JP2756781B2 - Airbag folding device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to an airbag device which is mounted on an automobile steering wheel or the like.
The present invention relates to a folding device used for a method of folding an airbag. More specifically, the airbag is laterally folded (see FIG. 13) and vertically folded (see FIG. 14) in multiple stages using folding bars, with the airbag facing the predetermined width from both sides across the center. The present invention relates to a folding device used at the time.

Hereinafter, in this specification, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, an example will be described in which folding is performed in which the horizontal fold is three steps outward and the vertical fold is two steps outward. The same applies to different cases.

<Prior Art> A conventional example of a method of folding an airbag will be described with reference to FIGS.

Normally, a corresponding number of horizontal fold bars 1 and vertical fold bars 2 each having a width corresponding to each of the folds of the horizontal fold and the vertical fold and having holding holes at both ends are prepared. , For each of horizontal and vertical folds,
A pair of horizontal fold bar holding pins 5 and 5 and a pair of vertical fold bar holding pins 6 and 6 are provided so as to protrude so that the respective folding bars 1 and 2 can be set. Usually, one person becomes a folding worker M1 who folds the airbag b, and the other person becomes an auxiliary worker M2 who sets the folding bar and pulls out the folding bar after the folding is completed.

First, the airbag b is spread and placed on the workbench 4, and the air in the airbag b is released through an inflator mounting hole (not shown) provided at a lower portion of the airbag b.

The auxiliary worker M2 places the first folding bar on the airbag b.
After setting 1a, the folding operator M1 performs the first-stage outer folding m1 on one side of the airbag b while pulling as illustrated.

Subsequently, the second folding bar 1b is set on the first folding bar 1a with the airbag b interposed therebetween, and the first-stage inward folding v1 on one side of the airbag b is performed.

Subsequently, a third fold bar (not shown) is set on the second fold bar 1b with the airbag b interposed therebetween to perform a second-step outside fold m2 on one side of the airbag b.

When folding of one side is completed by this repetition, the airbag b on the near side is similarly set, that is, the first, second,.
The airbag b is folded while the folding bars 1a, 1b... Are sequentially set.

Then, the horizontal folding bar holding pin 5 is inserted into the pin hole of the worktable 4, and the auxiliary worker M2 pulls out and folds the horizontal folding bar 1 while the folding worker M1 holds down the airbag b, and The folding is completed (see Fig. 13).

In the vertical folding, the folding direction is changed by 90 degrees and the folding is performed in the same manner. That is, the vertical folding bar 2 is sequentially set in the vertical direction on the airbag b folded in the horizontal direction, and the first-stage vertical outer folding / vertical inner folding m1, v1, the second-stage vertical outer folding. After performing m2 on each side, the folding bar 2 is pulled to complete the vertical folding (see FIG. 14).

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> However, in the above method, the width dimensions of the first, second, etc. fold bars are slightly different, and may differ between the vertical fold and the horizontal fold. Incorrect setting of the bar could cause erroneous folding. In addition, since it is a two-person operation, the number of folding steps is increased.

Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately pull out the folding bar from the folded airbag in the lateral direction, and the folded airbag may be deformed. The present invention
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an airbag folding device that does not cause a folding error and that can significantly reduce the number of folding steps.

<Means for Solving the Problems> The airbag folding device of the present invention solves the above problems by the following configuration.

A folding device which is used when an airbag is opposed to a predetermined width from both sides with a center portion thereof interposed therebetween to fold outside and inside in multiple stages using a plurality of folding bars. And a pair of folding bars arranged in parallel, the pair of folding bars being provided with a separating / proximity mechanism in the width direction.

<Example> Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on Examples 1 and 2.

In the present invention, it is assumed that the airbag b is a folding device which is used when a plurality of folding bars are used and the airbag b is opposed to the predetermined width from both sides with a center portion interposed therebetween in multiple stages. Therefore, only the horizontal fold as shown in FIG. 13 can be used as a basic fold pattern, and the vertical fold shown in FIG. 14 can be added for further folding.

