Side airbag device and airbag folding method

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of advancing the timing at which an airbag is deployed forward. A side airbag device is provided with: an airbag which has a pair of sheets disposed facing each other and which is folded; and an inflator that has a gas supply port and supplies gas into the airbag. In a state in which the pair of sheets is unfolded, the airbag has: a first portion including one end of the sheet in the first direction; a second portion including the other end; a third portion between the first portion and the second portion; and a fourth portion between the first portion and the third portion. With respect to the airbag, (i) the airbag is folded such that the first portion and the fourth portion are positioned between a pair of sheet portions constituting a third portion and a portion of the pair of sheets, and (ii) the airbag is folded such that a portion of the pair of sheet portions disposed across the first portion and the fourth portion is folded in a corrugated state in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The supply port is disposed between the other portion of the pair of sheet portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a side airbag device and a method for folding an airbag. Background Art

[0002] Currently, a side airbag device installed in a vehicle seat is known. Regarding the side airbag device, when the vehicle is impacted, the airbag is deployed between an occupant sitting on the seat and the side wall of the vehicle closest to the seat. Regarding the side airbag of Patent Document 1, when the airbag is folded at the manufacturing stage of the side airbag device, first, the airbag is folded into a corrugated shape in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Then, the upper end portion of the corrugated-folded airbag is bent forward and folded downward. The lower end portion of the corrugated-folded airbag is bent forward and folded upward. When the airbag is deployed, first, the folded upper end portion and lower end portion are deployed in the vertical direction. Then, the corrugated-folded airbag is deployed toward the front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to quickly cover a wide range in the vertical direction on the side of the occupant with the airbag. As a result, the occupant can be reliably restrained.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-59311

[0004] Regarding the airbag of Patent Document 1, after the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the airbag are deployed, the airbag is deployed forward. Therefore, the timing of the forward deployment of the airbag is delayed. In addition, since the airbag is deployed forward in a state where it is deployed in the vertical direction, the following problem also occurs. That is, the door and the wall portion that are deformed toward the inside of the vehicle due to an external impact press the upper arm portion of the occupant against the side of the occupant's chest via the airbag that has been deployed in the vertical direction. As a result, the occupant's chest is compressed by the upper arm portion of the occupant. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention can be implemented in the following manner.

[0006] (1)According to one aspect of the present invention, a side airbag device is provided. The side airbag device includes: an airbag having a pair of sheets disposed opposite to each other and joined together and being folded; and an inflator having a supply port for discharging gas and supplying gas into the airbag. When the airbag is viewed in the thickness direction of the pair of sheets in a state where the pair of sheets are unfolded in a planar shape, the airbag has: a first portion including one end of the sheet in a first direction; a second portion including the other end of the sheet in the first direction; a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion in the first direction; and a fourth portion located between the first portion and the third portion in the first direction. Regarding the airbag, (i) it is folded in such a manner that at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion are located between a pair of sheet portions that are part of the pair of sheets and constitute the third portion, and (ii) it is folded in a corrugated state in which a part of the pair of sheet portions disposed across at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is folded together with at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion. The supply port is disposed between the other parts of the pair of sheet portions.

[0007] In this manner, the folded airbag unfolds as follows. That is, by the gas supplied from the supply port of the inflator between the pair of sheet portions, first, the corrugated portion is stretched, and the airbag unfolds in the second direction. Then, by the gas filled between the pair of sheet portions constituting the third portion, the first portion and the fourth portion are pushed out in the first direction, and the airbag unfolds in the first direction. Therefore, when the side airbag device is disposed in such a manner that the direction in which the backrest of the seat of the moving body extends from the seat surface is substantially the same as the first direction, the airbag unfolds as follows. That is, first, the airbag unfolds in the direction in which the body of the occupant sitting on the seat is located with respect to the backrest of the seat. Then, the airbag unfolds in the direction in which the backrest of the seat extends. Therefore, compared with the manner in which the airbag unfolds in the direction in which the backrest of the seat extends and then unfolds in the direction in which the body of the occupant is located, regarding the airbag device of the above manner, the airbag can unfold in the direction in which the body of the occupant is located earlier.

[0008] In addition, in the above-described manner, with respect to the airbag, in a state where the first portion and the fourth portion are substantially located between a pair of sheet portions constituting the third portion, the airbag is deployed in a direction in which the occupant's body faces the backrest of the seat. Therefore, the airbag can press the upper arm portion of the occupant upward in such a manner that, during deployment, the posture changes from a posture of hanging downward along the body to a posture of extending in the second direction. Thus, in a case where an impact from the outside causes the door or the wall portion of the moving body to deform toward the inside of the moving body, the possibility of the occupant's chest being pressed by the occupant's upper arm portion via the airbag can be reduced. In addition, compared with a manner in which the first portion and the fourth portion are folded back to either side of the pair of sheet portions constituting the third portion, the first portion and the fourth portion can be deployed in the first direction during deployment without moving further outside the already inflated third portion. As a result, during deployment, the possibility of the first portion and the fourth portion coming into contact with other surrounding structures and causing a delay in deployment can be reduced.

[0009] (2) Based on the side airbag device in the above-described manner, it can be configured in the following manner, that is, the pair of sheet portions has another portion, and when observed in the thickness direction in a state where the pair of sheets is deployed in a planar shape, the other portion, the one portion, and the another portion are arranged in the above order in the second direction, and the airbag is folded in a state where the another portion is wound up.

[0010] In this manner, compared with a manner in which all portions of the pair of sheet portions constituting the third portion, except for the other portion where the supply port of the inflator is disposed, are folded into a corrugated shape, there are the following advantages. That is, the deployment direction of the airbag when gas is supplied from the inflator can be set to a direction including a component in the third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and is not a direction that deviates significantly from the second direction.

[0011] In addition, compared with a manner in which all portions of the pair of sheet portions, except for the other portion where the supply port of the inflator is located, are wound up, there are the following advantages. That is, the space through which the airbag can pass can be reduced when the airbag is deployed. As a result, the possibility of the airbag coming into contact with other surrounding structures and causing a delay in deployment during airbag deployment can be reduced.

