Vehicle airbag, airbag device, airbag deployment apparatus, and airbag deployment method

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle airbag, an airbag device, an airbag deployment apparatus, and an airbag deployment method. The airbag is configured to be placed from an uninflated state to an inflated state by an inflation operation to protect a vehicle occupant, the airbag comprising at least two fabric layers joined together, i.e. Forming at least a first airbag chamber and a second airbag chamber separate from the first airbag chamber. The fabric layers are connected to each other in such a way that the first airbag chamber and the second airbag chamber can be independently of each other from their uninflated state to their inflated state. The first airbag chamber is bent outwards during a first inflation operation of the first airbag chamber starting from the uninflated state and / or at least partially forms a tubular shape with an elliptical or circular cross section in the inflated state of the first airbag chamber, the overlapping portions of the second airbag chamber, preferably outer overlapping portions, preferably radially overlapping overlapping portions of the first airbag chamber, preferably inner overlapping portions, in its uninflated state or its inflated state.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag for a vehicle and preferably an OPW airbag, which is configured to be placed from an uninflated state, such as a folded or deflated state, into an inflated state, such as a deployed state, and the airbag can obtain its passenger protection effect through an inflation operation in the deployed state to protect passengers of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle or a commercial vehicle.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an airbag device, which includes such an airbag and two gas generators that can be independently operated or activated.

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to an airbag deployment apparatus, which includes a control device and such an airbag device, and also relates to a method for deploying such an airbag device. Background Art

[0004] Such airbags used in vehicles can be manufactured in different ways and are, for example, referred to as OPW airbags, cut-and-sewn airbags, or cut-sealed-and-sewn airbags according to the manufacturing method.

[0005] An OPW airbag, that is, a so-called one-piece woven airbag, is an airbag woven from a single piece of fabric, while a cut-and-sewn airbag or a cut-sealed-and-sewn airbag is obtained by cutting several pieces of fabric, which can be bonded and then sewn together.

[0006] Such airbags are widely used as part of a vehicle restraint system to protect vehicle passengers from hitting vehicle structural components such as the steering wheel, dashboard, door frame, etc.

[0007] If necessary, a restraint system in the form of an airbag system having such an OPW airbag or an airbag or a conventional airbag manufactured by a cut-and-sewn process or a cut-sealed-and-sewn process will be actively activated and is widely referred to as an active restraint system in vehicles such as motor vehicles.

[0008] Airbag designs vary depending on the type of use and location. Various types of airbags are known from the prior art, such as airbags in the form of driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, far-side airbags, head airbags, knee airbags, window airbags, etc.

[0009] The so-called far-side airbag, also known as the front center airbag, is located, for example, on the side facing the front passenger in the driver's seat of a motor vehicle.

[0010] Front airbags for frontal collision protection, such as driver or front passenger airbags, are usually installed on the vehicle steering wheel in front of the driver or behind the dashboard for other passengers (front passengers) in the front seats.

[0011] In addition to frontal collision protection, airbags are also used to protect against side collisions. For example, side airbags such as curtain airbags, side airbags in the seat or door trim panel are provided. In particular, curtain airbags or special side airbags are usually mounted along the roof side rails, i.e., the roof structure of the vehicle body, and deployed there to form an energy-absorbing structure between the passenger's head and upper body and the vehicle interior components.

[0012] In the event of an accident or impending accident, sensors mounted on the vehicle measure the abnormal deceleration of the vehicle. For example, during the inflation operation, gas is supplied to the airbag within a few milliseconds to bring it from the uninflated state (i.e., the folded or deflated state) to the inflated state. This is achieved by devices such as gas generators, which are commonly referred to as "inflators". The inflated airbag cushions the vehicle passengers from the impact force.

[0013] In addition to the above OPW method, airbags are also often manufactured in a somewhat more complex manner using the above cutting-sewing method or cutting-sealing-sewing method.

[0014] In particular, the cutting-sewing method only involves cutting the fabric pieces that will form the fabric layer into the desired shape, stacking them and sewing them together to form the airbag, i.e., the so-called cut-sewn airbag.

[0015] Known airbags manufactured using the cutting-sealing and sewing method for this purpose are complex solutions and are manufactured with a large amount of manufacturing work, for example, by cutting out two or more identical or partially identical or different production parts from a silicone-coated flat fabric, spraying a sealant on the edges in the form of a surrounding bead, then stacking two or more fabric parts and then bonding the parts together. In addition, the fabric layer thus formed has seams to ensure sufficient strength of the glued seams.

[0016] In the case of airbags manufactured using the cutting-sewing method and airbags manufactured using the cutting-sealing-sewing method, additional components such as straps, cover sheets, etc. sometimes have to be sewn on in further process steps for shaping (with or without sealant).

[0017] Therefore, the cutting-sewing method and the cutting-sealing-sewing method may be more time-consuming, more costly and generally require many manual method steps than the OPW method.

[0018] In order to enhance the protection effect of the airbag, when designing airbags, especially in the field of frontal or side impact protection (such as driver airbags, passenger airbags, side airbags), for example, a method is adopted to design airbags with a larger contact surface or impact surface. In the event of a vehicle collision, the passenger crashes into the contact surface or impact surface in a crash situation. So far, in the prior art, it is known to design the airbag to have a larger airbag volume for this purpose. However, a larger airbag volume requires a larger gas generator, and thus inevitably more installation space in the vehicle, which is contrary to the design specifications of airbag design.

[0019] Due to various influencing factors such as size, weight, passenger sitting position, vehicle speed, and the impact angle of the passenger relative to the airbag, in the event of a crash or collision, it may be advantageous for the airbag to have more than two levels in terms of its inflation height in order to obtain the maximum passenger protection effect, and the airbag is thus ignited or filled accordingly according to the accident situation.

[0020] For this purpose, airbags with two-stage inflation height are known from the prior art, that is, they are two-stage inflated and their deployment is controlled by means of straps and the like. However, currently, only extremely complex processes can be used to manufacture them. For example, in the event of a collision, a complex and expensive strap structure cut with a so-called Pyro cutter must be provided in order to obtain a higher inflation height or control its operation in the next stage.

