JP2008168673A - Method and device for folding airbag, and airbag - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device easily folding an airbag for an occupant in a front passenger seat. <P>SOLUTION: The airbag 10 is folded in a predetermined area E corresponding to a housing part of a case body for housing the airbag 10. The predetermined area E has long sides A and short sides B. After inflating the airbag 10, the airbag 10 is flattened by pushing it from over. The airbag 10 is held by airbag holding plates 45 radially arranged. After making a fold, a first presser 51 is moved forward from a peripheral part so as to form a first gathering part. Continuously, after making a fold, a second presser 52 is moved forward so as to form a second gathering part. The first gathering part and two second gathering parts are arranged along each of the long sides A. One first gathering part is arranged along each of the short sides B. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an airbag folding method, an airbag folding apparatus, and an airbag for folding an airbag for a passenger in a passenger seat of an automobile, for example.

  Conventionally, for example, an airbag device provided in a steering wheel or an instrument panel of an automobile is known. The airbag device includes a bag-shaped airbag, and the airbag is normally folded small and stored inside the cover body or the case body.

  Here, since the airbag for the passenger on the passenger seat is formed in a large, three-dimensional bag shape, it is not easy to fold manually, and a folding method for automatically folding the airbag, A folding device has been proposed.

  For example, for an airbag for a passenger on the passenger seat, the airbag is placed between the flat base and the plate, and the airbag is inflated by inflating the airbag through the opening of the airbag. There is known a configuration in which a large number of plate-like folding tongues are advanced, and the airbag is folded so as to be attached to the opening side at the end edges of these folding tongues. In this configuration, after the airbag is folded into a desired shape, the folded tongue is pulled out with the air in the airbag partially removed, and then the folded airbag is inserted into the case body. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in this configuration, since many folded tongues are inserted into the airbag in a small folded state, when the folded tongue is pulled out, the folded shape of the airbag may collapse and become loose. It is difficult to insert the airbag into the case body without slack. In addition, this configuration requires a device for extracting the air inside the airbag, which complicates the configuration of the folding device, resulting in a problem that the manufacturing cost of the airbag device increases.

  Further, for example, for an airbag for a driver's seat provided on a steering wheel, a lower plate as a mounting portion, an upper plate as a height description means, and a forward and backward movement toward the central portion between the upper plate and the lower plate 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a folding device that includes a pressing body that performs a pressing operation and a radially-arranged ear forming plate. And in this folding apparatus, in the state which expanded the airbag on the lower board, an airbag is suppressed with the ear | edge part formation board arrange | positioned radially at 4 directions, and a press body is center side between these ear | edge part formation boards. Move forward. Then, while the ear | edge part is formed radially in the part suppressed with the ear | edge part formation board, the part pressed by the press body is folded in a wave shape. Furthermore, by rotating the airbag, the ear portion is in a state of being along the outer peripheral portion of the portion folded in a wave shape, and the airbag with good deployment characteristics in which gas is smoothly supplied to the outer peripheral portion can be quickly folded. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

However, this configuration requires a device for rotating the airbag, complicates the folding device, and as a result, increases the manufacturing cost of the airbag device. In addition, in the configuration in which the pressing body and the ear part forming plate are simply disposed so as to surround the airbag, it is not easy to be folded into a shape suitable for storage in a rectangular case body having a large dimensional difference between the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. Have a problem.
JP-A-10-129381 (page 6-7, FIGS. 9-17) International Publication No. 97/35745 Pamphlet (Figs. 36-48)

  As described above, in the conventional configuration, there is a problem that it is not easy to reduce the manufacturing cost of the folding device that folds the airbag into a rectangular case body and stores the airbag device for the passenger on the passenger seat. is doing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an airbag folding method, an airbag folding apparatus, and an airbag that can fold an airbag having good deployment characteristics into a desired shape using an automatic machine. The purpose is to provide.

  The method for folding an airbag according to claim 1 is a method for folding an airbag that is folded and stored in a storage section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side, and is inflated and deployed by introduction of gas, A deployment step of flattening the airbag and a radial direction in a direction away from a predetermined point included in a gas introduction portion where gas is introduced into the airbag from the vicinity of the corners of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion A holding step for holding the airbag along an extending line and a portion between the holding steps in the holding step are pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point to form a plurality of first integrated portions bent in a wave shape The first stacking portion is stored in the predetermined region along the long side and the short side of the storage portion, and the portion held in the holding step is released and the portion is released. From the outer circumference to the predetermined point To form a plurality of second stacking portions bent in a wave shape, and these second stacking portions are positioned on both sides of each of the first stacking portions arranged along the long sides of the storage portion. And a second integrated part forming step that fits within the predetermined area.

