JP5478219B2 - Airbag - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an airbag that is deployed along, for example, a window on a side of an automobile.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an airbag apparatus having an airbag that inflates and deploys by introducing gas is known as a so-called curtain airbag apparatus that deploys an airbag along a window of a door on the side of a vehicle compartment. Yes. The airbag of such an airbag apparatus, that is, a curtain airbag is normally folded in an elongated shape and arranged along the upper edge of the window. When an impact such as a side collision or rollover (rollover) is received, gas is supplied from the inflator, and the curtain airbag deploys downward from the upper side along the side window, etc., restraining the occupant And protect.

  In such an airbag, the main inflating portion and a sub inflating portion communicating with the main inflating portion are provided, and when the occupant head contacts the main inflating portion, the gas in the main inflating portion is moved to the sub inflating portion. It has been known. In this configuration, the force applied to the occupant can be suppressed, and the gas in the main inflating portion is not exhausted to the outside of the curtain airbag, but is retained in the sub inflating portion in the curtain airbag. The passenger can be protected by maintaining the internal pressure.

  Further, for an airbag including such a main inflatable portion and a main inflatable portion, a portion where the main inflatable portion and the sub inflatable portion communicate with each other is adhered with an adhesive, and the adhesive is peeled off and communicated with a predetermined pressure. A configuration in which the opening is known is known. In addition, a configuration is known in which a portion where the main expansion portion and the sub-expansion portion communicate with each other is always opened, and the sub-expansion portion is connected with a breakable linear break portion to gradually increase the volume of the sub-expansion portion. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in the configuration in which the base fabrics constituting the airbag are bonded to each other using an adhesive, it is not always easy to set so as to be stably peeled off at a predetermined pressure, which causes an increase in manufacturing cost. In the configuration in which the main expansion portion and the sub-expansion portion are always in communication, a part of the gas flows into the sub-expansion portion when the gas is introduced into the main expansion portion, so that the main expansion portion can be quickly deployed. Causes an increase in manufacturing cost because it is necessary to increase the size of the inflator.

  Further, a configuration in which a breakable cylindrical deployment delay member is mounted on a part of the outer periphery of a folded curtain airbag is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Although this configuration is suitable for a configuration in which gas is quickly supplied to the inflatable portion far from the inflator and the expansion of the inflatable portion close to the inflator is delayed, when the inflatable portion that delays the expansion is rapidly expanded, In the case where they are arranged in an overlapping manner or to delay the development of a plurality of inflating parts, the configuration becomes complicated, which causes an increase in manufacturing cost.

  Furthermore, a configuration is known in which a belt-like body is attached to a curtain airbag so as to exert a tensile force during inflation and deployment, and the direction in which the airbag is inflated and deployed is regulated (see, for example, Patent Document 3). The belt-like body is sewn to the upper edge portion of the airbag and the non-inflatable portion at the periphery of the inflating portion, and the length dimension is set to be shorter than the outer peripheral length of the airbag at the time of inflating. Yes. Therefore, when the airbag is inflated and deployed, a tensile force acts to restrict the direction of deployment of the airbag, and when a predetermined pressure is reached, the sewing of one end of the belt-like body is broken and the airbag is completely inflated and deployed. However, this strip does not suppress the flow of gas and does not have a function of flowing gas from the main expansion portion to the sub expansion portion at a desired time.

JP 2007-161163 (page 2-5, FIG. 3, FIG. 10) JP 2008-230485 A (first page, third page, FIG. 2-3) JP 2008-290606 A (first page, third page, FIG. 1-2)

  As described above, there is a demand for a configuration that can reduce the manufacturing cost and close the communication portion that communicates the main expansion portion and the sub-expansion portion at the initial stage of deployment and open at a predetermined time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points. Air that can be opened at a predetermined time by closing a communication portion that communicates a main expansion portion and a sub-expansion portion at the initial stage of deployment while reducing manufacturing costs. The object is to provide a bag.

Airbag according to claim 1 is provided with an outer base fabric portion disposed on the inside of the base cloth portion and a vehicle body located on the cabin side, configure the outer shell by these base fabric part are overlapped with each other And an airbag that is folded and stored and gas is introduced to inflate and deploy in a planar shape along a predetermined surface to protect the object to be protected, and includes an outer peripheral partition portion that connects the base fabric portions to each other. An inflating part partitioned from the outside, a gas introducing part for introducing gas into the inflating part, and a main part that is provided in the inflating part and that is inflated and deployed opposite to the object to be protected when gas is introduced from the gas introducing part. An inflatable portion, a sub-inflatable portion that is provided in the inflatable portion so as to be partitioned from the main inflatable portion, expands and expands when gas is introduced from the main inflatable portion, and communicates the main inflatable portion and the sub-inflatable portion. In a state where the communication portion and the outer shell portion are folded, the front portion is located at the position of the communication portion. Together with base cloth portion folded being consolidated to the both base fabric portions to between the folded portions and the folded portions for closing at least a portion of the communicating portion to retain the shape of the folded portion And a restricting means having a connecting means that can be partly separated from both the base fabric portions .

