JP4604930B2 - Driver airbag device and folding method of the airbag - Google Patents

Driver airbag device and folding method of the airbag Download PDF

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JP4604930B2
JP4604930B2 JP2005267505A JP2005267505A JP4604930B2 JP 4604930 B2 JP4604930 B2 JP 4604930B2 JP 2005267505 A JP2005267505 A JP 2005267505A JP 2005267505 A JP2005267505 A JP 2005267505A JP 4604930 B2 JP4604930 B2 JP 4604930B2
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airbag
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side wall
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直彦 石黒
仁 飯田
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Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
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本発明は、ステアリングホイールの中央のボス部の上部側に搭載されて、車両衝突時に運転者を保護可能に、エアバッグを展開膨張させる運転席用エアバッグ装置とそのエアバッグの折り畳み方法に関する。   The present invention relates to an airbag device for a driver's seat that is mounted on the upper side of a boss portion at the center of a steering wheel and that deploys and inflates an airbag so as to protect the driver in the event of a vehicle collision, and a method for folding the airbag.

従来、運転席用エアバッグ装置では、ステアリングホイールの中央のボス部の上部側に、折り畳まれたエアバッグが、バッグホルダに保持されるとともに、エアバッグカバーの開き可能な扉部に覆われて、収納されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。   Conventionally, in an airbag device for a driver's seat, a folded airbag is held by a bag holder on the upper side of a boss portion at the center of a steering wheel, and is covered by a door portion that can open an airbag cover. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

このエアバッグは、外周縁相互を結合されて、各々略円板状として膨張完了時の上面側の運転者側に配置される運転者側壁部と下面側のステアリングホイール側に配置される車体側壁部と、を備えて構成されている。また、エアバッグは、車体側壁部の中央付近に、膨張用ガスを供給可能なインフレーターを挿入させるためのガス用開口を配置させるとともに、ガス用開口の周縁を、バッグホルダへの取付部位としている。   The airbag has outer peripheral edges connected to each other, and each has a substantially disk shape and is disposed on the driver side on the upper surface side when the inflation is completed and the vehicle body side wall disposed on the steering wheel side on the lower surface side. And a portion. In addition, the airbag has a gas opening for inserting an inflator capable of supplying an inflation gas in the vicinity of the center of the side wall of the vehicle body, and the peripheral edge of the gas opening is used as an attachment part to the bag holder. .

そして、このエアバッグでは、車体側壁部と運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口を中心とした直径方向の外周縁側間の前後左右の幅寸法を狭めるように、折り畳んで収納され、膨張用ガスの供給時に、扉部を押し開いて、展開膨張する構成としている。   In this airbag, the vehicle body side wall portion and the driver side wall portion are overlapped and flattened, and folded so that the width dimension of the front, rear, left and right between the outer peripheral sides in the diametrical direction centering on the gas opening is narrowed. When the expansion gas is supplied, the door is pushed open to expand and expand.

さらに、従来の運転席用エアバッグ装置では、エアバッグが、幅寸法を狭める折り工程を、相互の狭める方向を直交方向とする少なくとも二段階として、第１段階の折り工程で、運転者側壁部の側で、両縁側を相互に折り重ねる部位を設けて折り畳む構成としていた。   Further, in the conventional airbag apparatus for a driver's seat, the airbag has a folding process in which the width dimension is narrowed, and at least two stages in which the directions of narrowing each other are orthogonal directions, On the other side, a part for folding both sides is provided and folded.

そのため、この第１段階の折り重ね部位の摩擦により、エアバッグの展開膨張時、第１段階の折りの解消が抑えられて、第２段階の折り工程の折りの解消が全体的に迅速に行われて、所定方向の展開幅（第２段階の折りの解消方向の幅寸法）を広く確保することができた。   For this reason, the friction at the folding portion of the first stage suppresses the cancellation of the folding of the first stage when the airbag is deployed and inflated, and the folding of the folding process of the second stage is generally quickly performed. Thus, it was possible to secure a wide development width in the predetermined direction (width dimension in the direction in which the second-stage folding is eliminated).

すなわち、単に、平らに展開させたエアバッグの両縁側を、運転者側壁部の側で巻き込んで、ガス用開口側に接近させるようなエアバッグの折り畳みに比べて（特許文献２等参照）、エアバッグの展開膨張初期時、運転者側への無用な突出を抑えて、ある程度の厚さを確保し、所定方向の展開幅を広く確保して、エアバッグを展開膨張させることができた。
特開２００３−１７０８０４号公報 特開平１１−４８８９０号公報 That is, as compared with the folding of the airbag in which both sides of the airbag that is flatly deployed are wound on the side of the driver side wall and approached to the gas opening side (see Patent Document 2). At the initial stage of deployment and expansion of the airbag, unnecessary protrusion to the driver side was suppressed, a certain thickness was ensured, and a deployment width in a predetermined direction was ensured, and the airbag could be deployed and inflated.
JP 2003-170804 A JP 11-48890 A

しかし、従来の運転席用エアバッグ装置では、第１段階の折り工程で、相互に折り重ねる部位を備えており、折り重ねられた部位、すなわち、ガス用開口の上方付近の折りの解消が遅れることから、エアバッグの展開膨張初期に、ガス用開口の上方付近、換言すれば、エアバッグの展開膨張完了時の中央付近、すなわち、ステアリングホイールの中央付近のエアバッグの部位、の厚さが少なくなり、その部位の厚さを確保する上で、改善の余地があった。   However, the conventional driver's seat airbag apparatus includes a portion that is folded in the first-stage folding process, so that the folding of the folded portion, that is, the vicinity of the upper portion of the gas opening is delayed. Therefore, at the initial stage of inflation and inflation of the airbag, the thickness of the vicinity of the upper side of the gas opening, in other words, the vicinity of the center when the airbag has been deployed and inflated, that is, the portion of the airbag near the center of the steering wheel. There was room for improvement in securing the thickness of the part.

本発明は、上述の課題を解決するものであり、エアバッグの展開膨張初期時に、無用な突出を抑えて、エアバッグの中央付近の厚さを確保できる運転席用エアバッグ装置とそのエアバッグの折り畳み方法を提供することを目的とする。   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an airbag device for a driver's seat that can prevent unnecessary protrusion and secure a thickness near the center of the airbag at the initial stage of deployment and inflation of the airbag, and the airbag. An object of the present invention is to provide a folding method.

本発明に係る運転席用エアバッグ装置は、ステアリングホイールの中央のボス部の上部側に、折り畳まれたエアバッグが、バッグホルダに保持されるとともに、エアバッグカバーの開き可能な扉部に覆われて、収納され、
エアバッグが、
外周縁相互を結合されて、各々略円板状として膨張完了時の上面側に配置される運転者側壁部と下面側に配置される車体側壁部と、を備えて構成されるとともに、
車体側壁部の中央付近に、膨張用ガスを供給可能なインフレーターを挿入させるためのガス用開口を配置させ、ガス用開口の周縁を、バッグホルダへの取付部位として、
車体側壁部と運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口を中心とした直径方向の外周縁間の前後左右の幅寸法を狭めるように、略直方体形状（略立方体形状を含む）に折り畳んで、バッグホルダとエアバッグカバーとの間の収納スペースに収納され、
膨張用ガスの供給時に、扉部を押し開いて、展開膨張する構成の運転席用エアバッグ装置であって、
展開膨張初期時のエアバッグにおける運転者側壁部の中央付近が、インフレーターの近傍で上方に膨らんで、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状における前後方向の幅寸法としての折り完了前後幅の略二倍の前後方向の幅寸法と、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状における左右方向の幅寸法としての折り完了左右幅の略二倍の左右方向の幅寸法と、を有した略長方形状（略正方形状を含む）の初期展開パネル部を、運転者側に、膨らませて露出可能に、
初期展開パネル部が、中央付近をインフレーターの上面側に接触させるように、インフレーターの上面側に載せられるとともに、
エアバッグにおける初期展開パネル部の外周縁から前後左右に延びる部位が、それぞれ、初期展開パネル部を平らに展開させた状態において、初期展開パネル部の前後左右の外周縁付近における車体側壁部の側に、位置するように、折り畳まれ、かつ、エアバッグの略直方体形状とする折りの完了時には、初期展開パネル部の外周縁における前後左右で対向する縁相互を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部の側で、接近させるように、折り畳まれて、
エアバッグが、収納スペースに収納されていることを特徴とする。 The airbag device for a driver's seat according to the present invention is such that a folded airbag is held by a bag holder on an upper side of a boss portion at the center of a steering wheel and covered with an openable door portion of the airbag cover. Broken, stowed,
Airbag
The outer peripheral edges are coupled to each other, and each comprises a driver side wall portion disposed on the upper surface side upon completion of expansion as a substantially disk shape, and a vehicle body side wall portion disposed on the lower surface side.
A gas opening for inserting an inflator capable of supplying an inflation gas is disposed near the center of the vehicle body side wall, and the periphery of the gas opening is used as an attachment part to the bag holder.
The vehicle body side wall and the driver side wall are overlapped and flattened to form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (substantially cubic shape) so as to narrow the width dimension of the front, rear, left and right between the outer peripheral edges in the diametrical direction centered on the gas opening. And is stored in the storage space between the bag holder and the airbag cover,
When supplying the inflation gas, the airbag device for the driver's seat is configured to push and open the door portion to expand and inflate,
The center of the side wall of the driver in the airbag at the initial stage of inflating is inflated upward in the vicinity of the inflator, and is approximately twice the width before and after the folding as the width dimension in the front and rear direction in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when the folding is completed. A substantially rectangular shape (including a substantially square shape) having a width dimension in the front-rear direction and a width dimension in the left-right direction that is approximately twice the width in the left-right direction in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when the folding is completed. ) Can be exposed by inflating the initial deployment panel to the driver side.
The initial deployment panel is placed on the top surface of the inflator so that the vicinity of the center is in contact with the top surface of the inflator.
The portions of the airbag that extend from the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel portion to the front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle body side wall portion in the vicinity of the front, rear, left, and right outer peripheral edges of the initial deployment panel portion when the initial deployment panel portion is deployed flat When the airbag is folded so that it is positioned and the airbag is folded into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the front and rear, right and left edges facing each other on the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel portion are respectively connected to the driver side wall portion side. And it ’s folded to get close,
The airbag is stored in a storage space.

本発明に係る運転者用エアバッグ装置では、エアバッグのガス用開口に挿入されたインフレーターが作動して、膨張用ガスがエアバッグに供給されれば、エアバッグは、インフレーターの上面側に接触させるように載せていた初期展開パネル部を、インフレーターから離すように、上方に移動させようとする。   In the airbag device for a driver according to the present invention, when the inflator inserted into the gas opening of the airbag is activated and the inflation gas is supplied to the airbag, the airbag contacts the upper surface side of the inflator. The initial deployment panel portion that has been placed to be moved is moved upward so as to be separated from the inflator.

この時、初期展開パネル部から前後左右に延びる部位は、初期展開パネル部を平らに展開させた状態において、初期展開パネル部の前後左右の外周縁付近における車体側壁部の側に、位置するように、折り畳まれ、かつ、エアバッグの略直方体形状とする折りの完了時には、初期展開パネル部の外周縁における前後左右で対向する縁相互を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部の側で、接近させるように、折り畳まれている。そのため、初期展開パネル部の上方移動に伴なって、初期展開パネル部から前後左右に延びる部位は、扉が開くように、初期展開パネル部の中央付近を開けて、初期展開パネル部の外周縁の車体側壁部の側へ、移動する。   At this time, the portion extending from front to back and left and right from the initial deployment panel portion is located on the side of the vehicle body side wall near the front and rear and left and right outer peripheral edges of the initial deployment panel portion when the initial deployment panel portion is flatly deployed. In addition, when the folding is completed and the airbag has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the front and rear, right and left edges facing each other on the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel portion are brought close to each other on the driver side wall portion side. It is folded. Therefore, with the upward movement of the initial deployment panel, the part extending from front to back, left and right from the initial deployment panel is opened near the center of the initial deployment panel so that the door opens, and the outer periphery of the initial deployment panel is It moves to the side of the vehicle body side wall.

そのため、初期展開パネル部が、厚さを膨らませるように、円滑に運転者側に膨らんで露出する。   Therefore, the initial deployment panel portion is smoothly expanded and exposed to the driver side so as to increase the thickness.

そして、初期展開パネル部は、その前後左右の幅寸法が、エアバッグの折り畳み完了時の前後左右の幅寸法のそれぞれ略二倍の寸法で大きい。   The width of the front / rear / right / left width of the initial deployment panel is approximately twice as large as the width of the front / rear / right / left when the airbag is completely folded.

その結果、エアバッグの展開膨張初期時に、膨らんだ初期展開パネル部により、エアバッグの中央付近の厚さを確保できて、運転者の頭部付近が、ステアリングホイールの中央付近に、侵入してきても、円滑に、運転者の頭部付近を保護することができる。   As a result, at the initial stage of inflation of the airbag, the inflated initial deployment panel can secure the thickness near the center of the airbag, and the vicinity of the driver's head has entered the center of the steering wheel. In addition, the vicinity of the driver's head can be protected smoothly.

そしてその後、膨張用ガスの供給とともに、初期展開パネル部の前・後・左・右で隣接する部位（初期展開パネル部から前後左右に延びる部位）が厚さを増すように膨らむとともに、それらの部位の折りも解消されて、エアバッグは、展開膨張を完了させることとなる。   After that, along with the supply of the inflation gas, adjacent parts (parts extending from front to back and right and left from the initial development panel part) in front, rear, left, and right of the initial development panel part swell so as to increase in thickness, and those parts The folding of the part is also eliminated, and the airbag completes deployment and inflation.

なお、この初期展開パネル部が展開した直後の状態では、初期展開パネル部から前後左右に延びる部位が、初期展開パネル部の外周縁付近の車体側壁部の側で、折り畳まれており、それらの折り畳みが解消されるまで、初期展開パネル部は、運転者側へ大きく突出することが抑制され、接近している運転者の頭部付近を不必要に押圧することを防止できる。   In the state immediately after the initial deployment panel portion is deployed, the parts extending from front to back and right and left from the initial deployment panel portion are folded on the side of the side wall of the vehicle body near the outer periphery of the initial deployment panel portion. Until the folding is canceled, the initial deployment panel portion is prevented from projecting greatly toward the driver, and can be prevented from unnecessarily pressing the vicinity of the head of the driver who is approaching.

したがって、本発明に係る運転者用エアバッグ装置では、エアバッグの展開膨張初期時に、無用な突出を抑えて、エアバッグの中央付近の厚さを確保できる。   Therefore, in the airbag apparatus for a driver according to the present invention, unnecessary protrusion can be suppressed and the thickness near the center of the airbag can be ensured at the initial stage of deployment and inflation of the airbag.

なお、初期展開パネル部の前後左右の幅寸法が、エアバッグの折り畳み完了時の前後左右の幅寸法（折り完了前後幅や折り完了左右幅）のそれぞれ略二倍とは、折りを完了させた直後の折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法（折り完了前後幅や折り完了左右幅）の１．６〜２．５倍程度の範囲内を言う。ちなみに、初期展開パネル部の前後左右の幅寸法が、それぞれ、折りを完了させた直後の折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法の１．６倍未満では、初期展開パネル部が、接近している運転者の頭部を保護する面積として、十分な広さを確保し難い。また、初期展開パネル部の前後左右の幅寸法が、それぞれ、折りを完了させた直後の折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法の２．５倍を越えれば、エアバッグの収納時に、初期展開パネル部の外周縁における前後や左右で対向する縁相互が、上下方向に重なって収納され、エアバッグの初期膨張時に、初期展開パネル部の展開が遅れる虞れが生じて、好ましくない。   Note that the width of the front / rear / right / left width of the initial deployment panel is approximately twice the front / rear / right / left width (when the airbag is folded) It refers to the range of about 1.6 to 2.5 times the width dimension (the width before and after folding completion and the width after folding completion) of the completed folding body immediately after that. By the way, if the width dimension of the front and rear, left and right of the initial deployment panel is less than 1.6 times the width of the front and rear of the folded body immediately after completing the folding and the width of the left and right, respectively, the initial development panel It is difficult to secure a sufficient area as an area for protecting the driver's head. In addition, if the width dimensions of the front and rear and left and right sides of the initial deployment panel part exceed 2.5 times the front and rear and right and left width dimensions of the folded body immediately after completing the folding, respectively, the initial deployment is performed when the airbag is stored. The front and rear and left and right edges of the outer peripheral edge of the panel portion that are opposed to each other are accommodated in the vertical direction, and there is a possibility that the deployment of the initial deployment panel portion may be delayed during the initial inflation of the airbag.