[0012] (3) Based on the side airbag device in the above-described manner, it can be configured in the following manner, that is, a part of the airbag including the edge portion constituting the end portion in the second direction in the first portion is folded in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0013] In this manner, the first part can be folded and arranged with a small amplitude between a pair of sheet parts constituting the third part. Further, compared with a manner in which a part including an edge part forming an end part in the first direction in the first part is folded in a direction opposite to the first direction, the gas filled between the pair of sheet parts constituting the third part can smoothly flow toward the front end in the first direction of the first part, that is, one end in the first direction of the airbag. As a result, the first part and the fourth part can be deployed in a short time and more reliably.

[0014] (4) Based on the side airbag device in the above manner, it can be formed into the following manner, that is, the airbag has a label mounted on the first part and protruding in the first direction, and the airbag is folded in a state where one end of the sheet in the first direction is located between the pair of sheet parts constituting the third part and at least a part of the label is located outside the pair of sheet parts.

[0015] In this manner, when folding the airbag, by controlling the position and amount of at least a part of the label located outside the pair of sheet parts constituting the third part, the position of the first part folded between the pair of sheet parts can be controlled. Therefore, the airbag can be folded appropriately.

[0016] (5) Based on the side airbag device in the above manner, it can be formed into the following manner, that is, when observing in the thickness direction in a state where the pair of sheets are unfolded in a planar shape, the dimension of the airbag in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the airbag in the second direction.

[0017] In this manner, it is possible to achieve the upward pressing of the upper arm part during the deployment in the second direction, and then, by deploying in the first direction, it is possible to protect the occupant sitting on the seat in a wide range.

[0018] (6)According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of folding an airbag provided in a side airbag device. The airbag has a pair of sheets that are relatively arranged and joined to each other. When the airbag is viewed in the thickness direction of the pair of sheets in a state where the pair of sheets are unfolded in a planar shape, the airbag has: a first portion that includes one end of the sheet in a first direction; a second portion that includes the other end of the sheet in the first direction; a third portion that is located between the first portion and the second portion in the first direction; and a fourth portion that is located between the first portion and the third portion in the first direction. The method includes the following steps: (i) a step of folding the airbag in such a manner that at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion are located between a pair of sheet portions that are part of the pair of sheets and constitute the third portion; and (ii) a step of folding, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a part of the pair of sheet portions that are arranged with the at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion interposed therebetween together with the at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion into a corrugated shape.

[0019] (7)Based on the method of folding the airbag in the above aspect, it can be configured in such a manner that the airbag has a label mounted on the first portion and protruding in the first direction. The step (i) includes the following steps: a step of folding the airbag in such a manner that the one end of the sheet in the first direction is located between the pair of sheet portions that constitute the third portion, and at least a part of the label is located outside the pair of sheet portions; and a step of adjusting the position of the first portion located between the pair of sheet portions based on the position and amount of at least a part of the label located outside the pair of sheet portions.

[0020] The present invention can also be implemented in various ways other than the side airbag device and the method of folding the airbag. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a distal side airbag device, a curtain airbag device, a manufacturing method of the above airbag device, a method of folding the airbag included in the above airbag device, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a side airbag device 1 as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the airbag 100 is deployed.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing a method of folding the airbag 100.

[0024] Figure 4It is a view of the airbag 100 when observed in the thickness direction D3 of a pair of sheets St100 and St200.

[0025] Figure 5 It is an explanatory view showing the state of the airbag 100 when the process of step S320 is completed.

[0026] Figure 6 It is an explanatory view showing the state of the airbag 100 when the process of step S320 is completed.

[0027] Figure 7 It corresponds to Figure 5 a schematic view of the VII-VII sectional view.

[0028] Figure 8 It corresponds to Figure 5 a schematic view of the VIII-VIII section.

[0029] Figure 9 It corresponds to Figure 5 a schematic view of the VIII-VIII section.

[0030] Figure 10 It shows Figure 3 the process of step S340.

[0031] Figure 11 It is an explanatory view showing the state of the airbag 100 when the process of step S340 is completed.

[0032] Figure 12 It is an explanatory view schematically showing the process of step S360.

[0033] Figure 13 It is an explanatory view showing the state of the airbag 100 when the process of step S360 is completed.

[0034] Figure 14 It is an explanatory view of the side airbag device 1 before the airbag 100 is deployed.

[0035] Figure 15 It is an explanatory view of the side airbag device 1 showing the state where the airbag 100 starts to deploy in the second direction D2.

[0036] Figure 16 It is an explanatory view of the side airbag device 1 showing the state where the airbag 100 starts to deploy in the first direction D1 in addition to the second direction D2.

[0037] Figure 17 It is an explanatory view of the side airbag device 1 showing the state where the airbag 100 has substantially finished deploying in the second direction D2 and continues to deploy in the first direction D1.

[0038] Figure 18 It is an explanatory diagram showing the inflated state of the airbag 100 of the side airbag device 1.

[0039] Figure 19 It is an explanatory diagram showing the state during the inflation of the airbag 100. Detailed Embodiment

[0040] A. Embodiment:

[0041] A1. Structure of the side airbag device:

[0042] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the side airbag device 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. The side airbag device 1 is installed inside the vehicle seat CS (refer to Figure 1 the central part in the middle). When the vehicle is impacted from the outside, the side airbag device 1 inflates the airbag 100 between the occupant OC sitting on the vehicle seat CS and the side wall of the vehicle closest to the seat CS. The side airbag device 1 has an elongated outer shape in the unused state. The side airbag device 1 is installed inside the side of the vehicle seat CS in such a way that the direction Dbr in which the backrest BR of the vehicle seat CS extends from the seat surface SP and the length direction D1 of the side airbag device 1 are the same.

