JP2009286357A - Folding device of airbag and folding method of airbag - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily fold an airbag for a front passenger seat occupant in a prescribed shape by a folding device. <P>SOLUTION: An airbag 10 is made flat on a mounting portion 31 by being pressed from an upper side after expansion thereof, and is held by an airbag 10 holding plate radially arranged. Bellow-shaped folding creases are provided to a base cloth of the airbag 10 by a first folding-crease providing device 61. A first pressing body 51 is moved forward from an outer peripheral part so as to form a first gathering part and a radially extending part. After providing folding creases to the radially extending part by a second folding-crease providing device, a second pressing body is moved forward to form a second gathering part. Five upper pressing plates 69 of the first folding-crease providing device 61 are supported by a coil spring 70 and successively abut on the airbag 10 from the center side with a simple structure so that folding creases are smoothly provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an airbag folding apparatus and an airbag folding method 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-like airbag, which is normally folded and stored in a small size so that gas is introduced and inflated and deployed in the event of a car collision to protect the occupant. It has become.

  Here, since the airbag for the passenger on the passenger seat is formed in a large and three-dimensional bag shape, it is not easy to fold manually, and a folding device that automatically folds the airbag is provided. Proposed.

  For example, a folding device that folds an airbag in a bellows shape is known for an airbag for a passenger on the passenger seat. This folding device has a belt-like shape with a width almost equal to that of the blowing port, from the state where the airbag is hung and expanded with the gas blowing port up, and the side folding plate is projected from the left and right sides, and the side is folded inward. Form the body and place it on the table. In this table, a large number of upper and lower folding plates are arranged above and below, and an air cylinder is connected to each of these upper and lower folding plates. Then, each air cylinder is sequentially driven, and the upper and lower folding plates are alternately protruded from the upper and lower sides, thereby folding the belt-like body of the airbag into a zigzag bellows (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, the above-described conventional configuration folds the suspended airbag into a belt shape, and further folds into a bellows shape. In order to fold the airbag into a belt shape, a side folding plate having a large longitudinal dimension substantially equal to the belt-like body is used. Must be moved accurately, and the equipment becomes larger and the equipment cost increases. In addition, when the belt-like body is folded into a bellows shape, an air cylinder is connected to each of the upper and lower folding plates in order to move the upper and lower folding plates sequentially. Thus, when a large number of air cylinders are provided, the equipment cost increases, and in order to move the upper and lower folding plates by a predetermined dimension at a predetermined timing, it is necessary to drive each air cylinder accurately, Complicated adjustment work is required.
JP-A-6-48261 (FIGS. 1-4)

  As described above, the conventional configuration has a problem that it is not easy to reduce the manufacturing cost of the folding device that folds the airbag of the airbag device into a desired shape.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to provide an airbag folding device and an airbag folding method that can easily fold an airbag into a desired shape.

  The airbag folding device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag folding device is inflated and deployed by introduction of gas, wherein the airbag is flatly spread, and a gas is introduced into the airbag. A plurality of portions between imaginary lines radially extending in a direction toward the outer peripheral side of the airbag spread flatly from a predetermined point included in the gas introduction portion to be pressed sequentially from a position close to the predetermined point A first fold imparting means for imparting a fold, and a plurality of first folds that are bent in a wavy shape by pressing the fold imparted by the first fold imparting means from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point. A first integrated portion forming means for forming an integrated portion; a second fold providing means for applying a wavy fold to the portion along the imaginary line; and a portion provided with a fold by the second fold providing means. The predetermined point from the outer periphery side Toward and presses, in which and a second integrated portion forming means for forming a plurality of second stacking unit.

  And in this structure, in the state which unfolded the airbag flatly, by giving a wave-like crease beforehand and pressing from the outer peripheral side, it is easy to make a wave-like 1st accumulation part of desired shape on an airbag, and A second stack is formed. 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. The first fold imparting means for imparting folds to the first stacking portion sequentially presses from a position close to a predetermined point to impart a wavy fold, so that the force applied to the airbag can be reduced. Therefore, the folding process is smooth and stable. In addition, the side closer to the predetermined point of the airbag is given the first folding, and the airbag is in an unconstrained state at a position away from the predetermined point of the airbag. Each time it is applied, the outer peripheral edge of the airbag moves sequentially to the specified point side, so that excessive force is not applied, that is, folding is applied in a soft state, reducing damage to the airbag fabric. Is done. In this way, folding by an automatic machine is easily realized, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The airbag folding device according to claim 2 is the airbag folding device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first folding imparting means has a tip portion facing the airbag, and A pressing body that is arranged by increasing the distance from the airbag from the side close to the predetermined point sequentially, an elastic body that is mounted on each of the pressing bodies, and an elastic body pressing portion that presses the plurality of elastic bodies. And a driving means that presses the pressing body through each elastic body and presses the distal end portion of each pressing body against the airbag.

