JP2010076581A - Airbag - Google Patents

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JP2010076581A
JP2010076581A JP2008246695A JP2008246695A JP2010076581A JP 2010076581 A JP2010076581 A JP 2010076581A JP 2008246695 A JP2008246695 A JP 2008246695A JP 2008246695 A JP2008246695 A JP 2008246695A JP 2010076581 A JP2010076581 A JP 2010076581A
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tether
airbag
main body
column
folded
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JP4952694B2 (en
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Kazuhiro Nakayama
一弘 中山
Kazuaki Bito
和彰 尾藤
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Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
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Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an airbag capable of stabilizing an inflation-completed shape of a bag body by improving a tensile strength of a tether. <P>SOLUTION: The airbag 50 includes: the bag body 51; and the tether 57 for coupling walls 52 and 53 of the bag body 51, and has a substantial plate-like shape as its inflation-completed shape. The tether 57 couples the walls 52 and 53 by sewing both ends arranged apart each other up on the respective walls 52, 53 in a width direction. The tether 57 has a folded part 72 formed by folding a tethering ground fabric 69 at both ends in a direction along sewed portions 60, 61 with the walls 52, 53. The folded part 62 is superimposed on the body 70 of the tethering ground fabric 69 over a substantially entire region in a length direction of the sewed portions 60, 61 at a portion where the sewed portions 60, 61 with the tether 57 and the walls 52, 53 are arranged. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させて膨張可能な袋状のバッグ本体と、バッグ本体内に配置されてバッグ本体の相互に対向して配置される壁部相互を連結可能なテザーと、を有したエアバッグに関する。   The present invention relates to a bag-shaped bag body that can be inflated by allowing an inflating gas to flow therein, and a tether that is disposed within the bag body and that is disposed opposite to each other of the bag body. The present invention relates to an airbag having

従来、バッグ本体内に、バッグ本体を構成する壁部相互を連結するテザーを配置させた構成のエアバッグとしては座席に着座した乗員の膝の前方に位置するステアリングコラム内に折り畳まれて収納されて、作動時に、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させて、乗員の左右の膝を保護可能に膨張する膝保護用のエアバッグを挙げることができる。そして、膝保護用エアバッグ装置に使用されるエアバッグとしては、膨張完了時のバッグ本体内における前後の2箇所に、それぞれ、左右方向に沿わせるように、テザーを配置させ、テザー間に、エアバッグに膨張用ガスを供給するインフレーターを配置させた構成のものがあった(例えば、特許文献1参照)。
特開2008−114701公報
Conventionally, an airbag having a structure in which a tether for connecting walls constituting the bag body is arranged in the bag body is folded and stored in a steering column located in front of a passenger's knee seated on the seat. Thus, there can be mentioned a knee protection airbag that inflates the left and right knees of an occupant so as to protect the left and right knees by flowing an inflation gas into the interior. And as an airbag used for an air bag device for knee protection, a tether is arranged so as to be along the left and right directions respectively in the front and rear two places in the bag body at the time of completion of inflation, and between the tethers, There has been a configuration in which an inflator that supplies inflation gas to an airbag is disposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2008-114701 A

しかし、従来の膝保護用のエアバッグのように、テザー間にインフレーターを配置させる構成とする場合、インフレーターから吐出された膨張用ガスが、テザーとバッグ本体との間の隙間を流れるとともに、インフレーターからの距離も近いことから、テザーの端部を壁部に縫着させている縫合部位に、大きな引張力が作用することとなり、特に出力の大きなインフレーターを使用する場合に、テザーの強度を向上させる点に改善の余地があった。   However, in the case where the inflator is arranged between the tethers as in the conventional knee protection airbag, the inflation gas discharged from the inflator flows through the gap between the tether and the bag body, and the inflator Because the distance from is close, a large tensile force acts on the stitched area where the end of the tether is sewn to the wall, especially when using an inflator with a large output, improving the strength of the tether. There was room for improvement.

本発明は、上述の課題を解決するものであり、テザーの引張強度を向上させて、バッグ本体の膨張完了形状を安定させることが可能なエアバッグを提供することを目的とする。   The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an airbag that can improve the tensile strength of the tether and stabilize the expansion completion shape of the bag body.

本発明に係るエアバッグは、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させて膨張可能な袋状のバッグ本体と、バッグ本体内に配置されてバッグ本体の相互に対向して配置される壁部相互を連結するテザーと、を有して、膨張完了形状を略板状として構成され、
テザーが、略帯状として、相互に離隔して配置される両端を、縫合糸を用いて、幅方向に沿って、それぞれ、各壁部に縫着させて、壁部相互を連結する構成のエアバッグであって、
テザーが、壁部との縫合部位に沿った方向側の両縁側に、テザー用基布を折り返して形成される折り返し部を有する構成とされて、
折り返し部が、少なくともテザーと壁部との縫合部位が配置される部位において、テザー用基布の本体に対して、縫合部位の長さ方向の略全域にわたって厚さ方向側で重ねられる構成とされていることを特徴とする。
An airbag according to the present invention connects a bag-shaped bag body that can be inflated by allowing an inflating gas to flow therein, and a wall portion that is disposed in the bag body and is opposed to each other. The expansion completion shape is configured as a substantially plate shape,
The tether has a substantially belt-like shape and is configured so that both ends, which are spaced apart from each other, are sewn to the respective wall portions along the width direction using sutures, and the wall portions are connected to each other. A bag,
The tether is configured to have a folded portion formed by folding the tether base fabric on both edges of the direction side along the stitched portion with the wall portion,
The folded portion is configured to be overlapped with the main body of the tether base fabric on the thickness direction side over substantially the entire length direction of the suture portion at a portion where the suture portion between the tether and the wall portion is disposed. It is characterized by.

本発明のエアバッグでは、テザーにおいて、バッグ本体の壁部との縫合部位が配置される部位が、略全域にわたって、テザー用基布の本体に対して、テザー用基布の折り返し部を、厚さ方向側で重ねた構成とされている。換言すれば、テザーは、バッグ本体の壁部を含めて3枚重なった部分で、バッグ本体の壁部に縫着されている。そのため、テザーを、壁部に縫着させている縫合部位の縫合強度を大きくすることができて、テザーの引張強度を大きくすることができることから、出力の大きなインフレーターを使用する場合にも、テザーと壁部との縫合部位に応力集中が生じても、テザーへの負荷を低減(分散)させることができる。また、本発明のエアバッグでは、テザーが、壁部との縫合部位に沿った方向側の両縁側に、テザー用基布を折り返して形成される折り返し部を有した構成とされている。すなわち、本発明のエアバッグでは、テザー用基布の端末が、壁部との縫合部位に沿った方向側の両縁側に配置されないことから、エアバッグの膨張時に、テザー用基布が端末側からほつれることを防止でき、バッグ本体の膨張完了形状を安定させることができる。   In the airbag of the present invention, in the tether, the portion where the stitched portion with the wall portion of the bag main body is disposed has a thickness of the folded portion of the tether base fabric with respect to the main body of the tether base fabric over substantially the entire area. It is set as the structure piled up on the direction side. In other words, the tether is a portion where three sheets including the wall portion of the bag body overlap, and is sewn to the wall portion of the bag body. Therefore, the tether is sewn to the wall and the stitching strength of the stitched area can be increased, and the tensile strength of the tether can be increased. Therefore, even when using an inflator with a large output, the tether Even if stress concentration occurs at the stitched site between the wall and the wall, the load on the tether can be reduced (dispersed). In the airbag of the present invention, the tether has a folded portion formed by folding the tether base fabric on both edge sides in the direction side along the stitched portion with the wall portion. That is, in the airbag of the present invention, the tether base fabric ends are not arranged on both edge sides in the direction side along the stitched portion with the wall portion. Can be prevented from fraying, and the expansion completion shape of the bag body can be stabilized.

したがって、本発明のエアバッグでは、テザーの引張強度を向上させて、バッグ本体の膨張完了形状を安定させることができる。   Therefore, in the airbag of the present invention, it is possible to improve the tensile strength of the tether and stabilize the inflated complete shape of the bag body.

また、本発明のエアバッグにおいて、テザーを、略全域にわたって、本体と折り返し部とを厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構成とすれば、テザーの引張強度を一層向上させることができて、好ましい。   Further, in the airbag of the present invention, if the tether has a two-layer structure in which the main body and the folded portion are overlapped on the thickness direction side over substantially the entire region, the tensile strength of the tether can be further improved. preferable.

さらに、上記構成のエアバッグにおいて、テザーを、エアバッグを収納部位に取り付ける取付部の周縁を補強可能な補強部を備える構成として、
補強部を、本体から延びる部材と、一方の折り返し部のみから延びる部材と、を厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構成とすることが好ましい。
Furthermore, in the airbag having the above-described configuration, the tether is provided with a reinforcing portion that can reinforce the periphery of the mounting portion that attaches the airbag to the storage site.
It is preferable that the reinforcing portion has a two-layer structure in which a member extending from the main body and a member extending only from one folded portion are stacked on the thickness direction side.

上記構成のエアバッグでは、テザーが補強部を備える構成とされていることから、取付部の周縁に、別体の補強布を配置させなくともよい。また、この補強部は、それぞれ、分割されることなく補強エリアの全域を占める一枚状の、本体から延びる部材と、一方の折り返し部のみから延びる部材と、して、それらの部材を厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構成とされていることから、取付部周縁においても、充分な引張強度を確保することができる。   In the airbag having the above configuration, since the tether is configured to include the reinforcing portion, it is not necessary to arrange a separate reinforcing cloth on the periphery of the mounting portion. Further, each of the reinforcing portions is a single member that occupies the entire area of the reinforcing area without being divided, and a member that extends from only one folded portion, and a member that extends only from one folded portion. Since the two-layer structure is overlapped on the direction side, sufficient tensile strength can be secured even at the periphery of the attachment portion.

