of the expansion restraining member (41), one end side protrudes from the cylinder (52) and the pin (51) of the expansion restraining member (41) Inserted into the engaging portion (42),
When an operation signal is input from the control device to the restraint releasing means (50), the restraint releasing gas generator (55) operates to eject gas and supply gas to the cylinder (52). As a result, the one end side of the pin (51) retreats into the cylinder (52), so that the pin (51) comes out of the engagement portion (42) of the expansion restraining member (41) and the expansion restraint is achieved. An airbag device characterized in that the member (41) is configured to be detached from the airbag mounting member (30).

The restraint releasing means (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The engagement posture of the expansion restraining member (44) engaged with the engaging portion (45) and the disengagement in which the engagement of the expansion restraining member (44) with the engaging portion (45) is released. A hook (81) as the connecting member of the restraint releasing means (80), which is rotatable so as to take a posture;
Biasing means biasing the hook (81) to the disengagement posture;
A shear (84) engaged with the hook (81) to maintain the hook (81) in the engaged posture;
A trigger (85) for releasing the engagement between the shear (84) and the hook (81);
When an actuation signal is input from the control device to the restraint releasing means (80), the trigger (85) is actuated to release the engagement between the shear (84) and the hook (81). The hook (81) is changed from the engagement posture to the disengagement posture by the biasing force of the biasing means, and the hook (81) and the engagement portion (45) of the expansion restraining member (44) are engaged. The airbag device is configured to be released so that the expansion restraining member (44) is detached from the airbag attachment member (30C).

In any one of claims 1 to 1 3, wherein the coupling device (60),
A pin (61) as the connecting member of the connecting device (60) engaged with the engaging portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71);
A cylinder into which the pin (61) is inserted so as to be able to advance and retreat;
A decoupling gas generator for supplying gas into the cylinder,
The pin (61) is composed of a rod-like body extending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the sheet-like member (71),
When the pin (61) is engaged with the engaging portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71), one end side protrudes from the cylinder and the engagement of the sheet-like member (71) Part (72),
When an operation signal is input from the control device to the connection device (60), the gas generator for releasing connection operates to eject gas to supply gas to the cylinder, and the gas pressure causes the pin (61) to When the one end side retreats into the cylinder, the pin (61) comes out of the engaging portion (72) of the sheet-like member (71), and the sheet-like member (71) becomes the airbag attachment member. (30) It is comprised so that it may detach | leave from, The airbag apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

In any one of claims 1 to 1 3, wherein the coupling device (90),
The engagement posture of the sheet-like member (71C) engaged with the engagement portion (74) and the engagement release of the engagement of the sheet-like member (71C) with the engagement portion (74). A hook (91) as the connecting member of the connecting device (90), which is rotatable to take a posture;
Urging means for urging the hook (91) to be in the disengagement posture;
A shear that engages with the hook (91) to maintain the hook (91) in the engaged posture;
A trigger for releasing the engagement between the shear and the hook (91),
When an operation signal is input from the control device to the coupling device (90), the trigger is operated to disengage the shear and the hook (91), and thereby the hook (91) is attached to the connection device (90). The engagement posture is changed from the engagement posture by the biasing force of the biasing means, and the engagement between the hook (91) and the engagement portion (74) of the sheet-like member (71C) is released, and the sheet-like member is released. (71C) is comprised so that it may detach | leave from the said airbag attachment member (30C), The airbag apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

An airbag (111), an airbag attachment member (130) to which the airbag is attached, a gas generator (131) for inflating the airbag, and a shape in which the inflation shape of the airbag is smaller than a fully open shape An airbag device having an inflation restraint member for restraining the airbag (111) so as to stop
A restraint releasing means (150) for releasing the restraint by the expansion restraining member;
The restraint releasing means (150) is an airbag device that releases the restraint when the size of the occupant is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and continues the restraint when the passenger size is less than or equal to the predetermined value.
The airbag device includes a measuring device that measures the size of an occupant;
A control device for controlling the constraint releasing means (150) based on the measurement value of the measurement device,
When the measured value of the measuring device is larger than a predetermined threshold, the control device inputs an operation signal to the restraint releasing means (150) when the airbag (111) is inflated, and the restraint releasing means (150) is operated to release the restriction, and when the measured value is smaller than the threshold value, the restriction is continued without operating the restriction release means (150) when the airbag (111) is inflated. Is configured to
The airbag (111) includes a front panel (111a) on the occupant side and a rear panel (111b) on the opposite side of the occupant, and the front panel (111a) and the rear panel (111b) are joined at the periphery. And
The airbag attaching member (130) and the restraint releasing means (150) are disposed on the opposite side of the airbag (111) from the passenger,
A gas generator opening (112) is provided in the center of the rear panel (111b), and a peripheral portion of the opening (112) is connected to the airbag mounting member (130). The gas generator (131) is inserted into the airbag (111) from (112),
The expansion restraining member includes a circular inner panel (120) disposed inside the airbag (111), and the inner panel (120) has a peripheral edge inside the front panel (111a). Connected to the circumference,
In the center of the inner panel (120), an opening (121) surrounding the gas generator (131) is provided,
Between the peripheral edge of the inner panel (120) and the opening (121), a vent hole (122) is provided to ensure the movement of gas in the airbag (111).
A strap insertion part (123) into which the strap (140) is inserted is formed at the peripheral part of the opening (121) of the inner panel (120).
The strap (140) is inserted into the strap insertion part (123), and both end sides are drawn out of the airbag (111) from the strap opening (114) provided in the rear panel (111b). ,
The restraint release means (150) is fixedly installed on the opposite side of the airbag (111) from the passenger, and the restraint release means (150) is a connecting member (151) to which the strap (140) is connected. Have
At both ends of the strap (140), an engaging portion (141) engaged with the connecting member (151) is provided, and the connecting member (151) is disengaged from the engaging portion (141). Engaging possible,
When the engaging portion (141) is engaged with the connecting member (151), the inner panel (120) is not separated from the rear panel (111b) by the strap (140). And
The restraint releasing means (150) is configured to release the engagement between the connecting member (151) and the engaging portion (141) when receiving the operation signal. Airbag device.

The constraint release means (150) according to claim 16 , wherein
A pin (151) as the connecting member engaged with the engaging portion (141) of the strap (140);
A cylinder in which the pin (151) is inserted so as to be able to advance and retreat;
A restraint releasing gas generator for supplying gas into the cylinder,
The pin (151) is composed of a rod-like body extending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the strap (140),
When the pin (151) is engaged with the engaging portion (141), one end side thereof protrudes from the cylinder and is inserted into the engaging portion (141).
When an operation signal is input from the control device to the restraint releasing means (150), the restraint releasing gas generator operates to eject gas to supply gas to the cylinder, and the pin (151) is supplied by the gas pressure. When the one end side of the pin is retracted into the cylinder, the pin (151) is pulled out of the engaging portion (141), and the restraint by the strap (140) is released. An airbag device.