JPH1044902A - How to fold the passenger airbag - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To reduce the deployment speed of a passenger airbag. An airbag 100 has substantially rectangular base cloths P, Q, and R in the form of strips, and substantially triangular side base cloths P1, P2, and Q1 provided at opposite ends along the longitudinal direction. , Q2, R1, and
R2 and symmetrically with respect to the axis X.
2, sutures 10a and 10k, 10b provided on Q1, Q2, R1, and R2
And 10l, 10c and 10e, 10d and 10f, 10g and 10i, 10h and 10j are sewn to form a bag shape, and the front and back are reversed. After the airbag 100 is folded along the seam as a main fold line, the airbag 100 is folded in a zigzag manner in a lay-down direction along a fold line substantially perpendicular to the axis X (vehicle width direction).
It is folded in a zigzag line along the axis X direction (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle), and is folded in a zigzag downward direction.When deployed, the base fabric Q is in front of the occupant, and the base fabrics R and P are above and below the base Q, respectively. The side surfaces are formed by the base fabrics P1, Q1, and R1 and the base fabrics P2, Q2, and R2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of folding an airbag provided on a passenger side of a vehicle and used for protecting an occupant. In particular, in an airbag formed in a bag shape by suturing a cloth material that has been flattened, the deployment speed and the deployment direction when inflating and deploying by gas pressure are adjusted so as not to apply a striking force to the occupant. It relates to a folding method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an airbag used in an airbag device for a passenger seat, after forming the airbag in a flat shape by sewing, a folding line is provided along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to adjust the width of the opening. Folding into a rectangular shape, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the broken line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (vehicle width direction)
(Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 5-305852). In addition, the airbag is hung down so that a cone is formed with the opening facing upward, and the conical surface is folded from both sides using folding plates and has a width substantially equal to the width of the opening along the vehicle longitudinal direction. There is known a method of folding a band into a band, and folding the obtained band at a predetermined interval in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-48261). In this way, the passenger seat airbag is folded along two different directions, that is, the direction along the vehicle longitudinal direction and the direction along the vehicle width direction, and the edge of the opening is fixed to the airbag device. The airbag is stored in the space.

[0003]

However, when the passenger airbag is folded along a folding line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and then along a folding line along the vehicle width direction,
Since the amount of protrusion of the airbag in the initial stage of deployment is increased by the gas pressure, the deployment speed is increased. Further, in order to suppress the deployment speed of the airbag, it is necessary to fold the airbag in a complicated manner, so that the folding of the airbag must be performed by hand weaving, and it is difficult to adapt to mass production.

Accordingly, in view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to fold a passenger seat airbag along a folding line along the vehicle width direction and then fold it along a folding line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, so that the airbag during inflation and deployment is improved. An object of the present invention is to realize a method of folding an airbag which can reduce the deployment speed of the airbag and can be easily folded.

[0005]