以下、本発明の一実施形態を図面に基づいて説明する。実施形態では、膝保護用エアバッグ装置Mに使用されるエアバッグ50を例に採り説明する。実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置Mは、図1に示すように、運転席に着座した運転者(乗員)Dの膝K(KL,KR)を保護するもので、ステアリングコラム3を覆うように配置されるコラムカバー16内の下部16a側に収納されるステアリングコラム付けタイプのものである。膝保護用エアバッグ装置Mは、図2,3に示すように、折り畳んだエアバッグ50と、エアバッグ50に膨張用ガスを供給するインフレーター34と、を、コラムカバー16内の下部16a側に設けられた収納部位P(図2,3参照)内に収納させて、構成されている。   Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, an airbag 50 used in the knee protection airbag apparatus M will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 1, the knee protection airbag apparatus M of the embodiment protects a knee K (KL, KR) of a driver (occupant) D seated in a driver's seat and covers the steering column 3. This is a type with a steering column that is housed on the side of the lower portion 16a in the column cover 16 that is disposed. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the knee protection airbag apparatus M includes a folded airbag 50 and an inflator 34 that supplies inflation gas to the airbag 50 on the lower portion 16 a side in the column cover 16. It is configured to be housed in the provided storage site P (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

なお、本明細書では、前後、上下、及び、左右の方向は、特に断らない限り、ステアリングコラム3の軸方向を基準とされるもので、ステアリングコラム3の軸方向に沿った方向を前後方向とし、ステアリングコラム3の軸方向と直交する上下の方向を上下方向とし、ステアリングコラム3の軸方向と直交する左右の方向を左右方向としている。   In the present specification, the front and rear, top and bottom, and left and right directions are based on the axial direction of the steering column 3 unless otherwise specified, and the direction along the axial direction of the steering column 3 is the front and rear direction. The vertical direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the steering column 3 is defined as the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the steering column 3 is defined as the horizontal direction.

コラムカバー16は、図1,2に示すように、ステアリングコラム3を覆うような略四角筒形状の合成樹脂製として、図示しない部位でステアリングコラム3のコラムチューブ5に取り付けられ、インストルメントパネル(以下「インパネ」と省略する)7の収納用開口10から後方側へ突出するとともに、ステアリングコラム3の軸方向O(図2参照)に沿うように前端側を下方に位置させ後端側を上方に位置させるように傾斜させて、着座した運転者Dの前方に配設されている。なお、ステアリングコラム3は、図2,4に示すように、メインシャフト4とその周囲に配置されるコラムチューブ5とを備えて構成され、メインシャフト4には、ステアリングホイール1が接続されている。また、インパネ7は、上部側のアッパパネル8と下部側のロアパネル9とから構成されている。   As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the column cover 16 is made of a synthetic resin having a substantially rectangular tube shape so as to cover the steering column 3, and is attached to the column tube 5 of the steering column 3 at an unillustrated portion. (Hereinafter abbreviated as “instrument panel”) 7 protrudes rearward from the storage opening 10, and the front end side is positioned downward along the axial direction O (see FIG. 2) of the steering column 3, and the rear end side is upward. It is disposed in front of the driver D who is seated at an angle so as to be positioned at the front. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the steering column 3 includes a main shaft 4 and a column tube 5 disposed around the main shaft 4, and a steering wheel 1 is connected to the main shaft 4. . The instrument panel 7 includes an upper panel 8 on the upper side and a lower panel 9 on the lower side.

また、コラムカバー16には、図1,5,6に示すように、外周面18の下面18a側から左側面18bと右側面18cとにわたるエリアに、エアバッグ50の突出時における突出用開口22を形成するように、エアバッグ50に押されて開く扉部24が、配設されている。扉部24は、インパネ7の後面(下面)12より後方側に配置されるもので(図2,4参照)、コラムカバー16の下面18a側に配置される下ドア部25と、コラムカバー16の左側面18b側に配置される左ドア部26と、コラムカバー16の右側面18c側に配置される右ドア部27と、から、構成され、周囲には、膨張するエアバッグ50に押されて破断可能な破断予定部23が、形成されている。破断予定部23は、コラムカバー16の肉厚を薄くするように、コラムカバー16を構成する周壁部17の内周面側に、連続する線状の凹溝を設けて構成されている(図5参照)。そして、扉部24は、下ドア部25の後縁側に配置されたインテグラルヒンジからなるヒンジ部24aを開き時の回転中心として前縁24b側を後方側に回転させて開くこととなる。このとき、左ドア部26と右ドア部27とは、図3,5に示すように、開き前の下縁側をそれぞれ下ドア部25の左右両縁に連結させた状態で、下ドア部25とともに後方側に開き、さらに反転して、コラムカバー16の左側面18bと右側面18cとに接触するように、配置されることとなる(図6参照)。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the column cover 16 has a protruding opening 22 when the airbag 50 protrudes in an area extending from the lower surface 18 a side to the left side surface 18 b and the right side surface 18 c of the outer peripheral surface 18. A door portion 24 that is pushed and opened by the airbag 50 is provided. The door portion 24 is disposed on the rear side of the rear surface (lower surface) 12 of the instrument panel 7 (see FIGS. 2 and 4), and includes a lower door portion 25 disposed on the lower surface 18 a side of the column cover 16, and the column cover 16. The left door portion 26 is disposed on the left side surface 18b side, and the right door portion 27 is disposed on the right side surface 18c side of the column cover 16. The periphery is pushed by the inflating airbag 50. A breakable planned portion 23 that can be broken is formed. The planned fracture portion 23 is configured by providing continuous linear concave grooves on the inner peripheral surface side of the peripheral wall portion 17 constituting the column cover 16 so as to reduce the thickness of the column cover 16 (FIG. 5). And the door part 24 will be opened by rotating the front edge 24b side to the back side by using the hinge part 24a which consists of an integral hinge arrange | positioned at the rear edge side of the lower door part 25 as a rotation center at the time of opening. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the left door portion 26 and the right door portion 27 are connected to the left and right edges of the lower door portion 25 in the state where the lower edge side before opening is respectively connected to the lower door portion 25. At the same time, it opens rearward and is further inverted so as to be in contact with the left side surface 18b and the right side surface 18c of the column cover 16 (see FIG. 6).

また、実施形態の場合、図1,5,6に示すように、コラムカバー16には、扉部24の前方側に、エアバッグ50の突出用開口22の面積を大きくできるように、扉部24とともにエアバッグ50に押し広げられる補助ドア部28が、設けられている。補助ドア部28は、それぞれ、周囲に破断予定部23を配置させて、コラムカバー16の下面18a側に配置される補助下ドア部29と、コラムカバー16の左側面18b側に配置される補助左ドア部30と、コラムカバー16の右側面18c側に配置される補助右ドア部31と、から、構成されている。補助下ドア部29、補助左ドア部30、及び、補助右ドア部31は、それぞれ、前縁側にインテグラルヒンジからなるヒンジ部29a,30a,31aを配置させて、後縁29b,30b,31bを前方側に回転させて開くように、配設されている(図5,6参照)。   In the case of the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the column cover 16 has a door portion on the front side of the door portion 24 so that the area of the protrusion opening 22 of the airbag 50 can be increased. An auxiliary door portion 28 that is pushed together with the air bag 50 together with 24 is provided. The auxiliary door portions 28 are each provided with a planned fracture portion 23 around the auxiliary lower door portion 29 arranged on the lower surface 18a side of the column cover 16 and the auxiliary arranged on the left side surface 18b side of the column cover 16. The left door portion 30 and the auxiliary right door portion 31 disposed on the right side surface 18c side of the column cover 16 are configured. The auxiliary lower door portion 29, the auxiliary left door portion 30, and the auxiliary right door portion 31 are respectively provided with hinge portions 29a, 30a, 31a made of integral hinges on the front edge side, and rear edges 29b, 30b, 31b. It is arrange | positioned so that it may rotate and open to the front side (refer FIG.5, 6).

また、図2,3,5に示すように、コラムカバー16の内部における補助ドア部28の前縁側と扉部24の後縁側とには、それぞれ、左右両縁側を周壁部17における左側壁17bと右側壁17cとに連結させるようにして、周壁部17の下壁17aから上方に延びる側壁19,20が、形成されている。これらの側壁19,20は、ケース43とともに、折り畳まれたエアバッグ50を収納する収納部位Pを構成するものである。さらに、側壁19,20は、折り畳まれたエアバッグ50とインフレーター34とを収納するケース43を取り付ける取付壁の役目を果たすもので、ケース43の各係止片45a,47aを挿入させて、周縁を係止片45a,47aに係止させる複数の係止孔19a,20aを備えている(図2,3参照)。   As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the left and right side walls 17 b of the peripheral wall portion 17 are respectively arranged on the front edge side of the auxiliary door portion 28 and the rear edge side of the door portion 24 inside the column cover 16. Side walls 19 and 20 extending upward from the lower wall 17a of the peripheral wall portion 17 are formed so as to be connected to the right side wall 17c. These side walls 19 and 20 together with the case 43 constitute a storage part P for storing the folded airbag 50. Further, the side walls 19 and 20 serve as a mounting wall for attaching the case 43 that houses the folded airbag 50 and the inflator 34, and the respective locking pieces 45a and 47a of the case 43 are inserted into the peripheral edges. Are provided with a plurality of locking holes 19a, 20a for locking the locking pieces 45a, 47a (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

なお、実施形態の場合、折り畳まれたエアバッグ50を収納する収納部位Pは、前後両側を、ケース43における側壁45,47に囲まれ、左右両側を、扉部24の左ドア部26、右ドア部27、補助左ドア部30、及び、補助右ドア部31に囲まれ、上方側を、ケース43の天井壁44に囲まれ、下方側を、下ドア部25と補助下ドア部29とに囲まれるようにして、設定されている(図2,3参照)。   In the case of the embodiment, the storage portion P for storing the folded airbag 50 is surrounded by the side walls 45 and 47 in the case 43 on both the front and rear sides, and the left and right sides on the left door portion 26 of the door portion 24 and the right side. Surrounded by the door portion 27, the auxiliary left door portion 30, and the auxiliary right door portion 31, the upper side is surrounded by the ceiling wall 44 of the case 43, and the lower side is the lower door portion 25 and the auxiliary lower door portion 29. (See FIGS. 2 and 3).

