JP2023077192A - Airbag and folding method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an airbag which enables an auxiliary chamber to deploy in a direction in which an arm of an occupant is pushed up to push up the arm easily, and to provide a folding method of the airbag.SOLUTION: An airbag 13 includes a bag-like airbag body 20 which is expanded and deployed from a folded and stored state to the side of an occupant by a gas being introduced thereinto. The airbag body 20 has: a main chamber 22; and an auxiliary chamber 23 communicating with the main chamber 22, protruding from the main chamber 22 to the occupant side, and having a capacity smaller than that of the main chamber 22. The auxiliary chamber 23 is folded to the rear lower side in a direction opposite to a direction, in which an arm of the occupant is pushed up, in a non-deployment state and located at a position facing a lower part of the arm of the occupant in a deployment state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

本発明は、折り畳まれて収納された状態からガスの導入により乗員の側方に膨張展開する袋状のエアバッグ本体部を有するエアバッグ及びその折り畳み方法に関する。 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag having a bag-like airbag main body that inflates and deploys to the side of an occupant by gas introduction from a folded and stored state, and a method of folding the airbag.

従来、例えば自動車の座席に着席した乗員の側方にエアバッグを展開し、側面衝突時に乗員を保護する側突用のエアバッグ装置が知られている。側突用のエアバッグ装置においては、乗員とエアバッグとの間に乗員の腕部が介在されないようにエアバッグによって腕部を押し上げて、腕部による胸部への負荷（傷害値）を低減することが望まれる。この点、例えば、エアバッグにメインチャンバとこのメインチャンバの乗員側に位置するサブチャンバとを設け、それぞれのチャンバの上端部を車両外側に向かい上側に傾斜させることで、体格が異なる乗員に対しても、メインチャンバの上端部またはサブチャンバの上端部によって乗員の腕部を押し上げるようにしたものが知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a side-impact airbag device that deploys an airbag to the side of an occupant seated in an automobile seat to protect the occupant in the event of a side collision. In a side-impact airbag device, the arm of the occupant is pushed up by the airbag so that the arm of the occupant is not interposed between the occupant and the airbag, thereby reducing the load (injury value) on the chest caused by the arm. is desired. In this respect, for example, the airbag is provided with a main chamber and a sub-chamber located on the occupant side of the main chamber, and the upper end of each chamber is inclined upward toward the outside of the vehicle, so that occupants of different physiques can However, there is known one in which the arm of the occupant is pushed up by the upper end of the main chamber or the upper end of the sub-chamber (see Patent Document 1, for example).

特開２０１３－１４７０４１号公報 （第７頁、図１－６）JP 2013-147041 A (page 7, Figures 1-6)

サブチャンバについては、メインチャンバの車室内側の中央部から突出するに過ぎず、サブチャンバにガスが流入した際のより望ましい展開挙動を検討する余地がある。 As for the sub-chamber, it only protrudes from the central portion of the main chamber inside the passenger compartment, and there is room for further examination of a more desirable deployment behavior when gas flows into the sub-chamber.

本発明は、このような点に鑑みなされたもので、副室を乗員の腕部の押し上げ方向に展開させて腕部を容易に押し上げることが可能なエアバッグ及びその折り畳み方法を提供することを目的とする。 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an airbag and a method for folding the airbag which can deploy the pre-chamber in the direction in which the occupant's arm is pushed up to easily push up the arm. aim.

請求項１記載のエアバッグは、折り畳まれて収納された状態からガスの導入により乗員の側方に膨張展開する袋状のエアバッグ本体部を備え、前記エアバッグ本体部は、主室と、この主室と連通し、この主室から前記乗員側に突出する、前記主室よりも小容積の副室と、を有し、前記副室は、非展開状態では前記乗員の腕部の押し上げ方向とは反対方向である後方下側に向かって折り畳まれ、展開状態では前記乗員の腕部の下部に対向する位置となるものである。 The airbag according to claim 1 comprises a bag-like airbag main body portion that expands and deploys to the side of the occupant by introduction of gas from a folded and stored state, the airbag main body portion comprising a main chamber, an auxiliary chamber having a volume smaller than that of the main chamber, communicating with the main chamber and protruding from the main chamber toward the occupant, the auxiliary chamber pushing up the arm of the occupant in the non-deployed state. In the unfolded state, it faces the lower part of the occupant's arm.

請求項２記載のエアバッグは、請求項１記載のエアバッグにおいて、副室は、折り畳まれた状態で、後部及び下部に亘り外殻が押し込まれて形成されたポケット部と、このポケット部の一縁部をなす外殻により前記副室の後部及び下部に亘り形成され前記ポケット部の他縁部側をなす外殻に重ねられる余剰部と、を備え、前記余剰部に前記余剰部の一部を収容する余剰調整部が形成されているものである。 The airbag according to claim 2 is the airbag according to claim 1, wherein the sub-chamber has a pocket portion formed by pushing the outer shell over the rear portion and the lower portion in a folded state, and the pocket portion. a surplus portion formed over the rear portion and the lower portion of the sub chamber by an outer shell forming one edge portion and overlapped with the outer shell forming the other edge portion side of the pocket portion; A surplus adjustment portion is formed to accommodate the portion.

請求項３記載のエアバッグは、請求項２記載のエアバッグにおいて、余剰調整部は、余剰部の一部が押し込まれる段折り状に形成されているものである。 The airbag according to claim 3 is the airbag according to claim 2, wherein the surplus adjusting portion is formed in a stepped shape into which a part of the surplus portion is pushed.

請求項４記載のエアバッグは、請求項１ないし３いずれか一記載のエアバッグにおいて、副室は、所定の側面衝突用ダミーの腕部の設定角度に沿った押し上げ部を外殻に備えるものである。 The airbag according to claim 4 is the airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the auxiliary chamber has a push-up portion on the outer shell along the set angle of the arm portion of the side collision dummy. is.

請求項５記載のエアバッグは、請求項１ないし４いずれか一記載のエアバッグにおいて、副室は、前部上側にガスを排出する排気穴を備え、後部下側からガスが導入されるものである。 The airbag according to claim 5 is the airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the auxiliary chamber has an exhaust hole for discharging gas to the upper front portion, and the gas is introduced from the lower rear portion. is.

請求項６記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法は、主室と、この主室と連通し、この主室から乗員側に突出する、前記主室よりも小容積の副室と、を備えて、折り畳まれて収納された状態からガスの導入により乗員の側方に膨張展開する袋状のエアバッグ本体部を折り畳むエアバッグの折り畳み方法であって、前記副室を前記乗員の腕部の押し上げ方向とは逆向きである後方下側に向かって折り畳むものである。 The airbag folding method according to claim 6 comprises a main chamber and an auxiliary chamber communicating with the main chamber and protruding from the main chamber toward the occupant and having a volume smaller than that of the main chamber. An airbag folding method for folding a bag-shaped airbag main body portion that expands and deploys to the side of an occupant when gas is introduced from a state in which the airbag is stored in an airbag, wherein the auxiliary chamber is aligned with the direction in which the arms of the occupant are pushed up. is folded backwards and downwards in the opposite direction.

