JP3340018B2 - Airbag, its folding method and its mounting method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag which is excellent in productivity and protects an occupant by inflating and deploying in the event of an automobile collision, etc. The present invention relates to a reasonable airbag folding method and a method of mounting the airbag that can be reliably and effectively protected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to ensure the safety of occupants and the like, in addition to a conventional seat belt device, when a large impact is received by a vehicle, the vehicle detects the impact and operates to introduce gas into the airbag. Airbag devices that instantly inflate the airbag, cushion and support the upper body of the occupant with the airbag, and significantly reduce the impact force applied to the human body have been widely put into practical use.
In recent years, as standard equipment, not only the driver's seat but also the passenger seat and the rear seat have been installed.

[0003] In this airbag apparatus, inflating the airbag at a proper speed and in a proper form can effectively protect the occupant. It depends not only on the shape and structure of the airbag device, but also greatly on the folded form of the airbag in the airbag device. Therefore, various improvements have conventionally been made to the shape of the airbag, the structure of the airbag device, and the method of folding the airbag.

[0004] For example, an airbag apparatus of a type in which a pair of substantially circular base cloths is conventionally sewn along its outer periphery to form an airbag and inflates into a substantially spherical shape when inflated is known as a center of a steering wheel. Attached to. However, in the airbag of such a form, when the occupant is installed in a portion where the front space of the occupant is large, such as a passenger seat, a sufficient bulging depth cannot be obtained. Therefore, for example, as disclosed in JP-A-3-136942,
BACKGROUND ART A three-dimensional airbag having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped inflated shape obtained by sewing a large number of cloths or more is known.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-215151 discloses a method of folding an airbag which expands and deploys so as to effectively protect a passenger in a passenger seat. This airbag has a form in which two substantially hexagonal base fabrics are joined by sewing or the like except for one side of a peripheral edge thereof, and a gas introduction opening is formed in the one side. In order to fold the airbag, a portion of a side facing the gas introduction opening is folded between upper and lower base fabrics toward the gas introduction opening to form upper and lower pleats, and from the folded portion toward the gas introduction opening, Roll up to about half the position of the base cloth. Then, including the part wound up in a roll shape from the left and right corners, it is folded into the gap between the upper and lower pleats, and the base fabric is folded into a rectangular shape with the gas introduction opening as one side, and subsequently The roll is wound up in a roll shape up to the gas introduction opening, and the extra protruding portion of the base cloth protruding from the roll is folded on the roll, and the entire folding process of the airbag is completed.

In the above-described airbag, since the airbag is folded into the space between the upper and lower base fabrics at the portion facing the gas introduction opening and at the left and right sides of the gas introduction opening, the gas is folded by the folded portion during inflation and deployment. The gas pressure is suppressed and the gas pressure is dispersed to the surroundings. Therefore, the deployment speed of the airbag can be reduced, and at the same time, the airbag can be uniformly inflated by applying gas pressure to the entire airbag, and the deployment direction of the airbag (toward the occupant) as in the conventional airbag device. Direction), the gas pressure acts only on the occupant's head and the gas does not suddenly expand toward the occupant's head, thereby enabling effective inflation toward the occupant's chest and abdomen.

[0007]

However, in the airbag disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-215151, a specific method for obtaining a three-dimensional form cannot be understood only by its description. In the usual three-dimensional airbag used for a plurality of pieces, a large number of cloth pieces must be combined at a predetermined position, joined together by sewing or the like, and the joint is formed in a three-dimensional shape. Workability is poor because it is performed locally. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-215151
In the method of folding an airbag disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-210, the front portion of the airbag is folded between upper and lower base fabrics, and the folded portion is wound up halfway in a roll shape, and then wound in a roll shape. It is further folded between the base fabrics together with the folded portion, which involves extremely inefficient and complicated work, requires considerable skill, and leads to a decrease in production efficiency and an increase in cost. Further, the airbag becomes considerably bulky because it is folded into the rolled-up portion, and the airbag storage space and space form of the airbag device are restricted, and the airbag device itself has to be enlarged. Absent.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object a simple structure, a three-dimensional shape capable of stably holding an occupant when inflating and deploying, and the inflating mode is properly performed. In addition to providing an airbag, the airbag can be easily folded so that the airbag can be effectively inflated, and the folded form of the airbag is compact without being bulky, and is easily mounted on the airbag device. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of folding an airbag and a method of mounting the same.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a pair of first and second fan-shaped base fabrics having a gas introduction opening at the center of the fan, and a substantially square occupant. Opposing base cloth, both side edges along the radial direction of the pair of fan-shaped base cloths are connected to each other, and an outer edge of each fan-shaped base cloth and a peripheral edge of the occupant-facing base cloth are connected to each other, and when expanded, substantially when expanded. This is achieved by a quadrangular truncated cone shaped airbag.

