JP2002211348A - Air bag device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air bag device capable of surely changing an expansion shape of an air bag according to the size of the body of an occupant. SOLUTION: One end of each strap 41 is coupled with an upper surface 11a and a lower surface 11b of the air bag 11. The strap 41 has a pin engagement part 42 at the other end and the pin engagement part 42 is engaged to a pin 51 of a constraint releasing device 50 installed in a container 30. The strap 41 connects the air bag 11 and the container 30 by the engagement of the pin engagement part 42 and the pin 51, constrains the expansion shape of the air bag 11 when expanding the air bag 11 and develops the air bag 11 so as to be smaller than a full open shape. At this time, when the constraint releasing device 50 is operated, the engagement of the pin 51 and the pin engagement part 42 is released and the air bag 11 is developed up to the full open shape without receiving a constraint by the strap 41.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag device for protecting an occupant by deploying an airbag in an emergency such as a vehicle collision, and more particularly to an airbag device having means for restraining the shape of an airbag during its inflation. The present invention relates to a bag device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, an airbag device is applied, for example, as an occupant protection device in an emergency of an automobile. Generally, such an airbag device is provided with an airbag and an inflator (gas generator) for inflating the airbag, and in an emergency such as a collision of an automobile, the inflator is operated to eject gas to supply gas to the airbag. The airbag is configured to be supplied and deployed in the vehicle compartment.

At the time of a vehicle collision, an occupant rushes into the occupant-facing surface of the airbag. At this time, the airbag generates a reaction force due to the internal pressure of the gas filled therein, and receives the occupant. Usually, such an airbag is provided with a vent hole for letting out the gas inside, and after the occupant rushes into the airbag, the gas inside the airbag is made to flow out from this vent hole. In addition to preventing the internal pressure of the airbag from excessively increasing, the occupant-facing surface is slowly moved backward by the pressing force from the occupant while giving an appropriate reaction force to the occupant, thereby absorbing the kinetic energy of the occupant.

As such an airbag device, there is known an airbag device configured to restrain the shape of the airbag during inflation by restraining means such as a tear seam, a strap, an adhesive or the like. In this airbag device, when the inflator performs a gas ejection operation in an emergency, the inflation of the airbag is restrained by the restraining means, and the airbag expands to a shape smaller than the fully opened shape. When a relatively small occupant enters the airbag, the restraint of the restraining means is not released. On the other hand, when an occupant with a large body enters the airbag, the internal pressure of the airbag increases significantly, the restraint by the restraining means is released, and more impact energy is absorbed.

[0005]

In the case of an airbag device configured to release the restraint by increasing the internal pressure of the airbag, a situation when an occupant enters the airbag or an operation situation of the airbag device such as an inflator output. Depending on the size of the occupant, it may be difficult to control such that the restraint of the inflation of the airbag by the restraining means is continued or released properly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device that reliably changes the inflated shape of an airbag in accordance with the size of an occupant's body.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An airbag apparatus according to the present invention comprises an airbag, an airbag mounting member to which the airbag is mounted, a gas generator for inflating the airbag, and an inflation of the airbag. An airbag device having an inflation restraint member for stopping the shape to a shape smaller than the fully open shape, the restraint release means for releasing restraint by the inflation restraint member, wherein the restraint release means has a size of an occupant. Is released when the value is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and is continued when the value is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

In such an airbag device, when the occupant's body is large, the restraint releasing means releases the restraint of the inflation of the airbag by the inflating restraint member when the airbag device is operated, and deploys the airbag to a fully open shape. . When the occupant's body is small, the restraint releasing means continues to restrain the inflation of the airbag by the inflating restraint member when the airbag device is operated, and stops the deployed shape of the airbag to a shape smaller than the fully opened shape. This allows the airbag device to reliably change the inflation shape of the airbag in accordance with the size of the occupant's body, regardless of the state of operation of the airbag device at the time of a vehicle collision or the like.

In this airbag apparatus, a measuring device for measuring the size of the occupant's body is provided, and the restraint releasing means receives an operation signal when the measured value of the measuring device is equal to or more than a predetermined value. Activating and releasing the restriction of the inflation of the airbag by the inflation restricting member at the time of inflation of the airbag and, when the measured value is equal to or less than a predetermined value, continuing to restrict the inflation of the airbag without operating. It is preferred that With this configuration, the airbag device of the present invention can change the inflation shape of the airbag more accurately according to the size of the occupant's body.

In this airbag device, the airbag includes a vent hole for gas outflow, and a sheet-like member that covers the vent hole.
One end is connected to the airbag, and the other end is connected to the airbag mounting member via a connecting device. When the airbag is inflated, the restraint releasing means releases the restraint. To continue, disconnect
When the restraint releasing means releases the restraint, the connection is continued, and the one end side of the sheet-shaped member is torn when the airbag is inflated to a fully open shape, or the connection to the airbag is stopped. It is preferable that the substrate be ruptured, thereby opening the vent hole.

In the airbag device configured as described above, when the airbag is inflated to a shape smaller than the fully opened shape, the connecting device releases the connection of the sheet-shaped member to the airbag mounting member. The sheet-like member is separated from the airbag attachment member with the inflation of the airbag,
Continue to cover the vent hole. Further, when the airbag is inflated to the fully opened shape, the connecting device does not release the connection of the sheet-shaped member to the airbag mounting member, and the sheet-shaped member is not actuated by the tension acting with the inflation of the airbag. The connection to the one end or the airbag is torn and removed from the vent hole.

Therefore, in this airbag device,
When the airbag is inflated to a shape smaller than the fully opened shape, the gas inside flows out from the vent hole with a small opening amount at a relatively small outflow speed. On the other hand, when the airbag is inflated to the fully opened shape, the internal gas flows out at a relatively high outflow speed from the vent hole having a large opening amount.

[0013] In this manner, the impact energy can be appropriately absorbed in accordance with the size of the occupant's body that has plunged.

In the airbag device of the present invention, the airbag is provided with a vent hole, one end of which is connected to the airbag and the other end of which is connected to the airbag mounting member via a connecting device. The conditions for releasing or continuing the connection between the sheet-shaped member and the airbag mounting member by the connecting device when the airbag is inflated when the member is configured to cover the vent hole are not limited to those described above, and the operating conditions and the like In some cases, for example, even when the airbag is inflated to the fully opened shape, the connecting device releases the connection of the sheet-like member to the airbag mounting member, and the sheet-like member is detached from the airbag mounting member as the airbag expands. To keep the vent hole covered, even if the airbag inflates to a shape smaller than the fully open shape, The connection continues to connect the sheet-like member to the airbag attachment member, and the sheet-like member is disconnected from the vent hole by a tension generated by the inflation of the airbag, whereby the connection to the one end side or the airbag is torn. You may make it remove.

Further, in the airbag device of the present invention, when a vent hole is provided in the airbag, the opening amount of the vent hole is changed according to the inflation shape of the airbag by a configuration other than the above. Is also good.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the airbag device when the airbag is deployed with restrained inflation, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the airbag in which the restraint is released to the fully opened shape, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of an airbag inflation restraining mechanism in the airbag device. FIG. 4 (a) is a sectional perspective view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 (b) is BB of FIG. 4 (a).
It is sectional drawing which follows a line.

