Support device

Abstract

To stably hold an item in a predetermined position. [Solution] The support device comprises an airtight bag 20, granular filler material 26 filled inside the bag, an air supply unit 32 for supplying gas into the bag, an exhaust unit 32 for exhausting gas from inside the bag, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the air supply unit and the exhaust unit. The control unit is configured to perform an air supply process in which the air supply unit is activated to supply gas into the bag in order to change the outer shape of the surface of the bag to conform to the outer shape Ws of the article W, thereby making the filler material movable inside the bag, and an exhaust process in which the exhaust unit is activated to exhaust the gas inside the bag when the outer shape of the surface of the bag has changed to conform to the outer shape Ws of the article W, thereby restricting the movement of the filler material inside the bag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a support device that uses gas to support an article (e.g., an industrial product, a human body, etc.).

Background Art

[0002] Support devices that use gas to support an article are known. For example, an air cushion supplies air to a space formed between two laminated sheets, and supports an article placed on the upper surface of the sheet by the pressure of the air. As this type of conventional technology, for example, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, various applications are considered for this type of support device. For example, when manufacturing an industrial product in an assembly factory, the housing body is supported by a support device and held in a predetermined posture. And it is considered to assemble various parts to the housing body held in the predetermined posture. However, among the industrial products manufactured in the assembly factory, there are those having a complicated outer shape such as an in-vehicle light, and the conventional support device cannot stably hold such an industrial product in a predetermined posture. For this reason, conventionally, a dedicated jig had to be manufactured according to the outer shape of the industrial product.

[0005] Therefore, this specification provides a support device that can stably hold an article in a predetermined posture.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The support device disclosed herein comprises an airtight bag, granular filler material filled inside the bag, an air supply unit for supplying gas into the bag, an exhaust unit for exhausting gas from inside the bag, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the air supply unit and the exhaust unit. The control unit is configured to perform air supply and exhaust processing. In the air supply process, the air supply unit is activated to supply gas into the bag in order to change the outer shape of the bag surface to conform to the outer shape of the article, thereby allowing the filler material to move inside the bag. In the exhaust process, once the outer shape of the bag surface has changed to conform to the outer shape of the article, the exhaust unit is activated to exhaust the gas inside the bag, thereby restricting the movement of the filler material inside the bag.

[0007] In the support device described above, when the air supply process is performed, gas is supplied to the inside of the bag, allowing the filler material to move within the bag. As a result, for example, by pressing an article against the surface of the bag, the filler material moves along the outer shape of the article, and the surface of the bag conforms to the shape of the article. When the exhaust process is performed in this state, gas is exhausted from inside the bag, restricting the movement of the filler material. Therefore, the article is supported by a bag with a surface that conforms to the outer shape of the article, and the position of the article can be stably maintained. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the schematic configuration of the support device in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the supply and exhaust system of the support device in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the state in which the housing of an in-vehicle light is held by the support device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows other configurations of the support device's intake and exhaust system. [Figure 5] This diagram shows other components of the airbag. [Figure 6] This diagram shows yet another component of the airbag. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing other components of the support device. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing other components of the airbag. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The main features of the embodiments described below are listed below. Note that the technical elements described below are independent technical elements that exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing.

[0010] (Feature 1) In the support device disclosed herein, the bag may have an opening that can be opened and closed, connecting the inside and outside of the bag. The filler material may be able to be filled into the inside of the bag through the opening, and also be able to be removed from the inside of the bag to the outside through the opening. With such a configuration, the amount of filler material filled into the inside of the bag can be adjusted.

[0011] (Feature 2) In the support device disclosed herein, the bag may comprise one or more sheets cut into a predetermined shape. In such a case, the outer edges of one or more sheets may be welded together to form a bag. With such a configuration, the outer shape of the bag can be easily adjusted to a desired shape.

[0012] (Feature 3) In the support device disclosed herein, the inside of the bag is divided into multiple compartments, and each of the multiple compartments may be filled with a filler material. With such a configuration, the article can be suitably held by providing multiple compartments according to the external shape of the article.

[0013] (Feature 4) In the support device disclosed herein, the bag may have one or more vents. In this case, the intake section may be able to supply air to the inside of the bag through one or more vents, and the exhaust section may be able to exhaust air from the inside of the bag through one or more vents. With such a configuration, air can be supplied to and exhausted throughout the entire bag.

[0014] (Feature 5) In the support device disclosed herein, the filler material may comprise one or more types of granular material. In this case, at least one of the one or more types of granular material may have an antistatic function. Such a configuration makes it easier to ensure the free movement of the filler material inside the bag.