[0043] The direction perpendicular to the direction Dbr and in which the body TR of the occupant OC sitting on the seat CS is relative to the backrest BR is set as the direction Dtr. In Figure 1 in order to facilitate understanding of the technology, a virtual head HD, body TR, upper arm UA, and leg LG simulating the occupant OC are shown as the occupant OC. In addition, regarding the backrest BR of the seat CS, the cushion part is omitted and only the outer shape of the skeleton part is shown.

[0044] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the side airbag device 1 operates and the airbag 100 inflates. The side airbag device 1 has an airbag 100, an inflater 200, and a storage bag 300. In Figure 1 in the airbag 100 and the inflater 200 are stored inside the storage bag 300. In Figure 2 in order to facilitate understanding of the technology, the illustration of the inflater 200 and the storage bag 300 is omitted.

[0045] The airbag 100 expands and inflates by receiving inflation gas supplied from the inflater 200 (refer to Figure 2 ). The airbag 100 has a pair of sheets St100, St200 that are relatively arranged and joined to each other. In Figure 1 in the state, the pair of sheets St100, St200 are folded.

[0046] The inflator 200 supplies gas into the airbag 100. As a result of the gas being supplied by the inflator 200, the airbag 100 expands in the direction Dtr in which the body TR is positioned relative to the backrest BR and in the direction Dbr in which the backrest BR extends (see Figure 2 ). The inflator 200 has a cylindrical shape. The inflator 200 has a supply port 220 for discharging gas. The supply port 220 is provided on the surface of one end of the cylindrical inflator 200. A part of the inflator 200 including the one end provided with the supply port 220 is disposed inside the airbag 100. The longitudinal direction of the cylindrical inflator 200 coincides with the longitudinal direction D1 of the side airbag device 1 before deployment. In this specification, this direction is defined as the first direction D1. The side airbag device 1 is mounted on the vehicle seat CS in such a manner that the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is positioned below the assumed position of the root of the occupant OC's arm (see Figure 1 ).

[0047] The storage bag 300 stores the folded airbag 100 and the inflator 200 partially disposed inside the airbag 100 (see the middle central part of Figure 1 ). The storage bag 300 reduces the possibility of foreign matter entering the side airbag device 1. When the airbag 100 is deployed, the storage bag 300 ruptures. In Figure 2 , for ease of understanding the technology, the illustration of the ruptured storage bag 300 and the inflator 200 is omitted.

[0048] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a method of folding the airbag 100 included in the side airbag device 1. In step S100, the airbag 100, the inflator 200, and the storage bag 300 are prepared.

[0049] In step S200, the inflator 200 is mounted on the airbag 100. More specifically, the inflator 200 is inserted into the airbag 100 through the insertion port 110 provided in the airbag 100. Then, the inflator 200 and the airbag 100 are fixed to each other. A part of the inflator 200 protrudes to the outside through the insertion port 110 provided in the airbag 100.

[0050] In step S300, the airbag 100 is folded.

[0051] Figure 4 is a view of the airbag 100 when observed in the thickness direction D3 of a pair of sheets St100, St200 constituting the airbag 100 in a state where the pair of sheets St100, St200 are unfolded in a planar shape. In addition, Figures 4 to 13 is an explanatory view for explaining the folding method of the airbag 100 and does not strictly represent the shape of the airbag 100.

[0052] The sheets St100 and St200 have substantially the same shape. The sheets St100 and St200 are overlapped and their outer peripheries are sutured. In Figure 4 the sutured portions of the sheets St100 and St200 are indicated by a double-dashed line. In Figure 4 the sheet St100 is shown on the front side. In Figure 4 the sheet St200 is located on the back side of the sheet St100.

[0053] The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inflator 200 mounted on the airbag 100 is defined as the second direction D2 (refer to the lower right part of Figure 4 ). The second direction D2 and the first direction D1 are perpendicular to each other. The second direction D2 and the first direction D1 are perpendicular to the third direction D3 which is the thickness direction D3 of the sheets St100 and St200. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 form a left-handed system.

[0054] The dimension Dm1 of the airbag 100 in the first direction D1 is larger than the dimension Dm2 of the airbag 100 in the second direction D2. The airbag 100 has a first part P10, a second part P20, a third part P30, a fourth part P40, and a fifth part P50.

[0055] The first part P10 is the part that includes one end T11 of the sheets St100 and St200 in the first direction D1 (refer to the upper part of Figure 4 ). The label TG10 is mounted on the first part P10. The label TG10 is a rectangular sheet. One end of the label TG10 is sutured to the first part P10. In the first direction D1, the label TG10 has a dimension smaller than the dimension Dm1 of the airbag 100. In the second direction D2, the label TG10 has a dimension smaller than the dimension Dm2 of the airbag 100. The label TG10 protrudes in the first direction D1 at the first part P10.

[0056] The second part P20 is the part that includes the other end T12 of the sheets St100 and St200 in the first direction D1 (refer to the lower part of Figure 4 ). The label TG20 is mounted on the second part P20 (refer to the lower part of Figure 4 ). The structure of the label TG20 is the same as the structure of the label TG10. The label TG20 protrudes in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 at the second part P20.

[0057] The third part P30 is the part located between the first part P10 and the second part P20 in the first direction D1 (refer to the middle right part of Figure 4 ). A part of the pair of sheets St100 and St200, which constitutes the third part P30, is referred to as the sheet parts St130 and St230.

[0058] The fourth part P40 is a part located between the first part P10 and the third part P30 in the first direction D1 (refer to Figure 4 the upper right part of the upper section). When the airbag 100 is in the inflated state, the fourth part P40 is in a position surrounding the first part P10 when viewed in the direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0059] The fifth part P50 is a part located between the second part P20 and the third part P30 in the first direction D1 (refer to Figure 4 the lower right part of the lower section). When the airbag 100 is in the inflated state, the fifth part P50 is in a position surrounding the second part P20 when viewed in the first direction D1.

[0060] The second part P20, the fifth part P50, the third part P30, the fourth part P40, and the first part P10 are arranged in the above order along the first direction D1.

[0061] Figure 3 Step S300 of

[0062] includes steps S320, S340, S360, and S380.

