JP2020055370A - Occupant protection device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an occupant protection device which can protect an occupant optimally in response to a seating posture of the occupant.SOLUTION: An occupant protection device 31 expands a first knee air bag body 131a which is expanded in an upper direction of a knee of an occupant P in a normal seating posture in response to a state of a leg part of the occupant P, and expands a second knee air bag body 131b which is expanded to a front of the knee of the occupant P when the occupant P crosses one's legs or the like. Thereby, the knee air bag can be expanded adequately in accordance with the seating posture of the occupant P to protect the occupant optimally.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an occupant protection device.

In order to protect occupants from collisions and the like, vehicles such as automobiles use airbag devices.
A knee airbag that deploys at the front of the knee to reduce the obstacles caused by the collision between the knee and the interior member during a frontal collision, prevent displacement of the waist position that becomes the rotation axis of the upper body, and stabilize the behavior of the upper body Has been proposed.

  For example, the knee airbag is housed in the instrument panel (used here as synonymous with the dashboard) without being folded in the width direction so that it can respond to both occupants' knees when deployed. A vehicle knee airbag device has been proposed. Since the knee airbag device for a vehicle is housed without being folded right and left, it has a wide left and right width from the initial inflated state, and even if the occupant is sitting with both knees open, the knee airbag device is placed in front of both knees. The knee airbag is deployed to reliably protect the occupant's legs (see Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, the durability against the load from the sole of the human is surprisingly high, and the thigh can withstand a load of “1 ton”. Therefore, it was found that if the occupant could step on the leg at the time of a front collision, it was possible to reduce the injury value due to the impact resistance of the skeleton.

JP 2007-137150 A

  However, the conventional knee airbag device does not assume that an occupant steps on a leg. For example, if the lower limb of the occupant is straight, it is easier to step on the leg.However, the conventional knee airbag device is deployed between the interior component and the lower part of the occupant in front of the shin. Is difficult to make into a straight line, and is not suitable for standing. On the other hand, simply deploying the knee airbag above the knee and pressing it downward will make the lower limb of the occupant straight, making it easier to step on the legs, but when the occupant is in a normal sitting position However, if the occupant is in an unexpected sitting position, such as when his / her legs are crossed, it will not be possible to deploy above the knees, and it may not be possible to protect the conventional lower limbs. There is.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an occupant protection device capable of performing optimum occupant protection in accordance with an occupant's sitting posture.

  An occupant protection device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a collision detection device for detecting a collision or a collision prediction of a vehicle, a knee airbag bag deployed around a knee of an occupant seated on a seat, and the knee airbag bag. An inflator for injecting gas into the body and deploying it, a leg detection device for detecting the state of the occupant's leg, and when the collision detection device detects a collision or a collision prediction, the leg detection device detects the collision or collision prediction. And a deployment control device for deploying the knee airbag bag body forward or upward of the knee of the occupant in accordance with the state of the occupant's leg.

  The knee airbag bag includes a first knee airbag bag deployed at an upper part of an occupant's knee, and a second knee airbag bag deployed at a front of the occupant's knee. When the leg detecting device detects that the state of the leg of the occupant is the normal state, the control device deploys the first knee airbag bag, and the state of the leg of the occupant is abnormal. When the state is detected, the second knee airbag body may be deployed.

And an upper airbag bag that is deployed on the front surface of the occupant's upper body, wherein the first knee airbag bag is pressed downward from above by the upper airbag bag. It may be.
Further, the first knee airbag bag may be deployed downward from above.

  Further, the deployment control device may deploy the second knee airbag when the leg detection device detects that the shin of the occupant is bent inward. .

  Further, the deployment control device may be configured to switch the deployment direction of the knee airbag body and deploy the knee airbag in accordance with the state of the occupant's leg detected by the leg detection device.

Further, the knee airbag bag body is partially restricted by the tether and is deployed forward of the occupant's knee. When the tether is cut, the knee airbag bag is deployed along the upper interior and above the occupant's knee. The deployment control device may cut off the tether based on a state of an occupant's leg by the leg detection device.
Further, the knee airbag body is restrained by a tether at a lower portion, and is deployed above the occupant's knee. When the tether is cut, the knee airbag bag is inflated to the lower portion and deployed forward of the occupant's knee. The deployment control device may cut off the tether based on a state of an occupant's leg by the leg detection device.

  Further, when the leg detection device detects that the shin of the occupant is bent inward, the deployment control device deploys the knee airbag bag body forward of the occupant's knee. You may do so.

  Further, the knee airbag bag is deployed in a first shape or a second shape, and the deployment control device is configured to control the knee airbag in accordance with a state of an occupant's leg detected by the leg detection device. The deployed shape of the bag bag may be switched.

  Further, the knee airbag bag body has an upper portion of an occupant's knee portion and an occupant's lower limb front portion formed of different air chambers, and the deployment control device detects the occupant's leg detected by the leg detection device. The gas flow rates of the air chamber at the upper part of the occupant's knee and the air chamber at the front part of the occupant's lower limb may be switched according to the state.

  Further, the knee airbag body has a first tether that regulates deployment to an occupant's knee upper surface and a second tether that regulates deployment to an occupant's lower limb front part. The restriction on the first tether or the second tether may be released in accordance with the state of the occupant's leg detected by the leg detection device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the occupant protection device which can perform optimal occupant protection according to the occupant's sitting posture can be provided.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a part of a vehicle including an occupant protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view when the knee airbag bag is deployed above the knee of the occupant. It is a side view when the knee airbag bag is deployed in front of the occupant's knee. It is a side view when the knee airbag bag is deployed in front of the occupant's knee because the knee is folded deeply. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a vehicle including an occupant protection device sharing a knee airbag. FIG. 4 is a side view of the occupant protection device sharing the knee airbag, when the knee airbag bag is deployed above the knee of the occupant. FIG. 4 is a side view of the occupant protection device sharing the knee airbag, when the knee airbag bag is deployed in front of the knee of the occupant. It is a sectional view showing the outline of a part of vehicles provided with the occupant protection device which changes a deployment direction by a tether. It is a side view at the time of expanding the knee airbag body provided with the tether in the upper part. It is a side view at the time of unfolding the knee airbag bag provided with the tether in the lower part. It is a perspective view at the time of virtual deployment of the knee airbag bag which changes shape. It is a conceptual diagram when the knee airbag bag which changes a shape is expanded.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing a part of a vehicle provided with an occupant protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 are side views when the occupant protection device according to the present embodiment is operated and the airbag body is deployed. FIG. 2 is a side view when the knee airbag is deployed above the knee of the occupant, and FIG. 3 is a side view when the knee airbag is deployed in front of the knee of the occupant.