[0021] For example, such multi-stage airbags are used in adaptive restraint systems, that is, so-called "adaptive airbags", which can be deployed in several stages according to the severity of the accident. Based on sensor data, for example, by recording the above-mentioned influencing variables, these "adaptive airbags" can be individually adjusted to adapt to the passenger and the accident situation, that is, such adaptive airbags can automatically adjust the internal pressure and its geometry of the airbag to adapt to the passenger body type and other collision variables such as the impact speed and seat position at the time of the accident; for example, this can be done on the basis of sensor data with the help of special straps, which can be used to individually adjust the shape and working pressure of the airbag to adapt to the respective passenger.

[0022] According to the prior art, the known airbag design with straps is manufactured to have only one airbag chamber, whereby two-stage or multi-stage inflation height is achieved by filling the airbag with different gas volumes. For example, in order to reach the initial inflation height in the first stage, the airbag is filled with an appropriate amount of gas and its deployment is controlled by the movement restraint exerted by the strap. In order to reach the second or maximum inflation height in the second stage, the airbag is then further filled with an appropriate second amount of gas, and at this time the strap continues to control the further deployment of the airbag. If the maximum inflation height is to be reached directly, the airbag is inflated to the maximum extent in one step. So far, such well-known two-stage airbags have only been manufactured at great expense using the above-mentioned cutting-sewing technology.

[0023] However, it is problematic to optimally adjust the gas generator capacity to the corresponding two-stage airbag. For example, during the inflation operation of deploying the first stage or the second stage, the airbag may be under-inflated or over-inflated, resulting in too low or too high internal pressure in the airbag, meaning that the specified internal pressure in the airbag cannot be achieved in the first stage or the second stage. This significantly reduces the protective effect of the airbag in the event of a crash or collision. Summary of the Invention

[0024] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an airbag, preferably an OPW airbag, an airbag device, an airbag deployment device, and a corresponding deployment method, which at least partially avoid or at least reduce the disadvantages known in the prior art; preferably, the present invention aims to provide a multi-stage airbag capable of achieving a sufficient protective effect.

[0025] This object is achieved by an airbag, an airbag device, an airbag deployment device, and a method for deploying an airbag device.

[0026] The airbag according to the present invention is preferably a woven OPW airbag and is configured to be placed in an inflated state from an uninflated state, such as a folded state or a deflated state, through an inflation operation to protect vehicle passengers. In the inflated state, the airbag can exert its established passenger protection effect, wherein the airbag has at least two fabric layers, preferably two fabric layers in a specific area and / or three fabric layers in a specific area, which are connected to each other in such a way that at least a first airbag chamber and an airbag chamber separated from the first airbag chamber, i.e., a second airbag chamber not in fluid communication with the first airbag chamber, are formed. Moreover, these fabric layers are also connected to each other in such a way that the first airbag chamber (preferably three-layer) and the second airbag chamber (preferably two-layer or three-layer) can be placed in their respective inflated states independently from their respective uninflated states, and the first airbag chamber bends outward during the first inflation operation of the first airbag chamber starting from its uninflated state and / or at least partially forms a tube with an oval or circular cross-section in the inflated state of the first airbag chamber. Thus, the overlapping part of the second airbag chamber in its uninflated state or inflated state, preferably the outer overlapping part, overlaps with the overlapping part of the first airbag chamber, preferably the inner overlapping part, and preferably radially overlaps.

[0027] According to the present invention, an OPW airbag with two-stage inflation height can be realized, which is preferably used as a front airbag in a vehicle.

[0028] The first stage is achieved, for example, by placing the first airbag chamber in its inflated state and keeping the second airbag chamber in its non-inflated state. Thus, the airbag inflation height is mainly determined by the first airbag chamber in the inflated state, which is tubular with an oval or circular cross-section. Although the overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber overlaps with the overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber in this state, it contributes little to the airbag inflation height. The second stage is achieved, for example, by placing both airbag chambers in the inflated state. Thus, the overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber causes a further increase in the airbag inflation height.

[0029] The automated OPW manufacturing process eliminates the need for complex sewing operations required for airbags manufactured using the cut-and-sew method. The inflation heights of different inflation stages can be produced with a greater difference in inflation height than with previously known solutions.

[0030] In other words, the airbag can be manufactured in such a way that the respective airbag chambers have different chamber volumes, and the airbag chambers can also have significantly different filling volumes. Since the embodiments of the airbag according to the present invention have at least two airbag chambers that can be filled separately from each other, gas generators adapted to the respective chamber volumes or filling volumes of the respective airbag chambers can be used, whereby the respective optimum internal pressures can be generated in the respective airbag chambers.

[0031] In terms of generator selection, it may be advantageous to use two separate or different gas generators instead of one large gas generator, because a specific generator can be selected for a specific airbag chamber and its special properties. This can, for example, enable faster filling times, different release times, and different internal pressures in the respective airbag chambers due to having two separate gas sources. There can also be alternative mounting options for the two gas generators, because in terms of their respective sizes, two smaller gas generators can be used instead of one large gas generator.

[0032] The OPW airbag overlaps with the respective overlapping portions of the first and second airbag chambers at a specified or predetermined point, whereby when the second gas generator is applied to fill the second airbag chamber, a further inflation height or the next stage of the airbag is obtained mainly at the predetermined point where the overlapping portion is located.

[0033] Thus, when the first stage is deployed, the airbag can have a first inflation height, which is formed by the sum of the diameter of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state and the thickness of the overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber in the non-inflated state.

[0034] In addition, when the second stage is deployed, the airbag can have a second inflation height, which is formed by the sum of the diameter of the first airbag chamber in its inflated state and the thickness of the overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber in its inflated state.