請求項７記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法は、請求項６記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法において、副室を折り畳む際に、前記副室の外殻を後部下側へと前記副室内に押し込んで前記副室の後部及び下部に亘りポケット部を形成し、このポケット部の形成によりこのポケット部の一縁部をなして前記副室の外殻によって前記副室の後部及び下部に亘り位置する余剰部の一部をその余剰部に段折り状に押し込んで収容しつつ前記余剰部を前記ポケット部の他縁部側をなす前記副室の外殻に重ねるものである。 The airbag folding method according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in the airbag folding method according to claim 6, when the pre-chamber is folded, the outer shell of the pre-chamber is pushed into the sub-chamber to the rear lower side, and the Forming a pocket portion over the rear and lower portions of the pre-chamber, forming one edge of the pocket portion due to the formation of the pocket portion, and an excess portion positioned over the rear and lower portions of the pre-chamber by the outer shell of the pre-chamber. is pushed into the surplus portion in a stepped manner and accommodated, and the surplus portion is superimposed on the outer shell of the pre-chamber forming the other edge portion side of the pocket portion.

請求項１記載のエアバッグによれば、副室に導入されたガスにより、副室を乗員の腕部を押し上げる方向に膨張展開させることができるので、乗員の腕部を容易に押し上げることができる。 According to the airbag of claim 1, the gas introduced into the pre-chamber can inflate and deploy the pre-chamber in the direction of pushing up the arm of the occupant, so that the arm of the occupant can be easily pushed up. .

請求項２記載のエアバッグによれば、請求項１記載のエアバッグの効果に加えて、エアバッグを乗員の腕部の押し上げ方向とは反対方向である後方下側に向かって容易に折り畳むことができる。 According to the airbag of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the airbag of claim 1, the airbag can be easily folded rearward and downward, which is the direction opposite to the direction in which the occupant's arms are pushed up. can be done.

請求項３記載のエアバッグによれば、請求項２記載のエアバッグの効果に加えて、余剰部の膨張展開の向きを変えることなく余剰部をコンパクトに折り畳むことができる。 According to the airbag of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the airbag of claim 2, the surplus portion can be folded compactly without changing the direction of inflation and deployment of the surplus portion.

請求項４記載のエアバッグによれば、請求項１ないし３いずれか一記載のエアバッグの効果に加えて、副室が膨張展開したときに押し上げ部によって腕部を効果的に押し上げることができる。 According to the airbag of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the airbag of any one of claims 1 to 3, the arm can be effectively pushed up by the push-up portion when the pre-chamber is inflated and deployed. .

請求項５記載のエアバッグによれば、請求項１ないし４いずれか一記載のエアバッグの効果に加えて、副室に導入されたガスが排気穴から排出されるまでの時間を確保し、副室の内圧を早期に高めて、腕部の押し上げ効果を高めることができる。 According to the airbag according to claim 5, in addition to the effect of the airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the time until the gas introduced into the pre-chamber is discharged from the exhaust hole is ensured, By increasing the internal pressure of the pre-chamber at an early stage, the effect of pushing up the arm can be enhanced.

請求項６記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法によれば、副室を乗員の腕部の押し上げ方向に展開させて腕部を容易に押し上げることが可能となるように容易に折り畳むことができる。 According to the airbag folding method of claim 6, the pre-chamber can be expanded in the direction in which the occupant's arms are pushed up and can be easily folded so that the arms can be easily pushed up.

請求項７記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法によれば、請求項６記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法の効果に加えて、エアバッグを乗員の腕部の押し上げ方向とは反対方向である後方下側に向かって容易に折り畳むことができる。 According to the airbag folding method according to claim 7, in addition to the effects of the airbag folding method according to claim 6, the airbag is moved downward and rearward in the direction opposite to the direction in which the occupant's arms are pushed up. It can be easily folded towards.

本発明の一実施の形態のエアバッグの副室の折り畳み方法を（ａ）ないし（ｄ）の順に示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the folding method of the pre-chamber of the airbag of one embodiment of this invention in order of (a) thru|or (d). 図１（ｄ）のＩ－Ｉ相当位置の一部を模式的に示す断面図である。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the position corresponding to II in FIG. 1(d). 同上エアバッグの展開状態を車室内側から示す側面図である。FIG. 4 is a side view showing the deployed state of the same airbag from the inside of the vehicle compartment; 同上エアバッグの折り畳み方法を（ａ）ないし（ｆ）の順に示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the folding method of an airbag same as the above in order of (a) thru|or (f). 同上エアバッグの膨張展開挙動を（ａ）ないし（ｄ）の順に模式的に示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows typically the expansion|deployment behavior of an airbag same as the above in order of (a) thru|or (d).

以下、本発明の一実施の形態について、図面を参照して説明する。 An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

図３において、10はエアバッグ装置である。エアバッグ装置10は、被取付部材である自動車の車室の座席（シート）Ｓに取り付けられて、座席Ｓに着座した被保護物である乗員Ｈと対向物である車体のドア及び窓部との間に膨張展開して乗員Ｈを保護するいわゆるサイドエアバッグ装置を構成している。なお、乗員Ｈは、例えばＷｏｒｌｄＳＩＤ－５０Ｍ、あるいはＳＩＤ－IIｓなどで規定される側面衝突用ダミーにより示す。この乗員Ｈは、腕部（上腕部）ARを含む胸部CT、肩部SH、腹部AB、及び、腰部WAなどを備える。また、前後、両側、上下などの方向は、自動車の直進方向を基準とし、図３などの矢印Ｆが前方、矢印Ｒが後方、矢印Ｕが上方、矢印Ｄが下方を示す。 In FIG. 3, 10 is an airbag device. The airbag device 10 is attached to a seat (seat) S of a passenger compartment of an automobile, which is a member to be attached, and protects an occupant H seated on the seat S, and a door and a window of the vehicle body, which are objects to be protected. This constitutes a so-called side airbag device that inflates and deploys between the airbags to protect the occupant H. The occupant H is represented by a side impact dummy defined by WorldSID-50M or SID-IIs, for example. The occupant H has a chest CT including an arm (upper arm) AR, a shoulder SH, an abdomen AB, a waist WA, and the like. Further, directions such as front and back, both sides, and up and down are based on the straight running direction of the automobile, and arrow F in FIG.

そして、エアバッグ装置10は、ガスを発生させ噴射するインフレータ12、このインフレータ12が供給するガスにより膨張展開するエアバッグ13、これらインフレータ12とエアバッグ13とを連結して座席Ｓに固定する図示しない固定具、これら部材を収納するカバーである図示しない樹脂製のケース体、などを備える。 The airbag device 10 includes an inflator 12 that generates and injects gas, an airbag 13 that is inflated and deployed by the gas supplied by the inflator 12, and the inflator 12 and the airbag 13 that are connected and fixed to the seat S. A fixing member (not shown) and a resin case body (not shown) serving as a cover for housing these members are provided.

インフレータ12は、略円柱状の本体部17と、この本体部17の一端部から突設されたガス供給部18と、を備える。また、本体部17の他端部には、インフレータ12を動作させるための図示しない端子部が設けられている。そして、ガス供給部18は、本体部17の一端部に配置されている。本実施の形態において、インフレータ12は、ガス供給部18を本体部17の下部に位置させた状態で配置される。 The inflator 12 includes a substantially cylindrical body portion 17 and a gas supply portion 18 projecting from one end of the body portion 17 . A terminal portion (not shown) for operating the inflator 12 is provided at the other end portion of the body portion 17 . The gas supply section 18 is arranged at one end of the body section 17 . In the present embodiment, the inflator 12 is arranged with the gas supply portion 18 positioned below the body portion 17 .

