JP2003182493A - Method and device for folding airbag - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for simply folding an airbag. <P>SOLUTION: An airbag 1 is held between a pair of forming plates 5 and 6 which are foldable in corrugation, the forming plates are squeezed to form a plurality of corrugated parts, and the airbag 1 is drawn out between the forming plates 5 and 6 in the direction along folds 8 to easily obtain the airbag 1 folded in corrugation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、自動車の衝突時に
乗員を保護するためのエアバッグに係り、簡便に且つコ
ンパクトに折り畳むことができるエアバッグの折畳方法
及び装置に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag for protecting an occupant in the event of an automobile collision, and more particularly to an airbag folding method and device which can be folded easily and compactly.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】近年、乗員保護用安全装置としてエアバ
ッグシステムが普及しており、運転席用から助手席用、
側突保護用、後部座席用と装着部位も増えている。特
に、側面衝突時の衝撃から乗員を保護するエアバッグ、
即ち側突保護用エアバッグは乗員に対する安全性を更に
高める手段として注目されている。2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, airbag systems have become widespread as safety devices for protecting passengers, from driver seats to passenger seats.
The number of mounting sites for side collision protection and rear seats is increasing. In particular, airbags that protect the occupant from the impact of a side collision,
That is, the side-impact protection airbag has been attracting attention as a means for further increasing the safety for passengers.

【０００３】しかし、側突保護用エアバッグは、乗員座
席と車体との狭い空間内で展開させるため、容量の小さ
なバッグで乗員を保護する必要があり、小さいながら
も、展開時に乗員の衝撃エネルギーを十分に吸収し且つ
乗員に当接して衝撃を与えないように配慮することが不
可欠であった。However, since the side collision protection airbag is deployed in a narrow space between the passenger seat and the vehicle body, it is necessary to protect the passenger with a small capacity bag. It was indispensable to fully absorb the vehicle and not to give a shock to the occupant.

【０００４】とりわけ、車体側面の窓部に沿って展開
し、窓部の全部または一部を覆うインフレータブルカー
テンの場合は、収納されるピラー部やルーフサイド部な
どの容積が極めて狭いため、折り畳んだバッグの容積、
断面積を更に小さくすることが求められ、展開時には極
めて短時間で展開することが必要となる。そのために、
通常、インフレータブルカーテン等に用いられるエアバ
ッグは、十分にコンパクな状態で折り畳まれて車体の狭
いスペース内に収納されている。In particular, in the case of an inflatable curtain which is expanded along the window on the side of the vehicle body and covers all or part of the window, the pillars and roof side portions to be housed are extremely small in volume, so that they are folded. Bag volume,
It is required to further reduce the cross-sectional area, and it is necessary to deploy in an extremely short time during deployment. for that reason,
Usually, an airbag used for an inflatable curtain or the like is folded in a sufficiently compact state and stored in a narrow space of a vehicle body.

【０００５】例えば、特開平１１−４３００４号公報に
は、山折り、谷折りを交互に繰り返して蛇腹折りするよ
うに、複数の折り板を有した一対の折り板群を使用し、
これら折り板群の各折り板を、谷折り側に順次配置さ
せ、折り板の先端で谷折りして蛇腹折りする方法が開示
されている。For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-43004 uses a pair of folding plates having a plurality of folding plates so that a mountain fold and a valley fold are alternately repeated to form a bellows.
A method is disclosed in which the respective folded plates of the folded plate group are sequentially arranged on the valley folding side, and valley-folded at the tip of the folded plate to perform bellows folding.

【０００６】また、特開平１０−２１８４８４号公報に
は、エアバッグを蛇腹折りにする折り機として、エアバ
ッグの谷折りの位置に、先端に挟持部を有する押え板群
を設け、押え板群を挟持しながらスライドさせてエアバ
ッグを折り畳む装置が提案されている。Further, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-218484, as a folding machine for folding an air bag into a bellows, a holding plate group having a holding portion at its tip is provided at the valley folding position of the airbag. A device has been proposed which folds an airbag by sandwiching and sliding it.

【０００７】[0007]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、このよ
うな従来の技術にあっては、いずれも複雑な工程の折畳
方法で且つ大掛かりな折畳装置を必要としていた。その
ため、折畳作業の複雑化による作業能率の低下や、折畳
装置の大型化による保守管理の負担増加を招いていた。However, in each of the above conventional techniques, a folding method with complicated steps and a large-scale folding device is required. Therefore, the work efficiency is lowered due to the complicated folding work, and the burden of maintenance management is increased due to the increase in size of the folding device.

【０００８】この発明は、このような従来の技術に着目
してなされたものであり、エアバッグの簡便な折畳方法
及び装置を提供するものである。The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a conventional technique, and provides a simple method and apparatus for folding an airbag.

【０００９】[0009]

【課題を解決するための手段】請求項１記載の発明は、
波形に褶曲可能な一対の賦形板を折目が互いに対応する
ように重ね合わせると共に、該賦形板の間に袋状のエア
バッグを略扁平状態で挟み込んで積層体を形成し、該積
層体を折目に直交する方向で押し縮めて所定高さの波形
部を複数形成した褶曲状態にし、該褶曲状態を略保った
状態で、一対の賦形板の間からエアバッグを折目に沿っ
た方向で引き出すエアバッグの折畳方法である。The invention according to claim 1 is
A pair of shaping plates that can be folded in a corrugated shape are stacked so that the folds correspond to each other, and a bag-shaped airbag is sandwiched between the shaping plates in a substantially flat state to form a laminated body, and the laminated body is formed. In a folded state in which a plurality of corrugated portions having a predetermined height are formed by compressing in the direction orthogonal to the fold, and with the folded state being substantially maintained, the airbag is directed in a direction along the fold between the pair of shaping plates. This is the folding method of the airbag that is pulled out.