本発明に係るエアバッグの折り畳み方法は、ステアリングホイールの中央のボス部の上部側に、折り畳まれたエアバッグが、バッグホルダに保持されるとともに、エアバッグカバーの開き可能な扉部に覆われて、収納され、
エアバッグが、
外周縁相互を結合されて、各々略円板状として膨張完了時の上面側に配置される運転者側壁部と下面側に配置される車体側壁部と、を備えて構成されるとともに、
車体側壁部の中央付近に、膨張用ガスを供給可能なインフレーターを挿入させるためのガス用開口を配置させ、ガス用開口の周縁を、バッグホルダへの取付部位として、
車体側壁部と運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口を中心とした直径方向の外周縁間の幅寸法を狭めるように、折り畳んで収納され、
膨張用ガスの供給時に、扉部を押し開いて、展開膨張する構成の運転席用エアバッグ装置のエアバッグの折り畳み方法において、
エアバッグが、折り畳み工程として、第１工程、第１工程と直交方向で幅寸法を狭める第２工程、及び、幅寸法を狭める方向を第１・２工程とそれぞれ等しくした最終工程、の３工程を経て、ボス部の上部側に収納される構成とし、
第１工程が、車体側壁部と運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、それぞれ、車体側壁部の側で、ガス用開口側に接近させるように、折り畳むとともに、最終工程での両縁側の一折り分の折幅を残すように、折り畳む工程として、
第２工程が、ガス用開口を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、それぞれ、車体側壁部の側で、ガス用開口側に接近させるように、折り畳むとともに、最終工程での両縁側の一折り分の折幅を残すように、折り畳む工程として、
最終工程が、運転者側壁部の側の上方側へ、屈曲させるように、第１・２工程で残した折幅分を、それぞれ、折り畳むことを特徴とする。 In the airbag folding method according to the present invention, the folded airbag is held by the bag holder on the upper side of the boss portion at the center of the steering wheel, and is covered by the openable door portion of the airbag cover. Stored,
Airbag
The outer peripheral edges are coupled to each other, and each comprises a driver side wall portion disposed on the upper surface side upon completion of expansion as a substantially disk shape, and a vehicle body side wall portion disposed on the lower surface side.
A gas opening for inserting an inflator capable of supplying an inflation gas is disposed near the center of the vehicle body side wall, and the periphery of the gas opening is used as an attachment part to the bag holder.
The vehicle body side wall portion and the driver side wall portion are overlapped and flattened, folded and stored so as to narrow the width dimension between the outer peripheral edges in the diametrical direction centered on the gas opening,
In the method of folding the airbag of the airbag device for the driver's seat configured to push and open the door portion when the inflation gas is supplied to expand and inflate,
The airbag has three steps as a folding step: a first step, a second step in which the width dimension is narrowed in a direction orthogonal to the first step, and a final step in which the direction in which the width dimension is narrowed is equal to the first and second steps. After that, it is configured to be stored on the upper side of the boss part,
In the first step, the side wall portion of the vehicle body and the driver side wall portion are overlapped and flattened so that the symmetrical both edges with the gas opening at the center side are respectively opened on the side of the vehicle body side wall portion. As a process of folding so as to be close to the side, and so as to leave a folding width for one fold on both sides in the final process,
The second step folds both sides of the symmetric edge with the gas opening at the center side so that they are close to the gas opening side on the side of the vehicle body side wall. As a process of folding to leave the folding width of the fold,
Each of the folding widths left in the first and second steps is folded so that the final step is bent upward on the side of the driver side wall.

本発明の折り畳み方法では、収納されたエアバッグにインフレーターからの膨張用ガスが供給されると、エアバッグは、ガス用開口と対向する運転者側壁部の中央付近部位が押し上げられつつ、折り畳まれた工程の逆の工程で、折りを解消して展開膨張する。すなわち、エアバッグの展開膨張初期には、運転者側壁部の中央付近部位が、押し上げられつつ、最終工程の折りの解消を経て、第２工程で折り畳んだ折目を解消させようとする。   In the folding method of the present invention, when inflation gas from an inflator is supplied to a stored airbag, the airbag is folded while a portion near the center of the driver side wall facing the gas opening is pushed up. In the reverse process of the above process, the folds are released and expanded. That is, at the initial stage of inflation and inflation of the airbag, the portion near the center of the driver side wall is pushed up, and the folds folded in the second step are resolved through the elimination of the folding in the final step.

その際、最終工程の折りは、単に、第１・２工程で残しておいた一折り分として、縁側を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部の側の上方側へ、単に、屈曲させた折り畳みとしている。そのため、最終工程の折りが解消されれば、運転者側壁部の中央付近部位が、第２工程での折り畳み部位を車体側壁部の側に、配置させた状態で、かつ、略長方形状（略正方形状を含む）に露出する状態となることから、上方に突出し易い。その結果、運転者側壁部の中央付近部位の押し上げとともに、迅速に、第２工程での折り畳みの折りが解消される。   In that case, the folding in the final process is simply a folding that is left in the first and second processes, and the edge side is simply folded to the upper side of the driver side wall portion side. . Therefore, if the folding in the final process is eliminated, the portion near the center of the driver side wall portion is in a state where the folding portion in the second step is arranged on the side of the vehicle body side wall portion, and is substantially rectangular (substantially It is easy to protrude upward because it is exposed to a square shape (including a square shape). As a result, the folding of the fold in the second step is quickly eliminated with the pushing up of the vicinity of the center of the driver side wall.

そして、この上方へ移動する運転者側壁部の中央付近部位は、折り畳み完了時を略直方体形状（略立方体形状を含む）とすれば、その略直方体形状の前後左右の幅寸法を有した運転者側壁部の天井部自体と、最終工程で運転者側壁部の側へ折り畳んだ折幅分と、を合わせたエリアであり、結局、折り完了前後幅の略二倍の前後方向の幅寸法と、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状における左右方向の幅寸法としての折り完了左右幅の略二倍の左右方向の幅寸法と、を有した略長方形状（略正方形状を含む）の初期展開パネル部に、一致する。   And if the region near the center of the driver side wall portion that moves upward has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (including a substantially cubic shape) when the folding is completed, the driver has a width dimension of front, rear, left and right of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. It is an area that combines the ceiling part itself of the side wall part and the folding width folded to the driver side wall part side in the final process, and eventually, the width dimension in the front-rear direction approximately twice the width before and after the folding, In a substantially rectangular shape (including a substantially square shape) initial deployment panel portion having a width dimension in the left-right direction that is approximately twice the width in the left-right direction as the width dimension in the left-right direction in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when the folding is completed , Match.

すなわち、本発明に係る折り畳み方法のエアバッグでは、展開膨張時、運転者側壁部の中央付近部位の初期展開パネル部を、上方へ突出させ、展開膨張の初期段階を経た後、第２工程での折り畳みの折りを解消するように、第２工程で折り畳む直前の形状に、すなわち、第２工程で幅寸法を狭めた方向に沿って、幅広く展開するように、膨張する。   That is, in the airbag of the folding method according to the present invention, at the time of deployment and inflation, the initial deployment panel portion in the vicinity of the center of the driver side wall is protruded upward, and after the initial stage of deployment and inflation, the second step is performed. In order to eliminate the fold of the fold, it expands to the shape immediately before folding in the second step, that is, to expand widely along the direction in which the width dimension is narrowed in the second step.

ついで、第１工程で折り畳んだ折りの解消が、なされて、エアバッグは、展開膨張を完了させる。   Next, the folding that has been folded in the first step is canceled, and the airbag completes the deployment and inflation.

したがって、本発明に係るエアバッグの折り畳み方法では、エアバッグの展開膨張初期時に、最終工程の折りの解消に伴って運転者側壁部の中央付近部位に位置する初期展開パネル部を、円滑に上方へ突出させることができるため、展開膨張初期のエアバッグは、無用な突出を抑えて、中央付近の厚さを確保でき、運転者の頭部付近が、ステアリングホイールの中央付近に、侵入してきても、円滑に、運転者の頭部付近を保護することができる。そして、本発明に係るエアバッグの折り畳み方法では、本発明に係る運転者用エアバッグ装置のエアバッグを、上記の第１工程、第２工程、及び、最終工程によって、容易に折り畳むことができる。   Therefore, in the airbag folding method according to the present invention, when the airbag is initially deployed and inflated, the initial deployment panel portion positioned near the center of the driver side wall portion is smoothly moved upward as the folding of the final process is canceled. The air bag in the initial stage of deployment and inflation can prevent unnecessary protrusion and secure a thickness near the center, so that the driver's head area has entered the vicinity of the center of the steering wheel. In addition, the vicinity of the driver's head can be protected smoothly. In the airbag folding method according to the present invention, the airbag of the driver airbag device according to the present invention can be easily folded by the first step, the second step, and the final step. .

なお、最終工程で折る折幅は、折りを完了させた直後の形状を略直方体形状とする場合に、その折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法（折り完了前後幅や折り完了左右幅）の略半分程度、換言すれば、その折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法の０．３〜０．７５倍程度（好ましくは０．４〜０．６５倍程度）の範囲内が望ましい。ちなみに、最終工程で折る折幅が、折り完了直後の折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法の０．３倍未満では、平面形状が大きく嵩張る状態で、エアバッグを、ステアリングホイールのボス部に収納するここととなって、収納し難く、また、最終工程で折る折幅が、折り完了直後の折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法の０．７５倍を越えれば、エアバッグの収納時に、最終工程で折る部位における前後や左右で対向する部位相互が、上下方向に重なって収納され、エアバッグの初期膨張時に、初期展開パネル部の展開が遅れる虞れが生じて、好ましくない。   The folding width at the final step is the width of the front and rear and the left and right width dimensions (the width before and after the folding is completed and the width at which the folding is completed) when the shape immediately after the folding is completed is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. About half, in other words, within the range of about 0.3 to 0.75 times (preferably about 0.4 to 0.65 times) the width dimension of the front and rear and the left and right of the folded body is desirable. By the way, if the folding width at the final step is less than 0.3 times the width dimension of the folded body immediately after completion of folding and the width dimension of the left and right, the airbag is attached to the boss part of the steering wheel in a state where the planar shape is large and bulky. It is difficult to store, and if the folding width in the final process exceeds 0.75 times the width of the folded body immediately after completion of folding and the width dimension of the left and right, the airbag can be stored. The front and rear and left and right opposing parts of the part that is folded in the final process are stored in an overlapping manner in the vertical direction, and there is a possibility that the deployment of the initial deployment panel portion may be delayed during the initial inflation of the airbag.

また、本発明に係るエアバッグの折り畳み方法では、エアバッグの折り畳み工程における第２工程での幅寸法を狭める方向を、車両の前後方向に沿う方向としてもよい。   In the airbag folding method according to the present invention, the direction in which the width dimension is narrowed in the second step in the airbag folding step may be a direction along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

このような構成では、エアバッグの展開膨張時において、最終工程の折りの解消から第２工程の折りが解消される際に、左右方向の幅寸法は狭いものの、エアバッグを前後方向に沿って長く展開膨張させることができる。そのため、展開膨張時のエアバッグが、前方移動してくる上下方向（前後方向）に長い運転者における頭部や胸部等の領域を、クッション作用を確保して、容易に保護することができる。   In such a configuration, when the airbag is deployed and inflated, when the folding in the second process is canceled from the cancellation of the folding in the final process, the width dimension in the left-right direction is narrow, but the airbag is moved along the front-rear direction. Can be expanded and expanded for a long time. Therefore, it is possible to easily protect the region such as the head and chest of the driver who is long in the up-down direction (front-rear direction) in which the airbag at the time of deployment and inflation moves forward is secured with a cushioning action.

また、本発明に係るエアバッグの折り畳み方法では、第１工程において、蛇腹折りでもよいが、車体側壁部と運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、それぞれ、車体側壁部の側で、巻き込み部位を設けて、折り畳んでもよい。   In the airbag folding method according to the present invention, the bellows folding may be performed in the first step, but the vehicle body side wall and the driver side wall are overlapped and flattened, and the gas opening is set to the center side. Both symmetrical sides may be folded by providing a winding portion on the side of the side wall of the vehicle body.

このような構成では、この第１工程での折りの解消が、巻き込み部位によって、抑制される。そのため、第２工程の折りの解消時、第１工程での折りが解消せずに、逆に、第２工程で折り畳む直前の形状となるまで、第２工程での折りの解消が促進される。その結果、エアバッグは、運転者側壁部の中央付近部位を、上方へ突出させつつ、第２工程で折り畳む直前の形状に、すなわち、第２工程で幅寸法を狭めた方向に沿って、幅広く展開するように、膨張する。そのため、第２工程での折りの解消時、第１工程での折りの解消が抑制されていることから、運転者側壁部の中央付近部位が、運転者側に突出し過ぎることを、安定して、抑制することができる。   In such a configuration, the elimination of the folding in the first step is suppressed by the entrainment site. Therefore, when the folding in the second step is canceled, the folding in the second step is not canceled until the shape just before folding in the second step is achieved. . As a result, the airbag has a wide area in the shape immediately before folding in the second step, that is, along the direction in which the width dimension is narrowed in the second step, with the portion near the center of the driver side wall protruding upward. Inflates to expand. Therefore, since the cancellation of the folding in the first step is suppressed when the folding in the second step is canceled, it is stable that the portion near the center of the driver side wall portion protrudes too much to the driver side. Can be suppressed.

なお、このような巻き込み部位を設ける折り畳み方は、車体側壁部と運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、それぞれ、車体側壁部の側で、折り返し、そして、先端の折目付近を、巻き込むようにロール折りして、ガス用開口側に接近させる折り畳み（これを、折り返しロール折りとする）を例示できる。   In addition, the folding method which provides such an entrainment site | part is the vehicle body side wall part and a driver | operator side wall part piled up and expand | deployed flatly, and symmetrical both edge side which made the gas opening the center side, respectively, Folding is performed on the part side, and folding is performed so that the vicinity of the fold at the tip is rolled so as to be brought close to the gas opening side (this is referred to as folding roll folding).

あるいは、このような巻き込み部位を設ける折り畳み方は、車体側壁部と運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、それぞれ、車体側壁部の側で、ロール折りして、ガス用開口側に接近させる折り畳み（これを単純ロール折りとする）を例示できる。   Alternatively, the folding method for providing such an entrainment site is that the side wall of the vehicle body and the side wall of the driver are overlapped and flattened, and the symmetric edges with the gas opening at the center side are respectively positioned on the side wall of the vehicle body. On the side of the part, it is possible to exemplify a fold (which is referred to as a simple roll fold) in which the roll is folded to approach the gas opening side.

また、最終工程では、第１工程と同じ方向で、折り畳んだ後、第２工程と同じ方向で折り畳んでもよいし、あるいは、第２工程と同じ方向で、折り畳んだ後、第１工程と同じ方向で折り畳んでもよい。   In the final process, after folding in the same direction as the first process, it may be folded in the same direction as the second process, or after folding in the same direction as the second process, the same direction as the first process. You can fold it.

以下、本発明の実施形態を図面に基づいて説明すると、第１実施形態の運転席用エアバッグ装置Ｍ１は、図１〜５に示すように、ステアリングホイールＷに配置されるものであり、ステアリングホイールＷは、操舵時に把持する円環状のリング部Ｒと、リング部Ｒの中央に配置されるボス部Ｂと、リング部Ｒとボス部Ｂとを連結する四本のスポーク部Ｓと、を備えて構成され、エアバッグ装置Ｍ１はボス部Ｂの上部に配置されている。   Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A driver seat airbag device M1 according to a first embodiment is disposed on a steering wheel W as shown in FIGS. The wheel W includes an annular ring portion R that is gripped during steering, a boss portion B disposed in the center of the ring portion R, and four spoke portions S that connect the ring portion R and the boss portion B. The airbag device M1 is arranged on the upper portion of the boss portion B.

なお、ステアリングホイールＷは、エアバッグ装置Ｍ１とそれ以外のステアリングホイール本体１とから構成されている。   In addition, the steering wheel W is comprised from the airbag apparatus M1 and the steering wheel main body 1 other than that.

また、本明細書での上下・前後・左右の方向は、エアバッグ装置Ｍ１を設けたステアリングホイールＷを車両に搭載した状態を基準とするもので、上下は、ステアリングホイールＷを取り付けるステアリングシャフトＳＳに沿った上下と対応し、前後は、車両の直進操舵時におけるステアリングシャフトＳＳの軸直交方向に沿った車両の前後と対応し、左右は、車両の直進操舵時におけるステアリングシャフトＳＳの軸直交方向に沿った車両の左右と対応している。   Further, in the present specification, the up / down / front / back / left / right directions are based on the state in which the steering wheel W provided with the airbag device M1 is mounted on the vehicle, and the up / down directions are the steering shaft SS to which the steering wheel W is attached. The front and rear correspond to the front and rear of the vehicle along the direction perpendicular to the axis of the steering shaft SS during straight-ahead steering of the vehicle, and the left and right correspond to the direction orthogonal to the axis of the steering shaft SS during the straight-ahead steering of the vehicle. It corresponds to the left and right of the vehicle along.

そして、ステアリングホイール本体１は、リング部Ｒ・ボス部Ｂ・スポーク部Ｓの各部に配置される芯金２と、芯金２におけるリング部芯金３及びスポーク部芯金４のリング部Ｒ側の部位を被覆する合成樹脂製の被覆層７と、下面側を覆う合成樹脂製のロアカバー８と、を備えて構成されている。さらに、芯金２は、リング部Ｒに配置されるリング部芯金３や各スポーク部Ｓに配置されるスポーク部芯金４の他、ボス部Ｂに配置されるボス部芯金５を備えて構成され、ボス部芯金５は、ステアリングシャフトＳＳと連結されるボス５ａと、ボス５ａの周囲を覆う被覆部５ｂと、を備えて構成されている。そして、芯金２は、ボス５ａを鋼製として、被覆部５ｂ、スポーク部芯金４、及び、リング部芯金３を、一体的に鋳造されるアルミニウム等の軽合金等からなるダイカスト製としている。   The steering wheel body 1 includes a cored bar 2 disposed in each of the ring part R, the boss part B, and the spoke part S, and the ring part cored bar 3 of the cored bar 2 and the ring part R side of the spoked part cored bar 4. And a synthetic resin coating layer 7 that covers the above-mentioned part and a synthetic resin lower cover 8 that covers the lower surface side. Furthermore, the cored bar 2 includes a boss part cored bar 5 arranged in the boss part B in addition to the ring part cored bar 3 arranged in the ring part R and the spoke part cored bar 4 arranged in each spoke part S. The boss cored bar 5 includes a boss 5a connected to the steering shaft SS, and a covering 5b that covers the periphery of the boss 5a. And as for the metal core 2, the boss | hub 5a is made from steel, and the coating | coated part 5b, the spoke part metal core 4, and the ring part metal core 3 are made from die-casting which consists of light alloys, such as aluminum integrally cast, etc. Yes.