  In this configuration, the plurality of pressing bodies are arranged so that the distance from the airbag at the front end portion is increased sequentially from the side close to the predetermined point, and the plurality of pressing bodies are interposed via the elastic body by the driving means. By pressing, a first fold imparting means for pressing the airbag sequentially from a position close to a predetermined point to impart a wavy fold is easily realized. Without providing driving means for each pressing body, the structure is simplified and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

  The airbag folding device according to claim 3 is the airbag folding device according to claim 1, wherein the first folding imparting means includes a pressing body disposed with its tip portion facing the airbag, respectively. An elastic body that elastically supports each of the pressing bodies, and a driving unit including a pressing body pressing portion that sequentially presses the plurality of pressing bodies from a pressing body close to a predetermined point and maintains the pressed state. It is equipped with.

  And in this structure, the 1st folding provision means which presses an airbag sequentially from the position close | similar to a predetermined point, and provides a wavelike folding by pressing the elastically supported press body sequentially by a drive means. Is easily realized. Without providing driving means for each pressing body, the structure is simplified and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

  The airbag folding device according to claim 4 is the airbag folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the airbag is provided in a storage section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side. Folded and stored, a holding means for holding the airbag spread from the vicinity of the corners of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion to the placement portion along the imaginary line, the first integration The portion forming means presses between the portions held by the holding means from the outer peripheral side toward a predetermined point to form a plurality of first integrated portions bent in a wave shape, and these first integrated portions are stored in the storage portion. The second accumulating portion forming means releases the portion held by the holding means and moves this portion from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point. A plurality of second integrated parts that are pressed and bent in a wave shape are formed. In which the second stacking unit located on opposite sides of the respective first integrated portion disposed along each long side of the housing part fit in the predetermined region.

  In this configuration, the second stacking unit is positioned on both sides of the first stacking unit located on each long side, so that the airbag has a rectangular cross-section with a long side and a short side. Folds into a shape suitable for storage.

  The method for folding an airbag according to claim 5 is a method for folding an airbag that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas, wherein the airbag is expanded and the gas is introduced into the airbag. A plurality of portions between imaginary lines radially extending in a direction toward the outer periphery of the airbag spread flat from a predetermined point included in the gas introduction portion are sequentially pressed from a position close to the predetermined point to form a wavy fold. A first folding application step for imparting wrinkles, and a plurality of first integrated portions that are bent in a wave shape by pressing a portion imparted with folding in the first folding application step from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point Forming a first integrated part forming step, a second folding applying step for imparting a wavy fold to the portion along the imaginary line, and a portion provided with folding in the second folding imparting step From the side to the predetermined point Selfish pressed, in which and a second stacking unit forming step of forming a plurality of second stacking unit.

  And in this structure, in the state which unfolded the airbag flatly, by giving a wave-like crease beforehand and pressing from the outer peripheral side, it is easy to make a wave-like 1st accumulation part of desired shape on an airbag, and A second stack is formed. 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. Since the first folding application step for applying a fold to the first stacking portion sequentially presses from a position close to a predetermined point to provide a wavy fold, it is possible to reduce the force applied to the airbag. Therefore, the folding process is smooth and stable. In addition, the side closer to the predetermined point of the airbag is given the first folding, and the airbag is in an unconstrained state at a position away from the predetermined point of the airbag. Each time it is applied, the outer peripheral edge of the airbag moves sequentially to the specified point side, so that excessive force is not applied, that is, folding is applied in a soft state, reducing damage to the airbag fabric. Is done. In this way, folding by an automatic machine is easily realized, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The airbag folding method according to claim 6 is the airbag folding method according to claim 5, in which the airbag is folded and stored in a storage section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side. Then, following the deployment step, the holding step of holding the airbag along the imaginary line from the vicinity of the corners of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion, the first stacking portion forming step, Pressing between the portions held in the holding step from the outer peripheral side toward a 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 and the The second stacking portion forming step releases the portion held in the holding step and presses this portion from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point and folds it into a wave shape. Forming a plurality of bent second stacking portions, and Arranged along each long side of the housing part said located on both sides of each first stacking unit is intended to pay to the predetermined area.

  In this configuration, the second stacking unit is positioned on both sides of the first stacking unit located on each long side, so that the airbag has a rectangular cross-section with a long side and a short side. Folds into a shape suitable for storage.

  According to the present invention, in a state in which the airbag is flattened, a wavy fold is applied in advance and pressed from the outer peripheral side, so that the airbag can easily have a desired shape of the wavy first stacking portion and A second integrated portion can be formed. 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. Can be realized easily. Since a wave-like fold is applied by sequentially pressing from a position close to a predetermined point, the force applied to the airbag can be reduced, and the folding process is smooth and stable. In addition, the side closer to the predetermined point of the airbag is given the first folding, and the airbag is in an unconstrained state at a position away from the predetermined point of the airbag. Each time it is applied, the outer peripheral edge of the airbag moves sequentially to the specified point side, so that excessive force is not applied, that is, folding is applied in a soft state, reducing damage to the airbag fabric. it can. In this way, folding by an automatic machine can be easily realized, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

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

  2 and 3, 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 including the airbag 10 is provided in the instrument panel so as to face the passenger seat of the automobile compartment, and the case body made of metal or synthetic resin, and the case body An airbag 10 that is stored in a small fold in the provided storage section, an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag 10, a retainer 11 shown in FIG. 3 for attaching the airbag 10 to the case body, and the like The opening part of the storage part, that is, the airbag 10 that is folded and stored, is normally covered, and includes a cover body that is disposed 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. The upper opening of the housing portion 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. In addition, a patch as a shape holding member for holding the folded shape of the airbag 10 is attached to the airbag 10. This patch is composed 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 is provided at the other end portion. ing.

