JP7294211B2 - Passenger seat airbag device - Google Patents

Passenger seat airbag device Download PDF

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JP7294211B2
JP7294211B2 JP2020061820A JP2020061820A JP7294211B2 JP 7294211 B2 JP7294211 B2 JP 7294211B2 JP 2020061820 A JP2020061820 A JP 2020061820A JP 2020061820 A JP2020061820 A JP 2020061820A JP 7294211 B2 JP7294211 B2 JP 7294211B2
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wall portion
inflation
airbag
bag
occupant
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JP2021160415A (en
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裕直 小林
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Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
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Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
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Priority to CN202110334662.2A priority patent/CN113525284B/en
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本発明は、助手席に着座した乗員の前方に配置されたインストルメントパネルに設けられる収納部位に折り畳まれて収納され、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させて車両後方側に向かって突出するように膨張し、乗員を保護可能に構成されるエアバッグを、備える構成の助手席用エアバッグ装置に関する。 The present invention is folded and stored in a storage portion provided in an instrument panel disposed in front of an occupant seated in a front passenger seat, and is configured to protrude toward the rear side of the vehicle by allowing inflation gas to flow into the interior. The present invention relates to a front passenger seat airbag device including an airbag that can be inflated to protect an occupant.

従来、助手席用エアバッグ装置としては、膨張完了形状を規制するテザーをバッグ本体内に配設させた構成のエアバッグを備えるものがあった。この従来の助手席用エアバッグ装置では、バッグ本体内に配設されるテザーとして、膨張完了時の前端側と膨張完了時の後端側の乗員側壁部とを連結するように前後方向に略沿って配設される前後テザーと、膨張完了時に左右方向側で対向する左壁部と右壁部とを連結するように左右方向に略沿って配設される左右テザーと、が、それぞれ、別体として、上方側から見て、略十字形状に交差して、配設されていた(例えば、特許文献1参照)。 Conventionally, there has been an airbag device for a front passenger's seat that includes an airbag having a configuration in which a tether for regulating the shape of the completed inflation is disposed inside the bag body. In this conventional passenger-seat airbag device, a tether disposed in the bag body extends substantially in the front-rear direction so as to connect the front end side when inflation is completed and the occupant side wall portion at the rear end side when inflation is completed. The front and rear tethers disposed along the left and right tethers, and the left and right tethers disposed substantially along the left and right direction so as to connect the left wall portion and the right wall portion facing each other in the left and right direction when the inflation is completed, As a separate body, they were disposed so as to intersect in a substantially cross shape when viewed from above (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

特開2019-64282公報Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-64282

しかし、従来の助手席用エアバッグ装置では、バッグ本体内に配設される前後テザーと左右テザーとは、別体として、上方から見た状態で相互に略直交するように配設されて、それぞれ、相互に干渉しないように両端末をバッグ本体側に結合させる構成であることから、結合作業が簡便ではなく、また、エアバッグをコンパクトに折り畳んで収納させる点に、改善の余地があった。 However, in the conventional passenger-side airbag device, the front and rear tethers and the left and right tethers, which are provided inside the bag body, are separate bodies and are arranged so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other when viewed from above. Since both terminals are connected to the bag main body side so as not to interfere with each other, the connection work is not easy, and there is room for improvement in that the airbag can be folded compactly for storage. .

本発明は、上述の課題を解決するものであり、エアバッグを、簡便な構成としてコンパクトに折り畳むことができて、かつ、膨張完了時の外形形状を的確に規制可能な助手席用エアバッグ装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is an airbag device for a front passenger's seat that allows the airbag to be compactly folded with a simple configuration and that can accurately regulate the outer shape of the airbag when inflation is completed. intended to provide

本発明に係る助手席用エアバッグ装置は、助手席に着座した乗員の前方に配置されたインストルメントパネルに設けられる収納部位に折り畳まれて収納され、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させて車両後方側に向かって突出するように膨張し、乗員を保護可能に構成されるエアバッグを、備え、
エアバッグが、
可撓性を有したシート体から構成される袋状として、膨張完了時に乗員側に配置される乗員側壁部と、乗員側壁部の周縁から延びて収納部位側に取り付けられる前端側にかけて収束する周壁部と、を有し、周壁部の前端側に、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させるための流入用開口を配設させる構成のバッグ本体と、
バッグ本体内に配置されて、バッグ本体の膨張完了形状を規制するテザーと、
を備える構成の助手席用エアバッグ装置であって、
テザーが、
周壁部における左右方向側で対向する左壁部と右壁部とを連結するように、バッグ本体の膨張完了時に左右方向に略沿うように配置されて、左壁部と右壁部との相互の離隔距離を規制する左右連結部と、
左右連結部の左右の略中央と乗員側壁部の左右の略中央とを連結するように、バッグ本体の膨張完了時に前後方向に略沿うように配置されて、乗員側壁部の後方への突出を抑制する前後連結部と、
を備える構成とされていることを特徴とする。
The front passenger seat airbag device according to the present invention is folded and stored in a storage portion provided in an instrument panel disposed in front of an occupant seated on the front passenger seat, and is supplied with inflation gas to the rear of the vehicle. Equipped with an airbag configured to inflate so as to protrude toward the side and protect the occupant,
the air bag
An occupant side wall portion arranged on the occupant side when inflation is completed, and a peripheral wall extending from the peripheral edge of the occupant side wall portion and converging toward the front end side attached to the storage portion side. and a bag main body having a configuration in which an inflow opening for inflowing inflation gas is disposed on the front end side of the peripheral wall portion;
a tether disposed within the bag body and regulating the shape of the bag body when it is fully inflated;
A passenger seat airbag device configured to include
The tether
When the bag body is completely inflated, the left wall portion and the right wall portion are arranged substantially along the left wall portion and the right wall portion so as to connect the left wall portion and the right wall portion that face each other on the left and right sides of the peripheral wall portion. A left and right connecting portion that regulates the separation distance of
When the bag body is completely inflated, the bag body is arranged substantially along the front-rear direction so as to connect the left and right connecting portions at approximately the center in the left-right direction and the approximately center in the left-right direction of the occupant side wall portion, thereby preventing the occupant side wall portion from protruding rearward. a restraining front-rear connecting portion;
It is characterized by being configured to include

本発明の助手席用エアバッグ装置では、バッグ本体の膨張完了形状を規制するテザーが、左右連結部と前後連結部とを有する構成とされており、前後連結部は、バッグ本体における左壁部と右壁部とを連結している左右連結部から後方に延びるように、形成されている。そのため、本発明の助手席用エアバッグ装置では、テザーが、上方から見て略T字形状に配置されることから、バッグ本体内に、別体の前後テザーと左右テザーとを上方から見て略十字形状に配設させている従来のエアバッグと比較して、テザーを形成する基材の量を低減させることができ、また、テザーのバッグ本体自体への結合量も低減させて、結合作業も簡便にすることができる。その結果、本発明の助手席用エアバッグ装置では、エアバッグ自体の構成を簡便にすることができて、エアバッグをコンパクトに折り畳むことができ、装置自体の小型化を図ることもできる。さらに、本発明の助手席用エアバッグ装置においても、バッグ本体内に配設されるテザーにおいて、左右連結部は、左壁部と右壁部との相互の離隔距離を規制し、前後連結部は、乗員側壁部の後方への突出を抑制することから、膨張完了時のバッグ本体の外形形状を、テザーによって的確に規制することができる。 In the passenger-side airbag device of the present invention, the tether that regulates the shape of the airbag body when it is fully inflated has a left-right connecting portion and a front-rear connecting portion. It is formed so as to extend rearward from the left and right connecting portion connecting the right wall portion and the right wall portion. Therefore, in the passenger-side airbag device of the present invention, the tethers are arranged in a substantially T-shape when viewed from above. Compared to conventional airbags that are arranged in a substantially cross shape, the amount of base material forming the tether can be reduced, and the amount of connection of the tether to the bag body itself is also reduced, so that the connection can be achieved. Work can also be simplified. As a result, in the passenger-side airbag device of the present invention, the configuration of the airbag itself can be simplified, the airbag can be folded compactly, and the size of the device itself can be reduced. Further, in the passenger-side airbag device of the present invention, the left and right connecting portions of the tether arranged in the bag body regulate the separation distance between the left wall portion and the right wall portion, and the front and rear connecting portions Since the rearward projection of the side wall portion of the occupant is suppressed, the outer shape of the bag main body at the completion of inflation can be precisely regulated by the tether.

したがって、本発明の助手席用エアバッグ装置では、エアバッグを、簡便な構成としてコンパクトに折り畳むことができて、かつ、膨張完了時の外形形状を的確に規制することができる。 Therefore, in the passenger-side airbag device of the present invention, the airbag can be compactly folded with a simple configuration, and the outer shape of the airbag at the completion of inflation can be precisely regulated.

また、本発明の助手席用エアバッグ装置において、左右連結部を、バッグ本体の膨張完了時に上下方向に略沿って配置される幅広の帯状体から形成するとともに、上端側と下端側とに膨張用ガスを流出させるための連通部を設けて、膨張完了時のバッグ本体内を前側膨張部と後側膨張部とに区画するように、構成することが、好ましい。エアバッグをこのような構成とすれば、流入用開口から膨張用ガスを流入させて膨張する膨張初期に、まず、バッグ本体において左右連結部より前側の前側膨張部が、膨張し、その後、連通部を経て膨張用ガスを流入させることにより、左右連結部より後側の後側膨張部が、膨張することとなるが、後側膨張部内への膨張用ガスの流入時には、前側膨張部と後側膨張部とを区画している左右連結部が、左右方向側で張った状態で配置されるため、後側膨張部の周壁を構成している乗員側壁部が、後方へ大きく突出しようとすることとなっても、左右連結部から延びるように配設される前後連結部が、後方移動を規制されることとなり、後側膨張部の揺動を抑制できて、乗員側壁部の後方への突出を的確に抑制することができる。 Further, in the front passenger seat airbag device of the present invention, the left and right connecting portions are formed of wide belt-like members arranged substantially along the vertical direction when the bag main body is completely inflated, and are inflated to the upper end side and the lower end side. It is preferable to provide a communicating portion for letting the gas flow out so that the inside of the bag body when inflation is completed is divided into a front inflation portion and a rear inflation portion. If the airbag is configured as described above, at the initial stage of inflation when inflation gas is introduced from the inflow opening, the front inflation portion on the front side of the left and right connecting portions in the bag body is first inflated, and then communicated. By letting the inflation gas flow in through the section, the rear inflation section on the rear side of the left and right connection section will be inflated. Since the left and right connecting portions that separate the side inflation portions are arranged in a state of being stretched in the left and right direction, the occupant side wall portion that constitutes the peripheral wall of the rear inflation portion tends to protrude greatly rearward. Even so, the rearward movement of the front-rear connecting portion extending from the right-and-left connecting portion is restricted. Protrusion can be suppressed precisely.