インフレーター34は、図2〜4に示すように、膨張用ガスを吐出させるガス吐出口36aを有した本体35と、本体35と連結されてガス吐出口36aから吐出された膨張用ガスの流出方向を規制するディフューザー37と、を備えて構成されている。本体35は、複数のガス吐出口36aを外周面に設けた円柱状の頭部36を先端に有した略円柱状とされるもので、実施形態の場合、軸方向を、ステアリングコラム3の軸方向Oに沿わせるように、略前後方向に沿って配置されて、後端側に、頭部36を配設させた構成とされている。ディフューザー37は、ガス吐出口36aから吐出された膨張用ガスGを、コラムカバー16における左右両側、すなわち、左ドア部26側と右ドア部27側とに向けて流すためのものであり、実施形態の場合、板金製として、軸方向を左右方向に沿わせるとともに両端側を開口させた略四角筒形状とされている。ディフューザー37の前壁37aにおける左右方向の中央付近には、本体35の頭部36側を挿入させるための円形に開口した組付孔38が形成されている。また、ディフューザー37の天井壁37bには、上方へ突出する二本のボルト39が、左右方向に沿って並設されている。実施形態の場合、ディフューザー37は、エアバッグ50のバッグ本体51内におけるテザー57F,57B間の部位に、収納されるもので、エアバッグ50とインフレーター34とは、エアバッグ50の後述する取付孔55から突出させた各ボルト39を、ケース43の後述する天井壁44から突出させて、コラムチューブ5に設けられたブラケット5aにナット40止めすることにより、ケース43に取り付けられている(図2参照)。なお、実施形態では、このボルト39をブラケット5aにナット40止めすることにより、膝保護用エアバッグ装置Mが、コラムチューブ5に連結されて、車両のボディ側に連結される構成である。   2 to 4, the inflator 34 is connected to the main body 35 having a gas discharge port 36a for discharging the expansion gas, and the outflow direction of the expansion gas discharged from the gas discharge port 36a. And a diffuser 37 that regulates the above. The main body 35 has a substantially cylindrical shape having a cylindrical head portion 36 provided with a plurality of gas discharge ports 36a on the outer peripheral surface at the tip, and in the case of the embodiment, the axial direction is the axis of the steering column 3. The head 36 is arranged along the front-rear direction so as to follow the direction O, and the head 36 is disposed on the rear end side. The diffuser 37 is for flowing the inflation gas G discharged from the gas discharge port 36a toward the left and right sides of the column cover 16, that is, toward the left door portion 26 side and the right door portion 27 side. In the case of the form, it is made of sheet metal and has a substantially rectangular tube shape in which the axial direction is along the left-right direction and both ends are opened. Near the center of the front wall 37a of the diffuser 37 in the left-right direction, an assembly hole 38 having a circular opening for inserting the head 36 side of the main body 35 is formed. Further, two bolts 39 projecting upward are juxtaposed on the ceiling wall 37b of the diffuser 37 along the left-right direction. In the case of the embodiment, the diffuser 37 is housed in a portion between the tethers 57F and 57B in the bag body 51 of the airbag 50, and the airbag 50 and the inflator 34 are attachment holes to be described later of the airbag 50. Each bolt 39 protruded from 55 is protruded from a ceiling wall 44 (described later) of the case 43, and is attached to the case 43 by fixing the nut 40 to a bracket 5a provided on the column tube 5 (FIG. 2). reference). In the embodiment, the knee protection airbag device M is connected to the column tube 5 and connected to the vehicle body side by fastening the bolt 39 to the bracket 5a with the nut 40.

ケース43は、図2,4に示すように、断面略逆U字形状とした板金製として、天井壁44と、天井壁44の前後の縁から下方に延びる側壁45,47と、を備えて構成されている。各側壁45,47には、コラムカバー16の側壁19,20に設けた各係止孔19a,20aに挿入されて、側壁19,20と連結される複数の断面略J字形状の係止片45a,47aが、形成されている(図2,4参照)。天井壁44には、インフレーター34の各ボルト39を貫通させる貫通孔44aが、形成されている。また、ケース43における前方側の側壁45は、図4に示すように、左右方向の中央付近で分離されており、この側壁45の分離された部位に、インフレーター34の本体35をケース43に固定する取付座46が、形成されている。取付座46は、側壁45,47間に頭部36側を挿入させた本体35を収納するように、軸方向を、ステアリングコラム3の軸方向O、すなわち、前後方向に略沿って配置させた略半割円筒状としている。具体的には、取付座46は、本体35の下半分を覆うような略半割円筒状とされている。また、取付座46の前端側には、本体35を取付座46に固定するクランプ部46aが、配設されている。このクランプ部46aは、縮径させることにより本体35の外周面に圧接させるように塑性変形させて、本体35を取付座46に固定する構成である。   As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the case 43 is made of sheet metal having a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section, and includes a ceiling wall 44 and side walls 45 and 47 extending downward from front and rear edges of the ceiling wall 44. It is configured. The side walls 45 and 47 are inserted into the locking holes 19a and 20a provided in the side walls 19 and 20 of the column cover 16 and connected to the side walls 19 and 20, respectively. 45a and 47a are formed (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The ceiling wall 44 is formed with through holes 44 a through which the bolts 39 of the inflator 34 pass. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the front side wall 45 of the case 43 is separated in the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction, and the main body 35 of the inflator 34 is fixed to the case 43 at the separated part of the side wall 45. A mounting seat 46 is formed. The mounting seat 46 is arranged with the axial direction substantially along the axial direction O of the steering column 3, that is, the front-rear direction, so as to house the main body 35 with the head 36 side inserted between the side walls 45, 47. It has a substantially half cylindrical shape. Specifically, the mounting seat 46 has a substantially half-cylindrical shape that covers the lower half of the main body 35. A clamp portion 46 a that fixes the main body 35 to the mounting seat 46 is disposed on the front end side of the mounting seat 46. The clamp portion 46 a is configured to fix the main body 35 to the mounting seat 46 by being plastically deformed so as to be pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the main body 35 by reducing the diameter.

エアバッグ50は、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させて膨張可能な袋状のバッグ本体51と、バッグ本体51内に配置されるテザー57F,57Bと、から構成されるもので、膨張完了形状を略板状として、構成されている。   The airbag 50 includes a bag-like bag body 51 that can be inflated by inflating an inflating gas therein, and tethers 57F and 57B disposed in the bag body 51. It is configured as a substantially plate shape.

バッグ本体51(エアバッグ50)は、膨張完了時に、コラムカバー16の扉部24が開いて形成される突出用開口22から突出して、コラムカバー16の下面18aに沿うように、略前後方向に沿って配設されるもので、図7,8に示すように、乗員としての運転者Dの左右の膝K(KL,KR)を保護可能に、左右方向側を長くした横長の略長方形板状として、構成されている。実施形態の場合、詳細には、バッグ本体51は、膨張完了形状を、後縁51b側を幅広として前縁51a側にかけて左右方向の幅寸法を狭めるような左右対称形の略台形状とされるもので、膨張完了時に、コラムカバー16の下面18a側と、コラムカバー16の下側から左右両側にかけてのインパネ7の後面12側と、を覆って、運転者Dの左右の膝K(KL,KR)の車両前方側に配置されるように、構成されている。また、バッグ本体51は、図7〜9に示すように、相互に対向するように配置されて、膨張完了時に運転者D側となる下面側に配置される乗員側壁部52と、膨張完了時にコラムカバー16側となる上面側に配置されるコラム側壁部53と、を備える構成とされている。実施形態の場合、乗員側壁部52とコラム側壁部53とは、外形形状を略同一として、外周縁相互を結合させて、バッグ本体51を構成している。   When the inflation is completed, the bag body 51 (airbag 50) protrudes from the protruding opening 22 formed by opening the door portion 24 of the column cover 16, and extends substantially in the front-rear direction along the lower surface 18a of the column cover 16. 7 and 8, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a horizontally long rectangular plate having a long left and right side so as to protect the left and right knees K (KL, KR) of the driver D as an occupant. It is configured as a shape. In the case of the embodiment, in detail, the bag body 51 has a substantially trapezoidal shape that is left-right symmetric so that the rear end 51b is wide and the width in the left-right direction is narrowed toward the front edge 51a. When the expansion is completed, the lower side 18a of the column cover 16 and the rear side 12 of the instrument panel 7 from the lower side to the left and right sides of the column cover 16 are covered, and the left and right knees K (KL, KR) is arranged on the vehicle front side. Moreover, the bag main body 51 is arrange | positioned so that it may mutually oppose, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, The passenger | crew side wall part 52 arrange | positioned at the lower surface side used as the driver | operator D side at the time of completion of inflation, And a column side wall portion 53 disposed on the upper surface side which is the column cover 16 side. In the case of the embodiment, the occupant side wall 52 and the column side wall 53 have substantially the same outer shape, and the outer peripheral edges are coupled to each other to constitute the bag body 51.

