JP5033028B2 - Method and apparatus for compressing inflatable airbag for automobile airbag module - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for compressing an inflatable airbag that is an airbag package that can be accommodated or accommodated in an automobile airbag module, and an apparatus for compressing the airbag.

  This type of airbag, which forms part of an airbag module, is filled with gas in the event of a collision by an inflation device (particularly a gas generator) assigned to the airbag and is therefore Is a packaged airbag envelope, which is then deployed, and in its inflated state, depending on whether the airbag module is installed in or on the vehicle, When possible, restraining means as a gas-filled cushion is formed to protect people outside the vehicle.

  When compressing an airbag to form a packaged airbag package (folding or gathering (brazing)), especially in the case of driver and front passenger airbags, In order to protect the vehicle occupant in the inflated state of the bag, it is necessary to form a gas-filled cushion as large as possible. On the other hand, in the compressed state, as much as possible to minimize the air bag housing space of the air bag module. It is required to form a small airbag envelope.

  In addition, this compression of the airbag forming the airbag wrap allows multiple airbags to be folded or formed to form the airbag wrap with as few folding devices as possible and in the least amount of time possible. In order to gather together, it is possible to form the airbag package with the smallest possible folding time (cycle time).

  For this purpose, DE 105 35 564 discloses that the airbag is folded between the upper and lower plates of the folding device and then centrally between the upper and lower plates to form an airbag envelope. It is disclosed that the airbags are gathered together by means for sliding them. This “folding by gathering” is characterized in that the period (one cycle time) is short, and at the same time, the reproducibility of the deployment operation during the inflation of the airbag package is high.

  The present invention is based on providing an additional apparatus and method for the type of the type mentioned at the outset, whereby in a airbag of an automotive airbag module, a small airbag package can be used simultaneously with the compression operation. As molded, it is possible to compress in as short a cycle time as possible.

  With regard to this method, this problem is solved by the invention according to the features of claim 1.

  In the present invention, in order to compress the airbag, a folding housing body having at least one open cover surface is provided, and air is passed through the open cover surface (also referred to as “open cover body” that is allowed to open). The bag is accommodated and from there the airbag is again expelled through the open cover surface substantially under pressure, and when the airbag is expelled from the folding container, the support (the "support" supporting both ends of the arch) The air bag is compressed in this case.

  According to the solution of the present invention, a simple structure composed essentially of a folding container for receiving an airbag, a means for storing an airbag, and a means for discharging the airbag from the folding container. The use of the folding device is advantageous because it enables the formation of small airbag packages (folded and packaged airbags) from the airbag in a short cycle time.

  Both the storing of the airbag in the folding container and the discharging of the airbag from the folding container occur under pressure effects.

  The folding container is, for example, in the form of an annular cross-section, so that when the airbag is accommodated, it engages around the airbag, and more particularly (but not necessarily) the boundary wall that is annularly closed. An annular engagement is possible around the bag.

  For this purpose, the foldable container can be configured as an annular part that extends along the long axis (or also referred to as the vertical axis) in which the airbag is stored and discharged.

  The airbag can be accommodated in the folding container and discharged from the folding container in a simple manner through the same open cover surface, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The bag may be accommodated and discharged through another open cover surface (on the end side) of the folded container.

  The support part that is pressed when the airbag is discharged from the folding container is a part of the airbag that intersects the direction in which the airbag is pressed by the support part during the discharge of the airbag from the folding container. It is advantageously accommodated in the folding receptacle so that the expansion is limited by the side walls of the folding receptacle. In other words, since the support portion is disposed closer to the open cover surface of the folding container from which the airbag is discharged, when the airbag is pressed against the support portion, The airbag is still substantially located in the folding housing.

  In particular, the support portion is configured by using a modular (integrated) module housing in which an airbag to be mounted on an automobile is housed. In this case, the airbag pressed against the support formed by the module housing (for air bag compression) is simultaneously packed into the module housing and therefore without further work steps, the module housing. Is integrated directly into the airbag module. In this case, the module container can already accommodate the gas generator, and the gas generator is provided to inflate the airbag, and the folding container is pressed when the airbag is discharged from the folding container. Is formed as appropriate.

  According to the improvement of the present invention, the airbag is fixed to the support part (particularly the module container) by the auxiliary region before being accommodated in the folding container so that the airbag is always connected to the support part by the partial auxiliary region. On the other hand, the remaining portion of the airbag is first accommodated in the folding container, and is then discharged again from the folding container by the subsequent compression, and is pressed against the support portion in this process.