(Configuration of the vehicle 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 is provided with an underfloor 3 at a lower portion and a roof 4 at an upper portion. A seat 10 is provided on the underfloor 3.

The seat 10 is a seat on which an occupant P who gets on the vehicle 1 sits. The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11 (seat portion) for supporting the occupant P's buttocks and thighs, a reclining seatbag 12 (backrest portion), and a headrest 13 for supporting the occupant P's head. (Head unit).
Further, the vehicle 1 is provided with an occupant protection device 31.

(Configuration of the occupant protection device 31)
The occupant protection device 31 includes an in-vehicle camera 40, an upper body airbag device 50, a knee airbag device 101, and a vehicle control device (hereinafter, referred to as ECU) 201. The upper body airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 101 are provided inside the dashboard 20. The ECU 201 also has functions of a collision detection device and an airbag deployment control unit (hereinafter, referred to as an ACU) that is a deployment control device. The collision detection device and the ACU may be provided separately from the ECU 201.

(In-vehicle camera 40)
The vehicle-mounted camera 40 detects the state of the legs of the occupant P sitting on the seat 10. That is, the in-vehicle camera 40 functions as a leg detection device. Here, the state of the leg of the occupant P is defined as a state in which the occupant P has extended the leg, assembled the leg, bent the leg, the ankle is behind the knee, opened the leg, and It is in a closed state and the like. The in-vehicle camera 40 only captures the image of the passenger compartment including the passenger P, outputs the captured image data to the ECU 201, and determines the state of the legs of the passenger P by the ECU 201. Is also good.
The in-vehicle camera 40 may also be used as a camera such as a drive recorder or the like that captures an image of the surroundings of the vehicle 1 or the interior of the vehicle 1 and uses the image when a shock is applied to the vehicle 1. Good.

(Upper body airbag device 50)
The upper body airbag device 50 is controlled by the ECU 201 (ACU) and mainly protects the occupant P's head and chest. The upper body airbag device 50 has an upper body inflator (not shown) and an upper body airbag bag 51.
The upper body inflator ignites explosives and generates gas by a chemical reaction due to combustion in response to an operation signal based on collision detection or collision prediction of the vehicle 1 by the ECU 201 (collision detection device). Further, the gas generated in the upper body inflator is pressed into the upper body airbag body 51.

  The upper airbag bag body 51 is a bag body into which gas is press-fitted by the upper body inflator, and is folded small when not in operation. Further, when gas is injected from the upper body inflator, the upper body airbag bag body 51 expands and deploys from the dashboard 20 toward the seat 10, and the collision of the vehicle 1 with the head and chest of the occupant P occurs. This is to reduce the impact.

(Knee airbag device 101)
The knee airbag device 101 is controlled by the ECU 201 (ACU), and serves to protect the legs of the occupant P or assist in stepping on the legs. In addition, the knee airbag device 101 includes a first knee inflator 121a, a second knee inflator 121b, a first knee airbag bag 131a, a second knee airbag bag 131b, and a deployment switching device 191. Have.

(First knee inflator 121a)
The first knee inflator 121a ignites an explosive according to an operation signal from the deployment switching device 191 and generates gas by a chemical reaction due to combustion. The gas generated in the first knee inflator 121a is pressed into the first knee airbag bag 131a.

(Second knee inflator 121b)
The second knee inflator 121b, like the first knee inflator 121a, ignites an explosive by an operation signal from the deployment switching device 191 and generates gas by a chemical reaction due to combustion. Further, the gas generated in the second knee inflator 121b is pressed into the second knee airbag bag 131b.

(First knee airbag bag 131a)
The first knee airbag bag 131a is a bag into which gas is press-fitted by the first knee inflator 121a, and is folded small when not in operation. Further, when gas is press-fitted from the first knee inflator 121a, the first knee airbag bag body 131a is inflated and deployed from the dashboard 20 toward the seat 10 and above the knees and thighs of the occupant P ( (The upper part of the knee).

  In addition, the first knee airbag bag 131a receives a reaction force due to contact with a lower portion of the dashboard 20 which is an interior component, and is pressed by the upper airbag bag 51, so that the occupant P's knees and thighs. Is suppressed from rising upward. For this reason, the occupant P can keep the legs in a straight line, and is able to step on the legs and suppress forward movement.

(Second knee airbag bag 131b)
The second knee airbag bag 131b is a bag into which gas is press-fitted by the second knee inflator 121b, and is folded small when not in operation. Further, when gas is press-fitted from the second knee inflator 121b, the second knee airbag bag body 131b expands and deploys downward from the dashboard 20 and deploys to the front of the occupant P's knee (front of the knee). Things.

The second knee airbag bag 131b is deployed between the front wall of the passenger compartment and the leg of the passenger P. Therefore, it is possible to protect the legs of the occupant P, particularly the shin, and to suppress the occupant P from moving forward.
Therefore, the first knee airbag bag 131a and the second knee airbag bag 131b are knee airbag bags that are deployed around the knees of the occupant P.

(Deployment switching device 191)
The deployment switching device 191 is controlled by the ECU 201 and outputs an operation signal to the first knee inflator 121a or the second knee inflator 121b. When the output destination of the operation signal is switched by the deployment switching device 191, the deployment of the first knee airbag bag 131a or the second knee airbag bag 131b is switched. Note that the ECU 201 may directly output an operation signal to the first knee inflator 121a or the second knee inflator 121b without using the deployment switching device 191.

(ECU 201)
The ECU 201 controls the entire vehicle 1. The ECU 100 also includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a central processing unit, a control program executed by the CPU, a data table, a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing commands, data, and the like. A storage device includes a random access memory (RAM), an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM) including a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and an input / output interface circuit, and controls the control of the vehicle 1.