According to the first aspect of the present invention , the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics are formed of a single piece of cloth material connected at the center of the fan-shaped base, and the occupant-facing base cloth is provided as an independent single sheet. It consists of cloth material. According to a second aspect of the present invention , the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics are respectively connected at a fan-shaped central portion, and the occupant-facing base fabric is part of an outer edge of the first or second fan-shaped base fabric. Is composed of one piece of cloth material connected to. According to a third aspect of the present invention , the first fan-shaped base cloth is made of one piece of cloth material, and the second fan-shaped base cloth is connected to a part of the outer edge thereof at a part of the occupant-facing base cloth. It is composed of one piece of cloth material. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention , the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics are connected at a fan-shaped central portion, respectively, and the two divided passenger-facing base fabrics are respectively connected to the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics. It is composed of one cloth material integrally connected to a part of the outer edge of the cloth. In the invention according to claim 5, the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics are formed of one piece of cloth material in which one side edge portions along a radial direction are connected to each other, and The opposing base cloth is composed of one independent cloth material.

Each of the airbags having the above-described structure can form a three-dimensional airbag that can protect an occupant on a wide surface simply by combining a small number of cloths such as one or two. The connection is linear or arc-shaped, and there is little three-dimensional connection. Therefore, the connection is easy and workability is improved. At the time of inflation and deployment, the occupant is held on a wide surface by the occupant-facing base cloth to prevent the vehicle from falling forward, so that reliable protection is provided.

The airbag of the present invention is made of, for example, fiber yarns such as polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, aramid fibers, wholly aromatic polyester fibers, vinylon fibers, and acrylic fibers. fiber,
Glass fibers, metal fibers and the like can be mixed and reinforced. In addition, various additives such as a heat-resistant agent, a light-proofing agent, a lubricant, a water repellent, a deterioration inhibitor, and a flame retardant can be used for the fiber yarn. In this specification, the term “joining” refers to a case in which independent cloth materials are joined by sewing, welding, bonding of an adhesive, or the like, and a case in which they are one cloth material. In this case, the method is appropriately selected depending on the constituent fibers of the airbag.

Further, the folding method of the airbag according to the present invention comprises a pair of first and second fan-shaped base fabrics having a substantially fan-shaped shape having a gas introduction opening at the center of the fan shape, and a substantially square occupant-facing base fabric. The two side edges along the radial direction of the pair of sector base fabrics are joined to each other, and the outer edge of each sector base fabric and the periphery of the occupant-facing base fabric are joined to form a substantially square truncated cone when inflated. A method of folding an airbag, comprising: folding the occupant-facing base fabric inward toward the gas introduction opening, and causing the pair of fan-shaped base fabrics to be in a state of being superimposed along their peripheral edges. And folding the side edges along both radial directions of the fan-shaped base fabric toward the opposing side edges in accordance with the width of the gas introduction opening to form a substantially rectangular shape as a whole. It is characterized by including.

According to the folding method described above, the airbag can be compactly formed without unnatural distortion or wrinkles, despite the fact that the airbag has a surface for holding the occupant and is positively provided with a three-dimensional shape. Since the folding process does not necessarily require any skill and the folding operation is easy, automation is also possible and the working efficiency is remarkably improved. Furthermore, since the airbag folded by the above-described method is folded into a flat shape, the handling of the airbag during the transition from the manufacturing process of the airbag to the attaching process to the airbag device is performed. Transport becomes easy.

