JP5483568B2

JP5483568B2 - Airbag

Info

Publication number: JP5483568B2
Application number: JP2010079058A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 幸広内藤; 寛行菅原; 智有斉藤
Original assignee: Nihon Plast Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nihon Plast Co Ltd
Priority date: 2010-03-30
Filing date: 2010-03-30
Publication date: 2014-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-30
Also published as: JP2011207427A

Description

本発明は、例えば、自動車のインストルメントパネル部に備えられる助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置のエアバッグに関する。 The present invention relates to an airbag of an airbag device for a passenger on a passenger seat provided in an instrument panel portion of an automobile, for example.

従来、例えば、自動車のインストルメントパネル部に備えられる助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置が知られている。このエアバッグ装置は、ガスを供給するインフレータと、所定の形状に折り畳まれたエアバッグとを備えている。そして、自動車の衝突などの際には、インフレータからガスを供給して、助手席に着席した乗員の前方にエアバッグを膨張展開させ、乗員に加わる衝撃を緩和する。 DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Conventionally, the airbag apparatus for passenger seat passenger | crew with which the instrument panel part of a motor vehicle is equipped is known, for example. The airbag device includes an inflator that supplies gas and an airbag that is folded into a predetermined shape. In the event of an automobile collision, etc., gas is supplied from the inflator to inflate and deploy the airbag in front of the occupant seated in the passenger seat, thereby mitigating the impact applied to the occupant.

そして、このような助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置のエアバッグについて、乗員の左右の肩部に対する左右の肩拘束部を設けるとともに、これら肩拘束部同士の間で乗員の頭部を収容可能に凹設した収納凹部を設け、乗員の頭部を柔らかく受け止め、乗員の適切な保護を図った構成が知られている(例えば、特許文献１参照)。さらに、この構成では、収納凹部の奥側に、左右の肩拘束部を連結する連結布を配置し、適切な展開形状の実現を図っている。 And about the airbag of the airbag apparatus for passenger seat passengers like this, the left and right shoulder restraint portions for the left and right shoulder portions of the passenger are provided, and the head of the passenger can be accommodated between these shoulder restraint portions There is known a configuration in which a recessed storage recess is provided so that the head of the occupant is softly received to appropriately protect the occupant (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in this configuration, a connecting cloth that connects the left and right shoulder restraint portions is disposed on the back side of the storage recess to achieve an appropriate developed shape.

特開２００７−３８８１２号公報JP 2007-38812 A

上記従来の構成では、左右の肩拘束部を連結する連結布が乗員の頭部の正面側に対向することになる。そこで、仮に、エアバッグの展開時に連結布が乗員の頭部に干渉すると、エアバッグの挙動が乗員の頭部さらには首部に影響を与えることになる。そこで、連結布について、乗員に干渉しない位置や素材の検討が必要になり、適切な展開形状を実現する構成の実現が必ずしも容易でない。 In the said conventional structure, the connection cloth which connects a left and right shoulder restraint part will oppose the front side of a passenger | crew's head. Therefore, if the connecting cloth interferes with the occupant's head when the airbag is deployed, the behavior of the airbag affects the occupant's head and also the neck. Therefore, it is necessary to examine positions and materials that do not interfere with the occupant of the connecting cloth, and it is not always easy to realize a configuration that realizes an appropriate developed shape.

本発明は、このような点に鑑みなされたもので、乗員の適切な保護を実現できるエアバッグを提供することを目的とする。 This invention is made | formed in view of such a point, and it aims at providing the airbag which can implement | achieve an appropriate protection of a passenger | crew.

請求項１記載のエアバッグは、ガスが導入されて膨張展開する単一の袋状の外殻部と、
この外殻部の一部に設けられこの外殻部の膨張展開時に乗員に接触可能に対向する乗員対向面部と、前記外殻部の前記乗員対向面部を除く部分を構成するベース面部と、前記外殻部の外側に配置され、この外殻部を外側から引き絞るように押圧する拘束ベルトと、この拘束ベルトによる前記外殻部の押圧により前記乗員対向面部の幅方向の中央部及び前記ベース面部の少なくとも一部が前記外殻部の内側に向かって凹設され乗員の頭部に対向する凹設部と、前記拘束ベルトによる前記外殻部の押圧により前記凹設部の両側に前記凹設部よりも乗員側に相対的に突設されて乗員の左右の肩部に対向し互いに連通する同一の気室により構成された左右の肩対向部と、前記ベース面部に位置し前記肩対向部同士を連結する連結部とを備えたものである。 The airbag according to claim 1 is a single bag-like outer shell portion that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas;
A base surface portion constituting the occupant-facing surface which faces to be in contact with the occupant when inflated and deployed the outer shell portion is provided in a part of the outer shell, the portion excluding the occupant-facing surface of the outer shell, the A restraint belt that is disposed outside the outer shell portion and presses the outer shell portion so that the outer shell portion is drawn from the outside, and a center portion in the width direction of the occupant facing surface portion and the base by the pressing of the outer shell portion by the restraint belt a recessed portion in which at least a part of the surface portion is opposed to the head of the occupant is recessed toward the inside of the outer shell, the front on both sides of the recessed portion by the pressing of the shell portion by the restraint belt Stories Left and right shoulder-facing portions formed by the same air chamber that protrudes relatively to the occupant side from the recessed portion and faces the left and right shoulder portions of the occupant and communicates with each other, and the shoulder located on the base surface portion der that a connecting portion for connecting the opposing portions .

請求項２記載のエアバッグは、請求項１記載のエアバッグにおいて、乗員対向面部は、車両の座席に着席した乗員に対向して展開し、凹設部は、前記乗員対向面部からベース面部の上部及び下部に連続して設けられて乗員の頭部及び胸部に対向し、連結部は、前記ベース面部の上部に配置されたものである。 The airbag according to claim 2 is the airbag according to claim 1, wherein the occupant facing surface portion is deployed to face an occupant seated in a vehicle seat, and the recessed portion is formed from the occupant facing surface portion to the base surface portion. The upper portion and the lower portion are continuously provided so as to face the head and chest of the occupant, and the connecting portion is disposed at the upper portion of the base surface portion.