エアバッグ装置Ｍ１は、折り畳んで収納される袋状のエアバッグ４６と、エアバッグ４６に膨張用のガスを供給するインフレーター４１と、折り畳まれたエアバッグ４６を覆うエアバッグカバーとしてのパッド２５と、エアバッグ４６・インフレーター４１・パッド２５を保持するバッグホルダ１１と、ホーンスイッチ１９を介在させてバッグホルダ１１に連結されるとともに、エアバッグ装置Ｍ１をステアリングホイール本体１に連結させるための二つの左右に配置された連結板２３と、を備えて構成されている。   The airbag device M1 includes a bag-like airbag 46 that is folded and stored, an inflator 41 that supplies inflation gas to the airbag 46, and a pad 25 that serves as an airbag cover that covers the folded airbag 46. The airbag 46, the inflator 41, and the bag holder 11 that holds the pad 25, and the horn switch 19 are connected to the bag holder 11 and the airbag device M 1 is connected to the steering wheel body 1. And connecting plates 23 arranged on the left and right.

インフレーター４１は、上部にガス吐出口４１ｂを備えた略円柱状の本体部４１ａと、本体部４１ａの外周に設けられるフランジ部４１ｃと、を備えて構成され、フランジ部４１ｃには、リテーナ４３のボルト４３ａ（図５参照）を挿通させる貫通孔４１ｄが形成されている。   The inflator 41 is configured to include a substantially cylindrical main body portion 41a having a gas discharge port 41b in the upper portion, and a flange portion 41c provided on the outer periphery of the main body portion 41a, and the flange portion 41c includes a retainer 43. A through hole 41d through which the bolt 43a (see FIG. 5) is inserted is formed.

バッグホルダ１１は、溶接やかしめ等を利用して数枚の板金を結合させて形成され、略長方形板状の底壁部１２と、底壁部１２の外周縁から上方に延びる筒状の側壁部１３と、を備えて構成されている。底壁部１２の中央には、インフレーター４１の本体部４１ａを下方から挿入させる円形の開口の挿通孔１２ａが形成され、挿通孔１２ａの周囲には、図１・５に示すように、エアバッグ４６を底壁部１２に取り付けるためのリテーナ４３の各ボルト４３ａを挿通させる四つの貫通孔１２ｂが形成されている。   The bag holder 11 is formed by joining several sheet metals using welding, caulking or the like, and has a substantially rectangular plate-like bottom wall portion 12 and a cylindrical side wall extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall portion 12. And a portion 13. An insertion hole 12a having a circular opening through which the main body 41a of the inflator 41 is inserted from below is formed in the center of the bottom wall portion 12. Around the insertion hole 12a, as shown in FIGS. Four through holes 12b are formed through which the bolts 43a of the retainer 43 for attaching the 46 to the bottom wall portion 12 are inserted.

また、バッグホルダ１１は、側壁部１３の前後左右の上端部位に、下方へ屈曲する係止爪１４を備えており、各係止爪１４は、パッド２５の側壁部３３の係止溝３４に挿入されて側壁部３３を係止している。さらに、左右の係止爪１４の部位には、図４に示すように、パッド２５の係止孔３５に挿入される係止突起１５が形成されている。   Further, the bag holder 11 includes locking claws 14 that are bent downward at the front, rear, left, and right upper end portions of the side wall portion 13, and each locking claw 14 is formed in the locking groove 34 of the side wall portion 33 of the pad 25. The side wall portion 33 is locked by being inserted. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, locking protrusions 15 to be inserted into the locking holes 35 of the pads 25 are formed at the left and right locking claws 14.

さらに、バッグホルダ１１の側壁部１３の四隅付近には、図１・５に示すように、外方へ突出する連結片部１６が、突設されている。これらの連結片部１６には、ボルト２１を利用して、下面側に、ホーンスイッチ１９が取り付けられている。   Furthermore, in the vicinity of the four corners of the side wall part 13 of the bag holder 11, as shown in FIGS. A horn switch 19 is attached to these connecting pieces 16 on the lower surface side using bolts 21.

そして、各ホーンスイッチ１９は、左右のそれぞれの前後一対が、相互に、下端側で、ステアリングホイールＷの前後方向に延びる連結板２３で保持されている。各連結板２３は、それぞれ、前後端の下面側を、ステアリングホイール本体１における左右の片側ずつでの前後二つのスポーク部芯金４の部位で、支持されている。また、各連結板２３は、それぞれ、前後方向の中央部位で、図２に示すように、前後のスポーク部芯金４間を連結するステアリングホイール本体１の取付座６に、取り付けられている。各連結板２３の前後方向の中央部位には、ナット２３ａが固着され、各連結板２３は、取付座６の挿通孔６ａを挿通して、ナット２３ａに螺着される取付ボルト９により、ステアリングホイール本体１に固定されている。そして、エアバッグ装置Ｍ１は、バッグホルダ１１にエアバッグ４６・インフレーター４１・パッド２５が保持されて、バッグホルダ１１が、各連結板２３をボルト２１止めしていることから、このボルト９止め時に、ステアリングホイール本体１に、取り付けられることとなる。   Each horn switch 19 is held by a connecting plate 23 that extends in the front-rear direction of the steering wheel W on the lower end side of each pair of left and right front and rear. Each of the connecting plates 23 is supported on the lower surface side of the front and rear ends by the two front and rear spoke part cores 4 on each of the left and right sides of the steering wheel body 1. Each connecting plate 23 is attached to a mounting seat 6 of the steering wheel main body 1 for connecting the front and rear spoke part cores 4 as shown in FIG. A nut 23a is fixed to a central portion of each connecting plate 23 in the front-rear direction, and each connecting plate 23 is inserted through the insertion hole 6a of the mounting seat 6 and is attached by steering bolts 9 screwed to the nut 23a. It is fixed to the wheel body 1. And since the airbag 46, the inflator 41, and the pad 25 are hold | maintained at the bag holder 11 and the bag holder 11 has each connecting plate 23 fastened with the volt | bolt 21 in the airbag apparatus M1, when this volt | bolt 9 is stopped, The steering wheel body 1 is attached.

なお、各ホーンスイッチ１９は、各連結片部１６の上面側にパッド２５の押圧リブ３２を当接させており、各ホーンスイッチ１９のコイルばね２０の付勢力に抗して、パッド２５を押し下げれば、所定の接点相互が接触して、ホーン作動させることとなる。   Each horn switch 19 has the pressing rib 32 of the pad 25 in contact with the upper surface side of each connecting piece 16, and pushes down the pad 25 against the urging force of the coil spring 20 of each horn switch 19. Then, the predetermined contacts come into contact with each other and the horn is operated.

さらにまた、バッグホルダ１１の底壁部１２には、図３に示すように、所定位置に、下面側に延びる保持片部１７が固着されている。そして、図３・４に示すように、保持片部１７と側壁部１３とに、パッド２５の側壁部３３が、リベット３９止めされている。そして、パッド２５は、リベット３９止めと、係止爪１４の側壁部３３への係止と、によって、バッグホルダ１１に取付保持されている。また、リベット３９止め時には、所定部位に配置されている当板３８（図３参照）も利用されている。   Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, a holding piece 17 extending to the lower surface side is fixed to the bottom wall portion 12 of the bag holder 11 at a predetermined position. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the side wall 33 of the pad 25 is fixed to the holding piece 17 and the side wall 13 by rivets 39. The pad 25 is attached and held on the bag holder 11 by the rivet 39 and the locking claw 14 locked to the side wall 33. Further, when the rivet 39 is stopped, a contact plate 38 (see FIG. 3) arranged at a predetermined portion is also used.

エアバッグカバーとしてのパッド２５は、オレフィン系・スチレン系等の熱可塑性エラストマー等の合成樹脂から形成され、図１〜５に示すように、各スポーク部Ｓの被覆層７の表面側と連なるように形成されて、ステアリングホイールＷのボス部Ｂの上面側を覆う天井壁部２６と、押圧リブ３２と、側壁部３３と、を備えて構成されている。押圧リブ３２と側壁部３３とは、天井壁部２６の下面側で下方へ突出している。天井壁部２６には、展開膨張時のエアバッグ４６に押されて、周囲の破断予定部２７を破断させて開く扉部２８・３０が、配設されている。破断予定部２７は、天井壁部２６の下面側に、凹溝を設けて構成され、上方から見ると略Ｈ字形状に配置されている。扉部２８・３０は、破断予定部２７のＨ字の横棒部位で、前後で分離されるように配設されて、Ｈ字の左右の縦棒部位の端部相互を連結する部位を、ヒンジ部２９・３１として、それぞれ、開き時に、前後両側に開くこととなる。   The pad 25 as an airbag cover is formed from a synthetic resin such as an olefin-based or styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, and is continuous with the surface side of the covering layer 7 of each spoke portion S as shown in FIGS. The ceiling wall part 26 which covers the upper surface side of the boss part B of the steering wheel W, the pressing rib 32, and the side wall part 33 are formed. The pressing rib 32 and the side wall portion 33 protrude downward on the lower surface side of the ceiling wall portion 26. On the ceiling wall portion 26, door portions 28 and 30 that are pushed by the airbag 46 at the time of deployment and inflated and opened by breaking the surrounding fracture planned portion 27 are disposed. The planned fracture portion 27 is configured by providing a concave groove on the lower surface side of the ceiling wall portion 26, and is disposed in a substantially H shape when viewed from above. The door portions 28 and 30 are H-shaped horizontal bar portions of the planned breaking portion 27 and are arranged so as to be separated in the front and rear, and connect the end portions of the left and right vertical bar portions of the H shape, The hinge portions 29 and 31 are opened on both the front and rear sides when opened.

側壁部３３は、バッグホルダ１１の側壁部１３の外周側を覆うように、略四角筒形状に配設され、内周側に、各係止爪１４を係止させるための係止溝３４を配設させている。さらに、左右の部位の側壁部３３には、バッグホルダ１１の係止突起１５を挿入させる係止孔３５が、形成されている。さらに、側壁部３３の所定位置には、図３・４に示すように、バッグホルダ１１の側壁部１３や保持片部１７にリベット３９止めするための取付孔３６が貫通されている。   The side wall portion 33 is disposed in a substantially rectangular tube shape so as to cover the outer peripheral side of the side wall portion 13 of the bag holder 11, and a locking groove 34 for locking each locking claw 14 is formed on the inner peripheral side. It is arranged. Furthermore, a locking hole 35 into which the locking projection 15 of the bag holder 11 is inserted is formed in the left and right side wall portions 33. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a mounting hole 36 for fixing the rivet 39 to the side wall portion 13 and the holding piece portion 17 of the bag holder 11 is penetrated at a predetermined position of the side wall portion 33.

押圧リブ３２は、略円筒状として、バッグホルダ１１の各連結片部１６の上面側に当接されるように、配設されている。   The pressing rib 32 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to be in contact with the upper surface side of each connecting piece portion 16 of the bag holder 11.

エアバッグ４６は、図６〜８に示すように、膨張完了時の上面側の運転者側に配置される運転者側壁部４７と、下面側のステアリングホイール本体１側に配置される車体側壁部５１と、を備えて構成されている。壁部４７・５１は、ポリエステルやポリアミド等の織布から形成されて、外形形状を等しくした円板状に形成され、外周縁４８・５２相互を縫合させて、エアバッグ４６の外周壁を構成している。車体側壁部５１の中央には、膨張用ガスを供給するインフレーター４１の本体部４１ａを下方から挿入可能な円形の開口のガス用開口５３が、配設され、開口５３の外周縁は、エアバッグ４６のバッグホルダ１１への取付部位５５とするように、取付孔５４を上下方向に貫通させている。また、車体側壁部５１の所定部位には、余剰の膨張用ガスを排気可能な図示しないベントホールが、配設されている。   As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the airbag 46 includes a driver side wall portion 47 disposed on the driver side on the upper surface side when the inflation is completed, and a vehicle body side wall portion disposed on the steering wheel body 1 side on the lower surface side. 51. The wall portions 47 and 51 are formed of a woven fabric such as polyester or polyamide, and are formed in a disk shape having the same outer shape, and the outer peripheral edges 48 and 52 are stitched together to form the outer peripheral wall of the airbag 46. is doing. In the center of the vehicle body side wall 51, a circular gas opening 53 into which the main body portion 41a of the inflator 41 for supplying the inflation gas can be inserted from below is disposed. The outer periphery of the opening 53 is an airbag. The attachment hole 54 is vertically penetrated so as to be the attachment portion 55 to the bag holder 11 of 46. In addition, a vent hole (not shown) capable of exhausting excess inflation gas is disposed at a predetermined portion of the vehicle body side wall 51.

車体側壁部５１の取付部位５５は、図２・３に示すように、略円環状の板金製のリテーナ４３に押えられてバッグホルダ１１の底壁部１２に取り付けられることとなり、各取付孔５４には、図５に示すように、リテーナ４３に設けられた四本のボルト４３ａが、それぞれ、挿通されることとなる。各ボルト４３ａは、エアバッグ４６の各取付孔５４、バッグホルダ１１の各貫通孔１２ｂ、及び、インフレーター４１のフランジ部４１ｃにおける各貫通孔４１ｄを貫通して、ナット４４止めされることにより、エアバッグ４６とともに、インフレーター４１を、バッグホルダ１１の底壁部１２に、取付固定させることとなる。   As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment portion 55 of the vehicle body side wall portion 51 is attached to the bottom wall portion 12 of the bag holder 11 by being pressed by a substantially annular retainer 43 made of a sheet metal. As shown in FIG. 5, the four bolts 43 a provided on the retainer 43 are respectively inserted. Each bolt 43a passes through each mounting hole 54 of the airbag 46, each through hole 12b of the bag holder 11, and each through hole 41d in the flange portion 41c of the inflator 41, and is fastened with a nut 44. Together with the bag 46, the inflator 41 is attached and fixed to the bottom wall portion 12 of the bag holder 11.

また、エアバッグ４６内には、膨張完了時の運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近とガス用開口５３との離隔距離を規制するためのテザー５７・５７が、配設されている。第１実施形態の場合、テザー５７・５７は、ガス用開口５３を中心として、直進操舵時の車両の前後方向両側に、配設されている。さらに、各テザー５７は、テザー用布５８と補強布５９との帯片５８ｂ・５９ｂ相互を連結させて、形成されている。テザー用布５８は、前後両側から帯片５８ｂ・５８ｂを伸ばした中央部５８ａを、エアバッグ４６の内周面側における運転者側壁部４７の中央４９に、縫合させて配設され、補強布５９は、前後両側から帯片５９ｂ・５９ｂを伸ばした中央部５９ａを、エアバッグ４６の内周面側における車体側壁部５１のガス用開口５３の周縁に、縫合させて配設されている。   Further, in the airbag 46, tethers 57 and 57 for restricting the separation distance between the vicinity of the center 49 of the driver side wall portion 47 and the gas opening 53 when inflation is completed are disposed. In the case of the first embodiment, the tethers 57 and 57 are disposed on both sides in the front-rear direction of the vehicle during straight-ahead steering with the gas opening 53 as the center. Further, each tether 57 is formed by connecting the strips 58 b and 59 b of the tether cloth 58 and the reinforcing cloth 59. The tether cloth 58 is disposed by stitching a central portion 58a obtained by extending the strips 58b and 58b from both the front and rear sides to the center 49 of the driver side wall portion 47 on the inner peripheral surface side of the airbag 46. 59, a central portion 59a obtained by extending strips 59b and 59b from both the front and rear sides is sewn to the periphery of the gas opening 53 of the vehicle body side wall 51 on the inner peripheral surface side of the airbag 46.

なお、補強布５９は、他の補強布６０とともに、ガス用開口５３の周縁を補強するために配設されており、補強布５９・６０にも、ガス用開口５３と取付孔５４とが、形成されている。これらの補強布５９・６０や車体側壁部５１のガス用開口５３・取付孔５４は、車体側壁部５１に補強布５９・６０を縫合させた後、一体的に穴明け加工して形成されている。   The reinforcing cloth 59 is arranged together with the other reinforcing cloths 60 to reinforce the peripheral edge of the gas opening 53. The reinforcing cloths 59 and 60 also have the gas opening 53 and the mounting hole 54. Is formed. The reinforcing cloths 59 and 60 and the gas openings 53 and the mounting holes 54 of the vehicle body side wall 51 are formed by integrally drilling the reinforcing cloths 59 and 60 in the vehicle body side wall 51 and then sewing them. Yes.

エアバッグ４６の製造について述べれば、縫合糸Ｔを利用して、車体側壁部５１におけるエアバッグ４６の内周側となる面に、補強布５９・６０を縫合して、開口５３や取付孔５４、さらには、図示しないベントホールを、車体側壁部５１に、一体的に穴明け加工する。また、縫合糸Ｔを利用して、運転者側壁部４７におけるエアバッグ４６の内周側となる面の中央４９に、テザー用布５８の中央部５８ａを縫合する。さらに、エアバッグ４６の外周面側となる面相互を接触させて、運転者側壁部４７と車体側壁部５１とを重ね、縫合糸Ｔを利用して、外周縁４８・５２相互を縫合し、縫代がエアバッグ４６の外周面側に表れないように、ガス用開口５３を利用して、裏返す。そして、帯片５８ｂ・５９ｂ相互を、ガス用開口５３から引き出して縫合し、縫合後にエアバッグ４６に収納させれば、エアバッグ４６を製造することができる。   The manufacture of the airbag 46 will be described. Using the suture thread T, the reinforcing cloths 59 and 60 are sewn to the surface of the vehicle body side wall 51 on the inner peripheral side of the airbag 46, and the opening 53 and the attachment hole 54. Further, a vent hole (not shown) is drilled integrally in the vehicle body side wall 51. Further, using the suture thread T, the center portion 58a of the tether cloth 58 is stitched to the center 49 of the surface on the inner peripheral side of the airbag 46 in the driver side wall portion 47. Further, the outer peripheral surface side of the airbag 46 is brought into contact with each other, the driver side wall portion 47 and the vehicle body side wall portion 51 are overlapped, and the outer peripheral edges 48 and 52 are stitched together using the suture thread T. Turn over using the gas opening 53 so that the seam allowance does not appear on the outer peripheral surface side of the airbag 46. If the strips 58b and 59b are pulled out from the gas opening 53 and stitched together and stored in the airbag 46 after the stitching, the airbag 46 can be manufactured.