The airbag device 10 includes a passenger airbag 11. The airbag 11 is formed by sewing a pair of side panels 12 and 12 and a front panel 13, and the side panel 12 is provided with a vent hole 15. At the rear of the airbag 11,
Opening 1 for receiving gas from inflator (not shown)
6 are provided. Around the opening 16, a flap 1 for connecting the airbag 11 to the container 30 is provided.
7, 18, 19, and 20 are provided.

The upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11
, A strap 41 is attached as an inflation restricting member for restricting the inflation of the airbag 11. One end of the strap 41 is
The other end is extended to the rear side of the airbag 11 at the middle of the airbag 11 or at the middle of the lower surface 11b by sewing means such as sewing.

The other end of the strap 41 is provided with a pin 51 as a strap connecting member of a restraint release device 50 described later.
Is provided with a pin engagement portion 42 into which the. In the present embodiment, this pin engagement portion 42 is
The other end of the pin 51 is folded back to the one end side and connected to a middle part of the strap by a connecting means such as sewing.
Is a loop-shaped portion through which a can be inserted.

A strap 71 having a width that covers a predetermined amount of the opening is attached to the vent hole 15. One end of the strap 71 is inserted into the airbag 11 from the vent hole 15 and is connected to the inner surface of the airbag of the side panel 12 by a connecting means such as sewing, and the other end is connected to the side panel 12. Are extended to the rear side of the airbag 11 along the outer surface of the airbag. The side panel 12 at the one end of the strap 71
A pair of notched notches 73 are provided at both edges in the width direction of the middle part which is not exposed to the outside of the airbag 11 from the vent hole 15 than the other end of the airbag 11 from the joint portion with the joint. Thus, the strap 71 is configured to be torn from the intermediate portion when a predetermined tension is applied in the longitudinal direction. At the other end of the strap 71, a loop-shaped pin engaging portion 72 similar to the engaging portion 42 of the strap 41 is formed. The pin 61 is inserted.

The airbag 11 has an opening 16 at its rear end.
Opening on the front side of the container 30 for storing the airbag (not shown) via the flaps 17 to 20 provided on the peripheral portion of
From the container 30. This container 30
An inflator (not shown) is installed in the inside, and gas generated from the inflator is introduced into the airbag 11 through the opening 16. This airbag 11 is folded and the container 3 is attached to each of the straps 41 and 71.
0.

On the upper and lower side surfaces of the container 30, the pin engaging portions 42 of the straps 41 accommodated in the container 30 together with the airbag 11 are provided.
An opening 31 for drawing out to the outside is provided. In the vicinity of the opening 31, a restraint release device 50 having a pin 51 as a strap connecting member whose leading end is inserted into a pin engaging portion 42 of a strap 41 drawn out of the container 31 to the outside of the container 30 is installed. I have. The pin 51 is a rod-like body whose distal end protrudes from the restraint release device 50 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the strap 41 is pulled out from the opening 31. This pin 51 is
2, each strap 41 is connected to the container 30, and the upper surface 11 a or the lower surface 11 b of the airbag 11 is connected to the container 30 to connect the straps 41 to the container 30.
1 restrains forward expansion.

As shown in FIG. 4, the restraint release device 50
Is a hollow cylinder 52 extending coaxially with the pin 51.
The pin 51 is located at the rear end side (FIG. 4 (b)
At the right end. The same applies hereinafter. ) Is inserted into the cylinder 52 so as to be able to advance and retreat from the tip end side (left end side in FIG. 4 (b); the same applies hereinafter) of the cylinder 52. At the end of the cylinder 52, a small inflator 55 is provided at the end.
Are connected to each other. The small inflator 55 is connected via a connector 56 to a control device (not shown), which will be described later.
4 into the cylinder 52. The pin 51
On the rear end side, there is provided a flange 53 projecting radially from the side peripheral surface and slidably in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 52.

In the restraint release device 50 thus configured, when an operation signal is input from the control device,
The small inflator 55 performs a gas ejection operation, and causes gas to flow into the cylinder 52 from the front end side through the inflow passage 54. The gas flowing into the cylinder 52 hits the front surface (left end surface in FIG. 4 (b)) of the flange 53 on the rear end side of the pin 51, and presses the flange 53 toward the rear end side of the cylinder 52 by the jet pressure. The pin 51 is moved to the rear end side of the cylinder 52 via the flange 53. As a result, the distal end side of the pin 51 retreats into the cylinder 52, comes out of the pin engagement portion 42 of the strap 41, and the connection between the strap 41 and the container 30 is released.
The restraint against the forward bulging of the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11 by the strap 41 is released. Hereinafter, an operation signal is input from the control device, and
A series of operations from when the cylinder 1 retracts into the cylinder 52 and comes out of the engagement portion 42 is referred to as an operation of the restraint release device 50.

The left and right sides of the container 30 include:
An opening 32 is provided for pulling out the pin engaging portion 72 of each strap 71 housed in the container 30 together with the airbag 11 to the outside of the container 30. In the vicinity of the opening 32, a restraint release device 60 having a pin 61 as a strap connecting member whose tip end is inserted into a pin engaging portion 72 pulled out from the opening 32 is installed. The restraint release device 60 is
The pin 61 has the same configuration as that of the pin 61, and similarly to the pin 51, the tip side protrudes from the restraint release device 60 and extends in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the strap 71 is pulled out from the opening 32.

The restraint release device 60 is also connected to a control device (not shown). When an operation signal is input from the control device, the restraint release device 60 operates in the same manner as the restraint release device 50 described above. To retract the pin engaging portion 7
Remove from 2. Note that these restraint release devices 50
And the restraint release device 60 may be connected to the same control device, or may be connected to separately configured control devices, but may be connected to the same control device. , Are operated by separate operation signals.

The airbag 11 is folded and the strap 4
1 and 71 are housed in the container 30, and then the pin engaging portions 42 and 72 of the straps 41 and 71 are pulled out of the container 30 through the openings 31 and 32, respectively. After inserting the pin 51 of the container 60 into the pin engaging portion 72, the module cover (not shown) is attached so as to cover the opening of the container 30.
The airbag device 10 is configured. The airbag device 10 is applied as an airbag device for a passenger seat of an automobile, and is installed on an instrument panel (not shown) of the automobile.

The operation of the airbag device 10 is controlled by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detecting device (not shown) for detecting the physique (size of the body) of the occupant sitting on the seat of the vehicle. As the physique detection device, an occupant's weight detection device, an occupant's sitting height detection device, a device that detects the size of the occupant's outer shape from image data obtained by imaging the occupant, and the like can be used. Other than this may be used.

This controller activates an inflator (not shown) for inflating an airbag installed in the container 30 in the event of an emergency such as a vehicle collision, etc. The airbag 11 is inflated by the gas ejected from the inflator, pushes the module cover open, and deploys in the vehicle compartment.

