Soft guide ramp and airbag module including the same

Abstract

A soft guide ramp for guiding an airbag of an airbag module to deploy in a predetermined trajectory, comprising a top portion provided with a first fixed opening and a bottom portion provided with a second fixed opening, the first fixing opening and the second fixing opening are configured to allow a convex lug of a hard jumping frame of a safety air bag module to penetrate through, so that the soft guide slope is hooked on the hard jumping frame; and the bottom part is further provided with a weakening line, the weakening line is arranged to be aligned with the second fixing opening, and the weakening line extends in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the unfolding direction of the soft guide slope. The use amount of the adhesive tape is reduced, the manufacturing efficiency is improved, the risk of loosening and slipping of the air bag is reduced, and the reliability is improved. The present disclosure also relates to an airbag module comprising the soft guide ramp.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an airbag module for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a soft guide ramp and an airbag module including the soft guide ramp. Background Technology

[0002] To protect vehicle occupants in the event of an accident, vehicles are typically equipped with airbag modules. When an accident occurs, gas flows into the airbag module's airbag, causing it to inflate and deploy, thus protecting the occupants.

[0003] Currently, vehicle airbag modules are mainly divided into two types: driver airbag modules and side airbag modules. The driver airbag module is typically installed inside the steering wheel to protect the driver's head and chest in a frontal collision. A similar driver airbag module is usually installed in the passenger seat. Side airbag modules are typically located in or near the seats and doors; for example, curtain airbag modules are designed to provide additional protection for passengers in side collisions, especially protecting the head and chest to prevent injury.

[0004] In addition to these two basic types, vehicles can also be equipped with other airbag modules, such as knee airbag modules, to enhance passenger safety. Of course, airbag modules can be installed in any desired location within the vehicle, as needed.

[0005] Airbag modules are typically mounted to the vehicle's body panels via a jump. Additionally, to ensure the airbag deploys along a predetermined trajectory, a ramp is typically installed at the jump to guide the airbag's proper deployment during release, preventing it from getting stuck in the interior trim panels or becoming lodged between the trim panels and the body panels. During manufacturing, the airbag, ramp, and jump are first assembled to form the airbag module, which is then fastened to the body panels using fasteners. Existing ramps are only secured to the jump at the top, leaving the bottom free; this means they offer no support for the airbag. Therefore, multiple strips of tape (e.g., at least four) are needed to hold the assembled airbag module and maintain the ramp's position. This results in more time being spent deploying the tape during the securing process.

[0006] Furthermore, over time, the adhesive on the tape may lose its stickiness due to aging, causing the airbags to loosen and produce possible squeaking noises. This also increases the risk of the airbags slipping off the guide ramp and the jump rig.

[0007] Therefore, existing airbag modules need to be improved to simplify the manufacturing process, shorten the holding time, reduce the risk of airbag loosening and slippage, and improve their reliability. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to address at least one of the problems existing in the prior art airbag modules described above, and to provide an improved soft guide ramp and an airbag module including the soft guide ramp. Through multi-angle structural optimization, this disclosure aims to reduce tape usage, improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce the risk of airbag loosening and slippage, and improve reliability.

[0009] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a flexible guide ramp for guiding the deployment of an airbag module's airbag along a predetermined trajectory. The flexible guide ramp includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has a first fixing opening, and the bottom portion has a second fixing opening, wherein the first and second fixing openings are configured to allow lugs of a rigid strut of the airbag module to pass through, thereby hooking the flexible guide ramp onto the rigid strut. The bottom portion also includes a weakening line aligned with the second fixing opening, the weakening line extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the deployment direction of the flexible guide ramp.

[0010] Because the soft guide ramp has fixing openings at both the top and bottom to hook onto the lugs of the rigid jump frame, the airbag module assembled in this way only needs to be secured by wrapping a single piece of tape around the soft guide ramp and the rigid jump frame. This reduces the time required to apply the tape during the securing process.

[0011] Furthermore, the portion of the soft guide ramp located above the first fixed opening can be folded down along the first fixed opening after hooking, thereby covering a portion of the rigid jump frame and preventing the sharp parts of the rigid jump frame (e.g., burrs, rough edges, etc.) from damaging the air bag hanger.