In general, a passenger airbag is inflated and deployed in front of an occupant along a substantially longitudinal direction of a vehicle by gas pressure, but after the airbag is folded along a folding line along the longitudinal direction. When the airbag is folded along a folding line along the vehicle width direction, the amount of protrusion of the airbag at the initial stage of deployment becomes large. The present invention reduces the amount of protrusion of the airbag at the initial stage of deployment by folding the airbag along a longitudinal line and then folding the airbag along a longitudinal line, thereby reducing the deployment speed of the airbag. This is the technical idea of reducing the amount.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an airbag is formed in a bag shape by suturing a cloth material, and at least a sewn portion is formed by a first folding line in a first step. As the airbag is folded flat,
In the second step, the sheet is folded in a zigzag manner at one or more second broken lines provided in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and including a line substantially along the vehicle width direction, and a third step Thus, the fold is formed in a zigzag manner at one or more third fold lines provided in a direction intersecting with the second fold line.
The second broken line referred to here includes a line substantially along the vehicle width direction, and a line orthogonal to the line substantially along the vehicle width direction and the line substantially along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, that is, the occupant. And approximately vertical lines. The direction intersecting with the second polygonal line includes a direction substantially orthogonal to the second polygonal line. As a result, the airbag is folded at the second fold line substantially along the vehicle width direction and then at the third fold line in a direction intersecting the second fold line. The deployment speed can be reduced. In addition, by folding along the second folding line along the vehicle width direction and then folding along the third folding line intersecting the second folding line, the airbag can be easily folded without a complicated folding method, Mass production efficiency can be improved. In particular, by enabling mechanical folding of the airbag, it can be adapted to mass production.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a belt-shaped portion and one end opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped portion are provided.
An airbag is constituted by two or more adjacent side portions. Each side portion has a substantially polygonal shape, and when forming a bag shape, the corresponding vertices are aligned, and adjacent sides are overlapped and sewn, so that each side has one surface when unfolded. Is formed. As a result, a specific shape of the airbag can be obtained, and more practical folding of the airbag is possible.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of the band portion of the airbag is provided substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the second broken line is provided substantially in the vehicle width direction. Folding can be performed more practically.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, both the folded portion at the second folding line in the second step and the folded portion at the third folding line in the third step are on the side of the airbag deployment direction. Alternatively, they are arranged on the side opposite to the developing direction. When the folded portion is arranged (folded) in the opposite direction to the deploying direction than when the folded portion is arranged (folded up) in the deploying direction, the deployment speed of the airbag can be slowed down. In both the third and third steps, if the folded portion is formed on the deployment direction side, the airbag can be set to the fastest deployment speed, and a quick response can be obtained when the airbag is deployed. In addition, if the folded portion is formed on the opposite side to the deploying direction in both the second and third steps, the airbag can be set to the slowest deploying speed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the folded part by the second folding line in the second step and the folded part by the third folding line in the third step are mutually in the deployment direction of the airbag. A case in which the folded portion is formed in the developing direction by the second step, and the folded portion is formed in the direction opposite to the developing direction by the third step, by being disposed on the side or the direction opposite to the developing direction; Two kinds of combinations are possible, in which the folded portion is formed on the side opposite to the unfolding direction in the second step, and the folded portion is formed on the unfolding side in the third step.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the third step, the degree of folding density of the folded portions of the airbags on both sides by the third folding line is formed symmetrically with respect to the front deployment direction. Thus, the amount of protrusion of each side at the initial stage of deployment can be made substantially the same, and the airbag can be deployed in the front deployment direction.

According to the means described in claim 7, in the third step, the degree of folding density of the folded portions of the airbags on both sides by the third folding line is formed asymmetrically with respect to the front deployment direction. Since the amount of protrusion at the initial stage of deployment on the side where the folding density is small can be made larger than the amount of projection on the side where the folding density is large, by providing a degree difference in the folding density with respect to the front deployment direction of the airbag, The airbag can be deployed toward the side where the folding density is large, and the deployment direction can be adjusted according to the degree of the folding density.

According to the means described in claim 8, in the first step, the substantially central portion of the airbag is folded inward at the first fold line along the second fold line, and on both sides of the folded portion. Two tongues are formed. Thus, the shape of the airbag folded in the first step can be made compact, and the airbag can be easily folded in the second step.

According to the measure described in claim 9, by folding the airbag at the first step along at least one of the tongues at the first fold line along the second fold line,
The shape of the airbag folded in the first step can be made more compact, and the folding of the airbag in the second step can be performed more easily.

According to the tenth aspect, in the first step, the tongues are folded to different sides, respectively, and the tongues are folded into substantially the same shape. Thereby, the airbag can be satisfactorily folded in the second step.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on specific embodiments. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a passenger airbag 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention before sewing. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the airbag 100 is folded and sewn, and FIG.
FIG. 2B is a right sectional view thereof. or,
3 shows a perspective view of the airbag 100 when it is inflated and deployed, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the airbag 100 in FIG. 2 is turned upside down. FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 each show the shape of the airbag 100 when sequentially folded from the state of FIG. FIG. 9 shows the airbag 100 in the state of FIG.
00, instrument panel 400 of the vehicle
1 shows a state in which it is mounted.

