Curtain airbag device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of suppressing the man-hour of a step for inserting an inflator into an insertion opening of an airbag. This curtain airbag device for a moving body is provided with: an airbag which is inflated and deployed by being supplied with inflation gas from an inflator, and which has an insertion opening into which the inflator is inserted; and a reinforcing section that reinforces the insertion opening so as to maintain the opening state of the insertion opening in the cylindrical shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a curtain airbag device. Background Art

[0002] Regarding a curtain airbag device for a mobile body, Patent Document 1 discloses that an inflator is inserted into an insertion opening formed of a base fabric of an airbag.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-232664 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the process of inserting the inflator into the airbag, it is necessary to enlarge the insertion opening so that the inflator can be inserted, and then insert the inflator into the enlarged insertion opening. As a result, the insertion process requires more man-hours.

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

[0006] (1) According to one embodiment of the present invention, a curtain airbag device for a mobile object is provided. The curtain airbag device includes an airbag that is inflated and deployed by supplying inflation gas from an inflator, the airbag having an insertion port into which the inflator is inserted, and a reinforcement portion that reinforces the insertion port so as to maintain the insertion port in a cylindrically opened state.

[0007] According to this aspect, the reinforcing portion maintains the open state, and thus the man-hours required for the insertion step of inserting the inflator into the insertion port can be reduced.

[0008] (2) In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, the reinforcing portion may be formed of an annular member, at least a portion of which is disposed within the insertion port. This embodiment allows the annular member to more appropriately maintain the opening, thereby effectively reducing the time required for the insertion process.

[0009] (3) Based on the above-described method, the annular component may include a first annular portion and a second annular portion connected to the first annular portion in the axial direction of the annular component, wherein the first annular portion is disposed inside the airbag via the insertion port, and the second annular portion is disposed outside the airbag. According to this method, the annular component can be easily inserted into the insertion port by inserting the first annular portion into the airbag through the insertion port while holding the second annular portion. Therefore, the process of inserting the annular component into the insertion port can be simplified.

[0010] (4) In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, a recess may be provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the second annular portion. According to this embodiment, the second annular portion can be gripped by the recess during the step of inserting the annular member into the insertion port, thereby improving workability.

[0011] (5) In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, the second annular portion may be formed to have a polygonal shape when viewed in the axial direction. According to this embodiment, the second annular portion can be easily and stably grasped, and the workability of the process of inserting the annular member into the insertion port can be improved.

[0012] (6) In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, the annular member may be formed into a ring having two ends. According to this embodiment, the annular member can be more easily arranged in the insertion port.

[0013] (7) In the above embodiment, the reinforcing portion may be formed of a plurality of overlapping base fabric layers. This embodiment allows the reinforcing portion to be formed more simply.

[0014] (8) In addition to the above-described embodiment, the reinforcing portion may be provided at the mouth of the airbag, including the front end on the insertion port side, and the number of base fabric layers at the mouth is greater than the number of base fabric layers at a portion of the airbag other than the mouth. This embodiment allows for more effective reinforcement of the insertion port and allows for a more space-saving configuration of the portion of the airbag other than the mouth.

[0015] (9) In the above embodiment, the reinforcing portion may include a layer of a base fabric made of recycled resin. According to this embodiment, the base fabric made of recycled resin can be effectively utilized.

[0016] (10) In the above embodiment, the airbag may include a layer of cured resin base fabric. This embodiment allows the reinforcement portion to be constructed in a more space-saving manner.

[0017] In addition to the above-described embodiment of the curtain airbag device, the present invention can be implemented in various embodiments such as a method for manufacturing the curtain airbag device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram of the curtain airbag device for a mobile object according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This figure shows the vicinity of the main body entrance.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the schematic structure of the inner container.

[0021] Figure 4This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the bladder relative to the airbag body.

[0022] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing the vicinity of the receiving portion according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a front view showing the vicinity of the receiving portion according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a first perspective view schematically showing the structure of the annular member.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a second perspective view schematically showing the structure of the annular member.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the preparatory process.

[0027] Figure 10 It is a flowchart of the insertion process.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an intake unit according to a second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram of the inner container according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram of the receiving unit of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] A. First embodiment:

[0032] Figure 1 1 is an explanatory diagram of a curtain airbag device 100 for a mobile object according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 1 shows the right side of a pair of left and right curtain airbag devices 100 installed in a vehicle 200 as a mobile object. "Left and right" in this embodiment refers to left and right when viewing the vehicle 200 from the rear toward the front. The left-right direction in this embodiment corresponds to the vehicle width direction.

[0033] The curtain airbag device 100 includes an airbag 105, an inflator 130, and a reinforcement portion 160. The airbag 105 includes a receiving portion 150 including an insertion port 190.

[0034] The front end portion 131 of the inflator 130 is inserted into the insertion port 190 .