  Furthermore, during the storage and discharge of the airbag, the support portion is folded with respect to the folded housing by the support portion, in particular, the free cover surface from which the airbag is housed and discharged is folded by the support portion. A seal portion (for example, in the form of a seal tube) that extends between the container and a support portion (covering the open cover surface of the foldable container) and is first supported on the foldable container and secondly on the support portion It is arranged so as to be surely sealed via the sealing portion).

  According to an improvement of the invention, the piston is movably arranged in the folding receptacle and is moved during the placement and / or discharge of the airbag, the piston being used for accommodating the airbag in the folding receptacle. The air bag is moved away from the cover surface that passes through the air bag while being accommodated in the folding container, and the air bag is discharged while the air bag is discharged from the folding container. Move toward the cover surface. It is preferable that both the accommodation of the airbag in the folding container and the discharge of the airbag from the folding container occur under pressure.

  In this case, in order to further discharge the airbag from the folding container, the piston presses the airbag through an open cover surface provided for this purpose, and against the support portion arranged on the back surface thereof. It is possible to act on the airbag to press the bag.

  A positive pressure that acts on the airbag and pushes the airbag into the foldable container and / or is generated in the foldable container in order to accommodate the airbag in the foldable container. It is possible to use negative pressure that sucks into the body. In this case, the positive pressure acting on the airbag can be used in particular so that the airbag is filled with gas (air) to increase its internal pressure, thereby spreading into the folding container, i.e. folding. Housed in a container.

  In order to discharge the airbag from the folding container, the airbag is emptied again by the gas from the pump, and in order to accommodate the discharged airbag in the folding container again, for example, suction is performed.

  Furthermore, in order to discharge the airbag from the folding container, a positive pressure can be generated in the folding container, and for this purpose, a positive pressure for pushing the airbag out of the folding container through the open cover surface. This pressure also acts on a piston that is movably disposed in the folding housing, and this piston instead exerts a pressure in the direction of the open cover surface on the airbag.

  During the storage and / or discharge of the airbag, at least one open cover surface of the folding container can be positively and / or negatively generated therein and closed, for example by a support and an associated seal. The

  For the generation of positive and / or negative pressure, at least one pressure generating device is provided, for example in the form of a pump, for example by a simple configuration in which only one pump is connected to the corresponding pressure circuit, Both positive and negative pressure can be generated.

  On the one hand, using only a single pump that generates both positive and negative pressure is particularly cost-effective and achieves a compact construction of the folding device, while on the other hand it generates both positive and negative pressure. Therefore, it is preferable to combine a vacuum pump and a pump that generates positive pressure, and only a single pump, if any, is used, especially if the folding device is operated with a differential pressure that is finally achieved. The In this case, if necessary, in order to supply positive pressure or negative pressure into the folding container or the folding airbag, a shared line of the vacuum pump on one side and the positive pressure generating pump on the other side can be used. This shared line is connected to one or another pump by a valve, respectively.

  A spacer (referred to as a “partition member” that divides the interior of the folding container) can be disposed in the folding space, the folding space is defined by the folding container, and the airbag is first accommodated in the folding space. In addition, after that, the airbag is discharged from the folding space, and the spacer can be used to press the airbag while the airbag is accommodated in the folding container. For this purpose, the spacer is arranged in a slidable state in the foldable container, in particular it can be moved along a predetermined axis, and the airbag can be accommodated along this axis. And discharge.

  In one aspect, the spacer acts on the airbag without entering the interior of the airbag that is filled with gas during inflation of the airbag. In particular, when the airbag to be compressed has an opening for filling the airbag with gas, and the airbag is inflated by the opening, the spacer is located away from the opening in the airbag, that is, opposite to the opening. Act on the side to the side.

  The effect achieved by this type of spacer is that only a single airbag layer is disposed on the gas generator in the (central) region of the folded airbag envelope. As a result, during the subsequent inflation of the airbag, the gas flowing out of the gas generator does not immediately collide with the complex folded envelope, but is simply pushed outward by the gas flow. It acts to collide with one airbag layer. As a result, the folded airbag follows the first layer (single airbag layer) during deployment to the outside, so that it is pulled out as a whole rather than being pushed out of the module housing. It is. Thereby, the inflation performance or the inflation mode of the airbag is improved.

  Since the spacer does not enter the inside of the airbag through the opening of the airbag, the spatial arrangement of the spacer in the folding space of the airbag is not limited, thereby optimizing the folding of the airbag. Therefore, the spatial arrangement of the spacers can be freely selected.

  When the support part is disposed behind the open cover surface of the folding container, the airbag is housed in the module container mounted on the automobile during pressing against the support part.

