JP2007091083A - Airbag device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an airbag device capable of developing a desired airbag out of a plurality of the airbags. <P>SOLUTION: This airbag device 20 is furnished with an inflator 50, the side airbag 30 to develop by gas from the inflator 50 and the airbag 40 for an anti-submarine. Additionally, the airbag device 20 is furnished with a change-over means 61 to change a gas supplying destination over to either of the side air bag 30 and the airbag 40 for the anti-submarine, an impact sensor and a control part to control the change-over means 61. The change-over means 61 makes the supplying destination of gas the side airbag 30, and the control part changes the gas supplying destination over to the the airbag 40 for the anti-submarine from the side airbag 30 by controlling the change-over means 61 in accordance with detection of the impact sensor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an airbag device that deploys an airbag with gas generated from a gas generation source.

  As an airbag apparatus provided in a vehicle, for example, an airbag apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. This airbag apparatus includes a side bag portion (first airbag) built in the outside of the seat in the seat portion and an auxiliary bag portion (second airbag) built in the front side of the seat portion. Has two bags. The side bag portion is deployed on the side of the occupant during deployment, and the auxiliary bag portion is configured to raise the front side of the seat portion during deployment. Further, in the airbag device, the side bag portion and the auxiliary bag portion are communicated with each other through a communication portion, and one inflator (gas generation source) is built in the communication portion. As described above, the number of parts and the number of assembling steps of the airbag device are reduced by connecting the two bag portions to one inflator via the communication portion.

In the airbag device, when gas is generated from the inflator, the gas is supplied to both bag portions via the communicating portion, and both bag portions are deployed simultaneously. For this reason, according to the airbag apparatus of patent document 1, the side of a passenger is protected by the said side bag part at the time of a vehicle side collision, for example. After that, even if a front collision occurs as a secondary collision, the auxiliary bag part deployed at the same time as the side bag part lifts the back of the passenger's knees seated on the seat, so the lower body of the passenger at the time of the secondary collision Can be prevented from moving forward (submarine phenomenon).
JP 2002-145003 A

  However, in the airbag device described in Patent Document 1, the side bag portion and the auxiliary bag portion are always in communication with one inflator. For this reason, when gas is generated from the inflator, both the side bag portion and the auxiliary bag portion are always deployed simultaneously.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art. The object is to provide an airbag device capable of deploying a desired airbag among a plurality of airbags.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is directed to a gas generation source, a first airbag and a second airbag deployed by gas generated from the gas generation source, and the gas generation. A source of gas generated from the gas generation source is set to one of the first airbag and the second airbag, and is provided between the first airbag and the second airbag. A switching means for switching, a detecting means for detecting information for determining the supply destination of the gas, and a control means for controlling the switching means, wherein the switching means normally specifies the supply destination of the gas. The control means controls the switching means based on detection by the detection means to switch the gas supply destination from the first airbag to the second airbag. And

  According to this configuration, the switching means normally uses the first airbag as the gas supply destination. When the control unit determines that the gas supply destination is the first airbag based on the detection by the detection unit, the control unit controls the switching unit so as not to switch the gas supply destination. The generated gas is supplied to the first airbag. On the other hand, when the control means determines that the gas supply destination is the second airbag based on the detection by the detection means, the control means controls the switching means so as to switch the gas supply destination, and is generated from the gas generation source. The gas to be supplied is supplied to the second airbag.

  That is, by providing the switching means, the gas supply destination is limited to only one of the first airbag and the second airbag. Therefore, when gas is generated from the gas generation source, the first airbag is used. And the second airbag are not deployed at the same time. Furthermore, by controlling the switching means based on detection by the detection means, the gas supply destination can be selected from the first airbag and the second airbag, so when gas is generated from the gas generation source, A desired airbag of the two airbags can be deployed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas generation source, a first airbag, a second airbag, and a third airbag that are deployed by gas generated from the gas generation source, and the gas generation source. A first switch that is provided between the first airbag and the second airbag and switches a supply destination of gas generated from the gas generation source to one of the first airbag and the other airbag. The switching means is disposed between the gas generation source and the second airbag and the third airbag, and the gas supply destination is any of the second airbag and the third airbag. A second switching means for switching the gas, a detecting means for detecting information for determining the gas supply destination, and a control means for controlling the first switching means and the second switching means, First switching means and second switching The stage normally has the gas supply destination as the first airbag, and the control means controls the first switching means and the second switching means based on the detection of the detection means to control the gas. The gist is to switch the supply destination from the first airbag to the second airbag or the third airbag.

  According to this configuration, the first switching unit and the second switching unit normally use the first airbag as the gas supply destination. When the control unit determines that the gas supply destination is the first airbag based on the detection by the detection unit, the control unit does not switch the gas supply destination. The gas generated from the gas generation source is supplied to the first airbag by controlling the means. On the other hand, when the control means determines that the gas supply destination is the second airbag or the third airbag based on the detection by the detection means, the control means switches the first supply means so as to switch the gas supply destination. The second switching means is controlled, and the gas generated from the gas generation source is supplied to the second airbag or the third airbag.

