JP2008168673A

JP2008168673A - Method and device for folding airbag, and airbag

Info

Publication number: JP2008168673A
Application number: JP2007001391A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Masakuni Kotai; 正訓小岱; Toshio Sudo; 敏夫須藤
Original assignee: Nihon Plast Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nihon Plast Co Ltd
Priority date: 2007-01-09
Filing date: 2007-01-09
Publication date: 2008-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-09
Also published as: JP4822477B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device easily folding an airbag for an occupant in a front passenger seat. <P>SOLUTION: The airbag 10 is folded in a predetermined area E corresponding to a housing part of a case body for housing the airbag 10. The predetermined area E has long sides A and short sides B. After inflating the airbag 10, the airbag 10 is flattened by pushing it from over. The airbag 10 is held by airbag holding plates 45 radially arranged. After making a fold, a first presser 51 is moved forward from a peripheral part so as to form a first gathering part. Continuously, after making a fold, a second presser 52 is moved forward so as to form a second gathering part. The first gathering part and two second gathering parts are arranged along each of the long sides A. One first gathering part is arranged along each of the short sides B. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、例えば、自動車の助手席乗員用のエアバッグを折り畳むエアバッグの折畳方法、エアバッグの折畳装置及びエアバッグに関する。 The present invention relates to an airbag folding method, an airbag folding apparatus, and an airbag for folding an airbag for a passenger in a passenger seat of an automobile, for example.

従来、例えば、自動車のステアリングホイールやインストルメントパネルに備えられるエアバッグ装置が知られている。このエアバッグ装置は、袋状をなすエアバッグを備え、このエアバッグは、通常時は小さく折り畳んでカバー体あるいはケース体の内側に収納されている。 Conventionally, for example, an airbag device provided in a steering wheel or an instrument panel of an automobile is known. The airbag device includes a bag-shaped airbag, and the airbag is normally folded small and stored inside the cover body or the case body.

ここで、助手席乗員用のエアバッグは、大型で三次元的な形状の袋状に形成されているため、手作業で折り畳むことは容易でなく、エアバッグを自動的に折り畳む折畳方法や折畳装置が提案されている。 Here, since the airbag for the passenger on the passenger seat is formed in a large, three-dimensional bag shape, it is not easy to fold manually, and a folding method for automatically folding the airbag, A folding device has been proposed.

例えば、助手席乗員用のエアバッグについて、平板状をなす基部と板との間にエアバッグを配置し、エアバッグの開口から空気を入れてこのエアバッグを膨張させた状態で、外周部から多数の板状の折り畳み舌を前進させ、これら折り畳み舌の端縁部で開口側に付き込むようにして、エアバッグを折り畳む構成が知られている。そして、この構成では、エアバッグを所望の形状に折り畳んだ後、エアバッグ内の空気を部分的に抜いた状態で、折り畳み舌を引き抜いた後、折り畳んだエアバッグをケース体に挿入している(例えば、特許文献１参照。)。 For example, for an airbag for a passenger on the passenger seat, the airbag is placed between the flat base and the plate, and the airbag is inflated by inflating the airbag through the opening of the airbag. There is known a configuration in which a large number of plate-like folding tongues are advanced, and the airbag is folded so as to be attached to the opening side at the end edges of these folding tongues. In this configuration, after the airbag is folded into a desired shape, the folded tongue is pulled out with the air in the airbag partially removed, and then the folded airbag is inserted into the case body. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

しかしながら、この構成では、小さく折り畳んだ状態で、エアバッグに多数の折り畳み舌が挿入された状態になっているため、折り畳み舌を引き抜く際にエアバッグの折り畳み形状が崩れて弛む場合があり、小さなケース体にエアバッグを弛みなく挿入することは困難である。また、この構成では、エアバッグの内部の空気を抜き取る装置が必要であり、折り畳み装置の構成が複雑になって、結果としてエアバッグ装置の製造コストが上昇する問題を有している。 However, in this configuration, since many folded tongues are inserted into the airbag in a small folded state, when the folded tongue is pulled out, the folded shape of the airbag may collapse and become loose. It is difficult to insert the airbag into the case body without slack. In addition, this configuration requires a device for extracting the air inside the airbag, which complicates the configuration of the folding device, resulting in a problem that the manufacturing cost of the airbag device increases.

また、例えば、ステアリングホイールに備えられる運転席用のエアバッグについて、載置部である下板、高さ記載手段である上板、これら上板と下板との間で中央部に向かって進退する押圧体及び放射状に配置された耳部形成板を備えた折畳装置が知られている。そして、この折畳装置では、下板の上にエアバッグを広げた状態で、４方に放射状に配置した耳部形成板でエアバッグを抑え、これら耳部形成板の間で押圧体を中央側に前進させる。すると、耳部形成板で抑えた部分に耳部が放射状に形成されるとともに、押圧体で押圧された部分が波状に折り畳まれる。さらに、エアバッグを回転させることにより、波状に折り畳まれた部分の外周部に耳部が沿った状態となり、外周部までガスが円滑に供給される展開特性の良好なエアバッグを迅速に折り畳みできるようになっている(例えば、特許文献２参照。)。 Further, for example, for an airbag for a driver's seat provided on a steering wheel, a lower plate as a mounting portion, an upper plate as a height description means, and a forward and backward movement toward the central portion between the upper plate and the lower plate 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a folding device that includes a pressing body that performs a pressing operation and a radially-arranged ear forming plate. And in this folding apparatus, in the state which expanded the airbag on the lower board, an airbag is suppressed with the ear | edge part formation board arrange | positioned radially at 4 directions, and a press body is center side between these ear | edge part formation boards. Move forward. Then, while the ear | edge part is formed radially in the part suppressed with the ear | edge part formation board, the part pressed by the press body is folded in a wave shape. Furthermore, by rotating the airbag, the ear portion is in a state of being along the outer peripheral portion of the portion folded in a wave shape, and the airbag with good deployment characteristics in which gas is smoothly supplied to the outer peripheral portion can be quickly folded. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

しかしながら、この構成では、エアバッグを回転させる装置が必要になり、折り畳み装置が複雑化し、結果としてエアバッグ装置の製造コストが上昇する問題を有している。また、押圧体や耳部形成板を単にエアバッグを囲んで配置する構成では、長手方向と短手方向の寸法差の大きい矩形状のケース体への収納に適した形状に折り畳むことが容易でない問題を有している。
特開平１０−１２９３８１号公報（第６−７頁、図９−図１７）国際公開第９７／３５７４５号パンフレット（図３６−図４８） However, this configuration requires a device for rotating the airbag, complicates the folding device, and as a result, increases the manufacturing cost of the airbag device. In addition, in the configuration in which the pressing body and the ear part forming plate are simply disposed so as to surround the airbag, it is not easy to be folded into a shape suitable for storage in a rectangular case body having a large dimensional difference between the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. Have a problem.
JP-A-10-129381 (page 6-7, FIGS. 9-17) International Publication No. 97/35745 Pamphlet (Figs. 36-48)

上記のように、従来の構成では、助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置などについて、エアバッグを矩形状のケース体に小さく折り畳んで収納する折畳装置について、製造コストの低減が容易でない問題を有している。 As described above, in the conventional configuration, there is a problem that it is not easy to reduce the manufacturing cost of the folding device that folds the airbag into a rectangular case body and stores the airbag device for the passenger on the passenger seat. is doing.

本発明は、このような点に鑑みなされたもので、展開特性の良好なエアバッグを所望の形状に自動機を用いて折り畳みできるエアバッグの折畳方法、エアバッグの折畳装置及びエアバッグを提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an airbag folding method, an airbag folding apparatus, and an airbag that can fold an airbag having good deployment characteristics into a desired shape using an automatic machine. The purpose is to provide.

請求項１記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、長辺と短辺とを有する断面矩形状の収納部に折り畳んで収納され、ガスの導入により膨張展開するエアバッグの折畳方法であって、前記エアバッグを平らに広げる展開工程と、前記収納部に対応する所定の領域の四隅の角部近傍からエアバッグにガスが導入されるガス導入部に含まれる所定点から離間する方向に放射状に伸びる線に沿って前記エアバッグを保持する保持工程と、前記保持工程で保持した部分の間を外周側から前記所定点に向かって押圧し、波状に折曲した複数の第１集積部を形成し、これら第１集積部を前記収納部の各長辺及び各短辺に沿って前記所定の領域内に納める第１集積部形成工程と、前記保持工程で保持した部分を解放するとともにこの部分を外周側から前記所定点に向かって押圧し、波状に折曲した複数の第２集積部を形成し、これら第２集積部を前記収納部の各長辺に沿って配置された前記各第１集積部の両側に位置して前記所定の領域内に納める第２集積部形成工程とを具備したものである。 The method for folding an airbag according to claim 1 is a method for folding an airbag that is folded and stored in a storage section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side, and is inflated and deployed by introduction of gas, A deployment step of flattening the airbag and a radial direction in a direction away from a predetermined point included in a gas introduction portion where gas is introduced into the airbag from the vicinity of the corners of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion A holding step for holding the airbag along an extending line and a portion between the holding steps in the holding step are pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point to form a plurality of first integrated portions bent in a wave shape The first stacking portion is stored in the predetermined region along the long side and the short side of the storage portion, and the portion held in the holding step is released and the portion is released. From the outer circumference to the predetermined point To form a plurality of second stacking portions bent in a wave shape, and these second stacking portions are positioned on both sides of each of the first stacking portions arranged along the long sides of the storage portion. And a second integrated part forming step that fits within the predetermined area.

