Side airbag device and method for folding airbag

Abstract

To accelerate timing at which an airbag is expanded forward.SOLUTION: A side airbag device includes a pair of sheets arranged facing each other, an airbag that is folded, and an inflator having a gas supply port for supplying gas into the airbag. In the state where the pair of sheets is expanded, the airbag includes a first portion including one end of the sheet in a 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. The airbag is folded such that (i) the first portion and the fourth portion are positioned between a pair of sheet parts which forms the third portion being a portion of the pair of sheets, and is folded such that (ii) a part of the pair of sheet parts arranged across the first portion and the fourth portion is folded in a bellows shape in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The supply port is disposed between other parts of the pair of sheet parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a side airbag device installed in a vehicle seat has been known. When the vehicle receives an impact, the side airbag device deploys an airbag between an occupant sitting on the seat and the side wall of the vehicle closest to the seat. The side airbag of Patent Document 1 is first folded in a bellows shape in a direction corresponding to the front-rear direction of the vehicle when the airbag is folded during the manufacturing stage of the side airbag device. Thereafter, the upper end portion of the bellows-folded airbag is bent forward and further folded downward. The lower end portion of the bellows-folded airbag is bent forward and further folded upward. When the airbag is deployed, first, the folded upper end portion and lower end portion are deployed vertically. Thereafter, the bellows-folded airbag is deployed toward the front of the vehicle. For this reason, a wide range in the vertical direction of the side of the occupant can be quickly covered by the airbag. As a result, the occupant is reliably restrained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The airbag of Patent Document 1 unfolds forward after the upper and lower ends of the airbag have unfolded. For this reason, the timing at which the airbag unfolds forward is delayed. Also, since the airbag unfolds forward while being unfolded in the vertical direction, the following problems also occur. That is, due to a door or wall that deforms toward the inside of the vehicle upon receiving an external impact, the upper arm of the occupant is pressed against the side of the occupant's chest through the airbag that has already unfolded in the vertical direction. As a result, the occupant's chest is compressed by the occupant's upper arm.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a side airbag device is provided. This side airbag device includes a pair of sheets arranged facing each other and joined to each other, an airbag that is folded, and an inflater that includes a supply port for delivering gas and supplies gas into the airbag. When viewed along the thickness direction of the pair of sheets in a state where the pair of sheets are unfolded in a planar shape, the airbag includes 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 positioned between the first portion and the second portion in the first direction, and a fourth portion positioned between the first portion and the third portion in the first direction. The airbag is folded such that (i) at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion are positioned between a pair of sheet portions that are part of the pair of sheets and constitute the third portion, and further, (ii) a part of the pair of sheet portions arranged sandwiching the at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion is folded in a bellows-folded state together with the at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The supply port is arranged between the other part of the pair of sheet portions. In such a manner, the folded airbag deploys as follows. That is, the gas supplied between the pair of sheet portions from the supply port of the inflator first extends the bellows-folded portion, and the airbag deploys along the second direction. Then, the first portion and the fourth portion are pushed out in the first direction by the gas filled between the pair of sheet portions constituting the third portion, and the airbag deploys in the first direction. For this reason, when the side airbag device is arranged so that the direction in which the backrest of the seat of the moving body extends from the seat surface substantially coincides with the first method, the airbag deploys as follows. That is, first, the airbag deploys in the direction in which the torso of the occupant sitting on the seat is positioned with respect to the backrest of the seat. Then, the airbag deploys in the direction in which the backrest of the seat extends. For this reason, compared with the mode in which the airbag deploys in the direction in which the torso of the occupant is positioned after finishing deploying in the direction in which the backrest of the seat extends, in the airbag device of the above mode, the airbag can deploy earlier in the direction in which the torso of the occupant is positioned. Also, in the above mode, the airbag deploys in the direction in which the torso of the occupant is positioned with respect to the backrest of the seat in a state where the first portion and the fourth portion are generally positioned between the pair of sheet portions constituting the third portion. For this reason, during deployment, the airbag can push up the upper arm of the occupant so that it changes from a posture hanging downward along the torso to a posture extending along the second direction. Therefore, when the door or wall of the moving body deforms toward the inside of the moving body due to an external impact, the possibility that the chest of the occupant is compressed by the upper arm of the occupant via the airbag can be reduced. Also, compared with the mode 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 deploy in the first direction without moving further outside the already inflated third portion during deployment. As a result, the possibility that the deployment is delayed due to the first portion and the fourth portion coming into contact with other surrounding components during deployment can be reduced. (2) In the side airbag device of the above-described form, the pair of sheet portions further includes another part, and when viewed along the thickness direction in a state where the pair of sheets are deployed in a planar shape, the other part, the part, and still another part are arranged side by side in that order in the second direction, and the airbag can be in a mode where it is folded with the still another part being wound up. In such a mode, compared with a mode in which all parts other than the other part where the supply port of the inflator is located among the pair of sheet portions constituting the third part are bellows-folded, there are the following advantages. That is, the deployment direction of the airbag when gas is supplied from the inflator can be in a direction that includes a large component in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and can be prevented from deviating greatly from the second direction. Also, compared with a mode in which all parts other than the other part where the supply port of the inflator is located among the pair of sheet portions are wound up, there are the following advantages. That is, the space through which the airbag can pass during deployment of the airbag can be reduced. As a result, the possibility that the airbag contacts other surrounding components during deployment and the deployment is delayed can be reduced. (3) In the side airbag device of the above-described form, the airbag can be in a mode where a part including the edge portion that constitutes the end in the second direction among the first part is folded in a direction opposite to the second direction. In such a mode, the first part can be arranged in a small folded state between the pair of sheet portions that constitute the third part. Also, compared with a mode in which a part including the edge portion that constitutes the end in the first direction among the first part is folded in a direction opposite to the first direction, the gas filled between the pair of sheet portions that constitute the third part can be smoothly flowed toward the tip of the first part in the first direction, that is, one end of the airbag in the first direction. As a result, the first part and the fourth part can be deployed in a short time and more reliably. (4) In the side airbag device of the above-described embodiment, the airbag includes a tag that is attached to the first portion and protrudes in the first direction. The airbag is folded in such a state that 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 part of the tag is located outside the pair of sheet portions. In such an embodiment, when folding the airbag, the position of the first portion folded between the pair of sheet portions can be controlled by controlling the position and amount of at least a part of the tag located outside the pair of sheet portions constituting the third portion. Therefore, the airbag can be folded appropriately. (5) In the side airbag device of the above-described embodiment, when viewed along the thickness direction in a state where the pair of sheets are deployed flat, the dimension of the airbag in the first direction can be made larger than the dimension of the airbag in the second direction. In such an embodiment, while realizing the pushing up of the upper arm portion during deployment in the second direction, and then deploying in the first direction, it is possible to protect the occupant sitting on the seat over a wide range. (6) According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of folding an airbag provided in a side airbag device is provided. The airbag includes a pair of sheets arranged face to face and joined to each other. When the pair of sheets are viewed along the thickness direction in a state where the pair of sheets are deployed flat, the airbag includes 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 includes: (i) folding the airbag such 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) pleating a part of the pair of sheet portions arranged sandwiching at least the part of the first portion and the fourth portion, together with at least the part of the first portion and the fourth portion, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. (7) In the method of folding the airbag of the above aspect, the airbag includes a tag attached to the first portion and protruding in the first direction. The step (i) includes folding the airbag such that 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 part of the tag is located outside the pair of sheet portions, and 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 tag located outside the pair of sheet portions. This can be an aspect. The present disclosure can also be realized in various forms other than the side airbag device and the method of folding the airbag. For example, it can be realized in forms such as a far side airbag device, a curtain airbag device, a method of manufacturing these airbag devices, a method of folding an airbag provided in these airbag devices, and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] A. Embodiment: A1. Configuration of the side airbag device: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the side airbag device 1 as an embodiment of the present disclosure. The side airbag device 1 is mounted inside the seat CS of the vehicle (see the central part in the middle of FIG. 1). When the vehicle receives an impact from the outside, the side airbag device 1 deploys 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 mounted inside the side surface of the vehicle seat CS such that the direction Dbr in which the backrest BR of the vehicle seat CS extends from the seat surface SP coincides with the longitudinal direction D1 of the side airbag device 1.

