JP3689319B2

JP3689319B2 - Airbag folding device and airbag folding method

Info

Publication number: JP3689319B2
Application number: JP2000205504A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 智司山田
Original assignee: Nihon Plast Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nihon Plast Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-07-06
Filing date: 2000-07-06
Publication date: 2005-08-31
Anticipated expiration: 2020-07-06
Also published as: JP2002019561A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば、助手席乗員用のエアバッグの折畳装置及びエアバッグの折畳方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、例えば、自動車の助手席前方のインスツルメントパネル内に設けられ、自動車の衝突時にエアバッグを膨張展開させて助手席の乗員を保護する助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置（アシストエアバッグ）が用いられている。そして、このエアバッグ装置に用いられるエアバッグは、非展開時には、小さく折り畳まれて所定の形状の収納部に収納されている。そして、このエアバッグの折り畳み作業は、従来、手作業により行われていた。
【０００３】
この点、例えば、特開平１１−１２９８４７号公報に示されるように、袋状のエアバッグを平板状に折り畳むいわゆる縦折り工程を行った後、さらに波状に折り畳むいわゆる横折り工程を行って、エアバッグを所定の形状に折り畳むエアバッグの折畳装置が知られている。そして、この特開平１１−１２９８４７号公報記載の構成では、縦折り工程は、空気給排気手段によりエアバッグを膨らませ、次いで、伸縮自在なテンションバーをエアバッグ内に垂下して揺動を阻止する。次いで、相対向して進退しまた平行移動する中央プレート及び側方プレートを有する縦方向折畳み機構を用い、まず、中央プレートを前進させ、次いで、側方プレートを前進させ、さらに、側方プレートを中央プレート側に平行移動させる。次いで、各プレートを後退させるとともに、空気給排気手段によりエアバッグ内の空気を吸引排気する。次いで、加圧ローラにより、エアバッグの両側面をプレスし、縦折り作業を完了している。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記特開平１１−１２９８４７号公報記載の構成では、縦折りが完了するまでに順次多数の工程を経る必要があり、折り畳み時間が長くなるとともに、折り畳み装置も大型化し、制御も複雑になり、製造コストの低減が困難になる問題を有している。
【０００５】
本発明は、このような点に鑑みなされたもので、作業時間を短縮できるエアバッグの折畳装置及びエアバッグの折畳方法を提供することを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、開口部からガスが流入して膨張展開する袋状のエアバッグを折り畳むエアバッグの折畳装置であって、前記エアバッグを前記開口部を基端とする細長平板状に折り畳む一次折ユニットを具備し、この一次折ユニットは、前記エアバッグが配置される配置空間と、前記エアバッグを展開状態として前記配置空間に保持する展開手段と、それぞれ前記エアバッグの開口部近傍に設定された回動軸を基点として回動する対をなす側部規制面を備え、前記配置空間に配置されたエアバッグを挟んで開閉可能な側部規制機構と、前記側部規制機構に連動し、前記側部規制面の回動方向に略沿った方向に移動するとともにこの回動方向と交差する方向に進退して前記配置空間側に相対向して突出しながら、扇状に開いた状態から前記側部規制面の回動方向に略沿った互いに接近する方向に回動して集まる複数の前後折畳板を備えた前後規制機構とを具備したものである。
【０００７】
そして、この構成では、展開手段によりエアバッグを展開させ配置空間に配置した状態で、側部規制機構の側部規制面で挟み込むとともに、連動して前後規制機構の前後折畳板をエアバッグ側に突出させることにより、エアバッグを細長平板状に折り畳む一次折工程が短時間で正確に可能になる。また、一次折工程の後、エアバッグは自動機あるいは手作業などによりさらに折り畳まれ、容器に収容される。そして、このエアバッグに開口部からガスを供給することにより、エアバッグが円滑に展開する。
【０００８】
請求項２記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、請求項１記載のエアバッグの折畳装置において、側部規制機構は、エアバッグの基布を保持する保持手段を備えたものである。
【０００９】
そして、この構成では、エアバッグが容易に確実に位置決めされ、折畳工程が安定する。
【００１０】
請求項３記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、請求項１または２記載のエアバッグの折畳装置において、前後規制機構は、エアバッグを挟んでそれぞれ複数配置された前後折畳板を備え、これら前後折畳板は、側部規制機構に連動し、側部規制面の回動方向と交差する方向に進退して配置空間側に相対向して突出するとともに、前記側部規制面の回動方向に略沿った互いに接近する方向に移動するものである。
【００１１】
そして、この構成では、展開手段によりエアバッグを展開させ配置空間に配置した状態で、側部規制機構の側部規制面で挟み込むとともに、前後規制機構の前後折畳板をエアバッグ側に突出させると同時に側部規制面に連動して移動させることにより、エアバッグの基布に加わる応力を抑制しつつ、エアバッグを細長平板状に折り畳む一次折工程が短時間で正確に可能になる。
【００１２】
請求項４記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、請求項１ないし３いずれか記載のエアバッグの折畳装置において、エアバッグを収縮させる収縮手段を備えたものである。
【００１３】
そして、この構成では、一次折工程の最終段階例えば側部規制機構及び前後規制機構の動作完了時にエアバッグを収縮させることにより、この一次折工程に続く工程での折畳作業が容易に正確になる。
【００１４】
請求項５記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、請求項１ないし４いずれか記載のエアバッグの折畳装置において、一次折ユニットにより細長平板状に折り畳まれたエアバッグをこのエアバッグを収容する容器に挿入可能な形状に折り畳む二次折ユニットを備えたものである。
【００１５】
そして、この構成では、エアバッグがこのエアバッグを収容する容器に挿入可能な形状に容易に折り畳まれる。
【００１６】
請求項６記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、請求項５記載のエアバッグの折畳装置において、二次折ユニットは、側部規制機構に支持され側部規制面から突出可能に設けられた折畳片を備えたものである。
【００１７】
そして、この構成では、一次折工程に続いて迅速に二次折工程が可能になり、作業時間の短縮が可能になるとともに、折畳装置の構成が簡略化され、製造コストが低減される。
【００１８】
請求項７記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、請求項５または６記載のエアバッグの折畳装置において、折畳片は、両側の側部規制面側にそれぞれ複数設けられ、両側に位置する折畳片が互いに接近すると同時に、各側に位置する折畳片が互いに接近してエアバッグをジャバラ状に折り畳むものである。
【００１９】
そして、この構成では、エアバッグの基布に加わる応力を抑制しつつ、エアバッグをジャバラ状に折り畳む二次折工程が短時間で正確に可能になる。
【００２０】
請求項８記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、請求項７記載のエアバッグの折畳装置において、各側の折畳片は、リンク機構により連動して駆動されるものである。
【００２１】
そして、この構成では、複雑な制御の必要がなく、構造を簡略化して製造コストが低減される。
【００２２】
請求項９記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、請求項５ないし８いずれか記載のエアバッグの折畳装置において、二次折ユニットにより折り畳まれたエアバッグの形状を保持する保持手段を備えたものである。
【００２３】
そして、この構成では、所望の形状に折り畳んだエアバッグについて、保持手段により折畳が解除されないように保持され、取り出しなどの作業が容易になり、作業性が向上して製造コストが低減する。
【００２４】
請求項１０記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、ガスが流入して膨張展開する袋状のエアバッグをこのエアバッグを収容する容器の形状に合わせて折り畳むエアバッグの折畳方法であって、前記エアバッグを細長平板状に折り畳む一次折工程と、この一次折工程で折り畳まれた前記エアバッグをさらに折り畳む二次折工程とを備え、前記一次折工程は、エアバッグを展開した状態とする展開工程と、展開した状態の前記エアバッグを押圧用治具の前記エアバッグの開口部近傍に設定された回動軸を基点として回動する対をなす側部規制面で相反する所定方向から挟み込みながら、前記所定方向と交差する相反する方向からそれぞれ挿入治具を前記エアバッグに押し当てるとともに、前記押圧用治具に連動してこれら挿入治具を互いに接近する前記押圧用治具の回動方向に略沿った方向に回動させる一次折本体工程とを備えたものである。
【００２５】
そして、この構成では、エアバッグを展開させた状態で、押圧用治具でエアバッグを相反する所定方向から挟み込みながら、この所定方向と交差する相反する方向から挿入治具をエアバッグに押し当て押圧用治具に連動してこれら挿入治具を互いに移動させることにより、エアバッグを細長平板状に折り畳む一次折工程が短時間で正確に可能になる。
【００２６】
請求項１１記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、請求項１０記載のエアバッグの折畳方法において、一次折本体工程は、展開した状態のエアバッグを押圧用治具で相反する所定方向から挟み込みながら、前記所定方向と交差する相反する方向からそれぞれ複数の挿入治具を前記エアバッグに押し当てるとともに、前記押圧用治具に連動してこれら挿入治具を互いに接近させるものである。
【００２７】
そして、この構成では、エアバッグを展開させた状態で、押圧用治具でエアバッグを相反する所定方向から挟み込みながら、この所定方向と交差する相反する方向からそれぞれ複数の挿入治具をエアバッグに押し当て押圧用治具に連動してこれら挿入治具を互いに接近させることにより、エアバッグを細長平板状に折り畳む一次折工程が短時間で正確に可能になる。
【００２８】
請求項１２記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、請求項１０または１１記載のエアバッグの折畳方法において、二次折工程は、各押圧用治具にそれぞれ複数支持した折畳片をリンク機構により連動して移動させ、一次折工程で細長平板状に折り畳まれたエアバッグをジャバラ状に折り畳むものである。
【００２９】
そして、この構成では、一次折工程に続いて迅速に二次折工程が可能になり、作業時間の短縮が可能になるとともに、装置の構成が簡略化され、製造コストが低減可能になる。エアバッグの基布に加わる応力を抑制しつつ、エアバッグをジャバラ状に折り畳む二次折工程が短時間で正確に可能になる。
【００３０】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明のエアバッグの折畳装置の一実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
【００３１】
図１ないし図４において、１は折畳装置で、この折畳装置１は、アシストエアバッグ折り畳み自動装置、あるいは全ジャバラ方式自動折り畳み装置などとも呼び得るもので、アシストエアバッグ、すなわち、自動車の助手席前方のインスツルメントパネル内に設けられ、自動車の衝突時にエアバッグを膨張展開させて助手席の乗員を保護する助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置のエアバッグ２を、図５に示す容器としてのリテーナ３の収納部４内に収納可能に折り畳む装置を構成している。
【００３２】
また、この折畳装置１により折り畳まれるエアバッグ２は、複数枚の基布を縫い合わせ、ガスが流入するインフレータ取付口である矩形状などの開口部2aから被保護物である乗員に向かって拡開状に膨出する袋状に形成され、また、開口部2aから離間した位置に、図示しない円孔状の排気口が形成されている。
【００３３】
そして、折畳工程の概略は、図５(a)ないし(h)に示すように、リテーナ３の収納部４の幅寸法に合わせて細長平板状に折り畳む一次折工程と、図５(j)に示すように、ジャバラ状などに折り畳んで収納部４に収納可能な形状にする二次折工程とからなり、さらに、一次折工程は、セット工程、バッグ姿勢制御工程、一次折本体工程を有し、二次折工程は、二次折本体工程と、取り外し工程とを備えている。なお、図５において、(c)，(e)，(g)，(i)は、それぞれ(b)，(d)，(f)，(h)と同じ状態を他の視点から見た説明図である。
【００３４】
次に、折畳装置１の詳細を図面を参照して説明する。
【００３５】
まず、折畳装置１は、図１及び図２に示すように、上面を作業面（作業テーブル）11とした基台12を備え、作業面11の上側には、枠体14及び図示しない天板及び側板などに囲まれた作業空間17が設けられている。なお、以下、作業者の視点に合わせて、図中矢印Ａ方向を左右方向すなわち幅方向、矢印Ｂ方向を前後方向、矢印Ｃ方向を上下方向として説明する。そして、この作業空間17の手前側に設けられた開口部分18には、センサが備えられ、作業者が手を入れた際などに、装置の動作を停止させるようになっている。また、作業空間17の手前側に位置し、枠体14には操作パネル19が取り付けられ、複数のスイッチや表示装置を備えて操作及び表示を行うようになっている。さらに、基台12の下部には、図示しないフットスイッチが備えられている。
【００３６】
そして、作業空間17には、エアバッグ２を開口部2aを基端とする細長平板状に折り畳む一次折ユニット21と、この一次折ユニット21に支持されエアバッグ２をジャバラ状に折り畳む二次折ユニット22と、この二次折ユニット22でジャバラ状に折り畳んだエアバッグ２を保持して二次折ユニット22から取り出す保持手段としての保持ユニット23となどを備えている。
【００３７】
そして、一次折ユニット21には、作業面11の略中央部に位置し、エアバッグ２の開口部2aを装着可能な筒状のエアバッグ取付部25が設けられ、このエアバッグ取付部25には、図示しない配管を介して、収縮手段を兼ねた展開手段であるファン装置27が接続されている。そして、このファン装置27は、基台12内に設けられ、インバータに接続された３相２００Ｖのプレートファンで、最大風量６m^３/minのエアー供給装置を構成し、正方向に送風してエアバッグ２内を加圧して展開させ、逆方向に送風してエアバッグ２を収縮させるようになっている。なお、このファン装置27は、一方向のみに回転させ、配管を切り替えることによりエアバッグ２を展開あるいは収縮させることもできる。また、エアバッグ取付部25は、フットスイッチの操作によりエアバッグ２を開放すなわち取り外し可能になっている。
【００３８】
また、このエアバッグ取付部25の上側が、エアバッグ２が展開して配置される配置空間31となり、この配置空間31の両側部に、側部規制機構32が配置されている。すなわち、側部規制機構32は、両側一対の押圧用治具としての側部規制板(第１折畳板)33と、これら側部規制板33を駆動する駆動手段である両側駆動ユニット34とを備えている。そして、各側部規制板33は、第１折畳板あるいは左右規制板とも呼び得るもので、例えば厚さ2.0mmのステンレス製の矩形の板材からなり、互いに対向する内側面が側部規制面33aとなり、下端部が、エアバッグ取付部25の長手方向に沿った両側部に沿った回動軸33bに回動自在に支持されて回動可能になっている。さらに、各側部規制板33には、上下方向すなわち長手方向に沿って長孔である２条の案内溝部33cが形成されているとともに、側部規制面33aには、保持手段である吸着パッド33dが複数、本実施の形態ではエアバッグ２の基布が当接する４カ所に取り付けられ、エアバッグ２の基布を真空吸引して位置規制可能になっている。
【００３９】
また、配置空間31の前後側には、前後規制機構35が備えられている。そして、前後規制機構35は、配置空間31の手前側に位置する前部規制部36及び奥側に位置する後部規制部37とを備え、各規制部36，37は、ほぼ同様の構成となっている。すなわち、各規制部36，37は、待避位置Ｄと折畳位置Ｅとの間で移動するスライド台41を備えたスライドユニット42を備え、各スライド台41に、それぞれ挿入治具としての３枚の板状の前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cと、これらを駆動する駆動手段である前後駆動ユニット36d，36e，36f，37d，37e，37fとを備えている。そして、各前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cは、配置空間31である内側の片部の中央部が内側に突出する例えば厚さ2.0mmのステンレス製の略五角形の板状で、中央に位置する前後折畳板36b，37bが、ロボットアーム状の前後駆動ユニット36d，37dに連結して支持されるとともに、両側に位置する前後折畳板36a，36c，37a，37cは、中央に位置する前後折畳板36b，37bに前後駆動ユニット36e，36f，37e，37fにより互いに連結されている。そして、各前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cは、下端部に設けた仮想的なあるいはボールジョイントによる支点44を中心に、前後方向に回動するとともに、前面視で互いに扇状に開いた状態から、中央の前後折畳板36b，37bを中心に集まって垂直状になる状態まで両側方向に回動するようになっている。