[0063] Figure 3 Step S320 of

[0064] In step S322, the airbag 100 is folded in such a way that one end T11 of the sheets St100 and St200 in the first direction D1 is located between a pair of sheet parts St130 and St230 constituting the third part P30, and at least a part of the label TG10 is located outside the overlapping pair of sheet parts St130 and St230. At this time, the fourth part P40 is also folded in such a way that it is located between a pair of sheet parts St130 and St230 constituting the third part P30.

[0065] In step S324, based on the position and amount of the portion of tag TG10 outside the overlapping pair of sheet portions St130 and St230, the position of the first portion P10 between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 is adjusted. More specifically, the operator grasps tag TG10 and moves tag TG10, thereby adjusting the position of the first portion P10. In addition, the position of the first portion P10 is adjusted by the operator adjusting the portion where the first portion P10 or the fourth portion P40 is recessed and folded.

[0066] In step S322, the airbag 100 is folded in such a manner that at least a part of tag TG10 is outside the overlapping pair of sheet portions St130 and St230. Therefore, in step S324, by controlling the position and amount of at least a part of tag TG10 outside the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 that constitute the third portion P30, the position of the first portion P10 folded between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 can be controlled.

[0067] In step S326, the airbag 100 is folded in such a manner that the other ends T12 of the sheets St100 and St200 in the first direction D1 are between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 that constitute the third portion P30, and at least a part of tag TG20 is outside the overlapping pair of sheet portions St130 and St230. At this time, the folding is performed in such a manner that the fifth portion P50 is also between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 that constitute the third portion P30.

[0068] In step S328, based on the position and amount of the portion of tag TG20 outside the overlapping pair of sheet portions St130 and St230, the position of the second portion P20 between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 is adjusted. The specific method for adjusting the position of the second portion P20 is the same as the method for adjusting the position of the first portion P10 in step S324.

[0069] Through the processes of steps S326 and S328, the position of the second portion P20 folded between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 can be controlled. As a result of the processes of steps S322 to S328, the airbag 100 can be appropriately folded in step S320.

[0070] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the airbag 100 in a state where the process of step S320 is completed. In Figure 5In the figure, the folded states of the first part P10 and the fourth part P40, and the folded states of the second part P20 and the fifth part P50 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0071] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the airbag 100 when the process of step S320 is completed. In Figure 6 the figure, the positions of one end T11 and the other end T12 of the sheets St100, St200 in the first direction D1 are indicated by dashed lines. In Figure 5 and Figure 6 the state, a part of the label TG10 and a part of the label TG20 are located outside the pair of sheet parts St130, St230.

[0072] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 5 the VII-VII sectional view. In Figure 7 the state, the airbag 100 is folded in the following state. The first part P10 and the fourth part P40 are located between the pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that form the third part P30 (refer to Figure 7 the upper central part). One end T11 of the sheets St100, St200 in the first direction D1 is located between the pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that form the third part P30. At least a part of the label TG10 is located outside the pair of sheet parts St130, St230. The second part P20 and the fifth part P50 are located between the pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that form the third part P30 (refer to Figure 7 the lower central part). The other end T12 of the sheets St100, St200 in the first direction D1 is located between the pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that form the third part P30. At least a part of the label TG20 is located outside the pair of sheet parts St130, St230.

[0073] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 5 the VIII-VIII sectional view. In step S326, a part P21 including the edge part forming the end in the second direction D2 in the first part P10 is folded in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 (also refer to Figure 5 the dashed line part of P10). A part P22 including the edge part forming the end in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 in the first part P10 is folded in the second direction D2. As a result, the first part P10 is folded into a trapezoid.

[0074] In this manner, between a pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 that constitute the third part P30, the first part P10 can be folded and arranged with a relatively small amplitude. In addition, compared with a manner in which a part including an edge portion that forms an end portion in the first direction D1 in the first part P10 is folded in a direction opposite to the first direction D1, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the gas filled between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 that constitute the third part P30 can smoothly flow toward the front end in the first direction D1 of the first part P10, that is, one end T11 in the first direction D1 of the airbag 100 (refer to Figure 5 the dashed line portion of P10). As a result, the first part P10 and the fourth part P40 can be unfolded in the first direction D1 more reliably and in a shorter time.

[0075] Figure 9 is equivalent to Figure 5 a schematic diagram of another manner of the VIII-VIII sectional view. In Figure 9 , a part P21, P22 of the first part P10 is folded to the opposite side of Figure 8 . Instead of the manner of Figure 8 , the first part P10 can be folded as in Figure 9 .

[0076] In step S326, for the second part P20, it is also folded in the same manner as the first part P10 shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 . As a result, the second part P20 is folded into a trapezoid. By forming such a structure, the second part P20 and the fifth part P50 can be unfolded in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 more reliably and in a shorter time.

[0077] A pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 each have a part St131, St231 arranged with the first part P10, the fourth part P40, the second part P20, and the fifth part P50 interposed therebetween. In step S340, in the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, the parts St131, St231 and the first part P10, the fourth part P40, the second part P20, and the fifth part P50 are folded together into a zigzag shape, that is, a corrugated shape. In addition, folding into a corrugated shape in the second direction D2 means folding an object into a corrugated shape in such a manner that the size of the object in the second direction D2 is reduced.

[0078] Figure 10 represents Figure 3Explanatory diagram of the process of step S340. In step S340, three convex folds along the first direction D1 are performed on a part St131 of the sheet part St130. Two concave folds along the first direction D1 are performed on a part St131 of the sheet part St130. Each crease Fv of the concave fold is respectively located between the creases Fm of the convex fold. A part St231 of the sheet part St230 is also bent along a part St131 of the sheet part St130. The first part P10, the fourth part P40, the second part P20, and the fifth part P50 located between a part St131, St231 of the sheet parts St130, St230 are also bent along a part St131 of the sheet part St130.