  The retainer 11 includes, for example, a metal annular retainer main body and a mounting bolt protruding from the retainer main body. The retainer main body is disposed along the bottom surface inside the airbag 10, and the mounting bolt 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, the folding device 30 and the folding method of the airbag 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 to 10, the folding device 30 is a flat plate-like mounting portion 31 capable of flattening the airbag 10, and a figure positioned above the mounting portion 31. The apparatus main body is fixedly provided with an upper gantry 32 shown in 4 and the like, a lower gantry 33 positioned below the placement portion 31, and the like. 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 a box-like airbag wrapping device 36 capable of storing the airbag 10 folded together with the retainer holding portion 35, and the airbag 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 as shown in FIG. 6, the long side A along both directions and the front-back direction And a short side B extending.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, first and second movable top plates 41 and 42 are provided above the placement portion 31. The first and second movable top plates 41 and 42 are combined with each other to form a horizontal plate shape. For example, the first movable top plate 41 has a square plate shape, and the second movable top plate 42 The first movable top plate 41 is disposed so as to overlap the upper surface. The first and second movable top plates 41 and 42 are supported by the upper gantry 32 and are driven by the pressing cylinder 41a while being parallel to the placement portion 31, and are moved to the placement portion 31. On the other hand, it moves forward and backward, that is, moves up and down, and the first moving top plate 41 is pressed by the pushing cylinder 42a so that it can move below the second moving top plate 42.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, four airbag holding plates 45 as holding means are provided above the placement portion 31 so as to be supported by the second movable top plate 42. . Each airbag holding plate 45 has a vertical plate shape, and extends along a virtual line D that radially extends diagonally from the corner of the predetermined region E to the outer peripheral side from the portion of the long side A close to the corner. Are arranged. Each airbag holding plate 45 is driven by the holding cylinder 45a to move up and down, and is separated upward from a position where it contacts the mounting portion 31, that is, the airbag 10 mounted on the mounting portion 31. It is possible to move to the position to be.

  Furthermore, the mounting unit 31 includes a plurality of first pressings that constitute a first stacking unit forming unit that moves forward and backward in the horizontal direction toward the predetermined point C along the upper surface of the mounting unit 31. The body 51 and four second pressing bodies 52 constituting the second stacking portion forming means are provided, and are stacked in a predetermined region E while pressing the airbag 10 and folding it in a wave shape.

  The first pressing body 51 can also be called a folding head or the like. As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the first pressing body 51 is arranged on the front and rear sides of the predetermined area E and on both the left and right sides. Driven by a folding cylinder 53, which is a linear motion air cylinder, is arranged to advance and retreat vertically with respect to the central portion of the long side A and the central portion 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 a height regulating plate portion 55c shown in FIG. 1 that slightly protrudes forward from the upper edge portion of the front plate portion 55a and the outer peripheral plate portion 55b. A head 55 is provided.

  The second pressing body 52 can also be called a folding head or the like, and is arranged along a diagonal line from the corner of the predetermined region E or the portion of the long side A close to the corner toward the outer periphery. Each of the corners of the predetermined region E or a length close to the corner is driven by a folding cylinder 53 as a second driving means that is a direct acting air cylinder disposed on the lower side of the mounting portion 31. It advances and retreats along a virtual line D extending radially with respect to the side A portion. 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. The second head 56 can take an appropriate shape according to the retainer 11 of various sizes or shapes, the housing portion of the case body, the shape of the airbag 10, or the like. It can also be attached to, i.e., replaceable. For example, the front plate portion 56a of the second head 56 is inclined with respect to the long side A and the short side B and is slightly bite into the corners of the long side A and the short side B. The portion 56a may be parallel to the long side A, or the second head 56 may be greatly advanced into the predetermined area E to accommodate a small storage portion.

  As shown in FIG. 6 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.

  Although not shown, a pushing cylinder 42a for pushing the folded airbag 10 into the lower airbag wrapping device 36 is provided at the center of the placement portion 31, that is, above the predetermined region E.

  Further, although not shown in the drawing, a plurality of vertical positioning plates are provided so as to surround the space above the placement portion 31 as necessary, and these positioning plates are driven by a positioning cylinder supported by the upper frame 32. The horizontal movement with respect to the space above the placement portion 31 is advanced and retracted. This positioning plate can be omitted.

  Further, the folding device 30 is a first 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 folding application device 61 and a second folding application device 62 as second folding application means are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the first fold imparting device 61 is provided with a first upper fold imparting device 64 and a first lower fold imparting device 65 at four locations, respectively. The comb imparting device 64 and the first lower fold imparting device 65 are arranged between the virtual lines D when viewed from above and below the path of the first pressing body 51 which is the upper and lower sides of the predetermined region E in the front, rear, left and right sides. It is located between the airbag holding plates 45, in other words, at four positions shifted from the airbag holding plate 45 by 45 degrees around the predetermined point C.

