Airbag device

Abstract

To provide an air bag device which reliably inflates and expands a folded air bag from a vehicle front side, and can obtain a stable expansion behavior.SOLUTION: An air bag device comprises: an inflator for generating a gas from a gas ejection hole; an air bag which has a first folded part folded into a roll, and a second folded part which is folded into at least one tack fold or bellows-shaped fold and is located adjacent to a vehicle front side of the first folded part, and which is inflated and expanded by the gas generated by the inflator; a fixation member to which the inflator and the air bag are fixed; a pinching member which surrounds a side face of the inflator, and is attached to the fixation member in the state of pinching the air bag therebetween; and a first rectification member which is provided in the air bag, and of which movement relative to the pinching member is regulated at the rear side of a vehicle rear with respect to a vehicle rear end of the pinching member when inflating and expanding the air bag. The first rectification member is provided at least over a vehicle front end of the inflator above the vehicle from the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle rear end of the pinching member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A known airbag device is attached to a vehicle such as an automobile and inflates and deploys in the event of a vehicle collision to protect an occupant. In the event of a frontal collision, the airbag inflates and deploys in front of the occupant seated in the passenger seat, toward the occupant, thereby catching and protecting the occupant as he or she moves forward.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a passenger-side airbag device. This airbag device is provided with a flow rectifying fabric, which causes inflation gas to flow toward the front of the vehicle and toward the rear of the vehicle. By designing the opening area of ​​the flow rectifying fabric toward the front end of the vehicle to be larger than that toward the rear end of the vehicle, the upper portion of the airbag, which is inflated by the inflation gas flowing toward the front of the vehicle, protrudes from the instrument panel and moves quickly rearward along the windshield, allowing the occupant-side surface of the airbag to quickly assume a vertical orientation. The occupant-side surface of the airbag then moves toward the rear of the vehicle while remaining vertical, allowing the airbag to inflate and deploy without partially protruding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-046563 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The airbag disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a tucked fold portion disposed on the front side of the vehicle and a rolled fold portion disposed on the rear side of the vehicle. However, due to the inertial force generated by a vehicle collision, the rolled fold portion moves to the front of the vehicle and presses against the tucked fold portion, making it difficult for gas to enter the tucked fold portion. Conversely, gas may enter the rolled fold portion, causing the rolled fold portion to inflate and deploy first, which is counter to the intended purpose and may result in the airbag inflating and deploying first on the occupant side.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described current situation, and has as its object to provide an airbag device that can reliably inflate and deploy a folded airbag from the front side of the vehicle, thereby achieving stable deployment behavior. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an airbag device that is provided in front of a seated occupant and inflates and deploys toward the occupant, the airbag including: an inflator that generates gas from a gas outlet; an airbag that has a first folded portion folded into a roll shape and at least one second folded portion that is folded into a tuck or accordion-like shape and is positioned adjacent to the vehicle front of the first folded portion, the airbag being inflated and deploying by the gas generated by the inflator; a fixing member to which the inflator and the airbag are fixed; a sandwiching member that surrounds a side of the inflator and is attached to the fixing member with the airbag sandwiched therebetween; and a first airflow straightening member that is provided within the airbag and whose relative movement with respect to the sandwiching member is restricted at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member when the airbag is inflated and deploying, the first airbag device being characterized in that the first airflow straightening member is provided from a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member to at least above the vehicle front end of the inflator.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is an airbag device that is provided in front of a seated occupant and inflates and deploys toward the occupant, the airbag including: an inflator that generates gas from gas outlets; an airbag that has a first folded portion folded into a roll shape and at least one second folded portion that is folded into a tuck or accordion-like shape and is positioned adjacent to the first folded portion on the vehicle front side; a fixing member to which the inflator and the airbag are fixed; a sandwiching member that surrounds a side of the inflator and is attached to the fixing member with the airbag sandwiched therebetween; a first airflow straightening member that is provided within the airbag and covers at least a portion of an upper surface of the inflator; and a second airflow straightening member that covers the first airflow straightening member and the inflator when the airbag is in a folded state and has an opening at least in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein when the airbag is in a folded state, a portion of the first airflow straightening member is located on the vehicle rearward opening side of the second airflow straightening member with respect to the inflator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an airbag device that can reliably inflate and deploy a folded airbag from the front side of a vehicle, thereby achieving stable deployment behavior. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an airbag device according to a first embodiment in an initial state, as viewed from the vehicle width direction. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view that schematically shows a sandwiching member and an inflator that are part of the configuration of the airbag device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A is a see-through perspective view that schematically shows the first rectifying member added to FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a top view that schematically shows only the first rectifying member in an open state. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing FIG. 4A together with a second flow guide member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag device according to the first embodiment before inflation and deployment, as viewed from the vehicle width direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the airbag device according to the first embodiment in the middle of inflation and deployment, as viewed from the vehicle width direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag device according to the first embodiment in the middle of inflation and deployment, as viewed from the vehicle width direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag device according to the first embodiment in the middle of inflation and deployment, as viewed from the vehicle width direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the airbag device according to the first embodiment after inflation and deployment, as viewed from the vehicle width direction. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a see-through perspective view that schematically shows a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member that are part of the configuration of the airbag device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the first rectifying member shown in FIG. 11 is torn and split when gas is generated. [Figure 13] FIG. 13A is a perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member, which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 3, and FIG. 13B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a see-through perspective view that schematically shows a sandwiching member, an inflator, a first rectifying member, and a part of an airbag, which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15A is a perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member, which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 5, and FIG. 15B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state. [Figure 16]FIG. 16A is a perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member, which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 6, and FIG. 16B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state. [Figure 17] FIG. 17A is a perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member, which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 7, and FIG. 17B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state. [Figure 18] FIG. 18A is a perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member, which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 8, and FIG. 18B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state. [Figure 19] FIG. 19A is a perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member, which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 9, and FIG. 19B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state. [Figure 20] FIG. 20A is a perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member, which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 10, and FIG. 20B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an airbag device according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, directions are based on the vehicle. In addition, arrow F, arrow R, and arrow U shown in each figure indicate the front, rear, and upper sides of the vehicle, respectively.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) First, the initial state of the airbag device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the initial state of the airbag device according to the first embodiment when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional schematic view of the airbag device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member and an inflator, which are part of the configuration of the airbag device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4A is a see-through perspective view schematically showing Fig. 3 together with a first airflow rectifying member, and Fig. 4B is a top view schematically showing only the first airflow rectifying member in an open state. Fig. 5 is a see-through perspective view schematically showing Fig. 4A together with a second airflow rectifying member.

