Airbag device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

An airbag device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. An airbag device includes: a cushioning pad mounted on a dashboard and configured to be inflated by gas injection from an inflator and deployed upwardly between the dashboard and an occupant; a partition disposed within the cushioning pad and configured to separate the interior of the cushioning pad, the partition including a first opening through which gas flows when the inflator is deployed; and a vent disposed within the partition and configured to communicate with the first opening to guide the gas flow. This configuration prevents the cushioning pad from bending and deforming backward when an occupant presses against it, thereby safely absorbing the occupant's impact force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an airbag device and a method for manufacturing the same, and more specifically, to an airbag device and a method for manufacturing the same capable of absorbing occupant impact. Background Technology

[0002] Purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) are intelligent vehicles that integrate Level 4+ autonomous driving technology. Each PBV can navigate itself to its destination without the driver needing to manually operate the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes. PBVs have developed rapidly in recent years.

[0003] In the case of a conventional passenger airbag (PAB) installed inside a vehicle, the airbag is supported by the windshield during inflation and deployment to absorb the impact of the occupant on the airbag.

[0004] However, due to the vehicle's structure, each PBV has a wide gap between the dashboard and the windshield where the airbags are installed. This means that the airbags are not supported by the windshield during deployment. Therefore, in the event of an occupant collision, the airbags may deform rearward. This results in the airbags failing to safely absorb the occupant's impact. Therefore, improvements are needed.

[0005] The background technology of this disclosure is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-2027918 (registered on September 26, 2019, entitled "Vehicle Airbag Cushion and Folding Method Thereof"). Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned problems and provides an airbag device and a method for manufacturing the same, which can safely absorb the impact of an occupant by preventing the cushioning pad from deforming backward due to the impact of the occupant.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an airbag device in which the cushioning pad can be self-supported on the dashboard upon deployment to enhance cushioning.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an airbag device that can use external straps to limit the upward deployment height of the cushioning pad.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure derived to achieve at least one of the above objectives, an airbag device includes: a cushioning pad mounted on an instrument panel and configured to be inflated by gas injection from an inflator and deployed upwardly between the instrument panel and an occupant; a partition disposed in the cushioning pad and configured to separate the interior of the cushioning pad, the partition including a first opening through which gas flows when the inflator is deployed; and a vent disposed in the partition and configured to communicate with the first opening to guide the gas flow.

[0010] The cushioning pad may include: a first cushioning pad portion configured to be deployed forward of the occupant; and a second cushioning pad portion configured to be deployed behind the first cushioning pad portion to support the first cushioning pad portion.

[0011] The volume of the second buffer pad portion is smaller than the volume of the first buffer pad portion.

[0012] When the airbag device is deployed, the internal pressure of the second cushioning portion is greater than the internal pressure of the first cushioning portion.

[0013] The second buffer pad portion can be configured to be deployed prior to the first buffer pad portion.

[0014] The ventilation section may include: a ventilation section body extending from the separator toward the second cushioning portion; and a second opening disposed at an end of the ventilation section body.

[0015] The diameter of the second opening can be smaller than the diameter of the first opening.

[0016] The diameter of the ventilator body can gradually decrease along the direction from the first opening to the second opening.

[0017] The central axis of the first opening may not coincide with the central axis of the second opening.

[0018] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method of manufacturing an airbag device may include: folding a first cushioning portion toward an inflation device disposed within a housing; receiving the folded first cushioning portion within the housing; and folding a second cushioning portion toward the first cushioning portion such that the second cushioning portion covers the first cushioning portion.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an airbag device may include: a housing mounted within an instrument panel; a cushioning pad folded within the housing and configured to be inflated by gas injection from an inflation device and deployed upward from the instrument panel; and an outer tether strap, wherein a first side of the outer tether strap is connected to the housing and a second side of the outer tether strap is connected to the cushioning pad to restrict the upward deployment of the cushioning pad.

[0020] The cushioning pad may include: a first cushioning pad portion configured to be deployed in front of the occupant; and a second cushioning pad portion connected to the first cushioning pad portion and configured to be deployed behind the first cushioning pad portion to support the first cushioning pad portion.