コラム側壁部53における前後左右の中央付近には、図7に示すように、インフレーター34における本体35の後端側(頭部36側)を挿入させるための円形に開口した挿入孔54が、形成されている。この挿入孔54は、エアバッグ50の内部にインフレーター34のディフューザー37を収納させた際に、ディフューザー37の前壁37aに形成される組付孔38に対応する位置に、形成されている。また、コラム側壁部53における挿入孔54の左右両側には、ディフューザー37のボルト39を突出させるための取付孔55が、形成されている。実施形態の場合、挿入孔54及び取付孔55は、コラム側壁部53におけるテザー57F,57B間の領域(縫合部位61F,61B間の領域)に、形成されている(図7,9参照)。   As shown in FIG. 7, a circular opening hole 54 is formed in the column side wall 53 near the center of the front, rear, left and right to insert the rear end side (head 36 side) of the main body 35 of the inflator 34. Has been. The insertion hole 54 is formed at a position corresponding to the assembly hole 38 formed in the front wall 37 a of the diffuser 37 when the diffuser 37 of the inflator 34 is accommodated in the airbag 50. Further, attachment holes 55 for projecting the bolts 39 of the diffuser 37 are formed on the left and right sides of the insertion hole 54 in the column side wall 53. In the case of the embodiment, the insertion hole 54 and the attachment hole 55 are formed in a region between the tethers 57F and 57B (a region between the stitched portions 61F and 61B) in the column side wall 53 (see FIGS. 7 and 9).

テザー57は、バッグ本体51内において、乗員側壁部52とコラム側壁部53とを連結するように配置されるもので、実施形態の場合、バッグ本体51を、短手方向側(前後方向側)で、略3分割した位置となる2箇所において、それぞれ、バッグ本体51の長手方向側(左右方向側)に略沿って、配設されている(図7〜9参照)。各テザー57(57F,57B)は、それぞれ、帯状とされて、相互に離隔して配置される両端、詳細には、短手方向側の両縁(上縁57a及び下縁57b)を、縫合糸を用いて、それぞれ、乗員側壁部52とコラム側壁部53とに縫着させている。実施形態の場合、各テザー57F,57Bは、長手方向側の両縁(左縁57c及び右縁57d)と、バッグ本体51における左右方向の縁部と、の間に、隙間を設けるようにして、短手方向側の両縁(上縁57a及び下縁57b)を、縫合糸を用いて、それぞれ、幅方向(テザー57F,57Bの幅方向であって図例では長手方向である左右方向)に沿って、乗員側壁部52とコラム側壁部53とに縫着させている。また、実施形態の場合、後側に配置されるテザー57Bは、前側に配置されるテザー57Fよりも左右方向の幅寸法を大きく設定されている。実施形態のエアバッグ50では、インフレーター34が、テザー57F,57Bの間に配置されており、インフレーター34から吐出された膨張用ガスGは、各テザー57F,57Bとバッグ本体51における左右両縁との間の隙間を経て、バッグ本体51の前縁51a側と後縁51b側とに向かって流れ、バッグ本体51(エアバッグ50)全体を膨張させることとなる(図7の二点鎖線参照)。   The tether 57 is disposed in the bag body 51 so as to connect the occupant side wall portion 52 and the column side wall portion 53. In the case of the embodiment, the bag body 51 is placed on the short side (front-rear direction side). Thus, at two locations that are substantially divided into three positions, they are disposed substantially along the longitudinal direction side (left-right direction side) of the bag body 51 (see FIGS. 7 to 9). Each of the tethers 57 (57F, 57B) is formed in a belt-like shape, and both ends that are spaced apart from each other, specifically, both edges (upper edge 57a and lower edge 57b) on the short side are sewn together. The thread is sewn to the occupant side wall 52 and the column side wall 53, respectively. In the case of the embodiment, each of the tethers 57F and 57B is provided with a gap between both longitudinal edges (the left edge 57c and the right edge 57d) and the lateral edge of the bag body 51. , Both edges (upper edge 57a and lower edge 57b) on the short direction side are respectively used in the width direction (the horizontal direction of the tethers 57F and 57B, which is the longitudinal direction in the illustrated example) using sutures. The occupant side wall 52 and the column side wall 53 are sewn together. In the case of the embodiment, the tether 57B arranged on the rear side is set to have a larger width dimension in the left-right direction than the tether 57F arranged on the front side. In the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the inflator 34 is disposed between the tethers 57F and 57B, and the inflation gas G discharged from the inflator 34 is between the left and right edges of the tethers 57F and 57B and the bag body 51. The bag body 51 flows toward the front edge 51a side and the rear edge 51b side of the bag main body 51 through the gap between them, and the entire bag main body 51 (airbag 50) is inflated (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7). .

また、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、テザー57F,57B間にインフレーター34のディフューザー37を配置させるために、後方に配置されるテザー57Bが、下縁57b側に位置する乗員側壁部52との縫合部位60Bを、上縁57a側に位置するコラム側壁部53との縫合部位61Bよりも、前方側にずらして、構成されている(図9参照)。さらに、実施形態の場合、テザー57Bは、図7,9に示すように、上縁57aにおける左右方向の中央から前方に延びるように形成される補強部58を、備えている。この補強部58は、略長方形状とされるもので、コラム側壁部53における挿入孔54、及び、エアバッグ50を収納部位Pを構成するケース43に取り付ける取付部としての取付孔55、の周縁を、それぞれ、補強するためのものであり、挿入孔54及び取付孔55に対応した開口(図符号省略)を有している(図10参照)。実施形態の場合、補強部58の前縁58aは、テザー57Fの上縁57aをコラム側壁部53に縫着させる縫合部位61Bによって、コラム側壁部53に縫着されている。   Further, in the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the tether 57B arranged at the rear side is stitched with the occupant side wall 52 located on the lower edge 57b side in order to arrange the diffuser 37 of the inflator 34 between the tethers 57F and 57B. The part 60B is configured to be shifted forward from the stitching part 61B with the column side wall 53 located on the upper edge 57a side (see FIG. 9). Further, in the case of the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the tether 57B includes a reinforcing portion 58 formed to extend forward from the center in the left-right direction at the upper edge 57a. The reinforcing portion 58 has a substantially rectangular shape, and the periphery of the insertion hole 54 in the column side wall portion 53 and the attachment hole 55 as an attachment portion for attaching the airbag 50 to the case 43 constituting the storage portion P. Are respectively provided with openings corresponding to the insertion holes 54 and the mounting holes 55 (not shown) (see FIG. 10). In the case of the embodiment, the front edge 58a of the reinforcing portion 58 is sewn to the column side wall portion 53 by a stitching portion 61B that sews the upper edge 57a of the tether 57F to the column side wall portion 53.

また、実施形態の場合、各テザー57F,57Bは、幅寸法(長手方向に沿った長さ寸法)を、各テザー57F,57Bの幅寸法の略2倍に設定された帯状のテザー用基布69F,69Bから構成されている(図11,12参照)。   In the case of the embodiment, each tether 57F, 57B has a belt-like tether base fabric in which the width dimension (length dimension along the longitudinal direction) is set to be approximately twice the width dimension of each tether 57F, 57B. 69F and 69B (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

詳細には、前側のテザー57Fを構成するテザー用基布69Fは、図12に示すように、長手方向を左右方向に沿わせた帯状とされており、テザー57Fは、帯状のテザー用基布69Fの長手方向側の縁部69a,69bを相互に突き合わせるように、短手方向に沿った折目を付けて折り返して、構成されている。このテザー57Fにおいて、テザー用基布69Fの縁部69a,69bは、左右方向の中央付近に配置されることとなる。すなわち、テザー用基布69Fは、長手方向の幅寸法をテザー57Fと一致させて構成される本体70Fと、本体70Fの右縁から延びる右折り返し部72Fと、本体70Fの左縁から延びる左折り返し部74Fと、を有して、右折り返し部72F,左折り返し部74Fを、車両搭載時における本体70Fの前面側において、先端(縁部69a,69b)相互を、突き合わせるように配置させた構成とされている。換言すれば、右折り返し部72F,左折り返し部74Fは、左右方向の略全域にわたって、本体70Fに対して厚さ方向側(車両搭載時における前面側)で重ねられる構成とされるもので、テザー57Fは、略全域にわたって、本体70Fと、右折り返し部72F,左折り返し部74Fと、を、厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構造として、構成されている。   Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the tether base fabric 69F constituting the front tether 57F has a belt-like shape whose longitudinal direction extends in the left-right direction, and the tether 57F is a belt-like tether base fabric. The edge portions 69a and 69b on the longitudinal direction side of 69F are configured to be folded and folded along the short-side direction so as to face each other. In the tether 57F, the edges 69a and 69b of the tether base fabric 69F are arranged near the center in the left-right direction. That is, the tether base fabric 69F has a main body 70F configured to have a width dimension in the longitudinal direction coincident with the tether 57F, a right turn portion 72F extending from the right edge of the main body 70F, and a left turn extending from the left edge of the main body 70F. And the right folded portion 72F and the left folded portion 74F are arranged so that the front ends (edge portions 69a and 69b) abut each other on the front side of the main body 70F when mounted on the vehicle. It is said that. In other words, the right folded portion 72F and the left folded portion 74F are configured to overlap the main body 70F on the thickness direction side (front side when mounted on a vehicle) over substantially the entire left and right direction. 57F is configured as a two-layered structure in which the main body 70F, the right folded portion 72F, and the left folded portion 74F are stacked on the thickness direction side over substantially the entire area.