Embodiment 1. A. The folding device of this embodiment is, as shown in FIGS.
(A) Work table A, (b) horizontal folding means B, (c) vertical folding means C, and (d) bag holding means D.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a half-notch of the folding device, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a partial cut-out, and FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the same.

(A) Workbench A: A horizontal work surface large enough to hold the airbag b in an expanded state can be formed, and is substantially the same as a lateral folding width in which the center of the airbag b can be set. A horizontally long central plate 11 as a width setting portion, and a horizontally long front plate 12 and a rear plate 13 as support portions on which the peripheral portion of the airbag b can be placed before and after the central plate 11 are symmetrical. Are arranged
The front plate 12 and the rear plate 13 are relatively movable with respect to the central plate 11 between the same plane position and an upper position. That is, the airbag b is relatively moved so that the peripheral portion is located above the center portion.

Specifically, the connecting pillars 18 are placed on the inner folding bar holding table 17 of the later-described lateral folding means B connected to the piston rod 15a of each first vertical cylinder 15 disposed below the front and rear of the central plate 11.
The front plate 12 or the rear plate 13 is arranged via the, and can be driven up and down. Conversely, move the center plate 11 up and down,
The relative movement may be performed. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 8 denotes a suction pipe for bleeding air from the airbag. Since bleeding air from the airbag b is not an essential step, the suction pipe 8 may be omitted. Further, since the width of the lateral fold is determined by the width of the lateral fold outer fold bar 21 of the lateral fold means B described later, the width of the center plate 11 is not necessarily substantially the same as the width of the lateral fold bar. It does not have to be.

In the center of the center plate 11, an airbag fitting 10 to be incorporated into the periphery of the inflator mounting hole of the airbag b is provided.
Is provided with a fitting setting hole 9 which can be set (see FIG. 4A).

As the lifting support portion, a member different from the inner folding bar 26 of the later-described lateral folding means B, such as the front plate 12 and the rear plate 13, is shown. May also be used as a front plate and a rear plate, and these may be lifted and used as support portions.

(B) Lateral folding means B: a plurality of outer folding bars arranged at least one of the left and right sides above the center plate 11 so as to be able to move forward and backward.
21, and disposed below each of the front plate 12 and the rear plate 13;
When positioned above the center plate 11, between the step gaps of the outer folding bar 21, a plurality of inner folding bars (plate-like ) 26.

Specifically, on both sides in the longitudinal direction above the central plate 11,
Two pairs of outer folding bars 21 are held three by three steps facing the holding block 23 on the carriage 22. The carriage 22 is allowed to run on the rail 24 and is connected to the piston rod 25a of the first horizontal cylinder 25. In the example shown in the figure, the upper outer folding bar 21a is replaced with the middle / lower outer folding bar 21a.
It is formed narrower than b and 21c. Further, two outer folding bars 21 formed in a pair in the width direction can be separated and approach each other in the width direction.

 That is, the configuration is as shown in FIG.

The upper / middle outer folding bars 21a, 21b are formed in pairs in the width direction and held by the first drive block pairs 71, 71, and the lower drive outer bar 21c is similarly formed in the second drive block pairs 73, 73. Hold with. Then, each drive block 71, 73
, Both sides are held by guide rods 75, 75,
The central portion is screwed to the drive screw 77. The drive screw 77
Has a right-hand thread on the near side and a left-hand thread on the rear
By turning the clockwise and counterclockwise 77, each folding bar pair is isolated and close to each other. The drive screws 77 are driven by gears (drive gear 81 and driven gear 82) by respective motors 78 and 79 (the support table is not shown because the drawing is complicated).

Here, the separation / proximity mechanism of the folding bar is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be a manual type or a motor-direct type.