【００１０】請求項１記載の発明によれば、波形に褶曲
可能な一対の賦形板間にエアバッグを挟み、それを押し
縮めて波形部を複数形成することにより、エアバッグに
波形を賦与することができる。その後、エアバッグを一
対の賦形板の間から折目に沿った方向で引き出すことに
より、簡単に波形に折り畳まれたエアバッグを得ること
ができる。According to the first aspect of the present invention, the air bag is corrugated by sandwiching the air bag between a pair of shaping plates that can be folded in a corrugated shape, and compressing the air bag to form a plurality of corrugated portions. can do. After that, by pulling out the airbag from between the pair of shaping plates in the direction along the fold, it is possible to easily obtain the airbag folded in a corrugated shape.

【００１１】請求項２記載の発明は、積層体において折
目に直交する方向で対向する二辺のそれぞれの複数箇所
を押し縮める際に、各箇所を同調させて同じ割合で押し
縮めることにより、形成される各波形部の高さが折目に
沿った方向で同一になるようにしたエアバッグの折畳方
法である。According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of parts of two sides facing each other in the direction orthogonal to the fold are compressed in the laminate, the respective parts are synchronized and compressed at the same ratio. This is a method of folding an airbag in which the height of each corrugated portion formed is the same in the direction along the fold.

【００１２】請求項２記載の発明によれば、積層体の対
向する二辺を同調して同じ割合で押し縮めることによ
り、折目方向で同一の高さを有する波形部を形成するこ
とができる。According to the second aspect of the present invention, the corrugated portions having the same height in the fold direction can be formed by synchronously compressing two opposite sides of the laminate at the same rate. .

【００１３】請求項３記載の発明は、積層体において折
目に直交する方向で対向する二辺のそれぞれの複数箇所
を押し縮める際に、エアバッグの引き出し側の端部に近
い箇所ほど、より多い割合で押し縮めることにより、形
成される各波形部の高さが、引き出し側の端部は最終形
状に相当し且つそこから反対側に向かって漸次減少する
ようにしたエアバッグの折畳方法である。According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the plurality of positions on the two sides facing each other in the direction orthogonal to the fold in the laminated body are compressed, the closer to the end on the pull-out side of the airbag, the more A method for folding an airbag in which the height of each corrugated portion formed by compressing at a high rate is such that the end portion on the pull-out side corresponds to the final shape and gradually decreases from there to the opposite side. Is.

【００１４】請求項３記載の発明によれば、積層体の対
向する二辺を、エアバッグの引き出し側の端部に近い箇
所ほどより多い割合で押し縮めることにより、引き出し
側の端部は最終形状に相当する高さで且つそこから反対
側へ向けて漸次高さが減少する波形部を得ることができ
る。こうすることにより、賦形板間からエアバッグを引
き出す時の摩擦抵抗が少なくなると共に、エアバッグが
引き出されながら最終形状の高さを有する端部を通過す
ることにより、高さの低い反対側部分も、最終形状の高
さを有する波形部になる。According to the third aspect of the present invention, the two opposite sides of the laminated body are compressed at a rate closer to a portion closer to the end portion on the pull-out side of the airbag, so that the end portion on the pull-out side is finalized. It is possible to obtain a corrugated portion having a height corresponding to the shape and a height gradually decreasing from the height toward the opposite side. By doing this, the frictional resistance when pulling out the airbag from between the shaping plates is reduced, and by passing through the end having the height of the final shape while the airbag is being pulled out, the opposite side of low height is The part also becomes a corrugated part having the height of the final shape.

【００１５】請求項４記載の発明は、積層体を波形部の
高さを規制する空間内で押し縮めるエアバッグの折畳方
法である。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for folding an airbag, in which the laminate is compressed in a space that regulates the height of the corrugated portion.

【００１６】請求項４記載の発明によれば、積層体を波
形部の高さを規制する空間内で押し縮めるため、形成さ
れる複数の波形部の高さを、それぞれ同じ状態で規制す
ることができる。According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the laminate is compressed in the space for regulating the height of the corrugated portion, the heights of the plurality of corrugated portions formed are regulated in the same state. You can

【００１７】請求項５記載の発明は、エアバッグの引き
出し側の端部に形成した膨出部を、一対の賦形板の間か
ら突出させ、この膨出部を介してエアバッグを引き出す
エアバッグの折畳方法である。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an bulging portion formed at an end portion on the pulling side of the airbag is projected from between a pair of shaping plates, and the airbag is pulled out through the bulging portion. It is a folding method.

【００１８】請求項５記載の発明によれば、エアバッグ
の引き出し側の端部に膨出部が形成されているため、エ
アバッグの引き出し操作が容易である。According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the bulging portion is formed at the end portion of the airbag on the pulling side, the pulling operation of the airbag is easy.

【００１９】請求項６記載の発明は、一対の賦形板の間
から引き出した褶曲状態のエアバッグを、車両へ搭載可
能な破断性を有する筒状体内に挿入するエアバッグの折
畳方法である。A sixth aspect of the present invention is a method of folding an airbag, wherein a folded airbag pulled out from between a pair of shaping plates is inserted into a rupturable tubular body that can be mounted on a vehicle.

【００２０】請求項６記載の発明によれば、引き出した
エアバッグを筒状体内に挿入するため、波形に折り畳ま
れたエアバッグの型付け、折目付けが確実になる。According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the pulled-out airbag is inserted into the tubular body, the shape and crease of the airbag folded in a corrugated shape can be ensured.