When the control device determines that the occupant's body is relatively small based on the detection value from the physique detecting device when the airbag 11 is inflated, the control release device 60 together with the airbag inflator inflator is used. And the restraint release device 50 is not operated. Then
Since the restraint release device 50 does not operate and the pin 51 does not come out of the pin engagement portion 42, the strap 41
The airbag 11 remains connected to the container 30 via the
a and the lower surface 11b are restrained from bulging forward, and are developed into a shape as shown in FIG. 2 which is smaller than the fully open shape. At this time, since the restraint release device 60 operates and the pin 61 comes out of the pin engagement portion 72, the strap 71
The side panel 12 is disconnected from the container 30 along with the bulging of the side panel 12 while covering the vent hole 15, and the opening amount of the vent hole 15 is kept small.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively large based on the value detected by the physique detecting device, the control device activates the restraint releasing device 60 together with the airbag inflator and activates the restraint releasing device. 50 is not activated. Then, the pin 51 is retracted by the operation of the restraint releasing device 50 and comes out of the pin engaging portion 42, and the connection of the strap 41 to the container 30 is released. 11b is released and it expands greatly to the fully open shape. At this time, the pin 61 does not come out of the pin engaging portion 42 because the restraint release device 60 does not operate, and the strap 71 continues to be connected to the container 30 via the pin 61. Therefore, the airbag 11 is attached to the strap 71.
A very large tension is applied along with the expansion of.
Then, the strap 71 is torn from the notch 73 when the airbag 11 is greatly inflated and the tension becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value, slips out of the vent hole 15, and increases the opening amount of the vent hole 15.

In the airbag device 10 configured as described above, the size of the airbag 11 can be reliably changed according to the size of the occupant's body as described above. It is possible to give appropriate protection to them. Further, in this airbag device 10, the opening amount of the vent hole 15 changes according to the inflated shape of the airbag 11, so that the airbag 11 moves extremely smoothly according to the size of the occupant's body that has been pushed into. It is also possible to absorb energy.

In the airbag device 10, the control device is provided with a position detecting device for detecting the seating position of the occupant, and the information on the size of the occupant detected by the physique detecting device is transmitted from the position detecting device. The inflated shape of the airbag 11 may be determined comprehensively in consideration of the occupant's position information, so that the airbag can exhibit more appropriate occupant protection ability. Become.

In this embodiment, when the occupant's body is small, the control device activates the restraint release device 60 together with the inflator for inflating the airbag and the restraint release device 5.
When the occupant's body is large, the airbag 11 is fully opened by operating the restraint release device 50 together with the airbag inflation inflator and controlling the airbag device so as not to operate the restraint release device 60. The strap 71 covers the vent hole 15 to stop the deployment to a shape smaller than the shape, and the opening amount of the vent hole 15 is reduced. When the airbag 11 is deployed to the fully opened shape, the strap 71 is removed from the vent hole 15 and the vent 71 is removed. Although the opening amount of the hole 15 is configured to be large, the control method of the airbag device by the control device is not limited to this, and depending on the operation state of the airbag device, for example, the restraint release together with the inflator for inflating the airbag may be performed. Activate both the device 50 and the restraint release device 60, and 11 restraint releasing device during leave or stop reducing the opening amount of the vent hole, or reverse the air bag inflating inflator activated covering the vent hole in the strap 71 even when expanding to a fully open configuration 50
When the airbag 11 is deployed to be smaller than the fully open shape, the vent hole 15
The airbag device may be controlled so that the strap 71 is removed from the airbag and the opening amount of the vent hole 15 is increased.

Further, in the present embodiment, one end is connected to the airbag 11 and the other end is connected to the airbag storage container 30 via the restraint release device 60, and a predetermined tension or more is applied in the longitudinal direction. The vent hole 15 is covered by a strap 71 which is configured such that one end thereof is torn when the strap 71 is added. When the restraint release device 60 continues to connect the strap 71 and the container 30 during inflation of the airbag, the strap 71 is torn. The vent hole 15
When the restraint release device 60 releases the connection between the strap 71 and the container 30, the container 71 remains covered with the strap 71 covering the vent hole 15.
, And the opening amount of the vent hole 15 is kept small. However, the structure for changing the opening amount of the vent hole according to the inflation shape of the airbag is not limited to this.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of an airbag device 10E according to another embodiment of the present invention when the airbag is inflated. FIG. 13 shows a situation where the opening amount of the vent hole is increased. FIG. 14 shows a state in which the opening amount of the vent hole is kept small. In each figure,
1 to 4 indicate the same parts.

The airbag device 10E has a passenger-side airbag 11E composed of a pair of side panels 12 and a front panel 13 and a front-side opening (not shown in the drawing), like the airbag device 10 described above. ), A container 30E to which a rear portion of the airbag 11E is connected is provided. The left and right side panels 12 are provided with vent holes 15 respectively.

In the present embodiment, as described later, the airbag device 10E inflates the airbag 11E to a shape smaller than the fully opened shape when the occupant's body is smaller than a predetermined size, and To release the gas inside the airbag at a relatively high outflow velocity. Conversely, when the occupant's body is larger than a predetermined value, the airbag 11E is inflated to a fully open shape, and the vent hole is opened. The opening in the airbag 15 is reduced so that the gas inside the airbag flows out at a relatively low outflow speed.

The upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11 of the airbag 11E
b, a strap 41E is attached as an inflation restraining member for restraining the inflation of the airbag 11E. One end of the strap 41E is joined to the middle of the upper surface 11a or the middle of the lower surface 11b by joining means such as sewing, and the other end is connected to the airbag 1.
1E extends to the rear side. Also, the strap 41
E, a pin 51E as a strap connecting member of a restraint release device 50E installed in the container 30E.
Is provided with a pin engaging portion 42E into which the.

Each of the left and right vent holes 15 of the airbag 11E is provided with a strap 71E having a width covering a predetermined amount of the opening.

One end of each strap 71E is inserted into the airbag 11E from the vent hole 15 and connected to the inner surface of the airbag of the side panel 12 by a joining means such as sewing, like the strap 71 described above. I have. In addition, the side panel 12 on the one end side of each strap 71E.
A pair of cutout notches 73E are provided at both edges in the width direction of the intermediate portion which is closer to the other end than the joint portion with the airbag and is not exposed to the outside of the airbag 11E from the vent hole 15. Thereby, the strap 71E is configured to be torn from the middle part when a predetermined tension is applied in the longitudinal direction.

The other end of each of the straps 71E extends along the outer surface of the side panel 12 from the upper surface 11 of the airbag 11E.
a or the lower surface 11b, and the other ends of the straps 41 extending to the rear side of the airbag 11E are connected to each other by connecting means such as attachment. Thereby, when the strap 41E is connected to the container 30E by the pin 51E as described later, the strap 71 is retained on the container 30E side via the strap 41E, and the restraint release device 60 operates to operate the strap 4E.
When the connection between 1E and the container 30E is released, the strap 41E and the container 30E can be detached from the container 30E.

The airbag 11E is the same as the airbag 1 described above.
As in the case of No. 1, each of the straps 41E and 71E is folded and housed in the container 30E.