[0021] The outer strap may include a first outer strap, a first side of which may be fastened to the housing by fasteners, and a second side of which may be sewn to the first cushioning pad portion.

[0022] The outer strap may include a second outer strap, a first side of which may be fastened to the housing by fasteners, and a second side of which may be sewn to the first cushioning pad portion at a different position than the first outer strap.

[0023] The first outer strap and the second outer strap can be connected to the housing in a stacked state via the fasteners.

[0024] The inflation device can be installed inside the housing, and the portion of the housing connected to the outer strap can be positioned opposite to the portion of the housing connected to the inflation device.

[0025] The volume of the second buffer pad portion can be smaller than the volume of the first buffer pad portion.

[0026] The second cushioning pad portion may be configured to be deployed prior to the first cushioning pad portion when the cushioning pad is inflated.

[0027] The outer straps can be configured to restrict the upward deployment of the buffer pad so that the buffer pad does not contact the vehicle's windshield when fully deployed.

[0028] The housing may include a slit, and the external ties may extend from inside the housing through the slit and connect to the outer wall of the housing.

[0029] According to this disclosure, the second buffer pad portion is configured to be deployed prior to the first buffer pad portion behind the first buffer pad portion subjected to a frontal impact by the occupant. The second buffer pad portion also supports the first buffer pad portion by forming an internal pressure greater than that of the first buffer pad portion. This configuration prevents the buffer pad from bending and deforming backward when the occupant presses against it, thereby safely absorbing the occupant's impact.

[0030] This disclosure prevents the cushioning pad from deviating from its effective buffer zone, where it can effectively protect the occupants, because the outer tethers limit the upward deployment height of the cushioning pad. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a view showing the state in which an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in a dashboard;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a view showing the state of the airbag device inflated and deployed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Top view;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the interior of the cushioning pad in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the interior of the cushioning pad in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic side sectional view of the ventilation section in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the state in which the outer strap of the airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the cushioning pad.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the state in which the external strap of the airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the housing;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view showing a first embodiment of the external tether in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a side sectional view showing a second embodiment of the external tether in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a view showing the connection state of the first and second outer tethers in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a view showing the sequence in which the airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is folded into and deployed from the housing; and

[0043] Figure 13 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for manufacturing an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following description, embodiments of the airbag device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, for clarity and convenience, the thickness of lines and the dimensions of constituent elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the following terms are defined with regard to their function in this disclosure and may vary according to the intention and practice of the user or operator. Therefore, the terms should be defined based on the entirety of this specification.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a view showing the state in which an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in a dashboard; Figure 2 This is a view showing the state of the airbag device inflated and deployed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Top view; Figure 4 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the interior of the cushioning pad in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the interior of the cushioning pad in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a schematic side sectional view of the ventilation section in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the state in which the outer strap of the airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the cushioning pad. Figure 8 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the state in which the external strap of the airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the housing; Figure 9 This is a side sectional view showing a first embodiment of the external tether in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 This is a side sectional view showing a second embodiment of the external tether in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 This is a view showing the connection state of the first and second outer tethers in an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12 This is a view showing the sequence in which the airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is folded into and deployed from the housing; and Figure 13This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for manufacturing an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Now refer to Figures 1 to 7 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an airbag device is deployed from a dashboard 10 located inside a vehicle to protect occupants in an emergency (e.g., a vehicle collision).

[0047] The airbag device according to this embodiment includes a housing 20, a cushioning pad 100, and an outer strap 400.

[0048] The housing 20 can be installed in the instrument panel 10. The housing 20 can be located inside the instrument panel 10, and the cushioning pad 100 can be stored in the housing 20 in a folded state.

[0049] The cushioning pad 100 may be made of a fabric material, such as cloth. The cushioning pad 100 can be inflated by injecting gas generated by the inflation device 30 and deployed outward from the dashboard 10.

[0050] The dashboard 10 can be positioned in front of the seat S in which the occupant 40 sits, and the windshield 50 can be positioned above the dashboard 10.

[0051] An inflation device 30 may be installed in the dashboard 10 to inject gas into the cushioning pad 100. In this embodiment, the inflation device 30 is located inside the housing 20 and, in an emergency, such as a vehicle collision, may be controlled by a controller (not shown) to inject gas into the cushioning pad 100 to inflate it.