  That is, by providing the first switching means and the second switching means, the gas supply destination is limited to one of the first airbag, the second airbag, and the third airbag. When gas is generated from the generation source, the first to third airbags are not simultaneously deployed. Furthermore, by controlling the first switching means and the second switching means based on detection by the detection means, the gas supply destination is selected from the first airbag, the second airbag, and the third airbag. Therefore, when gas is generated from the gas generation source, a desired airbag among the first to third airbags can be deployed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the airbag apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the switching means is a gas supply destination by movement of a moving body using a gas generated from a micro gas generator as a driving source. The gist is to switch between.

  According to this configuration, the speed from when the gas is generated from the micro gas generator and the moving body is moved by the gas is, for example, higher than the speed at which the drive current is supplied to the solenoid valve and the solenoid valve is switched. fast. For this reason, for example, the speed which switches the gas supply destination can be increased compared with the structure which switches the gas supply destination using the said solenoid valve for a switching means.

  According to the present invention, a desired airbag among a plurality of airbags can be deployed.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, “front side” is defined as the forward direction side of the vehicle, and “rear side” is defined as the backward direction side of the vehicle. Further, the vertical direction and the left-right direction coincide with the vertical direction and the left-right direction in the vehicle forward direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a passenger seat 11 serving as a seat is provided in the vehicle interior of the vehicle. The passenger seat 11 includes a seat portion 12 and a backrest portion that extends upward from the rear end side of the seat portion 12. 13 and a headrest 14 provided at the upper end of the backrest 13. An instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle incorporates an airbag (not shown) that is deployed between a passenger seated on the seat 12 and the instrument panel.

  The vehicle is provided with an airbag device 20. The airbag device 20 includes a side airbag 30 as a first airbag and an anti-submarine airbag 40 as a second airbag, a switching unit 61, an inflator 50 as a gas generation source, and a detection unit. As an impact sensor 60 (see FIG. 2) and a control unit 70 (see FIG. 2) as control means.

  The side airbag 30 is built in the side door S side (body side portion side) of the seat portion 12 (see FIG. 3B), and is normally stored in the first case 31 in a folded state. Has been. The side airbag 30 is deployed between the passenger sitting on the seat 12 of the passenger seat 11 and the side door S by the gas generated from the inflator 50.

  The anti-submarine airbag 40 is built in the front side of the seat portion 12 and is normally stored in the second case 41 in a folded state. The anti-submarine airbag 40 is deployed inside the seat portion 12 by the gas generated from the inflator 50. As shown in FIG. 4B, the front side of the seat portion 12 is raised from the inside of the seat portion 12 when the anti-submarine airbag 40 is deployed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inflator 50 is built in the front side of the seat portion 12. A gas generating agent (not shown) that generates high-pressure gas is accommodated in the inflator 50. The high-pressure gas generated from the inflator 50 is supplied into the side airbag 30 or the anti-submarine airbag 40.

  A gas supply path 52 is connected to the inflator 50 using a connection member 51. The gas supply path 52 is formed with a branch path 53 that branches in opposite directions (up and down directions). The upper end of the branch path 53 is closed. In the branch path 53, a first communication path 54 is connected to a position above the gas supply path 52, and the first communication path 54 is connected to the first case 31. The gas generated from the inflator 50 can be supplied to the side airbag 30 in the first case 31 via the gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, and the first communication path 54. The gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, and the first communication path 54 communicate with the inflator 50 and the side airbag 30 and provide a first supply path that supplies gas generated from the inflator 50 to the side airbag 30. It is composed.

  Further, in the branch path 53, a second communication path 55, which is a path different from the first communication path 54, is provided below the gas supply path 52, and the second communication path 55 is connected to the second communication path 55. It is connected to the case 41. The gas generated from the inflator 50 can be supplied to the anti-submarine airbag 40 in the second case 41 via the gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, and the second communication path 55. The gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, and the second communication path 55 communicate the inflator 50 and the anti-submarine airbag 40, and supply the gas generated from the inflator 50 to the anti-submarine airbag 40. A supply path is configured.