[0079] Figure 11 Is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the airbag 100 after the process of step S340 is completed. In Figure 11 In this state, the airbag 100 is folded in the following state. It is folded in such a way that the first part P10, the fourth part P40, the second part P20, and the fifth part P50 are located between a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30. And, in the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, a part St131, St231 of a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 arranged with the first part P10, the fourth part P40, the second part P20, and the fifth part P50 interposed therebetween is folded into a corrugated shape together with the first part P10, the fourth part P40, the second part P20, and the fifth part P50.

[0080] In this state, the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is arranged between the other parts St132, St232 of a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 (refer to Figure 11 the left part of). The other parts St132, St232 of a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 are not folded into a corrugated shape.

[0081] Based on a part St131, St231 folded into a corrugated shape and the other parts St132, St232 where the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is arranged, a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 also have another part St133, St233 (refer to Figure 10 the upper right part of and Figure 11 the upper right part of). Regarding a pair of sheet parts St130, St230, the other parts St132, St232, a part St131, St231, and another part St133, St233 are arranged in the above order in the second direction D2. The other parts St133, St233 of a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 are not folded into a corrugated shape.

[0082] Figure 12 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the processing of step S360. Figure 12 Schematically showing the first direction D1 Figure 11 In step S360, a pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 disposed across the first portion P10, the fourth portion P40, the second portion P20, and the fifth portion P50 are wound together with the first portion P10, the fourth portion P40, the second portion P20, and the fifth portion P50 in the second direction D2. In addition, winding in the second direction D2 means winding the object in such a manner that the size of the object in the second direction D2 is reduced.

[0083] Specifically, when viewed in the first direction D1 with the direction parallel to the first direction D1 as the central axis of rotation, the other parts St133 and St233 of the pair of sheet parts St130 and St230 are rolled up in the counterclockwise direction. In other words, the other parts St133 and St233 of the pair of sheet parts St130 and St230 are rolled up in such a manner that the sheet facing the wall of the vehicle closest to the side airbag device 1 is rolled up inside.

[0084] Figure 13 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the airbag 100 after the processing of step S360 is completed. Figure 3 In step S380, the folded airbag 100 is surrounded and held by the belt FT, thereby fixing the airbag 100 in the folded state. More specifically, the folded airbag 100 is surrounded and held by the belt FT at two locations, namely, a location near the upper end and a location near the lower end. Figure 13 As a result, a portion including an end portion of the inflator 200 where the supply port 220 is not provided is exposed to the outside at the insertion port 110 of the airbag 100 .

[0085] exist Figure 3 In step S400, the folded airbag 100 and the inflator 200 partially disposed in the airbag 100 are stored in the storage bag 300. The side airbag device 1 (see FIG. 1 ) is completed by the above steps. Figure 1 In the completed side airbag device 1, the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is disposed between the other parts St132, St232 of the pair of sheet parts St130, St230 (refer to Figure 13)。In addition, the airbag 100 is folded in a state where another part St133, St233 of a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 is wound (see Figure 12 and Figure 13 ).

[0086] By forming such a structure, compared with the method of folding all parts of a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30, except for another part St132, St232 where the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is located, into a corrugated shape, the following advantages are obtained. That is, the unfolding direction of the airbag 100 when gas is supplied from the inflator 200 can be set to a direction including a larger component of the third direction D3 and not a direction significantly deviated from the second direction D2 (see Figure 13 lower right part).

[0087] In addition, compared with the method of winding all parts of a pair of sheet parts St130, St230, except for another part St132, St232 where the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is located, the following advantages are obtained. In the method of winding all parts of a pair of sheet parts St130, St230, except for another part St132, St232 where the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is located, when the airbag 100 unfolds, after the wound part is relaxed and expands significantly around, it unfolds in the second direction D2. Therefore, when the airbag 100 unfolds, the airbag 100 comes into contact with other surrounding structures, and the unfolding may be delayed.

[0088] However, in the present embodiment, a part St131, St231 of a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 is folded into a corrugated shape, so that the space through which the airbag 100 can pass can be reduced when the airbag 100 unfolds. As a result, the possibility that the unfolding of the airbag 100 is delayed due to contact between the airbag 100 and other surrounding structures when the airbag 100 unfolds can be reduced.

[0089] A2. Deployment of the airbag:

[0090] Figures 14 to 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of deployment of the airbag 100 of the side airbag device 1. As gas is supplied from the inflator 200, the airbag 100 sequentially changes from the state shown in Figure 14 to the state shown in Figure 18 . However, for the sake of easy understanding of the technology, in Figures 14 to 18 , gas is actually not supplied from the inflator 200 into the airbag 100. In addition, for the sake of easy understanding of the technology, the airbag 100 in a state where the storage bag 300 is removed is shown.

[0091] In addition, Figures 14 to 18 the side airbag device shown is arranged inside the vehicleFigures 1 to 13 The side airbag device on the opposite side of the side airbag device 1 shown. Specifically, Figures 14 to 18 the side airbag device shown is disposed on the left side of the left seat CS in the vehicle. In contrast, Figures 1 to 13 the side airbag device 1 shown is disposed on the right side of the right seat CS in the vehicle. Therefore, in Figures 14 to 18 the side airbag device shown, the winding directions of another part St133, St233 of the pair of sheet parts St130, St230 are opposite to Figures 1 to 13 the winding direction of the side airbag device 1 shown. However, regarding the side airbag devices disposed on the left and right sides in the vehicle, the airbag deployment methods are the same. Therefore, Figures 14 to 18 the airbag deployment method of the side airbag device 1 will be described.

[0092] Figure 14 is an explanatory view of the side airbag device 1 before the airbag 100 is deployed. In Figure 14 , the folded airbag 100 is surrounded and held at two positions, a position near the upper end and a position near the lower end, by a strip FT (refer to Figure 13 FT). A part of the inflator 200 including the end without the supply port 220 exposed to the outside from the insertion port 110 of the airbag 100 (refer to Figure 14 the lower left part of the lower section).