Further, when the airbag folded by the above-mentioned folding method is mounted on the airbag device, the airbag device is wound in a roll form from the side of the occupant-facing base cloth according to the mounting method of the present invention. It is easy to form a slack portion in the form of a tortu-fold and press the rolled-up portion against the periphery of the gas introduction opening, and fix the gas introduction opening of the airbag to the gas ejection portion of the airbag device. Attached to.

According to this mounting method, when the airbag is mounted on the airbag device, the occupant-facing base fabric is folded inward toward the gas introduction opening when inflated, so that the gas pressure is applied to the base fabric. It can act positively, and the inflation and deployment are performed smoothly. Also, by wrapping the last part of the airbag, immediately after the gas is blown out from the inflator, first, the entire airbag wound in a roll shape can be made to fly out of the airbag device, and the smoothness accompanying the protrusion can be obtained. Inflate the airbag.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 (a)
3 shows a cut shape of the base fabric of the airbag 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the airbag 10 includes a first fan-shaped base cloth 11, a second fan-shaped base cloth 12, and an occupant-facing base cloth 13, which have a substantially fan shape. The first and second fan-shaped base fabrics 11 and 12 have fan-shaped central portions 11a and 12 respectively.
a, the respective arc edges 11b, 12b are located symmetrically with each other, and the right and left side edges 11c, 12c extending in the arc radial direction are connected in a rectangular shape. , And the arc center portions 11a, 12
An H-shaped cut 1a that forms the gas introduction opening 1 is formed in a. The occupant-facing base fabric 13 has a substantially rectangular shape,
The rim of the occupant-facing base cloth 13 is composed of an outwardly bulging portion 13a facing each other and bulging outward, and an inwardly bulging portion 13b facing each other and bulging inward. The length of the peripheral edge is the same as that of the arc edge 11 of the first and second base fabrics 11 and 12.
b, equal to the sum of 12 b.

In the airbag 10, the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics 11 and 12 are formed of a single cloth material, and the occupant facing base cloth is formed of a single independent cloth material. Since it is composed of one cloth material, the number of operations in the cutting process is small. Further, these two cloth materials are the first and second cloth materials.
Opposing inwardly protruding portions 13b, 13b of the occupant-facing base fabric 13 are sewn to central portions of the arc-shaped edges 11b, 12b of the sector-shaped base fabrics 11, 12, respectively.
After the facing outwardly bulging portions 13a, 13a of the occupant-facing base fabric 13 are sewn to the remaining portion of the base fabric b, the side edges 11c, 12c of the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics 11, 12 are connected to each other. To form a three-dimensional airbag 10 that is integrally connected by sewing. This sewing is straight or arc-shaped, and there is little three-dimensional sewing, so that the work is easy and the work efficiency is improved.

FIG. 1B shows a cut shape of a base fabric of an airbag 10 'which is a modification of the first embodiment. The airbag 10 'includes first and second airbags in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
Of the fan-shaped base cloths 11 ', 12'
The occupant-facing base cloth 13 'is formed of one independent cloth material while being constituted by one cloth material connected by 2a. The occupant-facing base fabric 13 ′ is
Are formed in the straight portion 13c, and the first and second sector-shaped base fabrics 1 to be sewn to the straight portion 13c and thereafter.
The central portions of the arc edges 11b 'and 12b' of 1 'and 12' are also formed linearly. For this reason, in the present modification, the number of arcuate portions to be sewn is reduced at the time of sewing as compared with the above-described first embodiment, and the work becomes easier.