つぎに、運転席用エアバッグ装置Ｍ１の組み立てについて述べると、まず、ガス用開口５３を利用して、リテーナ４３をエアバッグ４６内に挿入させて、各ボルト４３ａを各取付孔５４から突出させた状態で、エアバッグ４６を折り畳む。   Next, assembly of the driver airbag device M1 will be described. First, using the gas opening 53, the retainer 43 is inserted into the airbag 46, and the bolts 43a protrude from the mounting holes 54. In this state, the airbag 46 is folded.

このエアバッグ４６の折り畳みは、車体側壁部５１と運転者側壁部４７とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口５３を中心とした直径方向の外周縁間の前後左右の幅寸法を狭めて、図８・１１に示すような略直方体形状（略立方体形状）の折り畳み完了体９０を形成するように折り畳んで、図２・３・５に示すように、エアバッグ装置Ｍ１のエアバッグ４６の収納スペースＫ、すなわち、バッグホルダ１１の底壁部１２とパッド２５の天井壁部２６との間における側壁部１３・３３で囲まれるスペースで、かつ、インフレーター４１におけるガス用開口５３から挿入された本体部４１ａの容積を除いたスペース、に収納可能にするものである。   The airbag 46 is folded by overlapping the vehicle body side wall portion 51 and the driver side wall portion 47 so as to be flattened, thereby narrowing the width dimension of front, rear, left and right between the outer peripheral edges in the diametrical direction centering on the gas opening 53. 8 and 11 are folded so as to form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped (substantially cubic) folded body 90, and as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the airbag 46 of the airbag device M1 is folded. Storage space K, that is, a space surrounded by the side wall portions 13 and 33 between the bottom wall portion 12 of the bag holder 11 and the ceiling wall portion 26 of the pad 25, and is inserted from the gas opening 53 in the inflator 41. It can be stored in a space excluding the volume of the main body 41a.

さらに、第１実施形態の場合、図９・１１・１２・１３に示すように、展開膨張初期時のエアバッグ４６における運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近が、インフレーター４１の近傍で上方に膨らんで、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状における前後方向の幅寸法としての折り完了前後幅ＦＬＯ（図８参照）の略二倍の前後方向の幅寸法ＰＬＯと、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状における左右方向の幅寸法としての折り完了左右幅ＦＬＡ（図８参照）の略二倍の左右方向の幅寸法ＰＬＡと、を有した略長方形状（略正方形状）の初期展開パネル部５０を、運転者ＤＲ側に、膨らませて露出可能に、エアバッグ４６を収納している。   Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9, 11, 12, and 13, the vicinity of the center 49 of the driver side wall 47 in the airbag 46 at the initial stage of the inflation is inflated upward in the vicinity of the inflator 41. Thus, the width dimension PLO in the front-rear direction approximately double the front-rear width FLO (see FIG. 8) as the front-rear width dimension in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape upon completion of folding, and the left-right direction in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape upon completion of folding. The initial deployment panel portion 50 having a substantially rectangular shape (substantially square shape) having a width dimension PLA in the left-right direction that is substantially twice the left-right width FLA (see FIG. 8) as the width dimension of the driver DR On the side, the airbag 46 is housed so as to be inflated and exposed.

このようなエアバッグ４６の収納状態は、図２・３に示すように、初期展開パネル部５０が、中央５０ａ（４９）付近をインフレーター４１の上面４２側に接触させるように、インフレーター上面４２側に載せられている構成が必要となる。また、図９のＡ・１１に示すように、エアバッグ４６における初期展開パネル部５０の外周縁（前縁７９、後縁８１、左縁７４、及び、右縁７６）から前後左右に延びる部位８４・８５・８６・８７が、それぞれ、初期展開パネル部５０を平らに展開させた状態において、初期展開パネル部５０の前後左右の外周縁付近における車体側壁部５１の側に、位置するように、折り畳まれ、かつ、エアバッグ４６の略直方体形状とする折りの完了時には、初期展開パネル部５０の外周縁における前後左右で対向する縁７９・８１・７４・７６相互を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部４７の側で接近させるように、折り畳まれている構成も必要となる。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the airbag 46 is stored in the inflator upper surface 42 side so that the initial deployment panel 50 contacts the center 50 a (49) near the upper surface 42 of the inflator 41. The configuration shown in is required. Further, as shown in A · 11 of FIG. 9, a portion extending in the front-rear and left-right directions from the outer peripheral edge (front edge 79, rear edge 81, left edge 74, and right edge 76) of the initial deployment panel portion 50 in the airbag 46. 84, 85, 86, and 87 are positioned on the side of the vehicle body side wall 51 near the front, rear, left, and right outer peripheries of the initial deployment panel 50 when the initial deployment panel 50 is deployed flat. When the folding of the airbag 46 into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is completed, the edges 79, 81, 74, and 76 facing the front, rear, left and right of the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel 50 are respectively connected to the driver side walls. The structure folded so that it may approach on the part 47 side is also needed.

そして、第１実施形態の場合には、外周縁側をガス用開口５３側に接近させて幅寸法を狭める折り畳み工程として、図８に示すように、第１工程、第１工程と直交方向で幅寸法を狭める第２工程、及び、幅寸法を狭める方向を第１・２工程とそれぞれ等しくした最終工程、を経る３工程によって、折り畳んでいる。   And in the case of 1st Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, as a folding process which makes an outer periphery side approach the gas opening 53 side and narrows a width dimension, it is width in a direction orthogonal to a 1st process and a 1st process. Folding is performed by three steps including a second step of narrowing the size and a final step in which the direction of narrowing the width is made equal to the first and second steps.

第１工程は、第１実施形態の場合、図８・９に示すように、左右方向の幅寸法を狭める折り工程としている。そして、図９のＡ・Ｂ・Ｃに示すように、車体側壁部５１と運転者側壁部４７とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口５３を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、第１実施形態の場合、左右方向の両縁６２・６３側を、それぞれ、車体側壁部５１の側で、巻き込み部位６５・６５を設けるとともに、最終工程での折幅の寸法Ｘを残して、ガス用開口５３側に接近させる折り畳みとしている。第１実施形態の巻き込み部位６５は、折り返しロール折りで折り畳んで、形成している。すなわち、開口５３から左右の縁６２・６３までの間を、中間付近に折目６４を設けて、二つ折りし、折り畳んだ先端の折目６４付近から、下方側の車体側壁部５１の側に巻き込んで、ガス用開口５３側に接近させるようにロール折りしている。   In the case of the first embodiment, the first step is a folding step for narrowing the width dimension in the left-right direction, as shown in FIGS. Then, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9A and 9B, the vehicle body side wall 51 and the driver side wall 47 are overlapped and flattened so that the symmetrical both edges with the gas opening 53 at the center side are formed. In the case of the first embodiment, the both side edges 62 and 63 in the left and right direction are provided on the side of the vehicle body side wall 51, respectively, and the winding portions 65 and 65 are provided, and the folding width dimension X in the final process is left. The folding is made to approach the gas opening 53 side. The entrainment part 65 of the first embodiment is formed by folding by folding roll folding. That is, between the opening 53 and the left and right edges 62 and 63, a fold 64 is provided near the middle, folded in two, and from the vicinity of the fold 64 at the folded tip to the side of the vehicle body side wall 51. It is rolled and folded so as to approach the gas opening 53 side.

なお、折幅の寸法Ｘは、折り畳み完了体９０（図８・１１参照）の略直方体形状の左右方向の幅寸法ＦＬＡ、すなわち、折り完了左右幅ＦＬＡの略１／２として、リテーナ４３の左右方向の外縁間の寸法ＲＬＡ（図２参照）の略半分の寸法としている。   Note that the folding width dimension X is set to the left and right width dimension FLA of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape of the folding completed body 90 (see FIGS. 8 and 11), that is, approximately half of the folding completed left and right width FLA. The dimension is approximately half the dimension RLA between the outer edges in the direction (see FIG. 2).

第２工程では、前後方向の幅寸法を狭める折り工程としている。そして、図８・１０に示すように、ガス用開口５３を中央側とした対称的な前後の縁６７・６９側を、それぞれ、車体側壁部５１の側で、ガス用開口５３側に接近させる折り畳みとしている。さらに、この折り畳みは、最終工程での折幅の寸法Ｙを残して、両縁６７・６９側を、ガス用開口５３側に接近させるように、折り畳んでいる。前側折り畳み部位６８側は、ガス用開口５３から前縁６７までの間で、縁６７を運転者者側壁部４７の側に折るような折目７１を付けて折り、そして、その折目７１付近を先端とし、その折目７１付近を、車体側壁部５１側に巻き込むようにして、折り返しロール折りする。また、後側折り畳み部位７０は、先端の後縁６９付近を車体側壁部５１側に巻き込む単純ロール折りしている。   In the second step, the folding step is performed to narrow the width dimension in the front-rear direction. Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the symmetrical front and rear edges 67 and 69 with the gas opening 53 at the center are brought closer to the gas opening 53 side on the side wall 51 of the vehicle body. Folding. Further, this folding is performed so that both edges 67 and 69 are brought close to the gas opening 53 side while leaving the folding width dimension Y in the final process. The front folding portion 68 side is folded between the gas opening 53 and the front edge 67 with a fold 71 that folds the edge 67 toward the driver side wall 47, and the vicinity of the fold 71. And the folding line is folded so that the vicinity of the fold 71 is wound around the side wall 51 of the vehicle body. Further, the rear side folding part 70 is folded in a simple roll so that the vicinity of the rear edge 69 at the front end is wound around the side wall 51 of the vehicle body.

なお、折幅の寸法Ｙは、折り畳み完了体９０（図８・１１参照）の略直方体形状の前後方向の幅寸法ＦＬＯ、すなわち、折り完了前後幅ＦＬＯの略１／２として、リテーナ４３の前後方向の外縁間の寸法ＲＬＯ（図３参照）の略半分の寸法としている。   In addition, the dimension Y of the folding width is set to the width dimension FLO in the front-rear direction of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape of the folding completed body 90 (see FIGS. 8 and 11), that is, approximately 1/2 of the width FLO before and after the folding completion. The dimension is approximately half the dimension RLO (see FIG. 3) between the outer edges in the direction.

そして、最終工程では、左右方向の幅寸法を狭める折り工程と、前後方向の幅寸法を狭める折り工程と、の二つの工程からなる。そして、図８・１１に示すように、まず、前工程では、ガス用開口５３を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、すなわち、左右の縁７４・７６側を、ガス用開口５３から挿入させるインフレーター４１の本体部４１ａの両側近傍付近に、配置させるように、折り畳む。すなわち、左右の縁７４・７６側を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部４７の側の上方側へ、折り畳むように、換言すれば、略折幅Ｘ分の長さとなる先端の縁７４・７６からリテーナ４３の左右の外縁付近までの部位７５・７７を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部４７の側の上方側へ屈曲させるように、折り畳む。ついで、後工程において、略折幅Ｙ分の長さとなる前後の縁７９・８１からリテーナ４３の前後の外縁付近までの部位８０・８２を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部４７の側の上方側へ屈曲させるように、折り畳んで、折り畳み完了体９０を形成する。   The final process includes two processes, a folding process for narrowing the width dimension in the left-right direction and a folding process for narrowing the width dimension in the front-rear direction. Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, first, in the previous step, both symmetrical edges with the gas opening 53 at the center side, that is, the left and right edges 74 and 76 are inserted from the gas opening 53. The inflator 41 to be folded is folded so as to be arranged in the vicinity of both sides of the main body 41a. In other words, the left and right edges 74 and 76 are folded upward to the upper side of the driver side wall 47, in other words, the retainers from the leading edges 74 and 76 having a length substantially equal to the folding width X. The parts 75 and 77 up to the vicinity of the left and right outer edges of 43 are folded so as to be bent upward on the driver side wall 47 side. Next, in the subsequent step, the portions 80 and 82 from the front and rear edges 79 and 81, which are approximately the length of the folding width Y, to the vicinity of the outer edges of the retainer 43 and the front are respectively moved upward on the driver side wall 47 side. It folds so that it may be bent, and the folding completion body 90 is formed.

このような第１工程・第２工程・最終工程を経てエアバッグ４６を折り畳んだ後は、各ボルト４３ａを貫通孔１２ｂから突出させるように、折り畳んだエアバッグ４６をバッグホルダ１１の底壁部１２上に配置させる。   After the airbag 46 is folded through the first step, the second step, and the final step, the folded airbag 46 is placed on the bottom wall portion of the bag holder 11 so that the bolts 43a protrude from the through holes 12b. 12 is arranged.

その後、パッド２５を被せて、所定の係止突起１５を係止孔３５に挿入させつつ、各係止溝３４にバッグホルダ１１の係止爪１４を係止させ、当板３８を使用しつつ、パッド２５の側壁部３３を、バッグホルダ１１の側壁部１３や保持片部１７に、リベット３９止めする。   Thereafter, the pad 25 is put on and the predetermined locking projection 15 is inserted into the locking hole 35, the locking claw 14 of the bag holder 11 is locked in each locking groove 34, and the contact plate 38 is used. The side wall 33 of the pad 25 is fixed to the side wall 13 and the holding piece 17 of the bag holder 11 with rivets 39.

なお、エアバッグ４６を折り畳んだ後、バッグホルダ１１の底壁部１２上に配置させるまでに、エアバッグ４６を保管したり運搬したりする場合には、破断可能なラッピング材によって、折り完了体９０を包んでおいてもよい。   When the airbag 46 is stored or transported after the airbag 46 is folded and placed on the bottom wall portion 12 of the bag holder 11, the folded body is made of a breakable wrapping material. 90 may be wrapped.

そして、バッグホルダ１１の左右両側における前後の連結片部１６・１６に、ボルト２１を利用して、連結板２３とともにホーンスイッチ１９を取り付ける。ついで、インフレーター４１の本体部４１ａを、バッグホルダ１１の挿通孔１２ａを経て、ガス用開口５３からエアバッグ４６内に挿入させつつ（図２・３参照）、バッグホルダ１１の各貫通孔１２ｂから突出しているボルト４３ａを、インフレーター４１のフランジ部４１ｃにおける各貫通孔４１ｄに貫通させ、各ボルト４３ａをナット４４止めして、エアバッグ４６とともに、インフレーター４１を、バッグホルダ１１の底壁部１２に、取付固定させれば、エアバッグ装置Ｍ１を組み立てることができる。   Then, the horn switch 19 is attached together with the connecting plate 23 to the front and rear connecting pieces 16 and 16 on both the left and right sides of the bag holder 11 by using bolts 21. Next, the body portion 41a of the inflator 41 is inserted into the airbag 46 from the gas opening 53 through the insertion hole 12a of the bag holder 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), and from each through hole 12b of the bag holder 11. The projecting bolts 43a are passed through the through holes 41d in the flange portion 41c of the inflator 41, the bolts 43a are fastened with nuts 44, and the inflator 41 is attached to the bottom wall portion 12 of the bag holder 11 together with the airbag 46. The airbag apparatus M1 can be assembled by attaching and fixing.

このように組み立てたエアバッグ装置Ｍ１は、車両に取付済みのステアリングホイール本体１の取付座６・６に対し、各連結板２３のナット２３ａの部位を配置させて、各取付ボルト９を、取付座６の挿通孔６ａを経て、各ナット２３ａに螺合させれば、ステアリングホイール本体１に取り付けることができて、ステアリングホイールＷの組み立てが完了することとなる。   The airbag device M1 assembled in this manner is provided with the mounting bolts 9 attached to the mounting seats 6 and 6 of the steering wheel body 1 already mounted on the vehicle by arranging the portions of the nuts 23a of the connecting plates 23. If the nut 23a is screwed through the insertion hole 6a of the seat 6, it can be attached to the steering wheel body 1 and the assembly of the steering wheel W is completed.

その後、インフレーター本体部４１ａのガス吐出口４１ｂから膨張用ガスが吐出されれば、エアバッグ４６が、膨張し、パッド天井壁部２６の破断予定部２７を破断させて扉部２８・３０を開かせて、パッド２５から大きく突出することとなる。   Thereafter, when the inflation gas is discharged from the gas discharge port 41b of the inflator main body 41a, the airbag 46 expands, the breakable portion 27 of the pad ceiling wall portion 26 is broken, and the door portions 28 and 30 are opened. Thus, it protrudes greatly from the pad 25.

そして、第１実施形態のエアバッグ装置Ｍ１では、収納されたエアバッグ４６にインフレーター４１からの膨張用ガスが供給されると、エアバッグ４６は、図２・３・１２・１３に示すように、インフレーター４１の上面４２側に接触させるように載せていた初期展開パネル部５０を、インフレーター４１から離すように、上方に移動させようとする。   And in the airbag apparatus M1 of 1st Embodiment, if the gas for inflation from the inflator 41 is supplied to the accommodated airbag 46, the airbag 46 will be as shown in FIG. The initial development panel 50 placed so as to be in contact with the upper surface 42 of the inflator 41 is moved upward so as to be separated from the inflator 41.