【００４０】
一方、二次折ユニット22は、各側部規制板33の外面側すなわち側部規制面33aの反体側の面にそれぞれ取り付けられた左右のユニット51，52を備え、各ユニット51，52は、案内枠54に案内されるパンタグラフ状のリンク機構55と、このリンク機構55を駆動する駆動手段である前進シリンダ56と、リンク機構55に取り付けられた複数の折畳片58とを備えている。そして、各折畳片58は、各側部規制板33に対して垂直に、すなわち、互いに平行な状態を保って支持され、前進シリンダ56を駆動してリンク機構55を下側に向かって縮小させるのに伴い、各折畳片58が互いに接近すると同時に、溝部33cを介して各側部規制板33の側部規制面33aから配置空間31側に突出するようになっている。
【００４１】
さらに、保持ユニット23は、後側のスライドユニット42の第２のスライド台61を備え、折畳位置Ｅと同じ作業位置と第２の待避位置Ｆとの間を移動する。そして、この保持ユニット23は、クランプ部63と、このクランプ部63を上下前後及び回転方向に駆動する駆動手段であるクランプ駆動シリンダ64とを備えている。
【００４２】
なお、各駆動手段は、エアシリンダ、電動モータなどにより構成させている。
【００４３】
また、図示しないが、装置の全体を制御するシーケンサなどの制御手段を備えている。
【００４４】
次に、図面を参照して、エアバッグ２の折畳工程を説明する。なお、図６ないし図１３において、それぞれ(a)は正面視、(b)は平面視、(c)は側面視の状態を示している。
【００４５】
まず、初期状態では、折畳装置は、図２に示すように、一次折ユニット21の側部規制機構32の各側部規制板33は両側に開いた状態、前後規制機構35の各規制部36，37は待避位置Ｄに位置し、また、二次折ユニット22のリンク機構55は伸長し、折畳片58は互いに離間しかつ側部規制面33aより後退して位置し、また、保持ユニット23のクランプ部63は待避位置Ｆに位置している。
【００４６】
そして、一次折工程のセット工程は、位置決めの準備をするもので、図１、図５(a)、及び図６に示すように、作業者はエアバッグ２の開口部2aをエアバッグ取付部25に装着し、操作パネル19のスタートボタンを押動する。
【００４７】
すると、ファン装置27は正方向に送風し、開口部2aからエアバッグ２内にエアーを供給し、エアバッグ２を展開形状に一旦膨らませる。また、前後規制機構35の各規制部36，37は、図１の矢印Ｇに示すように折畳位置Ｅに移動する。
【００４８】
次いで、一次折工程のバッグ姿勢制御工程は、図１及び図７に示すように、エアバッグ２内をエアーで加圧しながら、前後左右の規制板33，33，36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cを駆動してエアバッグ２の位置決めを完了するもので、例えば、各規制板33，33，36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cは、プラスマイナス１°以内の停止精度で制御され、回動軸33b及び支点44を中心として円弧運動させる。すなわち、側部規制機構32の各側部規制板33，33を所定の位置まで回動して、側部規制面33aをエアバッグ２の基布に当接し、吸着パッド33dを作動させて基布を所定の位置に規制する。また、各側部規制板33，33は、折られる谷のライン上に位置させる。
【００４９】
次いで、一次折工程の一次折本体工程は、図７ないし図８に示すように、エアバッグ２内のエアー加圧量を減少させつつ、前後左右の規制板33，33，36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cを前進させる。すなわち、ファン装置27によるエアー供給量をインバータ装置で制御しつつ、各側部規制板33，33と前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cとを同期して前進移動させ、エアバッグ２を折り畳んでいく。この時、前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cは、各前後駆動ユニット36d，36e，36f，37d，37e，37fが連動し、前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cは互いに接近しながら前進する、すなわち、両側に位置する前後折畳板36a，36c，37a，37cは、中央に位置する前後折畳板36b，37b側に移動するため、エアバッグ２と摺接せず、エアバッグ２の基布に加わる力を抑制できる。
【００５０】
なお、中央に位置する前後折畳板36b，37bは、両側に位置する前後折畳板36a，36c，37a，37cよりも突出寸法が大きく、かつ、互いに位置をずらして重なるように突出することにより、エアバッグ２が整然と折り畳まれる。
【００５１】
そして、図３及び図９に示すように、前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cが前進端に移動した時点で、ファン装置27装置を逆転させ、あるいは配管の接続を切り替えてエアバッグ取付部25をファン装置27装置の吸い込み口に接続して、エアバッグ２内を減圧させる。
【００５２】
さらに、図１０に示すように、前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cについて、互いに平行な状態のまま後退させてエアバッグ２から抜き出し、次いで、前後規制機構35の各規制部36，37を待避位置Ｄに移動させて、一次折工程が完了する。すなわち、この状態で、エアバッグ２は、リテーナ３に収納可能な幅寸法の細長平板状すなわち短冊状に折り畳まれる。例えば、この幅寸法Ｗ1は、２００mmである。
【００５３】
また、前後規制機構35の各規制部36，37を待避位置Ｄに移動させる際、同時に、保持ユニット23のクランプ部63を作業位置に移動させる。
【００５４】
次いで、二次折工程の二次折本体工程に入り、図４及び図１１に示すように、二次折ユニット22の各前進シリンダ56を駆動して、パンタグラフ状のリンク機構55を下方に収縮させる。すると、リンク機構55に支持された各折畳片58は、エアバッグ２側に前進し、溝部33cを介して側部規制面33aから突出しながら上下方向に等間隔に縮み、エアバッグ２をジャバラ状に折り畳んでいく。この時、各折畳片58は、互いに接近しながら前進するため、エアバッグ２と摺接せず、エアバッグ２の基布に加わる力を抑制できる。
【００５５】
そして、図１２に示すように、各折畳片58が前進端に移動した時点で、すなわち、二次折り終了後に、折り畳んだエアバッグ２の中央部付近を上下からクランプ部63でクランプ(把持)し、形状を保持しつつ、各側部規制板33，33を後退させ、エアバッグ２から各折畳片58を抜き取る。
【００５６】
そして、二次折工程の取り外し工程は、図１３に示すように、作業者がフットスイッチを操作などすることにより、クランプ部63を開放するとともに、エアバッグ取付部25のロックを開放して、作業者がエアバッグ２を二次折ユニット22から取り外して次工程へ移載可能とする。
【００５７】
そして、このように折り畳まれたエアバッグ２は、図５(j)及び(k)に示す挿入工程のように、平面の両側方向の幅寸法Ｗ2は５０mm、片側に９山のジャバラ状になり、２７０°回転して、リテーナ３の収納部４内に収納される。
【００５８】
あるいは、エアバッグ取付部25のロックを開放するとともに、クランプ部63で把持したまま移載し、リテーナ３に挿入することもできる。
【００５９】
このように、本実施の形態によれば、助手席乗員用のエアバッグ２を、一次折り（縦折り）と二次折り（ジャバラ折り）工程を経て全ジャバラ方式で自動で折り畳むことができる。
【００６０】
そして、一次折工程及び二次折工程のいずれについても、折畳用の板状の治具は、エアバッグ２側に前進すると同時に互いに間隔を小さくする様に移動する一工程の作業としたため、エアバッグ２に大きな力を加えることなく、きれいに折り畳むことができ、加えて、作業時間を短縮して作業工程のサイクルを短縮できる。
【００６１】
特に、一次折工程については、展開状態のエアバッグ２を、側部規制板33，33を円弧状に回動させてエアバッグ２をはさみ状に挟んで位置規制すると同時に、前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cを円弧状に回動させながら同期して前進させることにより、４方向から中心に向かって同時に折り畳み、エアバッグ２に大きな力を加えることなく、短冊状に短時間に正確に折り畳みできる。
【００６２】
また、側部規制板33，33は、吸着パッド33dでエアバッグ２の基布を位置決めするため、折り畳み時のエアバッグ２の位置をさらに安定させ、短時間に正確に折り畳みできる。
【００６３】
さらに、一次折工程の完了時、すなわち、各側部規制板33，33と前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cとが前進限に達した時点で、エアバッグ２内部の気体を強制的に排気することにより、二次折工程でのしわの発生を抑制し、容易に整然と折畳できる。
【００６４】
また、二次折ユニット22は、一次折ユニット21の側部規制板33の後側に配置したため、一次折工程の完了時に、二次折ユニット22が二次折工程のジャバラ状の折畳を開始する位置に自動的に移動し、折畳の作業時間を短縮できる。
【００６５】
さらに、二次折ユニット22は、パンタグラフ状のリンク機構55で各折畳片58を駆動するため、構造を簡略化でき、また、制御も簡略化でき、折畳装置１の製造コストを低減できる。
【００６６】
また、折り畳んだエアバッグ２を保持する保持ユニット23を設けたため、二次折ユニット22によりジャバラ状に折り畳んだエアバッグ２の形状を保持して取り出すことができる。
【００６７】
なお、上記の実施の形態では、一次折ユニット21の前後規制機構35の前部規制部36及び後部規制部37について、それぞれ３枚の前後折畳板36a，36b，36c，37a，37b，37cと、これらを駆動する前後駆動ユニット36d，36e，36f，37d，37e，37fとを備えたが、このような構成に限られるものではなく、例えば、前後折畳板は、２枚あるいは４枚以上とし、また、前部規制部36と後部規制部37とで枚数を異ならせることもできる。また、これら前後折畳板を駆動する駆動手段に付いても、例えば、パンタグラフ状のリンク機構で連結して駆動しても良く、あるいは、各前後折畳板についてそれぞれロボットアーム状の駆動手段で別個に駆動することもできる。
【００６８】
さらに、一次折ユニット21の前後規制機構35の前部規制部36及び後部規制部37について、複数ではなくそれぞれ単一の前後折畳板を備えることもできる。この構成では、前後に対向する前後折畳板について、若干幅方向に位置をずらして配置し、前後方向に沿って重なるように移動させるとともに幅方向に沿って互いに接近する方向に移動させることができ、あるいは、幅方向には移動させずに前後方向に沿ってのみ移動させることもできる。
【００６９】
また、上記の実施の形態では、助手席乗員用のエアバッグについて説明したが、ステアリングホイールに備えられる運転者用のエアバッグ装置、座席横などに備えられるエアバッグ装置、座席の背部に備えられる後席用のエアバッグ装置、その他、自動車以外に備えられる被保護物を保護するエアバッグ装置などのエアバッグに適用でき、特に、立体的な形状をなすエアバッグの折畳作業に有効に適用できる。
【００７０】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載のエアバッグの折畳装置によれば、展開手段によりエアバッグを展開させ配置空間に配置した状態で、側部規制機構の側部規制面で挟み込むとともに、連動して前後規制機構の前後折畳板をエアバッグ側に突出させることにより、エアバッグを細長平板状に折り畳む一次折工程を短時間で正確にできる。そして、このエアバッグに開口部からガスを供給することにより、エアバッグを円滑に展開できる。
【００７１】
請求項２記載のエアバッグの折畳装置によれば、請求項１記載の効果に加え、側部規制機構に、エアバッグの基布を保持する保持手段を備えたため、エアバッグを容易に確実に位置決めでき、折畳工程を安定させることができる。
【００７２】
請求項３記載のエアバッグの折畳装置によれば、請求項１または２記載の効果に加え、展開手段によりエアバッグを展開させ配置空間に配置した状態で、側部規制機構の側部規制面で挟み込むとともに、前後規制機構の前後折畳板をエアバッグ側に突出させると同時に側部規制面に連動して移動させることにより、エアバッグの基布に加わる応力を抑制しつつ、エアバッグを細長平板状に折り畳む一次折工程を短時間で正確にできる。
【００７３】
請求項４記載のエアバッグの折畳装置によれば、請求項１ないし３いずれか記載の効果に加え、一次折工程の最終段階例えば側部規制機構及び前後規制機構の動作完了時にエアバッグを収縮させることにより、この一次折工程に続く工程での折畳作業を容易に正確にできる。
【００７４】
請求項５記載のエアバッグの折畳装置によれば、請求項１ないし４いずれか記載の効果に加え、一次折ユニットにより細長平板状に折り畳まれたエアバッグをこのエアバッグを収容する容器に挿入可能な形状に折り畳む二次折ユニットを備えることにより、エアバッグを容器に挿入可能な形状に容易に折り畳みできる。
【００７５】
請求項６記載のエアバッグの折畳装置によれば、請求項５記載の効果に加え、二次折ユニットに、側部規制機構に支持され側部規制面から突出可能に設けられた折畳片を備えたため、一次折工程に続いて迅速に二次折工程が可能になり、作業時間を短縮できるとともに、折畳装置の構成を簡略化でき、製造コストを低減できる。
【００７６】
請求項７記載のエアバッグの折畳装置によれば、請求項５または６記載の効果に加え、折畳片を両側の側部規制面側にそれぞれ複数設け、両側に位置する折畳片が互いに接近すると同時に、各側に位置する折畳片を互いに接近させてエアバッグをジャバラ状に折り畳むことにより、エアバッグの基布に加わる応力を抑制しつつ、エアバッグをジャバラ状に折り畳む二次折工程を短時間で正確にできる。
【００７７】
請求項８記載のエアバッグの折畳装置によれば、請求項７記載の効果に加え、各側の折畳片をリンク機構により連動して駆動することにより、複雑な制御の必要がなく、構造を簡略化して製造コストを低減できる。
【００７８】
請求項９記載のエアバッグの折畳装置によれば、請求項５ないし８いずれか記載の効果に加え、二次折ユニットにより折り畳まれたエアバッグの形状を保持する保持手段を備えることにより、所望の形状に折り畳んだエアバッグについて、保持手段により折畳が解除されないように保持し、取り出しなどの作業を容易にでき、作業性を向上して製造コストを低減できる。
【００７９】
請求項１０記載のエアバッグの折畳方法によれば、エアバッグを展開させた状態で、押圧用治具でエアバッグを相反する所定方向から挟み込みながら、この所定方向と交差する相反する方向から挿入治具をエアバッグに押し当て押圧用治具に連動してこれら挿入治具を互いに移動させることにより、エアバッグを細長平板状に折り畳む一次折工程を短時間で正確にできる。
【００８０】
請求項１１記載のエアバッグの折畳方法によれば、請求項１０記載の効果に加え、エアバッグを展開させた状態で、押圧用治具でエアバッグを相反する所定方向から挟み込みながら、この所定方向と交差する相反する方向からそれぞれ複数の挿入治具をエアバッグに押し当て押圧用治具に連動してこれら挿入治具を互いに接近させることにより、エアバッグを細長平板状に折り畳む一次折工程を短時間で正確にできる。
【００８１】
請求項１２記載のエアバッグの折畳方法によれば、請求項１０または１１記載の効果に加え、二次折工程は、各押圧用治具にそれぞれ複数支持した折畳片をリンク機構により連動して移動させ、一次折工程で細長平板状に折り畳まれたエアバッグをジャバラ状に折り畳むことにより、一次折工程に続いて迅速に二次折工程が可能になり、作業時間を短縮できるとともに、装置の構成を簡略化でき、製造コストを低減できる。エアバッグの基布に加わる応力を抑制しつつ、エアバッグをジャバラ状に折り畳む二次折工程を短時間で正確にできる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のエアバッグの折畳装置の一実施の形態の一次折工程を示す斜視図である。
【図２】同上折畳装置の初期状態を示す一部を切り欠いた斜視図である。
【図３】同上折畳装置の一次折工程を示す斜視図である。
【図４】同上折畳装置の二次折工程を示す斜視図である。
【図５】同上エアバッグの折畳工程の概略を示す説明図である。
【図６】同上エアバッグの折畳工程を示す説明図である。
【図７】同上エアバッグの図６に続く折畳工程を示す説明図である。
【図８】同上エアバッグの図７に続く折畳工程を示す説明図である。
【図９】同上エアバッグの図８に続く折畳工程を示す説明図である。
【図１０】同上エアバッグの図９に続く折畳工程を示す説明図である。
【図１１】同上エアバッグの図１０に続く折畳工程を示す説明図である。
【図１２】同上エアバッグの図１１に続く折畳工程を示す説明図である。
【図１３】同上エアバッグの図１２に続く折畳工程を示す説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１折畳装置
２エアバッグ
2a 開口部
21 一次折ユニット
22 二次折ユニット
23 保持手段としての保持ユニット
27 収縮手段を兼ねた展開手段であるファン装置
31 配置空間
32 側部規制機構
33 押圧用治具としての側部規制板
33a 側部規制面
33d 保持手段としての吸着パッド
35 前後規制機構
36a，36b，36c 前後折畳板
55 リンク機構