【００２１】請求項７記載の発明は、短冊状をなす複数
のプレート部材と、これらのプレート部材の隣接する２
つの長辺同士を折れ易い状態で連結する折目部材とから
それぞれ成り、袋状のエアバッグを略扁平状態で間に挟
み込んで積層体を形成する一対の賦形板と、積層体の折
目に直交する方向で対向する二辺のそれぞれの複数箇所
を押し縮めて、積層体を所定高さの波形部が複数形成さ
れた褶曲状態にする押出手段と、を具備したエアバッグ
の折畳装置である。According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of strip-shaped plate members and two adjacent plate members are provided.
A pair of shaped plates, each of which is composed of a fold member that connects two long sides with each other in a easily foldable state, and sandwiches a bag-shaped airbag between them in a substantially flat state to form a laminate, and a fold of the laminate. A folding device for an airbag, comprising: an extruding unit that presses and shrinks a plurality of respective two sides facing each other in a direction orthogonal to the direction to make the laminated body into a folded state in which a plurality of corrugated portions having a predetermined height are formed. Is.

【００２２】請求項７記載の発明によれば、エアバッグ
の折畳装置が、プレート部材と折目部材から成る一対の
賦形板と、賦形板間にエアバッグを挟んだ積層体を押し
縮める押出手段とから構成されているため、簡便な構造
で、エアバッグを波形に折り畳むことができる。According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the airbag folding device pushes a pair of shaping plates composed of a plate member and a folding member and a laminated body in which the airbag is sandwiched between the shaping plates. Since it is composed of the contracting push-out means, the airbag can be folded into a corrugated shape with a simple structure.

【００２３】請求項８記載の発明は、褶曲した一対の賦
形板の間から、エアバッグを折目に沿った方向で引き出
す引出手段を具備したエアバッグの折畳装置である。The invention according to claim 8 is the folding apparatus for an airbag, which comprises a drawing-out means for drawing out the airbag in a direction along the fold from between the pair of folded shaping plates.

【００２４】請求項８記載の発明によれば、引出手段に
より、エアバッグを一対の賦形板の間から折目に沿った
方向で確実に引き出すことができる。According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the pulling-out means can reliably pull out the airbag from between the pair of shaping plates in the direction along the fold.

【００２５】請求項９記載の発明は、波形部の高さを規
制するための空間を形成する一対の板部材を具備したエ
アバッグの折畳装置である。The invention according to claim 9 is an airbag folding device comprising a pair of plate members forming a space for regulating the height of the corrugated portion.

【００２６】請求項９記載の発明によれば、積層体の押
し縮めを一対の板部材で規制された空間内で行うことに
より、形成される波形部の高さを規制することができ
る。According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the height of the corrugated portion to be formed can be regulated by pressing and contracting the laminate in the space regulated by the pair of plate members.

【００２７】請求項１０記載の発明は、プレート部材の
エアバッグを引き出す方の短辺が、他の短辺よりも長く
形成されているエアバッグの折畳装置である。According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the airbag folding device in which the short side of the plate member on which the airbag is pulled out is formed longer than the other short sides.

【００２８】請求項１０記載の発明によれば、エアバッ
グを引き出す方の短辺が、他の短辺よりも長く形成され
ているため、このプレート部材から成る賦形板で形成さ
れた積層体を対向する二辺側から同調して押し縮める
と、長い方の短辺側（引き出し側）が高くなり、賦形板
の間からエアバッグを引き出し易くなる。According to the tenth aspect of the invention, since the short side for drawing out the airbag is formed longer than the other short sides, the laminated body formed by the shaping plate made of this plate member is formed. When the two are opposed to each other and are contracted in synchronism with each other, the shorter side of the longer side (drawing side) becomes higher, and the airbag can be easily pulled out from between the shaping plates.

【００２９】尚 、本発明においてエアバッグを構成す
る二枚の基布は、通常の織物、編物などを用いれば良
く、場合によっては、力学的な等方性に優れる三軸や四
軸の織物または編物を用いても良い。基布の接合も、縫
製、接着、溶着など通常エアバッグの接合に用いられて
いる方法によればよく、製織、製編により袋状に接結さ
れた袋織物、袋編物（ワンピース物）を用いても良い。In the present invention, the two base fabrics constituting the airbag may be ordinary woven fabrics, knitted fabrics or the like, and in some cases, triaxial or quadriaxial woven fabrics having excellent mechanical isotropy. Alternatively, a knitted fabric may be used. The base cloth may be joined by a method commonly used for joining airbags, such as sewing, bonding, and welding. For example, a bag woven fabric or a bag knitted (one-piece) bag that is knitted in a bag shape by weaving or knitting may be used. You may use.

【００３０】また、縫製の場合、縫い目の気密性を高め
るために、縫製部の基布間、縫い目の上部、外周縫製部
の縫い代などにシール剤、シールテープ、当て布などを
適宜介在させたり、直接、該当部の表面に塗布または貼
布してもよい。これらの材料は、エアバッグと同じ耐久
性、耐熱性等を満足するものであればよく、例えば、シ
ール剤としてはシリコーン系樹脂、フッ素系樹脂、ウレ
タン系樹脂などが、当て布としてはエアバッグと同じ基
布、不織布、フイルム、組物などが、また、これらを積
層して得られる接着剤や粘着剤を片面に塗布したテープ
材などがある。In the case of sewing, in order to improve the airtightness of the seam, a sealant, a seal tape, a patch cloth, etc. may be appropriately interposed between the base fabrics of the seam, the upper part of the seam, the seam allowance of the outer peripheral seam, etc. Alternatively, it may be directly applied or pasted onto the surface of the relevant part. Any of these materials may be used as long as they satisfy the same durability and heat resistance as an airbag. For example, a silicone resin, a fluorine resin, a urethane resin or the like is used as a sealant, and an airbag is used as a patch. The same base fabrics, non-woven fabrics, films, braids, etc., as well as tape materials obtained by applying an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive obtained by laminating these on one side.