[0052] The cushioning pad 100 can be deployed upwards from the dashboard 10 and can be deployed between the dashboard 10 and the occupant 40.

[0053] The airbag device according to this embodiment may further include a separator 200. The separator 200 inside the cushioning pad 100 can separate the interior of the cushioning pad 100.

[0054] The separator 200 may be formed of the same material as the cushioning pad 100. The separator 200 may be sewn to the inner surface of the cushioning pad 100 to divide the interior of the cushioning pad 100 into multiple internal spaces.

[0055] The separator 200 may include a first opening 210 through which gas is injected into the buffer pad 100. The first opening 210 may be formed to extend through the separator 200 in the thickness direction. The shape of the first opening 210 may be circular or elliptical.

[0056] The cushioning pad 100 may include a first cushioning pad portion 110 and a second cushioning pad portion 120. The cushioning pad 100 may be divided into the first cushioning pad portion 110 and the second cushioning pad portion 120 by a separator 200.

[0057] The first buffer pad portion 110 may be integrally formed with the second buffer pad portion 120. The first buffer pad portion 110 may be provided with an internal space for containing gas. The interior of the first buffer pad portion 110 may communicate with the interior of the second buffer pad portion 120 through a first opening 210 formed in the separator 200.

[0058] The first cushioning portion 110 can be inflated with gas injected by the inflation device 30 to protrude from the housing 20 to the outside of the instrument panel 10 and be deployed between the instrument panel 10 and the occupant 40. The first cushioning portion 110 can be deployed towards the front of the occupant 40 facing the instrument panel 10.

[0059] Therefore, in an emergency such as a vehicle collision, the occupant 40 may collide with the first buffer pad portion 110 located in front of the occupant 40, thereby allowing the first buffer pad portion 110 to absorb the impact on the occupant 40.

[0060] The outer surface of the first buffer pad portion 110 deployed between the instrument panel 10 and the occupant 40 can contact the outer surface of the instrument panel 10 in the direction facing the occupant 40. Therefore, a portion of the first buffer pad portion 110 can be supported by the instrument panel 10.

[0061] The second buffer pad portion 120 can be deployed behind the first buffer pad portion 110 to support the first buffer pad portion 110. Here, "behind" the first buffer pad portion 110 can refer to a direction opposite to the deployment direction of the first buffer pad portion 110, which is deployed in the direction where the occupant 40 is located.

[0062] The second buffer pad portion 120 may have an internal space for containing gas. The second buffer pad portion 120 may be inflated using gas injected by the inflation device 30 and deployed upward from the dashboard 10 toward the windshield 50.

[0063] The second cushioning pad portion 120 can be deployed upward from the instrument panel 10. At this time, the inflation device 30 can be arranged adjacent to the second cushioning pad portion 120.

[0064] The second cushioning portion 120 may have a shape in which the width and height gradually decrease from the separator 200 toward one end. The second cushioning portion 120 may also have a shape in which the width and height gradually decrease from the separator 200 located in front of the second cushioning portion 120 toward the rear of the second cushioning portion 120. For example, the shape of the second cushioning portion 120 may resemble a bird's beak.

[0065] The volume of the second buffer pad portion 120 can be smaller than the volume of the first buffer pad portion 110. The second buffer pad portion 120 can be deployed before the first buffer pad portion 110. Even if the first buffer pad portion 110 and the second buffer pad portion 120 are inflated together by gas injection from the inflation device 30, the second buffer pad portion 120, which has a smaller volume than the first buffer pad portion 110, can still be deployed before the first buffer pad portion 110.

[0066] In this way, the second buffer pad portion 120 is deployed first, such that the first buffer pad portion 110 is deployed with the second buffer pad portion 120 first supported on the surface of the dashboard 10. This reduces the amount of buffer pad 100 being pushed against the windshield 50 during the deployment of the first buffer pad portion 110.

[0067] The second buffer pad portion 120 may be deployed behind the first buffer pad portion 110 to support the first buffer pad portion 110.