  The airbag according to claim 2 is the airbag according to claim 1, further comprising a non-inflatable portion that is partitioned from the inflatable portion and into which gas is not introduced, and the connecting means is a first portion disposed with the folded portion therebetween. The connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected to the non-inflatable portion, and the second connecting portion is connected to the non-inflatable portion so as to be separated.

  The airbag according to claim 3 is the airbag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the airbag is folded and stored at a storage position along the upper edge of the side portion of the passenger compartment as a predetermined surface. The main inflating part is deployed to face the side of a seated occupant as an object to be protected.

According to the airbag of the first aspect, by introducing the gas into the airbag, the main inflating portion is deployed to face the object to be protected, and the object to be protected can be protected. The main inflating part is separated from the sub inflating part, and at the initial stage of deployment, the communicating part is at least partially formed by a folded part that is sandwiched by connecting means connected to both base cloth parts and has a shape maintained. The main expansion part can be quickly deployed by using the gas effectively. When the object to be protected comes into contact with the main inflating portion, a part of the connecting means is separated from both base cloth portions by the pressure developed by the airbag, the folding of the folding portion is canceled and the communicating portion opens. Therefore, the gas moves from the main expansion part to the sub-expansion part via the communication part, the force applied to the object to be protected is suppressed, and the internal pressure is maintained for a relatively long time to protect the object to be protected. The restricting means is configured only by folding the communicating portion and connecting the connecting means to both the base cloth portions in such a manner that the connecting portions can be separated from each other, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced with a simple structure.

  According to the airbag of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the connecting means is a non-inflatable portion between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion arranged with the folded portion therebetween. Because it is connected, it can be configured with a minimum number of members that straddle the folded portion, can reduce the manufacturing cost, the connection portion does not affect the expansion portion including the communication portion, can easily improve the airtightness, Manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  According to the airbag of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, the airbag is deployed along the side portion of the passenger compartment, and a region where the main inflating portion faces the occupant is easily secured. In addition, the occupant can be protected by suppressing the force when the occupant contacts the airbag.

It is explanatory drawing which shows one Embodiment of the airbag of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the one part cross section of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the cross section of the state which folded the airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the expansion | deployment process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the expansion | deployment process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows other embodiment of the airbag of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows other embodiment of the airbag of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an airbag according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, reference numeral 1 denotes an airbag, and an airbag device 2 provided with the airbag 1 is also called a curtain airbag device, and is a roof that is a housing position of a vehicle body of a vehicle that is a vehicle. It is arranged on the side part. The airbag 1 is also called a curtain airbag, a side-impact airbag, an inflatable curtain, or a head protection airbag. The airbag 1 is subjected to a side collision impact or rollover. For example, it is developed in a substantially planar shape on the side of the occupant as the object to be protected to protect the occupant.

  In the following description, directions such as the front-rear direction, the vehicle width direction, the both-side direction, and the up-down direction are based on the straight direction of the vehicle, and the front direction (the direction of arrow F shown in FIG. 1 and the like) and the upper direction (shown in FIG. Arrow U direction), outward (arrow W direction shown in FIG. 3 etc.), etc. will be described.

  Although not shown in the figure, the vehicle body includes a front seat and a rear seat in which a passenger can be seated, and the vehicle body is an opening that can be opened at the top corresponding to the front seat and the rear seat. A door (not shown) provided with a window portion (side window) constituting the predetermined surface S which is a vertical wall portion is provided. Further, on both sides of the passenger compartment, a front pillar called A pillar, a center pillar (not shown) called B pillar, and a rear pillar called C pillar are provided in order from the front side. And the predetermined surface S shown in FIG. 3 is comprised by the both sides of the compartment by these windows, doors, and each pillar. In addition, a vehicle body panel constituting an installation portion called a roof side rail or the like is provided on the upper side of these pillars, that is, the upper edge portion that is one edge portion of the window portion, and a ceiling as a ceiling portion is provided via the vehicle body panel. Panel is supported. A front glass (front windshield) is provided on the front side of the front pillars on both sides, and a rear glass is provided on the rear side of the rear pillars on both sides. The roof side part is set from the edge part on both sides of the ceiling panel to the part covering almost the entire length of the front pillar and the rear pillar extending in a direction intersecting with the edge part. A predetermined surface S on which the airbag 1 is deployed is set inside an arc virtually formed by the part, the front pillar, and the rear pillar. Here, the center pillar is not a pillar at the front and rear ends but a pillar covered by the deployed airbag 1. Depending on the type of vehicle, for example, four or more pillars may be provided on one side, but the third and subsequent pillars from the front will be described as rear pillars.