[0035] The airbag 105 is inflated and deployed when the inflator 130 supplies inflation gas when the curtain airbag device 100 is in operation. The deployed state of the airbag 105 is also referred to as the deployed state. In addition, hereinafter, "when the curtain airbag device 100 is in operation" is also referred to as "when in operation". The airbag 105 is in a folded state when the curtain airbag device 100 is not in operation. The folded state refers to the state in which the airbag 105 is not deployed but folded. Figure 1 FIG shows an airbag 105f in a folded state and an airbag 105t in an unfolded state. Figure 1 As shown by arrow Af, the airbag 105 is rolled up from the deployed state, including a portion of the lower end, and folded into a staggered shape the other portion including the upper end, thereby achieving a folded state.

[0036] The receiving portion 150 serves as an inlet for inflation gas to enter the airbag 105, receiving inflation gas from the inflator 130. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 150 is composed of the main body inlet 111 and the liner inlet 121, which will be described later. Hereinafter, the side of the airbag 105 closer to the insertion opening 190 will be referred to as the "front side," and the side farther from the insertion opening 190 will be referred to as the "interior side."

[0037] The airbag 105 of this embodiment includes an airbag main body 110 and an inner liner 120. The airbag main body 110 is a part that is inflated and deployed by the supplied inflation gas during operation, thereby performing the function of protecting the protected object. The deployed state of this embodiment corresponds to the deployed state of the airbag main body 110. In addition, the folded state of this embodiment corresponds to the folded state of the airbag main body 110. The airbag main body 110 has a bag-like structure, that is, it has an approximately rectangular shape. In this embodiment, the airbag main body 110 is formed by the so-called one-piece weaving method (One-Piece-Woven: OPW), and is composed of an integrated bag body woven by an automatic loom. The airbag main body 110 is formed of a base fabric made of polyethylene terephthalate. In addition, in other embodiments, the airbag main body 110 can be formed by a method different from OPW, for example, it can be formed by overlapping and sewing multiple pieces of cloth.

[0038] The airbag body 110 has a main body entrance portion 111. The main body entrance portion 111 is a cylindrical portion protruding toward the rear and upward on the upper side of the airbag body 110 having an approximately rectangular shape. The main body entrance portion 111 is a part of the airbag body 110, and a part of the cloth constituting the airbag body 110 is formed into a cylindrical shape. A main body opening 112 is formed at the front end of the main body entrance portion 111. The front end portion 131 of the inflator 130 is inserted into the main body opening 112. The above-mentioned "near front side" corresponds to the side of the airbag body 110 that is closer to the main body opening 112. In addition, the "inside" corresponds to the side of the airbag body 110 that is farther away from the main body opening 112.

[0039] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the vicinity of the main body inlet portion 111 in the airbag main body 110. Figure 2 As shown, a hole HL3 is provided at the front end portion of the main body inlet portion 111. The hole HL3 penetrates the front end portion of the main body inlet portion 111 in the thickness direction of the airbag body 110. In addition, two holes HL3 are provided at the front end portion of the main body inlet portion 111 in a manner connected in the thickness direction of the airbag body 110. In addition, the airbag body 110 has a fixing portion 159. The fixing portion 159 is provided near the main body inlet portion 111. When viewed in the thickness direction of the airbag body 110, the fixing portion 159 extends from the main body inlet portion 111 in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the main body inlet portion 111. A hole HL4 is provided in the fixing portion 159.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the schematic structure of the inner liner 120. The inner liner 120 controls the flow of the inflation gas of the airbag 105 near the receiving portion 150. The inner liner 120 is cylindrical and branches into two branches in the middle. The inner liner 120 has an inner liner inlet portion 121, a first outlet portion 122, and a second outlet portion 123. The first outlet portion 122 and the second outlet portion 123 are respectively portions branching from the inner liner inlet portion 121. An inner liner opening 129 is provided at the front end portion of the inner liner inlet portion 121. At least a portion of the inner liner 120 is disposed in the airbag body 110. The configuration of the inner liner 120 relative to the airbag body 110 will be described in detail later.

[0041] In this embodiment, the liner 120 is formed by a base fabric made of polyethylene terephthalate. The liner 120 is formed by sewing layers of the base fabric that are folded and overlapped appropriately. When sewing the liner 120, first, Figure 3 The folded portion Fp shown folds the base fabric used to form the inner liner 120 into two parts. Figure 3 As shown, the folded portion Fp constitutes the shoulder portion of the base fabric folded back in the liner 120. Next, the folded and overlapped layers of the base fabric are sewn together in such a manner as to form the various parts of the liner 120, such as the liner inlet 121, the first outlet 122, and the second outlet 123. As a result, the liner 120 has a substantially symmetrical shape when viewed from the first surface Sr1 side of the liner 120 and when viewed from the second surface Sr2 side opposite to the first surface Sr1. Figure 3 Schematically shows the sewn portion Sw formed on the inner liner 120 by such sewing.

[0042] The inner container entrance portion 121 of this embodiment has a collar portion 125 and an overlapping portion 127. The collar portion 125 is a collar-shaped portion provided at the front end of the inner container entrance portion 121. Figure 3 As shown, the collar portion 125 is folded back toward the second outlet portion 123. The folded collar portion 125 has a collar shape that covers the front end portion of the liner inlet portion 121 in a manner that covers the first surface Sr1 side and the second surface Sr2 side of the liner inlet portion 121. Figure 3 The dotted line schematically shows the flap portion 125p before folding back. The overlapping portion 127 is the portion where the flap portion 125 overlaps the inner container 120 in the thickness direction after folding back. The overlapping portion 127 extends over both the first surface Sr1 and the second surface Sr2 of the inner container inlet 121.

