JP2012046167A - Airbag device - Google Patents

Airbag device Download PDF

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JP2012046167A
JP2012046167A JP2011038561A JP2011038561A JP2012046167A JP 2012046167 A JP2012046167 A JP 2012046167A JP 2011038561 A JP2011038561 A JP 2011038561A JP 2011038561 A JP2011038561 A JP 2011038561A JP 2012046167 A JP2012046167 A JP 2012046167A
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expansion
airbag
partition member
portions
point
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JP5605266B2 (en
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Masashi Hotta
昌志 堀田
Yuji Sato
祐司 佐藤
Yukifumi Shibayama
幸史 柴山
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Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
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Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
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Priority to JP2011038561A priority Critical patent/JP5605266B2/en
Priority to EP11175182.2A priority patent/EP2412585B1/en
Priority to US13/190,604 priority patent/US8608198B2/en
Priority to CN201410534457.0A priority patent/CN104401286B/en
Priority to CN201110210767.3A priority patent/CN102371961B/en
Publication of JP2012046167A publication Critical patent/JP2012046167A/en
Priority to US14/013,321 priority patent/US8820785B2/en
Priority to US14/445,577 priority patent/US9211862B2/en
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Publication of JP5605266B2 publication Critical patent/JP5605266B2/en
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Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an airbag device capable of improving characteristics of a load received by an occupant through an airbag, with a simple and inexpensive configuration.SOLUTION: An inflation part 46 of an airbag 40 inflated with inflation gas is partitioned into an upstream inflation part 47 and a downstream inflation part 48 by a partition member 50. The partition member 50 is formed in long-sized shape with a length L1 in a longitudinal direction being longer than a length in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when the partition member 50 is tensed in a planar manner with the inflation of the inflation part 46. A pressure control valve 70 closed at an early stage of a supply period of inflation gas to the inflation part 46 and opened from the middle of the supply period is provided at the partition member 50, and includes a slit-like inner opening 71 extending in the lateral direction, and a pair of valve element parts 73, 74 provided around the inner opening 71 and brought close to and separated from each other.

Description

本発明は、衝突等により車両に衝撃が加わった場合にエアバッグを膨張させて、乗員をその衝撃から保護するエアバッグ装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to an airbag device that inflates an airbag and protects an occupant from the impact when an impact is applied to a vehicle due to a collision or the like.

衝突等により車両に衝撃が加わった場合に、乗員をその衝撃から保護する装置として、エアバッグ装置が有効である。このエアバッグ装置は、袋状に形成されたエアバッグと、そのエアバッグ内に膨張用ガスを供給するインフレータとを備えている。   An airbag device is effective as a device for protecting an occupant from an impact when the vehicle is subjected to an impact due to a collision or the like. The airbag device includes an airbag formed in a bag shape and an inflator that supplies inflation gas into the airbag.

こうしたエアバッグ装置の一態様として、側突等による衝撃から乗員を保護するサイドエアバッグ装置がある。このサイドエアバッグ装置では、上記エアバッグが折り畳まれた状態でインフレータとともに、例えば車両用シートのシートバック（背もたれ）に組み込まれている。このサイドエアバッグ装置では、車両の側部を構成する部材（ボディサイド部）、例えばサイドドア等に側方から衝撃が加わると、インフレータから膨張用ガスがエアバッグ内に供給される。この膨張用ガスによりエアバッグが膨張展開し、一部をシートバック内に残した状態で車両用シートから飛び出す。このエアバッグは、車両用シートに着座した乗員とボディサイド部との間の狭い空間において、前方へ向けて膨張展開する。膨張展開したエアバッグが、乗員と車内側へ進入してくるボディサイド部との間に介在して乗員を拘束するとともに、衝撃のエネルギーを吸収し、乗員を上記衝撃から保護する。   As one aspect of such an airbag device, there is a side airbag device that protects an occupant from an impact caused by a side collision or the like. In this side airbag device, the airbag is folded together with an inflator, for example, incorporated in a seat back (backrest) of a vehicle seat. In this side airbag device, when an impact is applied from the side to a member (body side portion) that constitutes a side portion of the vehicle, such as a side door, inflation gas is supplied from the inflator into the airbag. The airbag is inflated and deployed by the inflation gas, and jumps out of the vehicle seat with a part left in the seat back. The airbag is inflated and deployed toward the front in a narrow space between the occupant seated on the vehicle seat and the body side portion. The inflated airbag is interposed between the occupant and the body side portion that enters the vehicle, restrains the occupant, absorbs impact energy, and protects the occupant from the impact.

上記サイドエアバッグ装置の一態様として、エアバッグ内が仕切られていないタイプ（以下「従来技術１という」）がある。
また、特許文献１には、サイドエアバッグ装置のほかの態様として、エアバッグを上部エアバッグと下部エアバッグとに仕切る仕切り部に調圧弁（圧力制御弁）を設け、この調圧弁（圧力制御弁）の作用により、下部エアバッグを上部エアバッグよりも先に膨張させるようにしたタイプ（以下「従来技術２という」）が提案されている。なお、部材名称に続くかっこ内の語句は、特許文献１で使用されている部材名称を示している。この従来技術２のサイドエアバッグ装置では、エアバッグはまず乗員の腰部の高さまで膨らみ、その後に胸部の高さまで膨らむため、より効率的な衝撃吸収を行うことができるとされている。 As an aspect of the side airbag device, there is a type in which the airbag is not partitioned (hereinafter referred to as “prior art 1”).
Further, in Patent Document 1, as another aspect of the side airbag device, a pressure regulating valve (pressure control valve) is provided in a partition portion that partitions the airbag into an upper airbag and a lower airbag, and the pressure regulating valve (pressure control valve) is provided. A type in which the lower airbag is inflated prior to the upper airbag by the action of the valve (hereinafter referred to as “prior art 2”) has been proposed. The phrase in parentheses following the member name indicates the member name used in Patent Document 1. In the side airbag device of this prior art 2, the airbag is first inflated to the height of the occupant's waist and then inflated to the height of the chest, so that more efficient shock absorption can be performed.

特開平１０−６７２９７号公報JP-A-10-67297

ところで、サイドエアバッグ装置では、側方からの衝撃によりボディサイド部が車内側へ進入し、そのボディサイド部によってエアバッグが乗員に押し付けられる。この押し付けに伴い、乗員はエアバッグを通じて衝撃の荷重を受ける。この荷重は、乗員がエアバッグから圧力を受ける面積（乗員のエアバッグ側の受圧面積）と、上記エアバッグの内圧との積によって表される。この荷重は、乗員を衝撃から保護する観点からは、ボディサイド部の進入開始後短時間で所定値に到達し、その後は、ボディサイド部の進入量（ストローク）に拘らず所定値に維持されることが望ましい。   By the way, in the side airbag device, the body side portion enters the vehicle interior due to an impact from the side, and the airbag is pressed against the occupant by the body side portion. Along with this pressing, the occupant receives an impact load through the airbag. This load is represented by the product of the area in which the occupant receives pressure from the airbag (the pressure receiving area on the airbag side of the occupant) and the internal pressure of the airbag. From the viewpoint of protecting the occupant from impact, this load reaches a predetermined value in a short time after the start of entry of the body side portion, and thereafter, is maintained at the predetermined value regardless of the amount of entry (stroke) of the body side portion. It is desirable.

しかし、上記従来技術１では、ボディサイド部の進入量（ストローク）の増加に伴い内圧及び受圧面積が増加することから、乗員がエアバッグから受ける荷重は、ボディサイド部の進入が進むにつれて徐々に増加する。荷重は、ボディサイド部がある程度進入してからでないと所定値に達しない。しかも、荷重は所定値に到達した後も増加し続け、最終的には、所定値を超過する。その結果、荷重が所定値に到達するまでは、衝撃からの乗員の充分な保護が開始されない。荷重が所定値に到達した後には、乗員はエアバッグを通じて、所定値よりも大きな荷重を受けることとなる。   However, in the above prior art 1, since the internal pressure and the pressure receiving area increase as the amount of entry (stroke) of the body side portion increases, the load that the occupant receives from the airbag gradually increases as the body side portion advances. To increase. The load does not reach a predetermined value until the body side part has entered to some extent. In addition, the load continues to increase after reaching the predetermined value, and eventually exceeds the predetermined value. As a result, sufficient protection of the occupant from impact is not started until the load reaches a predetermined value. After the load reaches a predetermined value, the occupant receives a load larger than the predetermined value through the airbag.

一方、特許文献１に記載された従来技術２では、調圧弁（圧力制御弁）の具体的構造が明らかにされていない。そのため、乗員がエアバッグから受ける荷重と、ボディサイド部の進入量（ストローク）との関係は不明である。   On the other hand, in the prior art 2 described in Patent Document 1, the specific structure of the pressure regulating valve (pressure control valve) is not clarified. Therefore, the relationship between the load that the occupant receives from the airbag and the approach amount (stroke) of the body side part is unknown.

なお、調圧弁を複雑な構成にすることで、荷重特性の向上を図ることも可能であるが、その場合にはエアバッグ装置のコスト上昇を伴う。
こうした問題は、上述したサイドエアバッグ装置のみならず、ほかの種類のエアバッグ装置にも共通して起こり得る。 Although it is possible to improve the load characteristics by making the pressure regulating valve complicated, in that case, the cost of the airbag device increases.
Such a problem may occur not only in the above-described side airbag device but also in other types of airbag devices.

本発明は、このような実情に鑑みてなされたものであって、その目的は、エアバッグを通じて乗員が受ける荷重の特性を、簡便かつ安価な構成で向上させることのできるエアバッグ装置を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an airbag device capable of improving the characteristics of a load received by an occupant through an airbag with a simple and inexpensive configuration. There is.

上記の目的を達成するために、請求項１に記載の発明は、膨張用ガスの供給前には平面状をなし、かつ膨張用ガスの供給により膨張するエアバッグの膨張部を、区画部材により少なくとも上流側膨張部及び下流側膨張部に区画し、前記膨張部への前記膨張用ガスの供給期間の初期には閉弁して前記上流側膨張部から前記下流側膨張部への前記膨張用ガスの流通を規制し、同供給期間の途中から開弁して前記規制を解除する調圧弁を設けたエアバッグ装置であって、前記区画部材は、前記膨張部の膨張に伴い平面状に緊張させられたとき、長手方向についての長さが、同長手方向に直交する短手方向についての長さよりも長い長尺状をなし、前記調圧弁は、前記区画部材に設けられ、かつ前記短手方向に延びるスリット状の内開口部と、前記内開口部の周りに設けられて互いに接近及び離間する一対の弁体部とを備えることを要旨とする。   In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that the inflating portion of the airbag that has a flat shape before the supply of the inflation gas and is inflated by the supply of the inflation gas is formed by the partition member. The expansion unit is divided into at least an upstream expansion unit and a downstream expansion unit, and is closed at the initial stage of the supply period of the expansion gas to the expansion unit to expand the expansion unit from the upstream expansion unit to the downstream expansion unit. The airbag device is provided with a pressure regulating valve that regulates the gas flow and opens the valve in the middle of the supply period to release the regulation, and the partition member is flattened as the inflating portion is inflated. The length of the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the pressure regulating valve is provided in the partition member, and the short side Slit-shaped inner opening extending in the direction, and the inner It provided around the mouth and summarized in that and a pair of valve body portions toward and away from each other.

また、上記調圧弁は、請求項２に記載の発明によるように、前記膨張用ガスの前記供給期間の途中からは、前記エアバッグによる乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力により開弁するものであってもよい。   Further, according to the invention described in claim 2, the pressure regulating valve may be opened from the middle of the supply period of the inflation gas by an external force applied in accordance with occupant restraint by the airbag. Good.

上記請求項１又は２に記載の発明の構成によれば、エアバッグの膨張部に膨張用ガスが供給される前には、同膨張部が平面状となる。
車両に対し、衝突等による衝撃が加わると、膨張用ガスが、まず膨張部の上流側膨張部に供給されて、同上流側膨張部が膨張を開始する。上流側膨張部の膨張に伴い区画部材が引っ張られる。区画部材に対し、長手方向や短手方向にテンションが掛かって、区画部材が平面状になろうとする。ここで、区画部材は、短手方向よりも長手方向に長い長尺状をなしている。このことから、短手方向に対し、長手方向に対するよりも強いテンションが掛かりやすい。区画部材に設けられたスリット状の内開口部は、この強いテンションの掛かりやすい短手方向に延びている。そのため、内開口部は開く側よりも閉じる側へ強く引っ張られやすい。 According to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, before the inflation gas is supplied to the inflatable portion of the airbag, the inflatable portion becomes planar.
When an impact due to a collision or the like is applied to the vehicle, the expansion gas is first supplied to the upstream expansion portion of the expansion portion, and the upstream expansion portion starts to expand. The partition member is pulled with the expansion of the upstream expansion portion. A tension is applied to the partition member in the longitudinal direction or the short direction, and the partition member tends to be planar. Here, the partition member has a long shape longer in the longitudinal direction than in the lateral direction. For this reason, a stronger tension is more easily applied to the short direction than to the long direction. The slit-shaped inner opening provided in the partition member extends in the short direction where the strong tension is easily applied. For this reason, the inner opening tends to be strongly pulled toward the closing side rather than the opening side.

ただし、上記のようなテンションの強弱関係があるとはいえ、内開口部を開かせようとする長手方向にもテンションが掛かるため、内開口部が確実に閉じるとは限らない。しかし、この場合であっても、両弁体部が少なくとも自身の先端部において閉じられる。これは、区画部材が平面状に緊張することで内開口部が引っ張られて、これを開かせようとする力が作用したとしても、その力は、内開口部において最も大きく、内開口部から遠ざかるに従い小さくなり、両弁体部の先端部において最小となるからである。その結果、上流側膨張部内の膨張用ガスは、両弁体部間及び内開口部を通って下流側膨張部へ流出することを規制される。   However, although there is a tension strength relationship as described above, tension is also applied in the longitudinal direction in which the inner opening is to be opened, so the inner opening is not necessarily closed securely. However, even in this case, both valve body portions are closed at least at the front end portion thereof. This is because even if a force that attempts to open the inner opening is applied due to the tension of the partition member being flat, the force is the largest in the inner opening and from the inner opening. This is because the distance becomes smaller as the distance increases, and becomes minimum at the tip portions of both valve body portions. As a result, the expansion gas in the upstream expansion portion is restricted from flowing out between the valve body portions and through the inner opening to the downstream expansion portion.

上記の規制が行われている上流側膨張部に膨張用ガスが供給され続けることにより、同上流側膨張部の内圧が上昇する。この際、膨張部が少なくとも上流側膨張部及び下流側膨張部に区画されていることから、上流側膨張部の容積は、膨張部が区画されない場合（従来技術１）のその膨張部の容積よりも小さい（ただし、従来技術１のエアバッグの膨張時における容積と、本願の膨張部の膨張時における全容積とが略同じである場合）。そのため、上流側膨張部の内圧は、膨張部が区画されない場合よりも早く上昇を開始し、しかも高くなる。   By continuing to supply the expansion gas to the upstream expansion portion where the above-described regulation is performed, the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion increases. At this time, since the expansion part is partitioned into at least an upstream expansion part and a downstream expansion part, the volume of the upstream expansion part is larger than the volume of the expansion part when the expansion part is not partitioned (prior art 1). (However, the volume when the airbag of the prior art 1 is inflated and the total volume when the inflated portion of the present application is inflated are substantially the same). For this reason, the internal pressure of the upstream inflating portion starts to rise and becomes higher than when the inflating portion is not partitioned.

一方、前記衝撃により、車両構成部材が車内側へ進入し、エアバッグが乗員に押し付けられると、同乗員はエアバッグによって拘束される。膨張部では上流側膨張部のみが膨張していることから、乗員が膨張部の圧力を受けながら接触する箇所は上流側膨張部のみである。そのため、乗員が膨張部の圧力を受ける面の面積（乗員の膨張部側の受圧面積）は、上流側膨張部の圧力を受ける面の面積（乗員の上流側膨張部側の受圧面積）と同じであって小さい。ただし、この上流側膨張部側の受圧面積は、車両構成部材の車内側への進入が進むにつれて増大する。   On the other hand, when the vehicle component enters the vehicle interior due to the impact and the airbag is pressed against the occupant, the occupant is restrained by the airbag. Since only the upstream inflatable portion is inflated in the inflatable portion, the upstream inflatable portion is the only place where the occupant contacts while receiving the pressure of the inflatable portion. Therefore, the area of the surface on which the occupant receives the pressure of the inflatable portion (pressure receiving area on the side of the inflating portion of the occupant) is the same as the area of the surface on which the pressure of the upstream inflating portion receives the pressure (the pressure receiving area on the upstream side of the occupant). It is small. However, the pressure receiving area on the upstream expansion portion side increases as the vehicle component advances toward the vehicle interior side.

乗員が膨張部を通じて受ける衝撃の荷重は、受圧面積と内圧との積によって表されるところ、この荷重は、膨張用ガスの供給期間の初期の早い時期から増加し、乗員を衝撃から保護するための所定値に早く到達する。   The impact load that the occupant receives through the inflatable part is expressed by the product of the pressure-receiving area and the internal pressure. This load increases from the early stage of the supply period of the inflation gas and protects the occupant from the impact. The predetermined value of is quickly reached.

膨張部への膨張用ガスの供給期間の途中からは、乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力によって膨張部が押圧されて変形し、区画部材に掛かるテンションが変化する。また、膨張部の変形に伴い上流側膨張部の内圧がさらに上昇して、区画部材が下流側膨張部側へ押圧されて、同区画部材に掛かるテンションが変化する。こうした区画部材のテンションの変化により、内開口部の変形や、弁体部の作動が許容される。   From the middle of the supply period of the inflation gas to the inflatable portion, the inflatable portion is pressed and deformed by an external force applied along with passenger restraint, and the tension applied to the partition member changes. Further, the internal pressure of the upstream inflating portion further increases with the deformation of the inflating portion, the partition member is pressed toward the downstream inflating portion, and the tension applied to the partition member changes. Such a change in tension of the partition member allows deformation of the inner opening and operation of the valve body.

このような状況のもと、内開口部及び両弁体部間がともに開かれた状態（調圧弁が開弁した状態）になると、上記規制が解除される。この解除により、上流側膨張部内の膨張用ガスが両弁体部間及び内開口部を通じて下流側膨張部へ流出するようになり、上流側膨張部の内圧が低下する。乗員の上流側膨張部側の受圧面積は、車両構成部材の車内側への進入に応じて増大する。   Under such circumstances, when the inner opening and both valve bodies are both opened (the pressure regulating valve is opened), the restriction is released. By this release, the expansion gas in the upstream expansion portion flows out between the valve body portions and through the inner opening to the downstream expansion portion, and the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion is reduced. The pressure-receiving area on the upstream expansion portion side of the occupant increases as the vehicle component enters the vehicle interior.

また、上記膨張用ガスにより下流側膨張部が膨張を開始し、それに伴い同下流側膨張部の内圧が上昇し始める。また、内圧の上昇から少し遅れて、車両構成部材により膨張部が、上流側膨張部に加え下流側膨張部においても乗員に押し付けられて、乗員がより拘束されるようになり、乗員が下流側膨張部の圧力を受ける面の面積（乗員の下流側膨張部側の受圧面積）が増加し始める。   Further, the downstream side expansion portion starts to expand due to the expansion gas, and accordingly, the internal pressure of the downstream side expansion portion starts to increase. Further, with a slight delay from the rise of the internal pressure, the inflating portion is pressed against the occupant by the vehicle component member at the downstream inflating portion in addition to the upstream inflating portion, so that the occupant is further restrained, and the occupant is downstream The area of the surface that receives the pressure of the inflating portion (the pressure receiving area on the inflating portion downstream side of the occupant) begins to increase.

なお、上流側膨張部の内圧と下流側膨張部の内圧とは最終的には等しくなる。
上記のように、調圧弁の開弁後には、上流側膨張部の内圧が低下するとともに下流側膨張部の内圧が上昇する。また、乗員の上流側膨張部側の受圧面積と、下流側膨張部側の受圧面積とが時間差をもって増加する。このため、調圧弁の開弁後に乗員が膨張部の全体から受ける荷重、すなわち、上流側膨張部から受ける荷重と下流側膨張部から受ける荷重との合計を、単に、エアバッグを単一の膨張部により構成し、かつ調圧弁を設けない場合（従来技術１）の荷重の最大値よりも小さな値（所定値）に維持することが可能となる。 Note that the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion and the internal pressure of the downstream expansion portion finally become equal.
As described above, after opening the pressure regulating valve, the internal pressure of the upstream side expansion portion decreases and the internal pressure of the downstream side expansion portion increases. Further, the pressure receiving area on the upstream expansion portion side of the occupant and the pressure receiving area on the downstream expansion portion side increase with a time difference. For this reason, the load that the occupant receives from the entire inflating part after opening the pressure regulating valve, that is, the total of the load that is received from the upstream inflating part and the load that is received from the downstream inflating part is simply expanded to a single inflating the airbag. It is possible to maintain a value (predetermined value) smaller than the maximum load value in the case where the pressure control valve is not provided (conventional technology 1).

このように、請求項１又は２に記載の発明によれば、内開口部と、一対の弁体部といった簡便かつ安価な構成でありながら、膨張部への膨張用ガスの供給期間の初期には閉弁し、同供給期間の途中から開弁する調圧弁を成立させることが可能となる。そして、この調圧弁の作動により、エアバッグを通じて乗員が受ける荷重の特性を、短時間で所定値に到達し、その後は所定値に維持されるといった、乗員を適切に拘束して保護するうえで好適な特性にすることが可能となる。   Thus, according to the first or second aspect of the invention, in the initial stage of the supply period of the expansion gas to the expansion portion, the configuration is simple and inexpensive such as the inner opening portion and the pair of valve body portions. Can be closed to establish a pressure regulating valve that opens from the middle of the supply period. And by the operation of this pressure regulating valve, the characteristics of the load received by the occupant through the airbag reach a predetermined value in a short time, and then are maintained at the predetermined value in order to appropriately restrain and protect the occupant. It is possible to obtain suitable characteristics.

請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１又は２に記載の発明において、前記区画部材には、前記短手方向に延びて帯状をなす一対の重ね合わせ部が設けられ、前記両弁体部は、前記各重ね合わせ部において前記内開口部に対応する箇所により構成され、前記両重ね合わせ部は、前記区画部材の非重ね合わせ部との境界部分に沿って折り曲げられ、前記短手方向についての両端部において前記エアバッグに結合されており、前記両重ね合わせ部は、前記膨張部の膨張前には前記下流側膨張部に配置されていることを要旨とする。   The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition member is provided with a pair of overlapping portions extending in the lateral direction to form a belt shape, and the both valve body portions. Is constituted by a portion corresponding to the inner opening in each overlapping portion, and the both overlapping portions are bent along a boundary portion with a non-overlapping portion of the partition member, and The two overlapping portions are connected to the airbag, and the overlapping portions are arranged in the downstream inflating portion before the inflating portion is inflated.

上記の構成によれば、両重ね合わせ部が、膨張部の膨張前に下流側膨張部に配置されていることから、後述する請求項４に記載の発明とは異なり、上流側膨張部の膨張時に、両弁体部に対し、それらの厚み方向両側から上流側膨張部の内圧が加わることは期待できない。   According to said structure, since both the overlap parts are arrange | positioned in the downstream expansion part before expansion | swelling of an expansion part, unlike the invention of Claim 4 mentioned later, expansion | swelling of an upstream expansion part Sometimes, it cannot be expected that the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion is applied to both valve body portions from both sides in the thickness direction.

しかし、両重ね合わせ部は、区画部材の非重ね合わせ部との境界部分に沿って折り曲げられ、短手方向についての両端部においてエアバッグに結合されていることから、上流側膨張部の膨張時には、上記区画部材に対し長手方向よりも短手方向に強いテンションが掛かるだけでなく、重ね合わせ部に対しても長手方向よりも短手方向に強いテンションが掛かる。このテンションにより、両弁体部がそれらの面全体で互いに密着して、膨張用ガスの漏れを抑制したシール状態になろうとする。   However, since both the overlapping portions are bent along the boundary portion with the non-overlapping portion of the partition member and are coupled to the airbag at both ends in the lateral direction, when the upstream inflating portion is inflated The partition member is not only strongly tensioned in the shorter direction than the longitudinal direction, but also has a stronger tension in the shorter direction than the longitudinal direction on the overlapped portion. Due to this tension, the two valve body portions are brought into close contact with each other over their entire surface, and a sealing state is attempted in which leakage of the expansion gas is suppressed.

また、膨張部による乗員の拘束時には、両端部において固定された両重ね合わせ部は、上流側膨張部の内圧によって押圧されて、両端部以外の箇所において下流側膨張部側へ膨らむように変形する。この変形の方向と両弁体部の厚み方向とは同じであるため、両弁体部は、厚み方向については互いに離間する方向へ動きにくい。乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力が比較的小さいときには、両弁体部は互いに密着した状態を維持し、高いシール性を発揮する。   Further, when the occupant is restrained by the inflating portion, the two overlapping portions fixed at the both end portions are pressed by the internal pressure of the upstream inflating portion, and are deformed so as to bulge toward the downstream inflating portion side at places other than the both end portions. . Since the direction of this deformation and the thickness direction of both valve body portions are the same, both valve body portions are unlikely to move in directions away from each other in the thickness direction. When the external force applied along with the occupant restraint is relatively small, both valve body portions are kept in close contact with each other, and exhibit high sealing performance.

乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力が大きくなって区画部材及び重ね合わせ部の変形量が多くなるに従い、両弁体部は、厚み方向よりも、面方向について互いに離間する方向へ動くようになる。これに伴い両弁体部の重なり度合いが少なくなっていく。   As the external force applied along with the occupant restraint increases and the deformation amount of the partition member and the overlapping portion increases, both valve body portions move in a direction away from each other in the plane direction rather than in the thickness direction. Along with this, the overlapping degree of both valve body portions decreases.

そして、少なくとも一方の弁体部が少なからず下流側へ傾斜させられ（倒され）て、調圧弁が開弁した状態になると、上流側膨張部内の膨張用ガスが、内開口部及び両弁体部間を通って下流側膨張部へ流出するようになる。   When at least one of the valve body portions is inclined (tilted) to the downstream side rather than a small amount and the pressure regulating valve is opened, the expansion gas in the upstream expansion portion becomes the inner opening portion and both valve bodies. It flows out to a downstream side expansion part through between parts.

このように、請求項３に記載の発明は、乗員拘束時の初期から比較的長い期間にわたり、調圧弁を閉弁させて高いシール性を維持することが要求される場面で特に有効である。
請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１又は２に記載の発明において、前記両弁体部は、前記膨張部の膨張前には前記上流側膨張部に配置されていることを要旨とする。 Thus, the invention described in claim 3 is particularly effective in a scene where it is required to close the pressure regulating valve and maintain high sealing performance over a relatively long period from the initial stage when the passenger is restrained.
The gist of the invention according to claim 4 is that, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the valve body parts are arranged in the upstream inflating part before the inflating part is inflated. .

上記の構成によれば、上流側膨張部の膨張時には、同上流側膨張部に位置する両弁体部に対し、その重なり方向（厚み方向）についての両側から上流側膨張部の内圧が加わる。この内圧は、膨張部による乗員の拘束時ほど高くない。両弁体部は、この内圧により面全体で互いに密着し、両弁体部間での膨張用ガスの流通を規制する自己シール状態となる。   According to said structure, at the time of expansion | swelling of an upstream expansion part, the internal pressure of an upstream expansion part is applied from both sides about the overlapping direction (thickness direction) with respect to both valve body parts located in the upstream expansion part. This internal pressure is not as high as when the occupant is restrained by the inflating portion. The two valve body portions are brought into close contact with each other over the entire surface by this internal pressure, and are in a self-sealing state that regulates the flow of the expansion gas between the both valve body portions.

膨張部による乗員の拘束により、上流側膨張部の内圧がさらに高くなると、両弁体部は、同内圧により変形（反転）しながら、内開口部を通じて下流側膨張部側へ押し出される。両弁体部の先端部が離れると、上流側膨張部内の膨張用ガスは、内開口部及び両弁体部間を通って下流側膨張部へ流出することが可能となる。   When the internal pressure of the upstream inflating portion becomes higher due to the restraint of the occupant by the inflating portion, both valve body portions are pushed out to the downstream inflating portion through the inner opening while being deformed (inverted) by the internal pressure. When the tip portions of both valve body portions are separated, the expansion gas in the upstream expansion portion can flow out between the inner opening and both valve body portions to the downstream expansion portion.

請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１〜４のいずれか１つに記載の発明において、前記区画部材は、前記長手方向に延びる折り線に沿って折り返されることにより、相対向する対向端部を接近させてなる二つ折り状態にされ、前記二つ折り状態の前記区画部材は、前記折り線を前記対向端部よりも上流側に位置させた状態で非膨張展開状態の前記膨張部に配設され、さらに、前記両対向端部と、前記長手方向についての両端部とにおいて前記エアバッグに結合されていることを要旨とする。   According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the partition members are folded back along a fold line extending in the longitudinal direction, thereby facing opposite ends. The partition member in the half-folded state is arranged in the inflated portion in the non-inflated and deployed state with the fold line positioned upstream from the opposing end. Furthermore, the gist of the present invention is that it is coupled to the airbag at both opposing end portions and both end portions in the longitudinal direction.

上記の構成によれば、区画部材は、膨張部への膨張用ガスの供給前には、折り線を対向端部よりも上流側に位置させてなる二つ折り状態となっている。しかも、区画部材は、両対向端部の各々においてエアバッグに結合されるとともに、長手方向についての両端部においてエアバッグに結合されている。そのため、膨張部への膨張用ガスの供給により上流側膨張部の膨張が開始すると、二つ折り状態の区画部材が引っ張られる。区画部材に対し、長手方向や短手方向にテンションが掛かって、区画部材が平面状態になろうとする。   According to said structure, before supply of the gas for expansion | swelling to an expansion | swelling part, a division member will be in the double fold state which positions a fold line upstream from an opposing edge part. In addition, the partition member is coupled to the airbag at each of the opposing end portions, and is coupled to the airbag at both ends in the longitudinal direction. For this reason, when the expansion of the upstream expansion portion is started by the supply of the expansion gas to the expansion portion, the two-folded partition member is pulled. A tension is applied to the partition member in the longitudinal direction or the short side direction, and the partition member tends to be in a planar state.