【００３１】エアバッグあるいは筒状体に使用する基布
は軽く、薄いものであることが好ましく、基布を構成す
る糸の太さは４００デシテックス以下、好ましくは３５
０デシテックス以下とすれば良い。また、基布の目付け
は２００ｇ／m²以下、好ましくは１８０ｇ／m²以下であ
ることは望ましい。The base cloth used for the air bag or the tubular body is preferably light and thin, and the thickness of the thread constituting the base cloth is 400 decitex or less, preferably 35.
It should be 0 decitex or less. The basis weight of the base fabric is preferably 200 g / m ² or less, more preferably 180 g / m ² or less.

【００３２】賦形板は、エアバッグを間に挟んで波形に
褶曲できるものであれば特に限定するものでなく、たと
えば、紙、木製板、金属板、金網、各種樹脂板、ＦＲＰ
板、合成木材板、これらの単一、複数、あるいは異った
材質板の積層などを用いれば良い。また、一対の賦形板
の一方と他方で同じ材質でも良く、異なった材質でも良
い。賦形板の厚さは、材質の剛性、重さなどにより選定
すれば良く、例えば０．１ｍｍ〜１ｍｍの範囲から選べ
ば良い。また、賦形板の間から褶曲されたエアバッグを
引き出す際、引き出し抵抗を小さくするため、予め、賦
形板の表面に平滑性を付与したり、凹凸加工を施した
り、場合によっては平滑性に富む薄い材料を貼ったりし
ても良い。The shaping plate is not particularly limited as long as it can be folded into a corrugated shape with an air bag interposed therebetween. For example, paper, wood plate, metal plate, wire mesh, various resin plates, FRP.
A plate, a synthetic wood plate, a single plate, a plurality of these, or a laminate of plates made of different materials may be used. The same material may be used for one and the other of the pair of shaping plates, or different materials may be used. The thickness of the shaping plate may be selected according to the rigidity and weight of the material, and may be selected from the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, for example. In addition, when pulling out a folded airbag from between the shaping plates, in order to reduce the pullout resistance, the surface of the shaping plate is given smoothness in advance, unevenness is applied, or in some cases it is rich in smoothness. You may stick a thin material.

【００３３】折目部材は、折れ易い構造をしていれば良
く、予め浅い折目を付与しておく、厚みを薄くする、ヒ
ンジ構造で連結する、などの手段から選べばよい。ま
た、一対の賦形板の間にエアバッグを挟む時には、それ
ぞれの賦形板は完全に平坦になるのでなく、山折り、谷
折りのクセが少し残っているようにすれば、さらに折り
畳み作業がやり易くなる。The folding member may have a structure that allows it to be easily broken, and may be selected from a means such as previously providing a shallow folding, reducing the thickness, and connecting with a hinge structure. Also, when sandwiching an airbag between a pair of shaping plates, each shaping plate does not become completely flat, but if the folds of mountain folds and valley folds are left a little, the folding work will be further performed. It will be easier.

【００３４】押出手段としては、先端に積層体を押すた
めの端子を取り付けた油圧式、空気圧式または水圧式な
どを用いれば良い。押出手段の設置数は積層体の大き
さ、波形部の高さなどにより適宜、選定すれば良く、押
出手段の押出距離は、エアバッグを一対の賦形板間から
引き出す時の最終的な波形状により調整すれば良い。引
き出す側と、反対側とで波形部の高さが異なる場合は、
引き出す側に近い順に押出手段の押出距離を漸次大きく
していけば良い。また、押出手段の設置は、等間隔でも
良いし、押出距離が大きい方に多く設置しても良い。As the pushing means, a hydraulic type, a pneumatic type or a hydraulic type having a terminal for pushing the laminated body at its tip may be used. The number of the extruding means installed may be appropriately selected depending on the size of the laminate, the height of the corrugated portion, etc., and the extruding distance of the extruding means is the final wave when the airbag is pulled out from between the pair of shaping plates. It may be adjusted according to the shape. If the height of the corrugated part differs between the pulling side and the opposite side,
The pushing distance of the pushing means may be gradually increased in the order of getting closer to the pulling side. Further, the extrusion means may be installed at equal intervals, or may be installed in a larger number with a larger extrusion distance.

【００３５】積層体の折り畳み時の高さを規制する一対
の板部材の間隔調整は、両方を移動しても良いが、一方
（下板）を定盤として固定し、他方（上板）のみを可動
とすることで簡易な構造とすることができる。他方（上
板）の移動は、形成される波形部の高さに応じて、他方
（上板）の自重で消極的に調整しても良いし、自動的に
行っても良い。一対の板部材を平行でなく、傾斜状態で
対向させれば、その間に形成される波形部も一方が高く
他方が低い傾斜状態となる。The space between the pair of plate members for controlling the height of the laminated body when folded may be adjusted by moving both, but one (lower plate) is fixed as a surface plate, and the other (upper plate) only. The structure can be made simple by making the movable. The movement of the other (upper plate) may be passively adjusted by its own weight of the other (upper plate) or may be automatically performed according to the height of the corrugated portion to be formed. If the pair of plate members are not parallel but face each other in an inclined state, the corrugated portion formed between them is also in an inclined state in which one is high and the other is low.

【００３６】膨出部としては、引き出そうとするエアバ
ッグの端側の本体に縫い代や裁断部などを延設したもの
を形成し、その膨出部を引くことにより行えば良い。The bulging portion may be formed by forming a seam allowance, a cutting portion or the like on the main body on the end side of the airbag to be pulled out, and pulling the bulging portion.

【００３７】そして、その膨出部に孔を設け、「引出手
段」としての紐や、ロープなどを通して引張するか、剛
性体を引っ掛けて引張などをすれば良い。Then, a hole may be provided in the bulging portion and pulled through a cord or rope as the "drawing means", or a rigid body may be hooked and pulled.