  The airbag device 2 is a so-called front / rear seat airbag capable of protecting front and rear seat occupants, and is provided on the roof side portion surrounded by the vehicle body panel and the head lining, that is, on the vehicle body vertical wall portion. The airbag 1 is housed by being folded along an edge, and the inflator 11 is a gas generator that is housed behind or above the rear seat and supplies gas to the airbag 1. Further, the airbag device 2 includes a mounting bracket (not shown) for attaching the airbag device 2 to the vehicle body panel, a protector as a protector that is attached along the folded airbag 1 and protects the airbag 1 when deployed. A cylindrical cover as a holding body for holding the shape of the airbag 1 and a tether belt 12 connected to the front end portion of the airbag 1 are combined to be installed on the roof side portion as a module.

  The airbag 1 is inflated and deployed along the predetermined surface S along with the gas supplied from the inflator 11, and combines one or a plurality of base fabrics, for example, folding one base fabric or two sheets. The airbag main body 31 formed in a flat bag shape by overlapping and joining the base fabric, and the mounting piece 32 constituting the mounting portion extending from a plurality of locations of the airbag main body 31, etc. And is folded into an elongated shape and stored in the roof side portion.

  The airbag main body 31 overlaps an inner base fabric portion 33 disposed on the vehicle interior side with an outer base fabric portion 34 disposed on the outer side which is the vehicle body side, and a predetermined sewing portion which is a joint portion. The outer shell portion is formed by sewing together, and as shown by an arrow G, a bag-like inflatable portion 35 that inflates and deploys when gas flows in, and an inflatable portion located at the upper rear end of the airbag main body 31 and the like A gas introduction part 36 that communicates 35 with the outside, a non-expansion part 37 that does not flow in and does not expand and expand, and the like are provided. That is, the inner base fabric portion 33 and the outer base fabric portion 34 form a main panel that constitutes the outer shell of the airbag 1.

  The inflating portion 35 is an air chamber that is a hollow portion, and includes a gas guiding portion 40, a first main inflating portion 41 as a main inflating portion, a second main inflating portion 42, and a first inflating portion as a sub inflating portion. A sub-expansion part 44, a second sub-expansion part 45, and a third sub-expansion part 46 are provided.

  The gas guide portion 40 communicates directly with the gas introduction portion 36, and is provided in a straight line along the upper edge portion of the airbag body portion 31 with the front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction. It develops into a substantially horizontal columnar shape as a certain axial direction. In the present embodiment, the gas guide portion 40 is not formed at the front end portion of the airbag main body portion 31, and the gas introduction portion 36 communicates with the rear end portion.

  The first main expansion portion 41 communicates with the front side, which is the downstream side of the gas guide portion 40, that is, communicates with the gas introduction portion 36 via the gas guide portion 40, and is on the side of the front seat occupant during deployment. It is a front seat protection part that is deployed facing the direction. The second main expansion portion 42 is a rear seat protection portion that communicates with the rear side, which is the upstream side of the gas guide portion 40, and that develops facing the occupant side of the rear seat when deployed.

  Further, the first sub-inflating portion 44 communicates with the front side of the first main inflating portion 41 via the first vent hole 51 as a communicating portion, and further forwards from the side of the front seat occupant during deployment. It is located and can be deployed. The second sub-inflating portion 45 communicates with the rear side of the first main inflating portion 41 through the second vent hole 52 and is deployed rearward from the side of the front seat occupant during deployment. It is possible. Further, the third sub-inflatable portion 46 communicates with the front side of the second main inflatable portion 42 through the third vent hole 53, and can be deployed forward from the side of the rear seat occupant during deployment. It has become.

  Further, the sewing portion is configured to be substantially airtight or highly airtight by sewing, bonding, or a combination of sewing and sealing means, and an outer peripheral sewing portion 55 as an outer peripheral partition portion for sewing the outer periphery of the expansion portion 35, and A regulating portion 56 that is located in a region surrounded by the outer circumferential sewing portion 55 and that defines the main inflating portions 41, 42 and the sub inflating portions 44, 45, 46, etc., and regulates the width of each portion when deployed; I have. The restricting portion 56 is formed integrally with or separately from the outer peripheral sewing portion 55, and is formed in an annular shape that protects the line portion 57 located at the end of the line portion 57 and the line portion 57. A protection part 58 is formed. The portion surrounded by the protection portion 58 constitutes a non-expandable portion 37 into which no gas is introduced.

  In the present embodiment, the line portion 57 of the restricting portion 56 is located on the front side of the first main expansion portion 41 and divides the first main expansion portion 41 and the first sub expansion portion 44. A first partition line 61; a second partition line 62 that is located on the rear side of the first main expansion portion 41 and separates the first main expansion portion 41 and the second sub expansion portion 45; A third dividing line that is located below the gas guide portion 40 from the front side of the second main expansion portion 42 and divides the second main expansion portion 42, the gas guide portion 40, and the third sub-expansion portion 46. 63. Further, as the line portion 57 of the restricting portion 56, a fourth partition line 64 that branches from the first partition line 61 and extends so as to bend inside the first main expansion portion 41, and a second partition line 62 are provided. And a fifth partition line 65 extending from the first main expansion portion 41 so as to bend inside.

