Airbag device and method for manufacturing an airbag device

Abstract

To prevent gas from leaking out of the airbag cushion and inflator to the outside during inflation and deployment with a simple structure. The airbag device (4) is provided with: an airbag cushion including at least two panels; an inflator (6) that ejects gas into the airbag cushion, wherein there is provided: a first piece portion (531) that is provided extending from the edge of one of the two panels, folded in the middle on the inside of the airbag cushion; a second piece portion (537) that is provided on the inside of the airbag cushion (5) from the portion opposite the first piece portion (531) from the edge portion of the other panel (51), sewn to the folded portion (538) of the folded first piece portion (531); and an insertion passage (55) of the inflator (6) that extends from the inside to the outside of the airbag cushion by being sewn by the folded portion (538) and the second piece portion (537).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an airbag device and a method for manufacturing an airbag device.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2021-009788, filed on January 25, 2021, and incorporates all the contents of that Japanese application. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, airbag devices have become widely used. An airbag is a safety device that activates in emergency situations such as vehicle collisions. The airbag inflates under gas pressure to catch and protect the occupants.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a side airbag device, which has a tube that passes through the partition wall dividing the high-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber, and an inflator is arranged in the tube. When gas is ejected from the inflator, the tube expands and supplies gas to the high-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber. When the high-pressure chamber is full of gas, the tube is closed by the gas pressure in the high-pressure chamber, which can prevent gas from flowing from the high-pressure chamber to the low-pressure chamber.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-126497 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] On the one hand, airbag devices require a rapid increase in air pressure within the airbag cushion during inflation and deployment, necessitating prevention of gas leakage between the airbag cushion and the inflator. To prevent leakage, a common method is to embed hardware at the connection point between the airbag cushion and the inflator. However, this method increases the number of components, raising the manufacturing cost of the airbag device, and also necessitates an additional hardware embedding process, leading to decreased productivity.

[0010] However, while the side airbag in Patent Document 1 prevents gas from flowing from the high-pressure chamber to the low-pressure chamber, it does not address gas leakage from the airbag cushion to the outside. Furthermore, the side airbag in Patent Document 1 expands the tube and supplies gas by ejecting gas from the inflator; therefore, with the tube expanding, gas flows to both ends of the tube, and the gas pressure inside the airbag cushion cannot be rapidly increased when it inflates and deploys.

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the following circumstances, and its object is to provide an airbag device and a method for manufacturing the airbag device that do not require additional components and can prevent gas from leaking outward from between the airbag pad and the inflator during expansion with a simple structure.

[0012] Problem Solving Methods

[0013] The airbag device of the present invention comprises: an airbag cushion including at least two panels; an inflator that sprays gas into the airbag cushion, the airbag device being characterized in that it comprises: a first piece (531) having a base (534) extending from the edge of a panel (52) and a folding portion (538) folding from the front end of the base (534) toward the inside of the airbag cushion (5); a second piece (537) disposed opposite to the folding portion (538), sewn to the folding portion (538) and connected to the edge of another panel (51); and an insertion channel (55) of the inflator (6) formed by sewing together the folding portion (538) and the second piece (537), extending from the inside to the outside of the airbag cushion (5).

[0014] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an airbag device, the airbag device comprising: an airbag cushion including at least two panels; an inflator that blows gas into the airbag cushion; the method for manufacturing the airbag device is characterized in that, in a first piece extending from the edge of one of the two panels, a second piece overlaps with the first piece at a position away from the base of the first piece; a first stitch is performed at two points where the second piece and the corresponding portion of the first piece are separated along the extending direction of the first piece and in a direction intersecting the extending direction, to form an insertion channel for the inflator; a second stitch is performed by folding the corresponding portion of the first piece opposite to the base and sewing the one panel, the corresponding portion, the second piece, and the other panel; and the inflator is inserted into the airbag cushion from the outer opening of the insertion channel, which opens to the outer side of the airbag cushion.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, without the use of additional components, a simple structure can prevent gas from leaking outward from between the airbag cushion and the inflator during expansion and deployment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view that roughly shows the interior of the vehicle compartment where the airbag device according to the embodiment is installed.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the airbag device in line I, II, and I.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a 3D diagram of the airbag cushion.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the deployed shape of the airbag cushions inside the vehicle as viewed from the front.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a magnified view of a portion of the area near the airbag insertion channel.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Longitudinal cross-section of line V IV I.

