DE102014008599A1 - Side air bag device - Google Patents

Abstract

A side airbag device is disclosed that can freely deploy a folded portion of a distal side of an airbag with respect to a deployment direction. The side airbag device includes an inflator assembly 30 and an airbag 40. The inflator assembly 30 is disposed in the vicinity of one side of the chest area of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat to discharge inflation gas in response to a shock from a lateral direction of a vehicle. The airbag 40 is housed in a folded state in which folded portions 66, 68, 69, 72, and 73 are formed, and is filled with the filling gas from the inflator assembly 30 between an area extending from the chest area to the head of the occupant extends, and deployed or unfolded and filled a side wall of the vehicle. The folded portions 68 and 72 of the distal side of the airbag 40 with respect to a deployment direction are folded back into a vehicle inside (front of FIG. 12A).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a side airbag apparatus that fills and discharges an airbag in a space between a passenger sitting in a vehicle seat and a side wall of the vehicle when a shock is applied to the vehicle from a lateral direction due to a side collision or the like, whereby an area extending from a chest area to the occupant's head is protected from the cloth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A side airbag apparatus including an airbag and a gas generator is widely known as a device that can protect an upper body of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat from a shock caused by a side collision or the like. The airbag and the inflator of the side airbag device are housed in a seatback (backrest) of the vehicle seat, the airbag being folded. When an impact is exerted on a side wall such as a side door of the vehicle from a lateral direction due to the side collision or the like, charge gas from the inflator is supplied to the air bag. The airbag is deployed and inflated so that it pops out of the vehicle seat in a state where a portion of the airbag remains in the seat back. Thereafter, the airbag is deployed in a narrow space between the upper body of the occupant and the side wall of the vehicle and unfolded and filled. The airbag is interposed between the occupant's upper body and the sidewall moving toward an inside of a vehicle interior to hold the upper body of the occupant and at the same time cushion the shock applied to the upper body via the sidewall.

One aspect of such a side airbag device is disclosed in U.S. Pat Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-203939 for example disclosed. In the side airbag device, a gas generator is disposed near the side of the chest area of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat. When the charging gas is ejected from the inflator in response to the shock such as a side collision or the like, the inflating gas in the folded-state airbag flows upward and forward. By the filling gas, the airbag is deployed and filled in the forward and the upward directions of the vehicle between the side wall of the vehicle and an area extending from a chest area to the head of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat.

Further, a side airbag apparatus that can restrain and protect other portions of the upper body of the occupant other than the portion of the upper body is disclosed in US Pat Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-203939 disclosed.

In each of the side airbag devices disclosed in the Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-203993 and the disclosed Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-070178 are disclosed, the folded portion of the upper end, which is a distal portion with respect to the deployment direction, in the state in which the airbag is folded, folded back.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the side airbag device disclosed in U.S. Pat Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-203939 and the disclosed Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-070178 is disclosed, however, when the filling gas for filling the airbag is supplied, the folded portion of the folded-back upper end of the airbag can be deployed toward the vehicle outer side. In this case, in the process in which the folded-back state of the folded portion of the upper end of the airbag is released, the folded-back upper end comes into contact with the side wall of the vehicle so that the smooth deployment is interrupted by friction can be.

In the airbag, which is discharged and filled and filled by the filling gas from the rear to the front, the problem described above may similarly occur also in the case where the folded portion of the front end, which is a distal portion with respect is in the unfolding direction, folded back.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a side airbag device capable of deploying and filling a folded portion of a distal portion with respect to a deploying direction of an airbag.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, there is provided a side airbag device including a gas generator disposed near one side of the chest area of a vehicle seated occupant in response to a shock applied from a lateral direction of a vehicle To discharge filling gas, and an airbag, which is housed in a folded state in which folded portions are formed and discharged by the filling gas from the gas generator between a region extending from the chest region to the head of the occupant, and a side wall of the vehicle and unfolded and filled, wherein the folded portion of a distal side of the airbag with respect to a deployment direction (a direction in which the airbag is to be deployed) is folded back in a vehicle inside.

With the configuration given above, when the impact is applied to the vehicle from the lateral side due to the side collision or the like, the inflation gas is expelled from the inflator. The gas generator gas is supplied from the folded portion near the gas generator to the folded portion removed from the inflator, and therefore, the folded portions are unfolded (deployed) and filled in this order. And, when the inflation gas is supplied to the folded portion of the distal side of the airbag with respect to the deployment direction, the folded portion is filled while the state of refolding is released (deployed) to the vehicle inside. During unfolding and filling, since the folded portion of the distal side does not come into contact with the side wall of the vehicle, the interruption of unimpeded deployment due to friction with the side wall hardly occurs.

Preferably, in the side airbag device, at least a portion of the airbag is folded from top to bottom so that the plurality of folded portions are formed to be unfolded and filled from below, and the folded portion of the upper end of the airbag folded back to the vehicle interior as the folded portion of the distal side with respect to the deployment direction.

With the configuration given above, at least a part of the inflation gas discharged from the inflator is supplied from the folded portion of the lower portion to the folded portion of the upper portion in response to the impact from the lateral direction of the vehicle. The inflation gas fills the airbag while sequentially releasing (deploying) the fold from the folded portion of the lower portion to the folded portion of the upper portion. When the inflation gas is supplied to the folded portion of the upper end with respect to the deployment direction of the airbag, the folded portion is released from the state of refolding to the vehicle inner side (unfolded). During deployment, since the folded portion of the upper end does not contact the sidewall of the vehicle, the interruption of unimpeded deployment due to friction with the sidewall hardly occurs.

In the side airbag device, when the airbag is partitioned by a partition extending in a substantially vertical direction into a front loading chamber before the partition and a rear loading chamber behind the partition, it is preferable that the gas generator be at a lower portion of the rear filling chamber the subdivision is provided with an upper communication hole for communicating the rear loading chamber and the front loading chamber at a portion which is one side of the head of an occupant, the partition having a lower communication hole for communicating the rear loading chamber and the front loading chamber at a portion which is a side of the chest area of the occupant, and a portion of the airbag folded from top to bottom that is in front of the partition, from front to back in a roll folding manner that repeats the area in the same direction folded, folded, and an area behind the partition is folded from front to back in a bellows folding manner that alternately changes a folding direction.

With the configuration given above, at least a part of the gas discharged from the gas generator flows up and down in the rear filling chamber in response to the impact from the lateral direction of the vehicle. By filling gas, the bellows-folded portion is deployed behind the subdivision in the direction of the front or unfolded and filled. Here, the bellows folding is characterized in that the folded state is easily released. For this reason, the bellows-folded portion behind the partition is quickly deployed toward the front side from the chest or head side of the occupant and inflated, thereby quickly restraining and protecting the occupant's area.