[0035] In particular, an airbag region provided with two overlapping portions, i.e., a part of the first airbag chamber and a part of the second airbag chamber, forms a variable region that overlaps or overlaps in cross-section with each other when viewed in the inflated state of the first airbag chamber. This variable region determines the first inflation height and the second inflation height.

[0036] As the diameter of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state, in the case of an annular cross-section, the outer diameter of the annular cross-section, the inner diameter of the annular cross-section, or the average diameter formed by the inner diameter and the outer diameter can be adopted.

[0037] On the other hand, in the case where the first airbag chamber in the inflated state has an oval or elliptical cross-section, the major semi-axis or minor semi-axis (of the ellipse) or a value derived therefrom can be considered.

[0038] The deployment can be controlled according to the accident situation, i.e., the second gas generator is only deployed when needed to fill the second airbag chamber.

[0039] Each airbag chamber forms a hollow cylindrical outer shell and also partially overlaps or overlaps with each other, i.e., overlaps in their overlapping portions, but can be filled separately or independently of each other and are thus not connected in terms of flow. Thereby, corresponding filling pressures and corresponding filling times can be obtained according to the design of each airbag chamber and the selection of each gas generator.

[0040] The airbag according to the present invention can also be formed such that the fabric layers are connected or woven together in such a way that the outer overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber in the non-inflated state radially overlaps with the inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state, and / or bends outward during the second inflation operation of the second airbag chamber or extends along the inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state and thereby radially overlaps the inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state and / or forms a radially outer tube wall portion or a hollow cylindrical wall portion relative to the radially inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state.

[0041] In the fully inflated state of the airbag, i.e., when both the first airbag chamber and the second airbag chamber are completely filled with gas or air, the airbag thus presents the form of a tube with a circular or oval cross-section. When viewed in cross-section, these two overlapping portions form a wall portion with a greater wall thickness than the remaining tube wall portions. These two overlapping portions are also in contact with each other.

[0042] Preferably or optionally, the overlapping portions can be connected together, such as sewn together, i.e., at a point where the two overlapping portions start to overlap and another point where the two overlapping portions end to overlap.

[0043] Furthermore, the airbag according to the invention can be implemented in such a way that the first airbag chamber has a plurality of first longitudinal airbag chambers that are (fluidly) interconnected and have respective first (identical or different) airbag chamber volumes, which are arranged adjacent to each other circumferentially in the inflated state and / or extend axially, transversely, obliquely, or helically, and / or the second airbag chamber has a single longitudinal airbag chamber or a plurality of second longitudinal airbag chambers that are (fluidly) interconnected and have respective second (identical or different) airbag chamber volumes, which are arranged adjacent to each other circumferentially in the inflated state and / or extend axially, transversely, obliquely, or helically, and / or the plurality / group of first longitudinal airbag chambers are arranged adjacent to the single longitudinal airbag chamber or the plurality / group of second longitudinal airbag chambers circumferentially.

[0044] Preferably, the depth direction of the airbag in the inflated state corresponds to the axial direction of the tube or hollow cylinder thus formed. For example, the longitudinal airbag chambers thus extend transversely, i.e., perpendicularly, to the depth direction of the tube or the axial direction in the circumferential direction of the tube, and can thus assume the shape of a circular ring or a circular arc segment. If these longitudinal airbag chambers are parallel to the depth direction or the axial direction of the tube, they extend longitudinally of the tube / hollow cylinder in a long tubular shape, for example, and are preferably distributed or offset in the circumferential direction of the tube / hollow cylinder.

[0045] Another embodiment of the longitudinal airbag chambers is that they extend at an angle with respect to the depth direction, i.e., their extension direction has a trend both axially and circumferentially. For example, a tubular chamber designed in this way has a helical shape, i.e., a helical line or a cylindrical helix shape, which depicts a curve that coils around a cylindrical outer shell (i.e., a hollow cylinder in this case) at a certain angle with a constant pitch.

[0046] Similarly, the following airbag embodiments can be envisioned, where a plurality of longitudinal airbag chambers are arranged successively in their extension direction. For example, a plurality of longitudinal airbag chambers are arranged successively parallel to the depth direction, or a plurality of longitudinal airbag chambers are arranged successively transversely to the depth direction and circumferentially. The respective longitudinal airbag chambers arranged successively are spatially separated from each other by respective seam portions but are in fluid communication with each other.

[0047] Furthermore, the airbag according to the invention can be designed in such a way that the first airbag chamber volume of the first longitudinal airbag chamber is smaller than, equal to, or larger than the second airbag chamber volume of the second longitudinal airbag chamber.

[0048] Furthermore, the airbag according to the invention can be implemented in such a way that the first longitudinal airbag chamber and / or the second longitudinal airbag chamber is tubular or at least partially hollow cylindrical or elliptical hollow cylindrical. In relation to the first and second longitudinal airbag chambers, tubular particularly means that these form a long hollow body with any desired cross-section, especially a circular, elliptical, semi-circular, or rectangular cross-section.

[0049] Furthermore, an airbag according to the present invention can be implemented such that the airbag at least partially has three fabric layers, namely a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a third fabric layer, and the second fabric layer is disposed between the first fabric layer and the third fabric layer.

[0050] Preferably, the first fabric layer forms the lower fabric layer or the fabric layer forming the inner shell of the airbag, the second fabric layer forms the intermediate fabric layer or the fabric layer disposed at least partially within the airbag, and the third fabric layer forms the upper fabric layer or the fabric layer forming the outer shell of the airbag. Thus, these three fabric layers are woven together such that, in the region forming the first airbag chamber, a plurality of first longitudinal airbag chambers extending axially and radially offset relative to each other are formed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer and between the third fabric layer and the second fabric layer, and / or in the region forming the second airbag chamber, a plurality of second longitudinal airbag chambers extending axially and radially staggered relative to each other are formed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer and between the third fabric layer and the second fabric layer, which cause at least partial outward bending during their respective inflation operations.