[0068] A vent 300 may be provided in the partition 200. The vent 300 may be provided integrally with the partition 200. The vent 300 may include the same material as the partition 200.

[0069] The vent 300 can be sewn into the partition 200. The vent 300 can be located on the outside of the partition 200, facing the direction of the second buffer pad portion 120.

[0070] The vent 300 may communicate with a first opening 210 provided in the partition 200. The vent 300 may have a hollow shape to allow gas flow. The vent 300 may include a vent body 310 and a second opening 320.

[0071] The vent body 310 may be hollow, having a hollow interior. The vent body 310 may extend from the partition 200 toward the second cushion portion 120. The vent body 310 may extend from a first side outside the partition 200 to a predetermined length into the inner side of the second cushion portion 120. One end of the vent body 310 may be connected to a first opening 210 provided in the partition 200.

[0072] The second opening 320 can be provided in one end of the vent body 310. The second opening 320 can be provided in the end of the vent body 310 facing the interior of the second buffer pad portion 120. The shape of the second opening 320 can be circular or elliptical.

[0073] The diameter of the second opening 320 provided in the vent body 310 can be smaller than the diameter of the first opening 210 provided in the partition 200, and the diameter of the vent body 310 can gradually decrease in the direction from the first opening 210 to the second opening 320. In other words, the vent body 310 can have a funnel shape.

[0074] Because the diameter of the second opening 320 is smaller than the diameter of the first opening 210, and the diameter of the vent body 310 decreases in the direction from the first opening 210 to the second opening 320, the gas generated by the inflation device 30 and injected into the first buffer pad portion 110 can smoothly flow into the second buffer pad portion 120 through the first opening 210, the vent body 310, and the second opening 320 in sequence.

[0075] Conversely, gas flow from the interior of the second buffer pad portion 120 towards the first buffer pad portion 110 is impeded or reduced. Therefore, the internal pressure of the second buffer pad portion 120 can be maintained at a higher pressure per unit area than the internal pressure of the first buffer pad portion 110. The direction of airflow is determined by... Figure 4 The arrow in the text indicates this.

[0076] Because the internal pressure of the second buffer pad portion 120 is greater than the internal pressure of the first buffer pad portion 110, even if the occupant 40 collides with the first buffer pad portion 110 and the pressure is directed towards the rear of the first buffer pad portion 110 ( Figure 2 When an impact is applied to the right (in the direction of the impact), a second buffer pad portion 120 deployed behind the first buffer pad portion 110 also firmly supports the first buffer pad portion 110. As a result, the first buffer pad portion 110 can absorb the impact on the occupant 40 without significant deformation.

[0077] The central axis C1 of the first opening 210 in the partition 200 and the central axis C2 of the second opening 320 in the vent body 310 can coincide with each other. The central axis C1 of the first opening 210 and the central axis C2 of the second opening 320 can be arranged side by side.

[0078] One edge of the vent body 310 has a straight line shape, and the other edge has a diagonal line shape, such that the diagonal line is longer than the straight line.

[0079] Because the internal pressure of the second buffer pad portion 120 is greater than that of the first buffer pad portion 110, the strong fluid pressure of the gas pushes the gas from the second buffer pad portion 120 into the first buffer pad portion 110 through the first opening 210 provided in the separator 200.

[0080] When gas pressure is applied to the first buffer pad portion 110, the straight edge of the vent body 310 can be bent by the gas pressure, thereby deforming the vent body 310 into a folded shape. When the vent body 310 is deformed into a folded shape by the fluid pressure of the gas toward the first buffer pad portion 110, the internal flow path of the vent body 310 can be closed. Therefore, the second buffer pad portion 120 can maintain a greater internal pressure than the first buffer pad portion 110.

[0081] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 7 to 13 To limit the upward deployment of the cushioning pad 100, a first side of the outer tether 400 may be connected to the housing 20, and a second side of the outer tether 400 may be connected to the cushioning pad 100.

[0082] The outer ties 400 can be formed of a fabric material (e.g., cloth) and can be cotton ties. The outer ties 400 can be attached to the housing 20 by fasteners 450 (e.g., screws or bolts and nuts) and can be sewn to the cushioning pad 100.