この時、初期展開パネル部５０から前後左右に延びる部位８４・８５・８６・８７は、初期展開パネル部５０を平らに展開させた状態において、初期展開パネル部５０の前後左右の外周縁付近における車体側壁部５１の側に、位置するように、折り畳まれ、かつ、エアバッグ４６の略直方体形状とする折りの完了時には、初期展開パネル部５０の外周縁における前後左右で対向する縁７９・８１・７４・７６相互を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部４７の側で接近させるように、折り畳まれている（図１１）。特に、実施形態の場合には、エアバッグ４６の略直方体形状とする折りの完了時には、前後左右で対向する部位８０・８２・７５・７７相互が、それぞれ、ガス用開口５３の上方で、前後左右で略二分して配置させるように、折り畳まれている。そのため、初期展開パネル部５０の上方移動に伴なって、初期展開パネル部５０から前後左右に延びる部位８４・８５・８６・８７は、扉が開くように、初期展開パネル部５０の中央５０ａ（４９）付近を開けて、初期展開パネル部５０の外周縁の車体側壁部５１の側へ、移動する。   At this time, portions 84, 85, 86, and 87 extending from the initial deployment panel 50 to the front, rear, left, and right are located in the vicinity of the front, rear, left, and right outer peripheral edges of the initial deployment panel 50 in a state where the initial deployment panel 50 is deployed flat. When the airbag 46 is folded so as to be positioned on the side of the vehicle body side wall 51 and folded into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the edges 79 and 81 facing the front, rear, left and right of the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel 50 are completed. 74 and 76 are folded so as to approach each other on the side of the driver side wall 47 (FIG. 11). In particular, in the case of the embodiment, when the folding of the airbag 46 into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is completed, the portions 80, 82, 75, and 77 that face each other in the front, rear, left, and right are respectively above and behind the gas opening 53. It is folded so that it can be arranged in almost half on the left and right. Therefore, as the initial deployment panel portion 50 moves upward, the portions 84, 85, 86, and 87 that extend from the initial deployment panel portion 50 to the front, rear, left, and right are located at the center 50a ( 49) Open the vicinity and move to the vehicle body side wall 51 side of the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel 50.

そのため、初期展開パネル部５０が、図１２・１３に示すように、厚さを膨らませるように、円滑に、運転者ＤＲ側に膨らんで露出する。   Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the initial deployment panel portion 50 is smoothly inflated and exposed to the driver DR side so as to increase the thickness.

なお、初期展開パネル部５０の前方側部位８４は、初期展開パネル部５０の前縁７９から車体側壁部５１の側で折られる前側折り畳み部位６８の部位（屈曲部位８０が屈曲された際の上部側の一部）が相当し、初期展開パネル部５０の後方側部位８５は、初期展開パネル部５０の後縁８１から車体側壁部５１の側で折られる後側折り畳み部位７０の部位（屈曲部位８２が屈曲された際の上部側の一部）が相当する。また、初期展開パネル部５０の左方側部位８６は、初期展開パネル部５０の左縁７４から車体側壁部５１の側で折られる巻き込み部位６５（屈曲部位７５が屈曲された際の上部側の一部）が相当し、初期展開パネル部５０の右方側部位８７は、初期展開パネル部５０の右縁７６から車体側壁部５１の側で折られる巻き込み部位６５（屈曲部位７７が屈曲された際の上部側の一部）が相当する。   The front side portion 84 of the initial deployment panel portion 50 is a portion of the front side folding portion 68 that is folded from the front edge 79 of the initial deployment panel portion 50 on the side of the vehicle body side wall 51 (the upper portion when the bending portion 80 is bent). The rear portion 85 of the initial deployment panel 50 is a portion of the rear folding portion 70 that is folded from the rear edge 81 of the initial deployment panel 50 toward the vehicle body side wall 51 (bending portion). This corresponds to a part of the upper side when 82 is bent). Further, the left side portion 86 of the initial deployment panel portion 50 is a winding portion 65 that is folded on the vehicle body side wall 51 side from the left edge 74 of the initial deployment panel portion 50 (the upper side when the bending portion 75 is bent). The right side portion 87 of the initial deployment panel portion 50 corresponds to a part 65 of the initial deployment panel portion 50 that is folded from the right edge 76 of the initial deployment panel portion 50 toward the vehicle body side wall portion 51 (the bent portion 77 is bent). Corresponds to the upper part of the case).

そして、初期展開パネル部５０は、その前後左右の幅寸法ＰＬＯ・ＰＬＡが、エアバッグ４６の折り畳み完了時の前後左右の幅寸法ＦＬＯ・ＦＬＡのそれぞれ略二倍の寸法で大きい。   In addition, the width PLO / PLA in the front / rear / left / right direction of the initial deployment panel 50 is approximately twice as large as the widths FLO / FLA in the front / rear / left / right when the airbag 46 is completely folded.

その結果、エアバッグ４６の展開膨張初期時に、膨らんだ初期展開パネル部５０により、エアバッグ４６の中央４９付近の厚さを確保できて、運転者ＤＲの頭部ＤＨ付近が、ステアリングホイールＷの中央付近に、侵入してきても、円滑に、運転者ＤＲの頭部ＤＨ付近を保護することができる。   As a result, when the airbag 46 is initially deployed and inflated, the inflated initial deployment panel 50 can secure a thickness near the center 49 of the airbag 46 so that the vicinity of the head DH of the driver DR is near the steering wheel W. Even if the vehicle enters the vicinity of the center, the vicinity of the head DH of the driver DR can be protected smoothly.

そしてその後、膨張用ガスの供給とともに、初期展開パネル部５０の前・後・左・右で連なる隣接部８４・８５・８６・８７が厚さを増すように膨らむとともに、それらの部位の折りも解消されて、エアバッグ４６は、展開膨張を完了させることとなる。   After that, along with the supply of the expansion gas, the adjacent portions 84, 85, 86, and 87 connected in front, rear, left, and right of the initial deployment panel portion 50 are inflated so as to increase in thickness, and the portions are also folded. As a result, the airbag 46 is completely deployed and inflated.

なお、この初期展開パネル部５０が展開した直後の状態では、初期展開パネル部５０の前後左右の部位８４・８５・８６・８７が、初期展開パネル部５０の外周縁付近の車体側壁部５１の側で、折り畳まれており、それらの折り畳みが解消されるまで、初期展開パネル部５０は、運転者ＤＲ側へ大きく突出することが抑制され、接近している運転者ＤＲの頭部ＤＨ付近を不必要に押圧することを防止できる。   In the state immediately after the initial deployment panel portion 50 is deployed, the front, rear, left and right portions 84, 85, 86, and 87 of the initial deployment panel portion 50 are located on the vehicle body side wall 51 near the outer periphery of the initial deployment panel portion 50. On the side, until the folding is canceled, the initial deployment panel unit 50 is prevented from projecting greatly toward the driver DR side, and near the head DH of the approaching driver DR. Unnecessary pressing can be prevented.

したがって、第１実施形態の運転者用エアバッグ装置Ｍ１では、エアバッグ４６の展開膨張初期時に、運転者側壁部４６の中央４９付近に位置する初期展開パネル部５０を、円滑に上方へ突出させることができるため、展開膨張初期のエアバッグ４６は、無用な突出を抑えて、中央４９付近の厚さを確保でき、運転者ＤＲの頭部ＤＨ付近が、ステアリングホイールＷの中央付近に、侵入してきても、円滑に、運転者ＤＲの頭部ＤＨ付近を保護することができる。   Therefore, in the driver airbag device M1 of the first embodiment, the initial deployment panel portion 50 located near the center 49 of the driver side wall portion 46 is smoothly protruded upward at the initial stage of deployment of the airbag 46. Therefore, the airbag 46 in the initial stage of deployment and inflation can prevent unnecessary protrusion and secure a thickness near the center 49, so that the vicinity of the head DH of the driver DR enters the vicinity of the center of the steering wheel W. Even if this is done, the vicinity of the head DH of the driver DR can be protected smoothly.

なお、このエアバッグ４６の展開膨張を、折り工程との関連で説明すれば、つぎのようである。すなわち、収納されたエアバッグ４６にインフレーター４１からの膨張用ガスが供給されれば、エアバッグ４６は、ガス用開口５３と対向する運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近が押し上げられつつ、折り畳まれた工程の逆の工程で、折りを解消し、すなわち、最終工程の折りの解消を経て、第２工程で折り畳んだ折目を解消させようとする。   In addition, it is as follows if the expansion | deployment expansion | swelling of this airbag 46 is demonstrated in relation to a folding process. That is, if the inflation gas from the inflator 41 is supplied to the stored airbag 46, the airbag 46 is folded while the vicinity of the center 49 of the driver side wall 47 facing the gas opening 53 is pushed up. In the reverse process of the above process, the folding is canceled, that is, the folding in the second process is attempted to be canceled through the cancellation of the folding in the final process.

その際、最終工程の折りが、単に、第１・２工程で残しておいた一折り分として、縁７４・７６側の部位７５・７７や、縁７９・８１側の部位８０・８２を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部４７の側の上方側へ、単に、屈曲させた折り畳みとしている。そのため、図１２Ａ〜１２Ｃに示すように、簡単に、それらの屈曲部位７５・７７・８０・８２を伸ばすようにして折りが解消され、そして、図１２Ｄ〜１２Ｅに示すように、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近が、第２工程での折り畳み部位６８・７０を車体側壁部５１の側に、配置させた状態で、かつ、略長方形状（略正方形状）に露出する状態となることから、上方に突出し易い。   At that time, the folds in the final process are simply the folds left in the first and second processes, the parts 75 and 77 on the edges 74 and 76 side, and the parts 80 and 82 on the edges 79 and 81 side, Each of them is simply folded to the upper side on the driver side wall 47 side. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the bending is eliminated by simply extending the bent portions 75, 77, 80, and 82, and as shown in FIGS. 47 is located in a state where the folding portions 68 and 70 in the second step are arranged on the side of the vehicle body side wall 51 and exposed in a substantially rectangular shape (substantially square shape). , Easy to protrude upward.

そして、この上方へ移動する運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近は、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状の前後左右の幅寸法を有した運転者側壁部４７の天井部４７ａ（図９のＡ・１１参照）自体と、最終工程で運転者側壁部４７の側へ折り畳んだ折幅Ｘ・Ｙ分と、を合わせたエリアであり、結局、折り完了前後幅ＦＬＯの略二倍の前後方向の幅寸法ＰＬＯと、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状における左右方向の幅寸法としての折り完了左右幅ＦＬＡの略二倍の左右方向の幅寸法ＰＬＡと、を有した略長方形状の初期展開パネル部５０に、一致する。   The vicinity of the center 49 of the driver side wall portion 47 that moves upward is a ceiling portion 47a of the driver side wall portion 47 having front, rear, left, and right width dimensions in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when the folding is completed (A · 11 in FIG. 9). Reference) and the folding width X and Y folded to the driver side wall 47 in the final process, and the width dimension in the front-rear direction is almost twice the width FLO before and after the folding. A substantially rectangular initial deployment panel 50 having a PLO and a width dimension PLA in the left-right direction that is substantially twice the width in the left-right direction FLA as a width dimension in the left-right direction in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when the folding is completed. Match.

したがって、エアバッグ４６の展開膨張時、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近部位の初期展開パネル部５０を、上方へ突出させ、展開膨張の初期段階を経た後、第２工程での折り畳みの折りを解消するように、第２工程で折り畳む直前の形状に、すなわち、第２工程で幅寸法を狭めた方向に沿って、幅広く展開するように、膨張し、ついで、第１工程で折り畳んだ折りの解消が、なされて、エアバッグ４６は、展開膨張を完了させることとなる。   Accordingly, when the airbag 46 is deployed and inflated, the initial deployment panel portion 50 in the vicinity of the center 49 of the driver side wall 47 is protruded upward, and after the initial stage of deployment and inflation, folding in the second step is performed. In order to eliminate the fold, it expands to the shape immediately before folding in the second step, that is, expands widely along the direction in which the width dimension is narrowed in the second step, and then folded in the first step. Is eliminated, and the airbag 46 completes deployment and inflation.

そして、第１実施形態では、第２工程で狭める方向を、車両の前後方向に沿わせており、最終工程の折りの解消を経て第２工程の折りを解消する際、左右方向の幅寸法は狭いものの、エアバッグ４６を前後方向に沿って長く展開膨張させることができる。その結果、エアバッグ４６は、展開膨張初期でも、図１３に示すように、前方移動してくる上下方向（前後方向）に長い運転者ＤＲにおける頭部ＤＨや胸部ＤＢ等の領域を、クッション作用を確保して、容易に保護することが可能となる。   In the first embodiment, the direction of narrowing in the second step is set along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the width dimension in the left-right direction is determined when the folding in the second step is canceled through the cancellation of the folding in the final step. Although narrow, the airbag 46 can be deployed and inflated long along the front-rear direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the airbag 46 cushions regions such as the head DH and the chest DB of the driver DR that move forward in the vertical direction (front-rear direction) even in the initial stage of inflation. Can be easily protected.

勿論、上記の点を考慮しなければ、第２工程でのエアバッグ４６の幅寸法を狭める方向を、車両の左右方向に沿う方向として、第１工程でのエアバッグ４６の幅寸法を狭める方向を、車両の前後方向に沿う方向として、エアバッグ４６を折り畳んでも良い。   Of course, if the above points are not taken into consideration, the direction in which the width of the airbag 46 in the second step is narrowed is the direction along the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the width of the airbag 46 in the first step is narrowed. The airbag 46 may be folded as a direction along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

また、第１実施形態では、第１工程での折り畳みに関し、所定方向（実施形態の場合、左右方向）の両縁６２・６４側が、車体側壁部５１の側で、巻き込み部位６５・６５を設けて、折り畳んでいる。そして、この第１工程の折りの解消は、巻き込み部位６５・６５によって、抑制される。そのため、第２工程の折りの解消時には、第１工程での折りが解消せずに、逆に、第２工程で折り畳む直前の形状となるまで、第２工程の折りの解消が促進されることとなる。その結果、エアバッグ４６は、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近を、上方へ突出させつつ、第２工程で折り畳む直前の形状に、すなわち、第２工程で幅寸法を狭めた方向に沿って、幅広く展開するように、膨張する。そのため、第２工程での折りの解消時、第１工程での折りの解消が抑制されていることから、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近が、運転者ＤＲ側に突出し過ぎることを、安定して、抑制することができる。   Further, in the first embodiment, with respect to the folding in the first step, the both sides 62, 64 in the predetermined direction (in the case of the embodiment, the left-right direction) are provided on the side wall 51 of the vehicle body, and the winding portions 65, 65 are provided. And folded. And cancellation | release of the folding of this 1st process is suppressed by the entrainment site | part 65 * 65. Therefore, when the folding in the second step is eliminated, the folding in the second step is not canceled until the shape just before folding in the second step is achieved. It becomes. As a result, the airbag 46 has a shape immediately before folding in the second step while projecting upward in the vicinity of the center 49 of the driver side wall 47, that is, along the direction in which the width dimension is narrowed in the second step. Inflates to expand widely. Therefore, when the folding in the second step is canceled, the cancellation of the folding in the first step is suppressed, so that it is stable that the vicinity of the center 49 of the driver side wall 47 protrudes excessively toward the driver DR. And can be suppressed.

なお、このような巻き込み部位を設ける折り畳み方は、第１実施形態のような折り返しロール折りの他、図９の括弧書きＤに示すように、単純ロール折りしてもよい。すなわち、車体側壁部５１と運転者側壁部４７とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口５３を中央側とした対称的な両縁６２・６３側を、それぞれ、車体側壁部５１の側で、ロール折りして、ガス用開口５３側に接近させる折り畳みとしてもよい。   In addition to the folding roll folding as in the first embodiment, the folding method for providing such a winding portion may be simple roll folding as shown in bracket D in FIG. That is, the vehicle body side wall 51 and the driver side wall 47 are overlapped and flattened so that the symmetrical edges 62 and 63 with the gas opening 53 at the center side are respectively located on the side of the vehicle body side wall 51. Then, it is also possible to perform folding by folding the roll so as to approach the gas opening 53 side.

勿論、上記のことを考慮しなければ、図９の括弧書きＥに示すように、両縁６２・６３側を、折目を順に付けて折り重ねる蛇腹折りにより、折り畳んでもよい。   Of course, if the above is not taken into consideration, as shown in bracket E in FIG. 9, both edges 62 and 63 may be folded by bellows folding in which folds are sequentially attached and folded.

さらに、両縁６２・６３側を、相互に同じ折り畳みとせずに、蛇腹折り、単純ロール折り、折り返しロール折り等を、適宜選択して、折り畳んでもよい。   Furthermore, the both sides 62 and 63 may be folded by appropriately selecting a bellows fold, a simple roll fold, a folded roll fold, or the like without making the folds the same.

同様に、第１実施形態では、第２工程の折り畳みに関し、前側折り畳み部位６８を、折り返しロール折りとし、後折り畳み部位７０を単純ロール折りとした場合を示した。しかし、第２工程の変形例としては、図１０Ｂ・１０Ｃに示すように、折り畳み部位６８・７０の一方を、折目を付けて順に折り重ねる蛇腹折りの折り畳み部位７２としてもよい。あるいは、第２工程の変形例としては、前後の両側の折り畳み部位６８・７０を、同じ折り畳み、例えば、図１０Ｄに示すように、前後の両側の折り畳み部位６８・７０を、ともに、単純ロール折りとして折り畳んでもよい。すなわち、第２工程の折り畳みにおいて、前後の折り畳み部位６８・７０は、それぞれ、適宜、折り返しロール折り、単純ロール折り、あるいは、蛇腹折り、の折り方で、折り畳んでも良い。   Similarly, in the first embodiment, regarding the folding in the second step, the case where the front folding portion 68 is the folding roll fold and the rear folding portion 70 is the simple roll folding is shown. However, as a modified example of the second step, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, one of the folded portions 68 and 70 may be a bellows-folded folded portion 72 that is folded and folded in order. Alternatively, as a modified example of the second step, the folding parts 68 and 70 on both the front and rear sides are folded the same, for example, as shown in FIG. You may fold as. That is, in the folding in the second step, the front and rear folding parts 68 and 70 may be folded appropriately by folding roll folding, simple roll folding, or bellows folding.

