JP2017100576A - Airbag device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably receive an occupant by an airbag device which is fitted to a steering.SOLUTION: An airbag device 30 which is fitted to a steering 5 comprises an airbag body 32 which can be developed between the steering 5 and an occupant. The airbag body 32 comprises: plural inflation parts 32a, 32b which are positioned between the steering 5 and the occupant in a developed state and are inflated to an outer side of a second direction V2 orthogonal to a first direction V1 along a steering axis SL; and a narrowed part 32c which is positioned between the plural inflation parts 32a, 32b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an airbag device.

  The airbag device restrains an occupant by inflating and deploying an airbag bag body in a vehicle interior by a gas supplied from an inflator when a large impact is input to the vehicle. As such an airbag apparatus, there is an airbag apparatus that includes a cylindrical tubular body having an opening end for gas introduction, and a main body that is integrated with the tubular body and that is deployed toward an occupant. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). The main body portion has an oval shape larger in the radial direction than the cylindrical body in the unfolded state.

Registered Utility Model No. 3029288

  However, a space is formed between the retainer to which the cylindrical body is attached and the radially outer portion of the main body when the main body is deployed. That is, there is no support for the radially outer portion of the main body between the retainer and the radially outer portion of the main body. Further, in the developed state of the main body, the curvature of the radially outer portion of the main body tends to increase. Therefore, when a passenger | crew (head) contacted the radial direction outer side part of the main-body part, there existed a subject in receiving a passenger | crew stably.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to stably receive an occupant in an airbag device attached to a steering wheel.

As a means for solving the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an airbag device (for example, the airbag 30 in the embodiment) attached to a steering (for example, the steering 5 in the embodiment), wherein the steering and the occupant An airbag bag body (for example, the airbag bag body 32 in the embodiment) that is deployed between the steering wheel and the occupant in the deployed state. A plurality of inflating portions (for example, steering in the embodiment) that expand outside a second direction (for example, the second direction V2 in the embodiment) orthogonal to a first direction along the axis (for example, the first direction V1 in the embodiment). The side inflatable portion 32a, the occupant side inflatable portion 32b in the embodiment, and the inflatable portions Fin portion (e.g., constricted portion 32c in the embodiment) and, characterized in that it comprises a.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, when viewed from the first direction, at least a part of the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion located on the steering side among the plurality of expansion portions is a steering wheel (for example, the embodiment). Is larger than the outer shape of the steering wheel 11).
According to a third aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the outer shape of the steering side inflating portion located on the steering side among the plurality of inflating portions is located on the occupant side, as viewed from the first direction. It is characterized in that it is larger than the outer shape of the occupant side inflating part.
The invention described in claim 4 further includes a deployment thickness regulating member that regulates the deployment thickness of the airbag body in the first direction (for example, the deployment thickness regulating member 50 in the embodiment). And
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an inner portion in the second direction of the occupant-side inflatable portion located on the occupant side among the plurality of inflatable portions is recessed from the occupant side to the steering side. A recess (for example, the recess 560 in the embodiment) is formed.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the airbag bag body is located between the steering wheel and the occupant in the deployed state, and expands outward in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction along the steering axis. By providing the plurality of inflating portions and the constricted portion located between the plurality of inflating portions, the following effects are produced. When a plurality of inflating portions (specifically, a steering side inflating portion located on the steering side and an occupant side inflating portion located on the occupant side) are formed in the first direction, so that only one inflating portion is provided Compared with the surface angle of the outer side part in the second direction of the occupant-side inflating part becomes smaller. That is, the curvature of the outer side portion in the second direction of the occupant side inflating portion is reduced. Therefore, it becomes easy to catch the occupant at the outer side portion in the second direction of the occupant-side inflating portion. Moreover, when a passenger | crew contacts the outer side part of the 2nd direction of a passenger | crew side expansion | swelling part, the outer side part of the 2nd direction of a passenger | crew side expansion | swelling part can be supported by the outer side part of the 2nd direction of a steering side expansion | swelling part. Therefore, a passenger can be received stably. The surface angle means an angle formed by a line connecting the outer peripheral stitching portion of the occupant-side inflatable portion (inflatable portion) and the occupant-side central portion with respect to the steering surface (surface orthogonal to the steering axis).
According to the second aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion is larger than the outer shape of the steering wheel when viewed from the first direction, and the following effects are obtained. When the occupant comes into contact with the outer side in the second direction of the occupant-side inflating part, the occupant is moved by the steering wheel via the outer part in the second direction of the occupant-side inflating part and the outer side in the second direction of the steering-side inflating part. Can be supported. Accordingly, the occupant can be received more stably.
According to the invention described in claim 3, when the first direction is viewed, at least a part of the outer shape of the steering side inflating portion is larger than the outer shape of the occupant side inflating portion. Compared with the case where the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion is smaller than the outer shape of the occupant side expansion portion when viewed from the first direction, the occupant side expansion The outer part in the second direction of the part can be more reliably supported by the outer part in the second direction of the steering side expansion part. Accordingly, the occupant can be received more stably.
According to the invention described in claim 4, the following effects can be obtained by further including the deployment thickness regulating member that regulates the deployment thickness of the airbag bag body in the first direction. Compared with the case where the deployment thickness regulating member is not provided, the configuration of the outer side portion in the second direction of the occupant-side inflatable portion can be stabilized in the deployed state of the airbag bag body. Accordingly, the occupant can be received more stably.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the recessed portion that is recessed from the occupant side to the steering side is formed on the inner side portion in the second direction of the occupant side inflating portion, thereby providing the following effects. In the deployed state of the airbag body, the depth of the recess can be secured while securing the distance from the recess to the steering. Thereby, a passenger | crew becomes easy to fit in a recessed part. Accordingly, the restraining force of the occupant can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the vehicle interior of the vehicle provided with the airbag apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a figure containing the cross section along the II-II line of FIG. It is the figure which looked at the airbag apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment from the upper direction along the 2nd direction orthogonal to a 1st direction. It is a figure containing the cross section along the IV-IV line of FIG. It is a top view of the steering side base fabric which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a top view of a crew member side base cloth concerning a first embodiment. It is a top view of the 1st intermediate base fabric concerning a first embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment structure of the expansion | deployment thickness control member which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a figure equivalent to FIG. 3 which shows the airbag apparatus which concerns on a comparative example. It is a figure equivalent to Drawing 4 showing the air bag device concerning a second embodiment. It is a figure equivalent to Drawing 4 showing the air bag device concerning a third embodiment. It is a figure equivalent to Drawing 4 showing the air bag device concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a figure equivalent to FIG. 4 which shows the airbag apparatus which concerns on 5th embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing an airbag device according to a comparative example. It is a figure equivalent to FIG. 4 which shows the airbag apparatus which concerns on 6th embodiment. It is a figure equivalent to FIG. 4 which shows the airbag apparatus which concerns on 7th embodiment. It is a perspective view equivalent to FIG. 8 which shows the attachment structure of the expansion | deployment thickness control member which concerns on 7th embodiment. It is a perspective view equivalent to FIG. 8 which shows the modification of an expansion | deployment thickness control member. It is a perspective view equivalent to FIG. 8 which shows the modification of an expansion | deployment thickness control member.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, directions such as front, rear, left and right are the same as those in the vehicle unless otherwise specified. Further, in the drawings used for the following explanation, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, and an arrow UP indicating the upper side of the vehicle are shown.