[0093] Figure 15 is an explanatory view of the side airbag device 1 showing the state where gas starts to be supplied from the inflator 200 into the airbag 100 and the airbag 100 starts to deploy in the second direction D2. The airbag 100 starts to deploy in the second direction D2, causing the two strips FT to break (refer to Figure 14 the upper and lower sections). In Figure 15 , the first part P10, the fourth part P40, the second part P20, and the fifth part P50 are located between the sheet parts St130, St230. That is, the first part P10 and the fourth part P40 do not protrude from the sheet parts St130, St230 in the first direction D1. The second part P20 and the fifth part P50 do not protrude from the sheet parts St130, St230 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0094] Figure 16 is an explanatory view of the side airbag device 1 showing the state where gas is further supplied into the airbag 100 and the airbag 100 starts to deploy in the first direction D1 in addition to the second direction D2. In Figure 16In this case, a part of the first portion P10 and a part of the fourth portion P40 protrude from a part St131, St231 of the sheet portions St130, St230 in the first direction D1. A part of the second portion P20 and a part of the fifth portion P50 protrude from a part St131, St231 of the sheet portions St130, St230 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0095] Figure 17 FIG. is an explanatory view of the side airbag device 1 showing a state in which gas is further supplied into the airbag 100, the expansion of the airbag 100 in the second direction D2 is substantially completed, and the airbag 100 continues to expand in the first direction D1. In Figure 17 this case, the first portion P10 and the fourth portion P40 Figure 16 protrude further from a part St131, St231 of the sheet portions St130, St230 in the first direction D1 as compared with the state of Figure 16 . The second portion P20 and the fifth portion P50 protrude further from a part St131, St231 of the sheet portions St130, St230 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 as compared with the state of

[0096] Figure 18 FIG. is an explanatory view of the airbag 100 showing a state in which gas is further supplied into the airbag 100 and the airbag 100 is expanded to the maximum extent. The sheet portion St130 has an exhaust port 120. In the first direction D1, a part of the exhaust port 120 is located in the third portion P30, and the other part of the exhaust port 120 is located in the fifth portion P50. In the second direction D2, the exhaust port 120 is provided in another part St133 or St233 of the pair of wound sheet portions St130, St230. After the airbag 100 expands to the maximum extent due to the gas from the inflator 200, the gas is discharged from the exhaust port 120 and the airbag 100 gradually shrinks.

[0097] As Figures 14 to 18 shown, the folded airbag 100 expands in the following manner. That is, by using the gas supplied from the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 between the pair of sheet portions St130, St230, first, the corrugated portions St131, St231 are stretched, and the airbag 100 expands in the second direction D2 (see Figure 14 and Figure 15 ). Then, by using the gas filled between the pair of sheet portions St130, St230 constituting the third portion P30, the first portion P10 and the fourth portion P40 are pushed out in the first direction D1, and the airbag 100 expands in the first direction D1. Similarly, by pushing the second portion P20 and the fifth portion P50 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1, the airbag 100 also expands in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 (see Figures 16 to 18)。 And, the wound parts St133 and St233 are stretched, and the airbag 100 is deployed in the second direction D2 (see Figures 16 to 18 ).

[0098] Therefore, when the side airbag device 1 is arranged such that the direction Dbr in which the backrest BR of the seat CS of the vehicle extends from the seat surface SP coincides with the first direction D1, and the direction Dtr in which the body TR of the occupant OC is positioned with respect to the backrest BR coincides with the second direction D2, the airbag 100 is deployed in the following manner (see Figure 1 the left middle part of the middle section).

[0099] Figure 19 is an explanatory view showing the state of the airbag 100 during deployment. Figure 19 Indicates Figure 1 the state and Figure 2 the state of the airbag 100 between the states. During the deployment of the airbag 100, first, the airbag 100 is deployed in the direction Dtr in which the body TR of the occupant OC sitting on the seat CS is positioned with respect to the backrest BR of the seat CS (see Figure 15 and Figure 19 ). Then, the airbag 100 is deployed in the direction Dbr in which the backrest BR of the seat CS extends (see Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 2 ). Therefore, compared with the manner in which the airbag 100 is deployed in the direction Dtr in which the body TR is located after the deployment in the direction Dbr in which the backrest BR extends, for the side airbag device 1 of the present embodiment, the airbag 100 can be deployed in the direction Dtr in which the body TR of the occupant OC is located earlier (see Figure 15 and Figure 19 ). The side airbag device 1 of the present embodiment is particularly effective for a vehicle in which the distance between the occupant OC sitting on the seat CS and the side wall of the vehicle closest to the seat CS is small.

[0100] In the present embodiment, with respect to the airbag 100, in a state where the first portion P10 and the fourth portion P40 are substantially located between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 constituting the third portion P30, the airbag 100 is deployed in the direction Dtr in which the body TR is positioned with respect to the backrest BR (see Figure 15 ). Therefore, during the deployment of the airbag 100, the upper arm portion UA of the occupant OC can be pressed upward in such a manner that the posture changes from a posture of hanging downward along the body TR to a posture close to extending in the second direction D2 (see Figure 1 and Figure 19)。Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the door and the wall portion, which are deformed toward the vehicle interior due to an external impact, press the chest of the occupant OC by the upper arm portion UA of the occupant OC via the deployed airbag 100. In addition, it is possible to reduce the pressing force applied to the chest of the occupant OC from the outside. Further, when the airbag 100 is deployed, the side airbag device 1 is configured such that the airbag 100 contacts a portion in front of the elbow to press the upper arm portion UA upward, and is mounted on the vehicle seat CS (refer to Figure 19 ).

[0101] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first portion P10 and the fourth portion P40, and the second portion P20 and the fifth portion P50 are folded between a pair of sheet portions St130, St230 constituting the third portion P30 (refer to Figures 5 to 7 and Figure 15 ). Therefore, compared with the case where the first portion P10 and the fourth portion P40, and the second portion P20 and the fifth portion P50 are folded back to either side with respect to the pair of sheet portions St130, St230 constituting the third portion P30, the following effects can be obtained. That is, when the first portion P10 and the fourth portion P40, and the second portion P20 and the fifth portion P50 are deployed, they do not move further outside the already inflated third portion P30, but can be deployed in the first direction D1 or the direction opposite to the first direction D1. As a result, when deployed, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the first portion P10 and the fourth portion P40 contact other structures such as the side wall of the vehicle, resulting in a delay in deployment. The side airbag device 1 of the present embodiment is particularly effective for a vehicle in which the distance between the side airbag device 1 provided on the seat CS and the side wall of the vehicle closest to the seat CS is small.