さらに、上記構成の助手席用エアバッグ装置において、バッグ本体内に、流入用開口の上方を覆って、流入用開口から流入した膨張用ガスを前後方向側に向かうように整流可能な整流布を、配設させ、
左右連結部を、車両搭載状態において、上端を、整流布の後端側に形成される流出用開口の上端よりも上方に位置させ、下端を、流出用開口の下端よりも下方に位置させるように、構成することが、好ましい。
Further, in the airbag device for a passenger's seat having the above configuration, a rectifying cloth is provided in the bag body to cover the upper part of the inflow opening and to rectify the inflating gas flowing in from the inflow opening in the front-rear direction. , let it be arranged,
The left and right connecting parts are arranged such that, when mounted on a vehicle, the upper end is positioned above the upper end of the outflow opening formed on the rear end side of the rectifying cloth, and the lower end is positioned below the lower end of the outflow opening. It is preferable to configure

助手席用エアバッグ装置をこのような構成とすれば、エアバッグの膨張初期において、整流布の流出用開口から後方に向かうように流れる膨張用ガスが、左右連結部に当たって、ダイレクトに乗員側壁部を後方に押し出すことを抑制されることとなり、また、この膨張用ガスは、左右連結部により、上下に分岐されてそれぞれ上方及び下方に向かって流れるような態様となる。そのため、バッグ本体を、膨張初期に、後方側への大きな突出を抑制して、上下に広く展開させることができ、前後方向側で揺動するようなブレを、抑制して、迅速に膨張させることができる。 If the airbag device for the front passenger seat is configured as described above, at the initial stage of inflation of the airbag, the inflation gas flowing rearward from the outflow opening of the regulating cloth hits the left and right connecting portions and directly hits the side wall portion of the occupant. In addition, the inflation gas is branched upward and downward by the left and right connecting portions and flows upward and downward, respectively. Therefore, at the initial stage of inflation, the bag main body can be expanded in a wide range in the vertical direction by suppressing a large rearward projection, and can be quickly inflated by suppressing shaking such as swinging in the front-rear direction. be able to.

さらにまた、上記構成の助手席用エアバッグ装置において、左右連結部を、膨張完了時のバッグ本体の側方においてインストルメントパネルから部分的に突出して配設される突出物に対応した位置に、周壁部への連結部位を配設させるような構成とすれば、インストルメントパネルから部分的に突出しているモニタ等の突出物が、近接して配置される構成であっても、バッグ本体を、このようなモニタ等の突出物との干渉を抑制して膨張させることができて、好ましい。 Furthermore, in the front passenger seat airbag device having the above configuration, the left and right connecting portions are positioned at positions corresponding to the protrusions partially protruding from the instrument panel on the sides of the bag main body when inflation is completed, With a configuration in which a connecting portion to the peripheral wall portion is provided, the bag body can It is possible to suppress interference with such a projecting object such as a monitor and inflate it, which is preferable.

さらにまた、上記構成の助手席用エアバッグ装置において、前後連結部を、バッグ本体の膨張完了時に上下方向に略沿って配置される幅広の帯状体から構成するとともに、乗員側壁部と結合される結合端側の幅寸法を、左右連結部の幅寸法よりも、小さく設定する構成とすれば、前後連結部の幅寸法を必要以上に大きくしなくともよく、換言すれば、左右連結部の幅寸法は、突出部に応じて支障なく大きく設定することができて、好ましい。 Furthermore, in the passenger seat airbag device having the above-described structure, the front and rear connecting portion is formed of a wide belt-like body arranged substantially along the vertical direction when the bag body is completely inflated, and is connected to the occupant side wall portion. If the width dimension of the coupling end side is set smaller than the width dimension of the left and right connecting parts, the width dimension of the front and rear connecting parts does not need to be increased more than necessary, in other words, the width of the left and right connecting parts The dimensions can be set large without any problem according to the protrusion, which is preferable.

本発明の一実施形態である助手席用エアバッグ装置に使用されるエアバッグを単体で膨張させた状態の概略斜視図である。1 is a schematic perspective view of a single inflated state of an airbag used in an airbag device for a passenger's seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 図1のエアバッグの前後方向に沿った概略縦断面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the airbag of FIG. 1 along the front-rear direction; 図1のエアバッグの左右方向に沿った概略縦断面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the airbag of FIG. 1 along the left-right direction; 図1のエアバッグの前後方向に沿った概略横断面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the front-rear direction of the airbag of FIG. 1; 図1のエアバッグを構成する基材を並べた平面図である。FIG. 2 is a plan view in which base materials constituting the airbag of FIG. 1 are arranged; 図1のエアバッグを予備折りして形成される予備折りバッグの平面図と底面図である。FIG. 2 is a plan view and a bottom view of a pre-folded bag formed by pre-folding the airbag of FIG. 1; 図1のエアバッグの折り畳み工程を示す概略図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a folding process of the airbag of FIG. 1; 図1のエアバッグの折り畳み工程を示す概略図であり、図7の後の工程を示す。FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the folding process of the airbag of FIG. 1, showing the process after FIG. 7; 図1のエアバッグを折り畳んで形成される左右縮小折りバッグにおいて、後側折畳部の部位付近を示す概略斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the vicinity of a rear folded portion of a laterally contracted folding bag formed by folding the airbag of FIG. 1 ; 実施形態の助手席用エアバッグ装置において、エアバッグの膨張過程を示す概略横断面図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inflation process of the airbag in the passenger-side airbag device of the embodiment; 実施形態の助手席用エアバッグ装置において、エアバッグの膨張過程を示す概略縦断面図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the inflation process of the airbag in the airbag device for a passenger's seat according to the embodiment; 実施形態の助手席用エアバッグ装置において、エアバッグの膨張過程を示す概略縦断面図であり、図11の後の過程を示す。FIG. 12 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the inflation process of the airbag in the airbag device for the front passenger's seat of the embodiment, showing the process after FIG. 11; 実施形態の助手席用エアバッグ装置において、エアバッグの膨張完了状態を示す概略縦断面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a completed state of inflation of the airbag in the passenger-side airbag device of the embodiment; 実施形態の助手席用エアバッグ装置において、エアバッグの膨張完了状態を示す概略横断面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view showing a completed state of inflation of the airbag in the passenger-side airbag device of the embodiment; 実施形態の助手席用エアバッグ装置において、エアバッグの膨張完了状態を示す概略側面図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a completed state of inflation of the airbag in the passenger-side airbag device of the embodiment;

以下、本発明の一実施形態を図面に基づいて説明する。実施形態では、助手席用エアバッグ装置M(以下、単に「エアバッグ装置」と省略する)は、図13,14に示すように、右側に助手席PSを配置させた左ハンドル車である車両Vにおける助手席PSに着座した乗員MPの前方において、インストルメントパネル1(以下「インパネ」と省略する)の上面2の内部に配置されるトップマウントタイプとされている。エアバッグ装置Mを搭載させる車両Vのインパネ1には、図14に示すように、車両Vの車幅方向の中央側であって、図示しない運転席と助手席PSとの間の部位の前方である中央側部位1aの後端近傍に、カーナビゲーションシステムのモニタ3が、突出物として、上面2から部分的に上方に突出するように、配設されている(図15の二点鎖線参照)。なお、実施形態において、前後・上下・左右の方向は、特に断らない限り、車両Vの前後・上下・左右の方向と一致するものである。 An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the front passenger seat airbag device M (hereinafter abbreviated simply as "airbag device") is a left-hand drive vehicle in which the front passenger seat PS is arranged on the right side. It is a top-mount type that is arranged inside the upper surface 2 of an instrument panel 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as "instrument panel") in front of an occupant MP seated on the front passenger seat PS in V. As shown in FIG. 14, on the instrument panel 1 of the vehicle V on which the airbag device M is mounted, there is a central side of the vehicle V in the vehicle width direction and in front of a portion between the driver's seat (not shown) and the passenger's seat PS. A monitor 3 of a car navigation system is arranged as a protrusion so as to partially protrude upward from the upper surface 2 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 15). ). In the embodiments, the front/rear, up/down, and left/right directions correspond to the front/rear, up/down, and left/right directions of the vehicle V unless otherwise specified.

実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mは、図13,14に示すように、エアバッグ15と、エアバッグ15に膨張用ガスを供給するインフレーター8と、エアバッグ15及びインフレーター8を収納保持する収納部位としてのケース12と、エアバッグ15及びインフレーター8をケース12に取り付けるためのリテーナ9と、折り畳まれたエアバッグ15を覆うエアバッグカバー6と、を備えている。エアバッグカバー6は、エアバッグ15の展開膨張時に開き可能な扉部(図符号省略)を、備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the airbag device M of the embodiment includes an airbag 15, an inflator 8 that supplies an inflation gas to the airbag 15, and a storage portion that stores and holds the airbag 15 and the inflator 8. a case 12, a retainer 9 for attaching an airbag 15 and an inflator 8 to the case 12, and an airbag cover 6 for covering the folded airbag 15. - 特許庁The airbag cover 6 has a door (not shown) that can be opened when the airbag 15 is deployed and inflated.

エアバッグ15は、図1~4に示すように、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させて膨張するバッグ本体16と、バッグ本体16内への膨張用ガスの流れを規制する整流布37と、バッグ本体16内に配置されてバッグ本体16の膨張完了形状を規制するテザー50と、を備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the airbag 15 includes a bag body 16 that is inflated by inflating gas, a rectifying cloth 37 that regulates the flow of the inflation gas into the bag body 16, and a bag. a tether 50 arranged in the main body 16 and regulating the shape of the bag main body 16 when the inflation is completed.