[0083] Because the first side of the outer tether strap 400 is connected to the housing 20 fixedly mounted on the dashboard 10, the upward deployment height of the cushioning pad 100 can be limited by the length of the outer tether strap 400 when the cushioning pad 100 is deployed. The length of the outer tether strap 400 can be set such that when the cushioning pad 100 is fully deployed, the seam between the outer tether strap 400 and the cushioning pad 100 is positioned below the chest level of the occupant 40.

[0084] The outer tether 400 may include a first outer tether 410. One side of the first outer tether 410 may be attached to the housing 20 by a fastener 450, and the other side of the first outer tether 410 may be sewn to the first cushioning portion 110. Reference numeral 415 indicates the sewn portion of the first cushioning portion 110 and the first outer tether 410.

[0085] The housing 20 may be provided with a slit 25. The slit 25 may be a rectangular hole formed in the bottom surface of the housing 20 in the width direction of the housing 20.

[0086] A first side of the first outer strap 410 can be sewn to the first cushioning pad portion 110, and the remaining portion of the first outer strap 410 can be attached to the outer wall of the housing 20 by extending from the inside of the housing 20 through the slit 25. In this case, because the fastener 450 is located on the outside of the housing 20, damage to the cushioning pad 100 during deployment can be prevented. In another example, the first outer strap 410 can be attached to the housing 20 at the inner wall of the housing 20.

[0087] Because the first outer tether 410 is positioned through the slit 25 at the bottom of the housing 20, the force applied to the first outer tether 410 when the cushioning pad 100 is inflated is distributed around the fastener 450 and the slit 25 of the housing 20.

[0088] Therefore, compared to attaching the first outer strap 410 to the housing 20 solely by fastener 450, the first outer strap 410 can more reliably limit the upward inflation height of the cushioning pad 100. Furthermore, because the first outer strap 410 is attached to the housing 20 by extending through the slit 25 on the side opposite to the direction of movement of the first outer strap 410 during the deployment of the cushioning pad 100 (i.e., the upward direction), the first outer strap 410 can reliably limit the upward inflation height of the cushioning pad 100 while remaining fixed to the housing 20.

[0089] In addition to the first outer tether 410, the outer tether 400 may also include a second outer tether 420. One side of the second outer tether 420 may be attached to the housing 20 by a fastener 450, and the other side of the second outer tether 420 may be sewn to the first cushioning portion 110 at a point different from that of the first outer tether 410. Reference numeral 425 indicates the sewn portion of the first cushioning portion 110 and the second outer tether 420.

[0090] The first outer strap 410 can be sewn to a point on the outside of the housing 20 when the first cushioning portion 110 is fully deployed, and the second outer strap 420 can be sewn to a point on the inside of the housing 20 when the first cushioning portion 110 is fully deployed.

[0091] One side of the second outer strap 420 can be sewn to the first cushioning pad portion 110, and the remaining portion of the second outer strap 420 can be attached to the outer wall of the housing 20 by extending from the inside of the housing 20 through the slit 25. In this case, because the fastener 450 is located on the outside of the housing 20, damage to the cushioning pad 100 during deployment can be prevented. In another example, the second outer strap 420 can be attached to the housing 20 at the inner wall of the housing 20.

[0092] Because the second outer tether 420 is positioned through the slit 25 at the bottom of the housing 20, the force applied to the second outer tether 420 during the inflation of the cushioning pad 100 is distributed around the fastener 450 and the slit 25 of the housing 20.

[0093] Therefore, compared to when the second outer strap 420 is only connected to the housing 20 via fastener 450, the second outer strap 420 can more reliably limit the upward inflation height of the cushioning pad 100. Furthermore, because the second outer strap 420 is connected to the housing 20 via slit 25 on the side opposite to the direction (upward) of movement of the second outer strap 420 during the deployment of the cushioning pad 100, the second outer strap 420 can reliably limit the upward inflation height of the cushioning pad 100 while remaining fixed to the housing 20.