[0023] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the airbag cushion.

[0024] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing steps of the airbag device involved in the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing steps of the airbag device involved in the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing steps of the airbag device involved in the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing steps of the airbag device involved in the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the expansion process of the airbag cushion during its deployment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, the airbag device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The airbag device according to the embodiments of the present invention is installed in the seat of a vehicle.

[0030] In the following description, "vertical direction" refers to the direction along the line connecting the center of the roof and the center of the floor of the vehicle compartment. The direction towards the roof is "vertical direction," and the direction towards the floor is "downward direction." Additionally, "front-rear direction" refers to the direction of vehicle movement; the forward direction is "forward," and the backward direction is "rear." Furthermore, "vehicle width direction" refers to the direction orthogonal to the aforementioned "front-rear direction," which is the direction of the typical seating arrangement within the vehicle compartment.

[0031] Figure 1This is a perspective view that roughly shows the interior of the vehicle compartment 1 where the airbag device 4 according to the embodiment is installed. Figure 1 The diagram shows a driver's seat 2 and a front passenger seat 3 arranged along the width of the vehicle on the floor 10 of the passenger compartment 1, and a seat belt 23 mounted on the driver's seat 2. The driver's seat 2 has a seat portion 21 and a backrest 22 rising upward from the rear side of the seat portion 21. An occupant 20 (see reference...) Figure 4 The person sits down by fastening the seatbelt 23 on the seat 21.

[0032] An airbag device 4, as described in the embodiment, is assembled on the side of the backrest 22 of the driver's seat 2 on the passenger seat 3 side. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the airbag device 4 along line I, II, and I. The vertical direction in this figure corresponds to the "front-rear direction" mentioned above.

[0033] The airbag device 4 includes an airbag cushion 5 and an inflator 6 housed within a storage compartment 40. The storage compartment 40 is located on the passenger side of the backrest 22 (on the side of the front passenger seat 3). Figure 2 The box, located on the left side of the backrest 22, has an opening facing outwards and is constructed, for example, using part of the frame of the backrest 22. The opening of the storage section 40 is covered by a cover 41 that forms the same side as the backrest 22. The cover 41 is a resin plate with lower strength than the storage section 40, and is located at the front of the cover 41. Figure 2 The inner surface of the upper part of the middle part has a crack groove 42 extending in the vertical direction.

[0034] The airbag cushion 5 is, for example, a bag made of fabric reinforced by weaving high-strength fibers such as nylon, and is stored in a folded state within the storage section 40. The inflator 6 is generally cylindrical and is stored within the airbag cushion 5. A stud 60 is provided radially outward on the circumferential surface of the inflator 6, and the stud 60 passes through a stud hole 532 (see reference). Figure 7 It extends outward from the airbag cushion 5.

[0035] The inflator 6 tightens the nut 61 onto the stud 60 that passes through the base plate of the storage section 40, and the airbag cushion 5 is clamped and fixed between the inflator 6 and the base plate of the storage section 40 at the storage position of the inflator 6.

[0036] The inflator 6 activates in emergencies such as vehicle collisions, injecting gas for expansion and deployment into the inner side of the airbag cushion 5. Under the action of the gas injected by the inflator 6, the airbag cushion 5 expands explosively, causing the cover plate 41 to break at the crack groove 42, and unfolds outward with the storage part 40 as support.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the airbag 5, showing its inflated and deployed shape. (Example) Figure 3As shown, the airbag cushion 5 has a main deployment portion 53 and a protrusion 54 that protrudes upward from the upper center of the main deployment portion 53. In other words, the airbag cushion 5 is composed of an upper panel 50 and a lower panel 51 that are separated and opposed in the vertical direction when inflated and deployed, and a cylindrical side panel 52 (one panel) that connects the peripheral edges of the upper panel 50 and the lower panel 51 (another panel, a bottom panel).