バッグ本体16は、図13に示すように、膨張完了時に、インパネ1の上面2とインパネ1上方のウィンドシールド4との間を塞ぐように配置可能な構成とされている。具体的には、バッグ本体16は、図1に示すように、膨張完了時の形状を、頂部を前端側に配置させた略四角錐形状とされるもので、膨張完了時に乗員MP側に配置されて乗員MPを受け止める乗員側壁部25と、乗員側壁部25の周縁から延びてケース12側に取り付けられる前端側にかけて収束する周壁部17と、を備えている(図2,4参照)。 As shown in FIG. 13, the bag main body 16 is arranged so as to block the space between the upper surface 2 of the instrument panel 1 and the windshield 4 above the instrument panel 1 when the inflation is completed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the bag main body 16 has a substantially quadrangular pyramid shape with the top part located on the front end side when the inflation is completed, and is located on the occupant MP side when the inflation is completed. and a peripheral wall portion 17 extending from the peripheral edge of the occupant side wall portion 25 and converging toward the front end side attached to the case 12 side (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

周壁部17は、エアバッグ15の膨張完了時に、主に、インパネ1の上面2とインパネ1上方のウィンドシールド4との間を塞ぐように配置される部位であり、上下両側で略左右方向に沿って配置される上壁部17a,下壁部17bと、左右両側で略前後方向に沿って配置される左壁部17c,右壁部17dと、を備えている。周壁部17における下壁部17bの前端近傍において、左右の略中央となる位置には、内部に膨張用ガスを流入可能に略円形に開口して、周縁をケース12に取り付けられる流入用開口20が、形成されている。流入用開口20の周縁には、リテーナ9のボルト(図符号省略)を挿通させて、流入用開口20の周縁をケース12の底壁部(図符号省略)に取り付けるための複数(実施形態の場合、4個)の取付孔21が、形成されている。周壁部17における左壁部17cと右壁部17dとには、バッグ本体16内に流入した余剰の膨張用ガスを排気するためのベントホール23が、略円形に開口して、形成されている。実施形態の場合、ベントホール23は、テザー50における左右連結部51よりも後方となる位置、すなわち、後述する後側膨張部31の領域内に、形成されている(図2参照)。 The peripheral wall portion 17 is a portion arranged so as to block mainly between the upper surface 2 of the instrument panel 1 and the windshield 4 above the instrument panel 1 when the inflation of the airbag 15 is completed. An upper wall portion 17a and a lower wall portion 17b are arranged along, and a left wall portion 17c and a right wall portion 17d are arranged substantially along the front-rear direction on both left and right sides. In the vicinity of the front end of the lower wall portion 17 b of the peripheral wall portion 17 , an inflow opening 20 is formed in a substantially circular shape so that the inflation gas can flow thereinto, and the peripheral edge is attached to the case 12 . is formed. Bolts (not shown) of the retainer 9 are passed through the periphery of the inflow opening 20, and a plurality of bolts (not shown) for attaching the periphery of the inflow opening 20 to the bottom wall portion (not shown) of the case 12 (not shown) are provided. In this case, four mounting holes 21 are formed. The left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d of the peripheral wall portion 17 are formed with substantially circular vent holes 23 for discharging excess inflation gas that has flowed into the bag body 16. . In the case of the embodiment, the vent hole 23 is formed at a position behind the left and right connecting portions 51 of the tether 50, that is, in the region of the rear expansion portion 31, which will be described later (see FIG. 2).

乗員側壁部25は、バッグ本体16の膨張完了時に、助手席に着座した乗員MPと対向するように、バッグ本体16の後端側において、略鉛直方向に沿って配設される(図3参照)。 The occupant side wall portion 25 is disposed substantially vertically on the rear end side of the bag body 16 so as to face the occupant MP seated in the front passenger seat when the bag body 16 is completely inflated (see FIG. 3). ).

整流布37は、図1,2~4に示すように、バッグ本体16内において、流入用開口20の上方を覆って、流入用開口20から流入した膨張用ガスGを前後方向側に向かうように整流可能に構成されるもので、前端側と後端側とに、それぞれ、前側流出用開口38,後側流出用開口39を配設させた略筒状とされている。整流布37は、図5に示す整流布用素材42から、構成されている。整流布用素材42は、中央側に配置されて流入用開口20の周縁に結合される取付側部位43と、取付側部位43から左右両側に延びて整流布37を構成する本体用部位44,44と、を備えている。本体用部位44,44は、縁部44a相互を結合させることにより、筒状の整流布37を構成することとなる。なお、この整流布用素材42において、各縁部44aの後端44abが、エアバッグ15の膨張完了時における後側流出用開口39の上端39aを構成し、取付側部位43の後縁における中央部位43aが、後側流出用開口39の下端39bを構成することとなる(図5参照)。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to 4, the regulating cloth 37 covers the upper side of the inflow opening 20 in the bag body 16 so as to direct the inflation gas G flowing in from the inflow opening 20 to the front-rear direction. It has a substantially tubular shape with a front outflow opening 38 and a rear outflow opening 39 provided at the front end side and the rear end side, respectively. The rectifying cloth 37 is composed of the rectifying cloth material 42 shown in FIG. The rectifying cloth material 42 has an attachment side portion 43 arranged on the central side and coupled to the peripheral edge of the inflow opening 20, and a body portion 44 extending from the attachment side portion 43 to both left and right sides to form the rectifying cloth 37. 44 and . The main body parts 44, 44 constitute the tubular rectifying cloth 37 by connecting the edge parts 44a to each other. In the regulating cloth material 42, the rear end 44ab of each edge 44a constitutes the upper end 39a of the rear outflow opening 39 when the airbag 15 is fully inflated, and the center of the rear edge of the attachment side portion 43 The portion 43a constitutes the lower end 39b of the rear outflow opening 39 (see FIG. 5).

バッグ本体16内に配設されるテザー50は、図1~4に示すように、左右連結部51と前後連結部53とを備えて、膨張完了時のエアバッグ15を上方から見た状態で略T字形状に配置されている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the tether 50 disposed within the bag body 16 includes a left-right connecting portion 51 and a front-rear connecting portion 53, and the airbag 15 when inflation is completed is viewed from above. They are arranged in a substantially T shape.

左右連結部51は、周壁部17における左右方向側で対向する左壁部17cと右壁部17dとを連結するように、バッグ本体16の膨張完了時に左右方向に略沿うように配置されて(図3,4参照)、左壁部17cと右壁部17dとの相互の離隔距離を規制するもので、実施形態の場合、バッグ本体16の膨張完了時に上下方向に略沿って配置される幅広の帯状体から形成されている。詳細には、図3に示すように、左右連結部51は、上下方向側の幅寸法を、左右方向側の幅寸法よりもわずかに大きくした略長方形状として構成されるもので、左端51a側と右端51b側とを、それぞれ、周壁部17における左壁部17c若しくは右壁部17dに、全長にわたって、縫合糸を用いて縫着されている。左右連結部51は、詳細には、膨張完了時のバッグ本体16を左右方向側から見た状態において、左壁部17c,右壁部17dの前後上下の略中央となる位置であって、最も上下に幅広として配置される部位に、乗員側壁部25に略沿うように配設されている(図2,5参照)。この左右連結部51は、上下方向側の幅寸法(長さ寸法)L1を、膨張完了時に左右方向側から見た状態のバッグ本体16における最も上下に幅広の領域の幅寸法L2の3/5程度に設定され(図2参照)、バッグ本体16の膨張完了時に、上端51cと上壁部17aとの間と、下端51dと下壁部17bとの間と、に、それぞれ、隙間を設けるように配設されている(図2,3参照)。すなわち、実施形態のバッグ本体16は、左右連結部51によって、前後に(前側膨張部30と後側膨張部31とに)区画されるような態様となり(図2,4参照)、この前側膨張部30と後側膨張部31とは、図2,3に示すように、左右連結部51と上壁部17a若しくは下壁部17bとの間に形成される隙間から構成される上側連通部33,下側連通部34により、連通されることとなる。換言すれば、左右連結部51は、上端51c側と下端51d側とに、膨張用ガスを流出させるための上側連通部33,下側連通部34を設ける構成とされている。 The left-right connecting portion 51 is arranged substantially along the left-right direction when the bag main body 16 is completely inflated so as to connect the left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d facing each other in the left-right direction of the peripheral wall portion 17 ( 3 and 4), which regulates the mutual separation distance between the left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d. is formed from a strip of Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the left-right connecting portion 51 is configured in a substantially rectangular shape with the width dimension in the vertical direction side being slightly larger than the width dimension in the left-right direction side. and the right end 51b side are respectively sewn to the left wall portion 17c or the right wall portion 17d of the peripheral wall portion 17 using a suture thread over the entire length. More specifically, the left-right connecting portion 51 is positioned substantially in the center of the left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d in the front, rear, top and bottom directions when the bag main body 16 is fully inflated, viewed from the left-right direction. It is disposed so as to substantially follow the occupant side wall portion 25 at a portion that is arranged to be vertically wide (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The width dimension (length dimension) L1 of the left-right connecting portion 51 is 3/5 of the width dimension L2 of the widest region in the top and bottom of the bag body 16 when viewed from the left-right direction when inflation is completed. (see FIG. 2), and when the inflation of the bag body 16 is completed, gaps are provided between the upper end 51c and the upper wall portion 17a and between the lower end 51d and the lower wall portion 17b. (see FIGS. 2 and 3). That is, the bag body 16 of the embodiment is partitioned in the front-rear direction (into the front inflatable portion 30 and the rear inflatable portion 31) by the left and right connecting portions 51 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The portion 30 and the rear expansion portion 31 are, as shown in FIGS. , are communicated by the lower communication portion 34 . In other words, the right-and-left connecting portion 51 is configured such that an upper communicating portion 33 and a lower communicating portion 34 are provided on the upper end 51c side and the lower end 51d side to allow the inflation gas to flow out.