[0094] The first outer frenulum 410 and the second outer frenulum 420 can be integrated together by stitching. In this embodiment, the first outer frenulum 410 and the second outer frenulum 420 can be stitched together at multiple points. The first outer frenulum 410 and the second outer frenulum 420 can be connected by a first connecting stitch 436, and can be connected by a second connecting stitch 437 at points spaced apart from the first connecting stitch 436. A first fastening hole 411 and a second fastening hole 421 can be provided between the first connecting stitch 436 and the second connecting stitch 437, and a fastener 450 extends through the first fastening hole 411 and the second fastening hole 421.

[0095] The first outer lacing strap 410 and the second outer lacing strap 420 may extend through the slit 25 in a stacked state and be attached together to the outer wall of the housing 20 by fasteners 450.

[0096] The portion of housing 20 that connects to the outer tether 400 may be opposite to the portion of housing 20 that connects to the inflation device 30. The inflation device 30 may be disposed adjacent to the second cushioning portion 120 to initially supply gas to the second cushioning portion 120. The outer tether 400 may be disposed near the first cushioning portion 110 that absorbs the impact of the occupant 40 to limit the upward deployment height of the first cushioning portion 110.

[0097] The outer tether 400 can restrict the upward deployment of the buffer pad 100 so that the buffer pad 100 does not contact the vehicle's windshield 50 when fully inflated (i.e. when fully deployed).

[0098] According to this embodiment, since the outer strap 400 restricts the upward deployment height of the first buffer pad portion 110 while the second buffer pad portion 120 is supported on the surface of the dashboard 10, the buffer pad 100 does not contact the windshield 50, so it can reliably absorb the impact on the occupant 40 even when it is not supported by the windshield 50.

[0099] As the cushioning pad 100 nears full inflation, tension can be applied between the first side of the outer tether 400 connected to the cushioning pad 100 and the second side of the outer tether 400 connected to the housing 20. Therefore, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the slightly loose outer strap 400 at the part that engages with the housing 20 can be tensioned and make tight contact with the outer wall of the housing 20, as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0100] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 A method for manufacturing an airbag device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: folding a first cushioning portion 110 toward an inflation device 30 disposed in a housing 20, and housing the folded first cushioning portion 110 in the housing 20, S100. The housing 20 may be the dashboard 10 of a vehicle. In another embodiment, the housing 20 may be installed inside the dashboard 10.

[0101] In a first cushioning portion 110 and a second cushioning portion 120 extending in opposite directions around the housing 20, the first cushioning portion 110 is rolled up and folded toward the housing 20 and positioned within the housing 20. An inflation device 30 may be disposed adjacent to the second cushioning portion 120 within the housing 20.

[0102] Next, the second cushioning pad portion 120 is folded toward the first cushioning pad portion 110 so that the second cushioning pad portion 120 covers the first cushioning pad portion 110. The second cushioning pad portion 120 is folded toward the inflation device 30 and the first cushioning pad portion 110 folded and housed in the housing 20 to cover the inflation device 30 and the first cushioning pad portion 110, thereby covering the opening of the housing 20.

[0103] When the first cushioning pad portion 110 and the second cushioning pad portion 120 are inflated together by gas injected by the inflation device 30, the second cushioning pad portion 120 may deploy before the first cushioning pad portion 110 in response to gas injected by the inflation device 30 located adjacent to the second cushioning pad portion 120. The second cushioning pad portion 120 may deploy before the first cushioning pad portion 110, while being pressurized and pushed by the first cushioning pad portion 110, which is inflated by gas injected by the inflation device 30.

[0104] In the airbag device and manufacturing method according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second buffer pad portion 120 is configured to be deployed prior to the first buffer pad portion 110 behind the first buffer pad portion 110 subjected to a frontal impact by the occupant 40. The second buffer pad portion 120 also supports the first buffer pad portion 110 by forming an internal pressure greater than that of the first buffer pad portion 110. This configuration prevents the buffer pad 100 from bending and deforming backward when the occupant 40 presses against it, thereby safely absorbing the impact of the occupant 40.

[0105] The airbag device according to the embodiments of this disclosure can prevent the buffer pad 100 from deviating from its effective buffer zone, thus effectively protecting the occupant 40, because the outer tether 400 limits the upward deployment height of the buffer pad 100. In other words, this embodiment can prevent the upward deployment force of the buffer pad 100 from causing it to move out of its effective buffer zone, which could lead to insufficient protection for the occupant 40 in the event of an accident. Therefore, the airbag device according to the embodiments can be applied to various types of vehicles, including specialized vehicles.

