JP3849831B2

JP3849831B2 - Airbag device and airbag folding method

Info

Publication number: JP3849831B2
Application number: JP22488398A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正美殿岡; 智北澤; 高志植田
Original assignee: Nihon Plast Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nihon Plast Co Ltd
Priority date: 1998-07-01
Filing date: 1998-08-07
Publication date: 2006-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2018-08-07
Also published as: JP2000079862A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば、自動車のインストルメントパネルに装着される助手席乗員用などのエアバッグ装置およびエアバッグの折畳方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、例えば、自動車のインストルメントパネルに備えられる助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置が知られている。このエアバッグ装置は、箱状をなすリテーナを備え、このリテーナの内側に、ガスを噴射するインフレータと、折り畳まれたエアバッグとを収納している。また、リテーナには、乗員側などに向かって開口部が形成され、この開口部が破断可能なカバー体により覆われているとともに、ブラケットを介して、車体側の被取付部材に固定されている。そして、自動車の衝突時には、インフレータからガスを噴射してエアバッグを膨張させ、この膨張の圧力によりカバー体を所定のテアラインで破断して突出口を形成し、この突出口からエアバッグを突出させて膨張展開させ、乗員に加わる衝撃を緩和するようになっている。
【０００３】
そして、このようなエアバッグの展開特性を向上するため、例えば、特許第２７０９０２４号公報、特許第２６５２７５１号公報、特開平４−１００７５４号公報などに記載されるように、エアバッグを、リテーナの開口部から２方向に延びる平板状に折り畳み、さらに、これら平板状に折り畳んだ部分を蛇腹状などに折り畳んでリテーナに収納する構成が知られている。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
今日において、エアバッグは、円滑迅速に膨張展開して乗員に加わる衝突の衝撃を緩和する一方、エアバッグ自体が乗員に加える圧力を低減できる構成が求められている。
【０００５】
本発明は、このような点に鑑みなされたもので、円滑迅速に膨張展開して乗員に加わる衝突の衝撃を効果的に緩和できるとともに、エアバッグ自体が乗員に加える圧力を低減可能なエアバッグ装置およびエアバッグの折畳方法を提供することを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載のエアバッグ装置は、ガスが流入して膨張展開するエアバッグと、このエアバッグが非展開時に折り畳んで収納されるエアバッグ収納部および展開時に前記エアバッグが突出する突出口を設けたケース体とを具備し、前記エアバッグは、非展開時において、前記ケース体に基端側が接続されガスが導入されるケース体の突出口の幅寸法より小さい幅の板状の第１展開部と、展開時において、エアバッグカバー上面から所定寸法突出し、さらに、前記突出口から所定寸法離間した前記第１展開部の先端部から該先端部の所定点を中心としてそれぞれ延設された、ケース体の突出口の幅寸法より小さい前記幅の複数の第２展開部をそれぞれに前記所定点を中心に集合させた集合部とを備えた形状に折り畳まれ、前記第１展開部は、集合部の周囲に基端側が車体前側になるように巻き付けられ、前記所定点は、非展開時において、当該巻き付けられた第１展開部の周の内側に位置するように折り畳まれたものである。
【０００７】
そして、この構成では、折り畳まれケース体のエアバッグ収納部に収納されたエアバッグにガスが供給されると、このガスはまず第１展開部に導入され、この第１展開部の展開に伴い、集合部を突出口からエアバッグカバー上面から所定寸法だけ突出させる。続いて、ガスは、第１展開部を介して集合部を構成する各第２展開部に導入され、各第２展開部を展開させる。そして、集合部には、第２展開部が複数設けられているとともに、各第２展開部が展開する際には、集合部はエアバッグカバー上面から所定寸法突出しているので、集合部は所定点を略中心として略全周方向に円滑に展開する。このため、集合部が展開する際には、エアバッグの各部が展開する速度を均一化し、一部のみが高速で展開することが抑制される。
【０００８】
【０００９】
そして、この構成では、ガスが導入されて第１展開部が巻き戻るに従い、エアバッグを突出口から傾斜させて突出させることが可能になり、例えば、集合部を被保護物から離間した方向に突出させることが可能になる。
【００１０】
【００１１】
【００１２】
請求項２記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、ガス導入口からガスが流入して膨張展開するエアバッグの折畳方法であって、前記ガス導入口に連続するとともにケース体の突出口の幅寸法より小さい幅で展開時においてエアバッグカバー上面から突出する長さの板状の第１展開部と、この第１展開部の先端部から延設され前記ケース体の突出口の幅寸法より小さい前記幅寸法の複数の第２展開部とを形成する工程と、前記第２展開部を前記先端部の所定点を中心にそれぞれに集合させて複数の集合部を形成する工程と、前記集合部の外周に第１展開部を基端側が車体前側になるように巻き付け、前記所定点を当該巻き付けた第１展開部の周の内側に位置させる工程と、を備えたものである。
【００１３】
そして、この構成では、折り畳まれて収納されたエアバッグにガスが供給されると、このガスはまず第１展開部に導入され、この第１展開部の展開に伴い、集合部をエアバッグカバー上面から所定寸法だけ突出させる。続いて、ガスは、第１展開部を介して集合部を構成する各第２展開部に導入され、各第２展開部を展開させる。そして、集合部には、第２展開部が複数設けられているとともに、各第２展開部が展開する際には、集合部は収納された位置から外側に突出しているので、集合部は所定点を略中心として略全周方向に円滑に展開する。このため、集合部が展開する際には、エアバッグの各部が展開する速度を均一化し、一部のみが高速で展開することが抑制される。
【００１４】
【００１５】
そして、この構成では、ガスが導入されて第１展開部が巻き戻るに従い、エアバッグを傾斜させて突出させることが可能になり、例えば、集合部を被保護物から離間した方向に突出させることが可能になる。
【００１６】
請求項３記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、エアバッグ収納部に収納され、ガス導入口からガスが流入して膨張展開するエアバッグの折畳方法であって、前記エアバッグのガス導入口に連通する部分にケース体の突出口の幅寸法より小さい幅で展開時においてエアバッグカバー上面から突出する長さの板状の第１展開部を形成するとともに、前記第１展開部の先端部を中心として２方向に延び前記ケース体の突出口の幅寸法より小さい前記幅寸法の第２展開部をそれぞれ形成し、エアバッグ収納部に収納可能な幅寸法に折り畳む工程と、前記先端部の所定点を中心にしてそれぞれ折り畳んで２の集合部を形成する工程と、前記集合部に前記第１展開部を基端側が車体前側になるように巻付け、前記所定点を当該巻き付けた第１展開部の周の内側に位置させるようにエアバッグ収納部へ収納する工程とを具備したものである。
【００１７】
そして、この構成では、折り畳まれてエアバッグ収納部に収納されたエアバッグにガスが供給されると、このガスはまず第１展開部に導入され、この第１展開部の展開に伴い、集合部をエアバッグカバー上面から所定寸法だけ突出させる。続いて、ガスは、第１展開部を介して集合部を構成する複数の第２展開部に導入され、各第２展開部を略全周方向に円滑に展開させる。このため、集合部が展開する際には、エアバッグの各部が展開する速度を均一化し、一部のみが高速で展開することが抑制される。さらに、エアバッグは、第１展開部と第２展開部とがエアバッグ収納部に収納可能な幅寸法に折り畳まれるため、集合部を折り畳む作業が容易になり、エアバッグの製造コストが低減される。
【００１８】
請求項４記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、請求項３記載のエアバッグの折畳方法において、第２展開部は板状に形成されるものである。
【００１９】
そして、この構成では、エアバッグは、第２展開部がエアバッグ収納部に収納可能な幅寸法の板状に折り畳まれるため、集合部を折り畳む作業が容易になり、エアバッグの製造コストが低減される。
【００２０】
【００２１】
【００２２】
請求項５記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、エアバッグ収納部に収納され、ガス導入口からガスが流入して膨張展開するエアバッグの折畳方法であって、前記エアバッグを前記ガス導入口を下方に向けて保持する工程と、前記エアバッグの内側を加圧して膨出させ所定位置に定位する工程と、前記エアバッグのガス導入口に連通する部分を外側面から押圧して一部を内側に折り込みエアバッグカバー上面から突出する長さで垂直平板状に配置された第１展開部を形成するとともに、前記第１展開部に連通する部分を外側面から押圧して一部を内側に折り込み前記第１展開部の上端部である所定点を中心に２方向に延びる水平平板状に配置された第２展開部を形成し、エアバッグ収納部に収納可能なケース体の突出口の幅寸法より小さい幅寸法の側面視略Ｔ字形状とする工程と、前記各第２展開部をそれぞれ前記所定点を中心に折り畳んで２の集合部を形成する工程と、前記集合部の外周に第１展開部を基端側が車体前側になるように巻き付け前記所定点を当該巻き付けた第１展開部の周の内側に位置させる工程とを具備したものである。
【００２３】