(First embodiment)
<Mounting structure of airbag device>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an interior of a vehicle 1 including an airbag device 30 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a driver seat 2 is disposed on the right side of the vehicle 1, and a passenger seat 3 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 1. A steering wheel 5 is disposed in front of the driver seat 2. An airbag device 30 is attached to the steering 5. Specifically, the airbag device 30 is accommodated in the steering wheel 10 disposed in front of the seat 2 of the driver's seat.

FIG. 2 is a view including a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the steering wheel 10 includes an annular steering wheel body 11, an airbag cover 12 that houses the airbag device 30, and a spoke 20 that connects the airbag cover 12 and the steering wheel body 11. And comprising.

The airbag cover 12 includes a front cover 13 and a rear cover 14.
The front cover 13 has a cup shape. The front cover 13 is attached to a boss portion 16 solidified with a nut 15 at the rear end of the steering shaft 9.
The rear cover 14 is fixed to the periphery of the front cover 13 with a plurality of bolts 17 so as to close the front cover 13.

  A retainer 18 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the rear cover 14. The retainer 18 is fastened together with the front cover 13 and the rear cover 14 with bolts 17. An airbag device 30 is supported on the retainer 18.

  A tear line 14 a is formed on the inner surface of the top plate portion of the rear cover 14 to promote breakage of the rear cover 14 when the airbag bag body 32 is inflated and deployed. For example, the tear line 14a is formed in an H shape when the rear cover 14 is viewed from the front. The rear cover 14 is broken along the tear line 14a when the airbag bag body 32 is inflated and deployed, and is separated into upper and lower parts and deployed.

<Airbag device>
The airbag device 30 includes, for example, an inflator 31 filled with a propellant that generates high-pressure gas by combustion, an airbag bag body 32 that is inflated and deployed by introducing the high-pressure gas generated by the inflator 31, and the airbag bag body 32. And a fixing bracket 33 for fixing the base portion. The base portion of the airbag bag body 32 corresponds to a central portion of a steering side base fabric 41 described later.

  A flange 31 a of the inflator 31 is disposed in front of the retainer 18. A base portion of the airbag bag body 32 is disposed behind the retainer 18. Further, a fixing bracket 33 is disposed behind the base portion of the airbag bag body 32. The flange 31 a of the inflator 31, the retainer 18, the base portion of the airbag bag body 32, and the fixing bracket 33 are stacked in this order from the front to the rear, and are fastened and fixed by a plurality of bolts 34 and nuts 35. . That is, the base portion of the airbag bag body 32 is fixed in a state of being sandwiched between the retainer 18 and the fixing bracket 33.

<Airbag body>
FIG. 3 is a view of the airbag device 30 according to the first embodiment as viewed from above along a second direction V2 orthogonal to the first direction V1. Here, the first direction V1 is a direction along the central axis (hereinafter referred to as “steering axis SL”) of the steering shaft 9 (see FIG. 2). The second direction V2 corresponds to the radial direction of the steering wheel 10.
4 is a view including a cross section taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the airbag bag body 32 is configured to be deployable between the steering 5 (specifically, the steering wheel 10) and the occupant (specifically, the head). The airbag body 32 includes a plurality of (for example, two in the present embodiment) inflated portions 32a and 32b in the deployed state.

In the deployed state, the airbag body 32 includes a steering side inflatable portion 32a, an occupant side inflatable portion 32b, and a constricted portion 32c.
The steering side expansion portion 32a is located on the steering wheel 10 side (front side) and expands outside in the second direction V2.
The occupant side inflatable portion 32b is located on the occupant side (rear side) and expands outward in the second direction V2.