ただし、区画部材では、その全体が均一に緊張状態となるわけではない。上述した区画部材のエアバッグに対する結合態様から、上流側膨張部の膨張時の断面が、折り線に沿う方向の両端部近傍部分で曲率が大きく、それ以外の部分で曲率の小さな略楕円形状となるからである。こうした異形（非円形）の断面であることから、区画部材の長手方向についての両端部近傍部分には、それらの間の部分（中間部分）に比べテンションが掛かりにくい。そのため、区画部材の上記両端部近傍部分は、中間部分が略平面状の緊張状態となったときにも、折り線を対向端部よりも上流側に位置させた屈曲状態（ただし、二つ折り状態よりは開いた状態）となる。   However, the whole partition member is not in a uniform tension state. From the coupling mode of the partition member to the airbag described above, the section of the upstream inflatable portion when inflated has a substantially elliptical shape with a large curvature in the vicinity of both ends in the direction along the fold line and a small curvature in the other portions. Because it becomes. Because of such an irregular (non-circular) cross section, tension is less likely to be applied to the vicinity of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the partition member than the portion (intermediate portion) between them. Therefore, the portion in the vicinity of both ends of the partition member is in a bent state in which the fold line is positioned on the upstream side of the opposite end portion (when the intermediate portion is in a substantially flat tension state (however, folded in two) More open).

膨張部への膨張用ガスの供給期間の途中から、乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力によって膨張部が押圧されて変形すると、区画部材に掛かるテンションが変化する。また、膨張部の変形に伴い上流側膨張部の内圧がさらに上昇して、区画部材の上記中間部分が下流側膨張部側へ押圧されて、同中間部分に掛かるテンションが変化するとともに、区画部材の上記両端部近傍部分が押圧されて下流側膨張部側へ膨らむように変形する。上記両端部近傍部分は、上述したように乗員拘束前には、折り線を対向端部よりも上流側に位置させた屈曲状態となっている。両端部近傍部分は、乗員拘束時には、乗員拘束前の形状から反転したような形状に変形する。両端部近傍部分のこうした形状変化（反転）により、上記中間部分においてテンションが変化し、内開口部の変形や、弁体部の作動が許容される。   When the expansion portion is pressed and deformed by an external force applied in accordance with the occupant restraint from the middle of the supply period of the expansion gas to the expansion portion, the tension applied to the partition member changes. In addition, the internal pressure of the upstream inflating portion further increases with the deformation of the inflating portion, the intermediate portion of the partition member is pressed toward the downstream inflating portion, the tension applied to the intermediate portion changes, and the partition member The portion in the vicinity of both end portions is pressed and deformed so as to swell toward the downstream side expansion portion. As described above, the vicinity of the both end portions is in a bent state in which the fold line is positioned on the upstream side of the opposite end portion before restraining the occupant. When the occupant is restrained, the vicinity of both ends is deformed into a shape that is inverted from the shape before the occupant restraint. Due to such a shape change (inversion) in the vicinity of both end portions, the tension changes in the intermediate portion, and the deformation of the inner opening and the operation of the valve body are allowed.

この際、上記両端部近傍部分の上記反転により、区画部材においてテンションの掛かっている領域が長手方向へ拡がっていく。区画部材において長手方向についての両方向に向かうテンションが強まる。これらのテンションの変化により、スリット状の内開口部が長手方向に引っ張られて開きやすくなる。   At this time, due to the inversion of the portions in the vicinity of both ends, the tensioned region of the partition member expands in the longitudinal direction. In the partition member, the tension in both directions with respect to the longitudinal direction is increased. Due to the change in the tension, the slit-shaped inner opening is pulled in the longitudinal direction and is easily opened.

請求項５に記載の発明が、上記請求項４に記載の発明と組み合わされた場合には、調圧弁の閉弁時におけるシール性向上と、開弁時における膨張用ガスの流通性向上との両立が図られる。   When the invention according to claim 5 is combined with the invention according to claim 4, the improvement in the sealing performance when the pressure regulating valve is closed and the improvement in the flowability of the expansion gas when the valve is opened. Coexistence is achieved.

請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項１〜４のいずれか１つに記載の発明において、前記区画部材は、前記長手方向に延びる折り線に沿って折り返されることにより、相対向する対向端部を接近させてなる二つ折り状態にされ、前記二つ折り状態の前記区画部材は、前記折り線を前記対向端部よりも下流側に位置させた状態で非膨張展開状態の前記膨張部に配設され、さらに、前記両対向端部と、前記長手方向についての両端部とにおいて前記エアバッグに結合されていることを要旨とする。   According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the partition members are folded back along a fold line extending in the longitudinal direction, thereby facing opposite ends. The partition member in the half-folded state is disposed in the inflatable portion in the non-inflated and deployed state with the fold line positioned on the downstream side of the opposed end portion. Furthermore, the gist of the present invention is that it is coupled to the airbag at both opposing end portions and both end portions in the longitudinal direction.

上記の構成を有する請求項６に記載の発明では、上述した請求項５に記載の発明と同様の作用が行われる。請求項５に記載の発明との相違点は、膨張部への膨張用ガスの供給前に、区画部材が、折り線を対向端部よりも下流側に位置させてなる二つ折り状態になっていることである。そのため、区画部材の長手方向についての両端部近傍部分は、膨張用ガスの供給により上流側膨張部が膨張して中間部分が略平面状の緊張状態となったときにも、折り線を対向端部よりも下流側に位置させた屈曲状態（ただし、二つ折り状態よりは開いた状態）となる。   In the invention described in claim 6 having the above-described configuration, the same operation as that of the invention described in claim 5 described above is performed. The difference from the invention described in claim 5 is that the partition member is in a double-folded state in which the folding line is positioned downstream of the opposing end before the expansion gas is supplied to the expansion section. It is that you are. For this reason, the portion in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the partition member has the folding line facing the opposite end even when the upstream expansion portion is expanded by the supply of the expansion gas and the intermediate portion is in a substantially flat tension state. It will be in the bent state (however, it is the open state rather than the bi-fold state) located downstream from the part.

膨張部への膨張用ガスの供給期間の途中から、乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力によって膨張部が押圧されて変形すると、区画部材に掛かるテンションが変化する。また、膨張部の変形に伴い上流側膨張部の内圧がさらに上昇して、区画部材の上記中間部分が下流側膨張部側へ押圧されて、同中間部分に掛かるテンションが変化するとともに、区画部材の上記両端部近傍部分が押圧されて下流側膨張部側へ膨らむように変形する。上記両端部近傍部分は、上述したように乗員拘束前には、折り線を対向端部よりも下流側に位置させた屈曲状態となっている。乗員拘束時には、両端部近傍部分は乗員拘束前と同一傾向の形状となる。従って、上記請求項５に記載の発明に比べ、両端部近傍部分の形状変化による中間部分のテンションの変化が少ない。そのため、内開口部の変形や、両弁体部の作動が許容されにくい。   When the expansion portion is pressed and deformed by an external force applied in accordance with the occupant restraint from the middle of the supply period of the expansion gas to the expansion portion, the tension applied to the partition member changes. In addition, the internal pressure of the upstream inflating portion further increases with the deformation of the inflating portion, the intermediate portion of the partition member is pressed toward the downstream inflating portion, the tension applied to the intermediate portion changes, and the partition member The portion in the vicinity of both end portions is pressed and deformed so as to swell toward the downstream side expansion portion. As described above, the vicinity of both end portions is in a bent state in which the fold line is positioned on the downstream side of the opposing end portion before restraining the occupant. When the occupant is restrained, the portions near both ends have the same tendency as before the occupant restraint. Therefore, as compared with the invention described in claim 5, there is little change in the tension in the intermediate portion due to the shape change in the vicinity of both end portions. Therefore, the deformation of the inner opening and the operation of both valve bodies are difficult to be permitted.

この際、上記請求項５に記載の発明とは異なり、両端部近傍部分の反転がないことから、区画部材においてテンションの掛かっている領域が長手方向へ拡がって、同長手方向についての両方向に向かうテンションが強まることが起こりにくい。そのため、内開口部及び弁体部が閉じた状態に維持されやすく、シール性が維持されやすい。   At this time, unlike the invention described in claim 5, since there is no reversal of the vicinity of both end portions, the tensioned region of the partition member extends in the longitudinal direction and goes in both directions with respect to the longitudinal direction. It is difficult for tension to increase. Therefore, the inner opening and the valve body are easily maintained in a closed state, and the sealing performance is easily maintained.

上記請求項６に記載の発明が、上記請求項３に記載の発明と組み合わされた場合、上流側膨張部の内圧の上昇だけでは両重ね合わせ部が作動しにくい。区画部材の変形量が一定のレベルを越えることで、初めて両重ね合わせ部の作動が許容されるようになる。   When the invention according to the sixth aspect is combined with the invention according to the third aspect, it is difficult for the two overlapping portions to operate only by increasing the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion. Only when the amount of deformation of the partition member exceeds a certain level, the operation of both overlapping portions is allowed.

請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項１〜６のいずれか１つに記載の発明において、前記エアバッグは、一対の布部を、同両布部の周縁部に沿って設けられた周縁結合部で結合することにより形成されており、前記区画部材は、前記膨張用ガスの供給前には、前記長手方向に延びる折り線に沿って折り返されることにより、相対向する対向端部を接近させてなる二つ折り状態にされて前記エアバッグの前記両布部間に配置されており、前記各対向端部において外結合部により前記布部に結合され、前記長手方向についての両端部において前記周縁結合部により前記両布部に結合されており、前記各外結合部は、前記折り線との間隔が、前記周縁結合部との交差部において、前記長手方向についての中間部分よりも小さくなるように、前記対向端部と前記布部とを結合するものであることを要旨とする。   A seventh aspect of the present invention is the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the airbag has a pair of cloth portions and a peripheral edge provided along the peripheral edge portions of the two cloth portions. The partitioning member is formed by joining at a joining part, and the partitioning member is folded back along a fold line extending in the longitudinal direction before the inflation gas is supplied, thereby approaching opposite opposing ends. The two folded portions are arranged between the two fabric portions of the airbag, and are coupled to the fabric portions by outer coupling portions at the opposing end portions, and at both end portions in the longitudinal direction, The outer joint portions are joined to both the cloth portions by a peripheral joint portion, and the distance between the outer joint portions and the folding line is smaller than the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction at the intersection with the peripheral joint portion. The opposite end as And summarized in that those coupling said cloth portion Prefecture.

ここで、区画部材の対向端部をエアバッグの布部に結合する外結合部が、仮に、折り線に対し平行に延びている場合には、外結合部と折り線との間隔が、折り線の周縁結合部との交差部を含め、長手方向のどの箇所でも同一となる。   Here, if the outer coupling portion that couples the opposing end portion of the partition member to the fabric portion of the airbag extends in parallel to the fold line, the interval between the outer coupling portion and the fold line is folded. It is the same at any point in the longitudinal direction, including the intersection of the line with the peripheral joint.

一方、区画部材は、膨張部の膨張に伴い、その膨張方向に直交する平面状に緊張させられる。区画部材の両対向端部が、外結合部によってエアバッグの布部に結合されているのに対し、区画部材の折り返し部分は、長手方向の両端部においてのみ、周縁結合部によって上記布部に結合されている。そのため、区画部材が上記のように平面状に緊張させられるときには、区画部材の折り線に沿った折り返し部分が、膨張部の膨張方向についての外結合部側へ引っ張られて移動する。折り返し部分の布部との結合部、すなわち折り線の周縁結合部との交差部も、折り返し部分の他の箇所と同様に外結合部側へ引っ張られて移動する。この際、外結合部から大きく離れている上記交差部の移動量が多く、それに伴い同交差部に作用する引っ張り力が大きくなる。その結果、上記交差部に応力が集中するおそれがある。   On the other hand, the partition member is tensioned in a planar shape orthogonal to the expansion direction as the expansion portion expands. While the opposing end portions of the partition member are coupled to the airbag fabric portion by the outer coupling portion, the folded portion of the partition member is connected to the fabric portion by the peripheral coupling portion only at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Are combined. Therefore, when the partition member is tensioned in a planar shape as described above, the folded portion along the fold line of the partition member is pulled and moved toward the outer coupling portion in the expansion direction of the expansion portion. The joint portion of the folded portion with the cloth portion, that is, the intersection portion of the folding line with the peripheral joint portion is pulled and moved toward the outer joint portion in the same manner as the other portions of the folded portion. At this time, the amount of movement of the intersecting portion that is far away from the outer coupling portion is large, and accordingly, the tensile force acting on the intersecting portion is increased. As a result, stress may concentrate on the intersection.

これに対し、請求項７に記載の発明では、各外結合部と折り線との間隔が、同外結合部の周縁結合部との交差部において、長手方向についての中間部分よりも小さくされている。そのため、各外結合部が折り線に対し平行である場合に比べ、折り線の周縁結合部との交差部と、各外結合部との間隔が小さくなる。折り線の周縁結合部との交差部が外結合部側へ引っ張られて移動する量が少なくなり、同交差部に作用する引っ張り力が小さくなって、同交差部に対する応力集中が緩和される。   On the other hand, in the invention according to claim 7, the interval between each outer coupling portion and the folding line is made smaller than the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction at the intersection with the peripheral coupling portion of the outer coupling portion. Yes. Therefore, compared with the case where each outer coupling part is parallel to the fold line, the interval between the intersection of the fold line with the peripheral coupling part and each outer coupling part becomes smaller. The amount of movement of the intersection of the fold line with the peripheral coupling portion is reduced by being pulled toward the outer coupling portion, the tensile force acting on the intersection is reduced, and the stress concentration on the intersection is reduced.

請求項８に記載の発明は、請求項７に記載の発明において、前記各外結合部が前記折り線に平行に延びているものとし、同各外結合部が前記周縁結合部と交差する箇所を点Ａとし、前記折り線が前記周縁結合部と交差する箇所を点Ｂとし、前記点Ｂを通り、かつ前記折り線に直交する線分が前記外結合部と交差する箇所を点Ｃとし、同外結合部上であって、前記点Ｃから前記調圧弁に近づく側へ、前記線分と同じ長さだけ離れた箇所を点Ｄとした場合において、前記外結合部のうち、前記周縁結合部及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ部分は、前記点Ａ及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ線分と、前記点Ｂ及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ線分と、前記周縁結合部とにより挟まれる領域のうち、前記点Ａ及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ線分よりも、前記点Ｂ及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ線分側に設けられていることを要旨とする。   The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein each outer coupling portion extends parallel to the fold line, and each outer coupling portion intersects with the peripheral coupling portion. Is a point A, a point where the fold line intersects the peripheral joint part is a point B, and a point where a line segment passing through the point B and perpendicular to the fold line intersects the outer joint part is a point C. , When the point on the outer coupling portion is a point D away from the point C toward the pressure regulating valve by the same length as the line segment, the peripheral edge of the outer coupling portion The portion connecting the connecting portion and the point D is the region between the line connecting the point A and the point D, the line connecting the point B and the point D, and the peripheral connecting portion. It is provided on the line segment side connecting the point B and the point D rather than the line segment connecting the point A and the point D. The gist of the Rukoto.

外結合部のうち、周縁結合部及び点Ｄを繋ぐ部分が上記の条件を満たす箇所に設けられることにより、各外結合部と折り線との間隔が、同各外結合部の周縁結合部との交差部において、区画部材の長手方向についての中間部分よりも小さくなる。従って、請求項８に記載の発明の構成を採用することで、請求項７に記載の発明の効果が得られる。   Among the outer coupling portions, the portion connecting the peripheral coupling portion and the point D is provided at a location that satisfies the above conditions, so that the interval between each outer coupling portion and the folding line is the same as the peripheral coupling portion of each outer coupling portion. The crossing portion of the partition member is smaller than the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the partition member. Therefore, by adopting the configuration of the invention described in claim 8, the effect of the invention described in claim 7 can be obtained.

なお、外結合部のうち、周縁結合部及び点Ｄを繋ぐ部分は、請求項９に記載の発明によるように、点Ｂ及び点Ｄを繋ぐ線分に沿う直線状をなすものであってもよいし、請求項１０に記載の発明によるように、点Ｂ及び点Ｄを繋ぐ線分よりも点Ｃ側へ膨らむ円弧状をなすものであってもよい。   In addition, even if the part which connects a periphery coupling | bond part and the point D among the outer coupling parts makes a linear form along the line segment which connects the point B and the point D like the invention of Claim 9. Alternatively, as in the tenth aspect of the present invention, an arc shape that swells toward the point C side from the line segment connecting the point B and the point D may be used.

上記の構成を採用することにより、各外結合部の周縁結合部との交差部と、折り線との間隔が、採り得る範囲の最小値に近づく。そのため、折り線の周縁結合部との交差部が外結合部側へ引っ張られて移動する量、ひいては同交差部に作用する引っ張り力が最小に近づき、同交差部に対する応力集中を緩和する大きな効果が得られる。   By employ | adopting said structure, the space | interval of the cross | intersection part with the periphery coupling | bond part of each outer coupling part and a folding line approaches the minimum value of the range which can be taken. Therefore, the amount of movement of the intersection of the fold line with the peripheral coupling portion is pulled toward the outer coupling portion, and the pulling force acting on the intersection portion approaches the minimum, thereby greatly reducing the stress concentration on the intersection portion. Is obtained.

本発明のエアバッグ装置によれば、エアバッグを通じて乗員が受ける荷重の特性を、簡便かつ安価な構成で向上させることができる。   According to the airbag device of the present invention, it is possible to improve the characteristics of the load received by the occupant through the airbag with a simple and inexpensive configuration.

本発明をサイドエアバッグ装置に具体化した第１実施形態において、同サイドエアバッグ装置が装備された車両用シートを乗員とともに示す側面図。In 1st Embodiment which materialized this invention to the side airbag apparatus, the side view which shows the vehicle seat equipped with the same side airbag apparatus with a passenger | crew. 第１実施形態において、車両用シート、乗員及びボディサイド部の位置関係を示す正断面図。In 1st Embodiment, the front sectional view which shows the positional relationship of a vehicle seat, a passenger | crew, and a body side part. 第１実施形態において、車両用シート、乗員及びボディサイド部の位置関係を示す平断面図。In 1st Embodiment, the plane sectional view which shows the positional relationship of a vehicle seat, a passenger | crew, and a body side part. 第１実施形態において、シートバックの収納部に組み込まれたエアバッグモジュールを、ボディサイド部とともに示す部分平断面図。In the first embodiment, a partial plan sectional view showing an airbag module incorporated in a seat back storage portion together with a body side portion. 第１実施形態において、エアバッグが非膨張展開状態にされたエアバッグモジュールを、車両用シート及び乗員とともに示す部分側面図。In 1st Embodiment, the partial side view which shows the airbag module by which the airbag was made into the non-expanded deployment state with a vehicle seat and a passenger | crew. 第１実施形態において、図５の非膨張展開状態のエアバッグが車幅方向の中央部分で切断されたエアバッグモジュールを、車両用シート及び乗員とともに示す部分側断面図。FIG. 6 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the airbag module, in which the airbag in the non-inflated and deployed state in FIG. 第１実施形態において、エアバッグが非膨張展開状態にされたエアバッグモジュールの上部を斜め上後方から見た状態を示す部分斜視図。The fragmentary perspective view which shows the state which looked at the upper part of the airbag module by which 1st Embodiment was made into the non-expanding deployment state from the diagonally upper back. 図５のＡ−Ａ線に沿った区画部材等の断面構造を示す部分断面図。FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a partition member and the like along the line AA in FIG. 5. 第１実施形態において、エアバッグが膨張して区画部材が平面状に緊張したエアバッグモジュールの内部構造を示す縦断面図。In 1st Embodiment, the longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of the airbag module which the airbag expanded and the partition member was tension | tensile_strength planarly. 第１実施形態を示す図であり、（Ａ）は、屈曲状態の区画部材における調圧弁の近傍部分を示す部分斜視図、（Ｂ）は、平面状に緊張した区画部材における調圧弁の近傍部分を示す部分斜視図。It is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment, (A) is the fragmentary perspective view which shows the vicinity part of the pressure regulation valve in the division member of a bending state, (B) is the vicinity part of the pressure regulation valve in the division member strained planarly. FIG. （Ａ）〜（Ｃ）は、第１実施形態の調圧弁の動作を示す説明図。(A)-(C) are explanatory drawings which show operation | movement of the pressure regulation valve of 1st Embodiment. 第１実施形態において、車内側へ進入するボディサイド部によってエアバッグが乗員に押し付けられる際の内圧、受圧面積及び荷重の各変化態様を示す特性図。The characteristic view which shows each change aspect of an internal pressure at the time of an airbag being pressed on a passenger | crew by the body side part which approachs a vehicle inner side, pressure receiving area, and a load in 1st Embodiment. 図４の状態からエアバッグが一部をシートバック内に残して車両用シートから飛び出して膨張展開した状態を示す部分平断面図。FIG. 5 is a partial plan cross-sectional view showing a state in which the airbag is left in a seat back part of the state shown in FIG. 本発明を具体化した第２実施形態を示す図であり、非膨張展開状態のエアバッグが車幅方向の中央部分で切断されたエアバッグモジュールを、車両用シート及び乗員とともに示す部分側断面図。It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment which actualized this invention, and is the fragmentary sectional side view which shows the airbag module by which the airbag of the non-expanded deployment state was cut | disconnected by the center part of the vehicle width direction with a vehicle seat and a passenger | crew . 図１４のＣ−Ｃ線に沿った区画部材等の断面構造を示す部分断面図。The fragmentary sectional view which shows sectional structure of the division member etc. along CC line of FIG. 第２実施形態において、平面状に緊張した区画部材における調圧弁の近傍部分を示す部分斜視図。In 2nd Embodiment, the fragmentary perspective view which shows the vicinity part of the pressure regulation valve in the division member strained planarly. （Ａ）〜（Ｃ）は、第２実施形態の調圧弁の動作を示す説明図。(A)-(C) are explanatory drawings which show operation | movement of the pressure regulation valve of 2nd Embodiment. 本発明を具体化した第３実施形態を示す図であり、非膨張展開状態のエアバッグが車幅方向の中央部分で切断されたエアバッグモジュールを、車両用シート及び乗員とともに示す部分側断面図。It is a figure which shows 3rd Embodiment which actualized this invention, and is the fragmentary sectional side view which shows the airbag module by which the airbag of the non-expanded deployment state was cut | disconnected by the center part of the vehicle width direction with a vehicle seat and a passenger | crew . 第３実施形態において、エアバッグが非膨張展開状態にされたエアバッグモジュールの上部を斜め上前方から見た状態を示す部分斜視図。In 3rd Embodiment, the fragmentary perspective view which shows the state which looked at the upper part of the airbag module by which the airbag was made into the non-expanded deployment state from diagonally upward front. 図１８のＤ−Ｄ線に沿った区画部材等の断面構造を示す部分断面図。The fragmentary sectional view which shows sectional structure, such as a division member along the DD line | wire of FIG. 第３実施形態において、平面状に緊張した区画部材における調圧弁の近傍部分を示す部分斜視図。In 3rd Embodiment, the fragmentary perspective view which shows the vicinity part of the pressure regulation valve in the division member strained planarly. （Ａ）〜（Ｃ）は、第３実施形態の調圧弁の動作を示す説明図。(A)-(C) are explanatory drawings which show operation | movement of the pressure regulation valve of 3rd Embodiment. 本発明を具体化した第４実施形態を示す図であり、非膨張展開状態のエアバッグが車幅方向の中央部分で切断されたエアバッグモジュールを、車両用シート及び乗員とともに示す部分側断面図。It is a figure which shows 4th Embodiment which actualized this invention, and is the fragmentary sectional side view which shows the airbag module by which the airbag of the non-expanded deployment state was cut | disconnected by the center part of the vehicle width direction with a vehicle seat and a passenger | crew . 図２３のＥ−Ｅ線に沿った区画部材等の断面構造を示す部分断面図。The fragmentary sectional view which shows sectional structure of the division member etc. along the EE line of FIG. 第４実施形態において、平面状に緊張した区画部材における調圧弁の近傍部分を示す部分斜視図。In 4th Embodiment, the fragmentary perspective view which shows the vicinity part of the pressure regulation valve in the division member strained planarly. （Ａ）〜（Ｃ）は、第４実施形態の調圧弁の動作を示す説明図。(A)-(C) are explanatory drawings which show operation | movement of the pressure regulation valve of 4th Embodiment. 本発明を具体化した第５実施形態における区画部材の外結合部を設定する際の条件を説明するための図であり、非膨張展開状態のエアバッグが車幅方向の中央部分で切断されたエアバッグモジュールを示す部分側断面図。It is a figure for demonstrating the conditions at the time of setting the outer coupling part of the division member in 5th Embodiment which actualized this invention, and the airbag of the non-expanded deployment state was cut | disconnected by the center part of the vehicle width direction The fragmentary sectional side view which shows an airbag module. 第５実施形態において、非膨張展開状態のエアバッグが車幅方向の中央部分で切断されたエアバッグモジュールを示す部分側断面図。In 5th Embodiment, the partial sectional side view which shows the airbag module by which the airbag of the non-expanded deployment state was cut | disconnected by the center part of the vehicle width direction. （Ａ），（Ｂ）は、第１実施形態の区画部材を１枚の布片によって構成した別例を示す部分斜視図。(A), (B) is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the other example which comprised the division member of 1st Embodiment by one piece of cloth. （Ａ），（Ｂ）は、本発明を、第１〜第５実施形態とは異なるタイプのサイドエアバッグ装置に適用した別例を示す側面図。(A), (B) is a side view which shows another example which applied this invention to the side airbag apparatus of the type different from 1st-5th embodiment. （Ａ），（Ｂ）は、同じく本発明を、第１〜第５実施形態とは異なるタイプのサイドエアバッグ装置に適用した別例を示す側面図。(A) and (B) are side views showing another example in which the present invention is applied to a side airbag device of a type different from the first to fifth embodiments. （Ａ），（Ｂ）は、同じく本発明を、第１〜第５実施形態とは異なるタイプのサイドエアバッグ装置に適用した別例を示す側面図。(A) and (B) are side views showing another example in which the present invention is applied to a side airbag device of a type different from the first to fifth embodiments. 本発明を、膝保護用エアバッグ装置に適用した別例を示す図であり、同エアバッグが装備されたステアリングコラムの近傍部分を、乗員の下肢とともに示す部分側面図。It is a figure which shows the other example which applied this invention to the airbag apparatus for knee protection, and is a partial side view which shows the vicinity part of the steering column equipped with the airbag with a passenger | crew's leg. 図３３の別例において、エアバッグが非膨張展開状態にされたエアバッグモジュールを示す正面図。The front view which shows the airbag module in which the airbag was made into the non-expanding deployment state in another example of FIG. 第５実施形態における区画部材の外結合部の別例を示す図であり、非膨張展開状態のエアバッグが車幅方向の中央部分で切断されたエアバッグモジュールを示す部分側断面図。FIG. 10 is a view showing another example of the outer coupling portion of the partition member according to the fifth embodiment, and is a partial side sectional view showing an airbag module in which an airbag in a non-inflated and deployed state is cut at a central portion in the vehicle width direction.

（第１実施形態）
以下、本発明を車両用サイドエアバッグ装置に具体化した第１実施形態について、図１〜図１３を参照して説明する。 (First embodiment)
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a vehicle side airbag device will be described with reference to FIGS.

なお、以下の記載においては、車両の前進方向を前方として説明し、車両の後進方向を後方として説明する。また、以下の記載における上下方向は車両の上下方向を意味し、左右方向は車両の車幅方向であって車両前進時の左右方向と一致するものとする。   In the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle will be described as the front, and the reverse direction of the vehicle will be described as the rear. Further, in the following description, the vertical direction means the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the horizontal direction is the vehicle width direction of the vehicle and coincides with the horizontal direction when the vehicle moves forward.

図２及び図３に示すように、車両１０においてボディサイド部１１の車内側（図２の右側、図３の上側）の近傍には車両用シート１２が配置されている。ここで、ボディサイド部１１とは、車両１０の側部に配置された車両構成部材を指し、主としてドア、ピラー等がこれに該当する。例えば、前席に対応するボディサイド部１１は、フロントドア、センターピラー（Ｂピラー）等である。また、後席に対応するボディサイド部１１は、サイドドア（リヤドア）の後部、Ｃピラー、タイヤハウスの前部、リヤクォータ等である。   As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a vehicle seat 12 is disposed in the vehicle 10 in the vicinity of the vehicle inner side (the right side in FIG. 2, the upper side in FIG. 3) of the body side portion 11. Here, the body side part 11 refers to a vehicle constituent member arranged on the side part of the vehicle 10, and mainly corresponds to a door, a pillar, and the like. For example, the body side part 11 corresponding to the front seat is a front door, a center pillar (B pillar), or the like. The body side portion 11 corresponding to the rear seat is a rear portion of a side door (rear door), a C pillar, a front portion of a tire house, a rear quarter, and the like.

車両用シート１２は、シートクッション（座部）１３と、そのシートクッション１３の後側から起立し、かつ傾き調整機構（図示略）により傾斜角度を調整されるシートバック（背もたれ）１４とを備えて構成されている。   The vehicle seat 12 includes a seat cushion (seat portion) 13 and a seat back (backrest) 14 that stands up from the rear side of the seat cushion 13 and whose inclination angle is adjusted by an inclination adjustment mechanism (not shown). Configured.

次に、シートバック１４における車外側の側部の内部構造について説明する。
シートバック１４内には、その骨格をなすシートフレームが配置されている。シートフレームの一部は、図４に示すように、シートバック１４内の車外側（図４では下側）部分に配置されており、この部分（以下「サイドフレーム部１５」という）は、金属板を曲げ加工することによって形成されている。サイドフレーム部１５を含むシートフレームの前側には、ウレタンフォーム等の弾性材からなるシートパッド１６が配置されている。また、シートフレームの後側には、合成樹脂等によって形成された硬質のバックボード１７が配置されている。なお、シートパッド１６は表皮によって被覆されているが、図４ではその表皮の図示が省略されている。後述する図１３についても同様である。 Next, the internal structure of the side portion on the vehicle outer side in the seat back 14 will be described.
A seat frame that forms the skeleton is disposed in the seat back 14. As shown in FIG. 4, a part of the seat frame is disposed on the vehicle outer side (lower side in FIG. 4) in the seat back 14, and this part (hereinafter referred to as “side frame part 15”) is made of metal. It is formed by bending a plate. A seat pad 16 made of an elastic material such as urethane foam is disposed on the front side of the seat frame including the side frame portion 15. A hard backboard 17 made of synthetic resin or the like is disposed on the rear side of the seat frame. Although the seat pad 16 is covered with a skin, the skin is not shown in FIG. The same applies to FIG. 13 described later.