With this configuration, it is easy to cope with a change in the folding width, and as shown in a use state described later, it is easy to pull out the folding bar, so that the folded airbag b does not collapse.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 20 denotes a stopper that regulates a rising position of the laterally inner folding bar 26.

When the inner folding bar (inner folding plate) 26 is positioned above the center plate 11 by the first vertical cylinder 15, the width of the inner folding bar (the inner folding plate) is narrower from the upper stage by three stages before and after the center plate 11. They are arranged in the order of 26a, 26b, 26c so as to face each other. Each inner folding bar 26 is held on both sides by a pair of holding rails 27 each having a slide groove. The holding rail 27 is supported at an angle 28. Further, the upper surface of each end of each inner folding bar 26 is connected to each piston rod 29a of a pair of second horizontal cylinders 29 installed on the inner folding bar holding base 17.

When each inner folding bar 26 is located above the central plate 11, the front plate 12 and the rear plate 13 disposed above each inner folding bar 26 are connected to the peripheral edge of the airbag b. When the inner folding bars 26 move forward, they are inserted through the airbags b between the step gaps of the outer folding bars 21.

(C) Vertical folding means C: a pair of push-up members 31 capable of pushing up both sides of the central plate 11 corresponding to the end width of the bag in the vertical direction.
A plurality of vertical outer folding bars 33 arranged vertically movable above the central plate 11 and arranged in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the outer folding bars 21 of the lateral folding means B;
The central plate is disposed between the upper and lower sides of the vertical outer folding bar 33.
A pair of vertical inward fold bars 34, which form a pair capable of moving forward and backward with respect to the center of the unit 11 and capable of being separated and approached, comprises a pair or more. Specifically, it is as follows.

The push-up member 31 is arranged such that the upper end thereof is substantially flush with the work surface of the worktable A at a steady position, and is connected to the piston rod 32a of the second vertical cylinder 32.

Also, each vertical outer folding bar 33 is divided into two and arranged in upper and lower stages 33a, 33b, and a pair of two vertical inner folding bars 34a, which are paired with each other, a third vertical It is held by a portal-type vertical folding bar holding arm 37 connected to a piston rod 35a of a cylinder 35. Note that 36
Is a guide post.

On the vertical folding bar holding arm 37, three holding rods 38, 39, 40 are horizontally installed in a row in the upper and lower rows. The upper holding rod 38 is capable of being driven in the vertical direction.
Piston rod 41 of fourth vertical cylinder 41 installed on top
a is connected via an auxiliary holding arm 42. In addition,
Both ends 38a of the upper holding rod 38 are extended and guided by long holes (not shown) formed in the side wall of the vertical folding bar holding arm 37.

And outer folding bars 33a, 33b for vertical folding
The holding block 43 is attached to the upper and lower holding rods 38, 40,
Retained through 44. Lower pair of holding blocks
43, 43 can be approached to each other like the above-mentioned outer folding bar 21 for lateral folding.

The middle holding rod 39 has a slide holding block.
A pair of vertical inward fold bars 34a, 34a is slidably held through 45, 45. Here slide holding block 45
Is the third horizontal cylinder installed on both walls of the holding arm
It is connected to 47 piston rods 47a. Each vertical inward fold bar 34a is slidably held in the slide holding block 45 via a slide groove 45a, and the original portions of the pair of fourth horizontal cylinders 49 installed on the rear wall of the slide holding block 45. It is connected to the piston rod 49a.

(D) Bag holding means D: In this embodiment, the bag holding means D is provided on both sides of the end width of the vertical folding of the airbag b on the center plate 11 of the worktable A and on both outer sides thereof after the lateral folding. Airbag b
And an inner pressing member 51 and an outer pressing member 53 disposed above the central plate 11 so as to be able to hold the respective members.

Specifically, each of the pressing members 51 and 53 includes a pair of pressing blocks 52 and 52, and each of the pressing blocks 52 and 52 is attached to a piston rod 55a of a fifth vertical cylinder 55 disposed on the pedestal lower stage 50. Are linked. 56 is a guide post.