[0038] The side panel 52 is composed of a front side panel 521 and a rear side panel 522 that are separated and opposite to each other in the front-rear direction. The front side panel 521 is positioned in front of the rear side panel 522. The edges of the front side panel 521 and the rear side panel 522 are sewn together to form a cylindrical shape.

[0039] The upper panel 50, lower panel 51, and side panel 52 are joined together, for example, by stitching their respective peripheral edges, forming a main extension 53 that is longer in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) and extends outwards in a cuboid shape, as shown in the figure. The protrusion 54 rises upwards from the center of the upper panel 50 in the longitudinal direction and extends outwards with an appropriate width in the left-right direction.

[0040] The inflator 6, as shown by the dotted line in the figure, is housed along the inner surface of the rear panel 522 with its axial length as the vertical direction. The aforementioned studs 60 for fixing are provided at two separate locations along the vertical direction on the inflator 6, and protrude outward from the outer side of the rear panel 522 through stud holes 532 respectively.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the deployed configuration of the airbag cushion 5 inside the vehicle compartment 1 as viewed from the front. As described above, the airbag cushion 5 is housed in the side of the backrest 22 of the driver's seat 2. In the event of an emergency such as a vehicle collision, it inflates under the action of the gas injected by the inflator 6 and deploys between the adjacent driver's seat 2 and passenger seat 3 in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] The main extension section 53, composed of the upper panel 50, lower panel 51, and side panels 52, extends laterally at a height corresponding to the torso and shoulders of the occupant 20 seated in the driver's seat 2 and the occupant 30 seated in the front passenger seat 3. Its two sides, reaching the front positions of the driver's seat 2 and the front passenger seat 3, restrain the occupants 20 and 30 from the side. Therefore, it can prevent lateral movement of the occupants 20 and 30 in the event of a side collision, effectively protecting them. Furthermore, Figure 4 In the middle, double-dotted lines roughly represent occupants 20 and 30.

[0043] The protrusion 54 rises upward from the center of the main extension 53, reaching a height corresponding to the heads of the occupant 20 seated in the driver's seat 2 and the occupant 30 seated in the front passenger seat 3. Therefore, for example, even if the occupant 30 seated in the front passenger seat 3 is in an out-of-position (OOP), the protrusion 54 can restrain the head of the occupant 30 as it moves laterally toward the driver's seat 2.

[0044] An insertion channel 55 for inserting the inflator 6 into the inner side of the airbag cushion 5 is formed at the seam between the rear side panel 522 and the lower surface panel 51. Figure 5 This is a magnified view of a portion near the insertion channel 55 of the airbag cushion 5. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A longitudinal section view of the VI-VI line. Figure 6 For convenience, the stud hole 532 is omitted and the stud 60 is represented by a dashed line (dotted line).

[0045] The insertion channel 55 has a first piece 531 and a second piece 537. The first piece 531 extends from a portion of the edge of the lower surface panel 51 in the rear panel 522 and folds midway to the inside of the airbag cushion 5. The second piece 537, opposite to the first piece 531, extends from the edge of the rear panel 522 in the lower surface panel 51 toward the inside of the airbag cushion 5. The first piece 531 is formed as an elongated rectangle. The second piece 537 is formed as a rectangle whose length is shorter than that of the first piece 531, while its width is approximately equal to that of the first piece 531. The folded portion 538 (corresponding portion) of the first piece 531, folded inside the airbag cushion 5, has a size approximately equal to that of the second piece 537. The folded portion 538 and the second piece 537 are arranged opposite each other.