また、固定具は、リテーナとも呼び得るもので、例えばインフレータ12の外周に沿って板金を折り曲げて形成されている。固定具は、インフレータ12を保持した状態で取付手段であるボルトをエアバッグ13に貫通させ、さらに座席Ｓを構成するフレームなどの部材に挿入し、ナットを螺合して締め付けることにより、固定具、インフレータ12及びエアバッグ13の後端部が座席Ｓに固定されるようになっている。 Further, the fixture can also be called a retainer, and is formed by bending a sheet metal along the outer circumference of the inflator 12, for example. The fastener is made by inserting a bolt, which is a mounting means, through the airbag 13 while holding the inflator 12, inserting it into a member such as a frame constituting the seat S, and screwing a nut to tighten it. , the rear ends of the inflator 12 and the airbag 13 are fixed to the seat S.

そして、図１（ａ）及び図３に示すように、エアバッグ13は、袋状のエアバッグ本体部20を備える。エアバッグ本体部20には、ガスの導入により膨張展開して乗員Ｈの肩部SH、胸部CT、腹部AB、及び腰部WAを保護するための主室（メインチャンバ）22と、ガスの導入により膨張展開して腕部ARを押し上げる（腕上げする）ための副室（サブチャンバ）23と、が設定されている。 As shown in FIGS. 1A and 3, the airbag 13 includes a bag-like airbag body 20. As shown in FIG. The airbag main body 20 includes a main chamber 22 for protecting the occupant H's shoulders SH, chest CT, abdomen AB, and waist WA by inflating and deploying when gas is introduced, and A sub-chamber 23 for inflating and deploying to push up (raise the arm) the arm AR is set.

主室22は、一または複数の基布を重ね合わせ、部品挿入部となる後端の開口部25の部分を除いて外周部近傍を縫製などにより接合することにより、車幅方向に扁平な袋状に構成されている。主室22は、上下方向に長手状に形成され、上側が乗員Ｈの肩部SH及び腹部ABを保護する胸腹保護部をなし、下側が乗員Ｈの腰部WAを保護する腰保護部をなす。主室22の上端部は、例えば乗員Ｈの肩部SH付近まで展開可能となっている。 The main compartment 22 is formed by laying one or more base fabrics on top of each other and joining the vicinity of the outer periphery by sewing or the like, excluding the opening 25 at the rear end where parts are inserted. are configured in the form of The main chamber 22 is formed in a vertically elongated shape, and the upper side forms a thoracic and abdominal protective section that protects the shoulders SH and abdomen AB of the occupant H, and the lower side forms a waist protective section that protects the lumbar region WA of the occupant H. . The upper end of the main compartment 22 can be deployed to the vicinity of the shoulder SH of the occupant H, for example.

主室22を構成するエアバッグ本体部20の外殻は、主室22の膨張状態で車室内側に位置して乗員Ｈの側部に対向する主室乗員対向部26と、車室外側に位置して主室22の膨張状態でドアトリム及び窓部などの車体側に対向する主室車体対向部27と、を有する。主室22の内部には、開口部25と連通して、インフレータ12を収容するガス導入部28が設定されている。ガス導入部28は、主室22の後端部に位置し、エアバッグ本体部20（エアバッグ13）の展開方向後方の端末部となる。 The outer shell of the airbag main body 20 that constitutes the main chamber 22 includes a main chamber occupant facing portion 26 that is positioned inside the vehicle interior in the inflated state of the main chamber 22 and faces the side of the occupant H, and A main chamber body facing portion 27 is located and faces the vehicle body side such as the door trim and the window portion in the expanded state of the main chamber 22 . Inside the main chamber 22, a gas introducing portion 28 that accommodates the inflator 12 is set in communication with the opening portion 25. As shown in FIG. The gas introduction portion 28 is positioned at the rear end portion of the main chamber 22 and serves as the terminal portion behind the deployment direction of the airbag body portion 20 (airbag 13).

ガス導入部28には、インフレータ12を内包する整流部30が配置されている。整流部30は、ディフューザなどとも呼ばれ、一または複数の基布により形成されて、インフレータ12を囲んで筒状に配置されている。整流部30は、インフレータ12よりも上下に長手状に延びて位置する。整流部30には、インフレータ12から噴射されたガスが主室22の内部へと導入される開口部である連通口31が形成されている。連通口31は、インフレータ12のガス供給部18の前方に対向する位置に形成されている。 A straightening section 30 containing the inflator 12 is arranged in the gas introducing section 28 . The rectifying section 30 is also called a diffuser or the like, is formed of one or a plurality of base fabrics, and is arranged in a cylindrical shape surrounding the inflator 12 . The rectifying section 30 is positioned so as to extend longitudinally above and below the inflator 12 . The straightening section 30 is formed with a communication port 31 that is an opening through which the gas injected from the inflator 12 is introduced into the main chamber 22 . The communication port 31 is formed at a position facing the front of the gas supply portion 18 of the inflator 12 .

副室23は、主室22の外殻の主室乗員対向部26に一または複数の基布を重ね合わせて外周部近傍を主室乗員対向部26に対して縫製などにより接合することにより、主室22に対して車室内側すなわち乗員Ｈに突出する袋状に形成されている。副室23は、主室22の前部寄りに配置されている。図示される例では、副室23は、主室22の中央部から前端部に亘る位置に配置されている。また、副室23は、主室22の上下両端部の中央部付近に配置されている。副室23は、主室22よりも小容積に形成されている。副室23の内部は、エアバッグ本体部20の内部に形成された流路33を介して、連通口31と連通されている。流路33は、副室23の後部下側に位置する。 The sub-chamber 23 is formed by overlapping one or more base fabrics on the main chamber occupant facing portion 26 of the outer shell of the main chamber 22 and joining the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion to the main chamber occupant facing portion 26 by sewing or the like. It is formed in the shape of a bag protruding toward the inside of the passenger compartment, that is, toward the occupant H with respect to the main compartment 22 . The auxiliary chamber 23 is arranged near the front of the main chamber 22 . In the illustrated example, the auxiliary chamber 23 is arranged at a position extending from the central portion to the front end portion of the main chamber 22 . In addition, the auxiliary chamber 23 is arranged near the central portion of the upper and lower ends of the main chamber 22 . The auxiliary chamber 23 is formed with a smaller volume than the main chamber 22 . The interior of the auxiliary chamber 23 communicates with the communication port 31 via a channel 33 formed inside the airbag main body 20 . The flow path 33 is located on the rear lower side of the auxiliary chamber 23 .

本実施の形態において、副室23は、副室一般部34と、副室一般部34からさらに車室内側すなわち乗員Ｈ側に膨出する立体部である副室膨出部35と、を有する。副室膨出部35は、副室一般部34の上下方向の中央部付近に位置し、前後方向に延びている。 In the present embodiment, the pre-chamber 23 has a pre-chamber general portion 34 and a pre-chamber expanded portion 35 which is a three-dimensional portion that protrudes from the pre-chamber general portion 34 toward the interior of the passenger compartment, that is, toward the occupant H. . The pre-chamber bulging portion 35 is positioned near the center in the vertical direction of the pre-chamber general portion 34 and extends in the front-rear direction.

