Airbag, method for producing such an airbag, airbag unit, airbag arrangement and seat unit

Abstract

A safety airbag is described, which comprises a first layer, a second layer and edge connections (30) connecting the two layers, such that at least parts of the first layer and the second layer enclose a gas space. The safety airbag comprises a first portion (41) consisting of a first region of the first layer and a first region of the second layer, a second portion (42) consisting of a second region of the first layer and a second region of the second layer, and a third portion (43) consisting of a third region of the first layer and a third region of the second layer. Two inner connection regions (35, 37) are provided, each having at least one overflow opening, connecting adjacent portions (41, 42; 41, 43) of the safety airbag. The two portions (42, 43) which are not connected via an inner connection region are connected by means of additional connections running along segments of the outer boundaries (34b, 34c) of the two portions (42, 43). Due to this geometry, the safety airbag unfolds into a 3-dimensional self-supporting structure (Fig. 4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to airbags, methods for producing such airbags, airbag units, airbag arrangements, and vehicle seats.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to an airbag for mounting to the back of a vehicle seat, such that a portion of the airbag functions as a side airbag that deploys laterally to the upper body of the occupant, but is not limited thereto. Background Technology

[0003] A conventional side airbag comprises a first and a second layer connected via an edge connector, such that at least a portion of these two layers encloses a gas space. This gas space can be subdivided into multiple chambers, such that the airbag can be considered to comprise multiple parts, each of which encloses a chamber. This type of airbag can be manufactured very economically because it has a “2D structure,” meaning that the two layers and the edge connector are in a single plane throughout the entire manufacturing process. This airbag can be manufactured using a single-piece weaving technique, or at least a portion of the edge connector must be applied separately, with the majority applied as an edge seam.

[0004] The downside of these side airbags is that they essentially retain their "2D structure" when deployed. This means they only protect the side of the occupant, and they typically require external support (such as the vehicle's side structure). Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on existing technology, the objective of this invention is to provide an airbag that is essentially as easy to manufacture as a conventional side airbag, but has a greater potential for application than a conventional side airbag.

[0006] This task is accomplished using an airbag. A preferred method for producing such an airbag includes an airbag unit, an arrangement of the airbag unit in a vehicle seat, and includes a vehicle seat and a vehicle seat unit with such an airbag arrangement.

[0007] Similar to a conventional side airbag, the airbag according to the present invention includes a first layer, a second layer, and an edge connector connecting the two layers, such that the first and second layers at least partially enclose a gas space. Each layer includes a first region having a first outer boundary, a second region having a second outer boundary, and a third region having a third outer boundary. The corresponding regions of the two layers are generally congruent to each other. The first region of the first layer and the first region of the second layer form a first portion of a first chamber of the airbag enclosing the gas space; the second region of the first layer and the second region of the second layer form a second portion of a second chamber of the airbag enclosing the gas space; and the third region of the first layer and the third region of the third layer form a third portion of a third chamber of the airbag enclosing the gas space.

[0008] Furthermore, each layer includes a first internal connection region and a second internal connection region connecting the first region, such that the airbag also includes a first internal connection region and a second internal connection region, wherein the first internal connection region of the airbag connects the first part of the airbag and the second part of the airbag, and the second internal connection region of the airbag connects to... (i) The first zone and the third zone of the airbag or (ii) The third zone of the airbag and the second zone of the airbag.

[0009] Each internal connection area shows the overflow outlet between adjacent chambers.

[0010] According to the invention, in case (i), at least one segment of the second outer boundary and at least one segment of the third outer boundary are connected via at least one additional connector, and in case (ii), at least one segment of the first outer boundary and at least one segment of the third outer boundary are connected via at least one additional connector. Therefore, the deployed airbag bends along the internal connecting region and forms a three-dimensional self-supporting structure, specifically such that, in the deployed state, the first outer boundary defines a first plane, the second outer boundary defines a second plane, and the third outer boundary defines a third plane. These planes preferably form an angle between 45° and 90°.

[0011] In order to form a hinge along which the airbag can be easily bent, it is preferable that each internal connection area of ​​the airbag includes at least one non-inflatable area.

[0012] In one preferred embodiment, the edge connector is closed; in another preferred embodiment, the edge connector includes an opening for inserting an inflator.