[0009] The direction perpendicular to the direction Dbr and in which the torso TR of the occupant OC sitting on the seat CS with respect to the backrest BR is located is defined as the direction Dtr. In FIG. 1, for ease of understanding of the technology, as the occupant OC, a dummy head HD, torso TR, upper arm UA, and leg LG imitating the occupant OC are shown. Also, for the backrest BR of the seat CS, the cushion part is omitted and only the outer shape of the skeleton part is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the side airbag device 1 operates and the airbag 100 is deployed. The side airbag device 1 includes an airbag 100, an inflater 200, and a storage bag 300. In FIG. 1, the airbag 100 and the inflater 200 are stored in the storage bag 300. In FIG. 2, for ease of understanding of the technology, the illustration of the inflater 200 and the storage bag 300 is omitted.

[0011] The airbag 100 expands and deploys by being supplied with inflation gas from the inflater 200 (see FIG. 2). The airbag 100 includes a pair of sheets St100, St200 that are arranged facing each other and joined to each other. In the state of FIG. 1, the pair of sheets St100, St200 are folded.

[0012] The inflater 200 supplies gas into the airbag 100. As a result of the inflater 200 being supplied with gas, the airbag 100 expands in the direction Dtr in which the body part TR is located with respect to the backrest BR and in the direction Dbr in which the backrest BR extends (see FIG. 2). The inflater 200 has a cylindrical shape. The inflater 200 includes a supply port 220 for sending out gas. The supply port 220 is provided on one end surface of the cylindrical inflater 200. A part of the inflater 200 including the one end provided with the supply port 220 is arranged in the airbag 100. The longitudinal direction of the cylindrical inflater 200 coincides with the longitudinal direction 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 attached to the vehicle seat CS so that the supply port 220 of the inflater 200 is located below the assumed position of the root of the occupant OC's arm (see FIG. 1).