Also, in order to ensure the holding effect of the holding members 51 and 53,
When the inner folding plates 26 are advanced by the second horizontal cylinder 29 and face each other, the pressing blocks 52, 52 can directly press the folded airbag b after the lateral folding. Notches c1 and c2 are formed at the front end of the folding inner folding bar. This notch may be only the uppermost inner folding bar 26a.

Note that the outer fold and inner fold bar in each of the horizontal fold and the vertical fold need not be a flat fold bar as in the illustrated example, but may be a frame, a bar, or the like. Also,
The drive means is not limited to the cylinder, but may be any link mechanism or the like.

B. Next, a folding method using the airbag folding apparatus of the first embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIG. In the following description, although the drive means is not particularly specified, it is assumed that the above-described drive cylinders are respectively operated by sequential control.

(1) The airbag b in which the airbag attachment 10 is incorporated into the inflator attachment hole is set on the center plate 11 of the worktable A via fitting of the attachment 10 into the metal fitting hole 9, and then Then, the air in the airbag b is sucked by a vacuum pump (see FIG. 4A). This air bleeding is unnecessary if there are almost no wrinkles or the like in the airbag on the work table A.

(2) The outer folding bar 21 for lateral folding, which is located above the center plate 11 of the worktable A, is moved toward the center plate 11,
When it reaches the home position, the outer folding bar 21 is lowered, and the airbag b is pressed by the lower outer folding bar 21c (see FIG. 4B).

(3) Next, the inner folding bar 26 for lateral folding is raised together with the front and rear plates 12 and 13 to a predetermined position above the center plate 11, and the peripheral edge of the airbag b is lifted. The inner folding bar 26 is advanced from the front and the rear toward the center plate 11 of the worktable A so as to be inserted between the step gaps of the outer folding bar 21 through b, and the lateral folding is sequentially performed from the lower stage ( (See FIG. 4C). At this time,
A plurality of inner folding bars 26 may be simultaneously advanced.

Thus, the airbag b is slid between the outer fold bar 21 and the inner fold bar 26 to perform folding, thereby completing the lateral folding (see FIG. 4D).

(4) Then, while pulling out the outer folding bar 21,
The airbag b after the lateral folding is completed is pressed by the outer pressing members 51 and 53, and the inner folding bar 26 is sequentially pulled out (see FIG. 4E). At this time, the width of each pair of outer folding bars 21 is slightly reduced. It is desirable that the inner folding bar 26 be pulled out from the top in order.

In the above description, the order in which the folding bars are removed may be reversed, that is, after the inside folding bar 26 has been removed, the outside folding bar 21 may be removed.

(5) Subsequently, the vertical outer folding bar 33 is lowered to press the airbag b, and the inner pressing member 51 is raised. In this state, the push-up member 31 is operated to move the vertical outside of the airbag b. The positions of both sides of the folding bar 33 are partially pushed up so as to be lifted above the upper outer folding bar 33a in the vertical direction (see FIG. 4G). The push-up member 31
Has a substantially U-shaped cross section.

(6) Next, the vertical inner folding bar 34a is moved forward and moved inward (opposing direction) through the space between the push-up members 31 having a substantially U-shaped cross section (see FIG. 4H).

(7) In this way, the airbag b is vertically folded outside the bar 33.
Then, the folding is performed by sliding between the vertical folding bar 34 and the vertical inner folding bar 34 to complete the first-stage vertical outer folding / inward folding (see FIG. 4H). When the first-stage vertical outer folding / inward folding is completed in this manner, the upper vertical outer folding bar 33a is lowered to hold the airbag b, and the airbag b is raised to the worker's working position in that state (the worker). To make the bag easier to pull out). In this state, one worker who has set the airbag “b” has the upper vertical outer folding bar 33a.
Is folded by hand so as to be wound toward the upper surface of the to complete the vertical folding. Then, the airbag b after folding is completed
To the front. At this time, each vertical outer folding bar 33
Is performed by reducing the overall width of.