[0013] In a preferred method for manufacturing such an airbag, a precursor for the airbag is first manufactured. This precursor includes a first layer, a second layer disposed on top of the first layer, and edge connectors. In a subsequent step, additional connectors are applied.

[0014] Of course, the airbag according to the invention is typically manufactured to include an airbag unit that also includes an inflator. As will be described later, since the first portion of the airbag preferably forms a side airbag, the inflator is located in the first chamber enclosed by the first portion in most cases.

[0015] In a preferred airbag arrangement, the airbag unit is attached to the vehicle seat, particularly to the seat back. When the airbag deploys, a first portion of the airbag then forms a side airbag that extends laterally over at least a segment of the torso of the person seated in the vehicle seat. Furthermore, a second portion extends above the person's shoulder and a third portion extends forward of at least a segment of the person's torso, or vice versa. A key advantage is that, due to the self-supporting nature of the airbag of this invention, the portion forming the frontal airbag (the second or third portion) does not require an external support surface. A second key advantage is that the portion of the airbag extending above the shoulder can restrain the head, preventing excessive neck flexion. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. The drawings show: Figure 1 The first slice forming the first layer of the airbag in the first implementation scheme. Figure 2 The second slice that forms the second layer of the airbag. Figure 3 :exist Figure 2 The second layer has been placed on top of the first layer and the edge seam of the second layer has been applied to form the edge connector, thus forming the airbag precursor. Figure 4 : Figure 3 The precursor shown is the flipped precursor, where the location of the additional seam is indicated. Figure 5 A fully manufactured airbag, i.e. Figure 4 The precursor shown is after the application of additional seams. Figure 6 Basically in an unfolded state Figure 5 The airbag shown Figure 7 Observed from another perspective Figure 6 The content shown, Figure 8 Basically, it's installed on the back of the vehicle seat and on the person sitting in that seat. Figure 6 The deployed airbag shown Figure 9 Basically with Figure 7 The same content shown, Figure 10 Basic basis Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figure. Figure 11 :according to Figure 10 The third embodiment of the present invention is shown in the representation. Figure 12 : Including a single slice of the first and second layers of the fourth embodiment of the airbag of the present invention, Figure 13 :exist Figure 12 A single slice is folded along its fold line and an edge-connecting seam is applied to the subsequent single slice, thus producing a precursor. Figure 14 The fourth implementation plan is a fully installed airbag, namely Figure 13 The item shown is after the additional seam has been applied, and Figure 15 : Figure 13 A variation of the content shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The structure of the airbag of the present invention will now be described through various embodiments. In most of these embodiments, only the structure of the outer skin of the airbag is shown and described. Therefore, the terms "airbag" and "outer skin of the airbag" are sometimes used interchangeably. Nevertheless, it should be noted that a complete airbag may include more components, particularly internal tethers, external tethers, reinforcing layers, internal gas guiding elements, etc. As an example, the internal tether will be shown in a fourth embodiment.

[0018] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the first layer 10 and the second layer 20 (the outer skin of the airbag), showing all the details necessary to understand the invention. In this first embodiment, the two layers 10, 20 are in the form of individual slices, but particularly as seen in the fourth embodiment, they can also be segments of a single slice intended for folding around a fold line.

[0019] The two layers 10, 20 of the first embodiment of the airbag are substantially congruent, with one exception: the first layer 10 shows a hole 18 for the inflator stud and an opening 19 for inserting the inflator. The two layers 10, 20 include first regions 11, 21, second regions 12, 22, and third regions 13, 23. Each region naturally has an outer boundary, referred to as the first outer boundary, second outer boundary, and third outer boundary. The first regions 11, 21 and the second regions 12, 22 are connected via first internal connecting regions 15, 25, and the first regions 11, 21 and the third regions 13, 23 are connected via second internal connecting regions 17, 27. As can be directly seen from the figures, each internal connecting region includes notches 15a, 17a, 25a, and 27a at both ends. Providing such notches is generally preferred, but not strictly mandatory. According to the definition chosen in this application, the notches form non-inflatable areas.