そして、この構成では、平らに広げたエアバッグを外周側から押圧することで、エアバッグが容易に折り畳まれる。エアバッグは、ガスが導入されるガス導入部に向かって各集積部が波状に折り畳まれるため、エアバッグのガス導入部にガスを導入した際に各集積部が迅速に展開する良好な展開特性が容易に実現される。第２集積部を、各長辺に位置する第１集積部の両側にそれぞれ位置させることにより、エアバッグが長辺と短辺とを有する断面矩形状の収納部への収納に適した形状に折り畳まれる。折り畳み工程は簡略で、自動機による折り畳みが容易に実現され、製造コストの低減が可能になる。 And in this structure, an airbag is easily folded by pressing the airbag spread flatly from the outer peripheral side. Airbags are folded in a wave shape toward the gas introduction part where the gas is introduced, so that when the gas is introduced into the gas introduction part of the airbag, each deployment part can be deployed quickly. Is easily realized. By positioning the second stacking part on both sides of the first stacking part located on each long side, the airbag has a shape suitable for storage in a storage part having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side. Folded. The folding process is simple, folding by an automatic machine can be easily realized, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

請求項２記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、請求項１記載のエアバッグの折畳方法において、第２集積部形成工程は、第２集積部の少なくとも一部を、収納部に対応する所定の領域の境界線を越えて所定点側に押圧するものである。 The method for folding an airbag according to claim 2 is the method for folding an airbag according to claim 1, wherein the second stacking portion forming step includes at least a part of the second stacking portion corresponding to the storage portion. It pushes to the predetermined point side beyond the boundary line of the area.

そして、この構成では、第２の集積部について、強く押圧して小さく折り畳んでおくことにより、エアバッグの折り畳み形状が自己復元力で若干広がった場合にも、第２の集積部により構成されるエアバッグの角部が収納部を構成する部材に干渉することが抑制され、エアバッグの収納部への収納作業が容易になる。 And in this structure, even if the folding shape of an airbag spreads a little with self-restoring force by pressing strongly about the 2nd accumulation part, it is constituted by the 2nd accumulation part. Interference of the corners of the airbag with the members constituting the storage section is suppressed, and the storage work of the airbag in the storage section is facilitated.

請求項３記載のエアバッグの折畳方法は、請求項１または２記載のエアバッグの折畳方法において、第２集積部形成工程は、長辺及び短辺と直交する方向について、第２集積部の少なくとも一部を、一端側よりも他端側を所定点側に大きく押圧して、折り畳んだエアバッグの側面部を傾斜面とした状態で、形状保持部材を巻き付けて、前記エアバッグの折畳形状を保持するものである。 The airbag folding method according to claim 3 is the airbag folding method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second stacking portion forming step performs the second stacking in a direction orthogonal to the long side and the short side. At least a part of the portion is pressed largely toward the predetermined point on the other end side rather than the one end side, and the shape holding member is wound in a state where the side surface portion of the folded airbag is an inclined surface. It holds the folded shape.

そして、この構成では、第２の集積部について、一端側よりも他端側を所定点側に大きく押圧し、折り畳んだエアバッグの側面部を傾斜面とすることにより、折り畳んだエアバッグの形状を保持する形状保持部材を巻き付ける作業を容易にできる。 And in this structure, about the 2nd accumulation | storage part, the other end side is largely pressed to a predetermined point side rather than one end side, and the side part of the folded airbag is made into the inclined surface, The shape of the folded airbag The work which winds the shape maintenance member which holds can be made easy.

請求項４記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、長辺と短辺とを有する断面矩形状の収納部に折り畳んで収納され、ガスの導入により膨張展開するエアバッグの折畳装置であって、前記エアバッグが平らに広げられる載置部と、前記収納部に対応する所定の領域の四隅の角部近傍からエアバッグにガスが導入されるガス導入部に含まれる所定点から離間する方向に放射状に伸びる線に沿って前記エアバッグを保持する保持手段と、前記保持手段で保持した以外の部分を外周側から前記所定点に向かって押圧し、波状に折曲した複数の第１集積部を形成し、これら第１集積部を前記収納部の各長辺及び各短辺に沿って前記所定の領域内に納める第１集積部形成手段と、前記保持手段から解放された部分を、外周側から前記所定点に向かって押圧し、波状に折曲した複数の第２集積部を形成し、これら第２集積部を前記収納部の各長辺に沿って配置された前記各第１集積部の両側に位置して前記所定の領域内に納める第２集積部形成手段とを具備したものである。 The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 4 is an airbag folding apparatus that is folded and stored in a rectangular storage section having a long side and a short side, and is inflated and deployed by introducing gas, A mounting portion where the airbag is spread flat, and a direction away from a predetermined point included in a gas introduction portion where gas is introduced into the airbag from near the corners of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion. A holding means for holding the airbag along a radially extending line, and a plurality of first integrated parts bent in a wave shape by pressing a portion other than that held by the holding means from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point A first stacking portion forming means for storing the first stacking portion in the predetermined area along each long side and each short side of the storage portion, and a portion released from the holding means, Press toward the predetermined point from the side, A plurality of second stacking portions that are bent at the same time, and these second stacking portions are located on both sides of each of the first stacking portions disposed along the long sides of the storage portion and are within the predetermined region. And a second stacking part forming means.

そして、この構成では、平らに広げたエアバッグを外周側から押圧することで、エアバッグが容易に折り畳まれる。エアバッグは、ガスが導入される位置に向かって各集積部が波状に折り畳まれるため、エアバッグのガス導入部にガスを導入した際に各集積部が迅速に展開する良好な展開特性が容易に実現される。第２集積部を、長辺に位置する第１集積部の両側に位置させることにより、エアバッグが長辺と短辺とを有する断面矩形状の収納部への収納に適した形状に折り畳まれる。折り畳み工程は簡略で、自動機による折り畳みが容易に実現され、製造コストの低減が可能になる。 And in this structure, an airbag is easily folded by pressing the airbag spread flatly from the outer peripheral side. Since the air bag is folded in a wave shape toward the position where the gas is introduced, it is easy to have good deployment characteristics that each accumulator quickly deploys when the gas is introduced into the air bag. To be realized. By positioning the second stacking part on both sides of the first stacking part located on the long side, the airbag is folded into a shape suitable for storing in the storing part having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side. . The folding process is simple, folding by an automatic machine can be easily realized, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

請求項５記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、請求項４記載のエアバッグの折畳装置において、第２集積部形成手段は、第２の駆動手段と、この駆動手段に選択的に取り付けられ、エアバッグに当接して押圧する複数の形状の第２の押圧体を備えたものである。 The airbag folding device according to claim 5 is the airbag folding device according to claim 4, wherein the second stacking portion forming means is selectively attached to the second driving means and the driving means. The second pressing body having a plurality of shapes that press against the airbag is provided.

そして、この構成では、適宜の形状の第２の押圧体を選択して取り付けることにより、種々の大きさや形状のエアバッグ及び収納部に対応した適切な折り畳みが可能になり、汎用性が向上する。 In this configuration, by appropriately selecting and attaching the second pressing body having an appropriate shape, appropriate folding corresponding to airbags and storage portions of various sizes and shapes is possible, and versatility is improved. .

請求項６記載のエアバッグの折畳装置は、請求項４または５記載のエアバッグの折畳装置において、第１集積部形成手段及び第２集積部形成手段により押圧される部分に波状の折りくせを付与する折りくせ付与手段を備えたものである。 The airbag folding device according to claim 6 is the airbag folding device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the airbag is folded into a portion pressed by the first stacking portion forming means and the second stacking portion forming means. It is provided with a folding provision means for imparting a habit.

そして、この構成では、折りくせ付与手段を用い、第１集積部形成手段及び第２集積部形成手段により押圧される部分に予め波状の折りくせを付与することにより、第１集積部及び第２集積部が所望の形状の波状に容易に折り畳まれる。 In this configuration, the first stacking unit and the second stacking unit are provided by using a folding unit and applying a wave-like fold in advance to the portions pressed by the first stacking unit forming unit and the second stacking unit forming unit. The stacking portion can be easily folded into a wave shape having a desired shape.

請求項７記載のエアバッグは、長辺と短辺とを有する断面矩形状の収納部に折り畳んで収納され、ガスの導入により膨張展開するエアバッグであって、
ガスが導入されるガス導入部と、このガス導入部を囲んで波状に折曲され、前記収納部の各長辺及び各短辺に沿って前記収納部に対応する所定の領域内に納められた４カ所の第１集積部と、前記ガス導入部を囲んで波状に折曲され、かつ、前記収納部の各長辺に沿って前記第１集積部の両側に位置して前記所定の領域内に納められた４カ所の第２集積部とを具備したものである。 The airbag according to claim 7 is an airbag that is folded and stored in a storage section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side, and is inflated and deployed by introduction of gas,
A gas introduction part into which gas is introduced, and is bent in a wave shape surrounding the gas introduction part, and is stored in a predetermined region corresponding to the accommodation part along each long side and each short side of the accommodation part. The four first collecting portions and the predetermined region which is bent in a wave shape surrounding the gas introduction portion and is located on both sides of the first collecting portion along each long side of the storage portion. And four second stacking units housed inside.