  A micro gas generator (hereinafter referred to as MGG) 56 is connected to the opening at the lower end of the branch path 53 that constitutes the first supply path and the second supply path. The MGG 56 is a device that ignites and generates gas when a predetermined signal is input, and the gas generated from the MGG 56 is jetted to the branch path 53 side. A piston 57 as a moving body that moves in the branch path 53 using the gas generated from the MGG 56 as a drive source is disposed in the branch path 53 on the upper end surface of the MGG 56.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when the MGG 56 is not ignited and no gas is generated, the piston 57 is positioned on the upper end surface of the MGG 56, and the second communication passage 55 on the branch path 53 side is located. The opening is closed. Therefore, in a state where the MGG 56 is not ignited and no gas is generated, the gas supply path 52 and the first communication path 54 communicate with each other via the branch path 53, while the gas supply path 52 and the second communication path 54 communicate with each other. The passage 55 is not in communication. That is, the inflator 50 communicates with the side airbag 30 via the first supply path, while the inflator 50 and the anti-submarine airbag 40 are not in communication.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the MGG 56 is ignited and gas is generated, the piston 57 moves upward in the branch path 53 using the gas as a drive source, and the upper side in the branch path 53 It is supposed to be fixed to. At this time, the piston 57 closes the opening of the first communication path 54 on the branch path 53 side. Therefore, in a state where the MGG 56 is ignited and gas is generated, the gas supply path 52 and the first communication path 54 are not in communication, while the gas supply path 52 and the second communication path 55 are connected via the branch path 53. Communicate. That is, the inflator 50 communicates with the anti-submarine airbag 40 via the second supply path, while the inflator 50 and the side airbag 30 are not communicated.

  That is, the piston 57 moves in the branch path 53 using the gas generated from the MGG 56 as a drive source, and switches the supply path communicating with the inflator 50 to either the first supply path or the second supply path. It has become. The branch path 53, the first communication path 54, the second communication path 55, the MGG 56, and the piston 57 are either the side airbag 30 or the anti-submarine airbag 40 as the supply destination of the gas generated from the inflator 50. The switching means 61 for switching to is configured.

  Normally, the switching means 61 (in the initial setting state of the airbag device 20 and the MGG 56 is not ignited) opens the first supply path and uses the side airbag 30 as a gas supply destination. The switching means 61 switches the gas supply destination from the side airbag 30 to the anti-submarine airbag 40 by the movement of the piston 57 when the MGG 56 is ignited.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the impact sensor (for example, acceleration detector) 60 is provided in a vehicle body (not shown) of the vehicle. The impact sensor 60 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. Further, the impact sensor 60 detects whether an impact is caused by a collision from the front of the vehicle (front collision) or an impact from a collision from the side of the vehicle (side collision) when an impact is applied to the vehicle. To do. Further, the impact sensor 60 inputs information related to the detected impact (front collision or side collision) to the control unit 70. And the said impact sensor 60 comprises the detection means which detects the information (front collision or side collision) for the control part 70 to determine the gas supply destination (the side airbag 30 or the anti-submarine airbag 40). Yes.

  The vehicle body is provided with the control unit 70, which is an electronic control unit (ECU), for example, and is electrically connected to the inflator 50, the impact sensor 60, and the MGG 56. Then, the control unit 70 inputs a predetermined signal to the inflator 50 based on information input from the impact sensor 60 and generates gas from the inflator 50.

  In addition, when the information related to the front collision is input, the control unit 70 determines that the gas supply destination is the anti-submarine airbag 40 and ignites the MGG 56. On the other hand, when the information related to the side collision is input, the control unit 70 determines that the gas supply destination is the side airbag 30 and does not ignite the MGG 56. That is, the control unit 70 controls the MGG 56 based on the information related to the collision to control the switching unit 61.

Next, the operation of the airbag device 20 having the above configuration will be described below.
Now, in a state where a passenger is seated on the seat 12 of the passenger seat 11, when the vehicle receives an impact of a predetermined value or more due to a side collision, the impact sensor 60 inputs information related to the side collision to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 determines that the gas supply destination is the side airbag 30 based on the information related to the side collision, and generates gas from the inflator 50 while preventing the MGG 56 from being ignited.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3A, the piston 57 does not move in the switching means 61, and the gas supply destination is not switched, so that the state where the first supply path is opened is maintained. . The gas generated from the inflator 50 is supplied to the side airbag 30 in the first case 31 via the first supply path (the gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, and the first communication path 54). As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, only the side airbag 30 is deployed by the gas, and the side of the passenger is protected by the side airbag 30.

  On the other hand, when the passenger is seated on the seat 12 of the passenger seat 11 and the vehicle receives an impact of a predetermined value or more due to the front collision, the impact sensor 60 inputs information related to the front collision to the control unit 70. Then, the airbag built in the instrument panel is deployed. Further, when the control unit 70 determines that the gas supply destination is the anti-submarine airbag 40 based on the information related to the front collision, the control unit 70 ignites the MGG 56 before the generation of the gas from the inflator 50, and then the inflator 50 gas is generated. That is, the MGG 56 is ignited simultaneously with the generation of gas from the inflator 50 or prior to the generation of gas from the inflator 50.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the switching means 61, the piston 57 is moved by the gas generated from the MGG 56, and the gas supply destination is switched from the first supply path to the second supply path. . The gas generated from the inflator 50 is supplied to the anti-submarine airbag 40 in the second case 41 via the second supply path (the gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, and the second communication path 55). . As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, only the anti-submarine airbag 40 is deployed by the gas, and the anti-submarine airbag 40 lifts the back of the passenger's knee.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) A switching means 61 is provided between the inflator 50 and the side airbag 30 and the anti-submarine airbag 40. By means of the switching means 61, the gas supply destination is normally the side airbag 30 (initially set state of the airbag device 20), and the control unit 70 determines that the gas supply destination is the anti-submarine airbag 40. At the time (front collision), the control unit 70 controls the switching means 61 to switch the gas supply destination from the side airbag 30 to the anti-submarine airbag 40. Therefore, by using the switching means 61, the gas generated from the inflator 50 is supplied to only one of the side airbag 30 and the anti-submarine airbag 40, and the side airbag 30 and the anti-submarine airbag are configured. 40 will not be deployed at the same time. Furthermore, by controlling the switching means 61 by the control unit 70, only the desired airbags 30, 40 can be deployed.