また、第１実施形態では、エアバッグ４６を折り畳む最終工程において、第１・２工程で残しておいた一折り分の折幅Ｘ・Ｙを折り畳む前工程と後工程とにおいて、最初に行う前工程を、第１工程と同じ方向で、折り畳んだ後、後工程で、第２工程と同じ方向で折り畳んで、略立方体に近い略直方体形状に、コンパクトに折り畳むことができる。その結果、第１実施形態の運転席用エアバッグ装置Ｍ１では、インストルメントパネルのメータ類等の視認性の確保のために、収納スペースＫに制限のあるステアリングホイールＷのボス部Ｂの上部側部位に対して、折り畳んだエアバッグ４６を、円滑に収納することができる。   In the first embodiment, in the final step of folding the airbag 46, before the first step in the pre-step and the post-step of folding the folding widths X and Y that are left in the first and second steps. After the process is folded in the same direction as the first process, it is folded in the same direction as the second process in the subsequent process, and can be folded compactly into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape close to a substantially cube. As a result, in the driver's seat airbag device M1 of the first embodiment, the upper side of the boss portion B of the steering wheel W that has a limited storage space K in order to ensure the visibility of meters and the like of the instrument panel. The folded airbag 46 can be smoothly stored in the region.

勿論、最終工程では、第１・２工程で残しておいた一折り分の折幅を折り畳む前工程と後工程とにおいて、第１実施形態と相違して、前工程を、第２工程と同じ方向で、折り畳んだ後、後工程で、第１工程と同じ方向で折り畳んでもよい。   Of course, in the final process, the pre-process is the same as the second process, unlike the first embodiment, in the pre-process and the post-process for folding the folding width of one fold left in the first and second processes. After folding in the direction, it may be folded in the same direction as the first step in a subsequent step.

すなわち、図１４〜１６に示す第２実施形態のように、最終工程の前工程を、第２工程と同じ方向で、折り畳んだ後、最終工程の後工程において、第１工程と同じ方向で折り畳んでもよい。この第２実施形態では、第１工程において、第１実施形態と同様に、図１４・１５に示すように、左右方向の幅寸法を狭める折り工程として、まず、図１５のＡ・Ｂ・Ｃに示すように、車体側壁部５１と運転者側壁部４７とを重ねて平らに展開させて、ガス用開口５３を中央側とした対称的な左右方向の両縁６２・６３側を、それぞれ、車体側壁部５１の側で、巻き込み部位６５・６５を設けつつ、ガス用開口５３側に接近させるるように、折り畳む。この時、最終工程での折幅の寸法Ｘを残して、両縁６２・６３側を、ガス用開口５３側に接近させるように、折り畳む。また、第２実施形態の巻き込み部位６５は、第１実施形態と同様に、折り返しロール折りにより、形成している。   That is, as in the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, after folding the previous process of the final process in the same direction as the second process, in the subsequent process of the final process, folding in the same direction as the first process. But you can. In the second embodiment, in the first step, as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, as a folding step for narrowing the width in the left-right direction, first, A, B, and C in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle body side wall 51 and the driver side wall 47 are overlapped and flattened, and the symmetrical left and right edges 62 and 63 with the gas opening 53 at the center are respectively shown. On the side of the vehicle body side wall 51, it is folded so as to be close to the gas opening 53 side while providing the entrainment portions 65 and 65. At this time, the fold width dimension X in the final process is left, and the both edges 62 and 63 are folded so as to approach the gas opening 53 side. Moreover, the entrainment part 65 of 2nd Embodiment is formed by the return | turnback roll folding similarly to 1st Embodiment.

第２工程では、第２実施形態の場合、第１実施形態と同様に、前後方向の幅寸法を狭める折り工程としている。そして、図１４・１６Ａに示すように、ガス用開口５３を中央側とした対称的な前後の縁６７・６９側を、それぞれ、車体側壁部５１の側で、ガス用開口５３側に接近させるように折り畳んで、続けて、最終工程での折りを含めるように、運転者側壁部４７の側に載せて、両縁６７・６９側の折り畳み部位６８・７０で、ガス用開口５３の上方を略二分して覆うような折り畳みとしている。   In the second step, in the case of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the folding step is performed to narrow the width dimension in the front-rear direction. Then, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16A, the symmetrical front and rear edges 67 and 69 with the gas opening 53 as the central side are brought closer to the gas opening 53 side on the side of the vehicle body side wall 51, respectively. Then, it is placed on the driver side wall 47 side so that the folding in the final process is included, and the upper part of the gas opening 53 is placed at the folding portions 68 and 70 on both edges 67 and 69 side. Folding is almost divided and covered.

すなわち、折り畳み部位６８・７０に関して、第１実施形態の図１０の二点鎖線や図１１に示す屈曲部位８０・８２を形成する最終工程での折りを、換言すれば、第２実施形態での前後方向の幅寸法を狭める最後の折幅Ｙ分の折りを、最終工程の前工程として、第２工程の直後に、続けて行って、折り畳み部位６８の後縁６８ａと折り畳み部位７０の前縁７０ａとが、隣接して接触するように、開口５３の上方における前後方向の中央位置に接近させて、エアバッグ４６を折り畳んでいる。   That is, with respect to the folding parts 68 and 70, the folding in the final step of forming the two-dot chain line in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment and the bending parts 80 and 82 shown in FIG. 11 is, in other words, in the second embodiment. Folding for the final folding width Y that narrows the width dimension in the front-rear direction is performed immediately after the second step as a previous step of the final step, and the rear edge 68a of the folding portion 68 and the front edge of the folding portion 70 The airbag 46 is folded so as to approach the central position in the front-rear direction above the opening 53 so as to be in contact with 70a.

勿論、この第２工程と最終工程の前工程との前後方向の幅寸法を狭める折り畳みは、第２実施形態の場合、前側折り畳み部位６８側が、ガス用開口５３から前縁６７までの間で、縁６７を運転者側壁部４７側に折るような折目７１を付けて折り、そして、その折目７１付近を先端とし、その折目７１付近を、車体側壁部５１側に巻き込むように、折り返しロール折りし、さらに、運転者側壁部４７の側に、載せるように、折り畳んでいる。また、後側折り畳み部位７０は、先端の後縁６９付近を車体側壁部５１側に巻き込むように、単純ロール折りして、運転者側壁部４７の側に、載せている。   Of course, in the second embodiment, the folding for narrowing the width dimension in the front-rear direction between the second step and the previous step in the final step is between the gas opening 53 and the front edge 67 in the case of the second embodiment. The edge 67 is folded with a fold 71 that folds toward the driver side wall 47, and is folded back so that the vicinity of the fold 71 is a leading end and the vicinity of the fold 71 is wound around the side wall 51 of the vehicle body. The roll is folded and further folded so as to be placed on the driver side wall 47 side. In addition, the rear folding portion 70 is simply rolled and placed on the driver side wall 47 side so that the vicinity of the rear edge 69 at the front end is wound around the side wall 51 of the vehicle body.

そして、第２実施形態では、最終工程での後工程を、左右方向の幅寸法を狭める折り工程として、図１４・１７Ａに示すように、ガス用開口５３を中央側とした対称的な左右の縁７４・７６側を、ガス用開口５３から挿入させるインフレーター４１の本体部４１ａの両側近傍付近に、配置させるように、折り畳んでいる。すなわち、左右の縁７４・７６側を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部４７の側の上方側へ、折り畳むように、換言すれば、略折幅Ｘ分（図１６Ａ参照）の長さとなる先端の縁７４・７６からリテーナ４３の左右の外縁付近までの部位７５・７７を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部４７の側の上方側へ屈曲させるように、折り畳んでいる。   In the second embodiment, the subsequent process in the final process is a folding process for narrowing the width dimension in the left-right direction, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 17A. The edges 74 and 76 are folded so as to be arranged in the vicinity of both sides of the main body portion 41 a of the inflator 41 to be inserted from the gas opening 53. In other words, the left and right edges 74 and 76 are folded to the upper side on the side of the driver side wall 47, in other words, the edge of the tip that is approximately the length of the folding width X (see FIG. 16A). The parts 75 and 77 from 74 and 76 to the vicinity of the left and right outer edges of the retainer 43 are folded so as to be bent upward on the driver side wall 47 side, respectively.

なお、第２実施形態では、折り畳んだエアバッグ４６のガス用開口５３からインフレーター４１の本体部４１ａを挿入させた際、左右両縁７４・７６側の屈曲部位７５・７７を、本体部４１ａの両側近傍に直立させて配置させるようにするために、最終工程の後工程では、折幅Ｘ分より、若干、短い寸法の折幅で屈曲部位７５・７７を折っており、第２実施形態の折り完了体９０の左右方向の折り完了左右幅ＦＬＡは、第１実施形態の場合より、若干、長く図示されている。   In the second embodiment, when the main body portion 41a of the inflator 41 is inserted from the gas opening 53 of the folded airbag 46, the bent portions 75 and 77 on the left and right edges 74 and 76 are made to move to the main body portion 41a. In order to arrange them upright in the vicinity of both sides, the bent portions 75 and 77 are folded at a folding width slightly shorter than the folding width X in the subsequent process of the final process, The folding completion right / left width FLA of the folding completion body 90 in the left / right direction is shown slightly longer than that in the first embodiment.

そして、このような第１工程、第２工程、及び、前・後工程からなる最終工程の３工程を経てエアバッグ４６を折り畳んだ後は、図１８・１９に示すように、第１実施形態と同様に、インフレーター４１をガス用開口５３から挿入させる等して、エアバッグ４６等をバッグホルダ１１に取り付けて、車両に搭載する。   Then, after the airbag 46 is folded through the first process, the second process, and the final process including the pre- and post-processes, as shown in FIGS. Similarly to the above, the inflator 41 is inserted through the gas opening 53, and the airbag 46 is attached to the bag holder 11 and mounted on the vehicle.

そして、第２実施形態のエアバッグ装置Ｍ２では、収納されたエアバッグ４６にインフレーター４１からの膨張用ガスが供給されると、エアバッグ４６は、ガス用開口５３と対向する運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近が押し上げられつつ、折り畳まれた工程の逆の工程で、折りを解消して展開膨張する。すなわち、エアバッグ４６の展開膨張初期には、図２０に示すように、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近が、押し上げられつつ、最終工程の後工程と前工程との折りの解消を経て、第２工程で折り畳んだ折目を解消させようとする。   In the airbag device M <b> 2 of the second embodiment, when the inflation gas from the inflator 41 is supplied to the accommodated airbag 46, the airbag 46 faces the driver side wall 47 that faces the gas opening 53. In the reverse process of the folded process, the vicinity of the center 49 is pushed up, and the folding is expanded and expanded. That is, at the initial stage of deployment of the airbag 46, as shown in FIG. 20, the vicinity of the center 49 of the driver side wall 47 is pushed up, and after the final process and the previous process are unfolded, Attempts to eliminate the folds folded in the second step.

すなわち、最終工程の後工程の折りは、ガス用開口５３を中央側とした対称的な両縁７４・７６側を、図１７のＣや図１８に示すように、それぞれ、ガス用開口５３から挿入させるインフレーター４１の本体部４１ａの左右の両側近傍付近に配置させるように、単に、運転者側壁部４７の側の上方側へ屈曲させ、そして、単に、屈曲部位７５・７７を形成するように、折り畳んでいる。そのため、エアバッグ４６の展開膨張初期における最終工程の後工程の折りの解消時、図２０のＡ・Ｂ・Ｃに示すように、簡単に、その屈曲部位７５・７７を伸ばすようにして折りが解消されて、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近の押し上げが、促進される。   That is, the folding of the post-process in the final process is performed by connecting the symmetrical edges 74 and 76 with the gas opening 53 at the center side from the gas opening 53 as shown in FIG. 17C and FIG. In order to dispose the body part 41a of the inflator 41 to be inserted in the vicinity of both the left and right sides, it is simply bent upward on the side of the driver side wall 47, and the bent portions 75 and 77 are simply formed. Folded. For this reason, when the folding of the post-process in the final process in the initial stage of deployment of the airbag 46 is resolved, as shown in A, B, and C of FIG. As a result, the pushing up of the driver side wall 47 near the center 49 is promoted.

また、最終工程の前工程では、図１６Ａに示すように、両縁６７・６９側が、運転者側壁部４７の側で、ガス用開口５３の上方を略二分して覆うように、そして、両縁６７・６９側が、第１工程で狭めた幅寸法と直交する前後方向で、ガス用開口５３の上方側に接近させる折り畳みとしている。そのため、最終工程の後工程の折りが解消されれば、図２０のＣ・Ｄに示すように、両縁６７・６９側の接近していた折り畳み部位６８・７０の縁６８ａ・７０ａが相互に離れて、縁６８ａ・７０ａの間から、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近が、上方に突出し易くなる。そして、その運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近の押し上げとともに、図２０のＤ・図２１のＡ・Ｂに示すように、迅速に、第２工程での折り畳みの折りが解消される。   Also, in the pre-process of the final process, as shown in FIG. 16A, both edges 67 and 69 side cover the upper side of the gas opening 53 substantially in half on the driver side wall 47 side, The edges 67 and 69 are folded so as to approach the upper side of the gas opening 53 in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the width dimension narrowed in the first step. Therefore, if the folding in the post-process of the final process is eliminated, the edges 68a and 70a of the folded portions 68 and 70 that are close to each other on the edges 67 and 69 side are mutually connected as shown in FIG. The center 49 of the driver side wall 47 is easily protruded upward from between the edges 68a and 70a. Then, as the driver side wall 47 is pushed up near the center 49, the folding in the second step is quickly eliminated as shown in FIG. 20D and FIG. 21A / B.

そしてこの時、第２実施形態でも、この上方へ移動する運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近は、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状の前後左右の幅寸法を有した運転者側壁部４７の天井部４７ａ（図１５・１７参照）自体と、最終工程の前・後工程で運転者側壁部４７の側へ折り畳んだ折幅Ｘ・Ｙ分と、を合わせたエリアであり、結局、折り完了前後幅ＦＬＯの略二倍の前後方向の幅寸法ＰＬＯと、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状における左右方向の幅寸法としての折り完了左右幅ＦＬＡの略二倍の左右方向の幅寸法ＰＬＡと、を有した略長方形状の初期展開パネル部５０に、一致する。   At this time, also in the second embodiment, the vicinity of the center 49 of the driver side wall portion 47 that moves upward is a ceiling portion of the driver side wall portion 47 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape before and after the folding. 47a (see FIGS. 15 and 17) and the folding width X / Y folded to the side of the driver side wall 47 before and after the final process. The width dimension PLO in the front-rear direction approximately twice that of the FLO, and the width dimension PLA in the left-right direction approximately double the folding left-right width FLA as the width dimension in the left-right direction in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when the folding is completed. It corresponds to the initial development panel portion 50 having a substantially rectangular shape.