また、実施形態の場合、左右連結部51は、図2に示すように、単体で膨張させた状態での膨張完了時のエアバッグ15における前後方向に略沿った縦断面において、上端51cを、整流布37の後端側に形成される後側流出用開口39の上端39aよりも上方に位置させ、下端51dを、後側流出用開口39の下端39bよりも下方に位置させるように、構成されている。すなわち、左右連結部51は、エアバッグ15の膨張完了時において、整流布37における後側流出用開口39の後方を、全面にわたって覆うように、構成されている。なお、車両搭載状態においては、整流布37における後側流出用開口39は、下側の領域を、ケース12内に配置されるような態様となるが(図13参照)、この左右連結部51は、車両搭載状態でのエアバッグ15の膨張完了時においても、上端51cを、整流布37の後端側に形成される後側流出用開口39の上端39aよりも上方に位置させ、下端51dを、後側流出用開口39の下端39c(後側流出用開口39において、インパネ1(エアバッグカバー6)から上方に露出している領域の下端)よりも下方に位置させて、整流布37における後側流出用開口39の後方を、全面にわたって覆っている(図13参照)。 Further, in the case of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the left and right connecting portions 51 have the upper end 51c in a vertical cross section substantially along the front-rear direction of the airbag 15 when the airbag 15 is fully inflated by itself. The configuration is such that the upper end 39a of the rear outflow opening 39 formed on the rear end side of the straightening cloth 37 is positioned above the upper end 39a, and the lower end 51d is positioned lower than the lower end 39b of the rear outflow opening 39. It is That is, the left-right connecting portion 51 is configured to cover the entire area behind the rear outflow opening 39 in the straightening cloth 37 when the inflation of the airbag 15 is completed. In the vehicle-mounted state, the rear outflow opening 39 in the regulating cloth 37 has a lower area inside the case 12 (see FIG. 13). , the upper end 51c is positioned above the upper end 39a of the rear outflow opening 39 formed on the rear end side of the regulating cloth 37 even when the airbag 15 is fully inflated in the vehicle-mounted state, and the lower end 51d is positioned below the lower end 39c of the rear outflow opening 39 (the lower end of the area exposed upward from the instrument panel 1 (airbag cover 6) in the rear outflow opening 39), and the regulating cloth 37 The rear side of the rear outflow opening 39 in is covered over the entire surface (see FIG. 13).

左右連結部51は、エアバッグ15の展開膨張時における左壁部17cと右壁部17dとの過度の離隔を抑制して、かつ、エアバッグ15の膨張完了時に、左壁部17cと右壁部17dとの離隔距離を規制するために、配設されている。左右連結部51の左右方向側の幅寸法は、エアバッグ15の膨張完了時に、各左壁部17c,右壁部17dにおいて、左右連結部51と連結される左側結合部位58L,右側結合部位58Rの周囲の部位に、左右の内方へ向かうような凹みを生じさせることが可能な寸法に、設定されている(図3,4参照)。左右連結部51の左端51aと右端51bとをそれぞれ左壁部17c,右壁部17dに連結(縫着)させる左側結合部位58L及び右側結合部位58Rは、左端51a,右端51bの全長にわたって連続的に、形成されている。 The left-right connecting portion 51 suppresses an excessive separation between the left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d when the airbag 15 is deployed and inflated, and when the airbag 15 completes inflation, the left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d are separated from each other. It is arranged in order to regulate the separation distance from the portion 17d. The width of the left-right connecting portion 51 in the left-right direction is such that when the airbag 15 is completely inflated, the left connecting portion 58L and the right connecting portion 58R connected to the left-right connecting portion 51 are connected to the left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d. The dimensions are set so as to form indentations directed inward on the left and right in the surrounding area (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The left connecting portion 58L and the right connecting portion 58R for connecting (sewing) the left end 51a and the right end 51b of the left and right connecting portion 51 to the left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d, respectively, are continuous over the entire length of the left end 51a and the right end 51b. is formed.

実施形態では、膨張完了時のエアバッグ15の左方に、カーナビゲーションシステムのモニタ3が、近接して配設される構成である(図3,15の二点鎖線及び図14参照)。実施形態のエアバッグ15では、左右連結部51は、車両搭載状態でのバッグ本体16の膨張完了時に、インパネ1から部分的に突出するように配設されている突出部としてのカーナビゲーションシステムのモニタ3と対応する位置に、配設されている。実施形態の場合、左右連結部51は、車両搭載状態でのバッグ本体16の膨張完了時に、左端51aの左壁部17cへの連結部位(左側結合部位58L)を、モニタ3に略沿わせるようにして、モニタ3に対応した位置に配置させる構成とされている(図15参照)。すなわち、上述したごとく、膨張完了時のバッグ本体16では、左壁部17cにおいて、左側結合部位58Lの周縁の部位が、左右の内方に凹むように配設される構成であり、この左側結合部位58Lは、モニタ3に対応した位置に配置される構成であることから、エアバッグ15と、左壁部17cの左方に近接して配置されるモニタ3と、の干渉を、抑制することができる。 In the embodiment, the monitor 3 of the car navigation system is arranged close to the left of the airbag 15 when the inflation is completed (see two-dot chain lines in FIGS. 3 and 15 and FIG. 14). In the airbag 15 of the embodiment, the left and right connecting portions 51 are arranged to partially protrude from the instrument panel 1 when the bag main body 16 is fully inflated in the vehicle-mounted state. It is arranged at a position corresponding to the monitor 3 . In the case of the embodiment, the left and right connecting portions 51 are arranged such that the connecting portion (left connecting portion 58L) of the left end 51a to the left wall portion 17c (left connecting portion 58L) is substantially aligned with the monitor 3 when the bag main body 16 is fully inflated in the vehicle-mounted state. and arranged at a position corresponding to the monitor 3 (see FIG. 15). That is, as described above, in the bag body 16 when inflation is completed, the left wall portion 17c is configured such that the peripheral portion of the left coupling portion 58L is recessed inward in the left and right directions. Since the portion 58L is arranged at a position corresponding to the monitor 3, interference between the airbag 15 and the monitor 3 arranged close to the left of the left wall portion 17c can be suppressed. can be done.

前後連結部53は、左右連結部51の左右の略中央と乗員側壁部25の左右の略中央とを連結するように、前端53a側を左右連結部51に連結され、後端53b側を乗員側壁部25に連結されて、バッグ本体16の膨張完了時に前後方向に略沿うように配置される(図2,4参照)。前後連結部53は、乗員側壁部25の後方への突出を抑制するもので、実施形態の場合、バッグ本体16の膨張完了時に上下方向に略沿って配置される幅広の帯状体から構成されている。詳細には、前後連結部53は、上下方向側の幅寸法(長さ寸法)を、左右連結部51の上下方向側の幅寸法(長さ寸法)より僅かに小さくして、実施形態の場合、5/6程度に、設定されている。すなわち、前後連結部53において、乗員側壁部25に結合される結合端としての後端53bは、幅寸法を、左右連結部51の幅寸法よりも、小さく設定されている。また、前後連結部53の前後方向側の幅寸法は、バッグ本体16の膨張完了時に、後端53bを乗員側壁部25に結合させている後側結合部位60周縁の領域を、僅かに前方に向かって凹ませるような寸法に、設定されている。前後連結部53の後端53bを乗員側壁部25に結合させる後側結合部位60は、膨張完了時のバッグ本体16における乗員側壁部25の上下左右の略中央となる位置において、上下方向に略沿うように形成されるもので、後端53bの全長にわたって、連続的に形成されている。そして、この後側結合部位60は、左右連結部51の左端51a,右端51bをそれぞれ左壁部17c,右壁部17dに結合させる左側結合部位58L,右側結合部位58Rよりも、長さ寸法を短く設定される構成である。 The front-rear connecting portion 53 is connected to the left-right connecting portion 51 at the front end 53a side and connected to the occupant at the rear end 53b side so as to connect the left-right substantially center of the left-right connecting portion 51 and the substantially left-right center of the occupant side wall portion 25. It is connected to the side wall portion 25 and arranged substantially along the front-rear direction when the bag main body 16 is fully inflated (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The front-rear connection portion 53 suppresses the rearward projection of the occupant side wall portion 25, and in the case of the embodiment, is composed of a wide belt-like body that is arranged substantially along the vertical direction when the bag main body 16 is completely inflated. there is Specifically, the front-rear connecting portion 53 has a vertical width dimension (length dimension) slightly smaller than the vertical width dimension (length dimension) of the left-right connecting portion 51, and in the case of the embodiment, , is set to about 5/6. That is, in the front-rear connecting portion 53 , the width dimension of the rear end 53 b serving as the connecting end to be connected to the occupant side wall portion 25 is set smaller than the width dimension of the left-right connecting portion 51 . The width of the front-rear connecting portion 53 in the front-rear direction is such that when the bag main body 16 is fully inflated, the peripheral area of the rear joint portion 60 where the rear end 53b is joined to the occupant side wall portion 25 is slightly forward. It is set to a dimension that is recessed toward it. The rear coupling portion 60, which couples the rear end 53b of the front-rear connecting portion 53 to the occupant side wall portion 25, is positioned approximately vertically and horizontally in the center of the occupant side wall portion 25 in the bag body 16 when inflation is completed. It is formed along the entire length of the rear end 53b and is formed continuously. The rear joint portion 60 is longer than the left joint portion 58L and the right joint portion 58R that join the left end 51a and the right end 51b of the left and right connecting portions 51 to the left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d, respectively. It is a configuration that is set short.