【００３８】筒状体は、波形に折り畳まれたエアバッグ
を収納することができる容積と物理特性を持ち、収納作
業が簡便に行えるものであれば良い。材質は、エアバッ
グと同様、薄く、軽いものが好ましく、例えば、織物、
編物、組物、不織布、樹脂シート、紙、フィルム、箔、
ネットまたはメッシュ類、またはこれらの積層品などか
ら選定すれば良く、一枚の材料を接合した筒状体、、接
合部の無いホース状の円筒状体などいずれでも良い。一
枚の材料を接合する場合は接着、溶着、縫合あるいはこ
れらの複合法によれば良い。The tubular body may have any volume and physical characteristics capable of accommodating an airbag folded in a corrugated form, and can be easily accommodated. Like the airbag, the material is preferably thin and light, such as woven fabric,
Knit, braid, non-woven fabric, resin sheet, paper, film, foil,
It may be selected from nets, meshes, or laminated products of these, and may be a tubular body obtained by joining a single material, a hose-like tubular body without a joining portion, or the like. When one material is joined, it may be bonded, welded, sewn or a composite method thereof.

【００３９】筒状体は、エアバッグをコンパクトに収納
し、車体内にそのまま搭載することが求められると同時
に、エアバッグが展開する場合には瞬時に破断して展開
の阻害しないことも必要である。そのため、接合する場
合は、破断し易い強度に設定したり、無接合の場合は、
スリット部、開口部などを設けて材料の脆弱部を設ける
ようにすれば良い。例えば、縫合により接合する場合
は、エアバッグ本体の縫製に使用されている縫い糸より
細い、例えば４０番手〜１００番手相当程度の有撚、無
撚の縫い糸を用い、運針数も１〜３針／ｃｍの範囲で行
えば良い。また、縫い目仕様も破断する強さに応じて選
べば良いが、本縫い、環縫い、一重環縫い、オーバーロ
ック縫い、安全縫い、千鳥縫い、偏平縫いなどから選べ
ばよい。縫い糸の素材も、ナイロン、ポリエステル、
綿、レーヨン、絹など通常の縫い糸に用いられているも
のの中から選べば良い。The tubular body is required to house the airbag compactly and mount it in the vehicle body as it is. At the same time, when the airbag is deployed, it is required to be instantly broken so as not to hinder the deployment. is there. Therefore, when joining, set the strength to break easily, or in the case of no joining,
A fragile portion of the material may be provided by providing a slit portion, an opening portion, or the like. For example, in the case of joining by stitching, a twisted or untwisted sewing thread, which is thinner than the sewing thread used for sewing the airbag body, for example, a thread count of 40 to 100 is used, and the number of stitches carried is 1 to 3 stitches / It may be done in the range of cm. The seam specifications may be selected according to the breaking strength, but may be selected from lock stitch, chain stitch, single chain stitch, overlock stitch, safety stitch, zigzag stitch, and flat stitch. Material of sewing thread is nylon, polyester,
You can choose from those used for ordinary sewing threads such as cotton, rayon, and silk.

【００４０】本発明の折畳方法は、少なくとも一部に波
形部を施す側突保護用の側部用エアバッグを対象の一つ
としており、波形への褶曲に併せて、他の折り方法、た
とえばロール状、重ね合わせ、巻きつけなどと組み合わ
せて折り畳まれる場合も含まれ、さらに追突保護用のヘ
ッドレスト用バッグ、幼児保護用ミニバッグ、シートベ
ルト用バッグ（エアーベルト）、ニーバッグ、フットバ
ッグなど、波形折りが必要とされ、機能的に適応し得る
部位にも適用することもでき、形状、容量などは要望さ
れる要件を満足するようにすれば良い。筒状体に挿入す
る間にエアバッグの折り畳み形状が崩れ易い場合には、
積層体から引き出した直後に、エアバッグをテープやリ
ングなどによりを直接巻きつけてから筒状体に挿入して
も良い。The folding method of the present invention is intended for a side airbag for side collision protection in which a corrugated portion is provided on at least a part of the folding method. For example, it may be folded in combination with roll shape, stacking, winding, etc., and further includes headrest bag for rear impact protection, infant protection mini bag, seat belt bag (air belt), knee bag, foot bag, etc. Corrugated folding is required, and it can be applied to a site that can be functionally adapted, and the shape, capacity, etc. may be made to satisfy the required requirements. If the folded shape of the airbag tends to collapse during insertion into the tubular body,
Immediately after being pulled out from the laminated body, the airbag may be directly wound with a tape or ring and then inserted into the tubular body.

【００４１】[0041]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、この発明の実施例を図面に
基づいて説明する。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

【００４２】図１〜図７は、この発明の第１実施形態を
示す図である。この実施形態では、車体側面の窓部に沿
って展開するインフレータブルカーテンに用いられるエ
アバッグ１を示している。このエアバッグ１は、ナイロ
ン６６の３５０ｄｔｅｘ糸を用いた平織物（織密度は
経、緯いずれも６０本／吋、シリコーン樹脂を片面に３
０ｇ／m²塗布）から裁断した二枚の基布２を使用した。
二枚の基布２はコーティング面を内側になるように重ね
合わせ、外周と、内部（４ヶ所）３を縫製により袋状に
接合する。縫製は、上糸および下糸いずれもナイロン６
６の５番糸を用い、一重環縫い二列で３．５針／ｃｍの
運針数でおこなう。接合部の間には、縫い目からのガス
抜けを防止するためシール剤を縫製前に施している。シ
ール剤は、常温硬化型のシリコーン樹脂を用いて、厚さ
０．６ｍｍ、幅約２０ｍｍに塗布している。得られたエ
アバッグ１の展開前の形状は、長さが約１６０ｃｍで、
幅が約６０ｃｍの扁平状態になっている。また、エアバ
ッグ１の引き出し側の端部には、一対の膨出部４が形成
されている。なお、図示しないが、エアバッグ１の上縁
部に沿って、所定の間隔で車体への取付のための基布を
延設してなるタブ片が形成されている。1 to 7 are views showing a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the airbag 1 used for an inflatable curtain that is deployed along the window on the side surface of the vehicle body is shown. This airbag 1 is a plain woven fabric using 350 dtex yarn of nylon 66 (weave density is 60 warps / weft for each weft, and 3 pieces of silicone resin on one side).
Two pieces of base fabric 2 cut from 0 g / m ² applied) were used.
The two base fabrics 2 are overlapped so that the coating surfaces are on the inside, and the outer periphery and the interiors (4 places) 3 are joined by sewing to form a bag. Nylon 6 for both upper and lower threads
Using the No. 5 thread of No. 6, carry out with a single chain stitch in two rows at 3.5 stitches / cm. A sealant is applied between the joints before sewing in order to prevent gas escape from the seams. As the sealant, a room temperature curable silicone resin is applied to a thickness of 0.6 mm and a width of about 20 mm. The shape of the obtained airbag 1 before deployment is about 160 cm in length,
It is in a flat state with a width of about 60 cm. A pair of bulging portions 4 is formed at the end portion of the airbag 1 on the pull-out side. Although not shown, a tab piece formed by extending a base cloth for attachment to the vehicle body is formed along the upper edge of the airbag 1 at predetermined intervals.