[0012] The portion of the soft guide ramp located below the second fixed opening can fold downwards along the weakening line or the second fixed opening after hooking. This allows the portion to compress the airbag's mounting clip, thus securing the clip's position and preventing any impact on the installation on the vehicle body.

[0013] Furthermore, because the airbag is completely enclosed within a sleeve formed by the flexible guide ramp, the sleeve's circumference can be adjusted according to performance requirements. Even if the adhesive on the tape loses its stickiness due to aging over time, the airbag will not slip off the flexible guide ramp and the rigid jump frame. This reduces the risk of airbag loosening and slippage, avoids squeaking noise, and improves the reliability of the airbag module.

[0014] The weakening line is designed to break easily during airbag release, facilitating airbag deployment and expansion. The weakening line and the second fixed opening are aligned in a straight line, meaning the second fixed opening forms part of the weakening line. This maximizes the guiding section of the soft guide ramp and allows for faster fabrication of the weakening line and second fixed opening, reducing fabrication time.

[0015] Preferably, the weakening structure of the weakening line is in the form of a slit, a hole, and / or a recess.

[0016] Preferably, the weakening structure of the weakening line is the same as that of the second fixed opening. This allows the weakening line and the second fixed opening to be manufactured simultaneously using the same process, thereby reducing the manufacturing steps and time.

[0017] Preferably, the first fixed opening is in the form of an inverted U-shaped slit.

[0018] Preferably, the second fixed opening is in the form of a linear slit or an elongated hole.

[0019] Preferably, the bottom portion further includes an observation window and indicator marks, the observation window being arranged at any position along the indicator marks. During manufacturing, the operator can use the observation window to check whether the indicator marks on the airbag are aligned or parallel to the indicator marks on the soft guide ramp, to avoid twisting of the airbag during assembly and securing, which could lead to abnormal release or even release failure.

[0020] Preferably, there are two of each of the first fixed opening and the second fixed opening.

[0021] Preferably, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the observation window is positioned between the two first fixed openings.

[0022] Preferably, the flexible guide ramp is made of at least one of fabric, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP). Preferably, the flexible guide ramp can be made of a single layer or multiple layers of material.

[0023] Preferably, the bottom portion includes an upper section above the weakening line and a lower section below the weakening line. The upper section and the top portion work together to guide the deployment of the airbag.

[0024] Preferably, the difference between the length L (equal to the length of the weakening line) of the lower section in the longitudinal direction and the distance D between the left edge of one first fixed opening and the opposite right edge of another first fixed opening is 0.4 cm or more, 0.6 cm or more, 0.8 cm or more, 1 cm or more, 2 cm or more, or 3 cm or more, etc. Preferably, the difference between the length L and the distance D is between 0.4 cm and 1 cm.

[0025] Preferably, the indicator mark and the observation window are disposed in the upper section. Preferably, a notch is also provided at the side edge of the upper section.

[0026] In another aspect, this disclosure provides an airbag module comprising an airbag, a rigid jump frame, and the aforementioned flexible guide ramp, wherein the rigid jump frame includes a body and a lug, the body extending obliquely downward from the lug to provide support for the airbag resting on the body; the airbag has a hanging tab configured to hook onto the lug via a hanging hole; and the airbag is circumferentially enclosed within a sleeve formed by the flexible guide ramp.

[0027] Preferably, at the location of the observation window of the flexible guide ramp, tape is wrapped circumferentially to simultaneously adhere the air bag and the flexible guide ramp. That is, by wrapping tape at the location of the observation window, the tape can adhere to both the flexible guide ramp and the air bag, thereby more securely holding the air bag and preventing it from swaying or shifting.

[0028] Preferably, the soft guide ramp is wound in a single loop to form the sleeve.

[0029] Preferably, the rigid frame has two lugs, and the tape is positioned between the two lugs.

[0030] Preferably, the air bag is provided with a hanging piece, which is hooked onto the lug of the rigid jumping frame.

[0031] Preferably, the rigid jump frame comprises a generally flat body. The body extends generally downward from the lugs.

[0032] Preferably, the body includes a curved portion that matches the outer contour of the air bag in a rolled or folded state, such that after assembly, the air bag can fit snugly against the curved portion.