実施形態のテザー50は、図4,5に示すように、左右連結部51を構成する2枚の左右連結部用基材55L,55Rと、前後連結部53を構成する1枚の前後連結部用基材56と、から構成されている。各左右連結部用基材55L,55Rは、それぞれ、上下方向側を幅広とした略長方形状として、外形形状を略同一として構成され、前後連結部用基材56は、上下方向側を幅広とした略長方形状とされている。詳細には、前後連結部用基材56は、長手方向側(上下方向側)の幅寸法と短手方向側(前後方向側)の幅寸法と、を、ともに、左右連結部用基材55L,55Rよりも若干小さくするように、構成されている。そして、実施形態のテザー50は、左右連結部用基材55L,55Rの対応する縁部55a,55a相互と、前後連結部用基材56の縁部56aと、を、長手方向(上下方向)側の中心を略一致させるようにして重ねて、縫合糸を用いて縫着(結合)させることにより、上方側から見た外形形状を略T字形状として、構成されることとなる。 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tether 50 of the embodiment includes two left and right connecting portion base materials 55L and 55R that constitute the left and right connecting portions 51, and one front and rear connecting portion that constitutes the front and rear connecting portion 53. and a base material 56 for use. Each of the left and right connecting portion base materials 55L and 55R has a substantially rectangular shape with a wider vertical side, and has substantially the same outer shape. It has a substantially rectangular shape. Specifically, the front-rear connecting portion base material 56 has a width dimension in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) and a width dimension in the lateral direction (front-rear direction) that are both the left-right connecting portion base material 55L. , 55R. Then, the tether 50 of the embodiment moves the corresponding edges 55a, 55a of the left and right connection base materials 55L, 55R and the edge 56a of the front and rear connection base material 56 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). By stacking them so that the centers of the sides are substantially aligned and sewn (combined) using a suture thread, the external shape viewed from above is formed into a substantially T-shape.

バッグ本体16は、所定形状の基布の周縁相互を結合させて袋状に構成されるもので、実施形態の場合、図5に示すように、主に周壁部17側を構成する周壁パネル部65と、主に乗員側壁部25側を構成する乗員側パネル部71と、を備えている。周壁パネル部65は、周壁部17を左右方向側で略2分割するようにして、左側の領域を構成する左側パネル66と、右側の領域を構成する右側パネル68と、を備えている。左側パネル66は、周壁部17における上壁部17aの左半分の領域から、左壁部17cを経て、下壁部17bの左半分の領域にかけてを構成するもので、右側パネル68は、周壁部17における上壁部17aの右半分の領域から、右壁部17dを経て、下壁部17bの右半分の領域にかけてを構成している。左側パネル66,右側パネル68は、それぞれ、流入用開口20の周縁の領域を構成する突出部67,69を、備えている。 The bag main body 16 is formed in a bag shape by joining the peripheral edges of a base fabric of a predetermined shape. In the case of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 65 and an occupant side panel portion 71 that mainly constitutes the occupant side wall portion 25 side. The peripheral wall panel portion 65 divides the peripheral wall portion 17 into two parts in the left-right direction, and includes a left panel 66 constituting a left area and a right panel 68 constituting a right area. The left panel 66 extends from the left half region of the upper wall portion 17a of the peripheral wall portion 17 to the left half region of the lower wall portion 17b via the left wall portion 17c. 17 from the right half region of the upper wall portion 17a to the right half region of the lower wall portion 17b via the right wall portion 17d. The left panel 66 and the right panel 68 are provided with protrusions 67 and 69, respectively, which form the peripheral areas of the inlet opening 20. As shown in FIG.

実施形態では、バッグ本体16を構成する周壁パネル部65(左側パネル66,右側パネル68),乗員側パネル部71、整流布37を構成する整流布用素材42、テザー50を構成する左右連結部用基材55L,55R,前後連結部用基材56は、それぞれ、ポリエステル糸やポリアミド糸等からなる可撓性を有した織布から形成されている。 In the embodiment, the peripheral wall panel portion 65 (the left panel 66 and the right panel 68) constituting the bag body 16, the occupant side panel portion 71, the rectifying cloth material 42 constituting the rectifying cloth 37, and the left and right connecting portions constituting the tether 50. The base materials 55L, 55R and the base material 56 for the front and rear connecting portions are each formed of a flexible woven fabric made of polyester thread, polyamide thread, or the like.

次に、実施形態のエアバッグ15の製造について説明をする。左側パネル66,右側パネル68の内周面側には、予め、左右連結部用基材55L,55Rの縁部55bを、左側結合部位58L,右側結合部位58Rを形成するように縫着させ、乗員側パネル部71には、予め、前後連結部用基材56の縁部56bを、後側結合部位60を形成するように縫着させておく。そして、まず、左側パネル66と右側パネル68とを重ねて、下縁66c,68c相互を縫着させる。次いで、左側パネル66と右側パネル68とを上縁66b,68bを相互に離隔させるように開いて、突出部67,69を相互に重ね、突出部67,69の内周面側に、整流布用素材42の取付側部位43を重ねる。そして、流入用開口20の周縁となる部位を、縫合糸を用いて縫着させ、突出部67,69相互と、整流布用素材42の取付側部位43と、を、縫着させる。次いで、流入用開口20と取付孔21とを開口させる。その後、左側パネル66と右側パネル68との上縁66b,68b相互を、縫合糸を用いて縫着させる。次いで、左側パネル66の後縁66dと乗員側パネル部71の左縁71aとを縫着させ、同様に、右側パネル68の後縁68dと乗員側パネル部71の右縁71bとを縫着させる。左右連結部用基材55L,55Rの残りの縁部55aと、前後連結部用基材56の残りの縁部56aと、を、縫合糸を用いて縫着させて、テザー50を形成する。整流布用素材42における本体用部位44,44の縁部44a相互を縫着させて、整流布37を形成する。その後、未縫合とされている左側パネル66,右側パネル68の前上縁66a,68a側の領域を利用して、バッグ本体16を反転させる。次いで、左側パネル66における前上縁66aと、右側パネル68における前上縁68aと、を、それぞれ、二つ折りするようにして、縫合糸を用いて縫着させれば、バッグ本体16を製造できると同時に、エアバッグ15を製造することができる。 Next, manufacturing of the airbag 15 of the embodiment will be described. The edge portions 55b of the left and right connecting portion base materials 55L and 55R are sewn in advance to the inner peripheral surfaces of the left panel 66 and the right panel 68 so as to form a left joint portion 58L and a right joint portion 58R, The edge portion 56 b of the front/rear connecting portion base material 56 is sewn to the occupant side panel portion 71 in advance so as to form the rear side joint portion 60 . First, the left panel 66 and the right panel 68 are overlapped and the lower edges 66c and 68c are sewn together. Next, the left panel 66 and the right panel 68 are opened so that the upper edges 66b and 68b are separated from each other, the protrusions 67 and 69 are overlapped, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the protrusions 67 and 69 are covered with a rectifying cloth. The attachment side portion 43 of the material 42 is overlapped. Then, the peripheral portion of the inflow opening 20 is sewn with suture thread, and the projecting portions 67 and 69 are sewn together with the mounting side portion 43 of the rectifying cloth material 42 . Next, the inflow opening 20 and the mounting hole 21 are opened. Thereafter, the upper edges 66b, 68b of the left panel 66 and the right panel 68 are sewn together using suture thread. Next, the rear edge 66d of the left side panel 66 and the left edge 71a of the occupant side panel portion 71 are sewn together, and similarly, the rear edge 68d of the right side panel 68 and the right edge 71b of the occupant side panel portion 71 are sewn together. . The remaining edge portions 55a of the left and right connecting portion base materials 55L and 55R and the remaining edge portion 56a of the front and rear connecting portion base material 56 are sewn together to form the tether 50. FIG. The rectifying cloth 37 is formed by sewing the edges 44a of the body parts 44, 44 of the rectifying cloth material 42 to each other. After that, the bag main body 16 is turned upside down by using the areas on the front upper edges 66a and 68a of the left panel 66 and the right panel 68 which are left unstitched. Next, the front upper edge 66a of the left panel 66 and the front upper edge 68a of the right panel 68 are each folded in two and sewn together with sutures to manufacture the bag body 16. At the same time, the airbag 15 can be manufactured.

次に、エアバッグ装置Mの車両Vへの搭載について説明をする。まず、エアバッグ15を、図示しないボルトを取付孔21から突出させるようにして、内部にリテーナ9を収納させた状態から、ケース12内に収納可能に、折り畳む。実施形態では、エアバッグ15は、予備折り後に、前後左右の幅寸法を縮めるように、折り畳んで、ケース12内に収納されることとなる。具体的には、まず、乗員側壁部25を略平らに展開しつつ、乗員側壁部25を、流入用開口20側に接近させるようにして、周壁部17の部位に谷折りの折目を付けて折り畳み、図6のA,Bに示すような予備折りバッグ75を、形成する。次いで、予備折りバッグ75を、第1前後縮小折り工程と、左右縮小折り工程と、第2前後縮小折り工程と、を経て折り畳む。 Next, mounting of the airbag device M on the vehicle V will be described. First, the airbag 15 is folded so that it can be stored in the case 12 from a state in which the retainer 9 is stored inside thereof with bolts (not shown) protruding from the mounting holes 21 . In the embodiment, the airbag 15 is stored in the case 12 after being preliminarily folded so as to reduce the front, rear, left, and right width dimensions. Specifically, first, while the occupant side wall portion 25 is unfolded substantially flat, the occupant side wall portion 25 is brought closer to the inflow opening 20 side, and a valley fold is formed in the portion of the peripheral wall portion 17 . to form a pre-folded bag 75 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Next, the pre-folded bag 75 is folded through a first front-rear reduction folding process, a left-right reduction folding process, and a second front-rear reduction folding process.