[0043] The collar portion 125 has a hole HL1 that passes through the collar portion 125 in the thickness direction. The overlapping portion 127 has a hole HL2 that passes through the overlapping portion 127 in the thickness direction of the inner liner 120. The hole HL1 of the collar portion 125 and the hole HL2 of the overlapping portion 127 after folding back are arranged to be connected in the thickness direction of the inner liner 120. In addition, for the convenience of illustration, Figure 3 Only the holes HL1 and HL2 provided on the first surface Sr1 side of the liner 120 are shown, but the holes HL1 and HL2 are also provided on the second surface Sr2 side. In the curtain airbag device 100, the thickness direction of the liner 120 is the same as the thickness direction of the airbag 105 and the thickness direction of the airbag body 110.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the liner 120 with respect to the airbag body 110 .

[0045] exist Figure 4 FIG shows the vicinity of the receiving portion 150 in the airbag 105. Figure 4 3 shows the airbag 105 in a state where the inflator 130 and the annular member 170 as the reinforcement portion 160 described later are not provided.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the first outlet portion 122 and the second outlet portion 123 are arranged in the airbag body 110. The inner liner inlet portion 121 is arranged so that the front end portion of the inner liner inlet portion 121 is located at approximately the same position as the front end portion of the main body inlet portion 111. In this embodiment, the inner liner inlet portion 121 is arranged so that the front end portion of the inner liner inlet portion 121 slightly protrudes outward from the airbag body 110 through the main body opening 112. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown, the overlapping portion 127 of the liner 120 is arranged within the main body inlet 111 so as to overlap the front end of the main body inlet 111. The flap 125 is folded back so that the front end of the main body inlet 111 and the overlapping portion 127 arranged within the main body inlet 111 overlap. Thus, when the flap 125 is folded back, the holes HL1, HL2, and HL3 are connected in the thickness direction of the airbag 105. Specifically, the two holes HL1, the two holes HL2, and the two holes HL3 are connected in the thickness direction of the airbag 105.

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the insertion port 190 is formed by the main body opening 112 of the airbag main body 110 and the liner opening 129 of the liner 120. According to this structure, in this embodiment, the front end portion 131 of the inflator 130 is inserted into the main body opening 112 by being inserted into the liner opening 129. As a result, the front end portion 131 is inserted into the insertion port 190. The inflation gas ejected from the inflator 130 inserted into the insertion port 190 is supplied into the airbag main body 110 along the liner inlet portion 121, and then flows toward the inner side of the airbag main body 110 along the first outlet portion 122 or the second outlet portion 123.

[0048] Figure 1 The inflator 130 shown has the function of inflating the airbag body 110. The inflator 130 has a substantially cylindrical shape and receives a signal from a control unit (not shown) of the vehicle 200 and ejects inflation gas from a front end portion 131.

[0049] Figure 5 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the vicinity of the receiving portion 150 in the curtain airbag device 100. Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the inflator 130 is fixed to the vehicle body 201 of the vehicle 200 using a bracket 141 and a bracket 142. In addition, in this embodiment, the front end portion 131 of the inflator 130 is fixed to the airbag 105 using the bracket 141. The bracket 141 has a bracket body 141a and a binding portion 141b. The binding portion 141b is configured as a clamping member in the shape of a strap. The binding portion 141b is wrapped around the outside of the receiving portion 150 to bind and fix the main body inlet portion 111, the bracket body 141a, the liner inlet portion 121, and the front end portion 131. The binding portion 141b ensures airtightness between the inflator 130 and the airbag 105 to the extent that the airbag 105 can be properly inflated and deployed using the inflation gas. The bracket body 141a is fixed to the vehicle body 201 via fasteners such as screws and bolts (not shown). The bracket 142 has the same structure as the bracket 141 , is bundled with the rear end portion of the inflator 130 different from the front end portion 131 , and is fixed to the vehicle body 201 via a fixing member.

[0050] Figure 6 1 is a front view showing the vicinity of the receiving portion 150 in the curtain airbag device 100. Figure 6 3 shows the receiving portion 150 in a state where the inflator 130 is not arranged.

[0051] like Figure 1 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a reinforcement portion 160 is provided at the insertion port 190. In this embodiment, the reinforcement portion 160 is composed of an annular member 170. The reinforcement portion 160 reinforces the insertion port 190 in a manner that maintains the opening state of the insertion port 190. The "open state" refers to the state in which the insertion port 190 is open in a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the reinforcement portion 160 maintains the opening state of the insertion port 190 when the inflator 130 is not inserted into the insertion port 190 and no external force is applied to the insertion port 190. The "cylindrical shape" includes various cylindrical shapes such as a circular cylinder and a square cylinder.