  For this purpose, the module housing is closed (for example by means in the form of a film) after the air bag is pushed in, so that the air bag remains in the module housing as an air bag wrapper. Before being mounted on the automobile together with the body, it does not expand out of the module housing. For this purpose, a closing element, for example in the form of a film, provided for closing the module housing is fixedly connected to the module housing by, for example, an adhesive material joint by means of adhesive bonding or welding.

  The closure of the module housing by the closure element is advantageous in that it takes place immediately after the airbag has been pushed into the module housing and during the separation of the module housing from the folding housing.

  In this case, the module housing is moved along the open cover surface (ie, substantially parallel to the open cover surface) in which the airbag is pushed out of the folding housing into the module housing. Is advantageous. And during the movement of the module container parallel to the open cover surface of the foldable container and moving away from the foldable container, the closing element in the form of a film, for example, during the operation of the module container among the module containers Each of the portions appearing adjacent to the side of the annular boundary wall of the folding container is continuously supplied one after another.

  An airbag compression device as described above is characterized by claim 40.

  The development of the folding device is clarified from the claims according to the invention.

  Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 1a and 1b show a folding device for folding an airbag for an automobile airbag module, which reduces the space used by the airbag package (folded and packaged airbag). Thus, the airbag can be compressed, and the airbag configured as a part of the downsized airbag module can be mounted on the automobile.

  The folding device includes a folding housing 1 as a plastic or glass folding tube (also referred to as a “tubular” or “tubular” member), and the folding housing 1 is a first lower opening cover. A boundary wall (partition) that extends between the surface 11 and the second upper closing cover surface 12 and divides the space F of the folding container 1 by encircling between the two cover surfaces 11, 12. Wall) 10.

  Similarly to the long axis (also referred to as the vertical axis) or the spacer 2 (referred to as a “partition member” that divides the interior of the folding container 1) that is movable along the R direction of the folding container 1. A piston 3 that is movable along the direction is disposed so as to be movable in the folding space F of the folding container 1, and the spacer 2 extends through the piston 3. The spacer 2 has a length along the R direction of the folding container 1, and the length substantially matches the length of the folding container 1 along the R direction. In the state of being completely arranged in the folding housing 1, the two end portions 21 and 22 are in direct proximity to one of the two cover surfaces 11 and 12 of the folding housing 1.

  The length of the spacer 2 shown in FIG. 1a, which generally matches the length of the folding container 1, is merely an example. The selection of the length of the spacer 2 suffices as long as the function described at the beginning for forming the airbag package is achieved, and during the formation of the airbag package, A region consisting of a single airbag layer is arranged on the outflow opening of a gas generator or a diffuser assigned to the gas generator. For this purpose, the spacer 2 can also be moved out of the folding housing 1 in the axial direction (direction R), if necessary. This is determined by the appropriate length of the spacer 2 which is determined according to the operating range along the R direction reached by the drive assigned to the spacer 2.

  As further shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, the spacer 2 passes through the passage 30 of the piston 3, and the spacer 2 is movable in the axial direction (R direction of the folding container 1) with respect to the piston 3. Is done.

  This folding device is further connected to the folding housing 1 and / or the compressed airbag, for example in the form of a vacuum pump 4 or pressure generation, via corresponding connection lines 41, 42 in the operating state. The folding housing 1 and / or the airbag is thus part of a pressure circuit that is capable of generating positive and / or negative pressure in the folding housing 1 and / or airbag. The energy supply to the pressure generator 4 takes place via a supply line 40 for this purpose.

  Depending on the magnitude of the positive and negative pressure generated in the pressure generating means 4, i.e., in particular by the function of the differential pressure between the generated positive pressure and the generated negative pressure, on the one hand the separation that generates the negative pressure On the other hand, it is possible to use a vacuum pump and, on the other hand, a positive pressure supply (air connection) for generating a positive pressure. In this case, it is possible to use a common connection line for the folding container 1 and / or the airbag for a plurality of pumps supplying positive and / or negative pressure, the connection line being connected via a valve. Connected to one or another pump respectively. The following pressure generator 4 is therefore taken as an example in each case consisting of one or a further pump.

  Behind the first lower open cover surface 11 of the folding container 1 (also referred to as “open cover body that is allowed to be opened”) is a module container 100 having a gas generator (expansion device) 200 as a gas generator. Arranged in a holder 7 (configured as a “holding body” to hold the airbag module housing), this module housing receives a compressed airbag to form an automotive airbag package. It fulfills its function and is installed in an automobile as an air bag module together with the gas generator 200 and the air bag accommodated therein.

  Furthermore, after the folded airbag bag body is pressed in the module housing body 100, devices (devices) 5 and 6 for closing the module housing body 100 surround the side surface of the folding housing body 10. Is disposed adjacent to. The structure and function of the device will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS.