【００４３】このエアバッグ１を扁平状態で上下一対の
賦形板５、６の間に挟み込んで積層体７を形成した。賦
形板５、６はそれぞれ波形に褶曲可能で、互いの折目８
が対応した状態で重ねられ、その間にエアバッグ１を挟
んでいる。エアバッグ１の膨出部４は、賦形板５、６の
間から外部へ突出した状態になっている。この賦形板
５、６は、具体的には、図７に示すように、短冊状をな
す複数のプレート部材９と、これらのプレート部材９の
隣接する２つの長辺同士を薄肉ヒンジ状の折目部材１０
で連結した構造をしており、折目部材１０の折れた頂点
で折目８が形成される。The airbag 1 was sandwiched between a pair of upper and lower shaping plates 5 and 6 in a flat state to form a laminate 7. The shaping plates 5 and 6 can each be folded in a corrugated shape, and folds 8
Are overlapped in a corresponding manner, and the airbag 1 is sandwiched therebetween. The bulging portion 4 of the airbag 1 is in a state of protruding outside between the shaping plates 5 and 6. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the shaping plates 5 and 6 have a plurality of strip-shaped plate members 9 and two adjacent long sides of the plate members 9 each having a thin hinge shape. Fold member 10
The folds 8 are formed at the folded vertices of the fold member 10.

【００４４】この積層体７は、「板部材」としての上板
１１と下板１２との間に形成される空間Ｓ内に設置され
る。上板１１と下板１２とは、下板１２は固定され、上
板１１には自重が作用しているだけで上下動自在で、最
大規制高さまで上昇可能である。The laminated body 7 is installed in a space S formed between the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12 as a "plate member". The lower plate 12 is fixed to the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12. The upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12 can be moved up and down only by the weight of the upper plate 11, and can move up to the maximum restricted height.

【００４５】積層体７を、この上板１１と下板１２との
間に設置し、積層体７の折目８の方向Ｘ（図２参照）に
直交する方向Ｙで対向する二辺を、油圧式押出機（押出
手段）１３の端子１４で３ヶ所づつ押す。この端子１４
による押し縮め作業は、３ヶ所を同調させて１００ｃｍ
／分の速さで行った。積層体７は上板１１と下板１２と
の間で押し縮められて波形に褶曲し、複数の波形部１５
が形成された状態となる。押し縮められた積層体７の折
目８は互いに平行で、波形部１５の高さは、エアバッグ
１の最終的な折り畳み高さである２２ｍｍに達してい
た。上板１１は、この規制高さである２２ｍｍ以上に上
昇しないようになっている。The laminated body 7 is installed between the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12, and two sides facing each other in the direction Y orthogonal to the direction X (see FIG. 2) of the fold 8 of the laminated body 7 are The terminals 14 of the hydraulic extruder (extruding means) 13 are pushed at three locations. This terminal 14
Pressing and shrinking work with 100 cm by synchronizing 3 points
It went at the speed of / minute. The laminate 7 is compressed between the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12 to be folded into a corrugated shape, and the plurality of corrugated parts 15 are formed.
Is formed. The folds 8 of the compressed and compressed laminate 7 were parallel to each other, and the height of the corrugated portion 15 reached 22 mm, which is the final folding height of the airbag 1. The upper plate 11 is designed so as not to rise above the regulated height of 22 mm.

【００４６】その後、積層体７の褶曲状態を略保った状
態で、一対の賦形板５、６の間から突出している膨出部
４に、「引出手段」としての紐１６を結び、その紐１６
を筒状体１７の中を通して、紐１６により引き出す。す
ると、エアバッグ１は折目８に沿った方向Ｘで賦形板
５、６の間から引き出され、そのまま筒状体１７内に収
納される。従って、エアバッグ１の折畳状態は維持さ
れ、エアバッグ１の型付け、折目８付けが更に確実にな
る。筒状体１７内に収納されたエアバッグ１は、そのま
ま車両の搭載可能で、車両衝突時には、筒状体１７を破
断して、窓部に沿った状態でカーテン状に展開する。Thereafter, with the folded state of the laminated body 7 being substantially maintained, the bulging portion 4 protruding from between the pair of shaping plates 5 and 6 is tied with a string 16 as "drawing means", String 16
Is passed through the tubular body 17 and pulled out by the string 16. Then, the airbag 1 is pulled out from between the shaping plates 5 and 6 in the direction X along the fold line 8 and is stored in the tubular body 17 as it is. Therefore, the folded state of the airbag 1 is maintained, and the shaping of the airbag 1 and the folding 8 are more reliable. The airbag 1 housed in the tubular body 17 can be mounted on a vehicle as it is, and at the time of a vehicle collision, the tubular body 17 is broken and deployed in a curtain shape along a window portion.