  Each of the first upper fold imparting devices 64 is supported by the second movable top plate 42 and is located above the placement portion 31, each having a single horizontal plate shape as an elastic body pressing portion. Connected to the upper support plate 67, the second movable top plate 42, and an upper fold imparting cylinder 68 as a driving means for moving the upper support plate 67 up and down, and supported by the upper support plate 67 so as to be able to advance and retreat in the vertical direction. 5 vertical plate-shaped upper pressing plates 69 as the pressed members, and an upper support plate 67 and a coil spring 70 that is a spring as an elastic body mounted between the upper pressing plates 69. I have.

  In the upper folding imparting cylinder 68, the cylinder main body 68a is fixed to the upper surface in the vicinity of the central portions of the four sides of the outer peripheral edge of the second movable top plate 42, and protrudes upward from the cylinder main body 68a. The provided rod 68b advances and retreats in the vertical direction. The upper support plate 67 is coupled to the tip of the rod 68b via a plate-shaped adjusting body 68c that adjusts the height position. The upper support plate 67 extends toward the center of the movable top plates 41 and 42, that is, toward a predetermined point C. In other words, the tip of the upper support plate 67 is abutted against each other around the predetermined point C. A plurality of slit-shaped through holes 67a, 41b, and 42b are formed at predetermined intervals in each upper support plate 67 and the movable top plates 41 and 42 facing below the upper support plates 67. An upper pressing plate 69 is inserted into each of the through holes 67a, 41b, and 42b, and is supported so as to advance and retract within a predetermined range in the vertical direction.

  In the present embodiment, first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are attached to each upper support plate 67 as the upper pressing plate 69 in order from the predetermined point C side. The first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are arranged from the predetermined point C side toward the outer peripheral side, at regular intervals, for example, at equal intervals, and from the predetermined point C side toward the outer peripheral side. Are arranged in parallel with each other in the thickness direction. Further, the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 have the largest length in the first upper pressing plate 69a1 disposed on the predetermined point C side, and the lengths are sequentially increased toward the outer peripheral side. It is formed small.

  Each upper pressing plate 69 is formed with an upper stopper portion 69b and a lower stopper portion 69c that also serve as a positioning portion and an elastic body receiving portion, respectively. The distance between the upper stopper part 69b and the lower stopper part 69c is such that the first upper pressing plate 69a1 arranged on the predetermined point C side has the largest distance dimension, and the distance dimension sequentially toward the outer peripheral side. Is formed small. That is, in the present embodiment, with respect to the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5, the dimension between the upper end portion of the upper pressing plate 69 and the upper stopper portion 69b is constant, and the upper pressing plate 69 is also used. The dimension between the tip part 69d and the lower stopper part 69c which is the lower end part of the first stopper plate 69c is also constant. As a result, the upper stopper part 69b and the lower stopper of the first upper pressing plate 69a1 having the largest length dimension. The distance between the portion 69c is also the largest.

  Each upper pressing plate 69 has an upper stopper portion 69b disposed above the upper support plate 67, and a lower stopper portion 69c disposed below the upper support plate 67 and above the movable top plates 41 and 42, A coil spring 70 is disposed between the lower stopper portion 69c and the upper support plate 67. In the present embodiment, these coil springs 70 are set to have a longitudinal dimension in the vertical direction according to the distance between the upper stopper portion 69b and the lower stopper portion 69c, and are arranged on the predetermined point C side. With respect to the coil spring 70, the vertical dimension of the coil spring 70 disposed on the outer peripheral side is set to be small.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 10 (a), in the standby state in which the upper folding imparting cylinder 68 pushes the rod 68b upward and the upper support plate 67 moves upward, the coil spring 70 Due to the urging force, each upper pressing plate 69 moves to the lower limit side, and the upper stopper portion 69b comes into contact with the upper surface of the upper support plate 67. In this state, the tip end portion 69d of the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 is positioned such that the tip end portion 69d of the first upper pressing plate 69a1 disposed on the predetermined point C side is at the lowest side. The height position is gradually increased toward the outer peripheral side. That is, the distance between the front end portion 69d of each upper pressing plate 69 and the mounting portion 31, that is, the airbag 10 mounted on the mounting portion 31, is the first upper pressing plate disposed on the predetermined point C side. It is the smallest at 69a1, and the separation dimension increases sequentially toward the outer peripheral side.

  On the other hand, when the upper folding application cylinder 68 pulls the rod 68b downward and moves the upper support plate 67 downward, the position of the tip 69d of the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 is determined. While the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are lowered, the lower stopper portions 69c of the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are sequentially placed on the top surfaces of the movable top plates 41 and 42, for example. It abuts on the upper surface of the second movable top plate 42. Further, when the upper support plate 67 is pushed down to the lower limit against the urging force of the coil spring 70, all the lower stopper portions 69c abut on the upper surface of the second movable top plate 42, and these first to fifth The tip portions 69d of the upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are in a state of projecting to the lower surface side of the movable top plates 41 and 42. In this state, as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 10B, the positions of the tip portions 69d of the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are in a state where the height positions are aligned. That is, the distance between the front end portion 69d of each upper pressing plate 69 and the placement portion 31, that is, the airbag 10 placed on the placement portion 31, is equal to each other.