  The first lane marking 61 can also be referred to as a partition, and includes a first lane marking 71 and a second lane marking 72 continuous to the first lane marking 71. The first dividing line portion 71 is arranged in a vertical straight line along the vertical direction, and gas can flow between the end portion 71a at one end which is the lower end and the outer peripheral sewing portion 55 facing downward. A first vent hole 51 is formed. That is, the first vent hole 51 is located at one end of the first lane marking 61 on the end 71a side of the first lane marking 71. And from the other end 71b which is the upper end part of the 1st division line part 71 extended upwards from the 1st vent hole 51, the 2nd division line part 72 is toward the 1st main expansion part 41 side. Inclined and extended upwards so as to be bent.

  Further, in this way, the first sub-inflatable portion 44 is defined by being partitioned by the first partition line 61, the outer periphery sewing portion 55, and the first vent hole 51. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral sewing portion 55 is formed so that the lower portion is a straight line that is substantially parallel to the first partition line 61 and the upper portion is inclined toward the upper rear. The first sub-expansion portion 44 includes a lower sub-expansion portion 44a along the first partition line portion 71 and an upper portion along the second partition line portion 72 in communication with the upper side of the lower sub-expansion portion 44a. And a sub-expansion part 44b. Therefore, the lower sub-expansion portion 44a is disposed along the front side portion of the first main expansion portion 41, and the upper sub-expansion portion 44b is disposed along the upper portion of the front side portion of the first main expansion portion 41. ing. In other words, the first dividing line 61 extends from the upper edge to the lower edge side of the first main expansion portion 41, and separates the first main expansion portion 41 and the first sub-expansion portion 44. ing.

  The second partition line 62 is formed so as to extend downward from the distal end side of the gas guide portion 40, that is, the distal end side of the third partition line 63, and the lower end portion that is the distal end portion of the second partition line 62. A second vent hole 52 is formed between the outer peripheral sewing portion 55 and the outer peripheral sewing portion 55. The fifth partition line 65 is formed so as to extend from the lower end portion, which is the tip portion of the second partition line 62, to the front side and to be curved further upward.

  Further, the third dividing line 63 has a lower end that is a lower end of a portion extending in the front-rear direction along the lower side of the gas guide portion 40 and extending downward. A third vent hole 53 is formed between the portion and the outer peripheral sewing portion 55.

  Although each vent hole 51, 52, 53 is always open, it has a small opening area and opens in a slit shape to generate a predetermined ventilation resistance, and communicates with each vent hole 51, 52, 53. The sub-expanding portions 44, 45, and 46 function as internal exhaust receiving portions (internal vents). Further, the positions of the vent holes 51, 52, 53 are formed at the lower end portions that are the downstream end portions of the main expansion portions 41, 42. Therefore, at the initial stage of expansion when the gas is introduced from the gas introduction part 36 to the main expansion parts 41 and 42 via the gas guide part 40 and the main expansion parts 41 and 42 are inflated and deployed, the sub-expansion parts 44, 45, No or little gas is introduced into 46 so that it does not expand.

  Further, between the inner base fabric portion 33 and the outer base fabric portion 34, the base fabric may be used as a means for guiding gas or regulating the width of the inflated portion when inflated and deployed, if necessary. An inner pipe 77 having a cylindrical shape, a partition body which is a base fabric connecting the inner base fabric portion 33 and the outer base fabric portion 34, and the like are attached by sewing or the like.

  Further, in this embodiment, the non-inflatable portion 37 is located on the outer side of the outer peripheral sewing portion 55 in addition to the protective portions 58, and is a front non-inflatable portion located at the front end portion of the upper end portion of the airbag main body portion 31. 37a, a lower non-expandable portion 37b positioned below the first main expansion portion 41, and a rear non-expandable portion 37c positioned at the lower end of the rear end portion are formed. A fixing point 79 attached to the vehicle body or the like is formed in the front non-expanding portion 37a.

  The mounting piece 32 of the airbag 1 is a mounting piece for mounting the vehicle body, and a plurality of mounting pieces 32 are formed at predetermined positions on the upper edge of the airbag body 31. Each attachment piece 32 is formed integrally with the base fabric portion constituting the airbag main body 31, and is formed, for example, by overlapping and sewing the inner base fabric portion 33 and the outer base fabric portion 34. ing. Each attachment piece 32 protrudes from the airbag body 31 in a tongue-like shape, and an attachment hole 32a having a circular hole shape is formed.