The constricted part 32c is located between the steering side expansion part 32a and the occupant side expansion part 32b. In the deployed state of the airbag body 32, the outer shape of the constricted portion 32c viewed from the first direction V1 is smaller than the outer shapes of the inflatable portions 32a and 32b.
The outside in the second direction V2 corresponds to the outside in the radial direction of the steering wheel 10. The inner side in the second direction V <b> 2 corresponds to the inner side in the radial direction of the steering wheel 10.

  Specifically, the airbag bag body 32 in the deployed state includes a steering side base cloth 41 disposed on the steering wheel 10 side (front side) and an occupant side base cloth 42 disposed on the occupant side (rear side). And an intermediate base fabric 43 disposed between the steering side base fabric 41 and the occupant side base fabric 42. The intermediate base fabric 43 includes a first intermediate base fabric 44 disposed on the steering wheel 10 side (front side) and a second intermediate base fabric 45 disposed on the passenger side (rear side).

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the steering-side base cloth 41 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the steering-side base cloth 41 is a cloth having a circular shape in plan view. The steering-side base cloth 41 has a circular inflator opening 41h that surrounds the inflator 31 (see FIG. 2) and a plurality of bolts 34 that are arranged around the inflator opening 41h and that are respectively inserted through the inflator opening 41h (for example, the present embodiment). Then four) through-holes 41i are formed. The inflator opening 41 h is disposed at the center of the steering side base fabric 41.

  Between the rear surface of the retainer 18 (see FIG. 2) and the front surface of the fixed bracket 33, the center portion of the steering side base fabric 41 is sandwiched. The central portion of the steering side base fabric 41 is fastened with bolts 34 through the respective through holes 41i. As a result, the gas generated by the inflator 31 is supplied from the inflator opening 41 h at the center of the steering-side base fabric 41 to the inside of the airbag bag body 32.

  Note that an annular stitch line 41a in a plan view is indicated by a broken line at a position where the outer peripheral edge portion of the steering side base fabric 41 is stitched with the outer peripheral edge portion of the first intermediate base fabric 44. On the steering side base fabric 41, an annular stitch line 41b in a plan view is shown by a broken line at a position where it is sewn with an unfolded thickness regulating member 50, which will be described later, around the inflator opening 41h.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the occupant side fabric 42 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the occupant side base fabric 42 is a circular fabric in plan view. Note that an annular suture line 42a in a plan view is shown by a broken line at the outer peripheral edge portion of the occupant-side base fabric 42 at a position where it is stitched to the outer peripheral edge portion of the second intermediate base fabric 45. At the center of the occupant-side base fabric 42, a suture line 42b having an annular shape in plan view is indicated by a broken line at a position where it is stitched to a development thickness regulating member 50 described later.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first intermediate base fabric 44 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the first intermediate base fabric 44 is an annular fabric in plan view. Note that an annular suture line 44a is shown by a broken line at the outer peripheral edge portion of the first intermediate base fabric 44 at a position where it is stitched to the outer peripheral edge portion of the steering side base fabric 41. On the inner peripheral edge portion of the first intermediate base fabric 44, a suture line 44b having an annular shape in plan view is indicated by a broken line at a position where it is stitched with the inner peripheral edge portion of the second intermediate base fabric 45.

  In addition, since the structure of the 2nd intermediate | middle base fabric 45 is the same as that of the structure of the 1st intermediate | middle base fabric 44, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Although not shown in the drawings, an annular suture line in a plan view is formed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the second intermediate base fabric 45 at a position to be stitched with the outer peripheral edge portion of the occupant-side base fabric 42 (the suture line shown in FIG. 7). 44a), an annular stitch line is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the second intermediate base fabric 45 at a position to be sewn with the inner peripheral edge of the first intermediate base fabric 44 (shown in FIG. 7). Equivalent to suture line 44b).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the airbag bag body 32, the steering side base cloth 41, the first intermediate base cloth 44, the second intermediate base cloth 45, and the occupant side base cloth 42 are stitched as described above. It is formed by. In other words, in the deployed state, the airbag body 32 has the steering side inflatable portion 32a and the occupant side inflatable portion by the steering side base fabric 41, the first intermediate base fabric 44, the second intermediate base fabric 45, and the occupant side base fabric 42. 32b and a constricted portion 32c are formed.

  Specifically, the steering side inflatable portion 32 a is a portion surrounded by the stitched portion 40 a between the outer peripheral edge portion of the steering side base fabric 41 and the outer peripheral edge portion of the first intermediate base fabric 44 in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 32. It corresponds to. That is, the steering side inflatable portion 32 a corresponds to an inner portion of a bag body (hereinafter referred to as “steering side bag body”) formed by the steering side base cloth 41 and the first intermediate base cloth 44.

  The occupant-side inflatable portion 32 b corresponds to a portion surrounded by the stitched portion 40 b between the outer peripheral edge portion of the occupant-side base fabric 42 and the outer peripheral edge portion of the second intermediate base fabric 45 in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 32. In other words, the occupant side inflatable portion 32 b corresponds to an inner portion of a bag body (hereinafter referred to as “occupant side bag body”) formed by the occupant side base fabric 42 and the second intermediate base fabric 45.

  The constricted portion 32 c corresponds to a portion surrounded by the stitched portion 40 c between the inner peripheral edge portion of the first intermediate base fabric 44 and the inner peripheral edge portion of the second intermediate base fabric 45 in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 32. That is, the constricted portion 32c corresponds to a portion (boundary portion) between the steering side bag body and the occupant side bag body.