  In order to compress the airbag G by the folding device shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, the airbag G is fixed to the module housing 100 by a holding region H as shown in FIG. 2, and the folding housing 1 is opened. It is introduced into a further area through the cover surface 11 into the folding space F of the folding container 1. Here, the spacer 2 is moved to a position where it does not act on the airbag G at first in the folding container 1.

  Further, the airbag G includes an opening O that can be filled with gas in the gas bag G. For example, the gas generator 200 or a part of the diffuser protrudes into the airbag G through the opening O.

  After the gas bag G is sufficiently introduced into the folding space F of the folding container 1 so that the gas bag G does not easily protrude, the holder 7 together with the module container 100 and the gas generator 200 has the folding container 1. The holder 7 and the module housing 100 are moved in close contact with the open cover surface 11, for example, between the boundary wall 10 of the folding housing 1 on the one hand and the holder 7 and the module housing 100 on the other hand. They are sealed to each other by a tubular seal portion extending therebetween. Therefore, at this time, the folding space F of the folding container 1 is also closed by the substantial gas seal structure on the open cover surface 11.

  On the other hand, in the closing cover 12 of the folding container 1, the opening that allows the spacer 2 to slide is sealed so as not to generate the same pressure as the surroundings.

  3 and 4, in the region of the folding space F on the airbag G, the airbag G is further folded by a pressure generator comprising at least one pump 4 having an associated pressure line 41. A negative pressure is drawn in. At the same time, the airbag G itself is gas-filled by the pressure generator 4 and the pressure line for this purpose, thus reinforcing the expansion of the airbag G into the folding space F of the folding container 1 in the airbag G. (Positive) pressure is generated.

  As a result, the piston 3 positioned on the airbag G is also moved in the direction of the upper closing cover surface 12 along the R1 direction parallel to the R direction of the folding container 1.

  At this time, according to FIGS. 4 and 5, the spacer 2 in the form of a slide member movable in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) is further opposite to the introduction direction of the airbag G in the folding space F of the folding container 1. The folding container 1 is moved along the direction R2 toward the open cover surface 11 (acts on a part of the airbag G that is separated from the opening O, or more specifically, a part that faces away from the opening O). The air bag G).

  The above-described operation of the spacer 2 presses the (central) region of the airbag G that is folded against the gas generator 200 provided in the module housing 100 in order to form an airbag package. A single airbag layer is disposed on the outflow opening of the gas generator 200, with the result that an improvement in the inflation performance or manner of the airbag G during gas filling from the gas generator 200 is achieved. .

  FIG. 5 shows the apparatus in a state where the airbag spreads so as to occupy substantially half of the folding space F in the folding container 1 and the airbag G is pressed by the spacer 2.

  After the airbag G shown in FIG. 5 is completely disposed in the folding container 1, the pressure direction in the pressure circuit (the direction in which the pressure acts by the pump) is applied to the pressure generator (at least one pump 4). Therefore, on the one hand, a positive pressure is generated in the folding space F located above the airbag G and the piston 3 in the folding container 1, and on the other hand, the gas introduced into the airbag G until then is pumped again. It is discharged by the action. Due to the action of positive pressure generated in the upper region of the foldable container 1, the piston 3 moves along the direction R2 toward the open cover surface 11 of the foldable container 1, and is disposed behind the cover surface. Inside the module housing 100 that forms a support portion (also referred to as “support portion” or “support stand” for supporting both ends of the arch) on which the airbag G is pressed by the operation of the piston 3 together with the holder 7 and the gas generator 200. The airbag G is pressed through the open cover surface 11.

  According to FIG. 7, the airbag G (in an empty state) is finally formed into a small airbag package compressed in the module housing 100. As a result, the generation of pressure (operation to apply pressure) is terminated, and the seal connection between the holder 7 and the module housing 100 on the one hand and the folding housing 1 on the other hand is removed.

  After that, the holder 7 is separated from the housing 1 by folding in parallel with the open cover surface 11 together with the module housing 100 housed together with the gas generator 200 and the compressed airbag G housed in the module housing. Specifically, it is moved along the direction D1 with respect to the direction of the closing devices 5 and 6 for closing the module housing 100.

  This device 5, 6 comprises a device 5 for using a closing element V in the form of a film that closes the module housing 100. The film-shaped closing element V is wound around the drum 50, and can be unwound from the drum 50 as the drum 50 rotates to close the module housing 100. For this purpose, the closure element V in the form of a film is such that the part of the closure element V in the form of a film which is directly adjacent to the module housing 100 is substantially flush with the first open cover surface 11. It is guided by a plurality of rollers 51 so as to extend.