[0102] Regarding the side airbag device 1 of the present embodiment, when viewed in the thickness direction D3 in a state where the pair of sheets St100, St200 are deployed in a planar shape, the size Dm1 of the airbag 100 in the first direction D1 is larger than the size Dm2 of the airbag 100 in the second direction D2 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0103] By forming such a structure, it is possible to achieve the upward pressing of the upper arm portion UA during the deployment in the second direction D2, and then, by deploying in the first direction D1, it is possible to protect the occupant OC sitting on the seat CS in a wide range (refer to Figure 1 , Figure 19 and Figure 2 ).

[0104] The vehicle of the present embodiment is also referred to as a "mobile body".

[0105] B. Other embodiments:

[0106] B1. Other embodiment 1:

[0107] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the backrest BR of the seat CS in which the supply-side airbag device 1 is provided has an independent skeleton (see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 19 ). However, the backrest BR of the seat CS in which the supply-side airbag device 1 is provided may be integrated with the wall portion of the moving body, or may share a structure for resisting external forces with the wall portion of the moving body.

[0108] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the airbag 100 is folded in such a manner that at least a part of the label TG10 is located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130, St230 (see Figures 5 to 7 ). However, the airbag 100 may also be folded in such a manner that the entire label TG10 is always located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130, St230. Similarly, the airbag 100 may also be folded in such a manner that the entire label TG20 is always located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130, St230.

[0109] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the airbag 100 is folded in such a manner that the first portion P10 is located between the pair of sheet portions St130, St230 that constitute the third portion P30 (see Figures 5 to 7 ). However, the airbag 100 may also be folded in a state where a part of the first portion P10 is located outside the pair of sheet portions St130, St230. Similarly, the airbag 100 may also be folded in such a manner that a part of the second portion P20 is located outside the pair of sheet portions St130, St230.

[0110] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the airbag 100 has a pair of sheets St100, St200 that are relatively arranged and joined to each other (see Figure 4 ). The pair of sheets that the airbag has may be two independent sheets, or may be two opposite portions of a single sheet folded into two parts. For example, the insertion port 110 may be provided at the crease portion of a single sheet folded into two parts (see Figure 4 , the left part in the middle section).

[0111] (5) In the above-described embodiment, three convex folds along the first direction D1 are performed on a part St131 of the sheet portion St130. Two concave folds along the first direction D1 are performed on a part St131 of the sheet portion St130 (see Figure 11 and Figure 12)。However, the number of convex folds of the airbag in the corrugated fold can be less than or equal to 2 times, or greater than or equal to 4 times. However, preferably, the respective creases of the concave folds are located between the creases of the convex folds.

[0112] (6) In the above embodiment, the airbag 100 is folded in such a manner that the second part P20 and the fifth part P50 are located between a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 constituting the third part P30 (refer to Figures 5 to 7 ). However, the airbag 100 can also be folded in a state where the second part P20 and the fifth part P50 are outside the pair of sheet parts St130, St230. In this way, the second part P20 and the fifth part P50 can be folded into a corrugated shape in a state outside the pair of sheet parts St130, St230.

[0113] (7) In the above embodiment, the airbag 100 is provided in the side airbag device 1. The side airbag device 1 is installed in the seat CS of the vehicle (refer to Figure 1 the central part in the middle section). The seat for installing the side airbag device can be a seat arranged in parallel with the door in the moving body, or a seat arranged in parallel with the part of the wall of the moving body where no door is provided.

[0114] (8) In the above embodiment, the airbag 100 is provided in the side airbag device 1. The side airbag device 1 deploys the airbag 100 between the occupant OC sitting on the seat CS of the vehicle and the side wall of the vehicle closest to the seat CS when the vehicle is impacted from the outside. However, the airbag of the present invention can also be an airbag that deploys between a pair of seats arranged in the moving body and in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction. That is, the airbag of the present invention can be provided in a distal side airbag device. In this way, the distal side airbag device can be provided on the side of at least one of the pair of seats arranged in parallel and is the side opposite to the side of the other seat.

[0115] (9) In the above embodiment, the side airbag device 1 is installed in the seat CS of the vehicle (refer to Figure 1 the central part in the middle section). However, the side airbag device 1 can also be provided, for example, in a moving body other than a vehicle such as a ship, an airplane, a train, a spaceship, a satellite, etc.

[0116] (10) In the above embodiment, in step S200, the inflator 200 is installed on the airbag 100. Then, in step S300, the airbag 100 is folded (refer to Figure 3 ). However, the inflator 200 can also be installed on the airbag 100 after the airbag 100 is folded.

[0117] (11) In the above-described embodiment, another part St133, St233 of the pair of sheet portions St130, St230 is wound up in such a manner that the sheet facing the wall portion of the vehicle closest to the side airbag device 1 is wound inside (see Figure 12 ). However, another part St133, St233 of the pair of sheet portions St130, St230 may also be wound up in such a manner that the sheet on the opposite side of the sheet facing the wall portion of the vehicle closest to the side airbag device 1 is wound inside. That is, it may be wound up in the clockwise direction when viewed along the first direction D1.

[0118] B2. Other Embodiment 2:

[0119] Regarding the side airbag device 1 of the above-described embodiment, the airbag 100 is folded in a state where another part St133, St233 of the pair of sheet portions St130, St230 is wound up (see Figure 12 and Figure 13 ). However, the side airbag device may also be configured such that it does not have a portion for winding up the airbag in a state where the airbag is folded. In this manner, the side airbag device may be arranged such that at least a part of the airbag is folded into a corrugated state in a state where the airbag is folded.