そして、この構成では、長辺と短辺とを有する断面矩形状の収納部に折り畳んで収納されるエアバッグについて、自動機による折り畳みが容易で展開特性が良好なエアバッグが提供される。 In this configuration, an airbag that is easily folded by an automatic machine and has good deployment characteristics is provided for the airbag that is folded and stored in a storage section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side.

本発明によれば、ガスの導入により膨張展開するエアバッグについて、良好な展開特性を実現するとともに、長辺と短辺とを有する断面矩形状の収納部に収納することに適した形状に自動機で容易に折り畳みでき、製造コストを低減できる。 According to the present invention, an air bag that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas realizes a good deployment characteristic and automatically has a shape suitable for being housed in a housing section having a rectangular cross section having a long side and a short side. It can be easily folded by a machine, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

以下、本発明のエアバッグの折畳方法、エアバッグの折畳装置及びエアバッグの一実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of an airbag folding method, an airbag folding device, and an airbag according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図１ないし図１７において、10はエアバッグで、このエアバッグ10は、自動車の助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置に備えられる袋状のエアバッグ10である。そして、このエアバッグ装置は、図示しないが、自動車の車室の助手席に対向してインストルメントパネルに備えられ、金属製あるいは合成樹脂製のケース体と、このケース体の収納部に小さく折り畳んで収納されるエアバッグ10と、このエアバッグ10にガスを供給するインフレ−タと、エアバッグ10をケース体に取り付ける図１７などに示すリテーナ11と、ケース体の収納部の開口部すなわち折り畳んで収納されたエアバッグ10を通常時に覆い、インストルメントパネルに沿って配置されるカバー体となどを備えている。なお、エアバッグ装置は、例えば、開口部を車両の後側上方に向かって傾斜して配置されるが、以下、エアバッグ10の折り畳み時の状態に合わせて、開口部を上側に向けたものとして説明する。また、方向については、車両の直進方向を基準として説明する。 1 to 17, reference numeral 10 denotes an airbag. The airbag 10 is a bag-like airbag 10 provided in an airbag device for a passenger in a passenger seat of an automobile. Although not shown, the airbag device is provided on the instrument panel so as to face the passenger seat of the passenger compartment of the automobile, and is folded into a metal or synthetic resin case body and a housing portion of the case body. , The inflator supplying gas to the airbag 10, the retainer 11 shown in FIG. 17 for attaching the airbag 10 to the case body, and the opening or folding of the housing portion of the case body The airbag 10 housed in is covered with a cover at a normal time and is arranged along the instrument panel. Note that the airbag device is, for example, arranged such that the opening portion is inclined toward the upper rear side of the vehicle. Hereinafter, the opening portion is directed upward in accordance with the folded state of the airbag 10. Will be described. Further, the direction will be described with reference to the straight traveling direction of the vehicle.

そして、このエアバッグ装置のケース体は、いわば長方形の箱状で、断面矩形状であり、このケース体の収納部すなわち上側の開口部は、車幅方向すなわち両側方向を長手方向とし、前後方向を短手方向とした矩形状に形成されている。 The case body of the airbag device has a rectangular box shape and a rectangular cross section, and the housing portion, that is, the upper opening of the case body has a longitudinal direction in the vehicle width direction, that is, both side directions, and a front-rear direction. Is formed in a rectangular shape with a short direction.

また、エアバッグ10は、１枚あるいは複数枚の基布を縫い合わせ、立体的、いわば三次元的な袋状の外殻が構成されている。そして、このエアバッグ10には、別体の基布などにて補強された底面部が設けられ、この底面部に、円孔状などの開口を設けたガス導入部12が設けられている。また、このエアバッグ10には、図１５ないし図１７に示すように、エアバッグ10の折畳形状を保持する形状保持部材としてのパッチ14が取り付けられている。このパッチ14は、エアバッグ10を補強する基布と同様の基布により構成され、一端部が底面部に一体的に縫い合わされているとともに、他端部に円孔状の取付受部14aが設けられている。 Further, the airbag 10 has a three-dimensional, so-called three-dimensional bag-shaped outer shell formed by sewing one or a plurality of base fabrics together. The airbag 10 is provided with a bottom portion reinforced with a separate base fabric or the like, and a gas introduction portion 12 provided with an opening such as a circular hole is provided on the bottom portion. Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, a patch 14 as a shape holding member for holding the folded shape of the airbag 10 is attached to the airbag 10. The patch 14 is formed of a base fabric similar to the base fabric that reinforces the airbag 10, and one end portion is integrally sewn to the bottom surface portion, and a circular hole-shaped attachment receiving portion 14a is formed at the other end portion. Is provided.

そして、リテーナ11は、図１７に示すように、例えば金属製の環状をなすリテーナ本体11aと、このリテーナ本体から突設された取付ボルト11bとを備え、リテーナ本体11aがエアバッグ10の内側の底面部に沿って配置され、取付ボルト11bをケース体に固定して、エアバッグ10をケース体に固定している。 As shown in FIG. 17, the retainer 11 includes, for example, a metal annular retainer main body 11 a and a mounting bolt 11 b protruding from the retainer main body, and the retainer main body 11 a is provided inside the airbag 10. Arranged along the bottom surface, the mounting bolt 11b is fixed to the case body, and the airbag 10 is fixed to the case body.

また、インフレータは、例えば円柱状をなす本体部に設けたガス噴射口からガスを噴射するもので、このガス噴射口がガス導入部12の内側あるいは外側に配置されている。 The inflator is for injecting gas from, for example, a gas injection port provided in a cylindrical main body, and the gas injection port is disposed inside or outside the gas introduction unit 12.

そして、エアバッグ10は、後述する所定の形状に折り畳まれてケース体の収納部に収納される。そして、エアバッグ装置は、自動車が衝突した際には、センサを備えた制御手段からの信号により、インフレータを起動し、ガス噴射口からエアバッグ10の内部にガスを急速に供給する。すると、エアバッグ10は急速に膨張展開し、この膨張の圧力によりカバー体に設けた弱部であるテアラインを破断し、カバー体にエアバッグ10の突出口を形成する。そして、カバー体から外側に膨出したエアバッグ10は、車室内で乗員の前方に膨張展開して、前方に投げ出されてくる乗員を拘束し、乗員を衝突の衝撃から保護する。 The airbag 10 is folded into a predetermined shape, which will be described later, and stored in the storage part of the case body. When the automobile collides, the airbag device activates the inflator with a signal from a control means including a sensor, and rapidly supplies gas into the airbag 10 from the gas injection port. Then, the airbag 10 is rapidly inflated and deployed, and a tear line, which is a weak portion provided in the cover body, is broken by the pressure of the inflation, and a protruding opening of the airbag 10 is formed in the cover body. The airbag 10 bulging outward from the cover body is inflated and deployed forward of the occupant in the passenger compartment, restrains the occupant thrown forward, and protects the occupant from the impact of the collision.

次に、エアバッグ10の折畳方法及び折畳装置30を説明する。 Next, a method for folding the airbag 10 and the folding device 30 will be described.

この折畳装置30は、図１ないし図１１に示すように、エアバッグ10を平らに広げることが可能な平板状の載置部31、この載置部31の上方に位置する図５に示す上部架台32、及び載置部31の下方に位置する図５に示す下部架台33などが固定的に設けられた装置本体を備えている。なお、この載置部31は、作業者の作業性を考慮して傾斜して設けることもできるが、以下、この載置部31の上面を水平面として説明する。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the folding device 30 is shown in FIG. 5, which is located above the mounting portion 31, a flat plate-like mounting portion 31 that can spread the airbag 10 flatly. The apparatus main body is provided with a fixed upper base 32 and a lower base 33 shown in FIG. The placement unit 31 can be provided with an inclination in consideration of the workability of the operator. Hereinafter, the upper surface of the placement unit 31 will be described as a horizontal plane.

そして、載置部31の中央部の所定点Ｃを含む所定の領域Ｅには、エアバッグ10に組み合わせたリテーナ11を着脱可能に保持するリテーナ保持部35が設けられ、また、このリテーナ保持部35には、エアバッグ10の内側に空気を供給するブロー装置が備えられている。さらに、載置部31の中央部の下部には、リテーナ保持部35ともに折り畳んだエアバッグ10を収納可能な箱状をなすエアバッグ包み装置36が設けられているとともに、このエアバッグ包み装置36を上下に進退させる包み装置用シリンダ37と、エアバッグ10をエアバッグ包み装置36から押し出すエアバッグ取り出しシリンダ38とが設けられている。 In a predetermined region E including a predetermined point C at the center of the mounting portion 31, a retainer holding portion 35 that detachably holds the retainer 11 combined with the airbag 10 is provided. The retainer holding portion 35 is provided with a blow device for supplying air to the inside of the airbag 10. Further, at the lower part of the central portion of the placement portion 31, there is provided an air bag wrapping device 36 that can store the air bag 10 folded together with the retainer holding portion 35, and the air bag wrapping device 36. A wrapping device cylinder 37 for moving the airbag up and down and an airbag take-out cylinder 38 for pushing the airbag 10 out of the airbag wrapping device 36 are provided.