そして、この構成では、折り畳まれてエアバッグ収納部に収納されたエアバッグにガスが供給されると、このガスはまず第１展開部に導入され、この第１展開部の展開に伴い、集合部をエアバッグカバー上面から所定寸法だけ突出させる。続いて、ガスは、第１展開部を介して集合部を構成する複数の第２展開部に導入され、各第２展開部を略全周方向に円滑に展開させる。このため、集合部が展開する際には、エアバッグの各部が展開する速度を均一化し、一部のみが高速で展開することが抑制される。さらに、エアバッグは、ガス導入口を下方に向けて内側を加圧して膨出させ所定位置に定位させた状態で折り畳まれるとともに、第１展開部と第２展開部とがエアバッグ収納部に収納可能な幅寸法の側面視略Ｔ字形状に折り畳まれるため、集合部を折り畳む作業が容易になり、機械による自動化も容易になり、エアバッグの製造コストが低減される。
【００２４】
請求項６記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、請求項３ないし５いずれか１項に記載のエアバッグの折畳方法において、各第２展開部を第１展開部側に波状に折り畳んで集合部を形成する工程を具備したものである。
【００２５】
そして、この構成では、略水平平板状に折り畳まれた第２展開部は波状に容易に折り畳まれるとともに、波状に折り畳むことにより、展開特性が容易に向上する。
【００２６】
請求項７記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、請求項３ないし５いずれか１項に記載のエアバッグの折畳方法において、各第２展開部を第１展開部側に巻付け折り畳んで集合部を形成する工程を具備したものである。
【００２７】
請求項８記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、請求項３ないし５いずれか１項に記載のエアバッグの折畳方法において、各第２展開部を中央部側に不規則に圧縮して折り畳んで集合部を形成する工程を具備したものである。
【００２８】
請求項９記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、請求項３ないし８いずれか１項に記載のエアバッグの折畳方法において、２方向に延びる第２展開部は、互いに長さ寸法を異ならして形成されたものである。
【００２９】
そして、この構成では、所望の展開形状が容易に実現される。
【００３０】
請求項１０記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、請求項９記載のエアバッグの折畳方法において、第２展開部は、上方に向って展開する上方展開部と、下方に向って展開する下方展開部とを備え、前記下方展開部の突出寸法は、前記上方展開部の突出寸法より大きく設定されるものである。
【００３１】
そして、この構成では、折り畳まれたエアバッグを備えたエアバッグ装置を自動車のインストルメントパネルに備えた場合に、エアバッグ装置と上方すなわちフロントガラスとの間の空間よりも、エアバッグ装置と下方すなわち乗員側との間の空間の方が大きいため、エアバッグが空間を充たすように円滑に展開する。
【００３２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明のエアバッグ装置およびエアバッグの折畳方法の一実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
【００３３】
図２ないし図４において、１はエアバッグ装置で、このエアバッグ装置１は、自動車の助手席すなわち被保護物である助手席の乗員の前方に位置する被設置部としてのインストルメントパネル２の内側に配置され、助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置を構成している。なお、以下、前方（図４に示す矢印Ｆ方向）、後方（図４に示す矢印Ｂ方向）、および上下方向は、それぞれエアバッグ装置１を自動車に取り付けた状態における自動車の前後方向および上下方向に合わせて説明する。そして、インストルメントパネル２は、後側すなわち助手席側に向かって若干下降する曲面状などに形成され、このインストルメントパネル２の内側に配置された被取付部材としてのレインフォースに、エアバッグ装置１がねじ止めなどして固定されている。また、インストルメントパネル２の上側には、図８などに示すように、前側下方から上側後方に向かって傾斜したフロントガラス４が位置している。
【００３４】
そして、このエアバッグ装置１は、ケース体としてのリテーナ12を備えている。そして、このリテーナ12は、上側を開口部である突出口14とした略箱状をなしている。そして、リテーナ12の内側は、仕切部材であるミッドリテーナ15により上下に区画され、下側に位置するインフレータ収納部17と、上側に位置するエアバッグ収納部18とが形成されている。そして、インフレータ収納部17には、ガスを噴射するインフレータ21が収納され、上側に位置するエアバッグ収納部18には、袋状のエアバッグ22が折り畳んで収納されるとともに、突出口14は、破断可能なカバー体（リッド）23により覆われている。
【００３５】
また、リテーナ12は、金属板を折曲しあるいは溶接などして形成され、突出口14をインストルメントパネル２に沿って上側やや後方に向けて配置されている。そして、インフレータ収納部17は、両側方向を軸方向とする略円筒状をなし、このインフレータ収納部17の両側の端部には、それぞれインフレータ取付孔29が形成されている。また、このインフレータ収納部17の下端側および手前側に位置して、リテーナ12にブラケット部33が溶接などして固着され、このブラケット部33に固着されたボルト35がナットによりレインフォースに固定され、リテーナ12すなわちエアバッグ装置１が車体に固定されている。また、エアバッグ収納部18には、下端側の前後の面に円孔状あるいは長孔状などの取付孔48が形成されている。さらに、エアバッグ収納部18には、上端側の前後の外面に、断面略Ｃ字状をなす複数のカバー取付爪57を一体に形成したカバー取付体58が溶接などして固着されている。
【００３６】
一方、ミッドリテーナ15には、例えば金属板を折曲して、基板部61と、この基板部61の前後側が上側に傾斜して折曲された取付板部62と、基板部61の両側端が上側に折曲された端板部63とが形成されている。また、基板部61の両側の端部には、係止片部64が形成されている。また、基板部61には、複数のガス挿通口65が形成されているとともに、各ガス挿通口65には、所定の方向に傾斜した羽根部66が設けられている。さらに、前後の取付板部62からは、それぞれ３本のスタッドボルト67が一体的に固着して下側に傾斜して突設され、それぞれ補強板68を介してナット70が螺合されるようになっている。
【００３７】
また、インフレータ21は、ボンベ状の本体部71を備え、この本体部71の一端部にガス導出部72が設けられるとともに、この本体部71の他端部には固着受部73が設けられている。そして、本体部71は、内部に、点火器および推進薬などを収納したガス発生室を備え、あるいは、圧縮ガスを充填したガス貯蔵室と固体のガス発生剤を充填したガス発生室とが破断可能な隔壁を介して配置されたいわゆるハイブリッドインフレータとして構成されている。また、ガス導出部72には、周面に複数のガス噴射孔が形成されているとともに、端面からは、ボルト部76が突設され、リテーナ12の一端の図示しないインフレータ取付孔を挿通して、ナット77が螺合されるようになっている。さらに、固着受部73の端面からは、先端にコネクタ78a を接続などしたリード線78が導出されている。また、本体部71の外面には、ラベルが貼着されている。
【００３８】
そして、エアバッグ22は、例えば２枚の基布を縫い合わせ、下端部に設けた矩形状の開口部81から乗員に対向する略円筒面状の対向面に向かい幅寸法および厚さ寸法が拡大する袋状に形成されている。また、開口部81の前後側には、所定の間隔で円孔状の取付孔84が形成されているとともに、両側の短い片部には、スリット状の取付孔85が形成されている。また、このエアバッグ22には、開口部81から若干離間した位置に、排気口88が形成されている。
【００３９】
さらに、カバー体（エアバッグカバー）23は、インストルメントパネル２とほぼ面一に設けられる略平板状の上板部91と、この上板部91の下面から下方に突設された前後の脚片部92と、この脚片部92のさらに外側に配置された爪部93となどが、熱可塑性エラストマーなどの合成樹脂などにより一体に射出成型されている。そして、上板部91の下面には、他の部分より薄肉で容易に破断する破断部（テアライン）95が平面略Ｈ字状などに形成されている。また、各脚片部92には、両側方向に所定の間隔で係止孔96が形成されている。
【００４０】
そして、このエアバッグ装置１を組み立てる際は、まず、ミッドリテーナ15にエアバッグ22を取り付け、このミッドリテーナ15をリテーナ12内側のガス挿通口26を覆うように取り付けるとともに、エアバッグ22を折り畳んでエアバッグ収納部18に収納し、カバー体23で突出口14を覆い、インフレータ収納部17にインフレータ21を装着する。
【００４１】
すなわち、ミッドリテーナ15のスタッドボルト67をエアバッグ22の円孔状の取付孔84に内側からそれぞれ挿入するとともに、係止片部64をスリット状の取付孔85に挿入して係止した状態で、ミッドリテーナ15をリテーナ12の内側に挿入する。そして、前後側のスタッドボルト67をリテーナ12の取付孔48に挿入し、補強板68を介してそれぞれ外側からナット70を螺合して締め付ける。この状態で、エアバッグ22の開口部81の周囲は、ミッドリテーナ15とリテーナ12との間に挟持して固定され、エアバッグ22の開口部81は、ガス挿通口65を覆った状態になる。また、エアバッグ22は、ミッドリテーナ15をリテーナ12に取り付ける前後のいずれかに、後述する所定の形状に小さく折り畳み、エアバッグ収納部18に収納する。続いて、カバー体23を突出口14に被せ、リテーナ12のカバー取付爪57をカバー体23の脚片部92の係止孔96に係止して固定し、エアバッグ22の上側を覆う。さらに、リテーナ12のインフレータ収納部17の一方のインフレータ取付孔29から、インフレータ21を挿入し、他方のインフレータ取付孔からボルト部76を突出させる。そして、このボルト部76にナット77を螺合して締め付けることにより、両側のインフレータ取付孔29が気密に閉塞される。
【００４２】
そして、このように構成されたエアバッグ装置１は、ブラケット部33のボルト35を、レインフォースに設けた支持板にナットにて締め付け固定し、車体に固定される。また、この状態で、カバー体23の爪部93は、インストルメントパネル２の裏面側などに係合するようになっている。
【００４３】
