JP2000079862A - Air bag device and air bag folding method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a pressure applied to an occupant by an air bag when it is developed, as well as to develop the air bag smoothly and rapidly. SOLUTION: An air bag 22 with a bag form is folded into about a T-shape having a first development part 101 connected to an opening through which a gas flows in, and a second development parts 102 and 102 extending from the upper end of the first development part 101 in the longitudinal direction. The second development parts 102 are folded in a bellows form toward a specific point O, to form a collection 104. The collection 104 is rotated, and the folded air bag 22 is housed in the air bag housing 18 of a retainer 12 while winding the first development part 101 on the periphery of the collection 104.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag apparatus for an occupant in a passenger seat mounted on an instrument panel of an automobile and a method of folding an airbag.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, an airbag device for a passenger in a passenger seat provided in an instrument panel of an automobile is known. This airbag device includes a box-shaped retainer, and accommodates an inflator for injecting gas and a folded airbag inside the retainer. An opening is formed in the retainer toward the occupant or the like, and the opening is covered with a breakable cover body, and is fixed to a member to be mounted on the vehicle body via a bracket. . In the event of a car collision, the airbag is inflated by injecting gas from the inflator, and the pressure of this inflation ruptures the cover body at a predetermined tear line to form a protrusion, and the airbag projects from the protrusion. It expands and deploys to reduce the impact on the occupants.

[0003] In order to improve the deployment characteristics of such an airbag, for example, Japanese Patent No. 2709024, Japanese Patent No. 2652751 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-1007 are disclosed.
No. 54, the airbag is folded into a flat plate shape extending in two directions from the opening of the retainer,
Further, a configuration is known in which these flat portions are folded into a bellows shape and stored in a retainer.

[0004]

At present, there has been a demand for a structure capable of reducing the pressure applied to the occupant by the airbag itself, while the airbag inflates and deploys smoothly and quickly to reduce the impact of a collision applied to the occupant. I have.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and can smoothly and rapidly expand and deploy to effectively reduce the impact of a collision applied to an occupant and reduce the pressure applied to the occupant by the airbag itself. It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple airbag device and a method of folding an airbag.

[0006]

An airbag device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an airbag that inflates and deploys by flowing gas.
The airbag includes an airbag storage portion that is folded and stored when the airbag is not deployed, and a case body provided with a protrusion through which the airbag projects when the airbag is deployed. A first developing portion having a tubular shape connected to the base end side and into which gas is introduced, and a plurality of second developing portions extending from a predetermined point on the distal end side of the first developing portion are gathered at the predetermined point side. It is folded into a shape having a gathered portion.

In this configuration, when gas is supplied to the airbag which is folded and stored in the airbag storage portion of the case body, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment portion,
With the deployment of the first deployment portion, the collecting portion is made to protrude from the projecting opening by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into each of the second developing sections constituting the collecting section via the first developing section, and the second
Expand the deployment section. The collecting portion is provided with a plurality of second developing portions, and when each of the second developing portions expands, the collecting portion projects outside the case body. It unfolds smoothly in almost all directions around the center. For this reason, when the gathering part is deployed, the speed at which each part of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and only a part of the airbag is suppressed from being deployed at high speed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the airbag device of the first aspect, the first deploying portion is wound around the outer periphery of the collecting portion.

[0009] In this configuration, as the gas is introduced and the first deploying portion rewinds, the airbag can be inclined and projected from the projecting opening. For example, the collecting portion is separated from the protected object. It becomes possible to make it protrude in the set direction.

The airbag device according to the third aspect of the invention is an airbag in which gas flows and is inflated and deployed, an airbag storage portion in which the airbag is folded and stored when not deployed, and the airbag protrudes when deployed. And a case body provided with a projecting port, wherein the airbag projects from the projecting port by a predetermined dimension when deployed, and further deploys about a predetermined point spaced apart from the projecting port by a predetermined dimension.

[0011] With this configuration, when the airbag is deployed, the airbag protrudes from the projecting opening by a predetermined dimension, and can be smoothly deployed about a predetermined point spaced apart from the projecting port by a predetermined dimension.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of folding an airbag.
A method of folding an airbag in which gas flows in from a gas inlet and inflates and deploys, comprising: a first tubular deployable portion continuous with the gas inlet; and a predetermined point on the tip side of the first deployable portion. The method includes a step of forming a plurality of extended second developing portions, and a step of forming the collecting portion by gathering the second developing portions on the predetermined point side.

In this configuration, when gas is supplied to the folded and stored airbag, the gas is first introduced into the first deploying section, and as the first deploying section deploys, the collecting section is opened. Protrude by a predetermined size. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into each of the second developing units constituting the collecting unit via the first developing unit, and expands each of the second developing units. The collecting section is provided with a plurality of second developing sections, and when each of the second developing sections expands, the collecting section projects outward from the stored position. It unfolds smoothly in almost all directions around the fixed point. For this reason, when the gathering part is deployed, the speed at which each part of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and only a part of the airbag is suppressed from being deployed at high speed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of folding an airbag.
The method for folding an airbag according to claim 4, further comprising a step of winding the first deployment portion around the outer periphery of the gathering portion.