[0033] The first fixed opening and the second fixed opening are aligned in the unfolding direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the number of the first fixed opening and / or the second fixed opening can be equal to the number of lugs.

[0034] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a method for assembling an airbag module, the airbag module including an airbag, a rigid jump frame, and the aforementioned flexible guide ramp, the method comprising the steps of: hooking the top portion of the flexible guide ramp onto the rigid jump frame by inserting a lug of the rigid jump frame through a first fixed opening in the top portion of the flexible guide ramp; hooking the airbag, in a coiled or folded state, onto the rigid jump frame by inserting the lug through a hook hole in the airbag, while placing the airbag against the top portion of the flexible guide ramp; folding the bottom portion of the flexible guide ramp upward around the airbag, such that the bottom portion bends to or beyond the height of the lug; and inserting the lug through a second fixed opening in the bottom portion, such that the bottom portion of the flexible guide ramp is also hooked onto the rigid jump frame and the airbag is circumferentially enclosed within a sleeve formed by the flexible guide ramp.

[0035] Preferably, the method further includes: viewing through an observation window on the soft guide ramp whether the indicator mark on the air bag is aligned or parallel to the indicator mark on the soft guide ramp.

[0036] Preferably, at the location of the observation window, tape is wrapped circumferentially so that the soft guide ramp and the outermost surface of the air bag corresponding to the observation window are adhered by the tape.

[0037] It should be noted that aspects of this disclosure described with respect to one embodiment or clause may be included in other different embodiments or clauses, although no specific description is given of said other different embodiments or clauses. In other words, all embodiments or clauses and / or features of any embodiment or clause may be combined in any manner and / or combination, as long as they do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0038] A better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure and its advantages will be achieved by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of an airbag module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag module shown is taken along line II;

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the rigid jump frame for the airbag module shown;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a soft guide ramp in its deployed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a soft guide ramp in its deployed state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figures 6A to 6D This is a flowchart of a method for assembling an airbag module according to the present disclosure;

[0045] Figures 7A to 7C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the deployment process of the airbag module according to the present disclosure.

[0046] It should be understood that in all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar elements will be represented by the same or similar reference numerals. In the drawings, for clarity, the dimensions of some features may be altered and not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments.

[0048] It should be understood that the expressions used in this specification are for describing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. All terms used herein, unless otherwise defined, have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0049] The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used herein include the plural forms unless explicitly stated otherwise. The expressions “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” and their derivatives, used herein, indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The expression “and / or” used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0050] In this document, when an element is referred to as being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "joined" to, or "in contact" with another element, the element may be directly located on, attached to, connected to, joined to, or in contact with the other element, or there may be an intermediate element present.

[0051] In this document, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for ease of explanation only and are not intended to refer to any particular order or sequence. Any technical feature represented by "first," "second," "third," etc., is interchangeable.

[0052] In this document, spatial relationship descriptions such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "left," and "right" are used to describe the relationship between one feature and another in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relationship descriptions include not only the orientation shown in the drawings but also different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when the device in the drawings is inverted, a feature previously described as "below" other features can now be described as "above" other features. The device can also be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), in which case the relative spatial relationships will be interpreted accordingly.

[0053] It should be understood that the terms “internal” and “external” used in this article refer to the interior of the airbag module in its assembled state.

[0054] All figures used in the specification and claims should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. "About" means within 25 percent of the value, such as 10 percent, 5 percent, etc. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, all numerical ranges also include the maximum and minimum values, as well as all possible intermediate ranges.

[0055] The descriptive terms "approximately," "generally," or "basically" refer to possible deviations from the absolute shape or relationship described in the text, but do not affect the normal implementation of the structure and function of the subject matter in this disclosure. For example, the term "approximately parallel" not only covers an absolutely or completely parallel state, but can also indicate a state that deviates slightly from absolute or complete parallelism, such as an angle of deviation not greater than ±1°, not greater than ±2°, not greater than ±5°, not greater than ±10°, etc.

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an airbag module 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag module taken along line II. This airbag module is illustrated here as an example of a curtain airbag module, which can be installed in an area at the edge of the vehicle's roof (e.g., on the roof beam near the B-pillar and / or C-pillar), extending along, for example, the vehicle's longitudinal direction. It should be understood that the concept of this disclosure is also applicable to any other type of airbag module, including but not limited to driver's airbag modules, side airbag modules, knee airbag modules, etc.