[0020] In one production step, the two layers 10 and 20 are placed one on top of the other and an edge-connecting seam 30 is applied. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the edge connection seam 30 forms a separate edge connector and is closed, such that the two layers 10, 20 and the edge connector 30 completely enclose the gas space of the airbag. Of course, other types of edge connectors, such as adhesives or welds, can also be used, but seams are the most common. As will be seen later according to the fourth embodiment, a portion of the edge connector can also be in the form of a fold. Furthermore, the edge connector can be in the form of an open-weave (OPW) connector.

[0021] Furthermore, the first hinge connection seam 31 connects the first internal connection area 15 of the first layer 10 to the first internal connection area 25 of the second layer 20, and the second hinge connection seam 32 connects the second internal connection area 17 of the first layer 10 to the second internal connection area 27 of the second layer 20, thereby creating internal non-inflatable inflatable areas 31a and 32a in the internal connection area of ​​the airbag. The first internal non-inflatable area 31a is aligned with the notches 15a and 25a, and the second internal non-inflatable area 32a is aligned with the notches 17a and 27a, thereby forming a hinge.

[0022] The airbag (referred to as "precursor" 3 in this stage) is now nearly ready, and the precursor can be seen to include a first part 41 (comprising a first part 11 of the first layer 10 and a first part 21 of the second layer 20, forming a first chamber), a second part 42 (comprising a second part 12 of the first layer 10 and a second part 22 of the second layer 20, forming a second chamber), and a third part 43 (comprising a third part 13 of the first layer 10 and a third part 23 of the second layer 20, forming a third chamber). The first part 41 is connected to the second part via a first internal connection 35 of the airbag, comprising a first internal connection 15 of the first layer and a first internal connection 25 of the second layer, and to the third part 43 via a second internal connection 37 of the airbag, comprising a second internal connection 17 of the first layer 10 and a second internal connection 27 of the second layer 20. The first chamber is connected to the second chamber via two overflow ports 31b adjacent to the first non-inflatable region 31a, and the first chamber is also connected to the third chamber via two overflow ports 32b adjacent to the second non-inflatable region 32a. Overflow port 31b is located in the first internal connection area 35, and overflow port 32b is located in the second internal connection area 37.

[0023] In the final production step, the second part 42 and the third part 43 of the airbag are connected to each other by an additional connector in the form of an additional seam 34. This additional seam 34 is located along the sections of the second outer boundary 34c and the third outer boundary 34c. Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0024] Figure 5 The result is shown in a state where the airbag is not inflated but folded along the hinge defined by the first internal connecting region 35 and the second internal connecting region 37, resulting in a three-dimensional structure in which each of the portions 41, 42, and 43 defines a plane. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle between the plane of the first portion 41 and the plane of the third portion 43 is approximately 90°, the angle between the plane of the second portion 42 and the plane of the third portion 43 is also approximately 90°, and the angle between the plane of the first portion 41 and the plane of the third portion 43 is approximately 60°. Since the airbag, and especially its outer skin, is of course made of conventional and therefore flexible airbag material, the airbag can be folded flat (so that all parts are substantially in one plane), but this cannot be done along the hinge of the connecting region.

[0025] Therefore, when filled with gas, the airbag 5 "automatically" deploys into a three-dimensional structure because in this state, the airbag can only bend along its predetermined hinges. The deployed state is, for example, in... Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in the diagram, the angles between the planes of the three sections are essentially as described above, but since most of the outer skin of the airbag cushion is convex in the deployed state, these planes are defined only by the outer boundary, which remains substantially flat.

[0026] exist Figure 8 In, such as Figure 6 The deployed airbag is shown in a position mounted on the backrest 64 of the seat 60. The inflator 50 is located within the first section 41 and is attached to the backrest frame, for example in a conventional manner, via an inflator stud extending through a through-hole 18, such that the inflator also attaches the airbag 5 to the backrest 64 of the vehicle seat 60. Indirect attachment of the inflator to the backrest, for example via a bracket, is also possible.

[0027] The first section 41, like a conventional side airbag, extends substantially in the XZ plane along at least a portion of the torso of the occupant P seated in the vehicle seat 60. The second section 42 extends from the upper end of the first section 41 above the occupant's shoulder, and the third section 43 forms a frontal airbag located in front of at least a portion of the occupant P's torso. Due to its three-dimensional structure, the airbag 5 is largely "self-supporting," and in particular, the frontal portion (here, the third section 43) does not require a supporting surface like a dashboard or steering wheel.