Since the airbag b is slid and folded between the folding bars as described above, it is desirable that the thickness of the airbag b be 6 mm or less as a whole, and the thinner the airbag, the easier it is to fold.

Embodiment 2 The present embodiment is directed to an apparatus and a method according to the first embodiment, in which a holder 60 having upright flange portions 60a on both right and left sides is assembled as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIG. This is an example applied to a case where a bag is folded into the holder 60 with the center portion thereof interposed therebetween.

In the present embodiment, the left and right directions in FIG. 8 will be described.

Parts common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and all or part of the description thereof will be omitted.

A. The folding device of the present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment,
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 2, (a) worktable A, (b) horizontal folding means B, (c) vertical folding means C and (d)
And bag holding means D.

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the folding device with a half cutout, and FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the folding device. Since the plan view of the folding device is the same as that of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is referred to.

(A) Work table A: A horizontally long central plate 11A having substantially the same width as the horizontal folding width as a folding table so as to form a horizontal work surface large enough to mount the airbag b in an expanded state. In addition, a horizontally long front plate 12 and a rear plate 13 as a lifting support portion on which the peripheral portion of the airbag b can be placed before and after the center plate 11A are symmetrically arranged. This configuration is common to the first embodiment.

Here, the difference from the first embodiment is that the center plate 11A is lower than the height of the vertical flange portion 60a by the same height h, and the folding platform portions 11 on both sides of the setting platform portion 11a.
b and 11c (see FIGS. 6 and 8A). Further, the front plate 12 and the rear plate 13 are provided on the folding table 1 of the central plate 11A.
It is relatively movable between the same plane position and an upper position with respect to 1b and 11c. That is, the peripheral portion of the airbag b is moved from the center, that is, the upright flange portion 60a of the holder 60.
Are relatively moved so as to be at a position higher than the height of the upper surface.

At the center of the set base 11a of the center plate 11A, a plurality of mounting bolts (not shown) projecting downward from the in-bag retainer 61 via the holder 60 of the airbag b are provided. An attachment hole (not shown) is formed.

Other configurations of the worktable are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(B) Lateral folding means B: a plurality of laterally outward folding bars 21 arranged on the left and right sides at positions above the central plate 11A so as to be able to move forward and backward, and each of the front plate 12 and the rear plate 13 A plurality of horizontal tiers, which are arranged below and which can be inserted and retracted through the airbag b between the step gaps of the outer folding bar 21 when positioned above the center plate 11A. Direction folding bar (flat plate) 26. The configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

Here, the point different from the first embodiment is that the lowermost folding bar 21c of the outer folding bar is such that when the entire outer folding bar 21 is at the front dead center position, the assembling recess b1 of the holder 60 of the airbag b is formed.
The length is shorter than the upper and middle outer folding bars 21a and 21b so as not to be positioned at the upper part of the holder 60, that is, so as to be disposed at the upper part of the upright flange part 60a of the holder 60.
Naturally, each outer folding bar 21 is constituted by a pair of two, and at least upper and middle outer folding bars 21a, 21b
Are separated from each other in the width direction.

Further, the lowermost folding bar 26c of the inner folding bar includes a pressing member 26d having an L-shaped cross section, which protrudes downward at a portion facing the holder assembling recess b1.

Other configurations of the lateral folding means are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(C) Longitudinal folding means C: a pair of push-up members capable of pushing up both side positions corresponding to the bag longitudinal folding end width in the central plate 11A.
31, and can be driven up and down above the central plate 11A, and
A plurality of vertical outer fold bars 33 arranged in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the outer fold bar 21 of the lateral fold means B.
Disposed between the upper and lower sides of the vertical outer folding bar 33, and driven forward and backward with respect to the center of the central plate 11A, and
A pair of vertically inward fold bars 34, which can be separated from each other, comprises a pair or more. Other configurations of the vertical folding means are the same as in the first embodiment.