  As a result, when the module housing 100 is moved in parallel with the open cover surface 11 so as to be separated from the folding housing 1 together with the holder 7, it is immediately guided along the lower part of the closing element V in the form of a film, “External ejection (external scattering)” of the airbag G from which the airbag G is ejected (sprayed) out of the module housing 100 is prevented. The unwinding of the film-shaped closing element V from the drum 50 occurs simultaneously with the operation of the holding device 7 that occurs with the module housing 100 along the open cover 11 of the folding housing 1, and during the operation of the holding device 7. A region of the module housing 100 adjacent to the side of the folding housing 1 is continuously covered with a closing element V in the form of a film.

  In order to fix the closure element V in the form of a film to the folding housing 1 (by close-contact material bonding), a laser 6 is used which welds the closure element V in the form of a film to the module housing 100 by laser irradiation L.

  FIG. 9 shows a module housing 100 closed by a film-shaped closing element V, together with a gas generator 200 disposed therein and an air bag G housed as an air bag envelope. The module housing in this state can be mounted on an automobile as a fully manufactured airbag module.

  In summary, in the above-described method, the airbag of the pre-assembled airbag module is designed to generate a negative pressure in the foldable container and at the same time by the pressure circuit incorporating the foldable container and the airbag. It is characterized by being drawn into the folding container in the form of a folding tube by the generation of positive pressure in the bag. Specifically, the pump sucks air out of the folding container so that negative pressure is generated in the folding container, and the pump draws the air into the airbag so that positive pressure is generated in the airbag. Pushing in and the positive pressure assists the operation of the airbag into the folding container 1.

  After the airbag is accommodated in the folded container, the spacer is driven so as to be pressed against the airbag as necessary, and then the pump flow direction in the pressure circuit is reversed, and the airbag is emptied. At the same time, air is introduced into the folding container to generate a positive pressure. This positive pressure pushes the empty airbag again through the open cover surface and pushes it out of the folding housing. Specifically, the module housing is disposed in the holding device (including the gas generator disposed therein). Acting on the piston pressing against the support formed by.

  After that, the pump operation is terminated, and the holding device is moved together with the module housing in parallel to the open cover surface of the folding housing so as to be separated from the folding housing. The module housing is ejected from the module housing. It is closed by a closing element in the form of a film to prevent it from doing so. In this process, fixing of the closure element in the form of a film to the module housing also occurs, for example by adhesive bonding or welding (in particular by a stationary laser without deflection of the laser beam).

  The folding device has a compact structure and is light in weight, and includes a step of pushing the airbag into a module housing (module housing), and is operated for compressing the airbag. All of the steps can be executed in a single device (apparatus). If necessary, a plurality of folding devices of this type can be operated simultaneously in production.

According to the present invention, “the method according to claim 8, wherein the airbag (G) is inflated in a direction in which the airbag (G) is pressed against the support portion (7, 100, 200) ( With regard to the direction intersecting with R2), a mode (mode 1) is conceived which is limited by the folding container (1).
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the aspect 1, wherein the airbag (G) is pushed into the support portion (7, 100, 200). A mode (mode 2) is conceived that includes a module housing (100), while the airbag is housed in the folding housing (1) and discharged therefrom.
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to aspect 2, wherein an inflating device (200) for inflating the airbag (G) is provided on the module housing (100). A mode (mode 3) is conceived.

Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and aspects 1 to 3, wherein the airbag (G) is configured to support the support portion (7) by an auxiliary region (H). , 100, 200), and a further region of the airbag (G) is housed in the folded housing (1) and drained again therefrom (mode) 4) is conceived.
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and aspects 1 to 4, wherein the support portion (7) is provided during the storage and discharge of the airbag (G). , 100, 200), the free cover surface (11) in which the airbag (G) is housed and discharged out of the folding housing (1) can be closed by the support portion (7, 100, 200). A mode (mode 5) of “a method characterized by being arranged with respect to the folding container (1)” is conceived.
Further, in the present invention, “in the method according to aspect 5 described above, by the seal portion (8) extending between the folding container (1) and the support portion (7, 100, 200), A mode (mode 6) is conceived, which is a method characterized in that the opening cover surface (11) is sealed.
Moreover, in this invention, it is the method in any one of Claims 1-8 and the said aspects 1-6, Comprising: Between the accommodation and discharge | emission of the said airbag (G), the said folding container ( A mode (mode 7) is conceivable, which is a method characterized in that the piston (3) movable in 1) is disposed in the folding housing (1).
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to the seventh aspect, wherein the piston (3) is disposed in the folding container while the airbag (G) is housed in the folding container (1). (1) Method of moving in a direction away from the cover surface (11) of (1), and the airbag (G) is accommodated in the folding container (1) through the cover surface. Aspect 8) is conceived.
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to the aspect 7 or 8, wherein the piston (3) is in the folded state during discharge of the airbag (G) from the folded housing (1). A mode of “a method in which the container (1) moves toward the cover surface (11) and the airbag (G) is discharged from the folding container (1) through the cover surface”. Aspect 9) is envisaged.
Moreover, in this invention, it is the method in any one of Claims 1-8 and the said aspects 1-9, Comprising: The said airbag (G) is the said folding container. (1) A method of being accommodated in the folding receptacle (1) by positive pressure pushing into the folding receptacle (1) and / or by negative pressure pulling the airbag (G) into the folding receptacle (1). The mode (mode 10) is conceived.

Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to aspect 10, wherein the airbag (G) is filled at least partially in order to increase an internal pressure during the accommodation in the folding container (1). A mode (mode 11) of “a method characterized in that is performed” is conceived.
Further, in the present invention, “in the method according to the aspect 10 or 11, wherein the airbag (G) is contained in the folding container (1) while the airbag (G) is contained in the folding container (1). A mode (mode 12) is conceived, which is a method characterized in that a negative pressure is generated that is drawn into a region where the negative pressure acts in the folding container (1).
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to the aspect 10 or the aspects 10 to 11 described above, wherein the airbag (G) is discharged during the discharge of the airbag (G) from the folding container (1). A mode (mode 13) ”is conceivable.
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to any one of the aspects 10 to 13, wherein a positive pressure is generated during the discharge of the airbag (G) from the folding container (1). Then, an embodiment (embodiment 14) is conceived in which the positive pressure pushes the airbag (G) out of the folding container (1) through the open cover surface (11).
Further, in the present invention, “the method according to any one of the aspects 7 to 9 and the aspect 14, wherein the positive pressure acts on the airbag (G) via the piston (3). A mode (mode 15) is conceived.
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the aspects 1 to 15, wherein the folding housing is accommodated during housing and / or discharging of the airbag (G). A mode (mode) characterized in that at least one cover surface (11) of the body (1) is closed, so that positive and / or negative pressure can be generated in the folding housing (1). 16) is conceived.
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the aspects 1 to 16, wherein at least one of the air bag (G) is contained and / or discharged. A conceivable embodiment (embodiment 17) is conceived, characterized in that the pressure generating device (4), in particular a device in the form of at least one pump, is used for generating positive and / or negative pressure.
Further, in the present invention, “the method according to the aspect 17, wherein the pressure generating device (4) is used for generating both positive pressure and negative pressure”. Aspect (Aspect 18) is conceived.
Further, in the present invention, “the method according to the aspect 17 or 18, wherein the pressure generating device (4) is a pressure in which the folding housing (1) and / or the airbag (G) are integrated. A circuit (4, 41, 42, 1, G) is defined, whereby a positive pressure and / or negative pressure can be generated. .
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and aspects 1 to 19, wherein the airbag (G) is defined by the folding housing (1) and can be accommodated. The folding space (F) is provided with a spacer (2), and the spacer is used for pressing the airbag (G) during compression of the airbag (G). A method (embodiment 20) is conceived.

Further, in the present invention, “the method according to the aspect 20, wherein the spacer (2) enters the inside of the airbag (G) that is filled with gas when the airbag (G) is inflated. A mode (mode 21) is conceived, which is a method characterized by acting on the airbag (G) without entering.
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to aspect 21, wherein the compressed airbag (G) includes an opening (O) for gas filling, whereby the airbag (G) is inflated. The spacer (2) acts on a portion of the airbag (G) that is separated from the opening (O), whereby the spacer (2) does not operate through the opening (O). A mode (mode 22) is conceived.
In the present invention, “the method according to the aspect 21 or 22, wherein the spacer (2) acts on a portion of the airbag (G) opposite to the opening (O). An aspect (aspect 23) of “a characteristic method” is conceived.
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to any one of the aspects 7 to 9 or the aspect 20 to 23, wherein the spacer (2) is a passage of the piston (3)”. A mode (mode 24) is conceivable, which is a method characterized in that it moves through (30) and is movable along the passage (30) with respect to the piston (3).
Further, in the present invention, “the method according to any one of the aspects 20 to 24, wherein the spacer (2) includes the support portion (7, 100, A mode (mode 25) is conceivable, which is a method characterized by being movably disposed in the folding container (1) so as to press the part with respect to 200).
Further, in the present invention, “the method according to the aspect 25, wherein the spacer (2) is configured such that the airbag (G) when the airbag (G) is accommodated in the folding container (1). The spacer (2) is moved in a predetermined direction, and the airbag (G) is discharged from the folding container (1) along the direction. Aspect (Aspect 26) is conceived.
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to any one of the above aspects 2 or 3 to 26 which refers to the above aspect 2 or the aspect 2, wherein the airbag (G) is a module mounted together with an automobile. A mode (mode 27) of “a method characterized by being pushed into the container (100)” is conceivable.
Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to aspect 27, wherein the module housing (100) is closed after the airbag (G) is pushed in, so that the airbag (G) A mode (mode 28) of “a method characterized by being held as an airbag package in the module housing (100)” is conceivable.
In the present invention, the method according to the aspect 28, wherein the module housing (100) is closed by a closing element (V) in the form of a film. Aspect 29) is envisaged.
In the present invention, “the method according to the aspect 28 or 29, wherein the closing element (V) used for closing the module housing (100) is the module housing (100). A mode (mode 30) of “a method characterized by being fixed to” is conceived.