[0015] (Feature 6) The support device disclosed herein further comprises a box for housing the bag, the top of which may be open. With such a configuration, deformation of the bottom of the bag is restrained by the box, making it easier to make the outer shape of the bag conform to the outer shape of the article. [Examples]

[0016] The support device 10 of this embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. The support device 10 of this embodiment is used to support (hold) a workpiece W (for example, a housing for an in-vehicle light) in an assembly plant that manufactures industrial products. As shown in Figure 1, the support device 10 comprises a box 12, an airbag 20 housed inside the box 12, a supply and exhaust device 32 connected to the airbag 20, and a control device 31 that controls the supply and exhaust device 32.

[0017] The box 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top. Specifically, the box 12 is composed of a roughly rectangular bottom surface 14 when viewed from above, and four sides 16 extending vertically from the four sides of the bottom surface 14. An airbag 20 is housed inside the box 12. The airbag 20 is inserted into the box 12 through the open top surface. By housing the airbag 20 inside the box 12, the deformation of the bottom of the airbag 20 is restricted by the box 12, making it easier to maintain the airbag 20 in the desired external shape. The dimensions of the airbag 20 are determined according to the dimensions of the workpiece W to be supported, and the dimensions of the box 12 (length, width, and depth) are determined according to the dimensions of the airbag 20 (i.e., the dimensions of the workpiece W). By determining the dimensions of the box 12 according to the dimensions of the workpiece W, the workpiece W can be held in a stable position by the airbag 20.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the airbag 20 includes an airtight bag 22 (an example of a bag body) and a filler 26 filled in an internal space 24 of the bag 22. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the airbag 20 can be deformed into an arbitrary shape by allowing the filler 26 to freely move in the internal space 24 of the bag 22. Further, the outer shape of the airbag 20 is maintained by restricting the movement of the filler 26 in the internal space 24 of the bag 22.

[0019] The bag 22 includes one or more sheets cut into a predetermined shape, and is formed into a three-dimensional shape by welding the outer edges of the one or more sheets together. In the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped bag 22 shown in FIG. 1, for example, one sheet cut into the shape of a developed view of the bag 22 is prepared, and the outer edges of this sheet are welded together to form a cubic shape. Alternatively, six sheets (top surface, bottom surface, four side surfaces) constituting the bag 22 may be prepared, and the outer edges of these six sheets may be welded together to form a cubic shape. By forming the bag 22 into a three-dimensional shape using one or more sheets, the work W can be stably supported even if the work W has a complex surface shape.

[0020] Note that, as the mechanical properties of the sheet used for the bag 22, for example, it is preferable that the hardness is adjusted to be in the range of 81 to 95 [A]. By adjusting the hardness of the sheet to the above range, it can suitably follow the surface shape of the work W. Further, the 100% modulus (test speed: 300 mm / min) of the sheet is preferably adjusted to be in the range of 4.0 to 8.0 in the MD direction and also in the range of 4.0 to 8.0 in the TD direction. By adjusting the 100% modulus of the sheet to the above range, it can suitably follow the surface shape of the work W while maintaining the strength of the sheet. Furthermore, it is preferable that the tensile strength [MPa] of the sheet be adjusted to a range of 25.0 to 90.0 in the MD direction and also in the TD direction. By adjusting the tensile strength of the sheet to the above range, it is possible to prevent the sheet from tearing even if there are protrusions on the surface of the workpiece. Furthermore, it is preferable that the tensile elongation [%] of the sheet be adjusted to a range of 400 to 800 in the MD direction and also in a range of 400 to 800 in the TD direction. By adjusting the tensile elongation of the sheet to the above range, it is possible to easily deform according to the shape of the workpiece and stably hold the workpiece W. In particular, some general thermoplastic urethane sheets have a large tensile elongation exceeding 800%, but if the tensile elongation is too large, the back 22 may not be able to stand on its own, and the shape of the back 22 may not be able to be stabilized when air is exhausted from the internal space 24 of the back 22. Furthermore, it is preferable that the tensile modulus of the sheet [MPa] (between 2N and 5N) is adjusted to a range of 12.0 to 22.0 in the MD direction and also in a range of 12.0 to 22.0 in the TD direction. By adjusting the tensile modulus of the sheet to the above range, the sheet can conform suitably to the surface shape of the workpiece W while maintaining its strength. Furthermore, it is preferable that the tear strength of the sheet [kN / m] (test speed 300 mm / min) is adjusted to a range of 55.0 to 95.0 in the MD direction and also to a range of 55.0 to 95.0 in the TD direction. By adjusting the tear strength of the sheet to the above range, it is possible to suppress the formation of holes in the sheet by protrusions of the workpiece during the process of exhausting air from the internal space 24 of the back 22.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the bag 22 is provided with an air intake / exhaust joint 28. The air intake / exhaust joint 28 is provided with an air intake / exhaust port 30 that connects the outside of the bag 22 to the internal space 24 of the bag 22. An air intake / exhaust device 32 is connected to the air intake / exhaust joint 28. When the air intake / exhaust device 32 is activated, air is supplied from the air intake / exhaust device 32 to the internal space 24 of the bag 22 via the air intake / exhaust port 30, or air from the internal space 24 of the bag 22 is exhausted to the outside of the bag 22 via the air intake / exhaust port 30. The cross-sectional area of ​​the air intake / exhaust port 30 may be adjusted according to the size of the bag 22 (i.e., the size of the workpiece W). That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air intake / exhaust port 30 is increased when the workpiece W is large, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the air intake / exhaust port 30 is decreased when the workpiece W is small. This allows for appropriate intake and exhaust of air to the bag 22 according to the size of the workpiece W.