[0013] The storage bag 300 stores the folded airbag 100 and the inflater 200 partially disposed within the airbag 100 (see the central part in the middle row of FIG. 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 tears. In FIG. 2, for ease of understanding of the technology, the illustration of the torn storage bag 300 and inflater 200 is omitted.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method of folding the airbag 100 provided in the side airbag device 1. In step S100, the airbag 100, the inflater 200, and the storage bag 300 are prepared.

[0015] In step S200, the inflater 200 is attached to the airbag 100. More specifically, the inflater 200 is inserted into the airbag 100 through the insertion port 110 provided in the airbag 100. Thereafter, the inflater 200 and the airbag 100 are fixed to each other. A part of the inflater 200 is exposed to the outside at the insertion port 110 provided in the airbag 100.

[0016] In step S300, the airbag 100 is folded.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a view showing the airbag 100 when viewed along the thickness direction D3 of the pair of sheets St100, St200 in a state where the pair of sheets St100, St200 constituting the airbag 100 are deployed in a planar shape. FIGS. 4 to 13 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the method of folding the airbag 100 and do not precisely represent the shape of the airbag 100.

[0018] Sheets St100 and St200 have substantially the same shape. Sheets St100 and St200 are arranged in an overlapping manner, and their outer peripheries are stitched together. The stitched portion of sheets St100 and St200 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, sheet St100 appears on the front side. In FIG. 4, sheet St200 is located behind sheet St100.

[0019] The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inflator 200 attached to the airbag 100 is defined as the second direction D2 (see the lower right part of FIG. 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 of the sheets St100 and St200. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 form a left-handed system.

[0020] 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 includes a first part P10, a second part P20, a third part P30, a fourth part P40, and a fifth part P50.

[0021] The first part P10 is a part including one end T11 of the sheets St100 and St200 in the first direction D1 (see the upper part of FIG. 4). A tag TG10 is attached to the first part P10. The tag TG10 is a rectangular sheet. One end of the tag TG10 is stitched to the first part P10. In the first direction D1, the tag TG10 has a dimension smaller than the dimension Dm1 of the airbag 100. In the second direction D2, the tag TG10 has a dimension smaller than the dimension Dm2 of the airbag 100. The tag TG10 protrudes in the first direction D1 at the first part P10.

[0022] The second part P20 is a part including the other ends T12 of the sheets St100 and St200 in the first direction D1 (see the lower part of FIG. 4). A tag TG20 is attached to the second part P20 (see the lower part of FIG. 4). The configuration of the tag TG20 is the same as that of the tag TG10. The tag TG20 protrudes in a direction opposite to the first direction D1 at the second part P20.

[0023] The third part P30 is a part located between the first part P10 and the second part P20 in the first direction D1 (see the right part of the middle section of FIG. 4). A pair of sheet parts that are part of the pair of sheets St100 and St200 and constitute the third part P30 are referred to as sheet parts St130 and St230.

[0024] The fourth part P40 is a part located between the first part P10 and the third part P30 in the first direction D1 (see the right part of the upper section of FIG. 4). When viewed along a direction opposite to the first direction D1 in a state where the airbag 100 is deployed and inflated, the fourth part P40 is at a position surrounding the first part P10.

[0025] The fifth part P50 is a part located between the second part P20 and the third part P30 in the first direction D1 (see the right part of the lower section of FIG. 4). When viewed along the first direction D1 in a state where the airbag 100 is deployed and inflated, the fifth part P50 is at a position surrounding the second part P20.

[0026] The second part P20, the fifth part P50, the third part P30, the fourth part P40, and the first direction D1 are arranged in that order along the first direction D1.

[0027] Step S300 in FIG. 3 includes steps S320, S340, S360, and S380.

[0028] In step S320, the airbag 100 is folded so that the first part P10 and the fourth part P40 are positioned between a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30. Similarly, the airbag 100 is folded so that the second part P20 and the fifth part P50 are positioned between a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30. The folding method of the first part P10 and the fourth part P40, as well as the folding method of the second part P20 and the fifth part P50, are called "inner fold" or "tack-in fold".

[0029] Step S320 in FIG. 3 includes steps S322, S324, S326, and S328.

[0030] In step S322, one end T11 of the sheets St100, St200 in the first direction D1 is positioned between a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30, and at least a part of the tag TG10 is positioned outside the pair of overlapped sheet parts St130, St230, and the airbag 100 is folded. At this time, the fourth part P40 is also folded so as to be positioned between a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30.

[0031] In step S324, based on the position and amount of the part of the tag TG10 that is positioned outside the pair of overlapped sheet parts St130, St230, the position of the first part P10 that is positioned between the pair of sheet parts St130, St230 is adjusted. More specifically, the operator grasps the tag TG10 and moves the tag TG10, thereby adjusting the position of the first part P10. Also, the operator adjusts the position of the part where the first part P10 or the fourth part P40 is valley-folded, thereby adjusting the position of the first part P10.