そして、このように構成されたエアバッグ装置１は、自動車の衝突などの際には、通常、図示しないコントローラがこの衝撃すなわち所定以上の急減速を検出してインフレータ21を作動させ、このインフレータ21から窒素ガスなどの不活性ガスを噴射させる。すると、このガスは、羽根部66により整流されながら、ミッドリテーナ15のガス挿通口65を通過し、エアバッグ22の内部に流入して、このエアバッグ22を膨張展開させる。すると、このエアバッグ22は、カバー体23を内側から押圧し、このカバー体23の上板部91を破断部95に沿って破断させ、エアバッグ22の突出口を形成する。続いて、エアバッグ22は、この突出口から突出し、後述するようにフロントガラス４に沿って膨張展開して、乗員に加わる衝撃を緩和するようになっている。なお、インフレータ21が作動する条件を満たさない小さい衝撃を受けた場合や、例えば玉突き事故などにおいて、エアバッグ22が一度膨張展開した後にさらに衝撃を受けて、乗員がエアバッグ装置１に衝突した場合には、このエアバッグ装置１のリテーナ12などが変形して、乗員の受ける衝撃を緩和する。
【００４４】
次に、図１、図５ないし図７を参照して、エアバッグ22の折り畳み工程を説明する。
【００４５】
まず、図１（ａ）および図５に示すように、リテーナ12に取り付けたエアバッグ22を上側に引き出した状態で、前後方向の最大寸法Ｌ1 の部分の四隅ａ，ｂ，ｃ，ｄを押さえ、幅方向に余った両側の部分ｅ，ｆをエアバッグ22の内側に入れ込む。この状態で、エアバッグ22は、前後の長手寸法Ｌ1 、幅寸法ｗの平面略矩形状で、高さ寸法すなわち初期突出寸法Ｌ2 の側面視略Ｔ字状となる。そして、この状態で、リテーナ12の突出口14から立ち上げられた筒状の部分が第１展開部101 となり、この第１展開部101 の先端部すなわちエアバッグ22の乗員側の中央部である所定点Ｏから前後に延設された部分がそれぞれ第２展開部102 となる。なお、幅寸法ｗは、リテーナ12の突出口14の幅寸法より若干小さく設定する。また、長手寸法Ｌ1 、幅寸法ｗを設定することにより、初期突出寸法Ｌ2 は自動的に決められる。また、所定点Ｏは、エアバッグ22の乗員側の中央部、すなわち最大突出部となる。
【００４６】
次いで、図１（ｂ）に示すように、両側の第２展開部102 を蛇腹状に折り畳み、所定点Ｏを略中心として集合させ、集合部104 を形成する。
【００４７】
次いで、集合部104 を前側に引き出し、図６に示すように、集合部104 を後方に向かって車体の右側からみて左巻き方向（矢印ｇ方向）に回転させ、集合部104 の周囲に第１展開部101 を巻き付ける。
【００４８】
そして、本実施の形態では、集合部104 を約３６０度回転させると、図７に示すように、エアバッグ22は、リテーナ12のエアバッグ収納部18に収納される。さらに、あらかじめエアバッグ22の開口部81の近傍に縫い付けたカバー布106 を、折り畳んだエアバッグ22に被せて、折り畳み工程が完了する。
【００４９】
次に、図８ないし図１２を参照して、エアバッグ22の展開工程を説明する。なお、図８ないし図１２においては、フロントガラス４およびリテーナ12とエアバッグ22のみが示されている。
【００５０】
まず、エアバッグ装置１が作動してガスが噴射された直後（作動１〔msec〕〜１０〔msec〕後）は、図８に示すように、第１展開部101 に開口部81からガスが充填され（矢印ｈ方向）、集合部104 を包む第１展開部101 が巻き戻りながら、カバー体23を破断し、突出口14から突出する。そして、集合部104 にガスが導かれ、第２展開部102 が展開し始める。
【００５１】
次いで、図９に示すように、第１展開部101 および各第２展開部102 にガスが充填され、これら展開部101 ，102 の展開が同時に進んでいく。また、第１展開部101 が巻き戻る力により、集合部104 は前側に投げ出され、ｉ部でガラスに摺接する。
【００５２】
次いで、図１０に示すように、エアバッグ22は、（作動１２〔msec〕〜２０〔msec〕後）、第１展開部101 はほぼ巻き戻り、集合部104 が初期の状態に戻る。
【００５３】
次いで、図１１に示すように、エアバッグ22は、（作動２０〔msec〕〜３０〔msec〕後）、ｊ部でフロントガラス４に摺接しながら、主としてフロントガラス４に沿った方向（矢印ｋ方向）および後側の第２展開部102 が復帰する方向（矢印ｍ方向）に展開する。
【００５４】
次いで、図１２に示すように、エアバッグ22は、（作動３０〔msec〕〜５０〔msec〕後）、主としてフロントガラス４に沿った方向（矢印ｎ方向）および後側の第２展開部102 が復帰する方向（矢印ｐ方向）に展開し、最終展開形状となる。
【００５５】
このように、本実施の形態によれば、エアバッグ22の折り畳み方法について、エアバッグ22をリテーナ12のエアバッグ収納部18の幅より狭い幅寸法ｗとなるように内側に折り込んで、ガスの導入部となる第１展開部101 と、この第１展開部101 から連続した乗員保持部となる第２展開部102 とを略Ｔ字状に折り、次いで、第２展開部102 の両端部から蛇腹状に折り畳んで、第１展開部101 と第２展開部102 との連結点に集合させた集合部104 を形成し、さらに、第１展開部101 を集合部104 に巻き付けたいわばＴ字折りとすることにより、エアバッグ22はガスが導入されると所定点Ｏを中心として全周方向に向かい円滑に展開する。そこで、エアバッグ22の円滑迅速な展開を確保しつつ、エアバッグ22の各部が部分的に突出する速度を抑制でき、例えば、展開初期にエアバッグ22が乗員側に向かう最大速度を低下させ、面圧を低下させることができ、シートベルトを装着して着席している乗員以外の乗員に対しても、エアバッグ22自体が加える圧力を軽減できる。
【００５６】
また、第１展開部101 は、ガスの流路と一致して配置されているため、展開方向を容易に制御できる。
【００５７】
さらに、集合部104 は、車両の前方から後方に向けて第１展開部101 上で回転させて巻き付けることにより、展開の初期において、エアバッグ22を反乗員側すなわちフロントガラス４側に向けて展開させることができる。
【００５８】
そして、エアバッグ22の折り畳み作業は、リテーナ12の突出口14すなわちエアバッグ収納部18の幅寸法より若干小さい幅寸法ｗの略Ｔ字状に折り畳み、さらに、延設された部分を中央側に集合させて巻き込むという簡略なものであり、折り畳み工程の折り線は簡略であり、折畳作業を容易にして、製造コストを低減できる。
【００５９】
また、手作業による折り畳みのほか、機械（折畳装置）による自動化された折り畳み作業も可能であり、また、一部を機械化し、一部を手作業で行うこともできる。例えば、第１展開部101 と第２展開部102 との略Ｔ字状の折り畳みおよび集合部104 の蛇腹状すなわち波状の折り畳みを折り畳み装置で行い、第１展開部101 を集合部104 に巻き付けてリテーナ12のエアバッグ収納部18に収納する工程を手作業で行うことにより、折畳装置の開発製造に要するコストと手作業によるコストとのバランスをとり、製造コストを低減できる。そして、機械による折り畳みの場合は、重量のあるリテーナ12を取り付けた開口部81を下側に向けるとともに、エアバッグ22の内側を一旦加圧して膨張展開させ、所定の位置に定位させることにより、作業性を向上し、製造コストを低減できる。なお、エアバッグ22は、リテーナ12に取り付けない状態で折り畳むこともでき、また、開口部81を横方や上側に向けて吊り下げた状態で折り畳むこともできる。
【００６０】
なお、上記の実施の形態では、２方向に延設した第２展開部102 を蛇腹状に折り畳む構成としたが、３方向以上の複数方向に第２展開部102 を突設しても良く、また、各第２展開部102 は、蛇腹状の折り畳みのほか、巻き付け、あるいは単に所定点Ｏ側に圧縮するようにして略波状に折り畳むこともできる。
【００６１】
また、第１展開部101 および第２展開部102 を形成する工程は、エアバッグ22を側面部から押圧して内側に折り込むほか、外側に折り重ねるなど種々の方法で所定の幅寸法ｗとすることができる。
【００６２】
例えば、第２展開部102 を形成する工程については、図１３に示すように、エアバッグ22の乗員に対向する側の両側の部分ｅ，ｆを外側すなわち表面側に折り重ね、四隅ａ，ｂ，ｃ，ｄを押さえて張力を加えた状態で側面視略三角形状の予備折り状態とすることができる。さらに、この状態から、図１３および図１４に示すように、第１展開部101 を矢印Ｔ方向に押圧し、基布が余った両側各一対の耳部111は裏面側に折り返して沿わせることにより、第１展開部101 および第２展開部102 を板状にできる。また、第１展開部101 については、図１３および図１５に示すように、所定位置の単数または複数の折り線Ｕに沿って内側に折り込むことにより板状とすることもできる。このように、第１展開部101 の折畳方法および第２展開部102 の折畳方法は、適宜組み合わせて略Ｔ字状に折り畳むことができる。
【００６３】
また、第１展開部101 および第２展開部102 を必ずしも明確な板状に折り畳んで略Ｔ字状とする必要はなく、例えば、図１あるいは図１３に示す予備折り状態から、図１６（ａ）に示すように、所定点Ｏの部分をリテーナ12側に落とし込んで略Ｙ字状とし、次いで、図１６（ｂ）に示すように、各第２展開部102 を所定点Ｏに向って蛇腹状に折り畳むこともできる。
【００６４】
さらに、第１展開部101 および第２展開部102 と、集合部104 の折畳方法と、エアバッグ収納部18への収納方法も、適宜組み合わせて用いることができる。すなわち、図１（ａ）または図１３などに示す工程で略Ｔ字状に折り畳んだ後、第２展開部102 を蛇腹状に折り畳み、また、巻付け、あるいは不規則に圧縮して集合部104 を形成し、次いで、集合部104 に第１展開部101 を巻付け、また、第１展開部101 を蛇腹状に折り畳み、あるいは不規則に圧縮してエアバッグ収納部18へ収納しても良い。
また、図１６（ａ）に示すように、略Ｙ字状に折り畳んだ後、第２展開部102 を蛇腹状に折り畳み、また、巻付け、あるいは不規則に圧縮して集合部104 を形成し、次いで、集合部104 に第１展開部101 を巻付け、また、第１展開部101 を蛇腹状に折り畳み、あるいは不規則に圧縮してエアバッグ収納部18へ収納しても良い。あるいは、図１（ａ）または図１３などに示すように側面視略三角状とした予備折り状態から、巻き付け、蛇腹状に折り、あるいは不規則に圧縮などして直接的にエアバッグ収納部18へ収納し、エアバッグ収納部18へ収納した状態で集合部を形成しても良い。
【００６５】
すなわち、エアバッグ22は、展開時において、突出口14から所定寸法突出した状態で、突出口14から所定寸法離間した所定点Ｏを略中心として展開させることにより、円滑な展開が可能になる。
【００６６】
また、上記の各実施の形態において、２方向などに延設した第２展開部102 は、互いに等しい長さ寸法に形成するほか、偏心させ、すなわち互いに異なる長さ方向として、所望の展開形状、展開特性を容易に得ることができる。
【００６７】