シートパッド１６内において、サイドフレーム部１５の車外側近傍には収納部１８が設けられている。収納部１８の位置は、車両用シート１２に着座した乗員Ｐの斜め後方近傍となる（図３参照）。この収納部１８には、サイドエアバッグ装置の主要部をなすエアバッグモジュールＡＭが組み込まれている。   In the seat pad 16, a storage portion 18 is provided in the vicinity of the vehicle exterior side of the side frame portion 15. The position of the storage portion 18 is in the vicinity of the rear of the occupant P seated on the vehicle seat 12 (see FIG. 3). An air bag module AM that forms the main part of the side air bag device is incorporated in the storage portion 18.

収納部１８の車外側かつ前側の角部からは、斜め前車外側に向けてスリット１９が延びている。シートパッド１６の前側の角部１６Ｃとスリット１９とによって挟まれた箇所（図４において二点鎖線の枠で囲んだ箇所）は、後述するエアバッグ４０によって破断される破断予定部２１を構成している。   A slit 19 extends from a corner on the vehicle outer side and front side of the storage unit 18 toward the diagonal front vehicle outer side. A portion sandwiched between the corner 16C on the front side of the seat pad 16 and the slit 19 (a portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4) constitutes a planned fracture portion 21 to be broken by the airbag 40 described later. ing.

上記シートバック１４に組み込まれるエアバッグモジュールＡＭは、インフレータアセンブリ３０及びエアバッグ４０を主要な構成部材として備えている。
次に、これらの構成部材の各々について説明する。ここで、第１実施形態では、エアバッグモジュールＡＭ及びその構成部材について「上下方向」、「前後方向」というときは、図１に示すように、車両用シート１２のシートバック１４を基準としている。シートバック１４の起立する方向を「上下方向」とし、シートバック１４の厚み方向を「前後方向」としている。通常、シートバック１４は後方へ多少傾斜した状態で使用されることから、「上下方向」は厳密には鉛直方向ではなく、多少傾斜している。同様に、「前後方向」は厳密には水平方向ではなく、多少傾斜している。 The airbag module AM incorporated in the seat back 14 includes an inflator assembly 30 and an airbag 40 as main components.
Next, each of these structural members will be described. Here, in the first embodiment, when the airbag module AM and its constituent members are referred to as “vertical direction” and “front-rear direction”, as shown in FIG. 1, the seat back 14 of the vehicle seat 12 is used as a reference. . The direction in which the seat back 14 stands is “up-down direction”, and the thickness direction of the seat back 14 is “front-rear direction”. Usually, since the seat back 14 is used in a state of being slightly inclined rearward, the “vertical direction” is not strictly a vertical direction but is slightly inclined. Similarly, the “front-rear direction” is not strictly a horizontal direction but is slightly inclined.

＜インフレータアセンブリ３０＞
図４及び図５の少なくとも一方に示すように、インフレータアセンブリ３０は、ガス発生源としてのインフレータ３１と、そのインフレータ３１の外側に装着されたリテーナ３２とを備えて構成されている。第１実施形態では、インフレータ３１として、パイロタイプと呼ばれるタイプが採用されている。インフレータ３１は略円柱状をなしており、その内部には、膨張用ガスを発生するガス発生剤（図示略）が収容されている。インフレータ３１の長さ方向についての一方の端部（第１実施形態では下端部）には、同インフレータ３１への制御信号の印加配線となるハーネス（図示略）が接続されている。 <Inflator assembly 30>
As shown in at least one of FIGS. 4 and 5, the inflator assembly 30 includes an inflator 31 as a gas generation source and a retainer 32 attached to the outside of the inflator 31. In the first embodiment, a type called a pyrotype is employed as the inflator 31. The inflator 31 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a gas generating agent (not shown) that generates an expansion gas is accommodated therein. A harness (not shown) serving as a control signal application wiring to the inflator 31 is connected to one end (the lower end in the first embodiment) of the inflator 31 in the length direction.

なお、インフレータ３１としては、上記ガス発生剤を用いたパイロタイプに代えて、高圧ガスの充填された高圧ガスボンベの隔壁を火薬等によって破断してガスを噴出させるタイプ（ハイブリッドタイプ）が用いられてもよい。   As the inflator 31, a type (hybrid type) that breaks the partition wall of a high-pressure gas cylinder filled with a high-pressure gas with an explosive or the like instead of the pyro-type using the gas generating agent (hybrid type) is used. Also good.

一方、リテーナ３２は、ディフューザとして機能するとともに、上記インフレータ３１をエアバッグ４０と一緒にサイドフレーム部１５に締結する機能を有する部材である。リテーナ３２の大部分は、金属板等の板材を曲げ加工等することによって略筒状に形成されている。リテーナ３２には窓部３３が設けられており、インフレータ３１から噴出された膨張用ガスの多くが、この窓部３３を通じてリテーナ３２の外部へ噴き出される。   On the other hand, the retainer 32 is a member that functions as a diffuser and has a function of fastening the inflator 31 to the side frame portion 15 together with the airbag 40. Most of the retainer 32 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape by bending a plate material such as a metal plate. The retainer 32 is provided with a window 33, and most of the inflation gas ejected from the inflator 31 is ejected to the outside of the retainer 32 through the window 33.

リテーナ３２には、これを上記サイドフレーム部１５に取付けるための係止部材として、複数本のボルト３４が固定されている。表現を変えると、複数本のボルト３４が、リテーナ３２を介してインフレータ３１に間接的に固定されている。   A plurality of bolts 34 are fixed to the retainer 32 as a locking member for attaching the retainer 32 to the side frame portion 15. In other words, the plurality of bolts 34 are indirectly fixed to the inflator 31 via the retainer 32.

なお、インフレータアセンブリ３０は、インフレータ３１とリテーナ３２とが一体になったものであってもよい。
＜エアバッグ４０＞
図１〜図３の少なくとも１つに示すように、エアバッグ４０は、車両１０の走行中等に側突等により衝撃が側方からボディサイド部１１に加わったときに、インフレータ３１から膨張用ガスＧの供給を受ける。この膨張用ガスＧの供給を受けたエアバッグ４０は、自身の一部（後部）を上記収納部１８内に残した状態で同収納部１８から略前方へ向けて飛び出し、車両用シート１２に着座した乗員Ｐの上半身とボディサイド部１１との間で膨張展開することにより上記側突の衝撃から乗員Ｐの上半身を保護する。 The inflator assembly 30 may be one in which the inflator 31 and the retainer 32 are integrated.
<Airbag 40>
As shown in at least one of FIGS. 1 to 3, the airbag 40 is inflated from the inflator 31 when an impact is applied to the body side part 11 from the side due to a side collision or the like while the vehicle 10 is traveling. Receive supply of G. The airbag 40 that has received the supply of the inflation gas G jumps out substantially forward from the storage portion 18 in a state where a part (rear portion) of the airbag 40 is left in the storage portion 18 to the vehicle seat 12. By inflating and deploying between the upper body of the seated occupant P and the body side part 11, the upper body of the occupant P is protected from the impact of the side collision.

図５は、エアバッグ４０が膨張用ガスＧを充填させることなく平面状に展開させられた状態（以下「非膨張展開状態」という）のエアバッグモジュールＡＭを、乗員Ｐ及び車両用シート１２とともに示している。また、図６は、エアバッグモジュールＡＭの内部構造を示すべく、図５の非膨張展開状態のエアバッグ４０が車幅方向の中央部分で切断されたエアバッグモジュールＡＭを、車両用シート１２及び乗員Ｐとともに示している。図６中、一点鎖線の大きな丸い枠Ｗで囲まれた箇所は、小さな丸い枠Ｗで囲まれた箇所を拡大して示している。   FIG. 5 shows an airbag module AM in a state where the airbag 40 is deployed in a plane without being filled with the inflation gas G (hereinafter referred to as “non-inflated and deployed state”) together with the occupant P and the vehicle seat 12. Show. 6 shows the airbag module AM in which the airbag 40 in the non-inflated and deployed state in FIG. 5 is cut at the center in the vehicle width direction, and the vehicle seat 12 and the airbag module AM. It is shown together with the passenger P. In FIG. 6, a portion surrounded by a large round frame W with a one-dot chain line shows an enlarged portion surrounded by a small round frame W.

図５及び図６の少なくとも一方に示すように、エアバッグ４０は、１枚の布片４１（基布、パネル布等とも呼ばれる）を、その中央部分に設定した折り線４２に沿って二つ折りして車幅方向に重ね合わせ、その重ね合わされた部分を袋状となるように結合させることにより形成されている。ここでは、エアバッグ４０の上記の重ね合わされた２つの部分を区別するために、車内側に位置するものを布部４３（図６参照）といい、車外側に位置するものを布部４４（図５参照）というものとする。   As shown in at least one of FIGS. 5 and 6, the airbag 40 folds one piece of cloth 41 (also called a base cloth, panel cloth, etc.) along a fold line 42 set at the center thereof. Then, they are formed by overlapping in the vehicle width direction and joining the overlapped portions so as to form a bag. Here, in order to distinguish the two overlapped portions of the airbag 40, the one located on the inside of the vehicle is referred to as a cloth portion 43 (see FIG. 6), and the one located on the outside of the vehicle is designated as a cloth portion 44 ( (See FIG. 5).

なお、第１実施形態では、折り線４２がエアバッグ４０の前端に位置するように布片４１が二つ折りされているが、折り線４２がほかの端部、例えば後端部に位置するように布片４１が二つ折りされてもよい。また、エアバッグ４０は折り線４２に沿って分割された２枚の布片からなるものであってもよい。この場合には、エアバッグ４０は、２枚の布片を車幅方向に重ね合わせ、両布片をそれらの周縁部において結合させることにより袋状に形成される。さらに、エアバッグ４０は３枚以上の布片からなるものであってもよい。   In the first embodiment, the cloth piece 41 is folded in two so that the folding line 42 is positioned at the front end of the airbag 40, but the folding line 42 is positioned at the other end, for example, the rear end. The cloth piece 41 may be folded in half. The airbag 40 may be composed of two pieces of cloth divided along the fold line 42. In this case, the airbag 40 is formed in a bag shape by superimposing two pieces of cloth in the vehicle width direction and joining both pieces of cloth at their peripheral portions. Further, the airbag 40 may be composed of three or more pieces of cloth.

上記のように、非膨張展開状態となったときに平面状となるエアバッグ４０は、「平面バッグ」とも呼ばれる。
エアバッグ４０においては、両布部４３，４４の外形形状が、折り線４２を対称軸として互いに線対称の関係にある。各布部４３，４４の形状・大きさは、エアバッグ４０が車両用シート１２及びボディサイド部１１間で膨張展開したときに、その車両用シート１２に着座している乗員Ｐの上半身に対応する領域を占有し得るように設定されている。 As described above, the airbag 40 that is planar when in a non-inflated and deployed state is also referred to as a “planar bag”.
In the airbag 40, the outer shapes of the cloth portions 43 and 44 are in a line-symmetric relationship with each other with the folding line 42 as the axis of symmetry. The shape and size of the cloth portions 43 and 44 correspond to the upper body of the occupant P seated on the vehicle seat 12 when the airbag 40 is inflated and deployed between the vehicle seat 12 and the body side portion 11. It is set so that it can occupy the area to be.

上記布部４３，４４としては、強度が高く、かつ可撓性を有していて容易に折り畳むことのできる素材、例えばポリエステル糸、ポリアミド糸等を用いて形成した織布等が適している。   As the cloth parts 43 and 44, a woven cloth formed using a material having high strength and flexibility and can be easily folded, for example, polyester yarn, polyamide yarn or the like is suitable.

両布部４３，４４の上記結合は、それらの周縁部に設けられた周縁結合部４５においてなされている。第１実施形態では、周縁結合部４５は、両布部４３，４４の周縁部のうち、後下端部及び前端部（折り線４２の近傍部分）を除く部分を、縫製（縫糸で縫合）することにより形成されている。   The above-described connection between the cloth parts 43 and 44 is performed at a peripheral connection part 45 provided at the peripheral part thereof. In the first embodiment, the peripheral edge coupling portion 45 sews (sews) a portion of the peripheral edge portions of the cloth portions 43 and 44 excluding the rear lower end portion and the front end portion (the vicinity of the folding line 42) with a sewing thread. It is formed by.

この縫製に関し、図５〜図７、図９、図１０、さらには、図１４、図１６、図１８、図１９、図２１、図２３、図２５、図２７〜図２９、図３４及び図３５では、２つの線種で縫製部分を表現している。一方の線種は、一定長さの太線を断続的に並べて表現した線（破線の一種）であり、これは、縫合の対象となる布部の外側（布部間ではない）における縫糸の状態を示している（図５等参照）。他方の線種は、点を一定間隔おきに並べて表現した線（破線の一種）であり、これは、縫合の対象となる布部の内側（布部間）における縫糸の状態を示している（図６等参照）。すなわち、縫製が後者の態様で表現されている図は、縫製部分を通る断面に沿った断面構造を示している。   5 to 7, 9, 10, and FIGS. 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 to 29, 34, and 34. In 35, a sewing part is expressed by two line types. One line type is a line (a type of broken line) expressed by arranging thick lines of a certain length intermittently, which is the state of the sewing thread outside the cloth part to be stitched (not between the cloth parts). (See FIG. 5 and the like). The other line type is a line (a type of broken line) in which dots are arranged at regular intervals, and this indicates the state of the sewing thread inside the cloth part to be stitched (between the cloth parts) ( (See FIG. 6). That is, the drawing in which the sewing is expressed in the latter manner shows a cross-sectional structure along a cross section passing through the sewing portion.

図５及び図６の少なくとも一方に示すように、両布部４３，４４間であって、周縁結合部４５によって囲まれた空間（周縁結合部４５よりも内側の空間）は、膨張用ガスＧ（図１等参照）によって乗員Ｐの上半身の外側方近傍で膨張することにより、衝撃から同上半身を保護するための膨張部４６となっている。   As shown in at least one of FIGS. 5 and 6, the space between the cloth portions 43 and 44 and surrounded by the peripheral joint portion 45 (the space inside the peripheral joint portion 45) is an expansion gas G. By inflating near the outer side of the upper body of the occupant P (see FIG. 1 etc.), an inflating portion 46 is provided to protect the upper body from impact.

なお、周縁結合部４５は、上記縫糸を用いた縫合とは異なる手段、例えば接着剤を用いた接着によって形成されてもよい。この点は、後述する外結合部５４，５５及び内結合部６３についても同様である。   In addition, the periphery coupling | bond part 45 may be formed by the means different from the sewing using the said sewing thread, for example, adhesion | attachment using an adhesive agent. This also applies to the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 and the inner coupling portion 63 described later.

上記インフレータアセンブリ３０は、前側ほど低くなるように傾斜させられた姿勢で、エアバッグ４０内の後端下部に配設されている。そして、リテーナ３２のボルト３４が、車内側の布部４３に挿通されている（図４参照）。こうした挿通により、インフレータアセンブリ３０がエアバッグ４０に対し位置決めされた状態で係止されている。また、エアバッグ４０の後部下端は、インフレータアセンブリ３０の下端部に対し、環状の締結具３７によって気密状態で締付けられている。   The inflator assembly 30 is disposed in the lower portion of the rear end in the airbag 40 in a posture inclined so as to become lower toward the front side. The bolts 34 of the retainer 32 are inserted through the cloth portion 43 on the vehicle inner side (see FIG. 4). By such insertion, the inflator assembly 30 is locked in a state of being positioned with respect to the airbag 40. Further, the lower end of the rear portion of the airbag 40 is fastened to the lower end of the inflator assembly 30 in an airtight state by an annular fastener 37.

エアバッグ４０の膨張部４６は、区画部材５０により、インフレータ３１からの膨張用ガスＧが最初に供給される上流側膨張部４７と、上流側膨張部４７を経由した膨張用ガスＧが供給される下流側膨張部４８とに区画されている。区画部材５０は、一般的にテザーと呼ばれるものと同様の構成を有しており、エアバッグ４０の布部４３，４４と同様の素材を用いて形成されている。   The inflating portion 46 of the airbag 40 is supplied by the partition member 50 with the upstream inflating portion 47 to which the inflating gas G from the inflator 31 is first supplied and the inflating gas G via the upstream inflating portion 47. And a downstream-side inflatable portion 48. The partition member 50 has the same configuration as that generally called a tether, and is formed using the same material as the cloth portions 43 and 44 of the airbag 40.

図７は、エアバッグ４０が非膨張展開状態にされたエアバッグモジュールＡＭの上部の一部を斜め上後方から見た状態を示し、図８は、図５のＡ−Ａ線に沿った断面構造を示している。この図８では、各部材が厚みを省略して描かれるとともに、内結合部６３がジグザグ状に描かれている。この点は、後述する図１５、図２０及び図２４についても同様である。図９は、エアバッグ４０が膨張して区画部材５０が平面状に緊張したエアバッグモジュールＡＭの内部構造を示している。また、図１０（Ａ）は、屈曲状態の区画部材５０の一部を示し、同図１０（Ｂ）は、平面状に緊張した区画部材５０の中間部分Ｐ１、及びその近傍部分を示している。これらの図７〜図１０（Ａ），（Ｂ）の少なくとも１つに示すように、区画部材５０は、略上下方向に延びる折り線５１に沿って折り返されることにより、相対向する対向端部５２，５３を接近させてなる二つ折り状態にされている。この二つ折り状態の区画部材５０は、折り線５１を両対向端部５２，５３よりも上流側に位置させた状態で非膨張展開状態の膨張部４６に配設されている（図８参照）。   FIG. 7 shows a state in which a part of the upper portion of the airbag module AM in which the airbag 40 is in a non-inflated and deployed state is viewed obliquely from above and rearward, and FIG. 8 is a cross section taken along the line AA in FIG. The structure is shown. In FIG. 8, each member is drawn with the thickness omitted, and the inner coupling portion 63 is drawn in a zigzag shape. This also applies to FIGS. 15, 20, and 24 described later. FIG. 9 shows the internal structure of the airbag module AM in which the airbag 40 is inflated and the partition member 50 is tensioned flat. FIG. 10A shows a part of the partition member 50 in a bent state, and FIG. 10B shows an intermediate portion P1 of the partition member 50 that is strained in a planar shape and its vicinity. . As shown in at least one of these FIGS. 7 to 10A and 10B, the partition member 50 is folded back along a fold line 51 extending in a substantially vertical direction, thereby facing opposite ends. 52 and 53 are made close to each other. The two-folded partition member 50 is disposed in the inflatable portion 46 in a non-inflated and deployed state with the fold line 51 positioned on the upstream side of the opposing end portions 52 and 53 (see FIG. 8). .

上記区画部材５０は、膨張部４６の膨張に伴い平面状に緊張させられたとき、折り線５１に沿う方向（以下「長手方向」という）の長さＬ１が、折り線５１に直交する方向（以下「短手方向」という）の長さＬ２よりも長い長尺状をなしている（図６、図９参照）。   When the partition member 50 is tensioned in a planar shape with the expansion of the expansion portion 46, the length L1 in the direction along the fold line 51 (hereinafter referred to as “longitudinal direction”) is perpendicular to the fold line 51 ( The length is longer than the length L2 (hereinafter referred to as “short direction”) (see FIGS. 6 and 9).

二つ折り状態の区画部材５０は、両対向端部５２，５３の各々において、略上下方向（長手方向）へ延びる外結合部５４，５５によって、エアバッグ４０の両布部４３，４４にそれぞれ結合されている。両外結合部５４，５５は、膨張部４６が膨張したときに、乗員Ｐの上半身における前後方向についての中間部の側方となる箇所で、区画部材５０の各対向端部５２，５３を対応する布部４３，４４に結合している（図３参照）。   The two-folded partition member 50 is coupled to both cloth portions 43 and 44 of the airbag 40 by outer coupling portions 54 and 55 extending substantially in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) at each of the opposing end portions 52 and 53. Has been. Both the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 correspond to the opposing end portions 52 and 53 of the partition member 50 at locations that are lateral to the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the upper body of the occupant P when the inflating portion 46 is inflated. It couple | bonds with the cloth parts 43 and 44 to perform (refer FIG. 3).

このようにして、区画部材５０は、エアバッグ４０における車内側の布部４３と車外側の布部４４との間に架け渡されている。区画部材５０は、膨張部４６の非膨張時には二つ折りされた状態となる（図７、図８参照）。また、区画部材５０は、膨張部４６が膨張したとき、車幅方向に平面状に緊張させられた状態となり（図９、図１０（Ｂ）参照）、同膨張部４６の車幅方向の厚みを規制する。   In this way, the partition member 50 is bridged between the fabric portion 43 on the vehicle interior side and the fabric portion 44 on the vehicle exterior side of the airbag 40. The partition member 50 is folded in two when the inflating portion 46 is not inflated (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Moreover, when the expansion part 46 expand | swells, the partition member 50 will be in the state by which it was tensed planarly in the vehicle width direction (refer FIG. 9, FIG. 10 (B)), and the thickness of the vehicle expansion direction of the expansion part 46 is the same. To regulate.

また、二つ折り状態の区画部材５０は、折り線５１に沿う方向（長手方向）の両端部において、エアバッグ４０に結合されている。すなわち、二つ折り状態の区画部材５０の上端部及び下端部は、上述した周縁結合部４５（図６、図７、図９参照）によってエアバッグ４０の両布部４３，４４の上端部及び下端部に結合（共縫い）されている。   Further, the two-folded partition member 50 is coupled to the airbag 40 at both ends in the direction along the fold line 51 (longitudinal direction). That is, the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the partition member 50 in the folded state are the upper end portions and the lower end portions of the cloth portions 43 and 44 of the airbag 40 by the peripheral edge coupling portion 45 (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 9). It is joined (co-sewn) to the part.

図５及び図６の少なくとも一方に示すように、上記区画部材５０により、膨張部４６は、その後半部分を構成し、かつインフレータアセンブリ３０の配置された後側の上流側膨張部４７と、同膨張部４６の前半部分を構成し、かつインフレータアセンブリ３０の配置されていない前側の下流側膨張部４８とに区画されている。   As shown in at least one of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the partition member 50 causes the inflating portion 46 to form the latter half of the inflating portion 46, and the upstream inflating portion 47 on the rear side where the inflator assembly 30 is disposed. The front portion of the inflating section 46 is divided into a front-side downstream inflating section 48 where the inflator assembly 30 is not disposed.

第１実施形態では、区画部材５０は、図１０（Ａ），（Ｂ）に示すように、折り線５１に沿う方向である略上下方向（長手方向）に並べられた２つの部材５６，５７からなる。上下両部材５６，５７では、それらの端部５８，５９の端縁５８Ｅ，５９Ｅ同士が合致させられた状態で、端部５８，５９同士が帯状に重ね合わされている。上下両部材５６，５７は、それぞれ帯状をなす一対の重ね合わせ部６１と、それ以外の箇所（以下「非重ね合わせ部６２」という）との境界部分において、折り線５１に略直交する方向（短手方向）へ延びる内結合部６３によって結合されている。この境界部分は、上記端縁５８Ｅ，５９Ｅから一定距離離れている。   In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the partition member 50 includes two members 56 and 57 arranged in a substantially vertical direction (longitudinal direction) that is a direction along the fold line 51. Consists of. In the upper and lower members 56, 57, the end portions 58, 59 are overlapped in a band shape with the end edges 58E, 59E of the end portions 58, 59 being matched. Both the upper and lower members 56 and 57 are in a direction substantially orthogonal to the fold line 51 at a boundary portion between a pair of overlapping portions 61 each having a band shape and other portions (hereinafter referred to as “non-overlapping portions 62”) ( They are coupled by an inner coupling part 63 extending in the short direction. This boundary portion is separated from the end edges 58E and 59E by a certain distance.

上記区画部材５０の略中央部分には、膨張部４６への膨張用ガスＧの供給期間の初期には閉弁して上流側膨張部４７から下流側膨張部４８への膨張用ガスＧの流通を規制し、同供給期間の途中からは、乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力により開弁して前記規制を解除する調圧弁７０が設けられている。   In the substantially central portion of the partition member 50, the expansion gas G is closed from the upstream side expansion part 47 to the downstream side expansion part 48 at the initial stage of the supply period of the expansion gas G to the expansion part 46. From the middle of the supply period, there is provided a pressure regulating valve 70 that is opened by an external force applied in accordance with passenger restraint to release the restriction.

次に、この調圧弁７０の構成について説明すると、上記内結合部６３は、その一部（第１実施形態では折り線５１を跨ぐ部分）において結合を解除されている。表現を変えると、両重ね合わせ部６１と非重ね合わせ部６２との境界部分において、折り線５１を跨ぐ部分では、上下両部材５６，５７を結合させる内結合部６３が設けられていない。このように内結合部６３が設けられていない部分である、結合を解除された箇所は、短手方向に延びて、上流側膨張部４７と下流側膨張部４８とを連通させるスリット状の内開口部７１を構成している。   Next, the configuration of the pressure regulating valve 70 will be described. The inner coupling portion 63 is released from coupling at a part thereof (a portion straddling the folding line 51 in the first embodiment). In other words, the inner coupling portion 63 that couples the upper and lower members 56 and 57 is not provided in a portion straddling the folding line 51 at the boundary portion between the overlapping portion 61 and the non-overlapping portion 62. In this way, the portion where the inner coupling portion 63 is not provided, where the coupling is released, extends in the short-side direction, and is a slit-shaped inner portion that communicates the upstream expansion portion 47 and the downstream expansion portion 48. An opening 71 is configured.

重ね合わせ部６１であって、内開口部７１に対応する部分（近傍部分）は、一対の弁体部７３，７４を構成している。より正確には、内開口部７１と端縁５８Ｅとの間の部分によって弁体部７３が構成され、同内開口部７１と端縁５９Ｅとの間の部分によって弁体部７４が構成されている。両弁体部７３，７４が、それらの少なくとも一部、例えば先端部７３Ｔ，７４Ｔにおいて互いに接触することで、両弁体部７３，７４間での膨張用ガスＧの流通が規制される（図１１（Ｂ）参照）。また、弁体部７３の全体が弁体部７４の全体から離間することで、両弁体部７３，７４間での膨張用ガスＧの流通が可能となる（図１１（Ｃ）参照）。   A portion (proximal portion) corresponding to the inner opening 71 in the overlapping portion 61 constitutes a pair of valve body portions 73 and 74. More precisely, a valve body 73 is constituted by a portion between the inner opening 71 and the end edge 58E, and a valve body 74 is constituted by a portion between the inner opening 71 and the end edge 59E. Yes. The flow of the expansion gas G between the valve body portions 73 and 74 is restricted by the valve body portions 73 and 74 coming into contact with each other in at least a part of them, for example, the tip portions 73T and 74T (see FIG. 11 (B)). Further, since the entire valve body 73 is separated from the entire valve body 74, the inflation gas G can be circulated between the valve bodies 73 and 74 (see FIG. 11C).

さらに、上記のように、両弁体部７３，７４を有する両重ね合わせ部６１は、膨張部４６の膨張前には上流側膨張部４７に配置されている。
そして、両重ね合わせ部６１は非重ね合わせ部６２との境界部分において、上方又は下方（第１実施形態では上方）へ折り曲げられて、同非重ね合わせ部６２に重ねられている。さらに、折り曲げられた帯状の両重ね合わせ部６１は、内結合部６３に沿う方向（短手方向）の両端部において、前述した外結合部５４，５５により、エアバッグ４０の対応する布部４３，４４及び区画部材５０（非重ね合わせ部６２）に結合（共縫い）されている（図６、図８参照）。 Furthermore, as described above, the two overlapping portions 61 having both the valve body portions 73 and 74 are arranged in the upstream inflating portion 47 before the inflating portion 46 is inflated.
The two overlapping portions 61 are bent upward or downward (upward in the first embodiment) at the boundary portion with the non-overlapping portion 62 and overlapped with the non-overlapping portion 62. Further, the folded belt-like two overlapping portions 61 are respectively connected to the cloth portions 43 of the airbag 40 by the outer connecting portions 54 and 55 described above at both ends in the direction along the inner connecting portion 63 (short direction). , 44 and the partition member 50 (non-overlapping portion 62) (see FIGS. 6 and 8).

ところで、図４に示すように、エアバッグ４０及びインフレータアセンブリ３０を主要な構成部材として有する上記エアバッグモジュールＡＭは、非膨張展開状態のエアバッグ４０（図５参照）が折り畳まれることにより、コンパクトな形態（以下「収納用形態」という）にされている。これは、エアバッグモジュールＡＭを、シートバック１４における限られた大きさの収納部１８に対し、収納に適したものとするためである。   By the way, as shown in FIG. 4, the airbag module AM having the airbag 40 and the inflator assembly 30 as main components is compact by folding the airbag 40 (see FIG. 5) in a non-inflated and deployed state. (Hereinafter referred to as “storage form”). This is because the airbag module AM is suitable for storage with respect to the storage unit 18 having a limited size in the seat back 14.

上記収納用形態にされたエアバッグモジュールＡＭは、インフレータアセンブリ３０を後側に位置させ、かつエアバッグ４０の多くを前側に位置させた状態で、シートバック１４の収納部１８に配設されている。そして、上述したように、リテーナ３２から延びてエアバッグ４０（布部４３）に挿通されたボルト３４がサイドフレーム部１５に挿通され、ナット３６によって締付けられている。この締付けにより、インフレータアセンブリ３０がエアバッグ４０と一緒にサイドフレーム部１５に固定されている。   The airbag module AM in the storage configuration is disposed in the storage portion 18 of the seatback 14 with the inflator assembly 30 positioned on the rear side and most of the airbag 40 positioned on the front side. Yes. As described above, the bolt 34 extending from the retainer 32 and inserted into the airbag 40 (cloth portion 43) is inserted into the side frame portion 15 and is tightened by the nut 36. By this tightening, the inflator assembly 30 is fixed to the side frame portion 15 together with the airbag 40.