58 折畳片[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an airbag folding device and an airbag folding method for a passenger in a passenger seat, for example.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, an airbag device for an occupant in a passenger seat (assist airbag) that is provided in an instrument panel in front of the passenger seat of an automobile and protects the passenger in the passenger seat by inflating and deploying the airbag in the event of a car collision Is used. And the airbag used for this airbag apparatus is folded small and accommodated in the storage part of the predetermined shape at the time of non-deployment. The airbag folding operation has been conventionally performed manually.
[0003]
In this regard, for example, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-129847, after performing a so-called vertical folding process of folding a bag-like airbag into a flat plate shape, a so-called lateral folding process of further folding it into a wave shape is performed. There is known an airbag folding device that folds a bag into a predetermined shape. In the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-129847, in the longitudinal folding process, the airbag is inflated by the air supply / exhaust means, and then the telescopic tension bar is suspended in the airbag to prevent swinging. . Then, using a longitudinal folding mechanism having a center plate and a side plate that move forward and backward and translate in opposition to each other, first the center plate is advanced, then the side plate is advanced, and the side plate is Translate to the center plate. Next, the plates are moved backward, and the air in the airbag is sucked and exhausted by the air supply / exhaust means. Next, both side surfaces of the airbag are pressed by a pressure roller to complete the vertical folding operation.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the configuration described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-129847, it is necessary to go through a number of steps in order until the vertical folding is completed, and the folding time becomes long, the folding device becomes large, and the control becomes complicated. There is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the manufacturing cost.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to provide an airbag folding device and an airbag folding method that can reduce the working time.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The airbag folding device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag folding device is configured to fold a bag-like airbag that inflates and expands when gas flows in from the opening, and the airbag is based on the opening. It comprises a primary folding unit that folds into an elongated flat plate shape as an end, and this primary folding unit includes an arrangement space in which the airbag is arranged, and a deployment means that holds the airbag in the deployment space in an deployed state, respectively. A side regulation mechanism that includes a pair of side regulation surfaces that pivot about a pivot axis that is set in the vicinity of the opening of the airbag and that can be opened and closed with the airbag arranged in the arrangement space interposed therebetween; In conjunction with the side part regulating mechanism, the side part regulating surface moves in a direction substantially along the rotational direction of the side part regulating surface, and advances and retreats in a direction intersecting the rotational direction to project opposite to the arrangement space side. While rotating in the direction of approaching each other along the rotation direction of the side regulating surface from the fan-shaped open state And a front / rear restricting mechanism having a plurality of front / rear folding plates.
[0007]
In this configuration, the airbag is deployed by the deployment means and disposed in the arrangement space, and is sandwiched between the side regulation surfaces of the side regulation mechanism, and the front and rear folding plates of the front and rear regulation mechanism are interlocked with the airbag side. Thus, the primary folding process of folding the airbag into an elongated flat plate shape can be accurately performed in a short time. In addition, after the primary folding step, the airbag is further folded by an automatic machine or manually, and accommodated in a container. Then, by supplying gas to the airbag from the opening, the airbag is smoothly deployed.
[0008]
The airbag folding device according to claim 2 is the airbag folding device according to claim 1, wherein the side regulating mechanism includes a holding means for holding a base fabric of the airbag.
[0009]
And in this structure, an airbag is positioned easily and reliably and a folding process is stabilized.
[0010]
The airbag folding device according to claim 3 is the airbag folding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front-rear restricting mechanism includes a plurality of front-rear folding plates respectively disposed across the airbag, These front and rear folding plates are interlocked with the side portion regulating mechanism, move forward and backward in a direction crossing the rotation direction of the side portion regulating surface, protrude opposite to the arrangement space side, and rotate the side portion regulating surface. They move in directions close to each other along the moving direction.
[0011]
In this configuration, the airbag is deployed by the deployment means and disposed in the arrangement space, and is sandwiched between the side regulation surfaces of the side regulation mechanism, and the front and rear folding plates of the front and rear regulation mechanism are projected to the airbag side. At the same time, the first folding step of folding the airbag into an elongated flat plate shape can be accurately performed in a short time while suppressing the stress applied to the airbag fabric by moving in conjunction with the side regulating surface.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the airbag folding apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a contracting means for contracting the airbag.
[0013]
In this configuration, the folding operation in the process following the primary folding process can be performed easily and accurately by deflating the airbag when the operation of the side regulating mechanism and the front / rear regulating mechanism is completed. Become.
[0014]
The airbag folding device according to claim 5 is the airbag folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the airbag is accommodated in an elongated flat plate shape by a primary folding unit. A secondary folding unit that folds into a shape that can be inserted into a container is provided.
[0015]
And in this structure, an airbag is easily folded by the shape which can be inserted in the container which accommodates this airbag.
[0016]
The airbag folding device according to claim 6 is the airbag folding device according to claim 5, wherein the secondary folding unit is supported by the side portion regulating mechanism and protruded from the side portion regulating surface. It is equipped with folding pieces.
[0017]
In this configuration, the secondary folding step can be performed quickly following the primary folding step, the working time can be shortened, the configuration of the folding device is simplified, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.
[0018]
The airbag folding device according to claim 7 is the airbag folding device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a plurality of folding pieces are respectively provided on the side regulation surfaces on both sides and located on both sides. At the same time as the folding pieces approach each other, the folding pieces located on each side approach each other and fold the airbag in a bellows shape.
[0019]
And in this structure, the secondary folding process which folds an airbag in the shape of a bellows can be correctly performed in a short time, suppressing the stress added to the base fabric of an airbag.
[0020]
The airbag folding apparatus according to an eighth aspect is the airbag folding apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the folding pieces on each side are driven in conjunction with each other by a link mechanism.
