Side airbag device and method for manufacturing side airbag device

Abstract

The invention provides a side airbag device and a method for manufacturing the side airbag device. The side airbag device can achieve protection performance of an occupant and design freedom of an operator seat. A side airbag device (4), which is assembled in the internal space of a backrest (22) of one of two seats arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction of a vehicle, is provided with: an inflator (43) that is fixed to the inside of a skeleton frame (223) of the backrest (22) and that injects gas; and an airbag cushion (41) which is inflated and deployed from one of the two seats to the other of the two seats by the gas ejected by the inflator (43), and which has a housing part (41d) in which the inflator (43) is housed, and a portion extending to one side in the horizontal direction of the housing part (41d) and a portion extending to the other side in the horizontal direction of the housing part (41d). At least the accommodating portion (41d) and the portion extending to the one side of the airbag cushion (41) before inflation and deployment are disposed on the inside of the skeleton frame (223).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application based on the Chinese invention patent application with application number 202111291875.8, application date November 3, 2021, applicant being Autoliv Development Co., Ltd., and invention name being “Side airbag device and method for manufacturing side airbag device”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a side safety airbag device and a method for manufacturing the side safety airbag device. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, many vehicles have been equipped with side airbag devices.

[0004] The side airbag device described in Patent Document 1 is assembled into the inner space of the driver's seat back. The side airbag device includes an inflator and an airbag cushion. The airbag cushion accommodates the inflator and is folded into a roll or bellows shape and arranged outside the frame of the seat back.

[0005] The inflator is activated in an emergency such as a vehicle collision. The airbag cushion is inflated and deployed between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat by the spray gas from the inflator. The inflated and deployed airbag cushion restrains and protects the occupants sitting in the driver's seat and the front passenger seat from the side.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-132138. Summary of the invention

[0009] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The airbag cushion has the size and shape required to safely restrain the occupant. Even if it is difficult to accommodate the airbag cushion in the limited space outside the frame, the size and shape of the airbag cushion should not be changed to accommodate the airbag cushion in the backrest. However, if the side airbag device is equipped first, the freedom of the driver's seat design will be affected. Such a problem may also occur when the side airbag device is installed on a seat other than the driver's seat.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a side airbag device and a method for manufacturing the side airbag device that can achieve both occupant protection performance and design freedom of a driver's seat.

[0012] Solutions to the problem

[0013] The side airbag device involved in the present embodiment is a side airbag device assembled in the inner space of the backrest of one of two seats arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, and comprises: an inflator, which is fixed on the inner side of the skeleton frame of the backrest and sprays gas; an airbag cushion, which is inflated and deployed from one of the two seats to the other of the two seats by the gas sprayed by the inflator, and the airbag cushion has a housing portion for accommodating the inflator, and a portion extending to one side of the housing portion in a horizontal direction and a portion extending to the other side, and at least the housing portion and the portion extending to the one side of the airbag cushion before inflation and deployment are arranged on the inner side of the skeleton frame.

[0014] In this embodiment, the inflator and at least a portion of the airbag cushion before expansion and deployment are arranged inside the skeleton frame. Therefore, the space inside the skeleton frame can be effectively utilized. Therefore, even if the space outside the skeleton frame is not sufficient, the side airbag device can be assembled in the inner space of the backrest without changing the size or shape of the airbag cushion. As a result, both the protection performance of the occupant and the design freedom of the seat can be taken into account.

[0015] In this specification, with the skeleton frame as a reference, the side of an occupant sitting on the seat is defined as the “inner side”, and the side opposite to the occupant is defined as the “outer side”.

[0016] Hereinafter, a case where a side airbag device is equipped on a driver's seat will be described as an example.

[0017] In the side airbag device involved in this embodiment, the airbag cushion includes: a first part, which is connected to the rear side of the receiving portion before inflation and deployment, and is configured to cover the receiving portion from the inner side of the skeleton frame, and restrain the occupant sitting on the one during inflation and deployment; a second part, which is connected to the front side of the receiving portion and is configured on the front side of the skeleton frame; and a third part, which is connected to the second part, is configured on the outer side of the skeleton frame before inflation and deployment, and can abut against the other during inflation and deployment.

[0018] In this embodiment, the inflator and the housing portion and the first portion of the airbag cushion before expansion and deployment are arranged on the inner side of the frame. On the other hand, the second portion of the airbag cushion is arranged on the front side of the frame, and the third portion of the airbag cushion is arranged on the outer side of the frame. Therefore, the space on both sides of the frame and the space on the front side of the frame can be effectively utilized.

[0019] In this specification, the direction forward that the driver sitting in the driver's seat is looking at while driving or the direction in which the vehicle normally moves is defined as "front", "front", or "front side", and the backward direction in the opposite direction of the travel direction is defined as "rear", "rear", or "rear side".

[0020] The inflated and deployed first part can restrain and protect the driver from the passenger seat side.

[0021] Before the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, the first portion is arranged inside the frame, so the airbag cushion is close to the driver. Moreover, since the first portion is close to the receiving portion, it will be inflated and deployed early. As a result, the restraint on the driver can be early when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed.

[0022] Since the airbag cushion's receiving portion is still disposed inside the frame after expansion and deployment, the expanded and deployed airbag cushion is sandwiched between the driver and the frame, so that the frame can receive the external force applied by the driver to the airbag cushion, thereby improving the restraint performance of the airbag cushion.

[0023] The second part is located at the front side of the skeleton frame, so it is easy to expand and unfold toward the front side. The second part is close to the receiving part, so it expands and unfolds at an early stage.