  And in this structure, an airbag is easily folded by pressing the airbag spread flatly from the outer peripheral side. Airbags are folded in a wave shape toward the gas introduction part where the gas is introduced, so that when the gas is introduced into the gas introduction part of the airbag, each deployment part can be deployed quickly. Is easily realized. By positioning the second stacking part on both sides of the first stacking part located on each long side, the airbag has a shape suitable for storage in a storage part having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side. Folded. The folding process is simple, folding by an automatic machine can be easily realized, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The method for folding an airbag according to claim 2 is the method for folding an airbag according to claim 1, wherein the second stacking portion forming step includes at least a part of the second stacking portion corresponding to the storage portion. It pushes to the predetermined point side beyond the boundary line of the area.

  And in this structure, even if the folding shape of an airbag spreads a little with self-restoring force by pressing strongly about the 2nd accumulation part, it is constituted by the 2nd accumulation part. Interference of the corners of the airbag with the members constituting the storage section is suppressed, and the storage work of the airbag in the storage section is facilitated.

  The airbag folding method according to claim 3 is the airbag folding method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second stacking portion forming step performs the second stacking in a direction orthogonal to the long side and the short side. At least a part of the portion is pressed largely toward the predetermined point on the other end side rather than the one end side, and the shape holding member is wound in a state where the side surface portion of the folded airbag is an inclined surface. It holds the folded shape.

  And in this structure, about the 2nd accumulation | storage part, the other end side is largely pressed to a predetermined point side rather than one end side, and the side part of the folded airbag is made into the inclined surface, The shape of the folded airbag The work which winds the shape maintenance member which holds can be made easy.

  The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 4 is an airbag folding apparatus that is folded and stored in a rectangular storage section having a long side and a short side, and is inflated and deployed by introducing gas, A mounting portion where the airbag is spread flat, and a direction away from a predetermined point included in a gas introduction portion where gas is introduced into the airbag from near the corners of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion. A holding means for holding the airbag along a radially extending line, and a plurality of first integrated parts bent in a wave shape by pressing a portion other than that held by the holding means from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point A first stacking portion forming means for storing the first stacking portion in the predetermined area along each long side and each short side of the storage portion, and a portion released from the holding means, Press toward the predetermined point from the side, A plurality of second stacking portions that are bent at the same time, and these second stacking portions are located on both sides of each of the first stacking portions disposed along the long sides of the storage portion and are within the predetermined region. And a second stacking part forming means.

  And in this structure, an airbag is easily folded by pressing the airbag spread flatly from the outer peripheral side. Since the air bag is folded in a wave shape toward the position where the gas is introduced, it is easy to have good deployment characteristics that each accumulator quickly deploys when the gas is introduced into the air bag. To be realized. By positioning the second stacking part on both sides of the first stacking part located on the long side, the airbag is folded into a shape suitable for storing in the storing part having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side. . The folding process is simple, folding by an automatic machine can be easily realized, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The airbag folding device according to claim 5 is the airbag folding device according to claim 4, wherein the second stacking portion forming means is selectively attached to the second driving means and the driving means. The second pressing body having a plurality of shapes that press against the airbag is provided.

  In this configuration, by appropriately selecting and attaching the second pressing body having an appropriate shape, appropriate folding corresponding to airbags and storage portions of various sizes and shapes is possible, and versatility is improved. .

  The airbag folding device according to claim 6 is the airbag folding device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the airbag is folded into a portion pressed by the first stacking portion forming means and the second stacking portion forming means. It is provided with a folding provision means for imparting a habit.

  In this configuration, the first stacking unit and the second stacking unit are provided by using a folding unit and applying a wave-like fold in advance to the portions pressed by the first stacking unit forming unit and the second stacking unit forming unit. The stacking portion can be easily folded into a wave shape having a desired shape.

The airbag according to claim 7 is an airbag that is folded and stored in a storage section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side, and is inflated and deployed by introduction of gas,
A gas introduction part into which gas is introduced, and is bent in a wave shape surrounding the gas introduction part, and is stored in a predetermined region corresponding to the accommodation part along each long side and each short side of the accommodation part. The four first collecting portions and the predetermined region which is bent in a wave shape surrounding the gas introduction portion and is located on both sides of the first collecting portion along each long side of the storage portion. And four second stacking units housed inside.