The airbag 100 is formed into a predetermined shape by cutting a single piece of cloth material such as nylon or by sewing a plurality of cloth materials, and mainly comprises a band-shaped portion and a side portion as described in the claims. Have been. The belt-shaped portion is composed of a substantially rectangular bottom fabric P, a trapezoidal front fabric Q, and a substantially trapezoidal top fabric R, which are successively formed in contact with each other in the longitudinal axis X direction. ing. When the airbag 100 is inflated and deployed, the front base fabric Q is located in front of the passenger in the front passenger seat, the bottom base fabric P is below the front base fabric Q, and the top base fabric R is the front base fabric. It is located above Q (see FIG. 3). Thus, the airbag 100 is provided substantially along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle such that the axis X is vertical to the occupant.

The bottom base cloth P and the top base cloth R are provided with openings 22 and 20, respectively, on the open end side, and a plurality of mounting holes 23 and 21 are formed at the edges thereof. The mounting holes 23 and 21 are provided in the airbag device 7.
The opening portions 22 and 20 are used when the airbag 100 is fixed to the retainer 200 of the airbag device 700.
The gas generated from the inflator 300 of the airbag 1
It is used as a passage for supplying inside of 00. The front base fabric Q is formed such that the length of the side L _QR in contact with the top base fabric R is larger than the length of the side L _PQ in contact with the bottom base fabric P, and more effectively absorbs shock to an occupant when the airbag 100 is inflated and deployed. It is a configuration that can be performed.

The side portions referred to in the claims are composed of first side base fabrics P1, P2, second side base fabrics Q1, Q2, and third side base fabrics R1, R2, each of which has a substantially triangular shape. And
It is formed symmetrically with respect to the axis X. The first side base fabrics P1 and P2 have vent holes 24 and 25, respectively, and are provided on both sides of the bottom base fabric P with the bottom sides L _P1 and L _P2 in contact therewith. The vent holes 24 and 25 are
At the time of protection of the occupant after the inflation and deployment of 0, the gas filled therein is exhausted to the outside to adjust the internal pressure. The first side base cloth P1 is provided with a seam allowance having a predetermined width on the other two sides not in contact with the bottom base cloth P, so that the sewn portions 10a and 10
Similarly, the first side base fabric P2 is provided with stitches of a predetermined width on the other two sides that are not in contact with the bottom base fabric P, and the stitch portions 10b and 10d are provided. In addition, suture part 1
0a and 10b are formed linearly, and the suturing portions 10c and 10b
d is formed in an outwardly convex curved shape. Apex angle with each vertex O _P1, O _P2 to respective face the bottom L _P1, L _P2 of the first side base cloth P1, P2 is perpendicular drawn from the vertex O _P1, O _P2 to the axis X L _{With OP} , the perpendicular L _OP
And the suturing portions 10a and 10b have an angle of a (deg), and the angles of the perpendicular _LOP and the suturing portions 10c and 10d have a size of c (deg). Has been determined.

The second side base fabrics Q1 and Q2 are provided on both sides of the front base fabric Q with the bottom sides L _Q1 and L _{Q2 in contact} with each other.
The side base cloth Q1 is provided with stitching portions 10e and 10g with predetermined widths of sewing margins on the other two sides not in contact with the front base cloth Q. Similarly, the second side base fabric Q2 is provided with a seam allowance of a predetermined width on the other two sides not in contact with the front base fabric Q, and the seam portion 10f
And 10h. Sutures 10e, 10g,
10f and 10h are formed in outwardly convex curved shapes. Each base L of the second side base cloth Q1, Q2
_When the perpendicular L _OQ lowered from the vertices O _Q1 , O _Q2 facing the _{Q 1} , L _Q2 to the axis X is used, the perpendicular L _OQ and the sewn portion 10e are used.
An apex angle having vertices O _Q1 and O _Q2 such that the angle between c and 10f is c (deg) and the angle between the perpendicular L _OQ and the sewn portions 10g and 10h is b (deg). The size of each is determined.

