Curtain airbag device

Abstract

[Problem] To maintain a stored form and smoothly expand and deploy an air bag cushion by using a simple and inexpensive configuration. [Solution] A curtain airbag device 100 comprises: a mini-wrapper 138 and a deployment auxiliary cloth 152 wound around an airbag cushion 102 in a stored form; a connection part 168 for connecting the mini-wrapper 138 and the deployment auxiliary cloth 152 to the airbag cushion 102; and a cover member 136 for covering the airbag cushion 102 in the stored form. The dimension L1 from the connection part 168 to another side 172b of a first region 172 of the deployment auxiliary cloth 152 falls within a range H1 from the connection part 168 of the mini-wrapper 138 to an opening 140. In a second region 174, the dimension L2 from the connection part 168 to another side 174b is larger than that of the first region 172. The deployment auxiliary cloth 152 is arranged such that the second region 174 overlaps an end part 176 of the cover member 136.

Description

Curtain airbag device

[0001] The present invention relates to a curtain airbag device for protecting an occupant in the event of a side collision or rollover of a vehicle.

[0002] Airbag systems are now standard equipment on most modern vehicles as a safety feature. A typical airbag system uses a sensor to detect an impact and activates an inflator, a gas generator, which then inflates and deploys the airbag cushion with the gas pressure. For example, in a front airbag system, the airbag cushion is stored folded in the center of the steering wheel, while in a curtain airbag system, it is stored rolled up or otherwise above the side door of the vehicle interior.

[0003] In the above-described curtain airbag device, since the airbag cushion has a long shape, the stored configuration is maintained using a strip-shaped cloth material, tape, etc. Furthermore, for example, in the head protection airbag device of Patent Document 1, as described in paragraph 0060 and Fig. 13, a resin guide plate 45 and a cloth belt 56 are used as means for restricting the deployment direction of the airbag. In the technology of Patent Document 1, as described in paragraphs 0044 and 0060, etc., the cloth belt 56 is used to cover the upper end 49A of the garnish 49, preventing the airbag 16 from getting into gaps around the upper end 49A.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-33845

[0005] In the technology of Patent Document 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a metal plate 42 is provided above a center pillar garnish 49, and then the above-mentioned guide plate 45 and fabric belt 56 are provided. However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 uses many metal and resin components. Currently, there is a demand for a simpler, lower-cost means to prevent interference between the airbag cushion and surrounding structures.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a curtain airbag device that has a simple and low-cost configuration and is capable of maintaining the stored configuration of the airbag cushion and achieving smooth inflation and deployment.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a representative configuration of a curtain airbag device according to the present invention is a curtain airbag device including an airbag cushion that is rolled up or folded into a storage form that is long in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is attached to an upper part of a side wall of the vehicle compartment, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag cushion, the curtain airbag device further including a belt-like tab that protrudes upward from the airbag cushion in the storage form and is fixed to the side wall of the vehicle compartment, a deployment assisting cloth that is cloth-like and has one side connected to the airbag cushion in the storage form and the other side free, a connecting portion that connects one side of the deployment assisting cloth to the airbag cushion, and a miniature inflator that protrudes from a predetermined position on the other side of the deployment assisting cloth. The device comprises a two-trumpet, an opening opened in the mini-trumpet that is hooked onto the tab, and a cover member that extends along a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction of the airbag cushion in the stored form and covers the side of the passenger compartment wall of the airbag cushion, wherein the deployment assist cloth is held in a state where it is wrapped around the airbag cushion in the stored form by hooking the opening of the mini-trumpet onto the tab, and the deployment assist cloth has a first region formed in the range where the mini-trumpet is provided, and a second region that is provided adjacent to the first region in the longitudinal direction of the airbag cushion in the stored form and has a dimension from the connection part to the other side that is larger than that of the first region, and the deployment assist cloth is arranged so that the second region overlaps at least the end of the cover member.

[0008] According to the above configuration, when the airbag cushion is released from its stored state and inflated and deployed, the second region of the deployment assist fabric covers gaps and steps between the cover member and the surrounding vehicle interior side walls and pillars, preventing the airbag cushion from interfering with these gaps, etc. Therefore, the above configuration maintains smooth deployment behavior of the airbag cushion and enables the airbag cushion to be quickly inflated and deployed to the desired range. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the configuration is simple and the use of parts made of different materials is reduced, making it possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs.

[0009] The mini-wrapper may be belt-shaped and attached to the development assisting cloth so that the opening projects from the other side of the development assisting cloth.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the deployment assist cloth can be efficiently wrapped around the periphery of the airbag cushion in the stored configuration using the mini wrapper.

[0011] The above-mentioned connection portion connects the mini-trumpet to the airbag cushion together with one side of the deployment assist fabric, and the dimension of the first region from the connection portion to the other side may be within the range from the connection portion of the mini-trumpet to the opening.

[0012] The above-described configuration also makes it possible to efficiently wrap the deployment assist cloth around the periphery of the airbag cushion in the stored configuration using the mini wrapper.

[0013] The mini-trumpet has a weak portion provided in the area between the connection portion and the opening that allows the mini-trumpet to break when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and the other side of the first region is preferably positioned between the weak portion of the mini-trumpet and the opening in the circumferential direction of the airbag cushion in the stored form.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the mini-trumpet breaks at the weakened portion immediately after the airbag cushion starts to inflate, allowing the wrapping to be released efficiently. Also, if the dimension of the first region of the deployment assist cloth is such that the other side is positioned between the weakened portion of the mini-trumpet and the opening, it can avoid being pinched between the airbag cushion and the tab, allowing for efficient deployment.

[0015] The mini-wrappers may be formed integrally with the deployment assist cloth. This configuration also makes it possible to use the mini-wrappers to efficiently wrap the deployment assist cloth around the periphery of the airbag cushion in the stored configuration.

[0016] The mini-wrapper may have a weakened portion that is provided at a predetermined location and breaks when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, separating the area including the opening from the deployment assisting cloth.

