JP4979066B2 - Airbag folding method, airbag and airbag device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an airbag folding method, an airbag, and an airbag apparatus that inflate and deploy when gas flows in.

  Conventionally, for example, an airbag device provided in a steering wheel of an automobile is known. The airbag device includes an airbag having a flat bag shape, a cover body that covers the airbag, an inflator that supplies gas, and the like. The airbag is normally folded in a predetermined manner and stored inside the cover body, and the airbag is inflated by supplying gas from the inflator with the sensor detecting the impact of the collision. The cover body is broken by this inflation pressure to cause the airbag to protrude, and the airbag is inflated and deployed in front of the occupant to alleviate the impact applied to the occupant.

  Today, there is a need for an airbag folding method that can improve the deployment characteristics, can be automated, and can reduce manufacturing costs.

  For example, for a planar circular airbag for a driver's seat, a configuration is known in which narrow portions are formed with four sword-shaped tools, and then compressed with a slider and folded randomly (for example, Patent Documents). 1). In this configuration, the parts compressed by the sliders are folded without engaging each other, and the effect is that they do not interfere with each other when deployed, but the parts compressed by each slider are simply compressed from the outer periphery side. Since it is only folded in a disorderly manner, it is difficult for the gas supplied from the central part to be smoothly supplied to the outer peripheral part, and rapid deployment to the outer peripheral side is not easy.

  In addition, a configuration in which an airbag is pressed inward by a large number of plate-like sliders is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). However, in this configuration, similarly to Patent Document 1, it is difficult to smoothly supply the gas supplied from the central portion to the outer peripheral portion, and the structure for driving a large number of sliders becomes complicated, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost. Have.

  Furthermore, a configuration is known in which an airbag is folded in an accordion shape and then the folded airbag is folded (see, for example, Patent Document 3). However, in this configuration, no configuration suitable for automation is shown for the configuration for folding in an accordion shape and the configuration for folding a folded airbag, and the accordion shape, i.e., the entire airbag is arranged in a number of parallel lines. A configuration that folds in one direction along the line has a problem that it is difficult to obtain desired deployment characteristics due to the strong directionality of the behavior of the airbag during deployment.

In this regard, a configuration is provided in which the ear-shaped surplus portions are provided radially, the portions between the surplus portions are accumulated toward the central portion, the airbag in the folding process is rotated, and the surplus portions are arranged around the accumulated portions. It is known (for example, see Patent Document 4). In this configuration, gas is smoothly supplied to the outer peripheral portion along the surplus portion, and rapid deployment to the outer peripheral side is possible, and preferable deployment characteristics can be realized, but the step of rotating the airbag in the folding process, that is, the manufacturing apparatus There is a problem that the manufacturing cost is increased.
Special table 2000-501354 (FIGS. 9-11) JP-A-10-129381 (FIGS. 3 and 4) Japanese Patent No. 3579702 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 5) International Publication No. 97/35745 Pamphlet (Figure 44)

  As in the conventional case described above, the configuration in which the sheet is simply pressed toward the center side and folded has a problem that it is not easy to realize desired development characteristics. In addition, in the configuration in which the ear-shaped surplus portions are provided radially, the portions between these surplus portions are accumulated toward the central portion, the airbag in the folding process is rotated, and the surplus portions are placed around the accumulated portions. Gas is smoothly supplied to the outer peripheral part along the surplus part, and rapid deployment to the outer peripheral side is possible, and preferable deployment characteristics can be realized, but a step of rotating the airbag in the folding process, that is, a manufacturing apparatus is required, There is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to provide an airbag folding method and an airbag that have good deployment characteristics and can reduce manufacturing costs.

The method for folding an airbag according to claim 1 is a method for folding an airbag that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas from a folded state. The bags are accumulated at a plurality of locations from the outer peripheral side toward a predetermined point to form a plurality of first integrated portions that are bent in a wave shape surrounding the predetermined points, and the first integrated portions are respectively disposed between the first integrated portions. A first stacking step of forming a plurality of radially extending portions that are folded in a wave shape continuously to one stacking portion and extend radially on the outer peripheral side, and each of the radially extending portions between the first stacking portions A plurality of second stacking portions are formed which are stacked toward the predetermined point and are further folded in a wavy shape with the direction intersecting the direction of the folding line of the first stacking portion as the direction of the folding line . When these two stacking parts are formed, It is obtained and a second integrated step of bulging extruding the first integrated portion on the outer peripheral side by pressing the first stacking unit.

And in this structure, an airbag is folded by pressing the airbag spread in flat form from the outer peripheral side. In the second integration step, by pressing in between the radiation extending portion between the first stacking unit, the second stacking unit is formed, is more indirectly pressed to these second stacking unit, The first stacking portion located between the second stacking portions is pushed out and bulged to the outer peripheral side, so that the first stacking portion is easily developed on the outer peripheral side. The folding process is simple and can be folded by an automatic machine, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost. When gas is introduced into the airbag folded in this way, the first stacking portion bulging on the outer peripheral side rapidly expands radially on the outer peripheral side, and further, the second stacking portion expands radially on the outer peripheral side. A desirable deployment characteristic that the airbag is inflated and deployed on the outer peripheral side quickly as a whole is easily realized.

  The airbag folding method according to claim 2 is the airbag folding method according to claim 1, wherein the first front surface portion faces the predetermined point and the predetermined point from both sides of the first front surface portion. And a plurality of first pressing bodies provided with side portions extending radially on the outer peripheral side, and a plurality of second pressing bodies provided with a second front surface portion facing the predetermined point. In the stacking step, the airbag is pressed and collected from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point by the first front surface portion of the first pressing body to form a first stacking portion, and the first pressing portion The width of the radially extending portion extending radially outward is regulated by the side surface portion of the body, and the position of the first front surface portion is maintained after the first integration step and before the second integration step. The interval between the side portions of the first pressing bodies adjacent to each other is increased, and the second collection In the step, the radially extending portion is pressed and accumulated from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point between the enlarged side surface portions by the second front surface portion of the second pressing body. The part is formed.

  And in this structure, in order to enlarge the space | interval of the side parts of a 1st press body after a 1st integration | stacking process and before a 2nd integration | stacking process, between the folding lines of the 2nd integration | stacking part bent in a wave shape It is possible to increase the distance between the airbags, making it easier to improve the deployment characteristics of the airbag, and the reaction force that causes the folded airbag to return and deform is not concentrated in part, and the airbag is held in a small folded state. This makes it easy to store the airbag in the airbag device. Furthermore, when the space | interval of the side parts of a 1st press body is expanded, in order to hold | maintain the position of a 1st front surface part, the folding shape of a 1st stacking part is formed without disordering.

  The airbag folding method according to claim 3 is the airbag folding method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of first pressing bodies provided with a first front face portion facing a predetermined point; A plurality of second pressing bodies provided with a second front surface portion facing the predetermined point, and in the first stacking step, the first front body portion of the first pressing body was spread in a flat plate shape. The airbag is pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point and accumulated to form a first accumulation portion, and in the second accumulation step, the radiation extending portion is formed by the second front surface portion of the second pressing body. Are pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point and accumulated to form a second accumulation portion, and at the same time, the first front surface portion of the first pressing body is moved in a direction away from the predetermined point. Is.

  And in this structure, when forming a 2nd stacking part, it forms while bulging to the outer peripheral side, without disturbing the folding shape of a 1st stacking part.