[0032] In step S322, the airbag 100 is folded so that at least a part of the tag TG10 is located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130 and St230. Therefore, in step S324, by controlling the position and amount of at least a part of the tag TG10 located outside the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 that constitute the third part P30, the position of the first part P10 folded between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 can be controlled.

[0033] In step S326, the other ends T12 of the sheets St100 and St200 in the first direction D1 are located between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 that constitute the third part P30, and the airbag 100 is folded so that at least a part of the tag TG20 is located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130 and St230. At that time, the fifth part P50 is also folded so as to be located between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 that constitute the third part P30.

[0034] In step S328, based on the position and amount of the portion of the tag TG20 located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130 and St230, the position of the second part P20 located between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 is adjusted. The specific method for adjusting the position of the second part P20 is the same as the method for adjusting the position of the first part P10 in step S324.

[0035] By the processes of steps S326 and S328, the position of the second part 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, in step S320, the airbag 100 can be folded appropriately.

[0036] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the airbag 100 when the process of step S320 is completed. In FIG. 5, the images of the folding states of the first part P10 and the fourth part P40, as well as the images of the folding states of the second part P20 and the fifth part P50, are indicated by dashed lines.

[0037] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the airbag 100 when the process of step S320 is completed. In FIG. 6, 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 the states of FIGS. 5 and 6, a part of the tag TG10 and a part of the tag TG20 are located outside the pair of sheet portions St130, St230.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram corresponding to the VII-VII cross-sectional view of FIG. 5. In the state of FIG. 7, 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 portions St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30 (see the central part in the upper row of FIG. 7). One end T11 of the sheets St100, St200 in the first direction D1 is located between the pair of sheet portions St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30. At least a part of the tag TG10 is located outside the pair of sheet portions St130, St230. The second part P20 and the fifth part P50 are located between the pair of sheet portions St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30 (see the central part in the lower row of FIG. 7). The other end T12 of the sheets St100, St200 in the first direction D1 is located between the pair of sheet portions St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30. At least a part of the tag TG20 is located outside the pair of sheet portions St130, St230.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram corresponding to the VIII-VIII cross-sectional view of FIG. 5. In step S326, a part P21 including an edge portion constituting an end in the second direction D2 of the first part P10 is folded in a direction opposite to the second direction D2 (see also the broken line portion of P10 in FIG. 5). A part P22 including an edge portion constituting an end in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 of the first part P10 is folded in the second direction D2. As a result, the first part P10 is folded into a trapezoidal shape.

[0040] In such a manner, between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 constituting the third part P30, the first part P10 can be folded small and arranged. Also, compared with a mode in which a part including an edge portion constituting an end in the first direction D1 of 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 constituting the third part P30 can be smoothly flowed toward the tip of the first part P10 in the first direction D1, that is, one end T11 of the airbag 100 in the first direction D1 (see the broken line portion of P10 in FIG. 5). As a result, the first part P10 and the fourth part P40 can be deployed in the first direction D1 in a short time and more reliably.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another mode corresponding to the VIII-VIII cross-sectional view of FIG. 5. In FIG. 9, parts P21 and P22 of the first part P10 are folded to the side opposite to FIG. 8. Instead of the mode of FIG. 8, the first part P10 may be folded as shown in FIG. 9.

[0042] In step S326, the second part P20 is also folded in the same manner as the first part P10 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. As a result, the second part P20 is folded into a trapezoidal shape. By adopting such a configuration, the second part P20 and the fifth part P50 can be deployed in a direction opposite to the first direction D1 in a short time and more reliably.

[0043] In step S340, a part St131, St231 of a pair of sheet portions St130, St230 arranged with the first portion P10, the fourth portion P40, the second portion P20, and the fifth portion P50 interposed therebetween is zigzagged, so-called bellows-folded, about a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 together with the first portion P10, the fourth portion P40, the second portion P20, and the fifth portion P50. Note that being bellows-folded about the second direction D2 means that the object is bellows-folded so that the dimension of the object in the second direction D2 becomes smaller.

[0044] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the process of step S340 in FIG. 3. In step S340, a part St131 of the sheet portion St130 is subjected to three mountain folds along the first direction D1. The sheet portion St130 is subjected to two valley folds along the first direction D1. Each fold line Fv of the valley fold is located between the fold lines Fm of the mountain folds. A part St231 of the sheet portion St230 is also bent along the sheet portion St131. The first portion P10, the fourth portion P40, the second portion P20, and the fifth portion P50 located between the sheet portions St131, St231 are also bent along the sheet portion St131.

[0045] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the airbag 100 when the process of step S340 is completed. In the state of FIG. 11, the airbag 100 is folded in the following state. The first portion P10, the fourth portion P40, the second portion P20, and the fifth portion P50 are folded so as to be located between a pair of sheet portions St130, St230 constituting the third portion P30. Further, a part St131, St231 of a pair of sheet portions St130, St230 arranged with the first portion P10, the fourth portion P40, the second portion P20, and the fifth portion P50 interposed therebetween is bellows-folded about a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 together with the first portion P10, the fourth portion P40, the second portion P20, and the fifth portion P50.

[0046] In this state, the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is disposed between other parts St132 and St232 of the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 (see the left part of FIG. 11). The other parts St132 and St232 of the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 are not bellows-folded.