[0051] Furthermore, an airbag according to the present invention can be implemented such that the airbag at least partially has three fabric layers, namely a lower or first fabric layer, an upper or third fabric layer, and an intermediate or second fabric layer disposed therebetween, and these three fabric layers are woven together such that, in the region forming the first airbag chamber, a plurality of first longitudinal airbag chambers extending axially and radially staggered relative to each other are formed between the first fabric and the second fabric layer and between the third fabric layer and the second fabric layer, while in the region forming the second airbag chamber, only two fabric layers form one or more second longitudinal airbag chambers extending axially between the first fabric layer and the third fabric layer.

[0052] Furthermore, an airbag according to the present invention can be designed such that the first airbag chamber is connected to a region forming a first generator port for accommodating a first gas generator or a first connection region for connecting a first gas generator, and the second airbag chamber is connected to a region forming a second generator port for accommodating a second gas generator separate from the first generator port or a second connection region for connecting a second gas generator, such that the first airbag chamber and the second airbag chamber can be inflated independently of each other by their respective first or second gas generators.

[0053] In addition, an airbag according to the present invention can be formed in such a manner that the airbag is configured as an OPW airbag having warp and weft threads, which are woven into a plurality of fabric layers, wherein the warp and weft threads are woven together in such a way that the airbag has a first partition and a second partition and a region forming a first airbag chamber, wherein the warp and weft threads in the second partition are woven together in such a way that the second partition has at least one generator opening for receiving a gas generator for filling the airbag or a connection portion for connecting the generator, wherein the warp and weft threads in the region forming the first airbag chamber are woven together in such a way that the region forming the first airbag chamber includes the plurality of first airbag chambers and is formed as a three-layer structure, and wherein the warp and weft threads of the second fabric layer protrude from the second fabric layer in the first partition and float completely between the first fabric layer and the third fabric layer and are joined to the first fabric layer and / or the second fabric layer within the second partition.

[0054] Accordingly, the first fabric layer and the third fabric layer in the second partition have the warp and weft threads of the second fabric layer.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the warp and weft threads are woven in a manner different from the above-described embodiment, particularly in the first and second partitions.

[0056] According to this alternative variant, the weft threads of the intermediate fabric layer originate from the intermediate fabric layer in the first partition of the airbag and are partially attached to the upper fabric layer and partially attached to the lower fabric layer, while the warp threads of the intermediate fabric layer originate from the intermediate fabric layer in the first partition of the airbag and float freely between the lower fabric layer and the upper fabric layer. In the second partition, the weft and warp threads of the intermediate fabric layer are joined to the lower fabric layer or the upper fabric layer, or are attached to the lower fabric layer or the upper fabric layer at several attachment points.

[0057] Of course, in principle, the warp direction and the weft direction and thus also the warp and weft threads can be reversed in both designs.

[0058] An airbag device according to the present invention has the above-described airbag of the present invention and at least two independently activatable gas generators, wherein a first generator of the two gas generators is received or connected in a first generator opening or a first connection area of the first airbag chamber, and a second generator of the two gas generators is received or connected in a second generator opening or a second connection area of the second airbag chamber.

[0059] Preferably, the two gas generators are different gas generators that are matched to the respective first and second airbag chambers in terms of filling behavior (e.g., the volume flow rate of the gas that can be delivered) or to the respective volumes of the first and second airbag chambers. As a result, the characteristics and advantages explained with respect to the airbag of the present invention also apply in the same or a similar manner to the airbag device of the present invention, which is why the corresponding explanations related to the airbag of the present invention are referred to in order to avoid repetition.

[0060] The airbag deployment device for deploying an airbag according to the present invention has a control device and an airbag device according to the present invention, wherein the control device is configured to activate a first generator to fill a first airbag chamber and is also configured to activate a second generator to fill a second airbag chamber when the first generator has been activated and a predetermined condition is met, preferably when a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, the characteristics and advantages explained with respect to the airbag of the present invention also apply in the same or a similar manner to the airbag deployment device according to the present invention, which is why the corresponding explanations related to the airbag of the present invention are referred to in order to avoid repetition.

[0061] According to the present invention, a method for deploying the airbag device of the present invention includes the following steps: activating a first generator to fill a first airbag chamber of the airbag, and activating a second generator to fill a second airbag chamber of the airbag either simultaneously with or after the first generator has been activated. As a result, the characteristics and advantages explained with respect to the airbag of the present invention also apply in the same or a similar manner to the method according to the present invention, which is why the corresponding explanations related to the airbag of the present invention are referred to in order to avoid repetition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained below by way of example with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0063] Figure 1a A cross-sectional schematic view of an airbag according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the airbag being in a state where the first airbag chamber is inflated and the second airbag chamber is not inflated;

[0064] Figure 1b Showing Figure 1a A cross-sectional schematic view of the airbag of the present invention, the airbag being in a state where both the first airbag chamber and the second airbag chamber are inflated;

[0065] Figure 2 Showing the Figure 1a Airbag of the present invention in a deployed or spread state;

[0066] Figure 3a A cross-sectional schematic view showing a second embodiment of the present invention, the airbag being in a state where the first airbag chamber is inflated and only a single second longitudinal airbag chamber of the second airbag chamber is not inflated;

[0067] Figure 3b Showing the Figure 3a Airbag of the present invention in a deployed or spread state;

[0068] Figure 4a A schematic view of an airbag according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the airbag being in a state where the first airbag chamber and the second airbag chamber are inflated with two second longitudinal airbag chambers;

[0069] Figure 4b Showing the present invention airbag in an unfolded or spread-out state Figure 4a planar schematic view;

[0070] Figure 5a Showing a schematic view of the airbag according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the airbag being in a state where both the first airbag chamber and the second airbag chamber are inflated, and there being a plurality of second longitudinal airbag chambers; and

[0071] Figure 5b Showing the present invention airbag in an unfolded or spread-out state Figure 5a top view schematic view.