なお、インフレータアセンブリ３０は、上述したボルト３４及びナット３６とは異なる手段によって車両１０（サイドフレーム部１５）に固定されてもよい。
図１に示すように、サイドエアバッグ装置は、上述したエアバッグモジュールＡＭのほかに衝撃センサ７５及び制御装置７６を備えている。衝撃センサ７５は加速度センサ等からなり、車両１０のボディサイド部１１（図２及び図３参照）等に設けられており、同ボディサイド部１１に側方から加えられる衝撃を検出する。制御装置７６は、衝撃センサ７５からの検出信号に基づきインフレータ３１の作動を制御する。 The inflator assembly 30 may be fixed to the vehicle 10 (side frame portion 15) by means different from the bolts 34 and nuts 36 described above.
As shown in FIG. 1, the side airbag device includes an impact sensor 75 and a control device 76 in addition to the airbag module AM described above. The impact sensor 75 is composed of an acceleration sensor or the like and is provided on the body side portion 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of the vehicle 10 and detects an impact applied to the body side portion 11 from the side. The control device 76 controls the operation of the inflator 31 based on the detection signal from the impact sensor 75.

上記のようにして、第１実施形態のサイドエアバッグ装置が構成されている。次に、このサイドエアバッグ装置の代表的な動作の態様（モード）について、図１１（Ａ）〜（Ｃ）を参照して説明する。これらの図１１（Ａ）〜（Ｃ）は、調圧弁７０等の形態が、膨張用ガスＧの供給開始後時間とともに変化する様子を模式的に示したものであり、細部については省略・簡略化されている。また、図１２は、上流側及び下流側の各膨張部４７，４８内の膨張用ガスＧの圧力（内圧）と、乗員Ｐの各膨張部４７，４８側の受圧面積と、乗員Ｐがエアバッグ４０から受ける荷重とが、衝撃により車内側へ進入するボディサイド部１１の進入量（ストローク）に応じてどのように変化するかを示している。荷重は、内圧と受圧面積との積によって表される。   The side airbag device of the first embodiment is configured as described above. Next, typical operation modes (modes) of the side airbag device will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11C schematically show how the configuration of the pressure regulating valve 70 and the like changes with time after the supply of the expansion gas G starts, and details are omitted and simplified. It has become. 12 shows the pressure (internal pressure) of the inflation gas G in the upstream and downstream expansion portions 47, 48, the pressure receiving area of the passenger P on the expansion portions 47, 48 side, It shows how the load received from the bag 40 changes according to the amount of entry (stroke) of the body side portion 11 that enters the vehicle interior due to impact. The load is represented by the product of the internal pressure and the pressure receiving area.

このサイドエアバッグ装置では、側突等により車両１０に対し側方から衝撃が加わらないときには、制御装置７６からインフレータ３１に対し、これを作動させるための作動信号が出力されず、インフレータ３１から膨張用ガスＧが膨張部４６（上流側膨張部４７）に供給されない。エアバッグ４０は、収納用形態でインフレータアセンブリ３０とともに収納部１８に収納され続ける（図４参照）。このとき、エアバッグ４０では、両布部４３，４４が互いに接近している。区画部材５０は、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも上流側に位置させてなる二つ折り状態となっている。両弁体部７３，７４は上流側膨張部４７内で重なり合っている。ボディサイド部１１の進入量（ストローク）は「０」である。各膨張部４７，４８の内圧はともに低く（略大気圧）、受圧面積及び荷重はともに「０」である。   In this side airbag device, when no impact is applied to the vehicle 10 from the side due to a side collision or the like, the control device 76 does not output an operation signal for operating the inflator 31, and the inflator 31 is inflated. The working gas G is not supplied to the expansion section 46 (upstream expansion section 47). The airbag 40 continues to be stored in the storage portion 18 together with the inflator assembly 30 in the storage form (see FIG. 4). At this time, in the airbag 40, both the cloth parts 43 and 44 are approaching each other. The partition member 50 is in a double-folded state in which the fold line 51 is positioned upstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53. Both valve body parts 73 and 74 overlap in the upstream expansion part 47. The approach amount (stroke) of the body side portion 11 is “0”. The internal pressures of the expanding portions 47 and 48 are both low (substantially atmospheric pressure), and the pressure receiving area and the load are both “0”.

これに対し、車両１０の走行中に、側突等によりボディサイド部１１に所定値以上の衝撃が加わり、そのことが衝撃センサ７５によって検出されると、その検出信号に基づき制御装置７６からインフレータ３１に対し、これを作動させるための作動信号が出力される。このときのボディサイド部１１の進入量（ストローク）をＳ０とする。この作動信号に応じて、インフレータ３１では、ガス発生剤が高温高圧の膨張用ガスＧを発生する。この膨張用ガスＧは、まず上流側膨張部４７に供給されて、同上流側膨張部４７が膨張を開始する。   On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 is traveling, an impact of a predetermined value or more is applied to the body side portion 11 due to a side collision or the like, and when this is detected by the impact sensor 75, the inflator is controlled from the control device 76 based on the detection signal. The operation signal for operating this is output to 31. The amount of entry (stroke) of the body side portion 11 at this time is S0. In response to this operation signal, in the inflator 31, the gas generating agent generates a high-temperature and high-pressure expansion gas G. The expansion gas G is first supplied to the upstream expansion portion 47, and the upstream expansion portion 47 starts to expand.

膨張部４６内では、二つ折り状態の区画部材５０が、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも上流側に位置させた状態で配設されている。しかも、その区画部材５０は、両対向端部５２，５３の各々において、外結合部５４，５５によってエアバッグ４０の対応する布部４３，４４に結合されている（図７、図８参照）。また、区画部材５０は、折り線５１に沿う方向の両端部（上端部及び下端部）の各々において、周縁結合部４５によって両布部４３，４４に結合されている（図６、図７参照）。そのため、上記のように上流側膨張部４７の膨張が開始すると、二つ折り状態の区画部材５０が引っ張られる。区画部材５０に対し、折り線５１に沿う方向（長手方向）や直交する方向（短手方向）にテンションが掛かって、区画部材５０が平面状態になろうとする（図９参照）。   In the inflating portion 46, the two-folded partition member 50 is disposed in a state where the folding line 51 is positioned upstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53. In addition, the partition member 50 is coupled to the corresponding cloth portions 43 and 44 of the airbag 40 by the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 at each of the opposed end portions 52 and 53 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). . Further, the partition member 50 is coupled to both the cloth portions 43 and 44 by the peripheral coupling portion 45 at each of both end portions (upper end portion and lower end portion) in the direction along the fold line 51 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). ). Therefore, when the expansion of the upstream expansion portion 47 is started as described above, the partition member 50 in a folded state is pulled. A tension is applied to the partition member 50 in the direction along the fold line 51 (longitudinal direction) or in the orthogonal direction (short direction), and the partition member 50 tends to be in a planar state (see FIG. 9).

ただし、区画部材５０では、その全体が均一に緊張状態となるわけではない。上述した区画部材５０の布部４３，４４に対する結合態様から、上流側膨張部４７の膨張時の縦断面が、図９に示すような、上下両端部近傍部分で曲率が大きく、それ以外の部分で曲率の小さな縦長の略楕円形状となるからである。こうした異形（非円形）の断面であることから、区画部材５０の上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３には、それらの間の部分（中間部分Ｐ１）に比べテンションが掛かりにくい。そのため、区画部材５０の上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は、中間部分Ｐ１が略平面状の緊張状態となったときにも、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも上流側に位置させた屈曲状態（ただし、二つ折り状態よりは開いた状態）となる（図１１（Ａ）参照）。   However, the whole partition member 50 is not in a uniform tension state. From the above-described coupling mode of the partition member 50 to the cloth portions 43 and 44, the longitudinal section of the upstream inflatable portion 47 when inflated has a large curvature near the upper and lower end portions as shown in FIG. This is because it becomes a vertically long substantially elliptical shape with a small curvature. Because of such an irregular (non-circular) cross section, the upper portion P2 and the lower portion P3 of the partition member 50 are less likely to be tensioned than the portion (intermediate portion P1) between them. Therefore, the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 of the partition member 50 are in a bent state in which the folding line 51 is positioned upstream of the opposed end parts 52 and 53 even when the intermediate part P1 is in a substantially planar tension state. (However, it is in an opened state rather than a folded state) (see FIG. 11A).

上流側膨張部４７に位置する両弁体部７３，７４に対しては、その重なり方向（厚み方向）についての両側から内圧ＰＩが加わる。この内圧ＰＩは、膨張部４６による乗員Ｐの拘束時ほど高くない。両弁体部７３，７４は、この内圧ＰＩにより面全体で互いに密着し、両弁体部７３，７４間での膨張用ガスＧの流通を規制する自己シール状態となる。さらに、折り曲げられて区画部材５０の非重ね合わせ部６２に重ねられた重ね合わせ部６１が、内圧ＰＩによりその非重ね合わせ部６２に押し付けられる（図１１（Ａ）参照）。これらのことからも、両弁体部７３，７４が一層閉じられやすくなる。   Internal pressure PI is applied to both valve body parts 73 and 74 located in the upstream expansion part 47 from both sides in the overlapping direction (thickness direction). The internal pressure PI is not as high as when the occupant P is restrained by the inflating portion 46. Both valve body portions 73 and 74 are brought into close contact with each other over the entire surface by the internal pressure PI, and are in a self-sealing state that restricts the flow of the expansion gas G between the both valve body portions 73 and 74. Further, the overlapping portion 61 that is bent and overlapped with the non-overlapping portion 62 of the partition member 50 is pressed against the non-overlapping portion 62 by the internal pressure PI (see FIG. 11A). Also from these things, it becomes easier to close both valve body parts 73 and 74 further.

ここで、図９に示すように、区画部材５０は、長手方向（略上下方向）には、短手方向よりも長く形成されている（Ｌ１＞Ｌ２）。このことから、区画部材５０の上記中間部分Ｐ１では、短手方向に対し、長手方向に対するよりも強いテンションが掛かりやすい。第１実施形態では、内開口部７１が、この強いテンションの掛かりやすい短手方向に延びているため、内開口部７１が閉じられやすい。   Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the partition member 50 is formed longer in the longitudinal direction (substantially up and down direction) than in the lateral direction (L1> L2). From this, in the said intermediate part P1 of the division member 50, a tension | tensile_strength with respect to a transversal direction is easy to be applied rather than with respect to a longitudinal direction. In the first embodiment, since the inner opening 71 extends in the short direction where the strong tension is easily applied, the inner opening 71 is easily closed.

ただし、上記のようなテンションの強弱関係があるとはいえ、内開口部７１を開かせようとする長手方向にもテンションが掛かるため、内開口部７１が確実に閉じるとは限らず、内開口部７１が開くおそれもある。しかし、この場合であっても、両弁体部７３，７４が少なくとも自身の先端部７３Ｔ，７４Ｔにおいて閉じられる。これは、中間部分Ｐ１が緊張することで内開口部７１が引っ張られて、これを開かせようとする力が作用したとしても、その力は、内開口部７１において最も大きく、内開口部７１から遠ざかるに従い小さくなり、両弁体部７３，７４の先端部７３Ｔ，７４Ｔにおいて最小となるからである。   However, although there is a tension relationship as described above, the tension is also applied in the longitudinal direction in which the inner opening 71 is to be opened. There is also a possibility that the part 71 opens. However, even in this case, both valve body portions 73 and 74 are closed at least at their tip portions 73T and 74T. This is because even if the inner opening 71 is pulled by the tension of the intermediate portion P1 and a force to open the inner opening 71 acts, the force is the largest in the inner opening 71, and the inner opening 71 This is because the distance between the valve body portions 73 and 74 becomes smaller at the distal end portions 73T and 74T.

さらに、第１実施形態では、非重ね合わせ部６２側へ折り曲げられた重ね合わせ部６１が、内結合部６３に沿う方向（短手方向）の両端部において外結合部５４，５５により、対向端部５２，５３とともに布部４３，４４に結合されている（図１０（Ｂ）参照）。このため、上流側膨張部４７が膨張したときには、区画部材５０の中間部分Ｐ１に対し、短手方向に強いテンションが掛かるだけでなく、重ね合わせ部６１に対しても同方向に強いテンションが掛かる。   Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the overlapping portion 61 bent toward the non-overlapping portion 62 side is opposed to the opposite end by the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 at both ends in the direction along the inner coupling portion 63 (short direction). It couple | bonds with the cloth parts 43 and 44 with the parts 52 and 53 (refer FIG. 10 (B)). For this reason, when the upstream expansion portion 47 is expanded, not only a strong tension is applied to the intermediate portion P1 of the partition member 50 in the short direction but also a strong tension is applied to the overlapping portion 61 in the same direction. .

両弁体部７３，７４が、それらの少なくとも一部において互いに接触すると、調圧弁７０が閉弁した状態となり、上流側膨張部４７内の膨張用ガスＧは、両弁体部７３，７４間及び内開口部７１を通って下流側膨張部４８へ流出することを規制される。   When the two valve body portions 73 and 74 come into contact with each other in at least a part of them, the pressure regulating valve 70 is closed, and the expansion gas G in the upstream expansion portion 47 is between the valve body portions 73 and 74. In addition, the flow out to the downstream side expansion portion 48 through the inner opening 71 is restricted.

上記の規制により、上流側膨張部４７に膨張用ガスＧが溜まり、進入量（ストローク）Ｓ０以降、上流側膨張部４７の内圧のみが上昇し始める。
第１実施形態では、膨張部４６が区画部材５０によって上流側膨張部４７及び下流側膨張部４８に区画されていることから、上流側膨張部４７の容積は、膨張部４６が区画されていない場合（従来技術１がこれに該当する）のその膨張部の容積よりも小さい。そのため、上流側膨張部４７の内圧は、膨張部４６が区画されていない場合よりも早く上昇を開始し、しかも高くなる。特に、上流側膨張部４７内の膨張用ガスＧは、両弁体部７３，７４間においてのみ流通を許容され、両弁体部７３，７４間を経由せずに下流側膨張部４８へ流出することはない。従って、膨張用ガスＧの上記流出が原因で上流側膨張部４７の内圧の上昇速度が低下することがない。 Due to the above restriction, the expansion gas G accumulates in the upstream expansion portion 47, and only the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion 47 starts to increase after the approach amount (stroke) S0.
In the first embodiment, since the expansion part 46 is partitioned into the upstream expansion part 47 and the downstream expansion part 48 by the partition member 50, the volume of the upstream expansion part 47 is not partitioned from the expansion part 46. In the case (conventional technique 1 corresponds to this), it is smaller than the volume of the expansion part. For this reason, the internal pressure of the upstream inflating portion 47 starts to rise faster than when the inflating portion 46 is not partitioned, and becomes higher. In particular, the expansion gas G in the upstream expansion portion 47 is allowed to flow only between the valve body portions 73 and 74, and flows out to the downstream expansion portion 48 without passing between the valve body portions 73 and 74. Never do. Therefore, the increase rate of the internal pressure of the upstream side expansion portion 47 does not decrease due to the outflow of the expansion gas G.

なお、このときには、エアバッグ４０（膨張部４６）が未だ乗員Ｐに接しておらず、従って、受圧面積及び荷重はともに依然として「０」である。
そして、上流側膨張部４７の上記膨張により、同上流側膨張部４７が折り畳まれた順とは逆の順に折り状態を解消しようとする。上流側膨張部４７が、折り状態を解消（展開）しながら膨張していくと、シートバック１４のシートパッド１６がエアバッグ４０によって押圧され、破断予定部２１（図４参照）において破断される。エアバッグ４０は、図１３に示すように、一部（インフレータアセンブリ３０の近傍部分）をシートバック１４内に残した状態で、破断された箇所を通じて同シートバック１４から飛び出す。 At this time, the airbag 40 (inflatable portion 46) is not yet in contact with the occupant P. Therefore, both the pressure receiving area and the load are still “0”.
And by the said expansion | swelling of the upstream expansion part 47, it tries to eliminate a folding state in the reverse order to the order in which the upstream expansion part 47 was folded. When the upstream inflating portion 47 is inflated while eliminating (deploying) the folded state, the seat pad 16 of the seat back 14 is pressed by the airbag 40 and broken at the planned breaking portion 21 (see FIG. 4). . As shown in FIG. 13, the airbag 40 jumps out from the seat back 14 through the broken portion in a state where a part (the vicinity of the inflator assembly 30) remains in the seat back 14.

その後も膨張用ガスＧの供給される上流側膨張部４７は、図２及び図３に示すように、ボディサイド部１１と、車両用シート１２に着座した乗員Ｐの上半身の後半部との間で前方へ向けて折り状態を解消しながら展開する。   Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upstream side expansion portion 47 to which the expansion gas G is supplied is between the body side portion 11 and the rear half portion of the upper half of the occupant P seated on the vehicle seat 12. Develop it while eliminating the folded state.

ボディサイド部１１の進入量（ストローク）がＳ１となり、このボディサイド部１１によって膨張部４６が乗員Ｐの上半身に押し付けられ始める。膨張部４６では上流側膨張部４７のみが膨張していることから、乗員Ｐが膨張部４６の圧力を受けながら接触する箇所は上流側膨張部４７のみである。そのため、乗員Ｐが膨張部４６の圧力を受ける面の面積（膨張部４６側の受圧面積）は、上流側膨張部４７の圧力を受ける面の面積（上流側膨張部４７側の受圧面積）と同じであって小さい。ただし、この上流側膨張部４７側の受圧面積は、側突の衝撃に応じたボディサイド部１１の車内側への進入が進む（進入量（ストローク）が増加する）につれて増大する。   The approach amount (stroke) of the body side part 11 becomes S1, and the inflating part 46 starts to be pressed against the upper body of the occupant P by the body side part 11. Since only the upstream inflatable portion 47 is inflated in the inflatable portion 46, the only place where the occupant P contacts while receiving the pressure of the inflatable portion 46 is the upstream inflatable portion 47. Therefore, the area of the surface where the occupant P receives the pressure of the inflating portion 46 (pressure receiving area on the inflating portion 46 side) is the area of the surface receiving the pressure of the upstream inflating portion 47 (pressure receiving area on the upstream inflating portion 47 side). Same and small. However, the pressure receiving area on the upstream expansion portion 47 side increases as the approach to the vehicle inner side of the body side portion 11 in accordance with the impact of the side collision proceeds (the amount of entry (stroke) increases).

乗員Ｐが膨張部４６を通じて受ける衝撃の荷重もまた、受圧面積及び内圧の増加に伴い増加する。上述したように、上流側膨張部４７の内圧が早く上昇を開始することから、荷重が増加を開始する進入量（ストローク）Ｓ１は、膨張部４６が区画されていない場合（従来技術１）において、荷重が増加を開始する進入量（ストローク）Ｓ１０よりも小さくなる。表現を変えると、膨張部４６が区画されていない場合（従来技術１）よりも早いタイミングで荷重が増加し始め、その分早く、乗員Ｐの上半身を衝撃から保護するための所定値βに到達する（図１２参照）。   The impact load that the occupant P receives through the inflating portion 46 also increases as the pressure receiving area and the internal pressure increase. As described above, since the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion 47 starts to rise quickly, the approach amount (stroke) S1 at which the load starts to increase is the same when the expansion portion 46 is not partitioned (prior art 1). The load becomes smaller than the approach amount (stroke) S10 at which the increase starts. In other words, the load begins to increase at an earlier timing than when the inflatable portion 46 is not partitioned (prior art 1), and reaches a predetermined value β for protecting the upper body of the occupant P from an impact earlier. (See FIG. 12).

両弁体部７３，７４がそれらの面全体で密着した（閉じられた）状態で、上流側膨張部４７内に膨張用ガスＧが供給され続ける一方、ボディサイド部１１の進入量（ストローク）がＳ２となることで、同ボディサイド部１１から加わる外力により、同上流側膨張部４７の内圧が値αまで上昇すると、調圧弁７０が開弁し始める。   In a state where both valve body portions 73 and 74 are in close contact with each other (closed), the expansion gas G continues to be supplied into the upstream side expansion portion 47, while the amount of entry (stroke) of the body side portion 11 When the internal pressure of the upstream side expansion portion 47 rises to the value α due to the external force applied from the body side portion 11, the pressure regulating valve 70 starts to open.

すなわち、膨張部４６への膨張用ガスＧの供給期間の途中からは、乗員拘束に伴う外力が加わって膨張部４６が押圧されて変形し、区画部材５０に掛かるテンションが変化する。また、膨張部４６の上記変形に伴い上流側膨張部４７の内圧がさらに上昇して、区画部材５０の中間部分Ｐ１が下流側膨張部４８側へ押圧されて（図１１（Ｂ）参照）、同中間部分Ｐ１に掛かるテンションが変化する。また、上昇した上記内圧により、区画部材５０の上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３が押圧されて下流側膨張部４８側へ膨らむように変形する。上述したように、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は、乗員拘束前には、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも上流側に位置させた屈曲状態となっている（図１１（Ａ）参照）。乗員拘束時には、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は、乗員拘束前の形状（図１１（Ｂ）の二点鎖線参照）から反転したような形状に変形する。上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３のこうした形状変化（反転）により、中間部分Ｐ１においてテンションの変化が容易に発生する。そして、このテンションの変化により、中間部分Ｐ１に位置する内開口部７１の変形が許容され、同中間部分Ｐ１に位置する弁体部７３，７４の作動が許容されるようなる。   That is, from the middle of the supply period of the expansion gas G to the expansion portion 46, an external force accompanying occupant restraint is applied, the expansion portion 46 is pressed and deformed, and the tension applied to the partition member 50 changes. Further, the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion 47 is further increased with the deformation of the expansion portion 46, and the intermediate portion P1 of the partition member 50 is pressed toward the downstream expansion portion 48 (see FIG. 11B). The tension applied to the intermediate portion P1 changes. Further, due to the increased internal pressure, the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 of the partition member 50 are pressed and deformed so as to swell toward the downstream inflating part 48 side. As described above, the upper portion P2 and the lower portion P3 are in a bent state in which the fold line 51 is positioned upstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53 before occupant restraint (see FIG. 11A). . At the time of occupant restraint, the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 are deformed into a shape that is inverted from the shape before the occupant restraint (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11B). Due to such a shape change (inversion) of the upper part P2 and the lower part P3, a change in tension easily occurs in the intermediate part P1. Due to this change in tension, deformation of the inner opening 71 located in the intermediate portion P1 is allowed, and operation of the valve body portions 73 and 74 located in the intermediate portion P1 is allowed.

この際、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３の上記反転により、区画部材５０においてテンションの掛かっている領域が、上下方向へ拡がっていく。区画部材５０の上側の部材５６に対しては上方へ向かうテンションが強まり、下側の部材５７に対しては下方へ向かうテンションが強まる。これらのテンションの変化により、スリット状の内開口部７１が上下方向に引っ張られて開きやすくなる。   At this time, due to the inversion of the upper part P2 and the lower part P3, the tensioned region of the partition member 50 expands in the vertical direction. The upward tension is increased for the upper member 56 of the partition member 50, and the downward tension is increased for the lower member 57. Due to these changes in tension, the slit-like inner opening 71 is easily pulled up and down.

一方、重ね合わせ部６１は非重ね合わせ部６２に重ねられ、内結合部６３に沿う方向についての両端部において、外結合部５４，５５によってエアバッグ４０の布部４３，４４に結合されている。そのため、重ね合わせ部６１において外結合部５４，５５に近い部分では、重ね合わされた状態を維持しようとする力が強い。しかし、この力は、外結合部５４，５５から遠ざかるに従い小さくなり、内結合部６３に沿う方向についての中央部分、すなわち両弁体部７３，７４において最小となる。このため、上下方向へ引っ張られた重ね合わせ部６１は、弁体部７３，７４及びその近傍部分においてのみ上下方向へ変形する。   On the other hand, the overlapping portion 61 is overlapped with the non-overlapping portion 62 and is connected to the cloth portions 43 and 44 of the airbag 40 by the outer connecting portions 54 and 55 at both ends in the direction along the inner connecting portion 63. . For this reason, in the overlapping portion 61, the portion near the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 has a strong force for maintaining the overlapping state. However, this force decreases as the distance from the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 increases, and becomes minimum at the central portion in the direction along the inner coupling portion 63, that is, both valve body portions 73 and 74. For this reason, the overlapping portion 61 pulled in the up-down direction is deformed in the up-down direction only at the valve body portions 73, 74 and the vicinity thereof.

内開口部７１が上下方向にある程度開くと、重ね合わせ部６１では、上流側膨張部４７の高い内圧ＰＩを受けた両弁体部７３，７４においてのみ、内開口部７１を通って下流側膨張部４８へ押し出される（反転される）。この内開口部７１の上下方向の幅Ｗ１が狭いときには、先端部７３Ｔ，７４Ｔ同士が接触し合い、両弁体部７３，７４が先端部７３Ｔ，７４Ｔにおいて閉じている（図１１（Ｂ）参照）。この状態は、内開口部７１の上記幅Ｗ１が、各弁体部７３，７４の幅Ｗ２（図１１（Ｃ）参照）の合計値（＝２・Ｗ２）よりも狭い期間続く。   When the inner opening 71 is opened to some extent in the vertical direction, the overlapping portion 61 expands on the downstream side through the inner opening 71 only in both valve body portions 73 and 74 that have received the high internal pressure PI of the upstream expansion portion 47. It is pushed out (inverted) to the part 48. When the vertical width W1 of the inner opening 71 is narrow, the tip portions 73T and 74T are in contact with each other, and both valve body portions 73 and 74 are closed at the tip portions 73T and 74T (see FIG. 11B). ). This state continues for a period in which the width W1 of the inner opening 71 is narrower than the total value (= 2 · W2) of the width W2 (see FIG. 11C) of the valve body portions 73 and 74.

そして、内開口部７１の幅Ｗ１がこの合計値（＝２・Ｗ２）よりも大きくなると、先端部７３Ｔ，７４Ｔが離れる（図１１（Ｃ）参照）。調圧弁７０が開弁した状態となって、上記の規制が解除される。この規制解除により、上流側膨張部４７内の膨張用ガスＧが内開口部７１及び両弁体部７３，７４間を順に通って下流側膨張部４８へ流出することが可能となる。   When the width W1 of the inner opening 71 becomes larger than the total value (= 2 · W2), the tip portions 73T and 74T are separated (see FIG. 11C). The regulation valve 70 is opened and the above restriction is released. By releasing this restriction, the expansion gas G in the upstream expansion portion 47 can flow out between the inner opening 71 and the valve body portions 73 and 74 in order and flow out to the downstream expansion portion 48.

この膨張用ガスＧの流出により、上流側膨張部４７の内圧が上昇から低下に転ずる。ただし、ボディサイド部１１は車内側へ依然として進入し続けていて、膨張部４６が上流側膨張部４７において乗員Ｐに押し付けられるため、乗員Ｐの上流側膨張部４７側の受圧面積は増加し続ける。   Due to the outflow of the expansion gas G, the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion 47 changes from increasing to decreasing. However, since the body side portion 11 continues to enter the vehicle inner side and the inflating portion 46 is pressed against the occupant P in the upstream inflating portion 47, the pressure receiving area on the upstream inflating portion 47 side of the occupant P continues to increase. .

また、進入量（ストローク）Ｓ２以降、膨張用ガスＧにより下流側膨張部４８が膨張を開始し、それに伴い同下流側膨張部４８の内圧が上昇を開始する。また、内圧の上昇から少し遅れて、進入量（ストローク）がＳ３となったところで、車内側へ進入するボディサイド部１１により、上流側膨張部４７に加え、下流側膨張部４８が乗員Ｐに接触し押し付けられるようになり、同乗員Ｐが下流側膨張部４８の圧力を受ける面の面積（下流側膨張部４８側の受圧面積）が増加し始める。   Further, after the approach amount (stroke) S2, the downstream side expansion portion 48 starts to expand due to the expansion gas G, and accordingly, the internal pressure of the downstream side expansion portion 48 starts to increase. Further, when the approach amount (stroke) becomes S3 with a slight delay from the increase of the internal pressure, the downstream side inflating part 48 is in addition to the occupant P in addition to the upstream side inflating part 47 by the body side part 11 entering the inside of the vehicle. It comes into contact and pressed, and the area of the surface where the passenger P receives the pressure of the downstream expansion portion 48 (pressure receiving area on the downstream expansion portion 48 side) starts to increase.

なお、上流側膨張部４７の内圧と下流側膨張部４８の内圧とは、進入量（ストローク）Ｓ４以降、等しくなる。
上記のように、調圧弁７０の開弁（進入量（ストローク）Ｓ２）後には、上流側膨張部４７の内圧が低下するとともに下流側膨張部４８の内圧が上昇する。また、乗員Ｐの上流側膨張部４７側の受圧面積、及び下流側膨張部４８側の受圧面積が時間差をもって増加する。このため、進入量（ストローク）Ｓ２以降、乗員Ｐが膨張部４６の全体から受ける荷重、すなわち、上流側膨張部４７から受ける荷重と下流側膨張部４８から受ける荷重との合計は、単に、エアバッグを単一の膨張部により構成し、かつ調圧弁を設けない場合（従来技術１）の最大値よりも低く、しかも略一定の値（所定値β）となる。 Note that the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion 47 and the internal pressure of the downstream expansion portion 48 become equal after the approach amount (stroke) S4.
As described above, after the pressure regulating valve 70 is opened (entry amount (stroke) S2), the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion 47 decreases and the internal pressure of the downstream expansion portion 48 increases. Further, the pressure receiving area on the upstream expansion portion 47 side and the pressure receiving area on the downstream expansion portion 48 side of the occupant P increase with a time difference. Therefore, after the approach amount (stroke) S2, the load that the occupant P receives from the entire inflating portion 46, that is, the sum of the load that is received from the upstream inflating portion 47 and the load that is received from the downstream inflating portion 48 is simply air When the bag is constituted by a single inflating portion and no pressure regulating valve is provided (prior art 1), the bag is lower than the maximum value and becomes a substantially constant value (predetermined value β).

また、膨張用ガスＧの供給期間の初期には、乗員Ｐが膨張部４６から受ける荷重が早期に増加すること、かつ、その後は同荷重が低い所定値βにほぼ維持されることから、膨張部４６のエネルギー吸収量は、単に、エアバッグを単一の膨張部により構成し、かつ調圧弁を設けない場合（従来技術１）のエネルギー吸収量と同程度となる。第１実施形態のストローク−荷重特性は、従来技術１について、膨張部への膨張用ガスの供給期間の後半における荷重の高い領域（右上がりの斜線で示す部分Ｑ）が、同供給期間の前半における荷重の低い領域（右下がりの斜線で示す部分Ｒ）にシフトしたような形態となる。部分Ｑと部分Ｒとでは形状が異なるが、面積は互いに略同一である。   Further, at the beginning of the supply period of the inflation gas G, the load received by the occupant P from the expansion portion 46 increases early, and thereafter, the load is substantially maintained at a low predetermined value β. The energy absorption amount of the portion 46 is approximately the same as the energy absorption amount when the airbag is configured by a single inflating portion and no pressure regulating valve is provided (prior art 1). In the stroke-load characteristic of the first embodiment, in the related art 1, the high load area in the second half of the supply period of the expansion gas to the expansion section (the portion Q indicated by the upward slanting diagonal line) is the first half of the supply period. It becomes a form which shifted to the low load area | region (part R shown with the slanting line of the lower right). The portions Q and R have different shapes, but the areas are substantially the same.