[0021]
This configuration eliminates the need for complicated control, simplifies the structure, and reduces manufacturing costs.
[0022]
The airbag folding device according to claim 9 is the airbag folding device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising holding means for holding the shape of the airbag folded by the secondary folding unit. Is.
[0023]
In this configuration, the airbag folded into a desired shape is held by the holding means so that the folding is not released, and operations such as taking out are facilitated, workability is improved, and manufacturing cost is reduced.
[0024]
The method for folding an airbag according to claim 10 is a method for folding an airbag in which a bag-like airbag that is inflated and deployed by inflow of gas is folded according to the shape of a container that accommodates the airbag. A primary folding step of folding the airbag into an elongated flat plate; and a secondary folding step of further folding the airbag folded in the primary folding step, wherein the primary folding step is a state in which the airbag is deployed. A deployment step and a jig for pressing the airbag in a deployed state Side regulating surfaces that form a pair that pivots around a pivot shaft that is set in the vicinity of the opening of the airbag The insertion jig is pressed against the airbag from opposite directions crossing the predetermined direction while being sandwiched from predetermined directions opposite to each other, and the insertion jigs are connected to each other in conjunction with the pressing jig. Rotate in a direction substantially along the direction of rotation of the pressing jig approaching And a primary folding main body process.
[0025]
In this configuration, with the airbag deployed, the insertion jig is pressed against the airbag from the opposite direction intersecting the predetermined direction while the airbag is sandwiched from the opposite direction by the pressing jig. By moving these insertion jigs in conjunction with the pressing jig, the primary folding process for folding the airbag into an elongated flat plate shape can be accurately performed in a short time.
[0026]
The airbag folding method according to claim 11 is the airbag folding method according to claim 10, wherein the primary folding main body step sandwiches the airbag in a deployed state from a predetermined direction opposite to each other by a pressing jig. However, a plurality of insertion jigs are pressed against the airbag from opposite directions crossing the predetermined direction, and the insertion jigs are moved closer to each other in conjunction with the pressing jig.
[0027]
In this configuration, while the airbag is deployed, a plurality of insertion jigs are respectively inserted from the opposite directions intersecting the predetermined direction while the airbag is sandwiched from the predetermined direction by the pressing jig. The primary folding step of folding the airbag into an elongated flat plate shape can be accurately performed in a short time by bringing the insertion jigs close to each other in conjunction with the pressing jig.
[0028]
The airbag folding method according to claim 12 is the airbag folding method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the secondary folding step includes a plurality of folding pieces supported by each pressing jig. The airbag is moved in conjunction with each other, and the airbag folded into an elongated flat plate shape in the primary folding process is folded into a bellows shape.
[0029]
In this configuration, the secondary folding process can be performed quickly following the primary folding process, the working time can be shortened, the configuration of the apparatus is simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The secondary folding process for folding the airbag into a bellows shape can be accurately performed in a short time while suppressing the stress applied to the base fabric of the airbag.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an airbag folding device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
1 to 4, reference numeral 1 denotes a folding device. The folding device 1 can also be called an assist airbag folding automatic device or an all-bellows type automatic folding device. The airbag 2 of the airbag device for the passenger in the passenger seat, which is provided in the instrument panel in front of the passenger seat and protects the passenger in the passenger seat by inflating and deploying the airbag in the event of a car collision, is shown in FIG. The apparatus is constructed so that it can be stored in the storage section 4 of the retainer 3.
[0032]
In addition, the airbag 2 folded by the folding device 1 sews a plurality of base fabrics, and expands toward a passenger as a protected object from an opening 2a such as a rectangular shape that is an inflator mounting port through which gas flows. A circular bag-like exhaust port (not shown) is formed at a position spaced from the opening 2a.
[0033]
The outline of the folding process is as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (h), a primary folding process in which the folding part is folded into an elongated flat plate in accordance with the width dimension of the storage portion 4 of the retainer 3, and FIG. 5 (j). As shown in Fig. 4, the folding process includes a secondary folding process that can be folded into a bellows shape or the like so that it can be stored in the storage unit 4, and the primary folding process includes a setting process, a bag posture control process, and a primary folding body process. The secondary folding process includes a secondary folding main body process and a removing process. In FIG. 5, (c), (e), (g), and (i) are explanations from the same viewpoint as (b), (d), (f), and (h), respectively. FIG.
[0034]
Next, details of the folding device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0035]
First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the folding device 1 includes a base 12 having an upper surface as a work surface (work table) 11, and a frame body 14 and a ceiling (not shown) are provided above the work surface 11. A work space 17 surrounded by a plate and a side plate is provided. In the following description, the arrow A direction in the figure is the left-right direction, that is, the width direction, the arrow B direction is the front-rear direction, and the arrow C direction is the vertical direction according to the viewpoint of the operator. The opening 18 provided on the front side of the work space 17 is provided with a sensor so that the operation of the apparatus is stopped when the operator puts his hand. In addition, an operation panel 19 is attached to the frame body 14 and is located on the near side of the work space 17, and is provided with a plurality of switches and display devices for operation and display. Furthermore, a foot switch (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the base 12.
[0036]
In the working space 17, a primary folding unit 21 that folds the airbag 2 into an elongated flat plate shape having the opening 2a as a base end, and a secondary folding unit that is supported by the primary folding unit 21 and folds the airbag 2 in a bellows shape. A unit 22 and a holding unit 23 as holding means for holding the airbag 2 folded in a bellows shape by the secondary folding unit 22 and taking it out from the secondary folding unit 22 are provided.
[0037]
The primary folding unit 21 is provided with a cylindrical airbag mounting portion 25 that is located substantially at the center of the work surface 11 and can be fitted with the opening 2a of the airbag 2. Is connected to a fan device 27, which is a developing means that also serves as a contracting means, via a pipe (not shown). This fan device 27 is a three-phase 200V plate fan provided in the base 12 and connected to an inverter, and has a maximum air volume of 6 m. ³ An air supply device of / min is configured, and air is blown in the forward direction to pressurize and expand the inside of the airbag 2, and air is blown in the opposite direction to contract the airbag 2. The fan device 27 can be rotated in only one direction, and the airbag 2 can be expanded or contracted by switching the piping. Further, the airbag attaching portion 25 can open or remove the airbag 2 by operating a foot switch.