  Therefore, when both bag parts are deployed simultaneously as in the background art and one bag part is compressed by the passenger, gas is pushed out to the other bag part, and the restraining force of the passenger by the other bag part is It can prevent that it falls. In particular, in the event of a side collision, the anti-submarine airbag 40 that secondarily protects the occupant is prevented from being deployed, and the gas supply is concentrated on the side airbag 30 so that the occupant by the side airbag 30 It is possible to ensure the protection of the passenger without reducing the binding force.

  (2) According to the airbag device 20, the side airbag 30 and the anti-submarine airbag 40 can be deployed with one inflator 50. Therefore, for example, the number of parts and assembly man-hours of the airbag device 20 can be reduced as compared with a configuration that requires the inflator 50 for each of the side airbag 30 and the anti-submarine airbag 40, and further, the weight Can be reduced in weight. Further, the number of inflators 50 can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the side airbag 30 and the anti-submarine airbag 40 each require the inflator 50, and the recycling fee of the inflator 50 can be suppressed.

  (3) The airbag apparatus 20 uses the side airbag 30 as the gas supply destination, and the side airbag 30 is deployed without switching the supply destination by the switching means 61 in the event of a side collision. Then, the supply destination is switched by the switching means 61 only during the front collision, and the anti-submarine airbag 40 is deployed. Therefore, the airbag device 20 is configured to preferentially deploy the side airbag 30 over the anti-submarine airbag 40 and effectively deploys the side airbag 30 at the time of a side collision to effectively protect the passenger. can do.

  (4) The switching means 61 switches the gas supply destination from the side airbag 30 to the anti-submarine airbag 40 by moving the piston 57 in the branch path 53 by the gas generated from the MGG 56. The speed at which the communication paths 54 and 55 in which gas is generated from the MGG 56 and the piston 57 moves and closes is faster than the speed at which the drive current is supplied to the solenoid valve to switch the port. For this reason, compared with the structure which used the switching means 61 as the said electromagnetic valve, for example, the speed which switches the supply destination of gas can be increased.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, the passenger seat 11 and a driver seat 15 as a seat are arranged side by side in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The driver seat 15 includes a seat portion 16, a backrest portion 17 extending upward from the rear end side of the seat portion 16, and a headrest 18 provided at an upper end portion of the backrest portion 17.

  The vehicle is provided with an airbag device 80 corresponding to the passenger seat 11 and the driver seat 15. Since the airbag device 20 of the second embodiment has a configuration in which the airbag device 20 of the first embodiment further includes a third airbag, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment already described is provided. The same reference numerals are used to omit or simplify the redundant description. In FIG. 7, the right airbag device 80 is the airbag device 80 corresponding to the passenger seat 11, and the left airbag device 80 is the airbag device 80 corresponding to the driver seat 15. Since the airbag device 80 corresponding to the passenger seat 11 and the airbag device 80 corresponding to the driver seat 15 have the same configuration, the airbag device 80 corresponding to the passenger seat 11 is installed as necessary. The airbag device 80A and the airbag device 80 corresponding to the driver seat 15 will be described as an airbag device 80B.

  The airbag device 80 includes a side airbag 90 as a third airbag in addition to the side airbag 30 as a first airbag and the anti-submarine airbag 40 as a second airbag. . The side airbag 30 (first case 31) is built in the side door S side of the seats 12 and 16, and the side airbag 90 is located on the vehicle center side of the seats 12 and 16. Built in. The side airbag 90 is normally stored in the third case 91 in a folded state. The side airbag 90 is deployed between the passenger seat 11 and the driver seat 15 by the gas generated from the inflator 50.

  Moreover, the airbag apparatus 80 is provided with the 2nd switching means 62 in addition to the 1st switching means 61 which is the switching means 61 of 1st Embodiment. In the airbag device 80, the gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, and the first communication path 54 constitute a first supply path as in the first embodiment.