(D) Bag holding means D: In this embodiment, the bag holding means D is provided on both sides of the end width of the airbag b in the center plate 11A of the workbench A and the outside width thereof after the end of the horizontal folding. The airbag b includes an inner pressing member 51 and an outer pressing member 53 arranged above the central plate 11A so as to be capable of pressing the airbag b. The difference between the first embodiment and the first embodiment in a specific mode is as follows.
The notch c1 is only the uppermost inner folding bar 26a. Other configurations of the bag holding means are the same as those of the first embodiment.

B. Next, a folding method using the airbag folding apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. In the following description, although the drive means is not particularly specified, it is assumed that the above-described drive cylinders are respectively operated by sequential control.

(1) The airbag b, to which the holder 60 having the upright flange portions on the left and right sides is assembled, is mounted on the set base portion 1 of the center plate 11A.
1a is set by using a mounting bolt (not shown) projecting downward from the above-described in-bag retainer, and the airbag is further spread and extended on the work table A. In this setting, a clip 63 as shown in FIG. 4 may be used. At this time, the set base 11a is
Since the height of the vertical flange 60a of the holder 60 is substantially the same as that of the vertical flange 60a of the work table A,
It is substantially flush with the upper surfaces of 1b and 11c. Subsequently, the air in the airbag b is sucked by a vacuum pump (not shown).

(2) The workbench A is moved toward the center plate 11A by moving the outer fold bar 21 for horizontal folding, which is located above the center plate 11A, and lowers the outer fold bar 21 when the work table A comes to a fixed position to fold the lower stage outside. Press the airbag b with the bar 21c (Fig.
B). At this time, the tip of the descending outer folding bar 21c is substantially offset from the holder assembling concave portion b1 of the airbag b, and is located above the vertical flange portion 60a.

(3) Next, the inner folding bar 26 for horizontal folding is raised together with the front and rear plates 12 and 13 to a predetermined position above the center plate 11A, and the peripheral edge of the airbag b is lifted.
In order from the bottom, the inner folding bar 26 via the airbag b
Is advanced from the front and rear toward the central plate 11A of the worktable A so as to be inserted between the step gaps of the outer folding bar 21,
Lateral folding is performed sequentially from the bottom (see FIGS. 9A, B and C). At this time, since the lowermost inner folding bar 26c is provided with the pressing plate portion 26d at the center thereof, the first outer folding at the set base 11a is folded as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. At the folding tables 11b and 11c, the sheet is correctly folded as shown in FIG. 9C. In addition, the lateral outer folding bar 21
May advance a plurality of stages simultaneously.

In this manner, the airbag b is slid between the outer folding bar 21 and the inner folding bar 26 to be folded, thereby completing the lateral folding (see FIG. 9C).

(4) Subsequently, the inner folding bar 26 is sequentially pulled out while holding the airbag b after the completion of the lateral folding by the inner and outer pressing members 51 and 53 (see FIG. 10A). At this time, it is desirable to pull out the inner folding bar 26 in order from the top. Further, the pair of outer folding bars 21 is pulled out with a slightly reduced width.

In the above description, the order in which the folding bars are removed may be reversed, that is, after the outside folding bar 21 is removed, the inside folding bar 26 may be removed.

(5) Subsequently, the vertical outer folding bar 33 is lowered to press the airbag b, and the inner pressing member 51 is raised. In this state, the push-up member 31 is operated to move the vertical outside of the airbag b. The positions of both sides of the folding bar 33 are partially pushed up so as to be lifted above the upper vertical outer folding bar 33a (see FIG. 10C). The push-up member 31
Has a substantially U-shaped cross section.

(6) Next, the vertical inner folding bar 34a is moved forward and moved inward (opposing direction) through the space between the push-up members 31 having a substantially U-shaped cross section (see FIG. 10D).

