JP2003205812A - Side air bag - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a side air bag capable of effecting easy and reliable work to insert an inner by using a tool. <P>SOLUTION: Since by locking the tip (a) of the tool 13, inserted through an inlet 10 of the inner 8, at a sewn sub-part 12, a shape is arranged so that wrinkles and soft hat-form breaking are prevented from occurring to the inner 8, easy and reliable work to insert the inner 8 is carried out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a side airbag.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A side roof rail is arranged in a portion of a vehicle body corresponding to an occupant's head, and a side airbag is provided along the side roof rail for protecting an occupant in a side collision. In this type of side airbag, an airbag main body having a front-rear length from a front seat to a rear seat is folded and stored in a vertical direction. The upper end of this airbag body is fixed to the side roof rail, and the gas of the inflator is ejected from a tubular gas inlet formed in a part of the upper portion of the airbag body, so that the airbag body is directed downward. It can be developed like a curtain.

In the gas inlet of the airbag body,
For example, as known from Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-235965, a tubular inner member is inserted in the same manner, and the gas inlet has a double-tube structure. This inner is made of heat resistant cloth,
The gas inlet is provided for the purpose of reinforcing the gas inlet so as to withstand the high pressure and temperature of the gas injected from the inflator.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional technique, it is very difficult to insert the inner into the gas inlet since the inner is made of cloth and has an elongated tubular shape. Conventionally, the insertion work was performed by the operator's hand, but the workability was poor because the inner was broken in the middle and wrinkles were generated. In particular, in the case of an airbag body using a base cloth coated with rubber or the like, slippage at the gas inlet is poor, which is a problem. Furthermore, it is more serious when the gas inlet is curved along the shape of the vehicle body. Therefore, it is conceivable to insert the inner by using a tool, but an effective proposal for easily and surely inserting the inner has not been made yet.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a conventional technique, and provides a side airbag capable of easily and surely inserting an inner by using a tool.

[0006]

The invention according to claim 1 is
Inside the tubular gas inlet formed in the airbag body, insert a tubular inner, the gas ejected from the inlet side into the inner side airbag of the vehicle introduced from the outlet side into the airbag body Therefore, in the vicinity of the outlet of the inner, a locking portion capable of locking with the tip of the tool inserted from the inlet in the insertion direction of the inner is provided.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the tip of the tool inserted from the inlet of the inner is engaged with the engaging portion provided near the outlet of the inner, so that the inner is prevented from wrinkling or bending. Since the shape can be adjusted so that it will not occur, if the inner is inserted into the gas introduction port as it is and the tool is finally removed, the inner insertion work can be performed easily and reliably.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the locking portion has a structure in which opposing portions of the inner member are joined together in a superposed state.

According to the second aspect of the invention, since the engaging portion has a structure in which the opposing portions of the inner member are joined together in an overlapping state, it is easy to form the engaging portion. Any structure such as stitching, adhesion, welding, or a restraint such as a staple may be used as the structure for connecting the opposing portions of the inner in a polymerized state.

The invention according to claim 3 has a structure in which the locking portion crosses the inner gas passage.

According to the third aspect of the invention, since the locking portion has a structure that traverses the inner gas passage, even if the locking portion is left as it is, the gas passage near the outlet of the inner portion. Is secured. For the structure where the locking part crosses the inner gas flow path, there are fastener pins made of resin,
Anything may be used, such as a stitch thread provided between the opposing portions of the inner in a loose state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the engaging portion has a structure in which a part of the inner is notched or cut.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the locking portion has a structure in which a part of the inner is notched or cut, a separate member is not required and the locking portion can be formed easily. The shape of the notch and the direction of the cut may be any as long as they can receive the pushing force of the tool.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the locking portion has a structure that weakens a part of the inner.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the locking portion has a structure that weakens a part of the inner, the weak part can be formed in the process of forming the inner itself. The structure that weakens a part of the inner can be formed by partially omitting the coating or changing the weave of the inner to a part.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the locking portion is formed at at least one of the upper end position and the lower end position near the outlet.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the locking portion is located at the upper end position and the lower end position, the gas passage is secured near the inner outlet even when the locking portion is left as it is. To be done.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the locking portion can be broken by the pressure or heat of the gas.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the locking portion can be broken by the pressure or heat of the gas, the locking portion does not become a resistance to gas inflow.