[0057] See Figure 1 and 2 The airbag module 1 includes an airbag 10, a rigid jump frame 20, and a flexible guide ramp 30. The airbag 10 can be assembled with the rigid jump frame 20 and the flexible guide ramp 30 after being rolled or folded into a cylindrical shape, thereby forming the airbag module 1. The direction of the central axis or length of the airbag 10 after being rolled or folded into a cylindrical shape can be referred to as the "longitudinal direction." The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the airbag is referred to here as the "deployment direction," which is also the direction in which the flexible guide ramp deploys. It should be noted that... Figure 2 The sectional view is shown only schematically, and in particular, for clarity, the air bag 10 is only schematically represented by a circle.

[0058] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the rigid jump frame 20 of the airbag module 10. The rigid jump frame 20 can be made of metal, plastic, or any suitable material. Figure 3 and combined Figure 2 As shown, the rigid jump ramp 20 includes a body 22. The body 22 is provided with vertically upward-extending lugs 21 for hooking the airbag 10 and the soft guide ramp 30. As an example, two lugs are shown in the figure, but it is conceivable that any number of lugs is feasible. The lugs 21 are further provided with holes 23 for fasteners (e.g., screws) to pass through to secure the rigid jump ramp 20 to the vehicle body sheet metal (e.g., a roof beam near the B-pillar or C-pillar). The body 22 may be generally flat, extending generally downward-slopingly from the lugs 21 to provide support for the airbag 10 resting thereon. Preferably, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 The main body 22 may include a curved portion that matches the outer contour of the airbag 10 in a rolled or folded state, so that after assembly, the airbag 10 can fit snugly against the curved portion, thereby enhancing the support of the rigid frame 20 for the airbag 10. Reinforcing ribs 24 may also be provided on the inclined lower surface of the main body 22. Figure 3 The upper surface is recessed to improve the structural strength of the main body 22.

[0059] Back Figure 1 and 2 The air bag 10 is provided with a hanging plate 12, which has a hanging hole 13. The air bag 10 is configured to be hooked onto the lug 21 of the rigid jump frame 20 using the hanging hole 13.

[0060] The soft guide ramp 30 is also configured to hook onto the lug 21 of the rigid ramp 20. The soft guide ramp 30 is further configured to guide the release of the airbag 10, allowing the airbag 10 to deploy along a predetermined trajectory and preventing the airbag 10 from getting stuck in the interior trim panel or becoming lodged between the interior trim panel and the body sheet metal (e.g., the aforementioned roof beam). The soft guide ramp 30 can be made of fabric, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), or any other suitable material. The soft guide ramp can be made of a single layer or multiple layers of material.

[0061] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a soft guide ramp 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in its deployed state is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the flexible guide ramp 30 includes a top portion 30a (or "upper portion") and a bottom portion 30b (or lower portion). The flexible guide ramp 30 has a first fixing opening 32 at its top portion 30a and a second fixing opening 34 at its bottom portion 30b. The first fixing opening 32 and the second fixing opening 34 are aligned in an unfolding direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the number of the first fixing openings and / or the second fixing openings can be equal to the number of lugs 21. As an example, two first fixing openings and two second fixing openings are shown in the figures corresponding to the number of lugs 21; however, it is contemplated that any number of first fixing openings and any number of second fixing openings are feasible. According to this disclosure, both the first fixing opening 32 and the second fixing opening 34 are configured to allow the lugs 21 to pass through. The first fixing opening 32 and the second fixing opening 34 can be of any suitable form, including but not limited to holes, slits, etc. Figure 4 The second fixed opening 34 shown is in the form of a slit (e.g., a linear slit, which can be formed by a simple cutting line). Figure 5 In another embodiment of the soft guide ramp 30 shown, the second fixing opening 34 is in the form of an elongated hole. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this design, the first fixed opening 32 is in the form of a slit (e.g., a linear slit, which can be formed by a simple cutting line) and is shaped like an inverted U. It is conceivable that the first fixed opening 32 can also be in the form of a slit or a hole of various shapes.