FIG. 2A shows a cut shape of a base fabric of an airbag 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Airbag 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes a first fan-shaped base fabric 21 and a second fan-shaped base fabric 2 which form a substantially sector shape.
2 and an occupant-facing base cloth 23, and the shape of each base cloth is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment. In the airbag 20, the first and second fan-shaped base cloths 21 and 22 are connected at their fan-shaped central portions 21a and 22a, and the occupant-facing base cloth 23 is connected to the first and second fan-shaped base cloths 23 at the inwardly bulging portions 23b. It is composed of one piece of cloth material connected to the center of the arc edge 21b of one fan-shaped base cloth 21. Since the airbag 20 is made of one cloth material as described above, there is no need to cut a plurality of types of base fabrics having different shapes, and the working efficiency of the cutting process is further improved. Further, the airbag 20 can be sewn in the same manner as the above-described airbag 10 to form the airbag 20 having a substantially truncated quadrangular pyramid shape when deployed when inflated. First and second
Since the fan-shaped base cloths 21 and 22 and the occupant-facing base cloth are made of one cloth material, and the number of sewn portions is smaller than that of the above-described airbag 10, the work efficiency is improved even in the sewn process. Can be done.

FIG. 2B shows a cut shape of a base fabric of an airbag 20 'which is a modification of the second embodiment. The airbag 20 'has the first and second fan-shaped base cloths 21' and 22 'which are the same as the second embodiment described above.
a, 22a and the occupant-facing base fabric 2
3 'is formed of one piece of cloth material connected to the center of the arc edge 21b of the first sector-shaped base cloth 21' at the inwardly bulging portion 23b. The occupant-facing base cloth 23 'has a portion facing the inwardly bulging portion 23b formed in a straight portion 23c, and the second portion sewn to the straight portion 23c later.
The central portion of the arc edge 22b 'of the fan-shaped base fabric 22' is also formed linearly. For this reason, in the present modified example, the number of arc-shaped sewn portions is reduced at the time of sewing as compared with the above-described second embodiment, and the work becomes easier.

FIG. 3A shows a cut shape of a base fabric of an airbag 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The airbag 30 in this embodiment is also a substantially fan-shaped first fan-shaped base fabric 3.
1, a second fan-shaped base fabric 32, and an occupant-facing base fabric 33. The first fan-shaped base fabric 31 is made of one piece of cloth material, and the second fan-shaped base fabric 32 is formed at the center of the arc edge 32b. The inwardly protruding portion 33b of the occupant-facing base fabric 33, which is substantially square, is formed of one piece of cloth material. The first and second fan-shaped base fabrics 31 and 32 are provided with a center edge 31 of each fan-shaped base fabric.
Two parallel cuts 1b constituting the gas introduction opening 1 are formed in the holes a and 32a. These two cloth materials are firstly sewn with the inwardly protruding portion 33b of the occupant-facing base cloth 33 at the center of the arc edge 31b of the first fan-shaped cloth 31,
The remaining portion of the arc edge 31b of the first fan-shaped cloth 31 and the remaining portion of the arc edge 32b of the second fan-shaped base cloth 32 are sewn to the outwardly bulging portion 33a of the occupant-facing base cloth 33. The left and right side edges 31c, 32c extending in the radial direction of the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics 31, 32 are sewn to each other, and the center edges 31a, 32a are connected between the two cuts 1b. The airbag 30 is formed by sewing while leaving it.

In the third embodiment, the same first shape
Since the second fan-shaped base cloth is a separate cloth, the yield is good when the cloth is cut. Note that the third embodiment can also be modified in the same manner as the second embodiment, and FIG. 3B shows the cut shape of the base fabric of the airbag 30 'in the third embodiment. A portion facing the inwardly bulging portion of the occupant-facing base fabric 33 'is formed in a straight portion 33c, and a central portion of an arc edge 31b' of the first fan-shaped base fabric 31 'sewn to the straight portion 33c is formed. It can be formed in a straight line to facilitate the sewing operation, and waste in cutting the fabric can be further reduced.

FIG. 4 shows a cut shape of a base fabric of an airbag 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The airbag 40 according to the present embodiment includes a first fan-shaped base cloth 41, a second fan-shaped base cloth 42, and an occupant-facing base cloth 43, each of which has a substantially fan shape, and the first and second fan-shaped base cloths 41 are provided. , 42 are formed of a single piece of cloth material connected by fan-shaped central portions 41a, 42a, respectively, and have a pair of base cloth half portions 43, each having a shape obtained by dividing the occupant-facing base cloth 13 of the first embodiment into two. 43 is a dividing edge 43c
Are connected to the central portions of the arc edges 41b, 42b of the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics 41, 42, respectively.