[0013] 1 and 2, the airbag device 100 according to the first embodiment is an airbag device for a passenger seat, and is arranged to cover an opening in the upper surface of an instrument panel AA located in front of the passenger seat. The airbag device includes an inflator (gas generator) 10 that generates gas, a folded, bag-shaped airbag 20, a fixing member 30 to which the inflator 10 and the airbag 20 are fixed, and a sandwiching member 40 that surrounds the side of the inflator 10 and is attached to the fixing member 30 with the airbag 20 sandwiched therebetween. The airbag device also includes a first airflow straightening member 50 that is provided within the airbag 20 and extends from a position rearward of the rear end of the sandwiching member 40 to at least above the front end of the inflator 10, and a second airflow straightening member 60 that covers the first airflow straightening member 50 and the inflator 10. The airbag 20 is housed in an outer bag 80. Also provided is a cover 70 that covers the airbag 20 housed in the outer bag 80 and fixed to the fixing member. In this specification, the term "initial state" refers to the state before the inflator is activated, i.e., before the airbag is inflated and deployed. The airbag device of the present invention is preferably used as a passenger seat airbag device, but may also be used as a driver seat airbag device. The airbag device of the present invention does not necessarily have to include the outer bag 80.

[0014] The inflator 10 is activated when the vehicle experiences a frontal collision. First, when a collision detection sensor mounted on the vehicle detects a frontal collision, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) calculates a signal sent from the collision detection sensor and determines the level of the collision. If the determined level of the collision corresponds to a level that requires inflation of the airbag 20, the inflator 10 is activated, and gas is generated by a chemical reaction caused by the combustion of an explosive inside the inflator 10. The generated gas is released into the airbag 20 from gas outlets (not shown) of the inflator 10. Note that the type of inflator 10 is not particularly limited, and examples that can be used include a pyrotechnic inflator that uses gas generated by burning a gas generating agent, a stored inflator that uses compressed gas, and a hybrid inflator that uses a mixture of gas generated by burning a gas generating agent and compressed gas. Furthermore, it is preferable that the inflator 10 has a large number of gas outlets provided around the entire periphery of the side surface of the inflator 10. When the inflator has a circular shape when viewed from above, it is preferable that gas is emitted from the side surface of the inflator in all directions over 360° when viewed from above. Also, the gas ejection holes do not have to be provided evenly around the entire circumference of the side surface of the inflator; for example, a relatively large number of gas ejection holes may be provided on the front side of the vehicle and a relatively small number of gas ejection holes may be provided on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0015] The airbag 20 is a bag-shaped body, and before the inflator 10 is activated, it is folded and stored in a fixing member 30 that is arranged inside the upper surface of the instrument panel AA. When the inflator 10 is activated, the gas generated by the inflator 10 fills the inside of the airbag 20, and the airbag 20 inflates while unfolding. As a result, the airbag 20 pushes open a lid portion 71 provided on the cover 70, and is inflated and deployed inside the vehicle compartment.

[0016] In the folded state, the airbag 20 has a first folded portion 21 folded in a roll shape, and at least one second folded portion 22 folded in a tuck or accordion shape and arranged adjacent to the first folded portion 21 on the front side of the vehicle.

[0017] The airbag 20 can be formed of a fabric woven with threads of, for example, nylon 66, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. The surface of the airbag 20 may be coated with an inorganic material such as silicon to improve heat resistance and airtightness.

[0018] The fixing member 30 is attached by a plurality of hooks 30a and 30b provided on the inner wall portion 33 to an outer peripheral wall portion 72 of a cover 70 that protrudes to the inside (vehicle body side) of the instrument panel AA.

[0019] A metal annular sandwiching member 40 having a mounting hole 43 for the inflator 10 is disposed inside the lower surface of the airbag 20 .

[0020] 3 shows the clamping member 40 and the inflator 10. The clamping member 40 has a mounting hole 43 in its bottom surface 44, and the inflator 10 is fitted into the mounting hole 43. Side surfaces 45 rise from the outer periphery of the bottom surface 44 of the clamping member 40, and each side surface 45 surrounds the side of the inflator 10.

[0021] 2, a bolt 41 is provided on a bottom surface 44 of the sandwiching member, extending in the opposite direction to the direction in which the side surface 45 rises. The bolt 41 passes through the first airflow straightening member 50, the second airflow straightening member 60, the airbag 20, the fixing portion 31 of the fixing member 30, and the flange portion 10a of the inflator 10, and is fastened with a nut 42, thereby fixing each of them to the fixing portion 31 of the fixing member 30.

[0022] FIG. 4A shows the first airflow straightening member 50 provided from behind the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member 40 to at least above the vehicle at point 10F which is the vehicle front end of the inflator 10.

[0023] 4A has a portion that is located rearward of the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the sandwiching member 40. The first airflow straightening member 50 is further bent to cover the upper surface of the inflator 10, and is provided above the vehicle at point 10F, which is the vehicle front end of the upper surface of the inflator 10. It can also be said that the first airflow straightening member 50 covers an area (area shown as area 40F in FIG. 3) including point 10F, which is the vehicle front end of the inflator 10. Furthermore, the first airflow straightening member 50 shown in FIG. 4A is provided further forward of point 10F, which is the vehicle front end of the upper surface of the inflator 10.