ところで、下流側膨張部４８の上記膨張により、同下流側膨張部４８が折り畳まれた順とは逆の順に折り状態を解消しようとする。下流側膨張部４８は、ボディサイド部１１と乗員Ｐの上半身の前半部（胸部ＰＴ）との間で、前方へ向けて、折り状態を解消（展開）する。   By the way, due to the expansion of the downstream side expansion part 48, the folded state tries to be canceled in the reverse order of the order in which the downstream side expansion part 48 is folded. The downstream inflating portion 48 cancels (deploys) the folded state toward the front between the body side portion 11 and the front half of the upper half of the occupant P (chest PT).

このようにして、エアバッグ４０が、乗員Ｐの上半身と、車内側へ進入してくるボディサイド部１１との間に介在する。このエアバッグ４０によって上半身が車幅方向内側へ押圧されて拘束される。そして、ボディサイド部１１を通じて上半身へ伝わる側方からの衝撃がエアバッグ４０によって緩和されて同上半身が保護される。   In this way, the airbag 40 is interposed between the upper body of the occupant P and the body side portion 11 entering the vehicle interior. The upper body is pressed and restrained by the airbag 40 inward in the vehicle width direction. And the impact from the side transmitted to the upper body through the body side part 11 is relieved by the airbag 40, and the upper body is protected.

ここで、乗員Ｐの上半身に対し側方から衝撃が加わった場合の耐衝撃性は、一般に、後半部において前半部よりも勝っている。これは、後半部には背骨があり、肋骨がその後部において背骨に接続されているのに対し、肋骨の前部は、上記背骨のような強度を有するものに接続されていないからである。そのため、エアバッグ４０の膨張展開に伴い乗員Ｐの上半身に側方から作用する膨張部４６の内圧は、前半部において後半部よりも低いことが望ましい。   Here, the impact resistance when an impact is applied from the side to the upper body of the occupant P is generally superior to the front half in the rear half. This is because the rear half has a spine and the rib is connected to the spine at the rear part, whereas the front part of the rib is not connected to the spine having the strength as described above. Therefore, it is desirable that the internal pressure of the inflating portion 46 acting on the upper body of the occupant P from the side as the airbag 40 is inflated and deployed is lower in the front half than in the rear half.

この点、第１実施形態では、膨張部４６は、前後方向については、区画部材５０が、上半身の前半部と後半部との境界部分の近傍に位置するように膨張する。エアバッグ４０の膨張部４６が膨張展開した状態では、上半身の後半部の側方近傍には上流側膨張部４７が位置し、前半部の側方近傍には下流側膨張部４８が位置する（図３参照）。従って、エアバッグ４０による乗員Ｐの拘束初期には、乗員Ｐの上半身のうち前半部よりも耐衝撃性の高い後半部は、早期に内圧が高くなる上流側膨張部４７によって押圧される。また、同拘束初期には、乗員Ｐの上半身のうち耐衝撃性の比較的低い前半部は、内圧が上流側膨張部４７ほど高くならない下流側膨張部４８によって押圧される。   In this regard, in the first embodiment, the expansion portion 46 expands so that the partition member 50 is positioned in the vicinity of the boundary portion between the front half and the rear half of the upper body in the front-rear direction. In the state in which the inflatable portion 46 of the airbag 40 is inflated and deployed, the upstream inflatable portion 47 is located near the side of the rear half of the upper body, and the downstream inflatable portion 48 is located near the side of the front half ( (See FIG. 3). Therefore, at the initial stage of restraining the occupant P by the airbag 40, the rear half of the upper half of the occupant P, which has higher impact resistance than the front half, is pressed by the upstream-side inflating portion 47 whose internal pressure increases early. In the initial stage of the restraint, the front half of the upper body of the occupant P, which has a relatively low impact resistance, is pressed by the downstream inflatable portion 48 whose internal pressure is not as high as that of the upstream inflatable portion 47.

以上詳述した第１実施形態によれば、次の効果が得られる。
（１）区画部材５０として、膨張部４６の膨張に伴い平面状に緊張させられたとき、長手方向の長さＬ１が短手方向の長さＬ２よりも長い長尺状をなすものを用いる（図９）。区画部材５０に設けられ、かつ短手方向に延びるスリット状の内開口部７１と、内開口部７１の周りに設けられて互いに接近及び離間する一対の弁体部７３，７４とにより、調圧弁７０を構成している（図１０）。 According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) As the partition member 50, a member having a long shape in which the length L1 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length L2 in the short-side direction when being tensioned in a planar shape as the expansion portion 46 expands ( FIG. 9). The pressure regulating valve includes a slit-like inner opening 71 provided in the partition member 50 and extending in the short-side direction, and a pair of valve body parts 73 and 74 provided around the inner opening 71 and approaching and separating from each other. 70 (FIG. 10).

このため、上流側膨張部４７の膨張時には、区画部材５０において、長手方向よりも短手方向に掛かる強いテンションによって調圧弁７０を閉弁させ、上流側膨張部４７内の膨張用ガスＧが下流側膨張部４８へ流出するのを規制することができる。   For this reason, when the upstream side expansion portion 47 is expanded, the pressure regulating valve 70 is closed in the partition member 50 by a strong tension applied in the shorter direction than the longitudinal direction, and the expansion gas G in the upstream side expansion portion 47 is downstream. Outflow to the side expansion portion 48 can be restricted.

また、乗員拘束に伴う外力が膨張部４６に加わるときには、上流側膨張部４７の上昇する内圧によって区画部材５０を変形させてテンションを変化させることができる。また、乗員Ｐとボディサイド部１１（ドアトリム）との間で、エアバッグ４０が潰されて、エアバッグ４０自体が変形することによって、区画部材５０に掛かるテンションを変化させることができる。これらの区画部材５０のテンションの変化により、内開口部７１の変形及び両弁体部７３，７４の作動を許容することができる。内開口部７１を開かせ、上流側膨張部４７の内圧によって両弁体部７３，７４を、その内開口部７１を通じて、下流側膨張部４８へ押し出し（反転させ）、先端部７３Ｔ，７４Ｔを離れさせることにより上記規制を解除し、上流側膨張部４７から下流側膨張部４８へ膨張用ガスＧを流出させることができる。   Further, when an external force accompanying occupant restraint is applied to the expansion portion 46, the tension can be changed by deforming the partition member 50 by the internal pressure that the upstream expansion portion 47 rises. Further, the airbag 40 is crushed between the occupant P and the body side portion 11 (door trim), and the airbag 40 itself is deformed, whereby the tension applied to the partition member 50 can be changed. By changing the tension of these partition members 50, the deformation of the inner opening 71 and the operation of both valve body portions 73 and 74 can be allowed. The inner opening 71 is opened, and both valve body parts 73 and 74 are pushed out (reversed) through the inner opening 71 to the downstream expansion part 48 by the internal pressure of the upstream expansion part 47, and the tip parts 73T and 74T are By separating them, the restriction is released, and the expansion gas G can flow out from the upstream expansion portion 47 to the downstream expansion portion 48.

このように、第１実施形態によれば、内開口部７１と、一対の弁体部７３，７４といった簡便かつ安価な構成でありながら、膨張部４６への膨張用ガスＧの供給期間の初期には閉弁し、同供給期間の途中から開弁する調圧弁７０を成立させることができる。そして、この調圧弁７０の作動により、エアバッグ４０を通じて乗員Ｐの上半身が受ける荷重の特性を、短時間で所定値βに到達し、その後は所定値βに維持されるといった、乗員Ｐを適切に拘束して保護するうえで好適な特性にすることができる。   As described above, according to the first embodiment, the initial period of the supply period of the expansion gas G to the expansion portion 46 is simple and inexpensive with the inner opening 71 and the pair of valve body portions 73 and 74. The pressure regulating valve 70 that is closed and opened from the middle of the supply period can be established. Then, by the operation of the pressure regulating valve 70, the characteristics of the load received by the upper body of the occupant P through the airbag 40 reach the predetermined value β in a short time, and thereafter the occupant P is appropriately maintained. Therefore, it is possible to obtain suitable characteristics for protection by restraining.

（２）両弁体部７３，７４を、膨張部４６の膨張前に上流側膨張部４７に配置している（図８）。
このため、上流側膨張部４７の膨張時であって、乗員拘束前の状態では、両弁体部７３，７４を同上流側膨張部４７の内圧ＰＩによって互いに密着させて自己シール状態にすることができる（図１１（Ａ））。 (2) Both valve body parts 73 and 74 are arranged in the upstream inflating part 47 before the inflating part 46 is inflated (FIG. 8).
For this reason, when the upstream inflating portion 47 is inflated and before the occupant is restrained, the valve body portions 73 and 74 are brought into close contact with each other by the internal pressure PI of the upstream inflating portion 47 to be in a self-sealing state. (FIG. 11A).

また、エアバッグ４０による乗員拘束時には、重ね合わせ部６１を両弁体部７３，７４においてのみ反転させ、内開口部７１を通じて下流側膨張部４８へ押し出し（図１１（Ｂ））、調圧弁７０を開弁させる（図１１（Ｃ））ことができる。   When the occupant is restrained by the airbag 40, the overlapping portion 61 is reversed only at both valve body portions 73 and 74, and is pushed out to the downstream inflating portion 48 through the inner opening portion 71 (FIG. 11B). Can be opened (FIG. 11C).

（３）区画部材５０を折り線５１に沿って折り返すことにより、相対向する対向端部５２，５３を接近させてなる二つ折り状態にする。この二つ折り状態の区画部材５０を、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも上流側に位置させた状態で非膨張展開状態の膨張部４６に配設する。さらに、区画部材５０を、各対向端部５２，５３において外結合部５４，５５によってエアバッグ４０の対応する布部４３，４４に結合するとともに、長手方向（略上下方向）の両端部において、周縁結合部４５によって同両布部４３，４４に結合（共縫い）している（図６、図１０）。   (3) The partition member 50 is folded back along the fold line 51 to make a two-fold state in which the opposed end portions 52 and 53 facing each other are brought close to each other. The two-folded partition member 50 is disposed in the inflatable portion 46 in a non-inflated and deployed state with the fold line 51 positioned on the upstream side of the opposed end portions 52 and 53. Further, the partition member 50 is coupled to the corresponding fabric portions 43 and 44 of the airbag 40 by the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 at the respective opposite end portions 52 and 53, and at both ends in the longitudinal direction (substantially up and down direction), It is connected (co-sewn) to the cloth portions 43 and 44 by the peripheral edge connecting portion 45 (FIGS. 6 and 10).

このため、上流側膨張部４７の膨張時には、区画部材５０の上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３を、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも上流側に位置させてなる屈曲状態にする（図１１（Ａ））。また、乗員拘束に伴う外力が膨張部４６に加わるときには、上流側膨張部４７の上昇する内圧ＰＩによって、上記上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３を、折り線５１が対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置する形状、すなわち、乗員拘束前とは逆の形状に変化（反転）させる（図１１（Ｂ））。この形状変化により、区画部材５０（中間部分Ｐ１）に掛かるテンションの変化を容易に発生させて、内開口部７１の変形、及び弁体部７３，７４の作動を許容することができる。   For this reason, when the upstream expansion portion 47 is expanded, the upper portion P2 and the lower portion P3 of the partition member 50 are in a bent state in which the folding line 51 is positioned upstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53 (FIG. 11 ( A)). Further, when an external force due to passenger restraint is applied to the expansion portion 46, the upper pressure P2 and the lower portion P3 are moved downstream of the opposing end portions 52 and 53 by the internal pressure PI rising by the upstream expansion portion 47. The position is changed (reversed) to the opposite shape to that before the occupant restraint (FIG. 11B). Due to this shape change, a change in tension applied to the partition member 50 (intermediate portion P1) can be easily generated, and the deformation of the inner opening 71 and the operation of the valve body portions 73 and 74 can be permitted.

この際には、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３の上記反転により、区画部材５０においてテンションの掛かっている領域を長手方向（上下方向）についての両方向へ拡大し、内開口部７１及び両弁体部７３，７４を同方向に引っ張って開かせる（調圧弁７０を開弁させる）ことができる。   At this time, by the above inversion of the upper part P2 and the lower part P3, the tensioned region in the partition member 50 is expanded in both directions in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), and the inner opening 71 and the both valve body parts 73, It is possible to open 74 by pulling 74 in the same direction (the pressure regulating valve 70 is opened).

特に、第１実施形態では、上述した（２）の自己シール機能と相まって、調圧弁７０の閉弁時におけるシール性向上と、開弁時における膨張用ガスＧの流通性向上との両立を図ることができる。   In particular, in the first embodiment, in combination with the self-sealing function of (2) described above, the improvement of the sealing performance when the pressure regulating valve 70 is closed and the improvement of the flowability of the expansion gas G when the valve is opened are achieved. be able to.

（４）２つの部材５６，５７の端縁５８Ｅ，５９Ｅ同士を合致させた状態で、両部材５６，５７の端部５８，５９同士を帯状に重ね合わせる。さらに、両重ね合わせ部６１と非重ね合わせ部６２との境界部分に設けた内結合部６３によって両部材５６，５７を結合することにより、区画部材５０を形成する。内結合部６３の一部において両部材５６，５７の結合を解除させることにより、内開口部７１を形成する。そして、両重ね合わせ部６１において内開口部７１に対応する箇所（近傍部分）を両弁体部７３，７４としている（図１０）。   (4) The end portions 58 and 59 of the two members 56 and 57 are overlapped in a strip shape in a state where the end edges 58E and 59E of the two members 56 and 57 are matched. Further, the partition members 50 are formed by coupling both the members 56 and 57 by an inner coupling portion 63 provided at a boundary portion between the both overlapping portions 61 and the non-overlapping portion 62. The inner opening 71 is formed by releasing the coupling of the members 56 and 57 in a part of the inner coupling portion 63. And the location (vicinity part) corresponding to the inner opening 71 in both the overlapping parts 61 is made into both valve body parts 73 and 74 (FIG. 10).

このため、２つの部材５６，５７における非重ね合わせ部６２と両重ね合わせ部６１との境界部分を、一部を残した状態で結合することにより、区画部材５０、内開口部７１及び両弁体部７３，７４を一度に形成することができる。内開口部７１の形成、及び両弁体部７３，７４の形成のために特別な作業を行わなくてもすむ。   For this reason, by combining the boundary portions between the non-overlapping portion 62 and the two overlapping portions 61 in the two members 56 and 57 while leaving a part of them, the partition member 50, the inner opening 71 and the both valves The body parts 73 and 74 can be formed at a time. There is no need to perform a special operation for forming the inner opening 71 and forming both valve body portions 73 and 74.

特に、両弁体部７３，７４が区画部材５０に一体となっている。より正確には、一方の弁体部７３が部材５６に一体となり、他方の弁体部７４が部材５７に一体となっている。このため、両弁体部７３，７４が区画部材５０（部材５６，５７）とは異なる部品からなる場合に比べ、部品点数を少なくすることができる。また、同部品を区画部材５０（部材５６，５７）に結合する作業を行わなくてもすむ。   In particular, both valve body portions 73 and 74 are integrated with the partition member 50. More precisely, one valve body 73 is integrated with the member 56, and the other valve body 74 is integrated with the member 57. For this reason, compared with the case where both valve body parts 73 and 74 consist of parts different from the division member 50 (members 56 and 57), a number of parts can be decreased. Moreover, it is not necessary to perform the operation | work which couple | bonds the said components to the division member 50 (members 56 and 57).

（第２実施形態）
次に、本発明を具体化した第２実施形態について、図１４〜図１７を参照して説明する。 (Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

第２実施形態では、図１４〜図１６の少なくとも１つに示すように、両弁体部７３，７４を含む一対の重ね合わせ部６１が、膨張部４６の膨張前に下流側膨張部４８に配置されている点において、第１実施形態と異なっている。そのため、第１実施形態と同様の箇所及び部材については、同一の符号を付して詳しい説明を省略する。なお、図１４中、一点鎖線の大きな丸い枠Ｘで囲まれた箇所は、小さな丸い枠Ｘで囲まれた箇所を拡大して示している。   In the second embodiment, as shown in at least one of FIGS. 14 to 16, the pair of overlapping portions 61 including both valve body portions 73 and 74 are connected to the downstream side expansion portion 48 before the expansion portion 46 is expanded. In the point arrange | positioned, it differs from 1st Embodiment. Therefore, the same portions and members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 14, a portion surrounded by a large round frame X with a one-dot chain line shows an enlarged portion surrounded by a small round frame X.

この場合には、両弁体部７３，７４を含む重ね合わせ部６１が、第１実施形態と若干異なる挙動をする。
区画部材５０は、膨張部４６への膨張用ガスＧの供給前には、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも上流側に位置させてなる二つ折り状態となっている（図１４、図１５参照）。 In this case, the overlapping portion 61 including both valve body portions 73 and 74 behaves slightly different from the first embodiment.
The partition member 50 is in a double-folded state in which the folding line 51 is positioned upstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53 before the supply of the expansion gas G to the expansion portion 46 (FIG. 14). FIG. 15).

膨張部４６への膨張用ガスＧの供給により上流側膨張部４７の膨張が開始すると、二つ折り状態の区画部材５０が図１６及び図１７（Ａ）に示すように引っ張られ、区画部材５０に対し、長手方向や短手方向にテンションが掛かる。このテンションにより、区画部材５０では中間部分Ｐ１が略平面状の緊張状態になるが、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも上流側に位置させた屈曲状態になる。   When the expansion of the upstream expansion portion 47 is started by supplying the expansion gas G to the expansion portion 46, the partition member 50 in a folded state is pulled as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. On the other hand, tension is applied in the longitudinal direction and the short direction. Due to this tension, the intermediate portion P1 in the partition member 50 is in a substantially planar tension state, but the upper portion P2 and the lower portion P3 are in a bent state in which the folding line 51 is positioned upstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53. Become.

ここで、Ｌ１＞Ｌ２の関係を満たす区画部材５０では、短手方向（折り線５１に直交する方向）に対し、長手方向（折り線５１に沿う方向）に対するよりも強いテンションが掛かりやすい。そのため、短手方向に延びる内開口部７１は、上記のテンションの強弱関係により閉じられやすい。   Here, in the partition member 50 satisfying the relationship of L1> L2, a stronger tension is easily applied to the short direction (direction perpendicular to the fold line 51) than to the longitudinal direction (direction along the fold line 51). Therefore, the inner opening 71 extending in the short direction is easily closed due to the strength relationship of the tension.

また、上流側膨張部４７が膨張したときには、区画部材５０に対し長手方向よりも短手方向に強いテンションが掛かるだけでなく、両弁体部７３，７４を含む両重ね合わせ部６１に対しても、長手方向よりも短手方向に強いテンションが掛かる。このテンションにより、両弁体部７３，７４がそれらの面全体で互いに密着して、膨張用ガスＧの漏れを抑制したシール状態になろうとする。そのため、上流側膨張部４７内の膨張用ガスＧは、内開口部７１及び両弁体部７３，７４間を通って下流側膨張部４８へ流出しにくい。   Further, when the upstream-side inflating portion 47 is inflated, not only a strong tension is applied to the partition member 50 in the short side direction but also to the overlapping portions 61 including both valve body portions 73 and 74. However, a stronger tension is applied in the lateral direction than in the longitudinal direction. Due to this tension, both valve body portions 73 and 74 are brought into close contact with each other over their entire surface, and a sealing state is attempted in which leakage of the expansion gas G is suppressed. Therefore, the expansion gas G in the upstream expansion portion 47 hardly flows out to the downstream expansion portion 48 through the inner opening 71 and both the valve body portions 73 and 74.

なお、第２実施形態では両弁体部７３，７４が、膨張部４６の膨張前から下流側膨張部４８に位置していることから、第１実施形態とは異なり、上流側膨張部４７の内圧が両弁体部７３，７４に対し、その重なり方向（厚み方向）についての両側から加わって、両弁体部７３，７４が自己シール状態になることはない。また、この内圧により、両弁体部７３，７４を含む重ね合わせ部６１が区画部材５０の非重ね合わせ部６２に押し付けられることもない。   In the second embodiment, since both valve body parts 73 and 74 are located in the downstream inflating part 48 before the inflating part 46 is inflated, unlike the first embodiment, the upstream inflating part 47 The internal pressure is not applied to both valve body parts 73 and 74 from both sides in the overlapping direction (thickness direction), so that both valve body parts 73 and 74 are not in a self-sealing state. Further, the overlapping portion 61 including both valve body portions 73 and 74 is not pressed against the non-overlapping portion 62 of the partition member 50 by this internal pressure.

調圧弁７０が閉弁した状態で、上流側膨張部４７内に膨張用ガスＧが供給され続ける一方、図１７（Ｂ）に示すように、乗員拘束に伴う外力が加わって膨張部４６が押圧されて変形すると、区画部材５０に掛かるテンションが変化する。また、膨張部４６の上記変形に伴い上流側膨張部４７の内圧ＰＩがさらに上昇する。区画部材５０の中間部分Ｐ１が押圧されて、同中間部分Ｐ１に掛かるテンションが変化する。   While the pressure regulating valve 70 is closed, the expansion gas G continues to be supplied into the upstream side expansion portion 47, while the expansion portion 46 is pressed by an external force applied to the passenger as shown in FIG. 17B. If it is deformed, the tension applied to the partition member 50 changes. Further, the internal pressure PI of the upstream side expansion portion 47 further increases with the deformation of the expansion portion 46. The intermediate part P1 of the partition member 50 is pressed, and the tension applied to the intermediate part P1 changes.

また、上昇した上記内圧ＰＩにより、区画部材５０の上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３が押圧されて下流側膨張部４８側へ膨らむように変形する（図１７（Ｂ）の実線参照）。すなわち、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は、乗員拘束前の上記屈曲状態（図１７（Ｂ）の二点鎖線参照）から反転したような形状に変形し、中間部分Ｐ１においてテンションの変化が容易に発生し、内開口部７１の変形及び両弁体部７３，７４の作動がともに許容される。   Further, the upper pressure P2 and the lower portion P3 of the partition member 50 are pressed by the increased internal pressure PI and deformed so as to swell toward the downstream side expansion portion 48 (see the solid line in FIG. 17B). That is, the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 are deformed into a shape that is inverted from the bent state before the occupant restraint (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 17B), and the tension change easily occurs in the intermediate part P1. The deformation of the inner opening 71 and the operation of both valve body parts 73 and 74 are allowed.

ただし、上記中間部分Ｐ１の変形時には、両端部において固定された両重ね合わせ部６１も押圧されて、両端部以外の箇所において下流側膨張部４８側へ膨らむように変形する。この変形の方向と両弁体部７３，７４の厚み方向とは同じであるため、両弁体部７３，７４は、面方向について互いに離間する方向に比べ、厚み方向に動きにくい。そのため、乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力が比較的小さいときには、両弁体部７３，７４は互いに密着した状態を維持し、高いシール性を発揮する。   However, when the intermediate portion P1 is deformed, the two overlapping portions 61 fixed at both end portions are also pressed and deformed so as to swell toward the downstream inflating portion 48 at locations other than both end portions. Since the direction of this deformation and the thickness direction of both valve body portions 73 and 74 are the same, both valve body portions 73 and 74 are less likely to move in the thickness direction than in the direction of separating from each other in the plane direction. Therefore, when the external force applied along with the occupant restraint is relatively small, both valve body parts 73 and 74 are kept in close contact with each other and exhibit high sealing performance.

乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力が大きくなっていくと、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３の上記反転により、区画部材５０においてテンションの掛かっている領域が、長手方向（上下方向）についての両方向へ拡がっていく。区画部材５０の上側の部材５６に対しては上方へ向かうテンションが強まり、下側の部材５７に対しては下方へ向かうテンションが強まる。これらのテンションの変化により、スリット状の内開口部７１が上下方向に引っ張られて開きやすくなる。   When the external force applied in accordance with the occupant restraint increases, the region where the tension is applied in the partition member 50 expands in both directions in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) due to the inversion of the upper part P2 and the lower part P3. The upward tension is increased for the upper member 56 of the partition member 50, and the downward tension is increased for the lower member 57. Due to these changes in tension, the slit-like inner opening 71 is easily pulled up and down.

内開口部７１の上下方向の幅Ｗ１が拡がるに従い、上側の弁体部７３が矢印ＡＵで示すように上方へ引っ張られ、下側の弁体部７４が矢印ＡＬで示すように下方へ引っ張られる。重ね合わせ部６１において外結合部５４，５５に近い部分では、重ね合わされた状態を維持しようとする力が強い。しかし、この力は、外結合部５４，５５から遠ざかるに従い小さくなり、内結合部６３に沿う方向についての中央部分、すなわち両弁体部７３，７４において最小となる。このため、上下方向へ引っ張られた重ね合わせ部６１は、弁体部７３，７４及びその近傍部分において、互いに離間する方向である上下方向へ変形し、両弁体部７３，７４の重なり部分が徐々に少なくなっていく。   As the vertical width W1 of the inner opening 71 increases, the upper valve body 73 is pulled upward as indicated by the arrow AU, and the lower valve body 74 is pulled downward as indicated by the arrow AL. . In the overlapping portion 61, the portion near the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 has a strong force for maintaining the overlapping state. However, this force decreases as the distance from the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 increases, and becomes minimum at the central portion in the direction along the inner coupling portion 63, that is, both valve body portions 73 and 74. For this reason, the overlapping portion 61 pulled in the up-down direction is deformed in the up-down direction, which is a direction away from each other, in the valve body portions 73, 74 and the vicinity thereof, and the overlapping portion of both valve body portions 73, 74 is It gradually decreases.

そして、図１７（Ｃ）に示すように、少なくとも一方（例えば下側）の弁体部７４が少なからず前方側へ傾斜させられ（倒され）て、調圧弁７０が開弁した状態になる。上流側膨張部４７内の膨張用ガスＧが、同図１７（Ｃ）において矢印で示すように、内開口部７１及び両弁体部７３，７４間を通って前方へ向けて流れ、下流側膨張部４８へ流出するようになる。   Then, as shown in FIG. 17C, at least one (for example, the lower side) valve body 74 is tilted forward (not down), and the pressure regulating valve 70 is opened. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 17C, the expansion gas G in the upstream expansion portion 47 flows forward between the inner opening 71 and the valve body portions 73 and 74, and is downstream. It flows out to the expansion part 48.

従って、第２実施形態によると、上述した（１），（３），（４）に加え、次の効果が得られる。
（５）区画部材５０には、それぞれ短手方向に延びて帯状をなし、かつ膨張部４６の膨張前に下流側膨張部４８に位置する一対の重ね合わせ部６１を設け、両重ね合わせ部６１において内開口部７１に対応する箇所を両弁体部７３，７４とする。両重ね合わせ部６１を区画部材５０の非重ね合わせ部６２との境界部分に沿って折り曲げ、短手方向についての両端部において両重ね合わせ部６１を、エアバッグ４０の対応する布部４３，４４に結合している（図１６）。 Therefore, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the above-described (1), (3), and (4), the following effects can be obtained.
(5) The partition member 50 is provided with a pair of overlapping portions 61 that extend in the lateral direction and have a band shape, and are positioned in the downstream expansion portion 48 before the expansion portion 46 is expanded. The locations corresponding to the inner opening 71 are defined as both valve body portions 73 and 74. Both overlapping portions 61 are bent along the boundary portion between the partition member 50 and the non-overlapping portion 62, and the overlapping portions 61 are respectively corresponding to the cloth portions 43 and 44 of the airbag 40 at both ends in the lateral direction. (FIG. 16).

このため、上流側膨張部４７の膨張時には、区画部材５０だけでなく両重ね合わせ部６１に対しても長手方向よりも短手方向に強いテンションを掛け、両弁体部７３，７４を、それらの面全体で互いに密着させてシール状態にすることができる。また、膨張部４６による乗員Ｐの拘束時には、その拘束に伴い大きな外力が加わるまで両弁体部７３，７４を密着状態に維持し、高いシール性を発揮させることができる。   For this reason, during the expansion of the upstream expansion portion 47, not only the partition member 50 but also the overlapping portions 61 are tensioned in the shorter direction than the longitudinal direction, so that both valve body portions 73 and 74 are Can be brought into close contact with each other over the entire surface. Further, when the occupant P is restrained by the inflating portion 46, both valve body portions 73 and 74 can be maintained in close contact until a large external force is applied in accordance with the restraint, and high sealing performance can be exhibited.

従って、第２実施形態のサイドエアバッグ装置は、乗員拘束時の初期から比較的長い期間にわたり、調圧弁７０を閉弁させて高いシール性を維持することが要求される場面で特に有効であるといえる。   Therefore, the side airbag device of the second embodiment is particularly effective in a scene where it is required to close the pressure regulating valve 70 and maintain high sealing performance for a relatively long period from the initial stage when the passenger is restrained. It can be said.

（第３実施形態）
次に、本発明を具体化した第３実施形態について、図１８〜図２２を参照して説明する。 (Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

第３実施形態では、図１８〜図２０の少なくとも１つに示すように、長手方向に延びる折り線５１に沿って折り返されることにより、相対向する対向端部５２，５３を接近させてなる二つ折り状態の区画部材５０が、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置させた状態で非膨張展開状態の膨張部４６に配設されている。   In the third embodiment, as shown in at least one of FIGS. 18 to 20, two opposing end portions 52 and 53 are made to approach each other by being folded along a folding line 51 extending in the longitudinal direction. The partition member 50 in the folded state is disposed in the inflatable portion 46 in a non-inflated and deployed state with the fold line 51 positioned on the downstream side of the opposed end portions 52 and 53.

上記以外の構成は、第１実施形態と同様である。そのため、第１実施形態と同様の箇所及び部材については、同一の符号を付して詳しい説明を省略する。なお、図１８中、一点鎖線の大きな丸い枠Ｙで囲まれた箇所は、小さな丸い枠Ｙで囲まれた箇所を拡大して示している。   Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same portions and members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 18, a portion surrounded by a large round frame Y with a one-dot chain line shows an enlarged portion surrounded by a small round frame Y.

