Airbag apparatus and airbag folding method

An airbag apparatus comprising:

• a gas generator for generating gas;
• and
• an airbag which is unfolded and inflated by the gas when the gas generator is operated,
• wherein the apparatus is used by being fixed to an accommodating portion provided in a passenger compartment of a vehicle,
• wherein the gas generator includes an inflator for generating the gas and a retainer fixed to the accommodating portion for receiving the inflator,
• wherein the airbag has an insertion opening defined in a proximal end of the airbag through which the retainer is passed and a contact point at which one of the retainer and the inflator is held in contact with the circumference of an opening end of the insertion opening, and
• wherein the retainer and inflator are arranged in the proximal end of the airbag with a portion of one of the retainer and inflator projecting from the airbag to the exterior through the insertion opening, and wherein the insertion opening is sealed by the projecting portion of one of the retainer and inflator and by folding the air bag along a folding line starting from the contact point and re-folding the airbag from the distal end of the airbag to the proximal end.

A method of folding an airbag for an airbag apparatus including an inflator for generating gas that unfolds and inflates the airbag and a retainer for receiving the inflator, the airbag apparatus being fixed to an accommodating portion provided in a vehicle passenger compartment through the retainer, the method comprising:

• preparing the airbag in a flattened form and providing an insertion opening through which the retainer is passed;
• setting at least one contact point by passing the retainer through the insertion opening of the airbag in such a manner that a portion of the retainer projects from the insertion opening and that the retainer is held in contact with an opening end of the insertion opening;
• setting at least one folding line starting from the contact point and folding the airbag along the folding line;
• and
• folding the airbag in a folded state from a distal end of the airbag toward the retainer.