  A method for folding an airbag according to claim 4 is the method for folding an airbag according to claim 1, wherein, following the second stacking step, the first stacking portion bulging to the outer peripheral side is pressed from the outer peripheral side. It has a process.

  And in this structure, it becomes possible to form the expansion | deployment part along an outer peripheral side in the front-end | tip part of a 1st integration | stacking part, and the shape which can be easily accommodated in the part which accommodates the airbag of an airbag apparatus. A folded airbag is provided.

  The airbag folding method according to claim 5 is the airbag folding method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the airbag is inflated and deployed by introduction of gas from a state where the airbag is folded and stored in the cover body. In this folding method, the cover body includes an airbag storage portion that stores the folded airbag, and an insertion port that communicates with the airbag storage portion, and includes a first stacking step and a second stacking step. After that, a third stacking process for compressing the airbag folded in the first stacking process and the second stacking process to a size that can be inserted into the insertion port, and an airbag compressed in the third stacking process. An insertion step of inserting into the airbag storage portion through the insertion port, and a loosening of loosening the first stacking portion and the second stacking portion at the airbag storage portion by the reaction force of the folded airbag after the insertion step. Folding It is those with a door.

  In this configuration, since the first stacking portion and the second stacking portion of the airbag are loosened as compared with the folding operation in the state of being accommodated in the cover body, the deployment characteristics of the airbag are improved. It becomes easy.

The airbag according to claim 6 is folded into a state of being provided with a plurality of first integration portions and a plurality of second integration portions that are integrated toward a predetermined point and that are deployed on the outer peripheral side along the radial direction by introduction of gas. The first stacking unit is folded in a wavy shape along a fold line along a predetermined direction, and the second stacking unit is folded in a wavy shape along a fold line along a predetermined direction and intersects the fold line. and about the fold line is further folded into a wave shape of the first stacking unit, the second stacking unit is pushed along the radial direction in Rukoto is pressed by the second integrated part thereof when folded corrugated outer peripheral It bulges to the side.

In this configuration, when the gas is introduced into the folded airbag, the first stacking portion bulging out on the outer peripheral side quickly expands radially on the outer peripheral side, and further, the second stacking unit radially extends on the outer peripheral side. expand. A desirable deployment characteristic that the airbag is inflated and deployed on the outer peripheral side quickly as a whole is easily realized. The first stacking unit is indirectly pressed by the second stacking unit when the second stacking unit is folded in a wave shape, and is pushed out and bulged along the radial direction. It is formed in a state where it can be easily deployed quickly, the folding process can be simplified easily, folding by an automatic machine is possible, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

  The airbag according to claim 7 is the airbag according to claim 6, wherein a deployment portion along the outer peripheral portion of the folded airbag is provided at the distal end portion on the outer peripheral side of the first stacking portion. .

  In this configuration, when gas is introduced into the airbag, the deployment portion at the distal end portion on the outer peripheral side of the first stacking portion is rapidly deployed, and the preferred deployment characteristic is that the airbag is rapidly inflated and deployed as a whole. Easy to realize.

  The airbag device according to claim 8 is provided with an airbag storage portion that stores the folded airbag, and an insertion port that communicates with the airbag storage portion and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the airbag storage portion. A cover body provided, and the airbag according to claim 6 or 7 inserted into the airbag storage section through the insertion port.

  And in this structure, since the airbag of Claim 6 or 7 was provided, a preferable expansion | deployment characteristic is easily implement | achieved. Further, since the airbag is inserted into the airbag storage portion through the insertion port having a small diameter, the airbag is in a state of being loosened more than during the folding operation when stored in the cover body. Improvement of the deployment characteristics of the bag is facilitated.

  According to the present invention, the folding process is simple, folding by an automatic machine is possible, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the preferable deployment characteristic that the airbag is inflated and deployed on the outer peripheral side can be easily realized. .

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

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes an airbag device. The airbag device 1 is attached to a boss portion at the center of a steering wheel body of a steering wheel of an automobile, and is deployed between an occupant, that is, a driver and a steering wheel. The occupant as a protected object is protected from the impact of a collision. The steering wheel is normally used in an inclined state and is provided so as to be tiltable within a predetermined range. Hereinafter, the steering wheel will be described in the vertical direction and the both side directions based on the straight traveling state of the automobile, and the air The occupant side of the bag device 1 will be described as the front side, and the vehicle body side that is the bottom side of the airbag device 1 will be described as the back side. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the steering wheel 2 includes an annular rim portion 4, a boss portion 5 positioned inside the rim portion 4, and the rim portion 4 and the boss portion 5 connected to each other. Spoke part 6. For example, in a configuration including three or four spoke portions 6, two spoke portions 6 are arranged on both sides of the boss portion 5 and one or two on the lower side. A large space for visually recognizing meters is secured between the front side and the rim portion 4. In FIG. 12 and the like, A is a dummy imitating an occupant.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the airbag device 1 includes a metal base plate 11 attached to the steering wheel body, a bag-like airbag 12 arranged in a folded state on the base plate 11, and the airbag. Cover body 14 that covers bag 12 from the front side and is attached to base plate 11, inflator 16 that is attached to base plate 11 from the back side and supplies gas to air bag 12, and airbag 12 and inflator 16 are fixed to base plate 11. It consists of retainer 17 and the like.

  The base plate 11 includes a substrate portion 11a and a side plate portion 11b extending from the peripheral portion of the substrate portion 11a to the front side or the back side. The side plate portion 11b can take various forms, but in this embodiment, the side plate portion 11b is formed so as to slightly protrude from the substrate portion 11a to the front side. The substrate portion 11a is formed with an inflator insertion hole 11c and an attachment hole 11d positioned around the inflator insertion hole 11c. Further, the side plate portion 11b is provided with a cover body fixing portion 11e for fixing the cover body 14 by locking or the like. Further, support portions 11f are projected from a plurality of locations on the front side of the side plate portion 11b, and a horn switch 19 is attached to each support portion 11f.

  The cover body 14 includes a covering portion 14a that covers a part of the boss portion 5 and the spoke portion 6 of the steering wheel 2, and a mounting wall portion 14b that protrudes from the back surface to the back side of the covering portion 14a. It is integrally formed by injection molding of synthetic resin. The cover portion 14a of the cover body 14 is formed with a tear line that is formed more fragile than other portions. Further, this tear line can be continuously extended from the covering portion 14a to the mounting wall portion 14b, that is, a half bottom tear in which the tear line is extended to an intermediate position in the front-rear direction of the mounting wall portion 14b. Alternatively, a configuration called a bottom tear in which the tear line is extended to the rear side end portion of the mounting wall portion 14b or the vicinity of the rear side end portion is also possible. And in this Embodiment, the structure of said half bottom tear is taken.