[0015] In this configuration, as the gas is introduced and the first deploying portion rewinds, the airbag can be inclined and protruded, and, for example, the collecting portion is moved in a direction away from the protected object. It becomes possible to protrude.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for folding an airbag.
A method of folding an airbag which is housed in an airbag housing portion and inflates and deploys when gas flows in from a gas inlet, wherein a first deployment of a predetermined width dimension is provided at a portion communicating with the gas inlet of the airbag. Forming a second expanding portion having a predetermined width extending in two directions from the tip of the first expanding portion, and folding the second expanding portion to a width that can be stored in the airbag storage portion. (2) folding the unfolded portion toward the first unfolded portion to form an aggregate portion.

In this configuration, when gas is supplied to the airbag folded and stored in the airbag storage section, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment section, and the first airbag is introduced into the first expansion section.
With the deployment of the deployment portion, the collecting portion is projected from the airbag storage portion by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into the plurality of second developing units constituting the collecting unit via the first developing unit,
Each second deploying portion is smoothly deployed in substantially the entire circumferential direction. For this reason, when the gathering part is deployed, the speed at which each part of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and only a part of the airbag is suppressed from being deployed at high speed. Further, the airbag includes a first deployment portion and a second deployment portion.
Since the deploying portion is folded to a width dimension that can be stored in the airbag storing portion, the operation of folding the collecting portion is facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag is reduced.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of folding an airbag.
In the airbag folding method according to the sixth aspect, the second deployment portion is formed in a plate shape.

In this configuration, since the second deployment portion is folded into a plate having a width dimension that can be stored in the airbag storage portion, the operation of folding the collection portion becomes easy, and the airbag is manufactured. Cost is reduced.

[0020] The method for folding an airbag according to claim 8 is as follows.
In the airbag folding method according to the sixth aspect, the first deployed portion and the second deployed portion are each formed in a plate shape.

In this configuration, since the first deploying portion and the second deploying portion of the airbag are folded into a plate having a width dimension that can be stored in the airbag storing portion, the operation of folding the collecting portion is easy. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the airbag is reduced.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of folding an airbag,
A method of folding an airbag that is housed in an airbag housing part and inflates and deploys when gas flows in from a gas inlet, comprising: holding the airbag with the gas inlet facing downward; A step in which the inside of the bag is pressurized and inflated to be positioned at a predetermined position, and a portion communicating with the gas introduction port of the airbag is pressed from the outer surface and a part thereof is folded inward to be arranged in a vertical flat plate shape. (1) forming a developing portion, pressing a portion communicating with the first developing portion from an outer surface and folding a part of the inner portion into an inner portion;
Forming a second flattened portion disposed in a horizontal flat plate shape extending in the direction, and having a width dimension substantially equal to T that can be stored in the airbag storing portion.
And a step of folding each of the second expanded portions toward the first expanded portion to form an aggregated portion.

In this configuration, when a gas is supplied to the airbag folded and stored in the airbag storage section, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment section, and the first airbag is introduced into the first expansion section.
With the deployment of the deployment portion, the collecting portion is projected from the airbag storage portion by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into the plurality of second developing units constituting the collecting unit via the first developing unit,
Each second deploying portion is smoothly deployed in substantially the entire circumferential direction. For this reason, when the gathering part is deployed, the speed at which each part of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and only a part of the airbag is suppressed from being deployed at high speed. Further, the airbag is folded in a state where the gas introduction port is directed downward and the inside is pressurized and expanded to be located at a predetermined position, and the first deploying portion and the second deploying portion are in the airbag storage portion. Approximately T in side view of the width dimension that can be stored
Since it is folded in the shape of a letter, the operation of folding the collecting portion is facilitated, automation by a machine is also facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag is reduced.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the airbag folding method according to the sixth to ninth aspects, each of the second deployed portions is folded in a wave shape toward the first deployed portion to form an aggregate portion. It is provided with a forming step.

In this configuration, the second developing portion folded in a substantially horizontal flat plate shape is easily folded in a wave shape, and the folding characteristics are easily improved by folding in a wave shape.

According to a method for folding an airbag according to an eleventh aspect, in the method for folding an airbag according to the sixth to tenth aspects, the first deployment portion is wound around the outer periphery of the gathering portion and stored in the airbag storage portion. It is provided with a process.

In this configuration, the folding operation can be facilitated, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The airbag folding method according to the twelfth aspect is the airbag folding method according to the sixth to eleventh aspects, wherein the second deployment portions extending in two directions are formed with different lengths from each other. It was done.

With this configuration, a desired developed shape can be easily realized.