[0028] Although Figure 8 Only one airbag unit is shown, but such airbag units can be installed on both sides of the seat, such that the first part of the first airbag deploys on the left side of the person and the first part of the second airbag deploys on the right side of the person.

[0029] Figure 10 It shows basically as Figure 3 The second embodiment is shown, but the edge connection seam 30 is not shown.

[0030] As in the first embodiment, the first internal connecting region 35 extends between the first portion 41 and the second portion 42, but the second internal connecting region 37 extends between the second portion 42 and the third portion 43. Furthermore, an additional seam (or other additional connector) connects the segments of the first outer boundary 34a and the third outer boundary 34c. The location of this additional seam is indicated by reference numerals 34a and 34c.

[0031] As with the first embodiment, in typical application, the first portion 41 forms a side airbag, the second portion 42 forms a portion extending above the shoulder, and the third portion 43 forms a frontal airbag, and similar to the first embodiment, the inflator is located in the first portion 41. The main difference from the first embodiment is that the airbag exhibits a sequential deployment behavior where the third portion 43 deploys last (in the first embodiment, the second portion 42 and the third portion 43 deploy substantially simultaneously).

[0032] exist Figure 11 The image shows a third embodiment, also with a sequential configuration. According to the definition chosen in this application, a first portion 41 forms the side airbag portion (as in all embodiments), a second portion 42 forms the front portion, and a third portion 43 forms the portion extending above the shoulder. With this in mind, the structure is similar to the second embodiment: a first internal connection 35 extends between the first portion 41 and the second portion 42, and a second internal connection 37 extends between the second portion 42 and the third portion 43; an additional connector (additional seam) connects a segment of the first outer boundary 34a and a segment of the third outer boundary 34c. In this embodiment, the front airbag portion deploys before the shoulder airbag portion.

[0033] Therefore, it can be seen that although the fully deployed airbag has the same shape in all three implementations, the deployment behavior can be selected.

[0034] Figures 12 to 14 The fourth embodiment is illustrated in slightly more detail. The main difference is that the outer skin of the airbag is made of a single slice 7, meaning that the first layer 10 is the first segment of that single slice, while the second layer 20 is the second segment (in... Figure 12 (Middle, left segment). In contrast to the first embodiment, the two segments of a single slice are not 100% congruent because the second segment includes an additional mounting area 29 outside the edge connection joint 30 (see...). Figure 13 ).

[0035] It can also be observed that the additional seam is located in the form of a protruding area, which makes the sewing process easier.

[0036] Figure 13 The diagram shows the result after folding a single slice 7 along the fold line FL and applying the edge connecting seam 30. Here, the complete edge connector consists of the edge connecting seam 30 and the fold F between the two segments. The edge connector is not completely closed because an opening 19 for inserting the inflator is retained, which in this embodiment can be closed by the closed segment 8 of the single slice 7; Figure 13 This is shown. Additionally, the internal tether 70 is also present. Figure 13As shown in the image.

[0037] Figure 14 A fully assembled airbag is shown, including the additional seam 34. It is clear that when the airbag is folded flat, the folding does not occur along the hinge defined by the internal connecting area. In the geometry of this embodiment, the forebody 3 needs to fold along two fold lines LF, but in other geometries, a single fold line LF may be sufficient. This structure of this embodiment can, of course, also be applied to the geometries of the second and third embodiments.

[0038] Figure 15 A variation of the fourth embodiment is shown. Here, only one layer has protrusions for additional seams.