  On the other hand, each first lower folding imparting device 65 includes a plurality of lower pressing plates 72, a single connecting plate 73 that connects the lower pressing plates 72, and a lower folding connected to the connecting plate 73. And a weed imparting cylinder 74. In the present embodiment, the lower pressing plate 72 has a vertical plate shape and is provided in parallel with each other at an equal interval such as a 60 mm pitch, and is inserted into the through holes provided in the placement portion 31 from below. The lower folding application cylinder 74 is driven to move up and down in the vertical direction, projecting from the upper surface of the mounting portion 31 in the operating state, and descending downward from the upper surface of the mounting portion 31 in the standby state. It is supposed to be. That is, in the present embodiment, unlike the upper pressing plate 69, the lower pressing plate 72 moves integrally, and the height positions of the tip portions that are the upper end portions of the lower pressing plate 72 are set to be equal to each other. .

  Then, the upper pressing plate 69 of the first upper folding application device 64 is lowered and the lower pressing plate 72 of the first lower folding application device 65 is moved up. The tip portions of the two are alternately and gently combined on the upper side of the placement portion 31.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the second folding imparting device 62 is disposed on each first pressing body 51 and supported by the outer peripheral plate portions 55b on both sides of each first pressing body 51 so as to be able to advance and retreat. There are provided a plurality of vertical folding plates 77 and a folding cylinder which is a direct acting air cylinder (not shown) that advances and retracts these folding plates 77 so as to protrude and retract from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b along the mounting portion 31. ing. Then, in the standby state, the second folding application device 62 moves backward so that each folding plate 77 does not protrude from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b. In the operating state, the folding cylinder operates, and each folding plate 77, which can be called a lateral bellows folding plate, protrudes from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b toward the virtual line D. In this operating state, the front ends of the folding plates 77 protruding from the first pressing bodies 51 adjacent to each other are alternately and gently combined along the upper surface of the placement 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 as shown in FIGS. That is, the movable top plates 41 and 42 are retracted upward, the first pressing body 51 and the second pressing body 52 are retracted to the outer peripheral side, and the airbag holding plate 45 is retracted upward. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, each upper pressing plate 69 is retracted upward, and the lower pressing plate 72 is retracted downward.

  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. 2 (a) and 3 (a), the airbag 10 has an undefined shape, that is, is flat on the mounting portion 31 in an undesired shape.

  Next, as a deployment process, air is supplied to the inside of the airbag 10 by a blow device, and the airbag 10 is inflated as shown in FIGS. 4, 2 (b) and 3 (b). Then, if necessary, a positioning cylinder (not shown) is actuated to advance and retract the plurality of positioning plates toward the airbag 10 to position the airbag 10 at a position suitable for future folding work. Next, with the internal pressure applied by operating the blow device, the positioning plates 43 are retracted, the movable top plates 41 and 42 are lowered, and the first movable top plate 41 is further lowered to press the airbag 10. Then, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 (c) and 3 (c), the airbag 10 is deployed on the mounting portion 31 in a flat plane, and the blower is stopped, whereby the airbag 10 is stopped. The unfolding process (primary fold) for flatly spreading the film to a desired position in a flat desired shape is completed. That is, the airbag 10 has a circular shape or an elliptical shape, and is in a state of being flattened at the center portion of the placement portion 31. The movable top plates 41 and 42 can be moved in the horizontal direction while descending to adjust the folded shape of the airbag 10. In addition, the positioning plate can be gradually moved while the movable top plates 41 and 42 are lowered, and the folded shape of the airbag 10 can be adjusted.

  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 moved along a virtual line D extending radially in an oblique direction about the predetermined point C. It is pressed onto the mounting portion 31 and, so to speak, is sandwiched and held from above and below, and the first movable top plate 41 is moved backward by a predetermined dimension above the airbag holding plate 45.

  Next, as a first folding application step, as shown in FIGS. 1 (b), 2 (d), 3 (d), 6 and 10 (b), an upper folding application cylinder 68 is provided. And the lower folding application cylinder 74 is actuated to press each upper pressing plate 69 downward through the upper support plate 67 and the coil spring 70 of the first upper folding application device 64 to advance downward. 1 Lower pressing plate 72 of lower folding application device 65 is pressed upward to advance upward, and the tip portions of upper pressing plate 69 and lower pressing plate 72 are alternately and gently on the upper side of mounting portion 31. combine. In this state, the airbag 10 is pressed by the tip portions of the upper pressing plate 69 and the lower pressing plate 72, and the front, rear, left and right of the base fabric of the airbag 10, that is, the front, rear, left and right of the predetermined region E As shown by a broken line F in FIGS. 2D and 6, a vertical wavy (bellows-like) fold is applied.