[0017] With the above-described configuration, the mini-trumpet breaks at the weakened portion immediately after the airbag cushion starts to inflate, making it possible to efficiently release the wrapping.

[0018] Another representative configuration of the curtain airbag device according to the present invention is a curtain airbag device comprising an airbag cushion that is rolled up or folded to form a long storage configuration in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is attached to an upper part of a side wall of the vehicle compartment, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag cushion, the curtain airbag device further comprising an inflator insertion section into which the inflator is inserted, and a deployment assist fabric that is cloth-like and has one side connected to the airbag cushion in the storage configuration at a predetermined connection section and the other side left free, wherein the deployment assist fabric has a first region that is formed on the inflator insertion section side in the longitudinal direction of the airbag cushion in the storage configuration, and a second region that is provided on the opposite side of the inflator insertion section as viewed from the first region in the longitudinal direction, and has a dimension from the connection section to the other side that is larger than that of the first region.

[0019] With the above configuration, when the airbag cushion is released from its stored form and inflated and deployed, the second region of the deployment assist fabric covers gaps and steps between the cover member and the surrounding vehicle interior side walls and pillars, preventing the airbag cushion from interfering with these gaps, etc. Furthermore, because the short first region is provided on the inflator insertion portion side, the airbag cushion can be inflated and deployed without gas clogging due to the deployment assist fabric being wrapped around it, i.e., without the deployment assist fabric blocking the flow of gas. Furthermore, as the airbag cushion inflates and deploys from the inflator insertion portion side, the deployment assist fabric can be smoothly unwrapped, allowing the airbag cushion to be quickly inflated and deployed to the desired range.

[0020] The other side of the second region may protrude in a stepped manner from the other side of the first region.

[0021] The deployment assisting cloth having the above-described configuration also covers gaps and steps between the cover member and surrounding structures, making it possible to prevent the airbag cushion from interfering with these gaps and steps.

[0022] The other side of the second region may be inclined so that the dimensions of the second region gradually increase from the first region.

[0023] The deployment assisting cloth having the above-described configuration also covers gaps and steps between the cover member and surrounding structures, making it possible to prevent the airbag cushion from interfering with these gaps and steps.

[0024] The other side of the first region may be inclined so that the dimension of the first region gradually increases toward the second region.

[0025] The deployment assisting cloth having the above-described configuration also covers gaps and steps between the cover member and surrounding structures, making it possible to prevent the airbag cushion from interfering with these gaps and steps.

[0026] The other side of the expansion assist cloth may be inclined so that the size of the expansion assist cloth gradually increases from the end on the first region side toward the end on the second region side.

[0027] The deployment assisting cloth having the above-described configuration also covers gaps and steps between the cover member and surrounding structures, making it possible to prevent the airbag cushion from interfering with these gaps and steps.

[0028] The mini-wrappers may be made of nonwoven fabric, which allows them to break smoothly in accordance with the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion.

[0029] The weakened portion may be formed by a slit, which allows the mini-wrapping device to be broken smoothly.

[0030] The connecting portion may integrally join the mini-wrapper, one side of the deployment assisting fabric, one end of the tab, and the non-inflatable portion of the airbag cushion.

[0031] This configuration allows the mini wrapper, the deployment assisting cloth, and the tab to be suitably connected to the non-inflatable portion of the airbag cushion.

[0032] The curtain airbag device may further include tapes provided on both sides of the mini-wrappers for wrapping the deployment assist fabric around the airbag cushion in the stored form, the tapes being breakable by the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion.

[0033] According to the above configuration, by using the tape together with the mini wrapper, it is possible to efficiently maintain the stored configuration of the airbag cushion.

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a curtain airbag device that is capable of maintaining the stored configuration of the airbag cushion and achieving smooth inflation and deployment with a simple and cost-effective configuration.

[0035] 1( a ) is a diagram illustrating an overview of a curtain airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 ( a ) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion of FIG. 1 alone; FIG. 2( b ) is an enlarged diagram illustrating the vicinity of the tab of the airbag cushion of FIG. 2( a ); FIG. 2( a ) is a diagram illustrating the vicinity of the tab of the airbag cushion of FIG. 2( a ); FIG. 5( a ) is a diagram illustrating the manner in which the airbag cushion of FIG. 5( a ) is inflated and deployed; FIG. 5( b ) is a diagram illustrating the manner in which the airbag cushion of FIG. 3( b ) is inflated and deployed; FIG. 4( a ) is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the deployment assist cloth of FIG. 4( a ); FIG. 4( a ) is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the deployment assist cloth of FIG. 4( a ); FIG. 11 is an example in which tape is applied to the mini wrapper of FIG. 11 ; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a further modified example of the mini wrapper of FIG. 4 ; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the airbag cushion of FIG. 4( a ).

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0037] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of an outline of a curtain airbag device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1A is a diagram illustrating the state of the curtain airbag device 100 before activation. The curtain airbag device 100 illustrated in the figure is for the right side of the vehicle cabin, but a left side curtain airbag device (not shown) also has a similar symmetrical structure.

[0038] 1(a) and other drawings, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows F (Forward) and B (Back), the left and right directions of the vehicle width are indicated by arrows L (Left) and R (Right), and the vertical direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows U (Up) and D (Down). In particular, "up" refers to the direction of the head of an occupant properly seated in a seat, and "down" refers to the direction of the lower legs of the occupant.

[0039] The vehicle is assumed to have two rows of seats, with a front row of seats 104 and a rear row of seats 106 arranged from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a plurality of pillars that support the roof. The plurality of pillars include, from the front of the vehicle, an A-pillar 108, a B-pillar 110, and a C-pillar 112.

[0040] The airbag cushion 102 is wound or folded into a long roll for storage in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is installed on the roof side rail 114 at the top of the side wall of the vehicle compartment. The installed airbag cushion 102 is covered with the roof trim and stored in the space between the roof side rail 114 and the roof trim.