Further, the ECU 201 inputs the state information of the legs of the occupant P from the in-vehicle camera 40. If the in-vehicle camera 40 does not perform the determination of the leg state, the image data of the occupant P is input from the in-vehicle camera 40 to determine the state of the occupant P leg.
In addition, the ECU 201 inputs information external to the vehicle 1 from the on-board camera 40, and grasps and determines an external situation. Specifically, the ECU 201 performs collision prediction and collision determination for the vehicle 1 based on image data input from the on-board camera 40. Note that the ECU 201 may perform collision prediction and collision determination based on information from an acceleration sensor (G sensor), an impact sensor (pressure sensor), or the like, regardless of information input from the on-board camera 40.

When detecting the collision prediction, the ECU 201 outputs an operation signal to the upper body airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 101.
In the following processing, when the collision detection is performed without performing the collision prediction or without performing the collision prediction, the ECU 201 performs the same processing as when detecting the collision prediction. Therefore, hereinafter, only the case of the collision prediction will be described, and the description of the collision detection will be omitted.

In addition, when detecting the collision prediction, the ECU 201 outputs an operation signal to the deployment switching device 191 based on the state of the leg of the occupant P. At this time, the ECU 201 switches the operation signal based on whether or not the state of the leg of the occupant P is the normal state (normal posture).
Here, the normal state of the legs of the occupant P refers to a state suitable for the occupant P to apply a force in a direction in which the occupant P presses his / her body against the seat 10 by stepping on the leg. For example, if the occupant P has his legs crossed, it is not suitable for stepping on the legs, so that it is determined to be in an unusual state. Hereinafter, the normal state in which the occupant P can step on the leg is referred to as a “treading recommended state”, and the state in which the leg is not suitable for stepping on the leg is referred to as a “treading inappropriate state”. In addition, a sitting posture in which the ankle is behind the knee because the knee is bent deeply (for example, the knee is bent by 90 ° or more, that is, the shin is bent inward) or the like. In this case, it can be generally said that the state is the normal state, but in the present embodiment, it is referred to as the “unsuitable state”.

  Accordingly, the ECU 201 outputs a signal for activating the first knee inflator 121a when in the “treading recommended state”, and outputs a signal for activating the second knee inflator 121b when in the “treading inappropriate state”. Output.

(Operation of the occupant protection device 31)
In such an occupant protection device 31, when the ECU 201 (collision detection device) predicts a collision of the vehicle 1, the upper body airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 101 are operated.
Specifically, after performing the collision prediction, the ECU 201 outputs an operation signal to the body inflator. When an operation signal is input, the upper body inflator generates gas and supplies gas to the upper body airbag bag body 51. Thereby, the upper body airbag body 51 is inflated and deployed to the front of the occupant P.

  When the collision prediction of the vehicle 1 is performed, the ECU 201 determines the state of the leg of the occupant P. When the ECU 201 determines that the state of the leg of the occupant P is the “treading recommended state”, the ECU 201 outputs to the deployment switching device 191 a signal for operating the first knee inflator 121a. On the other hand, if the ECU 201 determines that the state of the leg of the occupant P is not the “tensioning recommended state”, that is, the “tensioning inappropriate state”, the ECU 201 sends the second knee inflator 121 b to the deployment switching device 191. Output the signal to activate.

  The deployment switching device 191 outputs an operation signal to the first knee inflator 121a based on the signal input from the ECU 201, if the state of the leg of the occupant P is “recommended treading state”, and outputs the operation signal to the first knee inflator 121a. If the state is “unsuitable state”, an operation signal is output to the second knee inflator 121b.

When the state of the leg of the occupant P is the “tension recommended state”, the first knee inflator 121a receives an operation signal, generates gas, and supplies gas to the first knee airbag bag 131a. As a result, the first knee airbag bag 131a is inflated and deployed on the upper surface of the occupant P's knee.
The upper part of the first knee airbag bag 131a is pressed down by the dashboard 20, and a downward pressure is applied by the upper airbag bag 51 that is deployed upward. Therefore, the occupant P's knee is pushed from above, the legs of the occupant P become substantially linear, and the occupant P can easily step on.

  Further, in the “treading recommended state”, the operation signal is not input to the second knee inflator 121b. Therefore, the second knee airbag bag 131b is not deployed. Therefore, the occupant P does not get in the way when stepping on it. When the sole is put on the second knee airbag bag 131b with the sole thereof stepped on, the second knee airbag bag 131b may be expanded.

  On the other hand, when the state of the leg of the occupant P is “inappropriate tensioning state”, the second knee inflator 121b receives an operation signal, generates gas, and supplies gas to the second knee airbag bag 131b. . Thereby, the second knee airbag bag body 131b is inflated and deployed to the front of the occupant P's knee. Therefore, when the occupant P is in a posture that is difficult to step on, the knees and lower limbs of the occupant P can be protected without forcibly stepping on the knees. In addition, since the upper body airbag body 51 is deployed at the head and chest of the occupant P, the upper body of the occupant P can be protected.

  Further, as described above, when the knee is bent deeply and seated (the shin is bent inward) as shown in FIG. 4, the ECU 201 determines that the state is “unsuitable to step on”, In a state where the legs are difficult to extend, the second knee airbag bag 131b is deployed at the front of the knee, and the knee and the lower limb of the occupant P can be protected.

(Occupant protection device sharing knee airbag)
Next, an occupant protection device that shares a knee airbag and protects an occupant with one knee airbag will be described.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a vehicle provided with an occupant protection device sharing a knee airbag. 6 and 7 are side views when the airbag body is deployed. 6 is a side view when the knee airbag is deployed above the occupant's knee, and FIG. 7 is a side view when the knee airbag is deployed forward of the occupant's knee.

(Configuration of the occupant protection device 32)
As shown in FIG. 5, the occupant protection device 32 includes a vehicle-mounted camera 40, an upper body airbag device 50, a knee airbag device 102, and an ECU 202.
The in-vehicle camera 40 and the upper body airbag device 50 are the same as the in-vehicle camera 40 and the upper body airbag device 50 of the above-described embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(Knee airbag device 102)
The knee airbag device 102 is controlled by the ECU 202, and serves to protect the legs of the occupant P or assist in stepping on the legs. The knee airbag device 102 includes a knee inflator 122, a knee airbag bag 132, and a deployment direction switching device (not shown).