後側の前側のテザー57Bを構成するテザー用基布69Bは、図11に示すように、右側の縁部69b近傍と左右方向の中央付近とに、補強部58を構成する補強用部71,73を突設させて構成される長手方向を左右方向に沿わせた帯状とされており、テザー57Bは、補強用部71,73を相互に重ねつつ、このテザー用基布69Bの長手方向側の縁部69a,69bを相互に突き合わせるように、短手方向に沿った折目を付けて折り返して、構成されている。なお、図11では、テザー用基布69B及びテザー57Bを、車両搭載時の前側を下側として、上方側から見ていることから、実際の車両搭載時と左右が反転している。このテザー57Bにおいて、テザー用基布69Bの縁部69a,69bは、補強部58の左側となる左右の中央から左にずれた位置に配置されることとなる。すなわち、テザー用基布69Bは、長手方向の幅寸法をテザー57Bと一致させて構成されるとともに補強用部71を備える本体70B(テザー57Bにおける左右方向の中央を中心として左右対称形とされる)と、本体70Bの右縁から延びるとともに補強用部73を備える右折り返し部72B(テザー57Bにおける左右方向の中央を中心として左右非対称形とされる)と、本体70Bの左縁から延びる左折り返し部74B(テザー57Bにおける左右方向の中央を中心として左右非対称形とされる)と、を有して、右折り返し部72B,左折り返し部74Bを、車両搭載時における本体70Bの後面側において、先端相互を、突き合わせるように配置させた構成とされている。換言すれば、右折り返し部72B,左折り返し部74Bは、左右方向の略全域にわたって、本体70Bに対して厚さ方向側(車両搭載時における後面側)で重ねられる構成とされるもので、テザー57Bは、略全域にわたって、本体70Bと、右折り返し部72B,左折り返し部74Bと、を、厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構造として、構成されている。また、テザー57Bの補強部58も、本体70Bから延びる補強用部71と、右折り返し部72Bのみから延びる補強用部73と、を、厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構造として、構成されている。   As shown in FIG. 11, the tether base fabric 69B that constitutes the front tether 57B on the rear side includes a reinforcing portion 71 that constitutes the reinforcing portion 58 in the vicinity of the right edge portion 69b and the central portion in the left-right direction. The tether 57B is formed in a belt shape with the longitudinal direction formed by projecting 73 in the left-right direction, and the tether 57B overlaps the reinforcing portions 71 and 73 with each other while the longitudinal direction side of the tether base fabric 69B. The edge portions 69a and 69b are folded and folded along the short direction so as to abut each other. In FIG. 11, since the tether base fabric 69B and the tether 57B are viewed from the upper side with the front side when the vehicle is mounted as the lower side, the left and right are reversed from those when the vehicle is actually mounted. In the tether 57B, the edges 69a and 69b of the tether base fabric 69B are arranged at positions shifted leftward from the left and right centers on the left side of the reinforcing portion 58. That is, the tether base fabric 69B is configured to have a width dimension in the longitudinal direction that coincides with that of the tether 57B, and is provided with a main body 70B having a reinforcing portion 71 (the center in the left-right direction of the tether 57B is symmetrical). ), A right turn portion 72B (which is asymmetrical with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the tether 57B) extending from the right edge of the main body 70B and a left turn extending from the left edge of the main body 70B. Portion 74B (which is asymmetrical with respect to the center of the tether 57B in the left-right direction), and the right turn-back portion 72B and the left turn-back portion 74B are arranged on the rear surface side of the main body 70B when mounted on the vehicle. It is set as the structure arrange | positioned so that it may mutually face. In other words, the right folded portion 72B and the left folded portion 74B are configured to overlap the main body 70B on the thickness direction side (rear surface side when mounted on the vehicle) over substantially the entire left and right direction. 57B is configured as a two-layered structure in which the main body 70B, the right folded portion 72B, and the left folded portion 74B are stacked on the thickness direction side over substantially the entire area. Further, the reinforcing portion 58 of the tether 57B is also configured as a two-layer structure in which a reinforcing portion 71 extending from the main body 70B and a reinforcing portion 73 extending only from the right folded portion 72B are stacked on the thickness direction side. ing.

なお、実施形態の場合、各テザー57F,57Bは、テザー用基布69F,69Bの縁部69a,69bをインフレーター34側に配置させないように、ディフューザー37の前方に配置されるテザー57Fでは本体70Fを後方に位置させ、ディフューザー37の後方に配置されるテザー57Bでは本体70Bを前方に位置させるように、バッグ本体51内に配置されている。すなわち、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、各テザー57F,57Bを構成するテザー用基布69F,69Bの長手方向側の端末(長手方向側の縁部69a,69b)に、インフレーター34から吐出される膨張用ガスGが当たらないことから、この縁部69a,69bが、膨張用ガスGによりダメージを受けることを防止でき、テザー57F,57Bの引張強度が低下することを的確に防止できる。   In the case of the embodiment, each of the tethers 57F and 57B has a main body 70F in the tether 57F disposed in front of the diffuser 37 so that the edges 69a and 69b of the tether base fabrics 69F and 69B are not disposed on the inflator 34 side. The tether 57B disposed behind the diffuser 37 is disposed in the bag body 51 so that the body 70B is positioned forward. That is, in the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the tether 57F, 57B is discharged from the inflator 34 to the longitudinal end of the tether base fabric 69F, 69B (longitudinal side edges 69a, 69b). Since the expansion gas G does not hit, the edges 69a and 69b can be prevented from being damaged by the expansion gas G, and the tensile strength of the tethers 57F and 57B can be accurately prevented from being lowered.

バッグ本体51は、所定形状の基布の周縁相互を縫着(結合)させて構成されるもので、実施形態の場合、図10に示すように、コラム側壁部53を構成するコラム側パネル布63と、乗員側壁部52の領域を短手方向(前後方向)側で3分割したうちの前側の領域を構成する乗員側前パネル布66と、乗員側壁部52の中央の領域を構成する乗員側中央パネル布67と、から、構成されている。コラム側パネル布63は、コラム側壁部53の全域を構成するコラム側部64と、乗員側壁部52の後側の領域を構成する後下側部65とを、直列的に連結させた形状とされている。乗員側前パネル布66と乗員側中央パネル布67とは、長手方向を左右方向に略沿わせた略帯状とされている。   The bag body 51 is configured by sewing (bonding) the peripheral edges of a base fabric having a predetermined shape. In the case of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 63, an occupant-side front panel cloth 66 that constitutes a front side region of the region obtained by dividing the region of the occupant side wall portion 52 in the short side (front-rear direction) side, and an occupant that constitutes a central region of the occupant side wall portion 52 The side center panel cloth 67 is comprised. The column side panel cloth 63 has a shape in which a column side portion 64 that constitutes the entire region of the column side wall portion 53 and a rear lower side portion 65 that constitutes a rear region of the occupant side wall portion 52 are connected in series. Has been. The occupant-side front panel cloth 66 and the occupant-side central panel cloth 67 are formed in a substantially strip shape whose longitudinal direction is substantially along the left-right direction.

そして、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、各テザー57F,57Bの下縁57bは、バッグ本体51における乗員側壁部52を構成する乗員側前パネル布66、乗員側中央パネル布67、及び、後下側部65の対応する縁部相互を縫着させる際に、共縫いされて、乗員側壁部52に縫着されている。詳細には、テザー57Fの下縁57bは、乗員側前パネル布66の後縁66aと乗員側中央パネル布67の前縁67aとの縫着時に、共縫いされている。すなわち、テザー57Fの下縁57bを乗員側壁部52に縫着させている縫合部位60Fは、長さ方向の略全域にわたって、乗員側壁部52(乗員側前パネル布66若しくは乗員側中央パネル布67)に対して、テザー用基布69Fにおける本体70Fと、右折り返し部72F,左折り返し部74Fと、乗員側前パネル布66若しくは乗員側前パネル布66と、を、厚さ方向側で重ねた3枚重ね構造の領域内に、配設されている。テザー57Bの下縁57bは、乗員側中央パネル布67の後縁67bと後下側部65の前縁65aとの縫着時に、共縫いされている。すなわち、テザー57Bの下縁57bを乗員側壁部52に縫着させている縫合部位60Bは、長さ方向の略全域にわたって、乗員側壁部52(乗員側中央パネル布67若しくは後下側部65)に対して、テザー用基布69Bにおける本体70Bと、右折り返し部72B,左折り返し部74Bと、乗員側中央パネル布67若しくは後下側部65と、を、厚さ方向側で重ねた3枚重ね構造の領域内に、配設されている。   In the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the lower edges 57b of the tethers 57F and 57B are the occupant-side front panel cloth 66, the occupant-side center panel cloth 67, and the rear lower part that constitute the occupant side wall 52 in the bag body 51. When the corresponding edges of the side portions 65 are sewn, they are sewn together and sewn to the occupant side wall 52. Specifically, the lower edge 57 b of the tether 57 F is sewn together when the rear edge 66 a of the occupant side front panel cloth 66 and the front edge 67 a of the occupant side center panel cloth 67 are sewn. In other words, the stitched portion 60F in which the lower edge 57b of the tether 57F is sewn to the occupant side wall portion 52 has an occupant side wall portion 52 (the occupant side front panel cloth 66 or the occupant side center panel cloth 67 over substantially the entire length direction). ), The main body 70F of the tether base fabric 69F, the right folded portion 72F, the left folded portion 74F, and the occupant side front panel fabric 66 or the occupant side front panel fabric 66 are stacked on the thickness direction side. It is disposed in the region of the three-layer structure. The lower edge 57b of the tether 57B is sewn together when sewing the rear edge 67b of the occupant-side center panel cloth 67 and the front edge 65a of the rear lower side portion 65. In other words, the stitched portion 60B in which the lower edge 57b of the tether 57B is sewn to the occupant side wall 52 is the occupant side wall 52 (the occupant side central panel cloth 67 or the rear lower side 65) over substantially the entire length direction. In contrast, the main body 70B of the tether base fabric 69B, the right folded portion 72B, the left folded portion 74B, and the occupant side central panel fabric 67 or the rear lower side portion 65 are stacked in the thickness direction side. It is disposed in the region of the overlapping structure.