Openings 31E for pulling out the pin engaging portions 42E of the straps 41E housed in the container 30E together with the airbag 11E to the outside of the container 30E are formed on the upper and lower side surfaces of the container 30E. Is provided. In the vicinity of the opening 31E, a strap 41 pulled out of the opening 31E to the outside of the container 30E is provided.
A restraint release device 50E having a pin 51E to be inserted into the pin engaging portion 42E of E is installed. Pin 51E
Extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the strap 41E is pulled out from the opening 31E. Each of the straps 41 is inserted by inserting the pin 51E into the pin engaging portion 42E.
E is connected to the container 30E, connects the upper surface 11a or the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11E to the container 30E, and restrains the airbag 11E from expanding forward.

The restraint release device 50E is the same as the restraint release device 50 of the airbag device 10, and is connected to a control device (not shown). Retract 51E.

The airbag 11E is folded and housed in the container 30E together with the straps 41E and 71E, and then the pin engaging portions 42E of the strap 41E are opened.
Out of the container 30E from the
After inserting the pin 51E of the restraint release device 50E into the 2E, a module cover (not shown) is attached so as to cover the opening of the container 30E, whereby the airbag device 10E is configured. The airbag device 10E is applied as an airbag device for a passenger seat of a vehicle, and includes an instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle.
Installed in

The operation of the airbag device 10E is controlled by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detection device (not shown) for detecting the physique of an occupant sitting in a vehicle seat, similarly to the airbag device 10 described above. Is done. In an emergency such as at the time of a vehicle collision, the control device causes the inflator (not shown) for inflating the airbag provided in the container 30E to eject gas. The airbag 11E is inflated by the gas ejected from the inflator, and pushes open the module cover to deploy in the vehicle compartment.

When the control device determines that the occupant's body is relatively small based on the detection value from the physique detecting device when inflating the airbag 11E, the control device operates only the airbag inflator, The restraint release device 50E is not operated. Then, the strap 41E remains connected to the container 30E via the pin 51E, and the airbag 11E is restrained from expanding forward by the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b by the strap 41E. It is developed into a shape as shown in FIG. At this time, since the strap 71 has one end connected to the strap 41E, the strap 4
It is retained on the container 30E side via 1E. For this reason, a very large tension is applied to the strap 71E in accordance with the inflation of the airbag 11, and when the tension exceeds a predetermined value, the strap 71 is torn from the notch 73E and a vent hole is formed. 15 to increase the opening amount of the vent hole 15.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively large based on the detection value from the physique detecting device, the control device operates the restraint release device 50E together with the airbag inflator. Then, the pin 51E is retracted by the operation of the restraint release device 50E, and the pin engagement portion 42
Since the strap 41E is disconnected from the container 30E and the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11E are released from the restraint by the strap 41E, the airbag 11E expands to the fully opened shape. At this time, the strap 71E is detached from the container 30E with the swelling of the side panel 12 together with the strap 41E while covering the vent hole 15, and the opening amount of the vent hole 15 is kept small.

That is, even in the airbag device 10E configured as described above, the size of the airbag 11E is reliably changed according to the size of the occupant's body, so that the occupant is always properly protected. It is possible to change the opening amount of the vent hole 15 in accordance with the inflated shape of the airbag 11E, and the airbag 11E can appropriately move its movement in accordance with the size of the occupant's body that has entered. It is possible to absorb energy.

In the airbag device 10E thus configured, the strap 71 covering the vent hole 15 is provided.
E is interlocked with the strap 41E and is retained on the container 30E side via the strap 41E or is detachable from the container 30E. Therefore, in addition to the restraint release device 50E, the strap 71E is connected to or disconnected from the container 30E. It is not necessary to separately provide a restraint release device or the like, and the configuration is very simple.

In the above embodiment, for example, in the airbag device 10, the airbag 1 of the strap 71 is used.
A notch 73 is provided in the vicinity of the end on the side to be connected to the airbag 1, and when the airbag 11 is deployed to the fully open shape, the notch 73 is torn and the strap 71
The strap 7
The fracture structure of 1 is optional. Further, for example, a tear structure such as a notch 73 is omitted from the strap 71, and the end of the strap 71 is connected to the airbag 11 by a tear seam or an adhesive that breaks or peels off under a predetermined tension, and the airbag 11 is fully opened. When deploying to the shape, the connection between the strap 71 and the airbag 11 by the tear seam or the like may be broken so that the strap 71 comes out of the vent hole 15.

In the airbag device 10, one end of the airbag 11 serves as an inflation restraining member for restraining the inflation of the airbag.
And a strap 41 having a pin engagement portion 42 into which the pin 51 of the restraint release device 50 is inserted at the other end extending to the rear side of the airbag 11. The configuration and mounting position of the members are not limited to these.

For example, the airbag device 10 shown in FIG.
A, the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11 of the airbag 11A.
b, one end of the upper surface 1
1a or the lower surface 11b, and the other end is connected to the rear end of the upper surface 11a or the rear end of the lower surface 11b. A strap 41A having 42A may be provided as an inflation restricting member of the airbag. The pin engagement portion 42A is formed by joining a part of the strap 41A, which is separated in the middle, by joining means such as sewing, and short-circuiting in a loop. This airbag device 10
Other configurations and operation modes of A are exactly the same as those of the airbag device 10 described above.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an airbag device 11A according to another embodiment of the present invention when the airbag is deployed in a fully open shape, and is the same as FIGS. Reference numerals indicate the same parts.

When such a strap 41A is used as an inflation restraining member for an airbag, the restraint release device 50 is activated when the airbag is inflated, and the pin engaging portion 42A and the pin 51 are engaged.
Is disengaged from the airbag 1 and the strap 41A is
Even if the strap 41A jumps out of the container 30 with the expansion of the strap 1, the strap 41A does not flutter.

The strap 41B shown in FIG.
One end is connected to the airbag, and a ring 43 made of a linear body such as various strings or wires is attached to the other end extending to the rear side of the airbag. And a strap connecting member such as a pin for connecting the strap to the container.

Further, the strap 41D shown in FIG.
Has a pin engaging portion 42D at both ends, and the airbag 11
D, the left and right sides thereof are drawn around, and both ends are disposed on the left and right sides of the rear side of the airbag 11D. The pin engagement portion 42D is a strap such as a pin of a restraint release device (not shown). By engaging with the restraining member, when the airbag is inflated, the airbag 11D is restrained so that the airbag 11D is pulled out.

The configuration of the restraint releasing device for continuing the restraint of the inflation of the airbag by the inflating restraint member or releasing the restraint is not limited to the above embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an airbag device 11C according to the embodiment, and shows a state in which the inflation of the airbag is restrained by a restraining member. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 indicate the same parts.

The airbag device 10C has a passenger-side airbag 11C composed of a pair of side panels 12 and a front panel 13 and a front opening (shown in the drawing), like the airbag device 10 and the like described above. And a container 30C to which the rear part of the airbag 11C is connected.

The upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11 of the airbag 11C
b, a flap 44 through which a ring 45 made of various strings or wires is passed.

The left and right side panels 12 of the airbag 11C are provided with vent holes 15,
A strap 71C having a width covering a predetermined amount of the opening is attached to each vent hole 15.