[0022] In this embodiment, only one intake / exhaust joint 28 was provided on the bag 22, but the number of intake / exhaust joints 28 may be multiple depending on the size of the bag 22. That is, the larger the bag 22, the more intake / exhaust joints 28 are provided, allowing intake and exhaust from many points on the bag 22. This makes it possible to supply air uniformly to the entire bag 22 and to exhaust air uniformly from the entire bag 22. For example, if multiple intake / exhaust joints are provided on the bag 22, intake / exhaust joints may be provided on each of the four sides of the bag 22. This makes it possible to supply air uniformly to the entire bag 22.

[0023] The sheet used for the back 22 can be made of a material that is flexible and airtight, preventing air from passing through in the thickness direction. For example, a urethane sheet can be used. However, the sheet used for the back 22 is not limited to a urethane sheet; for example, an EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) sheet or a polyvinyl chloride sheet may also be used. When multiple sheets are used to construct the back 22, sheets with different mechanical properties may be used depending on where they are used. For example, a sheet with high rigidity may be used on the sides of the back 22, while a sheet with low rigidity may be used on the top surface of the back 22 (the surface on which the workpiece W is placed). This makes it easier to maintain the three-dimensional shape of the back 22 while improving the conformability of the top surface of the back 22 to the surface of the workpiece W.

[0024] Furthermore, the dimensions of the back 22 are determined according to the dimensions of the workpiece W. Specifically, the dimensions of the top surface of the back 22 are determined by the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W (the surface that contacts the back 22). As shown in Figure 3, when the workpiece W is supported by the airbag 20, the top surface of the back 22 deforms to conform to the shape of the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W. Therefore, the top surface of the back 22 is determined to have an area large enough to contact the entire supported surface Ws of the workpiece W. Also, when the workpiece W is supported by the airbag 20, the weight of the workpiece W is supported by the filler material 26 filled inside the back 22. For this reason, the amount of filler material 26 is changed according to the weight of the workpiece W, so the volume of the back 22 (i.e., the height dimension of the back 22) is determined according to the weight of the workpiece W.

[0025] The filler 26 is a granular material that has fluidity in the internal space 24 of the bag 22 and mechanical strength sufficient to stably support the workpiece W. As the filler 26, known granular materials used as cushioning materials (e.g., urethane beads, polyethylene beads, beads made of polypropylene, etc.) can be used. For example, the beads used in the soles of running shoes (Nike Joyride) sold by Nike Japan Co., Ltd. can be used as the filler 26. These beads have a specific gravity even when the particle size is finely reduced, thus achieving both fluidity and mechanical strength. In addition, to ensure fluidity in the internal space 24 of the bag 22, antistatic beads with antistatic properties (e.g., polypropylene-based foamed beads) can also be used as the filler 26. Furthermore, as the filler 26, multiple types of granular materials may be mixed and used, or one or more types of granular materials may be mixed with other cushioning materials (e.g., polyester cotton, etc.). In other words, various types of filler 26 can be used depending on the characteristics of the workpiece W.