[0024] The rear end of the sandwiching member 40 is the region indicated by the region 40R surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4A, the first airflow straightening member 50 is located rearward of the region 40R. 4A covers the entire upper surface of the inflator 10. Note that the first rectifying member 50 covering the entire upper surface of the inflator 10 also includes a case where a small hole such as the upper surface through-hole 53 is formed in the first rectifying member 50 as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0025] Furthermore, the region in which the first straightening member 50 is provided is a region that includes point 10F, which is the vehicle front end of the upper surface of the inflator 10, and point 10R, which is the vehicle rear end of the upper surface of the inflator 10, and can also be said to be a region that is provided from the vehicle rear of the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the clamping member 40, through point 10R, which is the vehicle rear end of the upper surface of the inflator 10, to point 10F, which is the vehicle front end of the upper surface of the inflator 10.

[0026] In the airbag device of the present invention, the first rectifying member is provided from behind the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member to at least above the vehicle front end of the inflator. It is preferable that the first rectifying member covers as wide an area as possible of the upper surface of the inflator as to be able to obstruct the flow of gas toward the rear of the vehicle when gas is generated from the inflator, and it is preferable that the first rectifying member covers the entire upper surface of the inflator.

[0027] In the airbag device of the present invention, the first rectifying member is provided from rearward of the vehicle rear end of the clamping member to forward of the vehicle. Because the first rectifying member is located rearward of the vehicle rear end of the clamping member, gas generated from the inflator and rectified upward by side surface 45 of the clamping member is obstructed from flowing rearward of the vehicle beyond the first rectifying member. Furthermore, if the first rectifying member is provided from rearward of the vehicle rear end of the clamping member to at least above the vehicle front end of the inflator, the flow of gas is obstructed in the region from the vehicle rear end of the clamping member to the vehicle front end of the inflator. Therefore, in the early stage of gas generation, the flow of gas is not obstructed by the first rectifying member, and gas is more likely to flow forward of the vehicle front end of the inflator.

[0028] In the airbag device of the present invention, gas enters the second folded portion located at the front of the vehicle first, making it easier for the second folded portion to deploy first. This allows the folded airbag to be reliably inflated and deployed from the front of the vehicle, resulting in an airbag device with stable deployment behavior. The airbag deployment behavior of the airbag device of the present invention will be described in detail later.

[0029] When the airbag is inflated and deployed, the first airflow rectifying member 50 is restricted from moving relative to the sandwiching member 40 at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the sandwiching member 40. Restricting the relative movement means that the first airflow rectifying member 50 cannot move freely rearward of the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the sandwiching member 40 and maintains a position rearward of the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the sandwiching member 40. In this configuration, when gas is generated from the inflator 10, the first airflow rectifying member 50 is located rearward of the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the sandwiching member 40 at least in the initial stage of gas generation. Therefore, when gas is generated from the inflator 10, the flow of gas toward the rear of the vehicle is obstructed, and gas is more likely to flow toward the front of the vehicle in the initial stage of gas generation. The initial stage of gas generation refers to the stage from when the second folded portion 22 expands due to the gas flowing into the second folded portion 22 until gas begins to flow into the first folded portion 21.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4B , the first airflow rectifying member 50 is provided with a bolt through hole 51a and a bolt through hole 51b. The bolt through hole 51a is provided in the bottom surface of the clamping member 40 and is a through hole into which the bolt 41a on the vehicle rear side is inserted. The bolt through hole 51b is provided in the bottom surface of the clamping member 40 and is a through hole into which the bolt 41b on the vehicle front side is inserted. As shown in FIG. 4A , the position of the first airflow rectifying member 50 is fixed by inserting the bolts 41a, 41b provided in the first airflow rectifying member 50 into the bolt through holes 51a, 51b, respectively, of the first airflow rectifying member 50. As a result, the relative movement of the first airflow rectifying member 50 with respect to the clamping member 40 is restricted at the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the clamping member 40.

[0031] In the airbag device of the present invention, the first airflow straightening member is preferably fixed to the fixing member by being sandwiched between the sandwiching member and the fixing member at least on the vehicle rear side. In the airbag device 100 of the first embodiment, the first airflow straightening member 50 is sandwiched and fixed between the sandwiching member 40 and the fixing member 30 by inserting the bolt through-holes 51a of the first airflow straightening member 50 into the bolts 41a on the vehicle rear side provided on the bottom surface of the sandwiching member 40. By fixing in this manner, the relative movement of the first airflow straightening member 50 with respect to the sandwiching member 40 is restricted in a region rearward of the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the sandwiching member 40 when the airbag is inflated and deployed.

[0032] 4B, the first flow rectifying member 50 is provided with an inflator through-hole 52 for the inflator 10 to pass through. The first flow rectifying member 50 is also provided with an upper surface through-hole 53 that opens a part of the portion where the first flow rectifying member 50 covers the upper surface of the inflator 10. The upper surface through-hole 53 can be used as a hole for aligning with the second flow rectifying member 60, which will be described later.

[0033] In the airbag device of the present invention, when the airbag is in a folded state, it is preferable that one end of the first airflow rectifying member is disposed as a free end on the vehicle front side of the inflator. In the airbag device of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A , one end 54 of the first airflow rectifying member 50 is a free end on the vehicle front side of the inflator 10. A free end is a portion that is not fixed to another member and can be turned up by gas. If one end of the first airflow rectifying member is a free end on the vehicle front side, when gas is generated from the inflator, the flow of gas on the vehicle front side is not obstructed by the first airflow rectifying member, and therefore gas is more likely to flow toward the vehicle front in the early stages of gas generation.

[0034] In the airbag device of the present invention, when the airbag is in a folded state, it is preferable that a portion of the first airflow straightening member reaches, on the vehicle front side, the folded portion of the second folded portion that is located furthest forward of the vehicle. If a portion of the first airflow straightening member reaches the folded portion of the second folded portion that is located furthest forward of the vehicle, the gas flow can be guided so that the gas first flows into the folded portion. Furthermore, the first airflow straightening member is pressed against the second folded portion in the folded state until the second folded portion begins to unfold, and therefore does not turn up. Therefore, before the second folded portion unfolds, the first airflow straightening member acts to inhibit gas from flowing toward the rear of the vehicle, and the gas flow can be guided so that the second folded portion unfolds before the first folded portion.