  In this configuration, an airbag that is easily folded by an automatic machine and has good deployment characteristics is provided for the airbag that is folded and stored in a storage section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side.

  According to the present invention, an air bag that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas realizes a good deployment characteristic and automatically has a shape suitable for being housed in a housing section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side. It can be easily folded by a machine, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an airbag folding method, an airbag folding device, and an airbag according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 17, reference numeral 10 denotes an airbag. The airbag 10 is a bag-like airbag 10 provided in an airbag device for a passenger in a passenger seat of an automobile. Although not shown, the airbag device is provided on the instrument panel so as to face the passenger seat of the passenger compartment of the automobile, and is folded into a metal or synthetic resin case body and a housing portion of the case body. , The inflator supplying gas to the airbag 10, the retainer 11 shown in FIG. 17 for attaching the airbag 10 to the case body, and the opening or folding of the housing portion of the case body The airbag 10 housed in is covered with a cover at a normal time and is arranged along the instrument panel. Note that the airbag device is, for example, arranged such that the opening portion is inclined toward the upper rear side of the vehicle. Hereinafter, the opening portion is directed upward in accordance with the folded state of the airbag 10. Will be described. Further, the direction will be described with reference to the straight traveling direction of the vehicle.

  The case body of the airbag device has a rectangular box shape and a rectangular cross section, and the housing portion, that is, the upper opening of the case body has a longitudinal direction in the vehicle width direction, that is, both side directions, and a front-rear direction. Is formed in a rectangular shape with a short direction.

  Further, the airbag 10 has a three-dimensional, so-called three-dimensional bag-shaped outer shell formed by sewing one or a plurality of base fabrics together. The airbag 10 is provided with a bottom portion reinforced with a separate base fabric or the like, and a gas introduction portion 12 provided with an opening such as a circular hole is provided on the bottom portion. Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, a patch 14 as a shape holding member for holding the folded shape of the airbag 10 is attached to the airbag 10. The patch 14 is formed of a base fabric similar to the base fabric that reinforces the airbag 10, and one end portion is integrally sewn to the bottom surface portion, and a circular hole-shaped attachment receiving portion 14a is formed at the other end portion. Is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the retainer 11 includes, for example, a metal annular retainer main body 11 a and a mounting bolt 11 b protruding from the retainer main body, and the retainer main body 11 a is provided inside the airbag 10. Arranged along the bottom surface, the mounting bolt 11b is fixed to the case body, and the airbag 10 is fixed to the case body.

  The inflator is for injecting gas from, for example, a gas injection port provided in a cylindrical main body, and the gas injection port is disposed inside or outside the gas introduction unit 12.

  The airbag 10 is folded into a predetermined shape, which will be described later, and stored in the storage part of the case body. When the automobile collides, the airbag device activates the inflator with a signal from a control means including a sensor, and rapidly supplies gas into the airbag 10 from the gas injection port. Then, the airbag 10 is rapidly inflated and deployed, and a tear line, which is a weak portion provided in the cover body, is broken by the pressure of the inflation, and a protruding opening of the airbag 10 is formed in the cover body. The airbag 10 bulging outward from the cover body is inflated and deployed forward of the occupant in the passenger compartment, restrains the occupant thrown forward, and protects the occupant from the impact of the collision.

  Next, a method for folding the airbag 10 and the folding device 30 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the folding device 30 is shown in FIG. 5, which is located above the mounting portion 31, a flat plate-like mounting portion 31 that can spread the airbag 10 flatly. The apparatus main body is provided with a fixed upper base 32 and a lower base 33 shown in FIG. The placement unit 31 can be provided with an inclination in consideration of the workability of the operator. Hereinafter, the upper surface of the placement unit 31 will be described as a horizontal plane.

  In a predetermined region E including a predetermined point C at the center of the mounting portion 31, a retainer holding portion 35 that detachably holds the retainer 11 combined with the airbag 10 is provided. The retainer holding portion 35 is provided with a blow device for supplying air to the inside of the airbag 10. Further, at the lower part of the central portion of the placement portion 31, there is provided an air bag wrapping device 36 that can store the air bag 10 folded together with the retainer holding portion 35, and the air bag wrapping device 36. A wrapping device cylinder 37 for moving the airbag up and down and an airbag take-out cylinder 38 for pushing the airbag 10 out of the airbag wrapping device 36 are provided.