The method for folding an airbag according to the thirteenth aspect is the method for folding an airbag according to the twelfth aspect,
The second deploying section includes an upper deploying section that deploys upward and a lower deploying section that deploys downward, wherein the projecting dimension of the lower deploying section is set to be larger than the projecting dimension of the upper deploying section. Things.

In this configuration, when the airbag device having the folded airbag is provided on the instrument panel of the automobile, the airbag device is located above the space between the airbag device and the upper part, that is, the windshield. Since the space between the device and the lower side, that is, the occupant side, is larger, the airbag deploys smoothly so as to fill the space.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an airbag apparatus and a method of folding an airbag according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

2 to 4, reference numeral 1 denotes an airbag device. The airbag device 1 is an instrument as a portion to be installed which is located in front of an occupant in a passenger seat of a motor vehicle, that is, a passenger seat which is a protected object. It is arranged inside the panel 2 and constitutes an airbag device for a passenger in a passenger seat. Hereinafter, the front (in the direction of arrow F shown in FIG. 4) and the rear (see FIG.
, And the vertical direction will be described in accordance with the front-rear direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle when the airbag device 1 is attached to the vehicle, respectively. The instrument panel 2 is formed in a curved shape or the like slightly descending toward the rear side, that is, toward the passenger seat, and the airbag device is provided with a rain force as a mounted member disposed inside the instrument panel 2. 1 is fixed by screwing or the like. On the upper side of the instrument panel 2, as shown in FIG. 8 and the like, a windshield 4 that is inclined from the lower front side toward the upper rear side is located.

The airbag device 1 has a retainer 12 as a case body. The retainer 12 has a substantially box-like shape with the upper side serving as an opening 14 serving as an opening. The inside of the retainer 12 is vertically divided by a mid retainer 15 as a partition member, and an inflator storage portion 17 located on the lower side and an airbag storage portion 18 located on the upper side are formed. An inflator 21 for injecting gas is stored in the inflator storage section 17, and a bag-shaped airbag 22 is stored in a folded state in the airbag storage section 18 located on the upper side.
14 is covered by a breakable cover body (lid) 23.

The retainer 12 is formed by bending or welding a metal plate, and has the protrusion 14 arranged upward and slightly rearward along the instrument panel 2. The inflator housing 17 has a substantially cylindrical shape whose axial direction is in both sides, and an inflator mounting hole 29 is formed at each end of the inflator housing 17 on both sides. Also, at the lower end side and the near side of the inflator storage section 17, the bracket section 33 is attached to the retainer 12.
Are fixed by welding or the like, the bolt 35 fixed to the bracket portion 33 is fixed to the reinforcement by a nut, and the retainer 12, that is, the airbag device 1 is fixed to the vehicle body. Further, the airbag housing portion 18 is formed with a mounting hole 48 such as a circular hole or a long hole on the front and rear surfaces on the lower end side. Further, a cover attachment body 58 integrally formed with a plurality of cover attachment claws 57 having a substantially C-shaped cross section is fixed to the airbag housing portion 18 on the front and rear outer surfaces on the upper end side by welding or the like.

On the other hand, the mid-retainer 15 is formed by bending a metal plate, for example, to form a board portion 61, a mounting plate portion 62 whose front and rear sides of the board portion 61 are inclined upward, and a board portion 61. And an end plate 63 whose both ends are bent upward. In addition, locking pieces 64 are formed at both ends of the board 61. Further, a plurality of gas insertion ports 65 are formed in the substrate section 61, and each gas insertion port 65 is provided with a wing section 66 inclined in a predetermined direction. Further, three stud bolts 67 are respectively provided from the front and rear mounting plate portions 62.
Are integrally fixed and project downward and inclined, and a nut 70 is screwed through a reinforcing plate 68, respectively.

The inflator 21 has a cylinder-shaped main body 71, a gas outlet 72 is provided at one end of the main body 71, and a fixing receiving portion is provided at the other end of the main body 71.
73 are provided. The main body 71 is provided with a gas generating chamber containing an igniter and a propellant therein, or a gas storage chamber filled with a compressed gas and a gas generating chamber filled with a solid gas generating agent are broken. It is configured as a so-called hybrid inflator arranged via possible partitions. Further, in the gas outlet section 72, a plurality of gas injection holes are formed on the peripheral surface, and a bolt portion 76 is protruded from the end face, and an inflator mounting hole (not shown) at one end of the retainer 12 is inserted therethrough. The nut 77 is screwed. Further, a lead wire 78 having a connector 78a connected to the tip thereof is led out from the end face of the fixing receiving portion 73. A label is attached to the outer surface of the main body 71.

The airbag 22 is, for example, sewn together two base cloths, and has a width dimension and a thickness dimension from a rectangular opening 81 provided at the lower end to a substantially cylindrical surface facing the occupant. Is formed in an expanding bag shape. In addition, circular mounting holes 84 are formed at predetermined intervals on the front and rear sides of the opening 81, and slit-like mounting holes 85 are formed in short pieces on both sides. The airbag 22 has an exhaust port 88 at a position slightly away from the opening 81.
Are formed.