In the eighth aspect of the present invention, the engaging portion can be cut after the insertion by the cutter means provided at the tip of the tool.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the locking portion can be cut after the insertion by the cutter means provided at the tip of the tool, the locking portion does not become a resistance to gas inflow.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the inner member is formed by joining the end portions of a sheet of heat-resistant cloth cut into a predetermined shape to each other at the upper end sewing portion to form a tubular shape. It is inserted into the gas inlet formed in the.

According to the invention of claim 9, since the gas inlet is formed in the upper portion of the airbag body, the gas tends to flow downward at the outlet of the inner, but the gas is sewn below the inner. Since there is no portion, the inner is not likely to burst near the outlet when the gas is ejected.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A plurality of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second and subsequent embodiments, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicated description will be omitted.

1 to 3 are views showing a first embodiment of the present invention. The airbag main body 1 according to the first embodiment is a state in which the airbag main body 1 is folded and stored in the upper portion of the vehicle body in the up-down direction, and when a side collision of the vehicle occurs, the airbag main body 1 is deployed downward along the window portion in a curtain shape. This airbag body 1
Is formed by connecting the outer circumference and the inside of two base fabrics by the sewing portion 2. The airbag body 1 has a front seat inflating section 3 corresponding to a front seat occupant and a rear seat inflating section 4 corresponding to a rear seat occupant, and a tubular communication section 5 is provided therebetween. A plurality of tab pieces 6 for fixing to the vehicle body are provided on the upper end of the airbag body 1.

Further, a tubular gas introduction port 7 is formed from the upper portion of the rear seat inflating section 4 to the rear end thereof, and gas of a combustion type (pyrotype) inflator (not shown) is introduced into the airbag body 1. You can do it. The gas inlet 7 is formed so that its rear end is partially narrow.

A tubular inner member 8 corresponding to the gas introducing port 7 is inserted into the gas introducing port 7 to form a double tubular shape. The inner member 8 is formed by joining the ends of a single piece of heat-resistant cloth cut into a predetermined shape to each other at the upper main sewing portion 9 to form a tubular shape. As the heat-resistant cloth, like the airbag body 1, it is a cloth obtained by applying a silicone coating to a nylon woven cloth. To further improve heat resistance, aramid fiber, carbon fiber or the like may be used. The inlet 8 of the inner 8 is slightly narrowed in correspondence with the gas inlet 7. Gas from an inflator (not shown) is injected from the inlet 10 side, and the gas is discharged from the outlet 11 of the inner 8.
It is adapted to be introduced into the airbag body 1 from the side. About the inner 8, combustion type (pyro type)
Although the heat-resistant cloth in consideration of the influence of heat at the time of gas generation has been described as the use of the inflator, it is not limited to such heat-resistant cloth, and when it is not necessary to consider the influence of heat so much, for example, storage Formula (storage type) or combination of this with combustion formula (hybrid type)
However, since all or a main part of the gas for expansion is compressed and held, it is possible to use a reinforcing cloth having no heat resistance.

Since the gas inlet 7 is provided in the upper portion of the airbag body 1, the gas tends to flow downward from the outlet 11 of the inner 8, but the inner 8 has no sewing portion below. Therefore, there is no possibility that the inner 8 will burst near the outlet 11 when the gas is ejected.

At a position near the upper end of the outlet 11 of the inner 8 is provided a short sub-sewn portion 12 as a "locking portion" in which opposing portions are joined in a superposed state. The sub stitching portion 12 is the main stitching portion 9
Is formed in a state of being slightly separated from.