One end of the strap 71C is inserted into the airbag 11 from the vent hole 15 and connected to the inner side surface of the airbag of the side panel 12 by a joining means such as sewing, like the strap 71 described above. The other end extends to the rear side of the airbag 11C along the outer surface of the side panel 12. Also,
A pair of edges in the width direction of the intermediate portion of the strap 71C which is closer to the other end than the one end side of the strap 71C and the side panel 12 and is not exposed to the outside of the airbag 11C from the vent hole 15 have a pair. The notch 73C is provided so that the strap 71C is torn from the middle part when a predetermined tension is applied in the longitudinal direction.

A small ring 72C made of various strings or wires is attached to the other end of the strap 71C.

The airbag 11C is the same as the airbag 1 described above.
Like 1 and the like, it is folded and accommodated in the container 30C. The ring 45 and the strap 71C are also housed in the container 30C together with the airbag 11C.

An opening 31C is provided on each of the upper and lower side surfaces of the container 30C for drawing out the ring 45 housed in the container together with the airbag 11C. In the vicinity of the opening 31C, a restraint release device 80 having a hook 81 with which a ring 45 drawn out of the opening 31C to the outside of the container 30C is engaged. The ring 45 is hooked on the hook 81 to lock the upper surface 11a or the lower surface 11b of the airbag 11C to the container 30C, thereby restraining the airbag 11C from expanding forward when inflated.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the mechanism of the restraint release device 80 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the restraint release device 80, the hook 81 is connected to the opening 31C.
Is rotated about the shaft 82 as a rotation center with respect to the ring 45 pulled out from the ring 45, and can take a ring hooking posture and a ring hook releasing posture, and the hook is released by a rotation urging means (not shown) at all times. Biased in the direction. The hook 81 is provided with a rotation preventing piece 83,
The hook 81 maintains the ring hooking posture by the engagement of the rotation preventing piece 83 with the shear 84. The shear 84 is configured to release the engagement with the rotation preventing piece 83 by the operation of a trigger 85 connected to a control device (not shown).
Is activated by an activation signal from the control device. When the trigger 85 is actuated and the engagement between the shear 84 and the rotation preventing piece 83 is released, the hook 81 is rotated by the urging force of the urging means to assume a ring hooking release posture (hereinafter referred to as the control). An operation signal is input to the trigger 85 from the device, and the hook 81
A series of operations until the state becomes the ring hook release state is referred to as an operation of the restraint release device 80. ).

Openings 32C are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the container 30C to draw out the small ring 73 of each strap 71C housed in the container together with the airbag 11C. In the vicinity of the opening 32C, a restraint release device 90 having a hook 91 with which the small ring 73 pulled out from the opening is hooked is installed. The ring 73 is hooked on the hook 91 to connect the end of the strap 71C to the container 30C. The restraint release device 90 has the same configuration as the restraint release device 80. That is, the hook 91 can take a ring engaging posture and a hook releasing posture, and the restraint releasing device 90 is operated by an operation signal from a control device (not shown) to release the hook 91 from the ring engaging posture. Move to posture.

The airbag 11C is folded and the ring 45
Together with the strap 71C and the small ring 73 of the strap 45 through the openings 31C and 32C, respectively.
After being pulled out of C and hooked on the hooks 81 and 91 of the ring releasing posture of the restraint release devices 80 and 90, a module cover (not shown) is attached so as to cover the opening of the container 30C. Airbag device 10
C is configured. And this airbag device 10C
Is applied as a passenger airbag device for automobiles,
It is installed on the instrument panel (not shown) of the car.

The airbag device 10C is also operated by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detection device (not shown) for detecting the physique of an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat, similarly to the above-described airbag device 10 and the like. Controlled. The control device is provided with an inflator (not shown) for inflating an airbag installed in the container 30C in an emergency such as a vehicle collision.
Is operated for gas ejection. The airbag 11C is inflated by the gas ejected from the inflator, pushes the module cover open, and deploys in the vehicle compartment.

When the control device determines that the occupant's body is relatively small based on the detection value from the physique detecting device when inflating the airbag 11C, the control device releases the restraint release device 90 together with the airbag inflator. Activate and deactivate restraint release device 80. Then, the ring 45 remains hooked on the hook 81, and the airbag 11C expands to a shape smaller than the fully-opened shape, since the forward expansion of the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b is restrained by the ring 45. . At this time, the strap 7
In FIG. 1C, since the ring 74 comes off the hook 91, the ring 74 sticks to the side panel 12 while covering the vent hole 15, detaches from the container 30, and stops the opening amount of the vent hole 15.

On the other hand, when it is determined from the value detected by the physique detecting device that the occupant's body is relatively large, the control device activates the restraint releasing device 80 together with the airbag inflator and the restraint releasing device 90 Do not operate. Then, the ring 45 is disengaged from the hook 81 and the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11b are released from the restraint by the ring 45, so that the airbag 11C is largely deployed to its fully opened shape. At this time, the small ring 74 remains hooked on the hook 91, one end is connected to the side panel 12 bulging forward, and the other end is connected to the container 30 via the small ring 74. A very large tension is applied to the strap 71C. And the strap 71
When the tension becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value, C is torn from the notch 73C, comes out of the vent hole 15, and opens the vent hole 15.

That is, even with the airbag device 10C thus configured, the size of the airbag 11C can be reliably changed according to the size of the occupant's body.
It is possible to always provide appropriate protection to the occupants. Also, in the airbag device 10C, the opening amount of the vent hole 15 changes in accordance with the inflated shape of the airbag 11C, so that the airbag 11C moves extremely smoothly according to the size of the occupant's body that has been pushed into the airbag device. Energy can be absorbed.

In this embodiment, the ring 45 hooked on the hook 81 of the restraint release device 80 is
4 through the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11 of the airbag 11C.
b, the structure of the member for attaching the ring to the airbag is not limited to this. If the airbag has sufficient strength, for example, although not shown, the upper surface 11a and the lower surface 11a A hole may be provided on the airbag 11C so that a ring is provided on the airbag 11C, and the ring 45 is passed through the hole.

In the above-described embodiment, each airbag device is configured as an occupant protection device for a passenger seat of an automobile. However, the airbag device of the present invention is, for example, an occupant protection device for a driver seat of an automobile and various other devices. It can be applied as a human body protection device.

The application of the airbag device of the present invention to other uses will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an airbag portion of an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention applied as an occupant protection device for a driver's seat of an automobile, and FIG. 11 (a) shows this airbag device. 11 is a cross-sectional view when the airbag is deployed in the inflated restrained state, and FIG. 11 (b) is a cross-sectional view when the airbag is deployed in a fully open shape.

The airbag device 110 is installed on the steering of an automobile, and the driver's seat airbag 1
11 is provided. The airbag 111 is formed in a bag shape by sewing peripheral portions of a front panel 111a and a rear panel 111b made of a circular cloth or the like. When installed in a vehicle, the airbag 111 has a front panel 111a facing an occupant, and a rear panel 111b connected to the retainer 230 on the opposite side by a pressing member 232 or the like. This airbag 111 has a retainer 230.
Is inflated by the gas from the inflator 231 provided at the bottom.

An opening 112 for an inflator is provided near the center of the rear panel 111b. The periphery of the opening 112 of the rear panel 111b is
There is provided an insertion hole 113 through which a bolt or the like for attaching 1 to the retainer is inserted.