[0041] The curtain airbag device 100 has an inflator 116, which is a gas generator, on top of the airbag cushion 102, and the airbag cushion 102 is inflated by the pressure of the gas supplied from the inflator 116 to restrain the occupant.

[0042] In this embodiment, a cylindrical inflator is used as the inflator 116. Currently popular inflators include types that are filled with a gas generating agent and burn it to generate gas, types that are filled with compressed gas and supply gas without generating heat, and types that are equipped with both a gas generating agent and compressed gas. Any of these types can be used as the inflator 116.

[0043] When the vehicle experiences a side collision or rollover, a sensor mounted on the vehicle detects the impact and sends a signal to the inflator 116. Upon receiving this signal, the inflator 116 is activated and supplies gas to the airbag cushion 102.

[0044] 1(b) is a diagram illustrating the state after activation of the curtain airbag device 100. When the airbag cushion 102 receives gas from the inflator 116, it inflates and deploys downward along the side wall of the vehicle compartment, such as a side window 118 (see FIG. 1(a)), to protect the occupant.

[0045] The inflation region of the airbag cushion 102 is divided into multiple small compartments called chambers, taking into consideration the positions where an occupant may come into contact. For example, a chamber 120 is provided at the front of the vehicle to protect an occupant in a front row seat 104. A chamber 122 is provided at the rear of the vehicle to protect an occupant in a rear row seat 106. These chambers are divided by seams 124, which are linear non-inflatable regions, etc.

[0046] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 102 of Figure 1 in isolation. Figure 2(a) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 102 of Figure 1(b) in isolation.

[0047] The airbag cushion 102 is for a curtain airbag and has a large shape that spreads along the side of the vehicle interior. The airbag cushion 102 is formed into a bag shape by overlapping and sewing or bonding two pieces of base fabric that form the surface of the airbag cushion, or by weaving using one-piece woven fabric (OPW).

[0048] An inflator insertion portion 128 is provided near the center of the upper portion of the upper edge 126 of the airbag cushion 102. The inflator insertion portion 128 is provided in a shape that protrudes upward beyond the remaining upper edge 126 of the airbag cushion 102, and the gas ejection hole side of the inflator 116 (see FIG. 2(b)) is inserted into the inflator insertion portion 128 to be attached.

[0049] The inflator inserting portion 128 communicates with a duct portion 130 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and gas from the inflator 116 is supplied to each chamber via the duct portion 130 .

[0050] The airbag cushion 102 is provided with tabs 132 at various locations on the upper edge 126 as attachment portions to the vehicle. The tabs 132 are strip-shaped and can be manufactured from the same material as the inflation portion of the airbag cushion 102. Although the tabs 132 extend downward from the upper edge 126 of the airbag cushion 102 in FIG. 2( a), in practice they are used extending upward from the upper edge 126. The tabs 132 are fixed to the roof side rails 114 (see FIG. 1( a)) using members such as clips or bolts.

[0051] A strap 134 is also provided on the front end side of the airbag cushion 102. The strap 134 is string-like and connects the airbag cushion 102 to the A-pillar 108 (see FIG. 1B). The strap 134 stabilizes the deployment behavior by suppressing rocking of the airbag cushion 102 when it is inflated and deployed, and also applies tension to the airbag cushion 102 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0052] Fig. 2(b) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 102 of Fig. 1(a) in isolation. The airbag cushion 102 in the stored form of Fig. 2(b) is formed by rolling the airbag cushion 102 of Fig. 2(a) from bottom to top.

[0053] The tab 132 is not wound or folded around the airbag cushion 102 in the stored configuration, but is used in an exposed state so as to protrude upward from the airbag cushion 102 in the stored configuration.

[0054] A cover member 136 is attached to the airbag cushion 102. The cover member 136 is made primarily of resin and has a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the airbag cushion 102 in the stored form, along the area near the inflator insertion portion 128. The cover member 136 supports the inflator and covers the roof side rail 114 (see FIG. 1A ) side of the airbag cushion 102, preventing interference between the airbag cushion 102 and surrounding structures and providing a reaction force when the airbag cushion 102 inflates and deploys.

[0055] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the tab 132 in Fig. 2(b). Fig. 3(a) is a view illustrating the state before the deployment assisting cloth 152 and the mini wrapper 138 are wrapped around the airbag cushion 102.

[0056] The airbag cushion 102 is provided with a mini-wrapping member 138 in addition to the tab 132. The mini-wrapping member 138 is a strip-shaped member that is used to maintain the rolled-up state of the airbag cushion 102. The mini-wrapping member 138 allows the airbag cushion 102 to maintain its stored configuration even before being mounted on the vehicle, facilitating transportation and assembly into the vehicle.

[0057] 3(b) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the deployment assist cloth 152 and the mini wrapper 138 are wrapped around the airbag cushion 102 of FIG. 3(a). The mini wrapper 138 has an opening 140 at its tip. The opening 140 is opened in a triangular shape with rounded corners, and can be hooked onto the tab 132 for temporary connection. The mini wrapper 138 has a fragile portion 170, such as a slit, that breaks when the airbag cushion 102 is inflated and deployed, allowing the airbag cushion 102 and the deployment assist cloth 152 to be released.

[0058] The tab 132 has a fixing portion 142 at its upper end. The fixing portion 142 is provided as a square hole, and is fixed to the roof side rail 114 (see FIG. 1(a)) using a clip, a bolt, or the like.

[0059] Two slits 144a, 144b are formed in the tab 132. The slits 144a, 144b are formed on side edges 146a, 146b of the tab 132 below the fixing portion 142. The slits 144a, 144b catch the edges of the opening 140 of the mini wrapper 138 and hold the mini wrapper 138 wrapped around the airbag cushion 102.