例えば、図１７および図１８に示すように、一般的な車両のレイアウトでは、エアバッグ装置１すなわちインストルメントパネル２側と上側すなわちフロントガラス４側との間の寸法Ｌa1よりも、エアバッグ装置１すなわちインストルメントパネル２側と下側すなわち乗員側との寸法Ｌb1の方が大きいため、第２展開部102 の寸法すなわち所定点Ｏから各第２展開部102 の先端部までの寸法について、フロントガラス４側の寸法Ｌa2よりも乗員側の寸法Ｌb2を大きくすることにより、エアバッグ22が空間を充たすように円滑に展開させることができる。
【００６８】
また、上記の各実施の形態では、助手席乗員用のインストルメントパネル２に備えるエアバッグ装置１について説明したが、本発明は、ドアパネルに備えるエアバッグ装置や、前席の背面に備える後席用のエアバッグ装置など、種々のエアバッグ装置に適用することができる。
【００６９】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載のエアバッグ装置によれば、折り畳まれケース体のエアバッグ収納部に収納されたエアバッグにガスが供給されると、このガスはまず第１展開部に導入され、この第１展開部の展開に伴い、集合部をエアバッグカバー上面から所定寸法だけ突出させる。続いて、ガスは、第１展開部を介して集合部を構成する各第２展開部に導入され、各第２展開部を展開させる。そして、集合部には、第２展開部が複数設けられているとともに、各第２展開部が展開する際には、集合部はエアバッグカバー上面から突出しているため、集合部を所定点を略中心として略全周方向に円滑に展開させることができる。このため、集合部が展開する際には、エアバッグの各部が展開する速度を均一化し、一部のみが高速で展開することを抑制でき、被保護物に対する圧力を軽減できる。
【００７０】
第１展開部が集合部の外周に巻き付けられたため、ガスが導入されて第１展開部が巻き戻るに従い、エアバッグを突出口から傾斜させて突出させることができ、例えば、集合部を被保護物から離間した方向に突出させることができる。
【００７１】
【００７２】
請求項２記載のエアバッグの折畳方法によれば、折り畳まれて収納されたエアバッグにガスを供給すると、このガスはまず第１展開部に導入され、この第１展開部の展開に伴い、集合部をエアバッグカバー上面から所定寸法だけ突出させる。続いて、ガスは、第１展開部を介して集合部を構成する各第２展開部に導入され、各第２展開部を展開させる。そして、集合部には、第２展開部が複数設けられているとともに、各第２展開部が展開する際には、集合部は収納された位置から外側に突出しているので、集合部は所定点を略中心として略全周方向に円滑に展開する。このため、集合部が展開する際には、エアバッグの各部が展開する速度を均一化し、一部のみが高速で展開することを抑制でき、被保護物に対する圧力を軽減できる。
【００７３】
集合部の外周に第１展開部を巻き付けることにより、ガスが導入されて第１展開部が巻き戻るに従い、エアバッグを傾斜させて突出させることができ、例えば、集合部を被保護物から離間した方向に突出させることができる。
【００７４】
請求項３記載のエアバッグの折畳方法によれば、折り畳まれてエアバッグ収納部に収納されたエアバッグにガスが供給されると、このガスはまず第１展開部に導入され、この第１展開部の展開に伴い、集合部をエアバッグカバー上面から所定寸法だけ突出させる。続いて、ガスは、第１展開部を介して集合部を構成する複数の第２展開部に導入され、各第２展開部を略全周方向に円滑に展開させる。このため、集合部が展開する際には、エアバッグの各部が展開する速度を均一化し、一部のみが高速で展開することを抑制でき、被保護物に対する圧力を軽減できる。さらに、エアバッグは、第１展開部と第２展開部とがエアバッグ収納部に収納可能な幅寸法に折り畳まれるため、集合部を折り畳む作業を容易にでき、エアバッグの製造コストを低減できる。
【００７５】
請求項４記載のエアバッグの折畳方法によれば、エアバッグは、第２展開部がエアバッグ収納部に収納可能な幅寸法の板状に折り畳まれるため、集合部を折り畳む作業を容易にでき、エアバッグの製造コストを低減できる。
【００７６】
【００７７】
請求項５記載のエアバッグの折畳方法によれば、折り畳まれてエアバッグ収納部に収納されたエアバッグにガスが供給されると、このガスはまず第１展開部に導入され、この第１展開部の展開に伴い、集合部をエアバッグカバー上面から所定寸法だけ突出させる。続いて、ガスは、第１展開部を介して集合部を構成する複数の第２展開部に導入され、各第２展開部を略全周方向に円滑に展開させる。このため、集合部が展開する際には、エアバッグの各部が展開する速度を均一化し、一部のみが高速で展開することを抑制でき、被保護物に対する圧力を軽減できる。さらに、エアバッグは、ガス導入口を下方に向けて内側を加圧して膨出させ所定位置に定位させた状態で折り畳まれるとともに、第１展開部と第２展開部とがエアバッグ収納部に収納可能な幅寸法の側面視略Ｔ字形状に折り畳まれるため、集合部を折り畳む作業を容易にでき、機械による自動化も容易にでき、エアバッグの製造コストを低減できる。
【００７８】
請求項６記載のエアバッグの折畳方法によれば、請求項３ないし５のいずれかに記載の効果に加え、各第２展開部を第１展開部側に波状に折り畳んで集合部を形成することにより、略水平平板状に折り畳まれた第２展開部を波状に容易に折り畳みでき、製造コストを低減できるとともに、波状に折り畳むことにより、展開特性を容易に向上できる。
【００７９】
【００８０】
請求項９記載のエアバッグの折畳方法によれば、請求項３ないし８のいずれかに記載の効果に加え、２方向に延びる第２展開部を、互いに長さ寸法を異ならして形成することにより、所望の展開形状を容易に実現できる。
【００８１】
請求項１０記載のエアバッグの折畳方法によれば、請求項９記載の効果に加え、折り畳まれたエアバッグを備えたエアバッグ装置を自動車のインストルメントパネルに備えた場合に、エアバッグ装置と上方すなわちフロントガラスとの間の空間よりも、エアバッグ装置と下方すなわち乗員側との間の空間の方が大きいため、エアバッグが空間を充たすように円滑に展開できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のエアバッグ装置の一実施の形態を示す折り畳み工程の説明図である。
（ａ）は折り畳み工程の説明図
（ｂ）は（ａ）に続く工程の斜視図
【図２】同上エアバッグ装置を示す分解斜視図である。
【図３】同上エアバッグ装置を示す斜視図である。
【図４】同上エアバッグ装置を示す図３のＡ−Ａ断面図である。
【図５】同上エアバッグ装置を示す図１（ａ）のＩ−Ｉ断面図である。
【図６】同上エアバッグ装置の図１（ｂ）に続く折り畳み工程を示す断面図である。
【図７】同上エアバッグ装置の図５に続く折り畳み工程を示す断面図である。
【図８】同上エアバッグ装置の展開動作を示す断面図である。
【図９】同上エアバッグ装置の図７に続く展開動作を示す断面図である。
【図１０】同上エアバッグ装置の図８に続く展開動作を示す断面図である。
【図１１】同上エアバッグ装置の図９に続く展開動作を示す断面図である。
【図１２】同上エアバッグ装置の図１０に続く展開動作を示す断面図である。
【図１３】本発明のエアバッグ装置の他の実施の形態を示す折り畳み工程の説明図である。
（ａ）は折り畳み工程の説明図
（ｂ）は折り畳み工程の一部の断面図
（ｃ）は（ｂ）に続く工程の断面図
【図１４】本発明のエアバッグ装置の他の実施の形態を示す折り畳み工程の説明図である。
（ａ）は折り畳み工程の説明図
（ｂ）は折り畳み工程の一部の断面図
（ｃ）は（ｂ）に続く工程の断面図
【図１５】本発明のエアバッグ装置の他の実施の形態を示す折り畳み工程の説明図である。
【図１６】本発明のエアバッグ装置の他の実施の形態を示す折り畳み工程の説明図である。
（ａ）は折り畳み工程の説明図
（ｂ）は（ａ）に続く工程の断面図
【図１７】本発明のエアバッグ装置の他の実施の形態を示す折り畳み工程の説明図である。
【図１８】同上エアバッグ装置の展開動作を示す説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１エアバッグ装置
12 ケース体としてのリテーナ
14 突出口
18 エアバッグ収納部
22 エアバッグ
101 第１展開部
102 第２展開部
104 集合部
Ｏ所定点[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an airbag device and a method for folding an airbag, for example, for a passenger on a passenger seat mounted on an instrument panel of an automobile.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Conventionally, the airbag apparatus for passenger seat passenger | crew with which the instrument panel of a motor vehicle is equipped is known, for example. This airbag apparatus includes a box-shaped retainer, and an inflator for injecting gas and a folded airbag are accommodated inside the retainer. Further, the retainer is formed with an opening toward the occupant side and the like, and the opening is covered with a breakable cover body and is fixed to a mounted member on the vehicle body side via a bracket. . When the automobile collides, the airbag is inflated by injecting gas from the inflator, the cover body is broken at a predetermined tear line by the inflation pressure to form a protruding opening, and the airbag is protruded from the protruding opening. Inflated and deployed to relieve the impact on the occupant.
