METHOD FOR FOLDING A FAR-SIDE AIRBAG DEVICE

Abstract

Method for folding a far-side airbag device, comprising: a first folding step in which an upper section of an airbag sheet (20) is folded inwards; a second folding step in which both broad sides of the airbag sheet (20) are folded inwards; a third folding step in which the upper section of the airbag sheet (20) is folded inwards; and a fourth folding step in which the airbag sheet (20) is rolled up by folding.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELEVANT REGISTRATIONS

[0001] The present invention claims priority from Korean application No. 10-2018-0091776, filed on August 7, 2018, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety into the present application by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for folding a far-side airbag device and in particular a method for folding a far-side airbag device in such a way as to prevent interference of the airbag cushion with the driver's body when the airbag cushion is triggered.

[0003] Generally, a vehicle is equipped with airbags to protect its occupants. The airbags are positioned according to the body parts they are designed to protect. A far-side airbag is located between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. In the event of a side-impact collision, the far-side airbag deploys upwards to prevent the driver and the passenger sitting next to them from colliding. The far-side airbag is large and has a significant volume, so it must be prevented from bending forward towards the passenger seat when the seat is unoccupied.

[0004] However, the far-side airbag according to the state of the art has a cushion whose underside is so wide that it constricts the driver's body. Thus, if the far-side airbag is folded inwards, the airbag may interfere with the driver's arm and body when it is deployed.

[0005] Furthermore, if the upper section of the far-side airbag is simply folded to avoid interference with the arm and body or to control the direction of deployment, the size of the airbag pack may increase to such an extent that assembling the airbag device becomes difficult.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a device that is capable of eliminating these problems. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for folding an airbag of a far-side airbag device, by means of which it can be prevented that an airbag cushion interferes with the body of the driver when the airbag cushion is triggered.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a method for folding an airbag of a far-side airbag device may include the following steps: a first folding step in which an upper section of an airbag sheet is folded inwards; a second folding step in which both broad sides of the airbag sheet are folded inwards; a third folding step in which the upper section of the airbag sheet is folded inwards; and a fourth folding step in which the airbag sheet is rolled up by folding.

[0009] The second folding step may involve forming a second folded section by folding over the airbag sheet, the upper section of which is folded, and then folding both sides of the airbag sheet.

[0010] The second folding section can be folded towards the outside.

[0011] In the second folding step, the second folded part formed on one side of the airbag track can have a length in the width direction that differs from that of the second folded part formed on the other side of the airbag track.

[0012] The third folding step may involve forming a third folded section by folding the airbag panel folded over again in the second folding step and then folding the upper section of the airbag panel.

[0013] The third folding section can be folded towards the inside.

[0014] The airbag strip can be folded over again by bending and twisting the airbag strip towards the rear end of a fastening tab.

[0015] The fourth folding step may involve folding and rolling the airbag panel towards the outside.

[0016] The folding procedure may further include a retaining strap installation step in which, prior to the first folding step, an upper section of a retaining strap is passed through the airbag track and both sides of the retaining strap are attached to a fastening tab.

[0017] In the restraint strap installation step, the restraint strap can be passed through inactive areas of the airbag track and positioned over the upper section of the airbag track on the inside of the airbag track.

[0018] The inactive areas can be formed on the inside and on the top of the airbag liner, such that the retention strap is passed through the inactive areas.

[0019] According to the embodiment of the present invention, since the folding parts of the airbag sheet are released and inflated towards the outside, the airbag cushion can be prevented from interfering with the arm and body of the driver when the airbag cushion is inflated.

[0020] Furthermore, since interference between the airbag and the driver's body is prevented during the airbag deployment, the deployment and protective function of the airbag cushion can be reliably guaranteed. List of characters Fig. Figure 1 is a top view to illustrate the way in which a far-side airbag device is deployed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view to illustrate a process in which the far-side airbag device is triggered according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3A is a top view to illustrate the way in which an airbag panel of the far-side airbag device according to the embodiment of the present invention is unfolded such that an inside of the airbag panel faces upwards. Fig. Figure 3B is a top view to illustrate the way in which, in the far-side airbag device according to the embodiment of the present invention, an upper section of the airbag panel is folded towards the inside. Fig. Figure 3C is a top view to illustrate the way in which the airbag path of the far-side airbag device is folded over according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4A is a top view to illustrate the relationship between the two sides of the airbag path of the far-side airbag device when these sides are folded according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4B is a top view to illustrate the way in which the two sides of the airbag path of the far-side airbag device are folded according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4C is a top view to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the airbag panel is rotated to the rear end of a fastening tab after both sides of the airbag panel of the far-side airbag device have been folded. Fig. Figure 5A is a top view to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the airbag panel is overlapped by the fastening tab in the far-side airbag device. Fig. 5B to Fig. 5D are top views to illustrate a process in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the airbag panel is rolled up folding towards an outside in the far-side airbag device. Fig. Figure 6A is a front view to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a roll-up part of an airbag cushion is released and triggered in the far-side airbag device. Fig. Figure 6B is a front view to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the roll-up folding part of the airbag cushion is triggered towards the outside in the far-side airbag device. Fig. 6C and Fig. Figure 6D shows front views to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the airbag cushion is triggered towards the inside in the far-side airbag device. Fig. Figure 6E is a front view to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the central section of the airbag cushion is curved in the far-side airbag device. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIAL EXECUTION FORMS

