JP2001341609A - Air bag processing method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air bag processing method which is excellent in processing workability, sound-proofing performance, wind-proofing performance, and gas-proofing performance. SOLUTION: This air bag processing device 1 is provided for processing unnecessary air bag devices 5A and 5B which are actuated as installed on a vehicle. It comprises a casing 11 to cover vehicle parts including the air bag devices 5A and 5B to form a roughly closed space S around the air bag devices 5A, 5B, and exhaust systems 12, 13, and 14 to exhaust gas from the casing 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for treating an airbag which are preferably used for disposal of an airbag apparatus for a vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When an automobile is scrapped, an airbag device mounted on the car is operated, and then recoverable metal materials and the like are collected and regenerated. This is for treating the gas generating agent used in the airbag device.

[0003] As a method of treating this type of airbag,
Conventionally, a method of forcibly deploying and treating an airbag while attached to a vehicle, or a method of forcibly deploying and treating an airbag in old tires stacked by removing an airbag module from the vehicle Etc. are known.
Further, a method has been proposed in which an inactive airbag module is put into a melting furnace to be processed (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-208).
No. 132013).

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional airbag processing method has the following problems.
That is, in the method of forcibly deploying the airbag while the airbag is mounted on the vehicle, a large amount of gas is generated at the time of deployment and the noise at the time of deployment is extremely large, so that there are many problems in performing such work in an urban area. In addition, when the airbag is deployed in the vehicle, the generated gas may fill the interior of the vehicle, so that the next operation cannot be performed immediately.

On the other hand, in the method of removing the airbag module from the vehicle and forcibly deploying it in old tires, the operator cannot remove the airbag module without understanding the complicated vehicle structure. There is a problem that it takes. Also, for safety reasons, it is necessary for the operator to press the operation switch at a distance of about ten meters from the airbag, and the noise during deployment is extremely loud, so a large and remote treatment facility is required from the city. . For this reason, there is a problem that labor and cost for transporting the airbag module to the processing equipment increase.

[0006] Furthermore, in the method of putting an inactive airbag module into the melting furnace and forcibly deploying the airbag, the airbag is ruptured, so that the airbag module is large and strong enough to withstand the blast and the explosive sound during deployment. A melting furnace is required, which is impractical in terms of cost.

[0007] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-1019 discloses that
A method has been proposed in which a plurality of airbag devices are mounted on a vehicle, and a deployment operation is performed without trouble by operating a starting electric circuit of the airbag devices to collectively deploy the airbag devices. The problem of generated gas and noise has not been solved at all.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and has excellent workability, soundproofness, windproofness, and gasproofness when processing is performed in a state of being mounted on a vehicle. An object of the present invention is to provide an airbag processing method and apparatus.

[0009]

(1) In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an unnecessary airbag device is operated and mounted in a vehicle to perform processing. In the method for treating an airbag, a substantially closed space is formed around the airbag device so as to cover a vehicle component including the airbag device, and the airbag device is operated in the substantially closed space. An airbag processing method is provided (see claim 1).

In this case, although not particularly limited, it is more preferable that the substantially closed space is surrounded by a soundproof wall, as in the airbag processing method according to the second aspect.

In the method for processing an airbag according to the first and second aspects, the airbag apparatus is operated in a substantially enclosed space to perform the processing. Therefore, even when the processing is performed while the apparatus is mounted on a vehicle, noise during the processing is reduced. And also significantly improve safety. Further, as compared with the conventional method of removing and processing the airbag device, the operation time is shortened as much as the removal operation is unnecessary, which is advantageous in cost.

Although not particularly limited in the above invention, in the airbag processing method according to the third aspect, it is more preferable to exhaust the gas in the substantially closed space at least after the operation of the airbag device.

By forcibly exhausting the gas in the substantially enclosed space, the next operation, such as removal of the processed airbag and installation of the airbag to be processed next, can be performed immediately.

In the above invention, the number of airbag devices to be processed in the substantially closed space is not limited at all, and it is possible to process one airbag device or simultaneously process a plurality of airbag devices. Within the scope of the invention. In particular, as in the airbag processing method according to claim 4, by operating a plurality of airbag devices in the substantially closed space and performing processing, the processing time per unit is reduced,
It is also advantageous in terms of cost.

(2) In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an airbag processing apparatus for operating and processing an unnecessary airbag apparatus while mounted on a vehicle. A housing that covers a vehicle component including the airbag device to form a substantially sealed space around the airbag device, and an exhaust device that exhausts gas in the housing.
An airbag processing apparatus is provided (see claim 5).

In this case, although not particularly limited, it is more preferable that the housing is surrounded by a soundproof wall as in the airbag processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect.

In the airbag processing apparatus according to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, the airbag apparatus is operated in a casing forming a substantially closed space, and the processing is performed. The noise of the vehicle is reduced and the safety is significantly improved. Further, as compared with the conventional method of removing and processing the airbag device, the operation time is shortened as much as the removal operation is unnecessary, which is advantageous in cost.

Further, by forcibly exhausting the gas in the housing, which is a substantially closed space, using the exhaust device, the processing of the generated gas can be performed immediately.