  The inflator 16 includes a main body portion 16a having a substantially cylindrical shape, and a flange portion 16b protruding from the outer peripheral portion of the main body portion 16a. Inside the main body portion 16a, a propellant that generates a gas that is an expansion fluid during a reaction and an igniter (squib) that ignites the propellant are provided. Gas injection ports for injecting gas are formed at predetermined intervals on the peripheral surface of the main body portion 16a, which is located on the front side of the flange portion 16b. In this embodiment, the inflator 16 is a so-called dual type, and can change the gas pressure in two stages of 130 kPa and 180 kPa, for example. In addition, circular attachment holes 16c are provided in the vicinity of the four corners of the flange portion 16b.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the airbag 12 is overlapped on the first base cloth 21 that is a lower base cloth constituting the first surface portion, and the second base cloth 21 is overlapped with the second base cloth 21. And a second base fabric 22 which is an upper base fabric constituting the surface portion. These base fabrics 21 and 22 have predetermined strength, flexibility, airtightness, heat resistance, and the like. For example, a nylon cloth of 350 dtex (315 denier) may be coated with silicone as necessary. It is formed by applying a coating. The first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 have a circular shape having the same shape as each other, and the peripheral portions are sewn along the joining line portion 24 close to the outer edge portion 23 and inverted. The outer shell of the airbag 12 for a driver's seat is formed into a disk shape in the expanded state and a flat spherical shape of, for example, 60 liters in the expanded and deployed state. And the center part of the 1st base fabric 21 becomes the bottom face part 25, and while the circular hole-shaped receiving port 26 is formed in this bottom face part 25, this receiving port 26 is enclosed, and several places, this Embodiment Then, circular attachment holes 27 are formed at four locations. Further, the first base fabric 21 has, for example, circular exhaust ports (vent holes) 28 formed at two locations on both sides in the vicinity of the upper outer edge portion 23. The second base fabric 22 has a front surface 29 on the surface facing the receiving port 26. Although not shown, in addition to these base fabrics 21 and 22, a reinforcing base fabric called a flameproof fabric or the like is overlapped and sewn on the airbag 12 as necessary. A suspension strap is provided that connects the base fabrics 21 and 22 inside the airbag 12 to regulate the shape during inflation and deployment.

  Further, the retainer 17 includes a metal retainer body 17a having an annular shape and four mounting bolts 17b projecting from the retainer body 17a. A nut 17c is screwed into each mounting bolt 17b.

  Therefore, the airbag device 1 folds the airbag 12 as described later with the retainer 17 inserted into the airbag 12 and the mounting bolt 17b inserted into the mounting hole 27 of the airbag 12, By inserting the mounting bolt 17b into the mounting hole 11d of the base plate 11, the receiving port 26 is aligned with the inflator insertion hole 11c, and the airbag 12 is disposed. The inflator 16 inserts the main body portion 16a into the airbag 12 through the receiving port 26 and the inflator insertion hole 11c, inserts the mounting bolt 17b into the mounting hole 16c, and screws the nut 17c into the mounting bolt 17b. By fastening together, the airbag 12 and the inflator 16 are fixed to the base plate 11. Then, covering the folded airbag 12, the attachment wall portion 14b of the cover body 14 is fitted to the side plate portion 11b of the base plate 11 from the front side, and the attachment wall portion 14b is engaged with the cover body fixing portion 11e. Alternatively, the airbag device 1 is assembled by fixing with a rivet or the like.

  When the automobile collides, the airbag device 1 activates the igniter of the inflator 16 by a signal from a control device (not shown) and reacts the charged propellant so that the gas injection of the inflator 16 is performed. Gas is rapidly supplied into the airbag 12 from the mouth. Then, the airbag 12 is rapidly inflated and deployed, and the tear line of the cover body 14 is broken by the pressure of the inflation, so that a protruding port of the airbag 12 is formed. In this state, the airbag 12 protruding outside the cover body 14 is inflated and deployed forward of the occupant, restrains the occupant thrown forward, and protects the occupant from the impact of the collision. .

  Next, a method for folding the airbag 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 7. Here, in the state where the airbag 12 is placed on the horizontal plate-like placement portion 41, directions such as the up and down direction will be described.

  First, the folding device used for the folding includes a horizontal plate-like mounting portion 41 and a height regulating portion that is located above the mounting portion 41 and moves forward and backward, that is, moves up and down with respect to the mounting portion 41. I have. A holding portion that holds the retainer 17 attached to the airbag 12 is provided at the center of the placement portion 41. The center portion of the mounting portion 41 overlaps with a predetermined point O that is the center of the airbag 12 that is spread in a circular shape, that is, the center of the receiving port 26.

  The folding device also includes a plurality of first pressing bodies 44 and a plurality of second pressing bodies 45 that are pieces that move forward and backward along the upper surface of the mounting portion 41 toward the predetermined point O on the center side. I have. Four pressing bodies 44 and 45 are alternately arranged, and the first pressing body 44 has a line X passing through a predetermined point O on both sides and a crossing or perpendicular to the line X before and after passing through the predetermined point O. It is arranged to be movable along the direction line Y. Further, the second pressing body 45 is provided so as to be movable along a line that passes through the predetermined point O and forms an angle of 45 degrees with the line X and the line Y. The first pressing body 44 has, for example, a substantially trapezoidal block shape in a plane, and a pressing surface toward the predetermined point O on the center side is provided with a planar triangular concave portion 44a. On the other hand, the second pressing body 45 has a flat pressing surface smaller than the pressing surface of the first pressing body 44, and is formed, for example, in a planar square shape.

  The folding device is an automatic machine, and includes a control unit that controls the whole according to a program, a cylinder that is controlled by the control unit, and drives each unit.

  Then, in the folding process, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), as the first stacking process, the height regulating portion is retracted upward and the pressing bodies 44 and 45 are retracted to the outer peripheral side. The retainer 17 attached to the airbag 12 is held by the holding portion, and the airbag 12 is spread on the mounting portion 41 in a planar shape.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3B, the entire circumference of the outer edge portion 23 of the airbag 12 is biased upward so that it is slightly separated from the placement portion 41 by, for example, 15 mm or more. Note that various methods can be adopted as the method for biasing the outer edge portion 23 of the airbag 12 in this way, for example, a biasing means for lifting and biasing the vicinity of the outer edge portion 23 from the placement portion 41 is provided. Alternatively, the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 of the airbag 12 can be made different in size, and the outer edge portion 23 can be sewn up slightly.

  Next, the height restricting portion is advanced, that is, lowered to a position separated from the holding portion by a predetermined dimension.

  Next, each first pressing body 44 is advanced to a predetermined position in the direction of arrow F toward a predetermined point O on the center side at a predetermined speed. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the portion pressed by the recessed portion 44a of the pressing surface of the first pressing body 44 surrounds the receiving port 26, that is, surrounds the predetermined point O, and is concentric along the horizontal plane. The first stacking portion 51 is formed by being folded into a bellows shape, that is, a wave shape so that the base fabric is substantially vertical at the fold line. At the same time, the portions that are not pressed by the first pressing bodies 44 are also folded in a wavy shape along a fold line that is continuous with the fold line of the first stacking portion 51, and an ear shape that extends radially outward from the first stacking portion 51. The radiation extending portion 52a remains. In this step, since the outer edge portion 23 of the airbag 12 is slightly lifted, the outer edge portion 23 is further lifted when the first pressing body 44 comes into contact, and the direction toward the outer edge portion 23 is aligned. It is done. Further, in this state, the folding lines of the first stacking portion 51 and the radiation extending portion 52a are both substantially along the horizontal plane, and the base fabric of the first stacking portion 51 and the radiation extending portion 52a is vertical. Standing in a state.

  Further, in this step, the first pressing body 44 is moved at a predetermined speed, so that the air bag 12 is slightly inflated by a slight amount of air remaining in the air bag 12 that is spread in a plane, and the first pressure body 44 is inflated. The base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 can be folded in a bellows shape so as not to mesh with each other.