[0021] The following describes in detail a method for folding a far-side airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the drawings are not exactly to scale and may be oversized with respect to line thickness or the size of components; this is done solely for the purpose of better understanding and clarification. Furthermore, the terms used here are defined to reflect functions of the invention and may be modified according to the customs or intentions of users or operators. Thus, the definitions of the terms are to be understood in accordance with the entirety of the disclosures presented herein.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 is a top view to illustrate the way in which a far-side airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention is deployed, and Fig. Figure 2 is a top view to illustrate a process in which the far-side airbag device is triggered according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The far-side airbag device according to the embodiment of the present invention can form an airbag track. 20 and a restraint strap 40 contain.

[0024] A retaining tab 10 can be connected to the lower end of the airbag track 20 be connected. In the retaining tab 10 A flap opening (not shown) may be formed. The edge of the airbag track 20 can be done using an edge stitching piece 31 It must be sewn shut. If gas enters the airbag path. 20 When introduced, the airbag track can 20inflated and deployed. The deployed airbag track 20 can be used as an airbag cushion 20a be designated.

[0025] Both sides of the traction element 40 can be attached to the retaining tab 10 be attached, and an upper section of the retaining strap 40 can be carried out by the airbag track 20 through. For example, inactive areas 33 , into which no gas is introduced to the center of the airbag track 20 around or on the top of the airbag track 20 be trained, and the restraint strap 40 can be accessed through the inactive areas 33 be guided through and then over the upper section of the airbag track 20 on the inside of the airbag track 20 be arranged. The retaining strap 40 can, if the airbag track 20 is almost completely deployed, the upper end of the airbag cushion 20apull it inwards in such a way that the upper section of the airbag cushion 20a is curved inwards (towards the driver D). Thus, even if there is no passenger on one side of the driver's seat... S1 arranged passenger seat S2 The airbag cushion is prevented from moving towards the passenger seat. S2 to bend towards it.

[0026] The following describes a method for folding a far-side airbag device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3A is a top view to illustrate the way in which an airbag panel of the far-side airbag device according to the embodiment of the present invention is deployed such that an inside of the airbag panel faces upwards, Fig. Figure 3B is a top view to illustrate the way in which, in the far-side airbag device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the upper section of the airbag panel is folded towards the inside. Fig. Figure 3C is a top view to illustrate the way in which an airbag panel of the far-side airbag device is folded over according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4A is a top view to illustrate the relationship between the two sides of the airbag path of the far-side airbag device when these sides are folded according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4B is a top view to illustrate the way in which the two sides of the airbag path of the far-side airbag device are folded according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4C is a top view to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the airbag panel is rotated towards the rear end of the mounting tab after both sides of the airbag panel of the far-side airbag device have been folded. Fig. Figure 5A is a top view to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the far-side airbag device the airbag panel is overlapped by the mounting tab, and the Fig. 5B to Fig. 5D are top views to illustrate a process in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the airbag panel is rolled up folding towards an outside in the far-side airbag device.

[0028] According to the Fig. 3A to Fig. 5D can the airbag track 20 spread out uniformly, so that the inside of the airbag layer 20points upwards. At this point, both sides (solid lines in Fig. 1) of the traction element 40 on the inside of the airbag track 20 be arranged, and an intermediate section (dashed line in Fig. 1) of the retaining strap 40 can be found on the outside of the upper section of the airbag track 20 be arranged along the entire length of the airbag track. 20 From top to bottom, it is marked with H.

[0029] A first folding step can be performed, in which the upper section of the airbag panel 20 it is folded towards the inside. At this point, a first fold can be made. 21 formed by the airbag track 20 by 30% (0.3 H) of the top-to-bottom length of the airbag track 20 is folded. The first folded section 21 can move around the middle of the airbag path 20 surrounding inactive area 33cover.

[0030] Then a second folding step can be performed, in which both broad sides of the airbag panel are folded. 20 to be folded towards the outside. In the second folding step, a second folded section can be created. 22 be trained by using the airbag track 20 , whose upper section is folded over, and then both broad sides of the airbag strip 20 be folded.