The third side base fabrics R1 and R2 are provided on both sides of the upper base fabric R with the bottom sides L _R1 and L _{R2 in contact} with each other.
The side base cloth R1 is provided with stitching portions 10i and 10k on the other two sides that are not in contact with the upper base cloth R, with stitches of a predetermined width. Similarly, the third side base cloth R2 is provided with a seam allowance of a predetermined width on the other two sides that are not in contact with the upper base cloth R, and the sewn portion 10j
And 101 are provided. The suturing portions 10k and 10l are formed in a straight line, and the suturing portions 10i and 10j are formed in an outwardly convex curved shape. Third side base fabric R1, R2
Vertices O _R1 , O opposing the respective bases L _R1 , L _R2
With a perpendicular L _OR drawn down relative to the axis X from _R2, perpendicular L _OR a suture unit 10i, the magnitude of the angle between 10j b (d
eg), as vertical line L _OR a suture portion 10k, the size of the angle between 10l becomes a (deg), the size of the apex angle with the vertex O _R1, O _R2 is definite, respectively.

As described above, the perpendicular L _OP and the sewn portions 10a, 1
0b and the angle between the perpendicular L _OR and the suturing portions 10k and 10l are set to the same size a (deg), and the perpendicular L
_An angle c (de) between the angle formed by the _OP and the sewn portions 10c and 10d is equal to the angle formed by the perpendicular L _OQ and the sewn portions 10e and 10f.
g) is set to Also, the perpendicular line L _OQ and the sewn portion 10g,
And angle between 10h, vertical line L _OR a suture unit 10i, 10j
Are set to the same size b (deg).

Each of the side base fabrics P1, P2, Q1, Q2,
R1, and in R2, suture portion 10c and 10e, and the sewn portions 10d and 10f, respectively provided symmetrically to the sides L _PQ, sewn portion 10g and 10i and the stapling portion 10h and 10j, respectively It is provided symmetrically with respect to the side L _QR . The sewn portions 10a and 10k and the sewn portions 10b and 10l are provided symmetrically with respect to a line (not shown) perpendicular to the axis X.

Here, a method of sewing the airbag 100 formed in the shape shown in FIG. 1 will be described. First,
The vertex O _P1 of the first side surface backing P1 and the vertex O _Q1 of the second side base cloth Q1 is aligned fold the airbag 100 in a mountain type with sides L _PQ, vertex O _P2 of the first side surface backing P2 And the vertex O _{Q2 of} the second side base cloth Q2 is aligned. And
The vertical line L _OQ is folded into a valley shape, and the side L _QR is folded into a mountain shape to form a vertex O
Align _{P 1} , O _Q1 , and O _R1 to _obtain vertices O _P2 , O _Q2 ,
And _OR2 .

By folding the airbag 100 in a plane and aligning the vertices, the suturing portion 1
0a and 10k, sutures 10b and 10l, sutures 10c and 10e, sutures 10d and 10f, and sutures 10g and 10
i and the sewn portions 10h and 10j are respectively aligned. In this state, the aligned suture portions 10a
And 10k, suturing portions 10b and 10l, suturing portions 10c and 10
e, by sewing the sewn portions 10d and 10f, the sewn portions 10g and 10i, and the sewn portions 10h and 10j, the airbag 100 is formed in a bag shape (see FIG. 2) and folded upside down. , Attached to the retainer 200.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the airbag 100 is inflated and deployed. When the airbag 100 is deployed, the front base fabric Q is arranged on the front of the occupant, and the top base fabric R and the bottom base fabric P are arranged above and below the front base fabric Q, respectively. Then, in the side base cloths P1, Q1, and R1, the vertices O _P1 , O
_Q1 and _OR1 are stitched together to form one side. Similarly, in the side base fabrics P2, Q2, and R2, the vertices _OP2 , _OQ2 , and _OR2 are stitched together to form one side surface.