As viewed from the first direction V <b> 1, the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 32 a is larger than the outer shape of the steering wheel 10. That is, the diameter D1 of the steering side expansion portion 32a is larger than the diameter Ds of the steering wheel 10 (D1> Ds).
When viewed from the first direction V1, the outer shape of the steering side inflatable portion 32a is substantially the same as the outer shape of the occupant side inflatable portion 32b. That is, the diameter D1 of the steering side inflating portion 32a is substantially the same as the diameter D2 of the occupant side inflating portion 32b (D1≈D2).

<Development thickness regulating member>
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure of the developed thickness regulating member 50 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the deployed thickness regulating member 50 in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 32. In the stored state of the airbag bag body 32, the deployed thickness regulating member 50 is stored in a state of being folded inside the airbag bag body 32.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the airbag device 30 further includes a deployment thickness regulating member 50 that regulates the deployment thickness of the airbag bag body 32 in the first direction V <b> 1.
In the deployed state, the deployment thickness regulating member 50 includes a steering side base portion (not shown) disposed on the steering wheel 10 side (front side) and an occupant side base portion 52 disposed on the occupant side (rear side). And a plurality of (for example, two in the present embodiment) restricting portions (first restricting portion 53 and second restricting portion 54) that connect the steering side base portion (not shown) and the occupant side base portion 52. The development thickness regulating member 50 is a cloth member in which a steering side base portion (not shown), an occupant side base portion 52, a first regulating portion 53, and a second regulating portion 54 are integrally formed.

  Although not shown, the steering base portion is an annular member surrounding the periphery of the inflator opening 41h (see FIG. 5), and has an opening formed in substantially the same size as the inflator opening 41h. The steering base portion is stitched to the steering base fabric 41 along the above-described stitching line 41b (see FIG. 5) in a state where the opening and the inflator opening 41h are overlapped.

  In the steering base portion, a plurality of through holes (not shown) are formed around the openings at positions corresponding to the through holes 41i (see FIG. 5) of the steering side base cloth 41 (see FIG. 5). The steering base portion is sandwiched between the fixing bracket 33 and the retainer 18 together with the steering side base cloth 41 (see FIG. 5), and is fastened to the retainer 18 together with the steering side base cloth 41 (see FIG. 5) with the bolts 34. Has been. Thereby, the periphery of the inflator opening 41h of the airbag bag body 32 can be reinforced.

  The occupant side base portion 52 has a circular shape. An annular suture line 52a is indicated by a broken line at the outer peripheral edge portion of the occupant side base portion 52 at a position where it is stitched to the outer peripheral edge portion of the occupant side base fabric 42.

  The 1st control part 53 has comprised the strip | belt shape which couple | bonds one part in the circumferential direction of the steering base part (not shown) and the passenger | crew side base part 52 integrally. The length of the first restricting portion 53 in the first direction V1 is substantially the same as the desired deployment thickness (length in the first direction V1) when the airbag bag body 32 is deployed. The first restricting portion 53 connects the steering side base fabric 41 (see FIG. 5) and the occupant side base fabric 42 via the steering side base portion (not shown) and the occupant side base portion 52, and the airbag bag body 32. The developed thickness in the first direction V1 is regulated.

  Note that the configuration of the second restricting portion 54 is the same as the configuration of the first restricting portion 53, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted. Both end portions of the second restricting portion 54 are connected to the steering base portion (not shown) and the side opposite to the connecting portion of the first restricting portion 53 in the occupant side base portion 52 (position of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction). . That is, the second restricting portion 54 restricts the deployed thickness of the airbag bag body 32 in the first direction V1 together with the first restricting portion 53. Thereby, the airbag body 32 is not expanded more than a desired deployed thickness at the time of deployment.

By the way, as an airbag apparatus, the structure shown in FIG. 9 can be considered. FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing an airbag device 30X according to a comparative example.
As shown in FIG. 9, the airbag device 30 </ b> X according to the comparative example includes an airbag bag body 32 </ b> X that forms only one inflatable portion 32 a </ i> X in the deployed state. The airbag bag body 32X according to the comparative example includes a steering side base cloth 41X and an occupant side base cloth 42X in the deployed state. That is, the airbag bag body 32X according to the comparative example does not include an intermediate base fabric. The airbag device 30X according to the comparative example further includes a deployment thickness regulating member 50X.

  As an example, in the airbag device 30X according to the comparative example, consider a case where the occupant 4 (head) is in contact with the outer portion of the inflating portion 32aX in the second direction V2. If the surface angle θ of the outer portion of the inflating portion 32aX in the second direction V2 is small (that is, the state of curvature is small), the contact area between the occupant 4 and the inflating portion 32aX can be sufficiently ensured. It can be stably received (see the two-dot chain line portion shown in FIG. 9). The surface angle θ is determined by a line connecting the outer peripheral stitching portion P1 of the inflatable portion 32aX and the occupant side center portion P2 (the stitched portion of the occupant side base fabric 42X and the deployment thickness regulating member 50X in FIG. 9). It means an angle formed with respect to SF (surface perpendicular to the steering axis SL).

  Here, under the condition that the capacity of the airbag bag body 32X in the deployed state is the same (the capacity is constant between the two-dot chain line portion and the solid line portion), the airbag bag body 32X is expanded in the first direction V1. When the length is increased, the length of the airbag bag body 32X in the second direction V2 is decreased. In addition, the surface angle θ of the outer portion of the inflating portion 32aX in the second direction V2 increases. That is, the curvature of the outer side portion in the second direction V2 of the inflating portion 32aX is increased. Then, a sufficient contact area between the occupant 4 and the inflatable portion 32aX cannot be secured (that is, the occupant 4 cannot be received by the surface), and the occupant 4 is directed in the direction of the arrow K1 so as to follow the curved surface of the inflatable portion 32aX. There is a possibility to move. Therefore, when the passenger | crew 4 contacts the outer side of the 2nd direction V2 of the expansion part 32aX, a subject will arise in receiving the passenger | crew 4 stably.