請求項１記載のエアバッグによれば、エアバッグの外殻部内にガスを導入すると、乗員対向面部が乗員に接触可能に対向して外殻部が膨張展開する。外郭部の外側に配置した拘束ベルトによって外殻部を外側から引き絞るように押圧することで凹設部と左右の肩対向部とが形成される。乗員対向面部がエアバッグに拘束される乗員の姿勢を維持し、例えば首部などへ加わる力を抑制し、左右の肩対向部が乗員の左右の肩部に対向して乗員をしっかりと拘束するとともに、凹設部が乗員の頭部に対向し柔らかく拘束し、乗員を適切に保護する。連結部が肩対向部同士を連結するため、肩対向部を適切な位置に保持し、乗員を適切に保護できる。連結部は乗員対向面部を除く部分を構成するベース面部に位置するため、連結部が乗員に干渉することを防止できる。 According to the airbag of the first aspect, when the gas is introduced into the outer shell portion of the airbag, the outer shell portion is inflated and deployed so that the occupant facing surface portion faces the occupant so as to be in contact with the occupant. The recessed portion and the left and right shoulder facing portions are formed by pressing the outer shell portion from the outside by means of a restraining belt disposed outside the outer portion. The occupant facing surface maintains the posture of the occupant restrained by the airbag, suppresses the force applied to the neck, for example, and the left and right shoulder facing portions oppose the occupant's left and right shoulders and firmly restrains the occupant The recessed portion faces the occupant's head and restrains it softly to protect the occupant appropriately. Since a connection part connects shoulder opposing parts, a shoulder opposing part is hold | maintained in an appropriate position and a passenger | crew can be protected appropriately. Since the connecting portion is located on the base surface portion constituting the portion excluding the occupant facing surface portion, the connecting portion can be prevented from interfering with the occupant.

請求項２記載のエアバッグによれば、請求項１記載の効果に加え、連結部は、ベース面部の上部に配置されたため、外殻部の上側部の乗員の頭部に対向する位置では肩対向部同士が比較的接近した状態とし、乗員の頭部及び肩部をしっかりと拘束して乗員を適切に保護できるとともに、外殻部の下側部の乗員の胸部に対向する位置では肩対向部同士が比較的開いた状態とし、乗員の胸部を柔らかく受けとめて乗員を適切に保護できる。 According to the airbag of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, since the connecting portion is disposed at the upper portion of the base surface portion, the shoulder is located at the position facing the occupant's head on the upper portion of the outer shell portion. The facing parts are relatively close to each other, and the head and shoulders of the occupant are firmly restrained so that the occupant can be properly protected, and at the position facing the occupant's chest on the lower part of the outer shell, the shoulders face each other. It is possible to protect the occupant appropriately by holding the occupant's chest softly while keeping the parts relatively open.

本発明のエアバッグの一実施の形態を示すエアバッグが展開した状態の説明図であり、(a)は図７のＩ−Ｉ断面相当位置の説明図、(b)は図７のII−II断面相当位置の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the state which the airbag which shows one Embodiment of the airbag of this invention was expand | deployed, (a) is explanatory drawing of the II cross section equivalent position of FIG. 7, (b) is II-- of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of a II cross-section equivalent position. 同上エアバッグの展開した状態を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the airbag same as the above developed. 同上エアバッグを備えたエアバッグ装置の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the airbag apparatus provided with the airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの展開した状態を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the state which the airbag same as the above developed. 同上エアバッグの展開した状態を示す下方からみた説明図である。It is explanatory drawing seen from the lower part which shows the state which the airbag same as the above developed. 同上エアバッグの展開した状態を示す正面からみた説明図である。It is explanatory drawing seen from the front which shows the state which the airbag same as the above developed. 同上エアバッグの展開過程の状態を示す側面からみた説明図である。It is explanatory drawing seen from the side surface which shows the state of the expansion | deployment process of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの展開過程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the expansion | deployment process of an airbag same as the above. 本発明のエアバッグの他の実施の形態を示す下方からみた説明図である。It is explanatory drawing seen from the downward direction which shows other embodiment of the airbag of this invention.

以下、本発明のエアバッグの一実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of an airbag according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図１ないし図３において、１はエアバッグ装置で、このエアバッグ装置１は、移動体である車両としての自動車２の座席３である助手席、すなわち被保護物である助手席の乗員Ａの前方に位置する被設置部としてのインストルメントパネル部４の内側に配置され、アシストエアバッグとも呼ばれる助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置１を構成している。なお、以下、前後方向、両側方向、及び上下方向は、それぞれエアバッグ装置１を自動車２に取り付けた状態における自動車２の直進方向を基準として説明する。また、各図において、乗員Ａはダミーにより示され、Ａ1は乗員の頭部の位置、Ａ2は乗員の胸部の位置、Ａ3は乗員の肩部の位置を示している。 1 to 3, reference numeral 1 denotes an airbag device. The airbag device 1 is a passenger seat that is a seat 3 of an automobile 2 as a vehicle that is a moving body, that is, an occupant A of a passenger seat that is a protected object. An airbag device 1 for a passenger in a passenger seat, which is disposed inside an instrument panel portion 4 as an installation portion located in the front and is also called an assist airbag, is configured. Hereinafter, the front-rear direction, the both-side direction, and the up-down direction will be described based on the straight traveling direction of the automobile 2 with the airbag device 1 attached to the automobile 2, respectively. In each figure, the occupant A is indicated by a dummy, A1 indicates the position of the occupant's head, A2 indicates the position of the occupant's chest, and A3 indicates the position of the occupant's shoulder.