  In the airbag device 80, a branch path 63 that branches in directions opposite to each other (vertical direction) is formed in the second communication path 55 provided below the branch path 53. In the branch path 63, a third communication path 58 is connected to a position below the second communication path 55, and the third communication path 58 is connected to the second case 41.

  The gas generated from the inflator 50 passes through the gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, the second communication path 55, the branch path 63, and the third communication path 58, and the anti-submarine airbag 40 in the second case 41. Can be supplied. The gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, the second communication path 55, the branch path 63, and the third communication path 58 communicate the inflator 50 and the second case 41, and gas generated from the inflator 50 is used for anti-submarine. The 2nd supply path supplied to the airbag 40 is comprised.

  Further, in the branch path 63, a fourth communication path 59 is provided at a position above the second communication path 55, and the fourth communication path 59 is connected to the third case 91. The gas generated from the inflator 50 is supplied to the side airbag 90 in the third case 91 via the gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, the second communication path 55, the branch path 63, and the fourth communication path 59. It is possible. The gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, the second communication path 55, the branch path 63, and the fourth communication path 59 communicate the inflator 50 and the third case 91, and gas generated from the inflator 50 is side airbag. A third supply path for supplying to 90 is configured.

  A micro gas generator (hereinafter referred to as MGG) 64 having the same configuration as that of the MGG 56 of the first embodiment is provided in the opening at the lower end of the branch path 63 constituting the second supply path and the third supply path. Is connected. A piston 66 as a moving body that moves using a gas generated from the MGG 64 as a drive source is disposed in the branch path 63 and on the upper end surface of the MGG 64.

  As shown in FIG. 7, for example, when the MGGs 56 and 64 of the airbag device 80 </ b> A of the passenger seat 11 are not ignited and no gas is generated, the piston 57 is positioned on the upper end surface of the MGG 56. Yes. Therefore, the piston 57 closes the opening of the second communication path 55 on the branch path 53 side, and the piston 66 is located on the upper end surface of the MGG 64, and closes the opening of the third communication path 58 on the branch path 63 side. is doing. Therefore, in a state where the MGGs 56 and 64 are not ignited and no gas is generated, the gas supply path 52 and the first communication path 54 communicate with each other via the branch path 53, while the gas supply path 52 and the second communication path 54 The communication passage 55 is not in communication. That is, the inflator 50 communicates with the side airbag 30 via the first supply path, while the inflator 50 is not in communication with the anti-submarine airbag 40 and the side airbag 90.

  Further, for example, as shown in the airbag device 80B of the driver seat 15, when one of the two MGGs 56 and 64 is ignited and gas is generated, the piston 57 is first in the branch passage 53. The opening on the branch path 53 side of the communication path 54 is closed, and the piston 66 closes the opening on the branch path 63 side of the third communication path 58 in the branch path 63. Therefore, in a state where one of the two MGGs 56 and 64 is ignited, the gas supply path 52 and the first communication path 54 are not in communication, while the gas supply path 52 and the second communication path 55 are branched. The second communication path 55 and the fourth communication path 59 are in communication with each other via a branch path 63. At this time, the gas supply path 52 and the third communication path 58 are not in communication. That is, the inflator 50 communicates with the side airbag 90 via the third supply path, while the inflator 50 is not in communication with the side airbag 30 and the anti-submarine airbag 40.

  Further, although not shown, when the two MGGs 56 and 64 are ignited and gas is generated, the piston 57 closes the opening of the first communication path 54 on the branch path 53 side in the branch path 53 and In 63, the piston 66 closes the opening of the fourth communication path 59 on the branch path 63 side. Therefore, in a state where the two MGGs 56 and 64 are ignited, the gas supply path 52 and the first communication path 54 are not in communication, while the gas supply path 52 and the second communication path 55 are connected via the branch path 53. In addition, the second communication path 55 and the third communication path 58 communicate with each other via the branch path 63. At this time, the gas supply path 52 and the fourth communication path 59 are not in communication. That is, the inflator 50 communicates with the anti-submarine airbag 40 via the second supply path, while the inflator 50 is not in communication with the side airbag 30 and the side airbag 90.

  In the airbag device 80, the branch path 53, the first communication path 54, the second communication path 55, the MGG 56, and the piston 57 serve as a destination for supplying the gas generated from the inflator 50 to the side airbag 30 and other airbags. The 1st switching means 61 which switches to either of the bags 40 and 90 is comprised. Further, the branch path 63, the MGG 64, the piston 66, the third communication path 58, and the fourth communication path 59 are configured to supply the gas generated from the inflator 50 to either the side airbag 90 or the anti-submarine airbag 40. A second switching means 62 for switching is configured.