In particular, it is more preferable that the exhaust device has a zeolite filter, as in an airbag processing device according to the present invention. The use of a zeolite filter can reliably remove a specific gas generated from the airbag, and can provide a suitable environment even if the airbag device is processed in a large amount.

In the above invention, the specific configuration of the casing forming the substantially closed space is not particularly limited.

For example, in the airbag processing apparatus according to the present invention, the housing may include an opening through which a steering wheel is inserted, and a clamp for fastening a peripheral edge of the opening to a shaft of the steering wheel or a column cover. And covers at least a driver's seat airbag device provided on the steering wheel.

The driver's seat airbag device is often provided on the steering wheel. When covering the driver's seat airbag device with the housing, the steering wheel is inserted into the opening and the periphery of the opening is clamped using a clamp. By tightening the steering wheel shaft or column cover, you can attach the housing with one touch work,
Work time can be reduced. In addition, the housing can be firmly fixed, and can be used irrespective of the vehicle type specifications.

Further, in the airbag processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the housing includes a hook for fixing the housing to a defroster of the instrument panel, and is provided at least on a passenger seat side of the instrument panel. And covering the passenger seat airbag device.

The passenger seat airbag device is often provided in front of the instrument panel. When the passenger seat airbag device is covered with the housing, a hook is hooked on the defroster, so that the housing can be attached by one-touch operation. It can be mounted and the working time can be reduced. In addition, the housing can be firmly fixed, and can be used irrespective of the vehicle type specifications.

[0025]

According to the first, second, third, fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, the airbag device is operated in a substantially enclosed space to perform the processing. The noise at the time is reduced, and the safety is significantly improved. Further, as compared with the conventional method of removing and processing the airbag device, the operation time is shortened as much as the removal operation is unnecessary, which is advantageous in cost. Further, by forcibly exhausting the gas in the housing, which is a substantially closed space, using the exhaust device, the processing of the generated gas can be performed immediately.

In addition to this, according to the invention of claim 4, the processing time per unit is reduced, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a specific gas generated from the airbag can be reliably removed, and a suitable environment can be provided even if the airbag is processed in a large amount. .

Further, according to the eighth and ninth aspects of the invention, the housing can be mounted by one-touch operation, and the operation time can be reduced. In addition, the housing can be firmly fixed, and can be used irrespective of the vehicle type specifications.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the structure of an airbag device to be processed according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel showing an example of a driver airbag device, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an inflator thereof, and FIG. 3 is a passenger airbag device (the same applies to a side airbag device and a rear airbag device). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an instrument panel showing an example of the inflator.

The driver airbag device 5A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the passenger airbag device 5B shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 have the same basic structure as long as they are electric airbags. An airbag 51, which is a bag, and an inflator 52 for inflating the airbag 51 are provided.

The airbag 51 is folded and housed in the steering STR and the instrument panel IST as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and is mounted so as to cover a through hole 522 of a housing 521 of the inflator 52 described later. As a result, the gas generated by the inflator 52 is introduced into the airbag 51 and expanded.

The inflator 52 includes a squib (igniter) 523 that is ignited by an operation electric signal from a deceleration sensor at the time of a vehicle collision, an enhancer (ignition charge) 524 that ignites and burns with the flame of the squib 523, and an enhancer 524. 524, and a gas generating agent 525 for generating gas by igniting and burning by the flame and heat of 524.

For example, in the inflator 52 of the driver's seat airbag device 5A shown in FIG.
A squib 523 and an enhancer 524 are provided at the center of 21, a combustion chamber 526 around the squib 523 is filled with a gas generating agent 525, and a screen 527 is provided therearound. Then, when an operation signal is input from the lead wire 528 shown in the same figure, the squib 523 is ignited, and the enhancer 524 is ignited and burned by the flame. Then, the gas generating agent 525 is ignited and burned. The gas generated by the ignition and combustion of the gas generating agent 525 passes through the screen 527 and passes through a plurality of through holes 52 provided around the housing 521.
2 to inflate the airbag 51 shown in FIG.

In the inflator 52 of the passenger-seat airbag device 5B shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a squib 523 is provided at one end of the center of a long cylindrical housing 521, and the enhancer 524 extends over the entire center of the cylindrical housing 521. Is provided. Further, a gas generating agent 525 is loaded in a combustion chamber 526 around the enhancer 524, and a screen 527 is further provided around the gas generating agent 525.

In such a passenger seat inflator 52,
When an operation signal is input from a lead wire 528 shown in FIG. 12, the squib 523 is ignited, and the flame is used to enhance the enhancer 5.
24 ignites and burns, and the flame and heat enter the combustion chamber 526 through the through hole 529 to ignite and burn the gas generating agent 525. The gas generated by the ignition and combustion of the gas generating agent 525 passes through the screen 527 and passes through the housing 52.
It flows out from the plurality of through holes 522 provided around the airbag 1 and inflates the airbag 51 shown in FIG.