[0046] The first piece 531 is integrally formed with the rear panel 522 and includes a base 534 and a folding portion 538. Furthermore, the first piece 531 and the second piece 537 are also integrally formed. The second piece 537 is connected to the front end of the first piece 531. That is, in the rear panel 522, an extension piece 56 extends from a portion of the edge on the lower surface panel 51 side, and the extension piece 56 includes the first piece 531 and the second piece 537 (see reference). Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0047] Furthermore, at the junction of the first section 531 and the second section 537, i.e., between the folded section 538 and the second section 537, a through hole 533 (inner opening) in the thickness direction, for example, in the shape of a slit, is provided. The folded section 538 and the second section 537 are divided based on the through hole 533. The length of the edge of the through hole 533 is approximately equal to the length of the outer periphery of the main body 63 of the inflator 6, which will be described later.

[0048] In other words, once the extension piece 56 is folded inside the airbag cushion 5 at a position slightly away from the base 534, the folded portion 538 and the second piece 537 are folded together again at the through hole 533. As will be described later, the end of the extension piece 56 (second piece 537) is sewn to the lower surface plate 51.

[0049] Along the extension direction of the first piece 531, i.e. the length direction of the folded portion 538 or the second piece 537, a first seam 536 is formed to sew the folded portion 538 and the second piece 537 together. The first seam 536 is separated in the width direction of the folded portion 538 or the second piece 537 and is formed on the edge portions of the two long sides of the folded portion 538 and the second piece 537 respectively.

[0050] This forms an insertion channel 55, which is composed of a folded portion 538 and a second piece 537, extending outward from the inside of the airbag cushion 5 along its length. In the insertion channel 55, a through hole 533 is opened at one end on the inside of the airbag cushion 5, and an outer opening 535 is opened at the other end on the outside of the airbag cushion 5.

[0051] In the insertion channel 55, the spacing between the first joints 536 gradually increases as they move away from the through hole 533. Therefore, the outer opening 535 is larger than the through hole 533.

[0052] The inflator 6 has a cylindrical main body 63, and a gas outlet 62 for injecting gas for expansion and deployment is provided at one end of the main body 63. The inflator 6 is inserted into the insertion channel 55 from one end of the main body 63, and the gas outlet 62 at one end is disposed inside the airbag cushion 5 away from the through hole 533, while the other end is disposed near the outer opening 535.

[0053] As described above, since the spacing between the first seams 536 gradually increases as they move away from the through hole 533, the spacing between the circumferential surface of the main body 63 and the second piece 537 or the folded part 538 also gradually increases as they move away from the through hole 533.

[0054] Second seams 539a, 539b, and 539c are formed on the edge portion of the lower surface plate 51 side of the rear panel 522, i.e., the portion other than the first piece 531 (hereinafter referred to as the edge portion other than the first piece 531) and the edge portion of the short side of the second piece 537, and are stitched to the edge portion of the lower surface plate 51.

[0055] Specifically, a second seam 539a, formed in an arc shape at the two corners of the edge of the second piece 537, connects the lower surface plate 51, the second piece 537, the folded portion 538, and the base 534. Furthermore, a second seam 539b, formed along the end of the short side of the second piece 537, connects only the second piece 537 and the lower surface plate 51. Moreover, a second seam 539c, formed along the edge of the rear panel 522 excluding the first piece 531, connects the rear panel 522 and the lower surface plate 51. In particular, the second seam 539a is formed to intersect with the first seam 536. Because the second seam 539a overlaps with the first seam 536, gas leakage is prevented.

[0056] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the airbag cushion 5. For convenience, in... Figure 7 The simplified illustration shows the upper surface plate 50, lower surface plate 51, front side panel 521, and rear side panel 522 before stitching. Furthermore, in the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" and "left" and "right" will be used in the illustration.

[0057] Figure 7 A shows a front panel 521, which includes a rectangular portion constituting a main unfolding portion 53 and a strip-shaped portion extending upward from the center of the upper long side of the rectangular portion to form a protrusion 54.

[0058] Figure 7 B shows a rear side panel 522, which has a rectangular portion constituting the main unfolding portion 53. A rectangular portion extends upward from the center along the upper long side of this rectangular portion, and an elongated rectangular extension piece 56 extends downward from near the left end along the lower long side of the rectangular portion. A stud hole 532 is formed in the rectangular portion, and two stud holes 532 are formed on the extension piece 56.

[0059] Figure 7 C shows an upper panel 50 with a symmetrical shape, the upper edge of the front panel 521 is sewn to the upper edge of the upper concave-convex shape, and the upper edge of the rear panel 522 is sewn to the lower edge.

[0060] Figure 7 D shows the lower surface panel 51, which forms an approximately inverted trapezoidal shape. A front side panel 521 is sewn onto the edge of the longer side of the two parallel sides of the lower surface panel 51, and a rear side panel 522 is sewn onto the edge of the shorter side.

[0061] In this embodiment, the case in which the airbag 5 is formed into a bag shape by stitching together the upper surface plate 50, the lower surface plate 51, the front side panel 521, and the rear side panel 522 is described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, any joining method such as bonding or welding can be used.

[0062] Figures 8 to 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing steps of the airbag device 4 according to the embodiment. Additionally, Figures 8 to 11 Only shown in Figure 7 The part enclosed by the dotted line. Below, following... Figures 8 to 11 The manufacturing method of the airbag device 4 involved in the embodiment will be described.

[0063] First, the operator prepares Figure 7 Rear panel 522 as shown in B. (See diagram) Figure 8 As shown, in the rear panel 522, a long, rectangular extension piece 56 extends from a portion of the edge of one long side. Stud holes 532 are formed in the middle portion and the base 534 of the extension piece 56, respectively.

[0064] The operator inserts a slit-shaped through hole 533 (see reference) into the middle part of the extension piece 56 in the extension direction, i.e., the length direction. Figure 9 The through hole 533 extends along the width direction of the extension piece 56. The extension piece 56, based on the through hole 533, is divided into a first piece 531 on the base 534 side and a second piece 537 on the front end side. That is, the through hole 533 is provided at the junction of the first piece 531 and the second piece 537.

[0065] Next, as Figure 10 As shown, the operator folds the second piece 537 back towards the base 534 with the through hole 533 as the fold line and the folded part 538 on the top side (see reference). Figure 10 (The exposed white arrow). Thus, at a position away from the base 534, the folded portion 538 overlaps with the second piece 537. The folded portion 538 corresponds to the second piece 537. In Figure 10 In the middle, a single-dot dashed line represents the second section 537 before the fold-back.

[0066] At this time, along the extending direction of the first piece 531, that is, the length direction of the folded portion 538 or the second piece 537, a first sewing is performed to sew the folded portion 538 and the second piece 537 together. This first sewing is performed by separating the folded portion 538 or the second piece 537 in the width direction, and is performed on the edges of the two long sides of the folded portion 538 and the second piece 537 respectively. Therefore, as... Figure 10As shown, two first seams 536 are formed by the first sewing. The first sewing is performed such that the spacing between the first seams 536 gradually increases as they approach the base 534 from the through hole 533.

[0067] Through this first stitching, an insertion channel 55 is formed, extending along the length of the folded portion 538 or the second piece 537. At this point, a through hole 533 is opened at one end of the insertion channel 55, and the other end of the insertion channel 55 is opened on the base 534 side. This opening end is called the outer opening 535 as described above. As mentioned above, the outer opening 535 is larger than the through hole 533.

[0068] Next, as Figure 11 As shown, the operator folds the folded portion 538 in a state where it overlaps with the second piece 537, with the base 534 facing it (see reference). Figure 11 (The exposed white arrow). In Figure 11 In the diagram, the folded portion 538 before folding is shown with a double-dotted line. At this time, the two stud holes 532 overlap, the folded portion 538 overlaps on the base 534, and the second piece 537 overlaps on the folded portion 538.

[0069] In this state, the operator places the lower surface plate 51 on the second piece 537 and performs a second sewing to sew the rear side panel 522, the folded portion 538, the second piece 537, and the lower surface plate 51 together. Figure 11 In the middle, the lower surface plate 51 is represented by a single-dot dashed line. Second seams 539a, 539b, and 539c are formed by a second stitching.

[0070] Specifically, the second seam 539a, which stitches together the lower surface panel 51, the second piece 537, the folded portion 538, and the base 534, is formed in an arc shape at the two corners of the edge of the second piece 537. Furthermore, the second seam 539b, which stitches only the second piece 537 and the lower surface panel 51, is formed along the end of the short side of the second piece 537. Additionally, the second seam 539c, which stitches together the rear side panel 522 and the lower surface panel 51, is formed along the edge of the rear side panel 522, excluding the base 534. As described above, the second seam 539a is formed to intersect with the first seam 536.

[0071] Subsequently, the operator sews the edge of one long side of the front panel 521 to the edge of the lower panel 51. Additionally, the operator sews the two short side edges of the rectangular portion of the front panel 521 to the two short side edges of the rectangular portion of the rear panel 522, forming a cylindrical side panel 52. Furthermore, the operator sews the edge of the upper panel 50 to the edge of the other long side of the front panel 521 and the edge of the other long side of the rear panel 522.

[0072] Through the above operations, airbag cushion 5 is formed.

[0073] Next, the operator inserts the inflator 6 into the insertion channel 55 of the airbag cushion 5. The inflator 6 is inserted into the insertion channel 55 through the outer opening 535 from one end of the main body 63. One end of the main body 63 is pulled out through the insertion channel 55 from the through hole 533 toward the inside of the airbag cushion 5. The gas outlet 62 at one end of the main body 63 is positioned away from the through hole 533, and the other end is positioned near the outer opening 535.

[0074] On the other hand, during inflation and deployment, it is necessary to rapidly increase the air pressure within the airbag cushion 5, and to prevent gas leakage between the airbag cushion 5 and the inflator 6 (main body 63). To prevent gas leakage, a method is generally used where a hardware component, such as a steel strip, is inserted into the insertion part of the inflator 6 of the airbag cushion 5. However, using such hardware increases the number of parts, raises the manufacturing cost of the airbag device, and requires an additional hardware insertion process, resulting in decreased productivity.

[0075] The airbag device 4 described in the embodiment is configured to solve this problem. A detailed explanation follows.

[0076] Figure 12 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the expansion process of the airbag cushion 5 during its expansion and deployment. Figure 12 Shown in Figure 6 The part enclosed by the dotted line. Additionally... Figure 12 A shows the state of the airbag cushion 5 just before it inflates and deploys. Figure 12 B shows the state of the airbag 5 during its expansion and deployment. Figure 12 C shows the state after the airbag cushion 5 has finished inflating and deploying.

[0077] As described above, the inflator 6 is inserted into the insertion channel 55 of the airbag cushion 5. In the insertion channel 55, the outer opening 535 is larger than the through hole 533, and the distance between the inner surface of the insertion channel 55 and the main body 63 of the inflator 6 gradually increases as it approaches the outer opening 535 from the through hole 533. That is, the insertion channel 55 forms a tapered shape that narrows from the outside to the inside of the airbag cushion 5.

[0078] Before the airbag 5 inflates and deploys, the inner surface of the insertion channel 55 is maintained at a distance from the main body 63 of the inflator 6, with the lower surface plate 51 facing the rear side panel 522, and the inflator 6 positioned between the lower surface plate 51 and the rear side panel 522 (see reference). Figure 12 A).

[0079] When the inflator 6 begins to inject gas, the airbag cushion 5 begins to inflate and deploy. As described above, the gas outlet 62 of the inflator 6 is located away from the through hole 533, and the direction of gas ejection from the gas outlet 62 is not directly towards the through hole 533. That is, the gas ejection does not enlarge the through hole 533.

[0080] like Figure 12 As shown in Figure B, the ejected gas moves rapidly along the inner surface of the airbag 5. That is, gas pressure is applied to the insertion channel 55 from the outer surface of the outer opening 535. Furthermore, since the insertion channel 55 is formed in a tapered shape that narrows from the outer side of the airbag 5 towards the inner side, as... Figure 12 As shown in Figure B, the gas flow is guided from the outer opening 535 side to the through hole 533 side through the outer surface of the insertion channel 55. At this time, the gas applies pressure to the inflator 6 from all radial directions.

[0081] As described above, the insertion channel 55 is formed by overlapping and stitching the folded portion 538 and the second piece 537, with the inflator 6 positioned between the folded portion 538 and the second piece 537. Therefore, the gas pressure applied to the insertion channel 55 acts in a direction that brings the folded portion 538 and the second piece 537 closer together. Consequently, the distance between the folded portion 538 and the second piece 537, i.e., the distance between the inner surface of the insertion channel 55 and the inflator 6, narrows.

[0082] As the gas pressure inside the airbag 5 increases, the gap between the inner surface of the insertion channel 55 and the inflator 6 narrows, while the gap between the lower surface plate 51 and the rear side panel 522 widens. At the end of the airbag 5's expansion, the gap between the inner surface of the insertion channel 55 and the inflator 6 disappears, the insertion channel 55 closes, and the gap between the lower surface plate 51 and the rear side panel 522 widens to approximately a right angle (see reference). Figure 12 C).

[0083] Subsequently, gas continues to be ejected from the inflator 6. However, because the insertion channel 55 is closed, the gas pressure inside the airbag cushion 5 becomes higher, and the insertion channel 55 is tightened more securely. Therefore, gas leakage can be reliably prevented.

[0084] As described above, in the airbag device 4 of the embodiment, the insertion channel 55 acts as a check valve, preventing gas leakage from the airbag cushion 5 to the outside. Therefore, to prevent gas leakage, it is not necessary to install additional hardware such as steel strips. Thus, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost of the airbag device 4, and the process of embedding hardware can be omitted, thereby increasing productivity.

[0085] As described above, in the airbag device 4 according to the embodiment, since the first piece 531 is integrally formed with the rear panel 522 and the first piece 531 is integrally formed with the second piece 537, it is possible to reduce working hours and improve workability.

[0086] The above description uses the case where the side panel 52 is composed of two parts, the front side panel 521 and the rear side panel 522, as an example. However, it is not limited to this. The side panel 52 can also be composed of a single panel. That is, a rectangular panel with a length dimension equivalent to the sum of the length dimensions of the front side panel 521 and the rear side panel 522 can be prepared, and the edges of the two short sides of such a rectangular panel can be sewn together to form a cylindrical shape.

[0087] Furthermore, the above description uses the case where the first piece 531 is integrally formed with the rear panel 522, and further, the first piece 531 and the second piece 537 are integrally formed as an example, but it is not limited to this. It can also be formed as follows: the first piece 531 and the rear panel 522 are separate components, the first piece 531 and the second piece 537 are separate components; the first piece 531 and the rear panel 522 are separate components, but only the first piece 531 and the second piece 537 are integrally formed; only the first piece 531 and the rear panel 522 are integrally formed, while the first piece 531 and the second piece 537 are separate components.

[0088] Symbol Explanation

[0089] 1…cab 2…driver’s seat

[0090] 3… Passenger seat 4… Airbag device

[0091] 5… airbag cushion 6… inflator

[0092] 50… Upper surface plate 51… Lower surface plate

[0093] 52…Side panel 55…Insert channel

[0094] 56…Extension piece 60…Stud

[0095] 62…Gas ejector outlet 63…Main body

[0096] 521…Front panel 522…Rear panel

[0097] 531…First section 533…Through hole

[0098] 534…base 535…outer opening

[0099] 536…First seam 537…Second piece

[0100] 538… Folding section

[0101] 539a, 539b, 539c… Second joint

Claims

1. An airbag device (4) comprising: an airbag cushion (5) including at least two panels (51, 52); and an inflator (6) for injecting gas into the airbag cushion (5). characterized in that have: The first piece (531) has a base (534) extending from the edge of a panel (52) and a fold (538) folding from the front end of the base (534) toward the inside of the airbag cushion (5). The second piece (537) is arranged opposite to the fold (538), and is sewn to the fold (538) and connected to the edge of another panel (51); The insertion channel (55) of the inflator (6), formed by sewing together the fold (538) and the second piece (537), extends from the inside to the outside of the airbag cushion (5). The insertion channel (55) has: an inner opening (533) that opens to the inner side of the airbag (5); and an outer opening (535) that opens to the outer side of the airbag (5). The distance between the inner surface of the insertion channel (55) and the main body (63) of the inflator (6) gradually increases as the inner port (533) approaches the outer port (535).

2. The airbag device (4) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The folded portion (538) and the second piece (537) are rectangular. It comprises: a first seam (536) that sews together the folded portion (538) and the second piece (537); and a second seam (539a, 539b, 539c) that sews together the one panel (52), the other panel (51), the first piece (531), and the second piece (537). The first joint (536) and the second joint (539a) overlap.

3. The airbag device (4) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner opening (533) is smaller than the outer opening (535).

4. The airbag device (4) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first piece (531) is integrally formed with the panel (52).

5. The airbag device (4) as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first piece (531) and the second piece (537) are integrally formed with the panel (52). The second piece (537) is connected to the front end of the first piece (531). The inner opening (533) is disposed at the junction of the first piece (531) and the second piece (537).

6. The airbag device (4) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first piece (531) and the second piece (537) are different components.

7. The airbag device (4) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The panel (52) is a cylindrical side panel formed when the airbag cushion (5) expands and unfolds. The other panel (51) is the bottom panel that blocks the opening end of one of the side panels.

8. The airbag device (4) as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The panel (52) is composed of multiple components (521, 522).

9. The airbag device (4) as described in claim 3 or 5, characterized in that, The gas outlet (62) of the inflator (6) is located away from the inner port (533).

10. A method for manufacturing an airbag device (4), the airbag device (4) comprising: an airbag cushion (5) including at least two panels (51, 52); and an inflator (6) for inflating gas into the airbag cushion (5). The manufacturing method of the airbag device (4) is characterized by, In the first piece (531) extending from the edge of one of the two panels (52), the base (534) of the first piece (531) overlaps with the second piece (537). At two points separated along the extension direction of the first piece (531) and intersecting with that extension direction, a first stitch is made by sewing together the portion (538) of the second piece (537) and the first piece (531) corresponding to the second piece (537), thereby forming the insertion channel (55) of the inflator (6). And fold the corresponding portion (538) of the first piece (531) opposite to the base (534). A second sewing is performed by stitching together one panel (52), the corresponding portion (538), the second piece (537), and the other panel (51). The inflator (6) is inserted into the airbag (5) through the outer opening (535) of the insertion channel (55) that opens to the outer side of the airbag (5). The distance between the inner surface of the insertion channel (55) and the main body of the inflator (6) gradually increases as the inner port (533) approaches the outer port (535).

11. The method for manufacturing the airbag device (4) as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first sewing is performed such that the inner opening (533) of the insertion channel (55) that opens to the inside of the airbag (5) is smaller than the outer opening (535).

12. The method for manufacturing the airbag device (4) as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The second piece (537) is connected to the front end of the first piece (531), and the first piece (531) and the second piece (537) are integrally formed. The inner opening (533) is made at the junction of the first piece (531) and the second piece (537). The second piece (537) is folded back at the position of the inner opening (533) in a manner that overlaps with the first piece (531).

13. The method for manufacturing the airbag device (4) as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first piece (531) and the second piece (537) are different components.

14. A method for manufacturing the airbag device (4) as described in any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The panel (52) is a cylindrical side panel formed when the airbag cushion (5) expands and unfolds. The other panel (51) is the bottom panel that blocks the opening end of one of the side panels.

15. The method for manufacturing the airbag device (4) as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The panel (52) is formed by multiple components (521, 522).

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