Further, the airbag 1 includes a regulating means 81 at the first vent hole 51 portion. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the restricting means 81 is formed at the position of the first vent hole 51 in a state where the outer shell portion of the airbag 1, that is, the base cloth portions 33 and 34 are folded so as to be housed. A folded portion 83 in which the cloth portions 33 and 34 are folded, and a connecting means 85 disposed so as to overlap the folded portion 83 are provided. Then, the folded portion 83 is folded at one or more folding lines in a state where the two base fabric portions 33 and 34 are in close contact with each other, and all or at least a part of the first vent hole 51 is closed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the base fabric portions 33 and 34 are folded back by two parallel folding lines 83a and 83b. Further, the connecting means 85 can also be called a tether or an external regulating means, and is arranged in a band shape of a predetermined length made of the same or similar material as the base cloth parts 33 and 34, and is placed on the folding part 83. In this state, the first connecting portion 86 located at one end portion in the longitudinal direction is sewn to the protective portion 58 located at the end portion 71a with a thread, and the second connecting portion located at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction. 87 is sewn to the lower non-expandable portion 37b with a thread. That is, the connecting means 85 is disposed with the folded portion 83 interposed therebetween, so to speak, the first connecting portion 86 and the second connecting portion 87 sandwiching the folded portion 83, the base cloth portion 33 of the airbag 1, It is connected to 34 non-expandable portions 37. Further, the strength of the second connecting portion 87 is smaller than the strength of the first connecting portion 86, and the second connecting portion 87 breaks, that is, the yarn breaks and the lower non-expanding portion in a state where a predetermined pressure is applied. It is separated from 37b, and the other end of the connecting means 85 is a free end. Furthermore, the connecting means 85 is connected to the upper end 71a as shown in FIG. 1 instead of the vertical direction that is the shortest distance direction across the first vent hole 51 as the longitudinal direction. In the state inclined toward the first main inflating portion 41 side from the first connecting portion 86 to the second connecting portion 87 on the lower side and inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the airbag 1. Has been placed.

  Next, the folding process of this airbag 1, the assembly process of the airbag apparatus 2, and the attachment process to a vehicle body are demonstrated.

  First, the airbag 1 is in a state in which the inner base fabric portion 33 and the outer base fabric portion 34 are overlapped and spread in a planar shape. Here, spreading in a flat shape means that the air in the inflatable portion 35 is removed and the inner base fabric portion 33 and the outer base fabric portion 34 are brought into close contact with each other. Or is vertically suspended with the mounting piece 32 as the upper side. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the attachment piece portion 32 is set as the upper side, and the longitudinal direction of the airbag 1, that is, the lower edge portion of the airbag main body portion 31 is described in a horizontal state.

  Next, in a state where the two base cloth portions 33 and 34 are closely adhered to each other at the first vent hole 51, the folded portions 83a and 83b are folded and folded to form a folded portion 83. The connecting means 85 is overlapped with the folded portion 83, the first connecting portion 86 at one end is sewn to the protective portion 58 located at the end 71a, and the second connecting portion 87 at the other end is connected to the lower non-inflatable portion. The shape of the folded portion 83 is maintained by sewing to 37b, and the restricting means 81 is configured. Next, the airbag main body 31 is wound in a roll shape from the lower end portion, and the first folding portion 88 is configured as shown in FIG. The first folding part 88 can be called a stacking part or a roll folding part, and is basically folded in a roll shape, but the folded folded part 83 is kept in shape. I am involved.

  Next, the upper portion, that is, the upstream portion of the first folding portion 88 is folded to form the second folding portion 89. The second folding part 89 can also be called a guide part and can take various shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper part including the gas guide part 40, that is, the upstream part. Is turned back at the fold line 91 at one location to form the first arm portion 92, and on the lower side of the first arm portion 92, that is, on the upstream side of the first fold portion 88. The communicating portion is turned toward the inside of the vehicle at one fold line 93 to form the second arm portion 94. Then, by arranging the first arm portion 92 and the second arm portion 94 so as to wrap along the first folding portion 88 from above, the airbag main body 31 is folded into a predetermined elongated shape. It is.

  Then, the airbag main body 31 folded in this manner is covered with a sleeve to hold the folded shape, and the protector and the mounting bracket are attached, and the cylindrical main body of the inflator 11 is attached to the gas introducing portion 36 at the rear end. By connecting a connecting pipe extending from the portion, an airbag device 2 that can also be called a curtain airbag module is configured.

  And this airbag apparatus 2 is brought in into a vehicle interior, and the attachment work to a vehicle body is performed before interior members, such as a headlining and a pillar garnish, are attached. This mounting operation is performed by fixing the plurality of mounting pieces 32, the fixing points 79, the tether belt 12, the mounting portion provided on the inflator 11, and the mounting bracket of the airbag 1 to the vehicle body with fixing devices such as bolts. Is called. Further, the harness derived from the inflator 11 is connected to a control device provided in the vehicle body. Next, the headlining is attached to the ceiling panel of the vehicle body, the pillar garnish is attached to each pillar, and the airbag device 2 is covered, thereby completing the operation of attaching the airbag device 2 to the vehicle body.