[0052] The size of the opening of the insertion port 190, which is maintained open by the reinforcement portion 160, is preferably such that the front end portion 131 of the inflator 130 can be smoothly inserted into the insertion port 190. Specifically, for example, the opening diameter of the insertion port 190, which is maintained open by the reinforcement portion 160, is preferably greater than or equal to the maximum diameter d1 of the front end portion 131. The opening diameter of the insertion port 190 refers to the diameter of the narrowest portion of the insertion port 190 when viewed in the direction of the axis AX2. The "maximum diameter of the front end portion" refers to the diameter of the thickest portion of the front end portion 131 in the direction of the axis AX2.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a first perspective view schematically showing the structure of the annular member 170 . Figure 8This is a second perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of annular member 170. Annular member 170 is made of an olefin elastomer (TPO). In other embodiments, annular member 170 is not limited to TPO and may be made of various materials, such as various resin materials such as ABS resin and polypropylene (PP), or various metals.

[0054] In this embodiment, the annular member 170 includes a first annular portion 171 and a second annular portion 172 in the direction of the axis AX1 of the annular member 170. The second annular portion 172 is connected to the first annular portion 171 in the direction of the axis AX1. At least a portion of the annular member 170 is disposed in the insertion port 190. Specifically, Figure 6 As shown, the first annular portion 171 is disposed within the airbag 105 via the insertion port 190. More specifically, the first annular portion 171 is disposed within the liner 120 within the airbag body 110 via the body opening 112 and the liner opening 129. The second annular portion 172 is disposed outside the airbag 105. Specifically, the annular member 170 is disposed such that the front end of the second annular portion 172 protrudes outward from the airbag 105 via the insertion port 190.

[0055] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, in the present embodiment, the annular component 170 is annular with two ends. Specifically, the annular component 170 is not a complete ring when viewed in the direction of the axis AX1, but is C-shaped. That is, the annular component 170 has two ends 170a when viewed in the direction of the axis AX1, and the annular component 170 is interrupted at each end 170a. In this way, in the present invention, "annular" includes not only a continuous ring, but also an annular with two ends. "Annular with two ends" includes: an annular shape (for example, a semicircular shape) with both ends extending in the same direction; an annular shape that intersects with the other end when one end is extended; and an annular shape that intersects with each other's ends when each end is extended. In the present embodiment, each end 170a is configured so that the end faces of each end 170a are opposite to each other.

[0056] In this embodiment, the second annular portion 172 has a polygonal outer shape when viewed in the direction of axis AX1. Specifically, the second annular portion 172 has an octagonal outer shape when viewed in the direction of axis AX1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the maximum diameter of the outer shape of the second annular portion 172 is greater than the maximum diameter of the outer shape of the first annular portion 171.

[0057] In this embodiment, a recess 174 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 173 of the second annular portion 172. A "recess" is a portion of the outer surface of the side wall 173 that is recessed inward toward the axis AX1, and includes both bottomed and bottomless recesses. A "bottomless recess" corresponds to a through-hole extending through the side wall 173 in the thickness direction. The recess 174 is configured as a through-hole.

[0058] In this embodiment, six recesses 174 are provided on the outer surface of the side wall 173. In addition, one recess 174 and the other recesses 174 are arranged to face each other. Specifically, Figure 7 As shown, sidewall 173 has sidewalls 173a, 173b, 173c, 173d, 173e, 173f, and 173g, corresponding to the seven sides of the octagonal shape. A recess 174 is provided in each of sidewalls 173a through 173f. Sidewalls 173a and 173d each have end 170a. Sidewall 173b is adjacent to sidewall 173a. Sidewall 173c is adjacent to sidewall 173b and faces sidewall 173d. Sidewall 173e is adjacent to sidewall 173d and faces sidewall 173c. Sidewall 173f is adjacent to sidewall 173e and faces sidewall 173a. Sidewall 173g is located farthest from the two ends 170a of the seven sidewalls and is adjacent to sidewalls 173c and 173f. It can be said that the side wall 173g is arranged to face the interrupted portion in the side wall of the second annular portion 172. Figures 5 to 7 In the figures, only a part of the six recesses 174 is shown.

[0059] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the annular member 170 of this embodiment has a protrusion 179. Figure 5 178 is shown in FIG. 179 , which deforms the protrusion 179 into a plug shape. The protrusion 179 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the annular member 170 and protrudes toward the outside of the annular member 170, that is, toward the opposite side of the axis AX1. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, two protrusions 179 are provided on the side wall of the first annular portion 171. Each protrusion 179 is provided at a position corresponding to the side wall 173b and a position corresponding to the side wall 173e, and protrudes in opposite directions. Each protrusion 179 is used to connect the annular component 170 to the airbag body 110 and the inner liner 120. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion 179 is inserted into the hole HL1, the hole HL2 and the hole HL3 so that the annular member 170 is connected to the airbag body 110 and the liner 120. Figure 6As shown, the fixing portion 159 of the airbag body 110 is also fixed to one of the protruding portions 179. Specifically, one protruding portion 179 is inserted into the hole HL4 of the fixing portion 159 in addition to the holes HL1, HL2, and HL3. The fixing portion 159 is folded back to cover the flap portion 125 overlapping the front end of the main body inlet portion 111 and fixed to the protruding portion 179. Then, the protruding portion 179 is deformed into a plug shape by friction heat caused by vibration or heat caused by a heater, thereby forming a Figure 5 The plug portion 178 is shown. The plug portion 178 connects the airbag body 110 and the liner 120 to the annular member 170 and prevents the annular member 170 from being separated from the airbag body 110 and the liner 120.