[0047] In addition to a part St131 and St231 that is bellows-folded and other parts St132 and St232 where the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is disposed, the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 further includes still other parts St133 and St233 (see the upper right part of FIG. 10 and the upper right part of FIG. 11). In the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230, the other parts St132 and St232, the part St131 and St231, and the still other parts St133 and St233 are arranged in that order with respect to the second direction D2. The still other parts St133 and St233 of the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 are not bellows-folded.

[0048] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the process of step S360. FIG. 12 schematically shows the process of step S360 when the airbag 100 of FIG. 11 is viewed along the first direction D1. In step S360, still other parts St133 and St233 of the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 disposed with the first part P10, the fourth part P40, the second part P20, and the fifth part P50 interposed therebetween are wound up together with the first part P10, the fourth part P40, the second part P20, and the fifth part P50 in the second direction D2. Note that being wound up in the second direction D2 means that the object is wound up so that the dimension of the object in the second direction D2 becomes smaller.

[0049] Still other parts St133 and St233 of the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 are wound up in a direction that is counterclockwise when viewed along the first direction D1, with a direction parallel to the first direction D1 as the central axis of rotation. In other words, still other parts St133 and St233 of the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 are wound up so as to draw in the sheet facing the vehicle wall closest to the side airbag device 1 into the interior.

[0050] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the airbag 100 when the process of step S360 is completed. In step S380 of FIG. 3, the folded airbag 100 is surrounded and held by the tape FT, whereby the airbag 100 is fixed in the folded state. More specifically, the folded airbag 100 is surrounded and held at two locations, namely, a portion near the upper end and a portion near the lower end, by the tape FT. In FIG. 13, the positions held by the tape FT are indicated by broken lines. As a result, a part including the end of the inflator 200 where the supply port 220 is not provided is exposed to the outside at the insertion port 110 provided in the airbag 100.

[0051] In step S400 of FIG. 3, the folded airbag 100 and the inflator 200 partially disposed inside the airbag 100 are stored in the storage bag 300. By the processing of each of the above steps, the side airbag device 1 is completed (see the central part in the middle row of FIG. 1). In the completed side airbag device 1, the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is disposed between still other parts St132 and St232 of the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 (see FIG. 13). Further, the airbag 100 is folded in a state where still other parts St133 and St233 of the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 are wound up (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0052] By adopting such a configuration, among the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 that constitute the third portion P30, there are the following advantages compared to the mode in which all portions other than the other partial portions St133 and St233 where the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is located are bellows-folded. That is, the deployment direction of the airbag 100 when gas is supplied from the inflator 200 can be made to include a large component in the third direction D3 and not deviate greatly from the second direction D2 (see the lower right part of FIG. 13).

[0053] In addition, among the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230, there are the following advantages compared to the mode in which all portions other than the other partial portions St133 and St233 where the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is located are wound up. In the mode in which all portions other than the other partial portions St133 and St233 where the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 is located are wound up, when the airbag 100 is deployed, after the wound-up portion loosens and expands greatly around, it deploys in the second direction D2. For this reason, when the airbag 100 is deployed, the airbag 100 may come into contact with other surrounding components, and the deployment may be delayed.

[0054] However, in the present embodiment, since a part of the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230, namely St131 and St231, are bellows-folded, the space through which the airbag 100 can pass when the airbag 100 is deployed can be reduced. As a result, the possibility that the airbag 100 comes into contact with other surrounding components when the airbag 100 is deployed and the deployment of the airbag 100 is delayed can be reduced.

[0055] A2. Deployment of the airbag: Figures 14 to 18 are explanatory diagrams showing the state in which the airbag 100 of the side airbag device 1 is deployed. As gas is supplied from the inflator 200, the airbag 100 sequentially shifts from the state shown in Figure 14 to the state shown in Figure 18. However, for ease of understanding the technology, in Figures 14 to 18, actually, gas is not supplied from the inflator 200 into the airbag 100. Also, for ease of understanding the technology, the airbag 100 with the storage bag 300 removed is shown.

[0056] Note that the side airbag device shown in Figures 14 to 18 is a side airbag device arranged on the opposite side in the vehicle from the side airbag device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 13. Specifically, the side airbag device shown in Figures 14 to 18 is arranged on the left side surface of the left seat CS in the vehicle. In contrast, the side airbag device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 13 is arranged on the right side surface of the right seat CS in the vehicle. For this reason, in the side airbag device shown in Figures 14 to 18, the winding directions of still other parts St133, St233 of the pair of seat portions St130, St230 are opposite to the winding direction in the side airbag device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 13. However, in side airbag devices arranged on the left and right in the vehicle, the way the airbag is deployed is the same. For this reason, Figures 14 to 18 are used to explain the way the airbag of the side airbag device 1 is deployed.

[0057] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the side airbag device 1 before the airbag 100 is deployed. In Figure 14, the folded airbag 100 is surrounded and held by the tape FT at two locations, namely, a portion near the upper end and a portion near the lower end (see FT in Figure 13). A part including the end of the inflator 200 where the supply port 220 is not provided is exposed to the outside from the insertion port 110 provided in the airbag 100 (see the lower left part of Figure 14).