(7) In this way, the airbag b is vertically folded outside the bar 33.
And the vertical inward folding bar 34 is slid and folded to complete the vertical outward and inward folding (FIG. 10D
reference). When the vertical outer folding / inward folding is completed, the upper vertical outer folding bar 33a is lowered to hold the airbag b, and the airbag b is raised to the worker's working position in that state (the worker pulls out the bag). To make it easier). In this state, one operator who sets the airbag b performs manual folding so as to wind toward the upper surface of the upper vertical outer folding bar 33a, thereby completing the vertical folding. After the folding, the airbag b is pulled out and pulled out.
At this time, pulling out is performed after reducing the overall width of each vertical outer folding bar 33.

<Operation / Effect of the Invention> The airbag folding device of the present invention has the above-described configuration, and thus has the following operation / effect.

The folding operation of the airbag can be performed only by setting and taking out one folding operator, so that an auxiliary operator is unnecessary as in the related art. In addition, since the folding bars are automatically set and pulled out sequentially, there is no risk that the setting of the folding bar may be incorrect or the shape of the folding bar may be lost.
Furthermore, since the folding is performed by sliding between the folding bars during folding, the airbag is less likely to wrinkle and can be folded with accurate dimensions.

Therefore, the number of steps of the folding operation can be greatly reduced, and there is no possibility that an error in the folding dimension occurs.

In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-99442, the airbag is used to fold the airbag to a predetermined width from both sides with its center portion interposed therebetween, and to fold the outer bag and the inner bag in multiple stages using a plurality of folding bars. In the folding device, a configuration is described, which is configured by a pair of two parallel folding bars. However, a characteristic configuration of the present invention is that the pair of folding bars includes a separation / proximity mechanism in the width direction. Is not disclosed or suggested.

With this characteristic configuration, in addition to the above-described functions and effects, the present invention does not require changing the folding bar when changing the folding width of the airbag, and furthermore, after folding the airbag, moving the folding bar in the width direction. As a result, the folding bar can be easily pulled out, and the operation and effect of preventing the airbag from being deformed can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a schematic half sectional front view showing an example of an airbag folding apparatus in the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of FIG. 1, FIGS. 4A to 4H are illustrations of a bag folding process using the apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 5A is width adjustment of an outer folding bar in a lateral folding means. FIG. 5B is a front view thereof, FIG. 5C is a side view thereof, FIG. 6 is a schematic half sectional front view showing an example of the airbag folding apparatus according to the second embodiment. 7 is a schematic side view of FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8A and 8B are a cross-sectional view and a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the airbag is set and the airbag is held down by a laterally outward folding bar. FIGS. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of a lateral folding step in the method of folding an airbag of the present invention, and FIG. To D are longitudinal direction folding process explanatory drawings, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an airbag holder used in Embodiment 2, FIG. 12 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a conventional bag folding operation, and FIG. FIG. 14 is a plan view and a schematic front view when the folding in the vertical direction of the bag is completed. 11, 11A: Central plate of the worktable (set part), 11a: Central plate of the worktable (set part), 12: Front plate of the worktable (lifting support part), 13: Rear of the worktable Plate (lifting support), 21… horizontal outer fold bar, 26… horizontal inner fold bar, 31… thrust member, 33… vertical outer fold bar, 34… vertical inner fold bar, 51 … Inside holding member, 53… Outside holding member, 60… Airbag holder, 60a… Standing flange, b1… Holder mounting recess, A… Workbench B… lateral folding means, C ... Vertical folding means D. Bag holding means b. Airbag.

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-3-243444 (JP, A) JP-A-2-99442 (JP, A)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A folding device which is used when a plurality of folding bars are used to fold outer and inner folds by using a plurality of folding bars, with an airbag facing a predetermined width from both sides with a center portion thereof interposed therebetween. The airbag folding device, wherein the outer folding bar is composed of a pair of two folding bars arranged in parallel, and the pair of folding bars includes a separation / proximity mechanism in a width direction.