[0106] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments may be made according to the embodiments.

Claims

1. An airbag device, the airbag device comprising: A cushioning pad, which is mounted on the dashboard and configured to be inflated by gas injection from an inflation device and deployed upward between the dashboard and the occupant; A separator, disposed in the cushioning pad and configured to separate the interior of the cushioning pad, the separator including a first opening through which gas flows when the inflation device is deployed; as well as A vent is disposed in the partition and configured to communicate with the first opening to guide the flow of gas.

2. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein, The cushioning pad includes: A first buffer pad portion, the first buffer pad portion being configured to be deployed forward of the occupant; and A second buffer pad portion is configured to be deployed behind the first buffer pad portion to support the first buffer pad portion.

3. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein, The volume of the second buffer pad portion is smaller than the volume of the first buffer pad portion.

4. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein, When the airbag device is deployed, the internal pressure of the second cushioning portion is greater than the internal pressure of the first cushioning portion.

5. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein, The second buffer pad portion is configured to be deployed prior to the first buffer pad portion.

6. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein, The ventilation section includes: Ventilation body, the ventilation body extending from the separator towards the second cushion portion; and The second opening is located at the end of the vent body.

7. The airbag device according to claim 6, wherein, The diameter of the second opening is smaller than the diameter of the first opening.

8. The airbag device according to claim 6, wherein, The diameter of the ventilator body gradually decreases along the direction from the first opening to the second opening.

9. The airbag device according to claim 6, wherein, The central axis of the first opening does not coincide with the central axis of the second opening.

10. A method for manufacturing an airbag device, the method comprising: Fold the first cushioning pad portion toward the inflation device located inside the housing; The folded first cushioning pad portion is housed within the housing. as well as Fold the second cushioning pad portion toward the first cushioning pad portion so that the second cushioning pad portion covers the first cushioning pad portion.

11. An airbag device, the airbag device comprising: A housing, which is installed within the dashboard; A cushioning pad, which is folded and housed within the housing and configured to be inflated by gas injection from an inflation device and deployed upward from the instrument panel; as well as An external tether, wherein a first side of the external tether is connected to the housing and a second side of the external tether is connected to the cushioning pad to limit the upward deployment of the cushioning pad.

12. The airbag device according to claim 11, wherein, The cushioning pad includes: A first buffer pad portion, the first buffer pad portion being configured to be deployed facing forward toward the occupant; and A second buffer pad portion is connected to the first buffer pad portion and is configured to be deployed behind the first buffer pad portion to support the first buffer pad portion.

13. The airbag device according to claim 12, wherein, The external frenulum includes the first external frenulum. The first side of the first outer strap is connected to the housing by fasteners, and The second side of the first outer frenulum is sewn to the first cushioning pad portion.

14. The airbag device according to claim 13, wherein, The lateral frenulum includes a second lateral frenulum. The first side of the second outer strap is connected to the housing by fasteners, and The second side of the second outer frenulum is sewn to the first cushioning pad portion at a different position than the first outer frenulum.

15. The airbag device according to claim 14, wherein, The first outer strap and the second outer strap are connected to the housing in a stacked state by the fasteners.

16. The airbag device according to claim 13, wherein, The inflation device is installed inside the housing, and The portion of the housing connected to the outer strap and the portion of the housing connected to the inflation device are arranged opposite to each other.

17. The airbag device according to claim 12, wherein, The volume of the second buffer pad portion is smaller than the volume of the first buffer pad portion.

18. The airbag device according to claim 12, wherein, The second cushioning pad portion is configured to deploy before the first cushioning pad portion when the cushioning pad is inflated.

19. The airbag device according to claim 11, wherein, The outer straps are configured to restrict the upward deployment of the buffer pad so that, when the buffer pad is fully deployed, the buffer pad does not contact the vehicle's windshield.

20. The airbag device according to claim 11, wherein, The housing includes a slit, and The outer ties extend from inside the housing, pass through the slit, and connect to the outer wall of the housing.

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