[0026] The ratio of the volume of the packing material 26 to the volume of the bag 22 (i.e., the packing rate) can be set according to the shape, size, and mass of the workpiece W, so as to ensure stable support for the workpiece W. For example, if the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W has a complex shape, the packing rate of the packing material 26 may be set lower so that the surface of the bag W conforms appropriately to the supported surface Ws. On the other hand, if the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W has a simple shape (e.g., a planar shape), the packing rate of the packing material 26 may be set higher.

[0027] Furthermore, the particle size of the filler 26 can be adjusted according to the shape, size, and mass of the workpiece W. For example, if the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W has a complex shape, the particle size of the filler 26 may be set to be small so that the surface of the back W conforms appropriately to the supported surface Ws. On the other hand, if the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W has a simple shape (for example, a planar shape), the particle size of the filler 26 may be set to be large.

[0028] Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the filler material 26 (e.g., rigidity, durability, etc.) can be adjusted according to the shape, size, and mass of the workpiece W. For example, if the workpiece W is a heavy object with a large mass (e.g., a machine part made of iron), a filler material 26 with high rigidity and durability may be used. By using a filler material 26 with such mechanical properties, it is possible to repeatedly and stably support a heavy workpiece W.

[0029] The intake and exhaust device 32 is connected to the airbag 20 (specifically, the intake and exhaust joint 28 of the bag 22) and supplies air into the airbag 20 (specifically, the bag 22) and exhausts the air inside the airbag 20 (specifically, the bag 22). The intake and exhaust device 32 may include, for example, a vacuum pump (an example of an exhaust unit) that draws air from the airbag 20 and a compressor (an example of an intake unit) that supplies air to the airbag 20.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the intake and exhaust path connecting the intake and exhaust device 32 and the airbag 22 comprises air passages 33, 38, and 40, three-way valves 34 and 36, and silencers 46 and 48. One end of the air passage 33 is connected to the intake and exhaust joint 28 of the airbag 22. The other end of the air passage is connected to one port of the three-way valves 34 and 36. One of the other two ports of the three-way valve 34 is connected to the intake and exhaust device 32 (specifically, the vacuum pump) via the air passage 38, and the other port is open to the outside air via the silencer 46. Similarly, one of the other two ports of the three-way valve 36 is connected to the intake and exhaust device 32 (specifically, the compressor) via the air passage 40, and the other port is open to the outside air via the silencer 48.

[0031] In the above configuration, when supplying air into the airbag 20, the three-way valve 36 is turned on with the three-way valve 34 turned off, and the intake / exhaust device 32 (specifically, the compressor) is activated. As a result, air is first supplied from the intake / exhaust device 32 to the air passage 40. A portion of the air supplied to the air passage 40 is supplied into the airbag 20 via the three-way valve 36 and the air passage 32. Meanwhile, the remaining air supplied to the air passage 40 is exhausted to the outside via the silencer 48. This allows the desired amount of air to be supplied into the airbag 20.

[0032] On the other hand, when exhausting air from the airbag 20, the three-way valve 34 is turned on with the three-way valve 36 turned off, and the intake / exhaust device 32 (specifically, the vacuum pump) is activated. As a result, the air inside the airbag 20 is drawn (exhausted) into the intake / exhaust device 32 via the air passage 32, the three-way valve 34, and the air passage 38. At this time, outside air is also drawn into the intake / exhaust device 32 via the silencer 46, the three-way valve 34, and the air passage 38. This makes it possible to exhaust a desired amount of air from inside the airbag 20.

[0033] The control device 31 consists of a computer equipped with a CPU and memory, and controls the operation of the intake and exhaust device 32. The control device 31 also includes a pressure reducing switch 42 and a pressure reducing timer 44 for controlling the operation of the three-way valve 34, and a pressure increasing switch 50 and a pressure increasing timer 52 for controlling the operation of the three-way valve 36. As described above, the control device 31 controls the operation of the intake and exhaust device 32 and the three-way valves 34 and 36, thereby performing an air intake process in which air is supplied into the airbag 20, and an exhaust process in which air is exhausted from the airbag 20.

[0034] When supporting the workpiece W with the support device 10 described above (i.e., when the workpiece W is in the state shown in Figure 3), first, with the three-way valves 34 and 36 in the OFF position, the control device 31 turns on the pressure switch 50 and starts counting on the pressure timer 52. As a result, the three-way valve 36 turns on and the intake / exhaust device 32 (specifically, the compressor) operates, supplying air into the airbag 20. This makes the filler material 26 flowable (movable) in the internal space 24 of the bag 22. When the time counted by the pressure timer 52 reaches a preset time, the three-way valve 36 turns off and the operation of the intake / exhaust device 32 (specifically, the compressor) stops. Therefore, too much air is not supplied into the airbag 20, and the air supplied into the airbag 20 does not hinder the shape change of the surface of the airbag 20. After the airbag 20 is in this state, the worker presses the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W against the upper surface of the airbag 20. As a result, the filler material 26 moves within the internal space 24 of the back 22, and the surface of the airbag 22 changes to a shape that conforms to the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W.