  In the airbag device 80, the first switching means 61 and the second switching means 62 are normally open (the airbag device 80 is in the initial setting state and the MGGs 56 and 64 are not ignited) and the first supply path is opened. The gas supply destination is the side airbag 30. The gas supply destination is switched from the side airbag 30 to the anti-submarine airbag 40 or the side airbag 90 by the control of the first switching unit 61 and the second switching unit 62 by the control unit 70. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the airbag device 80 </ b> A provided corresponding to the passenger seat 11 and the airbag device 80 </ b> B provided corresponding to the driver seat 15 are controlled by one common control unit 70. It is controlled. In addition, two impact sensors 60 corresponding to the airbag devices 80A and 80B are electrically connected to the control unit 70.

Next, the operation of the airbag device 80 configured as described above will be described below.
Now, in a state where the passenger is seated on the seat portion 16 of the driver seat 15 and the passenger is seated on the seat portion 12 of the passenger seat 11, the passenger seat 11 of the vehicle is caused by a side collision toward the passenger seat 11 side. When the side receives an impact of a predetermined value or more, the impact sensor 60 inputs information related to the side collision to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 determines that the gas supply destination of the airbag device 80A on the passenger seat 11 side is the side airbag 30 based on the information related to the side collision, and generates gas from the inflator 50, while the MGG 56 64 are not ignited.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, in the airbag device 80A, the pistons 57 and 66 do not move in the first and second switching means 61 and 62, and the gas supply destination is not switched. The state where one supply path is opened is maintained. In the airbag device 80A, the gas generated from the inflator 50 passes through the first supply path (the gas supply path 52, the branch path 53, and the first communication path 54) and the side airbag 30 in the first case 31. To be supplied. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, only the side airbag 30 of the passenger seat 11 is deployed, and the side of the passenger seat 11 is protected by the side airbag 30.

  Further, the control unit 70 determines that the side air bag 90 is the gas supply destination of the airbag device 80B on the driver seat 15 side based on the information related to the side collision. Then, the control unit 70 ignites only the MGG 56 before generating gas from the inflator 50, and thereafter generates gas from the inflator 50. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, in the airbag apparatus 80B, the piston 57 moves in the first switching means 61, and the gas supply destination is switched in the state where the piston 66 does not move in the second switching means 62. Is done. As a result, the gas supply destination is switched from the first supply path to the third supply path, and the gas generated from the inflator 50 passes through the third supply path (gas supply path 52, branch path 53, second communication path). 55, the branch path 63, and the fourth communication path 59) are supplied to the side airbag 90 of the third case 91. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the side airbag 90 of the driver's seat 15 is expanded by the gas, and the passenger of the passenger seat 11 is prevented from moving toward the driver's seat 15 by the side airbag 90. Is done.

Therefore, according to the airbag apparatus 80 of 2nd Embodiment, in addition to the effect as described in (1)-(4) of 1st Embodiment, the following effects can be acquired.
(5) By using the two airbag devices 80A and 80B, the passenger can be protected by the side airbag 30 on the side door S side at the time of a side collision, and further, the passenger seat 11 and the driver seat 15 The passenger can be prevented from moving toward the center of the passenger compartment by the side airbag 90 deployed between the passenger compartment and the passenger compartment.

(Example of change)
In addition, you may change each said embodiment as follows.
-As shown in FIG. 8, you may incorporate the airbag apparatus 20 of 1st Embodiment in the side door S (body side part). In this case, the first case 31 of the first airbag (not shown) is built in the side door S at a position on the side of the occupant and deployed between the occupant and the side door S. To. On the other hand, the second case 41 of the second airbag (not shown) is built in a position in front of the occupant at the side door S, and between the occupant and the instrument panel (not shown). You may make it expand | deploy.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the passenger seat 11 or the driver seat 15 (only the passenger seat 11 is shown in FIG. 9), the airbag device 20 of the first embodiment is incorporated in the backrest portions 13 and 17. May be. In this case, the first airbag 35 is, for example, a side airbag that is deployed at a position corresponding to a region from the head to the chest on the side of a passenger having a large physique, and the first airbag 35 is It is built in on the upper side of the backrest parts 13 and 17. On the other hand, the second airbag 36 is a side airbag that corresponds to the lower back for a passenger with a large physique and is deployed at a position corresponding to the chest for a passenger with a small physique, and the second airbag 36 is a backrest portion. 13 and 17 are incorporated below. The second airbag 36 is smaller than the first airbag 35.

  In the airbag device 20, the gas supply destination is usually the first airbag 35 by the switching means 61. Further, a weight sensor 73 is incorporated in the seats 12 and 16 as detection means for detecting the weight of the passenger, and the weight sensor 73 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 stores a reference weight value that serves as a reference when determining the size of the passenger's physique based on information from the weight sensor 73.

  And at the time of a vehicle collision (at the time of a side collision), the control part 70 determines the magnitude of a passenger's physique by comparing the information from the said weight sensor 73 with the said reference | standard weight value. When it is determined that the physique of the passenger is large, the control unit 70 controls the switching means 61 to deploy the first airbag 35. On the other hand, when it is determined that the physique of the passenger is small, the control unit 70 controls the switching means 61 to switch the gas supply destination from the first airbag 35 to the second airbag 36, and The second airbag 36 is deployed. Therefore, by using the weight sensor 73 as the detecting means, the desired airbags 35 and 36 can be deployed in accordance with the physique of the passenger.