[0058] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing the side airbag device 1 in a 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. When the airbag 100 starts to deploy in the second direction D2, the two tapes FT are broken (see the upper and lower parts of FIG. 14). In FIG. 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 and St230. That is, the first part P10 and the fourth part P40 do not protrude from the sheet parts St130 and St230 in the first direction D1. The second part P20 and the fifth part P50 do not protrude from the sheet parts St130 and St230 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0059] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing the side airbag device 1 in a state where further gas is supplied into the airbag 100 and the airbag 100 starts to deploy not only in the second direction D2 but also in the first direction D1. In FIG. 16, a part of the first part P10 and a part of the fourth part P40 protrude from the sheet parts St130 and St230 in the first direction D1. A part of the second part P20 and a part of the fifth part P50 protrude from the sheet parts St130 and St230 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0060] FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing the side airbag device 1 in a state where further gas is supplied into the airbag 100, the deployment of the airbag 100 in the second direction D2 is almost completed, and the airbag 100 is deploying in the first direction D1. In FIG. 17, the first part P10 and the fourth part P40 protrude more from the sheet parts St131 and St231 in the first direction D1 compared to the state of FIG. 16. The second part P20 and the fifth part P50 protrude more from the sheet parts St131 and St231 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 compared to the state of FIG. 16.

[0061] FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing a state in which gas is further supplied into the airbag 100 and the airbag 100 is deployed to its maximum size. The seat portion St130 is provided with an exhaust port 120. In the first direction D1, a part of the exhaust port 120 is located at the third portion P30, and the other part of the exhaust port 120 is located at the fifth portion P50. In the second direction D2, the exhaust port 120 is provided in yet another part St133 or St233 of the pair of seat portions St130, St230 that are wound up. After the airbag 100 is inflated to its maximum size by the gas from the inflator 200, the gas is discharged from the exhaust port 120 and the airbag 100 gradually deflates.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 14 to 18, the folded airbag 100 deploys as follows. That is, first, the gas supplied from the supply port 220 of the inflator 200 between the pair of seat portions St130, St230 causes the bellows-like folded portions St131, St231 to extend, and the airbag 100 deploys along the second direction D2 (see FIGS. 14 and 15). Thereafter, the gas filling between the pair of seat portions St130, St230 that constitute the third portion P30 causes the first portion P10 and the fourth portion P40 to be pushed out in the first direction D1, and the airbag 100 deploys in the first direction D1. Similarly, the second portion P20 and the fifth portion P50 are pushed out in the direction opposite to the first direction D1, and the airbag 100 also deploys in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 (see FIGS. 16 to 18). Further, the wound-up portions St133, St233 are extended, and the airbag 100 deploys along the second direction D2 (see FIGS. 16 to 18).

[0063] Therefore, when the side airbag device 1 is arranged such that the direction Dbr in which the backrest BR of the vehicle seat CS extends from the seat surface portion SP coincides with the first direction D1 and the direction Dtr in which the torso TR of the occupant OC is located with respect to the backrest BR coincides with the second direction D2, the airbag 100 deploys as follows (see the left part in the middle of FIG. 1).

[0064] FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing a state during the deployment of the airbag 100. FIG. 19 shows the state of the airbag 100 between the state of FIG. 1 and the state of FIG. 2. In the deployment of the airbag 100, first, the airbag 100 deploys in the direction Dtr in which the trunk TR of the occupant OC sitting on the seat CS is located with respect to the backrest BR of the seat CS (see FIGS. 15 and 19). Then, the airbag 100 deploys in the direction Dbr in which the backrest BR of the seat CS extends (see FIGS. 17, 18, and 2). For this reason, compared to the mode in which the airbag 100 deploys in the direction Dtr in which the trunk TR is located after finishing deploying in the direction Dbr in which the backrest BR extends, in the side airbag device 1 of the present embodiment, the airbag 100 can deploy earlier in the direction in which the trunk TR of the occupant OC is located (see FIGS. 15 and 19). The side airbag device 1 of the present embodiment is particularly effective in 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.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the airbag 100 deploys in the direction Dtr in which the trunk TR is located with respect to the backrest BR in a state where the first part P10 and the fourth part P40 are generally located between the pair of seat parts St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30 (see FIG. 15). For this reason, during deployment, the airbag 100 can push up the upper arm UA of the occupant OC so as to approach a posture extending along the second direction D2 from a posture in which the upper arm UA hangs downward along the trunk TR (see FIGS. 1 and 19). Therefore, due to the door or wall that deforms toward the inside of the vehicle due to an impact from the outside, the possibility that the chest of the occupant OC is compressed by the upper arm UA of the occupant OC through the deployed airbag 100 can be reduced. Also, the pressing force received by the chest of the occupant OC from the outside can be reduced. Note that the side airbag device 1 is configured and attached to the vehicle seat CS such that when the airbag 100 deploys, the airbag 100 contacts the part from the elbow forward and the upper arm UA is pushed up (see FIG. 19).