[0062] Figures 6A to 6D A flowchart is shown of a method for assembling an airbag module 1 according to the present disclosure. The method includes the following steps: in Figure 6A In the steps shown, the top portion 30a of the soft guide ramp 30 is hooked onto the rigid jump frame 20 by inserting the lug 21 through the first fixing opening 32. Then, in Figure 6BIn the steps shown, the air bag 10, which is in a coiled or folded state, is hooked onto the rigid jump frame 20 by inserting the lug 21 through the hanging hole 13 of the hanging piece 12 of the air bag 10, while the air bag 10 is placed against the top portion 30a of the soft guide ramp 30. Then, in Figure 6C In the steps shown, the bottom portion 30b of the soft guide ramp 30 is folded upwards around the air bag 10, causing the bottom portion 30b to bend to or beyond the height of the lug 21 of the rigid jump frame 20. Finally, Figure 6D In the steps shown, the lug 21 is inserted through the second fixing opening 34 of the bottom portion 30b, so that the bottom portion 30b of the soft guide ramp 30 is also hooked onto the rigid frame 20, and the air bag 10 is circumferentially wrapped within the sleeve formed by the soft guide ramp 30. The circumference of the sleeve can be adjusted according to performance requirements. Preferably, the soft guide ramp is wound in a single turn to form the sleeve. At this time, the hanging hole 13 of the hanging piece 12 of the air bag 10 and the first and second fixing openings 32, 34 of the soft guide ramp 30 are all passed through by the lug 21 of the rigid frame 20. That is, the hanging hole 13 and the first and second fixing openings 32, 34 are stacked on the lug 21, as shown. Figure 6D As shown.

[0063] Because the flexible guide ramp 30 has fixing openings at both its top portion 30a and bottom portion 30b to hook onto the lugs 21 of the rigid jump frame 20, the airbag module 1 assembled in this way only requires a single strip of tape 40 to be wrapped around the flexible guide ramp 30 and the rigid jump frame 20 for secure holding. This reduces the time required to apply the tape during the securing process. In the illustrated example, this single strip of tape 40 is positioned between the two lugs 21. Furthermore, since the flexible guide ramp 30 is secured to the rigid jump frame at both its top portion 30a and bottom portion 30b, and the airbag 10 is completely enclosed within the sleeve formed by the flexible guide ramp 30, even if the adhesive on the tape loses its stickiness due to aging over time, the airbag will not slip off the flexible guide ramp and the rigid jump frame. This reduces the risk of airbag loosening and slippage, avoids squeaking noise, and improves the reliability of the airbag module.

[0064] Furthermore, the soft guide ramp 30 may have an indicator mark such as an indicator strip 31 and an observation window 33 at its bottom portion 30b. The indicator strip 31 may be formed on the outer surface of the sleeve surrounded by the soft guide ramp 30, diametrically opposite to the portion of the sleeve that abuts against the rigid jump frame 20. Preferably, the observation window 33 is formed in the indicator strip 31. For example, the observation window 33 can be formed by cutting off a section of the indicator strip 31. It should be noted that in Figure 4 In the view, the indicator bar 31 is formed on the rear surface of the soft guide ramp 30, and is therefore shown here as a dashed line. While... Figure 1 In the assembled view, the soft guide ramp 30 has been folded over and is therefore shown as a solid line in this figure. Typically, the indicator bar can be a color bar, such as a blue bar or a green bar, etc.

[0065] Accordingly, the outermost surface of the air bag 10 exposed after being rolled or folded may be marked with indicator marks such as indicator lines 11 (e.g., on...). Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, three indicator lines are illustrated. During assembly, especially... Figure 6C and 6D In the steps shown and in the subsequent tape holding steps, the operator can check through the observation window 33 whether the indicator line 11 on the air bag 10 is aligned or parallel to the indicator strip 31 of the soft guide ramp 30, so as to avoid the air bag 10 from twisting during assembly and holding, which may lead to abnormal release or even release failure.