(Knee inflator 122)
The knee inflator 122 ignites the explosive according to an operation signal from the ECU 202 and generates gas by a chemical reaction due to combustion. The gas generated in the knee inflator 122 is pressed into the knee airbag bag 132.

(Knee airbag bag 132)
The knee airbag bag 132 is a bag into which gas is press-fitted by the knee inflator 122 and is folded small when not in operation. Further, the knee airbag bag body 132 expands and deploys from the dashboard 20 to the seat 10 or downward from the dashboard 20 when gas is injected from the knee inflator 122.
Note that the knee airbag bag 132 is provided at a position where it expands and deploys in the direction of the seat 10 as an initial position. Further, as an initial position, the knee airbag bag body 132 may be provided at a position where it is inflated and deployed downward. In this case, when the deployment direction switching device does not operate, the knee and the lower limb can be protected without causing the occupant P to step on the leg.

(Development direction switching device)
The deployment direction switching device is controlled by the ECU 202 and switches the deployment direction of the knee airbag bag 132 toward the seat 10 or downward. Specifically, the deployment direction switching device switches the positions of the knee inflator 122 and the knee airbag bag 132 to switch the output direction of the gas output from the knee inflator 122.
In the present embodiment, the deployment direction switching device switches the positions of the knee inflator 122 and the knee airbag bag 132. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of gas outlets of the knee inflator 122 may be provided. It may be provided to switch the outlet from which the gas is actually blown out.

(ECU 202)
The ECU 202 inputs the state information of the legs of the occupant P from the onboard camera 40. When detecting the collision prediction, the ECU 202 outputs an operation signal to the body airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 102.

When detecting the collision prediction, the ECU 202 outputs a deployment direction switching signal to the deployment direction switching device based on the state of the legs of the occupant P. That is, the ECU 202 sets the knee airbag bag 132 in the direction of the seat 10 when the state of the leg of the occupant P is “recommended state”, and sets the knee direction when the state is inappropriate. The deployment direction of the airbag bag 132 is switched downward.
Therefore, ECU 202 outputs an operation signal to knee airbag device 102 to knee inflator 122 and outputs a switching signal to the deployment direction switching device.

(Operation of the occupant protection device 32)
Hereinafter, the operation of the occupant protection device 32 will be described.
First, the case where the state of the leg of the occupant P is the “recommended stepping state” will be described. FIG. 6 is a side view when the airbag bag is deployed in the “treading recommended state”.

The occupant protection device 32 activates the upper body airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 102 when the ECU 202 predicts the collision of the vehicle 1.
Specifically, after performing the collision prediction, the ECU 202 outputs an operation signal to the upper body inflator. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, when an operation signal is input, the upper body inflator generates gas and supplies gas to the upper body airbag body 51, so that the upper body airbag body 51 inflates. , Deployed to the front of the occupant P.

  Further, when the collision prediction of the vehicle 1 is performed, the ECU 202 determines the state of the leg of the occupant P. When the ECU 202 determines that the state of the legs of the occupant P is the “treading recommended state”, the deployment direction of the knee airbag bag 132 to the deployment direction switching device is set to the direction of the seat 10 (or (Do not switch to the initial position) Output the signal.

  The deployment direction switching device moves the knee inflator 122 and the knee airbag bag 132 in a direction in which the knee airbag bag 132 is deployed toward the seat 10 in response to a signal input from the ECU 202.

On the other hand, ECU 202 also outputs an operation signal to knee inflator 122.
The knee inflator 122 generates gas when the operation signal is input, and supplies the gas to the knee airbag bag 132.

When gas is supplied by the knee inflator 122, the knee airbag bag body 132 expands, jumps out of the dashboard 20, and expands. At this time, the knee airbag bag 132 is deployed on the upper surface of the occupant P's knee because the deployment direction is directed to the seat 10 by the deployment direction switching device.
At this time, the upper portion of the knee airbag bag 132 is pressed down (deployed along the dashboard 20) by the dashboard 20, which is an interior component, and the lower portion is lowered by the upper airbag bag 51 deployed upward. Pressure. Therefore, the occupant P's knee is pushed from above, the legs of the occupant P become substantially linear, and the occupant P can easily step on.

  Next, a case in which the state of the leg of the occupant P is “inappropriate stepping state” will be described. FIG. 7 is a side view when the airbag body is deployed in the “unsuitable state of tension”.

  Even when the state of the leg of the occupant P is “inappropriate stepping state”, when the ECU 202 predicts the collision of the vehicle 1, the occupant protection device 32 performs the same operation as in the “preferable stepping state”. The airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 102 are operated. However, a switching signal different from that in the “tension recommendation state” is output to the deployment direction switching device of the knee airbag device 102.

  Specifically, after performing the collision prediction, the ECU 202 outputs an operation signal to the upper body inflator. As in the case of the “treading recommended state”, the upper body inflator generates gas and supplies gas to the upper body airbag body 51 when an operation signal is input. 51 is expanded and deployed to the front of the occupant P.

  Further, when the collision prediction of the vehicle 1 is performed, the ECU 202 determines the state of the leg of the occupant P. When the ECU 202 determines that the state of the leg of the occupant P is “inappropriate stepping state”, the ECU 202 outputs a signal to the deployment direction switching device that the deployment direction of the knee airbag bag 132 is downward.

  The deployment direction switching device moves the knee inflator 122 and the knee airbag bag 132 in a direction in which the knee airbag bag 132 deploys downward in accordance with a signal input from the ECU 202.

On the other hand, ECU 202 also outputs an operation signal to knee inflator 122.
The knee inflator 122 generates gas when the operation signal is input, and supplies the gas to the knee airbag bag 132.

  When gas is supplied by the knee inflator 122, the knee airbag bag body 132 expands, jumps out of the dashboard 20, and expands. At this time, since the deployment direction is directed downward by the deployment direction switching device, the knee airbag bag 132 is deployed on the front surface of the knee of the occupant P. Therefore, when the occupant P is in a posture that is difficult to step on, the knees and lower limbs of the occupant P can be protected without forcibly stepping.