Further, a cover body (airbag cover) 23
Is a substantially flat upper plate portion 91 provided substantially flush with the instrument panel 2, front and rear leg portions 92 projecting downward from the lower surface of the upper plate portion 91, and leg portions 92. The claw portion 93 and the like disposed further outside are integrally injection-molded with a synthetic resin such as a thermoplastic elastomer.
On the lower surface of the upper plate portion 91, a rupture portion (tea line) 95 which is thinner than other portions and is easily ruptured is formed in a substantially H-shaped plane. Also, locking holes 96 are formed in each leg piece 92 at predetermined intervals in both side directions.

When assembling the airbag device 1, first, the airbag 22 is attached to the mid-retainer 15, and the mid-retainer 15 is attached so as to cover the gas insertion port 26 inside the retainer 12.
Is folded and stored in the airbag storage section 18, and the cover body 23
, And the inflator 21 is attached to the inflator storage section 17.

That is, the stud bolt 67 of the mid-retainer 15 is inserted into the circular mounting hole 84 of the airbag 22 from the inside, and the locking piece 64 is inserted into the slit-shaped mounting hole 85 for locking. In this state, the mid retainer 15 is inserted into the retainer 12. Then, the front and rear stud bolts 67 are inserted into the mounting holes 48 of the retainer 12, and the reinforcing plate 68
The nut 70 is screwed in from the outside through each other and tightened. In this state, the periphery of the opening 81 of the airbag 22 is sandwiched and fixed between the mid retainer 15 and the retainer 12, and the opening 81 of the airbag 22 covers the gas insertion port 65. . Further, the airbag 22 is provided with the mid retainer 15.
Is folded into a predetermined shape, which will be described later, before or after it is attached to the retainer 12, and is stored in the airbag storage unit 18. Subsequently, the cover body 23 is put on the projecting opening 14, and the cover mounting claw 57 of the retainer 12 is engaged with the locking hole of the leg piece 92 of the cover body 23.
It is locked and fixed to 96, and covers the upper side of the airbag 22. Further, the inflator 21 is inserted from one of the inflator mounting holes 29 of the inflator storage portion 17 of the retainer 12, and the bolt portion 76 projects from the other inflator mounting hole. Then, the nut 77 is screwed into the bolt portion 76 and tightened, so that the inflator mounting holes 29 on both sides are airtightly closed.

In the airbag apparatus 1 configured as described above, the bolt 35 of the bracket 33 is fastened and fixed to a support plate provided on the reinforce with a nut, and is fixed to the vehicle body. In this state, the claw portion 93 of the cover body 23 is
Are engaged with the back side of the instrument panel 2 and the like.

In the airbag device 1 configured as described above, in the event of a collision of an automobile, a controller (not shown) normally detects this impact, that is, a sudden deceleration exceeding a predetermined value, and activates the inflator 21. This inflator
Inject an inert gas such as nitrogen gas from 21. Then, this gas passes through the gas insertion port 65 of the mid retainer 15 and flows into the inside of the airbag 22 while being rectified by the blade portion 66, thereby inflating and deploying the airbag 22.
Then, the airbag 22 presses the cover body 23 from the inside, and breaks the upper plate portion 91 of the cover body 23 along the break portion 95, thereby forming a projecting opening of the airbag 22. Subsequently, the airbag 22 protrudes from the protruding opening, and expands and deploys along the windshield 4 as described later, so as to reduce the impact applied to the occupant. In addition, inflator
If the airbag 22 receives a small impact that does not satisfy the conditions for the operation of the airbag 21 or, for example, in the event of a collision, the airbag 22 is inflated and deployed once more, and the occupant collides with the airbag device 1, This airbag device 1
The retainer 12 and the like are deformed to reduce the impact received by the occupant.

Next, referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 5 to FIG.
The folding step of the airbag 22 will be described.

First, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 5, in a state where the airbag 22 attached to the retainer 12 is pulled upward, the four corners a, b, c, Pressing d, the remaining portions e and f on both sides in the width direction are inserted into the airbag 22. In this state,
The airbag 22 is substantially rectangular in plan view with a front and rear longitudinal dimension L1 and a width dimension w, and has a substantially T-shape in a side view with a height dimension, that is, an initial projection dimension L2. In this state, the cylindrical portion raised from the projecting opening 14 of the retainer 12 is
The portions extending forward and backward from the front end of the first deploying portion 101, that is, the predetermined portion O which is the center portion of the airbag 22 on the occupant side, constitute the second deploying portion 102, respectively. The width w is set to be slightly smaller than the width of the protrusion 14 of the retainer 12. By setting the longitudinal dimension L1 and the width dimension w, the initial projection dimension L2 is automatically determined.
The predetermined point O is a central portion of the airbag 22 on the occupant side, that is, a maximum protruding portion.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), the second developing portions 102 on both sides are folded in a bellows shape and are gathered around a predetermined point O to form a gathering portion 104.