したがって、第２実施形態でも、エアバッグ４６の展開膨張時、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近部位の初期展開パネル部５０を、上方へ突出させ、展開膨張の初期段階を経た後、第２工程での折り畳みの折りを解消するように、第２工程で折り畳む直前の形状に、すなわち、第２工程で幅寸法を狭めた方向に沿って、幅広く展開するように、膨張し、ついで、第１工程で折り畳んだ折りの解消が、なされて、エアバッグ４６は、展開膨張を完了させることとなり、第１実施形態と同様な作用・効果を得ることができる。   Therefore, also in the second embodiment, when the airbag 46 is deployed and inflated, the initial deployment panel 50 in the vicinity of the center 49 of the driver side wall 47 is protruded upward, and after the initial stage of deployment and inflation, In order to eliminate the folding of the fold in the process, it expands to the shape immediately before folding in the second process, that is, to expand widely along the direction in which the width dimension is narrowed in the second process, and then The folding that is folded in one step is canceled, and the airbag 46 completes the deployment and inflation, and the same actions and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

なお、第２実施形態の運転席用エアバッグ装置Ｍ２では、最終工程の後工程が、ガス用開口５３を中央側とした対称的な左右の両縁７４・７６側を、ガス用開口５３から挿入させるインフレーター４１の左右両側近傍付近に配置させるように、それぞれ、運転者側壁部４７の側の上方側へ屈曲させる折り畳みとしている。すなわち、この最終工程の後工程では、両縁７４・７６側を、屈曲部位７５・７７の上端面７５ａ・７７ａ側に配置させるようにして、そして、インフレーター４１の挿入時に、インフレーター４１の両側近傍で、屈曲部位７５・７７が上下方向に沿って延びるような配置となるように、両縁７４・７６側を折り畳んでいる。そのため、エアバッグ装置Ｍ２の組み立て時に、エアバッグ４６の折り畳みを、極力、崩すことなく、インフレーター４１を取り付けることができる。すなわち、エアバッグ装置Ｍ２の組み立ては、まず、折り畳みを完了させたエアバッグ４６を、バッグホルダ１１の底壁部１２に取り付けるように配置させて、その後、エアバッグカバーとしてのパッド２５をエアバッグ４６に被せる。ついで、インフレーター４１を、ガス用開口５３からエアバッグ４６内に挿入させ、かつ、バッグホルダ１１の底壁部１２に取り付けて、エアバッグ装置Ｍ２を組み立てている。その際、図１７のＢ・Ｃや図１８に示すように、最終工程の後工程での両縁７４・７６側の上下に延びた屈曲部位７５・７７の間に、円滑にインフレーター４１の本体部４１ａを挿入させることができて、その結果、エアバッグ４６の折り畳みの折り形状を極力崩すことなく、エアバッグ装置Ｍ２を組み立てることができる。さらに付言すると、インフレーター４１の開口５３への挿入時にエアバッグ４６の折り畳み形状の形が崩れたとしても、このインフレーター４１の挿入時には、インフレーター４１が、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近を上方側に押し上げる態様である。そして、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近を上方側に押し上げる態様は、エアバッグ４６の展開膨張初期時において、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近の厚さを確保する作用を、阻害することとはならない。すなわち、インフレーター４１の開口５３への挿入時にエアバッグ４６の折り畳み形状の形が崩れたとしても、エアバッグ４６の展開膨張初期時に、運転者側壁部４７の中央４９付近の厚さを確保する作用を、確保できる。そのため、第２実施形態では、エアバッグ装置Ｍ２の組立時におけるエアバッグ４６の折り崩れに関する管理を、軽減することができる。   In the driver's seat airbag apparatus M2 of the second embodiment, after the final process, the symmetrical left and right edges 74 and 76 with the gas opening 53 at the center side are separated from the gas opening 53. Each of the folds is bent upward so as to be disposed in the vicinity of both the left and right sides of the inflator 41 to be inserted. That is, in the subsequent step of this final step, both edges 74 and 76 are arranged on the upper end surfaces 75a and 77a side of the bent portions 75 and 77, and in the vicinity of both sides of the inflator 41 when the inflator 41 is inserted. Thus, both edges 74 and 76 are folded so that the bent portions 75 and 77 extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, the inflator 41 can be attached without breaking the folding of the airbag 46 as much as possible when assembling the airbag apparatus M2. That is, in assembling the airbag apparatus M2, first, the airbag 46 that has been folded is disposed so as to be attached to the bottom wall portion 12 of the bag holder 11, and then the pad 25 as the airbag cover is attached to the airbag. 46. Next, the inflator 41 is inserted into the airbag 46 through the gas opening 53 and attached to the bottom wall portion 12 of the bag holder 11 to assemble the airbag apparatus M2. At that time, as shown in FIG. 17B and FIG. 18 and FIG. 18, the main body of the inflator 41 is smoothly interposed between the bent portions 75 and 77 extending vertically on both sides 74 and 76 in the post-process of the final process. The portion 41a can be inserted, and as a result, the airbag device M2 can be assembled without breaking the folded shape of the airbag 46 as much as possible. Furthermore, even if the shape of the folded shape of the airbag 46 collapses when the inflator 41 is inserted into the opening 53, the inflator 41 is located above the center 49 of the driver side wall 47 when the inflator 41 is inserted. This is a mode of pushing up. And the aspect which pushes up the center 49 vicinity of the driver | operator side wall part 47 upwards inhibits the effect | action which ensures the thickness of the driver | operator side wall part 47 vicinity in the center 49 vicinity at the time of the expansion | deployment initial stage of the airbag 46. It will not be. That is, even when the folded shape of the airbag 46 is collapsed when the inflator 41 is inserted into the opening 53, the thickness of the driver side wall 47 near the center 49 is ensured at the initial stage of deployment and inflation of the airbag 46. Can be secured. Therefore, in the second embodiment, management related to the collapse of the airbag 46 at the time of assembling the airbag apparatus M2 can be reduced.

そして、このようなエアバッグ４６の収納状態は、換言すれば、エアバッグ４６が、最終工程の後工程で折り畳んだ運転者側壁部４７の側の上方側への屈曲部位７５・７７を、エアバッグカバー２５の扉部２８・２８とバッグホルダ１１の底壁部１２との間で、上下方向に延びるように配設させるとともに、インフレーター４１の本体部４１ａの両側に配置させて、収納されている状態となる。   In other words, the storage state of the airbag 46 is, in other words, the air bag 46 that has the bent portions 75 and 77 on the upper side on the side of the driver side wall portion 47 folded in the post-process of the final process. Between the door portions 28 and 28 of the bag cover 25 and the bottom wall portion 12 of the bag holder 11, it is disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction, and is disposed and stored on both sides of the main body portion 41 a of the inflator 41. It becomes a state.

なお、エアバッグ４６の折り畳み工程において、第２実施形態の第１工程では、先端６２・６３側を折り返して、その先端の折目６４付近を巻き込んだ場合を示した。しかし、第１工程の折り畳みでは、第２工程の折りの解消時、第１工程の折りの解消が抑制可能に、巻き込み部位が形成されていれば、展開膨張パネル部５０の不必要な突出を防止できる。そのため、第１工程の変形例として、第１実施形態と同様に、図１５のＣの下段側の括弧書きに示すように、左右方向の先端の縁６２・６３自体を、当初から、車体側壁部５１の側に巻き込む単純ロール折りとしてもよい。勿論、この点を考慮しなければ、蛇腹折りでもよい。   In addition, in the folding process of the airbag 46, in the first process of the second embodiment, the front end 62/63 side is folded back and the vicinity of the fold 64 at the leading end is wound. However, in the folding of the first process, when the folding part is formed so that the cancellation of the folding of the first process can be suppressed when the folding of the second process is canceled, the unnecessary expansion of the expanded and inflated panel portion 50 is prevented. Can be prevented. Therefore, as a modified example of the first step, as in the first embodiment, as shown in the brackets on the lower side of FIG. It is good also as a simple roll fold wound around the part 51 side. Of course, if this point is not considered, bellows folding may be used.

また、第２実施形態のように、第２工程と最終工程の前工程とを連続させて折る場合でも、折り畳み部位６８・７０がガス用開口５３の上方を略二分して覆う折り畳みとしていれば、種々の折り畳みが採用できる。そのため、この折り工程の変形例としては、図１６Ｂ・１６Ｃに示すように、折り畳み部位６８・７０の一方を、運転者側壁部４７側に折り重ねる蛇腹折りの折り畳み部位７２としてもよい。あるいは、前後の両側の折り畳み部位６８・７０を、同じ折り畳み、例えば、図１６Ｄに示すように、前後の両側の折り畳み部位６８・７０を、ともに、単純ロール折りとして折り畳んでもよい。すなわち、第２工程と最終工程の前工程とを連続させて折る場合、折り畳み部位６８・７０がガス用開口５３の上方を略二分して覆うことができれば、前後の折り畳み部位６８・７０は、それぞれ、適宜、折り返しロール折り、単純ロール折り、あるいは、蛇腹折り、の折り方で、折り畳んでも良い。   Further, as in the second embodiment, even when the second step and the previous step of the final step are continuously folded, if the folding portions 68 and 70 cover the gas openings 53 substantially in half, they are folded. Various folds can be employed. Therefore, as a modification of this folding step, as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, one of the folding parts 68 and 70 may be a bellows-folded folding part 72 that is folded on the driver side wall 47 side. Alternatively, the front and rear folding parts 68 and 70 may be folded in the same manner, for example, as shown in FIG. 16D, both the front and rear folding parts 68 and 70 may be folded together as a simple roll fold. That is, when the second process and the previous step of the final process are continuously folded, if the folding parts 68 and 70 can cover the upper part of the gas opening 53 approximately in half, the front and rear folding parts 68 and 70 are Each of them may be folded as appropriate by folding roll folding, simple roll folding, or bellows folding.

さらに、第２実施形態でも、エアバッグ４６の折り畳み工程において、第２工程でのエアバッグ４６の幅寸法を狭める方向を、車両の前後方向に沿う方向とした場合を示した。しかし、第２工程でのエアバッグ４６の幅寸法を狭める方向を、車両の左右方向に沿う方向として、第１工程でのエアバッグ４６の幅寸法を狭める方向を、車両の前後方向に沿う方向として、エアバッグ４６を折り畳んでも良い。   Furthermore, also in 2nd Embodiment, the case where the direction which narrows the width dimension of the airbag 46 in a 2nd process in the folding process of the airbag 46 was made into the direction along the front-back direction of a vehicle was shown. However, the direction in which the width dimension of the airbag 46 in the second step is narrowed is the direction along the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the direction in which the width dimension of the airbag 46 is narrowed in the first step is the direction along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, the airbag 46 may be folded.

なお、第１実施形態のエアバッグ４６においても、第２実施形態のように、収納時、初期展開パネル部５０から前後左右に延びる部位８４・８５・８６・８７の一部を、インフレーター４１の本体部４１ａの側方で、上下方向に沿って配置させるように、収納させたり、予め、折り畳んでもよい。すなわち、例えば、図２２のＡ・Ｂに示すように、インフレーター４１の本体部４１ａをガス用開口５３から挿入させた際に、インフレーター４１の本体部４１ａの周囲で、屈曲部位８０・８２・７５・７７の先端面８０ａ・８２ａ・７５ａ・７７ａが、折り畳み完了体９０の上面側に露出するように、収納スペースに収納させたり、あるいは、予め、折り畳んでもよい。   In the airbag 46 of the first embodiment, as in the second embodiment, when the airbag is housed, parts of the portions 84, 85, 86, and 87 that extend from the initial deployment panel portion 50 to the front, rear, left, and right are part of the inflator 41. On the side of the main body 41a, the main body 41a may be stored or folded in advance so as to be arranged along the vertical direction. That is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, when the main body 41a of the inflator 41 is inserted from the gas opening 53, the bent portions 80, 82, and 75 are formed around the main body 41a of the inflator 41. The front end surfaces 80a, 82a, 75a, and 77a of 77 may be stored in the storage space so that they are exposed on the upper surface side of the folding completion body 90, or may be folded in advance.

図２２のＢに示すように収納されたエアバッグ４６でも、図２３に示すように、インフレーター４１からの膨張用ガスが供給されると、エアバッグ４６は、図２２のＢ・図２３のＡ・Ｂに示すように、インフレーター４１の上面４２側に接触させるように載せていた初期展開パネル部５０を、インフレーター４１から離すように、上方に移動させようとする。   Even in the airbag 46 stored as shown in FIG. 22B, when the inflation gas is supplied from the inflator 41 as shown in FIG. As shown in B, the initial development panel 50 placed so as to be in contact with the upper surface 42 side of the inflator 41 is moved upward so as to be separated from the inflator 41.

この時、初期展開パネル部５０から前後左右に延びる部位８４・８５・８６・８７は、初期展開パネル部５０を平らに展開させた状態において、初期展開パネル部５０の前後左右の外周縁付近における車体側壁部５１の側に、位置するように、折り畳まれ、かつ、エアバッグ４６の略直方体形状とする折りの完了時には、初期展開パネル部５０の外周縁における前後左右で対向する縁７９・８１・７４・７６相互を、換言すれば、屈曲部位８０・８２・７５・７７の先端面８０ａ・８２ａ・７５ａ・７７ａ相互を、それぞれ、運転者側壁部４７の側で接近させるように、折り畳まれている。そのため、初期展開パネル部５０の上方移動に伴なって、初期展開パネル部５０から前後左右に延びる部位８４・８５・８６・８７は、扉が開くように、初期展開パネル部５０の中央５０ａ（４９）付近を開けて、初期展開パネル部５０の外周縁の車体側壁部５１の側へ、移動する。   At this time, portions 84, 85, 86, and 87 extending from the initial deployment panel 50 to the front, rear, left, and right are located in the vicinity of the front, rear, left, and right outer peripheral edges of the initial deployment panel 50 in a state where the initial deployment panel 50 is deployed flat. When the airbag 46 is folded so as to be positioned on the side of the vehicle body side wall 51 and folded into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the edges 79 and 81 facing the front, rear, left and right of the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel 50 are completed. -In other words, the front end surfaces 80a, 82a, 75a, 77a of the bent portions 80, 82, 75, 77 are folded so as to approach each other on the side of the driver side wall 47. ing. Therefore, as the initial deployment panel portion 50 moves upward, the portions 84, 85, 86, and 87 that extend from the initial deployment panel portion 50 to the front, rear, left, and right are located at the center 50a ( 49) Open the vicinity and move to the vehicle body side wall 51 side of the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel 50.

そのため、初期展開パネル部５０が、エアバッグ４６の初期展開膨張時、図２３のＣ・Ｄに示すように、厚さを膨らませるように、円滑に、運転者側に膨らんで露出し、第１・２実施形態と同様な作用・効果を得ることができる。   Therefore, when the airbag 46 is initially deployed and inflated, as shown in FIGS. 23C and 23D, the initial deployment panel portion 50 is smoothly inflated and exposed to the driver side so as to be inflated. Functions and effects similar to those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

なお、初期展開パネル部５０の前後左右の幅寸法ＰＬＯ・ＰＬＡが、エアバッグ４６の折り畳み完了時の前後左右の幅寸法（折り完了前後幅ＦＬＯや折り完了左右幅ＦＬＡ）のそれぞれ略二倍とは、折りを完了させた直後の折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法（折り完了前後幅や折り完了左右幅）ＦＬＯ・ＦＬＡの１．６〜２．５倍程度の範囲内を言う。ちなみに、初期展開パネル部５０の前後左右の幅寸法ＰＬＯ・ＰＬＡが、それぞれ、折りを完了させた直後の折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法ＦＬＯ・ＦＬＡの１．６倍未満では、初期展開パネル部５０が、接近している運転者ＤＲの頭部ＤＨを保護する面積として、十分な広さを確保し難い。また、初期展開パネル部５０の前後左右の幅寸法ＰＬＯ・ＰＬＡが、それぞれ、折りを完了させた直後の折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法ＦＬＯ・ＦＬＡの２．５倍を越えれば、エアバッグ４６の収納時に、初期展開パネル部５０の外周縁における前後や左右で対向する縁７９・８１・７４・７６相互が、上下方向に重なって収納され、エアバッグ４６の初期膨張時に、初期展開パネル部５０の展開が遅れる虞れが生じて、好ましくない。   Note that the front / rear / left / right width dimensions PLO / PLA of the initial deployment panel 50 are approximately double the front / rear / left / right width dimensions (folding front / rear width FLO or folding completion left / right width FLA) when the airbag 46 is folded. Means the range of 1.6 to 2.5 times the front and rear and right and left width dimensions (folding front and rear width and folding completion right and left width) FLO · FLA immediately after the folding is completed. Incidentally, if the width dimension PLO / PLA in the front / rear / left / right direction of the initial deployment panel 50 is less than 1.6 times the front / rear width dimension FLO / FLA of the folded body immediately after the folding is completed, the initial development is performed. It is difficult for the panel unit 50 to secure a sufficient area as an area for protecting the head DH of the driver DR approaching. In addition, if the front and rear, left and right width dimensions PLO / PLA of the initial deployment panel 50 exceed 2.5 times the front and rear and right and left width dimensions FLO / FLA of the folded body immediately after the folding is completed, respectively. When the bag 46 is stored, the edges 79, 81, 74, and 76 that are opposed to each other at the front and rear and the left and right sides of the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel 50 are stored in the vertical direction. The development of the panel 50 may be delayed, which is not preferable.

また、最終工程で折る折幅Ｙ・Ｘは、それぞれ、折りを完了させた直後の形状を略直方体形状とする場合に、その折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法（折り完了前後幅や折り完了左右幅）ＦＬＯ・ＦＬＡの略半分程度、換言すれば、その折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法ＦＬＯ・ＦＬＡの０．３〜０．７５倍程度（好ましくは０．４〜０．６５倍程度）の範囲内が望ましい。ちなみに、最終工程で折る折幅Ｙ・Ｘが、それぞれ、折り完了直後の折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法ＦＬＯ・ＦＬＡの０．３倍未満では、平面形状が大きく嵩張る状態でエアバッグ４６を収納するここととなって、収納し難くなり、また、最終工程で折る折幅Ｙ・Ｘが、折り完了直後の折り完了体の前後や左右の幅寸法ＦＬＯ・ＦＬＡの０．７５倍を越えれば、エアバッグ４６の収納時に、最終工程で折る部位における前後や左右で対向する部位８０・８２・７５・７７相互が、上下方向に重なって収納され、エアバッグの初期膨張時に、初期展開パネル部５０の展開が遅れる虞れが生じて、好ましくない。   In addition, the folding widths Y and X to be folded in the final process are the width dimensions of the front and rear sides and the left and right sides of the folding completion body when the shape immediately after the folding is completed is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Completed left and right width) About half of FLO · FLA, in other words, about 0.3 to 0.75 times the width dimension FLO · FLA before and after the folded body and right and left (preferably 0.4 to 0.65) Within the range of about 2 times). Incidentally, when the folding widths Y and X to be folded in the final process are less than 0.3 times the front and rear of the folded body immediately after the folding is completed and the left and right width dimensions FLO and FLA, respectively, the airbag 46 has a large and bulky planar shape. The folding width Y and X to be folded in the final process is 0.75 times the width dimensions FLO and FLA before and after the folded body immediately after folding and the left and right width dimensions FLO and FLA. If it exceeds, when the airbag 46 is stored, the front / rear and left / right facing parts 80, 82, 75, and 77 of the part that is folded in the final process are stored overlapping each other in the vertical direction. The development of the panel 50 may be delayed, which is not preferable.