  Here, the front end portions 69d of the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 of the first upper folding application device 64 are arranged on the predetermined point C side which is the central portion of the airbag 10. The front end portion 69d of the pressing plate 69a1 is positioned on the lowermost side, and the height position is sequentially increased toward the outer peripheral side. Therefore, when the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are lowered in the folding step, the first upper pressing plate located on the predetermined point C side which is the central portion of the airbag 10. From 69a1, the base fabric of the airbag 10 is contacted sequentially, and a fold is applied from the central portion of the airbag 10. When the airbag 10 is given a fold, the base fabric of the airbag 10 moves so as to be gathered to the central portion, and the tip 69d of each upper pressing plate 69 slides on the base fabric of the airbag 10. Touch. In this configuration, since the airbag 10 is sequentially folded from the center portion, the tip portions 69d of the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are simultaneously pressed against the base fabric of the airbag 10. This prevents the force that pulls the airbag 10 from the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side from being applied at the same time, reduces the force applied to the airbag 10 from each upper pressing plate 69, and protects the airbag 10 smoothly. Can be folded.

  Next, the upper folding application cylinder 68 and the lower folding application cylinder 74 are actuated in the opposite directions, and the upper pressing plates 69 of the first upper folding application device 64 are retracted upward, and the first lower folding is applied. By retracting the lower pressing plate 72 of the applying device 65 downward, the airbag 10 provided with a bellows-like fold is provided in the central portion of the folding device 30, that is, the placement portion 31.

  Then, after the retreat of the upper pressing plate 69 and the lower pressing plate 72 is completed, or while the upper pressing plate 69 is retracted upward after the lower pressing plate 72 is retracted, the first integrated portion forming step 4 is performed. The first pressing body 51 is advanced toward the predetermined region E, and the portion to which the folding is applied, that is, the portion of the airbag 10 other than the portion held by the airbag holding plate 45 is placed from the outer peripheral side. Pressing toward the fixed point C, as shown in FIGS. 2 (e), 3 (e), and 7, the first integrated portions 81 bent in a wave shape are formed at four locations, and these first integrated portions are formed. 81 is accommodated in a predetermined region E, and a radiation extending portion 83 that can be called an ear portion is formed in a portion held by the airbag holding plate 45 along the imaginary line D. 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, the first stacking portion forming step (secondary folding) is completed.

  Next, as the second folding application step, the folding cylinder of the second folding application device 62 provided on each first pressing body 51 is operated, and FIGS. 2 (f), 3 (f), And as shown in FIG. 8, the folding board 77 is advanced so that it may protrude from the outer peripheral board part 55b to the radiation extension part 83, ie, the virtual line D side. In this state, these folding plates 77 press each radial extending portion 83 of the airbag 10 to give a so-called lateral wavy (bellows-like) folding to the base fabric of the radial extending portion 83. To do. Next, each folding cylinder is operated in the reverse direction, and the folding plate 77 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. 2 (g), FIG. 3 (g), and FIG. 9, the second integrated portions 84 bent in a wave shape are formed at four locations, and these second integrated portions 84 are formed on the long side A. The first stacking portion 81 is positioned on both sides of the first stacking portion 81 and placed in a predetermined region E, thereby completing the second stacking portion forming step (tertiary folding). 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 first movable top plate remains in a state where the pressing bodies 51 and 52 are advanced. 41 is advanced downward, the pushing cylinder 42a 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.

  With the airbag 10 thus housed in the airbag wrapping device 36, the movable top plates 41 and 42 are raised, the wrapping device cylinder 37 is operated, and the airbag 10 is lifted together with the airbag wrapping device 36. . Then, the folded airbag 10 is wrapped with a patch, and the attachment receiving portion of the patch is hooked on the mounting bolt of the retainer 11, whereby the folding operation of the airbag 10 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.

  Then, before the pressing bodies 51 and 52 are advanced by the first and second folding application devices 61 and 62, that is, by the first and second folding application processes, the base fabric of the airbag 10 is previously provided. By providing the vertical and horizontal wavy, that is, bellows-like folds, the same bellows-shaped first stacking portion 81 and second stacking portion 84 can be easily folded at the same timing. The quality of the airbag 10, that is, the deployment characteristics can be easily made constant, and the productivity can be improved.

  Further, the plurality of upper pressing plates 69 of the first folding imparting device 61, that is, the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are sequentially applied to the base fabric from the central portion side to the outer peripheral side of the airbag 10. Since the folds are applied by contact, the force applied to the base fabric of the airbag 10 in the process of applying the folds can be suppressed, and the airbag 10 can be protected.

  In addition, the first fold imparting device 61 is a single upper fold imparting cylinder 68 and includes a plurality of upper pressing plates 69 supported by a coil spring 70, that is, first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a1. Since the 69a5 can be brought into contact with the base fabric sequentially from the central portion side of the airbag 10, there is no need to provide a driving means on each of the plurality of upper pressing plates 69, or to provide a complicated link function. The structure of 30 can be simplified, the equipment cost can be reduced, and complicated adjustment work of the timing required when a plurality of cylinders are used is also eliminated, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In addition, by adjusting the mounting position and longitudinal dimension of each upper pressing plate 69, the positions of the upper and lower stopper portions 69b and 69c, the dimensions and characteristics of the coil spring 70, etc. In addition to being folded, it can be smoothly folded according to the characteristics of the base fabric of the airbag 10 and the versatility of the folding device 30 can be improved to reduce the manufacturing cost of the airbag 10.