Next, the collecting part 104 is pulled out to the front side, and as shown in FIG. 6, the collecting part 104 is rotated rearward in the left-handed direction (the direction of arrow g) when viewed from the right side of the vehicle body. The first developing unit 101 is wound.

In this embodiment, when the collecting portion 104 is rotated about 360 degrees, the airbag 22 is stored in the airbag storing portion 18 of the retainer 12, as shown in FIG. Further, the cover cloth 106 sewn in the vicinity of the opening 81 of the airbag 22 in advance is attached to the folded airbag 22.
And the folding step is completed.

Next, a process of deploying the airbag 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to FIG.
2, only the windshield 4 and the retainer 12 and the airbag 22 are shown.

First, immediately after the airbag apparatus 1 is operated and gas is injected (after operation 1 [msec] to 10 [msec]).
As shown in FIG. 8, the first developing portion 101 is filled with gas from the opening 81 (in the direction of arrow h), and the first developing portion 101 wraps around the collecting portion 104.
While the unfolding part 101 rewinds, the cover body 23 is broken and protrudes from the projecting opening 14. Then, the gas is led to the collecting section 104, and the second developing section 102 starts to expand.

Next, as shown in FIG.
The gas is filled in the first and second developing sections 102, and the developing sections 101 and 102 are simultaneously developed. Also, the first
Due to the unwinding force of the unfolding part 101, the collecting part 104 is thrown forward and slides on the glass at the i part.

Next, as shown in FIG.
At 22 (after 12 [msec] to 20 [msec] of operation), the first unfolding section 101 almost rewinds, and the collecting section 104 returns to the initial state.

Next, as shown in FIG.
22 is (after 20 [msec] to 30 [msec] of operation), while being in sliding contact with the windshield 4 at the j portion, the second deployment part 102 mainly along the windshield 4 (the direction of arrow k) and the rear side. Is developed in the direction in which the arrow returns (the direction of arrow m).

Next, as shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 22 denotes (after 30 [msec] to 50 [msec] of operation) the deployment mainly in the direction along the windshield 4 (direction of arrow n) and in the direction in which the second deployment portion 102 on the rear side returns (direction of arrow p). Then, it becomes the final developed shape.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, regarding the method of folding the airbag 22, the airbag 22 is folded inward so as to have a width dimension w smaller than the width of the airbag storage portion 18 of the retainer 12. A first deployment portion 101 serving as a gas introduction portion and a second deployment portion 102 serving as an occupant holding portion continuous from the first deployment portion 101 are folded into a substantially T-shape.
Folding both ends of the second unfolding part 102 in a bellows shape,
An assembling unit 104 is formed by gathering at a connection point between the developing unit 101 and the second expanding unit 102, and the first expanding unit 101 is further integrated into the collecting unit 10
4, the airbag 22 is smoothly deployed in all directions around the predetermined point O when the gas is introduced. So, airbag 22
The speed at which each part of the airbag 22 partially protrudes can be suppressed while ensuring smooth and quick deployment of the airbag 22.For example, the maximum speed of the airbag 22 toward the occupant in the early stage of deployment is reduced, and the surface pressure is reduced. Therefore, the pressure applied by the airbag 22 itself can be reduced for occupants other than the occupant wearing the seat belt.

Further, since the first developing section 101 is arranged so as to coincide with the gas flow path, the developing direction can be easily controlled.

Furthermore, the gathering portion 104 is rotated on the first deploying portion 101 from the front to the rear of the vehicle and wound around the first deploying portion 101 so that the airbag 22 is moved to the side opposite to the occupant, ie, the windshield 4 at the beginning of deployment. Can be deployed toward.

The folding operation of the airbag 22 is performed as follows.
This is a simple structure in which the projecting opening 14 of the retainer 12, that is, the width dimension w is slightly smaller than the width dimension of the airbag storage portion 18, and is folded into a substantially T-shape. The folding line in the folding step is simple, facilitating the folding operation and reducing the manufacturing cost.

In addition to manual folding, automatic folding by a machine (folding device) is also possible, and some can be mechanized and some can be manually performed. For example, a substantially T-shaped folding of the first deploying portion 101 and the second deploying portion 102 and a bellows-like or wavy folding of the collecting portion 104 are performed by a folding device.
1 is wound around the collecting section 104 and stored in the airbag storage section 18 of the retainer 12 by hand, thereby balancing the costs required for the development and production of the folding device with the costs of manual operation, and Can be reduced. And
In the case of folding by a machine, the opening 81 to which the heavy retainer 12 is attached is turned downward, and the inside of the airbag 22 is once inflated and inflated and deployed to be positioned at a predetermined position, thereby improving workability. And manufacturing costs can be reduced. The airbag 22 can be folded without being attached to the retainer 12, or can be folded with the opening 81 suspended laterally or upward.