この場合、区画部材５０は、膨張部４６への膨張用ガスの供給前には、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置させてなる二つ折り状態になっている（図１８〜図２０参照）。   In this case, the partition member 50 is in a double-folded state in which the folding line 51 is positioned downstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53 before the expansion gas is supplied to the expansion portion 46 (see FIG. 18 to 20).

図２１及び図２２（Ａ）に示すように、膨張部４６への膨張用ガスＧの供給により上流側膨張部４７の膨張が開始すると、二つ折り状態の区画部材５０が引っ張られ、同区画部材５０に対し、長手方向や短手方向にテンションが掛かる。このテンションにより、区画部材５０では中間部分Ｐ１が略平面状の緊張状態になるが、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置させた屈曲状態になる。   As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22A, when the expansion of the upstream side expansion portion 47 is started by supplying the expansion gas G to the expansion portion 46, the partition member 50 in a folded state is pulled, and the partition member In contrast to 50, tension is applied in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. This tension causes the intermediate portion P1 to be in a substantially planar tension state in the partition member 50, but the upper portion P2 and the lower portion P3 are in a bent state in which the folding line 51 is positioned downstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53. Become.

上流側膨張部４７に位置する両弁体部７３，７４に対しては、その重なり方向（厚み方向）についての両側から内圧ＰＩが加わる。この内圧ＰＩは、膨張部４６による乗員Ｐの拘束時ほど高くない。両弁体部７３，７４は、この内圧ＰＩにより面全体で互いに密着し、両弁体部７３，７４間での膨張用ガスＧの流通を規制する自己シール状態となる。さらに、折り曲げられて区画部材５０の非重ね合わせ部６２に重ねられた重ね合わせ部６１が、内圧ＰＩによりその非重ね合わせ部６２に押し付けられ（図２２（Ａ）参照）、両弁体部７３，７４が一層閉じられやすくなる。   Internal pressure PI is applied to both valve body parts 73 and 74 located in the upstream expansion part 47 from both sides in the overlapping direction (thickness direction). The internal pressure PI is not as high as when the occupant P is restrained by the inflating portion 46. Both valve body portions 73 and 74 are brought into close contact with each other over the entire surface by the internal pressure PI, and are in a self-sealing state that restricts the flow of the expansion gas G between the both valve body portions 73 and 74. Further, the overlapping portion 61 that is bent and overlapped with the non-overlapping portion 62 of the partition member 50 is pressed against the non-overlapping portion 62 by the internal pressure PI (see FIG. 22A), and both valve body portions 73 are pressed. 74 are more likely to be closed.

ここで、第３実施形態でも第１実施形態と同様に、Ｌ１＞Ｌ２の関係を満たす長尺状の区画部材５０において、内開口部７１が短手方向に延びている（図２１参照）。一方、この区画部材５０においては、短手方向に対し、長手方向に対するよりも強いテンションが掛かりやすい。そのため、上記のテンションの強弱関係により、内開口部７１が閉じられやすい。   Here, also in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in the long partition member 50 that satisfies the relationship of L1> L2, the inner opening 71 extends in the short direction (see FIG. 21). On the other hand, in this partition member 50, a stronger tension is easily applied to the short direction than to the long direction. For this reason, the inner opening 71 is likely to be closed due to the tension relationship described above.

また、上流側膨張部４７が膨張したときには、両弁体部７３，７４を含む重ね合わせ部６１に対しても、長手方向よりも短手方向に強いテンションが掛かる。このテンションにより、両弁体部７３，７４がそれらの面全体で互いに密着して、膨張用ガスＧの漏れを抑制したシール状態になろうとする。そのため、上流側膨張部４７内の膨張用ガスＧは、内開口部７１及び両弁体部７３，７４間を通って下流側膨張部４８へ流出しにくい。   Further, when the upstream inflating portion 47 is inflated, a stronger tension is applied to the overlapping portion 61 including both valve body portions 73 and 74 in the lateral direction than in the longitudinal direction. Due to this tension, both valve body portions 73 and 74 are brought into close contact with each other over their entire surface, and a sealing state is attempted in which leakage of the expansion gas G is suppressed. Therefore, the expansion gas G in the upstream expansion portion 47 hardly flows out to the downstream expansion portion 48 through the inner opening 71 and both the valve body portions 73 and 74.

調圧弁７０が閉弁した状態で、上流側膨張部４７内に膨張用ガスＧが供給され続ける一方、乗員拘束に伴う外力が加わって膨張部４６が押圧されて変形すると、区画部材５０に掛かるテンションが変化する。また、膨張部４６の変形に伴い上流側膨張部４７の内圧ＰＩがさらに上昇する。区画部材５０の中間部分Ｐ１が押圧されて、同中間部分Ｐ１に掛かるテンションが変化する。   In the state where the pressure regulating valve 70 is closed, the expansion gas G continues to be supplied into the upstream-side expansion portion 47, and when the expansion portion 46 is pressed and deformed due to an external force accompanying occupant restraint, it is applied to the partition member 50. The tension changes. Further, the internal pressure PI of the upstream side expansion portion 47 further increases with the deformation of the expansion portion 46. The intermediate part P1 of the partition member 50 is pressed, and the tension applied to the intermediate part P1 changes.

一方、区画部材５０の上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３が押圧されて下流側膨張部４８側へ膨らむように変形する。上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は、上述したように乗員拘束前には、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置させた屈曲状態となっている。乗員拘束時には、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は乗員拘束前と同一傾向の形状となる。従って、上記第１実施形態に比べ、区画部材５０の形状変化による中間部分Ｐ１のテンションの変化が少ない。そのため、内開口部７１の変形や、両弁体部７３，７４の作動が許容されにくい。   On the other hand, the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 of the partition member 50 are pressed and deformed so as to swell toward the downstream inflating part 48 side. As described above, the upper portion P2 and the lower portion P3 are in a bent state in which the folding line 51 is positioned on the downstream side of the opposed end portions 52 and 53 before restraining the occupant. When the occupant is restrained, the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 have the same tendency as before the occupant restraint. Therefore, compared with the said 1st Embodiment, the change of the tension of the intermediate part P1 by the shape change of the division member 50 is few. Therefore, the deformation of the inner opening 71 and the operation of both valve body parts 73 and 74 are not easily allowed.

この際、第１実施形態とは異なり、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３の反転がないことから、区画部材５０においてテンションの掛かっている領域が長手方向（上下方向）に拡がって、同長手方向（上下方向）についての両方向に向かうテンションが強まることが起こりにくい。そのため、内開口部７１及び弁体部７３，７４が閉じた状態に維持されやすく、シール性が維持されやすい。   At this time, unlike the first embodiment, since the upper portion P2 and the lower portion P3 are not inverted, the tensioned region of the partition member 50 extends in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), and the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). ) Is less likely to increase tension in both directions. Therefore, the inner opening 71 and the valve body parts 73 and 74 are easily maintained in a closed state, and the sealing performance is easily maintained.

その後は、第１実施形態と同様である。すなわち、区画部材５０の上側の部材５６が下流側膨張部４８側へ変形するに従い、上方へ向かうテンションが強まる。下側の部材５７が下流側膨張部４８側へ変形するに従い、下方へ向かうテンションが強まる。これらのテンションの変化により、スリット状の内開口部７１が上下方向に引っ張られて開く（図２２（Ｂ）参照）。   The subsequent steps are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, as the member 56 on the upper side of the partition member 50 is deformed toward the downstream expansion portion 48, the upward tension is increased. As the lower member 57 is deformed toward the downstream expansion portion 48, the downward tension is increased. Due to these changes in tension, the slit-shaped inner opening 71 is pulled upward to open (see FIG. 22B).

内開口部７１が上下方向にある程度開くと、重ね合わせ部６１では、上流側膨張部４７の高い内圧ＰＩを受けた両弁体部７３，７４においてのみ、内開口部７１を通って下流側膨張部４８へ押し出されて反転される（図２２（Ｂ）参照）。   When the inner opening 71 is opened to some extent in the vertical direction, the overlapping portion 61 expands on the downstream side through the inner opening 71 only in both valve body portions 73 and 74 that have received the high internal pressure PI of the upstream expansion portion 47. It is pushed out to the part 48 and reversed (see FIG. 22B).

そして、内開口部７１の幅Ｗ１が２・Ｗ２よりも大きくなると、先端部７３Ｔ，７４Ｔが離れる（図２２（Ｃ）参照）。調圧弁７０が開弁した状態となって、上流側膨張部４７内の膨張用ガスＧが内開口部７１及び両弁体部７３，７４間を順に通って下流側膨張部４８へ流出することが可能となる。   When the width W1 of the inner opening 71 becomes larger than 2 · W2, the tip portions 73T and 74T are separated (see FIG. 22C). The pressure regulating valve 70 is opened, and the expansion gas G in the upstream side expansion portion 47 flows out between the inner opening portion 71 and the valve body portions 73 and 74 in order and flows out to the downstream side expansion portion 48. Is possible.

従って、第３実施形態によると、上述した（１），（２），（４）に加え、次の効果が得られる。
（６）区画部材５０を、長手方向に延びる折り線５１に沿って折り返すことにより、相対向する対向端部５２，５３を接近させてなる二つ折り状態にする。この二つ折り状態の区画部材５０を、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置させた状態で非膨張展開状態の膨張部４６に配設する。さらに、区画部材５０を、各対向端部５２，５３において外結合部５４，５５によってエアバッグ４０の対応する布部４３，４４に結合するとともに、長手方向（略上下方向）の両端部において、周縁結合部４５によって同両布部４３，４４に結合している（図１８、図２１）。 Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the above (1), (2), and (4).
(6) The partition member 50 is folded along a fold line 51 extending in the longitudinal direction so that the opposing end portions 52 and 53 facing each other are brought into a double-folded state. The two-folded partition member 50 is disposed in the inflatable portion 46 in a non-inflated and deployed state with the fold line 51 positioned on the downstream side of the opposed end portions 52 and 53. Further, the partition member 50 is coupled to the corresponding fabric portions 43 and 44 of the airbag 40 by the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 at the respective opposite end portions 52 and 53, and at both ends in the longitudinal direction (substantially up and down direction), It is couple | bonded with both the cloth parts 43 and 44 by the periphery coupling | bond part 45 (FIG. 18, FIG. 21).

このため、膨張部４６の膨張時には、区画部材５０の上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３を、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置させてなる屈曲状態にする（図２２（Ａ））。また、乗員拘束に伴う外力が膨張部４６に加わるときには、上流側膨張部４７の上昇する内圧によって、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３を、折り線５１が対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置する形状、すなわち、乗員拘束前と同一傾向の形状にする。第１及び第２実施形態に比べ、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３の形状変化による中間部分Ｐ１のテンションの変化を少なくし、内開口部７１の変形や、両弁体部７３，７４の作動を許容しつつもしづらくすることができる。内開口部７１及び両弁体部７３，７４を閉じた状態に維持し、シール性を維持しやすくすることができる。従って、上流側膨張部４７の内圧を高圧に維持した後に、上流側膨張部４７の膨張用ガスＧを下流側膨張部４８へ流出させる特性を得やすい。   For this reason, when the expansion part 46 is expanded, the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 of the partition member 50 are in a bent state in which the fold line 51 is positioned on the downstream side of the opposed end parts 52 and 53 (FIG. 22A). ). Further, when an external force associated with passenger restraint is applied to the expansion portion 46, the upper line P <b> 2 and the lower portion P <b> 3 are positioned on the downstream side of the opposed end portions 52 and 53 due to the internal pressure rising by the upstream expansion portion 47. The shape, that is, the same tendency as that before occupant restraint. Compared with the first and second embodiments, the change in the tension of the intermediate portion P1 due to the shape change of the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 is reduced, and the deformation of the inner opening 71 and the operation of both valve body parts 73 and 74 are allowed. It can be difficult to do. It is possible to maintain the inner opening 71 and both valve body portions 73 and 74 in a closed state, and to easily maintain the sealing performance. Therefore, after maintaining the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion 47 at a high pressure, it is easy to obtain the characteristic that the expansion gas G of the upstream expansion portion 47 flows out to the downstream expansion portion 48.

（第４実施形態）
次に、本発明を具体化した第４実施形態について、図２３〜図２６を参照して説明する。 (Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

第４実施形態では、図２３及び図２４に示すように、両弁体部７３，７４を含む重ね合わせ部６１が、膨張部４６の膨張前に下流側膨張部４８に配置されている点において、第３実施形態と異なっている。そのため、第３実施形態と同様の箇所及び部材については、同一の符号を付して詳しい説明を省略する。なお、図２３中、一点鎖線の大きな丸い枠Ｚで囲まれた箇所は、小さな丸い枠Ｚで囲まれた箇所を拡大して示している。   In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the overlapping portion 61 including both valve body portions 73 and 74 is arranged in the downstream side expansion portion 48 before the expansion portion 46 is expanded. This is different from the third embodiment. Therefore, the same parts and members as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 23, a portion surrounded by a large round frame Z with a one-dot chain line is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a small round frame Z.

この場合、区画部材５０は、膨張部４６への膨張用ガスＧの供給前には、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置させてなる二つ折り状態になっている（図２３、図２４参照）。   In this case, before the supply of the expansion gas G to the expansion portion 46, the partition member 50 is in a double-folded state in which the folding line 51 is positioned downstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53 ( (See FIGS. 23 and 24).

膨張部４６への膨張用ガスＧの供給により上流側膨張部４７の膨張が開始すると、二つ折り状態の区画部材５０が引っ張られ、同区画部材５０に対し、長手方向や短手方向にテンションが掛かる。このテンションにより、区画部材５０では中間部分Ｐ１が略平面状の緊張状態になる（図２５参照）が、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置させた屈曲状態になる（図２６（Ａ）参照）。   When expansion of the upstream side expansion portion 47 is started by supplying the expansion gas G to the expansion portion 46, the partition member 50 in a folded state is pulled, and tension is applied to the partition member 50 in the longitudinal direction or the short direction. It takes. Due to this tension, the intermediate portion P1 of the partition member 50 is in a substantially flat tension state (see FIG. 25), but the upper portion P2 and the lower portion P3 have the folding line 51 positioned downstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53. The bent state is obtained (see FIG. 26A).

ここで、第４実施形態では、両弁体部７３，７４が，膨張部４６の膨張前から下流側膨張部４８に位置していることから、第３実施形態とは異なり、上流側膨張部４７の内圧が両弁体部７３，７４に対し、その重なり方向（厚み方向）についての両側から加わって、両弁体部７３，７４が自己シール状態になることはない。また、この内圧により、両弁体部７３，７４を含む重ね合わせ部６１が区画部材５０の非重ね合わせ部６２に押し付けられることもない。   Here, in the fourth embodiment, since both the valve body portions 73 and 74 are located in the downstream side expansion portion 48 before the expansion portion 46 is expanded, unlike the third embodiment, the upstream side expansion portion. The internal pressure of 47 is applied to both valve body parts 73 and 74 from both sides in the overlapping direction (thickness direction), so that both valve body parts 73 and 74 are not in a self-sealing state. Further, the overlapping portion 61 including both valve body portions 73 and 74 is not pressed against the non-overlapping portion 62 of the partition member 50 by this internal pressure.

しかし、Ｌ１＞Ｌ２の関係を満たす長尺状の区画部材５０において、内開口部７１が短手方向に延びていることから、短手方向に対し、長手方向に対するよりも強いテンションが掛かりやすく、内開口部７１が閉じられやすい。   However, in the long partition member 50 satisfying the relationship of L1> L2, since the inner opening 71 extends in the short direction, a stronger tension is easily applied to the short direction than to the long direction, The inner opening 71 is easily closed.

これに加え、両弁体部７３，７４を含む重ね合わせ部６１に対しても、長手方向よりも短手方向に強いテンションが掛かる。このテンションにより、両弁体部７３，７４がそれらの面全体で互いに密着して、膨張用ガスＧの漏れを抑制したシール状態になろうとする。そのため、上流側膨張部４７内の膨張用ガスＧは、内開口部７１及び両弁体部７３，７４間を通って下流側膨張部４８へ流出しにくい。   In addition, a stronger tension is applied to the overlapping portion 61 including both valve body portions 73 and 74 in the short direction than in the longitudinal direction. Due to this tension, both valve body portions 73 and 74 are brought into close contact with each other over their entire surface, and a sealing state is attempted in which leakage of the expansion gas G is suppressed. Therefore, the expansion gas G in the upstream expansion portion 47 hardly flows out to the downstream expansion portion 48 through the inner opening 71 and both the valve body portions 73 and 74.

一方、乗員拘束に伴う外力が加わって膨張部４６が押圧されて変形すると、区画部材５０に掛かるテンションが変化する。また、膨張部４６の上記変形に伴い上流側膨張部４７の内圧ＰＩがさらに上昇する。区画部材５０の中間部分Ｐ１が押圧されて、同中間部分Ｐ１に掛かるテンションが変化する。   On the other hand, when an external force accompanying occupant restraint is applied and the expansion portion 46 is pressed and deformed, the tension applied to the partition member 50 changes. Further, the internal pressure PI of the upstream side expansion portion 47 further increases with the deformation of the expansion portion 46. The intermediate part P1 of the partition member 50 is pressed, and the tension applied to the intermediate part P1 changes.

また、区画部材５０の上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３が押圧されて下流側膨張部４８側へ膨らむように変形する（図２６（Ｂ）参照）。上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は、上述したように乗員拘束前には、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも下流側に位置させた屈曲状態となっている（図２６（Ａ）参照）。乗員拘束時には、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３は乗員拘束前と同一傾向の形状となる。従って、第２実施形態に比べ、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３の形状変化による中間部分Ｐ１のテンションの変化が少なく、内開口部７１の変形や、両弁体部７３，７４の作動が許容されにくい。   Further, the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 of the partition member 50 are pressed and deformed so as to swell toward the downstream side expansion part 48 (see FIG. 26B). As described above, the upper portion P2 and the lower portion P3 are in a bent state in which the fold line 51 is positioned downstream of the opposed end portions 52 and 53 before occupant restraint (see FIG. 26A). When the occupant is restrained, the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 have the same tendency as before the occupant restraint. Therefore, compared to the second embodiment, the change in the tension of the intermediate portion P1 due to the shape change of the upper part P2 and the lower part P3 is small, and the deformation of the inner opening 71 and the operation of both valve body parts 73 and 74 are difficult to be permitted.

この際、上部Ｐ２及び下部Ｐ３の反転がないことから、区画部材５０においてテンションの掛かっている領域が長手方向（上下方向）に拡がって、同長手方向（上下方向）についての両方向に向かうテンションが強まることが起こりにくい。そのため、内開口部７１及び弁体部７３，７４が閉じた状態に維持されやすく、シール性が維持されやすい。   At this time, since there is no inversion of the upper part P2 and the lower part P3, the tensioned region in the partition member 50 spreads in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), and there is tension in both directions in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). It is hard to get stronger. Therefore, the inner opening 71 and the valve body parts 73 and 74 are easily maintained in a closed state, and the sealing performance is easily maintained.

これに加え、上記中間部分Ｐ１の変形に伴い、両端部において固定された両重ね合わせ部６１も押圧されて、両端部以外の箇所において下流側膨張部４８側へ膨らむように変形する。この変形の方向と両弁体部７３，７４の厚み方向とは同じであるため、両弁体部７３，７４は、面方向について互いに離間する方向に比べ、厚み方向に動きにくい。そのため、乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力が比較的小さいときには、両弁体部７３，７４は互いに密着した状態を維持し、高いシール性を発揮する。   In addition to this, with the deformation of the intermediate portion P1, the two overlapping portions 61 fixed at both end portions are also pressed and deformed so as to swell toward the downstream inflating portion 48 at locations other than both end portions. Since the direction of this deformation and the thickness direction of both valve body portions 73 and 74 are the same, both valve body portions 73 and 74 are less likely to move in the thickness direction than in the direction of separating from each other in the plane direction. Therefore, when the external force applied along with the occupant restraint is relatively small, both valve body parts 73 and 74 are kept in close contact with each other and exhibit high sealing performance.

その後は、第２実施形態と同様である。すなわち、乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力が大きくなっていくと、区画部材５０の上側の部材５６に対しては上方へ向かうテンションが強まり、下側の部材５７に対しては下方へ向かうテンションが強まる。そのため、スリット状の内開口部７１が上下方向に引っ張られて開く（図２６（Ｂ）参照）。   The subsequent steps are the same as in the second embodiment. That is, as the external force applied due to passenger restraint increases, the upward tension is increased for the upper member 56 of the partition member 50, and the downward tension is increased for the lower member 57. For this reason, the slit-shaped inner opening 71 is opened by being pulled in the vertical direction (see FIG. 26B).

内開口部７１の上下方向の幅Ｗ１が拡がるに従い、上側の弁体部７３が上方へ引っ張られ、下側の弁体部７４が下方へ引っ張られる。重ね合わせ部６１は、弁体部７３，７４及びその近傍部分において上下方向へ変形し、両弁体部７３，７４の重なり部分が徐々に少なくなっていく。   As the vertical width W1 of the inner opening 71 increases, the upper valve body 73 is pulled upward and the lower valve body 74 is pulled downward. The overlapping portion 61 is deformed in the vertical direction in the valve body portions 73 and 74 and the vicinity thereof, and the overlapping portion of both valve body portions 73 and 74 gradually decreases.

そして、乗員拘束に伴う大きな外力が膨張部４６に加えられて、同膨張部４６が多く変形すると、図２６（Ｃ）に示すように、少なくとも一方（例えば下側）の弁体部７４が少なからず前方側へ傾斜させられ（倒され）て、調圧弁７０が開弁した状態になる。上流側膨張部４７内の膨張用ガスＧが、同図２６（Ｃ）において矢印で示すように、内開口部７１及び両弁体部７３，７４間を通って前方へ向けて流れ、下流側膨張部４８へ流出するようになる。   Then, when a large external force accompanying occupant restraint is applied to the inflating portion 46 and the inflating portion 46 is deformed much, at least one (for example, the lower side) valve body 74 is small as shown in FIG. Instead, it is tilted forward (tilted) and the pressure regulating valve 70 is opened. As shown by an arrow in FIG. 26C, the expansion gas G in the upstream expansion portion 47 flows forward through the inner opening 71 and the valve body portions 73 and 74, and is downstream. It flows out to the expansion part 48.

従って、第４実施形態によると、上述した（１），（４）〜（６）と同様の効果が得られる。特に、第４実施形態では、第３実施形態よりも両弁体部７３，７４が動きにくくなるため、上流側膨張部４７の内圧を第３実施形態よりも高圧に維持した後に、上流側膨張部４７の膨張用ガスＧを下流側膨張部４８へ流出させる特性を得やすい。   Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as (1) and (4) to (6) described above can be obtained. In particular, in the fourth embodiment, both valve body parts 73 and 74 are less likely to move than in the third embodiment. Therefore, after the internal pressure of the upstream expansion portion 47 is maintained higher than that in the third embodiment, the upstream expansion is performed. It is easy to obtain the characteristic that the expansion gas G of the portion 47 flows out to the downstream side expansion portion 48.

なお、エアバッグ４０の布部４３，４４と周縁結合部４５に用いられる縫糸とを比べた場合、前者の方が耐熱性に優れる。一方で、インフレータ３１からは高温の膨張用ガスＧが噴出される。そのため、エアバッグ４０は、１枚又は２枚の布片がインフレータ３１の近くで縫合されるよりも、１枚の布片がインフレータ３１の近くで二つ折りされる（縫合されない）方が、耐熱性の点で好ましい。   In addition, when the cloth parts 43 and 44 of the airbag 40 and the sewing thread used for the peripheral joint part 45 are compared, the former is superior in heat resistance. On the other hand, high-temperature inflation gas G is ejected from the inflator 31. Therefore, the airbag 40 is more heat resistant when one piece of cloth is folded in two near the inflator 31 (not sewn) than when one or two pieces of cloth are stitched near the inflator 31. From the viewpoint of sex.

しかし、この場合には、第１〜第４実施形態のうち、第１及び第３実施形態の構成を適用することが、製造の点から難しい。これは、エアバッグ４０が１枚の布片からなる故に、各結合部を設ける作業の順序が、外結合部５４，５５→内結合部６３→周縁結合部４５の順とならざるを得ない。この順序で作業を行う以上、重ね合わせ部６１が上流側膨張部４７に位置するように、外結合部５４，５５及び内結合部６３を設ける作業を行うことは、非常に難しいからである。結局、重ね合わせ部６１が下流側膨張部４８に位置する第２及び第４実施形態の構成を採らざるを得なくなる。従って、第２及び第４実施形態の方が、重ね合わせ部６１が上流側膨張部４７に位置する第１及び第３実施形態に比べ製造のしやすさで優位であるといえる。   However, in this case, it is difficult from the viewpoint of manufacturing to apply the configurations of the first and third embodiments of the first to fourth embodiments. This is because the airbag 40 is made of a single piece of cloth, and the order of the work for providing the respective connecting portions must be in the order of the outer connecting portions 54 and 55 → the inner connecting portion 63 → the peripheral connecting portion 45. . As long as the operations are performed in this order, it is very difficult to perform the operation of providing the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 and the inner coupling portion 63 so that the overlapping portion 61 is positioned in the upstream expansion portion 47. Eventually, the configuration of the second and fourth embodiments in which the overlapping portion 61 is located in the downstream side expansion portion 48 has to be adopted. Therefore, it can be said that the second and fourth embodiments are superior in ease of manufacture compared to the first and third embodiments in which the overlapping portion 61 is located in the upstream expansion portion 47.

（第５実施形態）
次に、本発明を具体化した第５実施形態について、図６、図２７及び図２８を参照して説明する。 (Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 27 and FIG.

エアバッグ４０は、既述したように、一対の布部４３，４４を、同両布部４３，４４の周縁部に沿って設けられた周縁結合部４５で結合することによって袋状に形成されている。また、既述したように、区画部材５０は、膨張用ガスＧの供給前には、長手方向に延びる折り線５１に沿って折り返されることにより、相対向する対向端部５２，５３を接近させてなる二つ折り状態にされて、エアバッグ４０の両布部４３，４４間に配置されている。さらに、区画部材５０が、各対向端部５２，５３において外結合部５４，５５により布部４３，４４に結合され、長手方向についての両端部において周縁結合部４５により両布部４３，４４に結合されていることもまた既述した通りである。なお、以降の記載では、エアバッグ４０において、車幅方向の中央部分よりも車内側の部材についてのみ説明するが、車外側の部材についても同様である。   As described above, the airbag 40 is formed in a bag shape by joining the pair of fabric portions 43 and 44 with the peripheral joint portion 45 provided along the peripheral portions of the both fabric portions 43 and 44. ing. Further, as described above, the partition member 50 is folded back along the fold line 51 extending in the longitudinal direction before the inflation gas G is supplied, thereby bringing the opposed end portions 52 and 53 facing each other closer. And is arranged between the two cloth portions 43 and 44 of the airbag 40. Further, the partition member 50 is coupled to the cloth portions 43 and 44 by the outer coupling portions 54 and 55 at the opposite end portions 52 and 53, and is connected to both the fabric portions 43 and 44 by the peripheral coupling portion 45 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. It is also as described above that they are combined. In the following description, in the airbag 40, only the members on the vehicle inner side than the central portion in the vehicle width direction will be described, but the same applies to the members on the vehicle outer side.

ここで、上記区画部材５０の対向端部５２をエアバッグ４０の布部４３に結合する外結合部５４が、折り線５１に対し平行に延びている場合（図６等参照）には、外結合部５４と折り線５１との間隔Ｄ１が、折り線５１の周縁結合部４５との交差部５１Ｃを含め、長手方向のどの箇所でも同一となる。   Here, when the outer coupling portion 54 that couples the opposing end portion 52 of the partition member 50 to the cloth portion 43 of the airbag 40 extends in parallel to the fold line 51 (see FIG. 6, etc.), The interval D1 between the coupling portion 54 and the fold line 51 is the same at any position in the longitudinal direction including the intersection 51C of the fold line 51 with the peripheral coupling portion 45.

一方、区画部材５０は、膨張部４６の膨張に伴い、その膨張方向（前方（図６では概ね右方））に直交する平面状に緊張させられる。区画部材５０の対向端部５２が、外結合部５４によってエアバッグ４０の布部４３に結合されているのに対し、区画部材５０の折り返し部分は、長手方向の両端部においてのみ、周縁結合部４５によって上記布部４３に結合されている。そのため、区画部材５０が上記のように平面状に緊張させられるときには、区画部材５０の折り線５１に沿った折り返し部分が、膨張部４６の膨張方向についての外結合部５４側へ引っ張られて移動する。折り返し部分の布部４３との結合部、すなわち折り線５１の周縁結合部４５との交差部５１Ｃも、折り返し部分のほかの箇所と同様に、図６において矢印Ａ１で示すように、外結合部５４側へ引っ張られて移動する。折り返し部分のほかの箇所は布部４３に直接結合されておらず、移動を規制するものがない。しかし、折り返し部分の布部４３との結合部（折り線５１の周縁結合部４５との交差部５１Ｃ）では、周縁結合部４５が、その交差部５１Ｃの移動を規制する。従って、交差部５１Ｃは、折り返し部分のほかの箇所とは異なり、無理矢理引っ張られて同交差部５１Ｃに大きな負荷が加わる。   On the other hand, the partition member 50 is tensed in a planar shape perpendicular to the expansion direction (forward (generally right in FIG. 6)) as the expansion portion 46 expands. The opposing end portion 52 of the partition member 50 is coupled to the cloth portion 43 of the airbag 40 by the outer coupling portion 54, whereas the folded portion of the partition member 50 is a peripheral coupling portion only at both ends in the longitudinal direction. 45 is coupled to the cloth portion 43. Therefore, when the partition member 50 is tensioned in a planar shape as described above, the folded portion along the fold line 51 of the partition member 50 is pulled and moved toward the outer coupling portion 54 in the expansion direction of the expansion portion 46. To do. As shown in the arrow A1 in FIG. 6, the outer joint portion is also connected to the joint portion 51C of the folded portion with the cloth portion 43, that is, the intersection portion 51C of the fold line 51 with the peripheral joint portion 45 as shown in FIG. It moves by being pulled to the 54 side. Other portions of the folded portion are not directly coupled to the cloth portion 43, and there is nothing that restricts movement. However, at the joint portion with the cloth portion 43 of the folded portion (intersection portion 51C of the folding line 51 with the peripheral joint portion 45), the peripheral joint portion 45 regulates the movement of the cross portion 51C. Therefore, unlike the other portions of the folded portion, the intersecting portion 51C is forcibly pulled and a large load is applied to the intersecting portion 51C.