  The airbag 10 for the passenger on the passenger seat 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.

  The air bag 10 is folded in a wave shape toward the gas introduction part 12 into which the gas is introduced. Therefore, when the gas is introduced into the gas introduction part 12 of the airbag 10, each accumulation part 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 folded shape of the bag is slightly expanded by 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 or the patch, and the airbag 10 is stored. This makes it easy to store the unit and wrap it with a patch.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first upper folding imparting device 64 includes a plurality of upper pressing plates 69 that are provided with a horizontal upper support plate 67 that moves up and down and is elastically supported by a coil spring 70, that is, A configuration in which the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are sequentially brought into contact with the airbag 10 by disposing the tip portions 69d of the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 at different positions. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, with respect to the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 constituting the upper pressing plate 69 as the pressing body, one upper folding application cylinder 68 as the driving means is sequentially arranged. It is also possible to press the tip portion 69d against the airbag 10 sequentially. In this embodiment, the shapes of the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are the same as each other, and an upper stopper portion 69b that also serves as a pressure receiving portion is provided at the upper end portion, while the lower stopper portion is Not provided. Further, an auxiliary top plate 86 is attached above the second movable top plate 42 in parallel with the second movable top plate 42. A plurality of slit-shaped through holes 86a, 41b, and 42b are formed at predetermined intervals in the auxiliary top plate 86 and the movable top plates 41 and 42 located below the auxiliary top plate 86. An upper pressing plate 69 is inserted into each of the through holes 86a, 41b, and 42b from the upper side, and is supported so as to advance and retract in the vertical direction. In each upper pressing plate 69, a coil spring 70 is disposed between the upper stopper portion 69b and the auxiliary top plate 86, respectively. The coil springs 70 have the same dimensions and characteristics as each other, and the height positions of the tip portions 69d and the upper stopper portions 69b of the first to fifth upper pressing plates 69a1 to 69a5 are the same. Each upper pressing plate 69 is elastically supported.

  Further, a cylinder body 68 a of the upper folding imparting cylinder 68 is attached to the upper side of the auxiliary top plate 86. The upper fold imparting cylinder 68 is arranged such that a rod 68b can be moved back and forth in the horizontal direction, and a block-like pressing block 87 as a pressing body pressing portion is attached to a tip portion of the rod 68b. The upper folding imparting cylinder 68 is operated so that the pressing block 87 is positioned on the outer peripheral side of the airbag 10 from the retracted position on the predetermined point C side which is the central portion of the airbag 10 as the rod 68b advances and retreats. Move to position. The pressing block 87 includes an inclined surface portion 87a facing the upper stopper portion 69b of the upper pressing plate 69, and a bottom surface portion 87b continuous with the lower end portion of the inclined surface portion 87a.

  Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 11, in the first state, the first folding application step is such that, in the initial state, the pressing block 87 does not press any upper pressing plate 69, as shown in FIG. The inclined surface portion 87a of the pressing block 87 is positioned to face the upper stopper portion 69b of the first upper pressing plate 69a1. Then, when the upper folding application cylinder 68 is activated and the pressing block 87 advances toward the outer peripheral side, the inclined surface portion 87a of the pressing block 87 is first applied with the upper folding application as shown in FIG. 11 (b). The first upper pressing plate 69a1 close to the cylinder 68 is brought into contact with the upper stopper portion 69b of the first upper pressing plate 69a1, and the first upper pressing plate 69a1 is pushed down against the urging force of the coil spring 70. By pressing the portion 69b from above, the lower end portion 69d of the first upper pressing plate 69a1 protrudes below the movable top plates 41 and 42 to give the airbag 10 a fold. Subsequently, when the pressing block 87 moves forward, as shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, the pressing block 87 is moved from the second upper pressing plate 69a2 through the fifth upper pressing plate 69a1 in the same manner as the first upper pressing plate 69a1. The upper pressing plate 69a5 is sequentially pressed, and the second to fifth upper pressing plates 69a2 to 69a5 are sequentially pressed from the side close to the predetermined point C, which is the central portion of the airbag 10, and the pressed state is maintained. Thus, a wavy fold is applied to the airbag 10.

  Then, after the folding is applied in this way, the upper folding plate 68 is operated in the reverse direction, and the pressing block 87 is moved backward to the inner circumferential side, whereby each upper pressing plate 69 of the coil spring 70 is moved. By the urging force, it moves smoothly upward one after another, and the first integrated part forming process of the next process becomes possible. That is, the first pressing body 51 is moved forward in synchronization with the retraction of the pressing block 87, and the airbag 10 is folded by pressing the airbag 10 with the first pressing body 51 immediately after each upper pressing plate 69 is retracted upward. A bellows-like folded shape can be realized more stably as given the habit.