Next, a method of folding the airbag 100 will be described. After the airbag 100 is sewn as shown in FIG. 2, the front and back are turned over, and the airbag 100 is formed in a flat shape as shown in FIG. 4A is a view of the airbag 100 as viewed from the base fabric P side, and FIG. 4B is a right sectional view thereof. Then, perpendicular line L _OP as a line, base fabric P and, perpendicular line L _OQ than the base fabric P of the base fabric Q
4A is bent toward the near side in FIG. 4A (left side in FIG. 4B). Also, the sides of the L _QR substantially vertical line L ₁ to the axis X so as to align the edges L _PQ, base cloth R and, FIG. 4 and a base fabric R-side portion than the perpendicular L _OQ backing Q (a ) To bend the other side (right side in FIG. 4B). Here, the perpendicular line L _OP and the line L ₁ correspond to a first polygonal line in claims.
The base cloth P, a part of the base cloth Q closer to the base cloth P than the perpendicular L _OQ , and the base cloth R, and a part of the base cloth Q closer to the base cloth R than the perpendicular L _OQ of the base cloth Q are tongue-shaped parts as claimed in the claims. Is equivalent to In addition, airbag 1
4 is attached to the airbag apparatus 700 with the base fabric P side arranged downward and the base fabric R side arranged upper side in FIG. 4B. The axis X direction is provided in a direction substantially orthogonal to the vehicle width direction.

By folding the airbag 100 in this manner, a folded portion A1 is formed in the airbag 100. FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional configuration, and FIG. 5B shows a right side view thereof. In FIG. 5A, the left side shows the upper side in terms of arrangement, and the right side shows the lower side in terms of arrangement.
Further, the step of folding the airbag 100 into the state shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the first step in the claims, but in the present embodiment, before moving to the second step, the airbag 100 is further brought into the state shown in FIG. The bag 100 was configured to be folded. And FIG.
Of the airbag 100 at the same time, a folding line (second
(Fold lines) L ₂ , L ₃ , and L _{4, the} airbag 100 having a folded portion A2 is formed as shown in FIG. Here, the arrangement downward corresponds to the side opposite to the developing direction in the claims, and the arrangement upward corresponds to the development direction in the claims. FIG.
6A shows a simplified cross-sectional view thereof, and FIG. 6B shows a right side view thereof. The step of folding the airbag 100 into the state shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to a second step in claims.

Subsequently, a folding line (third folding line) L ₅ extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle provided on the left side of the axis X in the figure with the folded portion A2 of the airbag 100 in FIG.
At L ₆ and L _{7, it is} folded in a zigzag manner and folded downward to obtain the state shown in FIG. Note that FIG.
FIG. 7A is a simplified plan view of the airbag 100 at this time, and FIG. 7B is a front view thereof. Also, in FIG. 7A, the upper side shows the arrangement upper side, and the lower side shows the arrangement lower side.
(B) shows the same direction as FIG. 5 (b) and FIG. 6 (b). Then, in FIG. 7, the airbag 100 is arranged in a zigzag manner along broken lines (third broken lines) L ₈ , L ₉ , and L ₁₀ provided on the left side of the axis X of the airbag 100 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. A folded portion A3 folded downward and formed in a zigzag shape with respect to the axis X is obtained. FIG.
(A) shows a simplified plan view of the airbag 100,
FIG. 8B shows a front view thereof. Also, in FIG. 8A, the upper side indicates the arrangement upper side, the lower side indicates the arrangement lower side, and FIG.
(B) and FIG. 6 (b) are viewed in the same direction. This FIG.
The step of folding the airbag 100 into the state shown in (1) corresponds to the third step in claims.