副室23を構成するエアバッグ本体部20の外殻は、副室23の外殻上部をなす第一副室乗員対向部40と、第一副室乗員対向部40の下部に連なる押し上げ部41と、押し上げ部41の下部に連なる膨出対向部である第二副室乗員対向部42と、第二副室乗員対向部42の後部に連なる後側部43と、第二副室乗員対向部42の下部に連なる下側部44と、下側部44の下部に連なる第三副室乗員対向部45と、を有する。これらは、一の基布によって形成されていてもよいし、複数の基布により形成されていてもよい。 The outer shell of the airbag main body 20 that constitutes the pre-chamber 23 includes a first pre-chamber occupant-facing portion 40 that forms the upper portion of the shell of the pre-chamber 23, and a push-up portion 41 that continues to the lower portion of the first pre-chamber occupant-facing portion 40. , a second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42 which is a bulging facing portion connected to the lower portion of the push-up portion 41, a rear side portion 43 connected to the rear portion of the second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42, and a second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion It has a lower side portion 44 connected to the lower portion of 42 and a third auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 45 connected to the lower portion of the lower side portion 44 . These may be formed of one base fabric, or may be formed of a plurality of base fabrics.

第一副室乗員対向部40は、副室23の外殻の最上部に位置する。第一副室乗員対向部40は、副室一般部34の外殻をなす。第一副室乗員対向部40は、副室23（副室一般部34）の膨張状態で乗員Ｈの腕部ARの側部に対向する部分である。 The first auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 40 is positioned at the top of the outer shell of the auxiliary chamber 23 . The first auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 40 forms an outer shell of the auxiliary chamber general portion 34 . The first auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 40 is a portion facing the side portion of the arm AR of the occupant H in the inflated state of the auxiliary chamber 23 (general auxiliary chamber portion 34).

押し上げ部41は、副室膨出部35の外殻の上端部をなす。押し上げ部41は、膨張展開により乗員Ｈの腕部ARを下方から押し上げる部分である。つまり、押し上げ部41は、副室23（副室膨出部35）の膨張状態で乗員Ｈの腕部ARの下部に対向する部分である。押し上げ部41は、前後方向に延びている。押し上げ部41は、後部から前部に向かい徐々に下方に傾斜する面状に形成されている。押し上げ部41の傾斜は、直線状となっている。この押し上げ部41の傾斜は、乗員Ｈの腕部ARの予め設定されている設定角度に沿って設定されている。ここで、予め設定されている腕部ARの設定角度とは、側面衝突実験において規定された所定の設定角度であり、乗員Ｈを側方から見た状態で側部に位置させた腕部ARの中心に沿う基準線SLに対して、例えば前方に４５°などに固定されている。なお、押し上げ部41が直線状でない場合には、例えばその前後両端部を結ぶ仮想線の角度を押し上げ部41の傾斜角度とする。 The push-up portion 41 forms the upper end portion of the outer shell of the pre-chamber expanded portion 35 . The push-up portion 41 is a portion that pushes up the arm AR of the occupant H from below by inflating and deploying. That is, the push-up portion 41 is a portion that faces the lower portion of the arm AR of the occupant H in the inflated state of the auxiliary chamber 23 (the auxiliary chamber swelling portion 35). The push-up portion 41 extends in the front-rear direction. The push-up portion 41 is formed in a planar shape that gradually slopes downward from the rear portion toward the front portion. The inclination of the push-up portion 41 is linear. The inclination of the push-up portion 41 is set along the preset angle of the occupant's H arm AR. Here, the set angle of the arm AR set in advance is a predetermined set angle specified in the side collision test, and the arm AR is positioned at the side when the occupant H is viewed from the side. It is fixed at, for example, 45° forward with respect to the reference line SL along the center of the . If the push-up portion 41 is not linear, the inclination angle of the push-up portion 41 is the angle of an imaginary line connecting the front and rear end portions thereof.

第二副室乗員対向部42は、副室膨出部35の外殻の主部をなす。第二副室乗員対向部42は、副室23（副室膨出部35）の膨張状態で乗員Ｈの腕部ARの下部にて乗員Ｈの胸部CTの側部に対向する部分である。第二副室乗員対向部42は、第一副室乗員対向部40及び第三副室乗員対向部45よりも車室内側すなわち乗員Ｈに近い側に位置する。第二副室乗員対向部42は、副室23において、最も乗員Ｈ側に突出する最突出面である。本実施の形態において、第二副室乗員対向部42は、後部から前部に向かい徐々に上下方向に狭くなる三角形状に形成されている。 The second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42 constitutes the main portion of the outer shell of the auxiliary chamber bulging portion 35 . The second auxiliary chamber occupant-facing portion 42 is a portion facing the side portion of the chest CT of the occupant H under the arm AR of the occupant H in the inflated state of the auxiliary chamber 23 (the bulging portion 35 of the auxiliary chamber). The second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42 is located closer to the passenger H than the first auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 40 and the third auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 45 . The second auxiliary chamber occupant-facing portion 42 is the most protruding surface in the auxiliary chamber 23 that most projects toward the occupant H side. In the present embodiment, the second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42 is formed in a triangular shape that gradually narrows in the vertical direction from the rear portion to the front portion.

後側部43は、副室膨出部35の外殻の後端部をなす。後側部43は、副室23（副室膨出部35）の膨張状態で第二副室乗員対向部42の後縁部に沿って上下方向に延びて位置する。 The rear side portion 43 forms the rear end portion of the outer shell of the auxiliary chamber bulging portion 35 . The rear side portion 43 extends vertically along the rear edge portion of the second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42 in the inflated state of the auxiliary chamber 23 (secondary chamber swelling portion 35).

下側部44は、副室膨出部35の外殻の下端部をなす。下側部44は、副室23（副室膨出部35）の膨張状態で第二副室乗員対向部42の下縁部に沿って前後方向に延びて位置する。 The lower part 44 forms the lower end of the outer shell of the pre-chamber bulging part 35 . The lower portion 44 extends in the front-rear direction along the lower edge portion of the second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42 in the inflated state of the auxiliary chamber 23 (secondary chamber bulging portion 35).

押し上げ部41、第二副室乗員対向部42、後側部43、及び下側部44により、副室膨出部35が副室一般部34に対して車室内側すなわち乗員Ｈ側に車幅方向を軸方向とする三角柱状に突出して形成される。 The push-up portion 41, the second pre-chamber occupant-facing portion 42, the rear side portion 43, and the lower side portion 44 cause the pre-chamber bulging portion 35 to move toward the vehicle interior side, i.e., the occupant H side, with respect to the pre-chamber general portion 34. It is formed so as to protrude in the shape of a triangular prism whose axis is the direction.

第三副室乗員対向部45は、副室23の外殻の最下部に位置する。第三副室乗員対向部45は、副室一般部34の外殻をなす。第三副室乗員対向部45は、副室23（副室一般部34）の膨張状態で乗員Ｈの腹部ABの側部に対向する部分である。 The third auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 45 is located at the bottom of the outer shell of the auxiliary chamber 23 . The third auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 45 forms an outer shell of the auxiliary chamber general portion 34 . The third auxiliary chamber occupant-facing portion 45 is a portion facing the side of the abdomen AB of the occupant H in the inflated state of the auxiliary chamber 23 (general auxiliary chamber portion 34).