[0060] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the preliminary process. The preliminary process is a process for configuring the annular member 170 serving as the reinforcement portion 160. The preliminary process is performed before the insertion process. The insertion process is a process for inserting the inflator 130 into the insertion opening 190. The preliminary process and the insertion process each correspond to at least a portion of the method for manufacturing the curtain airbag device 100 of this embodiment. The insertion process will be described in detail later.

[0061] In step S100, the airbag body 110, the inner liner 120, and the annular member 170 are prepared. In step S110, the inner liner 120 is inserted into the airbag body 110. Specifically, in step S110, the inner liner 120 is inserted into the airbag body 110 in such a manner that the first outlet 122 and the second outlet 123 are arranged in the airbag body 110 and the flap portion 125p protrudes outward from the airbag body 110 through the body opening 112. In step S120, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 By executing steps S110 and S120 , the liner 120 is set in the airbag body 110 , and the insertion port 190 is formed by the body opening 112 and the liner opening 129 .

[0062] In step S130, the annular member 170 is inserted into the insertion port 190. Specifically, the first annular portion 171 of the annular member 170 is inserted into the liner opening 129 of the liner 120, and the protrusions 179 are inserted through the holes HL1, HL2, and HL3, thereby causing the protrusions 179 to protrude from the interior of the airbag 105 to the exterior through the holes HL1, HL2, and HL3. The process of inserting the annular member 170 into the insertion port 190 as in step S130 is also referred to as a preliminary insertion process.

[0063] In step S140, the fixing portion 159 is fixed to the protruding portion 179. Specifically, in step S140, as shown in FIG. Figure 6As shown, the fixing portion 159 is folded back so as to cover the collar portion 125, and the protrusion 179 is inserted into the hole HL4 provided in the fixing portion 159. Then, as described above, the protrusion 179 is deformed to form the plug portion 178.

[0064] Figure 10 1 is a flow chart of the insertion process. In step S200, the airbag 105, the inflator 130, and the brackets 141 and 142 are prepared in an open state. Specifically, in step S200 of this embodiment, as the airbag 105, Figure 9 The airbag 105 is in a state where step S130 is completed. In step S210, the inflator 130 is inserted into the insertion port 190 reinforced by the annular member 170 as the reinforcement portion 160. Then, the brackets 141 and 142 are fastened to the inflator 130.

[0065] According to the curtain airbag device 100 of the present embodiment described above, the insertion port 190 is reinforced by the reinforcement portion 160 in a manner that maintains the opening state, thereby reducing the man-hours of the insertion process. For example, in other embodiments where the reinforcement portion 160 is not provided and the insertion process is performed manually, it is necessary to expand the insertion port 190 while inserting the heavier component, i.e., the inflator 130, into the expanded insertion port 190. In addition, for example, in other embodiments where the reinforcement portion 160 is not provided, when the insertion process is not performed by the operator's hands, in order to expand the insertion port 190 using a device such as a robot or an operating machine, relatively complex motion control is required. In contrast, in the present embodiment, as Figure 10 As shown, during the insertion process, the inflator 130 only needs to be inserted into the insertion port 190 reinforced by the reinforcement portion 160. Therefore, regardless of whether the insertion process is performed manually or without the operator's hands, the man-hours required for the insertion process can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, reinforcement portion 160 is formed of an annular member 170, at least a portion of which is disposed within insertion port 190. Thus, annular member 170, serving as reinforcement portion 160, appropriately maintains the opening. Specifically, for example, compared to a case where annular member 170 is disposed outside insertion port 190 so as to surround the insertion port 190, it is easier to restrict the closure of insertion port 190 using annular member 170. Consequently, the time required for the insertion process can be effectively reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first annular portion 171 of the annular component 170 is positioned within the airbag 105 via the insertion port 190, while the second annular portion 172 is positioned outside the airbag 105. Consequently, the annular component 170 can be easily inserted into the airbag 105 by inserting the first annular portion 171 through the insertion port 190 while holding the second annular portion 172. Consequently, the preliminary insertion process can be simplified. In particular, in this embodiment, the maximum diameter of the outer shape of the second annular portion 172 is larger than the maximum diameter of the outer shape of the first annular portion 171, making it easy to insert only the first annular portion 171 into the airbag 105.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, recess 174 is provided on the outer surface of side wall 173 of second annular portion 172. Therefore, during the preliminary insertion process, recess 174 can be used to grip second annular portion 172. For example, an operator's finger or the tip of a robot's end element can be hooked into recess 174 to grip second annular portion 172. This improves the operability of the preliminary insertion process. In particular, in this embodiment, one recess 174 faces another recess 174, making it easy to grip second annular portion 172 from the outside using each recess 174. This further improves the operability of the preliminary insertion process.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second annular portion 172 has a polygonal outer shape when viewed in the direction of the axis AX1. This makes it easier to stably grasp the second annular portion 172 than in a case where the second annular portion 172 has a curved outer shape such as a circle or an ellipse. As a result, the workability of the preliminary insertion step can be improved.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the annular member 170 is annular with two ends. Consequently, during the preliminary insertion step, the annular member 170 is temporarily deformed so that the ends 170a of the annular member 170 are brought into proximity with each other, allowing the annular member 170 to be inserted into the insertion opening 190. Therefore, for example, compared to a configuration in which the annular member 170 is annular without two ends, the annular member 170 can be more easily positioned within the insertion opening 190. Furthermore, after the front end 131 of the inflator 130 is inserted into the insertion opening 190, a pin for filling the inflator 130 with inflation gas, for example, can be easily inserted into the insertion opening 190 via the gap between the ends 170a. Therefore, even if the inflation gas filling port is provided at the front end 131, the inflator 130 inserted into the insertion opening 190 can be easily filled with inflation gas.