[0060] 3(a), the slits 144a, 144b extend diagonally upward in a straight line from the side edges 146a, 146b. This shape allows the mini-wrapping device 138 to bite deeper into the slits 144a, 144b when pulled in a direction to remove it from the tab 132, making it difficult for the mini-wrapping device 138 to fall off the tab 132.

[0061] The tab 132 is provided with a reinforcing sewn portion 148. The reinforcing sewn portion 148 is sewn continuously along the two slits 144a, 144b and the upper side of the opening 140. Areas 150a, 150b of the tab 132 above the slits 144a, 144b function as "returns" for the mini wrapper 138. Providing the reinforcing sewn portion 148 increases the rigidity of the "return" areas 150a, 150b, making it more difficult for the mini wrapper 138 to fall off.

[0062] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the vicinity of the tab 132 of the airbag cushion 102 in Fig. 2(a). Fig. 4(a) is an enlarged view illustrating the vicinity of the tab 132 from the same direction as Fig. 2(a).

[0063] The airbag cushion 102 of this embodiment is provided with a deployment assisting fabric 152 near the tab 132. The deployment assisting fabric 152 is a fabric-like member that assists in the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion 102, and can be manufactured from the same material as the inflation portion of the airbag cushion 102. The deployment assisting fabric 152 deploys when the airbag cushion 102 is inflated and deployed, and covers structures surrounding the airbag cushion 102, thereby preventing the airbag cushion 102 from interfering with gaps in the surrounding structures.

[0064] The tab 132 is sewn by a connecting portion 168 to the non-inflatable portion 154 that forms the upper edge 126 of the airbag cushion 102, with its upper end extending downward on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the airbag cushion 102. The mini wrapper 138 is overlapped near the base of the tab 132 with its opening 140 side facing upward, and is sewn to the non-inflatable portion 154 together with the tab 132 by the connecting portion 168.

[0065] Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the airbag cushion 102 of Figure 4(a). One side 156 of the deployment assist cloth 152 is connected to a non-inflatable portion 154 near the upper edge 126 of the airbag cushion 102, and the other side 158 is free.

[0066] The tab 132 has one end 160 connected to the airbag cushion 102 near the upper edge 126 and the other end 162 having the fixing portion 142 and being a free end. The mini wrapper 138 has one end 164 connected to the airbag cushion 102 near the tab 132 and the other end 166 connected to the tab 132 using the opening 140 while being wrapped around the airbag cushion 102 in the stored form.

[0067] The connection portion 168 is formed by sewing one side 156 of the deployment assist cloth 152, one end 160 of the tab 132, and one end 164 of the mini wrapper 138 to the non-inflatable portion 154 of the upper edge 126 of the airbag cushion 102, and integrally joining them. This configuration makes it possible to suitably connect the tab 132, the mini wrapper 138, and the deployment assist cloth 152 to the non-inflatable portion 154 of the airbag cushion 102.

[0068] 4( a), the mini-wrapparatus 138 has a weakened portion 170 on the connecting portion 168 side as viewed from the opening 140. The weakened portion 170 is realized by, for example, a slit. By having the weakened portion 170, the mini-wrapparatus 138 breaks so as to be separated into the opening 140 side and the connecting portion 168 side immediately after the airbag cushion 102 starts to inflate and deploy. This releases the mini-wrapparatus 138 from being wrapped around the airbag cushion 102, allowing the airbag cushion 102 to inflate and deploy appropriately.

[0069] The mini-wrapping member 138 is made of nonwoven fabric and has a low strength. The mini-wrapping member 138 made of nonwoven fabric can be smoothly torn from the weakened portion 170 as the airbag cushion 102 inflates and deploys.

[0070] The size of the deployment assist cloth 152 varies in the longitudinal direction of the airbag cushion 102. For example, in the longitudinal direction of the airbag cushion 102 in the stored configuration shown in Fig. 2(b), the deployment assist cloth 152 has a first region 172 (see Fig. 4(a)) with a smaller size on the inflator insertion portion 128 side, and a second region 174 with a larger size on the opposite side of the inflator insertion portion 128 from the first region 172. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first region 172 with a smaller size is provided in the area where the mini wrapper 138 is wrapped, and the second region 174 with a larger size is provided in the area that does not overlap with the mini wrapper 138 and the tab 132.

[0071] The first region 172 is formed so that the dimension L1 from the connecting portion 168 to the other side 172b in the circumferential direction when the airbag cushion 102 is in the stored form falls within the range H1 from the connecting portion 168 of the mini-wrapping member 138 to the edge of the opening 140.

[0072] The second region 174 is provided adjacent to the first region 172 in the longitudinal direction of the airbag cushion 102 in the stored configuration. The dimension L2 of the second region 174 from the connecting portion 168 to the other side 174b is larger than the dimension L1 of the first region 172 (L2>L1).

[0073] The second region 174 is positioned to overlap the end 176 (see Figure 2(b)) of the cover member 136, and covers the gaps and steps between the cover member 136 and the roof side rail 114 (see Figure 1(a)), thereby preventing the airbag cushion 102 from interfering with these gaps and steps.

[0074] The other side 174b of the second region 174 protrudes in a stepped manner from the other side 172b of the first region 172. The expanded second region 174 covers gaps and steps between the cover member 136 (see FIG. 2B) and the surrounding structure, and prevents the airbag cushion 102 from interfering with these gaps and steps.

[0075] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 102 of Figure 2(a). Figure 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the airbag cushion 102 of Figure 2(a) taken along line BB.

[0076] The tab 132 has one end 160 connected to the airbag cushion 102 near the upper edge 126 and an opposite end 162 that projects upwardly from the airbag cushion 102 in the stowed configuration.

[0077] The mini wrapper 138 has one end 164 connected to the airbag cushion 102 near the tab 132, and the other end 166 connected to the tab 132 using the opening 140 while wrapped around the airbag cushion 102 in the stored configuration.

[0078] The deployment assisting fabric 152 is wrapped around the airbag cushion 102 in the stored configuration by the mini wrapper 138.

[0079] The weakened portion 170 of the mini-wrapping member 138 is provided in the range between the connecting portion 168 and the opening 140. The other side 172b of the first region 172 of the deployment assisting cloth 152 is configured to be located between the weakened portion 170 of the mini-wrapping member 138 and the opening 140 in the circumferential direction of the airbag cushion 102 in the stored form.

[0080] By providing the weakened portion 170 in the mini-wrapping cloth 138, it is possible to break the mini-wrapping cloth 138 immediately after the airbag cushion 102 starts to inflate, thereby efficiently releasing the wrapping of the mini-wrapping cloth 138. Furthermore, the first region 172 of the deployment assisting cloth 152 is sized so that the other side 172b is positioned between the weakened portion 170 of the mini-wrapping cloth 138 and the opening 140, thereby preventing the airbag cushion 102 from being pinched between the tab 132 and the airbag cushion 102, allowing for smooth deployment.

[0081] Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of the airbag cushion 102 of Figure 2(a). The second region 174 of the deployment assist fabric 152 covers a wider area in the circumferential direction of the airbag cushion 102 in the stored form than the first region 172 (see Figure 5(a)).

[0082] Figure 5(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the airbag cushion 102 in Figure 2(a). The second region 174 can be bound with tape 178 when the airbag cushion 102 is in the stored form. By using a material for the tape 178 that can be broken by the force exerted when the airbag cushion 102 is inflated and deployed, it becomes possible to release the airbag cushion 102 in the stored form together with the mini wrapper 138 having the fragile portion 170 (see Figure 5(a)).

[0083] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of the state in which the airbag cushion 102 in Fig. 5A is inflated and deployed. Fig. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of the state in which the curtain airbag device 100 in Fig. 5A is attached to a roof side rail 114.

[0084] The cover member 136 is fixed to the roof side rail 114 using a clip 180. The clip 180 passes through the tab 132 and is inserted into a tab mounting portion 182 of the cover member 136 and the roof side rail 114.

[0085] The cover member 136 has a curved portion 184 as a portion to which the stored airbag cushion 102 is attached. The curved portion 184 is curved along the outer periphery of the stored airbag cushion 102.

[0086] A jump portion 186 is provided on the cover member 136 below the curved portion 184. The jump portion 186 is a portion that prevents the airbag cushion 102 from interfering with structures such as a pillar garnish 190 below the roof side rail 114, and extends obliquely from the curved portion 184 toward the interior of the vehicle.

[0087] FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of the curtain airbag device 100 of FIG. 6A inflating and deploying.

[0088] When gas is supplied to the airbag cushion 102, the jump portion 186 guides the airbag cushion 102 toward the interior of the vehicle, and the airbag cushion 102 inflates and deploys downward by pushing against the roof trim 188. In this way, the jump portion 186 allows the airbag cushion 102 to overcome the pillar garnish 190 and the like without interfering with them, allowing for smooth inflation and deployment.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the other side 172b of the first region 172 of the deployment assist cloth 152 is configured to be located between the weakened portion 170 of the mini wrapper 138 and the opening 140 in the circumferential direction of the airbag cushion 102 in the stored form. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6(b), the first region 172 can be deployed smoothly without being pinched between the airbag cushion 102 and the tab 132.

[0090] 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of the state in which the airbag cushion 102 in Fig. 5B is inflated and deployed. Fig. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of the state in which the curtain airbag device 100 in Fig. 5B is attached to a roof side rail 114.

[0091] The deployment assist cloth 152 is arranged so that the second region 174 overlaps an end 176 (see FIG. 2(b)) of the cover member 136. The second region 174 of the deployment assist cloth 152 is able to cover gaps and steps between the cover member 136 and surrounding structures such as the roof side rail 114 and pillar garnish 190 over a wider area than the first region 172 (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0092] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of the curtain airbag device 100 of FIG. 7A inflating and deploying.

[0093] The second region 174 can cover the gaps and steps between the cover member 136 and the surrounding roof side rail 114 and pillar garnish 190, thereby preventing the airbag cushion 102 from interfering with these gaps, etc.

[0094] Thus, according to this embodiment, when the airbag cushion 102 is released from its stored state and inflates and deploys, the second region 174 of the deployment assist cloth 152 covers the gaps and steps between the cover member 136 and the surrounding cabin side walls and pillars, thereby preventing the airbag cushion 102 from interfering with these gaps, etc.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the first region 172 is set to have a smaller dimension than the second region 174. For example, in Fig. 5(a), if the deployment assist cloth 152 has a length that reaches the tab 132 when wrapped around the airbag cushion 102, even if the mini-wrapper 138 breaks when the airbag cushion 102 is inflated and deployed, the deployment assist cloth 152 will be pinched between the inflating airbag cushion 102 and the tab 132 and will not easily spread downward, which may slow down the deployment of the airbag cushion 102.

[0096] On the other hand, for example, in Figure 6 (a), if the deployment assist cloth 152 is made too short in the circumferential direction of the airbag cushion 102 so that it does not reach the tab 132, the deployment assist cloth 152 may not be able to completely cover the gap between the cover member 136 and the upper end of the pillar garnish 190.

[0097] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first region 172 of the deployment assist cloth 152, which is bound by the tab 132 and the mini trumpet 138, is set to a dimension such that the other edge 172b does not come into contact with the tab 132 when the deployment assist cloth 152 is wrapped around the airbag cushion 102 as illustrated in Figure 6(a), and the other edge 172b reaches below the upper end of the pillar garnish 190 so that the deployment assist cloth 152 can cover the gap between the cover member 136 and the upper end of the pillar garnish 190 when the deployment assist cloth 152 is unwrapped as illustrated in Figure 6(b).

[0098] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial state when the airbag cushion 102 of FIG. 3(b) begins to inflate and deploy. When the airbag cushion 102 begins to inflate and deploy, the mini-wrappers 138 break at the fragile portions 170 (see FIG. 3(b)) and separate into the tip portion 138a and the base portion 138b, releasing the airbag cushion 102 and the deployment assisting cloth 152.

[0099] The deployment assist fabric 152 has a first region 172 (see FIG. 4A) having a small dimension on the inflator insertion portion 128 side (see FIG. 2B) in the longitudinal direction of the airbag cushion 102 in the stored form, and a second region 174 having a large dimension on the opposite side of the inflator insertion portion 128 from the first region 172. In other words, the first region 172 is provided on the upstream side of the gas flow, where inflation and deployment begins, and the second region 174 is provided on the downstream side of the gas flow.

[0100] In this embodiment, the dimension of the first region 172 of the deployment assist cloth 152 in the circumferential direction of the airbag cushion 102 in the stored configuration is shorter than the dimension of the second region 174. By providing the first region 172 with a shorter dimension on the inflator insertion portion 128 side, the airbag cushion 102 can be inflated and deployed without gas clogging due to the wrapping of the deployment assist cloth 152, i.e., without the deployment assist cloth 152 blocking the flow of gas. Furthermore, the wrapping of the deployment assist cloth 152 can be smoothly unwrapped in accordance with the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion 102 proceeding from the inflator insertion portion 128 side. In other words, by unwrapping the deployment assist cloth 152 from the first region 172, which is shorter in the circumferential direction in the wrapped state, the deployment assist cloth 152 can be smoothly deployed without being caught in the airbag cushion 102 or pinched between it and surrounding structures.

[0101] With the above configuration, the deployment assist cloth 152 deploys smoothly from the first region 172 side, while the second region 174 covers the gap between the cover member 136 (see Figure 7 (b)) and the upper end of the pillar garnish 190, thereby enabling the airbag cushion 102 to be quickly inflated and deployed to the desired range.

[0102] As described above, the curtain airbag device 100 of this embodiment can maintain smooth deployment behavior of the airbag cushion 102 and quickly inflate and deploy the airbag cushion 102 to a desired range. Furthermore, this embodiment has a simple configuration and reduces the use of parts made of other materials, making it possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs.

[0103] (Modifications) Modifications of the above-described components will be described below. In Figure 9 and subsequent figures, the same components as those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions of these components will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, components with the same names as those already described will have the same functions, even if they are assigned different reference numerals, unless otherwise specified.

[0104] 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the development assistant cloth 152 of Fig. 4(a). Fig. 9(a) is a diagram illustrating a first modified example (development assistant cloth 200) of the development assistant cloth 152 of Fig. 4(a).

[0105] The development assist cloth 200 also has a second region 204 that is larger in size relative to the first region 202. In particular, a front portion 208 of the other side 206 of the second region 204 is inclined so that the size of the second region 204 gradually widens from the first region 202.

[0106] The deployment assist cloth 200 also covers gaps and steps between the cover member 136 and surrounding structures, making it possible to prevent the airbag cushion 102 from interfering with these gaps, etc. In particular, the deployment assist cloth 200 has a front portion 208 that smoothly changes in shape from the first region 202 to the second region 204, preventing localized concentration of force and enabling smooth deployment.

[0107] FIG. 9(b) is a diagram illustrating a second modified example (a development assistant cloth 220) of the development assistant cloth 152 of FIG. 4(a).

[0108] In the development assisting cloth 220 , the other side 226 of the first region 222 is inclined so that the dimensions of the first region 222 gradually increase toward the second region 224 .

[0109] The deployment assist cloth 220 also covers gaps and steps between the cover member 136 and surrounding structures, making it possible to prevent the airbag cushion 102 from interfering with these gaps, etc. In particular, the deployment assist cloth 220 has a first region 222 whose shape changes smoothly toward the second region 224, preventing localized concentration of force and enabling smooth deployment.

[0110] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third modified example (a development assistant cloth 240) of the development assistant cloth 152 of FIG. 4(a).

[0111] The other side 242 of the expansion assist cloth 240 is inclined so that the dimensions of the expansion assist cloth 240 gradually increase from an end 246 on the first region 244 side to an end 250 on the second region 248 side.

[0112] The deployment assist cloth 240 also covers gaps and steps between the cover member 136 and surrounding structures, making it possible to prevent the airbag cushion 102 from interfering with these gaps, etc. In particular, the deployment assist cloth 240 has an overall shape that changes smoothly from the first region 244 to the second region 248, preventing localized concentration of force and enabling smooth deployment.

[0113] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the mini wrapper 138 of Fig. 4. The mini wrapper 300 illustrated in Fig. 11 differs from the above-described embodiments in that it is formed integrally with a deployment assist cloth 302.

[0114] The mini wrapper 300 is provided within the first region 304 of the deployment assist cloth 302 so as to protrude from the other side 306 of the first region 304. The mini wrapper 300 also holds the deployment assist cloth 302 wrapped around the airbag cushion 102 in the stored configuration (see FIG. 3( a)) by hooking the opening 308 onto the tab 310.

[0115] The mini-wrapping device 300 is provided with a slit-shaped weakened portion 312 along the other side 306 of the first region 304. The weakened portion 312 breaks when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and the area including the opening 308 of the mini-wrapping device 300 can be separated from the deployment assist cloth 302. This releases the wrapping of the deployment assist cloth 302, allowing the airbag cushion 102 (see FIG. 3(a)) to be released.

[0116] In this way, even with the mini wrapper 300 formed integrally with the deployment assist cloth 302, the deployment assist cloth 302 can be efficiently wrapped around the airbag cushion 102 in the stored form by hooking the opening 308 of the mini wrapper 300 onto the tab 310.

[0117] The shape of the expansion assist cloth 302 integrally formed with the mini wrapper 300 can be changed to the same shape as the expansion assist cloth 200 in Fig. 9(a), the expansion assist cloth 220 in Fig. 9(b), or the expansion assist cloth 240 in Fig. 10. By integrally forming the mini wrapper 300 with these expansion assist cloths 200, 220, and 240, it is possible to obtain both the effects of the mini wrapper 300 and the effects of the expansion assist cloths 200, 220, and 240 described above.

[0118] Fig. 12 shows an example in which tapes 320 and 322 are applied to the mini wrapper 300 of Fig. 11. Fig. 12(a) illustrates the tapes 320 and 322 according to Fig. 11.

[0119] The tapes 320, 322 can be used to wrap the deployment assist cloth 302 around the stored airbag cushion 102 (see FIG. 12(b)) on both sides of the mini wrapper 300. The tapes 320, 322 are made of a material that can be broken by the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion 102, and break at approximately the same time as the fragile portion 312, thereby releasing the deployment assist cloth 302 and the airbag cushion 102.

[0120] The deployment assisting fabric 302 may extend the first region 304 in a direction away from the mini wrapper 300, taking into consideration that the tapes 320, 322 are provided.

[0121] 12(b) is a diagram illustrating a storage configuration of the airbag cushion 102 of FIG. 12(a). In this modification, by using the tapes 320 and 322 together with the mini wrapper 300, it is possible to efficiently maintain the storage configuration of the airbag cushion 102.

[0122] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a further modified example of the mini wrapper 138 of Figure 4. Figure 13(a) is a diagram illustrating a mini wrapper 340 according to Figure 4. The mini wrapper 340 is provided as a separate member from the tab 310 and the deployment assisting cloth 342.

[0123] The mini wrapper 340 is a short, strip-shaped member, and is disposed so that the opening 344 protrudes from the other side 348 of the first region 346 of the expansion assisting cloth 342. In this case, the first region 346 has a dimension L3 from the connecting portion 168 to the other side 348 that falls within the range H2 from the connecting portion 168 to the tip side of the opening 344 of the mini wrapper 340.

[0124] Figure 13(b) is a diagram illustrating the opposite side of the mini-wrapping member 340 of Figure 13(b). The mini-wrapping member 340 is attached to the deployment assisting fabric 342 by a stitched joint 350. The mini-wrapping member 340 also has a slit-shaped weakened portion 352, which allows the tip portion 354 having the opening 344 to be separated from the base portion 356 when the airbag cushion 102 (see Figure 6(b)) is inflated and deployed.

[0125] In this modification, too, the mini-wrapping member 340 can be used to efficiently wrap the deployment assist cloth 342 around the airbag cushion 102 in the stored form (see FIG. 3A). In particular, in this modification, the mini-wrapping member 340 is independent of the deployment assist cloth 342 and the tab 310 (see FIG. 11), so the mini-wrapping member 340 can be made of a different material from the deployment assist cloth 342 and the tab 310. For example, in this modification, the mini-wrapping member 340 can be made of a material that is easily broken at the fragile portion 352 or a material with high rigidity.

[0126] The shape of the expansion assist cloth 342 to which the mini wrapper 340 is attached can be changed to the same shape as the expansion assist cloth 200 in Fig. 9(a), the expansion assist cloth 220 in Fig. 9(b), or the expansion assist cloth 240 in Fig. 10. By applying the mini wrapper 340 to these expansion assist cloths 200, 220, and 240, it is possible to obtain both the above-described functions and effects of the mini wrapper 340 and the functions and effects of the expansion assist cloths 200, 220, and 240.

[0127] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating a modified example (airbag cushion 360) of the airbag cushion 102 in Fig. 4(a) Fig. 14(a) is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion 360 corresponding to Fig. 4(a).

[0128] Similar to the airbag cushion 102 in FIG. 4( a), the airbag cushion 360 includes a chamber 122 which is an inflation region, a non-inflatable portion 154 which forms the upper edge 126, and a deployment assisting fabric 152 connected to the non-inflatable region 154.

[0129] 4(a) is omitted, and instead tapes 362, 364 are used. The tapes 362, 364 can be used at the end of the deployment assisting fabric 152 on the first region 172 side and the end of the deployment assisting fabric 152 on the second region 174 side.

[0130] Fig. 14(b) is a diagram illustrating the stored state of the airbag cushion 360 of Fig. 14(a). The deployment assist cloth 152 is wrapped around the periphery of the stored airbag cushion 360, and both ends are secured with tapes 362, 364. The tapes 362, 364 can bind the ends of the deployment assist cloth 152 together by utilizing their adhesive force.

[0131] The tapes 362, 364 are made of a material that can be broken by the force of gas when the airbag cushion 360 is inflated. Similar to the mini wrapper 138 in Figure 8, the tapes 362, 364 also break when the airbag cushion 360 is inflated and deployed, releasing the airbag cushion 360 and the deployment assisting cloth 152.

[0132] In this way, the tapes 362, 364 also enable the airbag cushion 360 to maintain its stored configuration and the wrapping of the deployment assist cloth 152. The airbag cushion 360 also has the first region 172 located on the inflator insertion portion 128 (see FIG. 2(b)) side, and is therefore able to inflate and deploy without gas blockage caused by the wrapping of the deployment assist cloth 152, i.e., without the deployment assist cloth 152 blocking the flow of gas. The tapes 362, 364 can be broken and the wrapping of the deployment assist cloth 152 can be smoothly undone in accordance with the inflation and deployment of the airbag cushion 102 proceeding from the inflator insertion portion 128 side.

[0133] With the above configuration, the airbag cushion 360 can be quickly inflated and deployed to the desired range by the deployment assist cloth 152 smoothly deploying from the first region 172 side, while the second region 174 covers the gap between the cover member 136 (see Figure 7 (b)) and the upper end of the pillar garnish 190.

[0134] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above-described embodiments are merely preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments may be implemented or performed in various ways. Unless otherwise specified in the present specification, the present invention is not limited to the detailed shapes, sizes, and configurations of parts shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the expressions and terms used in the present specification are for the purpose of explanation and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified.

[0135] Therefore, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0136] The present invention can be used in a curtain airbag device that protects occupants in the event of a side collision or rollover of a vehicle.

[0137] H1...range, L1...dimension, L2...dimension, 100...curtain airbag device, 102...airbag cushion, 104...front row seats, 106...rear row seats, 108...A pillar, 110...B pillar, 112...C pillar, 114...roof side rail, 116...inflator, 118...side window, 120...chamber, 122...chamber, 124...seam portion, 126...upper edge, 128...inflator insertion portion, 130...duct portion, 132...tab, 134...strap, 136 ...cover member, 138...mini-wrapper, 138a...tip portion, 138b...base portion, 140...opening, 142...fixing portion, 144a...slit, 146a...side edge, 148...reinforced stitching portion, 150a...region, 152...expansion assisting cloth, 154...non-inflatable portion, 156...one side, 158...other side, 160...one end, 162...other end, 164...one end, 166...other end, 168...connecting portion, 170...weakened portion, 172...first region, 172a...one side, 172b...other side, 174...second region, 174a...one side, 174 b...other side, 176...end, 178...tape, 180...clip, 182...tab attachment portion, 184...curved portion, 186...jump portion, 188...roof trim, 190...pillar garnish, 200...deployment assist cloth, 202...first region, 204...second region, 206...other side, 208...front portion, 220...deployment assist cloth, 222...first region, 224...second region, 226...other side, 240...deployment assist cloth, 242...other side, 244...first region, 246...end, 248...second region, 250...end , 260...airbag cushion, 262...deployment assist fabric, 300...mini wrapper, 302...deployment assist fabric, 304...first region, 306...other side, 308...opening, 310...tab, 312...weakened portion, 320, 322...tape, 340...mini wrapper, 342...deployment assist fabric, 344...opening, 346...first region, 348...other side, 350...joint, 352...weakened portion, 354...tip portion, 356...base portion, H2...range, L3...dimension, 360...airbag cushion, 362, 364...tape

Claims

1. A curtain airbag device comprising an airbag cushion which is rolled or folded to take a long storage form in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle and which is attached to an upper portion of a vehicle compartment side wall, and an inflator which supplies gas to the airbag cushion, the curtain airbag device further comprising: a band-shaped tab which protrudes upward from the airbag cushion in the storage form and is fixed to the vehicle compartment side wall; a cloth-like deployment assistant cloth which has one side connected to the airbag cushion in the storage form and the other side free; a connection part which connects one side of the deployment assistant cloth to the airbag cushion; a mini-trumpet protruding from a predetermined position on the other side of the deployment assistant cloth; an opening which is opened in the mini-trumpet and which is hooked onto the tab; and a cover member which extends along a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction of the airbag cushion in the storage form and covers the vehicle compartment side wall side of the airbag cushion, the deployment assistant cloth being held in a state where it is wrapped around the airbag cushion in the storage form by hooking the opening of the mini-trumpet onto the tab, and the deployment assistant cloth is a first region formed in an area where the mini-trump is provided; and a second region provided adjacent to the first region in the longitudinal direction of the airbag cushion in the stored form, the second region having a dimension from the connection portion to the other side larger than that of the first region, wherein the deployment assist cloth is arranged so that the second region overlaps at least an end portion of the cover member.

2. The curtain airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the mini-trump is belt-shaped and attached to the deployment auxiliary cloth so that the opening protrudes from the other side of the deployment auxiliary cloth.

3. The curtain airbag device according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection portion connects the mini trumpet to the airbag cushion together with one side of the deployment assist cloth, and the dimension of the first region from the connection portion to the other side falls within the range from the connection portion of the mini trumpet to the opening.

4. The curtain airbag device described in claim 3, characterized in that the mini trumpet has a weak portion provided in the range between the connection portion and the opening that enables the mini trumpet to be broken when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, and the other side of the first region is located between the weak portion of the mini trumpet and the opening in the circumferential direction of the airbag cushion in the stored form.

5. The curtain airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the mini-trump is formed integrally with the deployment assist cloth.

6. The curtain airbag device according to claim 4, characterized in that the mini-trump has a fragile portion provided at a predetermined location and breaks when the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed, separating the area including the opening from the deployment assist cloth.

7. A curtain airbag device comprising an airbag cushion that is rolled or folded to take a long storage form in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and is attached to an upper part of a side wall of a passenger compartment, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag cushion, the curtain airbag device further comprising: an inflator insertion section into which the inflator is inserted; and a cloth-like deployment assistant cloth having one side connected to the airbag cushion in the storage form at a specified connection section and the other side left free, wherein the deployment assistant cloth has a first region formed on the inflator insertion section side in the long direction of the airbag cushion in the storage form, and a second region provided on the opposite side to the inflator insertion section as viewed from the first region in the long direction, the dimension from the connection section to the other side being larger than that of the first region.

8. A curtain airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the other side of the second region protrudes in a stepped shape from the other side of the first region.

9. A curtain airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the other side of the second region is inclined so that the dimensions of the second region gradually increase from those of the first region.

10. A curtain airbag device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the other side of the first region is inclined so that the dimensions of the first region gradually increase toward the second region.

11. A curtain airbag device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the other side of the deployment auxiliary cloth is inclined so that the dimensions of the deployment auxiliary cloth gradually increase from the end on the side of the first region toward the end on the side of the second region.

12. The curtain airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mini-wrapping member is made of nonwoven fabric.

13. The curtain airbag device according to claim 4 or 6, characterized in that the fragile portion is formed as a slit.

14. The curtain airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the connecting portion integrally connects the mini-wrapping member, one side of the deployment assisting cloth, one end of the tab, and the non-inflatable portion of the airbag cushion.

15. The curtain airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising tape provided on both sides of the mini trumpet for wrapping the deployment assist cloth around the airbag cushion in the stored form, the tape being breakable by the inflation pressure of the airbag cushion.

Images