また、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、各テザー57F,57Bの上縁57aは、コラム側パネル布63におけるコラム側部64に縫着されている。すなわち、テザー57Bの上縁57aをコラム側壁部53に縫着させている縫合部位61Bは、コラム側部64に対して、テザー用基布69Bにおける本体70Bと、右折り返し部72B,左折り返し部74Bと、を厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ねの領域内に、配設されている。また、テザー57Fの上縁57aは、左右方向の中央部位付近においては、テザー57Bから延びる補強部58の前縁58aとともに、コラム側壁部53に縫着されている。すなわち、テザー57Fの上縁57aをコラム側壁部53に縫着させている縫合部位61Fは、左右方向の両端付近では、コラム側部64に対して、テザー用基布69Fにおける本体70Fと、右折り返し部72F,左折り返し部74Fと、テザー用基布69Bにおける補強用部71,73と、を厚さ方向で重ねた4枚重ねの領域内に配設され、左右方向の両端付近では、コラム側部64に対して、テザー用基布69Fにおける本体70Fと、右折り返し部72F,左折り返し部74Fと、を厚さ方向で重ねた2枚重ねの領域内に配設されている。   In the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the upper edge 57a of each tether 57F, 57B is sewn to the column side portion 64 of the column side panel cloth 63. That is, the stitched portion 61B in which the upper edge 57a of the tether 57B is sewn to the column side wall portion 53 has a main body 70B, a right folded portion 72B, and a left folded portion with respect to the column side portion 64. 74B is disposed in a two-layered region in which the layers 74B are stacked on the thickness direction side. Further, the upper edge 57a of the tether 57F is sewn to the column side wall 53 together with the front edge 58a of the reinforcing portion 58 extending from the tether 57B in the vicinity of the central portion in the left-right direction. That is, the stitching portion 61F in which the upper edge 57a of the tether 57F is sewn to the column side wall portion 53 is in the vicinity of both ends in the left-right direction, with respect to the column side portion 64, the main body 70F in the tether base fabric 69F, The folded portion 72F, the left folded portion 74F, and the reinforcing portions 71 and 73 in the tether base fabric 69B are disposed in a four-layered region in which they are stacked in the thickness direction. The main body 70F of the tether base fabric 69F, the right folded portion 72F, and the left folded portion 74F are disposed in a two-ply region overlapping the side portion 64 in the thickness direction.

なお、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、各テザー57F,57Bの下縁57bは、それぞれ、乗員側前パネル布66,乗員側中央パネル布67間、若しくは、乗員側中央パネル布67,後下側部65間に挟まれて配置されており、乗員側壁部52表面に若干露出するように、構成されている(図8,9参照)。また、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、バッグ本体51を構成するコラム側パネル布63、乗員側前パネル布66、乗員側中央パネル布67、及び、テザー57F,57Bを構成するテザー用基布69F,69Bは、可撓性を有したポリエステルやポリアミド糸等からなる織布から形成されている。   In the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the lower edge 57b of each tether 57F, 57B is between the occupant-side front panel cloth 66 and the occupant-side central panel cloth 67, or between the occupant-side central panel cloth 67 and the rear lower side, respectively. It arrange | positions between the parts 65, and it is comprised so that it may expose a little on the passenger | crew side wall part 52 surface (refer FIG. 8, 9). In the airbag 50 according to the embodiment, the column side panel cloth 63, the occupant side front panel cloth 66, the occupant side center panel cloth 67, and the tether base cloth 69F that configure the tethers 57F and 57B are included. 69B is formed from a woven fabric made of flexible polyester, polyamide yarn or the like.

次に、実施形態のエアバッグ50の製造について説明をする。テザー用基布69Bとコラム側パネル布63とには、予め、挿入孔54と取付孔55とを形成しておく。また、テザー用基布69F,69Bを所定位置で折り返し、予め、テザー57F,57Bを形成しておく。まず、乗員側前パネル布66と乗員側中央パネル布67とを、テザー57Fの下縁57bを間に挟んだ状態で、後縁66a,前縁67a相互を一致させるように重ね、後縁66a,前縁67a相互をテザー57Fの下縁57bとともに縫着させて、縫合部位60Fを形成する。次いで、乗員側中央パネル布67とコラム側パネル布63の後下側部65とを、テザー57Bの下縁57bを間に挟んだ状態で、後縁67b,前縁65a相互を一致させるように重ね、後縁67b,前縁65a相互をテザー57Bの下縁57bとともに縫着させて、縫合部位60Bを形成するとともに、乗員側壁部52を形成する。その後、テザー57Bの上縁57aを、コラム側パネル布63におけるコラム側部64に縫着させて、縫合部位61Bを形成する。そして、テザー57Fを、上縁57aと、テザー57Bから延びる補強部58の前縁58aと、を一致させるように、コラム側部64に重ね、補強部58の前縁58aとともに上縁60aをコラム側部64に縫着させて、縫合部位61Fを形成する。そして、乗員側壁部52とコラム側壁部53とを外周縁を一致させるように重ねた状態で、外周縁相互を縫着させれば、エアバッグ50を製造することができる。   Next, manufacture of the airbag 50 of embodiment is demonstrated. An insertion hole 54 and a mounting hole 55 are formed in advance in the tether base cloth 69B and the column side panel cloth 63. Further, the tether base fabrics 69F and 69B are folded at predetermined positions to form the tethers 57F and 57B in advance. First, the occupant-side front panel cloth 66 and the occupant-side center panel cloth 67 are overlapped so that the rear edge 66a and the front edge 67a coincide with each other with the lower edge 57b of the tether 57F interposed therebetween, and the rear edge 66a , The front edges 67a are sewn together with the lower edge 57b of the tether 57F to form a stitched portion 60F. Next, the rear edge 67b and the front edge 65a are made to coincide with each other with the passenger side center panel cloth 67 and the rear lower side portion 65 of the column side panel cloth 63 sandwiched between the lower edges 57b of the tether 57B. Overlap, the rear edge 67b and the front edge 65a are sewn together with the lower edge 57b of the tether 57B to form the stitched portion 60B and the occupant side wall 52. Thereafter, the upper edge 57a of the tether 57B is sewn to the column side portion 64 of the column side panel cloth 63 to form a stitched portion 61B. Then, the tether 57F is overlaid on the column side part 64 so that the upper edge 57a and the front edge 58a of the reinforcing part 58 extending from the tether 57B coincide with each other, and the upper edge 60a together with the front edge 58a of the reinforcing part 58 is columned. The side portion 64 is sewn to form a suture site 61F. If the occupant side wall portion 52 and the column side wall portion 53 are overlapped so that the outer peripheral edges coincide with each other, the outer peripheral edges are sewn together, whereby the airbag 50 can be manufactured.

そして、エアバッグ50の製造後、エアバッグ50を折り畳む。具体的には、取付孔55からボルト39を突出させるようにして内部にディフューザー37を収納させた状態で、乗員側壁部52とコラム側壁部53とを平らに展開した状態から、前後左右の幅寸法を縮めるように折り畳んで、エアバッグ50を折り畳む。その後、折り崩れしないように、折り畳まれたエアバッグ50の周囲を、折り崩れ防止用の図示しないラッピング材によりくるんでおく。このとき、ボルト39は、ラッピング材から突出させておく。次いで、ディフューザー37のボルト39を、天井壁44から突出させつつ、折り畳んだエアバッグ50を、ケース43における側壁45,47間の部位に収納させる。そして、取付座46の上面側にインフレーター34の本体35を配置させて、頭部36側を、エアバッグ50の挿入孔54に挿入させて、クランプ部46aを縮径させるように塑性変形させ、ディフューザー37に本体35を組みつけてインフレーター34を形成する。このとき、インフレーター34をエアバッグ50に連結させるとともに、ケース43に固定することができて、エアバッグ組付体を組み立てることができる。   Then, after the airbag 50 is manufactured, the airbag 50 is folded. Specifically, in a state in which the diffuser 37 is accommodated in the interior so that the bolt 39 protrudes from the mounting hole 55, the occupant side wall portion 52 and the column side wall portion 53 are flattened, and the width of the front, rear, left, and right. The airbag 50 is folded so that the dimensions are reduced. Thereafter, the folded airbag 50 is wrapped around with a wrapping material (not shown) for preventing collapse so as not to collapse. At this time, the bolt 39 is protruded from the wrapping material. Next, the folded airbag 50 is housed in a portion of the case 43 between the side walls 45 and 47 while the bolt 39 of the diffuser 37 is projected from the ceiling wall 44. Then, the main body 35 of the inflator 34 is disposed on the upper surface side of the mounting seat 46, the head portion 36 side is inserted into the insertion hole 54 of the airbag 50, and the clamp portion 46a is plastically deformed to reduce the diameter, The inflator 34 is formed by assembling the main body 35 to the diffuser 37. At this time, the inflator 34 can be connected to the airbag 50 and can be fixed to the case 43 so that the airbag assembly can be assembled.

そして、このように組み立てたエアバッグ組付体を、各ボルト39をナット40止めして、ステアリングコラム3のコラムチューブ5に設けられたブラケット5aに取付固定し、エアバッグ作動回路から延びる図示しないリード線をインフレーター34の本体35に結線して、コラムカバー16をステアリングコラム3に取り付ければ、膝保護用エアバッグ装置Mを車両に搭載することができる。   The airbag assembly assembled in this manner is fastened to the bracket 5a provided on the column tube 5 of the steering column 3 by fastening each bolt 39 with the nut 40, and extends from the airbag operating circuit (not shown). If the lead wire is connected to the main body 35 of the inflator 34 and the column cover 16 is attached to the steering column 3, the knee protecting airbag device M can be mounted on the vehicle.

実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置Mでは、車両への搭載後、図示しないリード線を経て、インフレーター34の本体35に作動信号が入力されれば、本体35に設けられたガス吐出口36aから膨張用ガスGが吐出されることとなる。そして、膨張用ガスGが、ディフューザー37の左右両端側の開口37c,37dを介してエアバッグ50内に流入することとなる。その後、膨張するエアバッグ50が、コラムカバー16に形成された扉部24と補助ドア部28とを押し開いて形成された突出用開口22から、下方へ突出し、図1,2の二点鎖線及び図13に示すごとく、膨張を完了させることとなる。   In the airbag apparatus M for knee protection of the embodiment, if an operation signal is input to the main body 35 of the inflator 34 through a lead wire (not shown) after being mounted on the vehicle, the gas discharge port 36a provided in the main body 35 is used. The expansion gas G is discharged. Then, the inflation gas G flows into the airbag 50 through the openings 37c and 37d on the left and right ends of the diffuser 37. Thereafter, the inflating airbag 50 protrudes downward from a protruding opening 22 formed by pushing open the door portion 24 and the auxiliary door portion 28 formed in the column cover 16, and is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. And as shown in FIG. 13, expansion | swelling will be completed.