また、副室23には、内部のガスを排出する排気穴47が形成されている。排気穴47は、ベントホールなどとも呼ばれる。本実施の形態において、排気穴47は、副室23の前側上部に形成されている。図示される例では、排気穴47は、副室一般部34において、上部前端部に形成されている。すなわち、排気穴47は、副室23の外殻において、第一副室乗員対向部40に形成されている。また、排気穴47は、副室23において、ガスが流入する流路33に対して対角の位置にある。 Also, the auxiliary chamber 23 is formed with an exhaust hole 47 for discharging internal gas. The exhaust hole 47 is also called a vent hole. In this embodiment, the exhaust hole 47 is formed in the front upper portion of the auxiliary chamber 23 . In the illustrated example, the vent holes 47 are formed in the prechamber general section 34 at the upper front end. That is, the exhaust hole 47 is formed in the first auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 40 in the outer shell of the auxiliary chamber 23 . In addition, the exhaust hole 47 is located diagonally with respect to the flow path 33 into which the gas flows in the auxiliary chamber 23 .

また、エアバッグ本体部20の後端部近傍には、取付穴が形成されている。取付穴は、上下に並んで配置されている。 A mounting hole is formed in the vicinity of the rear end portion of the airbag main body portion 20 . The mounting holes are arranged vertically.

そして、エアバッグ装置10は、インフレータ12と固定具とを組み合わせた組立体をエアバッグ本体部20に挿入するとともに、固定具のボルトを折り重ねたエアバッグ本体部20の取付穴から外部に引き出し、適宜の状態にエアバッグ13を折り畳んで組み立てられる。 In the airbag device 10, an assembly including the inflator 12 and the fixture is inserted into the airbag main body 20, and the bolts of the fixture are pulled out from the mounting holes of the airbag main body 20. , can be assembled by folding the airbag 13 in an appropriate state.

このエアバッグ13の折り畳み方法について説明する。 A method of folding the airbag 13 will be described.

まず、エアバッグ13は、エアバッグ本体部20の副室23を折り畳む。図１（ａ）に示すように、副室23は、第二副室乗員対向部42を後部下側へと、つまり後側部43及び下側部44の連接部である副室23の後下隅に向かって副室23内に押し込む。これにより、図１（ｂ）に示すように、押し上げ部41が第二副室乗員対向部42と面一または略面一に主室22側に重ねられるとともに、第二副室乗員対向部42が後側部43及び下側部44に沿って凹んで重ねられて、副室23の後部及び下部に亘り、副室23の外殻外方に空間を有するポケット部50が形成される。また、ポケット部50の車室内側は、後側部43及び下側部44と第二副室乗員対向部42とが重ねられる車室内側の縁部である一縁部が余剰部51として形成される。 First, for the airbag 13, the auxiliary chamber 23 of the airbag body 20 is folded. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the subchamber 23 extends from the second subchamber occupant-facing portion 42 to the rear lower side, that is, to the rear of the subchamber 23, which is the connecting portion of the rear side portion 43 and the lower side portion 44. It is pushed into the auxiliary chamber 23 toward the lower corner. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1B, the push-up portion 41 is superimposed on the main chamber 22 side flush or substantially flush with the second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42, and the second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42 are recessed and overlapped along the rear side portion 43 and the lower side portion 44 to form a pocket portion 50 extending over the rear portion and the lower portion of the sub chamber 23 and having a space outside the outer shell of the sub chamber 23 . Further, on the interior side of the pocket portion 50, one edge portion, which is the edge portion on the interior side where the rear side portion 43 and the lower side portion 44 and the second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42 are overlapped, is formed as a surplus portion 51. be done.

次いで、図１（ｃ）に示すように、余剰部51の一部をその余剰部51に段折り状に押し込んで収容する。このとき、余剰部51の一部、本実施の形態では余剰部51の後側の部分を摘み、副室23の外殻において、後側部43と後側部43に重ねられている第二副室乗員対向部42とを開いて、その前部に連なる部分を後側部43と第二副室乗員対向部42との間に押し込むように段折りして余剰調整部53を形成する。ここで、段折りとは、山折り部分と谷折り部分とが交互に位置する折り方であり、本実施の形態において、余剰調整部53は、谷折り部分53aが山折り部分53bよりも奥側（上側）に押し込まれた、いわゆる押し込み段折りとなっている。なお、図示される例では、余剰部51の後側の部分に余剰部51の前側の部分を押し込むように余剰調整部53を形成したが、これに限らず、余剰部51の前側の部分に余剰部51の後側の部分を押し込むように余剰調整部53を形成してもよい。 Next, as shown in FIG. 1(c), part of the surplus portion 51 is folded into the surplus portion 51 and accommodated. At this time, part of the surplus portion 51, in this embodiment, the rear portion of the surplus portion 51, is pinched, and in the outer shell of the auxiliary chamber 23, the rear portion 43 and the second portion overlapping the rear portion 43 are removed. The auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42 is opened, and the portion connected to the front portion thereof is step-folded so as to be pushed between the rear side portion 43 and the second auxiliary chamber occupant facing portion 42 to form a surplus adjusting portion 53 . Here, the step folding is a folding method in which mountain fold portions and valley fold portions are alternately positioned. This is a so-called push-in step folding in which the sheet is pushed in on the side (upper side). In the illustrated example, the surplus adjusting portion 53 is formed so as to push the front portion of the surplus portion 51 into the rear portion of the surplus portion 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The surplus adjustment portion 53 may be formed so as to push in the rear portion of the surplus portion 51 .

そして、余剰調整部53により一部を収容した余剰部51をポケット部50の車室外側の縁部である他縁部側をなす副室23の外殻、つまり第二副室乗員対向部42に重ねる。これにより、ポケット部50が車幅方向に潰れ、図１（ｄ）及び図２に示すように、副室23の外殻が、主室22に平坦状に重ねられて折り畳まれる。この状態で、余剰部51は、余剰調整部53よりも後側が後方に向かって上側に傾斜し、余剰調整部53よりも前側が前方に向かって下側に傾斜する折り形状に折り畳まれる。また、余剰部51の前方上側の位置に、押し上げ部41が平面状に位置する。特に、副室23の副室膨出部35は、図３に示す乗員Ｈの腕部ARの押し上げ方向とは逆向きである後方下側に向かって折り畳まれる。 Then, the surplus portion 51 partially accommodated by the surplus adjustment portion 53 is used as the outer shell of the pre-chamber 23 forming the other edge portion side of the pocket portion 50, that is, the second pre-chamber occupant facing portion 42. overlaid on As a result, the pocket portion 50 is crushed in the vehicle width direction, and as shown in FIGS. In this state, the surplus portion 51 is folded into a folded shape in which the rear side of the surplus adjustment portion 53 is inclined upward toward the rear, and the front side of the surplus adjustment portion 53 is inclined forward and downward. In addition, the push-up portion 41 is positioned in a planar shape on the front upper side of the surplus portion 51 . In particular, the pre-chamber bulging portion 35 of the pre-chamber 23 is folded backward and downward, which is opposite to the direction in which the arm AR of the occupant H shown in FIG. 3 is pushed up.