The airbag 1 folded as described above
FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a state in which 00 is mounted on an airbag device 700 and mounted on a vehicle. The inflator 300 that generates gas in response to an ignition signal has a tubular shape, and is housed and fixed in a tubular retainer 200. Retainer 20
Above 0, an airbag 100 folded so as to cover its outer peripheral surface is arranged. The retainer 200 has holes 210 and 220 formed at predetermined positions, and injects gas generated from the inflator 300 from the holes 210 and 220 into the inside of the airbag 100. Airbag 100
A bolt (not shown) of the retainer 200 is inserted into each of the mounting holes 21 and 23, and the retainer 200 and the airbag 100 are fixed to the case 600 by screwing the bolt and a nut (not shown). In this manner, the airbag 100, the retainer 200, and the inflator 300 are housed and fixed in the case 600, and the airbag device 700
Is configured. The airbag device 700 is housed and fixed in an opening 410 provided at a predetermined position on a passenger seat side of an instrument panel 400 of a vehicle, and a lid 420 having a tear line 430 is attached to the opening 410. . Incidentally, reference numeral 500 in the drawing denotes a window. Thus, the airbag device 700 is mounted on the vehicle.

Next, the operation of the airbag 100 will be described. When a collision of the vehicle is detected and gas is generated from the inflator 300, the gas is supplied into the airbag 100 through the holes 210 and 220 of the retainer 200. This gas is supplied to the mouth 19 of the airbag 100.
The portion reaching the upper end portion of the case 600 through 0 is expanded. When pressure is applied to the lid 420 by the inflation of the airbag 100 and the lid 420 breaks from the tear line 430, the vicinity 180 of the mouth of the airbag 100 expands and jumps out of the case 600. Is folded downward from the vicinity 180 of the lip, so that the deployment resistance is large and the deployment speed is reduced. Further, since the airbag 100 can be easily folded, mass production efficiency is good, and it is possible to cope with mechanical folding.

In the above embodiment, as the first step before folding in a zigzag manner at the folding lines L ₂ , L ₃ and L ₄ along the vehicle width direction, the air bag is _{cut along} lines L _OP and L ₁ in FIG. 100 was folded to obtain the shape shown in FIG.
May be folded in a zigzag form along a broken line along the vehicle width direction from the state shown in FIG. Further, in the state shown in FIG. 4, a configuration may be adopted in which the vertical arrangement relationship is reversed and the shape is folded in a zigzag manner along a polygonal line along the vehicle width direction. or,
As shown in FIG. 10, polygonal lines L ₂ , L along the vehicle width direction
_As a step before folding in a zigzag shape at ₃ and L _4, only the portion having the side L _QR in FIG. 4 is folded,
The folding line may be folded so that the position of the broken line at that time is substantially the same as the side _LPQ . Moreover, line L _2, L ₃ along the vehicle width direction as shown in FIG. 11, and as a stage before folding in L ₄ in zigzag, a part having sides L _QR in FIG 4, the side L _PQ It is good also as composition which folds the part which possesses with a fold line of a different position, respectively.
As described above, the first step may be configured to fold at least the suturing portion as a folding line.

In the above-described embodiment, the second folding is performed in a zigzag manner at the polygonal lines L ₂ , L ₃ and L ₄ along the vehicle width direction.
In the step (3), as shown in FIG. 6 (a), it is arranged to be folded in a zigzag manner in a downward direction (the direction opposite to the developing direction), but as shown in FIG. It may be configured to be folded in a zigzag manner in an upward direction (development direction) in a fold line. In the above embodiment, three broken lines L ₂ , L ₃ , and L along the vehicle width direction are used.
_Although it is configured to be folded in a zigzag at ₄ , the number (density) of the broken lines is not particularly limited. In the above embodiment, line L ₅ ~ along the vehicle longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 6 (a)
Zigzag shape arranged to fold downwards at L _10, but to obtain a structure shown in FIG. 8, a polygonal line L along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle
₅ ~L zigzag shape arranged to fold upwards at _10, it may be configured as shown in FIG. 13.