[0072] List of reference numerals

[0073] 10 Airbag

[0074] 11 First / lower / outer fabric layer

[0075] 12 Second / intermediate fabric layer

[0076] 13 Third / upper / inner fabric layer

[0077] 14 First (outer) airbag chamber

[0078] 14 1 First (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber

[0079] 14 2 First (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber

[0080] 14 3 First (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber

[0081] 14 BK First (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber (longitudinal bridging cavity)

[0082] 16 1 First (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber

[0083] 16 2 First (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber

[0084] 16 3 First (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber

[0085] 16 4 First (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber

[0086] 16 5 First (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber

[0087] 16 6 First (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber

[0088] 16 7First (Inner) Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0089] 16 8 First (Inner) Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0090] 18 First Generator Port

[0091] 20 Second Generator Port

[0092] 22 Edge or Peripheral Seam

[0093] 24 Second Airbag Chamber

[0094] 24 1 Second Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0095] 24 2 Second Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0096] 24 3 Second Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0097] 24 4 Second Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0098] 24 WN Seam between Second Longitudinal Airbag Chambers

[0099] 24 OWN Seam between Upper Second Longitudinal Airbag Chambers

[0100] 24 1o Second Upper Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0101] 24 2o Second Upper Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0102] 24 3o Second Upper Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0103] 24 4o Second Upper Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0104] 24 12u Second Lower Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0105] 24 34u Second Lower Longitudinal Airbag Chamber

[0106] Transition Region

[0107] S Weft Direction

[0108] K Warp Direction

[0109] WN Seam

[0110] FN Fixed Seam

[0111] Outer Overlap Portion

[0112] Inner overlapping part Detailed implementation mode

[0113] In Figures 1a to 5b In the illustrated embodiment, the airbag or air cushion 10 according to the present invention is manufactured as an OPW airbag, that is, it is a so-called "one-piece woven" airbag 10, that is, an airbag 10 woven integrally.

[0114] In a specific application, the airbag 10 in this embodiment is configured as a front airbag, and is thus arranged behind a dashboard (not shown in detail) in front of the front passenger in a conventional manner not described herein in detail. Alternatively, the airbag 10 according to the present invention can also be used to protect passengers, for example, in the field of autonomous driving.

[0115] The airbag 10 according to the present invention is configured to be placed from an uninflated state such as a folded state or a deflated state into an inflated state in which the airbag can exert a protective effect on passengers through an inflation operation in a conventional manner, so as to protect passengers in a vehicle such as a motor vehicle or a commercial vehicle. In other words, in response to the activation of an inflation device (not shown in the figure), the airbag 10 is deployed from an uninflated state to an inflated state in a conventional manner. In this case, the inflation device has two gas generators, which are activated, for example, when a vehicle collision or a similar situation is detected.

[0116] Such as Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b And Figure 2 Only shown schematically, the airbag 10 has several fabric layers 11, 12, 13 for this purpose, which will be explained in more detail below. Here, two fabric layers overlap each other in one or more regions of the airbag 10, and three fabric layers overlap each other in one or more regions, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0117] The fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are connected to each other in such a way that, in this case, a first airbag chamber 14 (specifically a first longitudinal airbag chamber 14 1 、14 2 、14 3 ) and a second airbag chamber 24 (specifically a second longitudinal airbag chamber 24 1 、24 2 、24 3 、24 4 ) separated from the first airbag chamber 4 are formed. The first airbag chamber 14 and the second airbag chamber 24 are not connected to each other in terms of fluid flow.

[0118] In other words, the airbag 10 is formed as an OPW airbag, which has warp threads extending in the warp direction K and weft threads extending in the weft direction S (for example, see Figure 2, the warp and weft directions can be alternately reversed), and they are inserted into the fabric layers 11, 12, 13 to form a first airbag chamber 14 and a second airbag chamber 24, wherein the stitch 22 separates the first airbag chamber and the second airbag chamber 24 from each other, and the fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are combined in the stitch to form a single layer. Therefore, the airbag 10 has a first airbag chamber 14 and a second airbag chamber 24 that can be filled independently of each other.

[0119] In this regard, the fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are further interconnected such that the first airbag chamber 14 is three-layered and the second airbag chamber 24 is preferably two-layered or alternatively three-layered, wherein the first and second airbag chambers 14, 24 can move independently of each other from their respective non-inflated states to their respective inflated states.

[0120] Furthermore, the fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are interconnected such that the first airbag chamber 14 bends outward during the first inflation operation of the first airbag chamber starting from its non-inflated state, and then at least partially forms a tubular or hollow columnar shape having a substantially circular or oval cross-section in the inflated state of the first airbag chamber 14.

[0121] In this case, the outer overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber 24 in its non-inflated or inflated state 外 overlaps radially with the inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber 14 as can be seen especially in Figure 1a and Figure 1b .

[0122] Figure 1a Fig. shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the airbag 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state where the first airbag chamber 14 is inflated and the second airbag chamber 24 is not inflated, while Figure 1b Fig. shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the airbag 10 of the present invention in a state where both the first airbag chamber 14 and the second airbag chamber 24 are inflated. Furthermore, Figure 1a Fig. shows a plan schematic view of the airbag 10 of the present invention in a deployed or spread state. Figure 2 as can also be seen in Figure 1a Fig.,

[0123] the outer overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber 24 in its non-inflated state Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 overlaps radially with the inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber 14 in its inflated state ( Fig.). Furthermore, during the second inflation operation of the second airbag chamber 24, the outer overlapping portion Figure 1a )). In addition, during the second inflation operation of the second airbag chamber 24, the outer overlapping portion Bend outwardly and extend along the inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber 14 in the inflated state and radially overlap with the inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber 4 in the inflated state . As a result, the outer overlapping portion forms a radially outer tube wall portion or a hollow column wall portion relative to the inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber 14 in the inflated state .