In the airbag 40, the occupant-facing base cloth halves 43, 43 are abutted to each other, and a divided edge 43c is sewn on. The remaining portion of the arc-shaped edge 41b of the first fan-shaped base cloth 41 and the occupant-facing base cloth The outer swelling portion 43a of the half portion 43 is sewn, and finally the side edges 41c, 42c of the first and second sector base fabrics 41, 42 are sewn to each other. The airbag 40, which is deployed in a substantially truncated quadrangular pyramid shape, is formed. According to the present airbag 40, the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics 4
The arcuate edges 41b, 42b and the occupant-facing base cloth half 43 are integrally connected to each other, and the cloth material is symmetrical in the left, right, up and down directions. In addition to being easy, the handling in the subsequent work is also easy, and the airbag 40 also has a small number of sewn parts, so that the sewn work is further facilitated.

[0026]

FIG. 5 shows a cut shape of a base fabric of an airbag 60 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The airbag 60 according to this embodiment includes a first fan-shaped base cloth 61, a second fan-shaped base cloth 62, and an occupant-facing base cloth 63, each of which has a substantially fan shape.
The second fan-shaped base cloths 61, 62 are formed of one cloth material in which one side edge portions 61c, 62c along the radial direction are connected to each other, and the occupant facing base cloth 63 is formed of one independent cloth material. Have been. The airbag 60 sewes the arc edges 61b, 62b of the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics 61, 62 and the peripheral edge of the occupant-facing base fabric 63 to form the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics. It is formed by sewing the side edges 61c, 62c of the cloths 61, 62. Also in the present airbag 60, the number of sewn portions is small, and the arc edges 61b, 62b and the peripheral edge of the occupant-facing base cloth 63 can be continuously sewn, so that the work is easy.

The cloth used in the airbag of the present invention is easy to be subjected to a joining process such as sewing when the airbag is produced, and the airbag accommodated in the airbag device is smoothly inflated and deployed, so that the occupant can enjoy the airbag. Any material that absorbs the collision energy and has the strength to withstand the same energy may be used, and a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or the like can be appropriately selected. Impermeable processing may be performed by laminating rubber or resin on part or all of these cloths. Further, the airbag of the present invention is provided with a vent hole in a part of the airbag or roughens at least a part of the woven structure of the airbag in order to positively and quickly exhaust gas from the bag after inflation and deployment. And the part with high air permeability is provided.

In each of the airbags according to the above embodiments and modifications, the gas introduction opening 1 is formed by a cut, so that the formation thereof is easy. The airbag is mounted in the airbag apparatus with the gas introduction opening 1 facing the gas outlet of the inflator. Therefore, when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the gas pressure acting on the airbag is reduced by the gas introduction opening. 1 will be accepted.

Therefore, the gas introduction opening 1 must be given sufficient strength to prevent breakage. For this reason, by attaching a cloth piece for reinforcement around the gas introduction opening 1 or performing reinforcement sewing around the gas introduction opening 1, it is possible to impart sufficient strength to withstand gas pressure. As a cloth piece for reinforcement, a normal woven cloth, a multi-layer woven cloth, a multiaxial woven cloth, or the like can be used. In addition, since a high-temperature gas is blown into the gas introduction opening 1, it is necessary to impart heat resistance to these cloth pieces. , Rubber, and silicone resin. Reinforcement sewing refers to sewing over the periphery of the gas introduction opening 1 with a normal sewing thread such as polyamide fiber, polyester fiber, or vinylon fiber, or performing straight stitching or zigzag sewing around the gas introduction opening 1. It is. The reinforcement processing of the gas introduction openings 1 can be performed after the cutting of the base cloth and before the base cloth is formed by sewing as an airbag, and the work is easy.