Here, for example, the airbag 100 is folded in a zigzag manner at folding lines L ₂ , L ₃ , and L ₄ along the vehicle width direction and folded upward (in the deployment direction) to extend along the vehicle longitudinal direction. if folded at fold lines L ₅ ~L ₁₀ in zigzag shape arranged to downward (direction opposite to the deployment direction), partial cross-sectional configuration when the vehicle mounted is as shown in Figure 14. In the case of FIG. 14, since it is arranged and folded upward by the polygonal lines L ₂ , L ₃ , and L ₄ along the vehicle width direction, the unfolding speed is reduced by that much compared to the configuration shown in FIG. Can be faster. Polygonal line L _2, L ₃ in this manner along the vehicle width direction, and the formation direction of the zigzag folding by L _4, the forming direction of the zigzag folding by fold lines L ₅ ~L ₁₀ along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle By placing each in the upward or downward direction,
Four combinations are possible, and the deployment speed of the airbag 100 can be set to four.

[0035] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which folding is provided in the direction substantially perpendicular to the fold line L ₂ ~L ₄ along a line L ₅ ~L ₁₀ along the vehicle longitudinal direction of the airbag 100 in the width direction However, the broken line along the vehicle longitudinal direction may be provided so as to intersect the broken line along the vehicle width direction. In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG.
0a, 10k, 10b, and 10l, respectively, in a straight line, the suture portions 10c, 10e, 10d, 10f, 10g,
10i, 10h, and 10j are each formed in an outwardly convex curved shape, but each of the suturing portions 10a to 10l may be formed in a straight line, and all of the suturing portions 10a to 10l may be formed in an outwardly convex shape. It may be formed in a curved shape. Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, each side has side triangular side fabrics P1, Q1, and R1 each having a substantially triangular shape, and side lateral fabrics P2, Q2, and R2. However, the shape of the side base fabric may be a substantially polygonal shape such as a substantially square shape, and the number thereof may be one or more on each side. It should just be formed. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the band portion is constituted by the plurality of rectangular base cloths P, Q, and R. However, the band section may be constituted by a single base cloth.

In the above embodiment, folding is performed along broken lines L ₅ , L ₆ , L ₇ , L ₈ , L ₉ , and L ₁₀ along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle shown in FIG. 6, and a folded portion as shown in FIG. Although A3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the axis X, the degree of folding density of the folded portion by a broken line along the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the axis X may be formed asymmetrically.
The side of the folded portion where the folding density is low deploys faster than the side of the high folding density, so the airbag is deployed facing the side where the folding density of the folded portion is high.
By thus forming the degree of the folding density of the folded portion asymmetrically, the deployment direction of the airbag can be adjusted.

In the above embodiment, the longitudinal direction (the direction of the axis X) of the belt-shaped portion made of the base fabrics P, Q and R is provided along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. It is good also as a structure provided along the width direction. In this case,
The base cloth Q is disposed in front of the occupant, the base cloths P and R are disposed on the side surfaces, and the side base cloths P1, Q1, and R1, and the side base cloths P2, Q2, and R2 are respectively the upper surface or the bottom surface. , And the second broken line is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction, that is, a vertical direction for the occupant. Further, in this case, the third folding line extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the deployment direction of the airbag can be adjusted in the vertical direction depending on the degree of folding density due to the third folding line. Thus, the airbag 100
The direction of the second polygonal line changes depending on the longitudinal arrangement of the belt-shaped portion, but the point is that the second polygonal line lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction including a line substantially along the vehicle width direction. Should just be provided. In the above embodiment, the single bag is used. However, the same effect can be obtained in the case of a double bag structure in which an inner cloth is provided inside.

As indicated above, according to the present invention,
In the passenger airbag, by folding in a zigzag shape along a line along the vehicle width direction and then in a zigzag shape in a zigzag line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the deployment speed of the airbag can be reduced. It is possible to prevent the occupant from being hit by the deployment of the airbag. In addition, the folding direction along the vehicle width direction and the folding direction along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are arranged upward (deployment direction) or downward (opposite direction to the deployment direction) in an airbag manner. Can be adjusted in four stages. Furthermore, the direction of deployment of the airbag can be adjusted by providing a degree of difference in the folding density along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with respect to the direction of deployment of the airbag.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an airbag according to a first embodiment of the present invention before sewing;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a configuration of the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention after sewing;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the airbag at the time of inflation and deployment according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention is turned upside down after suturing;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention is sewn, turned upside down, and then folded along a folding line along the vehicle width direction.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state in which the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention is folded in a zigzag shape along a folding line along the vehicle width direction after sewing.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the left side of the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention is folded along a broken line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention is folded along a folding line along the vehicle width direction and then folded in a zigzag manner along a folding line along the vehicle longitudinal direction.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration when the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention is incorporated in an airbag device and mounted on a vehicle.