Part of the filling gas in the rear filling chamber 46 flows upward and arrives at the side of the rear portion of the chest area of the occupant, flows down through the lower communication hole in the front filling chamber. Also, a part of the charging gas flowing up outside the lower communication hole in the rear filling chamber without passing through the lower communication hole and arriving at the side of the rear portion of the occupant's head flows through the upper communication hole in the front one Filling chamber upwards. By the filling gas of the roll-folded portion is deployed before the subdivision in the direction of the front or unfolded and filled. Here, the rolling fold is characterized in that the folded portion is easily unfolded along the side wall of the vehicle. In this way, the roll-folded portion is spread and filled before the partition along the side wall of the vehicle on the side of the front portion of the chest area or the head of the occupant, thereby correctly restraining and protecting the area of the occupant.

In the side airbag device, it is preferable that at least a lower portion of the airbag is folded from front to back, so that the plurality of folded portions are formed to be deployed from rear to front and filled, and the folded portion a lower front end of the airbag is folded back to the vehicle inner side than the folded portion of the distal side with respect to the deployment direction.

With the above configuration, in response to the impact from the lateral direction of the vehicle, at least a part of the inflation gas discharged from the inflator is supplied from the rear to the front in the lower portion of the airbag. By the filling gas, the lower portion of the airbag is sequentially deployed from the folded portion of the rear portion to the folded portion of the front portion. When the inflation gas is supplied to the folded portion of the lower front end which is the distal side with respect to the deploying direction of the airbag, the folded portion is released from the state of refolding to the vehicle interior side (deployed). During deployment, since the folded portion does not come into contact with the side wall of the vehicle, the interruption of unimpeded deployment due to friction with the side wall hardly occurs.

In the side airbag device, when the airbag is partitioned by a partition extending in a substantially vertical direction into a front loading chamber before the partition and a rear loading chamber behind the partition, it is preferable that the gas generator be at a lower portion of the rear filling chamber is arranged, the partition having a lower communication hole for communicating the rear filling chamber and the front filling chamber at a portion which is one side of the chest region of the occupant, and the folded portion of the lower front end of the airbag is folded back by crossing the subdivision.

With the configuration given above, in response to the impact from the lateral direction of the vehicle, at least a part of the filling gas ejected from the inflator is supplied from the rear to the front in the rear filling chamber. By the filling gas, the lower portion of the rear filling chamber is successively deployed from the folded portion of the rear portion to the folded portion of the front portion. The inflation gas first fills the portion (behind the partition) of the folded portion of the lower front end which is the distal side with respect to the deploying direction of the airbag.

Also, a part of the filling gas discharged from the inflator flows upward in the rear filling chamber. When the filling gas in the rear filling chamber flows upward and arrives at the portion which is the occupant's chest portion side, the filling gas flows to the portion (before partitioning) of the folded portion of the lower front end through the lower communication hole. By the filling gas, the folded portion, which is folded back to the vehicle interior, released (deployed or unfolded). In this case, the portion (before the division) of the folded portion is pushed by the portion behind the partition which first starts to be filled, whereby the unfolding is performed quickly.

According to the side airbag device, since the folded portion of the distal portion is folded back toward the vehicle inner side with respect to the deployment direction of the airbag, the folded portion can be unfolded unhindered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 Fig. 12 is a side view illustrating an occupant and a vehicle seat provided with a side airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 FIG. 11 is a sectional plan view illustrating a positional relationship between the vehicle seat, the airbag, the occupant and a side wall of the vehicle according to the embodiment; FIG.

3 FIG. 15 is a front view in section illustrating a positional relationship between the vehicle seat, the airbag, the occupant and the side wall of the vehicle according to the embodiment; FIG.

4 Fig. 15 is a partial plan view in section illustrating an internal structure of a side portion of a seat back in which an air bag module is housed according to the embodiment;

5 FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the airbag module in a state in which the airbag is unfolded but unfilled, according to the embodiment; FIG.

6 Fig. 12 is a sectional plan view schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the airbag according to the embodiment;

7 is a partial side view in section showing the interior structure of the airbag module in FIG 5 illustrated together with the occupant and the vehicle seat;

8th FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the state before the airbag of the airbag module according to the embodiment is not folded; FIG.

9A and 9B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 9A a side view is and 9B a rear view when viewed from a left side of 9A is;

10A and 10B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 10A a side view is and 10B a rear view when viewed from a left side of 10A is;

11A and 11B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 11A a side view is and 11B a rear view when viewed from a left side of 11A is;

12A and 12B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 12A a side view when viewed from a back of 11A is and 12B a rear view when viewed from a right side of 12A is;

13A and 13B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 13A a side view is and 13B a sectional view taken along the line AA in 13A is;

14A and 14B FIG. 11 is diagrams illustrating a state of folding the airbag in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 14A a side view is and 14B a sectional view taken along the line BB in 14A is;

15A and 15B FIG. 15 is diagrams illustrating the folded airbag housed in the airbag module according to the embodiment, wherein FIG 15A a side view is and 15B a sectional view taken along the line CC in 15A is;

16 Fig. 12 is a partial plan view in section illustrating a state in which the airbag is deployed and inflated after it has jumped out of the vehicle seat with a part of the airbag remaining in the seat back;

17 FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a positional relationship between a fold line and a folded portion in the airbag according to the embodiment; FIG. and

18 is a 11B 4 is a similar view and is a rear view illustrating a modification of an airbag of which a folded portion of a distal portion (upper end) is folded in an aspect different from the embodiment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

vehicle

11

Side wall

12

vehicle seat

31

inflator

40

air bag

46

Rear filling chamber

47

Front filling chamber

50

subdivision

54

Upper communication hole

55

Lower communication hole

66, 68, 69, 72, 73

Folded section

P

inmate

PH

head

PT

chest

Z1, Z2

Area

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a side airbag device according to an embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG 1 to 17 described.

Hereinafter, the direction in which a vehicle moves forward, referred to as a forward direction and the terms front, back, defined above (up), down (down), left and right with respect to the forward direction. Also, in each drawing, front indicates a front of the vehicle, rear indicates a rear of the vehicle, the inside indicates an inner side of the vehicle, and the outside indicates an outer side of the vehicle. The inner side of the vehicle is a side located near the central axis of the transverse direction of the vehicle with respect to the transverse direction of the vehicle, and the outer side of the vehicle is a side spaced from the central axis.

Also, it is assumed that an inmate (adult) with a standard body in a vehicle seat is seated in a predetermined posture (normal posture).

As in 1 to 3 is illustrated, there is a vehicle seat 12 in the vicinity of the vehicle interior side of a side wall 11 in a vehicle 10 , Here is the sidewall 11 a vehicle component that on the side of the vehicle 10 is arranged, and it generally comprises a door and a pillar. By way of example, the sidewall corresponding to a front seat comprises 11 a front door and a central column (B-pillar). Also includes a rear seat corresponding side wall 11 a rear portion of a side door (rear door), a C-pillar, a front portion of a wheel arch and a rear quarter panel.

The vehicle seat 12 includes a seat cushion (seat part) 13 and a seat back (backrest) 14 extending from a back of the seat cushion 13 extends upward and wherein a tilt angle of the seat back 14 is adjusted by a tilting mechanism (not shown). The vehicle seat 12 is in the vehicle 10 with the forward facing seat back 14 arranged. The transverse direction of the vehicle seat 12 arranged in this way coincides with the transverse direction of the vehicle.

The seat back 14 includes a seatback body 15 and a pair of side support sections 16 on both sides of the seatback body 15 in the transverse direction of the seatback body 15 are provided. The seatback body 15 is tilted backward to support an upper body of an occupant P from behind. Both side support sections 16 stand from the seatback body 15 prior to a movement of the upper body of the occupant, on the seat cushion 13 sits and against the seatback body 15 is inclined to restrain from movement in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

Next is the inner structure of the seat back 14 in particular, the lateral portion of the vehicle exterior, which includes the side support portion 16 the vehicle outside, described.

A seat frame, which is a frame of the seat back 14 is built into the seat back. A portion of the seat frame is located on the vehicle outside of an inner space of the seat back 14 , as in 4 is illustrated. The section of the seat frame is called the side frame section 17 and it is formed by bending a metal sheet. A seat pad 18 , which consists of an elastic material such as urethane foam, is in front of the seat frame, which is the side frame section 17 includes, arranged. A back plate 19 , which is made of a hard material such as a synthetic resin, is provided behind the seat frame. Although the seat pad 18 Padded upholstery, the upholstery is in 4 not shown. The same applies to the following 16 ,

An accommodation section 21 is in the seat pad 18 at a vehicle outside of the side frame portion 17 provided adjacent position. The position of the accommodation section 21 is a middle section of the seat back 14 in the up / down direction and is located obliquely behind the in the vehicle seat 12 sitting inmates P (see 2 ). An airbag module AM constituting a main part of the side airbag device is in the accommodating portion 21 accommodated.

A gap or slot 22 extends from the vehicle exterior and the front corner of the housing section 21 diagonally forward and outward. A section of the seat pad 18 that is between a front corner 18C the seat pad 18 and the gap 22 is located (ie a section of a dashed / double dotted line in 4 framed) forms a breakable section 23 by the airbag 40 break up, which is described below.

The airbag module AM, which is in the seat back 14 is incorporated comprises a gas generator assembly 30 and the airbag 40 as its main components. Next, each of the components will be described.

Inflator assembly 30

The gas generator arrangement 30 includes a gas generator 31 serving as a gas generating source, and a container or a receptacle 32 , the or the gas generator 31 covers. In this embodiment, a pyrotechnic gas generator is used as the gas generator 31 used. The gas generator 31 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and contains in the interior thereof a (not shown) gas generating means for generating a filling gas.

Instead of the pyrotechnic gas generator using the gas generating agent, it is possible to use a hybrid type gas generator which breaks up a partition of a high pressure gas filled high pressure gas cylinder by an explosive to expel gas.

On the other hand, the container acts 32 as a diffuser for controlling the discharge direction of the charge gas and also as an element for fixing the gas generator 31 on the side frame section 17 together with the airbag 40 , Most parts of the container 32 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in a substantially vertical direction obtained by bending a plate such as a metal sheet. The container 32 is provided with a (not shown) communication section for connecting the inner and outer sides of the container. Most parts of the gas generator 31 discharged filling gas from the container 32 discharged to the outside via the communication section.

The container 32 is on the side frame 17 by a securing element, for example screws or bolts 34 , attached.

The gas generator arrangement 30 can be configured to use the gas generator 31 and the container 32 are integrally formed in one piece.

air bag 40

As indicated by the dashed / double dotted lines in 1 to 3 is shown, when a shock to the sidewall 11 from a lateral direction due to a side collision or the like is applied while the vehicle 10 drives, the airbag 40 with the filling gas from the gas generator 31 supplied and therefore deployed or unfolded and filled, so that the airbag 40 from the seat back 14 pops out in a state in which a section of the airbag 40 in the seat back 14 remains.

5 FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the airbag module AM in a state (hereinafter referred to as unfilled, deployed state) in which the airbag. FIG 40 is deployed or unfolded in a flat shape, without being filled with the filling gas. 7 illustrates the internal structure of the airbag module AM together with the occupant P and the seat 12 where the airbag 40 in the middle of the transverse direction of the vehicle in the unfilled, unfolded or deployed state in FIG 5 is cut.

As in 5 to 7 is illustrated, is the airbag 40 by folding a fabric layer (base fabric, also known as a fabric web) in half along a fold line 42 formed on a centerline of the fabric, for superimposing the fabric in the transverse direction of the vehicle and then joining the superposed portions of the fabric to form the shape of a bag. To two overlaid sections of the airbag 40 to distinguish the tissue placed on the vehicle interior as a tissue section 43 referred to and placed on the outside of the vehicle tissue as a tissue section 44 designated. Each of the tissue sections 43 and 44 is formed in a vertically elongate shape with respect to the forward and backward directions.

According to this embodiment, the fabric is half folded so that the fold line 42 at a rear end of the airbag 40 but the fabric can be half folded so that the fold line 42 at another end of the airbag 40 , For example, a front end, an upper end or a lower end thereof is located. Also, the airbag can 40 consist of two pieces of fabric along the fold line 42 shared. In this case, the airbag 40 by laying one fabric part over the other in the transverse direction of the vehicle and joining the two fabric parts to form the shape of a bag. Furthermore, the airbag 40 be made of three or more pieces of fabric.

In the airbag 40 is the appearance of the two tissue sections 43 and 44 axisymmetric with respect to the fold line 42 , The shape and size of each tissue section 43 and 44 are set up so that the airbag 40 includes the area corresponding to the area from the chest area PT to the head PH in the upper body of the vehicle seat 12 seated occupant P corresponds when the airbag 40 between the vehicle seat 12 and the side wall 11 deployed or unfolded and filled (see 1 to 3 ). As in 7 is illustrated, is the airbag 40 formed such that a front end 40a of the one side of the head PH of the occupant P corresponding portion before the front end 40b of the one portion of the chest area PT corresponding portion is positioned.

A material that is suitable for the tissue sections given above 43 and 44 is suitable, comprises a woven fabric, which is made for example of a polyester yarn or polyamide yarn, which has high strength and flexibility and can be easily folded.

The two tissue sections 43 and 44 are along a peripheral edge connecting portion 45 at the peripheral edges of the tissue sections 43 and 44 is provided, interconnected. In this embodiment, the most part of the peripheral edge connecting portion 45 by stitching (stitching together with a sewing thread) the peripheral edges of the fabric sections 43 and 44 with the exception of the rear ends thereof (ie the vicinity of the fold line 42 ) educated. The configuration formed by the stitching is similar to an outer connection portion 52 and an inner connecting portion 53 which will be described later.

In 5 . 7 to 15B and 17 are the quilted or sewn sections of the airbag 40 represented by three types of lines. The first of these lines is a line (a type of broken line) represented by intermittently aligning thick lines of a given length, and this shows the quilted portions as viewed from the side of the airbag 40 (See the peripheral edge connection section 45 or the like in 5 ). The second of these lines is a line (a type of broken line) represented by intermittently aligning or directing thin lines of a given length (longer than a general broken line), and this shows a state in which the sewing thread between the tissue sections 43 and 44 is positioned and therefore not directly seen (hidden) (see the inner connecting section 53 or the like in 5 ). The third of these lines is a line (a type of broken line) represented by aligning dots at regular intervals, and this shows a cross section of the suture thread that holds the tissue sections 43 and 44 stitched together (see the peripheral edge connection section 45 in 7 ).

As in 5 to 7 is shown, the space formed by the peripheral edge connecting portion 45 between the two tissue sections 43 and 44 is enclosed, a filling portion, which is deployed by the filling gas and unfolded and filled, on the side of the upper body of the occupant P, to protect the area originating from the chest region PT and the head PH, from the shock.

In this case, the peripheral edge connecting portion 45 by an agent other than the stitching using the sewing thread, for example, by gluing using an adhesive. The configuration formed by the bonding is similar to the outer joint portion 52 and the inner connecting portion 53 which will be described later.

The airbag 40 is with a subdivision 50 at its inner middle portion in a longitudinal direction and the partition extends in a substantially vertical direction. Therefore, the airbag 40 in a rear filling chamber 46 at a position behind the subdivision 50 and a front loading chamber 47 at a position before subdivision 50 divided. The subdivision 50 has the same configuration as one, commonly referred to as a tether.

subdivision 50

The subdivision 50 includes a pair of fabric pieces 51 of a material which has high strength and flexibility and can be easily folded, for example the same woven fabric as the fabric sections 43 and 44 , Both tissue parts 51 form an elongated strip extending in the vertical direction. Each tissue part 51 is with the opposite of the two tissue sections 43 and 44 of the airbag 52 through the outer connecting portion 52 connected in the substantially vertical direction along the rear edge thereof. If the airbag 40 is filled, the two outer connecting sections 52 with the rear end of the fabric part 51 corresponding tissue sections 43 and 44 at the portion which is the side of the central portion in the horizontal direction in the upper body of the occupant P connected. Both tissue parts 51 be through the inner connecting section 53 which extends in the substantially vertical direction along the front edge thereof, connected to each other.

The subdivision 50 made from a pair of fabric pieces 51 is made between the fabric section 43 the vehicle interior and the tissue section 44 the vehicle outside in the airbag 40 placed. The subdivision 50 is in the superimposed state in the transverse direction of the vehicle when the airbag 40 in the unfilled unfolded or deployed state (see 5 and 7 ). Also, the subdivision 50 strained in the transverse direction of the vehicle when the airbag 40 filled (see 6 ), and therefore limits the thickness (filling thickness) of the airbag 40 in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

The subdivision 50 is with an upper communication hole 54 for communicating the backfilling chamber 46 and the front filling chamber 47 in the section that is the side of the head PH of the occupant P when the airbag 40 filled. Also, the subdivision 50 with a lower communication hole 55 for communicating the backfilling chamber 46 and the front filling chamber 47 at the portion which is the side of the chest area PT of the occupant P when the airbag 40 filled. In particular, the inner connecting portion 53 , of the both tissue parts 51 connects, in two sections, ie the upper end and the lower end, not engaged in the vertical direction. The upper end and the lower portion in the vertical direction are not with the inner connecting portion 53 , the two pieces of tissue 51 connects, provided. The non-engaging portion of the upper end of the inner connecting portion 53 forms the upper communication hole 54 and the disengagement portion of the lower portion of the inner joint portion 53 forms the lower communication hole 55 , The upper communication hole 54 and the lower communication hole 55 are in the state in which both tissue parts 51 are superimposed, closed and in the state in which the subdivision 50 in the transverse direction of the vehicle is stretched when the airbag 40 filled, opened.

In the state in which the airbag 40 in the unfilled, unfolded state, ie the tissue parts 51 the subdivision 50 are superimposed, is the vertical length L1 of the lower communication hole 55 longer than the vertical length L2 of the upper communication hole 54 , In this configuration, the opening area of the lower communication hole is 55 when the airbag 40 filled so that it is greater than the opening area of the upper communication hole 54 is.

Most of the above-described inflator assembly 30 is in the lower portion of the rear end of the rear filling chamber 46 housed, wherein the gas generator assembly extends in a substantially vertical direction. The screw or the bolt 34 of the container 32 is in the tissue section 43 the vehicle interior side of the airbag 40 introduced. With the introduction is the gas generator assembly 30 in a state of positioning with respect to the airbag 40 locked.

Furthermore, the tissue section is used 44 the vehicle outside as the front portion of the front filling chamber 47 and he has a vent hole 56 between the upper communication hole 54 and the lower communication hole 55 on. The tissue section 44 is with a reinforcement section 57 in the vicinity of the vent hole 56 provided and the reinforcing section 57 is formed by stitching the same with the sewing thread. The reinforcement section 57 reinforces the environment of the vent hole 56 of the tissue section 44 to prevent bursting or loosening of the section.

As in 4 . 15A and 15B is illustrated, the airbag module AM, which is the gas generator assembly 30 and the airbag 40 as its main components, configured to have a compact shape (hereinafter referred to as storage form) in which the airbag 40 folded. This serves to the airbag module AM in the accommodation section 21 a limited size in the seat back 14 fit for the purpose of suitable accommodation.

The storage shape is made by folding the airbag 40 of the unfilled, deployed state as shown in FIG 8th to 15B is shown. Next is a process of folding the airbag 40 and specifications relating to the positions of the fold lines 42 . 61 . 64 . 67 . 71 . 74 and 75 , the positions of the sections to be folded, the folding direction or the like are necessary. For this reason, when the positions of the fold lines or the positions of the portions to be folded are specified, each section of the airbag is specified 40 on the basis of the gas generator arrangement 30 specified. With respect to a direction (substantially vertical direction) along an axis AL of the inflator assembly 30 the end is near the gas generator assembly 30 referred to as a first proximal portion, while the end of the gas generator assembly 30 is removed, is referred to as a first distal portion. In the state in which the airbag 40 the unfilled, unfolded condition at the vehicle seat 12 is mounted, the first proximal portion corresponds to the lower end of the airbag 40 and the first distal portion of the upper end of the airbag 40 ,

The same applies to the direction (substantially horizontal direction) perpendicular to the axis AL of the gas generator arrangement 30 , The end of the same near the gas generator assembly 30 is referred to as a second proximal portion, while the end thereof is that of the inflator assembly 30 is removed, is referred to as a second distal portion. In the state in which the airbag 40 the unfilled, unfolded condition at the vehicle seat 12 is attached, the second proximal portion corresponds to the rear end of the airbag 40 and the second distal portion of the front end of the airbag 40 ,

When the folding direction is specified, the words "vehicle outside" and "vehicle inside" are used, assuming that the airbag 40 at the vehicle seat 12 is appropriate.

8th shows the airbag 40 of the unfilled, deployed state when viewed from the vehicle exterior, with the axis L of the inflator assembly 30 and the fold line 42 extend in the vertical direction. In the airbag 40 is one to the fold line 42 vertical fold line 61 established at a portion of the gas generator assembly 30 in the direction of first distal portion is slightly spaced (upper side of 8th ). In the airbag 40 will, as indicated by the arrow in 8th is indicated, the portion of the first distal portion (upper side of 8th ) except the fold line 61 along the fold line 61 to the vehicle outside (front side of 8th ) folded back. By folding back the section 62 becomes part of the section 62 with a part of the section 63 of the first distal portion (lower side of FIG 8th ) except the fold line 61 superimposed. Therefore, the airbag 40 , as in 9A and 9B shown is formed.

Next in the section 62 the fold line 64 parallel to the fold line 61 is set up at the section of the fold line 61 towards the first distal section (lower side of FIG 9A ) is spaced. In the section 62 will, as indicated by the arrow in 9A is specified, the section 65 of the first distal portion (lower side of FIG 9A ) except the fold line 64 along the fold line 64 to the vehicle outside (front side of 9A ) folded back. By folding back the section 65 becomes part of the section 65 with a part (hereinafter referred to as a folded section 66 referred to) of the airbag 40 that between the fold line 61 and the fold line 64 is trapped, superimposed. Therefore, the airbag 40 , as in 10A and 10B is shown trained.

The fold line 67 parallel to the fold line 64 is at the section of the section 65 set up by the fold line 64 towards the first distal section (upper side of FIG 10A ) is spaced. In the section 65 is as indicated by the arrow in 10A is indicated, the section (hereinafter referred to as folded section 68 designated) of the first distal portion (upper side of 10A ) except the fold line 67 to the vehicle interior (back of 10A ) along the fold line 67 folded back. By folding back the section 68 will be the largest part of the section 68 with a part (hereinafter referred to as a folded section 69 referred to) of the airbag 40 that between the fold line 64 and the fold line 67 is trapped, superimposed. Therefore, the airbag 40 , as in 11A and 11B is shown trained.

12A and 12B show the airbag 40 in 11A and 11B when viewed from a rear side thereof, ie viewed from the vehicle interior. As in 12A and 12B is illustrated is the fold line 71 at the section 63 of the airbag 40 in which the gas generator assembly 30 is housed, furnished. The fold line 71 is at the second distal portion (front end side) with respect to the axis AL of the gas generator assembly 30 vertical direction, which is the deployment or deployment direction of the airbag 40 is, set up. The fold line 71 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the axis AL. In the section 63 is as indicated by the arrow in 12A is indicated, the section (hereinafter referred to as folded section 72 ) of the second distal portion (oblique left lower side in FIG 12A ) except the fold line 71 to the vehicle interior (front of 12A ) folded back. Refolding the section will make the folded section 72 with a section (hereinafter referred to as a folded section 73 designated), by the fold line 71 , the fold line 42 and the fold line 61 in section 63 is enclosed, superimposed. In the airbag 40 be like in 13A and 13B Illustrated is the folded sections 69 . 68 . 66 . 73 and 72 superimposed on each other in the direction of the vehicle interior side of the vehicle outside.

As in 13A and 13B Illustrated are the fold lines 74 parallel to the fold line 42 (Axis AL) are at plural portions in a portion Z1 of the second distal portion (front end side) except the partition 50 (outer connection section 52 ) of the airbag 40 the intermediate shape with respect to the axis AL of the gas generator assembly 30 vertical direction. The area Z1 is moved toward the second proximal portion (rear end side) from the second distal portion (front end side) by a roll folding manner that repeats the area in the same direction along each fold line 74 folds, folds. By folding, the airbag becomes 40 , as in 14A and 14B shown, folded.

As in 14A and 14B Illustrated are the fold lines 75 parallel to the fold line 42 (Axis AL) are at a plurality of portions in a region Z2 of the second proximal portion (rear end side) except the partition 50 (outer connection section 52 ) of the airbag 40 which is roll-folded with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis AL. The area Z2 becomes toward the second proximal portion (rear end side) from the second distal portion (front end side) by a bellows folding manner, which is the folding-back direction along each fold line 75 alternately changes, folded. By folding, the airbag becomes 40 shaped in the memory shape, as in 15A and 15B is shown.

The airbag module AM by folding the airbag 40 formed memory shape is of reduced size in the direction (substantially horizontal direction) perpendicular to the direction (substantially vertical direction) with respect to the axis AL of the gas generator assembly 30 and it is therefore for accommodation in the cramped accommodation section 21 the seat back 14 suitable.

In the airbag module AM of the memory form is, as in 4 shown is the screw or the bolt 34 that is from the container 32 extends and into the airbag 40 (Fabric section 43 ) is inserted into the side frame section 17 introduced. Because the mother 35 on the screw or the bolt 34 is attached, is the gas generator assembly 30 on the side frame section 17 together with the airbag 40 attached.

In this case, the gas generator assembly 30 on the side frame section 17 by one of the screw or the bolt 34 and the mother 34 attached to the element described above.

As in 1 is illustrated, the side airbag device comprises an impact sensor 81 and a control device 82 in addition to the above-described airbag module AM (see 2 ). The impact sensor 81 includes an acceleration sensor or the like and it is on the side wall 11 of the vehicle 10 (please refer 2 ) or the like installed on the side wall 11 detect impact from the side. The control device 82 controls the operation of the gas generator 31 in response to the impact sensor 81 detected signal.

Although the vehicle 10 with a seat belt device for retaining the vehicle seat 12 seated occupant P in the vehicle seat 12 is provided, such a seatbelt device is in 1 or the like is not shown.

Next, the operation of the side airbag apparatus including the configuration according to this embodiment will be described.

According to the side airbag device, if no impact on the side wall 11 of the vehicle 10 from the lateral direction due to the side collision or the like, no operation signal from the control device 82 to the gas generator 31 to the gas generator 31 to operate, and therefore the airbag 40 from the gas generator 31 no filling gas supplied. The airbag module AM is still in the housing section 21 housed as the memory form (see 4 ).