[0071] B. Second embodiment:

[0072] Figure 11 This diagram schematically illustrates the structure of the receiving portion 150b of the second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment does not include an annular member 170 at the insertion opening 190 of the receiving portion 150b. Furthermore, the reinforcing portion 160b is not comprised of the annular member 170, but rather of multiple overlapping base fabric layers. Hereinafter, these base fabric layers will also be referred to as base fabric layers. The structure of the curtain airbag device 100 of the second embodiment, except in particular, is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0073] The reinforcement portion 160b is provided at the mouth portion 106 of the airbag 105b. The mouth portion 106 is a portion of the airbag 105b including the front end on the side of the insertion port 190. In the present embodiment, the mouth portion 106 is composed of the main body front end portion 113 of the airbag main body 110 and the liner front end portion 126 of the liner 120b. The main body front end portion 113 is a portion of the receiving portion 150 of the airbag main body 110 including the front end on the side of the main body opening 112. The liner front end portion 126 is a portion of the liner inlet portion 121b including the front end on the side of the liner opening 129. In Figure 11 In the figure, the range where the reinforcement portion 160b is provided is schematically indicated by hatching.

[0074] Figure 12 1 is an explanatory diagram of the inner container 120b of the second embodiment. Figure 12 The inner liner 120b and the inner liner 120bp before sewing are shown in FIG. The inner liner 120bp before sewing is constituted as a base fabric for forming the inner liner 120b. Figure 12 As shown in the lower section of the figure, a reinforcement layer 161 is disposed at the front end portion 126 of the liner, overlapping the base fabric layer that forms the entire liner 120b. Reinforcement layer 161 comprises one or more base fabric layers. In this embodiment, reinforcement layer 161 is sewn to the base fabric at the front end portion 126 of the liner and disposed on the inner side of the front end portion 126. The term "inner side" here refers to the radially inner side of the front end portion 126 of the liner.

[0075] Next, the process of forming the reinforcing layer 161 of this embodiment will be described. The process of forming the reinforcing layer 161 corresponds to at least a part of the method of manufacturing the curtain airbag device 100 of the second embodiment. In the process of forming the reinforcing layer 161, first, as shown in FIG. Figure 12As shown in the upper section, more than or equal to one reinforcing base fabric 161p used to form the reinforcing layer 161 overlaps with the front end forming portion 126p. The front end forming portion 126p is the portion of the front liner 120bp before sewing that forms the front end portion 126 of the liner 120b. Next, the reinforcing base fabric 161p overlapping with the front end forming portion 126p is sewn to the front end forming portion 126p. Then, the front liner 120bp before sewing to which the reinforcing base fabric 161p is sewn is folded into two parts at the folding portion Fp, and the base fabric layers of the folded front liner 120bp before sewing are sewn to each other. As a result, the liner 120b is formed by sewing the reinforcing layer 161 to the inner side of the front end portion 126 of the liner. In addition, at Figure 12 In FIG. 1 , the range where the reinforcing layer 161 is provided and the range where the reinforcing base fabric 161 p is provided are respectively indicated by hatching.

[0076] In this embodiment, the reinforcing base fabric 161p is made of recycled base fabric. Consequently, the reinforcing layer 161 and the reinforcing portion 160b of this embodiment include a recycled base fabric layer. Recycled base fabric is a base fabric formed from fibrous recycled resin. Specifically, the recycled base fabric is formed by weaving fibrous recycled resin. Recycled resin is a regenerated resin material. For example, recycled resin can be prepared by reusing resin base fabric or by reusing various resin products such as containers.

[0077] In this embodiment, Figure 11 The number of base fabric layers of the mouth portion 106 shown is greater than the number of base fabric layers of the portion of the airbag 105 other than the mouth portion 106. Specifically, the mouth portion 106 includes: a base fabric layer forming the entire airbag body 110; a base fabric layer forming the entire liner 120; and a reinforcing layer 161. On the other hand, for example, Figure 11 The illustrated base portion 107 does not include the reinforcing layer 161. The base portion 107 is a portion of the airbag 105 that is distinct from the mouth portion 106 and is the portion of the airbag 105 that does not include the front end on the side of the insertion port 190. As a result, the mouth portion 106 has a greater number of base fabric layers than the base portion 107.

[0078] According to the curtain airbag device 100 of the second embodiment described above, the reinforcement portion 160b is formed of a plurality of overlapping base fabric layers. Therefore, the reinforcement portion 160b can be formed more simply.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of base fabric layers in the reinforcement portion 160b is greater than the number of base fabric layers in the base portion 107. Therefore, the reinforcement portion 160b can more effectively reinforce the insertion opening 190, while suppressing an increase in the thickness of the base portion 107. Furthermore, the flexibility of the base portion 107 can be suppressed from decreasing due to an increase in thickness. As a result, for example, compared to a configuration where the number of base fabric layers in the base portion 107 is equal to or greater than the number of base fabric layers in the reinforcement portion 160b, the airbag 105 can be inflated and deployed more smoothly, and the stowability of the folded airbag 105 can be improved. Furthermore, compared to a configuration where the number of base fabric layers in the base portion 107 is equal to or greater than the number of base fabric layers in the reinforcement portion 160b, a reduction in base fabric can be achieved.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reinforcement portion 160b includes a recycled base fabric layer. The durability of recycled base fabric formed from recycled resin can sometimes be lower than the durability of base fabric not made from recycled resin, i.e., non-recycled base fabric, due to factors such as modification during resin material regeneration and the incorporation of impurities. In this embodiment, recycled base fabric is used as the reinforcement portion 160b, which does not directly affect the protective performance of the airbag 105. This allows for efficient use of the recycled base fabric.

[0081] C. 3rd embodiment:

[0082] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram of the receiving portion 150c of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the reinforcement portion 160c includes a cured base fabric layer. The cured base fabric layer is a layer of cured resinous base fabric. In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the reinforcement portion 160c is provided at the mouth 106c of the airbag 105c. However, unlike the second embodiment, the reinforcement layer 161 is not provided at the mouth 106c of this embodiment. The structural aspects of the curtain airbag device 100 of the third embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0083] exist Figure 13 In the embodiment, the receiving portion 150cp is shown in a state where the reinforcing portion 160c is not provided on the basis of the receiving portion 150c. The receiving portion 150cp includes the mouth portion 106cp in a state where the reinforcing portion 160c is not provided. The reinforcing portion 160c of the present embodiment is formed by heating the mouth portion 106cp. Specifically, while the insertion port 190 is kept in a cylindrically opened state, the base fabric of the mouth portion 106cp is solidified by heat Ht, thereby forming the mouth portion 106c provided with the reinforcing portion 160c including the solidified base fabric layer. In addition, Figure 13 1 and 2 , the range where the reinforcement portion 160 c is provided is schematically shown by hatching.

[0084] Furthermore, at the mouth portion 106c, for example, only one of the main body front end portion 113 and the liner front end portion 126 may be cured, or both may be cured. Specifically, the "cured resinous base fabric layer" may include, for example, a layer formed by curing the base fabric layer of the airbag main body 110 or a layer formed by curing the base fabric layer of the liner 120. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the cured base fabric layer may be formed by curing the base fabric of the mouth portion 106cp using ultraviolet light, for example.

[0085] According to the curtain airbag device 100 of the third embodiment described above, the reinforcement portion 160 includes a cured base fabric layer. This cured base fabric layer allows the reinforcement portion 160c to be constructed with a more space-saving design. Furthermore, the reinforcement portion 160c can be constructed without using the annular member 170, thus saving on base fabric.

[0086] D. Other implementation methods:

[0087] (D1) In the first embodiment described above, a portion of the annular member 170 is disposed within the airbag 105 via the insertion port 190, but this is not limiting. For example, the entire annular member 170 may be disposed within the airbag 105. Alternatively, the entire annular member 170 may be disposed within the insertion port 190. Furthermore, the annular member 170 may be disposed outside the front end portion of the receiving portion 150, for example, so as to surround the insertion port 190.

[0088] (D2) In the first embodiment described above, the recessed portion 174 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 173 of the second annular portion 172 . However, the recessed portion 174 may not be provided.

[0089] (D3) In the first embodiment, the second annular portion 172 has a polygonal outer shape when viewed in the direction of the axis AX1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. If the second annular portion 172 is annular as a whole, it may have various outer shapes when viewed in the direction of the axis AX1, such as a combination of a circle, an ellipse, a semicircle, a straight line, and a curve.

[0090] (D4) In the first embodiment, the annular member 170 is annular with two ends. However, the annular member 170 may be, for example, a continuous annular shape without two ends.

[0091] (D5) In the second embodiment described above, the reinforcing layer 161 is provided at the liner front end portion 126 of the liner 120b. In contrast, the reinforcing layer 161 need not be provided at the liner front end portion 126, and may be provided, for example, at the main body front end portion 113 of the airbag body 110. Specifically, for example, the reinforcing layer 161 may be sewn to the main body front end portion 113. Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the reinforcing layer 161 need not be provided, and, for example, the reinforcing portion 160b may be formed from a separate base fabric layer forming the main body front end portion 113 and a separate base fabric layer forming the liner front end portion 126. In this case, the reinforcing portion 160b may also be formed from a plurality of overlapping base fabric layers.

[0092] (D6) In the second embodiment, the plurality of base fabric layers of the reinforcing portion 160b are each formed of different base fabrics. However, this is not limiting, and at least a portion of the plurality of base fabric layers of the reinforcing portion 160b may be formed by folding a single base fabric, for example.

[0093] (D7) In the second embodiment described above, the reinforcement portion 160b may not include a recycled base fabric layer.

[0094] (D8) In the third embodiment, the reinforcement portion 160c may include a recycled base fabric layer. Alternatively, the reinforcement portion 160c may include a plurality of base fabric layers.

[0095] (D9) In the above embodiments, the insertion port 190 is composed of the main body opening 112 and the inner liner opening 129. Alternatively, the insertion port 190 may not be composed of the main body opening 112 and the inner liner opening 129. For example, the insertion port 190 may be composed of only one of the main body opening 112 and the inner liner opening 129. If the insertion port 190 is composed of only the main body opening 112, the airbag 105 may not have the inner liner 120.

[0096] (D10) The reinforcement portion can be formed, for example, from a separate fabric layer. For example, if the insertion port 190 consists solely of the main body opening 112 as described above, the main body front end portion 113 can be configured to include a separate fabric layer as a fabric layer, with the separate fabric layer of the main body front end portion 113 functioning as a reinforcement portion. In this case, the separate fabric layer can be a recycled fabric layer. Furthermore, the main body front end portion 113 is preferably formed from a recycled fabric, while the portion of the airbag body 110 different from the main body front end portion 113 is formed from a non-recycled fabric. The recycled fabric forming the main body front end portion 113 and the non-recycled fabric forming the portion different from the main body front end portion 113 are joined together, for example, by sewing or welding. Thus, similar to the second embodiment, the recycled fabric can be effectively utilized. Alternatively, if the insertion port 190 consists solely of the liner opening 129, the liner front end portion 126 can be configured to include a separate fabric layer as a fabric layer, with the separate fabric layer of the liner front end portion 126 functioning as a reinforcement portion. In this case, similarly to the case of the airbag main body 110 described above, the separate base fabric layer may be a recycled base fabric layer.

[0097] (D11) In the above embodiments, vehicle 200 is shown as an example of a mobile object. However, the mobile object is not limited to vehicle 200 and may be any other mobile object. For example, the mobile object may be any other mobile object capable of carrying passengers, such as a ship, an airplane, a spacecraft, or a so-called flying car.

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented using various structures within the scope of its main purpose. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-described problems or achieve part or all of the above-described effects, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the "Summary of the Invention" column may be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, if the technical feature is not described as an essential feature in this specification, it may be appropriately deleted.

[0099] Description of the label

[0100] 100…curtain airbag device, 105, 105b, 105c…airbag, 105f…folded airbag, 105t…deployed airbag, 106, 106c, 106cp…mouth, 107…base, 110…airbag body, 111…body entrance, 112…body opening, 113…body front end, 120, 120b…liner, 120bp…liner before sewing, 121, 121b…liner entrance, 122…first exit, 123…second exit, 125, 125p…flap, 126…liner front end, 126p…front end forming portion, 127…overlapping portion, 129…liner opening, 130…inflator, 1 31…front end portion, 141…bracket, 141a…bracket body, 141b…binding portion, 142…bracket, 150, 150b, 150c, 150cp…receiving portion, 159…fixing portion, 160, 160b, 160c…reinforcement portion, 161…reinforcement layer, 161p…reinforcement base fabric, 170…annular component, 170a…end portion, 171…first annular portion, 172…second annular portion, 173, 173a, 173b, 173c, 173d, 173e, 173f, 173g…side wall, 174…recess, 178…plug portion, 179…protrusion, 190…insertion port, 200…vehicle, 201…vehicle body.

Claims

1. A curtain airbag device for a mobile object, wherein: The curtain airbag device comprises: an airbag that is inflated and deployed by supplying inflation gas from an inflator, and has an insertion port into which the inflator is inserted; and The reinforcing portion reinforces the insertion port so as to maintain the insertion port in a cylindrically opened state.

2. The curtain airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement portion is composed of an annular component, At least a portion of the annular member is disposed in the insertion port.

3. The curtain airbag apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The annular member includes a first annular portion and a second annular portion connected to the first annular portion in the axial direction of the annular member. The first annular portion is disposed in the airbag via the insertion port. The second annular portion is arranged outside the airbag.

4. The curtain airbag apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: A recess is provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the second annular portion.

5. The curtain airbag apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The second annular portion has a polygonal outer shape when viewed in the axial direction.

6. The curtain airbag apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The annular component is in a ring shape with two ends.

7. The curtain airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement portion is composed of a plurality of layers of base fabrics superimposed on each other.

8. The curtain airbag apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The reinforcement portion is provided at the mouth of the airbag including the front end on the insertion port side. The number of layers of the base fabric in the mouth portion is greater than the number of layers of the base fabric in a portion of the airbag other than the mouth portion.

9. The curtain airbag apparatus according to claim 1 or 7, wherein: The reinforcing portion includes a layer of a base fabric formed of a recycled resin.

10. The curtain airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement portion includes a layer of a cured resin base fabric.

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