FIG. 10 illustrates a state in which the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention is folded along a folding line along the vehicle width direction before folding in a zigzag line along a folding line along the vehicle width direction, and the ends are aligned. The schematic diagram shown.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a state in which the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention is folded at folding lines at different positions along the vehicle width direction before being folded in a zigzag along the folding line along the vehicle width direction. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing another example in which the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention is folded in a zigzag shape along a folding line along the vehicle width direction.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing another example in which the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention is folded in a zigzag shape along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is folded in the deployment direction along a broken line along the vehicle width direction, and folded in the opposite direction to the deployment direction along a broken line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

P bottom base fabric Q front base fabric R top base fabric P1, P2 first side base cloth Q1, Q2 second side base cloth R1, R2 third side base fabric L ₁ ~L ₁₀ polygonal line A1~A3 folded portions 20 and 22 Openings 21, 23 Mounting holes 24, 25 Vent holes 10 a-10 l Stitching part 100 Airbag 200 Retainer 300 Inflator 400 Instrument panel 500 Wind 600 Case 700 Airbag device

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A method of folding an airbag, which is formed into a bag shape into which gas flows by sewing a cloth material in which a three-dimensional airbag is developed in a plane and accommodated in an airbag device for a passenger seat, comprises: A first step of folding the airbag into a planar shape using a portion as a first fold line, and the airbag folded at the first fold line,
A second step of folding in a zigzag manner at one or more second folding lines provided in a plane substantially perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction, including a line substantially along the vehicle width direction; and the second folding line And a third step of folding the airbag folded in a zigzag manner at one or more third fold lines provided in a direction intersecting the second fold line. How to fold the airbag for use. 2. The airbag is formed in a substantially polygonal shape with a band-like portion, and is provided at one or more adjacent to both ends of the band-like portion facing in a longitudinal direction thereof, and corresponds to a bag-like shape. And a side portion that forms one surface when deployed on each side by superimposing and suturing adjacent sides of each vertex to be aligned. The folding method of the passenger airbag described in the above. 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal direction of the band portion is provided substantially along the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the second broken line is provided substantially along the vehicle width direction.
3. The method for folding a passenger airbag according to claim 1. 4. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein the folded portion of the second step along the second folding line and the folded portion of the third step along the third folding line are both in the deployment direction of the airbag or in the deployment direction. The method for folding an airbag for a passenger seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the airbag is arranged on a side opposite to the airbag. 5. The folded portion by the second folding line in the second step and the folded portion by the third folding line in the third step are mutually in the deployment direction of the airbag or in the deployment. The method of folding an airbag for a passenger seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method is arranged on a side opposite to the direction. 6. The method according to claim 3, wherein in the third step, the degree of folding density of the folded portions of the airbag on both sides by the third folding line is formed symmetrically with respect to the front deployment direction. A method for folding a passenger airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 7. In the third step, the degree of fold density of the fold portions of the airbag on both sides by the third fold line is formed asymmetrically with respect to the front deployment direction, and the degree of fold density difference The method for folding a passenger airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a deployment direction of the airbag can be set according to the following. 8. The first step is to fold a substantially central portion of the airbag inward at the first fold line along the second fold line, and to form two tongue portions on both sides of the fold portion. The method of folding an airbag for a passenger seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of: 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first step includes a step of folding the airbag with at least one of the tongues along the first fold line along the second fold line. 9. The method for folding a passenger airbag according to claim 8. 10. The passenger seat according to claim 9, wherein in the first step, the tongues are respectively folded to different sides so that the tongues have substantially the same shape. How to fold the airbag.