[0038]
Further, the upper side of the airbag mounting portion 25 is an arrangement space 31 in which the airbag 2 is deployed and arranged, and side portion regulating mechanisms 32 are arranged on both sides of the arrangement space 31. That is, the side portion regulating mechanism 32 includes a side portion regulating plate (first folding plate) 33 as a pair of pressing jigs on both sides, and a both side drive unit 34 that is a driving means for driving these side portion regulating plates 33. It has. Each side regulating plate 33 can also be called a first folding plate or a left and right regulating plate, and is made of, for example, a rectangular plate made of stainless steel having a thickness of 2.0 mm. 33a, and a lower end portion is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 33b along both side portions along the longitudinal direction of the airbag attachment portion 25 so as to be rotatable. Further, each side regulating plate 33 is formed with two guide grooves 33c which are elongated holes in the vertical direction, that is, the longitudinal direction, and the side regulating surface 33a has a suction pad as a holding means. In this embodiment, a plurality of 33d are attached to the four places where the base fabric of the airbag 2 abuts, and the base fabric of the airbag 2 can be vacuum-sucked to control the position.
[0039]
A front-rear restricting mechanism 35 is provided on the front and rear sides of the arrangement space 31. The front / rear restricting mechanism 35 includes a front restricting portion 36 located on the front side of the arrangement space 31 and a rear restricting portion 37 located on the back side, and the restricting portions 36 and 37 have substantially the same configuration. ing. That is, each regulation part 36 and 37 is provided with the slide unit 42 provided with the slide base 41 which moves between the retracted position D and the folding position E, and each of the slide bases 41 includes three pieces as insertion jigs. Plate-like front and rear folding plates 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, and 37c, and front and rear drive units 36d, 36e, 36f, 37d, 37e, and 37f that are driving means for driving them. Each of the front and rear folding plates 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, and 37c is a substantially pentagonal plate made of stainless steel having a thickness of 2.0 mm, for example, in which the central portion of the inner piece that is the arrangement space 31 protrudes inward. The front and rear folding plates 36b and 37b located in the center are connected to and supported by the robot arm-like front and rear driving units 36d and 37d, and the front and rear folding plates 36a, 36c, 37a and 37c are located on both sides. Are connected to the front and rear folding plates 36b and 37b located at the center by front and rear drive units 36e, 36f, 37e, and 37f. Each of the front and rear folding plates 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, 37c rotates in the front-rear direction around a virtual or ball joint fulcrum 44 provided at the lower end, and is mutually viewed in front view. From the fan-shaped open state, it rotates in both directions from the central front and rear folding plates 36b and 37b to the vertical state.
[0040]
On the other hand, the secondary folding unit 22 includes left and right units 51, 52 attached to the outer surface side of each side regulating plate 33, that is, the opposite side surface of the side regulating surface 33a. A pantograph-like link mechanism 55 guided by the guide frame 54, a forward moving cylinder 56 that is a driving means for driving the link mechanism 55, and a plurality of folding pieces 58 attached to the link mechanism 55 are provided. Each folding piece 58 is supported perpendicularly to each side regulating plate 33, that is, while being maintained in parallel with each other, and drives the forward cylinder 56 to reduce the link mechanism 55 downward. Accordingly, the folding pieces 58 approach each other, and at the same time, project from the side regulating surface 33a of each side regulating plate 33 toward the arrangement space 31 via the groove 33c.
[0041]
Furthermore, the holding unit 23 includes a second slide base 61 of the rear slide unit 42 and moves between the same working position as the folding position E and the second retracted position F. The holding unit 23 includes a clamp part 63 and a clamp drive cylinder 64 which is a drive means for driving the clamp part 63 in the up and down direction and the rotation direction.
[0042]
Each driving means is constituted by an air cylinder, an electric motor or the like.
[0043]
Further, although not shown, a control means such as a sequencer for controlling the entire apparatus is provided.
[0044]
Next, the folding process of the airbag 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. 6 to 13, (a) shows a front view, (b) shows a plan view, and (c) shows a side view.
[0045]
First, in the initial state, as shown in FIG. 2, the folding device is in a state where each side regulating plate 33 of the side regulating mechanism 32 of the primary folding unit 21 is opened on both sides, and each regulating part of the front and rear regulating mechanism 35. 36 and 37 are located in the retreat position D, the link mechanism 55 of the secondary folding unit 22 is extended, the folding piece 58 is separated from each other and is retracted from the side regulating surface 33a, and is held. The clamp part 63 of the unit 23 is located at the retracted position F.
[0046]
The setting process of the primary folding process prepares for positioning. As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 (a), and FIG. 6, the operator sets the opening 2a of the airbag 2 to the airbag mounting portion. Attach to 25 and push the start button on the operation panel 19.
[0047]
Then, the fan device 27 blows in the forward direction, supplies air into the airbag 2 from the opening 2a, and temporarily inflates the airbag 2 into a deployed shape. Further, the restricting portions 36 and 37 of the front-rear restricting mechanism 35 move to the folding position E as indicated by an arrow G in FIG.
[0048]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the bag orientation control process of the primary folding process is performed by pressurizing the inside of the airbag 2 with air while restricting the front and rear, right and left regulating plates 33, 33, 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b and 37c are driven to complete positioning of the airbag 2. For example, the regulation plates 33, 33, 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, and 37c are controlled with a stop accuracy within ± 1 °. Then, the arc is moved around the rotation shaft 33b and the fulcrum 44. That is, the side regulating plates 33, 33 of the side regulating mechanism 32 are rotated to a predetermined position, the side regulating surface 33a is brought into contact with the base fabric of the airbag 2, and the suction pad 33d is operated to operate the base. Regulate the cloth in place. Moreover, each side part control board 33 and 33 is located on the line of the trough folded.
[0049]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, the primary folding main body process of the primary folding process reduces the amount of air pressurization in the airbag 2 and reduces the front, rear, left and right regulating plates 33, 33, 36 a, 36 b, 36 c. , 37a, 37b, 37c are advanced. That is, while controlling the air supply amount by the fan device 27 with the inverter device, the side regulating plates 33, 33 and the front and rear folding plates 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, 37c are moved forward in synchronization, The airbag 2 is folded. At this time, the front / rear folding plates 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, 37c are linked to the front / rear drive units 36d, 36e, 36f, 37d, 37e, 37f, and the front / rear folding plates 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a , 37b, 37c move forward while approaching each other. That is, the front and rear folding plates 36a, 36c, 37a, 37c move to the front and rear folding plates 36b, 37b, so 2 and the force applied to the base fabric of the airbag 2 can be suppressed.