[0039] List of reference numerals 3 precursors 5 airbags 7 Single slices for the outer skin of the airbag 8. A closed section used to seal the opening for inserting the air compressor. 10. The first layer / first segment of the shared slice 11 First area of ​​the first floor 12. Second area of ​​the first floor 13. The third area of ​​the first floor 15. First internal connection area of ​​the first layer 15a notch (part of the non-inflatable area) 17. Second internal connection area of ​​the first layer 17a notch (part of the non-inflatable area) 18 Holes for air compressor studs 19. Opening for inserting the inflator 20 Shared slice, second layer / second section 21. The first area of ​​the second floor 22 Second area of ​​the second floor 23. The third area of ​​the second floor 25. The first internal connection area of ​​the second layer 25a notch (part of the non-inflatable area) 27. Second internal connection area of ​​the second layer 27a notch (part of the non-inflatable area) 29 Additional Installation Area 30 Edge connection seam (edge ​​connector) 31, 32 Hinge connection seam 31a Internal non-inflatable area 31b overflow port 32a Internal non-inflatable area 32b overflow port 34 Additional seams (additional connectors) 34a Additional seam location in the first area 34b Additional seam location in the second area The location of the 34c additional seam in the third area 35 airbags, first internal connection area 37. Second internal connection area of ​​the airbag 41 The first part of the airbag forming the first chamber 42. The second part of the airbag forming the second chamber 43. The third part of the airbag forming the third chamber. 50 air pump 60 vehicle seats 62 seats (seating) 64 backrest 66 headrests 70 Internal tether F fold FL fold line LF fold line P is the person sitting in the vehicle seat.

Claims

1. An airbag (5), the airbag comprising a first layer (10), a second layer (20), and an edge connector (30) connecting the two layers (10, 20), such that at least a portion of the first layer (10) and the second layer (20) enclose a gas space. The first layer (10) and the second layer (20) each include The first region (11, 21) has a first outer boundary. The second region (12, 22), the second region has a second outer boundary, and The third region (13, 23) has a third outer boundary. The first internal connection region (15, 25) connects the first region (11, 21) and the second region (12, 22), and the second internal connection region (17, 27) connects... (i) the first region (11, 21) and the third region (13, 23) or (ii) the third region (13, 23) and the second region (12, 22). Make The first region (11) of the first layer (10) and the first region (21) of the second layer (20) form the first part (41) of the first chamber of the airbag that encloses the gas space; the second region (12) of the first layer (10) and the second region (22) of the second layer (20) form the second part (42) of the second chamber of the airbag that encloses the gas space; and the third region (13) of the first layer (10) and the third region (23) of the second layer (20) form the third part (43) of the third chamber of the airbag that encloses the gas space. and The first internal connection region (15) of the first layer (10) and the first internal connection region (25) of the second layer (20) define a first internal connection region (35) of the airbag having at least one first overflow port (31b), and the second internal connection region (17) of the first layer (10) and the second internal connection region (27) of the second layer (20) define a second internal connection region (37) of the airbag having at least one second overflow port (32b). Its features are, In case (i), at least one segment of the second outer boundary (34b) and at least one segment of the third outer boundary (34c) are connected via at least one additional connector (34). and In case (ii), at least one segment of the first outer boundary (34a) and at least one segment of the third outer boundary (34c) are connected via at least one additional connector (34). This causes the airbag to bend along the internal connection region (35, 37) when the airbag deploys; When the airbag is inflated by an inflator, the first chamber extends laterally over at least a segment of the torso of a person sitting in the vehicle seat. and (iii) The second chamber extends above the person's shoulder, and the third chamber extends anterior to at least a segment of the person's torso. or (iv) The third chamber extends above the person’s shoulder, and the second chamber extends in front of at least one segment of the person’s torso.

2. The airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the unfolded state, the first outer boundary defines a first plane, the second outer boundary defines a second plane, and the third outer boundary defines a third plane.

3. The airbag according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first plane, the second plane, and the third plane form an angle between 45° and 90°, respectively.

4. The airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two layers (10, 20) are equal.

5. The airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each internal connection area (35, 37) includes at least one non-inflatable area to form a hinge.

6. The airbag according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each internal connection area (35, 37) includes at least one internal non-inflatable area (31a, 32a) to form a hinge.

7. The airbag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The edge connector is closed, or closed except for the opening for inserting the inflator.

8. A method for manufacturing an airbag (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following subsequent steps: A precursor (3) is provided, the precursor comprising a first layer, a second layer disposed on top of the first layer, and the edge connector, and Apply the additional connector.

9. An airbag unit, the airbag unit comprising an airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and an inflator for inflating the airbag, wherein the inflator is located within the first chamber.

10. A vehicle seat unit, the vehicle seat unit comprising an airbag arrangement of the airbag unit of claim 9 and a vehicle seat on which the airbag arrangement is installed.

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