  Next, as a second accumulation step, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the second pressing body 45 is advanced to the center side, and the radiation extending portion 52 a is pressed so as to be pushed between the first accumulation portions 51. To do. Then, the radiation extending portion 52a has already been folded at a fold line substantially along the horizontal plane, and the base fabric is standing in a vertical state. The second stacking portion 52 folded in a bellows shape, that is, a wave shape is formed by the fold line. Further, by pushing these radial extending portions 52a toward the center-side predetermined point O, the first stacking portion 51 is also indirectly pressed, and the first stacking portion 51 is moved from the center-side predetermined point O to the outer peripheral side. And is disposed between the second stacking parts 52.

  That is, in this state, the first stacking part 51 is folded in a wavy shape only along a fold line along one direction except for the front end on the outer peripheral side, whereas the second stacking part 52 intersects with each other. It is folded in a wavy shape along folding lines along two orthogonal directions.

  Further, in the folding process of the first stacking unit 51 and the second stacking unit 52, the folding height of the airbag 12 is regulated by the height regulating unit.

  Further, if necessary, the first pressing body 44 is advanced to perform a pressing process for adjusting the folded shape of the airbag 12, and the folded airbag 12 is covered with a wrapping member, or the airbag 12 is covered with the airbag 12. By covering the cover body 14, the folding process of the airbag 12 is completed.

  Here, the folded airbag 12 is located around the bottom portion 25 provided with a predetermined point O on the center side, that is, the receiving port 26, and the four airbags 12 are folded in a single wavy form so as to be located on both the front and rear sides. One stacking unit 51 is arranged, and further, four second stacking units 52 are disposed between the first stacking units 51 so as to be folded in a double wave shape. And in each 1st stacking | stacking part 51, it forms so that the 1st base fabric 21 and the 2nd base fabric 22 may not mutually mesh, and in the 2nd stacking | stacking part 52, along the part folded by the wave shape A virtual line where the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 do not mesh with each other is formed from the central receiving port 26 to the outer edge portion 23 of the airbag 12. Further, the front portion 29 of the second base fabric 22 is pressed by the height restricting portion, and is substantially formed as a single layer, that is, is constituted by almost one base fabric.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the first stacking portion 51 and the second stacking portion 52 are substantially the same in the direction of the outer edge portion 23 of the airbag 12 and both face in the same direction, here the front side. In the present embodiment, the outer edge portion 23 of the airbag 12 is folded so as to face the upper side, which is the front side, in the present embodiment. Further, it is folded so that the exhaust port 28 is positioned at the center part in the width direction of the two second stacking parts 52 located on the front side and at the so-called external wave part exposed to the outside in a folded state.

  Therefore, when gas is introduced into the receiving port 26 of the airbag 12, the tear line of the half bottom tear is broken by the pressure at which the airbag 12 is inflated and deployed, and the cover body 14 is moved as shown by the broken line H in FIGS. expand. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the second accumulation portion 52 folded in a double wave shape sequentially expands and develops from a predetermined point O on the center side, whereas the first accumulation portion as shown in FIG. Since the portion 51 bulges to the outer peripheral side, it does not overlap with other folded parts and is folded in a single wave shape, so it can be rapidly moved to the outer peripheral side along the radial direction without receiving any resistance. As shown in FIG. 11, in the initial stage of deployment, it is formed in a substantially cross shape in the left and right directions when viewed from the front, and is flattened toward the outer peripheral side. Further, the gas is smoothly supplied to the outer edge portion 23 at least along each imaginary line in each second accumulation portion 52, and the second accumulation portion 52 rapidly develops following the first accumulation portion 51. Therefore, when the occupant is seated in a normal position with a seat belt, the airbag 12 is fully deployed as the gas is introduced, effectively restraining the occupant thrown forward. And can protect passengers.

  In addition, since the airbag 12 is rapidly flattened in the outer peripheral direction and the deployment to the front side in the initial stage of deployment is suppressed as described above, the occupant is close to the airbag device 1 as shown in FIG. Even when the airbag 12 is deployed at (out-of-position, OOP), it is possible to easily realize a desirable deployment characteristic in which the pressing force on the chest of the occupant is effectively suppressed. That is, 10 milliseconds after the operation of the airbag device 1, exhaust from the exhaust port 28 is enabled, avoiding direct hitting on the jaw, and entering the airbag 12 into the space between the rim portion 4 and the boss portion 5. , Leaving the airbag 12 on the chin, quickly deploying the airbag 12 below the occupant, suppressing the impact on the lower chest side during the initial deployment, and deploying the airbag 12 evenly to the left and right This makes it easy to realize characteristics suitable for proximity deployment. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the airbag 12 is quickly deployed flat in the outer circumferential direction, the airbag 12 is rapidly deployed below the occupant to suppress the impact on the lower chest side at the initial stage during deployment. In addition, it is possible to effectively realize that the airbag 12 is evenly deployed on the left and right.

  Then, as a result of the proximity deployment experiment using the airbag 12 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 which shows a state of 48 milliseconds after the activation of the airbag apparatus 1, it has a simple configuration using a hanging strap. Even in such a case, it was confirmed that the airbag 12 can be quickly flattened in the outer peripheral direction, and preferable deployment characteristics can be realized.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the first accumulating portion 51 is provided so as to bulge to the outer peripheral side, the gas thrust of the inflator 16 is effectively used, and the airbag 12 is initially deployed. In addition, the airbag 12 is rapidly flattened from the first collecting portion 51 in the outer peripheral direction to secure a volume, and is relatively small not only at the time of normal deployment but also at a position close to the steering wheel 2 at the time of a frontal collision, for example. Even in the state of close deployment where a woman is seated, it is possible to realize favorable deployment characteristics with suppressed influence on the occupant.

  Further, the airbag 12 can be configured as a folding device with a combination of simply advancing and retracting members, and it is not necessary to rotate the airbag 12 in the folding process. The configuration of the tatami mat apparatus can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In particular, the second pressing body 45 is moved forward to form the second stacking portion 52, so that the first stacking portion 51 is indirectly pressed and pushed out to the outer peripheral side. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a dedicated member or process for bulging and arranging the first stacking portion 51 on the outer peripheral side, and the manufacturing process can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In addition, the airbag 12 does not have a portion that is folded so as to be wound, and when the airbag 12 is deployed, the portion that is folded in a wave shape is quickly deployed. Can be supplied smoothly and quickly, and can be rapidly flattened toward the outer peripheral side, and the internal pressure of the airbag 12 can be prevented from becoming higher than necessary. In addition, the airbag 12 does not have a portion that is folded so as to be wound, and does not generate a twisting force when the airbag 12 is deployed, and can easily stabilize its behavior. Further, since the behavior of the stacking portions 51 and 52 such as the protruding direction can be easily controlled, for example, the stacking portions 51 and 52 are separated from the rim portion 4 and the boss portion 5 of the steering wheel 2 by avoiding the spoke portion 6. It is also easy to deploy it so as to sink into the space between.

  In addition, since the folding device can be configured with a simple combination of members that move forward and backward, the allowable range of the diameter of the airbag 12 is relatively large, and the airbag 12 with different diameters can be folded with the same or slightly different settings. It is also possible to fold with the apparatus, and the versatility of the folding apparatus can be improved and the manufacturing cost of the airbag 12 can be reduced.