[0124] As can be seen especially in Figure 1a and Figure 1b and as indicated by the arrows, the overlapping portions and are defined as a region where the first airbag chamber 14 and the second airbag chamber 16 overlap radially along the circumference of the airbag

[0125] As can also be seen especially from Figure 1a and Figure 1b , the first airbag chamber 14 has a plurality of first longitudinal airbag chambers 14 that are fluidly interconnected and have respective first airbag chamber volumes 1 、14 2 、14 3 . They are arranged adjacent to each other circumferentially and extend axially in the inflated state

[0126] In addition, in this case, the second airbag chamber 24 has a plurality of second longitudinal airbag chambers 24 that are interconnected and have respective second airbag chamber volumes 1 、24 2 、24 3 、24 4 . They are arranged adjacent to each other circumferentially and extend axially in the inflated state

[0127] In addition, as can be seen in Figure 1a and Figure 1b , these or groups of first longitudinal airbag chambers 14 1 、14 2 、14 3 are arranged adjacent to these or groups of second longitudinal airbag chambers 24 1 、24 2 、24 3 、24 4 、24 1 、14 2 、14 3 in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the respective first airbag chamber volumes of the first longitudinal airbag chambers 14 Figure 2 (in the warp direction in 1 、24 2 、24 3 、24 4the respective second airbag chamber volumes.

[0128] Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 1a and Figure 1b that the first longitudinal airbag chambers 14 1 、14 2 、14 3 and the second longitudinal airbag chambers 24 1 、24 2 、24 3 、24 4 are substantially in the shape of a hollow cylinder or an elliptical hollow cylinder.

[0129] In the deployed or spread state of the airbag 10 shown in Figure 2 it can be seen that the airbag 10 in this state, i.e., with the fabric layers stacked on top of each other, has a substantially rectangular shape, which substantially corresponds to the side surface of a hollow cylinder. The region with the first airbag chamber 14 is adjacent to the region with the first generator port 18 for accommodating a first gas generator (not shown here). The region of the second airbag chamber 24 is adjacent to a region with a second generator port 20 for accommodating a second gas generator (not shown here) and separated from the first generator port 18. The double-disk first airbag chamber 14 and the second airbag chamber 24 can be inflated independently of each other by their respective first or second gas generators.

[0130] The airbag 10 together with two gas generators that can be activated independently of each other and are not shown in this case forms an airbag device according to the present invention, wherein the first generator of the two gas generators is accommodated in the first generator port 18, and the second generator of the two gas generators is accommodated in the second generator port 20. The respective generators are designed differently in terms of their filling behavior. Thus, if the volume of the first airbag chamber 14 is larger than the volume of the second airbag chamber 24, the first generator connected to the generator port 18 can generate a larger volume flow rate than the second generator connected to the generator port 20.

[0131] To activate the generators, in addition to the airbag device, there is a control device (not shown), and they together form an airbag deployment device configured to deploy the airbag 10. In this case, the control device (not shown) is configured to activate the first generator to fill the first airbag chamber 14 and is also configured to activate the second generator to fill the second airbag chamber 24 if the first generator has been activated and a predetermined condition has been met. In this case, the predetermined condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed. However, if necessary, the control device can also activate both generators simultaneously.

[0132] Therefore, an operating mode of the airbag device, i.e., the way the airbag device is deployed, is as follows:

[0133] First, the first generator is activated to fill the first airbag chamber 14 of the airbag 10, thereby placing the first longitudinal airbag chambers 14 1 、14 2 、14 3 in their inflated states, thereby achieving the first stage of the inflation height of the airbag 10.

[0134] Subsequently, i.e., after a predetermined time has elapsed, or simultaneously, depending on the type of vehicle collision, for example, the magnitude of the detected acceleration value, the second generator is activated to fill the second airbag chamber 24 of the airbag 10. This also fills the outer overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber 24 thereby placing the second longitudinal airbag chambers 24 arranged in the outer overlapping portion in their inflated states, thereby obtaining the second stage of the inflation height of the airbag 10. 1 、24 2 、24 3 、24 4 、24

[0135] The basic structure of the airbag 10 has been described above.

[0136] To obtain the above-described chamber structure including the first airbag chamber 14 having the first longitudinal airbag chambers 14 1 、14 2 、14 3 、14 1 、24 2 、24 3 、24 4 、24, the airbag 10 is composed of the above-described stacked fabric layers 11, 12, 13, which can be woven into three fabric layers in particular in a region LKB of the airbag 10 forming the first airbag chamber 4 and can be woven into two or three fabric layers in another region forming the second airbag chamber 24.

[0137] The specific structure of the airbag 10 related to the chamber structure obtained by interweaving the respective fabric layers will be explained in more detail with reference to the following embodiments.

[0138] Figure 3a A schematic view of the airbag 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a state where the first airbag chambers 14, 16 are at least partially inflated with a plurality of longitudinal airbag chambers and the second airbag chamber 24 is at least partially inflated with a single longitudinal airbag chamber is shown in a cross-sectional view. Figure 3b A top view schematic of the airbag 10 of the present invention in the deployed or spread state is shown. Figure 3a of

[0139] As can be seen from Figure 3a and Figure 3bAs can be seen, the airbag 10 has three fabric layers 11, 12, 13 in the region LKB forming the first airbag chamber 14, namely the lower or first fabric layer 11, the upper or third fabric layer 13, and the intermediate or second fabric layer 12 arranged therebetween. These three fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are intertwined such that, in the region LKB forming the first airbag chamber 14, first longitudinal airbag chambers 14 extending axially and arranged adjacent to each other circumferentially are formed. 1 , 14 2 , 14 3 and 16 1 , 16 2 …16 8 . In particular, the first (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber 16 1 , 16 2 …16 8 is formed between the lower / inner fabric layer 11 and the intermediate fabric layer 12, and the first (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber 14 1 , 14 2 , 14 3 , 14 BK ... is formed between the upper / outer fabric layer 13 and the intermediate fabric layer 12.