  On the other hand, as a method of solving the above-mentioned problem, the length of the airbag bag 32X in the second direction V2 in the deployed state is the same as the length of the airbag bag 32X in the deployed direction in the first direction V1. A method of increasing the length can be considered. However, the capacity of the airbag bag body 32X is increased by the length of the airbag bag 32X in the deployed state in the second direction V2. Then, in order to ensure the deployment speed and the inflation pressure of the airbag bag body 32X, it is necessary to increase the gas supply amount of the inflator 31X, and the inflator 31X may not be reduced in size. In addition, it is necessary to improve the durability of the airbag bag body 32X.

On the other hand, this embodiment is an airbag device 30 attached to the steering 5, and includes an airbag bag body 32 that can be deployed between the steering 5 and an occupant (head), and the airbag bag body 32. Are located between the steering wheel 5 and the occupant in the unfolded state, and inflated to the outside in the second direction V2 perpendicular to the first direction V1 along the steering axis SL, and two inflated portions 32a and 32b And a constricted part 32c located between the inflating parts 32a and 32b.
According to this configuration, since the two inflating portions 32a and 32b (specifically, the steering side inflating portion 32a and the occupant side inflating portion 32b) are formed in the first direction V1, only one inflating portion 32aX ( The surface angle of the outer side portion in the second direction V2 of the occupant-side inflatable portion 32b is smaller than in the case where the vehicle is provided. That is, the curvature of the outer side portion in the second direction V2 of the occupant-side expansion portion 32b is reduced. Therefore, it becomes easier to catch the occupant (head) at the outer side in the second direction V2 of the occupant side expansion portion 32b. When the occupant comes into contact with the outer side of the occupant-side inflating part 32b in the second direction V2, the outer side of the occupant-side inflating part 32b in the second direction V2 is the outer part of the steering-side inflating part 32a in the second direction V2. Can be supported. Accordingly, it is possible to stably catch the occupant.
Further, under the condition that the length of the airbag bag 32 in the first direction V1 in the deployed state is the same, the constricted portion 32c is compared with the case where only one inflatable portion 32aX (see FIG. 9) is provided. Therefore, the capacity of the airbag bag body 32 can be reduced. Therefore, the gas supply amount of the inflator 31 can be reduced and the inflator 31 can be downsized. In addition, the durability of the airbag bag body 32 can be improved and the deployment speed of the airbag bag body 32 can be increased.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 32a is larger than the outer shape of the steering wheel 10 when viewed from the first direction V1, the following effects are produced. When the occupant comes into contact with the outer side in the second direction V2 of the occupant-side inflating portion 32b, the outer side in the second direction V2 of the occupant-side inflating portion 32b and the outer side in the second direction V2 of the steering-side inflating portion 32a. The occupant can be supported by the steering wheel 10. Accordingly, the occupant can be received more stably.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the following effects are produced by further including a deployment thickness regulating member 50 that regulates the deployment thickness of the airbag bag body 32 in the first direction V1. Compared with the case where the deployment thickness regulating member 50 is not provided, the configuration of the outer portion of the occupant-side inflatable portion 32b in the second direction V2 can be stabilized in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 32. Accordingly, the occupant can be received more stably.

  In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the outer shape of the steering-side expansion portion 32a is substantially the same as the outer shape of the occupant-side expansion portion 32b as viewed from the first direction V1, but this is not limitative. Absent. For example, when viewed from the first direction V1, the outer shape of the steering side inflatable portion 32a may be different from the outer shape of the occupant side inflatable portion 32b. That is, the size of the outer shape of the steering side inflatable portion 32a and the size of the outer shape of the occupant side inflatable portion 32b can be set to desired sizes according to the required specifications.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing an airbag device 230 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 232a is larger than the outer shape of the occupant side expansion portion 232b when viewed from the first direction V1. It is different. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The diameter D1 of the steering side expansion part 232a is larger than the diameter D2 of the occupant side expansion part 232b (D1> D2). That is, in the second embodiment, the diameter D1 of the steering side expansion portion 232a is larger than the diameter Ds of the steering wheel 10 (D1> Ds) and larger than the diameter D1 of the occupant side expansion portion 232b (D1> D2). ).

  In the present embodiment, when the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 232a is larger than the outer shape of the occupant side expansion portion 232b when viewed from the first direction V1, the following effects are exhibited. Compared to the case where the outer shape of the steering-side inflatable portion 232a is smaller than the outer shape of the occupant-side inflatable portion 232b when viewed from the first direction V1 (see FIG. 11), the outer portion of the occupant-side inflatable portion 232b in the second direction V2 When the occupant comes into contact, the outer portion of the occupant-side inflating portion 232b in the second direction V2 can be more reliably supported by the outer portion of the steering-side inflating portion 232a in the second direction V2. Accordingly, the occupant can be received more stably.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing an airbag device 330 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 332a is smaller than the outer shape of the occupant side expansion portion 332b when viewed from the first direction V1. It is different. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The diameter D1 of the steering side expansion part 332a is smaller than the diameter D2 of the occupant side expansion part 332b (D1 <D2). That is, in the third embodiment, the diameter D1 of the steering side expansion portion 332a is larger than the diameter Ls of the steering wheel 10 (D1> Ds) and smaller than the diameter L2 of the occupant side expansion portion 332b (D1 <D2). ).