[0066] The observation window 33 can be located anywhere along the indicator strip 11. Preferably, as shown, the observation window 33 is located between the two first fixed openings 32 when viewed longitudinally. During fixation, tape 40 is wrapped circumferentially around the location of the observation window 33, such that the outermost surface of the airbag 10 corresponding to the observation window 33 is also adhered to the tape 40. In this way, the tape 40 can adhere to both the soft guide ramp 30 and the airbag 10, thereby more securely holding the airbag 10 and preventing it from swaying or shifting.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, indicator strips may be provided on the airbag 10, and correspondingly, indicator lines may be provided on the flexible guide ramp 30. In this case, the observation window on the flexible guide ramp can be located anywhere along the indicator line. In fact, the different forms of indicator lines and strips on the airbag and the flexible guide ramp are merely for distinguishing whether the indicator line or strip is on the airbag or the flexible guide ramp. Indicator lines and / or strips of the same form but different colors may also be provided on the airbag and the flexible guide ramp, as long as they are easily distinguishable by those skilled in the art. The indicator lines and strips may be arranged along the longitudinal direction. Any other type of indicator marking may also be used.

[0068] Additionally, the soft guide ramp 30 may have a weakening line 35 at its bottom portion 30b. This weakening line, also known as a tear line, can consist of multiple discontinuous weakening structures on the soft guide ramp 30. These weakening structures can take the form of, for example, slits, holes, recesses (or partial cuts). The weakening line is generally dotted, serving to reduce the strength of the soft guide ramp in its area. Such a weakening line is more likely to break during airbag inflation and release than other areas, thus promoting airbag release and deployment. When the airbag 10 is inflated and released, the soft guide ramp 30 breaks at the weakening line 35, and the section of the soft guide ramp 30 from the first fixed opening 32 in the top portion 30a to the weakening line 35 expands to cover the rigid frame 20 (and interior trim panel, not shown), guiding the airbag to deploy along a predetermined trajectory and preventing the airbag from being stuck by the interior trim panel or getting between the interior trim panel and the body sheet metal. In the illustrated example, this segment includes the sections of the top portion 30a and the bottom portion 30b above the weakening line 35. For ease of description, the section of the bottom portion 30b above the weakening line 35 is defined as the upper section 30ba, and the section below the weakening line 35 is defined as the lower section 30bb. The upper section 30ba and the lower section 30bb constitute the entire bottom portion 30b. The upper section 30ba, together with the top portion 30a, participates in guiding the deployment of the airbag.

[0069] The lowermost segment 30bb detaches from the rest of the soft guide ramp 30 after the weakening line 35 breaks, and therefore does not participate in guiding the deployment of the airbag. When secured with only a single strip of tape 40, to prevent warping of the side edges of this lower segment, the length L of the lower segment 30bb in the longitudinal direction (equal to the length of the weakening line 35) should be as short as possible. For example, in the illustrated example, the length L of the lower segment 30bb can be slightly greater than the distance D between the left edge of one first fixing opening 32 and the opposite right edge of another first fixing opening 32; for example, the difference between the length L and the distance D can be greater than 0.4 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.8 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, or 3 cm, etc. Preferably, the difference between the length L and the distance D can be between 0.4 cm and 1 cm.

[0070] Figure 4 A weakened structure in the form of a linear slit is shown. This linear slit can be formed by a simple cutting line. Figure 5A weakening structure in the form of an elongated hole is shown, with its longitudinally oriented, arrow-shaped, sharp tip, making it easier to initiate fracture. Other forms of weakening structures are also feasible, including recesses or partial cuts of various shapes (e.g., V-shaped or U-shaped), openings of various shapes, etc. Preferably, the weakening structure can take the same form as the second fixed opening, so that the weakening line and the second fixed opening can be fabricated simultaneously using the same manufacturing process, thereby reducing the manufacturing process and time. More preferably, the weakening line is arranged aligned with the second fixed opening, that is, the weakening line and the second fixed opening are arranged in a straight line. In this way, firstly, the guiding section of the soft guide ramp 30 can be maximized; secondly, the weakening line and the second fixed opening can be fabricated more quickly, reducing manufacturing time. The weakening line and the second fixed opening can extend along the longitudinal direction. In this case, the second fixed opening constitutes part of the weakening line.

[0071] by Figures 6A-6D After assembly, the portion of the soft guide ramp 30 above the first fixed opening 32 can fold downwards along the first fixed opening 32 after hooking, thereby covering a portion of the rigid frame and preventing sharp parts (e.g., burrs, rough edges, etc.) of the rigid frame from damaging the hanger 12 of the airbag 10. The portion of the soft guide ramp 30 below the second fixed opening 34 (i.e., the aforementioned lower section 30bb) can fold downwards along the weakening line 35 or the second fixed opening 34 after hooking. This portion can then compress the hanger 12 of the airbag 10, thereby securing the hanger 12 and preventing any impact on the installation on the vehicle body.