そして、インストルメントパネル部４は、後側すなわち助手席側に向かって若干下降する曲面状などに形成され、このインストルメントパネル部４の内側に配置された車体の部材に、エアバッグ装置１が正面側を上方に向け、あるいは上方から後側すなわち乗員Ａ側に向けて適宜傾斜した状態で固定されている。また、インストルメントパネル部４の上方には、前側下方から上側後方に向かって傾斜したウインドシールドであるフロントガラス５が配置されている。 And the instrument panel part 4 is formed in the curved surface etc. which descend | fall slightly toward the back side, ie, a passenger seat side, etc., and the airbag apparatus 1 is attached to the member of the vehicle body arrange | positioned inside this instrument panel part 4. The front side is directed upward, or is fixed in a state where it is appropriately inclined from the upper side to the rear side, that is, the occupant A side. Further, a windshield 5 which is a windshield inclined from the lower front side toward the upper rear side is arranged above the instrument panel portion 4.

そして、このエアバッグ装置１は、エアバッグモジュールとも呼び得るもので、図３などに示すように、基布にて構成された袋状のエアバッグ11、このエアバッグ11にガスを供給するインフレータ12、これらエアバッグ11とインフレータ12となどが取り付けられるケース体14、リテーナ15、ブラケット16、及び展開前のエアバッグ11を覆うカバー体などを備え、エアバッグ11は、シートベルトを装着して座席３に着席した乗員Ａに対向して展開するようになっている。 And this airbag apparatus 1 can also be called an airbag module, and as shown in FIG. 3 etc., the bag-shaped airbag 11 comprised with the base fabric, the inflator which supplies gas to this airbag 11 12, a case body 14 to which the airbag 11 and the inflator 12 and the like are attached, a retainer 15, a bracket 16, a cover body that covers the airbag 11 before deployment, and the like. The vehicle is deployed so as to face the occupant A seated in the seat 3.

そして、ケース体14は、鉄板を組み合わせるなどして略箱状に形成され、正面側あるいはフロントガラス５に向かう上側を開口部である矩形状の突出口14aとし、内側が、折り畳んだエアバッグ11を収納するエアバッグ収納部14bとされている。また、このエアバッグ収納部14bに臨み、ケース体14の底部には、単数あるいは複数、本実施の形態では２個のインフレータ12を取り付ける円孔及びボルトが挿入される取付孔を設けたインフレータ取付部が設けられている。さらに、ケース体14の両側部には、側部ブラケット14cが取り付けられ、ケース体14の前後部には、カバー体を係止して取り付ける爪状のカバー取付部14dが設けられている。また、このケース体14には、軽量化のために複数の開口14eが設けられている。 The case body 14 is formed in a substantially box shape by combining iron plates or the like. The front side or the upper side toward the windshield 5 is a rectangular projecting opening 14a that is an opening, and the airbag 11 is folded inside. The air bag storage portion 14b stores the air bag. Further, an inflator mounting provided with a circular hole for mounting one or a plurality of, in the present embodiment, two inflators 12 and a mounting hole for inserting bolts, facing the airbag housing portion 14b. Is provided. Further, side brackets 14c are attached to both side portions of the case body 14, and claw-like cover attaching portions 14d for engaging and attaching the cover body are provided on the front and rear portions of the case body 14. The case body 14 is provided with a plurality of openings 14e for weight reduction.

また、カバー体は、カバー取付部14dに係止してケース体14に取り付けられ、通常時に突出口14aを覆うもので、樹脂にてインストルメントパネル部４と一体あるいは別体をなして形成され、他の部分より薄肉で容易に破断するテアラインが平面略Ｈ字状などに形成されている。 The cover body is locked to the cover mounting portion 14d and attached to the case body 14, and normally covers the projection opening 14a. The cover body is formed integrally or separately from the instrument panel portion 4 with resin. A tear line that is thinner than other portions and easily breaks is formed in a substantially H-shaped plane.

また、各インフレータ12は、円盤状の本体部12aを備え、この本体部12aからフランジ部12bが突設されているとともに、このフランジ部12bの上側に位置して複数のガス噴射口12cが設けられている。そして、本体部12aの内側には、点火器及び薬剤が収納され、底部に接続されたコネクタを介して伝えられる制御手段からの電気信号により、点火器が薬剤を燃焼させ、ガス噴射口12cから膨張用のガスを急速に供給するようになっている。また、フランジ部12bには、４個の取付孔12dが形成されている。なお、インフレータ12は、種々の形状があり、例えば円柱状の本体部を備えた１個のインフレータ12を用いることもできる。 Each inflator 12 includes a disk-shaped main body 12a. A flange 12b projects from the main body 12a, and a plurality of gas injection ports 12c are provided above the flange 12b. It has been. The igniter and the medicine are housed inside the main body 12a, and the igniter burns the medicine by an electric signal transmitted from the control means transmitted through the connector connected to the bottom, and the gas injection port 12c The gas for expansion is supplied rapidly. Further, four attachment holes 12d are formed in the flange portion 12b. The inflator 12 has various shapes. For example, one inflator 12 having a cylindrical main body can be used.

また、リテーナ15は、リテーナ基板部15aと、このリテーナ基板部15aに取り付けられたスタッドボルト15bとを備えている。そして、リテーナ基板部15aには、インフレータ12の本体部12aが挿入される２個の円孔15cが形成されているとともに、各円孔15cを囲むようにして、それぞれ４個のスタッドボルト15bが下方に突設して固定されている。また、各スタッドボルト15bには、それぞれナット18が螺合して締め付けられるようになっている。 The retainer 15 includes a retainer substrate portion 15a and a stud bolt 15b attached to the retainer substrate portion 15a. The retainer base plate portion 15a is formed with two circular holes 15c into which the main body portion 12a of the inflator 12 is inserted, and four stud bolts 15b are respectively provided below the respective circular holes 15c. Projected and fixed. Further, a nut 18 is screwed into each stud bolt 15b and tightened.

また、ブラケット16は、下側ブラケットとも呼び得るもので、ケース体取付部16aと、このケース体取付部16aから下方に延設された車体側取付部16bとを備えている。そして、ケース体取付部16aには、取付孔16cが４カ所に形成され、車体側取付部16bには、ねじ孔を有するナット部16dが２カ所に設けられている。 The bracket 16 can also be called a lower bracket, and includes a case body mounting portion 16a and a vehicle body side mounting portion 16b extending downward from the case body mounting portion 16a. The case body attaching portion 16a has attachment holes 16c formed at four locations, and the vehicle body side attaching portion 16b is provided with nut portions 16d having screw holes at two locations.