  Next, the deployment operation of the airbag 1 will be described.

  In the event of a side collision or rollover of the vehicle, the control device activates the inflator 11, and the gas injected from the inflator 11 passes from the gas introduction part 36 to the inflating part 35 in the airbag main body part 31 via the connecting pipe. be introduced. Then, the inflation part 35 of the airbag main body 31 is first supplied with gas to the first arm part 92 of the second fold part 89, and the second fold part 89 is connected to the first arm part 92 and the first arm part 92. The second arm portion 94 is rapidly inflated and deployed in the order, the sleeve is broken, the head lining and the front and rear pillar garnishes are pushed away, and the first folding portion 88 is pushed out from a predetermined position in a predetermined direction.

  Next, gas is supplied from the developed second folding part 89 to the first folding part 88, and the development of the first folding part 88 is started. In this unfolding process, from the state shown in FIG. 4 (a), as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the first folding part 88 rolls on the predetermined surface S, which is the inner side surface of the passenger compartment, in the direction of arrow R. While being unwound, it expands substantially downward in a predetermined direction along the predetermined surface S, expands and expands in a curtain shape, and covers the window portion, the center pillar, and the like. In this expanded state, the first vent hole 51 is closed by the restricting means 81, and the gas does not flow or hardly flows to the first sub-expansion portion 44 via the first vent hole 51. Thus, the gas is concentrated and accumulated in the main inflating portions 41 and 42, that is, the main inflating portions 41 and 42 facing the occupant are rapidly inflated and deployed. When this expansion process is viewed from the side, gas is supplied to the expansion portion 35 as indicated by an arrow G in FIG. 1, and the gas guide portion 40 rapidly expands and expands from the rear end portion to the front end portion. A region in which gas is supplied from the portion 40 to the first main expansion portion 41 and the second main expansion portion 42 so that these main expansion portions 41, 42 face the side of the seating position of the front seat and the rear seat occupant. Inflate and deploy quickly to protect occupants.

  In a state where the inflation and deployment of the main inflating portions 41 and 42 are completed and before the occupant comes into contact with the airbag 1, the pressure of the gas supplied from the inflator 11 and the vent holes 51, 52, 53 Therefore, gas does not flow into each of the sub-expansion portions 44, 45, and 46, and develops in a so-called flat state that does not expand while being flattened.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), in a state where the first vent hole 51, that is, the restricting means 81 is deployed, the occupant comes into contact with the main inflating portions 41, 42, etc. 42 Here, the first vent hole 51 and the pressure at the portion A shown in FIG. 5 of the first main inflating portion 41 adjacent to the first vent hole 51, that is, the internal pressure of the first main inflating portion 41 is not less than a predetermined value. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the second connecting portion 87 formed with relatively low strength breaks, and the shape of the folded portion 83 is no longer maintained, that is, the restricting means 81 is released, and the first connecting portion 87 is released. The first vent hole 51 which is a flow path to the sub-expansion portion 44 can be secured, that is, opened.

  When an occupant thrown out to the side comes into contact with the airbag 1 and the internal pressure of one or both of the main inflating portions 41 and 42 increases, the gas is passed through the vent holes 51, 52, and 53. The force that is applied to the occupant from the airbag 1 is reduced by flowing into the sub-inflatable portions 44, 45, and 46 and expanding to the maximum volume. Each of the sub-inflating portions 44, 45, 46 is deployed at a position deviating from the normal seating position of the occupant.

  Further, even if the gas moves from the main inflatable portions 41 and 42 to the sub inflatable portions 44, 45, and 46 through the vent holes 51, 52, and 53, the gas is outside the inflatable portion 35 of the airbag 1. Since it is not released, the airbag 1 maintains the deployed shape for a relatively long time.

  Thus, according to the curtain airbag device of the present embodiment, by introducing gas into the airbag 1, the main inflating portions 41 and 42 are arranged along the predetermined surface S on the side of the passenger compartment. It can be deployed in the required area facing the side to protect the head of the passenger.

  The inflatable portion 35 of the airbag 1 is provided with first to third sub-inflatable portions 44, 45, 46 in addition to the first and second main inflatable portions 41, 42. Since the inflating portions 41 and 42 and the first to third auxiliary inflating portions 44, 45 and 46 are partitioned by the first to third partition lines 61, 62 and 63, an occupant is placed in the airbag 1. In the initial stage of deployment before contact, gas does not flow into each of the sub-inflating portions 44, 45, and 46, and the gas supplied from the inflator 11 is effectively used to quickly move the main inflating portions 41 and 42 to predetermined positions. Can be deployed. In addition, since the gas supplied from the inflator 11 can be used effectively, the inflator 11 can be downsized.