  In addition, since the exhaust port 28 of the airbag 12 is disposed at the portion of the second stacking portion 52, the opened state is secured after the second stacking portion 52 is deployed, and other portions are deployed. Even if it is not, exhaust is possible, and an increase in the internal pressure of the airbag 12 can be suppressed even in a state of close deployment.

  Further, the front portion 29 of the second base fabric 22 is substantially pressed into a single layer in the folded state by the height regulating portion and is folded, that is, approximately one base fabric. It is made up of. Therefore, at the initial stage of the deployment of the airbag 12, the cover body 14 can be quickly ruptured by a predetermined dimension and the cover body 14 can be quickly broken, and the protrusion to the front side is suppressed in the subsequent deployment process. The preferable unfolding characteristic that the folded portion unfolds toward the outer side can be easily realized.

  In addition, as described above, since the preferred deployment characteristics can be realized by folding the airbag 12, no special specifications are required for the inflator 16, for example, a multi-squib type having a plurality of inflators or a plurality of igniters. It is also possible to reduce the manufacturing cost by using the inflator 16 having a simple structure without using the multistage control according to the above.

  In addition, since each of the first stacking portion 51 and the second stacking portion 52 is four, there is no directionality when the airbag 12 is deployed in a flat circular shape, and the airbag 12 is deployed in a balanced manner in the entire circumferential direction. The structure of the folding device can be simplified compared to the configuration in which the number of the first stacking unit 51 and the second stacking unit 52 is five or more. The cost required for the manufacturing apparatus can be reduced. In this way, by providing four first stacking sections 51 and two second stacking sections 52, it is possible to achieve both preferable development characteristics and reduction in manufacturing costs.

  Further, the cover body 14 is a half bottom tear with the tear line extending to an intermediate position in the front-rear direction of the mounting wall portion 14b, and the airbag 12 is configured to face upward with the outer edge portion 23 aligned. Can be developed with appropriate characteristics toward the outer peripheral side during deployment. In other words, when the dummy A is in the position shown in FIG. 12 in relation to the steering wheel 2 by folding the outer edge portion 23 upward or downward, a corresponding portion of the airbag 12 enters the rim portion 4. When the dummy A is lower than FIG. 12, that is, when the head is in a position facing the cover body 14, the head of the dummy A is centered parallel to the surface formed by the rim portion 4. In the radial direction, and the angle between the head and the chest of the dummy A is kept substantially constant, and the entire dummy A is moved somewhat backward, so that a very stable deployment behavior can be easily obtained. . That is, the folding behavior of the airbag 12 can be easily stabilized by aligning the outer edge portion 23 upward or downward and folding it. Further, by facing the outer edge 23 upward, the outer edge 23 of the airbag 12 tends to move away from the occupant during inflation and deployment, and the influence of the airbag 12 on the occupant during inflation and deployment can be suppressed. Furthermore, when aligning the outer edge 23 upward and combining with the cover member 14 of the bottom tear, the speed at which the airbag 12 inflates and deploys toward the outer peripheral side may be too fast, but it is combined with the half bottom tear. Thus, the outer peripheral portion of the rear side portion of the folded airbag 12 can be pressed by the cover body 14 and the airbag 12 can be deployed at an appropriate speed. In addition, the so-called reversing airbag that is reversed after the airbag 12 is sewn at the joint line portion 24 tends to be deployed on the front side compared to a so-called non-reversing airbag that is not reversed, but the outer edge portion 23 is located upward. By combining with the present embodiment aligned toward the front, flat deployment to the outer peripheral side can be realized, and deployment to the front side can be easily suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the first bent portion 51 is a compression bent portion bent along the outer peripheral portion of the airbag 12 in a folded state at the distal end portion on the outer peripheral side. With the deployment portion 61 formed and the gas introduced into the airbag 12, the deployment portion 61 at the tip of the first stacking portion 51 is rapidly inflated and deployed to quickly deploy the airbag 12 to the outer peripheral side. You can also plan. The deploying portion 61 is easily formed by further pressing the first stacking portion 51, which is a bulging corrugated portion, toward the predetermined point O in the final pressing step of the airbag 12 folding step. be able to. Further, the developing unit 61 is provided at the leading end of one first stacking unit 51, provided at the leading end of a plurality of first stacking units 51, or provided at the leading end of all the first stacking units 51. You can also. In addition to the substantially T-shape extending from the front end of the first stacking portion 51 to both sides, the development portion 61 can also be formed into a substantially L-shape extending from the front end of the first stacking portion 51 to one side. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the four first collecting portions 51 are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, in other words, in a cross shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, each second stacking part 52 can be arranged vertically and horizontally, and each first stacking part 51 can be developed in an X-shape in an inclined direction. In FIG. 15 and the following FIGS. 16 and 17, a two-dot chain line indicates a state in which the airbag 12 is expanded in a planar shape.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, by arranging the exhaust ports 28 in the two first stacking portions 51 located on the upper side, the exhaust ports 28 can be opened at the initial stage of deployment to allow exhaust. An increase in the internal pressure of the airbag 12 can be suppressed even in a deployed state.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, each exhaust port 28 is arranged in the vicinity of the outer edge portion 23 of the airbag 12 with respect to the conventional position, thereby easily ensuring the open state of the exhaust port 28. Rapid exhaust is possible, and an increase in the internal pressure of the airbag 12 can be suppressed even in a state of close deployment. Note that the configuration in which the exhaust port 28 is shifted in the vicinity of the outer edge portion 23 of the airbag 12 can also be applied to a configuration in which the first stacking portion 51 is arranged in a cross shape as shown in FIG.

  In addition, each first stacking part 51 and each second stacking part 52 can be formed symmetrically with each other, and can also be formed with different shapes to expedite and expand in a specific direction. . For example, as shown in FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 16, in addition to a configuration in which each of the second integration units 52 is stacked in four stages, or a configuration in which each of the second integration units 52 is all stacked in three stages, although not shown. In addition, the lower two second stacking parts 52 are stacked in four stages, while the upper two second stacking parts 52 are stacked in three stages and are relatively shortened and head upward. The length dimension of the base fabric of one first stacking portion 51 can be secured larger than the length dimension of the base fabric of the other first stacking portion 51, so that the expansion and deployment upward can be speeded up.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the first stacking portion 51 located on the upper side in which the length dimension of the base fabric is set to be large as described above has a substantially T-shaped or substantially L-shaped developing portion 61 in the pressing step. And the overall shape is adjusted, and the inflation and deployment in a predetermined direction, for example, the upper rim portion 4 side and further in the rear direction is speeded up, and the pressure on the occupant's chest at the time of close deployment is easily reduced. Can do. Therefore, in this configuration, 10 milliseconds after the operation of the airbag device 1, exhaust from the exhaust port 28 is possible, and the airbag 12 is deployed so as to enter the space between the rim portion 4 and the boss portion 5. The airbag 12 can be quickly deployed below the occupant, the impact on the lower chest side at the initial stage during deployment can be suppressed, and the airbag 12 can be deployed evenly to the left and right.