[0035] The first rectifying member is preferably a cloth-like material that is not too rigid and can be turned up by gas, and the same material as the cloth constituting the airbag can be used. The thickness of the first rectifying member is preferably 0.25 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. If the thickness of the first rectifying member is too thin, the first rectifying member may be damaged in unintended locations due to gas pressure. If the thickness of the first rectifying member is too thick, it may be difficult to turn up, and the first rectifying member may obstruct the flow of gas at the front of the vehicle.

[0036] In the airbag device of the present invention, the second airflow rectifying member preferably has an opening at least in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and preferably covers the first airflow rectifying member and the inflator when the airbag is in a folded state. The airbag device of the present invention does not necessarily have to include the second airflow rectifying member.

[0037] 5 shows a second airflow straightening member 60 having an opening in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The second airflow straightening member 60 is a cylindrical member as a whole having a vehicle front-side opening 62 at the front of the vehicle and a vehicle rear-side opening 61 at the rear of the vehicle. Note that although it is preferable that the airbag device of the present invention includes a second airflow straightening member, it is not necessarily required to include the second airflow straightening member.

[0038] The second airflow straightening member 60 covers the first airflow straightening member 50 and the inflator 10. In other words, the first airflow straightening member 50 and the inflator 10 are disposed inside the second airflow straightening member 60 (in the area surrounded by the second airflow straightening member 60). Furthermore, when the airbag is in the folded state, a portion of the first airflow straightening member 50 is positioned between the vehicle rear-side opening 61 of the second airflow straightening member 60 and the inflator 10. Specifically, a portion of the first airflow straightening member 50 is positioned between the vehicle rear-side opening 61 of the second airflow straightening member 60 and the inflator 10, rearward of the vehicle rear end (area 40R) of the sandwiching member 40.

[0039] When gas is generated from the inflator 10, the gas flows out from the vehicle front side opening 62 or the vehicle rear side opening 61 of the second flow straightening member 60. Since the outflow of gas from portions of the second flow straightening member 60 other than the vehicle front side opening 62 and the vehicle rear side opening 61 is suppressed, the second flow straightening member 60 restricts the flow direction of the gas to a specific direction. The second rectifying member may be appropriately provided with vent holes to allow gas to flow out from locations other than the vehicle front opening and the vehicle rear opening. Two vent holes 63 are shown in Figure 5. The number and locations of the vent holes are not particularly limited, and when multiple vent holes are provided, the vent holes may be the same or different sizes.

[0040] In the airbag device of the present invention, as described above, in the initial stage of gas generation, when gas is generated from the inflator, the action of the first flow straightening member inhibits the flow of gas toward the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, in the initial stage of gas generation, the outflow of gas from the vehicle rear-side opening of the second flow straightening member is inhibited. On the other hand, in the initial stage of gas generation, gas is more likely to flow toward the front of the vehicle, so the gas flows out from the vehicle front-side opening of the second flow straightening member and flows into the second fold disposed in the front of the vehicle.

[0041] As the second fold portion unfolds due to the gas flowing into it, the first rectifying member becomes less effective at blocking the flow of gas toward the rear of the vehicle, and gas begins to flow out of the opening in the second rectifying member toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0042] Next, the operation of the airbag device according to embodiment 1, particularly its behavior during inflation and deployment, will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 10. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag device according to embodiment 1 before inflation and deployment, as viewed from the vehicle width direction. Figures 7, 8, and 9 are cross-sectional views of the airbag device according to embodiment 1 during inflation and deployment, as viewed from the vehicle width direction. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag device according to embodiment 1 after inflation and deployment, as viewed from the vehicle width direction. In Figures 7, 8, and 9, the flow of gas is indicated by arrows.

[0043] 6, before inflation and deployment, the airbag device 100 is disposed so as to cover an opening in the upper surface of the instrument panel AA and is installed below the windshield BB. One end of the first airflow straightening member is disposed at a position (a position surrounded by a dotted line E) overlapping with the folded portion 22a located furthest forward of the vehicle.

[0044] FIG. 7 shows the deployment behavior of the airbag in the initial stage of gas generation. When the inflator 10 is activated, the flow of gas is obstructed at the rear of the vehicle by the action of the first flow straightening member 50. Therefore, the gas is less likely to flow out from the vehicle rear-side opening 61 of the second flow straightening member 60. On the other hand, because the first flow straightening member 50 has a free end at the front of the vehicle, the flow of gas is not obstructed by the first flow straightening member 50 at the front of the vehicle. Therefore, in the initial stage of gas generation, the gas is more likely to flow towards the front of the vehicle. The gas flows out from the vehicle front-side opening 62 of the second flow straightening member 60 and flows into the second folded portion 22 of the airbag 20. Then, the second folded portion 22, which is tucked or folded like an accordion, is deployed.

[0045] FIG. 8 shows the deployment behavior of the airbag when gas has flowed into the second folded portion. At this stage, the second folded portion 22 of the airbag 20 has deployed considerably. Because the first airflow straightening member 50 still obstructs the flow of gas on the vehicle rear side of the first airflow straightening member 50, gas does not flow into the vehicle rear-side opening 61 of the second airflow straightening member 60. Therefore, the first folded portion 21 of the airbag 20 does not deploy at this stage. The first airflow straightening member 50 is further turned up due to the pressure of gas on the vehicle front side, and one end 54 of the first airflow straightening member 50 (the position surrounded by dotted line E) approaches the vehicle rear-side opening 61 of the second airflow straightening member 60. When the one end 54 of the first airflow straightening member 50 moves further toward the vehicle rear from this state, gas begins to flow into the vehicle rear-side opening 61 of the second airflow straightening member 60, and deployment of the first folded portion 21 of the airbag 20 begins.

[0046] 9 shows the deployment behavior of the airbag when gas has flowed into the first folded portion. Gas flows into the first folded portion 21, which is folded into a roll, causing the roll to unfold and the airbag 20 to inflate and deploy.

[0047] 10 shows the state of the airbag after inflation and deployment. The shape of the airbag 20 after inflation and deployment is the same as that of a conventional airbag, but in the airbag device 100, gas is prevented from flowing into the first folded portion 21, which is a rolled folded portion, in the early stage of gas generation, and gas flows into the second folded portion 22, which is a tucked folded portion. This ensures that the airbag 20 inflates and deploys from the front side of the vehicle, resulting in stable inflation behavior.