  When the occupant comes into contact with the main inflating portions 41 and 42 of the inflating portion 35 of the deployed airbag 1, the gas moves to the sub inflating portions 44, 45 and 46 through the vent holes 51, 52 and 53. The force applied to the occupant from the airbag 1 can be suppressed and the occupant can be protected.

  Further, even if the gas moves from the main inflatable portions 41 and 42 to the sub inflatable portions 44, 45, and 46 through the vent holes 51, 52, and 53, the gas is outside the inflatable portion 35 of the airbag 1. Since the airbag 1 is not released, the airbag 1 maintains the internal pressure, that is, the deployed shape for a relatively long time, and can effectively protect the occupant even during rollover (during rollover).

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the restricting means 81 is provided to restrict the inflow of gas from the first main inflating portion 41 to the first sub inflating portion 44, the first time is desired when the airbag 1 is deployed. Since the gas can flow into the sub-expansion portion 44, the first main expansion portion 41 is efficiently filled with gas at the initial stage of deployment, and the entire first main expansion portion 41 is expanded smoothly and quickly. The initial restraint performance of receiving the head of the occupant with the airbag 1 that has been deployed and secured a sufficient reaction force immediately after the operation of the airbag device 2 can be secured, and the internal pressure of the first main inflating portion 41 in the later deployment stage Accordingly, the gas can be discharged to the first sub-inflating portion 44 and the occupant can be appropriately softly received and restrained, and the effect of appropriately controlling the internal pressure of the first main inflating portion 41 can be reliably realized.

  Further, the restricting means 81 has a folded portion 83 which is a part of the base fabric portion 33, 34 of the airbag 1, and a part of the base fabric portion 33, 34 which can be separated from the base fabric portion 33, 34 by pressing the folded portion 83. It is configured only by the connected connecting means 85, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced with a simple structure. That is, the connecting means 85 is connected to the base fabric portions 33 and 34 of the airbag main body 31 by the first connecting portion 86 and the second connecting portion 87 with the folding portion 83 interposed therebetween. It is possible to configure with a minimum number of members straddling, and to realize weight reduction and reduction in manufacturing cost. Further, the strength at which the second connecting portion 87 is broken can be easily adjusted by setting the sewing method, and the adjustment of the characteristics can be facilitated and the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the configuration using the adhesive.

  Further, since the connecting means 85 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the shortest direction crossing the first vent hole 51, the displacement amount due to the expansion and deployment of the folded portion 83 when the airbag 1 is deployed can be easily secured. The separation of the second connecting portion 87 can be performed reliably and quickly. Furthermore, since the connecting means 85 is inclined toward the first main inflating portion 41, the second connecting portion 87 can be reliably and quickly separated using the development of the first main inflating portion 41.

  Further, since the connecting portions 86 and 87 at both ends of the connecting means 85 are connected to the non-expanding portion 37, a thread seam or the like that causes gas leakage is not formed in the expanding portion 35, and the second portion Even when the yarn constituting the connecting portion 87 is broken, there is no hole or the like in the expanding portion 35, and the connecting portions 86, 87 do not affect the expanding portion 35 including the first vent hole 51 and are airtight. Can be improved easily and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, when the first sub-expansion portion 44 is inflated and deployed, the first sub-expansion portion 44 is inflated and deployed in a column shape bent at the intermediate portion along the first partition line 61, and the first main inflatable portion 41 is expanded. Thus, the position and the deployed shape of the airbag main body 31 of the airbag 1 can be firmly held. Therefore, the behavior of the airbag 1 swinging in the vehicle width direction when the head of the occupant comes into contact with the first main inflating portion 41 at the time of a side collision of the vehicle is suppressed, and the airbag 1 is easily stabilized. Can be protected. For this reason, it is not necessary to use a separate member for stabilizing the airbag 1, and the manufacturing cost of the airbag device 2 can be reduced.

  Further, with respect to the first division line 61 that divides the first main expansion portion 41 and the first sub-expansion portion 44, the first division line portion 71 located below the first division line 61 is vertical. Since the second lane line portion 72 extending from the upper end of the first lane line portion 71 is inclined and extends rearward, the large occupant positioned relatively on the rear side and the The volume of the first main expansion portion 41 that expands in the initial stage of deployment can be suppressed and gas can be used effectively while easily securing a necessary protection area that can sufficiently protect a small passenger located on the front side.

  In addition, the shock absorption characteristic that suppresses the force applied to the occupant from the airbag 1 by the movement of the gas through the vent holes 51, 52, and 53 to the sub-inflatable portions 44, 45, and 46 is that each vent hole. By adjusting the dimensions of 51, 52 and 53, it can be easily changed greatly.