[0035] Next, the control device 31 turns on the pressure reduction switch 42 and starts counting on the pressure reduction timer 44. This turns on the three-way valve 34 and activates the intake and exhaust device 32 (specifically, the vacuum pump), causing air to be exhausted from inside the airbag 20. As a result, the flow (movement) of the filler material 26 in the internal space 24 of the bag 22 is restricted, and the shape of the surface of the airbag 22 (i.e., a shape that conforms to the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W) is maintained. As a result, the workpiece W is stably supported (held) by the airbag 22 (as shown in Figure 3). When the time counted by the pressure reduction timer 44 reaches a preset time, the output of the intake and exhaust device 32 is switched to a small value, reducing the amount of air exhausted from inside the airbag 20. As a result, a small amount of air is always exhausted from inside the airbag 20, and the flow (movement) of the filler material 26 in the internal space 24 of the bag 22 is suitably restricted. Therefore, the intake and exhaust system 32 does not continue to operate at an unnecessarily high output, and the energy consumption of the intake and exhaust system 32 is reduced. As described above, the worker can perform tasks such as assembling other parts on the workpiece W supported by the airbag 20.

[0036] After assembling other parts to the workpiece W, the filler material 26 is made freely movable by supplying air to the airbag 20. This allows the workpiece W to be easily removed from the airbag 20. Subsequently, by repeatedly supplying and exhausting air to the airbag 20, multiple workpieces W can be supported.

[0037] In the support device 10 of this embodiment, the filler material 26 can be made movable by supplying air into the airbag 20, while the movement of the filler material 26 can be restricted by exhausting air from inside the airbag 20. Therefore, even with a workpiece W having a complex surface shape (for example, a housing for an in-vehicle light), the surface of the airbag 20 can be shaped to conform to the surface shape of the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W. This allows the workpiece W to be stably supported (held).

[0038] Furthermore, when air is supplied to the airbag 20, the filler material 26 can move freely within the internal space 24 of the bag 22. Therefore, even if the surface shape of the workpiece W changes, the surface shape of the airbag 20 can be changed accordingly. For this reason, there is no need to prepare separate jigs for each of the multiple types of workpieces with different surface shapes; a single support device 10 can handle them all.

[0039] Although the support device 10 of Example 1 has been described in detail above, the specific embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are not limited to Example 1. In Example 1, the intake and exhaust device 32 was configured with a vacuum pump and a compressor, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, intake and exhaust may be performed using high-pressure air supplied from an air source 68 (for example, an air source in an assembly plant).

[0040] In other words, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the air passage 60 connected to the airbag 20 branches into an air passage 68 and an air passage 84, and each of the air passages 68 and 84 is connected to an air source 72. A pilot check valve 64 and an air-operated valve 70 (normally closed / self-holding type) are arranged in the air passage 68. An air-operated valve 80 (normally closed) and a silencer 82 are connected to the air passage 68 connecting the pilot check valve 64 and the air-operated valve 70 (normally closed / self-holding type) via a time delay valve 78. Furthermore, a pressurization start switch 76 is connected to the air passage 68 connecting the air-operated valve 70 (normally closed / self-holding type) and the air source 72 via an air-operated valve 74 (normally open). Note that "normally" for the air-operated valves 70, 74, and 80 means a state in which air is not supplied to these valves 70, 74, and 80. Therefore, "normally closed" for the air-operated valve 70 means that the air-operated valve 70 is closed when no air is supplied and opens when air is supplied. The term "normally" will be used in the same sense in the following explanation.

[0041] Meanwhile, a pilot check valve 62, a vacuum ejector 86, and an air-operated valve 88 (normally closed / self-holding type) are arranged in the air passage 84. A silencer 90 is connected to the vacuum ejector 86. The air passage 84 connecting the vacuum ejector 86 and the air-operated valve 88 (normally closed / self-holding type) is connected to the air-operated valve 94 (normally closed) and the silencer 96 via a time delay valve 92. In addition, the air passage 84 connecting the air-operated valve 88 and the air source 72 is connected to the pressure reduction start switch 100 via the air-operated valve 98 (normally open).