そして、この所定の領域Ｅは、エアバッグ10が収納されるケース体の収納部の平面形状に対応するもので、両側方向に沿った長辺Ａと、前後方向に延びる短辺Ｂとを備えている。 And this predetermined area | region E respond | corresponds to the planar shape of the accommodating part of the case body in which the airbag 10 is accommodated, and is provided with the long side A along both directions, and the short side B extended in the front-back direction. ing.

また、図５及び図６に示すように、載置部31の上方には、上部架台32に支持され、載置部31に対して平行を保ったまま押圧シリンダ41aに駆動されて進退すなわち上下動可能な平板状の移動天板41が水平状に設けられている。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, above the placement portion 31, supported by the upper frame 32 and driven by the pressing cylinder 41 a while being parallel to the placement portion 31, is advanced or retreated. A movable plate-like movable top plate 41 is provided horizontally.

さらに、図５及び図６に示すように、上部架台32に支持され、載置部31の上方の空間を囲むようにして、垂直状の位置決め板43が複数設けられ、これら位置決め板43は位置決めシリンダ43aにより駆動されて載置部31の上方の空間に対して進退する。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of vertical positioning plates 43 are provided so as to be supported by the upper frame 32 and surround the space above the mounting portion 31, and these positioning plates 43 are provided with positioning cylinders 43a. It is driven by and advances / retreats with respect to the space above the placement portion 31.

また、図１、図５ないし図７、及び図１４(a)に示すように、載置部31の上方には、移動天板41に支持されて、保持手段としての４枚のエアバッグ保持板45が備えられ、それぞれ保持シリンダー45aに駆動されて上下に進退する。各エアバッグ保持板45は、所定の領域Ｅの角部あるいは角部に近接した長辺Ａの部分から外周側に対角線状に放射状に伸びるように配置されている。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 to 7, and 14 (a), above the mounting portion 31, four airbags are supported as a holding means by being supported by a movable top plate 41. A plate 45 is provided, which is driven by a holding cylinder 45a and moves up and down. Each airbag holding plate 45 is arranged to extend radially from the corner of the predetermined region E or the portion of the long side A close to the corner to the outer peripheral side in a diagonal line.

さらに、図７に示すように、載置部31の中央部すなわち所定の領域Ｅの上方には、折り畳んだエアバッグ10を下方のエアバッグ包み装置36に押し込む押込シリンダ48が設けられている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a pushing cylinder 48 for pushing the folded airbag 10 into the lower airbag wrapping device 36 is provided at the center of the mounting portion 31, that is, above the predetermined region E.

一方、載置部31には、この載置部31の上面に沿って所定点Ｃに向かって進退する複数、ここでは第１集積部形成手段を構成する４個の第１の押圧体51と、第２集積部形成手段を構成する４個の第２の押圧体52を備え、エアバッグ10を押圧して波状に折り畳みつつ所定の領域Ｅ内に集積するようになっている。 On the other hand, the mounting portion 31 includes a plurality of first pressing bodies 51 that constitute a first stacking portion forming means, and a plurality of first pressing bodies 51 that advance and retreat toward a predetermined point C along the upper surface of the mounting portion 31. In addition, four second pressing bodies 52 constituting the second stacking portion forming means are provided, and the airbag 10 is stacked in a predetermined region E while being pressed and folded in a wave shape.

そして、第１の押圧体51は、図１に示すように、所定の領域Ｅの前後及び左右両側に配置され、それぞれ載置部31の下側に配置された直動式エアシリンダである折畳シリンダ53に駆動されて、それぞれ所定の領域Ｅの長辺Ａの中央部及び短辺Ｂの中央部に対して垂直に進退する。また、各第１の押圧体51は、先端部に、所定の領域Ｅの長辺Ａ及び短辺Ｂに平行に配置される正面板部55aと、この正面板部55aの両端部から外周側に拡開するように伸びる外周板部55bと、これら正面板部55a及び外周板部55b上側の縁部から前方に若干突出する図７ないし図１０に示す高さ規制板部55cとを備えた第１のヘッド55を備えている。そして、両側に位置する第１の押圧体51の正面板部55aは、短辺Ｂの長さ寸法とほぼ等しく形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the first pressing body 51 is disposed on the front and rear sides of the predetermined region E and on both the left and right sides, and is a foldable air cylinder that is disposed on the lower side of the mounting portion 31. Driven by the tatami cylinder 53, it advances and retreats vertically with respect to the central part of the long side A and the central part of the short side B of the predetermined region E, respectively. Each of the first pressing bodies 51 has a front plate portion 55a disposed at the tip portion in parallel with the long side A and the short side B of the predetermined region E, and an outer peripheral side from both ends of the front plate portion 55a. And an outer peripheral plate portion 55b extending so as to expand, and a height regulating plate portion 55c shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 slightly protruding forward from the upper edge portion of the front plate portion 55a and the outer peripheral plate portion 55b. A first head 55 is provided. And the front board part 55a of the 1st press body 51 located in both sides is formed substantially equal to the length dimension of the short side B. As shown in FIG.

また、第２の押圧体52は、所定の領域Ｅの角部あるいは角部に近接した長辺Ａの部分から外周側に向かい対角線状に沿って放射状に伸びるように配置され、それぞれ載置部31の下側に配置された直動式エアシリンダである第２の駆動手段としての折畳シリンダ53に駆動されて、所定の領域Ｅの角部あるいは角部に近接した長辺Ａの部分に対して進退する。また、各第２の押圧体52は、先端部に、所定の領域Ｅの角部に対向しあるいは角部に近接した長辺Ａの部分に平行に配置される正面板部56aと、この正面板部56aの両端部から外周側に伸びる外周板部56bとを設けた第２のヘッド56を備えている。 The second pressing body 52 is arranged so as to extend radially along the diagonal line from the corner of the predetermined region E or the long side A adjacent to the corner toward the outer periphery. 31 is driven by a folding cylinder 53 as a second drive means, which is a direct acting air cylinder disposed on the lower side of 31, and a corner of a predetermined region E or a portion of a long side A close to the corner Move forward and backward. Each of the second pressing bodies 52 has a front plate portion 56a disposed at the tip portion in parallel with the portion of the long side A facing the corner portion of the predetermined region E or close to the corner portion. A second head 56 provided with an outer peripheral plate portion 56b extending from the both end portions of the face plate portion 56a to the outer peripheral side is provided.

また、この第２のヘッド56は、図１１(a)，(b)，(c)に示すように、複数の形状のものが用意され、選択的に取付可能、すなわち付け替え可能になっており、種々の大きさあるいは形状のリテーナやケース体の収納部に対応可能となっている。ここで、図１１(a)に示す第２のヘッド56は、正面板部56aが長辺Ａと平行になり、図１１(b)に示す第２のヘッド56は、正面板部56aが長辺Ａと略平行で角部に若干食い込んで傾斜した状態になり、図１１(c)に示す第２のヘッド56は、正面板部56aが他のヘッドより大きく前進し、小形の収納部に対応可能に形成されている。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 (a), (b), and (c), the second head 56 has a plurality of shapes and can be selectively attached, that is, can be replaced. It is possible to accommodate retainers of various sizes or shapes and storage portions of the case body. Here, in the second head 56 shown in FIG. 11 (a), the front plate portion 56a is parallel to the long side A, and in the second head 56 shown in FIG. 11 (b), the front plate portion 56a is long. The second head 56 shown in FIG. 11C is substantially parallel to the side A and slightly inclines into the corner portion, and the front plate portion 56a advances more greatly than the other heads in the second head 56 shown in FIG. It is formed to be compatible.

そして、図１１などに示すように、第１の押圧体51と第２の押圧体52とは交互に配置されているが、所定の領域Ｅの各長辺Ａについて、それぞれ１個の第１の押圧体51とこの第１の押圧体51の両側に並ぶ第２の押圧体52が配置され、所定の領域Ｅの各短辺Ｂについては、それぞれ１個の第１の押圧体51が配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 11 and the like, the first pressing bodies 51 and the second pressing bodies 52 are alternately arranged. For each long side A of the predetermined region E, one first And the second pressing body 52 arranged on both sides of the first pressing body 51 are arranged, and for each short side B of the predetermined region E, one first pressing body 51 is arranged. Has been.

また、この折畳装置30は、第１の押圧体51及び第２の押圧体52により押圧されるエアバッグ10の基布に波状の折りくせを付与する折りくせ付与手段としての第１の折りくせ付与装置61と第２の折りくせ付与装置62とを備えている。 In addition, the folding device 30 includes a first fold serving as a fold imparting means for imparting a wavy fold to the base fabric of the airbag 10 pressed by the first pressing body 51 and the second pressing body 52. A comb imparting device 61 and a second folding imparting device 62 are provided.