この際、外結合部５４が折り線５１に平行であり、図６に示すように、折り線５１と外結合部５４との間隔Ｄ１が大きい。このことから、外結合部５４から後方へ大きく離れている上記交差部５１Ｃの移動量（引っ張られる量）が多く、それに伴い同交差部５１Ｃに作用する引っ張り力が大きくなる。その結果、上記交差部５１Ｃに応力が集中し、大きな負荷が加わるおそれがある。これについては、補強布を追加する等して交差部５１Ｃを補強することで対処可能であるが、補強布が別途必要になったり、補強布をエアバッグ４０に結合する作業が必要になったりして、コストの上昇を招く。   At this time, the outer coupling portion 54 is parallel to the fold line 51, and the distance D1 between the fold line 51 and the outer coupling portion 54 is large as shown in FIG. For this reason, the amount of movement (the amount to be pulled) of the intersection 51C that is far away from the outer coupling portion 54 is large, and the pulling force acting on the intersection 51C increases accordingly. As a result, stress concentrates on the intersection 51C, and a large load may be applied. This can be dealt with by reinforcing the intersecting portion 51C by adding a reinforcing cloth or the like. However, a reinforcing cloth is required separately, or a work for connecting the reinforcing cloth to the airbag 40 is required. And cost rises.

そこで、第５実施形態では、対向端部５２と布部４３とを結合する外結合部５４の形状を工夫することで、対処するようにしている。
外結合部５４は、その外結合部５４と折り線５１との間隔Ｄ１が、同外結合部５４の周縁結合部４５との交差部５４Ｃにおいて、長手方向についての中間部分よりも小さくなるように設けられている。 Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, a countermeasure is taken by devising the shape of the outer coupling portion 54 that couples the facing end portion 52 and the cloth portion 43.
The outer coupling portion 54 has a distance D1 between the outer coupling portion 54 and the folding line 51 that is smaller than an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction at the intersection 54C of the outer coupling portion 54 with the peripheral coupling portion 45. Is provided.

より詳しくは、図２７に示すように、外結合部５４が折り線５１に平行に延びている仮想のエアバッグ装置において、点Ａ〜点Ｄが次のように定義されている。
点Ａ：外結合部５４が周縁結合部４５と交差する箇所。 More specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, in a virtual airbag device in which the outer coupling portion 54 extends in parallel to the folding line 51, points A to D are defined as follows.
Point A: A location where the outer coupling portion 54 intersects with the peripheral coupling portion 45.

点Ｂ：折り線５１が周縁結合部４５と交差する箇所。
点Ｃ：点Ｂを通り、かつ折り線５１に直交する線分Ｓ１が外結合部５４と交差する箇所。 Point B: A location where the fold line 51 intersects with the peripheral joint 45.
Point C: A point where the line segment S1 passing through the point B and orthogonal to the folding line 51 intersects the outer coupling portion 54.

点Ｄ：外結合部５４上であって、上記点Ｃから調圧弁７０に近づく側へ、前記線分Ｓ１と同じ長さだけ離れた箇所。
周縁結合部４５が布部４３の上下２箇所に設けられていることから、上記点Ａ〜点Ｄは、上下に２組存在する。なお、各組の点Ａ〜点Ｄは、調圧弁７０の内結合部６３を対称軸として、概ね互いに線対称の関係となる箇所に位置する。そのため、ここでは、どちらの組においても点Ａ〜点Ｄの語を共通して使用することとする。 Point D: A location on the outer coupling portion 54 and away from the point C toward the pressure regulating valve 70 by the same length as the line segment S1.
Since the peripheral edge coupling portion 45 is provided at two positions above and below the cloth portion 43, there are two sets of the above points A to D. Note that the points A to D of each set are located at locations that are generally line-symmetric with respect to the inner coupling portion 63 of the pressure regulating valve 70 as an axis of symmetry. Therefore, here, the words of points A to D are used in common in both sets.

各組において、外結合部５４のうち、周縁結合部４５及び点Ｄを繋ぐ部分（５４Ｓ：図２８参照）は、次の条件を満たす箇所に設けられている。
条件：点Ａ及び点Ｄを繋ぐ線分Ｓ２と、点Ｂ及び点Ｄを繋ぐ線分Ｓ３と、周縁結合部４５とにより挟まれる領域Ｚ１（図２７中、網点の付された領域）のうち、線分Ｓ２よりも線分Ｓ３側に設けられていること。 In each set, a portion (54S: see FIG. 28) that connects the peripheral coupling portion 45 and the point D in the outer coupling portion 54 is provided at a location that satisfies the following condition.
Condition: A region Z1 (region shown by a halftone dot in FIG. 27) sandwiched between a line segment S2 connecting the points A and D, a line segment S3 connecting the points B and D, and the peripheral edge coupling portion 45. Among these, it is provided on the line segment S3 side with respect to the line segment S2.

上記の条件を満たすよう、第５実施形態では、図２８に示すように、外結合部５４のうち部分５４Ｓが線分Ｓ３に沿う直線状をなしている。従って、外結合部５４のうち部分５４Ｓは折り線５１に対し斜めに交差している。   In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the portion 54S of the outer coupling portion 54 has a linear shape along the line segment S3 so as to satisfy the above condition. Therefore, the portion 54 </ b> S of the outer coupling portion 54 intersects the fold line 51 obliquely.

第５実施形態では、さらに、外結合部５４において、上側の組の点Ｄ、及び下側の組の点Ｄを繋ぐ部分５４Ｍが、折り線５１に平行となるように直線状をなしている。
また、外結合部５４の形状の上記変更に伴い、区画部材５０の周縁５０Ｃの形状も変更されている。区画部材５０の周縁５０Ｃは、外結合部５４から一定距離離れた箇所に位置している。周縁５０Ｃにおいて外結合部５４の部分５４Ｓに対応する箇所は、折り線５１に対し斜めに交差し、部分５４Ｍに対応する箇所は、折り線５１に対し平行となっている。 In the fifth embodiment, in the outer coupling portion 54, a portion 54 </ b> M connecting the upper set point D and the lower set point D is linear so as to be parallel to the folding line 51. .
Moreover, the shape of the peripheral edge 50C of the partition member 50 is also changed with the said change of the shape of the outer coupling part 54. FIG. The peripheral edge 50 </ b> C of the partition member 50 is located at a location away from the outer coupling portion 54 by a certain distance. A portion corresponding to the portion 54S of the outer coupling portion 54 on the peripheral edge 50C intersects the fold line 51 obliquely, and a portion corresponding to the portion 54M is parallel to the fold line 51.

上記以外の構成は、第１実施形態と同様である。そのため、第１実施形態と同様の箇所及び部材については、同一の符号を付して詳しい説明を省略する。
第５実施形態では、外結合部５４の形状が第１〜第４実施形態とは異なるものに変更されたことにより、外結合部５４と折り線５１との間隔Ｄ１が、同外結合部５４の周縁結合部４５との交差部５４Ｃにおいて、長手方向についての中間部分よりも小さくなっている。外結合部５４が折り線５１に対し平行である場合（図６参照）に比べ、交差部５１Ｃと交差部５４Ｃとの間隔Ｄ１が小さくなっている。 Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same portions and members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.
In the fifth embodiment, since the shape of the outer coupling portion 54 is changed to a shape different from that of the first to fourth embodiments, the distance D1 between the outer coupling portion 54 and the fold line 51 is set to the same. The crossing portion 54C with the peripheral edge coupling portion 45 is smaller than the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction. Compared with the case where the outer coupling portion 54 is parallel to the fold line 51 (see FIG. 6), the interval D1 between the intersecting portion 51C and the intersecting portion 54C is smaller.

そのため、区画部材５０が、膨張部４６の膨張に伴い、その膨張方向に直交する平面状に緊張させられるときには、交差部５１Ｃが外結合部５４側へ引っ張られて移動する量が、矢印Ａ１で示すように少なくなる。これに伴い、交差部５１Ｃに作用する引っ張り力が小さくなって、同交差部５１Ｃに対する応力集中が緩和される。上記交差部５１Ｃに大きな負荷が加わるおそれが少なくなる。   Therefore, when the partition member 50 is tensioned in a plane perpendicular to the expansion direction as the expansion portion 46 expands, the amount by which the crossing portion 51C is pulled and moved to the outer coupling portion 54 side is indicated by an arrow A1. Less as shown. Along with this, the pulling force acting on the intersection 51C is reduced, and the stress concentration on the intersection 51C is alleviated. The possibility that a large load is applied to the intersection 51C is reduced.

特に、第５実施形態では、外結合部５４のうち、部分５４Ｓが線分Ｓ３に沿う直線状をなしていて、交差部５４Ｃと折り線５１との間隔Ｄ１が、採り得る範囲の最小値に近づく。そのため、交差部５１Ｃが外結合部５４側へ引っ張られて移動する量、ひいては同交差部５１Ｃに作用する引っ張り力が最小値に近づき、同交差部５１Ｃに対する応力集中を緩和する大きな効果が得られる。上記交差部５１Ｃに大きな負荷が加わりにくく、同交差部５１Ｃを補強する別途の対策が不要となる。   In particular, in the fifth embodiment, the portion 54S of the outer coupling portion 54 forms a straight line along the line segment S3, and the interval D1 between the intersecting portion 54C and the folding line 51 is the minimum value that can be taken. Get closer. For this reason, the amount of movement of the intersecting portion 51C that is pulled toward the outer coupling portion 54, that is, the pulling force acting on the intersecting portion 51C approaches the minimum value, and a great effect of relaxing the stress concentration on the intersecting portion 51C is obtained. . It is difficult for a large load to be applied to the intersection 51C, and a separate measure for reinforcing the intersection 51C becomes unnecessary.

従って、第５実施形態によると、上述した（１）〜（４）に加え、次の効果が得られる。
（７）外結合部５４のうち、周縁結合部４５及び点Ｄを繋ぐ部分５４Ｓを、点Ａ及び点Ｄを繋ぐ線分Ｓ２と、点Ｂ及び点Ｄを繋ぐ線分Ｓ３と、周縁結合部４５とにより挟まれる領域Ｚ１のうち、線分Ｓ２よりも線分Ｓ３側に設けている。この構成を採用することで、外結合部５４と折り線５１との間隔Ｄ１を、外結合部５４の周縁結合部４５との交差部５４Ｃにおいて、区画部材５０の長手方向についての中間部分（部分５４Ｍ等）よりも小さくしている（図２８）。 Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the above (1) to (4).
(7) Of the outer coupling portion 54, a portion 54S connecting the peripheral coupling portion 45 and the point D, a line segment S2 connecting the point A and the point D, a line segment S3 connecting the point B and the point D, and the peripheral coupling portion In the region Z1 sandwiched by 45, it is provided on the line segment S3 side with respect to the line segment S2. By adopting this configuration, the distance D1 between the outer coupling portion 54 and the fold line 51 is set at an intermediate portion (part) in the longitudinal direction of the partition member 50 at the intersection 54C with the peripheral coupling portion 45 of the outer coupling portion 54. 54M etc.) (FIG. 28).

このため、外結合部５４の全体が折り線５１に対し平行である場合（図６等）に比べ、折り線５１の周縁結合部４５との交差部５１Ｃが外結合部５４側へ引っ張られて移動する量、ひいては同交差部５１Ｃに作用する引っ張り力を小さくして、同交差部５１Ｃに対する応力集中を緩和することができる。   For this reason, compared with the case where the whole outer coupling part 54 is parallel to the folding line 51 (FIG. 6 etc.), the intersection 51C of the folding line 51 with the peripheral coupling part 45 is pulled toward the outer coupling part 54 side. The amount of movement, and hence the tensile force acting on the intersection 51C can be reduced, and the stress concentration on the intersection 51C can be reduced.

（８）外結合部５４のうち、周縁結合部４５との交差部５４Ｃと、点Ｄとを繋ぐ部分５４Ｓを、点Ｂ及び点Ｄを繋ぐ線分Ｓ３に沿う直線状に形成することで、外結合部５４の周縁結合部４５との交差部５４Ｃと、折り線５１との間隔Ｄ１を、採り得る範囲の最小値に近づけている（図２８）。   (8) Of the outer coupling portion 54, by forming the portion 54S that connects the intersection 54C with the peripheral coupling portion 45 and the point D in a straight line along the line segment S3 that connects the point B and the point D, The distance D1 between the intersection 54C of the outer coupling portion 54 with the peripheral coupling portion 45 and the folding line 51 is brought close to the minimum value of the range that can be taken (FIG. 28).

このため、折り線５１の周縁結合部４５との交差部５１Ｃが外結合部５４側へ引っ張られて移動する量、ひいては同交差部５１Ｃに作用する引っ張り力を最小に近づけ、同交差部５１Ｃに対する応力集中を緩和する大きな効果を得ることができる。   For this reason, the amount by which the intersection 51C of the fold line 51 with the peripheral coupling portion 45 is pulled and moved toward the outer coupling portion 54, and hence the tensile force acting on the intersection 51C, is brought close to the minimum, A great effect of relieving stress concentration can be obtained.

その結果、補強布を用いる等、交差部５１Ｃを補強する別途の対策を軽減したり、場合によっては同対策を講じたりしなくてもすむようになる。後者の場合には、補強布を別途準備したり、補強布をエアバッグ４０に結合する作業を行ったりする必要がなく、コストの上昇を抑えることができる。   As a result, it is not necessary to reduce a separate measure for reinforcing the intersecting portion 51C, such as using a reinforcing cloth, or to take the measure in some cases. In the latter case, it is not necessary to separately prepare a reinforcing cloth or to perform an operation of coupling the reinforcing cloth to the airbag 40, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost.

なお、本発明は次に示す別の実施形態に具体化することができる。
・各実施形態の区画部材５０における上側の部材５６は、折り線５１に沿って２枚に分割されてもよい。同様に、下側の部材５７は、折り線５１に沿って２枚に分割されてもよい。 Note that the present invention can be embodied in another embodiment described below.
The upper member 56 in the partition member 50 of each embodiment may be divided into two along the fold line 51. Similarly, the lower member 57 may be divided into two along the fold line 51.

・各実施形態において、区画部材５０の対向端部５２は、エアバッグ４０の布部４３に対し、上流側膨張部４７内で結合されてもよいし、下流側膨張部４８内で結合されてもよい。同様に、区画部材５０の対向端部５３は、エアバッグ４０の布部４４に対し、上流側膨張部４７内で結合されてもよいし、下流側膨張部４８内で結合されてもよい。   In each embodiment, the opposed end portion 52 of the partition member 50 may be coupled to the cloth portion 43 of the airbag 40 within the upstream inflatable portion 47 or within the downstream inflatable portion 48. Also good. Similarly, the facing end portion 53 of the partition member 50 may be coupled to the cloth portion 44 of the airbag 40 in the upstream inflating portion 47 or in the downstream inflating portion 48.

また、対向端部５２，５３の一方が上流側膨張部４７内で結合され、他方が下流側膨張部４８内で結合されてもよい。
・各実施形態において、内開口部７１及び内結合部６３は、区画部材５０の折り線５１に直交する方向に限らず、斜めに交差する方向に沿って設けられてもよい。 Further, one of the opposed end portions 52 and 53 may be coupled within the upstream expansion portion 47 and the other may be coupled within the downstream expansion portion 48.
In each embodiment, the inner opening 71 and the inner coupling portion 63 are not limited to the direction orthogonal to the fold line 51 of the partition member 50, and may be provided along a direction that intersects obliquely.

・エアバッグ４０は、その略全体が膨張部４６からなるものであってもよいが、膨張用ガスＧが供給されず膨張することのない非膨張部を一部に有するものであってもよい。
・第１実施形態において、図２９（Ａ），（Ｂ）に示すように、区画部材５０として、単一の部材８６（布片）からなるものを用いてもよい。この場合には、部材８６を折り線８５に沿って二つ折りする。二つ折り状態の区画部材５０の折り線８５から一定距離ずつ離れた箇所に内結合部６３を設ける。内結合部６３と折り線８５とによって挟まれた部分を、帯状をなす一対の重ね合わせ部６１とする。さらに、これらの重ね合わせ部６１の折り線８５上において、少なくとも内開口部７１に対応する箇所にスリット８７を入れる。両重ね合わせ部６１において、内開口部７１及びスリット８７間となる部分を、弁体部７３，７４とする。 The airbag 40 may be substantially entirely composed of the inflating portion 46, but may have a part of a non-inflating portion in which the inflating gas G is not supplied and does not inflate. .
-In 1st Embodiment, as shown to FIG. 29 (A), (B), as the division member 50, you may use what consists of the single member 86 (cloth piece). In this case, the member 86 is folded in two along the fold line 85. An inner coupling portion 63 is provided at a position separated from the folding line 85 of the partition member 50 in a folded state by a certain distance. A portion sandwiched between the inner coupling portion 63 and the fold line 85 is defined as a pair of overlapping portions 61 having a band shape. Further, on the folding line 85 of these overlapping portions 61, slits 87 are made at least at locations corresponding to the inner openings 71. In both overlapping portions 61, portions between the inner opening 71 and the slit 87 are referred to as valve body portions 73 and 74.

第２〜第５実施形態についても上記と同様の変更が可能である。
・重ね合わせ部６１において、両弁体部７３，７４として機能するのは、内開口部７１に対応する部分（内開口部７１の近傍部分、より正確には、内開口部７１と端縁５８Ｅ，５９Ｅとの間の部分）である。そのため、上流側膨張部４７の膨張時に、両弁体部７３，７４の少なくとも先端部７３Ｔ，７４Ｔが接触して閉じられるのであれば、重ね合わせ部６１において、内開口部７１に対応しない部分（非近傍部分）の形態を変更してもよい。例えば、重ね合わせ部６１において内開口部７１に対応しない部分（非近傍部分）については、部分的又は全体的に結合してもよい。この結合の手段としては、縫合であってもよいし、接着であってもよい。このように変更することで、重ね合わせ部６１において内開口部７１に対応する部分だけ両弁体部７３，７４として作動させ、対応しない部分が不要に動く現象、例えばばたつく現象を抑制することができる。 The second to fifth embodiments can be modified in the same manner as described above.
In the overlapping portion 61, the valve body portions 73 and 74 function as the portions corresponding to the inner opening 71 (in the vicinity of the inner opening 71, more precisely, the inner opening 71 and the edge 58E). , 59E). Therefore, when at least the tip end portions 73T and 74T of both valve body portions 73 and 74 are in contact with each other and closed when the upstream expansion portion 47 is expanded, a portion of the overlapping portion 61 that does not correspond to the inner opening portion 71 ( The form of the non-neighbor portion may be changed. For example, a portion (non-neighboring portion) that does not correspond to the inner opening 71 in the overlapping portion 61 may be partially or entirely combined. As a means for this connection, stitching or adhesion may be used. By changing in this way, only the part corresponding to the inner opening 71 in the overlapping part 61 is operated as both valve body parts 73 and 74, and the phenomenon in which the non-corresponding part moves unnecessarily, for example, the phenomenon of flapping is suppressed. it can.

そのほかにも、重ね合わせ部６１において内開口部７１に対応しない箇所の少なくとも一部に切欠きを入れてもよい。
・区画部材５０と両弁体部７３，７４とは、互いに異なる部材によって構成されてもよい。 In addition, at least a part of the overlapping portion 61 that does not correspond to the inner opening 71 may be notched.
The partition member 50 and the valve body portions 73 and 74 may be configured by different members.

・二つ折り状態の区画部材５０における折り線５１は、上下方向に対し多少傾斜していてもよい。
・上記第１〜第５実施形態では、乗員Ｐの主として胸部ＰＴを保護するサイドエアバッグ装置を例に説明したが、本発明は、この胸部ＰＴを含め、乗員Ｐのほかの部位を側突等の衝撃から保護するサイドエアバッグ装置にも適用可能である。以下に、適用例について説明する。なお、図３０（Ａ），（Ｂ）〜図３２（Ａ），（Ｂ）の各々は、エアバッグ４０の膨張部４６における区画部材５０等の部材の配置状態を模式的に示したものであり、細部については省略・簡略化されている。なお、各図中、網点の付された箇所が区画部材である。 -The fold line 51 in the partition member 50 in a folded state may be slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction.
In the first to fifth embodiments, the side airbag device that mainly protects the chest part PT of the occupant P has been described as an example. However, the present invention includes a side part of the occupant P including the chest part PT. The present invention is also applicable to a side airbag device that protects against impacts such as the above. Hereinafter, application examples will be described. Each of FIGS. 30A and 30B to FIGS. 32A and 32B schematically shows an arrangement state of members such as the partition member 50 in the inflating portion 46 of the airbag 40. Yes, details are omitted or simplified. In addition, in each figure, the part to which the halftone dot was attached | subjected is a partition member.

《乗員Ｐの胸部ＰＴ〜頭部ＰＨにかけての部位を保護するサイドエアバッグ装置》
・このタイプのサイドエアバッグ装置では、図３０（Ａ）に示すように、車両に搭載され、かつ膨張した状態で、エアバッグ４０の膨張部４６が、胸部ＰＴ〜頭部ＰＨの側方近傍で膨張し得るよう上下方向に細長いものとなる。このサイドエアバッグ装置に本発明を適用した場合、膨張部４６が、調圧弁（図示略）を有し、かつ略上下方向に延びる区画部材５０によって、前後２つの部分に区画されてもよい。膨張部４６において区画部材５０よりも後側が上流側膨張部８８とされ、前側が下流側膨張部８９とされる。この場合、区画部材５０は、鉛直方向に沿って延びることとなるが、この区画部材５０の延びる方向は、エアバッグ４０に対する要求性能に応じて変更されてもよい。区画部材５０は鉛直方向に対し傾斜するものであってもよい。その際、区画部材５０の鉛直線になす角度（傾斜角度）は種々変更可能である。 << Side Airbag Device that Protects Part of Passenger P from Chest PT to Head PH >>
In this type of side airbag device, as shown in FIG. 30 (A), the inflated portion 46 of the airbag 40 is mounted in the vehicle and inflated, so that the side portion of the chest PT to the side of the head PH is near the side. It becomes elongated in the vertical direction so that it can expand. When the present invention is applied to this side airbag device, the inflating portion 46 may be partitioned into two front and rear portions by a partition member 50 having a pressure regulating valve (not shown) and extending substantially in the vertical direction. In the inflating portion 46, the rear side of the partition member 50 is an upstream inflating portion 88 and the front side is a downstream inflating portion 89. In this case, the partition member 50 extends along the vertical direction, but the extending direction of the partition member 50 may be changed according to the required performance for the airbag 40. The partition member 50 may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction. At that time, the angle (tilt angle) formed with the vertical line of the partition member 50 can be variously changed.

また、図３０（Ｂ）に示すように、区画部材は、上記膨張部４６の前後方向に互いに離間した２箇所に並設されてもよい。２つの区画部材を区別するために、前側に位置するものを区画部材５０Ｆとし、後側に位置するものを区画部材５０Ｒとする。この場合、膨張部４６は、両区画部材５０Ｒ，５０Ｆによって、後、中央、前の３つの部分に区画される。後側の区画部材５０Ｒを基準とすると、「後」部分が上流側膨張部９１となり、「中央」部分が下流側膨張部９２となる。また、前側の区画部材５０Ｆを基準とすると、「中央」部分が上流側膨張部９３となり、「前」部分が下流側膨張部９４となる。インフレータ３１から噴出された膨張用ガスは、上流側膨張部９１、区画部材５０Ｒ、下流側膨張部９２（上流側膨張部９３）、区画部材５０Ｆ及び下流側膨張部９４の順に流れる。なお、図示はしないが、区画部材は、膨張部４６の前後方向に互いに離間した３箇所以上の箇所に並設されてもよい。   In addition, as shown in FIG. 30B, the partition members may be arranged in parallel at two locations separated from each other in the front-rear direction of the inflating portion 46. In order to distinguish the two partition members, the one located on the front side is defined as a partition member 50F, and the one located on the rear side is defined as a partition member 50R. In this case, the expansion part 46 is divided into three parts, rear, center, and front, by both partition members 50R and 50F. When the rear partition member 50R is used as a reference, the “rear” portion becomes the upstream expansion portion 91 and the “center” portion becomes the downstream expansion portion 92. When the front partition member 50 </ b> F is used as a reference, the “center” portion becomes the upstream expansion portion 93 and the “front” portion becomes the downstream expansion portion 94. The expansion gas ejected from the inflator 31 flows in the order of the upstream expansion portion 91, the partition member 50R, the downstream expansion portion 92 (upstream expansion portion 93), the partition member 50F, and the downstream expansion portion 94. Although not shown, the partition members may be arranged in parallel at three or more locations separated from each other in the front-rear direction of the inflating portion 46.

《乗員Ｐの腰部ＰＰ〜胸部ＰＴ（肩部ＰＳ）にかけての部位を保護するサイドエアバッグ装置》
・このタイプのサイドエアバッグ装置では、図３１（Ａ）に示すように、車両に搭載され、かつ膨張した状態で、エアバッグ４０の膨張部４６が、腰部ＰＰ〜胸部ＰＴ（肩部ＰＳ）の側方近傍で膨張し得るよう上下方向に細長いものとなる。膨張部４６は、仕切り部９５及び逆止弁９６によって上下２つの部位に区画されている。仕切り部９５は、エアバッグ４０の両布部４３，４４間に布片を架設してなるテザーによって構成されてもよいし、両布部４３，４４を互いに接触させた状態で縫合（結合）してなるシームによって構成されてもよい。 << Side Airbag Device that Protects Part of Crew P from Lumbar PP to Chest PT (Shoulder PS) >>
In this type of side airbag device, as shown in FIG. 31 (A), the inflatable portion 46 of the airbag 40 is mounted on the vehicle and inflated so that the waist portion PP to the chest PT (shoulder portion PS). It is elongated in the vertical direction so as to be able to expand in the vicinity of the side. The expansion portion 46 is divided into two upper and lower portions by a partition portion 95 and a check valve 96. The partition part 95 may be configured by a tether in which a cloth piece is installed between the cloth parts 43 and 44 of the airbag 40, or is sewn (coupled) in a state where the cloth parts 43 and 44 are in contact with each other. It may be configured by a seam.

インフレータ３１は、仕切り部９５よりも上側の部位に配置される。逆止弁９６は、インフレータ３１から噴出される膨張用ガスが、仕切り部９５よりも上側の部位から下側の部位に流れるのを許容し、その逆方向に流れるのを規制する。仕切り部９５よりも上側の部位は、例えば胸部ＰＴ及び肩部ＰＳの側方で膨張し、仕切り部９５よりも下側の部位は、例えば腰部ＰＰの側方で膨張する。   The inflator 31 is disposed at a site above the partition part 95. The check valve 96 allows the inflation gas ejected from the inflator 31 to flow from the upper part to the lower part of the partition part 95 and restricts the flow in the opposite direction. The part above the partition part 95 expands, for example, on the side of the chest part PT and the shoulder part PS, and the part below the partition part 95 expands, for example, on the side part of the waist part PP.

このサイドエアバッグ装置に本発明を適用した場合、同図３１（Ａ）に示すように、上側の部位が、略上下方向に延び、かつ調圧弁（図示略）を有する区画部材５０Ｕによって、さらに前後２つに区画されてもよい。また、下側の部位が、略上下方向に延び、かつ調圧弁（図示略）を有する区画部材５０Ｌによって、さらに前後２つに区画されてもよい。この場合、仕切り部９５よりも上側の部位では、区画部材５０Ｕよりも後側の部分が上流側膨張部９７とされ、前側の部分が下流側膨張部９８とされる。また、仕切り部９５よりも下側の部位では、区画部材５０Ｌよりも後側の部分が上流側膨張部９９とされ、前側の部分が下流側膨張部１００とされる。   When the present invention is applied to this side airbag device, as shown in FIG. 31 (A), the upper part extends substantially in the vertical direction and is further separated by a partition member 50U having a pressure regulating valve (not shown). You may divide into two front and back. Further, the lower part may be further divided into two front and rear parts by a partition member 50L that extends substantially in the vertical direction and has a pressure regulating valve (not shown). In this case, in the region above the partition portion 95, the rear portion of the partition member 50U is the upstream expansion portion 97, and the front portion is the downstream expansion portion 98. Further, in a portion below the partition portion 95, a portion on the rear side of the partition member 50L is an upstream inflatable portion 99, and a front portion is a downstream inflatable portion 100.

なお、図示はしないが、区画部材５０Ｕ，５０Ｌは、仕切り部９５よりも上側の部位のみに設けられてもよいし、下側の部位のみに設けられてもよい。
上記図３１（Ａ）の変形例として、図３１（Ｂ）に示すように、仕切り部９５よりも上側の部位が、略上下方向に延びる区画部材５０Ｕに代えて、略前後方向に延びる区画部材５０Ｈによって上下２つに区画されてもよい。この場合、区画部材５０Ｈよりも下側の部分が、胸部ＰＴを保護する上流側膨張部１０１とされ、上側の部分が肩部ＰＳを保護する下流側膨張部１０２とされる。 In addition, although not illustrated, the partition members 50U and 50L may be provided only in the upper part of the partition part 95, or may be provided only in the lower part.
As a modification of FIG. 31 (A), as shown in FIG. 31 (B), a portion above the partitioning portion 95 extends in a substantially longitudinal direction instead of a partition member 50U extending in a substantially vertical direction. It may be divided into two upper and lower parts by 50H. In this case, the part below the partition member 50H is the upstream inflatable part 101 that protects the chest PT, and the upper part is the downstream inflatable part 102 that protects the shoulder PS.

なお、図示はしないが、仕切り部９５よりも下側の部位が、略上下方向に延びる区画部材５０Ｌに代えて、略前後方向に延びる区画部材によって上下２つに区画されてもよい。この場合、区画部材よりも上側の部分が、腰部ＰＰの上半部を保護する上流側膨張部とされ、下側の部分が腰部ＰＰの下半部を保護する下流側膨張部とされる。   Although not shown in the drawing, the portion below the partition portion 95 may be divided into two upper and lower portions by a partition member extending in the substantially front-rear direction instead of the partition member 50L extending in the substantially vertical direction. In this case, the upper part of the partition member is an upstream expansion part that protects the upper half of the waist PP, and the lower part is a downstream expansion part that protects the lower half of the waist PP.