If, while the vehicle is moving, there is an impact of a given or greater value on the sidewall 11 from the lateral direction due to the side collision or the like, and then by the impact sensor 81 is detected, becomes an operation signal from the control device 82 to the gas generator 31 issued to the gas generator 31 in response to the detected signal. In response to the operation signal, a gas generating agent generates the high pressure filling gas in the gas generator 31 and then the filling gas is expelled therefrom. The expelled filling gas becomes the airbag 40 through the communication section of the container 32 fed. Here is the airbag 40 in the rear filling chamber 46 and the front filling chamber 47 through the subdivision 50 , which is provided at the central portion in the longitudinal direction thereof, divided and the gas generator assembly 30 at the lower portion of the inner rear end of the rear filling chamber 46 arranged. For this reason, the filling gas from the gas generator 31 the lower portion of the inner rear end of the rear filling chamber 46 fed. As in 17 is illustrated, the filling gas flows in the rear filling chamber 46 from the gas generator assembly 30 adjacent folded section 73 towards the folded portions removed from the inflator assembly 68 and 72 , In other words, the charge gas flows in the rear charge chamber 46 up from the folded section 73 of the first proximal portion (lower end side) toward the folded portion 68 the first distal portion (upper end side) with respect to the deployment direction. Also, the charge gas flows in the rear charge chamber 46 forward of the folded section 73 of the second proximal portion (rear end side) toward the folded portion 72 of the second distal portion (front end side) with respect to the deployment direction. The folded section 73 of the first proximal portion and the second proximal portion is the folded portion in which the gas generator assembly 30 is housed.

If the filling gas, that of the second proximal portion in the direction of the folded section 72 of the second distal portion flows at the subdivision 50 arrives, the flow direction turns along the subdivision 50 upwards and the filling gas then combines with the filling gas flowing up from the beginning.

By the upward flowing filling gas, the rear filling chamber 46 filled as it unfolds (unfolded) sequentially from bottom to top.

Also, by the forward-flowing filling gas of the bellows-folded region Z2 (see 14A and 14B ) of the airbag 40 behind the subdivision 50 filled as it unfolds successively from back to front (unfolded or deployed).

As described above, when the airbag 40 deployed upward and forward or unfolded and filled, the seat cushion 18 the seat back 14 through the airbag 40 encountered and therefore the breakable section 23 in 4 broken up. As in 16 is illustrated, the airbag jumps 40 from the seat back 14 in the substantially forward direction of the vehicle 10 in a state in which the rear end of the airbag 40 in the accommodation section 21 together with the gas generator assembly 30 remains.

The filling gas fills the section (behind the subdivision 50 ) of the folded section 72 of the distal portion (front end side).

The bellows folding is characterized in that the folded state is easily released. For this reason, the bellows-folded area Z2 is behind the subdivision 50 quickly unfolded or spread and filled.

The volume of the rear filling chamber 46 is smaller than that of the airbag 40 in the event that the airbag 40 not by the subdivision 50 is divided. Also, the filling thickness of the rear filling chamber 46 with respect to the transverse direction of the vehicle smaller than that of the airbag 40 in the transverse direction of the vehicle in the event that the airbag 40 is not divided. For this reason, the rear filling chamber 46 while passing the narrow space, easily deployed or unfolded and filled.

As in 7 and 17 is illustrated, flows a part of the filling gas, which in the rear filling chamber 46 flows upward and arrives at the side of the rear portion of the chest area PT of the occupant P through the lower communication hole 55 in the front filling chamber 47 downward. Also flows a part of the filling gas in the rear filling chamber 46 above the lower communication hole 55 flows upwards without passing through the lower communication hole 55 to pass, and arrives at the side of the rear portion of the head PH of the occupant P, through the upper communication hole 54 in the front filling chamber 47 up. In this case, since the opening area of the lower communication hole flows 55 larger than the upper communication hole 54 is, the filling gas through the lower communication hole 55 in an amount larger than that of the charge gas passing through the upper communication hole 54 flows.

Part of the filling gas entering the front or the front filling chamber 47 through the lower communication hole 55 flows, turns up and down. Also, a part of the charge gas turns into the front or the front charge chamber 47 through the upper communication hole 54 flows down.

The filling gas becomes the roll-folded portion before the division 50 unfolded and filled forward on the side of the front portion of the chest area PT or the head PH. In this case, as described above, since the flow rate of the filling gas through the lower communication hole 55 and the upper communication hole 54 is different, the unfolded and to be unfolded portion on the side of the front portion of the head PH hardly earlier than other sections, in particular the side of the chest area PT deployed or unfolded and filled, ie it is hardly deployed early or unfolded and filled, before leaving the section of the narrow space between the shoulder PS of the passenger P and the side wall 11 of the vehicle happens. The portion to be unfolded and filled on the side of the front portion of the head PH is deployed and filled after having reached the portion of the narrow space between the shoulder PS and the side wall 11 happened. As a result, occurs as the section of the airbag 40 that is to be unfolded and filled at the side of the head PH, can hardly pass the portion of the narrow gap, a phenomenon of disturbing the unfolding and filling of other portions barely on. The airbag 40 is deployed and filled at the side of the area extending from the chest area PT to the head PH of the occupant P.

Also, the roll folding is characterized in that the folded portion along the side wall 11 of the vehicle is easily unfolded or deployed. For this reason, the roll-folded section is before the subdivision 50 along the side wall 11 of the vehicle on the side of the front portion of the chest area PT or the head PH of the occupant P is deployed or unfolded and filled.

When the filling gas, in the front or in the front filling chamber 47 through the lower communication hole 55 flows, turns in the downward direction and then the section (before the subdivision 50 ) of the folded section 72 of the second distal portion (front end side) becomes the folded portion 72 , which is folded back to the vehicle interior, unfolded (unfolded or deployed). During unfolding occurs as the folded section 72 with the sidewall 11 the vehicle does not come into contact, hardly a break in unimpeded deployment due to friction with the side wall 11 , Also, the section (before the subdivision 50 ) of the folded section 72 through the Section behind the subdivision 50 , whose filling starts early, as described above, pushed, so that the unfolding is carried out quickly.

If the filling gas, in the rear filling chamber 46 flows upward at the folded portion 68 of the first distal portion (upper end side) arrives, the folded portion becomes 68 , which is folded back to the vehicle interior, unfolded (unfolded or deployed). During unfolding occurs as the folded section 68 with the sidewall 11 of the vehicle 10 does not come into contact with any interruption of unimpeded deployment due to friction with the sidewall 11 ,

As in 7 is illustrated, when the airbag 40 completely deployed or unfolded and filled, the front end 40a that is the side of the head PH of the occupant P, in front of the front end 40b , which is the side of the chest area PT, is positioned. For this reason, the area of the airbag 40 , which is deployed on the side of the head PH and unfolded and filled, extended forward compared to the area located at the same portion as the front end 40b of the airbag 40 is positioned or behind the front end 40b is positioned.

However, when the upper communication hole flows 54 at the top folded portion 68 different folded section, for example the folded section 69 , is positioned, the filling gas in the front filling chamber 47 through the upper communication hole 54 to the front filling chamber 47 to fill what is unfolding and filling the folded section 68 which is performed later, can interrupt.