[0050]
The front and rear folding plates 36b and 37b located at the center have a larger projecting dimension than the front and rear folding plates 36a, 36c, 37a and 37c located on both sides, and protrude so as to overlap with each other. Thus, the airbag 2 is folded in an orderly manner.
[0051]
3 and 9, when the front and rear folding plates 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, 37c move to the forward end, the fan device 27 is reversed or the connection of the pipes is switched. Then, the airbag attachment portion 25 is connected to the suction port of the fan device 27 to reduce the pressure inside the airbag 2.
[0052]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the front and rear folding plates 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, and 37c are retracted while being parallel to each other and are extracted from the airbag 2, and then each regulation of the front and rear regulation mechanism 35 is performed. The parts 36 and 37 are moved to the retreat position D, and the primary folding process is completed. That is, in this state, the airbag 2 is folded into an elongated flat plate shape having a width dimension that can be stored in the retainer 3, that is, a strip shape. For example, the width dimension W1 is 200 mm.
[0053]
Further, when the restricting portions 36 and 37 of the front and rear restricting mechanism 35 are moved to the retracted position D, the clamp portion 63 of the holding unit 23 is simultaneously moved to the working position.
[0054]
Next, the secondary folding main body process of the secondary folding process is started, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, each forward cylinder 56 of the secondary folding unit 22 is driven to contract the pantograph-like link mechanism 55 downward. Let Then, each folding piece 58 supported by the link mechanism 55 advances to the airbag 2 side, shrinks at equal intervals in the vertical direction while projecting from the side portion regulating surface 33a via the groove portion 33c, and the airbag 2 is bellows. Fold in shape. At this time, since each folding piece 58 moves forward while approaching each other, it does not slide on the airbag 2 and can suppress the force applied to the base fabric of the airbag 2.
[0055]
Then, as shown in FIG. 12, when each folding piece 58 moves to the forward end, that is, after the completion of the secondary folding, the vicinity of the center portion of the folded airbag 2 is clamped (gripped) by the clamp portion 63 from above and below. The side regulating plates 33 and 33 are retracted while maintaining the shape, and the folding pieces 58 are removed from the airbag 2.
[0056]
And, as shown in FIG. 13, the removal process of the secondary folding process opens the clamp part 63 and releases the lock of the airbag attaching part 25 by the operator operating the foot switch. The operator can remove the airbag 2 from the secondary folding unit 22 and transfer it to the next process.
[0057]
Then, the airbag 2 folded in this manner is shaped like a bellows with a width dimension W2 of 50 mm on both sides of the plane and 9 peaks on one side as in the insertion step shown in FIGS. 5 (j) and (k). It rotates 270 ° and is stored in the storage portion 4 of the retainer 3.
[0058]
Alternatively, the air bag mounting portion 25 can be unlocked, transferred while being held by the clamp portion 63, and inserted into the retainer 3.
[0059]
Thus, according to the present embodiment, the airbag 2 for the passenger on the passenger seat can be automatically folded by the all bellows system through the primary folding (vertical folding) and the secondary folding (bellows folding) process.
[0060]
And, for both the primary folding process and the secondary folding process, the folding plate-shaped jig is a one-step operation that moves to reduce the distance from each other at the same time as it advances to the airbag 2 side. The airbag 2 can be neatly folded without applying a large force. In addition, the working time can be shortened and the cycle of the working process can be shortened.
[0061]
In particular, in the primary folding process, the position of the deployed airbag 2 is regulated by rotating the side regulating plates 33, 33 in an arc shape and sandwiching the airbag 2 in a scissors shape, and at the same time, the front and rear folding plates 36a , 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, and 37c are rotated in an arc shape while being synchronously advanced, and simultaneously folded from four directions toward the center so that a large force is not applied to the airbag 2 to form a strip. Can be folded accurately in a short time.
[0062]
Moreover, since the side part restriction | limiting plates 33 and 33 position the base fabric of the airbag 2 with the suction pad 33d, the position of the airbag 2 at the time of folding is further stabilized, and it can fold correctly in a short time.
[0063]
Furthermore, when the primary folding process is completed, that is, when the side regulating plates 33, 33 and the front and rear folding plates 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, 37c reach the forward limit, By forcibly exhausting the gas, generation of wrinkles in the secondary folding process can be suppressed and folding can be easily and orderly.
[0064]
Further, since the secondary folding unit 22 is arranged behind the side regulating plate 33 of the primary folding unit 21, when the primary folding process is completed, the secondary folding unit 22 performs the bellows-like folding of the secondary folding process. It automatically moves to the starting position and can shorten the folding work time.
[0065]
Further, since the secondary folding unit 22 drives each folding piece 58 with the pantograph-like link mechanism 55, the structure can be simplified, the control can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the folding device 1 can be reduced. .
[0066]
Further, since the holding unit 23 for holding the folded airbag 2 is provided, the shape of the airbag 2 folded in a bellows shape can be held and taken out by the secondary folding unit 22.
[0067]
In the above embodiment, the front and rear restricting portions 36 and 37 of the front and rear restricting mechanism 35 of the primary folding unit 21 are each provided with three front and rear folding plates 36a, 36b, 36c, 37a, 37b, and 37c. And the front and rear drive units 36d, 36e, 36f, 37d, 37e, and 37f for driving them are not limited to this configuration. For example, the front and rear folding plates are two or four. In addition, the number of sheets can be made different between the front restricting portion 36 and the rear restricting portion 37. Also, the driving means for driving these front and rear folding plates may be driven by being connected by, for example, a pantograph-like link mechanism, or each front and rear folding plate may be driven by a robot arm-like driving means. It can also be driven separately.
[0068]
Furthermore, the front restriction part 36 and the rear restriction part 37 of the front / rear restricting mechanism 35 of the primary folding unit 21 may each be provided with a single front / rear folding plate instead of a plurality. In this configuration, the front and rear folding plates that are opposed to each other in the front-rear direction are arranged with a slight shift in the width direction, moved so as to overlap along the front-rear direction, and moved in a direction approaching each other along the width direction. Alternatively, it can be moved only along the front-rear direction without moving in the width direction.
[0069]