  And this predetermined area | region E respond | corresponds to the planar shape of the accommodating part of the case body in which the airbag 10 is accommodated, and is provided with the long side A along both directions, and the short side B extended in the front-back direction. ing.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, above the placement portion 31, supported by the upper frame 32 and driven by the pressing cylinder 41 a while being parallel to the placement portion 31, is advanced or retreated. A movable plate-like movable top plate 41 is provided horizontally.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of vertical positioning plates 43 are provided so as to be supported by the upper frame 32 and surround the space above the mounting portion 31, and these positioning plates 43 are provided with positioning cylinders 43a. It is driven by and advances / retreats with respect to the space above the placement portion 31.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 to 7, and 14 (a), above the mounting portion 31, four airbags are supported as a holding means by being supported by a movable top plate 41. A plate 45 is provided, which is driven by a holding cylinder 45a and moves up and down. Each airbag holding plate 45 is arranged to extend radially from the corner of the predetermined region E or the portion of the long side A close to the corner to the outer peripheral side in a diagonal line.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a pushing cylinder 48 for pushing the folded airbag 10 into the lower airbag wrapping device 36 is provided at the center of the mounting portion 31, that is, above the predetermined region E.

  On the other hand, the mounting portion 31 includes a plurality of first pressing bodies 51 that constitute a first stacking portion forming means, and a plurality of first pressing bodies 51 that advance and retreat toward a predetermined point C along the upper surface of the mounting portion 31. In addition, four second pressing bodies 52 constituting the second stacking portion forming means are provided, and the airbag 10 is stacked in a predetermined region E while being pressed and folded in a wave shape.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first pressing body 51 is disposed on the front and rear sides of the predetermined region E and on both the left and right sides, and is a foldable air cylinder that is disposed on the lower side of the mounting portion 31. Driven by the tatami cylinder 53, it advances and retreats vertically with respect to the central part of the long side A and the central part of the short side B of the predetermined region E, respectively. Each of the first pressing bodies 51 has a front plate portion 55a disposed at the tip portion in parallel with the long side A and the short side B of the predetermined region E, and an outer peripheral side from both ends of the front plate portion 55a. And an outer peripheral plate portion 55b extending so as to expand, and a height regulating plate portion 55c shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 slightly protruding forward from the upper edge portion of the front plate portion 55a and the outer peripheral plate portion 55b. A first head 55 is provided. And the front board part 55a of the 1st press body 51 located in both sides is formed substantially equal to the length dimension of the short side B. As shown in FIG.

  The second pressing body 52 is arranged so as to extend radially along the diagonal line from the corner of the predetermined region E or the long side A adjacent to the corner toward the outer periphery. 31 is driven by a folding cylinder 53 as a second drive means, which is a direct acting air cylinder disposed on the lower side of 31, and a corner of a predetermined region E or a portion of a long side A close to the corner Move forward and backward. Each of the second pressing bodies 52 has a front plate portion 56a disposed at the tip portion in parallel with the portion of the long side A facing the corner portion of the predetermined region E or close to the corner portion. A second head 56 provided with an outer peripheral plate portion 56b extending from the both end portions of the face plate portion 56a to the outer peripheral side is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 (a), (b), and (c), the second head 56 has a plurality of shapes and can be selectively attached, that is, can be replaced. It is possible to accommodate retainers of various sizes or shapes and storage portions of the case body. Here, in the second head 56 shown in FIG. 11 (a), the front plate portion 56a is parallel to the long side A, and in the second head 56 shown in FIG. 11 (b), the front plate portion 56a is long. The second head 56 shown in FIG. 11C is substantially parallel to the side A and slightly inclines into the corner portion, and the front plate portion 56a advances more greatly than the other heads in the second head 56 shown in FIG. It is formed to be compatible.

  As shown in FIG. 11 and the like, the first pressing bodies 51 and the second pressing bodies 52 are alternately arranged. For each long side A of the predetermined region E, one first And the second pressing body 52 arranged on both sides of the first pressing body 51 are arranged, and for each short side B of the predetermined region E, one first pressing body 51 is arranged. Has been.

  In addition, the folding device 30 includes a first fold serving as a fold imparting means for imparting a wavy fold to the base fabric of the airbag 10 pressed by the first pressing body 51 and the second pressing body 52. A comb imparting device 61 and a second folding imparting device 62 are provided.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the first folding imparting device 61 is arranged above and below the predetermined region E in the four directions up and down, that is, above and below the path of the first pressing body 51. The upper folding device 64 and the lower folding device 65 are provided. The upper and lower folding devices 64 and 65 include a plurality of vertical folding plates 64a and 65a, respectively, and are used for folding to drive the folding plates 64a and 65a up and down, that is, in the vertical direction. Cylinders 64b and 65b are provided. Then, in the first folding application device 61, the folding plate 64a of the upper folding device 64 retreats above the placement portion 31 and the folding plate 65a of the lower folding device 65 is placed in the standby state. Retreats below the placement unit 31. In the operating state, the folding cylinders 64b and 65b operate, and the folding plate 64a of the upper folding device 64 advances downward to be positioned near the upper surface of the mounting portion 31, and the lower folding device 65 The folding plate 65a advances upward and protrudes above the placement portion 31. In this operating state, the tips of the folding plate 64a of the upper folding device 64 and the folding plate 65a of the lower folding device 65 are alternately and gently combined at the height of the upper surface of the mounting portion 31.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the second folding imparting device 62 is disposed on each first pressing body 51 and is supported by the outer peripheral plate portions 55 b on both sides of each first pressing body 51 so as to be able to advance and retreat. A plurality of vertical folding plates 68, and a folding cylinder which is a direct acting air cylinder (not shown) for advancing and retracting the folding plates 68 so as to protrude and retract from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b along the mounting portion 31. I have. Then, in the standby state, the second folding application device 62 retreats so that each folding plate 68 does not protrude from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b. In the operating state, the folding cylinder operates, and each folding plate 68 projects vertically from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b. In this operating state, the front ends of the folding plates 68 protruding from the first pressing bodies 51 adjacent to each other are gradually and gently combined along the upper surface of the mounting portion 31.

  The folding device 30 is provided with an operation unit that can be manually operated while the entire process is controlled according to a program by a control device including a computer.

  Next, a folding process of the airbag 10 using the folding device 30 will be described.

  First, each drive unit is controlled by the control unit, and each unit is set in a standby state. That is, the moving top plate 41 is raised, and the first pressing body 51, the second pressing body 52, and the positioning plate 43 are retracted to the outer peripheral side.

  Then, the retainer 11 is attached to the gas introduction part 12 of the airbag 10 by the operator's manual work, and the retainer 11 is held by the retainer holding part 35 of the folding device 30. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 13 (a), the airbag 10 has an undefined shape, that is, is flat on the mounting portion 31 with an undesired shape.

  Next, as a deployment step, air is supplied to the inside of the airbag 10 by a blow device, and the airbag 10 is inflated as shown in FIGS. 5, 12 (b), and 13 (b). Then, the positioning cylinder 43a is actuated to advance and retract the plurality of positioning plates 43 toward the airbag 10, respectively, so that the airbag 10 is positioned at a position suitable for future folding work. Next, while operating the blow device and applying the internal pressure, each positioning plate 43 is retracted, and the movable top plate 41 is lowered to press the airbag 10, as shown in FIGS. 12 (c) and 13 (c). As shown in the figure, the airbag 10 is deployed on the mounting portion 31 in a flat plane shape, and the blowing device is stopped, so that the airbag 10 is flattened in a desired shape in a desired position (primary folding). ) Is completed. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the airbag 10 has a circular shape or an elliptical shape, and is spread flat at the center of the placement portion 31.

  Next, as a holding step, the holding cylinder 45a is operated to advance the four airbag holding plates 45 downward, and the airbag 10 is placed along a line extending radially in an oblique direction about the predetermined point C. It is pressed onto the portion 31 and, so to speak, sandwiched and held from above and below, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the movable top plate 41 is retracted by a predetermined dimension above the airbag holding plate 45.

  Next, as the first folding application step, the folding cylinders 64b and 65b are actuated, and as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 12 (d) and 13 (d), the upper folding device 64 is operated. The folding plate 64a is advanced downward, and the folding plate 65a of the lower folding device 65 is advanced upward. In this state, the airbag 10 is pressed by the front end portions of the folding plates 64a and 65a, and is positioned at four positions on the front and rear, left and right of the base fabric of the airbag 10, that is, on the front and rear, left and right of the predetermined region E, In other words, it gives vertical wavy (bellows-like) folds. Next, the folding cylinders 64b and 65b are operated, the folding plate 64a of the upper folding device 64 is retracted upward, and the folding plate 65a of the lower folding device 65 is retracted downward.

  Next, as the first stacking portion forming step, the four first pressing bodies 51 are advanced toward the predetermined region E, and are held by the portion to which the folding is given, that is, the airbag holding plate 45 The airbag 10 is pressed toward the predetermined point C from the outer peripheral side, and as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 10, FIG. 12 (e), FIG. 13 (e), and FIG. The bent first accumulating portion 81 is formed at four locations, and the first accumulating portion 81 is accommodated in a predetermined region E, and a radial extension that can be called an ear portion is held in a portion held by the airbag holding plate 45. An installation portion 83 is formed. Further, in the process of pressing, the airbag 10 that has already been folded is smoothly folded, but the height regulating plate portion 55c provided on the first pressing body 51 and the movable top plate 41 are folded. To prevent disturbance. Then, by retracting the airbag holding plate 45 upward, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), the first stacking portion forming step (secondary folding) is completed.

  Next, as a second folding application step, the folding cylinder of the second folding application device 62 provided on each first pressing body 51 is operated, and FIG. 3, FIG. 12 (f), FIG. As shown in f) and FIG. 14 (c), the folding plate 68 is advanced so as to protrude from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b. In this state, the folding plate 68 presses each radial extending portion 83 of the airbag 10, and imparts a lateral wavy (bellows-like) folding to the base fabric of the radial extending portion 83. To do. Next, each folding cylinder is operated, and the folding plate 68 is retracted to the inside of the first pressing body 51.

  Next, as the second stacking portion forming step, the second pressing body 52 in the four oblique directions is advanced toward the predetermined region E, and the radial extending portions 83 to which folding is applied are pressed from the outer peripheral side. Then, as shown in FIGS. 4, 11 (b), 12 (g), and 13 (g), the second integrated portions 84 bent in a wave shape are formed at four locations, and these second integrated portions 84 are formed. Is positioned on both sides of the first stacking portion 81 along the long side A and is placed in a predetermined region E, whereby the second stacking portion forming step (third-order folding) is completed. Further, in the process of pressing, the airbag 10 that has already been folded is smoothly folded, but the height regulating plate portion 55c provided on the first pressing body 51 and the movable top plate 41 are folded. To prevent disturbance.

  In this state, the first stacking portion 81 is folded in a wavy shape only along a fold line along one direction except for the front end portion on the outer peripheral side, whereas the second stacking portions 84 cross each other and are orthogonal to each other. It is folded in a wavy shape along fold lines along two directions.

  Next, a lapping operation, which is a folded shape holding step for holding the shape of the folded airbag 10, is performed. That is, since the folded airbag 10 cannot hold the folded shape when the pressing bodies 51 and 52 are retracted, the movable top plate 41 is moved downward while the pressing bodies 51 and 52 are moved forward. 7 and FIG. 15, the pushing cylinder 48 is operated, and the folded airbag 10 is pushed into the lower airbag wrapping device 36 while the retainer 11 is held by the retainer holding portion 35. . In the airbag wrapping device 36, the folded shape of the airbag 10 is maintained by the outer peripheral plate portion.

  In the state where the airbag 10 is stored in the airbag wrapping device 36 as described above, the movable top plate 41 is raised and the wrapping device cylinder 37 is operated to raise the airbag 10 together with the airbag wrapping device 36. 16 and 17, the airbag 10 folded by the patch 14 of the airbag 10 is wrapped, and the attachment receiving portion 14a of the patch 14 is hooked on the attachment bolt 11b of the retainer 11, thereby Folding work is completed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the airbag 10 is pressed in an inflated state to be inflated to have a flat shape with a desired shape, and the corners of the four corners are radially formed from the top by the airbag holding plate 45. The first pressing body 51 is advanced in the state of being suppressed to press the airbag from the outer peripheral side to form the first integrated portion 81 and the radiation extending portion 83 that are accumulated in a wave shape, and then the second The structure in which the pressing body 52 is advanced to press the radiation extending portion 83 from the outer peripheral portion and is accumulated in the form of a wave to form the second accumulating portion 84, which is complicated and three-dimensional like the airbag 10 for the passenger on the passenger seat. Thus, the airbag 10 having various shapes can be easily folded automatically by the folding device 30. The airbag 10 having various shapes can be folded by the same folding device 30, and includes a device for rotating the airbag 10, a device for winding in a roll, or an exhaust device for generating negative pressure. Since it is not necessary, the versatility can be improved, the folding process and the structure of the folding device 30 can be simplified, and folding by an automatic machine can be easily realized. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the airbag device can be reduced.

  In addition, before each pressing body 51, 52 is advanced by each fold-applying device 61, 62, since the wavy fold in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is applied to the base fabric of the airbag 10 in advance, it is easily desired. The first integrated portion 81 and the second integrated portion 84 having a shape can be formed.

  Further, the passenger seat occupant airbag 10 is housed in a housing portion of a rectangular case body that is long in both sides. In the present embodiment, one first stacking portion 81 is provided on each short side B. Are folded on the long side A so that one first stacking unit 81 and two second stacking units 84 are disposed on both sides of the first stacking unit 81. Since the number of the stacking portions 81 and 84 arranged on the short side B is different, particularly 3: 1, the airbag 10 is firmly and securely attached to the storage portion having a rectangular cross section having the long side A and the short side B. A preferable storage state that can be stored and can maintain a stable storage state for a long time can be realized.

  Further, since each of the collecting portions 81 and 84 is folded in a wave shape toward the gas introducing portion 12 into which the gas is introduced, when the gas is introduced into the gas introducing portion 12 of the airbag 10, each collecting portion It is possible to easily realize good deployment characteristics that 81 and 84 can be deployed quickly. Furthermore, since the front part of the airbag 10 that faces the gas introduction part 12 is composed of a single base fabric, the front part can be quickly deployed to achieve favorable characteristics as the airbag 10 for the passenger on the passenger seat. it can.

  Further, the second pressing body 52 is moved partially with respect to the shape of the storage portion so that the airbag 10 is folded smaller or locally (locally) by selecting the shape of the second head 56. By forming the inclined surface by strongly compressing, the storing operation of the folded airbag 10 or the lapping operation of the airbag 10 can be facilitated. That is, in actual storage work and lapping work, the corners of the four corners of the folded airbag 10 and the edge parts connecting these corners try to inflate with a large self-restoring force, and thus interfere with the case body. For example, the storage work and the wrapping work become difficult. Therefore, the second stacking portion 84 which is mainly a corner portion of the airbag 10 is pressed more strongly than the other portions of the airbag 10 by the second pressing body 52 and folded to be small. Even when the folding shape of the airbag 10 is slightly expanded due to the self-restoring force, the corner portion of the airbag 10 constituted by the second stacking portion 84 is prevented from interfering with the case body, the patch 14, etc. Storage work in the storage part and wrapping work by patches can be facilitated.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the front plate portion 56a at the tip of the second head 56 of the second pressing body 52 is set to a placement portion 31, that is, an inclined surface inclined downward. A wrapping operation for winding and locking a shape holding member such as the patch 14 by pressing the upper side portion of the airbag 10 greatly and forming the side surface portion 91 of the folded airbag 10, particularly the corner portion, as an inclined surface. The working time can be shortened.

  In addition, since the second pressing body 52 can be attached by selecting the second head 56 at the tip from a plurality of shapes, it can be folded appropriately for the airbag 10 and the storage portion of various sizes and shapes. Thus, the versatility can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the first pressing body 51 and the second pressing body 52 are provided with folding devices 61 and 62, respectively, and each folding device 61 and 62 is a direct acting type. The folding cylinders 64b and 65b, which are air cylinders, are simultaneously moved and brought into contact with the airbag 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and either the first pressing body 51 or the second pressing body 52 is used. A link mechanism or a cam mechanism can be used instead of the cylinder or in addition to the cylinder. Further, the folding application devices 61 and 62 may be configured to individually drive and sequentially move the plurality of folding plates 65a, 64a, and 68.

  In the above embodiment, for example, the placement unit 31 is fixed and the movable top plate 41 moves up and down. However, these configurations are relative, and the placement unit 31 moves up and down. It can also be set as the structure to do. Further, the configuration may be such that the top and bottom of the above configuration is reversed and the airbag 10 is supported so as to be suspended.

  Further, after the airbag 10 is pressed by the first, left, right, and first pressing bodies 51, the airbag 10 is pressed by the second pressing body 52 that advances and retracts in an oblique direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. By changing the shape of the second head 56 of the body 52, the airbag 10 is first pressed and folded by the second pressing body 52, and then the airbag 10 is pressed and folded by the first pressing body 51. You can also

  Note that the airbag 10 can be detached from the folding device 30 without performing the wrapping operation with the patch 14 in a state in which the airbag 10 is folded into a desired shape.

  Further, the airbag 10 is not limited to the passenger seat occupant airbag 10 and can be used for folding a planar or three-dimensional airbag of an airbag apparatus provided in a steering wheel, a side portion of a seat, a pillar portion, or the like. .

  For a steering wheel airbag that can be easily deployed in a flat shape with a desired shape, the step of inflating the air into the airbag can be omitted.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, an airbag for a passenger in an automobile.

It is explanatory drawing of the folding process which shows one Embodiment of the folding method and folding apparatus of the airbag of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 1 of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 2 of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 3 of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of a part of airbag folding apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process of the II equivalent cross section of FIG. 1 of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 8 of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 9 of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd press body of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the planar shape of the airbag of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the shape seen from the side surface of the airbag of the airbag folding method same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the shape seen from diagonally upward of the airbag of the airbag folding method same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of a part of airbag folding apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the folding process of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the III-III cross section equivalent position of FIG. 16 which shows the folding process of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the II-II cross-section equivalent position of FIG.11 (b) which shows other embodiment of the 2nd press body of the airbag of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 airbag
12 Gas introduction part
14 Patches as shape retaining members
30 folding device
31 Placement section
45 Airbag holding plate as holding means
51 1st press body which comprises 1st integrated part formation means
52 Second pressing body constituting second stacking portion forming means
53 Folding cylinder as second driving means
61 1st folding provision apparatus as folding provision means
62 Second folding application device as folding application means
81 First Stacking Unit
84 Second integration part
91 Side surface A Long side B Short side C Predetermined point E Predetermined area

Claims (7)

A method of folding an airbag that is folded and stored in a rectangular storage section having a long side and a short side, and that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas,
A deployment step of flattening the airbag;
The airbag is held along a line radially extending in a direction away from a predetermined point included in a gas introduction portion where gas is introduced into the airbag from the vicinity of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion. Holding process;
A plurality of first stacking portions are formed by pressing between the portions held in the holding step from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point, and forming a plurality of first stacking portions that are bent in a wave shape. And a first integrated part forming step that fits within the predetermined region along each short side;
The part held in the holding step is released and the part is pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point to form a plurality of second integrated parts bent in a wave shape. And a second stacking portion forming step that is located on both sides of each of the first stacking portions arranged along the respective long sides of the first stacking portion and fits within the predetermined region. . 2. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein in the second stacking portion forming step, at least a part of the second stacking portion is pressed to a predetermined point side beyond a boundary line of a predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion. Folding method. In the second stacking portion forming step, in the direction orthogonal to the long side and the short side, at least a part of the second stacking portion is pressed more largely toward the predetermined point side than the one end side, and the airbag is folded. The method for folding an airbag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a shape holding member is wound in a state where the side surface portion of the airbag is an inclined surface to hold the folded shape of the airbag. A folding device for an airbag which is folded and stored in a rectangular storage section having a long side and a short side, and which is inflated and deployed by introducing gas,
A mounting portion on which the airbag is spread flat;
The airbag is held along a line radially extending in a direction away from a predetermined point included in a gas introduction portion where gas is introduced into the airbag from the vicinity of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion. Holding means;
A portion other than the portion held by the holding means is pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point to form a plurality of first integrated portions bent in a wave shape, and these first integrated portions are connected to the long sides of the storage portion. And first integrated portion forming means that fits within the predetermined region along each short side;
A portion released from the holding means is pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point to form a plurality of second integrated portions bent in a wave shape, and these second integrated portions are connected to the long sides of the storage portion. And a second stacking portion forming means positioned on both sides of each of the first stacking portions disposed along the first stacking portion and accommodated in the predetermined area. The second stacking portion forming means includes a second driving means and a plurality of second pressing bodies that are selectively attached to the driving means and press against the airbag. The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 4. 6. The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a fold imparting means for imparting a wavy fold to a portion pressed by the first stacking portion forming means and the second stacking portion forming means. apparatus. An airbag that is folded and stored in a rectangular storage section having a long side and a short side, and is inflated and deployed by introducing gas,
A gas introduction part into which gas is introduced;
Four first integrated portions that are bent in a wave shape surrounding the gas introduction portion, and are stored in a predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion along each long side and each short side of the storage portion;
Four second portions are bent in a wave shape surrounding the gas introduction portion, and are located on both sides of the first accumulation portion along the long sides of the storage portion and are accommodated in the predetermined region. An airbag characterized by comprising an accumulation part.

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