Occupant knee protection system for vehicle and inflating and deploying method

Abstract

An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle ( 10 ) has an airbag ( 11 ), which is folded and stored in a part of a vehicle, inflate and deploy in front of the occupant's knees by gas supplied from an inflator ( 12 ), so as to protect the occupant's knees. The airbag ( 11 ) has in its inside a tether ( 11 c) (gas flow dividing portion whose front and rear end portions are connected to front and rear walls ( 11 a, 11 b) of the airbag ( 11 ), both walls being arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, so as to appropriately regulate a longitudinal thickness (D) of the airbag ( 11 )) for dividing a gas flow from the inflator ( 12 ) in right and left directions of the vehicle.

1. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator; 
 an airbag which is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied form from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and 
 a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle is provided inside the airbag, characterized in that:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, front and rear end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to front and rear walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, that the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and that a direction of the gas flow from the inflator is in a vertical direction of the vehicle, and the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a mountain shape which protrudes against the gas flow from the inflator. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to  claim 1 , characterized in that:
 the mountain shape is formed and arranged so as to protrude in a V-shape. 
 
     
     
       3. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to  claim 1 , characterized in that:
 the mountain shape is formed and arranged so as to protrude in a U-shape. 
 
     
     
       4. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to  claim 1 , characterized in that:
 the gas flow dividing portion is a tether made of a woven fabric. 
 
     
     
       5. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to  claim 1 , characterized in that:
 the gas flow dividing portion has a communicating portion that communicates between one area and an other area within the airbag, both areas being separated by the gas flow dividing portion. 
 
     
     
       6. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to  claim 5 , characterized in that:
 the communicating portion is a communicating hole provided on the gas flow dividing portion. 
 
     
     
       7. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to  claim 1 , characterized in that:
 the inflator is provided inside the airbag. 
 
     
     
       8. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to  claim 1 , characterized in that:
 the inflator is provided outside the airbag. 
 
     
     
       9. An inflating and deploying method of an airbag of an occupant knee protection system for a vehicle by supplying a gas from an inflator, comprising the step steps of:
 inflating the airbag by the inflator; 
 dividing a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle by a dividing portion; and 
 deploying the airbag characterized by comprising the step of:
 forming the gas flow dividing portion in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and thereby connecting front and rear end portions of the gas flow dividing portion to front and rear walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, and 
 disposing the inflator at an upper end portion or lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and 
 directing the gas flow from the inflator in a vertical direction of the vehicle, and forming the gas flow dividing portion in a mountain shape which protrudes against the gas flow from the inflator. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The inflating and deploying method of an airbag according to  claim 9 , characterized in that:
 the dividing portion is formed and arranged so as to protrude in a V-shape. 
 
     
     
       11. The inflating and deploying method of an airbag according to  claim 9 , characterized in that:
 the dividing portion is formed and arranged so as to protrude in a U-shape. 
 
     
     
       12. The inflating and deploying method of an airbag according to  claim 9 , characterized by further comprising the step of:
 connecting between one area and an other area within the airbag, both areas being separated by the gas flow dividing portion. 
 
     
     
       13. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, first and second end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to first and second walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator is disposed at an uppermost end or a lowermost end of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle, 
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a lateral direction of the vehicle, 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       14. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 13, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is a tether made of a woven fabric.   
     
     
       15. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 13, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion has a communicating portion that communicates between one area and an other area within the airbag, both areas being separated by the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       16. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 15, wherein:
 the communicating portion is a communicating hole provided on the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       17. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 13, wherein:
 the inflator is disposed vertically below the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       18. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, first and second end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to first and second walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator includes a gas supply hole that faces the gas flow dividing portion in a state when the airbag is deployed, 
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a lateral direction of the vehicle, 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       19. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 18, wherein:
 the gas flow from the inflator directly impinges upon the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       20. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 18, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is a tether made of a woven fabric.   
     
     
       21. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 18, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion has a communicating portion that communicates between one area and an other area within the airbag, both areas being separated by the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       22. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 21, wherein:
 the communicating portion is a communicating hole provided on the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       23. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 18, wherein:
 the inflator is disposed vertically below the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       24. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 18, wherein:
 the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle.   
     
     
       25. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, first and second end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to first and second walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a lateral direction of the vehicle, 
 the gas flow from the inflator directly impinges upon the gas flow dividing portion, and 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       26. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, first and second end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to first and second walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a lateral direction of the vehicle, 
 the inflator includes a gas supply hole arranged to emit gas in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the gas flow dividing portion in a state when the airbag is deployed, and 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       27. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, first and second end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to first and second walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle, 
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a lateral direction of the vehicle, 
 a direction of the gas flow from the inflator is in a vertical direction of the vehicle, and 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       28. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, first and second end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to first and second walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle; 
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a planar surface, 
 the gas flow from the inflator directly impinges upon the gas flow dividing portion, and 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       29. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 28, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is a tether made of a woven fabric.   
     