まず、予備折りバッグ75を、第1前後縮小折り工程により、折り畳む。具体的には、図7のAに示すように、予備折りバッグ75における流入用開口20の後側の領域であって、乗員側壁部25に形成される後側結合部位60の下端60a側を含めた後側(下側)2/5程度の領域(後側部位76)を、後縁76a(下縁)を流入用開口20側に接近させつつ、周壁部17側に向かって巻くようになロール折りにより折り畳み、後側折畳部78を形成して、図7のBに示すような前後縮小折りバッグ80を、形成する。詳細には、後側折畳部78は、予備折りバッグ75の後縁側の部位を、三重に折り重ねるようなロール折りにより、形成されている。次いで、前後縮小折りバッグ80を、左右縮小折り工程により、折り畳む。具体的には、図7のB及び図8のAに示すように、前後縮小折りバッグ80における流入用開口20の左側となる左側部位81を、左縁81aを流入用開口20に接近させつつ、乗員側壁部25側に向かって巻くようなロール折りにより折り畳み、同様に、流入用開口20の右側となる右側部位82も、右縁82aを流入用開口20に接近させつつ、乗員側壁部25側に向かって巻くようなロール折りにより折り畳み、ロール折り部位84L,84Rを形成して、図8のAに示すように、左右縮小折りバッグ86を形成する。その後、左右縮小折りバッグ86を、前後方向側の幅寸法を縮小する第2前後縮小折り工程により、折り畳む。具体的には、図8のA,Bに示すように、左右縮小折りバッグ86における流入用開口20より後方側となる後側部位87を、流入用開口20の後縁近傍となる部位で折り返し、この折り返した部位を、後縁87a側を周壁部17側に向かって巻くようにロール折りしてロール折り部位90を形成する。その後、図8のBに示すように、左右縮小折りバッグ86において、流入用開口20より前方側となる前側部位88を、端部側をロール折り部位90の上側に載せるように折り返せば、図8のCに示すように、ケース12内に収納可能な折り完了体95を形成することができる。 First, the pre-folded bag 75 is folded by the first front-rear reduction folding process. Specifically, as shown in A of FIG. 7, the lower end 60a side of the rear joint portion 60 formed in the occupant side wall portion 25 in the area behind the inflow opening 20 in the pre-folded bag 75. Approximately 2/5 of the rear side (lower side) including the area (rear side portion 76) is wound toward the peripheral wall portion 17 side while bringing the rear edge 76a (lower edge) closer to the inflow opening 20 side. 7B to form a rear-side folded portion 78, thereby forming a front-rear contraction-folded bag 80 as shown in FIG. 7B. Specifically, the rear folded portion 78 is formed by roll-folding the trailing edge side portion of the pre-folded bag 75 in three folds. Next, the front-rear reduction folding bag 80 is folded by a left-right reduction folding process. Specifically, as shown in B of FIG. 7 and A of FIG. Similarly, the right side portion 82 on the right side of the inflow opening 20 is also folded by the occupant side wall portion 25 while bringing the right edge 82a closer to the inflow opening 20. Folding is performed by roll-folding to form roll-folding portions 84L and 84R to form a laterally contracted folding bag 86 as shown in FIG. 8A. After that, the left/right reduction folding bag 86 is folded by a second front/rear reduction folding step of reducing the width dimension in the front/rear direction. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the rear portion 87 of the bag 86, which is rearward of the inflow opening 20, is folded back in the vicinity of the rear edge of the inflow opening 20. Then, this folded portion is rolled so that the rear edge 87a side is rolled toward the peripheral wall portion 17 side to form a rolled portion 90. - 特許庁After that, as shown in FIG. 8B, the front side portion 88 on the front side of the inflow opening 20 is folded back so that the end side is placed on the upper side of the roll-folded portion 90 in the left and right contracted folding bag 86. As shown in FIG. 8C, a folded body 95 can be formed that can be accommodated within the case 12 .

このように折り畳んだエアバッグ15(折り完了体95)は、周囲を、折り崩れしないように、破断可能な図示しないラッピングシートによりくるむ。その後、折り完了体95を、ケース12内に収納させ、インフレーター8を、リテーナ9を利用してエアバッグ15の流入用開口20の周縁とともに、ケース12に連結させる。その後、折り畳まれたエアバッグ15とインフレーター8とを保持させたケース12を、車両Vに搭載されたインパネ1に形成されるエアバッグカバー6に連結させれば、エアバッグ装置Mを車両Vに搭載させることができる。 The airbag 15 (folded body 95) folded in this manner is wrapped with a breakable wrapping sheet (not shown) so as not to collapse. After that, the folded body 95 is stored in the case 12, and the inflator 8 is connected to the case 12 together with the peripheral edge of the inflow opening 20 of the airbag 15 using the retainer 9.例文帳に追加After that, by connecting the case 12 holding the folded airbag 15 and the inflator 8 to the airbag cover 6 formed on the instrument panel 1 mounted on the vehicle V, the airbag device M can be attached to the vehicle V. can be mounted.

エアバッグ装置Mの車両Vへの搭載後、インフレーター8から膨張用ガスが吐出されれば、エアバッグ15が、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させて膨張し、エアバッグカバー6の扉部を押し開いて形成される開口を経て、ケース12から上方へ突出するとともに、車両後方側に向かって突出しつつ展開膨張して、図13~15に示すように、インパネ1の上面2とインパネ1上方のウィンドシールド4との間を塞ぐように、膨張を完了させることとなる。 After the airbag device M is mounted on the vehicle V, when the inflation gas is discharged from the inflator 8 , the airbag 15 is inflated by the inflow of the inflation gas and pushes the door portion of the airbag cover 6 . It protrudes upward from the case 12 through an opening formed by opening and expands and expands while protruding toward the rear side of the vehicle, and as shown in FIGS. The expansion is completed so as to block the gap with the windshield 4.

そして、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mでは、バッグ本体16の膨張完了形状を規制するテザー50が、左右連結部51と前後連結部53とを有する構成とされており、前後連結部53は、バッグ本体16における左壁部17cと右壁部17dとを連結している左右連結部から後方に延びるように、形成されている。そのため、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mでは、テザー50が、上方から見て略T字形状に配置されることから、バッグ本体内に、別体の前後テザーと左右テザーとを上方から見て略十字形状に配設させている従来のエアバッグと比較して、テザーを形成する基材の量を低減させることができ、また、テザー50のバッグ本体16自体への結合量も低減させて、結合作業も簡便にすることができる。その結果、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mでは、エアバッグ15自体の構成を簡便にすることができて、エアバッグ15をコンパクトに折り畳むことができ、装置自体の小型化を図ることもできる。さらに、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mにおいても、バッグ本体16内に配設されるテザー50において、左右連結部51は、左壁部17cと右壁部17dとの相互の離隔距離を規制し、前後連結部53は、乗員側壁部25の後方への突出を抑制することから、膨張完了時のバッグ本体16の外形形状を、テザー50によって、的確に規制することができる。 In the airbag device M of the embodiment, the tether 50 that regulates the shape of the bag main body 16 when inflation is complete has a left-right connecting portion 51 and a front-rear connecting portion 53. The front-rear connecting portion 53 It is formed so as to extend rearward from a left-right connecting portion that connects the left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d of the main body 16 . Therefore, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, since the tether 50 is arranged in a substantially T-shape when viewed from above, separate front and rear tethers and left and right tethers are placed in the bag main body when viewed from above. Compared to conventional airbags that are arranged in a cross shape, the amount of base material forming the tether can be reduced, and the amount of bonding of the tether 50 to the bag body 16 itself is also reduced, The joining work can also be simplified. As a result, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the configuration of the airbag 15 itself can be simplified, the airbag 15 can be folded compactly, and the size of the device itself can be reduced. Furthermore, in the airbag device M of the embodiment as well, in the tether 50 arranged in the bag body 16, the left and right connecting portions 51 regulate the separation distance between the left wall portion 17c and the right wall portion 17d, Since the front-rear connecting portion 53 suppresses rearward projection of the occupant side wall portion 25 , the tether 50 can accurately regulate the outer shape of the bag body 16 when inflation is completed.

したがって、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mでは、エアバッグ15を、簡便な構成としてコンパクトに折り畳むことができて、かつ、膨張完了時の外形形状を的確に規制することができる。 Therefore, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the airbag 15 can be compactly folded with a simple configuration, and the outer shape at the time of completion of inflation can be precisely regulated.

また、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mでは、左右連結部51が、バッグ本体16の膨張完了時に上下方向に略沿って配置される幅広の帯状体から形成するとともに、上端51c側と下端51d側とに膨張用ガスを流出させるための上側連通部33,下側連通部34を設けて、膨張完了時のバッグ本体16内を前側膨張部30と後側膨張部31とに区画するように、構成されている。そのため、流入用開口20から膨張用ガスを流入させて膨張する膨張初期に、まず、バッグ本体16において左右連結部51より前側の前側膨張部30が、膨張し(図10のA参照)、その後、上側連通部33,下側連通部34を経て膨張用ガスを流入させることにより、左右連結部51より後側の後側膨張部31が、膨張することとなるが(図10のB参照)、後側膨張部31内への膨張用ガスの流入時には、前側膨張部30と後側膨張部31とを区画している左右連結部51が、左右方向側でテンションTを生じさせるように、張った状態で配置されるため、後側膨張部31の周壁を構成している乗員側壁部25が、後方へ大きく突出しようとすることとなっても、左右連結部51から延びるように配設される前後連結部53にも、前後方向に沿ってテンションTが発生して、前後連結部53が、後方移動を規制されることとなり、後側膨張部31の揺動を抑制できて、乗員側壁部25の後方への突出を的確に抑制することができる。なお、このような点を考慮しなければ、左右連結部を、バッグ本体内を前後で区画させるような上下に幅広とする構成としなくともよい。なお、実施形態では、上側連通部33,下側連通部34は、左右連結部51の上端51c,下端51dと、上壁部17a,下壁部17bと、の間に形成される隙間から、それぞれ、構成されているが、例えば、左右連結部を上下にさらに幅広に構成し、安定して膨張用ガスを流出可能な隙間を確保し難い場合には、左右連結部の上端付近や下端付近において、左右連結部自体に、多量の膨張用ガスをダイレクトに乗員側壁部側に向かって流出させない程度の補助的な開口を設け、このような開口と、隙間と、により、連通部を構成してもよい。 In addition, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the left-right connecting portion 51 is formed of a wide belt-like body arranged substantially along the vertical direction when the inflation of the bag body 16 is completed, and the upper end 51c side and the lower end 51d side are formed. An upper communicating portion 33 and a lower communicating portion 34 are provided in the bag body 16 for discharging inflation gas, and the inside of the bag main body 16 at the time of completion of inflation is divided into a front inflation portion 30 and a rear inflation portion 31. It is Therefore, at the initial stage of inflation when inflation gas is introduced from the inflow opening 20, the front inflation portion 30 on the front side of the left and right connecting portions 51 in the bag body 16 is first inflated (see A in FIG. 10), and then , the inflation gas is caused to flow in through the upper communication portion 33 and the lower communication portion 34, so that the rear inflation portion 31 on the rear side of the left and right connection portions 51 is inflated (see FIG. 10B). , so that when the inflation gas flows into the rear inflation portion 31, the left and right connecting portions 51 that separate the front inflation portion 30 and the rear inflation portion 31 generate tension T in the left and right direction. Since it is arranged in a stretched state, the occupant side wall portion 25 forming the peripheral wall of the rear inflation portion 31 is arranged to extend from the left and right connecting portions 51 even if the occupant side wall portion 25 attempts to protrude greatly rearward. A tension T is also generated in the front-rear connecting portion 53 along the front-rear direction, and the rearward movement of the front-rear connecting portion 53 is restricted. The rearward projection of the side wall portion 25 can be suppressed accurately. If such a point is not taken into consideration, the left and right connecting portions need not be configured to be wide in the vertical direction so as to divide the inside of the bag body into the front and rear. In the embodiment, the upper communicating portion 33 and the lower communicating portion 34 are formed between the upper end 51c and the lower end 51d of the left and right connecting portions 51 and the upper wall portion 17a and the lower wall portion 17b. Although they are configured respectively, for example, if the left and right connecting parts are configured to be wider in the vertical direction and it is difficult to secure a gap that allows the inflation gas to flow out stably, the vicinity of the upper end or the lower end of the left and right connecting parts , the right and left connecting portion itself is provided with an auxiliary opening to the extent that a large amount of inflation gas does not directly flow out toward the occupant side wall portion, and such an opening and the gap form the communicating portion. may