Next, the airbag device 5A,
The airbag processing apparatus 1 for performing the expansion processing of 5B will be described. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the airbag processing apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a housing of the same embodiment, FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the airbag processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a housing 11 formed of a soundproof wall.
Openings 111 and 114 are provided on one main surface thereof.
The specific structure of the soundproof wall is not particularly limited, but sand sandwiched between steel plates can be used. At this time, it is desirable to also provide fire resistance. In addition, the housing 1
The shape of No. 1 is not particularly limited, and is preferably a shape applicable to various vehicle types in consideration of the shape of an instrument panel of a general vehicle.

The opening 111 of the housing 11 shown in FIG. 6 is sized to allow the steering wheel STR of the vehicle to pass therethrough, and a flexible flange is formed at the opening edge of the opening 111. A clamp 112 shown in the same figure is attached to this flange, and after inserting the steering wheel STR into the opening 111 as shown in FIG. 7, the housing 11 is closed by tightening it. The clamp 112 has a semi-ring-shaped member that can be opened and closed by a hinge, and is locked by a hook attached to the tip. However, the specific configuration of the clamp 112 according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can close the opening 111 of the housing 11.

An opening 114 is also provided at the other end of the housing 11.
The openings 11 are formed as shown in FIG.
4 can cover the passenger seat airbag device 5B provided on the passenger seat side of the instrument panel IST. In the vicinity of the opening 114, hooks 113, 113 which can be hooked on the opening of the defroster DEF of the instrument panel IST are provided, whereby the housing 11 is firmly fixed.

An exhaust duct 12 is provided on one side of the housing, and gas in the housing 11 is sucked by the blower 14.
Further, a filter 13 is provided in the exhaust duct 12, and a filter material used for the filter 13 is not particularly limited. In this example, a filter material coated with zeolite is used. Cl ₂ , H ₂ S, N generated in the housing 11 by using zeolite
Components such as O ₂ , NH ₃ and Na and odor components can be suitably removed.

To operate the driver airbag device 5A and the passenger airbag device 5B using the airbag processing device 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, FIG.
As shown in (1), first, the housing 11 is brought into the vehicle interior and mounted on the front of the instrument panel IST. At this time,
The steering wheel STR is provided in the opening 111 of the housing 11.
, The flange 111a is fastened with a clamp 112, the opening 111 is closed, the other opening 114 is placed on the passenger seat side of the instrument panel IST, and the hooks 113, 113 are hooked on the opening of the defroster DEF. With only this operation, the housing 11 can be firmly mounted on the instrument panel IST.

As a result, a substantially sealed space S including the driver's seat airbag device 5A and the passenger's seat airbag device 5B is formed in the housing 11, and the operating circuit of the airbag device connected in advance is formed. To generate an inactive gas to deploy the airbag. At this time, since the inside of the housing 11 is sealed by the soundproof wall, noise at the time of gas generation and generated gas do not leak to the outside. When the housing 11 is set, the airbag devices 5A, 5B
Is covered by the housing 11, so that it is extremely safe for workers.

When the operation of the inflator 52 is completed, the blower 14 is operated to remove the gas in the housing 11 from the filter 13.
Send to Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the gas generated from the inflator 52 from leaking into the vehicle interior, and to maintain a working environment.

The embodiments described above are described for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not described for limiting the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel showing an example of a driver airbag device to be processed according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the inflator shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an instrument panel showing another example of a passenger airbag apparatus to be processed according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the inflator shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the airbag processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a housing of the airbag processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Airbag processing apparatus 11 ... Housing 111 ... Opening 112 ... Clamp 113 ... Hook 12 ... Exhaust duct (exhaust apparatus) 13 ... Filter (exhaust apparatus 14 ... Blower (exhaust apparatus) 5A ... Driver airbag apparatus 5B ... Passenger's seat airbag device S: almost closed space

Claims (9)

[Claims] An airbag processing method for operating and processing an unnecessary airbag device in a state of being mounted on a vehicle, wherein the airbag device covers a vehicle part including the airbag device and substantially surrounds the airbag device. A method for processing an airbag, comprising forming a closed space and operating the airbag device in the substantially closed space. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said substantially closed space is surrounded by a soundproof wall. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gas in the substantially closed space is exhausted at least after the operation of the airbag device. 4. The airbag processing method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of airbag devices are operated in said substantially closed space for processing. 5. An airbag processing apparatus for operating and processing an unnecessary airbag device in a state of being mounted on a vehicle, wherein the airbag device covers a vehicle part including the airbag device and substantially surrounds the airbag device. An airbag processing apparatus, comprising: a casing forming a closed space; and an exhaust device for exhausting gas in the casing. 6. An airbag processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said housing is surrounded by a soundproof wall. 7. The processing apparatus for an airbag according to claim 5, wherein the exhaust device has a zeolite filter. 8. The housing includes an opening through which a steering wheel is inserted, and a clamp for fastening a peripheral edge of the opening to a shaft portion or a column cover of the steering wheel, and at least a driving mechanism provided on the steering wheel. The airbag processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the airbag processing apparatus covers a seat airbag apparatus. 9. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the housing includes a hook for fixing the housing to a defroster of an instrument panel, and covers at least a passenger airbag device provided on a passenger seat side of the instrument panel. Claim 5
An airbag processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.