そして、エアバッグ11は、図１ないし図６に示すように、単数あるいは複数の基布を組み合わせ、例えば、正面基布部21、上側基布部22、下側基布部23の３枚の基布を縫い合わせて単一の袋状としたエアバッグ本体部である外殻部25を備えている。そして、このエアバッグ11の外殻部25は、正面基布部21の部分が、展開時に乗員に接触可能に対向する乗員対向面部26となり、この乗員対向面部26を除く部分すなわち上側基布部22及び下側基布部23の部分がベース面部27となっている。そして、上側基布部22は展開時にフロントガラス５に対向するいわばウインドシールド部であり、下側基布部23はインストルメントパネル部４から乗員Ａの膝部分などに対向するベース部となっている。そして、この外殻部25の前端下側すなわちベース面部27の前端下側の部分がるエアバッグ基部31となり、このエアバッグ基部31がインストルメントパネル部４のケース体14に取り付けられるとともに、このエアバッグ基部31の内側にインフレータ12からガスが供給されて外殻部25が膨張展開する。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the airbag 11 is a combination of one or a plurality of base fabrics. For example, the airbag 11 is composed of a front base fabric portion 21, an upper base fabric portion 22, and a lower base fabric portion 23. An outer shell portion 25 which is an airbag main body portion formed by sewing a base fabric into a single bag shape is provided. The outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11 has a portion of the front base fabric portion 21 which is an occupant-facing surface portion 26 that faces the occupant so as to come into contact with the occupant during deployment. 22 and the lower base fabric portion 23 form a base surface portion 27. The upper base fabric portion 22 is a windshield portion facing the windshield 5 when unfolded, and the lower base fabric portion 23 is a base portion facing the knee portion of the occupant A from the instrument panel portion 4. Yes. Then, an air bag base 31 having a lower front end of the outer shell 25, that is, a lower front end of the base surface 27, is attached to the case body 14 of the instrument panel 4 and Gas is supplied from the inflator 12 to the inside of the airbag base 31, and the outer shell 25 is inflated and deployed.

そして、この外殻部25は、エアバッグ基部31からエアバッグ基部31の反対側である後端側の乗員対向面部26に向かって上下方向及び両側方向に拡開している。さらに、外殻部25は、乗員対向面部26の全体からこの乗員対向面部26に近接する上下のベース面部27にかけて、外殻部25の内側すなわち前方に向かい凹設され、すなわち幅方向の中央部に位置して上下方向に沿って溝状に凹設された凹設部33が形成されているとともに、この凹設部33の両側に位置し、乗員対向面部26の両側部に、外殻部25の膨張展開時に凹設部33よりも相対的に乗員Ａ側すなわち後方に膨出する左右一対の肩対向部34が形成され、上側から見ていわばハート形となっている。そして、外殻部25の膨張展開時に、座席３の所定位置にシートベルトを装着して着席した乗員Ａに対し、凹設部33は頭部及び胸部の少なくとも幅方向の中央部に対向し、肩対向部34は、乗員Ａの左右の肩部に対向する。 The outer shell portion 25 expands in the vertical direction and the both side directions from the airbag base portion 31 toward the occupant-facing surface portion 26 on the rear end side opposite to the airbag base portion 31. Further, the outer shell portion 25 is recessed from the entirety of the occupant facing surface portion 26 to the upper and lower base surface portions 27 adjacent to the occupant facing surface portion 26, inside the outer shell portion 25, that is, toward the front, that is, the central portion in the width direction. Are formed in a groove shape along the vertical direction and are located on both sides of the recessed portion 33, and on both sides of the occupant facing surface portion 26, the outer shell portion A pair of left and right shoulder facing portions 34 that bulges relative to the occupant A side, that is, rearward relative to the recessed portion 33 when the 25 is inflated and deployed are formed in a heart shape as viewed from above. When the outer shell 25 is inflated and deployed, the recessed portion 33 faces at least the center of the head and the chest in the width direction with respect to the occupant A who is seated with a seat belt attached to a predetermined position of the seat 3. The shoulder facing portion 34 faces the left and right shoulder portions of the occupant A.

そして、凹設部33は、本実施の形態では、各基布部21，22，23は凹設された形状を形成しない単純な形状とし、また、外殻部25の内側にベルトを配置せず、外殻部25の外側に配置した拘束ベルト36により外殻部25を外側から引き絞るように押圧して凹設部33を形成するとともに、この凹設部33に対して相対的に突出する肩対向部34を形成している。すなわち、本実施の形態では、左右の肩対向部34は、互いに連通した同一の気室により構成されている。 In this embodiment, the recessed portion 33 has a simple shape that does not form the recessed portions of the base fabric portions 21, 22, and 23, and a belt is disposed inside the outer shell portion 25. First, the constraining belt 36 disposed on the outside of the outer shell 25 is pressed so as to draw out the outer shell 25 from the outside, thereby forming the recessed portion 33 and protruding relative to the recessed portion 33. The shoulder facing portion 34 is formed. In other words, in the present embodiment, the left and right shoulder facing portions 34 are configured by the same air chamber communicating with each other.