  -In the airbag apparatus 20 of 1st Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, you may make it expand | deploy the 1st airbag 37 and the 2nd airbag 38 from a passenger | crew's leg | foot, for example. In the airbag device 20, the gas supply destination is usually the first airbag 37 by the switching means 61. In the airbag device 20, when the first airbag 37 is deployed at the time of a vehicle collision (at the time of a frontal collision), the control unit 70 controls the switching unit 61 to change the gas supply destination to the first destination. The airbag 37 may be switched to the second airbag 38, and the second airbag 38 may be deployed following the first airbag 37. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the lower body of the passenger from moving forward (submarine phenomenon) by the second airbag 38 after the passenger is protected by the first airbag 37.

  -As shown in FIG. 11, you may change the airbag apparatus 20 of 1st Embodiment as follows. That is, in the passenger seat 11 or the driver seat 15 (only the passenger seat 11 is shown in FIG. 11), the side airbag 45 is built in the backrest portions 13 and 17, and a pair of base fabrics constituting the side airbag 45 is provided. The seams 45a are sewn together. The side airbag 45 is partitioned into an inner side and an outer side by the seam 46, and the outer side of the side airbag 45 serves as an outer airbag 47 as a first airbag, and the inner side serves as an inner side as a second airbag. The airbag 48 is used.

  In the airbag device 20, the gas supply destination is normally the outer airbag 47 by the switching means 61. The seats 12 and 16 incorporate the weight sensor 73 as detection means. When the weight sensor 73 determines that the occupant's physique is large, the control unit 70 controls the switching means 61 to deploy the outer airbag 47. On the other hand, when it is determined that the physique of the passenger is small, the control unit 70 controls the switching means 61 to switch the gas supply destination from the outer airbag 47 to the inner airbag 48, and to change the inner airbag 48. Expand.

  -In 1st Embodiment, you may change the switching means 61 as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, a through hole 55 a that reduces the amount of gas flowing into the anti-submarine airbag 40 may be formed in the peripheral wall of the second communication passage 55. In such a configuration, when the inflator 50 and the anti-submarine airbag 40 communicate with each other via the second supply path, the gas leaks out of the second communication passage 55 from the through hole 55a. As a result, the amount of gas supplied to the anti-submarine airbag 40 is reduced from the amount of gas supplied to the side airbag 30. Therefore, by forming the through hole 55a, the amount of gas flowing into the anti-submarine airbag 40 having a smaller capacity than that of the side airbag 30 can be reduced and matched to the capacity. The position where the through hole 55a is formed may be changed as appropriate according to the capacity of the airbag.

  -In 1st Embodiment, you may change the switching means 61 as follows. As shown in FIG. 13, a bolt B may be screwed into the upper side of the branch path 53, and the ball valve V may be positioned above the branch path 53 by the bolt B. At this time, the MGG 56 is connected to the opening at the upper end of the branch path 53, and the ball valve V closes the first communication path 54. Further, the second communication passage 55 is connected to the lower end of the branch passage 53, and a valve seat 53a whose diameter decreases toward the lower side is formed at the boundary between the branch passage 53 and the second communication passage 55. . When gas is generated from the MGG 56, the ball valve V drops due to the gas pressure and sits on the valve seat 53a to close the second communication path 55, while opening the first communication path 54. . In addition, you may apply the structure using the said ball valve V to the 2nd switching means 62 of 2nd Embodiment.

  In the airbag devices 20 and 80 of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the side airbag 30 as the first airbag is built in the side door S side in the backrest portions 13 and 17, and the second The airbag may be built in the headrests 14 and 18.

A fixing mechanism for fixing the pistons 57 and 66 moved by the gas generated from the MGGs 56 and 64 to the moved positions may be provided in the branch paths 53 and 63.
In the first embodiment, an electromagnetic valve or an actuator is provided between the gas supply path 52 and the first communication path 54 and the second communication path 55, and the gas supply destination is switched by the electromagnetic valve or actuator. May be. In this case, the electromagnetic valve and the actuator constitute the switching means 61.

  Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, between the gas supply path 52, the 1st communicating path 54, and the 2nd communicating path 55, Furthermore, the 2nd communicating path 55, the 3rd communicating path 58, and the 4th communicating path An electromagnetic valve or an actuator may be provided between 59 and 59, and the gas supply destination may be switched by the electromagnetic valve or actuator. In this case, the electromagnetic valve or the actuator constitutes the second switching means 62.