  Furthermore, the substantially T-shaped developed portion 61 shown in FIG. 14 may be re-pressed into a substantially Y-shape or the like using another pressing means.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the number of the first stacking unit 51 and the second stacking unit 52 is four, but may be three, or may be five or more. For example, as shown in the manufacturing process in FIG. 17, eight first integrated portions 51 are formed, eight radial extending portions 52a are formed, and these radial extending portions 52a are formed at predetermined points O on the center side. The second stacking portions 52 can be formed respectively, and the first stacking portions 51 can be expanded to the outer peripheral side.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the cover body 14 is a half bottom tear with the tear line extending to the middle position in the front-rear direction of the mounting wall portion 14b, and the airbag 12 has the outer edge portion 23 as shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the configuration of the tear line of the cover body 14 and the configuration in which the outer edge 23 of the airbag 12 faces upward or downward as shown in FIG. In combination, the deployment characteristics of the airbag 12 can be adjusted. That is, if the outer edge portion 23 of the airbag 12 is oriented in the same direction along the front-rear direction along the inflation direction of the airbag 12, the behavior of the airbag 12 during deployment can be easily stabilized. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the outer edge portion 23 of the second stacking portion 52 faces downward, and can be folded into a substantially M shape.

  And in order to fold the airbag 12 in such a substantially M shape, as shown in FIG. 19, the airbag 12 is spread on the mounting portion 41 and the central portion of the airbag 12 is relatively moved. By lifting the outer edge portion 23 of the airbag 12 downward by 15 mm or more over the entire circumference and moving the pressing bodies 44 and 45 in this state to form the accumulation portions 51 and 52 Can be realized easily.

  In addition, the configuration in which the airbag 12 is folded in a substantially M shape in this manner can be easily combined with a so-called normal type cover body 14 in which a tear line is formed only on the covering portion 14a, so that preferable deployment characteristics can be easily obtained.

  Depending on the planar shape of the cover body 14, the airbag 12 may be folded into a substantially M shape, or the airbag 12 may be folded into a substantially W shape, and the tear line may be connected to the rear end of the mounting wall 14 b. In combination with the bottom tear cover body 14 formed up to the part, it is also possible to realize a preferable development characteristic.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the suspension strap is provided on the inner side of the airbag 12. However, instead of this suspension strap or together with the suspension strap, a third base fabric is provided on the inner side of the airbag 12. It is also possible to provide a preferable deployment characteristic of the airbag 12 by arranging the base fabric to guide the gas. For example, the third base fabric is arranged so as to cover the receiving port 26 and the front side in the vicinity of the receiving port 26, and is stitched and connected to the first base fabric 21. A so-called 2.5-layer airbag 12 is formed. In this configuration, the gas supplied from the vicinity of the receiving port 26 is guided by the third base cloth and is directed to the outer peripheral portion, folded back on the outer peripheral side and directed to the front side, and the airbag 12 is rapidly deployed to the outer peripheral side. Let And also in this structure, as shown in FIG. 20, the preferable expansion | deployment characteristic which suppresses the expansion | deployment to a front side at the initial stage of expansion | deployment, and expand | deploys flatly can be implement | achieved easily. FIG. 20 shows a state of 48 milliseconds after the airbag device 1 is activated.

  In addition, for the folding device of the airbag 12, a line portion forming portion that adjusts the shape of the radiation extending portion 52a along the radial line forming the radiation extending portion 52a for forming the second stacking portion 52 is provided. It can also be provided. This line portion forming portion is provided with a regulation plate that is vertically opposed to each other and can be moved up and down. When the first pressing body 44 is advanced to form the first stacking portion 51, the line portion forming portion is opposed vertically. The base plate of the airbag 12 is sandwiched between the restricting plates to restrict the shape of the radiation extending portion 52a, and the upper and lower base fabrics 21, 22 are not meshed with the second stacking portion 52. An imaginary line that smoothly supplies gas from the portion to the outer peripheral side can be formed.

  Further, each of the stacking portions 51 and 52 is folded so that the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 do not mesh with each other, so that the gas is smoothly supplied to the outer peripheral side, and quickly to the outer peripheral side. Can be deployed.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the airbag 12 may be a so-called non-inverted airbag that is not inverted after being sewn at the joint line portion 24.

  Next, another embodiment of the airbag folding method will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Note that the folded shape of the airbag 12 folded by this folding method is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Then, in the folding device used in this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiment, it is a piece that approaches and separates, that is, advances and retreats along the upper surface of the mounting portion 41 toward the holding portion, that is, the predetermined point O on the center side. A plurality of first pressing bodies 71 and second pressing bodies 72 are provided, and six first pressing bodies 71 and six second pressing bodies 72 are alternately arranged. Each first pressing body 71 is arranged so as to be movable along a line passing through the predetermined point O, and the first front surface portion is provided on the front side of the front surface portion 71a facing the predetermined point O, respectively. An arc-shaped pressing plate 74 is provided, and the pressing plate 74 is disposed so as to advance and retreat toward a predetermined point O by a cylinder 75 which is a driving means. Furthermore, a folding imparting means 77 is provided on each side of each first pressing body 71. Each folding imparting means 77 includes a pushing piece 78 and a cylinder 79 which is a driving means for driving the pushing piece 78, and the pushing piece 78 is disposed so as to be able to protrude and retract from the side surface 71 b of the first pressing body 71. ing. Further, these folding imparting means 77 are arranged at mutually different positions in the direction along the line passing through the predetermined point O with respect to the first pressing bodies 71 adjacent to each other.

  On the other hand, the second pressing body 72 includes a flat pressing surface portion 82 as a second front surface portion on the front side portion, and is formed in, for example, a flat rectangular block shape.

  Next, the first operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, as the first stacking step, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the airbag 12 is moved with the height restricting portion retracted upward and the pressing bodies 71 and 72 retracted to the outer peripheral side. The retainer 17 attached to is attached to the holding portion, and the airbag 12 is spread on the placement portion 41 in a planar shape. Next, the height restricting portion is advanced, that is, lowered to a position separated from the holding portion by a predetermined dimension. At this time, as shown in FIG. 21, the pressing plate 74 of each first pressing body 71 moves backward, that is, moves away from the predetermined point O, and the pressing piece 78 of each first pressing body 71 is moved. Is not protruding from the side surface 71b of the first pressing body 71.

  Next, each first pressing body 71 is advanced to a predetermined position toward a predetermined point O on the center side at a predetermined speed. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the portion of the airbag 12 pressed by the pressing plate 74 of the first pressing body 71 surrounds the receiving port 26, that is, surrounds the predetermined point O, and is concentric along the horizontal plane. The first stacking portion 51 is formed by being folded into a bellows shape, that is, a wave shape so that the base fabric is substantially vertical at the fold line. At the same time, the width of the portion that is not pressed by each first pressing body 71 is restricted by the side surface portion 71b of the first pressing body 71, and the wavy line is continuous with the folding line of the first stacking portion 51. While being folded, it remains as an ear-shaped radial extending portion 52a extending radially outward from the first stacking portion 51. Further, in this state, the folding lines of the first stacking portion 51 and the radiation extending portion 52a are both substantially along the horizontal plane, and the base fabric of the first stacking portion 51 and the radiation extending portion 52a is vertical. Standing in a state. The airbag 12 may be slightly inflated due to a configuration in which the outer edge 23 of the airbag 12 is slightly lifted, for example, so that the direction toward the outer edge 23 is aligned, or a slight amount of air remaining in the airbag 12 that is spread out in a plane. The configuration in which the first base fabric 21 and the second base fabric 22 are folded in a bellows shape so as not to mesh with each other is the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 23, after the first stacking process and before the subsequent second stacking process, as the expanding process, each first pressing body 71 is slightly retracted to the outer peripheral side by a predetermined dimension, and at the same time, The pressing plate 74 is advanced toward the predetermined point O in the opposite direction at the same speed as the retreating speed of the first pressing body 71. As a result, the pressing plate 74 stays at the same position, maintains the shape of the first stacking portion 51, and the interval between the side portions 71b of the first pressing bodies 71 adjacent to each other is from the dimension W1 shown in FIG. It expands to the dimension W2 shown in FIG.