[0140] As can be seen from Figure 3a the first (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber 16 1 , 16 2 …16 8 is radially offset with respect to the first (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber 14 1 , 14 2 , 14 3 , 14 BK ,... i.e., further radially inwards. In this embodiment, the three longitudinal airbag chambers in the first (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber 14 1 , 14 2 , 14 3 are each covered radially by one of the first (outer) longitudinal airbag chambers 14 1 , 14 2 , 14 3 , 14 BK wherein each first longitudinal airbag chamber 14 BK (also referred to as the longitudinal airbag bridging chamber) connects two adjacent longitudinal airbag chambers 16 1 , 16 2 …

[0141] Based on the first inner and outer longitudinal airbag chambers 14 1 , 14 2 , 14 3 and 16 1 , 16 2 …16 8This chamber structure creates a very rigid and stable outwardly curved structure of the airbag 10 in the inflated state, which forms a hollow cylinder or tube with an almost circular or elliptical hollow cylindrical cross-section.

[0142] As can also be seen in Figure 3a In the intermediate region between the regions LKB forming the first airbag chambers 14, 16 and the region forming the second airbag chamber 24, the fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are woven into a single seam WN. The seam is incorporated again into the two fabric layers 11, 13, i.e., the lower / inner fabric layer 11 and the upper / outer fabric layer 13, in the region forming the second airbag chamber 24. They are woven together in such a way that in the region forming the second airbag chamber 24, the second airbag chamber 24 forms a single second longitudinal airbag chamber extending axially between the lower / inner fabric layer 11 and the upper / outer fabric layer 13. In this case, as Figure 3a shown, the region forming the second airbag chamber 24 with the second longitudinal airbag chamber forms an outer overlap while the radially inner part of the region LKB forming the first airbag chambers 14, 16 forms an inner overlap

[0143] As can also be seen in Figure 3a the outer overlap The starting and ending points of can optionally be connected to the starting and ending points of the inner overlap for example, by a fixing seam FN which is only schematically shown. In particular, this is used to stabilize the airbag 10 when both the first airbag chambers 14, 16 and the second airbag chamber 24 are in the inflated state.

[0144] As further shown in Figure 3b the airbag 10 has a first partition ETB and a second partition ZTB and a region LKB forming the first airbag chamber 14, where the first partition ETT is arranged between this region LKB forming the first airbag chamber 14 and the second partition ZTB.

[0145] The warp and weft in the second partition ZTB are woven together in such a way that the second partition ZTB forms a generator opening 18 for accommodating a gas generator for filling the airbag and is formed as two layers. The warp and weft in the region LKB forming the first airbag formation chambers 14, 16 are woven together in such a way that it has the first airbag chambers 14, 16 and is formed as three layers. The warp and weft of the second fabric layer 12 come from the second fabric layer 12 in the first partition ETB and float completely between the first fabric layer 11 and the third fabric layer 13 and are joined to the first fabric layer 11 or the third fabric layer 13 within the second partition ZTB.

[0146] Figure 4aSchematic diagram showing the airbag 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention in cross-section, with the first airbag chambers 14, 16 inflated and the second airbag chamber 24 inflated with two second longitudinal airbag chambers 24 1 , 24 2 in the inflated state. Figure 4b Showing the Figure 4a airbag 10 of the present invention in the deployed or spread state. In the description of the third embodiment, to avoid repetition, only the differences from the above-described second embodiment are discussed, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0147] In this embodiment, the region forming the second airbag chamber 24 is formed in two layers, and the fabric layers 11 and 13 (mainly as Figure 4a shown) can be woven together such that two second longitudinal airbag chambers 24 1 , 24 2 are formed in the second region, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and are separated from each other by the stitch seam 24 WN .

[0148] Figure 5a Cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the airbag 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the first airbag chambers 14, 16 inflated and the second airbag chamber 24 with a plurality of longitudinal airbag chambers inflated. Figure 5b Showing the Figure 5a top view schematic diagram of the airbag 10 of the present invention in the deployed or spread state. In the description of the fourth embodiment, to avoid repetition, only the differences from the above-described second embodiment are discussed, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0149] In this embodiment, the region forming the second airbag chamber 24 is formed in three layers, where as mainly seen from Figure 5a , the fabric layers 11, 12 and 13 are woven together such that four second upper longitudinal airbag chambers 24 10 , 24 20 , 24 30 , 24 40 are formed in the second region, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and are separated by the upper stitch seam 24 OWN , and on the other side, two second lower longitudinal airbag chambers 24 WN are formed adjacent to each other and separated from each other by the stitch seam 24 12U , 24 34U , and each second lower longitudinal airbag chamber covers two second upper longitudinal airbag chambers 24 10 , 24 20 , 24 30 , 24 40 in the radial direction.

[0150] The inventive features disclosed in the foregoing description and drawings may be important for carrying out the invention both individually and in any desired combination.

Claims

1. An airbag (10), preferably an integrally woven (OPW) airbag, the airbag (10) being configured to be placed in an inflated state from an uninflated state through an inflation operation to protect a vehicle occupant, wherein: The airbag (10) comprises at least two fabric layers (11, 12, 13), preferably two fabric layers (11, 12, 13) in a specific area and / or three fabric layers in a specific area, which are bonded together to form at least a first airbag chamber (14) and a second airbag chamber (24) separate from the first airbag chamber (14). The fabric layers (11, 12, 13) are further bonded together so that the first airbag chamber (14), which is preferably formed as a triple chamber, and the second airbag chamber (24), which is preferably formed as a double chamber or a triple chamber, can be brought from their uninflated state to their inflated state independently of each other, and - the first airbag chamber (14) is bent outwards from its uninflated state during a first inflation operation of the first airbag chamber (14) and / or in the inflated state of the first airbag chamber (14) is at least partially formed into a tubular shape with an elliptical cross section or a circular cross section, and thereby the overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber (24) in its uninflated state or in its inflated state Preferably, the outer overlapping portion and the overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber (14) Preferably the inner overlapping parts overlap, preferably radially.