Further, according to the present invention, “the method according to the aspect 30, wherein the closing element (V) is connected to the module housing (100) by adhesive material bonding. The mode (mode 31) is conceived.
Further, the present invention contemplates an embodiment (embodiment 32), which is “the method according to embodiment 31, wherein the connection is generated by adhesive bonding or welding”.
Moreover, in this invention, it is "the method in any one of the said aspects 3 to 32 which cites the said aspect 2 or the said aspect 2, Comprising: The said module container (100) is turned into an airbag package. A conceivable aspect (embodiment 33) is a method characterized by being closed while moving away from the folding container (1) together with the compressed airbag (G).
Further, in the present invention, “the method according to the aspect 33, wherein the module housing (100) is configured such that the airbag (G) is the module housing (100) of the folding housing (1). A mode (mode 34) is conceived, which is a method of moving away from the folding container (1) by an operation along the cover surface (11) pushed into the cover.
Further, according to the present invention, “in the method according to the above-described aspects 33 to 34, when the module container (100) moves away from the folding container (1), the module container (100 ) Is guided through a portion of the side boundary wall (10) of the folding container (1) so that the module container (100) is separated from the folding container (1). An embodiment (embodiment 35) is conceived, which is characterized in that, during the separating operation, the regions guided respectively through the lateral boundary wall (10) are closed.
Further, in the present invention, “the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the aspects 1 to 35, wherein the airbag (G) is discharged from the folding container (1). A mode (mode 36) characterized in that the airbag (G) is generated along a direction (R2) substantially opposite to a direction (R1) in which the airbag (G) is stored in the folding container (1). ) Is conceived.
Further, in the present invention, "the device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the pressure generating device (4) arbitrarily generates a positive pressure in the compressed airbag (G), In addition, a mode (mode 37) is conceived that is an “apparatus characterized in that it is provided to discharge the airbag (G) that receives a positive pressure.
Further, according to the present invention, “the apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12 and aspect 37, wherein the support portion (7, 100, 200) is configured such that the airbag (G) has the open cover surface. (Embodiment 38) characterized by comprising a module container (100) that can be pushed in when being discharged from the folding container (1) through (11). It is conceived.
Further, in the present invention, “the apparatus according to the aspect 38, including an apparatus for closing the module housing (100) after the airbag (G) is introduced”. Aspect (Aspect 39) is conceived.
Further, according to the present invention, “the apparatus according to the aspect 39, further comprising a device (5) for closing the module housing (100) by a closing element (V) in the form of a film. The mode (mode 40) is conceived.

Further, according to the present invention, “the apparatus according to the aspect 39 or 40, wherein the closing element (V) for closing the module housing (100) is fixed to the module housing (100). A mode (mode 41) of “a device characterized by comprising (6)” is conceived.
Further, according to the present invention, “the apparatus according to the aspect 41, the device (6) provided to fix the closing element (V) to the module housing (100) by adhesive material bonding. A mode (mode 42) of “an apparatus characterized by comprising the above” is conceived.
Further, in the present invention, an aspect of “the apparatus according to the aspect 41 or 42, wherein the device (6) for fixing the closing element (V) includes a laser” ( Aspect 43) is envisaged.
Further, according to the present invention, “the device according to any one of claims 9 to 12 and the aspects 37 to 43, wherein the piston (3) is movable in the folding housing (1). Is provided, and the piston moves in the folding container (1) during the storage and discharge of the airbag (G). ) Is conceived.
Further, according to the present invention, “the apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12 and aspects 37 to 44, wherein the airbag (G) is defined by the folding container (1) and can be accommodated. The device is characterized in that a spacer (2) is provided in the folding space (F), and the spacer (2) is used for pressing against the airbag (G). 45) is conceived.
Further, according to the present invention, “the apparatus according to the aspect 45, wherein the airbag (G) is configured such that the spacer (2) is filled with a gas when the airbag (G) is inflated. A mode (mode 46) is conceivable as an “apparatus characterized in that it is arranged in the folding device so as to act on the airbag (G) without entering the inside of the airbag (G).
Further, according to the present invention, “the device according to the aspect 44 to the aspect 45 or 46, wherein the spacer (2) moves through the passage (30) of the piston (3) and the piston (3 ) Is conceivable as a mode (mode 47) characterized by being configured to be movable along the passage (30).
Further, according to the present invention, “the apparatus according to any one of the aspects 45 to 47, wherein the spacer (2) is movably disposed in the folding housing (1). The aspect (aspect 48) of "the apparatus to perform" is considered.