この後、エアバッグ13は、エアバッグ本体部20の全体を折り畳む。図４（ａ）に示すように、エアバッグ13は、まずエアバッグ本体部20の下端部を前後方向に沿う所定の仮想線Ｌ1から車幅方向に上方へと折り畳んで、図４（ｂ）に示すように第一折り畳み部である下部折り畳み部55を形成する。このとき、下部折り畳み部55は、例えばエアバッグ本体部20の整流部30よりも下側の部分により形成される。下部折り畳み部55の折り畳み方法は、蛇腹折り、ロール折りなど、任意の方法でよく、その種類を問わない。また、下部折り畳み部55の折り畳み回数についても、形状に応じて変更可能である。 After that, the airbag body 20 of the airbag 13 is entirely folded. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the airbag 13 is constructed by first folding the lower end of the airbag main body 20 upward in the vehicle width direction from a predetermined imaginary line L1 extending in the front-rear direction, and folding the airbag 13 upward in the vehicle width direction as shown in FIG. 4(b). A lower fold 55, which is the first fold, is formed as shown in FIG. At this time, the lower folded portion 55 is formed, for example, by a portion of the airbag main body portion 20 below the straightening portion 30 . The method of folding the lower folding portion 55 may be an arbitrary method such as bellows folding or roll folding, and the type thereof is not limited. Also, the number of folding times of the lower folding portion 55 can be changed according to the shape.

次いで、エアバッグ本体部20の前端部を車幅方向に後方へと折り畳んで、図４（ｃ）に示すように第二折り畳み部である前部折り畳み部56を形成する。このとき、前部折り畳み部56は、少なくとも排気穴47（図４（ｂ））が閉塞される位置まで折り畳む。本実施の形態において、前部折り畳み部56は、副室23の前後方向の中央部付近まで後方に折り畳む。図示される例では、前部折り畳み部56は、余剰部51の余剰調整部53の位置まで折り畳む。前部折り畳み部56の折り畳み方法は、蛇腹折り、ロール折りなど、任意の方法でよく、その種類を問わない。また、前部折り畳み部56の折り畳み回数についても、形状に応じて変更可能である。 Next, the front end portion of the airbag body 20 is folded rearward in the vehicle width direction to form a front folded portion 56, which is the second folded portion, as shown in FIG. 4(c). At this time, the front folding part 56 is folded at least to a position where the exhaust hole 47 (FIG. 4(b)) is closed. In the present embodiment, the front folding portion 56 is folded rearward to the vicinity of the center portion of the auxiliary chamber 23 in the front-rear direction. In the illustrated example, the front fold 56 folds over the excess portion 51 to the position of the excess adjustment portion 53 . The folding method of the front folding part 56 may be an arbitrary method such as bellows folding or roll folding, and the type thereof is not limited. Also, the number of folding times of the front folding portion 56 can be changed according to the shape.

この後、エアバッグ本体部20の上端部を前後方向に沿う所定の仮想線Ｌ2に沿って車幅方向に下方へと折り畳んで、図４（ｄ）に示すように第三折り畳み部である上部折り畳み部57を形成する。このとき、上部折り畳み部57は、その先端部が排気穴47を塞ぐ位置となるように設定する。 Thereafter, the upper end portion of the airbag main body portion 20 is folded downward in the vehicle width direction along a predetermined imaginary line L2 along the longitudinal direction, and as shown in FIG. A fold 57 is formed. At this time, the top folded portion 57 is set so that the tip portion thereof closes the exhaust hole 47 .

さらに、エアバッグ本体部20の前端部を車幅方向に取付穴の位置まで後方へと折り畳んで、図４（ｅ）に示すように折り畳み部58を形成する。折り畳み部58の折り畳み方法は、ロール折り、蛇腹折りなど、任意の方法でよく、その種類を問わない。好ましくは、折り畳み部58は、保持具60によって折り畳み状態を保持する。 Further, the front end portion of the airbag main body 20 is folded rearward in the vehicle width direction to the position of the mounting hole to form a folded portion 58 as shown in FIG. 4(e). The method of folding the folding portion 58 may be any method such as roll folding or bellows folding, and the type thereof is not limited. Preferably, folding portion 58 is held in the folded state by retainer 60 .

この状態で、折り畳み部58において、上部を下方に折り返して折り畳み部58の前部に重ねるとともに、その先端部をさらに上方へと折り返すことで、図４（ｆ）に示すように、エアバッグ本体部20の下端部から副室23（図４（ｄ））までの部分をなす折り畳み部58の第一折り部58aと、エアバッグ本体部20の副室23（図４（ｄ））よりも上方から上端部までの部分をなす折り畳み部58の第二折り部58bと、を形成する。好ましくは、第二折り部58bは、第一折り部58aとともに、保持具61によって折り畳み状態を保持する。 In this state, the upper portion of the folded portion 58 is folded downward to be overlapped with the front portion of the folded portion 58, and the leading end portion of the folding portion 58 is further folded upward to form an airbag body as shown in FIG. 4(f). The first folded portion 58a of the folded portion 58 forming the portion from the lower end portion of the portion 20 to the sub-chamber 23 (Fig. 4(d)) and the sub-chamber 23 of the airbag body portion 20 (Fig. 4(d)) A second folded portion 58b of the folded portion 58 forming a portion from the top to the upper end is formed. Preferably, the second folding portion 58b is held in the folded state by the retainer 61 together with the first folding portion 58a.

このようにエアバッグ13が折り畳まれた状態で、エアバッグ装置10は、必要に応じて図示しないケースに収納した上で、座席Ｓの側部に収納し、ナットなどを用いて、固定具のボルトを座席Ｓのフレームなどの部材に固定することにより、自動車の座席Ｓに取り付ける。さらに、エアバッグ装置10のインフレータ12の端子部を、例えばハーネスを介して、車両側に備えられた制御手段としての制御装置に接続する。制御装置は、ＣＰＵを備えるとともに、単数あるいは複数のセンサが接続され、乗員Ｈや衝突の状態に応じてインフレータ12を起動させる点火信号を送る。そして、センサは、必要に応じて、乗員Ｈの体型や姿勢を検知するものとして、ＣＣＤカメラ、座席Ｓに内蔵された体重（ウェイト）センサ、及び座席Ｓの前後位置やリクライニング状態を検出するシートスライドリクライニングセンサなどを備えている。また、センサは、衝突の状態を検知するものとして、車体側面に衝突検知センサを備えている。 With the airbag 13 folded as described above, the airbag device 10 is housed in a case (not shown) as necessary, and is then housed in the side portion of the seat S. By fixing bolts to a member such as a frame of the seat S, it is attached to the seat S of the automobile. Further, the terminal portion of the inflator 12 of the airbag device 10 is connected to a control device as control means provided on the vehicle side, for example, via a harness. The control device has a CPU and is connected to one or more sensors, and sends an ignition signal to activate the inflator 12 according to the occupant H and the state of the collision. The sensors detect the body shape and posture of the occupant H as necessary, such as a CCD camera, a weight sensor built into the seat S, and a seat sensor for detecting the front and rear position of the seat S and the reclining state. Equipped with a slide reclining sensor. Further, the sensor includes a collision detection sensor on the side of the vehicle body for detecting the state of collision.