[0120] B3. Other Embodiment 3:

[0121] Regarding the side airbag device 1 of the above-described embodiment, a part P21 including the edge portion constituting the end in the second direction D2 in the first part P10 is folded in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 (see Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 ). A part P22 including the edge portion constituting the end in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 in the first part P10 is folded in the second direction D2. However, for the first part of the airbag, instead of folding it in the second direction D2, hemming may be performed between the pair of sheet portions St130, St230.

[0122] B4. Other Embodiment 4:

[0123] Regarding the side airbag device 1 of the above-described embodiment, the airbag 100 is folded in such a manner that at least a part of the label TG10 is located outside the overlapping pair of sheet portions St130, St230 (see Figures 5 to 7)。However, the side airbag device may not have such a label. In this way, for example, the airbag 100 may be folded in such a manner that a part of the first portion P10 is located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130, St230. Additionally, the airbag 100 may be folded in such a manner that the label and a part of the first portion P10 are not located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130, St230.

[0124] B5. Other Embodiment 5:

[0125] Regarding the side airbag device 1 of the above-described embodiment, the dimension Dm1 in the first direction D1 of the airbag 100 is greater than the dimension Dm2 in the second direction D2 of the airbag 100 (refer to Figure 4 ). However, the dimension Dm1 in the first direction D1 of the airbag 100 may also be smaller than the dimension Dm2 in the second direction D2 of the airbag 100, or may be equal to the dimension Dm2 in the second direction D2 of the airbag 100.

[0126] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its gist. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the aspects described in the Summary of the Invention can be appropriately replaced and combined in order to solve part or all of the above problems or to achieve part or all of the above effects. Additionally, if the technical feature is not described as an essential matter in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0127] Description of Reference Numerals

[0128] 1…Side airbag device, 100…Airbag, 110…Insertion port, 120…Exhaust port, 200…Inflator, 220…Supply port, 300…Storage bag, BR…Backrest, CS…Seat, D1…First direction, D2…Second direction, D3…Third direction, Dbr…Direction in which the backrest of the seat extends from the seat surface, Dtr…Direction of the body of the occupant sitting on the seat relative to the backrest, Dm1…Dimension of the airbag in the first direction, Dm2…Dimension of the airbag in the second direction, FT…Strap, Fm…Fold line of convex fold, Fv…Fold line of concave fold, HD…Head, LG…Leg, OC…Occupant, P10…First part, P20…Second part, P21…Part of the edge part including the end part constituting the second direction in the first part, P22…Part of the edge part including the end part constituting the opposite direction of the second direction in the first part, P30…Third part, P40…Fourth part, P50…Fifth part, SP…Seat surface part, St100…Sheet, St130…Sheet part, St131…Part of the sheet part, St132…Another part of the sheet part, St133…Yet another part of the sheet part, St200…Sheet, St230…Sheet part, St231…Part of the sheet part, St232…Another part of the sheet part, St233…Yet another part of the sheet part, T11…One end of the sheet in the first direction, T12…The other end of the sheet in the first direction, TG10…Label, TG20…Label, TR…Body, UA…Upper arm part

Claims

1. A side airbag device, wherein: The side airbag device comprises: an airbag having a pair of sheets disposed opposite to and joined to each other and being folded; and an inflator having a supply port for delivering gas, and supplying gas into the airbag, When the airbag is viewed along the thickness direction of the pair of sheets in a state where the pair of sheets are deployed in a planar shape, the airbag has: a first portion including one end of the sheet in a first direction; a second portion including the other end of the sheet in the first direction; a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion in the first direction; and a fourth portion located between the first portion and the third portion in the first direction, The airbag is (i) folded in such a manner that at least a portion of the first portion and the fourth portion are located between a pair of sheet portions that are part of the pair of sheets and constitute the third portion, and (ii) folded in such a manner that a portion of the pair of sheet portions that are arranged across the at least a portion of the first portion and the fourth portion are folded together with the at least a portion of the first portion and the fourth portion in a corrugated state in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The supply port is disposed between the other portion of the pair of sheet portions.

2. The side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of sheet portions has a further portion, When the pair of sheets are viewed along the thickness direction in a state where the pair of sheets are flattened, the other portion, the one portion, and the further portion are arranged in the above order in the second direction, The airbag is folded in a state where the further portion is rolled up.

3. The side airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A portion of the airbag including an edge portion constituting an end portion in the second direction in the first portion is folded in a direction opposite to the second direction.

4. The side airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The airbag has a label installed at the first portion and protruding in the first direction, The airbag is folded in a state where the one end of the sheet in the first direction is located between the pair of sheet portions constituting the third site and at least a portion of the label is located outside the pair of sheet portions.

5. The side airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When viewed in the thickness direction in a state where the pair of sheets are flattened, a dimension of the airbag in the first direction is larger than a dimension of the airbag in the second direction.

6. A method for folding an airbag, which is a method for folding an airbag equipped in a side airbag device, wherein: The airbag has a pair of sheets arranged opposite to each other and joined to each other. When the airbag is viewed along the thickness direction of the pair of sheets in a state where the pair of sheets are deployed in a planar shape, the airbag has: A first portion including one end of the sheet in a first direction; a second portion including the other end of the sheet in the first direction; a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion in the first direction; and a fourth portion located between the first portion and the third portion in the first direction, The method comprises the following steps: (i) folding the airbag in such a manner that at least a portion of the first portion and the fourth portion are located between a pair of sheet portions that are part of the pair of sheets and constitute the third portion; and (ii) A step of folding a portion of the pair of sheet portions disposed across the at least a portion of the first portion and the fourth portion in a corrugated shape together with the at least a portion of the first portion and the fourth portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The airbag folding method according to claim 6, wherein: The airbag has a label installed at the first portion and protruding in the first direction, The step (i) comprises the following steps: A step of folding the airbag in such a manner that the one end of the sheet in the first direction is located between the pair of sheet portions constituting the third portion and at least a portion of the label is located outside the pair of sheet portions; as well as A step of adjusting the position of the first portion located between the pair of sheet portions based on the position and amount of the at least a portion of the label located outside the pair of sheet portions.

Images