  Further, in the state in which the first pressing body 71 is slightly retracted as described above, as the folding application process, the pushing piece 78 of each folding application means 77 is advanced and protrudes from the side surface portion 71b of the first pressing body 71. Let Then, by these push-in pieces 78, folds, which are U-shaped folds, are provided as vertical fold lines at a plurality of locations of each radiation extending portion 52a.

  Further, thereafter, the pushing pieces 78 of the respective folding applying means 77 are retracted, that is, the pushing pieces 78 of each first pressing body 71 are not projected from the side surface 71b of the first pressing body 71. .

  Next, as a second accumulation step, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the second pressing body 72 is advanced toward a predetermined point O on the center side, and the radiation extending portion 52 a is moved between the first accumulation portions 51. Press to push in between. Then, the radiation extending portion 52a has already been folded at a fold line substantially along the horizontal plane, and the base fabric is in a state of standing vertically and has been given a fold. A second stacking portion 52 is formed that is folded in a bellows shape, that is, in a wave shape by a vertical folding line. Further, by pushing these radial extending portions 52a toward the center-side predetermined point O, the first stacking portion 51 is also indirectly pressed, and the first stacking portion 51 is moved from the center-side predetermined point O to the outer peripheral side. And is disposed between the second stacking parts 52.

  That is, in this state, the first stacking part 51 is folded in a wavy shape only along a fold line along one direction except for the front end on the outer peripheral side, whereas the second stacking part 52 intersects with each other. It is folded in a wavy shape along folding lines along two orthogonal directions.

  Further, in the folding process of the first stacking unit 51 and the second stacking unit 52, the folding height of the airbag 12 is regulated by the height regulating unit.

  Further, if necessary, the pressing plate 74 and the second pressing body 72 of each first pressing body 44 are advanced to perform a pressing process for adjusting the folded shape of the airbag 12, and the folded airbag 12 is The folding process of the airbag 12 is completed by covering with the wrapping member or covering the airbag 12 with the cover body 14.

  Next, the second operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The folding device used for the second operation is the same as the folding device used for the first operation, but the length dimension along the circumferential direction of the pressing plate 74 of the first pressing body 44 is slightly larger. Yes.

  First, similarly to the first operation, as shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, a first integration step, an enlargement step following this first integration step, and a folding application step are performed.

  Then, as the second stacking step, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the second pressing body 72 is advanced toward a predetermined point O on the center side, and the radiation extending portion 52 a is moved between the first stacking portions 51. Press to push in between. At the same time, in synchronization with the advance of the second pressing body 72, the pressing plate 74 of each first pressing body 71 is moved backward toward the outer peripheral side. Then, the second integrated portion 52 is formed in which the radially extending portions 52a are folded in a bellows shape, that is, in a wavy shape, and further, by indirectly pushing these radially extending portions 52a toward the predetermined point O on the center side, The first accumulating part 51 is also pressed, and the first accumulating part 51 bulges from the predetermined point O on the central side to the outer peripheral side while being kept in contact with the retreating pressing plate 74 without disturbing the folded shape. And is disposed between the second stacking parts 52.

  Thus, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 to 30, after the first stacking process and before the second stacking process, the first pressing body 71 is moved backward so that the distance between the side surfaces 71b is increased. In other words, since the step of expanding the folding space of the second stacking portion 52 is provided, the interval between the folding lines of the second stacking portion 52 that bends in a wavy manner can be set large. Can be set large. Therefore, when the gas is introduced into the airbag 12, introduction of the gas can be facilitated and the deployment characteristics of the airbag 12 can be easily improved as compared to a configuration in which the gas is introduced into a finely folded bellows. Furthermore, the reaction force that causes the folded airbag 12 to return and deform does not concentrate on a part of the airbag 12, and it is easy to hold the airbag 12 in a small folded state, or the airbag 12 folded into a desired shape can be It becomes easy to compress even smaller as necessary, and packing work such as storage work for storing the airbag 12 in the cover body 14 of the airbag apparatus 1 can be facilitated. Further, when the first pressing body 71 is moved backward to increase the distance between the side surface portions 71b, the pressing plate 74 is moved forward to hold the position, so that the folded shape of the first stacking portion 51 is held without being disturbed. be able to.

  Further, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 26 to 30, when the second stacking portion 52 is formed, the pressing plate 74 is moved backward synchronously, so to speak, in parallel with the second stacking step, the bulging space of the first stacking portion 51. By providing a bulging space expanding step for expanding the size, the folded shape of the first stacking portion 51 can be greatly bulged toward the outer peripheral side without being disturbed.

  Next, another embodiment of the airbag device 1 and a method of folding the airbag 12 used in the airbag device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the cover body 14 of the airbag device 1 is integrally formed in a bottomless box shape by, for example, synthetic resin injection molding and the like, and is one of the boss portion 5 and the spoke portion 6 of the steering wheel 2. 2 is the same as FIG. 2 in that it includes a covering portion 14a and a mounting wall portion 14b that cover the upper portion, but at least partially, in the present embodiment, the upper end of the mounting wall portion 14b in the front portion of the cover body 14. A horizontal connecting plate portion 14c extends from the portion, and is different from the outer edge portion of the connecting plate portion 14c in that it continues to the lower end portion of the covering portion 14a. That is, in this configuration, the area of the insertion port 14e on the base side of the airbag 12 surrounded by the mounting wall portion 14b is larger than the area of the cross section of the airbag storage portion 14d that is a portion surrounded by the covering portion 14a. Is small, so to speak, the diameter (inner dimension) is small. Further, in this configuration, the tear line 14f that forms a substantially flat H-shape on the covering portion 14a and is more fragile than the other portions and defines the front and rear door planned portions is formed on the connecting plate at the front side portion of the cover body 14. The airbag 12 is continuously extended to the attachment wall portion 14b via the portion 14c, and the cover body 14 is greatly opened to the front side when the airbag 12 is deployed, so that the deployment characteristics of the airbag 12 are improved. In FIG. 31, 14g is a decorative emblem attached to the covering portion 14a.

  Next, an operation process of inserting and storing the airbag 12 in the cover body 14 shown in FIG. 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

  This work process is performed as a part of the folding process of the airbag 12, and FIG. 32 (a) shows a state where the folding process shown in FIG. 30, for example, is completed. Here, the cover body 14 is disposed immediately above the folded airbag 12, and the cover body 14 is engaged with and held by a plurality of holding tools 91. Further, the airbag 12 is in a state where the outer peripheral portion is surrounded by the first pressing body 71 and the second pressing body 72.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 32 (b), as the third accumulating step, the first pressing body 71 and the second pressing body 72 are advanced toward the predetermined point O on the center side and pressed, and the desired pressing process is performed. Although compressed into a shape, the airbag 12 is further compressed so that the area along the horizontal plane is larger than the area of the insertion opening 14e of the cover body 14, and the area along the horizontal plane is smaller than the area of the insertion opening 14e of the cover body 14. To do.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 32 (c), as an insertion step, the jig 92 arranged on the lower side of the airbag 12 is raised and pushed into the airbag storage portion 14d through the insertion port 14e. Then, since the area of the air bag storage portion 14d is larger than that of the insertion opening 14e, the air bag 12 is designed to fill the space of the air bag storage portion 14d by the reaction force of the folded base fabric as a loose folding process. Thus, the first stacking portion 51 and the second stacking portion 52 are slightly spread on the outer peripheral side, and the folding is loosened, and the folding process of the airbag 12 is completed.