(Occupant protection device that switches deployment direction by tether)
Next, a description will be given of an occupant protection device that switches the deployment direction using a tether without using the deployment direction switching device.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a part of a vehicle including an occupant protection device that switches a deployment direction by a tether. FIG. 9 is a side view when the airbag bag is deployed. 9A is a side view when the knee airbag is deployed forward of the occupant's knee, and FIG. 9B is a side view when the knee airbag is deployed above the occupant's knee. FIG.

(Configuration of the occupant protection device 33)
As shown in FIG. 8, the occupant protection device 33 includes an in-vehicle camera 40, an upper body airbag device 50, a knee airbag device 103, and an ECU 203.
The in-vehicle camera 40 and the upper body airbag device 50 are the same as the in-vehicle camera 40 and the upper body airbag device 50 of the above-described embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(Knee airbag device 103)
The knee airbag device 103 is controlled by the ECU 203 and protects the legs of the occupant P or assists in stepping on the legs. The knee airbag device 103 includes a knee inflator 123 and a knee airbag bag 133.

(Knee inflator 123)
The knee inflator 123 ignites the explosive in response to an operation signal from the ECU 203 and generates gas by a chemical reaction due to combustion. The gas generated in the knee inflator 123 is pressed into the knee airbag bag 133.
The knee inflator 123 cuts a tether 133a described later provided on the knee airbag bag 133 in response to a cutting signal from the ECU 203.

(Knee airbag bag 133)
The knee airbag bag 133 is a bag into which gas is press-fitted by the knee inflator 123 and is folded small when not in operation. The knee airbag bag 133 is provided with a tether 133a at an upper portion to restrict upward inflation.

For this reason, the knee airbag bag 133 is configured to inflate and deploy downward from the dashboard 20 when gas is injected from the knee inflator 123. On the other hand, when the tether 133a is cut, the upward regulation is released and the knee airbag bag 133 is inflated and deployed from the dashboard 20 toward the seat 10 when gas is injected from the knee inflator 123. I will be.
The knee airbag bag 133 is arranged so that the angle of protrusion from the dashboard 20 is downward when the tether 133a regulates, and substantially horizontally when the restriction is released by the tether 133a.

(ECU 203)
The ECU 203 inputs the state information of the legs of the occupant P from the onboard camera 40. When detecting the collision prediction, the ECU 203 outputs an operation signal to the body airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 103.

  When detecting the collision prediction, the ECU 203 outputs a cut signal of the tether 133a of the knee airbag bag 133 based on the state of the leg of the occupant P. That is, if the state of the leg of the occupant P is “recommended stepping state”, the ECU 203 outputs a cut signal of the tether 133 a of the knee airbag bag 133 to the knee inflator 123. On the other hand, if the state of the leg of the occupant P is “inappropriate stepping state”, the ECU 203 does not output the disconnection signal of the tether 134a.

Therefore, the ECU 203 outputs an activation signal to the knee inflator 123 of the knee airbag device 103, and outputs a disconnection signal when the tether 133a needs to be disconnected in accordance with the state of the leg of the occupant P.
In the present embodiment, the ECU 203 determines whether to output the disconnection signal of the tether 133a according to the state of the leg of the occupant P. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ECU 203 disconnects the tether 133a. A signal indicating whether or not the tether 133a is not cut may be output, that is, a signal instructing not to cut the tether 133a may be output when the “tension is inappropriate” state.

(Operation of the occupant protection device 33)
Hereinafter, the operation of the occupant protection device 33 will be described.
First, a case in which the state of the leg of the occupant P is “inappropriate stepping state” will be described. FIG. 9A is a side view when the airbag bag is deployed in the “unsuitable state of tension”.

The occupant protection device 33 activates the upper body airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 103 when the ECU 203 predicts the collision of the vehicle 1.
Specifically, after performing the collision prediction, the ECU 203 outputs an operation signal to the upper body inflator. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, when an operation signal is input, the upper body inflator generates gas and supplies gas to the upper body airbag body 51, so that the upper body airbag body 51 inflates. , Deployed to the front of the occupant P.

  Further, when the collision prediction of the vehicle 1 is performed, the ECU 203 determines the state of the legs of the occupant P. If the ECU 203 determines that the state of the leg of the occupant P is “inappropriate stepping state”, the ECU 203 does not output a cutting signal of the tether 133 a of the knee airbag bag 133.

Therefore, the ECU 203 outputs only the operation signal to the knee inflator 123 of the knee airbag device 103.
The knee inflator 123 generates a gas when the operation signal is input, and supplies the gas to the knee airbag bag 133.

When the gas is supplied by the knee inflator 123, the knee airbag bag 133 expands, jumps out of the dashboard 20, and expands. At this time, since the upward inflation of the knee airbag bag 133 is restricted by the tether 133a, the knee airbag bag 133 inflates downward and deploys to the front of the occupant P's knee.
Therefore, when the occupant P is in a posture that is difficult to step on, the knees and lower limbs of the occupant P can be protected without forcibly stepping on the knees.

  Next, a case where the state of the leg of the occupant P is the “recommended stepping state” will be described. FIG. 9B is a side view when the airbag bag is deployed in the “treading recommended state”.

  Even when the state of the leg of the occupant P is the “treading recommended state”, when the ECU 203 predicts the collision of the vehicle 1, the occupant protection device 33 performs the same operation as in the case of the “treading inappropriate state”. The airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 103 are operated. However, a cut signal of the tether 133a is output to the knee inflator 123 of the knee airbag device 103.

  Specifically, after performing the collision prediction, the ECU 203 outputs an operation signal to the upper body inflator. As in the case of the “unsuitable state”, the upper body inflator generates gas and supplies gas to the upper body airbag body 51 when an operation signal is input. 51 is expanded and deployed to the front of the occupant P.

  Further, when the collision prediction of the vehicle 1 is performed, the ECU 203 determines the state of the legs of the occupant P. If the ECU 203 determines that the state of the leg of the occupant P is the “recommended stepping state”, the ECU 203 outputs a cut signal of the tether 133 a of the knee airbag bag 133 to the knee inflator 123 of the knee airbag device 103. .