そして、実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置Mに使用されるエアバッグ50では、テザー57F(57B)において、バッグ本体51の乗員側壁部52,コラム側壁部53との縫合部位60F,61F(60B,61B)が配置される部位が、長さ方向の略全域にわたって、テザー用基布69F(69B)の本体70F(70B)に対して、右折り返し部72F(72B),左折り返し部74F(74B)を、厚さ方向側で重ねた構成とされている。換言すれば、テザー57F(57B)は、バッグ本体51の乗員側壁部52,コラム側壁部53を含めて少なくとも3枚重なった部分で、バッグ本体51の乗員側壁部52,コラム側壁部53に縫着されている。   And in the airbag 50 used for the knee protection airbag apparatus M of embodiment, in the tether 57F (57B), the stitching | suture site | parts 60F and 61F (60B) with the passenger | crew side wall part 52 and the column side wall part 53 of the bag main body 51. , 61B) are disposed over the entire area in the length direction with respect to the main body 70F (70B) of the tether base fabric 69F (69B), the right folded portion 72F (72B) and the left folded portion 74F (74B). ) On the thickness direction side. In other words, the tether 57F (57B) is a portion where at least three of the tethers 57F (57B) including the occupant side wall 52 and the column side wall 53 of the bag main body 51 overlap and are sewn to the occupant side wall 52 and the column side wall 53 of the bag main body 51. It is worn.

具体的には、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、テザー57Fの上縁57aをコラム側壁部53に縫着させる縫合部位61Fは、左右方向の中央付近においては、テザー57Bから延びる補強部58を共縫いさせている。そのため、縫合部位61Fは、左右方向の中央付近ではコラム側壁部53を含めて5枚重ねの領域に配置され、補強部58の配置されない左右方向の両縁側の領域ではコラム側壁部53を含めて3枚重ねの領域に配置されている。テザー57Bの上縁57aをコラム側壁部53に縫着させる縫合部位61Bは、コラム側壁部53を含めて3枚重ねの領域に配置されている。また、テザー57F,57Bの下縁57bを、乗員側壁部52に縫着させる縫合部位60F,60Bは、それぞれ、乗員側壁部52を構成する乗員側前パネル布66,乗員側中央パネル布67,後下側部65と、共縫いされて形成されていることから、長さ方向の略全域にわたって、4枚重ねの領域に配置されている。そのため、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、テザー57F,57Bを、乗員側壁部52,コラム側壁部53に縫着させている縫合部位60F,60B,61F,61Bの縫合強度を大きくすることができて、テザー57F,57Bの引張強度を大きくすることができることから、出力の大きなインフレーターを使用する場合にも、テザー57F,57Bと乗員側壁部52,コラム側壁部53との縫合部位60F,60B,61F,61Bに応力集中が生じても、テザー57F,57Bへの負荷を低減(分散)させることができる。また、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、各テザー57F,57Bが、長手方向側の両縁(左縁57c,右縁57d)側に、テザー用基布69F,69Bを折り返して形成される右折り返し部72F,72B若しくは左折り返し部74F,74Bを有した構成とされている。すなわち、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、テザー用基布69F,69Bの端末(長手方向側の縁部69a,69b)が、テザー57F,57Bにおける長手方向側の両縁側(左縁57c,右縁57d側)に配置されないことから、エアバッグ50の膨張時に、テザー用基布69F,69Bが端末(縁部69a,69b)側からほつれることを防止でき、バッグ本体51の膨張完了形状を安定させることができる。   Specifically, in the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the stitched portion 61F that sews the upper edge 57a of the tether 57F to the column side wall 53 has the reinforcing portion 58 extending from the tether 57B in the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction. Sewing. Therefore, the stitching part 61F is arranged in a five-layered region including the column side wall 53 near the center in the left-right direction, and includes the column side wall 53 in the region on both sides in the left-right direction where the reinforcing part 58 is not arranged. It is arranged in a three-ply area. A stitching portion 61B for sewing the upper edge 57a of the tether 57B to the column side wall 53 is disposed in a three-layer region including the column side wall 53. Further, the stitched portions 60F and 60B for sewing the lower edges 57b of the tethers 57F and 57B to the occupant side wall 52 are respectively the occupant side front panel cloth 66, the occupant side center panel cloth 67, and the occupant side wall part 52. Since it is formed by sewing together with the rear lower side portion 65, it is arranged in a four-layered region over substantially the entire length direction. Therefore, in the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the stitching strength of the stitched portions 60F, 60B, 61F, 61B in which the tethers 57F, 57B are sewn to the passenger side wall 52 and the column side wall 53 can be increased. Since the tensile strength of the tethers 57F and 57B can be increased, the stitched portions 60F, 60B and 61F of the tethers 57F and 57B with the occupant side wall 52 and the column side wall 53 are used even when using an inflator with a large output. , 61B, even if stress concentration occurs, the load on the tethers 57F, 57B can be reduced (dispersed). Further, in the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the tethers 57F and 57B are formed by folding the tether base fabrics 69F and 69B on the both edges (left edge 57c and right edge 57d) on the longitudinal direction side. It is set as the structure which has the part 72F, 72B or the left folding | returning part 74F, 74B. That is, in the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the ends (longitudinal side edges 69a and 69b) of the tether base fabrics 69F and 69B are connected to both longitudinal side edges (the left edge 57c and the right edge) of the tethers 57F and 57B. 57d side), when the airbag 50 is inflated, the tether base fabrics 69F and 69B can be prevented from fraying from the terminal (edge portions 69a and 69b) side, and the bag body 51 can be stably inflated. Can be made.

したがって、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、テザー57F,57Bの引張強度を向上させて、バッグ本体51の膨張完了形状を安定させることができる。   Therefore, in the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the tensile strength of the tethers 57F and 57B can be improved, and the inflated completed shape of the bag body 51 can be stabilized.

また、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、テザー57F,57Bを、略全域にわたって、本体70F,70Bと折り返し部(右折り返し部72F,72B若しくは左折り返し部74F,74B)とを厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構成していることから、テザー57F,57Bの引張強度を一層向上させることができる。勿論、このような点を考慮しなければ、テザーとして、縫合部位に沿った方向側の両縁近傍部位に形成される折り返し部を、縫合部位が配置される部位付近にのみ延ばすように配置させるように構成し、テザーにおける縫合部位間の部位であって、縫合部位から離れた中間部位に折り返し部を配設させない構成としたものを使用してもよい。   Further, in the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the tethers 57F and 57B are overlapped with the main bodies 70F and 70B and the folded portions (right folded portions 72F and 72B or left folded portions 74F and 74B) on the thickness direction side over substantially the entire area. Further, since the two sheets are stacked, the tensile strength of the tethers 57F and 57B can be further improved. Of course, if such a point is not taken into consideration, the folded portion formed in the vicinity of both edges on the direction side along the suture site is arranged so as to extend only in the vicinity of the site where the suture site is arranged. It is also possible to use a configuration in which the folded portion is not disposed at an intermediate portion that is located between the suture sites in the tether and that is remote from the suture site.

さらに、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、テザー57Bを、エアバッグ50を収納部位Pを構成するケース43に取り付ける取付部(取付孔55)の周縁を補強可能な補強部58を備える構成としており、この補強部58を、本体70Bから延びる補強用部71と、右折り返し部73Bのみから延びる補強用部74と、を厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構成としている。そのため、実施形態のエアバッグ50では、取付孔55の周縁に、別体の補強布を配置させなくともよい。また、この補強部58は、それぞれ、分割されることなく補強エリアの全域を占める一枚状の、本体70Bから補強用部71と、右折り返し部73Bのみから延びる補強用部74と、して、それらの補強用部71,74を厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構成とされていることから、取付部(取付孔55)周縁においても、充分な引張強度を確保することができる。勿論、このような点を考慮しなければ、テザーに補強部を配設させなくともよく、別途補強布を配置させる構成としてもよい。   Furthermore, in the airbag 50 of the embodiment, the tether 57B is configured to include the reinforcing portion 58 that can reinforce the peripheral edge of the mounting portion (mounting hole 55) that attaches the airbag 50 to the case 43 constituting the storage portion P. The reinforcing portion 58 has a two-layer structure in which a reinforcing portion 71 extending from the main body 70B and a reinforcing portion 74 extending only from the right folded portion 73B are stacked on the thickness direction side. Therefore, in the airbag 50 of the embodiment, it is not necessary to arrange a separate reinforcing cloth around the periphery of the attachment hole 55. Further, the reinforcing portion 58 is formed as a reinforcing portion 71 extending from the main body 70B and the reinforcing portion 74 extending only from the right folded portion 73B, which occupy the entire reinforcing area without being divided. Since the reinforcing portions 71 and 74 are overlapped on the thickness direction side, a sufficient tensile strength can be secured even at the periphery of the attachment portion (attachment hole 55). Of course, if such a point is not taken into consideration, the reinforcing portion may not be provided on the tether, and a reinforcing cloth may be provided separately.