そして、この拘束ベルト36は、例えば一枚の基布にて形成され、図４及び図５に示すように、長尺な帯状の拘束ベルト本体部36aと、この拘束ベルト本体部36aの一端部である上端部に一体に設けられた上部接続部36bと、拘束ベルト本体部36aの他端部である下端部に一体に設けられた下部接続部36cとを備えている。そして、拘束ベルト本体部36aは、乗員対向面部26の幅方向の中央部に沿って縫い付けない状態で配置されている。また、上部接続部36bは、拘束ベルト本体部36aより幅寸法が大きく、上側基布部22に縫い付けて取り付けられている。さらに、下部接続部36cは、拘束ベルト本体部36aよりも幅寸法が大きく、下側基布部23に縫い付けて取り付けられている。そして、上部接続部36bと下部接続部36cとの間の拘束ベルト本体部36aの長手寸法は、外殻部25の拘束ベルト36を配置した部分の表面に沿った寸法より短く、この寸法差により外殻部25が押圧され、凹設部33と肩対向部34とが形成されている。 The restraint belt 36 is formed of, for example, a single base cloth. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the restraint belt main body 36a is formed into a long belt-like shape and one end of the restraint belt main body 36a. An upper connection portion 36b provided integrally with the upper end portion, and a lower connection portion 36c provided integrally with the lower end portion which is the other end portion of the restraining belt main body portion 36a. The restraint belt main body 36a is disposed in a state where it is not sewn along the center portion in the width direction of the occupant facing surface portion 26. Further, the upper connecting portion 36b has a width dimension larger than that of the restraining belt main body portion 36a, and is attached to the upper base fabric portion 22 by sewing. Further, the lower connecting portion 36c has a width dimension larger than that of the restraining belt main body portion 36a, and is attached to the lower base fabric portion 23 by sewing. The longitudinal dimension of the restraint belt main body 36a between the upper connection part 36b and the lower connection part 36c is shorter than the dimension along the surface of the portion where the restraint belt 36 of the outer shell part 25 is disposed. The outer shell portion 25 is pressed, and a recessed portion 33 and a shoulder facing portion 34 are formed.

さらに、このエアバッグ11には、図１及び図４に示すように、外殻部25の外側に配置され左右の肩対向部34を連結して接近した状態に保持する連結部41を備えている。この連結部41は、連結布とも呼び得るもので、帯状の基布にて形成され、両側方向を長手方向とし、正面基布部21すなわち乗員対向面部26から外れた位置で、外殻部25の上側部のベース面部27すなわち上側基布部22に、縫製による左右一対の接合部42で両端部が連結されている。また、この連結部41の長手寸法は、展開時の外殻部25の幅寸法より小さく形成されている。さらに、この連結部41は、車室で外殻部25が膨張展開した状態で、乗員Ａの頭部より上方に位置し、外殻部25の上端部すなわち頂部か頂部より若干前側に位置するようになっている。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the airbag 11 includes a connecting portion 41 that is disposed outside the outer shell portion 25 and that connects the left and right shoulder facing portions 34 and holds them in an approached state. Yes. The connecting portion 41 can also be called a connecting cloth, is formed of a belt-like base cloth, has a longitudinal direction on both sides, and a position away from the front base cloth portion 21, that is, the occupant facing surface portion 26, and the outer shell portion 25. Both upper ends are connected to the base surface portion 27 of the upper portion, that is, the upper base fabric portion 22 by a pair of left and right joining portions 42 by sewing. Further, the longitudinal dimension of the connecting part 41 is formed smaller than the width dimension of the outer shell part 25 when unfolded. Further, the connecting portion 41 is located above the head of the occupant A in a state in which the outer shell portion 25 is inflated and deployed in the passenger compartment, and is located slightly above the upper end portion of the outer shell portion 25, that is, the top portion or the top portion. It is like that.

また、図示しないが、エアバッグ基部31には、インフレータ12の本体部12aを受け入れ可能なガス導入口が形成されている。また、このガス導入口の周囲には、リテーナ15のスタッドボルト15bが挿入される取付孔が８カ所に形成されている。また、図２に示すように、外殻部25の側面には、例えば上側基布部22に、円孔状をなしガスを排気可能な排気口44が形成されている。 Although not shown, the air bag base 31 is formed with a gas inlet that can receive the main body 12a of the inflator 12. Further, around the gas inlet port, eight mounting holes for inserting the stud bolts 15b of the retainer 15 are formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, on the side surface of the outer shell portion 25, for example, the upper base fabric portion 22 is formed with an exhaust port 44 that has a circular shape and can exhaust gas.

そして、エアバッグ装置１の組立工程は、まず、エアバッグ11の外殻部25の内側にリテーナ15を挿入し、このリテーナ15のスタッドボルト15bを取付孔から引き出して位置合わせした状態で、エアバッグ11を所定の形状に折り畳む。次いで、このエアバッグ11をケース体14のエアバッグ収納部14bに収納するとともに、リテーナ15のスタッドボルト15bをケース体14の底部の取付孔に挿入する。そして、このリテーナ15のスタッドボルト15bに下側からインフレータ12のフランジ部12bの取付孔12dを挿入するとともに、インフレータ12の本体部12aの上側部をケース体14の底部の円孔及びエアバッグ11のエアバッグ基部31のガス導入口に挿入する。さらに、リテーナ15のスタッドボルト15bにブラケット16の取付孔16cを挿入する。次いで、各スタッドボルト15bにナット18を螺合して締め付けることにより、ケース体14に、エアバッグ11、インフレータ12、リテーナ15、及びブラケット16が取り付けられる。さらに、ケース体14にカバー体を被せカバー取付部14dに係止することにより、エアバッグ装置１のユニットが組み立てられる。 In the assembly process of the airbag device 1, first, the retainer 15 is inserted inside the outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11, and the stud bolt 15b of the retainer 15 is pulled out from the mounting hole and aligned. The bag 11 is folded into a predetermined shape. Next, the airbag 11 is stored in the airbag storage portion 14b of the case body 14, and the stud bolt 15b of the retainer 15 is inserted into the mounting hole in the bottom portion of the case body 14. Then, the mounting hole 12d of the flange portion 12b of the inflator 12 is inserted into the stud bolt 15b of the retainer 15 from the lower side, and the upper portion of the main body portion 12a of the inflator 12 is connected to the circular hole in the bottom portion of the case body 14 and the airbag 11. The air bag base 31 is inserted into the gas inlet. Further, the mounting hole 16c of the bracket 16 is inserted into the stud bolt 15b of the retainer 15. Next, the airbag 11, the inflator 12, the retainer 15, and the bracket 16 are attached to the case body 14 by screwing and fastening the nut 18 to each stud bolt 15 b. Further, the unit of the airbag device 1 is assembled by covering the case body 14 with the cover body and locking the cover body 14d with the cover mounting portion 14d.

