WO2009107343A1 - Airbag device - Google Patents

Abstract

An airbag device in which trouble caused by an occurrence of excessive tension at a sewn portion of an airbag is eliminated or reduced by a simple structure. The airbag device has the airbag housed inside an instrument panel in a compressed state when not in use, mounted to an airbag container, and inflated and expanded toward a vehicle interior when an emergency situation occurs, and the airbag device also has a gas generating device for supplying inflating gas into the airbag. The airbag has a center panel extending, when inflated, in an annular shape in the top-bottom and front-rear directions while including a region facing an occupant, and the airbag also has side panels for covering side faces of the center panel. The center panel is formed by joining together opposite ends of a substantially band-like panel. The longitudinal opposite ends of the band-like panel are shaped so as to protrude outward. Joining the opposite ends in this way forms a sag in the joined portion of the airbag in an inflate state.

Description

Airbag device

The present invention relates to an airbag device that deploys an airbag to protect an occupant in the event of a vehicle collision. In particular, the present invention relates to an airbag device that is disposed inside an instrument panel (instrument panel) of a vehicle and protects a passenger in a passenger seat.

Conventional technology

2. Description of the Related Art An airbag device that protects an occupant by deploying an airbag when a vehicle collides is known. The airbag device is generally provided in a handle or an instrument panel, and protects a driver and a passenger in a passenger seat. Some of them are provided on the side of the seat back or above the side door to ensure the protection of the driver and the like.

The basic structure of these airbag devices is common, and includes an airbag folded so as to be inflated and deployed, an inflator that supplies inflation gas to the airbag, a sensor that detects a vehicle collision, and the like. When the collision of the vehicle is detected by the sensor, the igniter in the inflator is ignited, and the gas generating agent in the inflator is combusted. Then, gas blows out from the inflator into the airbag, and the airbag is inflated and deployed by filling the gas.

Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose inventions applicable to a passenger seat airbag device.
JP-A-6-344849 JP-A-8-207680

¡Airbags are usually formed into bags by sewing fabric. Since the internal pressure of the airbag at the time of deployment is very high, for example, if the pressure is concentrated on the sewing portion, the sewing portion may be spread due to excessive tension. In particular, when the airbag is inflated to the rear side of the vehicle, a large tension is generated in the airbag deployment direction. A seam (sewing part) extending in a direction perpendicular to the development direction tends to be easily damaged.

¡If the sewing part (seam) of the airbag spreads, high temperature and high pressure gas will pass through that part, which may cause heat accumulation and damage the base fabric. In order to prevent this, the reinforcing base fabric is sewed over the sewn portion that is easily damaged. However, when a reinforcing base fabric is used, the joining (sewing) process becomes complicated, and problems such as an increase in weight, an increase in module size, and an increase in cost occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the situation as described above, and provides an airbag device that can solve or reduce the problem caused by excessive tension at a sewing location of an airbag while having a simple configuration. Objective.

In order to achieve the above object, an airbag device according to a first aspect of the present invention is accommodated in an instrument panel in a compressed state when not in use, is attached to an airbag container, and is An airbag that inflates and deploys toward the chamber; and a gas generator that supplies inflation gas into the airbag. The airbag includes a center panel that includes a region facing an occupant when inflated and extends in a ring shape up and down and front and rear; and a side panel that covers a side surface of the center panel. The center panel is formed by joining both end portions of a generally strip-shaped panel. And the longitudinal direction both-ends edge part of the said strip | belt-shaped panel becomes a shape which protruded toward the outer side, and forms a sag in the said location of the inflated airbag by joining such edge parts. It is characterized by.

Preferably, both end portions of the strip-shaped panel have a shape protruding in an arc shape toward the outside. Thereby, the both ends of a strip | belt-shaped panel can be sewed continuously and smoothly, and it becomes advantageous at the point of work efficiency.

In addition, an airbag device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an airbag that is accommodated in an instrument panel in a compressed state when not in use, and that is inflated and deployed toward a passenger compartment when an emergency occurs; A gas generator for supplying inflation gas into the airbag. The airbag includes a center panel that includes a region facing an occupant when inflated and extends in a ring shape up and down and front and rear; and a side panel that covers a side surface of the center panel. The longitudinal side of the center panel and the outer periphery of the side panel are joined along a first joining line, and both longitudinal ends of the center panel are joined along a second joining line. is there. The second joining line has a convex shape toward the end side (outer side) of the center panel, thereby forming a sag in the portion of the inflated airbag.

Preferably, the second joining line has a shape protruding in an arc shape toward the outside. Thereby, the both ends of a strip | belt-shaped panel can be sewed continuously and smoothly, and it becomes advantageous at the point of work efficiency.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail using examples. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an operating state of an airbag apparatus according to the present invention. An airbag device 10 for a passenger seat according to the present invention is accommodated in an instrument panel (instrument panel) 10 in a compressed state when not in use, and is inflated and deployed toward a passenger compartment when an emergency occurs. An inflator 12 as a gas generator for supplying inflation gas into the airbag 14. In the passenger seat airbag apparatus 10 according to the present invention, when an abnormal situation such as a frontal collision occurs, the inflator 12 is activated and the inflation gas is supplied into the airbag 14. Then, the airbag 14 jumps out from the upper part of the instrument panel 10 and is deployed toward the passenger along the windshield 16.

The airbag 14 is formed into a bag shape using a synthetic fiber fabric or the like, and is attached to and accommodated in a metal box-shaped airbag container 13 in a folded state. A circular hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom portion of the airbag container 13, and the upper part (gas discharge port) of the inflator 12 is inserted into the hole. The airbag 14 and the inflator 12 are fixed to the bottom surface of the airbag container 13 by a flange-shaped fixing plate, and the airbag container is fixed to the vehicle.

Here, “attached to the airbag container 13” is a concept including that at least a part of the airbag is fixed to the airbag container.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a deployed state of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a developed view (assembly drawing). The airbag 14 includes a center panel 22 that includes a region that faces an occupant when inflated and extends in a ring shape in the up and down and front and rear directions; and side panels 20R and 20L that cover the side surfaces of the center panel 22. The center panel 22 is formed into an annular shape by joining both end portions 22a and 22b of a generally band-shaped panel. Both ends 22a and 22b in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like panel have a shape projecting in an arc shape toward the outside. By joining such end portions, slack in the corresponding portion of the inflated airbag 14 A portion 18 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the center panel 22 is formed in a band shape in which an intermediate portion is swollen (wide), and the intermediate portion is configured to face an occupant. At one end of the center panel 22, a circular opening 14 is formed into which the blowout port of the inflator 12 is inserted. The shape of the edge portions 22a and 22b in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like panel is not necessarily limited to the arc shape, and may be a shape having a corner portion or a waveform.

In addition, it is preferable to set the joining location of the edge part of the center panel 22 to the position of the dotted circle X in FIG. For example, if the end joint position X of the center panel 22 is a part in contact with the windshield 16 under the worst condition, the wind shield 16 may be broken by the hard joint part X, which is not preferable. Further, if the end joint position X of the center panel 22 is a portion in contact with the occupant (left side in FIG. 1), the hard joint portion X may be in contact with the occupant, which is not preferable. Furthermore, if the end joint position X of the center panel 22 is disposed in the vicinity of the lowermost portion of the airbag 14, the airbag 14 may be burst, which is not preferable. On the other hand, when the end joint position X of the center panel 22 is the position of the dotted circle X in FIG. 1 as in this embodiment, the position is in the middle of the gas flow (not the end position). The possibility of bursting is reduced. Such a joint position X can be said to be “a position that is not the end position of the gas flow, does not contact the windshield, and does not contact the occupant”. In the case of the present embodiment, it can also be expressed as “in the middle of an inclined portion extending downward from the inflator and extending obliquely downward in the deployed airbag”.

The side panels 20R and 20L have a shape in which a notch is formed in a part thereof, and such a narrow portion is positioned directly above the inflator 12 when the airbag 14 is deployed. Yes. Circular vent holes 26R and 26L are formed in the side panels 20R and 20L, respectively. The total perimeter of each of the side panels 20R and 20L and the side length of the center panel 22 are basically the same and are joined (sewn) without sagging.

When sewing the airbag 14, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer peripheries of the side panels 20R and 20L and the side edges of the center panel 22 are first sewn. Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the longitudinal end edges 22 a and 22 b of the belt-like panel (22) are sewn together. When the airbag 14 formed by such a sewing procedure is actually inflated and deployed, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the airbag 14 sags at the sewing portion between the longitudinal end edges 22a and 22b of the belt-like panel (22). 18 will be formed.

In the airbag apparatus 10 having such a structure, when an abnormal situation such as a frontal collision occurs, the inflator 12 is actuated by a signal from a sensor (not shown), and inflation gas is supplied into the airbag 14. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the airbag 14 jumps out from the upper part of the instrument panel 10 and is deployed toward the passenger along the windshield 16. Here, since a sag (margin) 18 is formed at a joint portion of the center panel 22 of the airbag 14 according to the present invention, it is absorbed even when a large pressure or a large tension is applied to the portion. It is possible to prevent excessive tension from being generated in the sewing portion.

The present invention is particularly effective when the joint portion (sewing direction) between the end portions of the center panel 22 is orthogonal to the deployment direction of the airbag 14 as in the above-described embodiment. In such a case, the pressure inside the airbag 14 and the tension generated when the airbag expands and protrudes when the airbag is deployed directly act on the seam, and the seam spreads and is easily damaged. In the case of the present embodiment, the “deployment direction” means a direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a deployed state of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a developed view (assembly drawing). The airbag 14 includes a center panel 22 that includes a region that faces an occupant when inflated and extends in a ring shape in the up and down and front and rear directions; and side panels 20R and 20L that cover the side surfaces of the center panel 22. The center panel 22 is formed into an annular shape by joining both end portions 22a and 22b of a generally band-shaped panel.

In this embodiment, the longitudinal side of the center panel 22 and the outer periphery of the side panels 22R and 22L are joined (for example, sewn) along the first joining lines 32a and 32b. Moreover, the longitudinal direction both ends 22a and 22b of the center panel 22 are joined (for example, sewn) along the arc-shaped second joining line 34. Here, the second joining line 34 has a circular arc shape that is convex toward the end side (outer side) of the center panel 22, thereby forming a sag 18 in the corresponding portion of the inflated airbag 14. Note that the shape of the second joining line 34 is not necessarily limited to an arc shape, and may be a shape having a corner or a waveform.

In addition, it is preferable to set the joining location of the edge part of the center panel 22 to the position of the dotted circle X in FIG. For example, if the end joint position X of the center panel 22 is a part in contact with the windshield 16 under the worst condition, the wind shield 16 may be broken by the hard joint part X, which is not preferable. Further, if the end joint position X of the center panel 22 is a portion in contact with the occupant (left side in FIG. 1), the hard joint portion X may be in contact with the occupant, which is not preferable. Furthermore, if the end joint position X of the center panel 22 is disposed in the vicinity of the lowermost portion of the airbag 14, the airbag 14 may be burst, which is not preferable. On the other hand, when the end joint position X of the center panel 22 is the position of the dotted circle X in FIG. 1 as in this embodiment, the position is in the middle of the gas flow (not the end position). The possibility of bursting is reduced. Such a joint position X can be said to be “a position that is not the end position of the gas flow, does not contact the windshield, and does not contact the occupant”. In the case of the present embodiment, it can also be expressed as “in the middle of an inclined portion extending downward from the inflator and extending obliquely downward in the deployed airbag”.

As shown in FIG. 9, the center panel 22 is formed in a band shape in which an intermediate portion is swollen (wide), and the intermediate portion is configured to face an occupant. At one end of the center panel 22, a circular opening 14 is formed into which the blowout port of the inflator 12 is inserted.

The side panels 20R and 20L have a shape in which a notch is formed in a part thereof, and such a narrow portion is positioned directly above the inflator 12 when the airbag 14 is deployed. Yes. Circular vent holes 26R and 26L are formed in the side panels 20R and 20L, respectively. The total perimeter of each of the side panels 20R and 20L and the side length of the center panel 22 are basically the same and are joined (sewn) without sagging.

Hereinafter, a method for forming the airbag 14 will be described by taking as an example the case where the panels 20R, 20L, and 22 are joined by sewing. First, as shown in FIG. 10, the outer peripheries of the side panels 20R and 20L and the side edges of the center panel 22 are sewn along the first sewing lines 32a and 32b. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, the longitudinal end edges 22 a and 22 b of the belt-like panel (22) are sewn along the second joining line 34. When the airbag 14 formed by such a sewing procedure is actually inflated and deployed, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the airbag 14 sags at the sewing portion between the longitudinal edges 22 a and 22 b of the strip-like panel (22). 18 will be formed.

The operation, action, and effect of the airbag device itself are basically the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

The present invention can be applied to various types of airbag devices, but is particularly suitable for a passenger seat airbag device as in the embodiment. In the case of a passenger seat airbag device, the panel is usually joined in a three-dimensional manner. Some of these panel joints are positioned so as to intersect with a larger tension than others generated in the direction of airbag inflation when the airbag is inflated. The present invention works particularly effectively when the joint is located in the vicinity of the airbag fixing point.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be modified within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an operating state of an airbag apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a deployed state of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a developed view (assembled view) of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a developed view (assembled view) of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partial plan view showing the structure of the main part of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a deployed state of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a deployed state of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a developed view (assembled view) of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a developed view (assembled view) of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a partial plan view showing the structure of the main part of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a front view showing a deployed state of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the airbag used in the airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10: Instruments panel 12: Inflator 14: Air bag 16: Windshield 20R, 20L: Side panel 22: Center panel 22a, 22b: Center panel end portions 32a, 32b: First joining line 34: Second joining line

Claims (14)

In an airbag device for protecting passengers in a vehicle,
An airbag housed in an instrument panel in a compressed state when not in use, attached to an airbag container, and inflated and deployed toward the passenger compartment when an emergency occurs;
A gas generator for supplying inflation gas into the airbag,
The airbag includes a center panel that includes a region facing an occupant when inflated and extends annularly in the up and down and front and rear directions; and a side panel that covers a side surface of the center panel,
The center panel is formed by joining both end portions of a generally strip-shaped panel,
Both end edges in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like panel have a shape protruding outward, and a slack is formed at the corresponding portion of the inflated airbag by joining such ends. An airbag device. 2. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein both end portions of the belt-like panel have a shape protruding in an arc shape toward the outside. The airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein joining of the end portions of the belt-like panel is performed by sewing. The airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joining portion between the end portions of the belt-like panel forming the center panel is a position close to an attachment point of the airbag. The airbag device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the joining portion between the end portions of the belt-like panel is a position where a larger tension is applied than the other when the airbag is deployed. The airbag device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the joining portion between the end portions of the belt-like panel is located in the vicinity of a stepped portion protruding toward the inside of the deployed airbag. . The side panel is composed of two panels joined to the left and right of the center panel,
The airbag device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein an outer edge portion of the two side panels and a longitudinal side edge portion of the belt-like panel are joined. In an airbag device for protecting passengers in a vehicle,
An airbag housed in an instrument panel in a compressed state when not in use and inflated and deployed toward the passenger compartment when an emergency occurs;
A gas generator for supplying inflation gas into the airbag,
The airbag is formed from a center panel that is formed into a long belt shape and includes a region that faces an occupant when inflated and extends in a ring shape in the up and down and front and rear directions; and a side panel that covers a side surface of the center panel;
The longitudinal side of the center panel and the outer periphery of the side panel are joined along a first joining line, and both longitudinal ends of the center panel are joined along a second joining line. Yes,
The second joining line has a convex shape toward the end side (outer side) of the center panel, and thereby forms a slack in the portion of the inflated airbag. . The airbag device according to claim 8, wherein the second joining line has an arc shape. 10. The airbag device according to claim 8, wherein the joining in the second joining line is performed by sewing. The airbag device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a joint portion between the end portions of the center panel is a position close to an attachment point of the airbag. The airbag device according to claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the joint portion between the end portions of the center panel is a position where a larger tension is applied than the other when the airbag is deployed. The airbag device according to claim 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein a joint portion between the end portions of the center panel is located in the vicinity of a stepped portion protruding toward the inside of the deployed airbag. . The side panel is composed of two panels joined to the left and right of the center panel,
The outer edge part of the said 2 side panel and the longitudinal direction side part of the said center panel are joined along the said 1st joining line, The 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 characterized by the above-mentioned. Or the airbag apparatus of 13.

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