[0003]
  In order to improve the deployment characteristics of such an airbag, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 2709024, Japanese Patent No. 2652751, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-100754, etc., A configuration is known in which the plate is folded into a flat plate extending in two directions from the opening, and the flat plate is folded into a bellows and stored in a retainer.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  Today, there is a demand for a configuration in which an airbag can be inflated and deployed smoothly and quickly to mitigate the impact of a collision applied to the occupant while reducing the pressure applied to the occupant by the airbag itself.
[0005]
  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and can effectively reduce the impact of a collision applied to an occupant by inflating and deploying smoothly and effectively reducing the pressure applied to the occupant by the airbag itself. An object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for folding an airbag.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The airbag apparatus according to claim 1 includes an airbag that inflates and deploys when gas flows in, an airbag storage portion that is folded and stored when the airbag is not deployed, and a projecting opening from which the airbag projects when deployed. The airbag has a base end side connected to the case body and gas is introduced when the airbag is not deployed.Plate shape with a width smaller than the width dimension of the case body protrusionAt the time of deployment,Airbag cover top surfaceA first dimension of the first deployment portion that protrudes from the projection opening by a predetermined dimension.From the tip to the tipPredetermined pointsAround eachExtendedThe width of the case body is smaller than the width dimension of the projecting opening of the case body.A plurality of second expansion partseachThe predeterminedCenter pointFolded into a shape with a gathering partThe first unfolding portion is wound around the gathering portion so that the base end side is the front side of the vehicle body, and the predetermined point is located inside the circumference of the unwrapped first unfolding portion when not deployed. LikeFolded into
[0007]
  In this configuration, when gas is supplied to the airbag that is folded and stored in the airbag storage portion of the case body, this gas is first introduced into the first deployment portion, and with the deployment of this first deployment portion. , From the protruding partFrom the top of the airbag coverProject by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into each second developing unit that constitutes the collecting unit via the first developing unit to develop each second developing unit. A plurality of second expansion portions are provided in the aggregation portion, and when each second expansion portion is expanded,Predetermined dimensions from the top of the airbag coverSince it protrudes, the gathering portion smoothly develops in a substantially entire circumferential direction about a predetermined point as a center. For this reason, when the assembly portion is deployed, the speed at which each portion of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and only a part of the airbag is restrained from being deployed at high speed.
[0008]
[0009]
  And in this structure, it becomes possible to incline and incline the airbag from the projecting opening as the gas is introduced and the first deployment part is unwound, for example, in a direction in which the assembly part is separated from the object to be protected. It becomes possible to project.
[0010]
[0011]
[0012]
  Claim2The airbag folding method described is a airbag folding method in which gas flows in from a gas inlet and is inflated and deployed, and is continuous with the gas inlet.In addition, a plate-shaped first deploying portion projecting from the upper surface of the airbag cover when deployed with a width smaller than the width dimension of the projecting opening of the case body, and the case body extending from the tip of the first deploying portion. Forming a plurality of second developed portions having a width dimension smaller than the width dimension of the projecting opening, and assembling the second developed portions around a predetermined point of the tip portion, respectively. A step of forming, a step of winding the first development portion around the outer periphery of the assembly portion so that the base end side is the front side of the vehicle body, and the step of positioning the predetermined point on the inner side of the circumference of the wound first development portion;It is equipped with.
[0013]
  In this configuration, when gas is supplied to the folded and stored airbag, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment portion, and the assembly portion is moved along with the deployment of the first deployment portion.From the top of the airbag coverProject by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into each second developing unit that constitutes the collecting unit via the first developing unit to develop each second developing unit. In addition, a plurality of second expanding portions are provided in the collecting portion, and when the second expanding portions are deployed, the collecting portions protrude outward from the stored position, so that the collecting portion is Smoothly develops in a substantially all-round direction around a fixed point. For this reason, when the assembly portion is deployed, the speed at which each portion of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and only a part of the airbag is restrained from being deployed at high speed.
[0014]
[0015]
  And in this structure, it becomes possible to incline and project the airbag as the gas is introduced and the first deploying portion is unwound, for example, the assembly portion is projected in a direction away from the object to be protected. Is possible.
[0016]
  Claim3The airbag folding method described is a method for folding an airbag that is housed in an airbag housing portion and inflates and deploys when gas flows in from a gas inlet, and communicates with the gas inlet of the airbag. PartA plate-shaped first deploying portion projecting from the upper surface of the airbag cover during deployment with a width smaller than the width dimension of the projecting opening of the case body is formed, and the two directions centering on the distal end portion of the first deploying portion Forming a second development portion having a width dimension smaller than the width dimension of the projecting opening of the case body and folding the second development portion to a width dimension that can be accommodated in the airbag accommodating section, and centering on a predetermined point of the tip end section. Folding the first unfolded portion around the first unfolded portion around the first unfolded portion around the first unfolded portion. The process of storing in the airbag storage part so as to be located insideAre provided.
[0017]
  In this configuration, when a gas is supplied to the airbag that is folded and stored in the airbag storage portion, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment portion. The portion is protruded from the upper surface of the airbag cover by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into a plurality of second expanding portions constituting the collecting portion via the first expanding portion, and each second expanding portion is smoothly expanded in the substantially entire circumferential direction. For this reason, when the assembly portion is deployed, the speed at which each portion of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and only a part of the airbag is restrained from being deployed at a high speed. Furthermore, since the airbag is folded into a width dimension that can be stored in the airbag storage portion, the work of folding the assembly portion is facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag is reduced. The
[0018]
  Claim4The air bag folding method described in claim3In the airbag folding method described above, the second deployment portion is formed in a plate shape.
[0019]
  And in this structure, since the 2nd expansion | deployment part is folded in the plate shape of the width dimension which can be accommodated in an airbag storage part, the operation | work which folds a gathering part becomes easy and the manufacturing cost of an airbag reduces. Is done.
[0020]
[0021]
[0022]
  Claim5The airbag folding method described is a method of folding an airbag that is housed in an airbag housing portion and inflates and deploys when gas flows in from a gas introduction port, and the airbag is disposed below the gas introduction port. A step of holding the air bag toward the inside, a step of pressurizing and inflating the inside of the airbag to localize it in a predetermined position, and a portion communicating with the gas inlet of the airbag from the outer surface to partially Fold intoThe length that protrudes from the top of the airbag coverForming a first development part arranged in a vertical flat plate shape, pressing a part communicating with the first development part from an outer surface and folding a part inwardly, an upper end part of the first development partAround a given pointForms a second deployment portion arranged in a horizontal flat plate extending in two directions and can be stored in the airbag storage portionIt is smaller than the width dimension of the protrusion of the case bodyThe step of making the width dimension substantially T-shaped in a side view,Fold each around the predetermined pointForming a gathering portion; andWrapping the first development part around the outer periphery of the assembly part so that the base end side is the front side of the vehicle body, and positioning the predetermined point inside the circumference of the wound first development partAre provided.
[0023]
  In this configuration, when a gas is supplied to the airbag that is folded and stored in the airbag storage portion, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment portion. Air bagCover topProjected by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into a plurality of second expanding portions constituting the collecting portion via the first expanding portion, and each second expanding portion is smoothly expanded in the substantially entire circumferential direction. For this reason, when the assembly portion is deployed, the speed at which each portion of the airbag is deployed is made uniform, and only a part of the airbag is restrained from being deployed at high speed. Further, the airbag is folded in a state where the gas introduction port is directed downward to pressurize the inside to be inflated and fixed at a predetermined position, and the first deployment portion and the second deployment portion are provided in the airbag storage portion. Since it can be folded into a substantially T-shaped side view with a width dimension that can be stored, it is easy to fold the assembly part, it is easy to automate by a machine, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag is reduced.
[0024]
  Claim6The air bag folding method described in claim3 to 5The airbag folding method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a step of forming each aggregated portion by folding each second deployment portion in a wave shape on the first deployment portion side.
[0025]
  And in this structure, while the 2nd expansion | deployment part folded by the substantially horizontal flat plate shape is easily folded in a wave shape, the unfolding characteristic improves easily by folding in a wave shape.
[0026]
  Claim7The air bag folding method described in claim3 to 5In the airbag folding method according to any one of the preceding claims,Each second development part is wound around the first development part side and folded to form a gathering partThe process which comprises is comprised.