2. The airbag (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The fabric layers (11, 12, 13) are bonded together so that the outer overlapping portions of the second airbag chamber (24) in the uninflated state The inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber (14) in the inflated state in the radial direction overlap and / or bend outwardly during a second inflation operation of the second airbag chamber (24) or along the inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber (14) in the inflated state The inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber (14) in the inflated state is radially extended from the first airbag chamber (14) to the inner overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber (14) in the inflated state. overlap and / or relative to the radial direction of the inner overlap portion of the first airbag chamber (14) in the inflated state A radially outer tube wall portion or a hollow cylindrical wall portion is formed.

3. The airbag (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first airbag chamber (14) has a plurality of interconnected first longitudinal airbag chambers (141, 142, 143) with corresponding first airbag chamber volumes, and the plurality of first longitudinal airbag chambers (141, 142, 143) are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction in the inflated state and / or extend axially, transversely, obliquely or spirally, and / or the second airbag chamber (24) has a single longitudinal airbag chamber or a plurality of interconnected second longitudinal airbag chambers with corresponding second airbag chamber volumes. The airbag chambers (241, 242, 243, 244) are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction in the inflated state and / or extend axially, transversely, obliquely or spirally, and / or the multiple first longitudinal airbag chambers (141, 142, 143) are arranged circumferentially next to the single longitudinal airbag chamber or the multiple second longitudinal airbag chambers (241, 242, 243, 244).

4. The airbag (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The first airbag chamber volume of the first longitudinal airbag chamber (141, 142, 143) is formed to be smaller than, equal to, or larger than the second airbag chamber volume of the second longitudinal airbag chamber (241, 242, 243, 244).

5. The airbag (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The first longitudinal airbag chamber (141, 142, 143) and / or the second longitudinal airbag chamber (241, 242, 243, 244) is / are formed in a tubular shape or at least partially in a hollow column shape or in an elliptical hollow column shape.

6. The airbag (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The airbag (10) at least partially comprises three fabric layers (11, 12, 13), namely a first fabric layer (11), a third fabric layer (13) and a second fabric layer (12) arranged between the first fabric layer (11) and the third fabric layer (13), wherein the first fabric layer (11), the second fabric layer (12) and the third fabric layer (13) are woven together so that in a region (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14), a plurality of first longitudinal airbag chambers (141, 142, 143) extending axially and radially offset relative to each other are formed. ) are formed between the first fabric layer (11) and the second fabric layer (12) and between the third fabric layer (13) and the second fabric layer (12), and / or in the area where the second airbag chamber (24) is formed, a plurality of second longitudinal airbag chambers (241, 242, 243, 244) extending axially and radially offset relative to each other are formed between the first fabric layer (11) and the second fabric layer (12) and between the third fabric layer (13) and the second fabric layer (12), which cause at least partial outward bending during their corresponding inflation operations.

7. The airbag (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The airbag (10) at least partially comprises three fabric layers (11, 12, 13), namely a first fabric layer (11), a third fabric layer (13) and a second fabric layer (12) arranged between the first fabric layer (11) and the third fabric layer (13). The first fabric layer (11), the second fabric layer (12) and the third fabric layer (13) are woven together, so that in the area (LKB) where the first airbag chamber (14) is formed, a plurality of first longitudinal airbag chambers (141, 142, 143) extending axially and radially offset relative to each other are formed between the first fabric layer (11) and the second fabric layer (12) and between the third fabric layer (13) and the second fabric layer (12), and at the same time, only two fabric layers (11, 13) form one or more second longitudinal airbag chambers (241, 242, 243, 244) extending axially between the first fabric layer (11) and the third fabric layer (13) in the area where the second airbag chamber (24) is formed.

8. An airbag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first airbag chamber (14) is connected to an area forming a first generator port (18) for accommodating a first gas generator or a first connection area for connecting the first gas generator, and the second airbag chamber (24) is connected to an area forming a second generator port (20) for accommodating a second gas generator and separated from the first generator port (18) or a second connection area for connecting the second gas generator, so that the first airbag chamber (14) and the second airbag chamber (24) can be inflated independently of each other through their corresponding first gas generators or second gas generators.

9. An airbag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The airbag (10) is formed as an OPW airbag having warp and weft threads woven into the woven fabric layers (11, 12, 13), The warp threads and the weft threads are woven together so that the airbag (10) has a first partition (ETB) and a second partition (ZTB) and a region (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14), wherein the first partition (ETB) is arranged between the region (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14) and the second partition (ZTB), wherein the warp threads and the weft threads are woven together in the second zone (ZTB), i.e., the second zone (ZTB) has at least one generator opening (18) for accommodating a gas generator for filling an airbag or a connection portion for connecting a generator and is configured in a double layer, wherein the warp threads and the weft threads are woven together in the region (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14), i.e., the region (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14) has the plurality of first longitudinal airbag chambers and is arranged in three layers, and The warp threads and the weft threads of the second fabric layer (12) come from the second fabric layer (12) in the first partition (ETB) and completely float between the first fabric layer (11) and the third fabric layer (13) and are added to the first fabric layer (11) and / or the third fabric layer (13) in the second partition (ZTB).

10. An airbag device, comprising: An airbag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; and at least two gas generators that can be activated independently of each other, The first of the two gas generators is accommodated or connected in a first generator port (18) or a first connection area of ​​a first airbag chamber (14), and the second of the two gas generators is accommodated or connected in a second generator port (20) or a second connection area of ​​a second airbag chamber (24).

11. An airbag deployment device for deploying an airbag (10), the airbag deployment device comprising a control device and an airbag device according to claim 10, wherein: The control device is configured to activate the first generator to fill the first airbag chamber and is further configured to activate the second generator to fill the second airbag chamber when the first generator has been activated and a predetermined condition has been met, preferably a predetermined time has elapsed.

12. A method for deploying the airbag device according to claim 10, the method comprising the following steps: activating a first generator to fill a first air chamber of the airbag (10), and At the same time as the first generator has been activated or after the first generator has been activated, the second generator is activated to fill the second air chamber of the airbag (10).

Images