Therefore, the ECU 203 outputs an activation signal and a disconnection signal to the knee inflator 123 of the knee airbag device 103.
When the actuation signal and the cut signal are input, the knee inflator 123 generates gas, supplies gas to the knee airbag bag 133, and cuts the tether 133a of the knee airbag bag 133.

When the gas is supplied by the knee inflator 123, the knee airbag bag 133 expands, jumps out of the dashboard 20, and expands. At this time, since the tether 133a is cut and the regulation of the upward inflation is removed, the knee airbag bag 133 expands substantially horizontally, and expands on the upper surface of the knee of the occupant P.
At this time, the upper portion of the knee airbag bag 133 is pressed down by the dashboard 20, and pressure is applied downward by the upper airbag bag 51 deployed upward. Accordingly, the knee of the occupant P is pushed from above, and the leg of the occupant P is likely to be substantially straight, so that the occupant P can assist the stepping on the leg.

(An occupant protection device with a tether under the knee airbag bag)
Next, a description will be given of an occupant protection device that switches a deployment direction by providing a tether under a knee airbag bag.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view schematically showing a part of a vehicle provided with an occupant protection device provided with a tether at a lower portion of a knee airbag bag. FIG. 10A is a side view when the knee airbag is deployed above the occupant's knee, and FIG. 10B is a side view when the knee airbag is deployed forward of the occupant's knee. FIG.

(Configuration of the occupant protection device 34)
As shown in FIG. 10, the occupant protection device 34 includes a vehicle-mounted camera 40 (not shown in FIG. 10), an upper body airbag device 50, a knee airbag device 104, and an ECU 204.
The in-vehicle camera 40 and the upper body airbag device 50 are the same as the in-vehicle camera 40 and the upper body airbag device 50 of the above-described embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(Knee airbag device 104)
The knee airbag device 104 is controlled by the ECU 204 and serves to protect the legs of the occupant P or assist in stepping on the legs. Further, the knee airbag device 104 has a knee inflator 124 and a knee airbag bag 134.

(Knee inflator 124)
The knee inflator 124 ignites the explosive according to an operation signal from the ECU 204 and generates gas by a chemical reaction due to combustion. The gas generated in the knee inflator 124 is pressed into the knee airbag bag 134.
The knee inflator 124 cuts a later-described tether 134 a provided on the knee airbag body 134 in response to a cutting signal from the ECU 204.

(Knee airbag bag 134)
The knee airbag bag 134 is a bag into which gas is press-fitted by the knee inflator 124, and is folded small when not in operation. Further, the knee airbag bag body 134 is provided with a tether 134a at a lower portion, so that downward inflation is regulated.

For this reason, when gas is press-fitted from the knee inflator 124, the knee airbag bag body 134 is inflated and deployed from the dashboard 20 toward the seat 10. On the other hand, when the tether 134a is cut, the downward regulation is released when the gasket is injected from the knee inflator 124 so that the knee airbag bag 134 expands and deploys downward from the dashboard 20. Become.
The knee airbag body 134 is arranged so that the angle of projection from the dashboard 20 is expanded in a substantially horizontal direction when regulated by the tether 134a and downward when the regulation is released.

(ECU 204)
The ECU 204 inputs the state information of the legs of the occupant P from the onboard camera 40. When detecting the collision prediction, the ECU 204 outputs an operation signal to the upper body airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 104.

  When detecting the collision prediction, the ECU 204 outputs a disconnection signal of the tether 134a of the knee airbag bag 134 based on the state of the leg of the occupant P. That is, if the state of the leg of the occupant P is “inappropriate stepping state”, the ECU 204 outputs a signal to cut off the tether 134 a of the knee airbag bag 134 to the knee inflator 124. On the other hand, if the state of the leg of the occupant P is “the recommended stepping state”, the ECU 204 does not output the disconnection signal of the tether 134a.

Therefore, the ECU 204 outputs an activation signal to the knee inflator 124 of the knee airbag device 104, and outputs a disconnection signal when the tether 134a needs to be disconnected in accordance with the state of the leg of the occupant P.
In the present embodiment, the ECU 204 determines whether or not to output the disconnection signal of the tether 134a according to the state of the leg of the occupant P. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ECU 204 disconnects the tether 134a. A signal indicating whether or not the tether 134a is not cut may be output, that is, a signal instructing not to cut the tether 134a may be output in the “treading recommended state”.

(Operation of the occupant protection device 34)
Hereinafter, the operation of the occupant protection device 34 will be described.
First, the case where the state of the leg of the occupant P is the “recommended stepping state” will be described. FIG. 10A is a side view when the airbag body is deployed in the “treading recommended state”.

The occupant protection device 34 activates the upper body airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 104 when the ECU 204 predicts the collision of the vehicle 1.
Specifically, after performing the collision prediction, the ECU 204 outputs an operation signal to the upper body inflator. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, when an operation signal is input, the upper body inflator generates gas and supplies gas to the upper body airbag body 51, so that the upper body airbag body 51 inflates. , Deployed to the front of the occupant P.

  Further, when the collision prediction of the vehicle 1 is performed, the ECU 204 determines the state of the leg of the occupant P. If the ECU 204 determines that the state of the leg of the occupant P is the “recommended stepping state”, the ECU 204 does not output a cutting signal of the tether 134 a of the knee airbag bag 134.

Therefore, the ECU 204 outputs only the operation signal to the knee inflator 124 of the knee airbag device 104.
When an activation signal is input, the knee inflator 124 generates gas and supplies the gas to the knee airbag bag 134.

When gas is supplied by the knee inflator 124, the knee airbag bag body 134 expands, jumps out of the dashboard 20, and expands. At this time, the knee airbag bag 134 is expanded substantially horizontally because the downward expansion is regulated by the tether 134a, and is expanded on the upper surface of the knee of the occupant P.
At this time, the upper portion of the knee airbag bag 134 is pressed by the dashboard 20 and a downward pressure is applied by the upper airbag bag 51 deployed upward. Accordingly, the knee of the occupant P is pushed from above, and the leg of the occupant P is likely to be substantially straight, so that the occupant P can assist the stepping on the leg.