[0066] In this embodiment, the first part P10 and the fourth part P40, as well as the second part P20 and the fifth part P50, are folded between a pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30 (see FIGS. 5 to 7 and FIG. 15). For this reason, compared with the mode in which the first part P10 and the fourth part P40, as well as the second part P20 and the fifth part P50, are folded back to either side with respect to the pair of sheet parts St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the first part P10 and the fourth part P40, as well as the second part P20 and the fifth part P50, can be deployed in the first direction D1 or in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 without moving further outside the already inflated third part P30 during deployment. As a result, during deployment, the possibility that the first part P10 and the fourth part P40 come into contact with other surrounding components such as the side wall of the vehicle and the deployment is delayed can be reduced. The side airbag device 1 provided in the seat CS is particularly effective in a vehicle in which the distance between the side airbag device 1 and the side wall of the vehicle closest to the seat CS is small.

[0067] In the side airbag device 1 of this embodiment, when viewed along the thickness direction D3 in a state where the pair of sheets St100, St200 are deployed in a planar shape, 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 (see FIG. 4).

[0068] By adopting such a configuration, while realizing the pushing up of the upper arm part UA during deployment in the second direction D2, and then deploying in the first direction D1, it is possible to protect the occupant OC sitting on the seat CS over a wide range (see FIGS. 1, 19, and 2).

[0069] The vehicle in this embodiment is also referred to as a "moving body".

[0070] B. Other embodiments: B1. Other embodiment 1: (1) In the above-described embodiment, the backrest BR of the seat CS where the side airbag device 1 is provided has an independent skeleton (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 19). However, the backrest BR of the seat CS where the side airbag device 1 is provided may be provided integrally with the wall of the moving body, and the structure for resisting external forces may be shared with the wall of the moving body.

[0071] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the airbag 100 is folded so that at least a part of the tag TG10 is located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130, St230 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). However, the airbag 100 may always be folded so that all of the tag TG10 is located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130, St230. Similarly, the airbag 100 may always be folded so that all of the tag TG20 is located outside the pair of overlapping sheet portions St130, St230.

[0072] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the airbag 100 is folded so that the first part P10 is located between the pair of sheet portions St130, St230 that constitute the third part P30 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). However, the airbag 100 may be folded with a part of the first part P10 located outside the pair of sheet portions St130, St230. Similarly, the airbag 100 may be folded with a part of the second part P20 located outside the pair of sheet portions St130, St230.

[0073] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the airbag 100 includes a pair of sheets St100, St200 that are arranged facing each other and joined to each other (see FIG. 4). The pair of sheets included in the airbag may be two independent sheets, or may be two facing portions of a single sheet that is folded in two. For example, the insertion port 110 can be provided at the folded portion of a single sheet that is folded in two (see the left part in the middle of FIG. 4).

[0074] (5) In the above embodiment, a part St131 of the sheet portion St130 is subjected to three mountain folds along the first direction D1. A part St131 of the sheet portion St130 is subjected to two valley folds along the first direction D1 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). However, the number of times the airbag is mountain-folded in the bellows fold may be two or less or four or more. However, each fold line of the valley fold is preferably located between the fold lines of the mountain fold.

[0075] (6) In the above embodiment, the airbag 100 is folded so that the second part P20 and the fifth part P50 are located between the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230 constituting the third part P30 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). However, the airbag 100 may be folded with the second part P20 and the fifth part P50 located outside the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230. In such an aspect, the second part P20 and the fifth part P50 can be bellows-folded while being located outside the pair of sheet portions St130 and St230.

[0076] (7) In the above embodiment, the airbag 100 is provided in the side airbag device 1. The side airbag device 1 is attached inside the vehicle seat CS (see the middle center part of FIG. 1). The seat where the side airbag device is provided may be a seat arranged side by side with the door in the moving body, or a seat arranged side by side with a part of the wall of the moving body where the door is not provided.

[0077] (8) In the above-described 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 vehicle seat CS 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 disclosure may be an airbag that is deployed between a pair of seats arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction in a moving body. That is, the airbag of the present disclosure may be provided in a far-side airbag device. In such an aspect, the far-side airbag device can be provided on the side surface of at least one of the pair of seats arranged side by side, on the side surface facing the side surface of the other seat.

[0078] (9) In the above-described embodiment, the side airbag device 1 is attached inside the vehicle seat CS (see the central part in the middle row of FIG. 1). However, the side airbag device 1 may be provided in a moving body other than a vehicle, such as a ship, an airplane, a train, a spaceship, a satellite, etc.

[0079] (10) In the above-described embodiment, in step S200, the inflator 200 is attached to the airbag 100. Thereafter, in step S300, the airbag 100 is folded (see FIG. 3). However, the inflator 200 may be attached to the airbag 100 after the airbag 100 is folded.

[0080] (11) In the above-described embodiment, still another part St133, St233 of the pair of seat portions St130, St230 is wound up so as to wind the seat facing the wall of the vehicle closest to the side airbag device 1 inside (see FIG. 12). However, still another part St133, St233 of the pair of seat portions St130, St230 may be wound up so as to wind the seat on the side opposite to the seat facing the wall of the vehicle closest to the side airbag device 1 inside. That is, it may be wound up in a clockwise direction when viewed along the first direction D1.