[0072] As shown in the figure, the aforementioned indicator bar 31 and observation window 33 are located in the upper section 30ba, which facilitates the operator's observation of the indicator bar and indicator line. A notch 36 is also provided at the side edge of the upper section 30ba, which also helps the operator observe the alignment or parallelism of the indicator bar and indicator line. Additionally, if necessary, an additional tape can be wrapped circumferentially around this notch to enhance the fixation of the soft guide ramp and air bag.

[0073] Figures 7A to 7C The deployment process of the airbag module according to this disclosure is illustrated schematically. See also: Figure 7A In the initial state (i.e., the installed state), the air bag 10, which is in a coiled or folded state, is fixed together with the soft guide ramp 30 and the rigid jump frame 20. At this time, the hanging hole 13 of the hanging plate 12 of the air bag 10 and the first and second fixing openings 32 and 34 of the soft guide ramp 30 are all passed through the lug 21 of the rigid jump frame 20. That is to say, the hanging hole 13 and the first and second fixing openings 32 and 34 are stacked on the lug 21.

[0074] See Figure 7B When the airbag 10 is inflated and released to deploy, the deployment force breaks the weakening line (not shown) of the tape 40 and the weakening line 35 at the second fixed opening 34 area of ​​the soft guide ramp 30, and releases the airbag 10 from the rigid jump frame 20.

[0075] See Figure 7C The soft guide ramp 30 extends downward to cover the rigid ramp 20 (and interior trim panels, not shown), and the guide airbag 10 extends downward from the rigid ramp 20 (e.g., like a curtain) to protect the head and body of the occupants in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0076] Exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All changes and modifications are included within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the claims. This disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of those claims are also included.

Claims

1. A soft guiding ramp for guiding the airbag of an airbag module to deploy along a predetermined trajectory, characterized in that, The soft guide ramp includes a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being provided with a first fixed opening, and the bottom portion being provided with a second fixed opening. The first and second fixing openings are configured to allow lugs of the rigid jump frame of the airbag module to pass through, so as to hook the soft guide ramp onto the rigid jump frame; and The bottom portion is also provided with a weakening line, which is aligned with the second fixed opening and extends along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the unfolding direction of the soft guide slope.

2. The soft guiding slope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weakening structure of the weakening line is in the form of a slit, a hole, and / or a recess.

3. The soft guiding slope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weakening structure of the weakening line is the same as that of the second fixed opening.

4. The soft guiding slope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixed opening is in the form of an inverted U-shaped slit; and / or the second fixed opening is in the form of a linear slit or an elongated hole.

5. The soft guiding slope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The bottom portion also includes an observation window and indicator markers, the observation window being arranged at any position along the indicator markers.

6. The soft guiding slope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, There are two of each of the first fixed opening and the second fixed opening.

7. The soft guiding slope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom portion also includes an observation window, which, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, is positioned between the two first fixed openings.

8. An airbag module, characterized in that, The airbag module includes an airbag, a rigid jump frame, and a soft guide ramp according to any one of claims 1-7. The rigid jump frame includes a body and lugs, the body extending obliquely downward from the lugs to provide support for the airbags resting on the body; The air bag has a hanging tab, which is configured to be hooked onto the lug via a hanging hole; and... The air bag is circumferentially enclosed within a sleeve formed by the soft guiding ramp.

9. The airbag module according to claim 8, characterized in that, At the location of the observation window of the soft guide ramp, use tape to wrap around circumferentially to simultaneously attach the air bag and the soft guide ramp.

10. The airbag module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The soft guide slope is wound in a single loop to form the sleeve.

11. The airbag module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The portion of the soft guide ramp located above the first fixed opening folds down along the first fixed opening after being hooked, thereby covering a portion of the rigid jump frame; and / or The portion of the soft guide ramp located below the second fixed opening folds downward along the weakening line or the second fixed opening after being hooked, thereby squeezing the hanging piece of the air bag and stabilizing its position.

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