  Next, a case in which the state of the leg of the occupant P is “inappropriate stepping state” will be described. FIG. 10B is a side view when the airbag bag is deployed in the “unsuitable state of tension”.

  Even when the state of the leg of the occupant P is “inappropriate stepping state”, when the ECU 204 predicts the collision of the vehicle 1, the occupant protection device 34 can perform the upper body in the same manner as in the “preferable stepping state”. The airbag device 50 and the knee airbag device 104 are operated. However, a cut signal of the tether 134a is output to the knee inflator 124 of the knee airbag device 104.

  Specifically, after performing the collision prediction, the ECU 204 outputs an operation signal to the upper body inflator. As in the case of the “treading recommended state”, the upper body inflator generates gas and supplies gas to the upper body airbag body 51 when an operation signal is input. 51 is expanded and deployed to the front of the occupant P.

  Further, when the collision prediction of the vehicle 1 is performed, the ECU 204 determines the state of the leg of the occupant P. If the ECU 204 determines that the state of the leg of the occupant P is the “inappropriate stepping state”, the ECU 204 outputs a cut signal of the tether 134 a of the knee airbag bag 134 to the knee inflator 124 of the knee airbag device 104. .

Therefore, ECU 204 outputs an activation signal and a disconnection signal to knee inflator 124 of knee airbag device 104.
When the activation signal and the disconnection signal are input, the knee inflator 124 generates gas, supplies gas to the knee airbag bag 134, and cuts the tether 134a of the knee airbag bag 134.

When gas is supplied by the knee inflator 124, the knee airbag bag body 134 expands, jumps out of the dashboard 20, and expands. At this time, the knee airbag bag 134 is deployed downward because the tether 134a is cut off and the regulation of inflation downward is removed, and the knee airbag bag 134 is deployed on the front surface of the occupant P's knee.
Therefore, when the occupant P is in a posture that is difficult to step on, the knees and lower limbs of the occupant P can be protected without forcibly stepping on the knees.

(An occupant protection device that changes the shape of the knee airbag bag)
Next, an occupant protection device that changes the shape of the knee airbag bag will be described.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the knee airbag bag when virtually deployed. FIG. 12 is a schematic view when the knee airbag bag is deployed.

FIG. 12A is a front view of the knee airbag bag when deployed above the knee of the occupant, and FIG. 12B is a knee air when deployed above the knee of the occupant. It is a top view of a bag bag. FIG. 12C is an occupant-side front view of the knee airbag bag when the occupant is deployed in front of the knee, and FIG. 12D is a knee when the occupant is deployed in front of the knee. It is a top view of an airbag body.
In addition, the knee airbag bag of the present embodiment can be applied to any of the occupant protection devices 31 to 34 of the above embodiment.

(Configuration of knee airbag bag 135)
The knee airbag bag 135 is a bag into which gas is press-fitted by a knee inflator (not shown), and is folded small when not in operation.
As shown in FIG. 11, the knee airbag bag 135 includes a first air chamber 135a, a second air chamber 135b, a third air chamber 135c, a fourth air chamber 135d, and a fifth air chamber 135e. And, it is divided into. Under control of an ECU (not shown), the gas of the knee inflator can be independently supplied to each of the first air chamber 135a to the fifth air chamber 135e. Note that the first air chamber 135a to the fifth air chamber 135e may be independent airbag bags.

The first air chamber 135a is an air chamber that spreads widely on one side surface obtained by dividing the knee airbag bag body 135 into three in the width direction, and is an air chamber that is deployed on the right side and the right side of the leg of the occupant P. is there.
The second air chamber 135b is an air chamber that spreads over a wide area on the other of the three divided side surfaces, and is deployed on the left side and the left side of the leg of the occupant P.

  The third air chamber 135c is an air chamber at a central portion between the first air chamber 135a and the second air chamber 135b. The third air chamber 135c is located above the air chamber in which the knee airbag bag 135 is vertically divided, and is further on the base end side of the air chamber in which the knee airbag bag 135 is vertically divided. It is an air chamber.

  The fourth air chamber 135d is an air chamber that extends to the tip end side of the third air chamber 135c, that is, the occupant P side. The fourth air chamber 135d is an air chamber that is deployed on the upper surface of the occupant's knee, which is above the knee and thigh of the occupant P. Note that the fourth air chamber 135d may be configured to be supplied with a knee inflator gas from the third air chamber 135c, the first air chamber 135a, the second air chamber 135b, or the like.

  The fifth air chamber 135e is an air chamber on the base end side and below the third air chamber 135c. The fifth air chamber 135e is an air chamber that is deployed in the front of the lower leg of the occupant P, which is the front of the knee or lower limb of the occupant P.

By having the knee airbag bag 135 having the divided air chambers in this manner, when in the “tension recommended state”, the first air chamber 135a and the second air chamber 135b of the knee airbag bag 135 are separated from each other. , The third air chamber 135c and the fourth air chamber 135d are expanded, and the fifth air chamber 135e is not expanded. The first air chamber 135a, the second air chamber 135b, the third air chamber 135c, and the fourth air chamber 135d are expanded, and the shape body in which the fifth air chamber 135e is not expanded is defined as a first body. It is called shape.
Thereby, the knee and the thigh of the occupant P can be pressed from above, and the knee or the lower limb can be completely covered.

  Further, in the case of the “unsuitable state”, the first air chamber 135a, the second air chamber 135b, the third air chamber 135c, and the fifth air chamber 135e of the knee airbag body 135 are deployed. Then, the fourth air chamber 135d is not expanded. The first air chamber 135a, the second air chamber 135b, the third air chamber 135c, and the fifth air chamber 135e are expanded, and the shape body in which the fourth air chamber 135d is not expanded is referred to as a second air chamber. It is called shape.

Thereby, while deploying to the front of the knees and lower limbs of the occupant P, the knees and lower limbs can be covered from the surroundings.
Therefore, the deployed shape of the knee airbag bag 135 is changed in accordance with the state of the leg of the occupant P, so that the protection function of the occupant P is provided in both the “treading recommended state” and the “treading inappropriate state”. Can be improved.
In the above-described configuration, the fourth air chamber 135d or the fifth air chamber 135e is not completely expanded according to the state of the leg of the occupant P. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be reduced.