[0024] Since the third portion is arranged outside the frame before the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, the airbag cushion is easily inflated and deployed toward the front passenger seat. Since the third portion is connected to the second portion, the deployment of the third portion is promoted as the second portion is inflated and deployed early. The inflated and deployed third portion abuts against the front passenger seat, so that the front passenger seat can also receive the external force applied by the driver to the airbag cushion. Therefore, the restraint of the airbag cushion can be improved.

[0025] The inflated and deployed third portion can also restrain and protect the occupant sitting on the front passenger seat from the driver's seat side.

[0026] In the side airbag device according to the present embodiment, the first portion before inflation and deployment is folded into a roll or bellows shape.

[0027] In this embodiment, before the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, the first portion is folded into a roll or bellows shape. The folded first portion can be stretched to deploy the first portion in a proper direction.

[0028] In the state where the side airbag device according to the present embodiment is assembled in the internal space, the first portion before inflation and deployment is bent forward to overlap the accommodation portion, folded back to the rear, and then folded into a roll shape.

[0029] In this embodiment, before the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, the first part is folded only once to form a bellows shape in a manner overlapping the receiving portion, and then folded into a roll shape. The portion of the first part folded into the bellows shape is closer to the receiving portion than other portions of the first part, so it inflates early. Therefore, the portion of the first part folded into the bellows shape can push out the portion of the first part folded into the roll shape at an early stage. That is, the early expansion and deployment of the first part can be promoted.

[0030] In the side airbag device according to the present embodiment, the third portion before inflation and deployment is folded into a roll or bellows shape.

[0031] In this embodiment, before the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, the third portion is folded into a roll or bellows shape. The folded third portion can be stretched to deploy the third portion in a proper direction.

[0032] In the state where the side airbag device according to the present embodiment is assembled in the internal space, the third portion before inflation and deployment extends rearward from the second portion, is folded back toward the front side, and is folded into a roll shape.

[0033] In this embodiment, before the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, the third part is folded only once to form a bellows shape in a manner of being stacked on the outer side of the skeleton frame, and then folded into a roll shape. The portion of the third part folded into the bellows shape is closer to the receiving portion than other portions of the third part, so it inflates at an early stage. Therefore, the portion of the third part folded into the bellows shape can push out the portion of the third part folded into the roll shape at an early stage. That is, the early inflation and deployment of the third part can be promoted.

[0034] The manufacturing method of the side airbag device involved in the present embodiment is a manufacturing method for a side airbag device assembled in the internal space of a backrest of two seats arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, comprising: an inflator that sprays gas; an airbag cushion that expands and deploys from one of the two seats to the other of the two seats through the gas sprayed by the inflator, the airbag cushion having a housing portion that houses the inflator, and a portion extending to one side in the horizontal direction of the housing portion and a portion extending to the other side, and the inflator is housed in the housing portion, and at least the portion of the airbag cushion extending to the one side and the housing portion are arranged on the inner side of the skeleton frame of the backrest, thereby fixing the inflator to the inner side of the skeleton frame.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the side airbag device according to the present embodiment can be manufactured.

[0036] Effects of the Invention

[0037] According to the side airbag device and the method for manufacturing the side airbag device of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both the occupant protection performance and the degree of freedom in the design of the driver's seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 It is a plan view schematically showing the interior of a vehicle cabin including the side airbag device according to the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2 It is a perspective view schematically showing the interior of a vehicle cabin.

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0041] Figure 4 It is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an airbag cushion.

[0042] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing the process of inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion.

[0043] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing the process of inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion.

[0044] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram showing the process of inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion.

[0045] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram showing the process of inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion.

[0046] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing steps of the side airbag device.

[0047] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing steps of the side air bag device.

[0048] Fig.11 It is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing steps of the side air bag device.

[0049] Fig.12 It is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing steps of the side air bag device.

[0050] Fig.13 1 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing procedure of a side airbag device according to the second embodiment.

[0051] Fig.14 It is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing steps of the side air bag device.

[0052] Fig.15 It is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing steps of the side air bag device.

[0053] Fig.16 1 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing procedure of a side airbag device according to the third embodiment.

[0054] Fig.17 It is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing steps of the side air bag device.

[0055] Fig.18 It is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing steps of the side air bag device.

[0056] Fig.19 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a side airbag device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0057] Fig. 20 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a side airbag device according to a fifth embodiment.

[0058] Fig.21 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a side airbag device according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0060] In this specification, “left side” and “right side” viewed from the perspective of a driver sitting on a driver's seat are defined as “left side” and “right side”.

[0061] First embodiment

[0062] Figure 1 It is a plan view schematically showing the interior of a vehicle cabin including the side airbag device according to the first embodiment.

[0063] In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle, and the vehicle 1 includes a driver's seat 2 and a passenger seat 3 .

[0064] The driver's seat 2 and the front passenger seat 3 are respectively arranged on the floor of the vehicle interior of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is a so-called right-hand steering wheel vehicle, and the driver's seat 2 and the front passenger seat 3 are respectively arranged on the right and left sides. The driver's seat 2 and the front passenger seat 3 are one and the other of two seats arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1.

[0065] Figure 2 It is a perspective view schematically showing the interior of the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 1 .

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the driver's seat 2 includes a seat cushion 21 and a backrest 22. The driver sits on the seat cushion 21. The backrest 22 stands upward from the rear of the seat cushion 21 to support the upper body of the driver sitting on the seat cushion 21.

[0067] Likewise, the passenger seat 3 includes a seat cushion 31 and a backrest 32 .

[0068] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line III-III. Figure 3 The vicinity of the left portion of the backrest 22 of the driver's seat 2 is schematically shown. The up-down, left-right directions facing the figure correspond to the front-back, left-right directions of the vehicle 1.

[0069] The backrest 22 includes a seat cushion 221, a seat cover 222 and a skeleton frame 223. Figure 2 .

[0070] The seat pad 221 is a cushioning material for receiving the external force applied by the driver to the backrest 22, and is made of, for example, polyurethane. The outer shape of the seat pad 221 is substantially consistent with the outer shape of the backrest 22. A space surrounded by the seat pad 221 is formed inside the backrest 22.

[0071] The outer side of the seat pad 221 is covered by a seat cover 222. The seat cover 222 is made of, for example, cloth or synthetic leather. Although not shown, the seat cover 222 is reinforced from the inner side of the seat cover 222 by a reinforcing lining cloth.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the skeleton frame 223 is formed in a rectangular shape. The skeleton frame 223 has two longitudinal frames and two transverse frames. The two longitudinal frames of the skeleton frame 223 extend in the up-down direction respectively and are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The two transverse frames of the skeleton frame 223 are arranged between the upper ends and the lower ends of the two longitudinal frames. Figure 3 The longitudinal frame on the left side of the skeleton frame 223 is shown. The skeleton frame 223 is arranged in the inner space of the backrest 22. The skeleton frame 223 maintains the shape of the seat pad 221 and receives the external force applied to the seat pad 221.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the left longitudinal frame of the skeleton frame 223 is formed into an elongated rectangular plate, with the longitudinal direction facing up and down and the short side direction facing front and back. The ribs protrude rightward from the front and rear ends of the left longitudinal frame of the skeleton frame 223.

[0074] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the side airbag device 4 is assembled in the inner space of the seat back 22 .

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the side airbag device 4 includes an airbag cushion 41 , a shape retaining member 42 , and an inflator 43 .

[0076] The airbag cushion 41 is a bag body made of cloth reinforced by weaving high-strength fibers such as nylon fibers, for example. The airbag cushion 41 is folded as described later, and is held in the folded state by the shape retaining member 42 .

[0077] The shape retaining member 42 is, for example, a cloth case, a tape, or the like.

[0078] Figure 4 It is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the airbag cushion 41 . Figure 4 The airbag cushion 41 is shown when inflated and deployed.

[0079] The airbag cushion 41 has two main panels 411 and 412. The main panels 411 and 412 are joined to each other by sandwiching a sub-panel 413 as a gusset. Each main panel 411 and 412 is formed in a convex shape, that is, the second rectangle protrudes from the central part of one long side of the first rectangle that is long in one direction toward the short side of the first rectangle. The airbag cushion 41 uses the first rectangle of each main panel 411 and 412 as the lower part and the second rectangle as the upper part. That is, there is a convex part protruding upward at the upper part of the airbag cushion 41.

[0080] The main panel 411 is provided with two through holes 414. The two through holes 414 are arranged vertically. Figure 4 As shown, when the long sides of the first rectangles of the main panels 411 and 412 extend in the front-to-back direction and the main panel 411 is located on the left side of the main panel 412 , the through hole 414 is located behind the center of the main panel 411 in the front-to-back direction.

[0081] Here, the airbag cushion 41 is conceptually divided into four parts, which are referred to as a first part 41 a , a second part 41 b , a third part 41 c , and a housing portion 41 d .

[0082] The first portion 41a is located at the end of the airbag cushion 41. On the front side of the first portion 41a, there are a receiving portion 41d, a second portion 41b, and a third portion 41c in sequence. Here, the first portion 41a is a portion extending to one side of the receiving portion 41d in the horizontal direction, and the second portion 41b and the third portion 41c are portions extending to the other side of the receiving portion 41d in the horizontal direction.

[0083] The first portion 41a is configured to restrain the driver, i.e., the passenger seated on the driver's seat 2, from the left side when inflated and deployed. The third portion 41c is configured to abut against the passenger seat 3 when inflated and deployed, and restrain the passenger seated on the passenger seat 3 from the right side. The two through holes 414 are located in the portion constituting the receiving portion 41d in the main panel 411. The boundary between the first portion 41a and the receiving portion 41d, the boundary between the receiving portion 41d and the second portion 41b, and the boundary between the second portion 41b and the third portion 41c are not tight.

[0084] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, an inflator 43 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 41d of the airbag cushion 41. The inflator 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape and contains a gas generating agent that explosively generates gas when ignited. For example, when a collision of the vehicle 1 is detected, the inflator 43 is ignited. The airbag cushion 41 is used with the axial length direction facing up and down.

[0085] The inflator 43 includes a stud 431. The stud 431 is welded to the circumferential surface of the inflator 43, for example, so that the stud 431 protrudes leftward from the circumferential surface of the inflator 43. Although not shown, two studs 431 are arranged in the vertical direction. Each stud 431 passes through the through hole 414 that penetrates the airbag cushion 41 and protrudes to the outside of the airbag cushion 41. Figure 4 Illustration of stud 431 in FIG.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, the inflator 43 is arranged inside the frame 223 of the backrest 22. More specifically, the inflator 43 is arranged near the right side of the longitudinal frame on the left side of the frame 223. The inflator 43 is fixed to the frame 223 by a stud 431. The fixing position of the inflator 43 on the frame 223 is preferably on the front side of the center of the frame 223 in the front-rear direction, particularly the front end.

[0087] Since the inflator 43 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 41d of the airbag cushion 41, the accommodation portion 41d is also arranged inside the skeleton frame 223. Figure 4 ) has an outer surface of a portion of the housing portion 41d facing the right side of the skeleton frame 223.

[0088] In the airbag cushion 41 before inflation and deployment, the first portion 41a is configured so that it is connected to the rear side of the receiving portion 41d, folded back to the front side, and covers the receiving portion 41d from the right side in a state of being folded into a roll. That is, the first portion 41a is configured on the inner side of the skeleton frame 223. In a plan view, the first portion 41a is rolled in a counterclockwise direction from the end on the opposite side of the receiving portion 41d side toward the receiving portion 41d.

[0089] The second portion 41 b is connected to the front side of the housing portion 41 d , meanders along the rib on the front side of the skeleton frame 223 , and is disposed on the front side of the skeleton frame 223 .

[0090] The third portion 41c is connected to the second portion 41b and is arranged in a rolled state outside the skeleton frame 223. In a plan view, the third portion 41c is rolled counterclockwise from the end opposite to the second portion 41b toward the second portion 41b.

[0091] According to the side airbag device 4 as described above, the inflator 43 and the first portion 41a and the receiving portion 41d of the airbag cushion 41 before inflation and deployment are arranged inside the skeleton frame 223. On the other hand, the second portion 41b of the airbag cushion 41 is arranged on the front side of the skeleton frame 223, and the third portion 41c of the airbag cushion 41 is arranged on the outside of the skeleton frame 223.

[0092] Therefore, the space on both sides of the frame 223 and the space on the front side of the frame 223 can be effectively utilized. Therefore, even when the outer space of the frame 223 is not sufficient, the side airbag device 4 can be assembled in the inner space of the backrest 22 without changing the size or shape of the airbag cushion 41. As a result, both the protection performance of the occupant and the design freedom of the driver's seat 2 can be taken into consideration.

[0093] Figures 5 to 8 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion 41 .

[0094] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The vicinity of the left portion of the backrest 22 is schematically shown in each case. Figure 7 The vicinity of the space between the backrests 22 and 32 is shown. Figures 5 to 7 The up-down, down-right, left-right directions of each figure correspond to the front-back, left-right directions of the vehicle 1 .

[0095] exist Figure 8 Schematically, the backrests 22 , 32 are shown as viewed from the front.

[0096] The inflator 43 is activated and sprays gas in an emergency situation such as a collision of the vehicle 1. The gas sprayed by the inflator 43 causes the airbag cushion 41 to expand and deploy rapidly.

[0097] The shape retaining member 42 for retaining the shape of the airbag cushion 41 before expansion and deployment is provided with a tearing portion (not shown), such as a pinhole. Therefore, the shape retaining member 42 is easily torn by the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion 41. Figure 5 That is, the shape retaining member 42 does not hinder the expansion and deployment of the airbag cushion 41. Figure 6 and Figure 7 4. An illustration of a conformal member 42 in FIG.

[0098] The seat cushion 221 of the backrest 22 is provided with a cracked portion 224. Figure 3 and Figure 5The cleavage portion 224 is, for example, a groove formed in the up-down direction on the inner surface of the seat pad 221 and is disposed at the left front portion of the seat pad 221. The seat cover 222 is provided with a cleavage portion (not shown) corresponding to the configuration of the cleavage portion 224 of the seat pad 221. Therefore, the seat pad 221 and the seat cover 222 are easily cleaved by the expansion pressure of the airbag cushion 41, see Figure 6 . Omit Figure 7 FIG. 2 is an illustration of a seat cover 222 in FIG.

[0099] Due to the cracking of the seat cushion 221 and the seat cover 222, the left front portion of the backrest 22 opens to the left and right, so the airbag cushion 41 protrudes from the inner space of the backrest 22 to the outside of the backrest 22, expands and deploys between the driver's seat 2 and the passenger seat 3. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The fully deployed airbag cushion 41 is substantially bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the vehicle 1 .

[0100] The inflated and deployed first portion 41a can restrain and protect the driver from the left side. Since the first portion 41a is arranged inside the skeleton frame 223 before the airbag cushion 41 is inflated and deployed, the airbag cushion 41 is close to the driver. Moreover, since the first portion 41a is close to the receiving portion 41d, it will be inflated and deployed early. Therefore, the restraint of the driver when the airbag cushion 41 is inflated and deployed can be shortened early.

[0101] Since a portion of the receiving portion 41d of the airbag cushion 41 is still disposed inside the frame 223 after inflation and deployment, the inflated and deployed airbag cushion 41 is sandwiched between the driver and the frame 223. Therefore, since the external force applied to the airbag cushion 41 by the driver can be received by the frame 223, the restraint performance of the airbag cushion 41 can be improved.

[0102] When the inflator 43 is operated, the first portion 41a starts to expand from the side close to the receiving portion 41d. The first expanded portion of the first portion 41a is located close to the skeleton frame 223.

[0103] An external force is applied to the frame 223 from the expanded first portion 41a via the receiving portion 41d and the inflator 43, and a reaction force to the external force is applied to the first portion 41a from the frame 223 via the receiving portion 41d and the inflator 43. Since the reaction force from the frame 223 to the first portion 41a can be obtained early, the external force applied to the airbag cushion 41 by the driver can be received by the frame 223 when the driver is restrained early.

[0104] The first portion 41a is curled counterclockwise, and the expanded first portion 41a is easily unrolled and stretched forward. The direction of the first portion 41a is rolled to push the first portion 41a further forward. Therefore, it is beneficial to restrain the driver at an early stage.

[0105] The second portion 41b is located at the front side of the skeleton frame 223, so it is easy to expand and deploy toward the front side. Since the second portion 41b is close to the storage portion 41d, it expands and deploys at an early stage.

[0106] Since the third portion 41c is disposed outside the skeleton frame 223 before the airbag cushion 41 is inflated and deployed, the airbag cushion 41 is easily inflated and deployed toward the passenger seat 3. Since the third portion 41c is connected to the second portion 41b, the early inflating and deployment of the second portion 41b promotes the deployment of the third portion 41c. The inflated and deployed third portion 41c abuts against the passenger seat 3, so that the passenger seat 3 can also receive the external force applied to the airbag cushion 41 by the driver. Therefore, the restraint of the airbag cushion 41 can be improved.

[0107] When the inflator 43 is operated, the third portion 41c expands from the side close to the second portion 41b. The third portion 41c is curled counterclockwise, and the first expanded portion of the third portion 41c is located close to the skeleton frame 223. Therefore, an external force is applied from the expanded third portion 41c to the skeleton frame 223, and a reaction force to the external force is applied from the skeleton frame 223 to the third portion 41c.

[0108] Since the reaction force applied by the skeleton frame 223 to the third part 41c can be obtained early, the third part 41c reaches the front passenger seat 3 early. If the occupant is sitting on the front passenger seat 3, the occupant can be restrained and protected early from the driver's seat 2 side.

[0109] The third portion 41c is curled counterclockwise, and the expanded third portion 41c is easily stretched to the rear after unwinding. Since the direction of the third portion 41c is curled, the third portion 41c is easily stretched to the left because the third portion 41c is pushed forward too much due to the direction of the third portion 41c.

[0110] After the airbag cushion 41 is inflated and deployed, the gas is gradually discharged from the airbag cushion 41 through an exhaust hole (not shown) provided in the airbag cushion 41 .

[0111] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing procedure of the side airbag device 4 .

[0112] The manufacturer prepares the main panels 411, 412 and the sub-panel 413 as a coupling panel, and forms the airbag cushion 41 by joining them (step S1).

[0113] Next, the manufacturer prepares the inflator 43, passes the stud 431 through the through hole 414 of the airbag cushion 41, and accommodates it in the accommodation portion 41d of the airbag cushion 41. Figure 4 . (Step S2).

[0114] Fig.10 and Fig.11 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a manufacturing step of the side airbag device 4. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The up-down, down-right, left-right directions of each figure correspond to the front-back, left-right directions of the vehicle 1 .

[0115] exist Fig. 9 After step S2 shown in FIG. 1 is completed, the manufacturer forms the airbag cushion 41 into a rectangular flat plate shape by contacting the inner surfaces of the main panels 411 and 412 with each other. Fig.10 (Step S3). In step S3, the sub-panel 413 is inserted between the main panels 411 and 412, and the convex portion on the upper portion of the airbag cushion 41 is bent toward the outer surface side of the main panel 411 (or the main panel 412). In addition, the sub-panel 413 may be bent toward the outer surface side of the main panel 411 (or the main panel 412). The convex portion on the upper portion of the airbag cushion 4 may be inserted between the main panels 411 and 412.

[0116] like Fig.10 As shown, in the rectangular flat plate-shaped airbag cushion 41, the rear side of the receiving portion 41d is shorter and the front side of the receiving portion 41d is longer. The rear side of the receiving portion 41d is the first portion 41a. The front side of the receiving portion 41d is the second portion 41b and the third portion 41c.

[0117] exist Fig. 9 After step S3 shown in the figure is completed, the manufacturer folds the airbag cushion 41 (step S4). In step S4, the manufacturer folds at least the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c into a roll shape. In addition, the manufacturer bends the first portion 41a forward at the boundary between the first portion 41a and the receiving portion 41d, referring to Fig.11 .

[0118] Then, the manufacturer maintains the shape of the airbag cushion 41 by the shape retaining member 42 (S5), and arranges the first portion 41a and the receiving portion 41d inside the frame 223, thereby fixing the inflator 43 to the frame 223. Fig.12 (Step S6). Fig.12 The shape retaining member 42 is omitted in the figure.

[0119] There is no limit to the timing of bending the airbag cushion 41 at the boundary between the second portion 41b and the receiving portion 41d and the boundary between the third portion 41c and the second portion 41b. These bends may be performed in step S4, between step S4 and step S5, between step S5 and step S6, or after step S6.

[0120] It is preferable that the boundary portion between the first portion 41 a and the receiving portion 41 d be bent in step S4 , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0121] The vehicle 1 may be a left-hand steering vehicle. The side airbag device 4 in the case of a left-hand steering vehicle has a structure that is bilaterally symmetrical with the side airbag device 4 of the present embodiment.

[0122] The side airbag device 4 is most preferably mounted on the backrest 22 of the driver's seat 2, but is not limited thereto. The side airbag device 4 may also be mounted on the backrest 32 of the passenger seat 3 or on the backrest of one of the two rear seats arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1.

[0123] Before inflation and deployment, the first portion 41a and the receiving portion 41d of the airbag cushion 41 need to be arranged inside the skeleton frame 223. However, the first portion 41a is not limited to the structure that covers the receiving portion 41d from the right side.

[0124] On the other hand, the arrangement of the second portion 41b and the third portion 41c of the airbag cushion 41 is not limited to the front side and the outside of the skeleton frame 223. For example, part or all of the second portion 41b and the third portion 41c may be arranged on the front side of the skeleton frame 223, and may also be arranged on the inside of the skeleton frame 223.

[0125] The shape of the airbag cushion 41 is not limited. For example, the airbag cushion 41 may also be a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0126] The shape retaining member 42 is not limited to a cloth shell or tape, and the shape retaining member 42 may be made of synthetic resin or a thin sheet.

[0127] Next, the second and third embodiments are described. The side airbag devices 4 of the second and third embodiments are substantially the same as the side airbag device 4 of the first embodiment, except for the manufacturing steps of the side airbag device 4. The differences from the first embodiment are described below, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment, and their description is omitted.

[0128] Second embodiment

[0129] Fig.13 1 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing procedure of the side airbag device 4 according to the second embodiment. Fig.13 Steps S1 to S3 shown in the figure are similar to those of the first embodiment. Fig. 9 The steps S1 to S3 shown are identical.

[0130] Fig.14 and Fig.15 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a manufacturing process of the side airbag device 4. Fig.14 and Fig.15 The up-down, down-right, left-right directions of each figure correspond to the front-back, left-right directions of the vehicle 1 .

[0131] exist Fig.13 After step S3 shown in FIG. Fig.10 ), the manufacturer folds the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c, referring to Fig.11 (Step S11). In step S11, the manufacturer folds the first part 41a counterclockwise from the rear end of the first part 41a toward the receiving portion 41d into a roll shape. In addition, the manufacturer bends the first part 41a forward at the boundary portion between the first part 41a and the receiving portion 41d so that the first part 41a covers the receiving portion 41d from the right side. In addition, the manufacturer folds the third part 41c counterclockwise from the front end of the third part 41c toward the second part 41b into a roll shape.

[0132] Then, the manufacturer maintains the shape of the airbag cushion 41 by the shape retaining member 42, referring to Fig.14 (Step S12). The shape retaining member 42 used in step S12 is formed in a shell shape, for example, and accommodates the airbag cushion 41. In addition, the shape retaining member 42 has a material or structure that can bend the boundary between the second portion 41b and the accommodating portion 41d and the boundary between the third portion 41c and the second portion 41b in step S14 described later.

[0133] Next, the manufacturer positions the second portion 41b and the third portion 41c in front of the receiving portion 41d, thereby arranging the first portion 41a and the receiving portion 41d inside the skeleton frame 223, and fixing the inflator 43 to the skeleton frame 223. Fig.15 (Step S13). In step S13, the manufacturer inserts the stud 431 into a through hole (not shown) provided in the skeleton frame 223, and fixes the inflator 43 to the skeleton frame 223 using the stud 431 and a nut. Fig.15 The shape retaining member 42 is omitted in the figure.

[0134] In addition, the manufacturer sandwiches the skeleton frame 223 from the front side with the airbag cushion 41 and folds the airbag cushion 41. Fig.12(Step S14). In step S14, the manufacturer bends the second portion 41b to the left at the boundary portion between the second portion 41b and the receiving portion 41d. In addition, the manufacturer bends the third portion 41c to the rear at the boundary portion between the third portion 41c and the second portion 41b. As a result, the second portion 41b is arranged on the front side of the skeleton frame 223, and the third portion 41c is arranged on the outside of the skeleton frame 223.

[0135] exist Fig.13 After the step S14 shown is finished, the manufacturer fixes the bending of the airbag cushion 41 performed in the step S14 (step S15). In the step S15, the manufacturer maintains the shape of the airbag cushion 41, that is, the second portion 41b is located on the front side of the frame 223, and the third portion 41c is located on the outside of the frame 223. Therefore, for example, the manufacturer fixes the shell-shaped shape retaining member 42 used in the step S12 to the frame 223 by the belt-shaped shape retaining member 42.

[0136] After manufacturing the side airbag device 4 as described above, the manufacturer covers the skeleton frame 223 with the seat pad 221, and further covers the seat pad 221 with the seat cover 222 to form the backrest 22. Figure 3 .

[0137] The manufacturing process of the second embodiment is an example of a manufacturing process in which the airbag cushion 41 is temporarily shaped, then the airbag cushion 41 is bent, and finally the shape is maintained in a completed state.

[0138] Third embodiment

[0139] Fig.16 1 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing procedure of the side airbag device 4 according to the third embodiment. Fig.16 Steps S1 to S3 and S11 shown in the figure are the same as those of the second embodiment. Fig.13 The steps S1 to S3 and S11 shown are the same.

[0140] Fig.17 and Fig.18 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a manufacturing step of the side airbag device 4. Fig.17 and Fig.18 The up-down, down-right, left-right directions of each figure correspond to the front-back, left-right directions of the vehicle 1 .

[0141] exist Fig.16 After step S11 shown in FIG. Fig.11 ), the manufacturer bends the airbag cushion 41, referring to Fig.17(Step S21). In step S21, the manufacturer bends the second portion 41b to the left at the boundary between the second portion 41b and the receiving portion 41d, and bends the third portion 41c to the rear at the boundary between the third portion 41c and the second portion 41b. As a result, the first portion 41a and the receiving portion 41d and the third portion 41c are opposite to each other.

[0142] exist Fig.16 After step S21 shown in FIG. 1 is completed, the manufacturer uses the shape-maintaining member 42 to maintain the shape of the airbag cushion 41. Fig.18 (Step S22) The shape retaining member 42 used in step S22 does not need to have a material or structure that can be bent at the boundary between the second portion 41b and the receiving portion 41d and at the boundary between the third portion 41c and the second portion 41b.

[0143] Then, the manufacturer clamps the frame frame 223 from the front side with the airbag cushion 41, and fixes the inflator 43 to the frame frame 223. Fig.12 (Step S23). In step S23, the manufacturer arranges the first portion 41a and the receiving portion 41d inside the skeleton frame 223, arranges the second portion 41b on the front side of the skeleton frame 223, and arranges the third portion 41c on the outside of the skeleton frame 223. In addition, the manufacturer inserts the stud 431 into a through hole (not shown) provided in the skeleton frame 223, and fixes the inflator 43 to the skeleton frame 223 using the stud 431 and a nut.

[0144] After manufacturing the side airbag device 4 as described above, the manufacturer covers the frame frame 223 with the seat pad 221, and further covers the seat pad 221 with the seat cover 222, thereby forming the backrest 22. Figure 3 .

[0145] The manufacturing process of the third embodiment is an example of a manufacturing process in which all the folding and bending of the airbag cushion 41 are completed before the shape of the airbag cushion 41 is maintained.

[0146] Next, the fourth to sixth embodiments are described. The side airbag device 4 of the fourth to sixth embodiments is substantially the same as the side airbag device 4 of the first embodiment except for the structure of the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c. The differences from the first embodiment are described below, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment, and their description is omitted.

[0147] Fourth embodiment

[0148] Fig.191 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a side airbag device 4 according to a fourth embodiment. The up-down and left-right directions in this figure correspond to the front-back and left-right directions of the vehicle 1 .

[0149] The first portion 41a of the airbag cushion 41 before inflation and deployment is rolled clockwise from the end on the opposite side of the receiving portion 41d toward the receiving portion 41d in a plan view. Similarly, the third portion 41c of the airbag cushion 41 before inflation and deployment is rolled clockwise from the end on the opposite side of the second portion 41b toward the second portion 41b in a plan view.

[0150] When the inflator 43 is operated, the early expanded portion of the first portion 41a is at a position away from the frame frame 223. Similarly, the early expanded portion of the third portion 41c is at a position away from the frame frame 223. Therefore, since the expanded first portion 41a and the third portion 41c are easily expanded and deployed away from the frame frame 223, respectively, the shape retaining member 42 and the backrest 22 can be cracked at an early stage. Therefore, the airbag cushion 41 can protrude from the inner space of the backrest 22 to the outside of the backrest 22 at an early stage.

[0151] The expanded first portion 41a is easily unwound and stretched to the rear side. The direction of the first portion 41a being rolled prevents the first portion 41a from being pushed forward too much. On the other hand, the expanded third portion 41c is easily unwound and stretched to the front side. The direction of the third portion 41c being rolled is conducive to the third portion 41c protruding to the front side.

[0152] The manufacturing method of the side airbag device 4 of this embodiment is the same as that of the side airbag device 4 of the first to third embodiments. Fig. 9 Step S4 shown, or Fig.13 or Fig.16 In step S11 shown, the manufacturer folds the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c into a roll shape in a clockwise direction.

[0153] Fifth embodiment

[0154] Fig. 20 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a side airbag device 4 according to a fifth embodiment. The up-down and left-right directions in this figure correspond to the front-back and left-right directions of the vehicle 1 .

[0155] The first portion 41a of the airbag cushion 41 before inflation and deployment is folded into a bellows shape and stacked on the right side of the receiving portion 41d. Similarly, the third portion 41c of the airbag cushion 41 before inflation and deployment is folded into a bellows shape and stacked on the left side of the skeleton frame 223.

[0156] When the inflator 43 operates, the first and third portions 41a and 41c are located near the skeleton frame 223 at the initial expansion portion. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the reaction force from the skeleton frame 223 to the first and third portions 41a and 41c can be obtained at an early stage.

[0157] The expanded first portion 41a is easy to stretch to the right after the bellows are untied. On the other hand, the expanded third portion 41c is easy to stretch to the left after the bellows are untied. That is, the expanded first portion 41a and the third portion 41c are easy to expand and spread away from the skeleton frame 223. Therefore, as in the case of the second embodiment, the shape retaining member 42 and the backrest 22 can be cracked at an early stage.

[0158] The manufacturing method of the side airbag device 4 of this embodiment is the same as that of the side airbag device 4 of the first to third embodiments. Fig. 9 Step S4 shown, or Fig.13 or Fig.16 In step S11 shown, the manufacturer folds the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c into bellows shapes, respectively.

[0159] Sixth Embodiment

[0160] Fig.21 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a side airbag device 4 according to the sixth embodiment. The up-down and left-right directions in this figure correspond to the front-back and left-right directions of the vehicle 1 .

[0161] The first portion 41a of the airbag cushion 41 before inflation and deployment is bent forward to overlap the receiving portion 41d, and is folded back to the rear side and then folded into a roll. In other words, the first portion 41a is folded only once to form a bellows shape to overlap the receiving portion 41d, and then folded into a roll in a counterclockwise direction. On the other hand, the third portion 41c of the airbag cushion 41 before inflation and deployment extends from the second portion 41b to the rear side, and is folded back to the front side and then folded into a roll. In other words, the third portion 41c is folded only once to form a bellows shape to overlap the surface of the outer side of the skeleton frame 223, and then folded into a roll in a counterclockwise direction.

[0162] The portion of the first part 41a folded into a bellows shape is closer to the receiving portion 41d than other portions of the first part 41a, so it expands at an early stage. Therefore, the portion of the first part 41a folded into a bellows shape can push out the portion of the first part 41a folded into a roll shape at an early stage. In other words, the early expansion and deployment of the first part 41a can be promoted.

[0163] Similarly, the portion of the third portion 41c folded into a bellows shape is closer to the receiving portion 41d than the other portions of the third portion 41c, so it expands at an early stage. Therefore, the portion of the third portion 41c folded into a bellows shape can push out the portion of the third portion 41c folded into a roll shape at an early stage. In other words, the early expansion and deployment of the third portion 41c can be promoted.

[0164] The manufacturing method of the side airbag device 4 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the side airbag device 4 of the first to third embodiments. Fig. 9 Step S4 shown, or Fig.13 or Fig.16 In step S11 shown, the manufacturer folds the first part 41a and the third part 41c into a bellows shape and then folds the first part 41a and the third part 41c into a roll shape. Alternatively, the manufacturer folds the first part 41a and the third part 41c into a roll shape and then folds them into a bellows shape.

[0165] Regarding the airbag cushion 41 , there are four ways to fold the first portion 41 a as described in the first, fourth to sixth embodiments. Similarly, there are four ways to fold the third portion 41 c . These can be arbitrarily combined according to the desired expansion and deployment action of the airbag cushion 41 .

[0166] For example, one of the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c may be folded into a roll in the counterclockwise direction as in the first embodiment, and the other of the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c may be folded into a roll in the clockwise direction as in the fourth embodiment. Alternatively, one of the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c of the airbag cushion 41 may be folded into a roll as in the first and fourth embodiments, and the other of the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c may be folded into a bellows shape as in the fifth embodiment. Alternatively, one of the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c of the airbag cushion 41 may be folded into a roll or a bellows shape as in the first, fourth, and fifth embodiments, and the other of the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c may be folded into a bellows shape and a roll as in the sixth embodiment.

[0167] The airbag cushion 41 is not limited to a structure in which the first portion 41a and the third portion 41c are folded respectively. For example, the airbag cushion 41 may be a structure in which the first portion 41a or the third portion 41c is compressed. Fig. 9 Step S4 shown, or Fig.13 or Fig.16 The process is performed in step S11 shown.

[0168] The embodiments disclosed this time are merely illustrative in all aspects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention includes the meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims, rather than the above meaning.

[0169] The constituent requirements, i.e., technical features, disclosed in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and new technical features can be formed through the combination.

[0170] Furthermore, the reference numerals attached to the claims are attached to facilitate understanding of the claims.

[0171] Explanation of symbols

[0172] 1…Vehicle

[0173] 2…Driver’s seat (one of two seats)

[0174] 22…backrest

[0175] 223…Skeleton frame

[0176] 3…Passenger seat (the other of the two seats)

[0177] 4…Side airbag device

[0178] 41…Airbag cushion

[0179] 41a…first part (part extending to one side)

[0180] 41b…Second part (part extending to the other side)

[0181] 41c…the third part (the part extending to the other side)

[0182] 41d…Containment

[0183] 43…Aerator

Claims

1. A side airbag device (4) assembled into an inner space of a backrest (22) of one of two seats arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction, comprising: an inflator (43) which is fixed inside the skeleton frame (223) of the backrest (22) and sprays gas; an airbag cushion (41) which is expanded and deployed from the one seat (2) of the two seats to the other seat (3) of the two seats by gas injected by the inflator (43), The airbag cushion (41) has: a receiving portion (41d) receiving the inflator (43); and a first portion (41a) extending toward one side of the receiving portion (41d) in a horizontal direction and a second portion (41b) and a third portion (41c) extending toward the other side, wherein the first portion (41a) and the third portion (41c) sandwich the receiving portion (41d) and are respectively located on different sides of the receiving portion (41d). The inflator (43) is arranged in the housing portion (41d) between the skeleton frame (223) and the first portion (41a), The receiving portion (41d) is located between the skeleton frame (223) and the first portion (41a). At least the receiving portion (41d) and the portion (41a) extending toward the one side of the airbag cushion (41) before expansion and deployment are arranged inside the skeleton frame (223). Before expansion and deployment, the first portion (41a) is connected to the rear side of the receiving portion (41d) and folded back to the front side, and is arranged at a position away from the skeleton frame (223) and covers the receiving portion (41d) from the inner side of the skeleton frame (223), and restrains the occupant sitting on the one seat (2) when expanding and deploying. The second portion (41b) is connected to the front side of the receiving portion (41d) and is arranged on the front side of the skeleton frame (223). The third part (41c) is connected to the second part (41b) and is arranged on the outside of the skeleton frame (223) before expansion and deployment. When expanding and deploying, it can abut against the other seat (3) to restrain the occupant sitting on the other seat (3) from the right side.

2. The side airbag device (4) according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion (41a) before expansion and deployment is folded into a roll or bellows shape.

3. The side airbag device (4) according to claim 2, wherein: When assembled in the internal space, the first portion (41a) before expansion and expansion is folded forward to overlap the receiving portion (41d), and then folded back to the rear side and folded into a roll shape.

4. The side airbag device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The third portion (41c) before expansion and deployment is folded into a roll or bellows shape.

5. The side airbag device (4) according to claim 4, wherein: In a state of being assembled in the internal space, the third portion (41c) before expansion and expansion extends from the second portion (41b) to the rear side, is folded back to the front side, and then folded into a roll shape.

6. A method for manufacturing a side airbag device (4), the method comprising: manufacturing a side airbag device (4) to be assembled in an inner space of a backrest (22) of one of two seats arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction of a vehicle (1); have: an inflator (43) which injects gas; an airbag cushion (41) which is expanded and deployed from the one seat (2) of the two seats to the other seat (3) of the two seats by gas injected by the inflator (43), The airbag cushion (41) has: a receiving portion (41d) receiving the inflator (43); and a first portion (41a) extending toward one side of the receiving portion (41d) in a horizontal direction and a second portion (41b) and a third portion (41c) extending toward the other side, wherein the first portion (41a) and the third portion (41c) sandwich the receiving portion (41d) and are respectively located on different sides of the receiving portion (41d). The inflator (43) is arranged in the housing portion (41d) between the skeleton frame (223) and the first portion (41a), The receiving portion (41d) is located between the skeleton frame (223) and the first portion (41a). The inflator (43) is housed in the housing portion (41d), The portion (41a) of the airbag cushion (41) extending toward at least one side and the receiving portion (41d) are arranged inside the skeleton frame (223) of the backrest (22), thereby fixing the inflator (43) inside the skeleton frame (223). Before expansion and deployment, the first portion (41a) is connected to the rear side of the receiving portion (41d) and folded back to the front side, and is arranged at a position away from the skeleton frame (223) and covers the receiving portion (41d) from the inner side of the skeleton frame (223), and restrains the occupant sitting on the one seat (2) when expanding and deploying. The second portion (41b) is connected to the front side of the receiving portion (41d) and is arranged on the front side of the skeleton frame (223). The third part (41c) is connected to the second part (41b) and is arranged on the outer side of the skeleton frame (223) before expansion and deployment. When expanding and deploying, it can abut against the other seat (3) to restrain the occupant sitting on the other seat (3) from the right side.

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