そして、このエアバッグ装置１は、ケース体14の側部ブラケット14cの孔部及びブラケット16のナット部16dなどを用いて車両のステアリングメンバなどの部材に連結固定され、自動車２のインストルメントパネル部４に取り付けられ、さらに、センサなどを備えた制御装置に電気的に接続して、エアバッグ装置１が構成される。 The airbag device 1 is connected and fixed to a member such as a steering member of the vehicle using a hole of the side bracket 14c of the case body 14 and a nut 16d of the bracket 16, and the instrument panel portion of the automobile 2 The airbag device 1 is configured by being electrically connected to a control device that is attached to 4 and further provided with a sensor or the like.

次に、このエアバッグ装置１の展開動作を説明する。 Next, a deployment operation of the airbag device 1 will be described.

自動車２の衝突などの際に、センサが検出した乗員Ａの状態に応じて制御装置がインフレータ12を１個あるいは２個作動させ、各インフレータ12のガス噴射口12cからガスを噴射させる。すると、このエアバッグ11の外殻部25はガスの流入に伴い膨張展開し、カバー体のテアラインを破断して突出口14aから突出し、直接に、あるいはフロントガラス５に沿って、後方の乗員Ａ側に向かって膨張展開し、図１、図２、図６、及び図７に示すように、助手席に着席した乗員Ａの上半身の前方に乗員対向面部26を対向させて展開し、この乗員対向面部26を乗員Ａに当接して乗員Ａを拘束し、乗員Ａを衝突の衝撃から保護する。 In the event of a collision of the automobile 2, the control device operates one or two inflators 12 according to the state of the occupant A detected by the sensor, and injects gas from the gas injection ports 12 c of each inflator 12. Then, the outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11 is inflated and deployed as the gas flows in, breaks the tear line of the cover body, protrudes from the protruding port 14a, and directly or along the windshield 5, the rear passenger A 1, 2, 6, and 7, the occupant facing surface 26 is deployed in front of the upper half of the occupant A seated in the passenger seat, The opposing surface portion 26 is brought into contact with the occupant A to restrain the occupant A and protect the occupant A from the impact of the collision.

ここで、エアバッグ11は、凹設部33が乗員Ａの頭部及び胸部の幅方向の中央部に対向し、肩対向部34は、乗員Ａの左右の肩部に対向する。そこで、肩対向部34が乗員Ａの左右の肩部に当接し、乗員Ａをしっかりと受け止めて適切に保護できる。一方、乗員Ａの頭部及び胸部については、乗員Ａからみて凹設された凹設部33が設けられているため、乗員Ａの頭部及び胸部を柔らかく受け止めて適切に保護できる。 Here, in the airbag 11, the recessed portion 33 faces the center of the occupant A's head and chest in the width direction, and the shoulder facing portion 34 faces the left and right shoulders of the occupant A. Therefore, the shoulder facing portion 34 abuts against the left and right shoulders of the occupant A, and the occupant A can be firmly received and appropriately protected. On the other hand, since the occupant A's head and chest are provided with a recessed portion 33 that is recessed when viewed from the occupant A, the occupant A's head and chest can be softly received and appropriately protected.

そして、エアバッグ11の外殻部25は、凹設部33を挟んで肩対向部34が設けられているため、ガスの流入に伴うガスの圧力により、さらに、エアバッグ11に乗員Ａが当接した圧力により、左右の肩対向部34が開くように離間する挙動が生じる。ここで、左右の肩対向部34は、連結部41により互いに連結されているため、開く挙動が抑制され、肩対向部34が乗員Ａの肩部に当接した状態を保持して乗員Ａを適切に保護できる。 Since the outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11 is provided with a shoulder-facing portion 34 with the recessed portion 33 interposed therebetween, the passenger A is further applied to the airbag 11 by the pressure of the gas accompanying the inflow of gas. The contacted pressure causes the left and right shoulder facing portions 34 to be separated so as to open. Here, since the left and right shoulder facing portions 34 are connected to each other by the connecting portion 41, the opening behavior is suppressed, and the state where the shoulder facing portion 34 abuts against the shoulder portion of the occupant A is maintained and the occupant A is held. Can protect properly.

さらに、この連結部41は、外殻部25のベース面部27の上側部に設けられ、さらに、乗員Ａの頭部より上方に位置するため、凹設部33は上側部が閉じて、下側部に向かって徐々に開く傾向となる。そこで、凹設部33は、図１(a)に示すように、頭部を拘束する部分では、頭部の幅の略Ｖ字状に展開し、矢印Ｂに示すように頭部を横方向からの圧縮力で挟み込むように拘束して、頭部の移動を抑制して適切に保護できる。一方、図１(b)に示すように、胸部に対向する部分では、凹設部33は略Ｕ字状に広がり、矢印Ｃに示すように力は両側の肩対向部34に振り分け、シートベルトに拘束された胸部は柔らかく受け止めて、あるいは凹設部33が胸部に接触すなわち押圧しない状態として、胸部に力が加わりすぎない状態で適切に保護できる。 Further, since the connecting portion 41 is provided on the upper side of the base surface portion 27 of the outer shell portion 25 and is positioned above the head of the occupant A, the concave portion 33 is closed on the lower side. It tends to open gradually toward the club. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), the recessed portion 33 is developed in a substantially V shape with the width of the head at the portion constraining the head, and the head is laterally moved as indicated by an arrow B. It is restrained so that it may be pinched by the compression force from the head, and the movement of the head can be suppressed and appropriately protected. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), in the portion facing the chest, the recessed portion 33 spreads in a substantially U shape, and as shown by the arrow C, the force is distributed to the shoulder facing portions 34 on both sides, and the seat belt Thus, the chest restrained by the arm can be softly received, or can be appropriately protected in a state where the force is not applied excessively to the chest as the recessed portion 33 does not touch or press the chest.

さらに、エアバッグ11の連結部41は、乗員対向面部26ではなく、外殻部25のベース面部27に設けられている。そこで、連結部41は乗員Ａの頭部に干渉せず、乗員Ａを適切に保護できる。 Further, the connecting portion 41 of the airbag 11 is provided not on the passenger facing surface portion 26 but on the base surface portion 27 of the outer shell portion 25. Therefore, the connecting portion 41 can appropriately protect the occupant A without interfering with the occupant A's head.