ちなみに、最終工程の折幅Ｘ・Ｙは、エアバッグ４６の折り畳み時に挿入させるリテーナ４３の前後や左右の幅寸法ＲＬＯ・ＲＬＡを基準としても良く、その場合、折り完了前後幅ＦＬＯと折り完了左右幅ＦＬＡが、リテーナ４３の前後や左右の幅寸法ＲＬＯ・ＲＬＡと略等しいことから、折幅Ｙ・Ｘは、幅寸法ＲＬＯ・ＲＬＡの０．３〜０．７５倍程度（好ましくは０．４〜０．６５倍程度）の範囲内が望ましい、と言い換えることができる。   Incidentally, the folding widths X and Y in the final process may be based on the front and rear and left and right width dimensions RLO and RLA of the retainer 43 to be inserted when the airbag 46 is folded. Since the width FLA is approximately equal to the width dimensions RLO / RLA before and after the retainer 43, the folding width Y / X is about 0.3 to 0.75 times the width dimension RLO / RLA (preferably 0.4). In other words, it can be said that the range of about 0.65 times is desirable.

本発明の第１実施形態の運転席用エアバッグ装置が搭載されているステアリングホイールの部分平面図である。1 is a partial plan view of a steering wheel on which a driver's seat airbag device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is mounted. 第１実施形態のエアバッグ装置の概略断面図であり、図１のII−II部位に対応する。It is a schematic sectional drawing of the airbag apparatus of 1st Embodiment, and respond | corresponds to the II-II site | part of FIG. 第１実施形態のエアバッグ装置の概略断面図であり、図１のIII−III部位に対応する。It is a schematic sectional drawing of the airbag apparatus of 1st Embodiment, and respond | corresponds to the III-III site | part of FIG. 第１実施形態のエアバッグ装置の概略断面図であり、図１のIV−IV部位に対応する。It is a schematic sectional drawing of the airbag apparatus of 1st Embodiment, and respond | corresponds to the IV-IV site | part of FIG. 第１実施形態のエアバッグ装置の概略断面図であり、図１のＶ−Ｖ部位に対応する。It is a schematic sectional drawing of the airbag apparatus of 1st Embodiment, and respond | corresponds to the VV site | part of FIG. 第１実施形態のエアバッグ装置に使用するエアバッグを単体で膨張させた際の縦断面図である。It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view at the time of inflating the airbag used for the airbag apparatus of 1st Embodiment alone. 第１実施形態のエアバッグの部分分解斜視図である。It is a partial exploded perspective view of the airbag of a 1st embodiment. 第１実施形態のエアバッグの折り畳みを説明する図である。It is a figure explaining folding of the airbag of a 1st embodiment. 第１実施形態のエアバッグの折り畳みの第１工程を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the 1st process of folding of the airbag of a 1st embodiment. 第１実施形態のエアバッグの折り畳みの第２工程を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the 2nd process of folding of the airbag of a 1st embodiment. 第１実施形態のエアバッグの折り畳みの最終工程を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the last process of folding of the airbag of a 1st embodiment. 第１実施形態のエアバッグにおける展開膨張初期を順に説明する概略平面図である。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view for sequentially explaining the initial stage of inflation in an airbag according to a first embodiment. 第１実施形態のエアバッグ装置の作動状態を順に示す図である。It is a figure which shows the operation state of the airbag apparatus of 1st Embodiment in order. 第２実施形態のエアバッグの折り畳みを説明する図である。It is a figure explaining folding of the airbag of a 2nd embodiment. 第２実施形態のエアバッグの折り畳みの第１工程を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the 1st process of folding of the airbag of a 2nd embodiment. 第２実施形態のエアバッグの折り畳みの第２工程と最終工程の前工程とを説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the 2nd process of folding of the airbag of a 2nd embodiment, and the pre-process of the last process. 第２実施形態のエアバッグの折り畳みの最終工程の後工程を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the post process of the final process of folding of the airbag of a 2nd embodiment. 第２実施形態のエアバッグ装置の概略断面図であり、ステアリングホイールの左右方向に沿った概略断面図であり、図１のII−II部位に対応する。It is a schematic sectional drawing of the airbag apparatus of 2nd Embodiment, is a schematic sectional drawing along the left-right direction of a steering wheel, and respond | corresponds to the II-II site | part of FIG. 第２実施形態のエアバッグ装置の概略断面図であり、ステアリングホイールの左右方向に沿った概略断面図であり、図１のIII−III部位に対応する。It is a schematic sectional drawing of the airbag apparatus of 2nd Embodiment, is a schematic sectional drawing along the left-right direction of a steering wheel, and respond | corresponds to the III-III site | part of FIG. 第２実施形態のエアバッグにおける展開膨張初期を順に説明する概略平面図である。It is a schematic plan view explaining in order the deployment initial stage in the airbag of 2nd Embodiment. 第２実施形態のエアバッグ装置の作動状態を順に示す図である。It is a figure which shows the operation state of the airbag apparatus of 2nd Embodiment in order. 第１実施形態のエアバッグの収納状態の変形例を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the accommodation state of the airbag of 1st Embodiment. 図２２で示したエアバッグにおける展開膨張初期を順に説明する概略平面図である。FIG. 23 is a schematic plan view for sequentially explaining the initial stage of deployment and inflation in the airbag shown in FIG. 22.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１１…バッグホルダ、
１２…底壁部、
２５…（エアバッグカバー）パッド、
２８・３０…扉部、
４１…インフレーター、
４１ａ…本体部、
４２…（インフレーター）上面、
４６…エアバッグ、
４７…運転者側壁部、
４９…（運転者側壁部の）中央、
５０…初期展開パネル部、
５１…車体側壁部、
５３…ガス用開口、
６５…（第１工程での）巻き込み部位、
６８・７０…（第２工程での）折り畳み部位、
７４…（初期展開パネル部の外周縁の）左縁、
７５・７７…（最終工程で折り畳む左右の）屈曲部位、
７６…（初期展開パネル部の外周縁の）右縁、
７９…（初期展開パネル部の外周縁の）前縁、
８０・８２…（最終工程で折り畳む前後の）屈曲部位、
８１…（初期展開パネル部の外周縁の）後縁、
８４…（初期展開パネル部の）前部位、
８５…（初期展開パネル部の）後部位、
８６…（初期展開パネル部の）左部位、
８７…（初期展開パネル部の）右部位、
９０…（エアバッグの）折り完了体、
Ｗ…ステアリングホイール、
Ｂ…ボス部、
Ｍ１・Ｍ２…運転席用エアバッグ装置。
11 ... Bag holder,
12 ... bottom wall,
25 ... (airbag cover) pad,
28.30 ... door,
41 ... Inflator,
41a ... main body,
42 ... (Inflator)
46 ... Airbag,
47 ... Driver side wall,
49 ... center of driver side wall,
50 ... Initial deployment panel,
51. Side wall part of vehicle body,
53. Gas opening,
65 ... entrainment site (in the first step),
68.70 ... folded part (in the second step),
74 ... Left edge (outer peripheral edge of initial deployment panel)
75/77 ... (left and right folded parts)
76 ... right edge (outer peripheral edge of initial deployment panel)
79 ... the front edge (at the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel),
80, 82 ... bent part (before and after folding in the final process),
81 ... the rear edge (of the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel),
84 ... front part (of the initial deployment panel),
85 ... the rear part (of the initial deployment panel),
86 ... left part (of the initial deployment panel),
87 ... right part (of the initial deployment panel),
90 ... Folded body (of airbag),
W ... Steering wheel,
B ... Boss
M1, M2 ... Driver's seat airbag device.

Claims (8)

ステアリングホイールの中央のボス部の上部側に、折り畳まれたエアバッグが、バッグホルダに保持されるとともに、エアバッグカバーの開き可能な扉部に覆われて、収納され、
前記エアバッグが、
外周縁相互を結合されて、各々略円板状として膨張完了時の上面側に配置される運転者側壁部と下面側に配置される車体側壁部と、を備えて構成されるとともに、
前記車体側壁部の中央付近に、膨張用ガスを供給可能なインフレーターを挿入させるためのガス用開口を配置させ、該ガス用開口の周縁を、前記バッグホルダへの取付部位として、
前記車体側壁部と前記運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、前記ガス用開口を中心とした直径方向の外周縁間の前後左右の幅寸法を狭めるように、略直方体形状に折り畳んで、前記バッグホルダと前記エアバッグカバーとの間の収納スペースに収納され、
膨張用ガスの供給時に、前記扉部を押し開いて、展開膨張する構成の運転席用エアバッグ装置であって、
展開膨張初期時の前記エアバッグにおける前記運転者側壁部の中央付近が、前記インフレーターの近傍で上方に膨らんで、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状における前後方向の幅寸法としての折り完了前後幅の略二倍の前後方向の幅寸法と、折り畳み完了時の略直方体形状における左右方向の幅寸法としての折り完了左右幅の略二倍の左右方向の幅寸法と、を有した略長方形状の初期展開パネル部を、運転者側に、膨らませて露出可能に、
前記初期展開パネル部が、中央付近を前記インフレーターの上面側に接触させるように、前記インフレーターの上面側に載せられるとともに、
前記エアバッグにおける前記初期展開パネル部の外周縁から前後左右に延びる部位が、それぞれ、前記初期展開パネル部を平らに展開させた状態において、前記初期展開パネル部の前後左右の外周縁付近における前記車体側壁部の側に、位置するように、折り畳まれ、かつ、前記エアバッグの略直方体形状とする折りの完了時には、前記初期展開パネル部の外周縁における前後左右で対向する縁相互を、それぞれ、前記運転者側壁部の側で、接近させるように、折り畳まれて、
前記エアバッグが、前記収納スペースに収納されていることを特徴とする運転席用エアバッグ装置。 On the upper side of the boss portion at the center of the steering wheel, the folded airbag is held by the bag holder and covered by the openable door portion of the airbag cover, and stored.
The airbag is
The outer peripheral edges are coupled to each other, and each comprises a driver side wall portion disposed on the upper surface side upon completion of expansion as a substantially disk shape, and a vehicle body side wall portion disposed on the lower surface side.
A gas opening for inserting an inflator capable of supplying an inflation gas is disposed near the center of the vehicle body side wall, and the periphery of the gas opening is used as an attachment site to the bag holder.
The vehicle body side wall portion and the driver side wall portion are overlapped and flattened and folded into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to narrow the front-rear and left-right width between the outer peripheral edges in the diameter direction around the gas opening. And stored in a storage space between the bag holder and the airbag cover,
An airbag device for a driver's seat configured to push and open the door portion to expand and inflate when supplying the inflation gas,
The vicinity of the center of the driver side wall portion of the airbag at the initial stage of inflating is inflated upward in the vicinity of the inflator, and the width before and after completion of the folding as a width dimension in the front and rear direction in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when the folding is completed. Initial deployment of a substantially rectangular shape having twice the width dimension in the front-rear direction and the width dimension in the left-right direction that is approximately twice the width in the left-right direction in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when the folding is completed The panel can be exposed by inflating the driver side.
The initial deployment panel portion is placed on the upper surface side of the inflator so that the vicinity of the center is brought into contact with the upper surface side of the inflator,
The portions extending in the front-rear and left-right directions from the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel portion in the airbag are respectively in the vicinity of the front-rear, left-right outer periphery of the initial deployment panel portion in a state where the initial deployment panel portion is flatly deployed. When the folding is completed so that the airbag is positioned on the side of the vehicle body side wall and the airbag is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the edges facing each other at the front and rear, left and right of the outer peripheral edge of the initial deployment panel are respectively , Folded on the side of the driver side wall so as to approach,
The airbag device for a driver's seat, wherein the airbag is stored in the storage space. ステアリングホイールの中央のボス部の上部側に、折り畳まれたエアバッグが、バッグホルダに保持されるとともに、エアバッグカバーの開き可能な扉部に覆われて、収納され、
該エアバッグが、
外周縁相互を結合されて、各々略円板状として膨張完了時の上面側に配置される運転者側壁部と下面側に配置される車体側壁部と、を備えて構成されるとともに、
前記車体側壁部の中央付近に、膨張用ガスを供給可能なインフレーターを挿入させるためのガス用開口を配置させ、該ガス用開口の周縁を、前記バッグホルダへの取付部位として、
前記車体側壁部と前記運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、前記ガス用開口を中心とした直径方向の外周縁間の幅寸法を狭めるように、折り畳んで収納され、
膨張用ガスの供給時に、前記扉部を押し開いて、展開膨張する構成の運転席用エアバッグ装置のエアバッグの折り畳み方法において、
前記エアバッグが、折り畳み工程として、第１工程、該第１工程と直交方向で幅寸法を狭める第２工程、及び、幅寸法を狭める方向を前記第１・２工程とそれぞれ等しくした最終工程、の３工程を経て、前記ボス部の上部側に収納される構成とし、
前記第１工程が、前記車体側壁部と前記運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、前記ガス用開口を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、それぞれ、前記車体側壁部の側で、前記ガス用開口側に接近させるように、折り畳むとともに、前記最終工程での両縁側の一折り分の折幅を残すように、折り畳む工程として、
前記第２工程が、前記ガス用開口を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、それぞれ、前記車体側壁部の側で、前記ガス用開口側に接近させるように、折り畳むとともに、前記最終工程での両縁側の一折り分の折幅を残すように、折り畳む工程として、
前記最終工程が、前記運転者側壁部の側の上方側へ、屈曲させるように、前記第１・２工程で残した折幅分を、それぞれ、折り畳むことを特徴とするエアバッグの折り畳み方法。 On the upper side of the boss portion at the center of the steering wheel, the folded airbag is held by the bag holder and covered by the openable door portion of the airbag cover, and stored.
The airbag is
The outer peripheral edges are coupled to each other, and each comprises a driver side wall portion disposed on the upper surface side upon completion of expansion as a substantially disk shape, and a vehicle body side wall portion disposed on the lower surface side.
A gas opening for inserting an inflator capable of supplying an inflation gas is disposed near the center of the vehicle body side wall, and the periphery of the gas opening is used as an attachment site to the bag holder.
The vehicle body side wall and the driver side wall are overlapped and flattened, folded and stored so as to narrow the width between the outer peripheral edges in the diametrical direction centered on the gas opening,
In the method of folding the airbag of the airbag device for the driver's seat configured to push and open the door portion and to expand and inflate when supplying the inflation gas,
As the folding process, the airbag is a first process, a second process in which the width dimension is narrowed in a direction orthogonal to the first process, and a final process in which the direction in which the width dimension is narrowed is equal to the first and second processes. Through the above three steps, it is configured to be stored on the upper side of the boss part,
In the first step, the vehicle body side wall portion and the driver side wall portion are overlapped and flattened, and both symmetrical side edges with the gas opening at the center side are respectively located on the side of the vehicle body side wall portion. Then, as a step of folding so as to be close to the gas opening side, and folding so as to leave a folding width for one fold on both edge sides in the final step,
In the final step, the second step is folded so that both symmetrical sides with the gas opening at the center side approach the gas opening side on the side of the vehicle body side wall, respectively. As a process of folding so as to leave a folding width of one fold on both sides of
A folding method for an airbag, wherein the folding widths left in the first and second steps are folded so that the final step is bent upward on the driver side wall portion side. 前記エアバッグの折り畳み工程における前記第２工程での幅寸法を狭める方向が、車両の前後方向に沿う方向としていることを特徴とする請求項２に記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法。   The airbag folding method according to claim 2, wherein a direction in which the width dimension in the second step in the airbag folding step is narrowed is a direction along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. 前記第１工程が、前記車体側壁部と前記運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、前記ガス用開口を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、それぞれ、前記車体側壁部の側で、巻き込み部位を設けて折り畳んでいることを特徴とする請求項２若しくは請求項３に記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法。   In the first step, the vehicle body side wall portion and the driver side wall portion are overlapped and flattened, and both symmetrical side edges with the gas opening at the center side are respectively located on the side of the vehicle body side wall portion. 4. The airbag folding method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a folding portion is provided and folded. 巻き込み部位を設ける折り畳みが、前記車体側壁部と前記運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、前記ガス用開口を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、それぞれ、前記車体側壁部の側で、折り返し、そして、先端の折目付近を、巻き込むようにロール折りして、前記ガス用開口側に接近させる折り畳みとしていることを特徴とする請求項４に記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法。   The folding for providing the entrainment site is made by unfolding the vehicle body side wall portion and the driver side wall portion in a flat manner, and symmetric both edges with the gas opening as the center side are respectively arranged on the vehicle body side wall portion. 5. The airbag folding method according to claim 4, wherein the folding is performed such that the side is folded, and the vicinity of the crease at the front end is folded so as to be wound so as to approach the gas opening side. 巻き込み部位を設ける折り畳みが、前記車体側壁部と前記運転者側壁部とを重ねて平らに展開させて、前記ガス用開口を中央側とした対称的な両縁側を、それぞれ、前記車体側壁部の側で、ロール折りして、前記ガス用開口側に接近させる折り畳みとしていることを特徴とする請求項４に記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法。   The folding for providing the entrainment site is made by unfolding the vehicle body side wall portion and the driver side wall portion in a flat manner, and symmetric both edges with the gas opening as the center side are respectively arranged on the vehicle body side wall portion. 5. The airbag folding method according to claim 4, wherein the airbag is folded so as to be close to the gas opening side. 前記最終工程が、前記第１工程と同じ方向で、折り畳んだ後、前記第２工程と同じ方向で折り畳むことを特徴とする請求項２乃至請求項６のいずれか一項に記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法。   The airbag according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the final process is folded in the same direction as the first process, and then folded in the same direction as the second process. Folding method. 前記最終工程が、前記第２工程と同じ方向で、折り畳んだ後、前記第１工程と同じ方向で折り畳むことを特徴とする請求項２乃至請求項６のいずれか一項に記載のエアバッグの折り畳み方法。

The airbag according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the final process is folded in the same direction as the second process, and then folded in the same direction as the first process. Folding method.

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JP2001163145A (en) * 1999-12-10 2001-06-19 Mitsubishi Motors Corp Air bag folding method
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