Next, the inner 8 according to the first embodiment.
The insertion procedure of will be described with reference to FIG. This inner 8
For the insertion work of, the rod-shaped tool 13 whose tip 13a is obliquely cut is used. Then, the tool 13 is inserted into the inner 8 from the outlet 11 side, and the tip 13a is inserted between the sub stitching portion 12 and the main stitching portion 9,
The tip 13a of the tool 13 is attached to the sub-sewn portion 12,
The inner 8 is locked in the insertion direction (forward direction).

Next, the base end 13b of the tool 13 is lowered so that the tool 13 extends in the diagonal direction of the inner 8. And hold the entrance 10 of the inner 8 by hand,
Applying a rearward tension T to the inner 8
Adjust the shape so that it does not wrinkle or break in the middle. Then, in that state, insert the inner 8 together with the tool 13 into the gas introduction port 7 and remove only the tool 13,
The inner 8 can be easily and surely inserted into the gas inlet 7.

Since the sub-sewn portion 12 is formed short and is located near the upper end, even if it is left as it is,
Does not interfere with the gas flow path. In addition, the sub-suture part 1
If 2 is made of a material or strength that can be broken by the pressure or heat of the gas, it will not completely obstruct the gas flow path.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, sub stitching portions 12 and 14 are formed both above and below the outlet 11 of the inner 8. The tool 15 is a bifurcated (V-shaped) tip 15
a, 15a ', and one tip 15a' is biased in the opening direction by a spring 16 with respect to the other tip 15.

Therefore, contrary to the first embodiment, the tool 15 is provided with the outlet 1 of the inner 8 first from the base end 15b.
Insert from the 1 side and pull it back as it is. And V
Since the tip ends 15a, 15a 'are shaped in opposite directions, they are not caught in the outlet 11 of the inner member 8 and smoothly enter the inner member 8. Then, after passing through the upper and lower sub-sewn portions 12 and 14, next, push the tool 15 forward,
The upper and lower two tips 15a and 15a 'are locked to the upper and lower sub-sewn portions 12 and 14, respectively.

In that state, rearward tension T is applied to the inlet 10 of the inner 8 to adjust the shape of the inner 8.
Sub suture section 1 with V-shaped tips 15a and 15a 'engaged
The outlet 11 side where 2 and 14 are present is grasped by hand and inserted into the gas inlet 7 while being slightly thinned. When inserted and released, the V-shaped tips 15a and 15a 'reopen in the gas inlet 7 to adjust the shape of the inner 8 especially near the outlet 11. Then, after inserting the inner 8 to a predetermined position,
Remove the tool 15. Even when the tool 15 is pulled out, the V-shaped tips 15a and 15a 'are in the opposite directions, so that the tool 15 can be pulled out smoothly without resistance.

5 and 6 are views showing a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, a resin fastener pin 17 is provided at the outlet 11 of the inner member 8 as a "locking portion" that crosses the gas flow path. This fastener pin 17
Connects the opposing portions of the inner 8 in a state where a gas flow path is secured. The tool 18 for the fastener pin 17 has a U-shaped tip 18a, and a hot wire (nichrome wire) 19 serving as "cutter means" is stretched between them.
This heat wire 19 is turned on by turning on a switch (not shown).
Instant fever.