[0027]
  The airbag folding method according to claim 8 is the airbag folding method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each second deploying portion is irregularly compressed and folded toward the center side. And a step of forming a gathering portion.
[0028]
  Claim9The air bag folding method described in claim3 to 8In the airbag folding method according to any one of the above, the second deployment portions extending in two directions are formed with different length dimensions.
[0029]
  In this configuration, a desired developed shape can be easily realized.
[0030]
  Claim10The air bag folding method described in claim9In the airbag folding method described above, the second deployment part includes an upper deployment part that deploys upward and a lower deployment part that deploys downward, and the projecting dimension of the lower deployment part is It is set to be larger than the projecting dimension of the upper development part.
[0031]
  And in this structure, when the airbag apparatus provided with the folded airbag is provided in the instrument panel of the automobile, the airbag apparatus and the lower side than the space between the airbag apparatus and the upper side, that is, the windshield. That is, since the space between the passenger and the passenger is larger, the airbag is smoothly deployed so as to fill the space.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an airbag device and an airbag folding method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0033]
  2 to 4, reference numeral 1 denotes an airbag device. The airbag device 1 includes an instrument panel 2 serving as an installation portion located in front of a passenger in a passenger seat of an automobile, that is, a passenger seat to be protected. It is arranged inside and constitutes an airbag device for a passenger on the passenger seat. Hereinafter, the front (the direction of arrow F shown in FIG. 4), the rear (the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 4), and the up and down direction are respectively the front and rear direction and the up and down direction of the automobile with the airbag device 1 attached to the automobile. It explains according to. The instrument panel 2 is formed in a curved surface or the like that slightly lowers toward the rear side, that is, the passenger seat side, and an airbag device is attached to the reinforcement as a mounted member that is disposed inside the instrument panel 2. 1 is fixed by screwing or the like. Further, 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 on the upper side of the instrument panel 2.
[0034]
  And this airbag apparatus 1 is provided with the retainer 12 as a case body. The retainer 12 has a substantially box shape with the upper side being a projecting opening 14 as an opening. The inside of the retainer 12 is partitioned vertically by a mid retainer 15 that is a partition member, and an inflator storage portion 17 positioned on the lower side and an airbag storage portion 18 positioned on the upper side are formed. The inflator storage part 17 stores an inflator 21 for injecting gas, and the airbag storage part 18 located on the upper side stores a bag-like airbag 22 in a folded state, Covered by a breakable cover body (lid) 23.
[0035]
  The retainer 12 is formed by bending or welding a metal plate, and the projecting opening 14 is disposed along the instrument panel 2 toward the upper side or the rear side. The inflator accommodating portion 17 has a substantially cylindrical shape with the both side directions as axial directions, and inflator attachment holes 29 are formed at both ends of the inflator accommodating portion 17, respectively. In addition, the bracket portion 33 is fixed to the retainer 12 by welding or the like, and the bolt 35 fixed to the bracket portion 33 is fixed to the reinforcement with a nut. 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 circular hole or a long hole attachment hole 48 on the front and rear surfaces on the lower end side. Further, a cover mounting body 58 integrally formed with a plurality of cover mounting 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.
[0036]
  On the other hand, the mid retainer 15 is formed by bending, for example, a metal plate, a board portion 61, a mounting plate portion 62 in which the front and rear sides of the board portion 61 are bent upward, and both side ends of the board portion 61. And an end plate portion 63 bent upward. Further, locking piece portions 64 are formed at the end portions on both sides of the substrate portion 61. In addition, a plurality of gas insertion ports 65 are formed in the substrate portion 61, and each gas insertion port 65 is provided with a blade portion 66 inclined in a predetermined direction. Further, from the front and rear mounting plate portions 62, three stud bolts 67 are integrally fixed and protruded to be inclined downward, and the nut 70 is screwed through the reinforcing plate 68, respectively. It has become.
[0037]
  The inflator 21 includes 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 73 is provided at the other end of the main body 71. Yes. The main body 71 includes a gas generation chamber containing an igniter and a propellant therein, or a gas storage chamber filled with compressed gas and a gas generation chamber filled with a solid gas generating agent are broken. It is configured as a so-called hybrid inflator arranged via possible partition walls. The gas outlet 72 is formed with a plurality of gas injection holes on the peripheral surface, and a bolt portion 76 is projected from the end surface to pass through an inflator mounting hole (not shown) at one end of the retainer 12. The nut 77 is screwed together. Further, a lead wire 78 having a connector 78a connected to the tip 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.
[0038]
  Then, the airbag 22 sews, for example, two base fabrics, and the width dimension and the thickness dimension increase from a rectangular opening 81 provided at the lower end portion to a substantially cylindrical facing surface facing the occupant. It is formed in a bag shape. In addition, circular attachment holes 84 are formed at predetermined intervals on the front and rear sides of the opening 81, and slit-like attachment holes 85 are formed on the short pieces on both sides. Further, an exhaust port 88 is formed in the airbag 22 at a position slightly spaced from the opening 81.
[0039]
  Furthermore, the cover body (airbag cover) 23 includes a substantially flat upper plate portion 91 provided substantially flush with the instrument panel 2 and front and rear legs protruding downward from the lower surface of the upper plate portion 91. The piece portion 92 and the claw portion 93 disposed on the outer side of the leg piece portion 92 are integrally injection-molded with a synthetic resin such as a thermoplastic elastomer. Further, on the lower surface of the upper plate portion 91, a breaking portion (tea line) 95 which is thinner than other portions and easily breaks is formed in a substantially plane H shape or the like. Each leg piece 92 is formed with a locking hole 96 at a predetermined interval in both directions.
[0040]
  When assembling the airbag device 1, first, the airbag 22 is attached to the mid retainer 15, the mid retainer 15 is attached so as to cover the gas insertion opening 26 inside the retainer 12, and the airbag 22 is folded. The inflator 21 is mounted in the inflator storage part 17, stored in the airbag storage part 18, covering the projecting opening 14 with the cover body 23.
[0041]
  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 and locked. Then, 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 nuts 70 are screwed from the outside via the reinforcing plate 68 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 inlet 65. . In addition, the airbag 22 is folded into a predetermined shape, which will be described later, either before or after the mid retainer 15 is attached to the retainer 12, and stored in the airbag storage section 18. Subsequently, the cover body 23 is put on the projecting opening 14, and the cover mounting claws 57 of the retainer 12 are locked and fixed in the locking holes 96 of the leg piece portions 92 of the cover body 23 to cover the upper side of the airbag 22. Further, the inflator 21 is inserted from one inflator mounting hole 29 of the inflator housing part 17 of the retainer 12, and the bolt part 76 is projected from the other inflator mounting hole. The nuts 77 are screwed onto the bolts 76 and tightened to close the inflator mounting holes 29 on both sides in an airtight manner.
[0042]
  And the airbag apparatus 1 comprised in this way fastens the volt | bolt 35 of the bracket part 33 to the support plate provided in the reinforcement with a nut, and is fixed to a vehicle body. Further, in this state, the claw portion 93 of the cover body 23 is adapted to engage with the back side of the instrument panel 2 and the like.
[0043]
  In the airbag device 1 configured as described above, in the case of a collision of an automobile, a controller (not shown) usually detects this impact, that is, sudden deceleration more than a predetermined value, and operates the inflator 21. An inert gas such as nitrogen gas is injected from the nozzle. Then, the gas passes through the gas insertion port 65 of the mid retainer 15 while being rectified by the blade portion 66, flows into the airbag 22, and inflates and deploys the airbag 22. Then, the airbag 22 presses the cover body 23 from the inside, breaks the upper plate portion 91 of the cover body 23 along the breakage portion 95, and forms a protruding opening of the airbag 22. Subsequently, the airbag 22 projects from the projecting opening and is inflated and deployed along the windshield 4 as will be described later, so as to alleviate the impact applied to the occupant. In the case where a small impact that does not satisfy the conditions for operating the inflator 21 is received, or in the case of a ball hitting accident or the like, after the airbag 22 is inflated and deployed once, the impact is further received and the occupant collides with the airbag device 1 In this case, the retainer 12 of the airbag device 1 is deformed to reduce the impact received by the occupant.
[0044]
  Next, the folding process of the airbag 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 7.
[0045]
  First, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 5, with the airbag 22 attached to the retainer 12 pulled out upward, the four corners a, b, c, d of the portion of the maximum dimension L1 in the front-rear direction are pressed. The portions e and f on both sides remaining in the width direction are inserted inside the airbag 22. In this state, the airbag 22 has a substantially rectangular shape in the front-rear longitudinal dimension L1 and the width dimension w, and is substantially T-shaped in a side view with the height dimension, that is, the initial protruding dimension L2. In this state, the cylindrical portion raised from the protrusion 14 of the retainer 12 becomes the first deployment portion 101, which is the tip portion of the first deployment portion 101, that is, the center portion on the passenger side of the airbag 22. The portions extending in the front-rear direction from the predetermined point O serve as the second development portion 102, respectively. The width dimension w is set to be slightly smaller than the width dimension of the protruding port 14 of the retainer 12. Further, by setting the longitudinal dimension L1 and the width dimension w, the initial protrusion dimension L2 is automatically determined. Further, the predetermined point O is a central portion on the passenger side of the airbag 22, that is, a maximum protruding portion.
[0046]
  Next, as shown in FIG. 1B, the second unfolded portions 102 on both sides are folded in a bellows shape, and gathered around a predetermined point O to form a gathered portion 104.
[0047]
  Next, the gathering portion 104 is pulled out to the front side, and as shown in FIG. 6, the gathering portion 104 is rotated in the left-handed direction (arrow g direction) as viewed from the right side of the vehicle body toward the rear, Wrap part 101.