In the above-described embodiment, the second developing portion 102 extending in two directions is configured to be folded in a bellows shape. However, the second developing portion 102 is protruded in three or more directions. Each of the second deploying portions 102 may be folded in a bellows shape, wound, or simply folded to a predetermined point O side in a substantially wave shape.

The first developing unit 101 and the second developing unit 10
In the step of forming 2, the airbag 22 can be formed to have a predetermined width w by various methods, such as pressing the airbag 22 from the side surface and folding it inward, or folding it outward.

For example, in the step of forming the second deployed portion 102, as shown in FIG. 13, the portions e and f on both sides of the airbag 22 facing the occupant are folded outward, that is, on the surface side, and the four corners are folded. In a state where a tension is applied by pressing a, b, c, and d, a preliminary folding state having a substantially triangular shape in side view can be achieved. Further, from this state, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first developing portion 101 is pressed in the direction of arrow T, and the pair of ear portions 111 on both sides where the base fabric is left is folded back along the back side. As a result, the first developing unit 101 and the second developing unit 10
2 can be plate-shaped. For the first developing unit 101,
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, a plate-like shape can be obtained by folding inward along one or more folding lines U at predetermined positions. As described above, the folding method of the first unfolding unit 101 and the folding method of the second unfolding unit 102 can be appropriately combined and folded into a substantially T-shape.

The first developing unit 101 and the second developing unit 10
2 does not necessarily need to be folded into a clear plate shape to form a substantially T-shape. For example, from the pre-folded state shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 13, as shown in FIG. Drop it into the retainer 12 side to make it substantially Y-shaped,
As shown in FIG. 16B, each second developing portion 102 may be folded in a bellows shape toward a predetermined point O.

Further, a first developing section 101 and a second developing section
102, the folding method of the collecting section 104, and the airbag storing section 18
Can be used in appropriate combination. That is, after being folded in a substantially T-shape in the steps shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 13 and the like, the second unfolded portion 102 is folded in a bellows shape, and is wound or irregularly compressed to form a gathering portion 104. Is formed, and then the first developing unit 10 is added to the collecting unit 104.
Alternatively, the first deploying portion 101 may be folded in a bellows shape or irregularly compressed and stored in the airbag storing portion 18. Also, as shown in FIG.
After being folded in the shape of a letter, the second unfolded portion 102 is folded in a bellows shape, and then wound or compressed irregularly to form the collecting portion 10.
4 is formed, and then the first deployed portion 101 is wound around the collecting portion 104, and the first deployed portion 101 is folded in a bellows shape or compressed irregularly to be stored in the airbag storage portion 18. good. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1 (a) or FIG. 13 or the like, the airbag storage portion 18 is wound directly, folded in a bellows shape, or compressed irregularly directly from a pre-folded state having a substantially triangular shape in a side view. To the airbag compartment 18
The collecting part may be formed in a state of being housed in the container.

That is, when the airbag 22 is deployed, it is deployed about a predetermined point O, which is separated from the projection port 14 by a predetermined dimension, in a state where the airbag 22 is projected from the projection port 14 by a predetermined dimension, so that the airbag 22 can be smoothly deployed. become.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the second developing portions 102 extending in two directions or the like are formed to have the same length dimension and to be eccentric, that is, to have desired length directions different from each other. The developed shape and the developed characteristics can be easily obtained.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in a general vehicle layout, the airbag device 1
That is, the dimension Lb1 between the airbag device 1, ie, the instrument panel 2 side, and the lower side, ie, the occupant side, is larger than the dimension La1, between the instrument panel 2 side and the upper side, ie, the windshield 4, side. Deployment section
With respect to the dimension of the front glass 4, ie, the dimension from the predetermined point O to the tip of each of the second developing sections 102,
By setting the dimension Lb2 on the occupant side larger than a2, the airbag 22 can be deployed smoothly so as to fill the space.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the airbag device 1 provided in the instrument panel 2 for the passenger on the front passenger seat has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the airbag device provided in the door panel or the rear surface of the front seat. The present invention can be applied to various airbag devices such as a rear seat airbag device provided.

[0069]

According to the airbag device of the first aspect, when gas is supplied to the airbag stored in the airbag storage portion of the folded case body, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment portion. Then, with the deployment of the first deployment portion, the assembly portion is made to project from the projecting opening by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into each of the second developing units constituting the collecting unit via the first developing unit, and expands each of the second developing units. And while the collection part is provided with a plurality of second development parts,
When each of the second deploying portions is deployed, the collecting portion protrudes outside the case body, so that the collecting portion can be smoothly deployed in substantially the entire circumferential direction around the predetermined point as the center. For this reason, when the gathering part is deployed, the speed at which each part of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and it is possible to suppress that only a part of the airbag is deployed at a high speed, thereby reducing the pressure on the protected object.

According to the airbag device of the second aspect,
In addition to the effect of claim 1, since the first deploying portion is wound around the outer periphery of the collecting portion, the airbag can be inclined and projected from the projecting opening as the gas is introduced and the first deploying portion rewinds. For example, the collecting portion can be made to protrude in a direction away from the protected object.