In the above embodiment, the airbag for the passenger on the passenger seat has been described. However, the airbag device for the driver provided on the steering wheel, the airbag device provided on the side of the seat, and the back of the seat are provided. Applicable to airbags such as airbag devices for rear seats, and other airbag devices that protect objects to be protected other than automobiles, especially for folding work of airbags that form three-dimensional shapes it can.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
According to the airbag folding device of claim 1, the airbag is deployed by the deployment means and is sandwiched between the side regulation surfaces of the side regulation mechanism in a state where the airbag is deployed, and the front and rear regulation mechanism is interlocked. By projecting the front and rear folding plates to the airbag side, the primary folding process for folding the airbag into an elongated flat plate shape can be accurately performed in a short time. The airbag can be smoothly deployed by supplying gas to the airbag from the opening.
[0071]
According to the airbag folding device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, since the side portion regulating mechanism includes the holding means for holding the base fabric of the airbag, the airbag can be easily and reliably secured. The folding process can be stabilized.
[0072]
According to the airbag folding device of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, in the state where the airbag is deployed by the deployment means and disposed in the arrangement space, the side regulation of the side regulation mechanism is performed. The front and rear folding plates of the front and rear restricting mechanism are protruded toward the airbag side and moved in conjunction with the side restricting surface while suppressing the stress applied to the base fabric of the airbag, and the airbag. Can be accurately performed in a short time.
[0073]
According to the airbag folding device of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to third aspects, the airbag is mounted at the final stage of the primary folding process, for example, when the operation of the side regulating mechanism and the front / rear regulating mechanism is completed. By contracting, the folding work in the process following the primary folding process can be easily and accurately performed.
[0074]
According to the airbag folding device of claim 5, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 4, an airbag folded into an elongated flat plate shape by a primary folding unit is used as a container for accommodating the airbag. By providing the secondary folding unit that folds into an insertable shape, the airbag can be easily folded into a shape that can be inserted into the container.
[0075]
According to the airbag folding device of claim 6, in addition to the effect of claim 5, the folding is provided in the secondary folding unit so as to be supported by the side regulating mechanism and protrude from the side regulating surface. Since the piece is provided, the secondary folding step can be performed quickly following the primary folding step, the working time can be shortened, the configuration of the folding device can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0076]
According to the airbag folding device of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect of the fifth or sixth aspect, a plurality of folding pieces are respectively provided on the side regulating surfaces on both sides, and the folding pieces located on both sides are provided. The secondary that folds the airbag in a bellows shape while suppressing the stress applied to the airbag fabric by folding the airbag in a bellows shape by bringing the folding pieces located on each side closer to each other at the same time The folding process can be accurately performed in a short time.
[0077]
According to the airbag folding device of claim 8, in addition to the effect of claim 7, by driving the folding pieces on each side in conjunction with the link mechanism, there is no need for complicated control, The manufacturing cost can be reduced by simplifying the structure.
[0078]
According to the airbag folding device of claim 9, in addition to the effect of any of claims 5 to 8, by comprising a holding means for holding the shape of the airbag folded by the secondary folding unit, The airbag folded into a desired shape can be held by the holding means so that the folding is not released, work such as taking out can be facilitated, workability can be improved, and manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0079]
According to the airbag folding method of claim 10, in a state in which the airbag is deployed, the airbag is sandwiched from a predetermined direction opposite to the pressing jig, and the opposite direction intersects with the predetermined direction. By pressing the insertion jig against the airbag and moving the insertion jigs in conjunction with the pressing jig, the primary folding process for folding the airbag into an elongated flat plate shape can be accurately performed in a short time.
[0080]
According to the airbag folding method of the eleventh aspect, in addition to the effect of the tenth aspect, in a state where the airbag is deployed, while pressing the airbag with a pressing jig from a predetermined direction, A primary fold that folds the airbag into an elongated flat plate by pressing a plurality of insertion jigs against the airbag from opposite directions intersecting with a predetermined direction and bringing the insertion jigs close to each other in conjunction with the pressing jig. The process can be accurately performed in a short time.
[0081]
According to the airbag folding method of claim 12, in addition to the effect of claim 10 or 11, in the secondary folding step, a plurality of folding pieces each supported by each pressing jig are linked by a link mechanism. And then folding the airbag folded into an elongated flat plate shape in the primary folding process into a bellows shape enables a secondary folding process quickly following the primary folding process, reducing work time, The configuration of the apparatus can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. While suppressing the stress applied to the base fabric of the airbag, the secondary folding process of folding the airbag in a bellows shape can be accurately performed in a short time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a primary folding process of an embodiment of an airbag folding apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view with a part cut away showing an initial state of the folding device.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a primary folding process of the folding device.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a secondary folding process of the folding device.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an outline of the airbag folding process.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the airbag folding process.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a folding step subsequent to FIG. 6 of the airbag.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a folding step subsequent to FIG. 7 of the airbag.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a folding step subsequent to FIG. 8 of the airbag.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a folding step subsequent to FIG. 9 of the airbag.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a folding step subsequent to FIG. 10 of the airbag.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a folding step subsequent to FIG. 11 of the airbag.
13 is an explanatory view showing a folding step subsequent to FIG. 12 of the airbag.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Folding device
2 Airbag
2a opening
21 Primary folding unit
22 Secondary folding unit
23 Holding unit as holding means
27 Fan device which is a deployment means that also serves as a contraction means
31 Placement space
32 Side regulation mechanism
33 Side restriction plate as a pressing jig
33a Side regulation
33d Suction pad as holding means
35 Front-rear regulation mechanism
36a, 36b, 36c Folding plate
55 Link mechanism
58 Folding pieces