そこで、車両が側面衝突などの衝撃を受けると、各センサのセンシング信号に基づき、制御装置は、乗員Ｈの保護に適切な状態でインフレータ12を起動し、ガス供給部18からガスを噴射する。すると、このガスの圧力により、エアバッグ13はカバーを開いて座席Ｓから突出し、乗員Ｈとドアトリム及び窓部との間の隙間に膨張展開する。 Therefore, when the vehicle receives an impact such as a side collision, the control device activates the inflator 12 in a state suitable for protecting the occupant H and injects gas from the gas supply unit 18 based on the sensing signals of each sensor. Then, due to the pressure of this gas, the airbag 13 opens the cover, protrudes from the seat S, and inflates and deploys in the gap between the occupant H and the door trim and window.

このとき、インフレータ12のガス供給部18から外周側に噴射されるガスが連通口31から主室22及び流路33を介して副室23へとそれぞれ導入されてエアバッグ本体部20が膨張することで、保持具60，61による保持が解除され、展開初期では、図５（ａ）に示すように、折り畳み部58は第二折り部58bが上方へと展開し、次いで、図５（ｂ）に示すようにエアバッグ本体部20が上下及び前方へと展開する。 At this time, the gas injected from the gas supply portion 18 of the inflator 12 to the outer peripheral side is introduced from the communication port 31 into the auxiliary chamber 23 via the main chamber 22 and the flow path 33, respectively, and the airbag body 20 is inflated. As a result, the holding by the holders 60 and 61 is released, and at the initial stage of deployment, as shown in FIG. ), the airbag body 20 deploys vertically and forwardly.

この状態で、エアバッグ本体部20は、排気穴47（図５（ｃ））が前部折り畳み部56に折り畳まれているため、副室23に導入されたガスが排出されない。そのため、展開中期において、副室23に導入されたガスによって、副室23の内圧が早期に高まり、第二副室乗員対向部42、押し上げ部41、後側部43及び下側部44が立ち上がり、副室膨出部35が車室内側に突出する。このとき、ポケット部50の底部が前方上側に向かって持ち上がりつつ余剰部51が押し上げ部41とともに前方上側に向かって膨張展開するように副室膨出部35が前方上側へと膨張するので、この膨張方向と同じ方向へ向かうガスの流速が大きく、図５（ｃ）及び図５（ｄ）に示すように、押し上げ部41が腕部ARに前方上側へと押し上げる大きなエネルギー（荷重）を与え、図３に示すように腕部ARを容易に押し上げる。また、ガスの導入により車幅方向に膨張した副室23の副室一般部34が乗員Ｈの胸部CTを拘束して保護する。さらに、ガスの導入部により車幅方向に膨張した主室22は、乗員Ｈの肩部SH、腹部AB、及び腰部WAを拘束して保護する。 In this state, the exhaust hole 47 (FIG. 5(c)) of the airbag body 20 is folded into the front folding portion 56, so that the gas introduced into the pre-chamber 23 is not exhausted. Therefore, in the middle stage of deployment, the gas introduced into the auxiliary chamber 23 quickly increases the internal pressure of the auxiliary chamber 23, and the second auxiliary chamber occupant-facing portion 42, the push-up portion 41, the rear side portion 43, and the lower side portion 44 rise. , the pre-chamber bulging portion 35 protrudes into the passenger compartment. At this time, the sub-chamber expanded portion 35 expands forward and upward so that the bottom portion of the pocket portion 50 is lifted forward and upward, and the surplus portion 51 expands and deploys forward and upward together with the push-up portion 41 . The flow velocity of the gas in the same direction as the expansion direction is high, and as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, the arm AR is easily pushed up. In addition, the pre-chamber general portion 34 of the pre-chamber 23 expanded in the vehicle width direction by the introduction of gas restrains and protects the occupant's H chest CT. Further, the main chamber 22 expanded in the vehicle width direction by the gas introduction section restrains and protects the occupant H's shoulders SH, abdomen AB, and waist WA.

また、展開後期において、排気穴47が露出することで副室23に導入されたガスが排気穴47から排出され、副室23が適切な内圧を保つ。 In the latter stage of deployment, the gas introduced into the pre-chamber 23 is discharged from the exhaust hole 47 by exposing the exhaust hole 47, and the pre-chamber 23 maintains an appropriate internal pressure.

このように、副室23を、非展開状態では乗員Ｈの腕部ARの押し上げ方向とは反対方向である後方下側に向かって折り畳むことで、副室23に導入されたガスにより、副室23を乗員Ｈの腕部ARを押し上げる前方上側への向きと略同方向に膨張展開させることができ、展開状態では乗員Ｈの腕部ARの下部に対向する位置となるようにすることで、乗員Ｈの腕部ARを容易に、かつ、効率的に押し上げることができる。したがって、乗員Ｈと膨張展開状態のエアバッグ本体部20との間に乗員Ｈの腕部ARが介在されず、腕部ARによる胸部CTへの負荷（傷害値）を低減できる。 In this way, the auxiliary chamber 23 is folded backward and downward in the non-deployed state, which is the direction opposite to the direction in which the arm AR of the occupant H is pushed up. 23 can be inflated and deployed in approximately the same direction as the forward upper direction that pushes up the arm AR of the occupant H. The arm AR of the occupant H can be easily and efficiently pushed up. Therefore, the arms AR of the occupant H are not interposed between the occupant H and the inflated and deployed airbag body 20, and the load (injury value) on the chest CT due to the arms AR can be reduced.

具体的に、エアバッグ本体部20は、副室23の外殻を後部及び下部に亘り押し込んでポケット部50を形成し、ポケット部50の一縁部をなす外殻により副室23の後部及び下部に亘り形成される余剰部51を、一部を余剰調整部53に収容した状態でポケット部50の他縁部側をなす外殻に重ねることで、副室23を乗員Ｈの押し上げ方向とは反対方向である後方下側へと容易に折り畳むことができる。 Specifically, the airbag main body 20 pushes the outer shell of the pre-chamber 23 over the rear and lower portions to form a pocket portion 50. The surplus portion 51 formed over the lower portion is partially accommodated in the surplus adjustment portion 53 and overlapped with the outer shell forming the other edge portion side of the pocket portion 50, so that the auxiliary chamber 23 is aligned with the direction in which the occupant H is pushed up. can be easily folded backwards and downwards in the opposite direction.

また、余剰調整部53を、余剰部51の一部を押し込んで段折り状に形成することで、余剰部51の膨張展開の向きを変えることなく余剰部51をコンパクトに折り畳むことができる。 In addition, by pushing a part of the surplus portion 51 and forming the surplus adjustment portion 53 in a stepped shape, the surplus portion 51 can be compactly folded without changing the direction of expansion and deployment of the surplus portion 51 .

副室23の外殻の押し上げ部41を、所定の側面衝突用ダミーの腕部ARの設定角度に沿って形成することで、副室23が膨張展開したときに押し上げ部41によって腕部ARを効果的に押し上げることができる。 By forming the push-up portion 41 of the outer shell of the auxiliary chamber 23 along the predetermined set angle of the arm portion AR of the side collision dummy, the arm portion AR is pushed by the push-up portion 41 when the auxiliary chamber 23 is inflated and deployed. can be effectively pushed.