[0042] In the above configuration, when supplying air to the airbag 20, first, the pressurization start switch 76 is turned on, supplying air to the air-operated valves 70 and 80. This causes the air-operated valves 70 and 80 to open. However, the time delay valve 78 remains closed for a predetermined time after the pressurization start switch 76 is turned on. Therefore, the air from the air source 72 does not flow to the air-operated valve 80, but is supplied to the pilot check valve 64 via the air passage 68. When the pressure upstream of the pilot check valve 64 becomes higher than the pressure downstream by a predetermined value, the pilot check valve 64 opens, and air is supplied to the airbag 20. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the pressurization start switch 76 was turned on, the time delay valve 78 opens, and the air passage 68 is opened to the outside via the air-operated valve 80 and the silencer 82. Therefore, the air from the air source 72 is exhausted to the outside via the time delay valve 78, the air-operated valve 80, and the silencer 82. Therefore, the pilot check valve 64 closes, and the supply of air to the airbag 20 stops. This allows the desired amount of air to be supplied into the airbag 20. As is clear from the above description, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the "intake section" is composed of the pilot check valve 64, air operate valves 70, 74, 80, time delay valve 78, and silencer 82.

[0043] On the other hand, when exhausting air from the airbag 20, first, the depressurization start switch 100 is turned on to supply air to the air-operated valves 88 and 94. This causes the air-operated valves 88 and 94 to open. However, the time delay valve 92 remains closed for a predetermined time after the depressurization start switch 100 is turned on. As a result, air from the air source 72 is supplied to the vacuum ejector 86 via the air passage 68 and exhausted to the outside via the silencer 90 from the vacuum ejector 86. This activates the vacuum ejector 86, causing the pilot check valve 62 to open from a closed state. As a result, air from inside the airbag 20 is drawn into the vacuum ejector 86 and exhausted to the outside via the silencer 90. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the depressurization start switch 100 was turned on, the time delay valve 92 opens, and the air passage 84 is opened to the outside via the air-operated valve 94 and the silencer 96. Therefore, air from the air source 72 is exhausted to the outside via the time delay valve 92, the air operate valve 94, and the silencer 96. As a result, the operation of the vacuum ejector 86 stops, and the pilot check valve 64 also closes from an open state. This allows a desired amount of air to be exhausted from inside the airbag 20. As is clear from the above description, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the "exhaust section" is composed of the pilot check valve 62, air operate valves 88, 94, 98, time delay valve 92, silencers 90, 96, and vacuum ejector 86.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 1, the bag 22 may be provided with an opening for adjusting the amount of filler material 26 filled. That is, the bag 22 may be provided with an openable and closable opening that connects the internal space 24 to the outside. In this case, the opening is left open, and filler material 26 is supplied into the bag 22, or the filler material 26 is removed from the bag 22. After adjusting the amount of filler material 16 filled, the opening of the bag is closed to prevent the filler material 26 inside the bag 22 from being discharged to the outside. This makes it possible to set the amount of filler material 26 to an appropriate amount according to the characteristics of the workpiece W, and to suitably support various workpieces W.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 1, the outer shape of the back 22 was a rectangular parallelepiped, but the outer shape of the back 22 is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the top surface 212 on which the workpiece W is placed may be a surface that is inclined at an angle with respect to the bottom surface 210. By using such a back 200, for example, a workpiece W with an inclined supported surface Ws can be stably held in an upright position. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the surface on which the workpiece W is placed may be composed of two surfaces 302 and 304. By using such a back 300, for example, a workpiece W having a supported surface Ws with a convex center can be stably held in an upright position. Specifically, for example, by forming the two surfaces 302 and 304 to match the tip portion (convex portion) of an in-vehicle light, the in-vehicle light can be held in an upright position by the back 200. In other words, by configuring the upper surface 212 of the back 200 with multiple surfaces according to the shape of the supported surface Ws of the workpiece W, the workpiece W can be stably held in a desired position.

[0046] Furthermore, in cases where the weight of the workpiece W is large (for example, if the workpiece W is a heavy vehicle-mounted light), a support device 400 as shown in Figure 7 may be used to stabilize the shape of the back. The support device 400 comprises a base (402, 406a, 406b), a variable box (408a, 408b) supported by the base (402, 406a, 406b), and an airbag section (410a, 410b) housed in the variable box (408a, 408b).