【００４７】図８及び図９は、この発明の第２実施形態
を示す図である。この実施形態では、上板１１と下板１
２との間の空間Ｓ内で、積層体７の対向する二辺を油圧
式押出機１３の端子１４で押し縮める際に、エアバッグ
１の引き出し側の端部に近い箇所ほど、より多い割合で
押し縮めることにした。従って、上板１１は傾斜状態と
なり、形成される波形部１５の高さは、引き出し側の端
部が最終形状に相当し、且つそこから反対側に向かって
漸次減少した傾斜状態になっている。8 and 9 are views showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 1
When the two opposite sides of the laminate 7 are compressed by the terminals 14 of the hydraulic extruder 13 in the space S between the two, a portion closer to the end portion on the pull-out side of the airbag 1 has a higher proportion. I decided to compress it with. Therefore, the upper plate 11 is in an inclined state, and the height of the corrugated portion 15 formed is in an inclined state in which the end portion on the pull-out side corresponds to the final shape and the end portion on the pull-out side gradually decreases toward the opposite side. .

【００４８】こうすることにより、賦形板５、６間から
エアバッグ１を引き出す時の摩擦抵抗が少なくなると共
に、エアバッグ１が引き出されながら最終形状の高さを
有する端部を通過することにより、高さの低い反対側部
分も、最終形状の高さを有する波形部１５になる。This reduces frictional resistance when the airbag 1 is pulled out from between the shaping plates 5 and 6, and allows the airbag 1 to pass through the end portion having the height of the final shape while being pulled out. As a result, the opposite side portion having a low height also becomes the corrugated portion 15 having the height of the final shape.

【００４９】尚、以上の各実施形態では、賦形板５、６
を形成するプレート部材９が、プレート部材９の長手方
向で同一幅を有する短冊形状のものを例にしたが、これ
に限定されず、エアバッグ１を引き出す方の短辺を、他
の短辺よりも長く形成するようにしても良い。そうすれ
ば、積層体７の対向する二辺を同調して同じ割合で平行
に押し縮めても、第２実施形態と同様の効果が得られ、
賦形板５、６の間からエアバッグ１を引き出し易くな
る。In each of the above embodiments, the shaping plates 5 and 6 are used.
Although the plate member 9 forming the plate member has a strip shape having the same width in the longitudinal direction of the plate member 9 as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be formed longer than that. Then, even if the two opposing sides of the laminated body 7 are synchronized and compressed in parallel at the same rate, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained.
It becomes easy to pull out the airbag 1 from between the shaping plates 5 and 6.

【００５０】[0050]

【発明の効果】この発明によれば、波形に褶曲可能な一
対の賦形板間にエアバッグを挟み、それを押し縮めて波
形部を複数形成することにより、エアバッグに波形を賦
与することができる。その後、エアバッグを一対の賦形
板の間から折目に沿った方向で引き出すことにより、簡
単に波形に折り畳まれたエアバッグを得ることができ
る。According to the present invention, the corrugation is imparted to the air bag by sandwiching the air bag between a pair of shaping plates which can be folded in a corrugated shape, and compressing the air bag to form a plurality of corrugated portions. You can After that, by pulling out the airbag from between the pair of shaping plates in the direction along the fold, it is possible to easily obtain the airbag folded in a corrugated shape.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】この発明の第１実施形態に係るエアバッグを示
す側面図。FIG. 1 is a side view showing an airbag according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】上下一対の板部材の間で押し縮められた積層体
を示す斜視図。FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a laminated body which is compressed between a pair of upper and lower plate members.

【図３】押し縮める前の積層体を示す断面図。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a laminated body before being compressed.

【図４】押し縮めた後の積層体を示す断面図。FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the laminated body after being compressed.

【図５】積層体を押し縮めている状態を示す平面図。FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state where the laminate is compressed.

【図６】折り畳んだエアバッグを筒状体内に挿入する状
態を示す斜視図。FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a folded airbag is inserted into a tubular body.

【図７】賦形板の構造を示す要部拡大斜視図。FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of an essential part showing the structure of the shaping plate.

【図８】この発明の第２実施形態に係る積層体の押し縮
め状態を示す斜視図。FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a compressed state of the laminated body according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

【図９】第２実施形態に係る積層体の押し縮め状態を示
す平面図。FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a pressed state of the laminated body according to the second embodiment.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ エアバッグ ２ 基布 ４ 膨出部 ５、６ 賦形板 ７ 積層体 ８ 折目 ９ プレート部材 １０ 折目部材 １１ 上板（板部材） １２ 下板（板部材） １３ 油圧式押出機（押出手段） １５ 波形部 １６ 紐（引出手段） １７ 筒状体 Ｓ 空間 Ｘ 折目に沿った方向 Ｙ 折目に直交する方向 1 airbag 2 base cloth 4 bulge 5, 6 shaped plate 7 laminate 8 folds 9 Plate member 10 Fold member 11 Upper plate (plate member) 12 Lower plate (plate member) 13 Hydraulic extruder (extrusion means) 15 Waveform section 16 string (drawing means) 17 Cylindrical body S space Direction along X fold Direction orthogonal to the Y fold

フロントページの続き Ｆターム(参考） 3D054 AA02 AA03 AA04 AA18 CC26 CC27 CC29 CC30 CC34 CC36 CC38 CC45 Continued front page    F term (reference) 3D054 AA02 AA03 AA04 AA18 CC26                       CC27 CC29 CC30 CC34 CC36                       CC38 CC45