[0048]
  In the present embodiment, when the assembly portion 104 is rotated about 360 degrees, the airbag 22 is stored in the airbag storage portion 18 of the retainer 12 as shown in FIG. Further, the cover cloth 106 previously sewn in the vicinity of the opening 81 of the airbag 22 is put on the folded airbag 22 to complete the folding process.
[0049]
  Next, with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 12, a deployment process of the airbag 22 will be described. 8 to 12, only the windshield 4, the retainer 12, and the airbag 22 are shown.
[0050]
  First, immediately after the airbag apparatus 1 is activated and the gas is injected (after operation 1 [msec] to 10 [msec]), as shown in FIG. While being filled (in the direction of arrow h), the cover body 23 is broken and protrudes from the protruding opening 14 while the first developing portion 101 that wraps around the collecting portion 104 is rolled back. Then, the gas is guided to the collecting portion 104, and the second developing portion 102 starts to expand.
[0051]
  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the first expanding portion 101 and each of the second expanding portions 102 are filled with gas, and the expansion of these expanding portions 101 and 102 proceeds simultaneously. Further, the gathering portion 104 is thrown out to the front side by the force of the first unfolding portion 101 to rewind, and comes into sliding contact with the glass at the i portion.
[0052]
  Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the airbag 22 (after the operation 12 [msec] to 20 [msec]), the first deployment portion 101 is almost unwound, and the assembly portion 104 is returned to the initial state.
[0053]
  Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the airbag 22 (after operation 20 [msec] to 30 [msec]) is mainly in the direction along the windshield 4 (arrow k) while being in sliding contact with the windshield 4 at the j portion. Direction) and a direction in which the second developing portion 102 on the rear side returns (in the direction of arrow m).
[0054]
  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the airbag 22 (after operation 30 [msec] to 50 [msec]) mainly extends in the direction along the windshield 4 (arrow n direction) and the rear second deployment portion 102. Expands in the direction of returning (arrow p direction), and becomes the final expanded shape.
[0055]
  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the airbag 22 is folded inward so that the width of the airbag 22 is smaller than the width of the airbag storage portion 18 of the retainer 12, and the gas A first deployment portion 101 serving as an 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, and then from both ends of the second deployment portion 102 It is folded in a bellows shape to form a gathering portion 104 that is gathered at the connection point between the first spreading portion 101 and the second spreading portion 102. Further, the first spreading portion 101 is wound around the gathering portion 104 to form a T-fold. As a result, when the gas is introduced, the airbag 22 smoothly deploys around the predetermined point O in the entire circumferential direction. Therefore, while ensuring smooth and quick deployment of the airbag 22, it is possible to suppress the speed at which each part of the airbag 22 partially protrudes, for example, to reduce the maximum speed at which the airbag 22 heads toward the occupant at the initial stage of deployment, The surface pressure can be reduced, and the pressure applied by the airbag 22 itself can be reduced even for passengers other than those who are seated with seat belts.
[0056]
  In addition, since the first deployment portion 101 is arranged in alignment with the gas flow path, the deployment direction can be easily controlled.
[0057]
  Further, the gathering portion 104 is rotated and wound on the first deployment portion 101 from the front to the rear of the vehicle so that the airbag 22 is deployed toward the non-occupant side, that is, the windshield 4 side at the initial stage of deployment. Can be made.
[0058]
  The airbag 22 is folded into a projecting port 14 of the retainer 12, that is, folded into a substantially T-shape having a width dimension w slightly smaller than the width dimension of the airbag storage section 18, and the extended portion is further centered. The fold line in the folding process is simple, making the folding work easy and reducing the manufacturing cost.
[0059]
  Further, in addition to folding by hand, automated folding by a machine (folding device) is also possible, and part of it can be mechanized and part of it can be manually performed. For example, a substantially T-shaped fold of the first unfolding portion 101 and the second unfolding portion 102 and an accordion-like or wavy fold of the gathering portion 104 are performed by a folding device, and the first unfolding portion 101 is wound around the gathering portion 104. By manually performing the process of storing in the airbag storage section 18 of the retainer 12, the cost required for the development and manufacturing of the folding device can be balanced with the cost by manual work, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. And in the case of folding by a machine, while turning the opening 81 attached with a heavy retainer 12 downward, pressurizing the inside of the airbag 22 once to inflate and deploy, and by localizing in a predetermined position, Workability can be improved and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Note that the airbag 22 can be folded without being attached to the retainer 12, or can be folded with the opening 81 suspended sideways or upward.
[0060]
  In the above embodiment, the second expanding portion 102 extending in two directions is folded in a bellows shape, but the second expanding portion 102 may protrude in a plurality of directions of three or more directions. In addition to the bellows-like folding, each of the second expanding portions 102 can be wound or folded in a substantially wave shape so as to be compressed to the predetermined point O side.
[0061]
  Further, the step of forming the first deploying portion 101 and the second deploying portion 102 is a predetermined width dimension w by various methods such as pressing the airbag 22 from the side surface portion and folding the airbag 22 inward or folding outward. be able to.
[0062]
  For example, in the step of forming the second deployment 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 a and b are folded. , C, d can be pressed and a pre-folded state of a substantially triangular shape in side view can be obtained with tension applied. Further, from this state, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first unfolding portion 101 is pressed in the direction of the arrow T, and the pair of ear portions 111 on both sides where the base fabric is left are folded back along the back side. Thus, the first developing part 101 and the second developing part 102 can be formed into a plate shape. Further, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the first developing portion 101 can be formed into a plate shape by being folded inward along a single or plural folding lines U at a predetermined position. As described above, the folding method of the first developing unit 101 and the folding method of the second developing unit 102 can be appropriately combined and folded into a substantially T shape.
[0063]
  Further, the first unfolding portion 101 and the second unfolding portion 102 do not necessarily have to be folded into a clear plate shape so as to have a substantially T shape. For example, from the pre-folded state shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. As shown in FIG. 16B, the portion of the predetermined point O is dropped into the retainer 12 side so as to be substantially Y-shaped. Then, as shown in FIG. It can also be folded.
[0064]
  Furthermore, the folding method of the first deployment part 101 and the second deployment part 102, the assembly part 104, and the storage method in the airbag storage part 18 can be used in appropriate combination. That is, after folding into a substantially T-shape in the process shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 13 or the like, the second expanding portion 102 is folded into a bellows shape, wound, or irregularly compressed, and the gathering portion 104 Then, the first deployment portion 101 may be wound around the gathering portion 104, and the first deployment portion 101 may be folded into a bellows shape or irregularly compressed and stored in the airbag storage portion 18. .
Also, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), after being folded into a substantially Y shape, the second unfolding portion 102 is folded into a bellows shape, and is wound or irregularly compressed to form the gathering portion 104. Then, the first deploying portion 101 may be wound around the gathering portion 104, and the first deploying portion 101 may be folded into a bellows shape or irregularly compressed and stored in the airbag storing portion 18. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), FIG. 13 or the like, the airbag housing portion 18 is directly wound by winding, folding in a bellows shape, or irregularly compressed from a pre-folded state having a substantially triangular shape in side view. The assembly portion may be formed in a state of being stored in the airbag storage portion 18 and being stored in the airbag storage portion 18.
[0065]
  That is, when the airbag 22 is deployed, the airbag 22 is deployed about a predetermined point O spaced from the projection port 14 by a predetermined dimension while being projected from the projection port 14, thereby enabling smooth deployment.
[0066]
  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the second development portion 102 extended in two directions or the like is formed to have the same length dimension, and is also decentered, that is, in a different length direction, a desired development shape, Deployment characteristics can be easily obtained.
[0067]
  For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in a general vehicle layout, the airbag device 1 is larger than the dimension La1 between the airbag device 1, that is, the instrument panel 2 side and the upper side, that is, the windshield 4 side. That is, since the dimension Lb1 between the instrument panel 2 side and the lower side, that is, the occupant side is larger, the size of the second deployment part 102, that is, the dimension from the predetermined point O to the tip part of each second deployment part 102 is measured. By making the passenger side dimension Lb2 larger than the four side dimension La2, the airbag 22 can be smoothly deployed so as to fill the space.
[0068]
  Moreover, although each said embodiment demonstrated the airbag apparatus 1 with which the instrument panel 2 for passenger seat passenger | crew was equipped, this invention is a rear seat with which the airbag apparatus with which a door panel is equipped, and the back surface of a front seat is equipped. The present invention can be applied to various airbag devices such as a conventional airbag device.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the airbag device of the first aspect, when gas is supplied to the airbag that is folded and stored in the airbag storage portion of the case body, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment portion. As the development part expands,Airbag cover top surfaceProjected by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into each second developing unit that constitutes the collecting unit via the first developing unit to develop each second developing unit. A plurality of second expansion portions are provided in the aggregation portion, and when each second expansion portion is expanded,From the top of the airbag coverSince it protrudes, the gathering part can be smoothly developed substantially in the entire circumferential direction about a predetermined point as a center. For this reason, when the assembly portion is deployed, the speed at which each portion of the airbag is deployed can be made uniform, and only a part of the airbag can be prevented from being deployed at a high speed, and the pressure on the object to be protected can be reduced.
[0070]
  FirstSince the 1 deployment part is wound around the outer periphery of the assembly part, the airbag can be inclined and projected from the projecting port as the gas is introduced and the first deployment part is unwound. For example, the assembly part is protected It can project in the direction away from the.