A circular inner panel 120 is provided inside the airbag 111. The inner panel 120 has its peripheral edge joined to the inner peripheral surface of the front panel 111a by a joining means such as sewing. Also,
Near the center of the inner panel 120, a rear panel 1
An opening 121 surrounding the inflator inserted into the airbag from the opening 112 of the airbag 11b is provided, and a strap insertion portion 123 is formed on the periphery of the opening 121. Further, the inner panel 120 includes:
Vent holes 122 are provided to ensure the movement and distribution of gas in the airbag.

A strap 140 is inserted through the insertion portion 123 of the inner panel. This strap 140
Both ends are pulled out of the airbag 111 from an opening 114 provided in the rear panel 111b. The two ends of the strap 140 are provided with pin engaging portions 141 into which retractable pins 151 protruding from the tip of the restraint release device 150 installed outside the airbag 111 are inserted.

The restraint release device 150 has the same configuration as the restraint release device 50 described above, is connected to a control device (not shown), and is operated by an operation signal from the control device and protrudes from the tip. The pin 151 is moved back.

The inner panel 120 has both ends of the strap 140 inserted through the insertion portion 123 at the rear panel 111b.
Is pulled out of the airbag 111 from the opening 114 of the airbag 111, and the pin engaging portions 141 at both ends and the pins 151 are engaged with each other, so that the center portion thereof is retained by the strap 140 so as not to be separated from the rear panel 111b. Becomes

The airbag 111 is connected to the retainer 130 by bolts or the like via a holding member 132, and both ends of the strap 140 inserted through the insertion portion 123 of the inner panel 120 inside the airbag are connected to the rear panel 11.
1b is pulled out from the opening 114, the pin engagement portions at both ends are engaged with the pins 151 of the restraint release device 150, and then the airbag 111 is folded and covered with a module cover (not shown). The device 110 is configured.

The operation of the airbag device 110 is controlled by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detection device (not shown) for detecting the physique (size of the body) of the occupant sitting on the seat of the vehicle. This control device causes the inflator 131 to perform a gas ejection operation in an emergency such as a vehicle collision.
The airbag 111 is inflated by the gas ejected from the inflator 131 and pushes open the module cover to deploy in the vehicle compartment.

When the airbag 111 is inflated, when the control device determines that the occupant's body is relatively small based on the detection value from the physique detecting device, the control device activates only the inflator 131 and releases the restraint release device. 150 is not activated. Then, the pin engaging portions 141 and the pins 151 at both ends of the strap 140 remain engaged, and the central portion of the inner panel 120 is strongly held by the strap 140 so as not to separate from the rear panel 111b. For this reason, the front panel 11 of the airbag 111 combined with the outer peripheral portion of the inner panel 120
1a is restrained from bulging forward by the inner panel 120, and is developed into a shape as shown in FIG. 11 (a) which is smaller than the fully open shape.

On the other hand, when it is determined from the value detected by the physique detecting device that the occupant's body is relatively large, this control device, together with the inflator 131, releases the restraint releasing device 150.
Activate Then, the pin 151 is connected to the restraint release device 15.
The strap 141 retreats from the pin engaging portion 141 by the operation of 0, and both ends of the strap 141 are released, and the strap 141 does not try to keep the inner panel 120 on the rear panel 111b. Therefore, the front panel 111a connected to the peripheral portion of the inner panel 120 is
0 allows the airbag 111 to expand without being constrained, and the airbag 111 expands to a fully open shape as shown in FIG. 11 (b).

The airbag device 11 configured as described above
Even if it is 0, the size of the airbag 111 can be reliably changed according to the size of the occupant's body, and it is possible to always provide the occupant with appropriate protection.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing the structure of an airbag device according to another embodiment applied as a driver's seat occupant protection device. FIG. 12 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the airbag device when the airbag is deployed in an inflated restrained state, and FIG. 12 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the airbag device when the airbag is deployed to a fully open shape. It is.

The airbag device 210 is similar to the airbag device 110 described above in that the airbag 211 for the driver's seat is formed by connecting the peripheral portions of the circular front panel 211a and the rear panel 211b by connecting means such as sewing. Have. Also when the airbag 110 is installed in a vehicle, the front panel 211a faces the occupant, and the rear panel 111b is connected to the retainer 230 on the opposite side via a pressing member 232 and the like. The retainer 230 is provided with an inflator 231 that supplies gas to the airbag 211 by performing a gas ejection operation according to an operation signal from a control device.

The strap 2 is provided inside the airbag 211.
40 is extended. One end of the strap 240 is connected to the front panel 211a. A ring 241 is attached to the other end of the strap 240, and the other end is connected to the restraint release device 280 provided on the retainer 230 via the ring 241.

The restraint releasing device 280 has the same configuration as the restraint releasing device 80 described above. That is, the restraint releasing device 280 has a hook 281 that can take a ring hooking position and a hook releasing position, and shifts the hook 281 from the ring hooking position to the hook releasing position in response to an operation signal from the control device. It is. Strap 240
In this case, the ring 241 on the other end hooks on the hook 281 to restrain the front panel 211a from expanding forward when the airbag is inflated.

In FIG. 12, the restraint release device 280 is shown as being installed above the pressing member 232 inside the airbag 211, but the restraint release device 280 may be installed in any form. For example, after the restraint release device 280 is installed outside the airbag 211, an opening for inserting a strap is provided in the rear panel 211b, and the other end of the strap 240 is pulled out from the opening to the outside of the airbag. Hook 28
It may be hooked on 1.

The operation of this airbag device 210 is also controlled by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detection device (not shown) for detecting the physique (size of the body) of the occupant sitting on the seat of the vehicle. Then, the control device causes the inflator 231 to perform a gas ejection operation in an emergency such as a vehicle collision. The airbag 211 is inflated by the gas ejected from the inflator 231 and pushes open the module cover to deploy in the vehicle compartment.

When the control device determines that the occupant's body is relatively small based on the detection value from the physique detecting device when the airbag 211 is inflated, the control device activates only the inflator 231 and releases the restraint release device. 280 is not activated. Then, the ring 24 of the strap 240
1 remains hooked on the hook 281 and the strap 240 restrains the front panel 211a from expanding forward, so that the airbag 211 is smaller than the fully open shape as shown in FIG. 12 (a). Unfold into shape.

On the other hand, when it is determined from the value detected by the physique detecting device that the occupant's body is relatively large, the control device, together with the inflator 231, releases the restraint releasing device 280.
Activate Then, the operation of the restraint release device 280 causes the hook 281 to assume the ring hooking release position, and the ring 241 of the strap 240 is released from the hook 281.
For this reason, the front panel 211a is
Swelling without being restricted by 0,
The airbag 211 is largely deployed to a fully open shape as shown in FIG.

The airbag device 21 constructed as described above
Even if it is 0, the size of the airbag 211 can be reliably changed according to the size of the occupant's body, and it is possible to always provide the occupant with appropriate protection.

In each of the above embodiments, the airbag apparatus determines the size of the occupant's body based on one predetermined value (threshold), and fully opens the airbag when the occupant's body is larger than the threshold. When the airbag device is smaller than the threshold value, the airbag device is inflated to a shape smaller than the fully open shape. May be set, and in accordance with this, the airbag may be configured to be in a fully opened shape or to be inflated to a plurality of sizes smaller than the fully opened shape.