According to the airbag device of the third aspect,
When deployed, the airbag can be deployed smoothly around a predetermined point spaced from the projection by a predetermined dimension in a state where the airbag projects from the projection through a predetermined dimension.

According to the airbag folding method of the fourth aspect, when gas is supplied to the folded and stored airbag, the gas is first introduced into the first deploying section, and the gas is supplied to the first deploying section. Along with the unfolding, the collecting portion is protruded by a predetermined size. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into each of the second developing units constituting the collecting unit via the first developing unit, and expands each of the second developing units. The collecting section is provided with a plurality of second developing sections, and when each of the second developing sections expands, the collecting section projects outward from the stored position. It unfolds smoothly in almost all directions around the fixed point.
For this reason, when the gathering part is deployed, the speed at which each part of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and it is possible to suppress that only a part of the airbag is deployed at a high speed, thereby reducing the pressure on the protected object.

According to the method for folding an airbag of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect, in addition to the first aspect, the outer periphery of the collecting portion has the first
By wrapping the developing section, gas is introduced and the first
As the deploying portion unwinds, the airbag can be inclined and projected, for example, the collecting portion can be projected in a direction away from the protected object.

According to the method for folding an airbag according to the sixth aspect, when gas is supplied to the airbag folded and stored in the airbag storage section, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment section. With the deployment of the first deployment portion, the collecting portion is projected from the airbag storage portion by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into the plurality of second developing portions forming the collecting portion via the first developing portion, and the second developing portions are smoothly developed in substantially the entire circumferential direction. For this reason, when the gathering part is deployed, the speed at which each part of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and it is possible to suppress that only a part of the airbag is deployed at a high speed, thereby reducing the pressure on the protected object. Furthermore, since the first deployment portion and the second deployment portion of the airbag are folded to a width dimension that can be stored in the airbag storage portion, the work of folding the collecting portion can be facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag can be reduced. .

According to the method for folding an airbag according to the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect according to the sixth aspect, the airbag is provided with a second
Since the deploying portion is folded into a plate having a width dimension that can be stored in the airbag storing portion, the operation of folding the collecting portion can be facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag can be reduced.

According to the method for folding an airbag according to the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect according to the sixth aspect, the airbag is provided with a first
Since the deploying portion and the second deploying portion are folded into a plate having a width dimension that can be stored in the airbag storing portion, the operation of folding the collecting portion can be facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag can be reduced.

According to the airbag folding method of the ninth aspect, when gas is supplied to the airbag folded and stored in the airbag storage section, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment section. With the deployment of the first deployment portion, the collecting portion is projected from the airbag storage portion by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into the plurality of second developing portions forming the collecting portion via the first developing portion, and the second developing portions are smoothly developed in substantially the entire circumferential direction. For this reason, when the gathering part is deployed, the speed at which each part of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and it is possible to suppress that only a part of the airbag is deployed at a high speed, thereby reducing the pressure on the protected object. Further, the airbag is folded in a state where the gas introduction port is directed downward and the inside is pressurized and expanded to be located at a predetermined position, and the first deploying portion and the second deploying portion are in the airbag storage portion. Since it is folded into a substantially T-shape in a side view with a storable width, the work of folding the collecting portion can be easily performed, automation by a machine can be easily performed, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag can be reduced.

According to the airbag folding method of the tenth aspect, in addition to the effects of the sixth to ninth aspects, each second deployed portion is folded in a wave shape toward the first deployed portion to form an aggregate portion. This makes it possible to easily fold the second developing portion folded into a substantially horizontal flat plate shape in a wavy manner, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and easily improving the deployment characteristics by folding the second developing portion in a wavy shape.

According to the airbag folding method of the eleventh aspect, in addition to the effects of the sixth to tenth aspects, by wrapping the first deployment portion around the outer periphery of the collecting portion and storing it in the airbag storage portion. In addition, the folding work can be facilitated and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

According to the airbag folding method of the twelfth aspect, in addition to the effects of the sixth to eleventh aspects, the second deployment portions extending in two directions are formed with different lengths from each other. Thereby, a desired developed shape can be easily realized.