[0047] The base (402, 406a, 406b) comprises a lower plate 402 and support bases 406a and 406b that are detachably positioned on the lower plate 402. The lower plate 402 is a rectangular plate-like member when viewed from above. Side plates are provided on each of the pair of long sides of the lower plate 402. The side plates protrude upward from the central part of the lower plate 402 and extend along the long sides of the lower plate 402. The distance between the pair of side plates is approximately the same as the width of the support bases 406a and 406b, and is slightly larger. As a result, the support bases 406a and 406b are stably positioned on the lower plate 402 by the pair of side plates.

[0048] Support bases 406a and 406b are members formed by bending a plate material, and their upper surfaces are inclined at an angle. Specifically, the upper surface of support base 406a is inclined to conform to the right contact surface of the workpiece W, and the upper surface of support base 406b is inclined to conform to the left contact surface of the workpiece W. Support base 406a is positioned to the right of the center of the lower plate 402 in the left-right direction, and support base 406b is positioned to the left of the center of the lower plate 402 in the left-right direction.

[0049] The variable boxes (408a, 408b) consist of box 408a, which houses airbag 410a, and box 408b, which houses airbag 410b. The lower left end of box 408a and the lower right end of box 408b are rotatably connected by a hinge. Therefore, when boxes 408a and 408b are placed on support bases 406a and 406b, boxes 408a and 408b are folded (as shown in Figure 7). On the other hand, when boxes 408a and 408b are placed on a horizontal surface (for example, the floor), boxes 408a and 408b are unfolded on the horizontal surface.

[0050] The airbag section (410a, 410b) consists of a roughly rectangular airbag 410a that can be housed in box 408a and a roughly rectangular airbag 410b that can be housed in box 408b. The upper left end of airbag 410a is beveled, and the upper right end of airbag 410b is beveled. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, when boxes 408a and 408b are folded, the beveled portion of airbag 410a and the beveled portion of airbag 410b come into contact, and airbags 410a and 410b are also held in a folded state. Airbag 410a is equipped with partition plates 414a and 416a for dividing its internal space into multiple spaces. Multiple through holes are formed in the partition plates 414a and 416a. By partitioning the internal space of the airbag 410a with partition plates 414a and 416a, the movement of the filler material 26 beyond the partition plates 414a and 416a is restricted. Since through holes are formed in the partition plates 414a and 416a, the airflow in the internal space of the airbag 410a is not obstructed by the partition plates 414a and 416a. The airbag 410b, like the airbag 410a, is also equipped with partition plates 414b and 416b to partition its internal space into multiple spaces, and multiple through holes are formed in the partition plates 414b and 416b. In addition, an air supply and exhaust device is connected to each of the airbags 410a and 410b, allowing for the independent supply of air to each airbag and the independent exhaust of air from each airbag.

[0051] In the support device 400 shown in Figure 7, the airbags 410a and 410b are housed in variable boxes (408a and 408b), and the variable boxes (408a and 408b) are placed on support bases 406a and 406b, which have inclined surfaces that conform to the contact surface of the workpiece W. Therefore, large deformation of the airbags 410a and 410b by the variable boxes (408a and 408b) is suppressed, and the dimensions of the airbags 410a and 410b in the depth direction can be made approximately uniform by using the support bases 406a and 406b. Furthermore, multiple partition plates (414a, 416a; 414b, and 416b) are provided inside the airbags 410a and 410b. These features make it possible to suppress uneven distribution of the filling material within the internal space of airbags 410a and 410b, even when supporting a heavy workpiece W with the airbags 410a and 410b tilted (as shown in Figure 7).

[0052] Furthermore, while the above-described Example 1 was an example of supporting industrial products manufactured in an assembly plant (for example, housings for automotive lights), the support devices disclosed herein are not limited to such examples. For example, they can be used for operating tables that support the human body during surgery, or for mattresses used in beds. When used as a support device to support the human body, it is preferable to divide the airbags according to the part of the human body and independently control the air supplied to each of the divided airbags. This makes it possible to accommodate all body positions, such as lateral, prone, and supine positions.

[0053] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 1, the internal space 24 of the back 22 was a single space, but the internal space 24 of the back 22 may be divided into multiple spaces (for example, a circle, square, triangle, etc. when viewed from above). Each of the multiple divided spaces may be filled with a filler material. In this case, the mechanical properties of each space can be changed by changing the material of the filler material that fills the multiple divided spaces, or by changing the particle size, filling rate, etc. of the filler material that fills the multiple divided spaces. For example, when used as a support device for supporting the human body, the parts that come into contact with bones can be made hard, and the parts that come into contact with other parts can be made soft to suitably support the human body.