(Change in shape of knee airbag bag due to tether)
Next, an occupant protection device that changes the shape of the knee airbag bag with a tether will be described.

(Configuration of knee airbag bag)
In the knee airbag bag according to the present embodiment, the position of the knee airbag 135 in the above-described embodiment, which corresponds to the fourth air chamber 135d and the fifth air chamber 135e, is regulated by the tether. ing.
Specifically, a first tether that regulates deployment at a position corresponding to the fourth air chamber 135d in the knee airbag bag 135 of the above-described embodiment, and a second tether that regulates deployment at a position corresponding to the fifth air chamber 135e are provided. , Are provided.

  In such a configuration, when the “treading recommended state” is set, the first tether that regulates the position corresponding to the fourth air chamber 135d is cut off. As a result, the position of the knee airbag bag corresponding to the fifth air chamber 135e is regulated by the second tether, and the other first air chamber 135a, the second air chamber 135b, the third air chamber 135c, and the fourth air chamber 135c. The position corresponding to the air chamber 135d is expanded, so that the knee and the thigh of the occupant P can be pressed from above, and the knee or the lower limb can be completely covered, as in the above embodiment. it can.

On the other hand, in the case of the “unsuitable state of tension”, the second tether that regulates the position corresponding to the fifth air chamber 135e is cut off. As a result, the position of the knee airbag bag body corresponding to the fourth air chamber 135d is regulated by the first tether, and the other first air chamber 135a, the second air chamber 135b, the third air chamber 135c, and the fifth air chamber 135c. The position corresponding to the air chamber 135e is deployed, and as in the above-described embodiment, the passenger P can be deployed on the front surface of the knee and the lower limb, and the knee and the lower limb can be covered from the surroundings.
Therefore, the protection function of the occupant P can be improved in both the “tension recommended state” and the “tension inappropriate state”.

  In the present embodiment, the deployment of the predetermined position of the knee airbag body is restricted by the tether, but is not limited thereto. You may make it.

  As described above, in the occupant protection device according to the present embodiment, the knee airbag bag to be deployed is selected according to the state of the occupant's legs. The airbag body can be deployed, and optimal occupant protection can be performed.

  DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1 vehicle, 3 underfloor, 4 roof, 10 seats, 11 seat cushions, 12 seat bags, 13 headrest, 20 dashboard, 31, 32, 33, 34 occupant protection device, 40 vehicle-mounted camera, 50 upper body airbag device 51, upper body airbag bag, 101, 102, 103, 104 knee airbag device, 121a first knee inflator, 121b second knee inflator 121b, 122, 123, 124 knee inflator, 131a first knee airbag bag , 131b Second knee airbag bag, 132, 133, 134, 135 Knee airbag bag, 133a, 134a Tether, 135a First air chamber, 135b Second air chamber, 135c Third air chamber, 135d Fourth air Room, 135e Fifth air chamber, 191 Replacement device, 201, 202, 203, 204 Vehicle control device (ECU)

Claims (12)

A collision detection device that detects a vehicle collision or a collision prediction,
A knee airbag bag that is deployed around the knees of the occupant seated on the seat,
An inflator for injecting gas into the knee airbag bag body and deploying the gas,
A leg detection device that detects a state of the occupant's leg,
When the collision detection device detects a collision or a collision prediction, the knee airbag bag is moved forward or upward of the knee of the occupant according to the state of the occupant's leg detected by the leg detection device. A deployment control device for deployment to
An occupant protection device for a vehicle, comprising: The knee airbag body,
A first knee airbag bag that deploys at the upper part of the occupant's knee,
A second knee airbag bag that unfolds in front of the occupant's knee,
Has,
The deployment control device,
When the leg detection device detects that the state of the occupant's leg is normal, the first knee airbag bag is deployed, and the state of the occupant's leg is non-normal. If detected, deploy the second knee airbag bag,
The occupant protection device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: An upper body airbag bag that unfolds in front of the occupant's upper body,
With
The first knee airbag bag body includes:
The upper body airbag bag is pressed downward from above,
The occupant protection device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The first knee airbag bag body includes:
Unfold from top to bottom,
The occupant protection device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The deployment control device,
When the leg detecting device detects that the shin of the occupant is bent inward, the second knee airbag bag is deployed.
The occupant protection device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The deployment control device,
In accordance with the state of the occupant's leg detected by the leg detection device, the knee airbag bag body is switched and deployed in a deployment direction,
The occupant protection device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The knee airbag body,
A part of the upper part is regulated by the tether and is deployed forward of the occupant's knee, and when the tether is cut, it is deployed along the upper interior and above the occupant's knee,
The deployment control device,
Cutting the tether based on the state of the occupant's leg by the leg detection device;
The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 6, wherein The knee airbag body,
A part of the lower part is regulated by the tether and is deployed above the occupant's knee, and when the tether is cut off, expands to the lower part and is deployed forward of the occupant's knee.
The deployment control device,
Cutting the tether based on the state of the occupant's leg by the leg detection device;
The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 6, wherein The deployment control device,
If it is detected by the leg detection device that the shin of the occupant is bent inward, the knee airbag bag is deployed forward of the occupant's knee.
The occupant protection device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The knee airbag body,
Unfold in a first shape or a second shape,
The deployment control device,
According to the state of the leg of the occupant detected by the leg detection device, switch the deployed shape of the knee airbag bag body,
The occupant protection device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The knee airbag body,
The occupant's knee upper surface and the occupant's lower limb front consist of different air chambers,
The deployment control device,
According to the state of the occupant's leg detected by the leg detection device, the air chamber of the occupant's knee upper surface, and the air chamber of the occupant's lower limb front, switch the gas flow rate,
The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 10, wherein: The knee airbag body,
A first tether that regulates deployment to the occupant's knee upper surface, and a second tether that regulates deployment to the occupant's lower limb front,
The deployment control device,
Releasing the regulation of the first tether or the second tether according to the state of the leg of the occupant detected by the leg detection device,
The vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 10, wherein: