U.S. patent application number 09/851969 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-30 for method of folding air bag for driver.
This patent application is currently assigned to TAKATA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Igawa, Tadahiro.
Application Number | 20010017460 09/851969 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18573495 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010017460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Igawa, Tadahiro |
August 30, 2001 |
Method of folding air bag for driver
Abstract
In a method of folding an air bag for a driver, an air bag is
placed in a flat form to orient an upper surface of the air bag
upwardly. Then, at least two side areas of the air bag in the flat
form are folded inwardly of the air bag so that at least two arm
portions extending radially outwardly from a center portion of the
air bag to lateral portions on an outer periphery of the air bag
are formed. The air bag for the driver is folded compact.
Inventors: |
Igawa, Tadahiro; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KANESAKA AND TAKEUCHI
1423 Powhatan Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
TAKATA CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
18573495 |
Appl. No.: |
09/851969 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09851969 |
May 10, 2001 |
|
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09793728 |
Feb 27, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/731 ;
280/743.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 21/237 20130101;
B60R 21/21656 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/731 ;
280/743.1 |
International
Class: |
B60R 021/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 28, 2000 |
JP |
2000-051904 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of folding an air bag for a driver, comprising: placing
an air bag in a flat form to orient an upper surface of the air bag
upwardly, and folding at least two side areas of the air bag in the
flat form inwardly of the air bag so that at least two arm portions
extending radially outwardly from a center portion of the air bag
to lateral portions on an outer periphery of the air bag are formed
without being folded toward the center of the air bag.
2. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 1, wherein
said arm portions have elongated shapes extending along spokes of a
steering wheel.
3. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 2, wherein
each of said at least two side areas of the air bag are placed at
the center portion and at least two arm portions.
4. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 3, wherein
each of said at least two side areas is folded in bellows so that
folded portions in a form of bellows extend between the lateral
portions through the center portion.
5. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 4, wherein
each of said folded portions in a form of bellows has laminated
portions and curved portions connecting the laminated portions,
said curved portions facing upwardly and downwardly of the air
bag.
6. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 4, wherein
said folded air bag has two arm portions.
7. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 4, wherein
said folded air bag has three arm portions.
8. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 2, wherein at
least three side areas of the air bag in the flat form are pushed
toward the center portion to form at least three petal-shaped
portions extending radially outwardly from the center portion, and
side portions of each petal-shaped portion are rolled inwardly to
form the arm portion.
9. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 2, wherein
each of upper and lower sides of the air bag in the flat form is
folded in bellows and disposed on a middle area between the upper
and lower sides without overlapping each other to form an elongated
form.
10. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 9, wherein
four corner areas of the elongated form are bent inwardly at least
once to have tapered shapes extending radially outwardly from the
center portion.
11. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 9, wherein
each of said upper and lower sides folded in bellows are arranged
so that top portions of the upper and lower sides face each
other.
12. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 2, wherein
each of upper and lower sides of the air bag in the flat form is
rolled inwardly toward a center area between the upper and lower
sides without overlapping each other.
13. A method of folding an air bag according to claim 2, wherein
each of the upper and lower sides of the air bag in the flat form
is folded in bellows to orient outwardly, and each of said upper
and lower sides folded in bellows are disposed on a middle area
between the upper and lower sides.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation application of patent application
Ser. No. 09/793,728 filed on Feb. 27, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT
[0002] The present invention relates to a method of folding an air
bag for a driver to be mounted on the steering of the
automobile.
[0003] Referring now to FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B), an example of an air
bag apparatus for a driver's seat according to the related art will
be described. FIG. 23(A) is a plan view of an air bag apparatus for
a driver's seat according to the related art, and FIG. 23(B) is a
cross sectional view taken along line 23(B)-23(B) in FIG. 23(A),
and FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a modular cover viewed
from the backside.
[0004] A retainer 110 comprises a flat plate portion 114 to which
an air bag 112 is attached, and a module cover connecting portion
116 which is a strip extending from the edge of the flat plate
portion 114 to the direction opposite to a driver. The air bag 112
in the folded state is covered with a module cover 118. The module
cover 118 comprises a main plate 118A facing the driver and leg
portions 118B extending from the side portion of the main plate in
the direction opposite to the driver. The leg portions 118B are
secured to the module cover connecting portion 116 of the retainer
110 by rivets 120 or the like. The reference numeral 122 designates
a reinforcing plate.
[0005] An inflator 124 is secured to the retainer 110 in such a
manner that the upper side thereof is accommodated in the air bag
112 through an opening 126 formed on the flat plate portion 114. A
ring 128 is an air bag connecting member. The opened edge of the
air bag 112 is sandwiched between the ring 128 and the opened edge
portion of the flat plate portion 114, so that the air bag 112 is
secured to the retainer 110. Bolts, not shown, which are fixed to
the ring 128, are inserted into bolt insertion holes formed at the
opened edge of the air bag 112, the flat plate portion 114 of the
retainer, and a flange 124a of the inflator 124, and nuts are
tightened onto the bolts.
[0006] The back surface of the main plate 118A of the module cover
118 has tear lines 130, 132, 134 of shallow grooves formed as
weakened portion for ripping the main plate 118A. The tear lines
130, 132 extend along the leg portions 118B on the left side and
the right side in FIG. 23(A) in the vertical direction of FIG.
23(A). The tear line 134 extends laterally of FIG. 23(A) at about
the center of the main plate 118A so as to connect the tear lines
130 and 132 together.
[0007] The main plate 118A of the module cover surrounded by these
tear lines 130, 132 and 134 are divided into two sections, i.e.
flaps 140 and 142. When the inflator 124 is operated to blow gas to
inflate the air bag 112, the portions of the module cover 118 along
the tear lines 130, 132 and 134 are torn or ripped, so that the
flaps 140, 142 can be outwardly opened respectively into a tongue
shape.
[0008] When the inflator 124 operates in association with the
collision of the vehicle, a large amount of gas is rapidly blown
out from the inflator 124 and the air bag 112 starts to inflate.
Then, the module cover 118 is ripped along the tear lines 130, 132
and 134 in association with the inflation of the air bag 112, and
the flaps 140 and 142 are respectively opened into a tongue shape,
so that the air bag 112 is rapidly inflated in the compartment of
the vehicle to protect the driver therein.
[0009] Though the air bag apparatus for a driver's seat comprises
three spoke portions 151, 152 and 153, an air bag apparatus for a
driver's seat having two or four spoke portions is also widely
used.
[0010] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a steering wheel 165 having
an air bag apparatus for a driver's seat 160 having four spoke
portions 161, 162, 163 and 164. There is also provided a tear line
167 on a module cover 166 of the air bag apparatus for a driver's
seat 160.
[0011] The module cover 118 or 166 of the above described related
air bag apparatus for a driver's seat comprises a center portion
and spoke portions extending from the center portion radially
outwardly, and the air bag is covered only with the center
portion.
[0012] In this way, in the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat
covered only with the center portion of the module cover 118 or
166, the module cover and the air bag apparatus are significantly
large because they have to cover the air bag.
[0013] Accordingly, in view of the above problem of the related
art, the object of the present invention is to provide an air bag
apparatus for a driver's seat having relatively small and slim
appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In a method of folding an air bag for a driver, an air bag
is placed in a flat form to orient an upper surface of the air bag
upwardly, and then, at least two side areas of the air bag in the
flat form are folded inwardly of the air bag so that at least two
arm portions extending radially outwardly from a center portion of
the air bag to lateral portions on an outer periphery of the air
bag are formed without being folded toward the center of the air
bag. The arm portions have elongated shapes extending along spokes
of a steering wheel.
[0015] Each of the at least two side areas of the air bag are
placed at the center portion and at least two arm portions.
Preferably, each of the at least two side areas is folded in
bellows so that folded portions in a form of bellows extend between
the lateral portions through the center portion.
[0016] The folded air bag may have three or more arm portions
extending from the center portion according to the number of the
spokes of the steering wheel.
[0017] In the method of the invention, at least three side areas of
the air bag in the flat form may be pushed toward the center
portion to form at least three petal-shaped portions extending
radially outwardly from the center portion, and side portions of
each petal-shaped portion are rolled inwardly to form the arm
portion. On the other hand, each of the upper and lower sides of
the air bag in the flat form may be folded in bellows and disposed
on a middle area between the upper and lower sides without
overlapping each other to form an elongated form. Also, each of
upper and lower sides of the air bag in the flat form may be rolled
inwardly toward a center area without overlapping each other.
[0018] In the method of the invention, the air bag can be folded
from the center to the spokes of the steering wheel. Thus, the
center of the steering wheel can be made relatively compact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steering comprising an air
bag apparatus for a driver's seat according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an air bag of the air
bag apparatus for the driver's seat of FIG. 1 in a stored
state;
[0021] FIGS. 3(A)-3(E) are explanatory views showing a method of
folding and arranging the air bag of the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIGS. 4(A)-4(E) are explanatory drawings showing an air bag
apparatus for a driver's seat according to another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 5(A)-5(E) are explanatory drawings showing an air bag
apparatus for a driver's seat according to a further embodiment of
the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a different embodiment
of the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat of FIGS.
5(A)-5(E);
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the air bag of the air
bag apparatus for the driver's seat of FIG. 6 in the stored
state;
[0026] FIGS. 8(A)-8(D) are explanatory drawings showing a first
embodiment of a second method of folding the air bag;
[0027] FIGS. 9(A)-9(D) are explanatory drawings showing a second
embodiment of the second method of folding the air bag;
[0028] FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) are explanatory drawings showing a
third embodiment of the second method of folding the air bag;
[0029] FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
third embodiment of the second method of folding the air bag;
[0030] FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
third embodiment of the second method of folding the air bag;
[0031] FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
third embodiment of the second method of folding the air bag;
[0032] FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) are explanatory drawings showing a
third method of folding the air bag;
[0033] FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
third method of folding the air bag;
[0034] FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
third method of folding the air bag;
[0035] FIGS. 17(A) and 17(B) are explanatory drawings showing a
fourth method of folding the air bag;
[0036] FIGS. 18(A) and 18(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
fourth method of folding the air bag;
[0037] FIGS. 19(A) and 19(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
fourth method of folding the air bag;
[0038] FIGS. 20(A) and 20(B) are explanatory drawings showing a
fifth method of folding the air bag;
[0039] FIGS. 21(A) and 21(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
fifth method of folding the air bag;
[0040] FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
fifth method of folding the air bag;
[0041] FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B) are explanatory drawings showing an
air bag apparatus for a driver's seat of the related art;
[0042] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the module cover of the air
bag apparatus for the driver's seat of FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B) viewed
from the backside; and
[0043] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing an air bag apparatus
for the driver's seat according to another related art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present
invention are illustrated. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a
steering having an air bag apparatus for a driver's seat according
to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 and FIGS.
3(A)-3(E) are explanatory drawings showing the air bag in a stored
state and how to fold the air bag.
[0045] An air bag apparatus 1 for a driver's seat is connected to
or combined with a steering wheel 100, and comprises a center
portion 2 located at about a center of the steering wheel 100,
three spoke portions 3a, 3b and 3c extending from the center
portion 2 and being connected to the steering wheel 100, an air bag
10 disposed so as to extend from the center portion 2 to the
respective spoke portions 3a to 3c, and a module cover 4 extending
along the front surfaces of the center portion 2 and the respective
spoke portions 3a to 3c. The air bag apparatus 1 for the driver's
seat is also provided with, as in the above described air bag
apparatus 140 for the driver's seat of the related art, a retainer
to which the air bag 10 is mounted, an inflator for inflating the
air bag 10, and a module cover connecting member, not shown.
[0046] The module cover 4 comprises a center portion 5, and three
spoke portions 6a, 6b and 6c extending outwardly from the center
portion 5. The center portion 5 and the respective spoke portions
6a to 6c are disposed so as to extend along the front side of the
center portion 2 and the spoke portions 3a to 3c described above
and cover the air bag 10.
[0047] The module cover 4 has three tear lines, i.e. linear
weakened portions, 7a to 7c, for ripping the module cover 4 on the
backside. These tear lines 7a to 7c extend from the center portion
5 of the module cover 4 to the spoke portions 6a to 6c along the
directions in which the respective spoke portions 6a to 6c of the
module cover 4 extend, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0048] The module cover 4 is mounted on the side of the front
surface of the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 1 via the
connecting member described above, not shown, so that when the
inflator is operated to eject gas to inflate the air bag 10, the
tear lines 7a to 7c are torn and thus the module cover 4 is ripped
from the center portion 5 to the respective spoke portions 6a to 6c
and the respective portions of the module cover are opened
outwardly into a tongue shape.
[0049] The air bag 10 is formed into a bag shape by disposing a
fabric for the front surface (front panel) 10a and a fabric for the
rear surface (rear panel) 10b together, and sewing the peripheral
portions by using a sewing machine.
[0050] The air bag 10 has a flat circular shape as shown in FIG.
3(A) before it is folded, and formed with an opening 12 for
receiving the tip side of the inflator to the center of the rear
surface (rear panel 10b). The air bag 10 is also formed with vent
holes 14 for intaking air when the air bag 10 is inflated, and for
releasing air in the air bag to absorb impact when a body or driver
is bumped into the inflated air bag 10.
[0051] The inflator is secured to the retainer in such a manner
that the upper end thereof is accommodated in the air bag 10
through the opening (not shown) formed in the retainer. The air bag
10 is disposed to overlap the peripheral edge of the opening 12
formed on the rear surface with the peripheral portion of the
opening formed in the retainer, and is secured to the retainer by
being sandwiched between the peripheral portion of the opening of
the retainer and an annular connecting member (not shown), as in
the related art explained before. The retainer is disposed in the
center portion 2.
[0052] The air bag 10 is, as shown in FIG. 2, covered with the
module cover 4 in the state that the air bag is folded in generally
Y-shape extending from the center portion 2 to the respective spoke
portions 3a to 3c.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 3(A)-3(E), how to fold the air bag 10
is illustrated. FIGS. 3(A) to 3(C) are explanatory drawings showing
how to fold the air bag 10, FIG. 3(D) is a plan view showing the
arrangement of the folded body of the air bag 10, and FIG. 3(E) is
a cross sectional view taken along line 3(E)-3(E) in FIG. 3(C).
[0054] To fold the air bag 10, the air bag 10 is spread out into a
flat shape in a first place (FIG. 3(A)). Then, the upper edge and
the lower left and right edges, i.e. side areas 10a, of the air bag
10 are respectively folded in a form of bellows along the folding
lines L1 extending generally along the peripheries of the center
portion 2 and the respective spoke portions 3a to 3c, and these
edges are folded so as to be gathered at the center or center
portion 10b of the air bag (FIG. 3(B)). As a consequent, a folded
body of the air bag 10 is formed to generally have a Y-shape having
three arm portions 16a, 16b and 16c extending outwardly from the
center portion to lateral portions 10c (FIG. 3(C)). Each folded arm
portion has laminated portions 10d and curved portions 10e.
[0055] The air bag 10 so folded is arranged so that the arm
portions 16a to 16c extend along the front surfaces of the spoke
portions 6a to 6c respectively. Incidentally, the air bag 10 is
secured to the retainer at the center thereof prior to the folding
operation. Then, the module cover 4 is placed on the air bag 10 to
complete the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 1 as shown in
FIG. 1. The air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 1 is connected
to the steering wheel 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3(D).
[0056] In the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 1 thus
constructed, when the inflator is operated to eject gas, the air
bag 10 is inflated and thus presses the module cover 4 to allow the
tear lines 7a to 7c to tear, so that the module cover 4 is ripped
from the center portion 5 to the respective spoke portions 6a to
6c, and then opens the module cover 4 outwardly. Thereafter, the
air bag 10 is rapidly inflated toward the compartment of the
vehicle and receives the driver to absorb the impact.
[0057] In the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 1, the air
bag 10 is folded into a generally Y-shape corresponding to the
center portion 2 and three spoke portions 3a to 3c, and the folded
body of the air bag 10 is arranged so as to extend from the center
potion 2 to the respective spoke portions 3a to 3c. Thus, the
center portion 2 may be downsized to a relatively small
configuration. As a result, the steering wheel with a slim design
having a small center portion and elongated spoke portions is
formed.
[0058] Since the tear lines 7a to 7c are formed to extend from the
center portion 15 to the three spoke portions 16a to 16c of the
module cover 4 on the backside of the module cover 4, the module
cover 4 can be torn from the center portion 15 to the respective
spoke portions 16a to 16c. Also, the air bag 10 can be rapidly
inflated toward the compartment of the vehicle without being
interfered by the module cover so as to extend from the center
portion 2 to the spoke portions 3a to 3c.
[0059] Though the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 1
comprises three spoke portions 3a to 3c, it is not limited thereto,
and the number of the spoke portion may be two or four, or more.
The tear line may be any type as far as it extends from the center
portion to the respective spoke portions of the module cover within
the range that does not interfere the inflation of the air bag.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 4(A)-4(E) and FIGS. 5(A)-5(E), the
air bag apparatus for the driver's seat according to another
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in detail.
[0061] FIGS. 4(A)-4(E) are explanatory drawings showing the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat according to another embodiment of
the present invention, in which FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) are explanatory
drawings showing how to fold the air bag of the air bag apparatus
for the driver's seat, FIG. 4(D) is an explanatory drawing showing
the structure of the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat, and
FIG. 4(E) is a cross sectional view taken along line 4(E)-4(E) in
FIG. 4(C).
[0062] An air bag apparatus for a driver's seat 20 is connected to
or combined with a steering wheel 102 and comprises a center
portion 22 located generally at the center of the steering wheel
102, four spoke portions 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d extending from the
center portion 22 and connected to the steering wheel 102, an air
bag 30 arranged from the center portion 22 to the spoke portions
23a to 23d, and a module cover 24 for covering the air bag 30 and
extending along the front surface of the center portion 22 and the
spoke portions 23a to 23d. The air bag apparatus for the driver's
seat 20 includes, as in the air bag apparatus for a driver's seat 1
described above, a retainer to which the air bag 30 is mounted, an
inflator for inflating the air bag 30, and a module cover
connecting member (not shown).
[0063] The module cover 24 comprises a center portion 25 and four
spoke portions 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d extending outwardly from the
center portion 25. The center portion 25 and the spoke portions 26a
to 26d are disposed on the side of the front face of the center
portion 22 and the spoke portions 23a to 23d described above to
cover the air bag 20.
[0064] The module cover 24 has tear lines 27a to 27e on the
backside for ripping the module cover. The tear lines 27a to 27d
extend from the center portion 25 of the module cover 24 to the
respective spoke portions 26a to 26d along the directions in which
the respective spoke portions extend. The tear line 27e is provided
so as to connect the respective tear lines 27a to 27d at the center
portion 25.
[0065] The module cover 24 is mounted to the air bag apparatus for
the driver's seat 20 on the side of the front surface thereof via
the connecting member described above, not shown. Thus, when the
inflator is operated to eject gas to inflate the air bag 20, the
respective tear lines 27a to 27e are torn, so that the module cover
24 is ripped from the center portion 25 to the respective spoke
portions 26a to 26d and thus the portions of the module cover 24
can be opened outwardly in the shape of a tongue.
[0066] The air bag 30 is formed into a bag-shape by disposing a
fabric for the front surface (front panel) 30a and a fabric for the
rear surface (rear panel) 30b together, and sewing the peripheral
portions by using a sewing machine.
[0067] The air bag 30 has a flat circular shape as shown in FIG.
4(A) before it is folded, and formed with an opening 32 for
connecting the tip side of the inflator at the center of the rear
surface (rear panel 30b). The air bag 30 also has vent holes 34 for
intaking air when the air bag 30 is inflated, or for releasing air
in the air bag to absorb the impact when a body or driver is bumped
into the inflated air bag 30.
[0068] The inflator is secured to the retainer in such a manner
that the upper end thereof is accommodated in the air bag 30
through the opening (not shown) formed in the retainer. The air bag
30 is disposed to overlap the peripheral edge of the opening 32
with the peripheral portion of the opening formed in the retainer,
and is secured to the retainer by being sandwiched between the
peripheral portion of the opening of the retainer and the annular
connecting member (not shown). The retainer is mounted in the
center portion 22.
[0069] The air bag 30 is, as shown in FIG. 4(D), covered with the
module cover 24 in the state that the air bag is folded in a
generally X-shape extending from the center portion 22 to the
respective spoke portions 23a to 23d.
[0070] To fold the air bag 30, the air bag 30 is spread into a flat
shape in a first place (FIG. 4(A)). Then, the upper, lower, left
and right edges of the air bag 30 are respectively folded in a form
of bellows along the folding lines L2 extending generally along the
peripheries of the center portion 22 and the respective spoke
portions 23a to 23d, and these edges are folded so as to be located
toward the center of the air bag (FIG. 4(B)). As a consequent, a
folded body of the air bag 30 in a generally X-shape having four
arm portions 36a, 36b, 36c and 36d extending outwardly from the
center is formed (FIG. 4(C)).
[0071] The air bag 30 so folded is arranged so that the arm
portions 36a to 36d extend along the front surfaces of the spoke
portions 26a to 26d, respectively. Incidentally, the air bag 30 is
secured to the retainer at the center thereof prior to the folding
operation. Then, the module cover 24 is covered on the air bag 30
to complete the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 20. The air
bag apparatus for a driver's seat 20 is connected to the steering
wheel 102 as shown in FIG. 4(D).
[0072] In the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 20 thus
constructed, when the inflator is operated to eject gas, the air
bag 30 is inflated and thus presses the module cover 24 to allow
the tear lines 27a to 27d to tear, so that the module cover 24 is
ripped from the center portion 25 to the spoke portions 26a to 26d,
and then opens outwardly. Thereafter, the air bag 30 is rapidly
inflated toward the compartment of the vehicle and receives the
driver to absorb the impact.
[0073] In the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 20, the air
bag 30 is folded into a generally X-shape corresponding to the
center portion 22 and four spoke portions 23a to 23d, and the
folded body of the air bag 30 is arranged so as to extend from the
center potion 22 to the respective spoke portions 23a to 23d, and
the module cover 24 is extended from the center portion 22 to the
respective spoke portions 23a to 23d so as to cover the air bag 30.
Therefore, the center portion 22 may be downsized to a relatively
small configuration as in the air bag apparatus for the driver's
seat 1 described above. As a result, also, in the air bag apparatus
for the driver's seat 20, the steering with a slim design having a
small center portion and elongated spoke portions is formed.
[0074] Since the tear lines 27a to 27e are formed to extend from
the center portion 25 to the four spoke portions 26a to 26d of the
module cover 24 on the backside of the module cover 24, the module
cover 24 can be torn from the center portion 25 to the respective
spoke portions 26a to 26d, and the air bag 30 extending from the
center portion 22 to the spoke portions 23a to 23d can be rapidly
inflated toward the compartment of the vehicle without being
interfered as in the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 1.
[0075] FIGS. 5(A)-5(E) are explanatory drawings showing an air bag
apparatus for a driver's seat according to another embodiment of
the present invention, in which FIGS. 5(A) to 5(C) are explanatory
drawings showing how to fold the air bag for the air bag apparatus
for the driver's seat, FIG. 5(D) is an explanatory drawing showing
the structure of the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat, and
FIG. 5(E) is a cross sectional view taken along line 5(E)-5(E) in
FIG. 5(C).
[0076] An air bag apparatus for a driver's seat 40 is connected to
or combined with a steering wheel 104 and comprises a center
portion 42 located generally at the center of the steering wheel
104, two spoke portions 43a and 43b extending from the center
portion 42 and connected to the steering wheel 104, an air bag 50
arranged so as to extend from the center portion 42 to the spoke
portions 43a and 43b, and a module cover 44 for covering the air
bag 50 and extending along the front surface of the center portion
42 and the respective spoke portions 43a and 43b. The air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat 50 includes, as in the air bag
apparatuses for the driver's seat 1 and 20 described above, a
retainer to which the air bag 50 is mounted, an inflator for
inflating the air bag 50, and a module cover connecting member, not
shown.
[0077] The module cover 44 comprises a center portion 45 and two
spoke portions 46a and 46b extending outwardly from the center
portion 45. The center portion 45 and the spoke portions 46a and
46b are disposed on the side of the front face of the center
portion 42 and the spoke portions 43a and 43b described above to
cover the air bag 50.
[0078] The module cover 44 has tear lines (linear weakened
portions) 47 on the backside for ripping the module cover 44. The
tear lines 47 extend from the center portion 45 of the module cover
44 to the respective spoke portions 46a and 46b of the module cover
44 along the directions in which the respective spoke portions 46a
and 46b extend, as shown in FIG. 5(D).
[0079] The module cover 44 is mounted on the air bag apparatus for
the driver's seat 40 on the side of the front surface thereof via
the connecting member described above, not shown, so that when the
inflator is operated to eject gas to inflate the air bag 50, the
respective tear lines 47 are torn. Thus, the module cover 44 is
ripped from the center portion 45 to the respective spoke portions
46a and 46b, and thus the portions of the module cover 44 can be
opened outwardly in the shape of a tongue.
[0080] The air bag 50 is formed into a bag-shape by placing a
fabric for the front surface (front panel) 50a and a fabric for the
rear surface (rear panel) 50b together, and sewing the peripheral
portions by using a sewing machine.
[0081] The air bag 50 has a flat circular shape as shown in FIG.
5(A) before it is folded, and has an opening 52 for connecting the
tip side of the inflator to the center of the rear surface (rear
panel 50b). The air bag 50 also has vent holes 54 for intaking air
when the air bag 50 is inflated, or for releasing air in the air
bag to absorb the impact when the body or driver is bumped into the
inflated air bag 50.
[0082] The inflator is secured to the retainer in such a manner
that the upper end thereof is accommodated in the air bag 50
through the opening (not shown) formed in the retainer. The air bag
50 is disposed to overlap the peripheral edge of the opening 52
formed in the rear surface with the peripheral portion of the
opening formed in the retainer, and is secured to the retainer by
being sandwiched between the peripheral portion of the opening of
the retainer and the annular connecting member (not shown). The
retainer is disposed in the center portion 42.
[0083] The air bag 50 is, as shown in FIG. 5(D), covered with the
module cover 44 in the state that the air bag is folded in a
generally elongated linear configuration extending from the center
portion 42 to the spoke portions 43a and 43b.
[0084] To fold the air bag 50, the air bag 50 is spread out into a
flat shape in a first place (FIG. 5(A)). Then, the upper and lower
edges of the air bag 50 are respectively folded in a form of
bellows along the folding lines L3 extending generally along the
peripheries of the center portion and the respective spoke portions
43a and 43b (FIG. 5(B)). As a consequent, a folded body of the air
bag 50 is formed in a generally elongated linear configuration
having two arm portions 56a and 56b extending outwardly from the
center (FIG. 5(C)).
[0085] The air bag 50 so folded is arranged so that the arm
portions 56a and 56b extend along the front surface of the spoke
portions 43a and 43b, respectively. Incidentally, the air bag 50 is
secured to the retainer at the center thereof prior to the folding
operation. Then, the module cover 44 is placed on the air bag 50 to
complete the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 40 shown in
FIG. 5(D). The air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 40 is
connected to the steering wheel 104 as shown in FIG. 5(D).
[0086] In the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 40, when the
inflator is operated to eject gas, the air bag 50 is inflated and
thus presses the module cover 44 to allow the tear lines 47 to
tear, so that the module cover 44 is ripped from the center portion
45 to the respective spoke portions 46a and 46b to open outwardly.
Thereafter, the air bag 50 is rapidly inflated toward the
compartment of the vehicle and receives the driver to absorb the
impact.
[0087] In the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 40, the air
bag 50 is folded into a generally elongated linear configuration
corresponding to the center portion 42 and two spoke portions 43a
and 43b, and the folded body of the air bag 50 is arranged so as to
extend from the center potion 42 to the respective spoke portions
43a and 43b, and the module cover 44 is extended from the center
portion 42 to the respective spoke portions 43a and 43b so as to
cover the air bag 50. Thus, the center portion 42 may be downsized
to a relatively small configuration as in the air bag apparatus for
the driver's seat 1, and the air bag apparatus for the driver's
seat 20 described above. As a result, also, in the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat 40, the steering with a slim design
having the small center portion and elongated spoke portions are
obtained.
[0088] Since the tear lines 47 are formed to extend from the center
portion 45 to the two spoke portions 46a and 46b of the module
cover 44 on the backside of the module cover 44, the module cover
44 can be easily torn from the center portion 45 to the respective
spoke portions 46a and 46b, without interfering the inflation of
the air bag 50 so as to extend from the center portion 42 to the
spoke portions 43a and 43b. The air bag 50 can be rapidly inflated
toward the compartment of the vehicle.
[0089] In the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat having the
air bag folded into a generally elongated linear configuration, the
air bag apparatus for the driver's seat may have three or more
spoke portions. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an air bag
apparatus for a driver's seat 60 has three spoke portions 63a, 63b,
and 63c extending from a center portion 62.
[0090] An air bag 70 is folded into a generally elongated linear
configuration and secured to the center portion 62 via a retainer
(not shown). Arm portions 76a and 76b of the folded body of the air
bag 70 are arranged so as to extend respectively along the spoke
portions 63a and 63b extending toward the opposite directions on
the left and right.
[0091] The air bag 70 is covered with a module cover 64 arranged so
as to extend from the center portion 62 to the respective spoke
portions 63a and 63b on the front side thereof. The module cover 64
has tear lines 67 on the backside, extending from the center
portion 65 to the respective spoke portions 63a and 63b of the
module cover 64.
[0092] In the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 60, when the
inflator is operated to eject gas to inflate the air bag 70, the
tear lines 76 are torn to rip the module cover 64 from the center
portion 65 to the respective spoke portions 63a and 63b, and the
respective parts of the modular cover 64 open outwardly in the
shape of a tongue. Thus, the air bag 70 is rapidly inflated toward
the compartment of the vehicle without being interfered with its
inflation to receive the driver and absorb the impact.
[0093] In this way, since the air bag 70 folded into a generally
elongated linear configuration is arranged so as to extend from the
center portion 62 of the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 60
to a pair of spoke portions 63a and 63b extending away from each
other, it does not limit the structure of any other spoke portions.
As a result, in case the air bag folded into a generally elongated
linear configuration is mounted to the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat, design of the steering, such as the number of the
spoke portions or the construction thereof, can be freely
selected.
[0094] In the embodiment described above, although the air bag is
folded in a form of bellows along the folding lines L extending
generally along the peripheries of the center portion of the air
bag apparatus for the driver's seat and the respective spoke
portions so as to extend from the center portion of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat to the respective spoke portions,
the method of folding the air bag is not limited thereto, and it
may be folded in other ways. The other ways of folding the air bag
are described with specific examples.
[0095] FIGS. 8(A) to 8(C) are explanatory drawings showing the
second way of folding the air bag into a generally Y-shaped
configuration, and FIG. 8(D) is a cross sectional view taken along
line 8(D)-8(D) of FIG. 8(C).
[0096] An air bag 71 has the same construction as the air bag of
the embodiment described above and has an opening 72 and vent holes
73 on the backside thereof. The air bag 71 is mounted on the air
bag apparatus for the driver's seat (not shown) having three spoke
portions, as in the case shown in FIG. 1.
[0097] To fold the air bag 71, in a first place, the upper edge and
the lower left and right edges of the air bag 71 are pushed toward
the center of the air bag 71 to form three petal-shaped portions
74a, 74b and 74c radially extending along the directions of the
spoke portions (not shown) of the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat to accommodate the air bag 71 (FIG. 8(B)). Then, both
radially extending edges of the respective petal-shaped portions
74a to 74c are rolled up toward the center of the respective
petal-shaped portions into three arm portions 75a, 75b and 75c to
form a generally Y-shaped folded body of the air bag 71 (FIG.
8(C)).
[0098] Though it is not shown, the air bag 71 is secured to a
retainer at the peripheral edge of the opening 72 as in the
embodiments described above. The center portion of the folded body
of the air bag 71 is disposed at the center of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat in such a manner that the
respective arm portions 75a to 75c extend from the center portion
to the respective spoke portions along the directions in which the
respective spoke portions extend. Then, the module cover is mounted
to cover the air bag 71 to complete the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat. Other construction and operation of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat are the same as the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat 1 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3(E).
[0099] FIGS. 9(A) to 9(C) are explanatory drawings showing the
second way of folding the air bag into a generally X-shaped
configuration, and FIG. 9(D) is a cross sectional view of taken
along line 9(D)-9(D) in FIG. 9(C).
[0100] An air bag 76 has the same construction as the air bag of
the embodiment described above and has an opening 77 and vent holes
78 on the backside thereof. The air bag 76 is mounted to the air
bag apparatus for the driver's seat (not shown) having four spoke
portions, as in the case shown in FIG. 4(D).
[0101] To fold the air bag 76, in a first place, the upper, lower,
left and right edges of the air bag 76 are pushed toward the center
of the air bag 76 to form four petal-shaped portions 79a, 79b, 79c
and 70d radially extending along the directions of the spoke
portions (not shown) of the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat
to accommodate the air bag 76 (FIG. 9(B)). Then, both radially
extending edges of the respective petal-shaped portions 79a to 79d
are rolled up toward the center of the respective petal-shaped
portions on the front side of the air bag 76 into four arm portions
80a, 80b, 80c and 80d to form a generally X-shaped folded body of
the air bag 76 (FIG. 9(C)).
[0102] Though it is not shown, the air bag 76 is secured to a
retainer at the peripheral edge of the opening 77 as in the
embodiments described above. The center portion of the folded body
of the air bag 76 is disposed at the center of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat in such a manner that the
respective arm portions 80a to 80d extend from the center portion
to the respective spoke portions. Then, the module cover is mounted
to cover the air bag 76 to complete the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat. Other construction and operation of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat are the same as those of the air
bag apparatus for the driver's seat 20 shown in FIG. 4(D).
[0103] FIGS. 10(A) to 13(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
second way of folding the air bag into a generally elongated linear
configuration. In these figure, FIGS. 10(A), 11(A), 12(A) and 13(A)
are plan views of the air bag, and FIGS. 10(B), 11(B), 12(B) and
13(B) are cross sectional views taken along respective lines
10(B)-10(B), 11(B)-11(B), 12(B)-12(B) and 13(B)-13(B).
[0104] An air bag 81 has the same construction as that of the
embodiment described above, and has an opening 82 and vent holes 83
on the backside thereof. The air bag 81 is mounted to the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat (not shown) having two spoke
portions as in the case shown in FIG. 5(D), or to the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat (not shown) having at least three
spoke portions as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0105] To fold the air bag 81, in a first place, as shown in FIGS.
11(A) and 11(B), the upper and lower edges of the air bag 81 are
respectively folded in bellows along the folding lines L4 into an
elongated rectangular shape. Then, as shown in FIGS. 12(A) and
12(B), each edge of four corners of the rectangular air bag 81 is
folded toward the front surface of the air bag 81 along the folding
lines L5, and again along the folding lines L6, to make an
elongated generally rhombus shape of the air bag 81 having tapered
arm portions 84a and 84b on both sides as shown in FIG. 13(A).
[0106] Though it is not shown, the air bag 81 is secured to a
retainer at the peripheral edge of the opening 82 as in the
embodiments described above. The center portion of the folded body
of the air bag 81 is disposed at the center of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat in such a manner that the
respective arm portions 84a and 84b extend from the center portion
to the respective spoke portions along the directions in which the
respective spoke portions extend. Then, the module cover is mounted
to cover the air bag 81 to complete the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat. Other construction and operation of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat are the same as those of the air
bag apparatus for the driver's seat 40 shown in FIG. 5(D) or the
air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 60 shown in FIGS. 6 and
7.
[0107] FIGS. 14(A) to 16(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
third way of folding the air bag into a generally elongated linear
configuration. In these figures, FIGS. 14(A), 15(A), 16(A) are plan
views of the air bag, and FIGS. 14(B), 15(B), 16(B) are cross
sectional views taken along respective lines 14(B)-14(B),
15(B)-15(B), 16(B)-16(B).
[0108] An air bag 85 has the same construction as those of the
embodiments described above and has an opening 86 and vent holes 87
on the backside thereof. The air bag 85 is mounted to the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat (not shown) having two spoke
portions as shown in FIG. 5(D), or to the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat (not shown) having at least three spoke portions as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0109] To fold the air bag 85, in a first place as shown in FIGS.
15(A) and 15(B), the upper and lower edges of the air bag 85 are
respectively rolled up on the front side of the air bag 85 toward
the center thereof. Then, as shown in FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B), an
elongated generally rectangular folded body of the air bag 85
having the arm portions 88a and 88b on both sides is formed.
[0110] Though it is not shown, the air bag 85 is secured to a
retainer at the peripheral edge of the opening 86 as in the
embodiments described above. The center portion of the folded body
of the air bag 85 is disposed at the center of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat in such a manner that the
respective arm portions 88a and 88b extend from the center portion
to the respective spoke portions. Then, a module cover is mounted
to cover the air bag 85 to complete the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat. Other construction and operation of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat are the same as those of the air
bag apparatus for the driver's seat 40 shown in FIG. 5(D) or the
air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 60 shown in FIGS. 6 and
7.
[0111] FIGS. 17(A) to 19(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
fourth way of folding the air bag into a generally elongated linear
configuration. In these figures, FIGS. 17(A), 18(A), 19(A) are plan
views of the air bag, and FIGS. 17(B), 18(B), 19(B) are cross
sectional views taken along respective lines 17(B)-17(B),
18(B)-18(B), 19(B)-19(B).
[0112] An air bag 89 has the same construction as in the
embodiments described above and has an opening 90 and vent holes 91
on the backside thereof. The air bag 89 is mounted to the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat (not shown) having two spoke
portions as shown in FIG. 5(D), or to the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat (not shown) having at least three spoke portions as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0113] To fold the air bag 89, in a first place, as shown in FIGS.
18(A) and 18(B), the upper and lower edges of the air bag 89 are
respectively folded in bellows toward the front surface of the air
bag 87 along the folding lines L7 into generally rectangular shape.
Then, the upper and lower edges of the thus folded air bag 89 are
folded toward the front surface of the air bag 89 along the folding
lines L8. Consequently, an elongated generally rectangular folded
body of the air bag 89 having arm portions 92a and 92b on both
sides is formed as shown in FIGS. 19(A), 19(B).
[0114] Though it is not shown, the air bag 89 is secured to a
retainer at the peripheral edge of the opening 90 as in the
embodiments described above. The center portion of the folded body
of the air bag 89 is disposed at the center of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat along the directions in which the
respective spoke portions extend in such a manner that the
respective arm portions 92a and 92b extend from the center portion
to the respective spoke portions. Then, the module cover is mounted
to cover the air bag 89 to complete the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat. Other construction and operation of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat are the same as those of the air
bag apparatus for the driver's seat 40 shown in FIG. 5(D) or the
air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 60 shown in FIGS. 6 and
7.
[0115] FIGS. 20(A) to 22(B) are explanatory drawings showing the
fifth way of folding the air bag into a generally elongated linear
configuration. In these figures, FIGS. 20(A), 21(A), 22(A) are plan
views of the air bag, and FIGS. 20(B), 21(B), 22(B) are cross
sectional views taken along the respective line 20(B)-20(B),
21(B)-21(B), 22(B)-22(B).
[0116] An air bag 93 has the same construction as that of the
embodiments described above and has an opening 94 and vent holes 95
on the backside thereof. The air bag 93 is mounted to the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat (not shown) having two spoke
portions as shown in FIG. 5(D), or to the air bag apparatus for the
driver's seat (not shown) having at least three spoke portions as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0117] To fold the air bag 93, in a first place, as shown in FIGS.
21(A) and 21(B), the upper and lower edges of the air bag 93 are
respectively folded in a form of bellows along the folding lines L9
into a generally oval configuration as shown in FIG. 21(A). Then,
the portions of the air bag 93 near the center thereof are folded
toward the front surface of the air bag 93 along the folding lines
L10, L11 as shown in FIG. 22(B) so as to form a generally elongated
linear folded shape of the air bag 93 having arm portions 96a and
96b on both sides.
[0118] Though it is not shown, the air bag 93 is secured to a
retainer at the peripheral edge of the opening 94 as in the
embodiments described above. The center portion of the folded body
of the air bag 93 is disposed at the center of the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat, and the respective arm portions
96a and 96b extend from the center portion to the respective spoke
portions along the respective spoke portions. Then, a module cover
is mounted to cover the air bag 93 to complete the air bag
apparatus for the driver's seat. Other construction and operation
of the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat are the same as
those of the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 40 shown in
FIG. 5(D) or the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat 60 shown
in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0119] As described above, according to the air bag apparatus for
the driver's seat of the present invention, the air bag is arranged
in such a manner that it extends from the center portion to the
spoke portions of the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat, and
the air bag is covered with the module cover extending from the
center portion to the spoke portions, so that the center portion of
the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat can be downsized to a
relatively small configuration. Therefore, the steering wheel
comprising the air bag apparatus for the driver's seat of a slim
design with a small center portion and elongated spoke portions may
be formed.
[0120] In addition, since the tear lines are formed from the center
portion to the spoke portions of the module cover on the backside
of the module cover, the module cover can be securely torn from the
center portion to the spoke portions.
[0121] While the invention has been explained with reference to the
specific embodiments of the invention, the explanation is
illustrative, and the invention is limited only by the appended
claims.
* * * * *