[0048] As explained above, in the airbag device of the present invention, the second folded portion can be deployed first, followed by the first folded portion after a time lag. Unlike a technology that guides gas flow so that gas always tends to flow toward the front of the vehicle, the airbag device of the present invention uses a technology that guides gas toward the rear of the vehicle as the deployment of the first folded portion progresses, thereby accelerating the deployment of the second folded portion. In other words, in the airbag device of the present invention, even if the inertial force generated by a vehicle collision causes the roll fold portion to move forward of the vehicle and press against the tuck fold portion or the accordion fold portion, by inducing the flow of gas toward the front of the vehicle, the tuck fold portion or the accordion fold portion can be deployed before the roll fold portion is deployed.

[0049] Next, airbag devices according to other embodiments will be described. The airbag devices according to the other embodiments differ mainly in the shape of the first airflow straightening member, and therefore only the first airflow straightening member and other components that differ from the airbag device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0050] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 11 is a see-through perspective view that schematically shows a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member that are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 2. Fig. 12 is a perspective view that schematically shows a state in which the first rectifying member shown in Fig. 11 is torn and split when gas is generated.

[0051] In the airbag device of embodiment 2, when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the relative movement of the first straightening member with respect to the clamping member is restricted at the front of the vehicle of the front end of the clamping member, and the gas generated by the inflator causes the first straightening member to split into a first straightening member main body on the rear side of the vehicle and a remaining part of the first straightening member on the front side of the vehicle at a point forward of the front end of the inflator, and the first straightening member main body is configured to move away from above the vehicle at the front end of the inflator to the rear side of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated and deployed.

[0052] With this configuration, when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the gas generated by the inflator causes the first airflow straightening member to split at a location further forward than the front end of the inflator, creating a free end at the location where the split occurs.

[0053] 11, one end 54 of the first airflow straightening member 150 is fixed to a bolt 41b on the vehicle front side of the sandwiching member 40. Therefore, when the airbag is in a folded state, the relative movement of the first airflow straightening member with respect to the sandwiching member is restricted at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member and forward of the vehicle front end of the sandwiching member.

[0054] The first airflow straightening member 150 has a tearing portion 155. The tearing portion 155 is a portion that is expected to tear due to the gas generated by the inflator 10, and is a portion that is weaker in strength than other portions. Measures to weaken the strength include providing a slit like a perforation in the tearing portion, reducing the thickness of the fabric or resin that makes up the first airflow straightening member along the tearing portion, loosely sewing the tearing portion so that it will come undone by pressure, or joining the tearing portion with a weak adhesive. Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which the tearing portion 155 is provided by a perforation.

[0055] FIG. 12 shows a state in which the first airflow rectifying member 150 is torn at the cleavage portion and separated by gas generated by the inflator. When the first airflow rectifying member 150 is torn at the cleavage portion 155 shown in FIG. 11 , the first airflow rectifying member 150 is separated into a main body 151 and a remaining portion 152. One end 154 of the main body 151 is a free end. This state is the same as the state of the first airflow rectifying member 50 and its one end 54 in the first embodiment, so that, similar to the case in which the first airflow rectifying member 50 in the first embodiment is used, gas tends to flow toward the front of the vehicle in the early stage of gas generation. Since the main body 151 of the first airflow rectifying member is restricted from moving relative to the sandwiching member 40 at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the sandwiching member 40, the main body 151 of the first airflow rectifying member can inhibit the flow of gas toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0056] Since the first airflow straightening member tears at the front of the vehicle, it is possible to obstruct the flow of gas toward the rear of the vehicle and allow gas to flow toward the front of the vehicle, so it is preferable to position the tearing portion as far forward as possible, for example, further forward than the front end of the inflator.

[0057] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 13A is a perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member, which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 3, and FIG. 13B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state.

[0058] The first airflow rectifying member 250 shown in Fig. 13B is provided with a bolt through hole 51a. On the other hand, the first airflow rectifying member 50 shown in Fig. 4B is not provided with the bolt through hole 51b and the inflator through hole 52. As shown in Fig. 13A, the position of the first airflow rectifying member 250 is fixed by inserting the bolt 41a provided on the bottom surface 44 of the sandwiching member 40 into the bolt through hole 51a of the first airflow rectifying member 250. As a result, the relative movement of the first airflow rectifying member 250 with respect to the sandwiching member 40 is restricted on a side of the vehicle rearward of the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the sandwiching member 40. This configuration can also be said to be a configuration in which the first airflow rectifying member 250 is sandwiched and fixed between the sandwiching member 40 and the fixing member only on the vehicle rearward side. In this configuration, there are fewer locations for fixing the position of the first airflow straightening member 250, so if the first airflow straightening member 250 is torn around the bolt through-hole 51a due to gas generation from the inflator, there is a possibility that the fixed position of the first airflow straightening member 250 will not be maintained. From this perspective, it is more preferable to fix the first airflow straightening member 50 to the sandwiching member 40 on the vehicle rear side and the vehicle front side, as in the first airflow straightening member 50 shown in FIG.

[0059] (Embodiment 4) FIG. 14 is a see-through perspective view that schematically shows a sandwiching member, an inflator, a first rectifying member, and a part of an airbag, which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0060] In the airbag device according to the fourth embodiment, the first airflow rectifying member is fixed to the airbag rearward of the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member.

[0061] 14 is fixed to the airbag 20. Fig. 14 shows a state in which the first airflow rectifying member 350 is fixed to the airbag 20 by being sewn to the airbag 20 with a sewing thread 355 at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end (region 40R) of the sandwiching member 40. The first airflow rectifying member 350 is not fixed to the sandwiching member 40. The method for fixing the first airflow rectifying member to the airbag is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include sewing, bonding, welding, and combinations thereof, with sewing being preferred. The bolt 41a on the vehicle rear side of the clamping member 40 penetrates the airbag 20, and the airbag 20 is fixed to the clamping member 40. Because the clamping member 40 and the airbag 20 are fixed, the relative movement of the first airflow rectifying member 350 with respect to the clamping member 40 is restricted at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the clamping member 40. Even in this configuration, the first airflow rectifying member can obstruct the flow of gas toward the rear of the vehicle, as in the airbag device according to the first embodiment.