副室23の前部上側に排気穴47を形成し、副室23に後部下側からガスを導入することで、副室23に導入されたガスが排気穴47から排出されるまでの時間を確保し、副室23の内圧を早期に高めて、押し上げ部41による腕部ARの押し上げ効果を高めることができる。 By forming an exhaust hole 47 in the front upper part of the pre-chamber 23 and introducing gas into the pre-chamber 23 from the rear lower side, the time required for the gas introduced into the pre-chamber 23 to be discharged from the exhaust hole 47 is determined. The internal pressure of the auxiliary chamber 23 can be increased at an early stage, and the effect of pushing up the arm AR by the push-up portion 41 can be enhanced.

また、エアバッグ13を折り畳む際には、副室23の外殻を後部下側へと副室23内に押し込んで副室23の後部及び下部に亘りポケット部50を形成し、ポケット部50の形成によりポケット部50の一縁部をなして副室23の後部及び下部に亘り位置する余剰部51の一部をその余剰部51に段折り状に押し込んで収容しつつ余剰部51をポケット部50の他縁部側をなす副室23の外殻に重ねることで、副室23を乗員Ｈの腕部ARの押し上げ方向に展開させて腕部ARを容易に押し上げることが可能となるように容易に折り畳むことができる。 Further, when folding the airbag 13, the outer shell of the sub-chamber 23 is pushed downward into the rear portion of the sub-chamber 23 to form a pocket portion 50 covering the rear and lower portions of the sub-chamber 23. A portion of the surplus portion 51, which forms one edge of the pocket portion 50 and is positioned over the rear and lower portions of the auxiliary chamber 23, is pushed into the surplus portion 51 in a step-folded manner and accommodated, and the surplus portion 51 is folded into the pocket portion. By overlapping the outer shell of the auxiliary chamber 23 forming the other edge side of 50, the auxiliary chamber 23 can be expanded in the direction in which the arm AR of the occupant H is pushed up so that the arm AR can be easily pushed up. Can be easily folded.

なお、上記の一実施の形態において、インフレータ12、及びエアバッグ13の形状や構成は上記のものに限られず、種々の構成のものを用いることができる。 In the above embodiment, the shapes and configurations of the inflator 12 and the airbag 13 are not limited to those described above, and various configurations can be used.

本発明は、例えば、自動車の座席の側部に収納され、乗員とドアとの間に展開して、乗
員を保護するいわゆるサイドエアバッグとして用いられる。 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is used, for example, as a so-called side airbag that is housed on the side of an automobile seat and deployed between an occupant and a door to protect the occupant.

13 エアバッグ
20 エアバッグ本体部
22 主室
23 副室
41 押し上げ部
47 排気穴
50 ポケット部
51 余剰部
53 余剰調整部
AR 腕部
Ｈ 乗員 13 Airbag
20 Airbag body
22 Main room
23 Secondary room
41 push-up part
47 Exhaust hole
50 pocket
51 Remainder
53 Surplus adjuster
AR Arm H Crew

Claims (7)

折り畳まれて収納された状態からガスの導入により乗員の側方に膨張展開する袋状のエアバッグ本体部を備え、
前記エアバッグ本体部は、
主室と、
この主室と連通し、この主室から前記乗員側に突出する、前記主室よりも小容積の副室と、を有し、
前記副室は、非展開状態では前記乗員の腕部の押し上げ方向とは反対方向である後方下側に向かって折り畳まれ、展開状態では前記乗員の腕部の下部に対向する位置となる
ことを特徴とするエアバッグ。 Equipped with a bag-shaped airbag body that expands and deploys to the side of the occupant when gas is introduced from the folded and stored state,
The airbag main body is
main room and
an auxiliary chamber communicating with the main chamber and protruding from the main chamber toward the occupant and having a volume smaller than that of the main chamber;
In the non-deployed state, the auxiliary chamber is folded backward and downward in a direction opposite to the direction in which the occupant's arms are pushed up, and in the deployed state, the auxiliary chamber is positioned to face the lower part of the occupant's arms. Characteristic airbag. 副室は、折り畳まれた状態で、
後部及び下部に亘り外殻が押し込まれて形成されたポケット部と、
このポケット部の一縁部をなす外殻により前記副室の後部及び下部に亘り形成され前記ポケット部の他縁部側をなす外殻に重ねられる余剰部と、を備え、
前記余剰部に前記余剰部の一部を収容する余剰調整部が形成されている
ことを特徴とする請求項１記載のエアバッグ。 The antechamber, in a folded state,
a pocket portion formed by pressing the outer shell over the rear portion and the lower portion;
a surplus portion formed over the rear and lower portions of the auxiliary chamber by the outer shell forming one edge of the pocket portion and overlapped with the outer shell forming the other edge of the pocket portion;
2. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein the surplus portion is formed with a surplus adjustment portion that accommodates part of the surplus portion. 余剰調整部は、余剰部の一部が押し込まれる段折り状に形成されている
ことを特徴とする請求項２記載のエアバッグ。 3. The airbag according to claim 2, wherein the surplus adjusting portion is formed in a stepped shape into which a part of the surplus portion is pushed. 副室は、所定の側面衝突用ダミーの腕部の設定角度に沿った押し上げ部を外殻に備える
ことを特徴とする請求項１ないし３いずれか一記載のエアバッグ。 4. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the auxiliary chamber has a push-up portion on the outer shell along a set angle of the arm portion of the predetermined side impact dummy. 副室は、前部上側にガスを排出する排気穴を備え、後部下側からガスが導入される
ことを特徴とする請求項１ないし４いずれか一記載のエアバッグ。 5. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the auxiliary chamber has an exhaust hole for discharging gas in the upper front portion, and the gas is introduced from the lower rear portion. 主室と、この主室と連通し、この主室から乗員側に突出する、前記主室よりも小容積の副室と、を備えて、折り畳まれて収納された状態からガスの導入により乗員の側方に膨張展開する袋状のエアバッグ本体部を折り畳むエアバッグの折り畳み方法であって、
前記副室を前記乗員の腕部の押し上げ方向とは逆向きである後方下側に向かって折り畳む
ことを特徴とするエアバッグの折り畳み方法。 A main chamber and a sub-chamber having a volume smaller than that of the main chamber, which communicates with the main chamber and protrudes from the main chamber toward the occupant. An airbag folding method for folding a bag-shaped airbag main body that inflates and deploys to the side of the airbag,
A method of folding an airbag, wherein the auxiliary chamber is folded backward and downward in a direction opposite to a direction in which the occupant's arms are pushed up. 副室を折り畳む際に、前記副室の外殻を後部下側へと前記副室内に押し込んで前記副室の後部及び下部に亘りポケット部を形成し、
このポケット部の形成によりこのポケット部の一縁部をなして前記副室の外殻によって前記副室の後部及び下部に亘り位置する余剰部の一部をその余剰部に段折り状に押し込んで収容しつつ前記余剰部を前記ポケット部の他縁部側をなす前記副室の外殻に重ねる
ことを特徴とする請求項６記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法。 When folding the pre-chamber, the outer shell of the pre-chamber is pushed into the sub-chamber under the rear portion to form a pocket portion extending from the rear to the bottom of the pre-chamber;
Due to the formation of this pocket portion, a part of the surplus portion forming one edge of the pocket portion and positioned over the rear and lower portions of the sub chamber is pushed into the surplus portion by the outer shell of the sub chamber in a stepped manner. 7. The method of folding an airbag according to claim 6, wherein the surplus portion is superimposed on the outer shell of the auxiliary chamber forming the other edge side of the pocket portion while accommodating the excess portion.

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