Claims (10)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 波形に褶曲可能な一対の賦形板を折目が
互いに対応するように重ね合わせると共に、該賦形板の
間に袋状のエアバッグを略扁平状態で挟み込んで積層体
を形成し、 該積層体を折目に直交する方向で押し縮めて所定高さの
波形部を複数形成した褶曲状態にし、 該褶曲状態を略保った状態で、一対の賦形板の間からエ
アバッグを折目に沿った方向で引き出すことを特徴とす
るエアバッグの折畳方法。1. A laminate is formed by stacking a pair of shaping plates that can be folded in a corrugated shape so that the folds correspond to each other, and sandwiching a bag-shaped airbag in a substantially flat state between the shaping plates. A folded state in which the laminated body is compressed in a direction orthogonal to the fold to form a plurality of corrugated portions having a predetermined height, and an airbag is folded from between the pair of shaping plates in a state where the folded state is substantially maintained. A method of folding an airbag, which is characterized in that the airbag is pulled out in a direction along. 【請求項２】 請求項１記載のエアバッグの折畳方法で
あって、 積層体において折目に直交する方向で対向する二辺のそ
れぞれの複数箇所を押し縮める際に、各箇所を同調させ
て同じ割合で押し縮めることにより、形成される各波形
部の高さが折目に沿った方向で同一になるようにしたこ
とを特徴とするエアバッグの折畳方法。2. The method for folding an airbag according to claim 1, wherein when compressing a plurality of respective two sides of the laminate that face each other in a direction orthogonal to the fold, the respective locations are synchronized with each other. The folding method of the airbag is characterized in that the heights of the respective corrugated portions formed are made the same in the direction along the fold by compressing at the same rate. 【請求項３】 請求項１記載のエアバッグの折畳方法で
あって、 積層体において折目に直交する方向で対向する二辺のそ
れぞれの複数箇所を押し縮める際に、エアバッグの引き
出し側の端部に近い箇所ほど、より多い割合で押し縮め
ることにより、形成される各波形部の高さが、引き出し
側の端部は最終形状に相当し且つそこから反対側に向か
って漸次減少するようにしたことを特徴とするエアバッ
グの折畳方法。3. The airbag folding method according to claim 1, wherein the airbag is pulled out when a plurality of two sides of the laminate that face each other in a direction orthogonal to the fold are compressed. The end portion on the pull-out side corresponds to the final shape, and the height of each corrugated portion formed by compressing at a rate closer to the end portion of the A method of folding an airbag characterized in that 【請求項４】 請求項１〜３のいずれか１項に記載のエ
アバッグの折畳方法であって、 積層体を、波形部の高さを規制する空間内で押し縮める
ことを特徴とするエアバッグの折畳方法。4. The airbag folding method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the laminate is compressed in a space that regulates the height of the corrugated portion. How to fold an airbag. 【請求項５】 請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載のエ
アバッグの折畳方法であって、 エアバッグの引き出し側の端部に形成した膨出部を、一
対の賦形板の間から突出させ、この膨出部を介してエア
バッグを引き出すことを特徴とするエアバッグの折畳方
法。5. The airbag folding method according to claim 1, wherein the bulging portion formed at the end portion on the pull-out side of the airbag is provided between the pair of shaping plates. A method of folding an airbag, characterized in that the airbag is projected and the airbag is pulled out through the bulging portion. 【請求項６】 請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載のエ
アバッグの折畳方法であって、 一対の賦形板の間から引き出した褶曲状態のエアバッグ
を、車両へ搭載可能な破断性を有する筒状体内に挿入す
ることを特徴とするエアバッグの折畳方法。6. The folding method for an airbag according to claim 1, wherein the folded airbag pulled out from between the pair of shaping plates can be mounted on a vehicle. A method for folding an airbag, characterized in that the airbag is inserted into a tubular body. 【請求項７】 短冊状をなす複数のプレート部材と、こ
れらのプレート部材の隣接する２つの長辺同士を折れ易
い状態で連結する折目部材とからそれぞれ成り、袋状の
エアバッグを略扁平状態で間に挟み込んで積層体を形成
する一対の賦形板と、 積層体の折目に直交する方向で対向する二辺のそれぞれ
の複数箇所を押し縮めて、積層体を所定高さの波形部が
複数形成された褶曲状態にする押出手段と、 を具備したことを特徴とするエアバッグの折畳装置。7. A bag-shaped airbag is formed of a plurality of strip-shaped plate members and a fold member that connects two adjacent long sides of these plate members in a state in which they can be easily folded. A pair of shaping plates sandwiched between them in a state to form a laminate, and a plurality of positions on each of the two sides facing each other in the direction orthogonal to the fold of the laminate is compressed to shrink the laminate at a predetermined height. A folding device for an airbag, comprising: an extruding unit having a plurality of portions formed into a folded state. 【請求項８】 請求項７記載のエアバッグの折畳装置で
あって、 褶曲した一対の賦形板の間から、エアバッグを折目に沿
った方向で引き出す引出手段を具備したことを特徴とす
るエアバッグの折畳装置。8. The folding device for an airbag according to claim 7, further comprising: a pulling-out unit that pulls out the airbag in a direction along the fold from between the pair of folded shaping plates. Air bag folding device. 【請求項９】 請求項７又は請求項８記載のエアバッグ
の折畳装置であって、 波形部の高さを規制するための空間を形成する一対の板
部材を具備したことを特徴とするエアバッグの折畳装
置。9. The folding device for an airbag according to claim 7, further comprising a pair of plate members forming a space for regulating the height of the corrugated portion. Air bag folding device. 【請求項１０】 請求項７記載のエアバッグの折畳装置
であって、 プレート部材は、エアバッグを引き出す方の短辺が、他
の短辺よりも長く形成されていることを特徴とするエア
バッグの折畳装置。10. The airbag folding device according to claim 7, wherein the plate member has a short side for drawing out the airbag longer than other short sides. Air bag folding device.