     
       30. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 28, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion has a communicating portion that communicates between one area and an other area within the airbag, both areas being separated by the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       31. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 28, wherein:
 the inflator is disposed vertically below the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       32. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 28, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a tabular shape.   
     
     
       33. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 28, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a rectangular shape.   
     
     
       34. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, front and rear end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to front and rear walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle; 
 the gas flow dividing portion has one end in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which is connected to the front wall of the air bag in such a manner that a height of the one end is substantially constant and has an opposite end in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which is connected to the rear wall of the air bag in such a manner that a height of the opposite end is substantially constant, 
 the gas flow from the inflator directly impinges upon the gas flow dividing portion, and 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       35. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 34, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is a tether made of a woven fabric.   
     
     
       36. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 35, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion has a communicating portion that communicates between one area and an other area within the airbag, both areas being separated by the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       37. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 35, wherein:
 the inflator is disposed vertically below the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       38. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, first and second end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to first and second walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator includes a gas supply hole that faces the gas flow dividing portion in a state when the airbag is deployed, 
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a planar surface, 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       39. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 38, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is a tether made of a woven fabric.   
     
     
       40. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 38 wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion has a communicating portion that communicates between one area and an other area within the airbag, both areas being separated by the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       41. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 38, wherein:
 the inflator is disposed vertically below the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       42. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 38, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a tabular shape.   
     
     
       43. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 38, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a rectangular shape.   
     
     
       44. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 38, wherein:
 the gas flow from the inflator directly impinges upon the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       45. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, front and rear end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to front and rear walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator includes a gas supply hole that faces the gas flow dividing portion in a state when the airbag is deployed, 
 the gas flow dividing portion has one end in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which is connected to the front wall of the air bag in such a manner that a height of the one end is substantially constant and has an opposite end in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which is connected to the rear wall of the air bag in such a manner that a height of the opposite end is substantially constant, 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       46. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 45, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is a tether made of a woven fabric.   
     
     
       47. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 45, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion has a communicating portion that communicates between one area and an other area within the airbag, both areas being separated by the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       48. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 45, wherein:
 the inflator is disposed vertically below the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       49. The occupant knee protection system for a vehicle according to claim 45, wherein:
 the gas flow from the inflator directly impinges upon the gas flow dividing portion.   
     
     
       50. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, first and second end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to first and second walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle; 
 the inflator includes a gas supply hole arranged to emit the gas in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the gas flow dividing portion in a state when the airbag is deployed, 
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a planar surface, 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       51. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, front and rear end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to front and rear walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle; 
 the inflator includes a gas supply hole arranged to emit the gas in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the gas flow dividing portion in a state when the airbag is deployed, 
 the gas flow dividing portion has one end in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which is connected to the front wall of the air bag in such a manner that a height of the one end is substantially constant and has an opposite end in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which is connected to the rear wall of the air bag in such a manner that a height of the opposite end is substantially constant, 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       52. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, first and second end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to first and second walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle; 
 the inflator includes a gas supply hole that faces the gas flow dividing portion in a state when the airbag is deployed, 
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a planar surface, 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       53. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, front and rear end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to front and rear walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle; 
 the inflator includes a gas supply hole that faces the gas flow dividing portion in a state when the airbag is deployed, 
 the gas flow dividing portion has one end in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which is connected to the front wall of the air bag in such a manner that a height of the one end is substantially constant and has an opposite end in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which is connected to the rear wall of the air bag in such a manner that a height of the opposite end is substantially constant, 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       54. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, first and second end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to first and second walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle; 
 a direction of the gas flow from the inflator is in a vertical direction of the vehicle, 
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a planar surface, 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant. 
   
     
     
       55. An occupant knee protection system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an inflator;   an airbag that is folded and stored in a part of the vehicle, that is inflated and deployed in front of knees of an occupant by a gas supplied from the inflator for protecting knees of the occupant; and   a gas flow dividing portion that divides a gas flow from the inflator in right and left directions of the vehicle and that is provided inside the airbag, wherein:
 the gas flow dividing portion is formed in a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, front and rear end portions of the gas flow dividing portion being connected to front and rear walls, that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of the airbag, 
 the inflator is disposed at an upper end portion or a lower end portion of the airbag as viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle; 
 a direction of the gas flow from the inflator is in a vertical direction of the vehicle, 
 the gas flow dividing portion has one end in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which is connected to the front wall of the air bag in such a manner that a height of the one end is substantially constant and has an opposite end in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle which is connected to the rear wall of the air bag in such a manner that a height of the opposite end is substantially constant, 
 upon deployment, the airbag directly contacts the knees of the vehicle occupant, and the gas flow dividing portion suppresses inflation of the airbag in between both knees of the vehicle occupant.