In view of this, since in this embodiment the upper communication hole flows 54 at the top folded section 68 is positioned, the filling gas in the rear filling chamber 46 through the upper communication hole 54 in the front filling chamber 47 in the process in which the folded section 68 is unfolded. Therefore, the unfolding and filling of the folded section 68 due to the upper communication hole 54 hardly interrupted.

The airbag 40 which is deployed and unfolded and filled as described above is between the occupant P and the sidewall 11 moving toward the vehicle interior, as indicated by the dashed / double-dotted lines in FIG 2 and 3 is specified, whereby the occupant P is pushed and held directly in the direction of the vehicle inner side and at the same time on the occupant P from the lateral direction through the side wall 11 applied shock is damped.

In this case, the filling gas passing through the upper communication hole 54 in the upper section of the front filling chamber 47 flows and turns down, through the vent hole 56 to the outside (outside of the vehicle except the fabric section 44 ) of the airbag 40 discharged. Since the internal pressure is lowered by the discharge of the filling gas, the pressure on the occupant P becomes from the lateral direction through the side wall 11 applied shock damped. Also, since the filling gas is the upper portion of the front filling chamber 47 as described above, unfolded and filled from the vent hole 56 is discharged, prevents the filling gas to the lower portion of the front filling chamber 47 that is below the vent hole 56 is, flows. As a result, it prevents the lower portion of the front filling chamber 47 due to the excessive pressure exerted from the lateral direction of the chest area PT, and unfolded and filled.

• (1) Bei der Seitenairbagvorrichtung, die den Airbag 40 zwischen der Seitenwand 11 des Fahrzeugs 10 und dem Bereich, der sich von dem Brustbereich PT zum Kopf PH des in dem Fahrzeugsitz 12 sitzenden Insassen P erstreckt, durch das von dem Gasgenerator 31 ausgestoßene Befüllungsgas entfalten und befüllen kann, sind die gefalteten Abschnitte 68 und 72 des distalen Abschnitts in Bezug auf die Entfaltungsrichtung des Airbags 40 zur Fahrzeuginnenseite zurückgefaltet (siehe 12A und 12B).

According to the embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.

• (1) In the side airbag device, the airbag 40 between the side wall 11 of the vehicle 10 and the area extending from the chest area PT to the head PH of the vehicle seat 12 seated occupant P extends through the gas generator 31 Unfilled filling gas can unfold and fill are the folded sections 68 and 72 of the distal portion with respect to the deployment direction of the airbag 40 Folded back to the vehicle interior (see 12A and 12B ).

• (2) Der Airbag 40 wird von oben nach unten gefaltet, so dass die Mehrzahl gefalteter Abschnitte 66, 68, 69 und 73 so gebildet werden, dass die Entfaltung und die Befüllung von unten nach oben durchgeführt werden (siehe 17). Und der gefaltete Abschnitt 68 des oberen Endes des Airbags 40 wird zur Fahrzeuginnenseite als der gefaltete Abschnitt des distalen Abschnitts mit der Entfaltungsrichtung zurückgefaltet (siehe 11A und 11B).

Because of this, it prevents the folded sections 68 and 72 with the sidewall 11 of the vehicle 10 come into contact when the folded sections are released (deployed) from the folded-back state, causing the folded sections 68 and 72 unfolded freely.

• (2) The airbag 40 is folded from top to bottom so that the plurality of folded sections 66 . 68 . 69 and 73 be formed so that the unfolding and the filling are carried out from bottom to top (see 17 ). And the folded section 68 the upper end of the airbag 40 is folded back to the vehicle interior as the folded portion of the distal portion with the deployment direction (see 11A and 11B ).

• (3) Der Airbag 40 ist durch die Unterteilung 50, die sich in der im Wesentlichen vertikalen Richtung erstreckt, in die vordere Befüllungskammer 47 vor der Unterteilung 50 und die hintere Befüllungskammer 46 hinter der Unterteilung 50 unterteilt, und der Gasgenerator 31 ist an dem unteren Abschnitt der hinteren Befüllungskammer 46 angeordnet. Die Unterteilung 50 ist mit dem oberen Kommunikationsloch 54 zum Kommunizieren von hinterer Befüllungskammer 46 und vorderer Befüllungskammer 47 an dem Abschnitt, der die Seite des Kopfs PH des Insassen P ist, versehen und mit dem unteren Kommunikationsloch 55 zum Kommunizieren von hinterer Befüllungskammer 46 und vorderer Befüllungskammer 47 an dem Abschnitt, der die Seite des Brustbereichs PT des Insassen P ist, versehen (siehe 7). Von der Mehrzahl von gefalteten Abschnitten 66, 68, 69 und 73, die durch Falten des Airbags 40 von oben nach unten gebildet sind, wird der Bereich Z1 vor der Unterteilung 50 durch das Rollfalten von vorne nach hinten gefaltet (siehe 13A und 13B) und der Bereich Z2 hinter der Unterteilung 50 durch die Balgenfaltung von vorne nach hinten gefaltet (siehe 14A und 14B).

Because of this, because of the folded section 68 the upper end of the airbag 40 folded back to the vehicle interior, the effect of the above ( 1 ).

• (3) The airbag 40 is through the subdivision 50 , which extends in the substantially vertical direction, in the front filling chamber 47 before subdivision 50 and the rear filling chamber 46 behind the subdivision 50 divided, and the gas generator 31 is at the lower portion of the rear filling chamber 46 arranged. The subdivision 50 is with the upper communication hole 54 for communicating from the rear filling chamber 46 and front filling chamber 47 at the portion which is the side of the head PH of the occupant P, and with the lower communication hole 55 for communicating from the rear filling chamber 46 and front filling chamber 47 at the portion which is the side of the chest area PT of the occupant P (see 7 ). Of the plurality of folded sections 66 . 68 . 69 and 73 by folding the airbag 40 are formed from top to bottom, the area Z1 is before the subdivision 50 folded from the front to the back by the roll folding (see 13A and 13B ) and the area Z2 behind the subdivision 50 Folded from the front to the back by the bellows fold (see 14A and 14B ).

• (4) Der untere Abschnitt des Airbags 40 wird von vorne nach hinten so gefaltet, dass die gefalteten Abschnitte 72 und 73 gebildet werden, so dass die Entfaltung und das Befüllen von hinten nach vorne durchgeführt werden. Der gefaltete Abschnitt 72 des unteren vorderen Endes des Airbags 40 wird zur Fahrzeuginnenseite als der gefaltete Abschnitt des distalen Abschnitts in Bezug auf die Entfaltungsrichtung zurückgefaltet (siehe 12A).

For this reason, the bellows-folded section can be behind the subdivision 50 are quickly discharged from the side of the rear portion of the chest area PT or the head PH of the occupant P and filled and filled, whereby the area of the occupant P is quickly retained and protected. Also, the roll-folded section before subdivision 50 along the side wall 11 of the vehicle from the side of the front portion of the chest area PT or the head PH of the occupant P to be deployed and filled, whereby the area of the occupant P is correctly retained and protected.