[0062] (Embodiments 5 to 8) Fig. 15A is a see-through perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member which are parts of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 5, and Fig. 15B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state. Fig. 16A is a see-through perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member which are parts of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 6, and Fig. 16B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state. Fig. 17A is a see-through perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member which are parts of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 7, and Fig. 17B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state. Fig. 18A is a see-through perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member which are parts of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 8, and Fig. 18B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state.

[0063] In the airbag devices according to the fifth to eighth embodiments, the positions, number or size of the upper surface through-holes provided in the first airflow rectifying member differ from those of the first airflow rectifying member provided in the airbag device according to the first embodiment.

[0064] 15A and 15B, a first airflow straightening member 450 according to the fifth embodiment is provided with two upper surface through holes (453a, 453b). Upper surface through hole 453a is provided above the central portion of the upper surface of the inflator 10, and upper surface through hole 453b is provided at the vehicle rear end portion of first airflow straightening member 450. Upper surface through hole 453b provided at the vehicle rear end portion of first airflow straightening member 450 is larger than upper surface through hole 453a provided above the central portion of the upper surface of the inflator 10.

[0065] 16A and 16B, a first airflow straightening member 550 according to the sixth embodiment is provided with two upper surface through holes (553a, 553b). Upper surface through hole 553a is provided above the center of the upper surface of the inflator 10, and upper surface through hole 553b is provided at the vehicle rear end portion of first airflow straightening member 550. Upper surface through hole 553b provided at the vehicle rear end portion of first airflow straightening member 550 is the same size as upper surface through hole 553a provided above the center of the upper surface of inflator 10.

[0066] 17A and 17B, a first airflow straightening member 650 according to the seventh embodiment is provided with three upper surface through-holes (653a, 653b, 653c). The upper surface through-hole 653a is provided above the central portion of the upper surface of the inflator 10. The upper surface through-holes 653b and 653c are provided at the vehicle rear end portion of the first airflow straightening member 650. The upper surface through-holes 653b and 653c provided at the vehicle rear end portion of the first airflow straightening member 650 are circular, and the upper surface through-hole 653a provided above the central portion of the upper surface of the inflator 10 is oval.

[0067] 18A and 18B, a first airflow straightening member 750 according to the eighth embodiment has three upper surface through holes (753a, 753b, 753c). The upper surface through hole 753a is provided above the center of the upper surface of the inflator 10. The upper surface through holes 753b and 753c are each provided at the vehicle rear end of the first airflow straightening member 750. The sizes of the upper surface through holes 753b and 753c are larger than the upper surface through holes 653b and 653c of the first airflow straightening member 650 according to the seventh embodiment.

[0068] In the fifth to eighth embodiments, gas can flow out from the upper surface through-holes provided at the vehicle rear end of the first airflow straightening member. When the second folded portion 22 is inflated and the first folded portion 21 is lifted as shown in Fig. 8, gas can be caused to flow out from the upper surface through-holes (453, etc.) provided at the vehicle rear end of the first airflow straightening member (450, etc.), and can be caused to flow into the first folded portion 21 through the vehicle rear-side opening 61 of the second airflow straightening member 60.

[0069] (Embodiments 9 to 10) Fig. 19A is a see-through perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 9, Fig. 19B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state, Fig. 20A is a see-through perspective view schematically showing a sandwiching member, an inflator, and a first rectifying member which are part of the configuration of an airbag device according to embodiment 10, and Fig. 20B is a top view schematically showing only the first rectifying member in an open state.

[0070] The airbag devices according to Embodiments 9 and 10 differ from the first airflow straightening member provided in the airbag device according to Embodiment 1 in that the first airflow straightening member covers only a portion of the upper surface of the inflator, not the entire upper surface of the inflator. Even in these cases, the first airflow straightening member is provided from behind the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member to at least above the vehicle front end of the inflator. Even if the first airflow straightening member does not cover the entire upper surface of the inflator, the flow of gas toward the rear of the vehicle is obstructed if the first airflow straightening member is provided in that region.

[0071] Furthermore, in order to effectively obstruct the flow of gas rearward of the vehicle, it is preferable that the first rectifying member covers an area that includes the front end of the upper surface of the inflator, the center of the upper surface of the inflator, and the rear end of the upper surface of the inflator. Note that even if an upper surface through-hole is provided in the first rectifying member that covers an area that includes the front end of the upper surface of the inflator, the center of the upper surface of the inflator, and the rear end of the upper surface of the inflator, this is still considered to be the case when the first rectifying member covers the above areas.

[0072] Figure 19A shows point 10F, which is the front end of the vehicle on the top surface of inflator 10, point 10C, which is the center of the top surface of inflator 10, and point 10R, which is the rear end of the top surface of inflator 10, and shows region 40C, which includes all of these.

[0073] 19A and 19B, the first flow rectifying member 850 according to the ninth embodiment has a substantially rectangular shape in the portion covering part of the upper surface of the inflator 10. The first flow rectifying member 850 can be said to have a T-shape as a whole.

[0074] In the first straightening member 950 according to embodiment 10 shown in Figures 20A and 20B, the shape of the part of the first straightening member 950 that covers part of the upper surface of the inflator 10 is a combination of an approximately rectangular shape and a shape that widens toward the rear of the vehicle of the clamping member.

[0075] The shape of the first rectifying member 950 shown in Figures 20A and 20B hinders the flow of gas toward the rear of the vehicle when gas is generated from the inflator, compared to the shape of the first rectifying member 850 shown in Figures 19A and 19B.

[0076] In the ninth and tenth embodiments, gas can flow out from the portion of the upper surface of the inflator that is not covered by the first flow rectifying member. In a state in which the inflation of the second folded portion 22 progresses and the first folded portion 21 is raised as shown in Fig. 8, the first flow rectifying member (850, etc.) allows gas to flow out from the portion of the upper surface of the inflator that is not covered, and can promote the flow of gas into the first folded portion 21 through the vehicle rear side opening 61 of the second flow rectifying member 60.