Each of the airbags according to each of the above-described embodiments and the modified examples has a substantially truncated quadrangular pyramid when deployed when inflated. FIG. 6 shows an expanded state of the airbag 40 when the airbag 40 is inflated according to the fourth embodiment as an example,
FIG. 2A is a top view, FIG. 2B is a side view, and FIG.
Is a front view. In the same figure, broken lines indicate sewing lines. The airbag 40 having the above-described configuration extends in a wide space between the passenger seat and the instrument panel and bulges out, so that the occupant is reliably protected by the occupant-facing base cloth.

Next, an airbag folding method of the present invention will be described with reference to the above-described airbag 40 as an example.
7 will be described with reference to-FIG 1 0. The airbag 40 previously described as a sewn into a state of Mase Rise as shown in Figure 7 (a). Then, folding the passenger opposed base fabric halves 43, 43 is divided as shown in FIG. 7 (b) toward the gas inlet opening 1, the inner at the dividing edge 43c which is sewn.
At the same time, the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics 41, 42
Is folded along the left and right side edge portions 41c and 42c sewn so as to be in a superposed state. Note that the folding of the occupant-facing base fabric halves 43, 43 into the inside is performed by first expanding the pair of occupant-facing base fabric halves 43, 43 of the airbag 40, and then folding the airbag 40 in half. It may be folded into the inside of the two fan-shaped base cloths 41 and 42 or the airbag 40 may be folded.
The occupant-facing base cloth half 43
Each of the occupant-facing base cloth halves 43, 43 can be folded inward by applying a jig to the sewn divided edge 43c.

[0033] FIG. 8 (a) is a top view of the aforementioned state, shows a side view in Figure 8 (b). Thereafter, the left and right side edge portions 41c, 42c of the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics 41, 42 are further matched with the side edge portions 41c, 42c corresponding to the width of the gas introduction opening 1.
Turn back toward 42c (see FIG. 9 (a))
9 As shown in FIG.

The airbag 40 folded as described above
Despite having a structure that has an occupant-holding surface and a positive three-dimensional shape, the airbag can be folded compactly without causing unnatural distortion, wrinkles, or slack, Since it is easy, automation becomes possible. Furthermore, when the airbag 40 is folded, the airbag 40 can be folded along the sewing line by utilizing the shape of the base cloth, and in particular, an operation requiring ordinary skill such as folding the occupant-facing base cloth in two and folding it inward. Also, since the occupant-facing base cloth of the airbag 40 is divided into two parts, and the base cloth halves 43 are sewn, the sewing cloth is very easy to use. Work efficiency is improved.

The airbag 40 is folded into a rectangular shape as described above, and is transported from the sewing formation process to the attachment process to the airbag device. Since the package is flat and compact, it is handled. And easy to carry.

The air bag 40 folded in a rectangular shape as described above has the gas introduction opening 1 fixed to the gas ejection portion 2 of the air bag device. Then, the airbag 40
Figure 1 0 (a) as shown in the occupant-facing base cloth half parts 43,4
Entrainment from 3 sides of the roll, is inverted, as shown in FIG. 1 0 (b) the end of the winding making the zigzag of the slack portion 44, the gas inlet opening entrained portion the rolled 1 against the periphery of the airbag 40
Is attached to the airbag device. Then, mounting the air bag device is completed by covering an air bag cover 3 a top as shown in Figure 1 1.

The airbag 40 mounted as described above
When the inflator is inflated and deployed, the gas from the inflator first acts on the slack portion 44 immediately after the gas is ejected.
0 jumps out of the airbag device and deploys quickly toward the occupant. Further, the occupant facing base cloth half portions 43, 4
3 is folded inward toward the gas introduction opening 1, the gas pressure is positively applied to the occupant-facing base cloth halves 43, 43, and the airbag 40 is wrinkled or loosened. Since the airbag 40 is folded without being folded, the airbag 40 is smoothly inflated and deployed.

In the above-described method of mounting the airbag, the airbag 40 is fixed to the airbag apparatus in a state of being folded into a rectangular shape, and then the airbag 40 is wound in a roll shape. For example, it is also possible to wind the airbag in a roll shape and then fix the airbag to the airbag device. The fixation to the airbag device is performed at an appropriate work stage depending on the convenience of the work.