FIG. 1A is a longitudinal sectional view of a folding device for compressing an airbag. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a folding container of the folding device in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the airbag to be folded is accommodated in the folding device of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the folding container in which the airbag is accommodated is sealed in the folding device of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the slide member is driven with respect to the airbag accommodated in the folding container in the folding device of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the airbag is finally accommodated in the folding container and the slide member is driven with respect to the airbag in the folding device of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the airbag is discharged from the folding container by the piston acting on the airbag in the folding device of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state after the airbag is pushed out into the module housing while being discharged from the folding housing in the folding device of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 8 is a view showing the operation of separating the module container in FIG. 7 from the folding container together with the closing of the module container that occurs at the same time. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the module housing closed by operating away from the folding housing in the airbag housing state.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Folding container 2 Spacer 3 Piston 4 (Vacuum) pumps 5 and 6 Closing device 7 Holder (holding device)
8 Seal portion 10 Boundary wall 11 Lower open cover surface 12 Upper closed cover surface 21, 22 End portion 30 Passage 41, 42 Connection line 50 Drum 51 Roller 100 Module container 200 Gas generator F Folding space G Air bag O Open V Close element

Claims (9)

In an airbag module in which an airbag is an airbag package, a method of compressing an airbag that is inflatable to protect a person,
a) a foldable container (1) having at least one open cover surface (11) and having an annular cross-sectional shape and accommodating the airbag (G) in the annular part;
b) the airbag (G) is accommodated in said annular portions of said folded container through the open cover surface (11) (1),
c) the airbag (G), said from the contained state in the annular portion of the folding container (1), wherein the folding container through the open cover surface by the pressure action (11) (1) Discharged to project outside the annular part ,
d) The airbag (G) is configured to compress the airbag (G) to form an airbag package upon discharge from the folding container (1). 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the support portion (7, 100, 200) disposed on the outer side of the annular portion (1) is opposed to the open cover surface (11). The method of claim 1, comprising:
A method characterized in that a folding tube extending along a predetermined direction (R) is used as the folding container (1). The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The airbag (G) is discharged from the folding container (1) through the same cover surface (11) that has been previously stored in the folding container (1). how to. A method according to claims 2 to 3, comprising
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the open cover surface (11) is provided at the end of a longitudinally extending folding container (1) configured as a folding tube. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:
The support portion (7, 100, 200) pressed when the airbag is discharged from the folding container (1) is configured such that the airbag (G) is pressed against the support portion, A method, characterized in that the airbag (G) is arranged with respect to the foldable container (1) such that lateral expansion of the airbag (G) is restricted. In an airbag module in which an airbag is an airbag package, a device for compressing an airbag that is inflatable to protect a person,
Folding accommodation which has at least one open cover surface (11), has an annular cross-sectional shape, can accommodate the airbag (G) in the annular portion, and can eject the airbag (G) Body (1),
The airbag (G) is accommodated in the annular part of the folding container (1 ) through the open cover surface (11) , and is accommodated in the annular part of the folding container (1). And at least one device (4) for discharging from the raised state through the open cover surface (11) by pressure action so as to protrude outside the annular portion of the folding container (1);
A support portion (7, 100, 200) disposed opposite to the open cover surface (11) on the outside of the annular portion of the folding container (1);
The airbag (G), when the discharge from the open cover surface the folding container through (11) (1), said support portion relative (7,100,200) is capable pressed, this An apparatus that is configured to be compressed to form an airbag envelope in the process. The apparatus according to claim 6, comprising:
The apparatus for storing and discharging the airbag (G) is constituted by at least one pressure generator (4). The apparatus according to claim 7, comprising:
The pressure generating device (4) is composed of one or more pumps for generating positive pressure and / or negative pressure. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, comprising:
The said pressure generation apparatus (4) is provided in order to generate | occur | produce arbitrarily a negative pressure and a positive pressure in the area | region of the said folding container (1).

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