  As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 as well, in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the plurality of upper pressing plates 69 are sequentially advanced and retracted by one upper folding imparting cylinder 68. The airbag 10 can be smoothly folded.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the first upper folding imparting device 64 is configured to include the coil spring 70 and to sequentially advance and retract the plurality of upper pressing plates 69 to impart the airbag 10 with folding. The first lower fold imparting device 65 or the second fold imparting device 62 is not limited to this configuration, and similarly to the first upper fold imparting device 64, a plurality of lower pressing plates 72 or folded plates are used. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which 77 is moved sequentially.

  In the above embodiment, the air cylinder is used as the driving means. However, the driving means is not limited to the air cylinder, and other driving means such as a stepping motor may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, the placement unit 31 is fixed and the movable top plates 41 and 42 move up and down. However, these configurations are relative, and the placement unit 31 Can be configured to move up and down. 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.

  Note that the airbag 10 can be detached from the folding device 30 without performing the wrapping operation with the patch 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 planar 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 seen from the front of the folding apparatus which shows one Embodiment of the folding apparatus of the airbag of this invention, and the folding method of an airbag. 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 of the airbag 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 seen from the upper side of the folding process of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 6 of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 7 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 which expanded a part of FIG. 1 of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which expanded a part which shows other embodiment of the folding apparatus of the airbag of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 airbag
12 Gas introduction part
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
61 1st folding provision apparatus as 1st folding provision means
62 Second folding application device as second folding application means
67 Upper support plate as elastic body pressing part
68 Cylinder for upper folding as drive means
69 Upper pressing plate as pressing body
69d tip
70 Coil spring as an elastic body
81 First Stacking Unit
84 Second integration part
87 Pressing block as pressing body pressing part A Long side B Short side C Predetermined point D Virtual line E Predetermined area

Claims (6)

An airbag folding device that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas,
A mounting portion on which the airbag is spread flat;
A plurality of locations in a portion between virtual lines radially extending in a direction toward the outer peripheral side of the airbag spread flat from a predetermined point included in a gas introduction portion where gas is introduced into the airbag are close to the predetermined point. A first fold imparting means for sequentially pressing from a position to impart a wavy fold;
A first stacking portion forming means for forming a plurality of first stacking portions bent in a wave shape by pressing the portion that has been folded by the first folding imparting device from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point;
A second fold imparting means for imparting a wavy fold to the portion along the virtual line;
And a second integrated portion forming means for forming a plurality of second integrated portions by pressing the portion provided with the folding by the second folding applying means from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point. Airbag folding device. The first folding provision means is
A pressing body that is disposed such that the front end portion faces the airbag and the distance from the airbag of the front end portion is sequentially increased from the side near the predetermined point;
Elastic bodies respectively attached to these pressing bodies;
An elastic body pressing portion that presses the plurality of elastic bodies, and a driving unit that presses the pressing body through each elastic body and presses the tip of each pressing body against the airbag. 2. The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first folding provision means is
A pressing body, each of which has a distal end disposed opposite the airbag;
An elastic body that elastically supports each of these pressing bodies;
The airbag according to claim 1, further comprising: a driving unit including a pressing body pressing portion that sequentially presses the plurality of pressing bodies from a pressing body close to a predetermined point and maintains the pressed state. Folding device. The airbag is folded and stored in a storage section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side,
From the vicinity of the corners of the four corners of the predetermined area corresponding to the storage part, comprising holding means for holding the airbag spread on the mounting part along a virtual line,
The first stacking portion forming means presses between the portions held by the holding means from the outer peripheral side toward a predetermined point to form a plurality of first stacking portions bent in a wave shape. Store in the predetermined area along each long side and each short side of the storage unit,
The second stacking portion forming means releases the portion held by the holding means and presses the portion from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point to form a plurality of second stacking portions bent in a wave shape. 4. The second stacking unit is placed on both sides of each first stacking unit arranged along each long side of the storage unit and is stored in the predetermined region. 5. The airbag folding apparatus according to claim. A method of folding an airbag that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas,
A deployment step of flattening the airbag;
A plurality of locations in a portion between virtual lines radially extending in a direction toward the outer peripheral side of the airbag spread flat from a predetermined point included in a gas introduction portion where gas is introduced into the airbag are close to the predetermined point. A first folding application step of applying a wavelike folding by sequentially pressing from a position;
A first stacking portion forming step of forming a plurality of first stacking portions bent in a wave shape by pressing the portion that has been folded in the first folding imparting step from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point;
A second folding imparting step for imparting a wavy fold to the portion along the virtual line;
And a second integrated portion forming step of forming a plurality of second integrated portions by pressing the portion to which the folding is applied in the second folding application step from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point. How to fold an airbag. The airbag is folded and stored in a storage section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side,
Following the deployment step, from the vicinity of the corners of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage unit, comprising a holding step of holding the airbag along a virtual line,
The first stacking portion forming step presses between the portions held in the holding step from the outer peripheral side toward a predetermined point to form a plurality of first stacking portions bent in a wave shape. Store in the predetermined area along each long side and each short side of the storage unit,
The second stacking portion forming step releases the portion held in the holding step and presses this portion from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point to form a plurality of second stacking portions bent in a wave shape. 6. The airbag according to claim 5, wherein the second stacking unit is placed on both sides of each first stacking unit arranged along each long side of the storage unit and is stored in the predetermined region. Folding method.

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