[0054] Furthermore, in the above-described Example 1, air was supplied to the internal space 24 of the bag 22. However, the example is not limited to this, and for example, oil, food additives such as propylene glycol, an aqueous solution of propylene glycol and water, an aqueous solution of a polymer, etc., may be supplied to the bag 22. By supplying such fluids as appropriate, the viscosity can be adjusted to be suitable for the workpiece W.

[0055] Furthermore, in the airbags 20, 200, 300, and 400 of the above embodiments, the filler material was directly filled into the airtight internal space of the bag, but the invention is not limited to such examples. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the airbag 500 may have a double structure consisting of an outer bag 502 and an inner bag 504 housed inside the outer bag 502. In this case, the outer bag 502 is airtight, while the inner bag 504 is breathable, and the filler material 506 is filled inside the inner bag 504. With this configuration, when the gas inside the airbag 500 is exhausted, the gas is exhausted from inside the outer bag 502 and the inner bag 504. As a result, the outer bag 502 adheres tightly to the inner bag 504, which has changed shape to conform to the outer surface of the workpiece W, and holds the inner bag 504 in the shape conforming to the outer surface of the workpiece W. That is, the filler material 506 is held as a single mass inside the outer bag 502 by the inner bag 504. Therefore, even if the volume (filling amount) of the filler 506 is small relative to the volume of the outer bag 502, the filler 506 can be held in one place within the outer bag 502, and the workpiece W can be stably held by the filler 506. Furthermore, since the volume of the filler 506 can be small relative to the volume of the outer bag 502, the amount of filler 506 used can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost of the airbag 500. In addition, even if the outer bag 502 is damaged during use, the filler 506 is prevented from scattering outside the airbag 500. Moreover, the airbag 500 can be easily repaired by replacing the damaged outer bag 502 with a new one. Note that the airbag is not limited to the double structure described above, but may also have a multi-layer structure such as a triple structure.

[0056] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives itself constitutes technical usefulness. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 10: Support device 12: Box 14: Bottom 16: Side view 20: Airbag 22: Bag 24: Interior space 26: Filling material 28: Intake and exhaust joint 30: Intake and exhaust vents 31: Control device 32: Intake and exhaust system 33, 38, 40: Airflow channels 34,36: Three-way valve 42: Pressure Reducing Switch 44: Depressurization timer 46,48: Silencer 50: Pressure switch 52: Pressurization Timer W: Car-mounted light (housing) Ws:Surface 60: Airflow channel 62,64: Pilot check valve 68: Airflow channel 70: Air-operated valve 72: Air source 74: Air-operated valve 76: Pressurization start switch 78: Time Delay Valve 80: Air-operated valve 82: Silencer 84: Airflow channel 86: Vacuum ejector 88: Air-operated valve 90: Silencer 92: Time Delay Valve 94: Air-operated valve 96: Silencer 98: Air-operated valve 100: Depressurization start switch 200: Airbag 202:Front 204,206: Side view 208: Rear 210: Bottom 212:Top surface 300: Airbag 302,304:Top surface

Claims

1. A bag that has airtight properties, The granular filler material filled inside the bag, The bag body includes an air supply unit that supplies gas to the inside of the bag, The bag body includes an exhaust section for exhausting gas from the inside, It comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the intake unit and the exhaust unit, The control unit, In order to change the outer shape of the surface of the bag to conform to the outer shape of the article, the air intake is activated to supply gas to the inside of the bag, thereby enabling the filler to move inside the bag; With the outer shape of the surface of the bag body changed to conform to the outer shape of the article, the exhaust unit is activated to exhaust the gas inside the bag body and restrict the movement of the filler inside the bag body through exhaust processing, A support device configured to perform the following actions.

2. The bag has an opening that can be opened and closed, which connects the inside and outside of the bag. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the filler can be filled into the inside of the bag through the opening and can be removed from the inside of the bag to the outside through the opening.

3. The bag comprises one or more sheets cut into a predetermined shape. The support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer edges of the one or more sheets are welded together to form a bag shape.

4. The inside of the aforementioned bag is divided into several compartments, The support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of rooms is filled with the filler material.

5. The bag has one or more ventilation holes, The intake section is capable of supplying air to the inside of the bag through the one or more vents. The support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the exhaust section is capable of exhausting air from inside the bag through the one or more vents.

6. The filler comprises one or more types of granular material, The support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the one or more types of granular material has an antistatic function.

7. The system further comprises a box for housing the aforementioned bag, The support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the top surface of the box is open.

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