・図３２（Ａ）に示すように、膨張部４６は、インフレータ３１の前方で、同インフレータ３１に沿って略上下方向に延びる仕切り部１０３によって、大きく前後２つに区画されてもよい。仕切り部１０３は、上述した仕切り部９５（図３１（Ａ），（Ｂ）参照）と同様、エアバッグ４０の両布部４３，４４間に布片を架設してなるテザーによって構成されてもよいし、両布部４３，４４を互いに接触させた状態で縫合（結合）してなるシームによって構成されてもよい。   As shown in FIG. 32 (A), the inflating part 46 may be largely divided into two front and rear parts by a partition part 103 extending substantially in the vertical direction along the inflator 31 in front of the inflator 31. Similarly to the partition part 95 (see FIGS. 31 (A) and 31 (B)) described above, the partition part 103 may be configured by a tether in which a cloth piece is provided between the cloth parts 43 and 44 of the airbag 40. Alternatively, it may be constituted by a seam formed by stitching (bonding) the cloth parts 43 and 44 in contact with each other.

仕切り部１０３よりも後側の部位は、インフレータ３１が収容されるインフレータ収容部１０４とされる。仕切り部１０３よりも前側の部位は、乗員Ｐの肩部ＰＳ〜腰部ＰＰにかけての部位を保護する保護部１０５とされる。保護部１０５は、調圧弁（図示略）を有し、かつそれぞれ略前後方向に延びる上下一対の区画部材５０Ｕ，５０Ｌによって上、中央、下の３つの部分に区画されてもよい。この場合、上側の区画部材５０Ｕを基準とすると、「上」部分が上流側膨張部１０６となり、「中央」部分が下流側膨張部１０７となる。また、下側の区画部材５０Ｌを基準とすると、「下」部分が上流側膨張部１０８となり、「中央」部分が下流側膨張部１０７となる。   A part on the rear side of the partition 103 is an inflator accommodating portion 104 in which the inflator 31 is accommodated. The part on the front side of the partition part 103 is a protective part 105 that protects the part from the shoulder part PS to the waist part PP of the occupant P. The protection unit 105 includes a pressure regulating valve (not shown), and may be partitioned into three parts, an upper part, a center part, and a lower part, by a pair of upper and lower partition members 50U and 50L that extend substantially in the front-rear direction. In this case, when the upper partition member 50U is used as a reference, the “upper” portion becomes the upstream expansion portion 106 and the “center” portion becomes the downstream expansion portion 107. When the lower partition member 50L is used as a reference, the “lower” portion becomes the upstream expansion portion 108 and the “center” portion becomes the downstream expansion portion 107.

インフレータ３１から噴出される膨張用ガスは、インフレータ収容部１０４、上流側膨張部１０６及び区画部材５０Ｕを順に経て下流側膨張部１０７に供給されるとともに、インフレータ収容部１０４、上流側膨張部１０８及び区画部材５０Ｌを順に経て下流側膨張部１０７に供給される。このように、膨張用ガスは２つのルートを通って下流側膨張部１０７に供給される。   The inflating gas ejected from the inflator 31 is supplied to the downstream inflating portion 107 through the inflator accommodating portion 104, the upstream inflating portion 106, and the partition member 50U in order, and the inflator accommodating portion 104, the upstream inflating portion 108, and the like. It is supplied to the downstream inflating part 107 through the partition member 50L in order. In this way, the expansion gas is supplied to the downstream expansion portion 107 through two routes.

なお、図示はしないが、仕切り部１０３が設けられることなく、膨張部４６は、調圧弁（図示略）を有し、かつ略前後方向に延びる１つの区画部材によって、上下２つの部分に区画されてもよい。下側の部分は、インフレータ３１からの膨張用ガスが最初に供給されて腰部ＰＰを保護する上流側膨張部とされ、上側の部分は、上流側膨張部を経た膨張用ガスが供給されて、胸部ＰＴ（肩部ＰＳ）を保護する下流側膨張部とされてもよい。   Although not shown, the partition part 103 is not provided, and the expansion part 46 has a pressure regulating valve (not shown) and is partitioned into two upper and lower parts by one partition member extending substantially in the front-rear direction. May be. The lower part is an upstream side expansion part that first supplies the inflation gas from the inflator 31 to protect the waist PP, and the upper part is supplied with the expansion gas that has passed through the upstream side expansion part, It may be a downstream expansion part that protects the chest part PT (shoulder part PS).

・区画部材５０の形状は、直線状をなすものに限らず、非直線状をなすものであってもよい。調圧弁（図示略）を有する区画部材５０は、例えば図３２（Ｂ）に示すように、Ｌ字形状（くの字形状）をなすものであってもよい。この場合、膨張部４６は区画部材５０によって略上下方向に３つの部分に区画されてもよい。区画部材５０の斜め後ろ上方の部分が上流側膨張部１１１とされ、同区画部材５０の斜め後ろ下方の部分が上流側膨張部１１２とされ、区画部材５０によって挟まれた部分が下流側膨張部１１３とされる。   The shape of the partition member 50 is not limited to a linear shape, and may be a non-linear shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 32B, the partition member 50 having a pressure regulating valve (not shown) may have an L shape (a shape of a dog). In this case, the inflating portion 46 may be partitioned into three parts in the substantially vertical direction by the partition member 50. The upper part of the partition member 50 is defined as the upstream expansion part 111, the lower part of the partition member 50 is defined as the upstream expansion part 112, and the part sandwiched by the partition members 50 is the downstream expansion part. 113.

そのほか、図示はしないが、区画部材５０は半円形状をなすものであってもよい。
なお、上記変更についての思想は、胸部ＰＴのみを保護するサイドエアバッグ装置、胸部ＰＴ〜頭部ＰＨを保護するサイドエアバッグ装置、腰部ＰＰ〜胸部ＰＴ（肩部ＰＳ）を保護するサイドエアバッグ装置、腰部ＰＰ〜頭部ＰＨを保護するサイドエアバッグ装置の各エアバッグに適宜転用可能である。 In addition, although not shown, the partition member 50 may have a semicircular shape.
In addition, the idea about the said change is the side airbag device which protects only chest PT, the side airbag device which protects chest PT-head PH, and the side airbag which protects waist PP-chest PT (shoulder PS). The device can be appropriately converted to each airbag of the side airbag device that protects the waist PP to the head PH.

・本発明は、サイドエアバッグ装置とは異なる種類のエアバッグ装置にも適用可能である。
その一例として、図３３及び図３４に示す膝保護用エアバッグ装置１２０がある。図３３に示すように、膝保護用エアバッグ装置１２０は、車両用シート（図示略）に着座した乗員Ｐの下肢の前下方で膨張することにより、同乗員Ｐの脛部ＰＤから膝部ＰＫにかけての部位を保護するものである。膝保護用エアバッグ装置１２０は、例えばステアリングコラム１２１の下方に設けられた収納部１２２に収納されている。なお、この収納部１２２は、インストルメントパネルにおいて助手席の乗員の前下方に設けられてもよい。 -This invention is applicable also to the airbag apparatus of a kind different from a side airbag apparatus.
As an example, there is a knee protection airbag device 120 shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. As shown in FIG. 33, the knee protection airbag device 120 is inflated in front of and below the lower limbs of the occupant P seated on a vehicle seat (not shown), so that the knee portion PK extends from the shin PD of the occupant P. It protects the part over. The knee protection airbag device 120 is stored in a storage portion 122 provided below the steering column 121, for example. In addition, this accommodating part 122 may be provided in the front lower direction of the passenger | crew of a passenger seat in an instrument panel.

前突等により、車両に前方から衝撃が加わったことが検知されると、膝保護用エアバッグ装置１２０のエアバッグ１２３は膨張用ガスにより膨張を開始し、収納部１２２から後方側へ出て、乗員Ｐとステアリングコラム１２１との間において、乗員Ｐの両足の脛部ＰＤから膝部ＰＫにかけての領域で膨張展開する。   When it is detected that an impact is applied to the vehicle from the front due to a front collision or the like, the airbag 123 of the knee protection airbag device 120 starts to inflate with the inflation gas and exits from the storage portion 122 to the rear side. In between the occupant P and the steering column 121, the occupant P inflates and expands in a region from the shin PD of the occupant P to the knee PK.

この別例の場合、図３４に示すように、膝保護用エアバッグ装置１２０のエアバッグ１２３は、前後一対の布部１２３Ａを、その周縁部に設けた周縁結合部１２４で袋状に結合することによって形成されている。エアバッグ１２３の膨張部１２５は、インフレータアセンブリ３０が収容されるインフレータ収容部１２６と、膝部ＰＫを保護する上流側膨張部１２７と、インフレータ収容部１２６内の膨張用ガスＧを上流側膨張部１２７へ導く一対のガス通路部１２８と、上流側膨張部１２７の下流側に位置する下流側膨張部１２９とを備えている。インフレータ収容部１２６は、膨張部１２５の下部に形成され、上流側膨張部１２７は膨張部１２５の上部に形成されている。下流側膨張部１２９は、上流側膨張部１２７及びインフレータ収容部１２６間に形成されている。両ガス通路部１２８は、車幅方向（図３４の左右方向）についての下流側膨張部１２９の両側に形成されている。インフレータ収容部１２６及び両ガス通路部１２８と、下流側膨張部１２９とは、それらの間に正面略Ｕ字状に設けられた仕切り部１３１によって仕切られている。仕切り部１３１は、上述した仕切り部９５，１０３と同様、エアバッグ１２３の前後両布部１２３Ａ間に布片を架設してなるテザーによって構成されてもよいし、前後両布部１２３Ａを互いに接触させた状態で縫合（結合）してなるシームによって構成されてもよい。   In the case of this other example, as shown in FIG. 34, the airbag 123 of the knee protection airbag device 120 is formed by combining a pair of front and rear fabric portions 123A in a bag shape by a peripheral edge coupling portion 124 provided at the peripheral edge portion. It is formed by. The inflating portion 125 of the airbag 123 includes an inflator housing portion 126 in which the inflator assembly 30 is housed, an upstream inflating portion 127 that protects the knee portion PK, and an inflating gas G in the inflator housing portion 126 as an upstream inflating portion. A pair of gas passage portions 128 leading to 127 and a downstream side expansion portion 129 located on the downstream side of the upstream side expansion portion 127 are provided. The inflator accommodating portion 126 is formed at the lower portion of the inflating portion 125, and the upstream inflating portion 127 is formed at the upper portion of the inflating portion 125. The downstream expansion portion 129 is formed between the upstream expansion portion 127 and the inflator accommodating portion 126. Both gas passage portions 128 are formed on both sides of the downstream side expansion portion 129 in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction in FIG. 34). The inflator accommodating portion 126 and both gas passage portions 128 and the downstream side expansion portion 129 are partitioned by a partition portion 131 provided between them in a substantially U-shape on the front surface. The partition part 131 may be configured by a tether in which a piece of cloth is provided between the front and rear cloth parts 123A of the airbag 123, as in the case of the partition parts 95 and 103 described above, or the front and rear cloth parts 123A are in contact with each other. You may be comprised by the seam formed by stitching | suture (joining) in the made state.

上流側膨張部１２７及び下流側膨張部１２９間には区画部材５０が設けられている。区画部材５０は、膨張部１２５の膨張に伴い平面状に緊張させられたとき、長手方向（図３４の左右方向）についての長さが、同長手方向に直交する短手方向についての長さよりも長い長尺状をなしている。   A partition member 50 is provided between the upstream expansion portion 127 and the downstream expansion portion 129. When the partition member 50 is tensioned in a planar shape with the expansion of the expansion portion 125, the length in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 34) is longer than the length in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. It is long and long.

区画部材５０は、折り線５１に沿う方向である車幅方向に並べられた２つの部材５６，５７からなる。両部材５６，５７は、折り線５１に略直交する方向へ延びる内結合部６３によって結合されている。折り線５１を跨ぐ部分では、両部材５６，５７を結合させる内結合部６３が設けられていない。このように内結合部６３が設けられていない部分である、結合を解除された箇所は、上流側膨張部１２７と下流側膨張部１２９とを連通させるスリット状の内開口部７１を構成している。   The partition member 50 includes two members 56 and 57 arranged in the vehicle width direction that is a direction along the fold line 51. Both members 56 and 57 are coupled by an inner coupling portion 63 that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the fold line 51. In the portion straddling the fold line 51, the inner coupling portion 63 that couples both the members 56 and 57 is not provided. In this way, the portion where the inner coupling portion 63 is not provided, where the coupling is released, constitutes a slit-shaped inner opening 71 that allows the upstream expansion portion 127 and the downstream expansion portion 129 to communicate with each other. Yes.

なお、図３４では、区画部材５０は二つ折り状態にされ、折り線５１を対向端部５２，５３よりも上流側（図３４の上側）に位置させた状態で非膨張展開状態の膨張部１２５に配設されている。両対向端部５２，５３は、外結合部５４，５５によって対応する布部１２３Ａに結合されている。区画部材５０の折り線５１に沿う方向（長手方向）の両端部（図３４の左右両端部）は、上記仕切り部１３１の一部（上端部）によって両布部１２３Ａに結合（共縫い）されている。   In FIG. 34, the partition member 50 is folded in two, and the inflated portion 125 in the non-inflated and deployed state with the fold line 51 positioned on the upstream side (upper side in FIG. 34) of the opposing end portions 52 and 53. It is arranged. Both opposing end portions 52 and 53 are coupled to the corresponding fabric portion 123 </ b> A by outer coupling portions 54 and 55. Both end portions (left and right end portions in FIG. 34) in the direction (longitudinal direction) along the fold line 51 of the partition member 50 are coupled (sewed together) to both the cloth portions 123A by a part (upper end portion) of the partition portion 131. ing.

膝保護用エアバッグ装置１２０をこのような構成にすることにより、インフレータ３１から噴出される膨張用ガスＧは、両ガス通路部１２８を通って上流側膨張部１２７に供給される。この膨張用ガスＧにより、上流側膨張部１２７が膨張を開始する。乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力によって上流側膨張部１２７が押圧されて変形して内圧が上昇して調圧弁７０が開弁し、上流側膨張部１２７内の膨張用ガスＧが下流側膨張部１２９に供給される。上流側膨張部１２７に遅れて下流側膨張部１２９が膨張する。その結果、乗員Ｐの下肢のうち、耐衝撃性の比較的高い膝部ＰＫを、内圧が早く上昇する上流側膨張部１２７によって早期に拘束・保護し、耐衝撃性の比較的低い脛部ＰＤを、上流側膨張部１２７よりも遅れて内圧が上昇する下流側膨張部１２９によってソフトに拘束・保護することができる。   By configuring the knee protection airbag device 120 in such a configuration, the inflation gas G ejected from the inflator 31 is supplied to the upstream inflation portion 127 through the gas passage portions 128. Due to the expansion gas G, the upstream side expansion portion 127 starts to expand. The upstream expansion portion 127 is pressed and deformed by an external force applied in accordance with the occupant restraint, the internal pressure rises and the pressure regulating valve 70 is opened, and the expansion gas G in the upstream expansion portion 127 enters the downstream expansion portion 129. Supplied. The downstream expansion portion 129 expands behind the upstream expansion portion 127. As a result, among the lower limbs of the occupant P, the knee part PK having a relatively high impact resistance is restrained and protected early by the upstream inflating part 127 in which the internal pressure rises quickly, and the shin part PD having a relatively low impact resistance. Can be softly restrained and protected by the downstream expansion portion 129 whose internal pressure increases later than the upstream expansion portion 127.

・第５実施形態の別例として、図３５に示すように、外結合部５４のうち、周縁結合部４５と点Ｄとを繋ぐ部分５４Ｓの形状を、点Ｂ及び点Ｄを繋ぐ線分Ｓ３よりも点Ｃ側へ膨らむ円弧状をなすものに変更してもよい。   As another example of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35, the shape of the portion 54 </ b> S that connects the peripheral joint portion 45 and the point D in the outer joint portion 54 is the line segment S <b> 3 that connects the point B and the point D. Alternatively, it may be changed to an arc shape that swells to the point C side.

このようにしても、外結合部５４の周縁結合部４５との交差部５４Ｃと、折り線５１との間隔Ｄ１が、採り得る範囲の最小値に近づく。
そのため、折り線５１の周縁結合部４５との交差部５１Ｃが外結合部５４側へ引っ張られて移動する量、ひいては同交差部５１Ｃに作用する引っ張り力が最小に近づき、同交差部５１Ｃに対する応力集中を緩和する大きな効果が得られ、上述した（８）と同様の効果が得られる。 Even in this case, the distance D1 between the intersection 54C of the outer coupling portion 54 with the peripheral coupling portion 45 and the folding line 51 approaches the minimum value of the range that can be taken.
Therefore, the amount that the intersection 51C of the fold line 51 and the peripheral coupling portion 45 is pulled and moved toward the outer coupling portion 54, and the pulling force acting on the intersection 51C approaches a minimum, and the stress on the intersection 51C is reduced. A great effect of relaxing the concentration can be obtained, and the same effect as the above-described (8) can be obtained.

なお、図３５は、エアバッグ４０において、車幅方向の中央部分よりも車内側の部材についてのみ示しているが、車外側の部材についても同様である。
・外結合部５４，５５において、上側の組の点Ｄと下側の組の点Ｄとを繋ぐ部分５４Ｍは、図３５に示すように、それらの点Ｄから離れるほど折り線５１から遠ざかるように膨らむ円弧状をなすものであってもよい。 FIG. 35 shows only the members on the vehicle inner side than the center portion in the vehicle width direction in the airbag 40, but the same applies to the members on the vehicle outer side.
In the outer coupling portions 54 and 55, the portion 54M that connects the upper set point D and the lower set point D moves away from the fold line 51 as the distance from the point D increases as shown in FIG. It may have an arc shape that swells.

・点Ａ及び点Ｄを繋ぐ線分Ｓ２と、点Ｂ及び点Ｄを繋ぐ線分Ｓ３と、周縁結合部４５とによって挟まれる領域Ｚ１のうち、同線分Ｓ２よりも同線分Ｓ３側であることを条件に、外結合部５４のうち、周縁結合部４５及び点Ｄを繋ぐ部分５４Ｓの位置が変更されてもよい。   In the region Z1 sandwiched between the line segment S2 connecting the point A and the point D, the line segment S3 connecting the point B and the point D, and the peripheral edge coupling portion 45, the line segment S3 is closer to the line segment S2 than the line segment S2. On the condition that there is, the position of the portion 54 </ b> S that connects the peripheral coupling portion 45 and the point D in the outer coupling portion 54 may be changed.

・第５実施形態及び上記図３５の別例において、区画部材５０の周縁５０Ｃは、必ずしも外結合部５４，５５に沿うものでなくてもよい。従って、区画部材５０として、第１実施形態と同様のもの（周縁５０Ｃが一直線状をなすもの）が用いられてもよい。   -In 5th Embodiment and the other example of the said FIG. 35, the peripheral edge 50C of the division member 50 does not necessarily need to follow the outer coupling parts 54 and 55. FIG. Therefore, the partition member 50 may be the same as that in the first embodiment (the peripheral edge 50C is in a straight line).

・全ての実施形態において、インフレータアセンブリ３０をエアバッグ４０の外部に設けてもよい。この場合には、インフレータ３１と上流側膨張部４７，８８，９１，９３，９７，９９，１０１，１０６，１０８，１１１，１１２，１２７とを管によって繋ぎ、この管を介してインフレータ３１からの膨張用ガスＧを供給するようにしてもよい。   In all the embodiments, the inflator assembly 30 may be provided outside the airbag 40. In this case, the inflator 31 and the upstream side inflatable portions 47, 88, 91, 93, 97, 99, 101, 106, 108, 111, 112, 127 are connected by a pipe, and the inflator 31 is connected to the inflator 31 via this pipe. You may make it supply the gas G for expansion | swelling.

・全ての実施形態において、車両用シート１２のシートバック１４に代えて、ボディサイド部１１に収納部１８を設け、ここにエアバッグモジュールＡＭを配設してもよい。   In all the embodiments, instead of the seat back 14 of the vehicle seat 12, the storage part 18 may be provided in the body side part 11, and the airbag module AM may be provided here.

４０，１２３…エアバッグ、４２，５１，８５…折り線、４３，４４，１２３Ａ…布部、４５，１２４…周縁結合部、４６，１２５…膨張部、４７，８８，９１，９３，９７，９９，１０１，１０６，１０８，１１１，１１２，１２７…上流側膨張部、４８，８９，９２，９４，９８，１００，１０２，１０７，１１３，１２９…下流側膨張部、５０，５０Ｆ，５０Ｈ，５０Ｌ，５０Ｒ，５０Ｕ…区画部材、５１Ｃ，５４Ｃ…交差部、５２，５３…対向端部、５４，５５…外結合部、６１…重ね合わせ部、６２…非重ね合わせ部、７０…調圧弁、７１…内開口部、７３，７４…弁体部、１２０…膝保護用エアバッグ装置、Ａ，Ｂ，Ｃ，Ｄ…点、Ｄ１…間隔、Ｇ…膨張用ガス、Ｌ１，Ｌ２…長さ、Ｐ…乗員、Ｓ１，Ｓ２，Ｓ３…線分、Ｚ１…領域。   40, 123 ... airbag, 42, 51, 85 ... fold line, 43, 44, 123A ... cloth part, 45, 124 ... peripheral joint part, 46, 125 ... inflatable part, 47, 88, 91, 93, 97, 99, 101, 106, 108, 111, 112, 127... Upstream expansion section, 48, 89, 92, 94, 98, 100, 102, 107, 113, 129... Downstream expansion section, 50, 50F, 50H, 50L, 50R, 50U ... partition member, 51C, 54C ... crossing part, 52, 53 ... opposite end part, 54, 55 ... outer coupling part, 61 ... overlapping part, 62 ... non-overlapping part, 70 ... pressure regulating valve, 71 ... Inner opening, 73, 74 ... Valve body, 120 ... Knee protecting airbag device, A, B, C, D ... Points, D1 ... Interval, G ... Inflating gas, L1, L2 ... Length, P ... Crew, S1, S2, S3 ... Line segment, Z1 ... Territory .

Claims (10)

膨張用ガスの供給前には平面状をなし、かつ膨張用ガスの供給により膨張するエアバッグの膨張部を、区画部材により少なくとも上流側膨張部及び下流側膨張部に区画し、前記膨張部への前記膨張用ガスの供給期間の初期には閉弁して前記上流側膨張部から前記下流側膨張部への前記膨張用ガスの流通を規制し、同供給期間の途中から開弁して前記規制を解除する調圧弁を設けたエアバッグ装置であって、
前記区画部材は、前記膨張部の膨張に伴い平面状に緊張させられたとき、長手方向についての長さが、同長手方向に直交する短手方向についての長さよりも長い長尺状をなし、
前記調圧弁は、
前記区画部材に設けられ、かつ前記短手方向に延びるスリット状の内開口部と、
前記内開口部の周りに設けられて互いに接近及び離間する一対の弁体部と
を備えることを特徴とするエアバッグ装置。 Before the supply of the inflation gas, the airbag is inflated and is inflated by the supply of the inflation gas. The inflation part is divided into at least an upstream inflation part and a downstream inflation part by a partition member, and The expansion gas is closed at the beginning of the supply period to restrict the flow of the expansion gas from the upstream expansion section to the downstream expansion section, and is opened from the middle of the supply period to An airbag device provided with a pressure regulating valve for releasing regulation,
When the partition member is strained in a planar shape with the expansion of the expansion portion, the length in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
The pressure regulating valve is
A slit-shaped inner opening provided in the partition member and extending in the short-side direction;
An airbag device comprising a pair of valve body portions provided around the inner opening and approaching and separating from each other. 前記調圧弁は、前記膨張用ガスの前記供給期間の途中からは、前記エアバッグによる乗員拘束に伴い加わる外力により開弁するものである請求項１に記載のエアバッグ装置。 2. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure regulating valve is opened by an external force applied along with occupant restraint by the airbag from the middle of the supply period of the inflation gas. 前記区画部材には、前記短手方向に延びて帯状をなす一対の重ね合わせ部が設けられ、
前記各弁体部は、前記各重ね合わせ部において前記内開口部に対応する箇所により構成され、
前記両重ね合わせ部は、前記区画部材の非重ね合わせ部との境界部分に沿って折り曲げられ、前記短手方向についての両端部において前記エアバッグに結合されており、
前記両重ね合わせ部は、前記膨張部の膨張前には前記下流側膨張部に配置されている請求項１又は２に記載のエアバッグ装置。 The partition member is provided with a pair of overlapping portions extending in the lateral direction to form a belt shape,
Each valve body portion is constituted by a portion corresponding to the inner opening in each overlapping portion,
The two overlapping portions are bent along a boundary portion with the non-overlapping portion of the partition member, and are coupled to the airbag at both end portions in the short direction,
The airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the overlapping portion is disposed in the downstream inflating portion before the inflating portion is inflated. 前記両弁体部は、前記膨張部の膨張前には前記上流側膨張部に配置されている請求項１又は２に記載のエアバッグ装置。 The airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve body portions are arranged in the upstream inflating portion before the inflating portion is inflated. 前記区画部材は、前記長手方向に延びる折り線に沿って折り返されることにより、相対向する対向端部を接近させてなる二つ折り状態にされ、
前記二つ折り状態の前記区画部材は、前記折り線を前記対向端部よりも上流側に位置させた状態で非膨張展開状態の前記膨張部に配設され、さらに、前記両対向端部と、前記長手方向についての両端部とにおいて前記エアバッグに結合されている請求項１〜４のいずれか１つに記載のエアバッグ装置。 The partition member is folded along a fold line extending in the longitudinal direction, so that the opposing end portions facing each other are folded in two,
The bi-folded partition member is disposed in the inflated portion in a non-inflated and deployed state in a state where the fold line is positioned on the upstream side of the opposed end portion, and further, the opposed end portions, The airbag apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-4 currently couple | bonded with the said airbag in the both ends about the said longitudinal direction. 前記区画部材は、前記長手方向に延びる折り線に沿って折り返されることにより、相対向する対向端部を接近させてなる二つ折り状態にされ、
前記二つ折り状態の前記区画部材は、前記折り線を前記対向端部よりも下流側に位置させた状態で非膨張展開状態の前記膨張部に配設され、さらに、前記両対向端部と、前記長手方向についての両端部とにおいて前記エアバッグに結合されている請求項１〜４のいずれか１つに記載のエアバッグ装置。 The partition member is folded along a fold line extending in the longitudinal direction, so that the opposing end portions facing each other are folded in two,
The partition member in the bi-fold state is disposed in the inflatable portion in a non-inflated and deployed state in a state where the fold line is positioned on the downstream side of the opposing end portion, and the opposing end portions, The airbag apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-4 currently couple | bonded with the said airbag in the both ends about the said longitudinal direction. 前記エアバッグは、一対の布部を、同両布部の周縁部に沿って設けられた周縁結合部で結合することにより形成されており、
前記区画部材は、前記膨張用ガスの供給前には、前記長手方向に延びる折り線に沿って折り返されることにより、相対向する対向端部を接近させてなる二つ折り状態にされて前記エアバッグの前記両布部間に配置されており、前記各対向端部において外結合部により前記布部に結合され、前記長手方向についての両端部において前記周縁結合部により前記両布部に結合されており、
前記各外結合部は、前記折り線との間隔が、前記周縁結合部との交差部において、前記長手方向についての中間部分よりも小さくなるように、前記対向端部と前記布部とを結合するものである請求項１〜６のいずれか１つに記載のエアバッグ装置。 The airbag is formed by joining a pair of fabric portions with a peripheral joint portion provided along the peripheral portions of the both fabric portions,
Before the supply of the inflation gas, the partition member is folded along a fold line extending in the longitudinal direction to be folded in two so as to make opposed opposing ends approach each other. Between the two fabric portions, and coupled to the fabric portion by an outer coupling portion at each opposed end portion, and coupled to the both fabric portions by the peripheral coupling portion at both ends in the longitudinal direction. And
Each outer joint portion joins the opposite end portion and the cloth portion so that the distance from the fold line is smaller than the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction at the intersection with the peripheral joint portion. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 前記各外結合部が前記折り線に平行に延びているものとし、同各外結合部が前記周縁結合部と交差する箇所を点Ａとし、前記折り線が前記周縁結合部と交差する箇所を点Ｂとし、前記点Ｂを通り、かつ前記折り線に直交する線分が前記外結合部と交差する箇所を点Ｃとし、同外結合部上であって、前記点Ｃから前記調圧弁に近づく側へ、前記線分と同じ長さだけ離れた箇所を点Ｄとした場合において、
前記外結合部のうち、前記周縁結合部及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ部分は、前記点Ａ及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ線分と、前記点Ｂ及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ線分と、前記周縁結合部とにより挟まれる領域のうち、前記点Ａ及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ線分よりも、前記点Ｂ及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ線分側に設けられている請求項７に記載のエアバッグ装置。 Each outer coupling portion extends parallel to the fold line, and a point where each outer coupling portion intersects with the peripheral coupling portion is a point A, and a location where the folding line intersects with the peripheral coupling portion. A point B is defined as a point C where a line segment passing through the point B and perpendicular to the fold line intersects the outer coupling part. The point C is located on the outer coupling part, and the point C is changed to the pressure regulating valve. In the case where the point away from the approaching side by the same length as the line segment is point D,
Of the outer coupling part, the part connecting the peripheral joint part and the point D includes a line segment connecting the point A and the point D, a line segment connecting the point B and the point D, and the peripheral joint part. The airbag device according to claim 7, wherein the airbag device is provided on a line segment side connecting the point B and the point D with respect to a line segment connecting the point A and the point D. 前記外結合部のうち、前記周縁結合部及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ部分は、前記点Ｂ及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ線分に沿う直線状をなしている請求項８に記載のエアバッグ装置。 The airbag device according to claim 8, wherein a portion of the outer joint portion that connects the peripheral joint portion and the point D has a linear shape along a line segment that connects the point B and the point D. 前記外結合部のうち、前記周縁結合部及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ部分は、前記点Ｂ及び前記点Ｄを繋ぐ線分よりも前記点Ｃ側へ膨らむ円弧状をなしている請求項８に記載のエアバッグ装置。 The part which connects the said peripheral connection part and the said point D among the said outer coupling parts has comprised the circular arc shape which swells to the said point C side rather than the line segment which connects the said point B and the said point D. Airbag device.
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