Claims

An airbag folding device that folds a bag-shaped airbag that inflates and expands when gas flows in from an opening,
Comprising a primary folding unit that folds the airbag into an elongated flat plate having the opening as a base end;
This primary folding unit is
An arrangement space in which the airbag is arranged;
Deployment means for holding the airbag in the deployed space in a deployed state;
Side-side regulating mechanisms each having a pair of side-side regulating surfaces that pivot about a rotation axis set in the vicinity of the opening of the airbag and that can be opened and closed with the airbag arranged in the arrangement space interposed therebetween When,
In conjunction with the side part regulating mechanism, the side part regulating surface moves from a fan-shaped state while moving forward and backward in a direction crossing the rotation direction of the side part regulating surface and projecting opposite to the arrangement space side. An airbag folding device comprising: a front / rear restricting mechanism including a plurality of front / rear folding plates that are rotated and gathered in directions approaching each other substantially along the rotation direction .

The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the side regulating mechanism includes holding means for holding a base fabric of the airbag.

The front / rear restricting mechanism includes a plurality of front / rear folding plates arranged with the airbag interposed therebetween, and these front / rear folding plates are interlocked with the side restricting mechanism in a direction crossing the rotation direction of the side restricting surface. The airbag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the airbag moves forward and backward and protrudes opposite to the arrangement space side, and moves in a direction approaching each other substantially along a rotation direction of the side portion regulating surface. Folding device.

The airbag folding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a contracting unit configured to contract the airbag.

The air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a secondary folding unit that folds the airbag folded into an elongated flat plate shape by the primary folding unit into a shape that can be inserted into a container that accommodates the airbag. Bag folding device.

The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the secondary folding unit includes a folding piece supported by the side regulating mechanism and provided so as to protrude from the side regulating surface.

A plurality of folding pieces are provided on the side regulation surfaces on both sides, and at the same time the folding pieces located on both sides approach each other, the folding pieces located on each side approach each other to make the airbag bellows The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the airbag folding apparatus is folded.

The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the folding pieces on each side are driven in conjunction with each other by a link mechanism.

The airbag folding apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising holding means for holding the shape of the airbag folded by the secondary folding unit.

A method of folding an airbag in which a bag-like airbag that inflates and expands when gas flows in is adapted to the shape of a container that accommodates the airbag,
A primary folding step of folding the airbag into an elongated flat plate, and a secondary folding step of further folding the airbag folded in the primary folding step,
The primary folding step is
A deployment process for deploying the airbag;
While sandwiching the airbag in a deployed state from predetermined directions opposite to each other on a pair of side regulating surfaces that rotate around a rotation axis set near the opening of the airbag of the pressing jig, While pressing the insertion jig against the airbag from opposite directions crossing a predetermined direction, the insertion jig is moved substantially in the rotation direction of the pressing jig that approaches the pressing jig in conjunction with the pressing jig. A method for folding an airbag, comprising: a primary folding main body step for rotating in a direction along the direction .

In the primary folding main body process, while sandwiching the airbag in a deployed state from a predetermined direction opposite to the pressing jig, a plurality of insertion jigs are pressed against the airbag from opposite directions intersecting the predetermined direction. The airbag folding method according to claim 10, wherein the insertion jigs are moved closer to each other in conjunction with the pressing jig.

In the secondary folding process, the folding pieces supported by each pressing jig are moved together by a link mechanism, and the airbag folded in the shape of an elongated flat plate in the primary folding process is folded into a bellows shape. The method for folding an airbag according to claim 10 or 11.