When inserting the inner 8, first the tool 1
The hot wire 19 of No. 8 is kept in a cold state without being switched on. Then, this tool 18 is inserted into the inner 8 from the tip 18a side, and the heat wire 19 portion of the tip 18a is locked to the fastener pin 17. Then, a rearward tension T is applied to the inlet 10 of the inner 8 to adjust the shape, and the inner portion 8 is inserted into the gas inlet 7 as it is. After inserting the gas into the gas inlet 7, the heating wire 19 is switched on to generate heat, the fastener pin 17 is melted and cut by the heating wire 19 having a high temperature, and the tool 18 is removed. Since the fastener pin 17 is cut, a wide gas flow path for the inner 8 after insertion is secured. Further, since the resin fastener pin 17 is melted by the heating wire 19 and cut, a flange portion such as a burr is formed on each cut surface of the fastener pin 17 which is divided into the left and right, and the flange portion serves as a stopper to cut. The fastener pins 17 thus attached do not come off from the inner 8 and remain attached. In addition, if the diameter of this fastener pin 17 is reduced,
Even if it is not cut, it does not interfere with the gas flow path.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the stitch yarn 20 is provided as a "locking portion" that connects the facing portions of the outlet 11 of the inner 8 in a loosened state. The inner 8 can be easily and surely inserted into the gas introduction port 7 by locking a tool having a bifurcated tip with respect to the stitch thread. Since the stitch thread 20 is thin, it may be left as it is, but the tool may be provided with a cutter means such as a blade and cut after the insertion. Further, the material or strength of the stitch thread 20 may be made rupturable by the pressure or heat of gas.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this fifth embodiment, the outlet 11 of the inner 8
Circular notch 2 as a "locking portion" at the facing position in
1 is formed. The inner 8 can be easily and surely inserted into the gas introduction port 7 by locking a tool having a bifurcated tip in the notch 21. In the fifth embodiment, since the notch 21 is only formed in the inner 8, the engaging portion can be formed easily without the need for a separate member as in the previous embodiment to form the engaging portion.
Instead of the notch 21, a notch may be formed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this fifth embodiment, the outlet 11 of the inner 8
A circular fragile portion 22 as a "locking portion" is formed at a position facing each other. The fragile portion 22 is formed by weaving the cloth forming the inner 8 so that the strength is weakened only in that portion and the silicon coating is omitted in that portion. Therefore, by inserting a tool having a bifurcated tip into the fragile portion 22 and locking it, the inner 8 can be easily and surely inserted into the gas introduction port 7. In the sixth embodiment as well, similar to the previous fifth embodiment, a separate member is not required to form the locking portion, and a weak portion can be formed in the process of forming the inner 8 itself.

[0041]

According to the present invention, the tip of the tool inserted from the inlet of the inner is locked to the locking portion provided near the outlet of the inner so that the inner is not wrinkled or bent. Since the shape can be adjusted, the inner can be inserted easily and surely by inserting the inner into the gas inlet and then removing the tool at the end.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a deployed state of an airbag body according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an inner.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state in which an inner tool is inserted.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state in which an inner tool according to the second embodiment is inserted.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which an inner tool according to the third embodiment is inserted.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a fastener pin portion of an inner portion according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a stitch thread portion of the inner according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an outlet portion of the inner according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an outlet portion of the inner according to the sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Airbag body 7 gas inlet 8 inner 10 entrance 11 exit 12, 14 Sub sewing part (locking part) 13, 15, 18 tools 13a, 15a, 15a ', 18a Tip 17 Fastener pin (locking part) 19 Heat rays (cutter means) 20 Stitch thread (locking part) 21 Notch (locking part) 22 Weak part (locking part) T tension

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A tubular inner is inserted into a tubular gas inlet formed in the airbag body, and gas ejected from the inlet side into the inner can be introduced into the airbag body from the outlet side. A side airbag for a vehicle, characterized in that a locking portion capable of locking the tip of a tool inserted from the inlet and the inner insertion direction is provided near the outlet of the inner. 2. The side airbag according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion has a structure in which opposing portions of the inner member are joined together in a superposed state. 3. The side airbag according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion has a structure that traverses a gas flow path of the inner. 4. The side airbag according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion has a structure in which a part of the inner member is notched or cut. 5. The side airbag according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion has a structure that weakens a part of the inner. 6. The side airbag according to claim 2, wherein the engaging portion is formed at least at one of an upper end position and a lower end position near the outlet. A characteristic side airbag. 7. The side airbag according to claim 2, wherein the locking portion is rupturable by pressure or heat of gas. 8. The side airbag according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the engaging portion can be cut after insertion by a cutter means provided at a tip of the tool. Airbag. 9. The side airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner portion is formed by cutting end portions of a single piece of heat-resistant cloth cut into a predetermined shape with each other at a sewing portion at an upper end. A side airbag characterized by being joined into a tubular shape by being inserted into a gas inlet formed in the upper portion of the airbag body.