[0071]
[0072]
  Claim2According to the airbag folding method described above, when gas is supplied to the folded and accommodated airbag, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment portion, and the assembly portion is developed along with the deployment of the first deployment portion. Is projected from the upper surface of the airbag cover by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into each second developing unit that constitutes the collecting unit via the first developing unit to develop each second developing unit. In addition, a plurality of second expanding portions are provided in the collecting portion, and when the second expanding portions are deployed, the collecting portions protrude outward from the stored position, so that the collecting portion is Smoothly develops in a substantially all-round direction around a fixed point. For this reason, when the assembly portion is deployed, the speed at which each portion of the airbag is deployed can be made uniform, and only a part of the airbag can be prevented from being deployed at a high speed, and the pressure on the object to be protected can be reduced.
[0073]
  CollectionBy winding the first deployment portion around the outer periphery of the joint portion, the airbag can be inclined and protruded as the gas is introduced and the first deployment portion rewinds. For example, the assembly portion is separated from the object to be protected. It can be made to protrude in the direction.
[0074]
  Claim3According to the airbag folding method described above, when gas is supplied to the airbag that is folded and stored in the airbag storage portion, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment portion, and the first deployment portion. With the development of the air bagCover topProjected by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into a plurality of second expanding portions constituting the collecting portion via the first expanding portion, and each second expanding portion is smoothly expanded in the substantially entire circumferential direction. For this reason, when the assembly portion is deployed, the speed at which each portion of the airbag is deployed can be made uniform, and only a part of the airbag can be prevented from being deployed at a high speed, and the pressure on the object to be protected can be reduced. Furthermore, since the airbag is folded so that the first deployment portion and the second deployment portion can be stored in the airbag storage portion, the operation of folding the assembly portion can be facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag can be reduced. .
[0075]
  Claim4According to the described airbag folding method,DThe airbag is folded into a plate shape having a width dimension that can be stored in the airbag storage portion, so that the operation of folding the assembly portion can be facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag can be reduced.
[0076]
[0077]
  Claim5According to the airbag folding method described above, when gas is supplied to the airbag that is folded and stored in the airbag storage portion, the gas is first introduced into the first deployment portion, and the first deployment portion. With the development of the air bagCover topProjected by a predetermined dimension. Subsequently, the gas is introduced into a plurality of second expanding portions constituting the collecting portion via the first expanding portion, and each second expanding portion is smoothly expanded in the substantially entire circumferential direction. For this reason, when the assembly portion is deployed, the speed at which each portion of the airbag is deployed can be made uniform, and only a part of the airbag can be prevented from being deployed at a high speed, and the pressure on the object to be protected can be reduced. Further, the airbag is folded in a state where the gas introduction port is directed downward to pressurize the inside to be inflated and fixed at a predetermined position, and the first deployment portion and the second deployment portion are provided in the airbag storage portion. Since it can be folded into a substantially T-shaped side view with a width that can be stored, it is possible to easily fold the assembly part, facilitate automation by a machine, and reduce the manufacturing cost of the airbag.
[0078]
  Claim6According to the airbag folding method described in claim3 to 5In addition to the effect described in any one of the above, the second expanded portion folded into a substantially horizontal flat plate shape can be easily waved by forming the aggregated portion by folding each second expanded portion in a wave shape on the first expanded portion side. In addition to being able to be folded, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the unfolding characteristics can be easily improved by folding in a wave shape.
[0079]
[0080]
  Claim9According to the airbag folding method described in claim3 to 8In addition to the effect described in any of the above, a desired developed shape can be easily realized by forming the second developed portions extending in two directions with different length dimensions.
[0081]
  Claim10According to the airbag folding method described above, in addition to the effect described in claim 9, 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 side, ie, the passenger side, is larger than the space between the windshield and the windshield, the airbag can be smoothly deployed so as to fill the space.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a folding process showing an embodiment of an airbag device of the present invention.
(A) is explanatory drawing of a folding process
(B) is a perspective view of the process following (a).
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the airbag apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the airbag apparatus.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3 showing the airbag apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. 1 (a) showing the airbag apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a folding step subsequent to FIG. 1B of the airbag device.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a folding step subsequent to FIG. 5 of the airbag device.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the deployment operation of the airbag device.
9 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployment operation subsequent to FIG. 7 of the airbag device same as above. FIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployment operation subsequent to FIG. 8 of the airbag device same as above. FIG.
11 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployment operation subsequent to FIG. 9 of the airbag device same as above. FIG.
12 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployment operation subsequent to FIG. 10 of the airbag device same as above. FIG.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a folding process showing another embodiment of the airbag apparatus of the present invention.
(A) is explanatory drawing of a folding process
(B) is a partial cross-sectional view of the folding process
(C) is sectional drawing of the process following (b).
FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a folding process showing another embodiment of the airbag apparatus of the present invention.
(A) is explanatory drawing of a folding process
(B) is a partial cross-sectional view of the folding process
(C) is sectional drawing of the process following (b).
FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a folding process showing another embodiment of the airbag apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of a folding process showing another embodiment of the airbag apparatus of the present invention.
(A) is explanatory drawing of a folding process
(B) is sectional drawing of the process following (a).
FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of a folding process showing another embodiment of the airbag apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing a deployment operation of the airbag device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Airbag device
12 Retainer as case body
14 Protrusion
18 Airbag storage
22 airbag
101 First development department
102 Second development department
104 Assembly part
O Predetermined point

Claims

An air bag inflating and deploying gas,
An airbag storage part that is folded and stored when the airbag is not deployed, and a case body provided with a projecting opening from which the airbag projects when deployed.
The airbag, during non-deployed, the first deployment part plate of width less than the width of the spout of the case body gas base end side is connected to the case body is introduced, at the time of deployment, the air A width dimension of the projecting opening of the case body that protrudes from the upper surface of the bag cover by a predetermined dimension and further extends from the distal end portion of the first deployment portion spaced from the projecting opening by a predetermined dimension around a predetermined point of the distal end portion. A plurality of second development portions having a smaller width are folded into a shape having a collection portion each having the predetermined point as a center ,
The first development part is wound around the gathering part so that the base end side is the front side of the vehicle body, and the predetermined point is located inside the circumference of the wound first development part when not deployed. An airbag device characterized by the above.

A method of folding an airbag in which gas flows from a gas inlet and inflates and deploys,
A plate-shaped first deployment portion that is continuous with the gas introduction port and has a width that is smaller than the width dimension of the projection opening of the case body and projects from the upper surface of the airbag cover during deployment, Forming a plurality of second developed portions having a width dimension that is smaller than a width dimension of the projecting opening of the case body,
A step of gathering the second development portion around a predetermined point of the tip portion to form a plurality of gathering portions;
Winding the first development part around the outer periphery of the gathering part so that the base end side is the front side of the vehicle body, and positioning the predetermined point inside the circumference of the wound first development part;
A method for folding an airbag , comprising:

A method of folding an airbag that is stored in an airbag storage portion and inflates and expands when gas flows in from a gas inlet,
Forming a plate-like first deployment part of a length projecting from the upper surface of the airbag cover at the time of deployment with a width smaller than the width dimension of the projection opening of the case body at a portion communicating with the gas introduction port of the airbag, Extending in two directions around the front end of the first deployment portion, the second deployment portion having the width dimension smaller than the width dimension of the projecting opening of the case body is formed, and folded to a width dimension that can be accommodated in the airbag accommodation section. Process,
A step of forming two aggregate portions by folding each of the tip portions at predetermined points;
Wrapping the first unfolding portion around the gathering portion so that the base end side is the front side of the vehicle body, and storing the predetermined point in the air bag housing portion so as to be positioned inside the circumference of the wound unfolding first unfolding portion And a method of folding an airbag .

The airbag folding method according to claim 3, wherein the second deployment part is formed in a plate shape .

A method of folding an airbag that is stored in an airbag storage portion and inflates and expands when gas flows in from a gas inlet,
Holding the airbag with the gas inlet facing downward;
A step of pressurizing and inflating the inside of the airbag to localize it in a predetermined position;
While pressing the part communicating with the gas inlet of the airbag from the outer surface and folding a part inward to form a first deploying portion arranged in a vertical flat plate with a length protruding from the upper surface of the airbag cover, A second plate disposed in a horizontal plate shape extending in two directions around a predetermined point which is an upper end portion of the first developing portion by pressing a portion communicating with the first developing portion from an outer surface and folding a part thereof inward. A step of forming a deployment part and making it substantially T-shaped in side view with a width smaller than the width of the projecting opening of the case body that can be stored in the airbag storage;
Folding each of the second expansion portions around the predetermined point to form two aggregate portions;
Wrapping the first developed part around the outer periphery of the gathering part so that the base end side is the front side of the vehicle body, and positioning the predetermined point inside the circumference of the wound first developed part. folding method of air bag shall be the feature.

The airbag folding method according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , further comprising a step of forming a collecting portion by corrugating each second deployment portion toward the first deployment portion .

The airbag folding method according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , further comprising a step of winding and folding each of the second deployment portions around the first deployment portion to form a collection portion .

The airbag folding method according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , further comprising a step of irregularly compressing and folding each second deployment portion toward the center portion to form a gathering portion. .

The airbag folding method according to any one of claims 3 to 8 , wherein the second deploying portions extending in two directions are formed with different lengths .

The second expanding portion includes an upper expanding portion that expands upward and a lower expanding portion that expands downward, and the protruding dimension of the lower expanding portion is set larger than the protruding dimension of the upper expanding portion. folding method of the airbag according to claim 9, wherein the that.