[0077] (Another embodiment of the airbag device of the present invention) Another aspect of the airbag device of the present invention includes a first straightening member provided within the airbag and covering at least a portion of the upper surface of the inflator, and a second straightening member that covers the first straightening member and the inflator when the airbag is in a folded state and has an opening at least in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and in the folded state of the airbag, a portion of the first straightening member is on the opening side of the second straightening member toward the rear of the vehicle relative to the inflator. Any of the above-described first to tenth embodiments of the airbag device of the present invention is included in another aspect of the airbag device of the present invention.

[0078] Another aspect of the airbag device of the present invention includes a first airflow straightening member and a second airflow straightening member, wherein the first airflow straightening member covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the inflator, and a portion of the first airflow straightening member is located on the vehicle rearward opening side of the second airflow straightening member with respect to the inflator. Because the first rectifying member, which is located on the vehicle rear opening side of the second rectifying member relative to the inflator, obstructs the flow of gas, the gas generated from the inflator cannot quickly reach the vehicle rear opening of the second rectifying member. As a result, gas tends to flow toward the front of the vehicle in the early stages of gas generation. As a result, gas tends to enter the second folded portion, which is located at the front of the vehicle, first, making it more likely that the second folded portion will deploy first. When the second folded portion inflates and creates space inside the airbag, the folded second airflow straightening member inflates and pushes up the rolled first folded portion, causing the first airflow straightening member to flip up, allowing gas to flow into the airbag from the opening on the rear side of the vehicle in the second airflow straightening member, and gas also flows into the first folded portion, causing the airbag to begin to inflate and deploy. This action allows the folded airbag to be reliably inflated and deployed from the front side of the vehicle, resulting in an airbag device that can achieve stable deployment behavior.

[0079] In another aspect of the airbag device of the present invention, the second airflow straightening member may cover at least a portion of the first airflow straightening member when the airbag is in a folded state. For example, a portion of the first airflow straightening member may protrude from the vehicle rear opening of the second airflow straightening member. In this case, the portion of the first airflow straightening member protruding from the vehicle rear opening of the second airflow straightening member is on the vehicle rear opening side of the second airflow straightening member with respect to the inflator, but this portion is not located between the vehicle rear opening of the second airflow straightening member and the inflator. Even in this example, the first airflow straightening member can prevent gas generated by the inflator from flowing out from the vehicle rear opening of the second airflow straightening member, thereby achieving the effect of the airbag device of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10: Inflator 10a: Flange part of inflator 10C: The center point on the top surface of the inflator 10F: The point on the top surface of the inflator that is the front end of the vehicle 10R: The rear end of the vehicle on the top surface of the inflator 20: Airbag 21: 1st folding section 22:Second folding section 22a: The folding part located at the front of the vehicle 30: Fixing member 30a, 30b: Hook 31: Fixing part of fixing member 33: Inner wall 40: Clamping member 40F: Area including the point that will be the front end of the inflator 40R: Area of ​​the rear end of the clamping member 41: Bolt 41a: Bolt on rear side of vehicle 41b: Bolt on the front side of the vehicle 42: Nut 43: Inflator mounting hole 44: Bottom of clamping member 45: Side of clamping member 50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950: First straightening member 51a: Bolt through hole (rear side of vehicle) 51b: Bolt through hole (front side of vehicle) 52: Inflator through hole 53, 453a, 453b, 553a, 553b, 653a, 653b, 653c, 753a, 753b, 753c: Top through hole 60: Second straightening member 61: Vehicle rear side opening of second straightening member 62: Opening on the front side of the second straightening member 63: Vent hole 70: Cover 71: Lid 72:Outer wall 80: Outer bag 100: Airbag device 151: First straightening member body after splitting 152: Remaining part of first straightening member after splitting 154: One end of the first rectifying member body 155: Cleavage section (perforation) 355: Sewing thread AA: Instrument panel BB: Windshield

Claims

1. An airbag device that is provided in front of a seated occupant and inflates and deploys toward the occupant, an inflator that generates gas from a gas ejection hole; an airbag that has a first folded portion folded in a roll shape and at least one second folded portion that is folded in a tuck or bellows shape and is disposed adjacent to the first folded portion on a front side of the vehicle, and that is inflated and deployed by gas generated by the inflator; a fixing member to which the inflator and the airbag are fixed; a sandwiching member that surrounds a side surface of the inflator and is attached to the fixing member with the airbag sandwiched therebetween; a first rectifying member that is provided in the airbag and whose relative movement with respect to the clamping member is restricted at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the clamping member when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the first airflow straightening member is provided from a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member to at least a position above the vehicle front end of the inflator, a second airflow rectifying member that covers the first airflow rectifying member and the inflator when the airbag is in a folded state and has an opening at least in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein, when the airbag is in a folded state, a portion of the first airflow straightening member is positioned between the vehicle rear side opening of the second airflow straightening member and the inflator.

2. An airbag device that is provided in front of a seated occupant of a vehicle and inflates and deploys toward the occupant, an inflator that generates gas from a gas ejection hole; an airbag that has a first folded portion folded in a roll shape and at least one second folded portion that is folded in a tuck or bellows shape and is disposed adjacent to the first folded portion on a front side of the vehicle, and that is inflated and deployed by gas generated by the inflator; a fixing member to which the inflator and the airbag are fixed; a sandwiching member that surrounds a side surface of the inflator and is attached to the fixing member with the airbag sandwiched therebetween; a first rectifying member that is provided in the airbag and whose relative movement with respect to the clamping member is restricted at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the clamping member when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the first airflow straightening member is provided from a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member to at least a position above the vehicle front end of the inflator, The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the first airflow rectifying member is fixed to the fixing member by being sandwiched between the sandwiching member and the fixing member at least on the rear side of the vehicle.