図８に、本実施の形態のエアバッグ装置１を用いてエアバッグ11の展開実験を行った結果を示す。図８(a)はエアバッグ11が乗員Ａの拘束を開始するタイミングであるエアバッグ装置１の作動後４０ミリ秒後、図８(b)はエアバッグ11が下降する状態となる５０ミリ秒後、図８(c)はエアバッグ11がさらに下降する６０ミリ秒後の状態である。この結果、エアバッグ11の展開過程で外殻部25の先端側である乗員対向面部26がいわばおじぎをするように下降するような挙動を示す場合にも、乗員Ａの頭部の位置Ａ1が下降する挙動はほとんどなく、すなわち、エアバッグ11の外殻部25が頭部を上から押す動作は発生していないことが確認できた。一方、乗員の頭部の正面に位置して凹設部33に連結部41と同様の部材を取り付けて実験を行った場合には、図８(b)及び図８(c)に破線Ｆで示すように、連結部41の下にあるバッグ内にガスがたまり、袋状になり、頭部が上から押されて下降する挙動が見られた。 In FIG. 8, the result of having conducted the deployment experiment of the airbag 11 using the airbag apparatus 1 of this Embodiment is shown. FIG. 8 (a) shows the timing at which the airbag 11 starts to restrain the occupant A, 40 milliseconds after the operation of the airbag device 1, and FIG. 8 (b) shows 50 milliseconds when the airbag 11 is lowered. FIG. 8C shows a state after 60 milliseconds when the airbag 11 further descends. As a result, even when the occupant-facing surface portion 26, which is the distal end side of the outer shell portion 25, moves down so as to bow in the process of deploying the airbag 11, the head position A1 of the occupant A is It was confirmed that there was almost no descending behavior, that is, no movement of the outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11 pushing the head from above occurred. On the other hand, when an experiment was conducted by attaching the same member as the connecting portion 41 to the recessed portion 33 located in front of the occupant's head, a broken line F in FIGS. 8 (b) and 8 (c). As shown in the figure, gas accumulated in the bag under the connecting portion 41 to form a bag, and the head was pushed down from above and the behavior was lowered.

さらに、本実施の形態では、図７に示すように、エアバッグ11の展開過程において、側面視でエアバッグ11の外殻部25の乗員対向面部26のなす仮想面Ｄは、ダミーのトルソー角度すなわち乗員Ａの上半身のなす仮想面Ｅと平行になるように設定されている。そこで、エアバッグ11に拘束される乗員Ａの姿勢を維持し、例えば首部などへ加わる力を抑制し、乗員Ａを適切に保護できる。 Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, in the deployment process of the airbag 11, the virtual plane D formed by the occupant facing surface portion 26 of the outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11 is a dummy torso angle in the side view. That is, it is set to be parallel to the virtual plane E formed by the upper body of the passenger A. Therefore, the posture of the occupant A restrained by the airbag 11 is maintained, and for example, the force applied to the neck or the like is suppressed, so that the occupant A can be appropriately protected.

このように、本実施の形態によれば、助手席用のエアバッグ装置１について、エアバッグ11の外殻部25内にガスを導入すると、乗員対向面部26が乗員Ａに接触可能に対向して外殻部25が膨張展開し、左右の肩対向部34が乗員Ａの左右の肩部に対向して乗員Ａをしっかりと拘束するとともに、凹設部33が乗員Ａの頭部に対向し柔らかく拘束し、乗員Ａを適切に保護できる。さらに、連結部41が肩対向部34同士を連結するため、肩対向部34を適切な位置に保持し、乗員Ａを適切に保護できる。さらに、連結部41は乗員対向面部26を除く部分を構成するベース面部27に位置するため、連結部41が乗員Ａに干渉することを防止して、乗員Ａを適切に保護できる。すなわち、エアバッグ11の外殻部25の展開形状が、側面視で、乗員に当接可能に対向する正面基布部21である乗員対向面部26と、乗員Ａに対向せずフロントガラス５に対向する上側基布部22及び下側基布部23の３辺から構成され、乗員対向面部26の中央部を凹設して形成された左右の肩対向部34を連結する連結部41について、上側基布部22の部分、すなわち乗員に当接可能に対向する乗員対向面部26よりも乗員から離間する方向である前方(エンジン側)に配置したため、展開時に乗員対向面部26が下降する挙動を示した場合にも、連結部41は乗員Ａに接触せず、乗員の挙動に干渉することを防止できる。 Thus, according to the present embodiment, when the gas is introduced into the outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11 in the airbag device 1 for the passenger seat, the occupant facing surface portion 26 faces the occupant A so as to be in contact with the occupant A. The outer shell portion 25 is inflated and deployed, the left and right shoulder facing portions 34 are opposed to the left and right shoulder portions of the occupant A and firmly restrain the occupant A, and the recessed portion 33 is opposed to the occupant A head. It is possible to restrain the passenger A appropriately by restraining it softly. Furthermore, since the connection part 41 connects the shoulder opposing parts 34, the shoulder opposing part 34 can be hold | maintained in an appropriate position, and the passenger | crew A can be protected appropriately. Furthermore, since the connection part 41 is located in the base surface part 27 which comprises the part except the passenger | crew opposing surface part 26, it can prevent that the connection part 41 interferes with the passenger | crew A, and can protect the passenger | crew A appropriately. In other words, the deployed shape of the outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11 is such that, when viewed from the side, the occupant facing surface portion 26 which is the front base fabric portion 21 facing the occupant so as to be able to contact the occupant, Concerning the connecting portion 41 that connects the left and right shoulder facing portions 34 that are formed from the three sides of the upper base fabric portion 22 and the lower base fabric portion 23 that face each other and that is formed by recessing the central portion of the occupant facing surface portion 26, Since the upper base fabric portion 22 is disposed in front of the occupant facing surface portion 26 facing the occupant so as to come into contact with the occupant (the engine side), the behavior of the occupant facing surface portion 26 is lowered when deployed. Also in the case shown, the connecting portion 41 does not contact the occupant A, and can be prevented from interfering with the behavior of the occupant.