  In the present embodiment, when the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 332a is smaller than the outer shape of the occupant side expansion portion 332b when viewed from the first direction V1, the following effects are produced. Compared with the case where the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 332a is larger than the outer shape of the occupant side expansion portion 332b as seen from the first direction V1 (see FIG. 10), the capacity of the steering side expansion portion 332a can be reduced. . Therefore, gas can be introduced to the occupant side earlier, and the deployment speed of the airbag bag body 32 can be increased.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing an airbag device 430 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the fourth embodiment is different from the above-described first embodiment in that the airbag bag body 432 includes three inflating portions 432a, 432b, and 432c. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

In the deployed state, the airbag body 432 includes a steering side inflatable portion 432a, an occupant side inflatable portion 432b, an intermediate inflatable portion 432c, a first constricted portion 432d, and a second constricted portion 432e.
The steering side expansion portion 432a is located on the steering wheel 10 side (front side) and expands outward in the second direction V2.
The occupant side inflating portion 432b is located on the occupant side (rear side) and expands to the outside in the second direction V2.
The intermediate inflating part 432c is located between the steering side inflating part 432a and the occupant side inflating part 432b, and inflates outside in the second direction V2.

The first constricted portion 432d is located between the steering side expansion portion 432a and the intermediate expansion portion 432c.
The second constricted portion 432e is located between the intermediate inflatable portion 432c and the occupant side inflatable portion 432b. In the deployed state of the airbag body 432, the outer shape of the first constricted portion 432c and the outer shape of the second constricted portion 432e viewed from the first direction V1 are smaller than the outer shapes of the respective inflatable portions 432a, 432b, and 432c. .

  Specifically, in the deployed state, the airbag bag body 432 includes a steering side base cloth 441 disposed on the steering wheel 10 side (front side) and an occupant side base cloth 442 disposed on the occupant side (rear side). And an intermediate base cloth 443 disposed between the steering side base cloth 441 and the occupant side base cloth 442. The intermediate base fabric 443 includes a first intermediate base fabric 444, a second intermediate base fabric 445, a third intermediate base fabric 446, and a fourth intermediate base fabric 447. The first intermediate base fabric 444, the second intermediate base fabric 445, the third intermediate base fabric 446, and the fourth intermediate base fabric 447 are arranged in this order from the steering wheel 10 side (front side) toward the occupant side (rear side). Has been placed.

  In the airbag bag body 432, the steering side base cloth 441, the first intermediate base cloth 444, the second intermediate base cloth 445, the third intermediate base cloth 446, the fourth intermediate base cloth 447, and the occupant side base cloth 442 are stitched. It is formed by. In other words, the airbag bag body 432 includes the steering side base fabric 441, the first intermediate base fabric 444, the second intermediate base fabric 445, the third intermediate base fabric 446, the fourth intermediate base fabric 447, and the occupant side base in the deployed state. The cloth 442 forms a steering side expansion portion 432a, an occupant side expansion portion 432b, an intermediate expansion portion 432c, a first constriction portion 432d, and a second constriction portion 432e.

  Specifically, the steering-side inflatable portion 432a is a portion surrounded by a stitched portion 440a between the outer peripheral edge portion of the steering-side base fabric 441 and the outer peripheral edge portion of the first intermediate base fabric 444 in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 432. It corresponds to. That is, the steering side inflatable portion 432a corresponds to an inner portion of a bag body (steering side bag body) formed by the steering side base cloth 441 and the first intermediate base cloth 444.

  The occupant-side inflatable portion 432 b corresponds to a portion surrounded by the stitched portion 440 b between the outer peripheral edge portion of the occupant-side base fabric 442 and the outer peripheral edge portion of the fourth intermediate base fabric 447 in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 432. That is, the occupant side inflatable portion 432b corresponds to an inner portion of a bag body (occupant side bag body) formed by the occupant side base fabric 442 and the fourth intermediate base fabric 447.

  The intermediate inflatable portion 432 c corresponds to a portion surrounded by the stitched portion 440 c between the outer peripheral edge portion of the second intermediate base cloth 445 and the outer peripheral edge portion of the third intermediate base cloth 446 in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 432. That is, the intermediate inflatable portion 432 c corresponds to an inner portion of a bag body (hereinafter referred to as “intermediate bag body”) formed by the second intermediate base cloth 445 and the third intermediate base cloth 446.

  The first constricted portion 432 d corresponds to a portion surrounded by the stitched portion 440 d between the inner peripheral edge portion of the first intermediate base cloth 444 and the inner peripheral edge portion of the second intermediate base cloth 445 in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 432. . That is, the first constricted portion 432d corresponds to a portion (boundary portion) between the steering side bag body and the intermediate bag body.

  The second constricted portion 432 e corresponds to a portion surrounded by the stitched portion 440 e between the inner peripheral edge of the third intermediate base fabric 446 and the inner peripheral edge of the fourth intermediate base fabric 447 in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 432. . That is, the second constricted portion 432e corresponds to a portion (boundary portion) between the occupant side bag body and the intermediate bag body.

  When viewed from the first direction V1, the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 432a and the outer shape of the intermediate expansion portion 432c are larger than the outer shape of the steering wheel 10. That is, the diameter D1 of the steering side expansion portion 432a and the diameter D3 of the intermediate expansion portion 432c are larger than the diameter Ds of the steering wheel 10 (D1> Ds, D3> Ds).

  When viewed from the first direction V1, the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 432a and the outer shape of the intermediate expansion portion 432c are substantially the same as the outer shape of the occupant side expansion portion 432b. That is, the diameter D1 of the steering side expansion portion 432a and the diameter D3 of the intermediate expansion portion 432c are substantially the same as the diameter D2 of the occupant side expansion portion 432b (D1≈D2≈D3).