Further, the above-described method of folding the airbag includes:
It is not limited to the airbag of the present invention, and a pair of substantially sector-shaped base cloths having a gas introduction opening at the center of the arc,
An airbag having an occupant-facing base cloth which is coupled to the opposite side of the gas introduction opening of the cylindrical body with the fan-shaped base cloth and faces the occupant, and which is in a deployed state when inflated in a substantially quadrangular pyramid shape. It is also applicable to airbags.

In this embodiment, the airbags are all joined by sewing. However, the airbags can be joined by, for example, welding or bonding using an adhesive. Can be selected as appropriate.

[0041]

As described above, the airbag according to the present invention is composed of one or two small pieces of base cloth.
The work in the cutting step is reduced and the number of joints is small, and the joints are easy because the joints are almost linear. Furthermore, the airbag of the present invention
Like a conventional airbag composed of three or more pieces of base cloth, a three-dimensional inflatable form having an occupant-facing surface is provided to extend a wide space between the passenger seat and the instrument panel. The occupant is securely protected by the occupant facing fabric.

Further, according to the folding method of the present invention, an air bag having a three-dimensional shape can be easily folded without requiring a skilled operation, so that automation is possible, and the folded shape is also wrinkled or loose. Since the airbag is compact and has a flat package without being generated, it is easy to transport from the manufacturing process of the airbag to the mounting process to the airbag device. Further, since the airbag mounted as in the present invention is folded at the end of the winding, the entire airbag is immediately ejected to the outside of the airbag device, and the occupant-facing base fabric is inserted into the gas introduction opening. Since the airbag is folded inward toward the base cloth, gas pressure is positively applied to the base cloth, and the airbag can be inflated smoothly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of a base cloth piece constituting an airbag according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a base cloth piece constituting an airbag according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of a base cloth piece constituting an airbag according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of a base cloth piece constituting an airbag according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of a base cloth piece constituting an airbag according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view, a side view, and a front view of an airbag according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in an inflated and deployed state.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an airbag folding method according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an airbag folding method according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an airbag folding method according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an airbag mounting method of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an airbag device in which an airbag is mounted by the airbag mounting method of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gas introduction opening 1a H-shaped cut 1b cut 2 Gas ejection part 3 Airbag cover 10 Airbag 11 First fan-shaped base fabric 12 Second fan-shaped base fabric 11a, 12a Sector-shaped center part 11b, 12b Arc edge 11c, 12c Side edge DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Occupant facing base cloth 13a Outward swelling part 13b Inward swelling part 20 Airbag 21 First sector-shaped base cloth 22 Second sector-shaped base cloth 21a, 22a Sector-shaped central part 21b Arc edge 23 Occupant-facing base cloth 23b Inward swelling Outgoing portion 23c Straight portion 30 Airbag 31 First fan-shaped base fabric 32 Second fan-shaped base fabric 31a, 32a Center edge 31b, 32b Arc edge 31c, 32c Side edge 33 Occupant facing base fabric 33a Outside bulging portion 33b Inside Side bulging portion 40 Airbag 41 First fan-shaped base cloth 42 Second fan-shaped base cloth 41a, 42a Sector-shaped center part 41b, 42b Arc edge 41c, 42c Side edge 43 Half occupant-facing base cloth 43a Outside bulging part 43c Dividing edge 44 Loose part 60 Airbag 61 First fan-shaped base cloth 62 Second fan-shaped base cloth 61b, 62b Arc edge 61c, 62c Side edge part 63 Occupant-facing base cloth

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Higuchi et al. 1-4-1, Chuo, Wako-shi, Saitama Pref. Honda Technical Research Institute Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-7-315152 (JP, A) JP-A Heisei 7-117599 (JP, A) JP-A-8-268195 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B60R 21/16-21/32