3. An airbag device that is provided in front of a seated occupant of a vehicle and inflates and deploys toward the occupant, an inflator that generates gas from a gas ejection hole; an airbag that has a first folded portion folded in a roll shape and at least one second folded portion that is folded in a tuck or bellows shape and is disposed adjacent to the first folded portion on a front side of the vehicle, and that is inflated and deployed by gas generated by the inflator; a fixing member to which the inflator and the airbag are fixed; a sandwiching member that surrounds a side surface of the inflator and is attached to the fixing member with the airbag sandwiched therebetween; a first rectifying member that is provided in the airbag and whose relative movement with respect to the clamping member is restricted at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the clamping member when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the first airflow straightening member is provided from a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member to at least a position above the vehicle front end of the inflator, The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the first airflow rectifying member is fixed to the airbag rearward of the rear end of the sandwiching member.

4. An airbag device that is provided in front of a seated occupant of a vehicle and inflates and deploys toward the occupant, an inflator that generates gas from a gas ejection hole; an airbag that has a first folded portion folded in a roll shape and at least one second folded portion that is folded in a tuck or bellows shape and is disposed adjacent to the first folded portion on a front side of the vehicle, and that is inflated and deployed by gas generated by the inflator; a fixing member to which the inflator and the airbag are fixed; a sandwiching member that surrounds a side surface of the inflator and is attached to the fixing member with the airbag sandwiched therebetween; a first rectifying member that is provided in the airbag and whose relative movement with respect to the clamping member is restricted at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the clamping member when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the first airflow straightening member is provided from a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member to at least a position above the vehicle front end of the inflator, 2. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein, in a folded state of the airbag, one end of the first airflow straightening member is disposed as a free end on a vehicle front side of the inflator.

5. An airbag device that is provided in front of a seated occupant of a vehicle and inflates and deploys toward the occupant, an inflator that generates gas from a gas ejection hole; an airbag that has a first folded portion folded in a roll shape and at least one second folded portion that is folded in a tuck or bellows shape and is disposed adjacent to the first folded portion on a front side of the vehicle, and that is inflated and deployed by gas generated by the inflator; a fixing member to which the inflator and the airbag are fixed; a sandwiching member that surrounds a side surface of the inflator and is attached to the fixing member with the airbag sandwiched therebetween; a first rectifying member that is provided in the airbag and whose relative movement with respect to the clamping member is restricted at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the clamping member when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the first airflow straightening member is provided from a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member to at least a position above the vehicle front end of the inflator, an airbag device, wherein, in a folded state of the airbag, a portion of the first airflow straightening member reaches, on the front side of the vehicle, a folded portion of the second folded portion that is located furthest forward of the vehicle;

6. An airbag device that is provided in front of a seated occupant of a vehicle and inflates and deploys toward the occupant, an inflator that generates gas from a gas ejection hole; an airbag that has a first folded portion folded in a roll shape and at least one second folded portion that is folded in a tuck or bellows shape and is disposed adjacent to the first folded portion on a front side of the vehicle, and that is inflated and deployed by gas generated by the inflator; a fixing member to which the inflator and the airbag are fixed; a sandwiching member that surrounds a side surface of the inflator and is attached to the fixing member with the airbag sandwiched therebetween; a first rectifying member that is provided in the airbag and whose relative movement with respect to the clamping member is restricted at a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the clamping member when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the first airflow straightening member is provided from a position rearward of the vehicle rear end of the sandwiching member to at least a position above the vehicle front end of the inflator, When the airbag is inflated and deployed, the first airflow straightening member is restricted from moving relative to the clamping member at a vehicle front end of the clamping member, the inflator is split into a first airflow straightening member main body on the vehicle rear side and a first airflow straightening member remaining portion on the vehicle front side at a location on the vehicle front side of the vehicle front end of the inflator by gas generated by the inflator, The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the first airflow straightening member body moves away from a vehicle upper portion of a front end of the inflator toward a vehicle rear portion when the airbag is inflated and deployed.

7. a second airflow rectifying member that covers the first airflow rectifying member and the inflator when the airbag is in a folded state and has an opening at least in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; 7. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein a portion of the first airflow straightening member is positioned between the vehicle rear side opening of the second airflow straightening member and the inflator when the airbag is in a folded state.

8. An airbag device that is provided in front of a seated occupant and inflates and deploys toward the occupant, an inflator that generates gas from a gas ejection hole; an airbag that has a first folded portion folded in a roll shape and at least one second folded portion that is folded in a tuck or bellows shape and is disposed adjacent to the first folded portion on a front side of the vehicle, and that is inflated and deployed by gas generated by the inflator; a fixing member to which the inflator and the airbag are fixed; a sandwiching member that surrounds a side surface of the inflator and is attached to the fixing member with the airbag sandwiched therebetween; a first rectifying member provided in the airbag and covering at least a portion of an upper surface of the inflator; a second airflow rectifying member that covers the first airflow rectifying member and the inflator when the airbag is in a folded state and has an opening at least in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein, in a folded state of the airbag, a portion of the first airflow rectifying member is located on a vehicle rearward opening side of the second airflow rectifying member with respect to the inflator.

9. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8, wherein the first airflow straightening member is fixed to the fixing member by being sandwiched between the sandwiching member and the fixing member at least on the vehicle rear side.

10. 9. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the first airflow straightening member is fixed to the airbag rearward of the rear end of the sandwiching member.

11. 11. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein, in a folded state of the airbag, one end of the first rectifying member is disposed as a free end on a vehicle front side of the inflator.

12. 12. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein, in a folded state of the airbag, a portion of the first straightening member reaches, on the front side of the vehicle, a folding portion of the second folding portion that is located furthest forward of the vehicle.

13. When the airbag is inflated and deployed, the first airflow straightening member is restricted from moving relative to the clamping member at a vehicle front end of the clamping member, the inflator is split into a first airflow straightening member main body on the vehicle rear side and a first airflow straightening member remaining portion on the vehicle front side at a location on the vehicle front side of the vehicle front end of the inflator by gas generated by the inflator, 11. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the first airflow straightening member body moves away from above the vehicle at the front end of the inflator toward the rear of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated and deployed.

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