そして、第１の折りくせ付与装置61は、図８ないし図１０に示すように、所定の領域Ｅの前後左右の四方の上下、すなわち、第１の押圧体51の進路の上下に配置される、上部折りくせ装置64及び下部折りくせ装置65とを備えている。そして、これら上下の折りくせ装置64，65は、それぞれ、複数の垂直状の複数の折りくせ板64a，65aを備えるとともに、これら折りくせ板64a，65aを上下すなわち縦方向に駆動する折りくせ用シリンダ64b，65bを備えている。そして、この第１の折りくせ付与装置61は、待機状態で、上部折りくせ装置64の折りくせ板64aは載置部31の上方に後退し、下部折りくせ装置65の折りくせ板65aは載置部31の下方に後退する。そして、作動状態では、折りくせ用シリンダ64b，65bが動作し、上部折りくせ装置64の折りくせ板64aは下方に前進して載置部31の上面近傍に位置し、下部折りくせ装置65の折りくせ板65aは上方に前進して載置部31の上側に突出する。この作動状態で、上部折りくせ装置64の折りくせ板64aと下部折りくせ装置65の折りくせ板65aとの先端部同士が載置部31の上面の高さで、交互に緩やかに組み合わされる。 Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the first folding imparting device 61 is arranged above and below the predetermined region E in the four directions up and down, that is, above and below the path of the first pressing body 51. The upper folding device 64 and the lower folding device 65 are provided. The upper and lower folding devices 64 and 65 include a plurality of vertical folding plates 64a and 65a, respectively, and are used for folding to drive the folding plates 64a and 65a up and down, that is, in the vertical direction. Cylinders 64b and 65b are provided. Then, in the first folding application device 61, the folding plate 64a of the upper folding device 64 retreats above the placement portion 31 and the folding plate 65a of the lower folding device 65 is placed in the standby state. Retreats below the placement unit 31. In the operating state, the folding cylinders 64b and 65b operate, and the folding plate 64a of the upper folding device 64 advances downward to be positioned near the upper surface of the mounting portion 31, and the lower folding device 65 The folding plate 65a advances upward and protrudes above the placement portion 31. In this operating state, the tips of the folding plate 64a of the upper folding device 64 and the folding plate 65a of the lower folding device 65 are alternately and gently combined at the height of the upper surface of the mounting portion 31.

また、第２の折りくせ付与装置62は、図３に示すように、各第１の押圧体51に配置され、各第１の押圧体51の両側の外周板部55bに進退可能に支持された複数の垂直状の折りくせ板68と、これら折りくせ板68を載置部31に沿って外周板部55bから出没するように進退させる図示しない直動式エアシリンダである折りくせ用シリンダを備えている。そして、この第２の折りくせ付与装置62は、待機状態で、各折りくせ板68は外周板部55bから突出しないように後退する。そして、作動状態では、折りくせ用シリンダが動作し、各折りくせ板68は外周板部55bから垂直状に突出する。この作動状態で、互いに隣接する第１の押圧体51から突出した折りくせ板68の先端部同士が載置部31の上面に沿って、交互に緩やかに組み合わされる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the second folding imparting device 62 is disposed on each first pressing body 51 and is supported by the outer peripheral plate portions 55 b on both sides of each first pressing body 51 so as to be able to advance and retreat. A plurality of vertical folding plates 68, and a folding cylinder which is a direct acting air cylinder (not shown) for advancing and retracting the folding plates 68 so as to protrude and retract from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b along the mounting portion 31. I have. Then, in the standby state, the second folding application device 62 retreats so that each folding plate 68 does not protrude from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b. In the operating state, the folding cylinder operates, and each folding plate 68 projects vertically from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b. In this operating state, the front ends of the folding plates 68 protruding from the first pressing bodies 51 adjacent to each other are gradually and gently combined along the upper surface of the mounting portion 31.

そして、この折畳装置30は、コンピュータを備えた制御装置によりプログラムに従い全体の工程が制御されるとともに、手動により操作可能な操作部が設けられている。 The folding device 30 is provided with an operation unit that can be manually operated while the entire process is controlled according to a program by a control device including a computer.

次に、この折畳装置30を用いたエアバッグ10の折り畳み工程を説明する。 Next, a folding process of the airbag 10 using the folding device 30 will be described.

まず、制御手段により各駆動手段を制御して、各部を待機状態とする。すなわち、移動天板41を上昇させるとともに、第１の押圧体51、第２の押圧体52及び位置決め板43を外周側に後退させる。 First, each drive unit is controlled by the control unit, and each unit is set in a standby state. That is, the moving top plate 41 is raised, and the first pressing body 51, the second pressing body 52, and the positioning plate 43 are retracted to the outer peripheral side.

そして、作業者の手作業により、エアバッグ10のガス導入部12にリテーナ11を取り付け、このリテーナ11を折畳装置30のリテーナ保持部35に保持させる。この状態では、エアバッグ10は、図１２(a)及び図１３(a)に示すように、形状が定まらず、すなわち所望外の形状で載置部31上で平らになっている。 Then, the retainer 11 is attached to the gas introduction part 12 of the airbag 10 by the operator's manual work, and the retainer 11 is held by the retainer holding part 35 of the folding device 30. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 13 (a), the airbag 10 has an undefined shape, that is, is flat on the mounting portion 31 with an undesired shape.

次いで、展開工程として、ブロー装置によりエアバッグ10の内側に空気を供給し、図５、図１２(b)及び図１３(b)に示すように、エアバッグ10を膨らませる。そして、位置決めシリンダ43aを作動させ、複数の位置決め板43をそれぞれエアバッグ10に向かって進退させ、エアバッグ10を今後の折畳作業に適した位置に位置決めする。次いで、ブロー装置を作動させて内圧を加えたまま、各位置決め板43を後退させるとともに、移動天板41を下降させてエアバッグ10を押圧し、図１２(c)及び図１３(c)に示すように、エアバッグ10を載置部31上で平らな平面状に展開し、ブロー装置を停止することにより、エアバッグ10を所望の形状で所望の位置に平らに広げる展開工程(一次折り)が完了する。すなわち、エアバッグ10は、図１に示すように、円形状あるいは楕円形状などをなして、載置部31の中央部で平らに広げられている。 Next, as a deployment step, air is supplied to the inside of the airbag 10 by a blow device, and the airbag 10 is inflated as shown in FIGS. 5, 12 (b), and 13 (b). Then, the positioning cylinder 43a is actuated to advance and retract the plurality of positioning plates 43 toward the airbag 10, respectively, so that the airbag 10 is positioned at a position suitable for future folding work. Next, while operating the blow device and applying the internal pressure, each positioning plate 43 is retracted, and the movable top plate 41 is lowered to press the airbag 10, as shown in FIGS. 12 (c) and 13 (c). As shown in the figure, the airbag 10 is deployed on the mounting portion 31 in a flat plane shape, and the blowing device is stopped, so that the airbag 10 is flattened in a desired shape in a desired position (primary folding). ) Is completed. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the airbag 10 has a circular shape or an elliptical shape, and is spread flat at the center of the placement portion 31.

次いで、保持工程として、保持シリンダー45aを作動させ、４枚のエアバッグ保持板45を下方に前進させ、所定点Ｃを略中心に斜め方向に放射状に伸びる線に沿ってエアバッグ10を載置部31上に押し付け、いわば上下から挟持して保持するとともに、図６及び図７に示すように、移動天板41をエアバッグ保持板45よりも上方に所定寸法だけ後退させる。 Next, as a holding step, the holding cylinder 45a is operated to advance the four airbag holding plates 45 downward, and the airbag 10 is placed along a line extending radially in an oblique direction about the predetermined point C. It is pressed onto the portion 31 and, so to speak, sandwiched and held from above and below, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the movable top plate 41 is retracted by a predetermined dimension above the airbag holding plate 45.

次いで、第１の折りくせ付与工程として、折りくせ用シリンダ64b，65bを作動させ、図８、図９、図１２(d)及び図１３(d)に示すように、上部折りくせ装置64の折りくせ板64aを下方に前進させるとともに、下部折りくせ装置65の折りくせ板65aを上方に前進させる。この状態で、これら折りくせ板64a，65aの先端部によりエアバッグ10を押圧し、エアバッグ10の基布の前後左右の４カ所に、すなわち、所定の領域Ｅの前後左右に位置して、いわば縦方向の波状(蛇腹状)の折りくせを付与する。次いで、折りくせ用シリンダ64b，65bを作動させ、上部折りくせ装置64の折りくせ板64aを上方に後退させるとともに、下部折りくせ装置65の折りくせ板65aを下方に後退させる。 Next, as the first folding application step, the folding cylinders 64b and 65b are actuated, and as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 12 (d) and 13 (d), the upper folding device 64 is operated. The folding plate 64a is advanced downward, and the folding plate 65a of the lower folding device 65 is advanced upward. In this state, the airbag 10 is pressed by the front end portions of the folding plates 64a and 65a, and is positioned at four positions on the front and rear, left and right of the base fabric of the airbag 10, that is, on the front and rear, left and right of the predetermined region E, In other words, it gives vertical wavy (bellows-like) folds. Next, the folding cylinders 64b and 65b are operated, the folding plate 64a of the upper folding device 64 is retracted upward, and the folding plate 65a of the lower folding device 65 is retracted downward.