As a configuration for inflating the airbag to a fully open shape or a plurality of sizes smaller than the full open shape, for example, a plurality of straps having different lengths, such as straps having different lengths, having different inflated shapes when restrained are used. A configuration that restricts the inflation of the airbag into various shapes by providing a plurality of restraint release devices for releasing or continuing the restraint of the inflation of the airbag by each of the restraint members. A configuration in which the inflation of the airbag is limited to a plurality of sizes smaller than the fully open shape by one inflation restricting member as in an airbag device 310 shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 15 to 17 are perspective views of the airbag apparatus 310 according to the embodiment when the airbag is inflated.
The operation states are shown when the body size of the occupant is relatively small, when the body size of the occupant is medium, and when the body size of the occupant is relatively large.

The airbag device 310 has a pair of side panels 312 similarly to the airbag device 10 described above.
And a front panel 313, and a container 330 in which a rear part of the airbag 311 is connected to the inside through an opening (not shown) on the front side. The left and right side panels 312 are provided with vent holes 315, respectively.

In this embodiment, when the occupant's body is relatively large, the airbag device 310 inflates the airbag 311 to a fully open shape, as will be described later.
When the occupant's body size is medium, the airbag 311 is inflated to a shape smaller than the fully open shape, and when the occupant's body is relatively small, the airbag 311 is inflated to a shape one size smaller than the fully opened shape. It has become.

Further, in the airbag device 310, when the airbag 311 is inflated to a shape smaller than the fully opened shape, the opening amount of the vent hole 315 is increased to allow the gas inside the airbag to flow at a relatively high outflow speed. Let
Conversely, when the airbag 311 is inflated to the fully opened shape, the opening amount of the vent hole 315 is reduced so that the gas inside the airbag flows out at a relatively low outflow speed.

The upper surface 311a and the lower surface 3 of the airbag 311
11b, a strap 340 is attached as an inflation restricting member for restricting the inflation of the airbag 311. One end of the strap 340 is joined to the middle of the upper surface 311a or the middle of the lower surface 311b by a joining means such as sewing, and the other end of the strap 340 extends to the rear side of the airbag 311.

In the middle of the strap 340, the container 33
A first pin engaging portion 341 into which a pin 351A serving as a strap connecting member of the first restraint release device 350A installed at 0 is inserted. On the other end side of the strap 340 (hereinafter, the other end of the strap 340 is referred to as a “rear end” of the strap 340), a pin 351B of a second restraint release device 350B also installed in the container 330 is provided. A second pin engaging portion 342 to be inserted is provided. The strap 340 has a pin 351A inserted into the first pin engaging portion 341 and an intermediate portion thereof is connected to the container 330, and a pin 351B is inserted into the second pin engaging portion 342 and the rear end thereof has a container shape. Connected to 330.

Further, a strap 371 having a width covering a predetermined amount of the opening is attached to the vent hole 315. One end of the strap 371 is inserted through the vent hole 315 into the airbag 311, and is connected to the inner surface of the airbag of the side panel 312 by sewing means such as sewing, and the other end is connected to the side panel 312. The airbag 311 extends to the rear side along the outer surface of the airbag 311. A pair of the widthwise edges of the strap 371 in the width direction at a portion near the other end of the one end side with the side panel 312 and not exposed to the outside of the airbag 311 from the vent hole 315. A notch 373 (FIG. 17) is provided.
Thereby, the strap 371 is configured to be torn from the middle part when a predetermined tension is applied in the longitudinal direction. Further, the other end of the strap 371 (hereinafter, the other end of the strap 371 is referred to as a “rear end” of the strap 371) is a pin engagement into which the pin 361 of the restraint release device 360 installed in the container 330 is inserted. A part 372 is provided. The rear end of the strap 371 is connected to the container 330 by inserting the pin 361 into the pin engaging portion 372.

The airbag 311 is folded and housed in the container 330 together with the straps 340 and 371.

On the upper and lower side surfaces of the container 330, the first pin engaging portions 34 in the middle of the strap 340 housed in the container 330 together with the airbag 311 are provided.
1 for pulling out the outside of the container 330
1 and an opening 332 through which the second pin engaging portion 342 is drawn out of the container 330. In the vicinity of each of the openings 331 and 332, a pin engaging portion 341 and a pin engagement portion 341, respectively drawn out of the container 330 from the opening.
Restraint release devices 350A, 350 having pins 351A, 351B as strap connecting members inserted into 342
50B is installed. These pins 351A, 35
1B, the distal end sides are respectively restraint release devices 350A and 350A.
0B, each opening 331, 3 of strap 340
It extends in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which it is drawn out of P.32.

Note that each of the restraint release devices 350A and 350B
Are the same as the restraint release device 50 and the like of the above-described airbag device 10, and are connected to respective control devices (not shown), and are activated when an operation signal is input from the control device when the airbag is inflated. The pins 351A and 351B are retracted. Then, when the pins 351A and 351B retreat, they come out of the first pin engaging portion 341 and the second pin engaging portion 342, and the connection of the middle portion or the rear end portion of the strap 340 to the container 330 is released. Is done.

Openings 333 are provided on each of the left and right side surfaces of the container 330 for drawing out the pin engaging portion 372 of the strap 371 housed in the container 330 together with the airbag 311 to the outside of the container. .
In the vicinity of the opening 333, a restraint release device 360 having a pin 361 as a strap connecting member inserted into the pin engaging portion 372 pulled out from the opening is installed. The restraint release device 360 has the same configuration as the restraint release device 350. The pin 361 has a tip end protruding from the restraint release device 360 and pulled out from the opening 333 of the strap 371, similarly to the pin 351. It extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction. The restraint release device 360 is also connected to the control device (not shown).
When an operation signal is input from the control device at the time of inflation of the airbag, the pin 361 is retracted to be disengaged from the pin engagement portion 361. When the pin 361 comes out of the pin engaging portion 372, the connection of the rear end of the strap 370 to the container 330 is released.

The airbag 311 is folded and housed in the container 330 together with the straps 340 and 371. Then, the pin engagement portions 341 and 342 of the strap 340 are pulled out of the container from the openings 331 and 332, respectively, and the restraint is released for these. Apparatus 350A, 35
0B pins 351A and 351B, and the pin engaging portion 372 of the strap 371 is pulled out of the container from the opening 333, and the pin 361 of the restraint release device 360 is inserted into the pin engaging portion 72.
By mounting a module cover (not shown) so as to cover the opening of the airbag device 30, the airbag device 310 is configured. The airbag device 310 is applied as an airbag device for a passenger seat of a vehicle, and is installed on an instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle.

The airbag device 310, like the airbag device 10 and the like, is controlled by a control device (not shown) provided with a physique detecting device (not shown) for detecting the size of the body of the occupant sitting on the seat of the vehicle. The operation is controlled. In the present embodiment, the control device determines the size of the occupant by comparing two preset thresholds with the detection value of the physique detection device, and adjusts the size of the occupant to the size of the occupant. Airbag 31
1 is changed in three stages.