さらに、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mでは、バッグ本体16内に、流入用開口20の上方を覆って、流入用開口20から流入した膨張用ガスを前後方向側に向かうように整流可能な整流布37が、配設される構成であり、左右連結部51が、車両搭載状態において、上端51cを、整流布37の後端側に形成される後側流出用開口39の上端39aよりも上方に位置させ、下端51dを、後側流出用開口39の下端39cよりも下方に位置させるように、構成されている(図13参照)。すなわち、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mでは、左右連結部51が、整流布37における後側流出用開口39の後方を、全面にわたって上下に広く覆うこととなる。そのため、エアバッグ15の膨張初期において、整流布37の後側流出用開口39から後方に向かうように流れる膨張用ガスGBが、左右連結部51に当たって、ダイレクトに乗員側壁部25を後方に押し出すことを抑制されることとなり、また、膨張用ガスGBは、左右連結部51により、上下に分岐されてそれぞれ上方及び下方に向かって流れるような態様となる(図13参照)。そのため、バッグ本体16を、膨張初期に、後方側への大きな突出を抑制して、上下に広く展開させることができ、前後方向側で揺動するようなブレを、抑制して、迅速に膨張させることができる。なお、このような点を考慮しなければ、左右連結部を、車両搭載状態において、整流布の後側流出用開口の後方を全面にわたって覆う構成としなくともよく、さらには、エアバッグとして、整流布を備えない構成のものを使用してもよい。 Further, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, a rectifying cloth that covers the upper side of the inflow opening 20 in the bag body 16 and can rectify the inflation gas that has flowed in from the inflow opening 20 toward the front-rear direction side is provided. 37 is disposed, and the left and right connecting portions 51 are configured such that, in the vehicle-mounted state, the upper end 51c is positioned above the upper end 39a of the rear outflow opening 39 formed on the rear end side of the straightening cloth 37. and the lower end 51d is positioned below the lower end 39c of the rear outflow opening 39 (see FIG. 13). That is, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the left and right connecting portions 51 widely cover the rear side of the rear outflow opening 39 in the straightening cloth 37 in the vertical direction over the entire surface. Therefore, in the initial stage of inflation of the airbag 15, the inflation gas GB flowing rearward from the rear outflow opening 39 of the straightening cloth 37 hits the left and right connecting portions 51 and directly pushes the occupant side wall portion 25 rearward. In addition, the inflation gas GB is branched vertically by the left and right connecting portions 51 to flow upward and downward, respectively (see FIG. 13). Therefore, at the initial stage of inflation, the bag body 16 can be expanded in a wide range in the vertical direction by suppressing a large rearward projection, and can be quickly inflated by suppressing shaking in the front-rear direction. can be made If such a point is not taken into consideration, the left and right connecting portions need not be configured to cover the entire rear side of the rear outflow opening of the rectifying cloth when mounted on the vehicle. A non-fabric configuration may also be used.

さらにまた、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mでは、左右連結部51が、膨張完了時のバッグ本体16の側方においてインパネ1から部分的に突出して配設される突出物としてのカーナビゲーションシステムのモニタ3に対応した位置に、周壁部17への連結部位(実施形態の場合、左側結合部位58L)を配設させる構成とされている(図3,15参照)。そのため、インパネ1から部分的に突出しているモニタ3が、近接して配置される構成であっても、バッグ本体16を、このようなモニタ3との干渉を抑制して膨張させることができる。勿論、このような点を考慮しなければ、左右連結部を、モニタ等の突出物に対応した位置に配置させない構成としてもよい。 Furthermore, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the left and right connecting portions 51 are a monitor of the car navigation system as a projection that partially projects from the instrument panel 1 on the side of the bag main body 16 when the inflation is completed. 3 (see FIGS. 3 and 15). Therefore, even if the monitor 3 that partially protrudes from the instrument panel 1 is arranged close to the monitor 3 , the bag body 16 can be inflated while suppressing such interference with the monitor 3 . Of course, if such a point is not taken into consideration, the left and right connecting portions may be configured so as not to be arranged at a position corresponding to a projecting object such as a monitor.

さらにまた、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mでは、前後連結部53が、バッグ本体16の膨張完了時に上下方向に略沿って配置される幅広の帯状体から構成されるとともに、乗員側壁部25と結合される結合端(後端53b)側の幅寸法を、左右連結部51の幅寸法よりも、小さく設定されている。そのため、前後連結部53の幅寸法を必要以上に大きくしなくともよく、換言すれば、左右連結部51の幅寸法は、モニタ3等の突出物に応じて支障なく大きく設定することができる。実施形態の場合、前後連結部53の後端53b側の幅寸法(後側結合部位60の長さ寸法)は、乗員側壁部25による乗員MP受止時において、前進移動する頭部MHの移動軌跡に応じて、設定されている。勿論、このような点を考慮しなければ、前後連結部として、乗員側壁部と結合される結合端側の幅寸法を、左右連結部の幅寸法と略同一、若しくは、左右連結部の幅寸法よりも大きくするように、構成してもよい。なお、実施形態では、前後連結部53は、前後方向側での幅寸法を一定とした帯状とされているが、例えば、前後連結部として、左右連結部と連結される前端側を、左右連結部の幅寸法と同等の幅寸法を有する構成とし、乗員側壁部と連結される後端(結合端)側にかけて狭幅とするように、構成したものを使用してもよい。 Furthermore, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the front-rear connecting portion 53 is composed of a wide belt-like body arranged substantially along the vertical direction when the inflation of the bag body 16 is completed, and is connected to the occupant side wall portion 25 . The width of the connecting end (rear end 53b) side is set smaller than the width of the left and right connecting portions 51. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the width dimension of the front-rear connecting portion 53 does not have to be increased more than necessary. In the case of the embodiment, the width dimension of the rear end 53b side of the front-rear coupling portion 53 (the length dimension of the rear joint portion 60) is the same as the movement of the head MH moving forward when the occupant MP is received by the occupant side wall portion 25. It is set according to the trajectory. Of course, if such a point is not taken into consideration, the width dimension of the coupling end side coupled to the occupant side wall portion as the front and rear coupling portion should be substantially the same as the width dimension of the left and right coupling portions, or the width dimension of the left and right coupling portions. It may be configured to be larger than In the embodiment, the front-rear connecting portion 53 has a belt shape with a constant width dimension in the front-rear direction. It may be configured to have a width dimension equivalent to the width dimension of the occupant side wall portion, and to be narrowed toward the rear end (joint end) side connected to the occupant side wall portion.

特に、実施形態のエアバッグ装置Mでは、エアバッグ15は、予備折りバッグ75における後側部位76を、乗員側壁部25側に向かって巻くようにロール折りした状態で、左右方向側の幅寸法を縮めるように、周壁部17側に向かって巻くようなロール折りを経て、折り畳まれて、ケース12内に収納される構成である。すなわち、実施形態のエアバッグ15では、流入用開口20より後側の領域では、予備折りバッグを周壁部17側に折り重ねるようにして形成される後側折畳部78が、乗員側壁部25側に巻くようにロール折りされており(図9参照)、換言すれば、折り重ねの向きを異ならせつつ、かつ、折目を略直交させるようにロール折りされて配置される構成である。そのため、エアバッグ15は、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させつつ、ケース12から突出して展開膨張する際に、まず、図11のAに示すように、第2前後縮小折り工程による折りを解消し、次いで、左右縮小折り工程による折りを解消しようとすることとなるが、このとき、後側折畳部78の折りを解消し難く、エアバッグ15は、図11のBに示すように、この後側折畳部78を配置されていない前側(上側)の領域から、左右縮小折り工程におけるロール折りを解消するように、展開し、その後、図12のAに示すように、後側折畳部78の領域を、折りを解消するように、展開させることとなる。そして、実施形態のエアバッグ15では、上述したごとく、バッグ本体16は、テザー50の左右連結部51によって、内部領域を、前側膨張部30と後側膨張部31とに区画され、後側膨張部31には、左右連結部51の上端51c側と下端51d側とに形成される上側連通部33,下側連通部34を経て、膨張用ガスが流入する構成である。後側折畳部78は、テザー50における前後連結部53の後端53bを連結させている後側結合部位60の下端60a側を超えて折り畳むように、形成されていることから、下側連通部34を構成している部位は、後側折畳部78によって折り畳まれており、後側折畳部78の折り解消前には、後側膨張部31には、上側の上側連通部33のみから、膨張用ガスが流入することとなる(図12のA参照)。そのため、このエアバッグ15の折り畳み形状と、テザー50の形状とによって、エアバッグ15の膨張初期に、乗員側壁部25を、上端側の領域を立ち上がらせるように、上下に広く展開させることができ、その状態を維持しつつ、後方移動させるように膨張させることができる。そのため、乗員MPを、上下に広く展開した乗員側壁部25によって、迅速に保護することができる。 In particular, in the airbag device M of the embodiment, the airbag 15 is configured such that the rear portion 76 of the pre-folded bag 75 is roll-folded toward the occupant side wall portion 25, and the width dimension in the left-right direction is It is configured to be folded and stored in the case 12 through roll folding to wind toward the peripheral wall portion 17 side so as to contract the inner wall portion 17 . That is, in the airbag 15 of the embodiment, in the region behind the inflow opening 20, the rear folded portion 78 formed by folding the pre-folded bag toward the peripheral wall portion 17 is formed by folding the occupant side wall portion 25. It is roll-folded so as to wind sideways (see FIG. 9). Therefore, when the airbag 15 protrudes from the case 12 and deploys and inflates while allowing the inflation gas to flow into the airbag 15, first, as shown in FIG. Next, it is attempted to undo the folding in the lateral reduction folding process, but at this time, it is difficult to undo the folding of the rear side folding portion 78, and the airbag 15 is thus unfolded as shown in FIG. 11B. The front side (upper side) area where the rear side folding portion 78 is not arranged is unfolded so as to eliminate the roll folding in the lateral reduction folding step, and then the rear side is folded as shown in FIG. 12A. The area of the portion 78 is unfolded so as to eliminate the fold. In the airbag 15 of the embodiment, as described above, the bag main body 16 is partitioned into the front inflatable portion 30 and the rear inflatable portion 31 by the left and right connecting portions 51 of the tethers 50 . Inflation gas flows into the portion 31 via an upper communicating portion 33 and a lower communicating portion 34 formed at the upper end 51c side and the lower end 51d side of the left and right connecting portions 51, respectively. The rear folded portion 78 is formed so as to be folded beyond the lower end 60a side of the rear joint portion 60 that connects the rear end 53b of the front and rear connection portion 53 of the tether 50. The portion forming the portion 34 is folded by the rear folding portion 78, and before the rear folding portion 78 is unfolded, only the upper communication portion 33 is attached to the rear expansion portion 31. , the inflation gas flows (see A in FIG. 12). Therefore, due to the folded shape of the airbag 15 and the shape of the tether 50, the occupant side wall portion 25 can be expanded vertically and widely so that the upper end region rises when the airbag 15 is initially inflated. , can be inflated to move backwards while maintaining that state. Therefore, the occupant MP can be quickly protected by the occupant side wall portion 25 that is widely deployed in the vertical direction.