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A pair of substantially sector-shaped first and second fan-shaped base fabrics each having a gas introduction opening at a central portion of the sector and a substantially square occupant-facing base fabric, wherein the pair of fan-shaped base fabrics are arranged in a radial direction. coupled side edge portions to each other along, and are combined with the peripheral edge of the outer edge and the occupant-facing base fabric of each sector base fabric, a to airbags such a substantially rectangular truncated cone shape when inflated, said first The first and second sector base fabrics are connected at the center of the sector.
The occupant-facing base cloth is independent
An airbag comprising a single piece of cloth material . 2. A substantially fan having a gas introduction opening in the center of the fan.
A pair of first and second sector base fabrics, and a substantially rectangular occupant;
And an opposing base cloth, wherein the pair of fan-shaped base cloths extend in the radial direction.
Side edges are joined together, and the outer edge and front
The periphery of the occupant-facing base cloth is joined to form a substantially square
An airbag having a shape of a truncated cone, wherein the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics are respectively connected at a fan-shaped center portion, and the occupant-facing base fabric is formed of the first or second fan-shaped base fabric.
Airbags, characterized by comprising is composed of a single cloth material, which is coupled to a portion of the outer edge of the fan base fabric. 3. A substantially fan having a gas introduction opening at the center of the fan.
A pair of first and second sector base fabrics, and a substantially rectangular occupant;
And an opposing base cloth, wherein the pair of fan-shaped base cloths extend in the radial direction.
Side edges are joined together, and the outer edge and front
The periphery of the occupant-facing base cloth is joined to form a substantially square
An airbag having a truncated cone shape, wherein the first fan-shaped base cloth is made of one piece of cloth material, and the second fan-shaped base cloth has a part of an outer edge thereof partially covered by the occupant-facing base cloth. It is characterized by being constituted by one piece of cloth material connected
Rue airbag. 4. A substantially fan having a gas introduction opening at the center of the fan.
A pair of first and second sector base fabrics, and a substantially rectangular occupant;
And an opposing base cloth, wherein the pair of fan-shaped base cloths extend in the radial direction.
Side edges are joined together, and the outer edge and front
The periphery of the occupant-facing base cloth is joined to form a substantially square
An airbag having a truncated cone shape, wherein the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics are respectively connected at a fan-shaped central portion, and the occupant-facing base fabrics divided into two are respectively the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics. It is characterized by being constituted by one piece of cloth material integrally connected to a part of the outer edge of the two fan-shaped base cloths .
Rue airbag. 5. A substantially fan having a gas introduction opening at the center of the fan.
A pair of first and second sector base fabrics, and a substantially rectangular occupant;
And an opposing base cloth, wherein the pair of fan-shaped base cloths extend in the radial direction.
Side edges are joined together, and the outer edge and front
The periphery of the occupant-facing base cloth is joined to form a substantially square
An airbag having a truncated cone shape, wherein the first and second fan-shaped base fabrics are formed of a single cloth material having one side edge portion connected along a radial direction, and the occupant-facing base fabric is provided. that but to be configured from a single piece of cloth material independent
Airbags, characterized. 6. A pair of substantially fan-shaped first and second fan-shaped base fabrics each having a gas introduction opening at a central portion of the fan-shaped base, and a substantially square occupant-facing base fabric. Are folded together so that the outer edges of each fan-shaped base fabric and the peripheral edge of the occupant-facing base fabric are joined to form a substantially square truncated cone when inflated. A method, wherein the occupant-facing base fabric is folded inward toward the gas introduction opening, the pair of fan-shaped base fabrics are folded so as to be superimposed along a peripheral edge thereof, and the fan-shaped base fabric is provided. Folding back the side edges along both radial directions toward the opposing side edges in accordance with the width of the gas introduction opening, and making the whole substantially rectangular in shape. How to fold. 7. An airbag folded by the folding method according to claim 6 is rolled up from the side of the occupant-facing base fabric in a roll shape, and the winding end portion is inverted to form a serpentine slack portion, thereby forming a roll shape. A method of mounting an airbag, comprising: pressing a portion entrapped in the airbag against the periphery of the gas introduction opening; and fixing the gas introduction opening of the airbag to a gas ejection portion of an airbag device.