  In the above embodiment, the restricting means 81 is provided only at one place of the first vent hole 51 between the first main expansion portion 41 and the first sub expansion portion 44. The present invention is not limited to this configuration, and one or two of the vent holes 51, 52 and 53, all three, or four or more can be set according to the number of vent holes. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the portion of the first vent hole 51 between the first main expansion portion 41 and the first sub expansion portion 44, the first main expansion portion 41 and the second main expansion portion 41 It can also be set at the portion of the second vent hole 52 between the sub-expansion portion 45. The configuration of the regulating means 81 provided in the second vent hole 52 is the same as the configuration of the regulating means 81 provided in the first vent hole 51, and the first connecting portion 86 is connected to the protection portion 58. The second connecting portion 87 is connected to the rear non-inflatable portion 37c.

  In addition, the airbag 1 is wound in a direction in which the first folding portion 88 rolls so as to roll on the predetermined surface S, and the second folding portion 89 includes the first arm portion 92 and the second arm portion. Although the so-called rollover folding is established in which 94 and the first folding part 88 communicate in this order, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first folding part 88 can be wound in the direction of developing downward so as to rub the predetermined surface S in the direction opposite to that shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the second folding part 89 has a ventilation position 96 communicating with the gas guide part 40 in the front-rear direction, and arms on both sides so as to communicate with the ventilation position 96 from the inside. It may be a so-called parasol fold with the portions 97 and 98 extended. Further, without providing the second folding part 89 as described above, the first folding part 88 can be formed by winding up to the upper end side of the airbag main body 31 in a roll shape.

  Further, the connecting means 85 of the regulating means 81 can be separated from the upper first connecting portion 86 by reducing the strength of the lower second connecting portion 87, but is not limited to this configuration. It is also possible to reduce the strength of the first connecting portion 86 on the upper side with respect to the second connecting portion 87 and to separate the connecting means 85 on the upper side.

  In the above embodiment, the first division line 61 that divides the first main expansion portion 41 and the first sub-expansion portion 44 has a linear shape that bends forward and downward at an intermediate position. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it may be a straight line bent upward at the intermediate position, a curved curve, a stepped shape, or a straight line that is not bent at the intermediate position.

  Further, the inflating portion 35, the gas introducing portion 36, the non-inflating portion 37, the front end portion of the outer peripheral sewing portion 55, and the like of the airbag 1 can be appropriately arranged. For example, the gas introducing portion 36 includes an air The bag main body 31 may be positioned at the center upper portion in the front-rear direction. Moreover, the gas guide part 40 can also be formed along the substantially full length of the upper edge part of the airbag main-body part 31, for example.

  The airbag 1 is not limited to a configuration in which the airbag 1 is deployed from the upper side to the lower side and covers the side windows of the front and rear seats of the automobile, and may cover a part of the side. It can be applied to an appropriate airbag device that needs to be inflated and deployed in a planar shape along the direction.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, an airbag and an airbag device called a curtain airbag that are deployed along a side window of an automobile.

1 Airbag
33, 34 base fabric
35 Expansion part
36 Gas introduction part
37 Non-inflatable part
41 1st main expansion part as main expansion part
44 1st subexpansion part as a subexpansion part
51 1st vent hole as communication part
55 Peripheral sewing section as outer section
58 Protection part of non-inflatable part
81 Regulatory measures
83 Folding part
85 Connection means
86 First connecting part
87 Second connecting part S Predetermined surface

Claims (3)

An outer fabric base portion disposed on the inside of the base cloth portion and a vehicle body located on the cabin side, Configure the outer shell by these base fabric part are overlapped with each other, and are folded and accommodated A gas is introduced along with a predetermined surface to inflate and deploy in a planar shape to protect an object to be protected,
An inflatable section partitioned from the outside by an outer peripheral partition section connecting the base fabric sections;
A gas introduction part for introducing gas into the expansion part;
A main inflating portion provided in the inflating portion, in which gas is introduced from the gas introducing portion and is inflated and deployed opposite to the object to be protected;
A sub-expansion part that is provided in the expansion part so as to be partitioned from the main expansion part, and expands and expands by introducing gas from the main expansion part;
A communication part for communicating the main expansion part and the sub-expansion part;
In a state where the outer shell portion is folded, the base fabric portion is folded at the position of the communication portion, and a folded portion that closes at least a part of the communication portion , and the both folded portions interposed therebetween. air, wherein a part to the both base fabric portions together is consolidated in the base fabric portion to retain the shape of the folded portion is provided with a regulating means and a coupling means capable separated bag. Comprising a non-inflatable part that is partitioned from the inflatable part and into which no gas is introduced;
The connecting means is connected to the non-inflatable portion by a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion arranged with the folded portion therebetween,
And the 2nd connection part was connected with the said non-inflatable part so that separation was possible. The airbag of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The airbag is folded and stored in a storage position along the upper edge portion of the side portion of the passenger compartment as a predetermined surface, gas is introduced and deployed downward along the side portion, and the main inflation portion is protected The airbag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the airbag is deployed opposite to a side of an occupant seated as an object.

Images