また、連結部41は、ベース面部27の上部に配置したため、外殻部25の上側部の乗員Ａの頭部に対向する位置では肩対向部34同士が比較的接近した状態とし、乗員Ａの頭部を凹設部33で挟み込むようにして挟持するとともに肩部を肩対向部34でしっかりと拘束して乗員Ａを適切に保護できるとともに、外殻部25の下側部の乗員Ａの胸部に対向する位置では肩対向部34同士が比較的開いた状態とし、乗員Ａの胸部を柔らかく受けとめて乗員Ａを適切に保護できる。 Further, since the connecting portion 41 is arranged on the upper portion of the base surface portion 27, the shoulder facing portions 34 are relatively close to each other at a position facing the head of the occupant A on the upper side of the outer shell portion 25. The head is sandwiched between the recessed portions 33 and the shoulders are firmly restrained by the shoulder facing portions 34 so that the occupant A can be properly protected, and the chest of the occupant A below the outer shell 25 The shoulder facing portions 34 are relatively open at a position opposite to each other, so that the chest of the occupant A can be received softly to properly protect the occupant A.

また、複雑な構成を用いることなく、構造を簡略化して製造コストを低減できる。 Further, the manufacturing cost can be reduced by simplifying the structure without using a complicated configuration.

なお、上記の実施の形態では、連結部41は、エアバッグ11の上側部のみに設けたが、この構成に限られず、上側部と下側部、あるいは下側部のみに設けることもできる。例えば、エアバッグ11の下側部に、図９に示すように、連結部51を設けることもできる。すなわち、この連結部51は、エアバッグ11の下側部に外殻部25のベース面部27に位置して、接合部52で両端部が肩対向部34に接合され、肩対向部34同士を連結している。なお、この連結部51は、上部の連結部41よりも長手寸法が大きく形成され、凹設部33の下側部が開いた状態とできるようになっている。 In the above embodiment, the connecting portion 41 is provided only on the upper portion of the airbag 11. However, the connecting portion 41 is not limited to this configuration, and may be provided only on the upper portion and the lower portion, or only on the lower portion. For example, a connecting portion 51 can be provided on the lower side of the airbag 11 as shown in FIG. That is, the connecting portion 51 is located on the base surface portion 27 of the outer shell portion 25 on the lower side portion of the airbag 11, and both end portions are joined to the shoulder facing portion 34 at the joining portion 52, and the shoulder facing portions 34 are connected to each other. It is connected. The connecting portion 51 has a longer dimension than the upper connecting portion 41 so that the lower side portion of the recessed portion 33 is open.

また、連結部41，51は、エアバッグ11の外殻部25の全体の幅寸法を規制する部材として機能させることもできる。例えば、図９に破線Ｇで示すように、連結部51によりエアバッグ11の外殻部25の全体の幅寸法を規制し、すなわち、連結部51の長手寸法を、エアバッグ11の外殻部25の幅寸法と等しくすることができる。 The connecting portions 41 and 51 can also function as members that regulate the overall width of the outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11. For example, as shown by a broken line G in FIG. 9, the overall width dimension of the outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11 is regulated by the connecting portion 51, that is, the longitudinal dimension of the connecting portion 51 is set to the outer shell portion of the airbag 11. Can be equal to 25 width dimensions.

また、エアバッグ11の外殻部25の基布の構成は、上記の３枚の基布部21，22，23を用いた構成に限られず、例えば、上下の２枚の基布を接合した構成とすることもできる。 Further, the configuration of the base fabric of the outer shell portion 25 of the airbag 11 is not limited to the configuration using the three base fabric portions 21, 22, and 23. For example, two upper and lower base fabrics are joined. It can also be configured.

さらに、助手席乗員用のエアバッグ11に限られず、例えば、前席の座席の後部から、後席の座席の乗員の上体に向かって展開するエアバッグ11に適用することもできる。 Furthermore, the airbag 11 is not limited to the passenger seat occupant airbag 11, and can be applied to the airbag 11 that is deployed from the rear portion of the front seat toward the upper body of the occupant in the rear seat.

本発明は、例えば、車両の助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置のエアバッグに適用できる。 The present invention can be applied, for example, to an airbag of an airbag device for a passenger in a passenger seat of a vehicle.

２車両としての自動車
３座席
11 エアバッグ
25 外殻部
26 乗員対向面部
27 ベース面部
33 凹設部
34 肩対向部
36 拘束ベルト
41，51 連結部
Ａ乗員 2 Car as a vehicle 3 Seat
11 Airbag
25 Outer shell
26 Passenger facing surface
27 Base surface
33 Recessed part
34 Shoulder facing part
36 restraint belt
41,51 Connecting part A Crew

Claims

A single bag-like outer shell portion in which gas is introduced and expands and expands;
An occupant-facing surface portion that is provided in a part of the outer shell portion and faces the occupant so as to come into contact with the occupant when the outer shell portion is inflated and deployed;
A base surface portion constituting a portion excluding the occupant facing surface portion of the outer shell portion;
A restraining belt disposed outside the outer shell portion and pressing the outer shell portion so as to be drawn from the outside;
Due to the pressing of the outer shell portion by the restraining belt, a central portion in the width direction of the occupant-facing surface portion and at least a part of the base surface portion are recessed toward the inside of the outer shell portion and face the occupant's head. And
Same air to communicate with each other to face the right and left shoulders of the occupant is relatively projected toward the occupant than the previous SL recess on both sides of the recessed portion by the pressing of the shell portion by the restraint belt Left and right shoulder facing parts constituted by chambers ;
Airbag, characterized in that a connecting portion connecting the shoulder facing portions located on the base surface portion.

The occupant-facing surface portion is deployed facing the occupant seated in the vehicle seat,
The recessed portion is provided continuously from the occupant facing surface portion to the upper and lower portions of the base surface portion and faces the occupant's head and chest,
The airbag according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is disposed on an upper portion of the base surface portion.