次いで、第１集積部形成工程として、４個の第１の押圧体51を所定の領域Ｅに向かって前進させ、折りくせが付与されている部分、すなわち、エアバッグ保持板45で保持した以外のエアバッグ10の部分を外周側から所定点Ｃに向かって押圧し、図２、図１０、図１２(e)、図１３(e)、及び図１４(a)に示すように、波状に折曲した第１集積部81を４カ所に形成し、これら第１集積部81を所定の領域Ｅ内に納めるとともに、エアバッグ保持板45に保持された部分に、耳部とも呼び得る放射延設部83を形成する。また、この押圧の過程において、既に折りくせの付与されたエアバッグ10は円滑に折り畳まれるが、第１の押圧体51に設けた高さ規制板部55c、さらには移動天板41が、折りの乱れを防止する。そして、エアバッグ保持板45を上方に後退させることにより、図１４(b)に示すように、第１集積部形成工程(二次折り)が完了する。 Next, as the first stacking portion forming step, the four first pressing bodies 51 are advanced toward the predetermined region E, and are held by the portion to which the folding is given, that is, the airbag holding plate 45 The airbag 10 is pressed toward the predetermined point C from the outer peripheral side, and as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 10, FIG. 12 (e), FIG. 13 (e), and FIG. The bent first accumulating portion 81 is formed at four locations, and the first accumulating portion 81 is accommodated in a predetermined region E, and a radial extension that can be called an ear portion is held in a portion held by the airbag holding plate 45. An installation portion 83 is formed. Further, in the process of pressing, the airbag 10 that has already been folded is smoothly folded, but the height regulating plate portion 55c provided on the first pressing body 51 and the movable top plate 41 are folded. To prevent disturbance. Then, by retracting the airbag holding plate 45 upward, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), the first stacking portion forming step (secondary folding) is completed.

次いで、第２の折りくせ付与工程として、各第１の押圧体51に設けた第２の折りくせ付与装置62の折りくせ用シリンダを作動させ、図３、図１２(f)、図１３(f)、及び図１４(c)に示すように、折りくせ板68を外周板部55bから突出するように前進させる。この状態で、これら折りくせ板68により、エアバッグ10の各放射延設部83を押圧し、これら放射延設部83の基布に、いわば横方向の波状(蛇腹状)の折りくせを付与する。次いで、各折りくせ用シリンダを作動させ、折りくせ板68を第１の押圧体51の内側に後退させる。 Next, as a second folding application step, the folding cylinder of the second folding application device 62 provided on each first pressing body 51 is operated, and FIG. 3, FIG. 12 (f), FIG. As shown in f) and FIG. 14 (c), the folding plate 68 is advanced so as to protrude from the outer peripheral plate portion 55b. In this state, the folding plate 68 presses each radial extending portion 83 of the airbag 10, and imparts a lateral wavy (bellows-like) folding to the base fabric of the radial extending portion 83. To do. Next, each folding cylinder is operated, and the folding plate 68 is retracted to the inside of the first pressing body 51.

次いで、第２集積部形成工程として、斜め４方向の第２の押圧体52を所定の領域Ｅに向かって前進させ、折りくせが付与されている各放射延設部83を、外周側から押圧し、図４、図１１(b)、図１２(g)及び図１３(g)に示すように、波状に折曲した第２集積部84を４カ所に形成し、これら第２集積部84を長辺Ａに沿って第１集積部81の両側に位置させ、所定の領域Ｅ内に納めることにより、第２集積部形成工程(三次折り)が完了する。また、この押圧の過程において、既に折りくせの付与されたエアバッグ10は円滑に折り畳まれるが、第１の押圧体51に設けた高さ規制板部55c、さらには移動天板41が、折りの乱れを防止する。 Next, as the second stacking portion forming step, the second pressing body 52 in the four oblique directions is advanced toward the predetermined region E, and the radial extending portions 83 to which folding is applied are pressed from the outer peripheral side. Then, as shown in FIGS. 4, 11 (b), 12 (g), and 13 (g), the second integrated portions 84 bent in a wave shape are formed at four locations, and these second integrated portions 84 are formed. Is positioned on both sides of the first stacking portion 81 along the long side A and is placed in a predetermined region E, whereby the second stacking portion forming step (third-order folding) is completed. Further, in the process of pressing, the airbag 10 that has already been folded is smoothly folded, but the height regulating plate portion 55c provided on the first pressing body 51 and the movable top plate 41 are folded. To prevent disturbance.

この状態で、第１集積部81は、外周側の先端部を除き、１方向に沿った折り線でのみ波状に折り畳まれているのに対し、第２集積部84は、互いに交差し直交する２方向に沿った折り線で波状に折り畳まれている。 In this state, the first stacking portion 81 is folded in a wavy shape only along a fold line along one direction except for the front end portion on the outer peripheral side, whereas the second stacking portions 84 cross each other and are orthogonal to each other. It is folded in a wavy shape along fold lines along two directions.

次いで、折り畳んだエアバッグ10の形状を保持する折り畳み形状保持工程であるラッピング作業を行う。すなわち、折り畳んだエアバッグ10は、各押圧体51，52が後退してしまうと、折り畳んだ形状を保持できないため、各押圧体51，52を前進させた状態のまま、移動天板41を下方に前進させ、さらに、図７及び図１５に示すように、押込シリンダ48を作動させ、リテーナ保持部35でリテーナ11を保持したまま、折り畳んだエアバッグ10を下方のエアバッグ包み装置36に押し込む。このエアバッグ包み装置36では、外周の板部により、エアバッグ10の折り畳み形状が保持される。 Next, a lapping operation, which is a folded shape holding step for holding the shape of the folded airbag 10, is performed. That is, since the folded airbag 10 cannot hold the folded shape when the pressing bodies 51 and 52 are retracted, the movable top plate 41 is moved downward while the pressing bodies 51 and 52 are moved forward. 7 and FIG. 15, the pushing cylinder 48 is operated, and the folded airbag 10 is pushed into the lower airbag wrapping device 36 while the retainer 11 is held by the retainer holding portion 35. . In the airbag wrapping device 36, the folded shape of the airbag 10 is maintained by the outer peripheral plate portion.

このようにエアバッグ10をエアバッグ包み装置36に収納した状態で、移動天板41を上昇させるとともに、包み装置用シリンダ37を作動させ、エアバッグ包み装置36とともにエアバッグ10を上昇させる。そして、図１６及び図１７に示すように、エアバッグ10のパッチ14で折り畳んだエアバッグ10を包み込み、パッチ14の取付受部14aをリテーナ11の取付ボルト11bに引っ掛けることにより、エアバッグ10の折畳作業が完了する。 In the state where the airbag 10 is stored in the airbag wrapping device 36 as described above, the movable top plate 41 is raised and the wrapping device cylinder 37 is operated to raise the airbag 10 together with the airbag wrapping device 36. 16 and 17, the airbag 10 folded by the patch 14 of the airbag 10 is wrapped, and the attachment receiving portion 14a of the patch 14 is hooked on the attachment bolt 11b of the retainer 11, thereby Folding work is completed.

このように、本実施の形態によれば、エアバッグ10に内圧を加えて膨張させた状態で押圧して所望の形状の平面状とし、四隅の角部をエアバッグ保持板45で上部から放射状に抑えた状態で、第１の押圧体51を前進させてエアバッグを外周側から押圧し、波状に集積した第１集積部81と放射延設部83とを形成し、次いで、第２の押圧体52を前進させて放射延設部83を外周部から押圧し波状に集積して第２集積部84を形成する構成により、助手席乗員用のエアバッグ10のような複雑で三次元的で多種多様な形状のエアバッグ10について、折畳装置30により容易に自動的に折り畳むことができる。そして、多種多様な形状のエアバッグ10を同一の折畳装置30で折畳できるとともに、エアバッグ10を回転させる装置、ロール状に巻回する装置、あるいは負圧を発生させる排気装置などを備える必要がないため、汎用性を向上できるとともに、折畳工程及び折畳装置30の構造を簡略化でき、自動機による折り畳みを容易に実現でき、結果として、エアバッグ装置の製造コストを低減できる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, the airbag 10 is pressed in an inflated state to be inflated to have a flat shape with a desired shape, and the corners of the four corners are radially formed from the top by the airbag holding plate 45. The first pressing body 51 is advanced in the state of being suppressed to press the airbag from the outer peripheral side to form the first integrated portion 81 and the radiation extending portion 83 that are accumulated in a wave shape, and then the second The structure in which the pressing body 52 is advanced to press the radiation extending portion 83 from the outer peripheral portion and is accumulated in the form of a wave to form the second accumulating portion 84, which is complicated and three-dimensional like the airbag 10 for the passenger on the passenger seat. Thus, the airbag 10 having various shapes can be easily folded automatically by the folding device 30. The airbag 10 having various shapes can be folded by the same folding device 30, and includes a device for rotating the airbag 10, a device for winding in a roll, or an exhaust device for generating negative pressure. Since it is not necessary, the versatility can be improved, the folding process and the structure of the folding device 30 can be simplified, and folding by an automatic machine can be easily realized. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the airbag device can be reduced.

また、各折りくせ付与装置61，62により、各押圧体51，52を前進させる前に、予めエアバッグ10の基布に上下方向及び水平方向の波状の折りくせを付与したため、容易に所望の形状の第１集積部81及び第２集積部84を形成できる。 In addition, before each pressing body 51, 52 is advanced by each fold-applying device 61, 62, since the wavy fold in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is applied to the base fabric of the airbag 10 in advance, it is easily desired. The first integrated portion 81 and the second integrated portion 84 having a shape can be formed.

さらに、助手席乗員用のエアバッグ10は、両側方向に長い矩形状のケース体の収納部に収納されるが、本実施の形態では、短辺Ｂにはそれぞれ１個の第１集積部81を配置し、長辺Ａにはそれぞれ１個の第１集積部81とこの第１集積部81の両側に位置して２個の第２集積部84を配置するように折り畳み、長辺Ａと短辺Ｂとで配置する集積部81，84の数を異ならせ、特に３対１としたため、エアバッグ10が長辺Ａと短辺Ｂとを有する断面矩形状の収納部へ弛みなくしっかりと収納でき、長期にわたり安定した収納状態を維持できる好ましい収納状態を実現できる。 Further, the passenger seat occupant airbag 10 is housed in a housing portion of a rectangular case body that is long in both sides. In the present embodiment, one first stacking portion 81 is provided on each short side B. Are folded on the long side A so that one first stacking unit 81 and two second stacking units 84 are disposed on both sides of the first stacking unit 81. Since the number of the stacking portions 81 and 84 arranged on the short side B is different, particularly 3: 1, the airbag 10 is firmly and securely attached to the storage portion having a rectangular cross section having the long side A and the short side B. A preferable storage state that can be stored and can maintain a stable storage state for a long time can be realized.

また、エアバッグ10は、ガスが導入されるガス導入部12に向かって各集積部81，84が波状に折り畳まれるため、エアバッグ10のガス導入部12にガスを導入した際に各集積部81，84が迅速に展開する良好な展開特性を容易に実現できる。さらに、エアバッグ10のガス導入部12に対向する正面部は、１枚の基布で構成されるため、この正面部を迅速に展開させ、助手席乗員用のエアバッグ10として好ましい特性を実現できる。 Further, since each of the collecting portions 81 and 84 is folded in a wave shape toward the gas introducing portion 12 into which the gas is introduced, when the gas is introduced into the gas introducing portion 12 of the airbag 10, each collecting portion It is possible to easily realize good deployment characteristics that 81 and 84 can be deployed quickly. Furthermore, since the front part of the airbag 10 that faces the gas introduction part 12 is composed of a single base fabric, the front part can be quickly deployed to achieve favorable characteristics as the airbag 10 for the passenger on the passenger seat. it can.

また、第２の押圧体52を、収納部の形状に対して、エアバッグ10がより小さく折り畳まれるように移動させ、あるいは第２のヘッド56の形状の選択により、部分的(局所的)に強く圧縮して傾斜面を形成することにより、折り畳んだエアバッグ10の収納部への収納作業、あるいは、エアバッグ10のラッピング作業を容易にできる。すなわち、実際の収納作業やラッピング作業においては、折り畳んだエアバッグ10の四隅の角部や、これら角部を結ぶ縁部の部分が、大きな自己復元力で膨張しようとするため、ケース体に干渉するなど、収納作業やラッピング作業が困難になる原因となる。そこで、主としてエアバッグ10の角部の部分となる第２集積部84を、第２の押圧体52により、エアバッグ10の他の部分より強く押圧して小さく折り畳んでおくことにより、エアバッグ10の折り畳み形状が自己復元力で若干広がった場合などにも、第２集積部84により構成されるエアバッグ10の角部がケース体やパッチ14などに干渉することを抑制し、エアバッグ10の収納部への収納作業やパッチによるラッピング作業を容易にできる。 Further, the second pressing body 52 is moved partially with respect to the shape of the storage portion so that the airbag 10 is folded smaller or locally (locally) by selecting the shape of the second head 56. By forming the inclined surface by strongly compressing, the storing operation of the folded airbag 10 or the lapping operation of the airbag 10 can be facilitated. That is, in actual storage work and lapping work, the corners of the four corners of the folded airbag 10 and the edge parts connecting these corners try to inflate with a large self-restoring force, and thus interfere with the case body. For example, the storage work and the wrapping work become difficult. Therefore, the second stacking portion 84 which is mainly a corner portion of the airbag 10 is pressed more strongly than the other portions of the airbag 10 by the second pressing body 52 and folded to be small. Even when the folding shape of the airbag 10 is slightly expanded due to the self-restoring force, the corner portion of the airbag 10 constituted by the second stacking portion 84 is prevented from interfering with the case body, the patch 14, etc. Storage work in the storage part and wrapping work by patches can be facilitated.

さらに、例えば、図１８に示すように、第２の押圧体52の第２のヘッド56の先端の正面板部56aを、載置部31すなわち下方に向かって傾斜した傾斜面とするなどして、エアバッグ10の上側部を大きく押圧し、折り畳んだエアバッグ10の側面部91、特に角部の部分を傾斜面とすることにより、パッチ14などの形状保持部材を巻き付けて係止するラッピング作業を容易にして、作業時間を短縮することができる。 Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the front plate portion 56a at the tip of the second head 56 of the second pressing body 52 is set to a placement portion 31, that is, an inclined surface inclined downward. A wrapping operation for winding and locking a shape holding member such as the patch 14 by pressing the upper side portion of the airbag 10 greatly and forming the side surface portion 91 of the folded airbag 10, particularly the corner portion, as an inclined surface. The working time can be shortened.

また、第２の押圧体52は、先端部の第２のヘッド56を複数の形状から選択して取り付けできるため、種々の大きさや形状のエアバッグ10及び収納部に対応した適切な折り畳みが可能になり、汎用性を向上して製造コストを低減できる。 In addition, since the second pressing body 52 can be attached by selecting the second head 56 at the tip from a plurality of shapes, it can be folded appropriately for the airbag 10 and the storage portion of various sizes and shapes. Thus, the versatility can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

なお、上記の実施の形態では、第１の押圧体51及び第２の押圧体52に対してそれぞれ折りくせ付与装置61，62を設け、各折りくせ付与装置61，62は、直動式のエアシリンダである折りくせ用シリンダ64b，65bにより同時に移動してエアバッグ10に当接させるものとしたが、この構成に限られず、第１の押圧体51及び第２の押圧体52のいずれか一方のみに設けても良く、また、シリンダに代えて、あるいはシリンダに加えて、リンク機構やカム機構を用いることもできる。さらに、折りくせ付与装置61，62は、複数の折りくせ板65a，64a，68を個別に駆動し、順次移動させる構成とすることもできる。 In the above embodiment, the first pressing body 51 and the second pressing body 52 are provided with folding devices 61 and 62, respectively, and each folding device 61 and 62 is a direct acting type. The folding cylinders 64b and 65b, which are air cylinders, are simultaneously moved and brought into contact with the airbag 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and either the first pressing body 51 or the second pressing body 52 is used. A link mechanism or a cam mechanism can be used instead of the cylinder or in addition to the cylinder. Further, the folding application devices 61 and 62 may be configured to individually drive and sequentially move the plurality of folding plates 65a, 64a, and 68.

また、上記の実施の形態では、例えば、載置部31が固定され、移動天板41が上下動するものとしたが、これらの構成は相対的なものであり、載置部31が上下動する構成とすることもできる。また、上記の構成の天地を反対とし、エアバッグ10を吊り下げるように支持する構成とすることもできる。 In the above embodiment, for example, the placement unit 31 is fixed and the movable top plate 41 moves up and down. However, these configurations are relative, and the placement unit 31 moves up and down. It can also be set as the structure to do. Further, the configuration may be such that the top and bottom of the above configuration is reversed and the airbag 10 is supported so as to be suspended.

また、前後左右の第１の押圧体51によりエアバッグ10を押圧した後、斜め方向に進退する第２の押圧体52によりエアバッグ10を押圧したが、この構成に限られず、第２の押圧体52の第２のヘッド56の形状を変えることで、まず、第２の押圧体52によりエアバッグ10を押圧して折り畳み、次いで、第１の押圧体51によりエアバッグ10を押圧して折り畳むこともできる。 Further, after the airbag 10 is pressed by the first, left, right, and first pressing bodies 51, the airbag 10 is pressed by the second pressing body 52 that advances and retracts in an oblique direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. By changing the shape of the second head 56 of the body 52, the airbag 10 is first pressed and folded by the second pressing body 52, and then the airbag 10 is pressed and folded by the first pressing body 51. You can also

なお、エアバッグ10を所望の形状に折り畳んだ状態で、パッチ14によるラッピング作業を行わずに、エアバッグ10を折畳装置30から取り外すこともできる。 Note that the airbag 10 can be detached from the folding device 30 without performing the wrapping operation with the patch 14 in a state in which the airbag 10 is folded into a desired shape.

また、助手席乗員用のエアバッグ10に限られず、ステアリングホイール、座席の側部、ピラー部分などに備えられるエアバッグ装置の平面的あるいは立体的な形状のエアバッグの折畳に用いることもできる。 Further, the airbag 10 is not limited to the passenger seat occupant airbag 10 and can be used for folding a planar or three-dimensional airbag of an airbag apparatus provided in a steering wheel, a side portion of a seat, a pillar portion, or the like. .

なお、ステアリングホイール用のエアバッグなど、容易に所望の形状で平面状に展開できるものについては、エアバッグ内に空気を入れて膨張させる工程は省略できる。 For a steering wheel airbag that can be easily deployed in a flat shape with a desired shape, the step of inflating the air into the airbag can be omitted.

本発明は、例えば、自動車の助手席乗員用のエアバッグに適用できる。 The present invention can be applied to, for example, an airbag for a passenger in an automobile.

本発明のエアバッグの折畳方法及び折畳装置の一実施の形態を示す折畳工程の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the folding process which shows one Embodiment of the folding method and folding apparatus of the airbag of this invention. 同上エアバッグの折畳方法の図１に続く折畳工程の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 1 of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳方法の図２に続く折畳工程の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 2 of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳方法の図３に続く折畳工程の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 3 of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳装置の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳装置の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳装置の一部の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of a part of airbag folding apparatus same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳装置の図１のＩ−Ｉ断面相当位置の折畳工程の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the folding process of the II equivalent cross section of FIG. 1 of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳装置の図８に続く折畳工程の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 8 of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳装置の図９に続く折畳工程の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the folding process following FIG. 9 of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳装置の第２の押圧体を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd press body of the folding apparatus of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳方法のエアバッグの平面形状を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the planar shape of the airbag of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳方法のエアバッグの側面から見た形状を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the shape seen from the side surface of the airbag of the airbag folding method same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳方法のエアバッグの斜め上方から見た形状を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the shape seen from diagonally upward of the airbag of the airbag folding method same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳装置の一部の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of a part of airbag folding apparatus same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳方法の折畳工程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the folding process of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. 同上エアバッグの折畳方法の折畳工程を示す図１６のIII−III断面相当位置の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the III-III cross section equivalent position of FIG. 16 which shows the folding process of the folding method of an airbag same as the above. 本発明のエアバッグの第２の押圧体の他の実施の形態を示す図１１(b)のII−II断面相当位置の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the II-II cross-section equivalent position of FIG.11 (b) which shows other embodiment of the 2nd press body of the airbag of this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

10 エアバッグ
12 ガス導入部
14 形状保持部材としてのパッチ
30 折畳装置
31 載置部
45 保持手段としてのエアバッグ保持板
51 第１集積部形成手段を構成する第１の押圧体
52 第２集積部形成手段を構成する第２の押圧体
53 第２の駆動手段としての折畳シリンダ
61 折りくせ付与手段としての第１の折りくせ付与装置
62 折りくせ付与手段としての第２の折りくせ付与装置
81 第１集積部
84 第２集積部
91 側面部
Ａ長辺
Ｂ短辺
Ｃ所定点
Ｅ所定の領域 10 airbag
12 Gas introduction part
14 Patches as shape retaining members
30 folding device
31 Placement section
45 Airbag holding plate as holding means
51 1st press body which comprises 1st integrated part formation means
52 Second pressing body constituting second stacking portion forming means
53 Folding cylinder as second driving means
61 1st folding provision apparatus as folding provision means
62 Second folding application device as folding application means
81 First Stacking Unit
84 Second integration part
91 Side surface A Long side B Short side C Predetermined point E Predetermined area

Claims

長辺と短辺とを有する断面矩形状の収納部に折り畳んで収納され、ガスの導入により膨張展開するエアバッグの折畳方法であって、
前記エアバッグを平らに広げる展開工程と、
前記収納部に対応する所定の領域の四隅の角部近傍からエアバッグにガスが導入されるガス導入部に含まれる所定点から離間する方向に放射状に伸びる線に沿って前記エアバッグを保持する保持工程と、
前記保持工程で保持した部分の間を外周側から前記所定点に向かって押圧し、波状に折曲した複数の第１集積部を形成し、これら第１集積部を前記収納部の各長辺及び各短辺に沿って前記所定の領域内に納める第１集積部形成工程と、
前記保持工程で保持した部分を解放するとともにこの部分を外周側から前記所定点に向かって押圧し、波状に折曲した複数の第２集積部を形成し、これら第２集積部を前記収納部の各長辺に沿って配置された前記各第１集積部の両側に位置して前記所定の領域内に納める第２集積部形成工程とを具備した
ことを特徴とするエアバッグの折畳方法。 A method of folding an airbag that is folded and stored in a rectangular storage section having a long side and a short side, and that is inflated and deployed by introducing gas,
A deployment step of flattening the airbag;
The airbag is held along a line radially extending in a direction away from a predetermined point included in a gas introduction portion where gas is introduced into the airbag from the vicinity of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion. Holding process;
A plurality of first stacking portions are formed by pressing between the portions held in the holding step from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point, and forming a plurality of first stacking portions that are bent in a wave shape. And a first integrated part forming step that fits within the predetermined region along each short side;
The part held in the holding step is released and the part is pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point to form a plurality of second integrated parts bent in a wave shape. And a second stacking portion forming step that is located on both sides of each of the first stacking portions arranged along the respective long sides of the first stacking portion and fits within the predetermined region. .

第２集積部形成工程は、第２集積部の少なくとも一部を、収納部に対応する所定の領域の境界線を越えて所定点側に押圧する
ことを特徴とする請求項１記載のエアバッグの折畳方法。 2. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein in the second stacking portion forming step, at least a part of the second stacking portion is pressed to a predetermined point side beyond a boundary line of a predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion. Folding method.

第２集積部形成工程は、長辺及び短辺と直交する方向について、第２集積部の少なくとも一部を、一端側よりも他端側を所定点側に大きく押圧して、折り畳んだエアバッグの側面部を傾斜面とした状態で、形状保持部材を巻き付けて、前記エアバッグの折畳形状を保持する
ことを特徴とする請求項１または２記載のエアバッグの折畳方法。 In the second stacking portion forming step, in the direction orthogonal to the long side and the short side, at least a part of the second stacking portion is pressed more largely toward the predetermined point side than the one end side, and the airbag is folded. The method for folding an airbag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a shape holding member is wound in a state where the side surface portion of the airbag is an inclined surface to hold the folded shape of the airbag.

長辺と短辺とを有する断面矩形状の収納部に折り畳んで収納され、ガスの導入により膨張展開するエアバッグの折畳装置であって、
前記エアバッグが平らに広げられる載置部と、
前記収納部に対応する所定の領域の四隅の角部近傍からエアバッグにガスが導入されるガス導入部に含まれる所定点から離間する方向に放射状に伸びる線に沿って前記エアバッグを保持する保持手段と、
前記保持手段で保持した以外の部分を外周側から前記所定点に向かって押圧し、波状に折曲した複数の第１集積部を形成し、これら第１集積部を前記収納部の各長辺及び各短辺に沿って前記所定の領域内に納める第１集積部形成手段と、
前記保持手段から解放された部分を、外周側から前記所定点に向かって押圧し、波状に折曲した複数の第２集積部を形成し、これら第２集積部を前記収納部の各長辺に沿って配置された前記各第１集積部の両側に位置して前記所定の領域内に納める第２集積部形成手段とを具備した
ことを特徴とするエアバッグの折畳装置。 A folding device for an airbag which is folded and stored in a rectangular storage section having a long side and a short side, and which is inflated and deployed by introducing gas,
A mounting portion on which the airbag is spread flat;
The airbag is held along a line radially extending in a direction away from a predetermined point included in a gas introduction portion where gas is introduced into the airbag from the vicinity of the four corners of the predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion. Holding means;
A portion other than the portion held by the holding means is pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point to form a plurality of first integrated portions bent in a wave shape, and these first integrated portions are connected to the long sides of the storage portion. And first integrated portion forming means that fits within the predetermined region along each short side;
A portion released from the holding means is pressed from the outer peripheral side toward the predetermined point to form a plurality of second integrated portions bent in a wave shape, and these second integrated portions are connected to the long sides of the storage portion. And a second stacking portion forming means positioned on both sides of each of the first stacking portions disposed along the first stacking portion and accommodated in the predetermined area.

第２集積部形成手段は、第２の駆動手段と、この駆動手段に選択的に取り付けられ、エアバッグに当接して押圧する複数の形状の第２の押圧体を備えた
ことを特徴とする請求項４記載のエアバッグの折畳装置。 The second stacking portion forming means includes a second driving means and a plurality of second pressing bodies that are selectively attached to the driving means and press against the airbag. The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 4.

第１集積部形成手段及び第２集積部形成手段により押圧される部分に波状の折りくせを付与する折りくせ付与手段を備えた
ことを特徴とする請求項４または５記載のエアバッグの折畳装置。 6. The airbag folding apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a fold imparting means for imparting a wavy fold to a portion pressed by the first stacking portion forming means and the second stacking portion forming means. apparatus.

長辺と短辺とを有する断面矩形状の収納部に折り畳んで収納され、ガスの導入により膨張展開するエアバッグであって、
ガスが導入されるガス導入部と、
このガス導入部を囲んで波状に折曲され、前記収納部の各長辺及び各短辺に沿って前記収納部に対応する所定の領域内に納められた４カ所の第１集積部と、
前記ガス導入部を囲んで波状に折曲され、かつ、前記収納部の各長辺に沿って前記第１集積部の両側に位置して前記所定の領域内に納められた４カ所の第２集積部とを具備した
ことを特徴とするエアバッグ。 An airbag that is folded and stored in a rectangular storage section having a long side and a short side, and is inflated and deployed by introducing gas,
A gas introduction part into which gas is introduced;
Four first integrated portions that are bent in a wave shape surrounding the gas introduction portion, and are stored in a predetermined region corresponding to the storage portion along each long side and each short side of the storage portion;
Four second portions are bent in a wave shape surrounding the gas introduction portion, and are located on both sides of the first accumulation portion along the long sides of the storage portion and are accommodated in the predetermined region. An airbag characterized by comprising an accumulation part.