• (4) The lower section of the airbag 40 is folded from front to back so that the folded sections 72 and 73 are formed, so that the unfolding and the filling are carried out from back to front. The folded section 72 the lower front end of the airbag 40 is folded back toward the vehicle interior as the folded portion of the distal portion with respect to the deployment direction (see 12A ).

• (5) Der Airbag 40 ist durch die Unterteilung 50, die sich in der im Wesentlichen vertikalen Richtung erstreckt, in die vordere Befüllungskammer 47 vor der Unterteilung 50 und die hintere Befüllungskammer 46 hinter der Unterteilung 50 unterteilt, und der Gasgenerator 31 ist an dem unteren Abschnitt der hinteren Befüllungskammer 46 angeordnet. Die Unterteilung 50 ist mit dem unteren Kommunikationsloch 55 zum Kommunizieren von hinterer Befüllungskammer 46 und vorderer Befüllungskammer 47 an dem Abschnitt, der die Seite des Brustbereichs PT des Insassen P ist, versehen (siehe 7). Ferner ist der gefaltete Abschnitt 72 des unteren vorderen Endes des Airbags 40 in dem Zustand, in dem der gefaltete Abschnitt die Unterteilung 50 kreuzt, zurückgefaltet (äußerer Verbindungsabschnitt 52) (siehe 12A).

Because of this, because of the folded section 72 the lower front end of the airbag 40 folded back to the vehicle interior, the effect of the above ( 1 ).

• (5) The airbag 40 is through the subdivision 50 , which extends in the substantially vertical direction, in the front filling chamber 47 before subdivision 50 and the rear filling chamber 46 behind the subdivision 50 divided, and the gas generator 31 is at the lower portion of the rear filling chamber 46 arranged. The subdivision 50 is with the bottom communication hole 55 for communicating from the rear filling chamber 46 and front filling chamber 47 at the portion which is the side of the chest area PT of the occupant P (see 7 ). Further, the folded portion 72 the lower front end of the airbag 40 in the state where the folded portion is the subdivision 50 crosses, folded back (outer connecting section 52 ) (please refer 12A ).

For this reason, the section (before the subdivision 50 ) of the folded section 72 of the lower front end is pushed through the portion behind the partition, which begins to fill first, whereby the deployment is carried out quickly.

The embodiment may be modified as follows.

The opening area of the lower communication hole 55 can be equal to the upper communication hole 54 be set. In this case, the same effect as that of the embodiment is obtained.

The vent hole 56 may be formed in other shapes, such as a split or slot shape, other than the circle.

The gas generator 31 can without using the container or the receptacle 32 directly on the side frame 17 to be appropriate.

The almost entire part of the airbag 40 can be filled as the embodiment, but the airbag 40 be provided with a non-filling section, which is not supplied with the filling gas and therefore is not filled.

In 10A can be a section of the folded section 68 Further, the first distal side (upper end) may be folded back to the vehicle interior side. 18 shows an example of this. In this case, for example, a fold line 77 parallel to the fold line 67 is at the section of the folded section 68 in 10A from the fold line 67 in the direction the first distal side (upper side of 10A ) spaced apart. In the section 68 is how in 10A is illustrated, the section (hereinafter referred to as a folded section 78 designated) of the first distal side (upper side of 10A ) except the fold line 77 to the vehicle interior (back of 10A ) along the fold line 77 folded back. Refolding the section is the major part of the section 68 with a part (hereinafter referred to as a folded section 79 referred to) of the airbag 40 that between the fold line 67 and the fold line 77 is trapped, superimposed.

In this case comes when the folded section 78 which is positioned on the first distal side (upper end side) is filled while the state of the unfolding is released to the vehicle inside, the folded portion 68 not in contact with the side wall 11 Of the vehicle and therefore hardly occurs the interruption of unimpeded deployment due to the friction with the side wall 11 on.

The lower section of the airbag 40 can be folded twice or more from front to back, forming three or more folded sections.

Like the lower section of the airbag 40 may be the folding of the second distal side (front end side) of the airbag 40 to the second proximal side (rear end side) at the upper portion including the lower portion.

The folding of the first distal side (upper end side) of the airbag 40 to the proximal side (lower end side) or folding from the second distal side (front end side) to the second proximal side (rear end side) may be omitted.

The subdivision 50 can be formed from a fabric layer.

Instead of the seat back 14 of the vehicle seat 12 can the side wall 11 be provided with a portion of the housing section 21 corresponds, and the airbag module AM may be inserted therein.

Vehicles for which the side airbag device is used include various commercial vehicles used for transportation as well as private vehicles.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 2007-203939 [0003, 0004, 0006]
• JP 2007-203993 [0005]
• JP 2010-070178 [0005, 0006]

Claims (5)

A side airbag apparatus comprising: a gas generator disposed in a vicinity of a side of a chest portion of a vehicle seated occupant to discharge charge gas in response to a shock applied from a lateral direction of a vehicle, and an airbag being in a folded state; wherein the folded portions are formed and deployed and filled and filled by the inflation gas from the inflator between an area extending from the chest area to the head of the occupant and a side wall of the vehicle, the folded portion being a distal side the airbag is folded back with respect to a deployment direction in a vehicle interior side. A side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the airbag is folded from top to bottom to form folded portions so as to be deployed from bottom to top and filled, and the folded portion at an upper end of the airbag is folded back as the folded portion of the distal side with respect to the deployment direction toward the vehicle inner side. A side airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the airbag is divided by a partition extending in a substantially vertical direction into a front loading chamber before the partition and a rear loading chamber behind the partition; the gas generator is arranged at a lower portion of the rear filling chamber, the partition is provided with an upper communication hole for communicating the rear loading chamber and the front loading chamber at a portion which is one side of the head of an occupant; the partition is provided with a lower communication hole for communicating the rear loading chamber and the front loading chamber at a portion which is one side of the chest area of the occupant, and an area of the airbag that is folded from top to bottom, which lies in front of the partition, from front to rear by a roll folding manner that repeatedly folds the area in a same direction, and an area of the airbag that is folded from top to bottom is folded, which lies behind the subdivision, from the front to the rear by a bellows folding way, which alternately changes the folding direction, is folded. A side airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a lower portion of the airbag is folded from front to back, so that folded portions are formed, which are deployed from back to front and unfolded and filled, and the folded portion of a lower front end of the airbag is folded back toward the vehicle interior side as the folded portion of the distal side with respect to the deployment direction. A side airbag device according to claim 4, wherein the airbag is divided by a partition extending in a substantially vertical direction into a front loading chamber before the partition and a rear loading chamber behind the partition; the gas generator is arranged at a lower portion of the rear filling chamber, the partition is provided with a lower communication hole for communicating the rear loading chamber and the front loading chamber at a portion which is one side of the chest area of the occupant, and the folded portion of the lower front end of the airbag is folded back while crossing the partition.

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