More specifically, the control device determines that the occupant's body is relatively large when the detection value of the physique detection device is larger than a predetermined first threshold value, and inflates the airbag 311 to the fully open shape. When the detected value is smaller than the predetermined second threshold value, it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively small, and the inflated shape of the airbag 311 is kept much smaller than the fully opened shape. Further, the control device determines that the occupant's body size is medium when the detection value of the physique detection device is between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, and activates the airbag 311. Inflate to a slightly smaller shape than the fully open shape.

The procedure for controlling the operation of the airbag device 330 in an emergency by the control device will be described below.

In an emergency such as at the time of a vehicle collision, the control device causes the inflator (not shown) for inflating the airbag installed in the container 330 to perform a gas ejection operation. The airbag 311 is inflated by the gas ejected from the inflator, and pushes open the module cover to deploy in the vehicle compartment.

When the control device determines that the occupant's body is relatively small based on the detection value of the physique detecting device when inflating the airbag 311, the control device activates only the airbag inflator and releases each restraint. Apparatus 350
A, 350B and the restraint release device 360 are not operated.
In this way, the strap 340 remains connected to the container 330 via the pin 351A at an intermediate portion thereof, and apparently continues to connect the airbag 311 and the restraint 330 as a short strap. The bag 311 is tightly constrained by the strap 340, and the inflation of the airbag 311 stays in a shape that is slightly smaller than the fully opened shape as shown in FIG. At this time, the rear end of the strap 371 is also the container 33.
Thus, the strap 371 is applied with a very large tension as the airbag 311 is inflated. Then, when the tension becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value, the strap 371 is torn from the notch 373 and escapes from the vent hole 315 to increase the opening amount of the vent hole 315.

When it is determined that the size of the occupant is medium based on the value detected by the physique detecting device, the control device operates the restraint releasing device 350A together with the airbag inflator, and Further, the other restraint release devices 350B and 360 are not operated. By doing so, the strap 340 remains connected to the container 330 via the pin 351B on the rear end side, but the middle portion is disconnected and comes out of the container 330. The airbag 311 is relatively gently restrained as a long strap. Therefore, the airbag 311 inflates to a shape slightly smaller than the fully open shape as shown in FIG. Also at this time, the rear end of the strap 371 remains connected to the container 330, and
, A very large tension is applied with the inflation of the airbag 311. Then, when the tension becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value, the strap 371 is torn from the notch 373 and escapes from the vent hole 315 to increase the opening amount of the vent hole 315.

Further, when it is determined that the occupant's body is relatively large based on the detection value of the physique detecting device,
The controller activates all restraint release devices along with the airbag inflation inflator. In this case, the strap 340 is completely disconnected from the container 330 and is detached from the container 330. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the airbag 311 is not restrained by the strap 340 at all. It expands greatly to the fully open shape. On the other hand, the strap 371 is disconnected from the container 330, detaches from the container 330 while covering the vent hole 315, and stops the opening amount of the vent hole 315.

The airbag device 33 constructed as described above
At 0, the size of the airbag 311 when inflated can be finely changed according to the size of the occupant's body,
It is possible to develop a more appropriate occupant protection ability.

The airbag device of the present invention may be provided with various inflator output adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the output of the inflator for inflating the airbag, in addition to the above-described configuration, and the inflating shape and the shape of the airbag. By adjusting the output of the inflator according to the size of the occupant together with the opening amount of the vent hole, more appropriate protection can be provided to the occupant.

Further, in the airbag device of the present invention, the size of the airbag is changed in consideration of not only the size of the occupant's body but also the collision speed and the collision energy at the time of vehicle collision. You may.

[0123]

As described above in detail, according to the airbag apparatus of the present invention, in an emergency, the shape of the airbag is surely changed in accordance with the size of the human body to be protected, and the human body protection ability is always appropriate. Can be expressed. Also,
In the airbag device of the present invention, a vent hole can be provided in the airbag, and the opening amount of the vent hole can be changed in accordance with a change in the shape of the airbag. It is possible to smoothly absorb the kinetic energy of the occupant according to the size of the body.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an airbag device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the airbag of the airbag device 10 of FIG. 1 is deployed in an inflated restrained state.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the airbag of the airbag device 10 of FIG. 1 is deployed to a fully opened shape.

FIG. 4 shows a restraint release device 5 of the airbag device 10 of FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a zero.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modification of the inflatable restraint member of the airbag device 10.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part of the expansion restricting member according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an airbag according to the embodiment and an inflatable restraint member of the airbag.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an airbag device 10C according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a configuration diagram of a restraint release device 80 of the airbag device 10C of FIG.

FIG. 10 is an airbag device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is an exploded perspective view of the airbag part of No. 10.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a state of the airbag apparatus of FIG. 10 when the airbag is inflated.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state of the airbag device 210 according to the embodiment when the airbag is inflated.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view when the airbag of the airbag device 10E according to the embodiment is deployed in an inflated restrained state.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the airbag device 10E of FIG. 13 when the airbag is deployed to a fully opened shape.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the airbag device 330 according to the embodiment when the airbag is inflated in a tightly restrained state.

16 is a perspective view when the airbag of the airbag device 330 of FIG. 15 is inflated in a state of being gently restrained.

17 is a perspective view of the airbag device 330 of FIG. 15 when the airbag is deployed to a fully opened shape.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 10A, 10C, 10E, 110, 210, 33
0 Airbag device 11, 11A, 11C, 11D, 11E, 111, 21
1,311 Airbag 30, 30C, 30E, 130, 230, 330 Container 41, 41A, 41B, 41D, 41E, 140, 24
0,340 straps 42,42A, 42D, 42E, 141,341,34
2 Pin engaging portion 43, 45, 74, 241 Ring 50, 50E, 60, 80, 90, 150, 280, 3
50A, 350B, 360 Restraint release device 51, 51E, 61, 151, 351A, 351B, 3
61 pin 81,91,281 hook

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An airbag, an airbag mounting member to which the airbag is mounted, a gas generator for inflating the airbag, and an airbag for stopping the inflated shape of the airbag to a shape smaller than a fully open shape. An airbag device having an inflatable restraint member, comprising restraint releasing means for releasing restraint by the inflatable restraint member, wherein the restraint release means releases restraint when an occupant is a predetermined size or more; An airbag device wherein the restraint is continued when the value is equal to or less than a predetermined value. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a measuring device for measuring a size of the occupant, wherein the restraint releasing means is activated upon receiving an operation signal when a measured value of the measuring device is equal to or more than a predetermined value. Release the constraint,
The airbag device is characterized in that when the measured value is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the restraint is continued without operating. 3. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein the airbag includes a vent hole for gas outflow, and a sheet-like member covering the vent hole, and one end of the sheet-like member is connected to the airbag. The other end is connected to the airbag mounting member via a connecting device, and the connecting device releases the connection when the restraint releasing means continues to restrain when the airbag is inflated. When the restraint releasing means releases the restraint, the connection is continued, and when the airbag is inflated to a fully open shape, the one end is torn or connected to the airbag. The airbag device is characterized in that the airbag is torn, thereby opening the vent hole.