  When a solenoid valve or an actuator is used as the switching means, a pre-crash sensor as a detection means is installed in addition to the impact sensor 60 in the vehicle. For example, in the first embodiment, when the information related to the front collision is input to the control unit 70 by the pre-crash sensor, the control unit 70 controls the switching operation of the switching unit 61 to determine the gas supply destination. The side airbag 30 is switched to the anti-submarine airbag 40. Thereafter, when the front collision is avoided, the control unit 70 may control the switching operation of the switching unit 61 to switch the gas supply destination from the anti-submarine airbag 40 to the side airbag 30.

  In the first embodiment, the first airbag is used as the anti-submarine airbag 40, and the inflator 50 and the anti-submarine airbag 40 are communicated with each other via the first supply path. The airbag 30 may have a configuration in which the inflator 50 and the side airbag 30 are communicated with each other via the second supply path.

-You may provide the airbag apparatus 20 of 1st Embodiment, or the airbag apparatus 80 of 2nd Embodiment in the instrument panel or rear seat of a vehicle.
-In 2nd Embodiment, it is good also as a structure which makes the impact sensor 60 one and the control part 70 controls each airbag apparatus 80A, 80B based on the information which this one impact sensor 60 detected.

Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below.
(1) The first airbag is incorporated in a seat portion of a seat provided in a passenger compartment, and is deployed between a body side portion of a vehicle and a passenger seated on the seat, and the seat One of the anti-submarine airbags that is built into the part and is deployed inside the seat part to raise the front side of the seat part, and the other is the second airbag, the detection means The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag device is an impact sensor that detects whether the vehicle has a side collision or a front collision.

  (2) The airbag device according to the technical idea (1), wherein the first airbag is the side airbag, and the second airbag is the anti-submarine airbag.

  (3) The first airbag is a side airbag that is built in a seat portion of a seat provided in a passenger compartment and is deployed between a vehicle body side portion and a passenger seated on the seat, The second airbag is an anti-submarine airbag that is built in the seat and is deployed inside the seat to raise the front side of the seat, and the third airbag is the seat of the seat. A side airbag that is deployed on the side of a passenger seated on the seat at the center of the vehicle, the airbag device being provided in the driver seat and the passenger seat, The airbag apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third airbag of the other seat is deployed when one airbag is deployed.

The perspective view which shows the airbag apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the airbag apparatus of 1st Embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows typically the switching means at the time of a side collision, (b) is a top view which shows the deployment state of the airbag at the time of a side collision. (A) is sectional drawing which shows typically the switching means at the time of front collision, (b) is a side view which shows the expansion | deployment state of the airbag at the time of front collision. The perspective view which shows the airbag apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. The front view which shows the use condition of the airbag apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the 1st and 2nd switching means at the time of a side collision. The side view which shows the state which provided the airbag apparatus in the side door. The side view which shows the airbag apparatus of another example. The side view which shows the airbag apparatus of another example. The side view which shows the airbag apparatus of another example. Sectional drawing which shows the switching means of another example. Sectional drawing which shows the switching means of another example.

Explanation of symbols

  20, 80 ... Airbag device, 30 ... Side airbag as first airbag, 35, 37 ... First airbag, 36, 38 ... Second airbag, 40 ... Second airbag Anti-submarine air bag, 47 ... outer air bag as first air bag, 48 ... inner air bag as second air bag, 50 ... inflator as gas generating source, 56, 64 ... micro gas generator (MGG) ), 57, 66... Piston as a moving body, 60... Impact sensor as detection means, 61... First switching means, 62 ... Second switching means, 70 ... Control unit as control means, 73. As a weight sensor, 90... Side airbag as a third airbag.

Claims (3)

A gas source;
A first airbag and a second airbag deployed by gas generated from the gas generation source;
Provided between the gas generation source and the first airbag and the second airbag, the supply destination of the gas generated from the gas generation source is the first airbag and the second airbag Switching means for switching to either
Detecting means for detecting information for determining a supply destination of the gas;
Control means for controlling the switching means,
The switching means normally uses the first airbag as the supply destination of the gas,
The control unit controls the switching unit based on detection by the detection unit to switch the supply destination of the gas from the first airbag to the second airbag. A gas source;
A first airbag, a second airbag, and a third airbag that are deployed by gas generated from the gas generation source;
One of the first airbag and the other airbag is provided between the gas generation source and the first airbag and the second airbag, and the supply destination of the gas generated from the gas generation source is either First switching means for switching to
A second gas source disposed between the gas generation source and the second and third airbags, wherein the gas supply destination is switched to either the second airbag or the third airbag; Two switching means;
Detecting means for detecting information for determining a supply destination of the gas;
Control means for controlling the first switching means and the second switching means,
The first switching means and the second switching means normally have the gas supply destination as the first airbag,
The control means controls the first switching means and the second switching means based on detection by the detection means to change the supply destination of the gas from the first airbag to the second airbag or the third airbag. An airbag device characterized by switching to an airbag.   The airbag apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching unit switches a gas supply destination by movement of a moving body using a gas generated from a micro gas generator as a drive source.

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