Airbag apparatus with an active vent mechanism

An airbag apparatus, comprising:

• an airbag configured to restrain a passenger in a vehicle when expanded and deployed;
• a gas generator for generating expansion gas which expands and deploys the airbag;
• and
• an active vent mechanism which is provided in the airbag and is capable of discharging gas from inside the airbag;
• wherein the active vent mechanism comprises:
• a first vent hole formed in the airbag;
• a patch capable of releasing and closing the first vent hole in accordance with an internal pressure of the airbag, with a portion of the patch coupled to an outer surface of the airbag;
• a coupling member having one end coupled to the patch, with the other end entering the airbag and coupled to the airbag;
• an opening provided in the vicinity of the first vent hole, with a portion of the patch or a portion of the coupling member penetrating through the opening;
• a substantially cylindrical regulating member into which the coupling member is inserted inside the airbag, wherein the regulating member has:
• a first end coupled to an inner surface of the airbag so as to surround the opening inside the airbag;
• and a second end coupled via stitching to the coupling member in a sealed state;
• and
• a releasing means for reducing tension of the coupling member;
• wherein, when the airbag is fully deployed, the patch is operable so as to block the first vent hole via the tension of the coupling member, while when the releasing means reduces the tension of the coupling member, the patch is operable so as to be separated from the outer surface of the airbag and thereby induce discharge from the first vent hole.