  In the present embodiment, the airbag bag body 432 includes the three inflating portions 432a, 432b, and 432c, thereby providing the following effects. The length of the airbag bag body 432 in the first direction V1 can be increased compared to the case where the airbag bag body includes only two inflatable portions.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the outer shape of the steering side inflating portion 432a and the outer shape of the intermediate inflating portion 432c are substantially the same size as the outer shape of the occupant side inflating portion 432b as viewed from the first direction V1. Although explained, it is not limited to this. For example, when viewed from the first direction V1, the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 432a and the outer shape of the intermediate expansion portion 432c may be different from the outer shape of the occupant side expansion portion 432b. That is, the size of the outer shape of the steering side inflating portion 432a, the outer shape of the intermediate inflating portion 432c, and the outer shape of the occupant side inflating portion 432b can be set to desired sizes according to the required specifications.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing an airbag device 530 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that a recess 560 is formed in the occupant-side expansion portion 532b. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Specifically, in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 32, a recessed portion 560 that is recessed from the occupant side to the steering 5 side is formed on the inner side in the second direction V2 of the occupant side inflatable portion 532b. A bottom surface 561 (surface on the steering wheel 5 side) of the recess 560 is along the occupant side base portion 52 of the development thickness regulating member 50. The side surface 562 of the recess 560 is inclined so as to be positioned on the outer side in the second direction V2 toward the occupant side.

  By the way, as an airbag apparatus, the structure shown in FIG. 14 can be considered. FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing an airbag device 30X according to a comparative example. In the following description, the same components as those in the comparative example (see FIG. 9) described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As an example, in the airbag device 30X according to the comparative example, consider a case where the deployment thickness regulating member 50X is shortened so as to form the concave portion in the inflatable portion 32aX. In this case, the length of the inflating portion 32aX in the first direction V1 decreases, and the length of the inflating portion 32aX in the second direction V2 increases. Then, the surface of the outer side portion in the second direction V2 of the expansion portion 32aX is pulled in the direction of the arrow M1, and the depth Hc of the concave portion (that is, between the inner side portion and the outer side portion in the second direction V2 of the expansion portion 32aX). (Undulation difference) will decrease.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, the constricted portion 32c maintains a constant length Lc in the second direction V2 regardless of the length L1 of the airbag bag body 32 in the first direction V1. Therefore, even when the deployment thickness regulating member 50 is shortened, the length L2 of the airbag bag body 32 in the second direction V2 can be maintained. Thereby, the length of the 1st direction V1 of the outside part of the 2nd direction V2 of crew member side expansion part 532b is also maintained. Accordingly, a large recess 560 can be formed. The shape of the recess 560 can be adjusted by changing the connection position and the number of connections between the development thickness regulating member 50 and the occupant-side base fabric 42.

  In the present embodiment, a recess 560 that is recessed from the occupant side to the steering 5 side is formed on the inner side in the second direction V2 of the occupant side inflating portion 532b, thereby providing the following effects. In the deployed state of the airbag body 32, the depth Hc of the recess 560 can be secured while securing the distance from the recess 560 to the steering 5. This makes it easier for the occupant (head) to fit into the recess 560. Accordingly, the restraining force of the occupant can be improved.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing an airbag device 630 according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the sixth embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment described above in that the bottom surface 661 of the recess 660 protrudes greatly toward the occupant (that is, the depth 660Hc of the recess 660 is shallow). ing. In the following description, the same components as those in the fifth embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Specifically, in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 32, a recessed portion 660 that is slightly recessed from the occupant side to the steering 5 side is formed on the inner side in the second direction V2 of the occupant side inflating portion 632b. . A bottom surface 661 (surface on the steering wheel 5 side) of the recess 660 is along the occupant side base portion 652 of the development thickness regulating member 50. The side surface 662 of the recess 660 is inclined so as to be positioned on the outer side in the second direction V2 toward the occupant side so as to form an acute angle with the bottom surface 661.

  The width of the development thickness regulating member 650 increases toward the passenger side. Specifically, when viewed from the first direction V1, the outer shape of the occupant side base portion 652 is larger than the outer shape of the inflator 31. The 1st control part 653 and the 2nd control part 654 are arrange | positioned so that the passenger | crew side may be located in the outer side of the 2nd direction V2.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing an airbag device 730 according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, in the seventh embodiment, a plurality of (for example, two in the present embodiment) protrusions (first protrusion 761 and second protrusion 762) are formed in the recess 760 in the occupant-side expansion portion 732 b. This is different from the fifth embodiment described above. In the following description, the same components as those in the fifth embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Specifically, in the deployed state of the airbag bag body 32, a recessed portion 760 that is slightly recessed from the occupant side to the steering 5 side is formed on the inner side in the second direction V2 of the occupant side inflatable portion 732b. . The recess 760 is formed with a first protrusion 761 that protrudes toward the occupant side and that is positioned inside the second direction V2, and a second protrusion 762 that is positioned outside the second direction V2.

  The first projecting portion 761 is along the occupant side base portion 52 of the developed thickness regulating member 50. The second protrusion 762 has an annular shape surrounding the first protrusion 761 when viewed from the first direction V1. The second protrusion 762 protrudes more steeply than the first protrusion 761 toward the passenger. The side surface 763 of the recess 760 is inclined so as to be positioned on the outer side in the second direction V2 toward the occupant side so as to form an acute angle with the surface of the second protrusion 762.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 8 and illustrating a mounting structure of the developed thickness regulating member 750 according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 17, illustration of the second restricting portion 54 side is omitted for convenience.
As shown in FIG. 17, the development thickness regulating member 750 has a plurality (for example, two in this embodiment) of connecting and supporting the first regulating portion 53, the second regulating portion 54, and the occupant-side inflating portion 732b. A support member 770 is further provided.

  The support member 770 is a belt-like cloth member. One end of each support member 770 is stitched to the first restricting portion 53 and the second restricting portion 54. The other end of each support member 770 is stitched to the outer periphery of the second protrusion 762 in the occupant side fabric 42. In a deployed state, each support member 770 is inclined linearly so as to be positioned on the outer side in the second direction V2 toward the passenger.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes those in which various modifications are made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In other words, the configuration described in the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and can be changed as appropriate.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the example in which the development thickness regulating member includes the two regulating portions 53 and 54 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

18 and 19 are perspective views corresponding to FIG. 8, showing a modified example of the developed thickness regulating member.
For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the development thickness regulating member 50A may include three regulating portions 53A, 54A, and 55A. Each of the restricting portions 53A, 54A, and 55A has a belt shape that integrally connects a steering base portion (not shown) and a part of the occupant side base portion 52 in the circumferential direction. Both ends of each restricting portion 53A, 54A, 55A are connected to a position of 120 degrees in the circumferential direction in a steering base portion (not shown) and the occupant side base portion 52.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the developed thickness regulating member 50B may include four regulating portions 53B, 54B, 55B, and 56B. Each regulation part 53B, 54B, 55B, 56B has comprised the strip | belt shape which connects the steering base part (not shown) and some in the circumferential direction of the passenger | crew side base part 52 integrally. Both end portions of each regulating portion 53B, 54B, 55B, 56B are coupled to the steering base portion (not shown) and the occupant side base portion 52 at 90 ° positions in the circumferential direction.

In other words, the number of arrangements and the arrangement positions of the regulating portions in the development thickness regulating member can be variously changed as necessary.
For example, from the viewpoint of further stabilizing the form of the airbag bag body (particularly the outer portion of the occupant-side inflatable portion in the second direction V2), the modified example of FIG. (Arranged at a position of 90 degrees) is the embodiment (specifically, the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 16) provided with the recess. It is preferable to adopt.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment gave and demonstrated the example in which the control part in the expansion | deployment thickness control member was formed with one sheet of cloth, it is not restricted to this. For example, the restricting portion may be formed of a plurality of cloths. That is, the structure provided with the some division | segmentation piece by which the control part was divided | segmented in a certain position of the longitudinal direction of a control part, and the some connection piece which connects a some division | segmentation piece may be sufficient. The restricting unit can employ various configurations according to the required specifications.

  Moreover, the width | variety (length in the direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction and a thickness direction) of a control part can also be set to various widths according to a requirement specification. For example, from the viewpoint of further stabilizing the form of the airbag bag body (particularly the outer portion of the occupant-side inflatable portion in the second direction V2), the lower limit value of the restricting portion is preferably about 50 mm.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the airbag device is housed in the steering wheel 10 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the airbag device may be housed in a portion other than the steering wheel 10. That is, it is only necessary that the airbag device is attached to the steering 5.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, as shown in FIG.4, FIG.10, FIG.11, FIG.12 etc., the diameter D1 of a steering side expansion part is set larger as a whole than the diameter Ds of the steering wheel 10. Although it has been described, it is not limited to this. For example, the diameter D <b> 1 of the steering side expansion portion may be set to be partly larger than the diameter Ds of the steering wheel 10. That is, it is only necessary that at least a part of the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion is larger than the outer shape of the steering wheel 10 when viewed from the first direction V1.

  In the above embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the diameter D1 of the steering side expansion portion 232a has been described as an example as a whole larger than the diameter D2 of the occupant side expansion portion 232b. Not limited to. For example, the diameter D1 of the steering side inflating part 232a may be set to be partly larger than the diameter D2 of the occupant side inflating part 232b. That is, it is only necessary that at least a part of the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion 232a is larger than the outer shape of the occupant side expansion portion 232b when viewed from the first direction V1.

  In addition, it is possible to appropriately replace the components in the above-described embodiments with known components without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Steering 10 Steering wheel 30,230,330,430,530,630,730 Airbag apparatus 32,432 Airbag bag body 32a, 232a, 332a, 432a Steering side expansion part (expansion part)
32b, 232b, 332b, 432b, 532b, 632b, 732b Passenger side inflatable part (inflatable part)
32c Necked portion 50, 50A, 50B, 650, 750 Expanded thickness regulating member 560, 660, 760 Recessed portion SL Steering axis V1 First direction V2 Second direction

Claims (5)

An airbag device attached to a steering wheel,
An airbag bag body that can be deployed between the steering and the occupant;
The airbag bag body is in a deployed state,
A plurality of inflatable portions located between the steering and the occupant and inflating outward in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction along the steering axis;
An air bag device comprising: a constricted portion positioned between the plurality of inflating portions.   The at least part of the outer shape of the steering side expansion portion located on the steering side among the plurality of expansion portions when viewed from the first direction is larger than the outer shape of the steering wheel. The airbag apparatus as described.   When viewed from the first direction, among the plurality of inflatable portions, at least a part of the outer shape of the steering side inflatable portion located on the steering side is more than the outer shape of the occupant side inflatable portion located on the occupant side. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag device is large.   The airbag apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a deployment thickness regulating member that regulates a deployment thickness of the airbag body in the first direction.   A concave portion that is recessed from the occupant side to the steering side is formed in an inner portion in the second direction of the occupant side inflatable portion that is located on the occupant side among the plurality of inflatable portions. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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