  In this embodiment, the airbag 12 is stored in the airbag storage portion 14d of the cover body 14 and is more than the first stacking portion during the folding operation compressed to pass the insertion port 14e. Since the 51 and the second stacking part 52 are loosened, that is, in a relaxed state, the introduction of the gas into the first stacking part 51 and the second stacking part 52 is facilitated, and the deployment characteristics of the airbag 12 are facilitated. Can be improved.

  In addition, a large force may be required to compress the airbag 12 folded into a desired shape in the first and second stacking steps so as to pass through the insertion port 14e. 30. The airbag 12 folded according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 30 can set the interval between the folding lines of the second stacking portion 52 bent in a wave shape, and can easily compress the airbag 12 small. Therefore, the operation of pushing the airbag 12 into the airbag storage portion 14d through the insertion port 14e can be facilitated.

  In the above embodiment, the first pressing body 71 and the second pressing body 72 are used for compressing the airbag 12 in the third stacking step. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a dedicated pressing member is used. It can also be used.

  The present invention is used in an airbag device provided in a steering wheel of an automobile.

It is a perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the airbag of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the airbag apparatus provided with the airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process of an airbag same as the above, (a) is a top view, (b) is sectional drawing. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 3 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 4 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 5 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 6 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is sectional drawing of the II position of FIG. 4 of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the expansion | deployment operation | movement of the 2nd stacking part of an airbag apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the expansion | deployment operation | movement of the 1st stacking part of an airbag apparatus same as the above. It is a front view which shows the state of the expansion | deployment initial stage of an airbag apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state at the time of proximity | contact deployment of an airbag apparatus same as the above. It is a side view which shows the state at the time of expansion | deployment of an airbag apparatus same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows other embodiment of the airbag of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the folded state which shows other embodiment of the airbag of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the folded state which shows other embodiment of the airbag of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process which shows other embodiment of the airbag of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the II equivalent position of FIG. 4 which shows other embodiment of the airbag of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process which shows other embodiment of the airbag of this invention. It is a side view which shows the state at the time of deployment of other embodiment of the airbag apparatus provided with the airbag of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process which shows the 1st operation | movement of other embodiment of the folding method of the airbag of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 21 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 22 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 23 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 24 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the folding process which shows the 2nd operation | movement of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 26 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 27 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 28 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the process following FIG. 29 of the folding process of an airbag same as the above. It is the perspective view which notched a part which shows other embodiment of the airbag apparatus of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the folding process of the airbag of the airbag apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

12 airbag
14 Cover body
14d Airbag storage
14e insertion slot
51 First Stacking Unit
52 Second Stacking Unit
52a Radiation extension
61 Development department
71 First pressing body
71b Side view
72 Second pressing body
74 Pressing plate constituting the first front part
82 Press surface portion as second front surface portion O Predetermined point

Claims (8)

A method of folding an airbag that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas from a folded state,
A bag-like airbag is spread in a flat plate shape, and the spread airbags are collected from a plurality of locations toward a predetermined point from the outer peripheral side to form a plurality of first integrated portions that are bent in a wave shape surrounding the predetermined point. And a first integration step of forming a plurality of radially extending portions that are folded in a wave shape continuously between the first integration portions and extend radially on the outer peripheral side between the first integration portions,
The respective radiation extending portions are accumulated between the first accumulation portions toward the predetermined point, and the direction intersecting the direction of the fold line of the first accumulation portion is further wave-shaped. A plurality of bent second integrated portions are formed, and when the second integrated portions are formed, the first integrated portions are pushed to the outer peripheral side by pressing the first integrated portions by the second integrated portions. And a second stacking step of extruding and inflating the airbag. A plurality of first pressing bodies provided with a first front surface portion facing a predetermined point, and side surfaces extending radially outward from both sides of the first front surface portion around the predetermined point;
Using a plurality of second pressing bodies provided with a second front surface portion facing the predetermined point,
In the first accumulating step, the airbag is pressed and accumulated from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point by the first front surface portion of the first pressing body to form a first accumulating portion, and the first The side surface portion of the pressing body regulates the width dimension of the radially extending portion extending radially on the outer peripheral side,
After this first stacking step, before the second stacking step, while maintaining the position of the first front surface portion, the interval between the side portions of the first pressing bodies adjacent to each other is enlarged,
In the second accumulating step, the radially extending portion is pressed and accumulated from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point between the enlarged side surface portions by the second front surface portion of the second pressing body. The air bag folding method according to claim 1, wherein the second stacking portion is formed. A plurality of first pressing bodies provided with a first front surface portion facing a predetermined point;
Using a plurality of second pressing bodies provided with a second front surface portion facing the predetermined point,
In the first stacking step, the flattened airbag is pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point and stacked by the first front surface portion of the first pressing body to form a first stacking portion. ,
In the second accumulating step, the second extending portion is pressed and accumulated from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point by the second front surface portion of the second pressing body to simultaneously form the second accumulating portion, The airbag folding method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first front surface portion of the first pressing body is moved in a direction away from the predetermined point. The airbag folding method according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing step of pressing the first stacking portion bulging toward the outer peripheral side from the outer peripheral side following the second stacking step. A method of folding an airbag that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas from a state of being folded and stored in a cover body,
The cover body includes an airbag storage portion that stores the folded airbag, and an insertion port that communicates with the airbag storage portion.
After the first stacking step and the second stacking step, a third stacking step of compressing the airbag folded in the first stacking step and the second stacking step to a size that can be inserted into the insertion port;
An insertion step of inserting the airbag compressed in the third accumulation step into the airbag storage portion through the insertion port;
5. A loose folding step of loosening the first stacking portion and the second stacking portion in the airbag storage portion by a reaction force of the folded airbag after the inserting step is provided. The airbag folding method according to one. Folded into a state of being provided with a plurality of first integration parts and a plurality of second integration parts that are integrated toward a predetermined point and that are each expanded to the outer peripheral side along the radial direction by introduction of gas,
The first stacking unit is folded in a wave shape along a fold line along a predetermined direction,
The second stacking unit is folded in a wave shape at a fold line along a predetermined direction, and is further folded in a wave shape at a fold line in a direction intersecting the fold line,
Wherein the first integrated part, the air bag, characterized in that bulges are pushed along the radial direction in Rukoto is pressed the outer peripheral side by these second stacking unit when folding the second stacking unit in a wave . The airbag according to claim 6, wherein a deployment portion along the outer peripheral portion of the folded airbag is provided at a distal end portion on the outer peripheral side of the first stacking portion. An airbag storage section for storing the folded airbag, and a cover body that communicates with the airbag storage section and includes an insertion port having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the airbag storage;
An airbag device comprising: the airbag according to claim 6 or 7 inserted into the airbag storage portion via the insertion port.

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