[0081] B2. Other Embodiment 2: In the side airbag device 1 of the above embodiment, the airbag 100 is folded with a further part St133, St233 of the pair of sheet parts St130, St230 being wound up (see FIGS. 12 and 13). However, the side airbag device can also be configured such that in the state where the airbag is folded, it does not have a part where the airbag is wound up. In such an embodiment, the side airbag device can be provided with at least a part of the airbag being in a bellows-folded state in the state where the airbag is folded.

[0082] B3. Other Embodiment 3: In the side airbag device 1 of the above embodiment, a part P21 including an edge portion constituting an end in the second direction D2 of the first part P10 is folded in a direction opposite to the second direction D2 (see FIGS. 5, 8, and 9). A part P22 including an edge portion constituting an end in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 of the first part P10 is folded in the second direction D2. However, the first part of the airbag may be tacked in between the pair of sheet parts St130, St230 without being folded with respect to the second direction D2.

[0083] B4. Other Embodiment 4: In the side airbag device 1 of the above embodiment, the airbag 100 is folded such that at least a part of the tag TG10 is located outside the pair of overlapping sheet parts St130, St230 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). However, the side airbag device may not be provided with such a tag. In such an embodiment, for example, the airbag 100 can be folded such that a part of the first part P10 is located outside the pair of overlapping sheet parts St130, St230. Also, the airbag 100 may be folded such that the tag and a part of the first part P10 are not located outside the pair of overlapping sheet parts St130, St230.

[0084] B5. Other Embodiment 5: In the side airbag device 1 of the above embodiment, 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 (see FIG. 4). However, the dimension Dm1 of the airbag 100 in the first direction D1 may be smaller than the dimension Dm2 of the airbag 100 in the second direction D2, or may be equal to the dimension Dm2 of the airbag 100 in the second direction D2.

[0085] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the forms described in the summary of the invention can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0086] 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 seat backrest extends from the seat surface, Dtr…Direction in which the torso of the occupant sitting on the seat is positioned relative to the backrest, Dm1…Dimension of the airbag in the first direction, Dm2…Dimension of the airbag in the second direction, FT…Tape, Fm…Mountain fold crease, Fv…Valley fold crease, HD…Head, LG…Legs, OC…Occupant, P10…First part, P20…Second part, P21…Part including the edge forming the end in the second direction of the first part, P22…Part including the edge forming the end in the direction opposite to the second direction of the first part 0, P30…Third part, P40…Fourth part, P50…Fifth part, SP…Seat surface, St100…Sheet, St130…Sheet part, St131…Part of the sheet part, St132…Another part of the sheet part, St133…Still 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…Still 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…Tag, TG20…Tag, TR…Torso, UA…Upper arm

Claims

1. A side airbag device, comprising: a pair of sheets arranged facing each other and joined together, and an airbag that is folded; an inflater that has a supply port for delivering gas and supplies gas into the airbag; when viewed along the thickness direction of the pair of sheets in a state where the pair of sheets are deployed flat, the airbag includes: a first part including one end of the sheet in a first direction; a second part including the other end of the sheet in the first direction; a third part located between the first part and the second part in the first direction; a fourth part located between the first part and the third part in the first direction; the airbag is folded such that (i) at least a part of the first part and the fourth part are located between a pair of sheet portions that are part of the pair of sheets and constitute the third part, and further, (ii) a part of the pair of sheet portions arranged sandwiching at least the part of the first part and the fourth part is folded in a bellows-folded state together with at least the part of the first part and the fourth part in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the supply port is arranged between another part of the pair of sheet portions. A side airbag device.

2. The side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein: the pair of sheet portions further includes another part; when viewed along the thickness direction in a state where the pair of sheets are deployed flat, the another part, the part, and the further another part are arranged side by side in that order in the second direction; the airbag is folded in a state where the further another part is wound up. A side airbag device.

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

4. The side airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the airbag is provided with a tag attached to the first part and protruding in the first direction. The side airbag device is folded in a state where one end of the seat in the first direction is located between the pair of seat portions constituting the third portion, and at least a part of the tag is located outside the pair of seat portions.

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

6. A method of folding an airbag provided in a side airbag device, wherein the airbag includes a pair of sheets arranged face to face and joined to each other, when viewed along the thickness direction of the pair of sheets in a state where the pair of sheets are deployed flat, the airbag includes a first portion including one end of the sheet in the 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 including (i) folding the airbag so 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) pleating a part of the pair of sheet portions disposed sandwiching at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion together with at least a part of the first portion and the fourth portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The method of folding an airbag according to claim 6, wherein the airbag includes a tag attached to the first portion and protruding in the first direction, and the step (i) includes folding the airbag so that 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 part of the tag is located outside the pair of sheet portions. A method of folding an airbag, comprising: adjusting a position of the first portion located between the pair of sheet portions based on at least a position and an amount of the tag located outside the pair of sheet portions.

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