1…インストルメントパネル(インパネ)、3…モニタ(突出物)、8…インフレーター、12…ケース(収納部位)、15…エアバッグ、16…バッグ本体、17…周壁部、17a…上壁部、17b…下壁部、17c…左壁部、17d…右壁部、25…乗員側壁部、30…前側膨張部、31…後側膨張部、33…上側連通部、34…下側連通部、37…整流布、39…後側流出用開口、39a…上端、39b,39c…下端、50…テザー、51…左右連結部、51a…左端、51b…右端、51c…上端、51d…下端、53…前後連結部、53a…前端、53b…後端、58L…左側結合部位、60…後側結合部位、MP…乗員、PS…助手席、M…助手席用エアバッグ装置。 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Instrument panel (instrument panel), 3... Monitor (projection), 8... Inflator, 12... Case (storage part), 15... Air bag, 16... Bag main body, 17... Peripheral wall part, 17a... Upper wall part, 17b...Lower wall portion 17c...Left wall portion 17d...Right wall portion 25...Occupant side wall portion 30...Front expansion portion 31...Rear expansion portion 33...Upper communicating portion 34...Lower communicating portion 37... Rectifying cloth 39... Rear outflow opening 39a... Upper end 39b, 39c... Lower end 50... Tether 51... Left/right connecting part 51a... Left end 51b... Right end 51c... Upper end 51d... Lower end 53 Front-rear connecting portion 53a Front end 53b Rear end 58L Left joint portion 60 Rear joint portion MP Passenger passenger PS Passenger seat M Passenger seat airbag device.

Claims (3)

助手席に着座した乗員の前方に配置されたインストルメントパネルに設けられる収納部位に折り畳まれて収納され、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させて車両後方側に向かって突出するように膨張し、前記乗員を保護可能に構成されるエアバッグを、備え、
該エアバッグが、
可撓性を有したシート体から構成される袋状として、膨張完了時に前記乗員側に配置される乗員側壁部と、該乗員側壁部の周縁から延びて前記収納部位側に取り付けられる前端側にかけて収束する周壁部と、を有し、前記周壁部の前端側に、内部に膨張用ガスを流入させるための流入用開口を配設させる構成のバッグ本体と、
該バッグ本体内に配置されて、前記バッグ本体の膨張完了形状を規制するテザーと、
を備える構成の助手席用エアバッグ装置であって、
前記テザーが、
前記周壁部における左右方向側で対向する左壁部と右壁部とを連結するように、前記バッグ本体の膨張完了時に左右方向に略沿うように配置されて、前記左壁部と前記右壁部との相互の離隔距離を規制する左右連結部と、
該左右連結部の左右の略中央と前記乗員側壁部の左右の略中央とを連結するように、前記バッグ本体の膨張完了時に前後方向に略沿うように配置されて、前記乗員側壁部の後方への突出を抑制する前後連結部と、
を備える構成とされ
前記左右連結部が、前記バッグ本体の膨張完了時に上下方向に略沿って配置される幅広の帯状体から形成されるとともに、上端側と下端側とに膨張用ガスを流出させるための連通部を設けて、膨張完了時の前記バッグ本体内を前側膨張部と後側膨張部とに区画するように、構成され、
前記バッグ本体内に、前記流入用開口の上方を覆って、前記流入用開口から流入した膨張用ガスを前後方向側に向かうように整流可能な整流布が、配設され、
前記左右連結部が、車両搭載状態における前記バッグ本体の膨張完了時において、上端を、前記整流布の後端側に形成される流出用開口の上端よりも上方に位置させ、下端を、前記流出用開口の下端よりも下方に位置させるように、構成されていることを特徴とする助手席用エアバッグ装置。
It is folded and stored in a storage portion provided in an instrument panel disposed in front of an occupant seated in the front passenger seat, and is inflated so as to protrude toward the rear side of the vehicle by introducing inflation gas thereinto. Equipped with an airbag configured to protect the occupant,
The airbag is
A bag having a flexible sheet body has a occupant side wall portion arranged on the occupant side when inflation is completed, and a front end side extending from the peripheral edge of the occupant side wall portion and attached to the storage portion side. a bag main body having a converging peripheral wall portion, and an inflow opening for introducing inflation gas thereinto is disposed at the front end side of the peripheral wall portion;
a tether disposed within the bag body and regulating the shape of the bag body after inflation;
A passenger seat airbag device configured to include
The tether is
The left wall portion and the right wall portion are arranged substantially along the left wall portion and the right wall portion when the bag body is completely inflated so as to connect the left wall portion and the right wall portion that face each other on the left and right sides of the peripheral wall portion. A left and right connecting portion that regulates the mutual separation distance between the
When the bag main body is completely inflated, it is arranged substantially along the front-rear direction so as to connect the left and right connecting portions at the left-right center and the left-right center of the occupant side wall. A front and rear connecting portion that suppresses protrusion to the
and
The left and right connecting portion is formed of a wide belt-like body that is arranged substantially along the vertical direction when the bag main body is completely inflated, and has communication portions for discharging the inflation gas to the upper end side and the lower end side. and is configured to divide the inside of the bag body into a front inflation portion and a rear inflation portion when inflation is completed,
A rectifying cloth is disposed in the bag body to cover the upper part of the inflow opening and rectify the inflation gas flowing in from the inflow opening in the front-rear direction,
When the bag main body is fully inflated in the vehicle-mounted state, the left and right connecting portions position the upper end above the upper end of the outlet opening formed on the rear end side of the rectifying cloth, and the lower end positioned above the outlet opening formed on the rear end side of the regulating cloth. An airbag device for a front passenger's seat, characterized in that it is constructed so as to be positioned below a lower end of an opening for a passenger seat.
前記左右連結部が、膨張完了時の前記バッグ本体の左右方向の側方において前記インストルメントパネルから部分的に突出して配設される突出物に対応した位置に、前記周壁部への連結部位を配設させて構成されていることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の助手席用エアバッグ装置。 The left-right connecting portion is connected to the peripheral wall portion at a position corresponding to a projecting part of the left-right direction side of the bag body when the inflation is completed, which is disposed so as to partially project from the instrument panel. 2. The front passenger seat airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag device is arranged. 前記前後連結部が、前記バッグ本体の膨張完了時に上下方向に略沿って配置される幅広の帯状体から構成されるとともに、前記乗員側壁部と結合される結合端側の幅寸法を、前記左右連結部の幅寸法よりも、小さく設定されていることを特徴とする請求項1または2に記載の助手席用エアバッグ装置。
The front-rear connecting portion is composed of a wide belt-like body arranged substantially along the vertical direction when the bag main body is completely inflated, and the width dimension of the connection end side connected to the occupant side wall portion is set to the left and right 3. The passenger seat airbag device according to claim 1 , wherein the width dimension of the connecting portion is set to be smaller than that of the connecting portion.
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JP2020061820A JP7294211B2 (en) 2020-03-31 2020-03-31 Passenger seat airbag device
US17/202,798 US11400878B2 (en) 2020-03-31 2021-03-16 Airbag device for a passenger seat
CN202110334662.2A CN113525284B (en) 2020-03-31 2021-03-29 Airbag device for auxiliary seat

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2008013162A (en) 2006-06-09 2008-01-24 Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd Airbag for front passenger seat
JP2013209007A (en) 2012-03-30 2013-10-10 Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd Airbag for passenger seat
JP2017065395A (en) 2015-09-29 2017-04-06 豊田合成株式会社 Front passenger seat airbag apparatus
JP2020040585A (en) 2018-09-12 2020-03-19 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Vehicle airbag device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2008013162A (en) 2006-06-09 2008-01-24 Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd Airbag for front passenger seat
JP2013209007A (en) 2012-03-30 2013-10-10 Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd Airbag for passenger seat
JP2017065395A (en) 2015-09-29 2017-04-06 豊田合成株式会社 Front passenger seat airbag apparatus
JP2020040585A (en) 2018-09-12 2020-03-19 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Vehicle airbag device

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