According to the airbag folding method of the thirteenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the twelfth aspect, when the airbag device having the folded airbag is provided on the instrument panel of the automobile, Since the space between the airbag device and the lower part, ie, the occupant side, is larger than the space between the airbag device and the upper part, ie, the windshield, the airbag can be smoothly deployed so as to fill the space.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a folding step showing an embodiment of an airbag device of the present invention. (A) is an explanatory view of a folding step (b) is a perspective view of a step following (a)

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the airbag device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the airbag device.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the airbag device, taken along the line AA in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line II of FIG.
It is sectional drawing.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a folding step following FIG. 1B of the airbag device.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a folding step following FIG. 5 of the airbag device.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployment operation of the airbag device.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployment operation of the airbag device, which is continued from FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployment operation of the airbag device following FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployment operation of the airbag device, which is continued from FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployment operation of the airbag device, which is continued from FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a folding step showing another embodiment of the airbag device of the present invention. (A) is an explanatory view of the folding step (b) is a cross-sectional view of a part of the folding step (c) is a cross-sectional view of a step following (b)

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a folding step showing another embodiment of the airbag device of the present invention. (A) is an explanatory view of the folding step (b) is a cross-sectional view of a part of the folding step (c) is a cross-sectional view of a step following (b)

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a folding step showing another embodiment of the airbag device of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of a folding step showing another embodiment of the airbag device of the present invention. (A) is an explanatory view of a folding step (b) is a cross-sectional view of a step following (a)

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of a folding step showing another embodiment of the airbag device of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a deployment operation of the airbag device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Airbag apparatus 12 Retainer as a case body 14 Projection opening 18 Airbag storage part 22 Airbag 101 First deployment part 102 Second development part 104 Assembly part O Predetermined point

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Ueda 218 Aoshima-cho, Fuji-shi, Shizuoka Japan F-Term in Plast Co., Ltd. (Reference) 3D044 BA07 BA12 BA14 BB01 BC02 BC13 BD04 3D054 AA03 AA07 CC04 CC09 CC29 CC47 FF17

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An airbag which inflates and deploys by inflow of gas, an airbag storage portion in which the airbag is folded and stored when not deployed, and a case body provided with a projecting opening from which the airbag projects when deployed. When the airbag is not deployed, the airbag has a tubular first deployment portion connected to the case body at the base end side and into which gas is introduced, and extends from a predetermined point on the distal end side of the first deployment portion. An airbag device, wherein the airbag device is folded into a shape including a plurality of second deployment portions provided at the predetermined point side. 2. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the first deploying portion is wound around an outer periphery of the collecting portion. 3. An airbag which inflates and deploys by inflow of gas, a case body provided with an airbag accommodating portion in which the airbag is folded and accommodated when not deployed, and a projecting opening through which the airbag projects when deployed. The airbag device according to claim 1, further comprising: when deployed, the airbag protrudes from the projecting opening by a predetermined dimension, and further deploys about a predetermined point spaced from the projecting port by a predetermined dimension. 4. A method for folding an airbag in which gas flows in from a gas inlet and inflates and deploys, comprising: a first tubular deployable portion continuous with the gas inlet; and a tip of the first deployable portion. Forming a plurality of second developed portions extending from a predetermined point on the side, and forming the aggregated portion by gathering the second developed portions on the predetermined point side. How to fold the airbag. 5. The method for folding an airbag according to claim 4, further comprising a step of winding the first deployment portion around the outer periphery of the gathering portion. 6. A method of folding an airbag which is housed in an airbag housing portion and inflates and deploys when gas flows in from a gas inlet, wherein a predetermined width is provided at a portion communicating with the gas inlet of the airbag. Forming a first deployable portion having a predetermined size, forming a second deployable portion having a predetermined width extending in two directions from a tip end of the first deployable portion, and folding the second deployable portion to a width that can be stored in the airbag storage portion. And a step of folding each of the second deployable parts toward the first deployable part to form an aggregate part. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the second deployment portion is formed in a plate shape. 8. The airbag folding method according to claim 6, wherein the first deploying portion and the second deploying portion are each formed in a plate shape. 9. A method of folding an airbag which is housed in an airbag housing portion and inflates and deploys by flowing gas from a gas inlet, wherein the airbag is held with the gas inlet facing downward. A step of pressurizing the inside of the airbag and inflating the airbag and positioning the airbag at a predetermined position; pressing a portion communicating with the gas introduction port of the airbag from the outside surface to partially fold the inside into a vertical flat plate shape The horizontal flat plate which forms the 1st development part arrange | positioned at this time, presses the part connected with the said 1st development part from an outer surface, and folds a part inward and extends in two directions from the upper end part of the said 1st development part Forming a second deploying portion arranged in a shape and forming a substantially T-shape in a side view with a width dimension that can be stored in the airbag storing portion; and folding each of the second deploying portions toward the first deploying portion. Forming a gathering part with Folding method of air bag which is characterized in. 10. The method for folding an airbag according to claim 6, further comprising a step of folding each of the second deploying portions in a wave shape toward the first deploying portion to form an aggregate portion. 11. The method for folding an airbag according to claim 6, further comprising a step of winding the first deployment portion around the outer periphery of the gathering portion and storing the first deployment portion in the airbag storage portion. 12. The airbag folding method according to claim 6, wherein the second expanding portions extending in two directions are formed to have different lengths from each other. 13. The second deploying portion includes an upper deploying portion that extends upward and a lower deploying portion that deploys downward, wherein the projecting dimension of the lower deploying portion is the projecting size of the upper deploying portion. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the size is set to be larger than the size.
3. The method for folding the airbag according to 2.