なお、実施形態では、各テザー57F,57Bは、各テザー用基布69F,69Bにおいて、それぞれ、縁部69a,69b相互を突き合わせるようにして構成されていることから、縁部69a,69b間に若干隙間を生じるように形成される場合も考慮される。しかしながら、テザー57F,57Bは、縁部69a,69b間(右折り返し部72F,72Bと左折り返し部74F,74B間)に若干隙間が形成されることとなっても、略全域にわたって本体70F,70Bと折り返し部(右折り返し部72F,72B若しくは左折り返し部74F,74B)とが厚さ方向側で重ねられた2枚重ねとされていれば、引張強度を確保することができる。勿論、テザーを、縁部を相互に重ねるようにして構成してもよく、この場合、縫合作業に支障を生じなければ、重なる領域が大きくともよい。   In the embodiment, each of the tethers 57F and 57B is configured such that the edges 69a and 69b abut each other in the tether base fabrics 69F and 69B. The case where the gap is formed to have a slight gap is also considered. However, the tethers 57F and 57B have the main bodies 70F and 70B over substantially the entire region even if a slight gap is formed between the edges 69a and 69b (between the right folded portions 72F and 72B and the left folded portions 74F and 74B). And the folded portion (right folded portions 72F and 72B or left folded portions 74F and 74B) are stacked on the thickness direction side, the tensile strength can be ensured. Of course, the tether may be configured such that the edges overlap each other. In this case, the overlapping region may be large as long as it does not interfere with the suturing operation.

また、実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置Mでは、エアバッグ50におけるテザー57F,57B間にインフレーター34を配置させる構成としていることから、インフレーター34からテザー57F,57Bまでの距離が近く、インフレーター34から吐出された膨張用ガスが、エアバッグ50の膨張初期において、テザー57F,57Bとバッグ本体51の左右両縁との間の隙間を流れることとなるが、テザー57F,57Bは、引張強度を向上させて、強固に、乗員側壁部52とコラム側壁部53とに縫着されていることから、膨張用ガスによるダメージを受け難く、バッグ本体51を迅速に安定して膨張させることができる。   Further, in the knee protection airbag device M of the embodiment, since the inflator 34 is disposed between the tethers 57F and 57B in the airbag 50, the distance from the inflator 34 to the tethers 57F and 57B is short, and the inflator 34 The inflation gas discharged from the air flows through the gap between the tethers 57F and 57B and the left and right edges of the bag body 51 in the initial stage of inflation of the airbag 50. The tethers 57F and 57B have a tensile strength. The bag body 51 can be quickly and stably inflated without being damaged by the inflating gas since it is improved and firmly sewn to the passenger side wall 52 and the column side wall 53.

なお、実施形態では、ステアリングコラム付けの膝保護用エアバッグ装置に使用されて、テザー間にインフレーターを配置させる構成のエアバッグを例に採り説明しているが、本発明を適用可能なエアバッグはこれに限られるものではなく、ステアリングコラムの下方や助手席前方におけるグラブボックスの下方に配置される膝保護用エアバッグ装置のエアバッグや、側突用エアバッグ装置のエアバッグ等に、本発明を適用してもよい。   In the embodiment, an airbag having a configuration in which an inflator is disposed between tethers and used in a knee protection airbag device with a steering column is described as an example. However, an airbag to which the present invention can be applied is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to an airbag of a knee protection airbag device or an airbag of a side impact airbag device disposed below the steering column or below the grab box in front of the passenger seat. The invention may be applied.

本発明の一実施形態であるエアバッグを使用した膝保護用エアバッグ装置が搭載されたコラムカバー付近の概略側面図である。1 is a schematic side view of the vicinity of a column cover on which a knee protecting airbag device using an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. 実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置が搭載されているコラムカバー付近の前後方向に沿った概略拡大縦断面図である。It is a general | schematic expanded longitudinal cross-sectional view along the front-back direction of the column cover vicinity in which the airbag apparatus for knee protection of embodiment is mounted. 実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置が搭載されているコラムカバー付近の概略拡大横断面図であり、図2のIII−III部位に対応する。It is a general | schematic expanded cross-sectional view of the column cover vicinity in which the airbag apparatus for knee protection of embodiment is mounted, and respond | corresponds to the III-III site | part of FIG. 実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置に使用するケースとインフレーターとの分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the case and inflator which are used for the airbag apparatus for knee protection of embodiment. 実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置が搭載されるコラムカバーの下側部分の平面図である。It is a top view of the lower part of the column cover by which the airbag apparatus for knee protection of embodiment is mounted. 実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置が搭載されるコラムカバーにおける扉部の開く前の状態と開いた状態とを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the state before the door part opens in the column cover in which the airbag apparatus for knee protection of embodiment is mounted, and the open state. 実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置に使用するエアバッグの平面図である。It is a top view of the airbag used for the airbag apparatus for knee protection of embodiment. 図7のエアバッグの底面図である。It is a bottom view of the airbag of FIG. 図7のエアバッグの縦断面図であり、図7のIX−IX部位に対応する。It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the airbag of FIG. 7, and respond | corresponds to the IX-IX site | part of FIG. 図7のエアバッグを構成する基布を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the base fabric which comprises the airbag of FIG. 図7のエアバッグに使用される一方のテザーを示す図であり、テザー用基布と、テザー用基布を折り畳んで形成したテザーと、の平面図である。It is a figure which shows one tether used for the airbag of FIG. 7, and is a top view of the tether base fabric and the tether formed by folding the tether base fabric. 図7のエアバッグに使用される他方のテザーを示す図であり、テザー用基布と、テザー用基布を折り畳んで形成したテザーと、の平面図である。It is a figure which shows the other tether used for the airbag of FIG. 7, and is a top view of the tether base fabric and the tether formed by folding the tether base fabric. 実施形態の膝保護用エアバッグ装置に置いて、エアバッグの膨張完了状態を示す前後方向に沿った概略拡大縦断面図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged longitudinal sectional view along the front-rear direction showing a state where the airbag is inflated when it is placed in the knee protection airbag device of the embodiment.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

16…コラムカバー、
34…インフレーター、
43…ケース、
50…エアバッグ、
51…バッグ本体、
52…乗員側壁部、
53…コラム側壁部、
55…取付孔(取付部)、
57F,57B…テザー、
58…補強部、
60F,60B,61F,61B…縫合部位、
69F,69B…テザー用基布、
70F,70B…本体、
71,73…補強用部、
72F,72B…右折り返し部、
74F,74B…左折り返し部、
D…運転者(乗員)、
K(KL,KR)…膝、
M…膝保護用エアバッグ装置。
16 ... Column cover,
34 ... Inflator,
43 ... Case,
50 ... Airbag,
51 ... Bag body,
52 ... Passenger side wall,
53. Column side wall,
55 ... Mounting hole (mounting part),
57F, 57B ... tether,
58 ... reinforcement part,
60F, 60B, 61F, 61B ... suture site,
69F, 69B ... Tether base fabric,
70F, 70B ... main body,
71, 73 ... reinforcing parts,
72F, 72B ... right turn part,
74F, 74B ... Left folded part,
D ... Driver (occupant),
K (KL, KR) ... knees,
M: Air bag device for knee protection.

Claims (3)

内部に膨張用ガスを流入させて膨張可能な袋状のバッグ本体と、該バッグ本体内に配置されて前記バッグ本体の相互に対向して配置される壁部相互を連結するテザーと、を有して、膨張完了形状を略板状として構成され、
前記テザーが、略帯状として、相互に離隔して配置される両端を、縫合糸を用いて、幅方向に沿って、それぞれ、前記各壁部に縫着させて、前記壁部相互を連結する構成のエアバッグであって、
前記テザーが、前記壁部との縫合部位に沿った方向側の両縁側に、テザー用基布を折り返して形成される折り返し部を有する構成とされて、
該折り返し部が、少なくとも前記テザーと前記壁部との前記縫合部位が配置される部位において、前記テザー用基布の本体に対して、前記縫合部位の長さ方向の略全域にわたって厚さ方向側で重ねられる構成とされていることを特徴とするエアバッグ。
A bag-shaped bag body that can be inflated by allowing inflation gas to flow therein; and a tether that is disposed in the bag body and that connects the wall portions of the bag body that are opposed to each other. Then, the expansion completion shape is configured as a substantially plate shape,
The tethers are substantially band-shaped, and both ends of the tethers that are spaced apart from each other are sewn to the respective wall portions along the width direction using sutures, thereby connecting the wall portions to each other. An airbag having a configuration,
The tether is configured to have a folded portion formed by folding a tether base fabric on both edge sides of the direction side along the stitched portion with the wall portion,
The folded portion is at least on the side in the thickness direction over substantially the entire length of the stitched portion with respect to the main body of the tethered base fabric at a portion where the stitched portion between the tether and the wall portion is disposed. An airbag characterized in that the airbag is configured to be overlaid with the air bag.
テザーが、略全域にわたって、前記本体と前記折り返し部とを厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構成とされていることを特徴とする請求項1に記載のエアバッグ。   2. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein the tether has a two-layer structure in which the main body and the folded portion are overlapped on a thickness direction side over substantially the entire region. 前記テザーが、前記エアバッグを収納部位に取り付ける取付部の周縁を補強可能な補強部を備える構成とされて、
該補強部が、前記本体から延びる部材と、一方の前記折り返し部のみから延びる部材と、を厚さ方向側で重ねた2枚重ね構成とされていることを特徴とする請求項2に記載のエアバッグ。
The tether is configured to include a reinforcing portion that can reinforce a peripheral edge of an attachment portion that attaches the airbag to a storage site.
The said reinforcement part is made into the 2 sheet | seat overlapping structure on which the member extended from the said main body and the member extended only from one said said folding | returning part were piled up on the thickness direction side. Airbag.
JP2008246695A 2008-09-25 2008-09-25 Airbag Expired - Fee Related JP4952694B2 (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2017047744A (en) * 2015-08-31 2017-03-09 豊田合成株式会社 Airbag device for knee protection

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2006131186A (en) * 2004-11-09 2006-05-25 Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd Air bag device for protecting knee
JP2006264448A (en) * 2005-03-23 2006-10-05 Seiren Co Ltd Airbag

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2006131186A (en) * 2004-11-09 2006-05-25 Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd Air bag device for protecting knee
JP2006264448A (en) * 2005-03-23 2006-10-05 Seiren Co Ltd Airbag

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2017047744A (en) * 2015-08-31 2017-03-09 豊田合成株式会社 Airbag device for knee protection

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