[0031] In the second folding step, a second folded part can be added. 22a , which is located on one side of the airbag track 20 is formed, and a second folding part 22b , which is on the other side of the airbag track 20 The airbag is designed to have different lengths in the width direction. For example, in the second folding step, an operator can fold the airbag track. 20 to turn over, to identify a section where the width-oriented length of the airbag track 20in relation 7 :3 divided, the second folding part 22a on one side of the airbag track 20 fold it in such a way that one end of the airbag track 20 on a virtual line of the airbag track 20 is positioned which corresponds to the width-oriented length of the airbag track 20 in relation 7:3 divides, and the second folding part 22a on the other side of the airbag track 20 fold it in such a way that the other end of the airbag strip 20 on the virtual line of the airbag railway 20 is positioned. At this point, the entire width-oriented length of the airbag track can be seen. 20 a proportion of 60% of the initial width-oriented length of the airbag track 20 are equivalent to.

[0032] A third step can be carried out, in which the upper section (where the first fold was made) 21 (folded) the airbag track20 it is folded towards the inside. For example, in the third folding step, the airbag panel that was folded over in the second folding step can be folded over. 20 be folded over again, and then the upper section of the airbag track can be used. 20 can be folded. At this point, if in a state where the position of the fastening tab is 10 The folded airbag track is fixed in place. 20 to the rear end of the mounting tab 10 has been bent and twisted, the airbag track 20 be folded over again. At this point, the first folded section is... 21 the airbag track 20 visible, and the position of the mounting tab 10 It cannot be changed. Then a third folding section can be added. 23 the airbag track 20 formed by the upper section of the airbag track 20 by 20% (0.2 H) of the total top-to-bottom length H of the airbag track20 is folded towards the inside.

[0033] A fourth folding step can be performed, in which the airbag track 20 It is rolled up in a folding motion. In the fourth folding step, the airbag panel can be... 20 to be rolled up folding towards the outside (counter-clockwise) to form a roll-fold section 24 to form. The folding rolling is to be understood as meaning that the airbag track 20 like a roll of paper is rolled up.

[0034] The procedure for folding the far-side airbag device may further include a pull-cord installation step in which the upper section of the retaining strap is 40 through the airbag track 20 is guided through and both sides of the retaining strap 40 on the mounting tab 10 to be attached. The retaining strap 40 can the upper end of the airbag cushion 20aPull towards the inside when the airbag track 20 is almost fully deployed, thus the upper section of the airbag cushion 20a is curved towards the inside (towards the driver D).

[0035] In the restraint strap installation step, the restraint strap can be 40 through the inactive areas 33 the airbag track 20 be guided through and over the upper section of the airbag track 20 on the inside of the airbag track 20 can be arranged. Thus, the lower section of the retaining strap can be 40 on the inside (front in Fig. 1) the airbag track 20 be arranged, and the upper section of the retaining strap 40 on the outside (at the back) Fig. 1) the airbag track 20 be ordered.

[0036] The inactive areas 33 can occur on the inside and upper end of the airbag track 20be designed in such a way that the retention strap 40 through the inactive areas 33 runs through it. Since the retaining strap 40 through the inactive areas 33 passing through it can prevent it from entering the airbag path. 20 Gas introduced from the airbag track 20 escapes to the outside.

[0037] The following describes a process for triggering the far-side airbag device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The airbag track 20 It can be triggered in reverse order to the folding process described above if gas is introduced.

[0038] Fig. Figure 6A is a front view to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the roll-up part of the airbag cushion is released and triggered in the far-side airbag device. Fig. Figure 6B is a front view to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the roll-up folding part of the airbag cushion is triggered towards the outside in the far-side airbag device. Fig. 6C and Fig. Figure 6D shows front views to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the airbag cushion is triggered towards the inside in the far-side airbag device, and Fig. Figure 6E is a front view to illustrate the way in which, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the central section of the airbag cushion is curved in the far-side airbag device.

[0039] According to the Fig. 6A to Fig. 6E can happen if gas enters the airbag path. 20 The rolling folding part is introduced. 24 the airbag track 20 be released. At this point, since the roll-folding part 24In the fourth folding step, the roll-fold section was folded towards the outside (counter-clockwise). 24 The mechanism is triggered, with its lower end being released first. This allows the roll-folding section to be activated. 24 to the outside (clockwise) and be inflated.

[0040] Then the third folded section, which is folded towards the inside, can be... 23 be released and inflated. The third folding section can then be... 23 to be released towards the outside and inflated. Since the third folding part 23 When the outer side is released and inflated, the third folding part can be... 23 In its triggered state, it hardly interferes with the driver's arm and body.

[0041] If gas enters the second folded part 22 When inserted, the second folding part can 22 to the outside, released and inflated. Then, if gas enters the first folded section...21 is introduced 21 to be released towards the outside and inflated. Since the second folding part 22 and the first folding part 21 The airbag cushion can be triggered towards the outside. 20a diagonally towards the outside (in the direction of the passenger seat) S2 ) will be triggered.

[0042] During the further deployment of the airbag cushion 20a can the retaining strap 40 the upper end of the airbag cushion 20a towards the driver D. This allows the upper section of the airbag cushion to move. 20a pointing to the head of driver D. Furthermore, since the inactive area 33 , which is not inflated to cover the central section of the airbag cushion 20a is formed, the central section of the airbag cushion 20a be bent when the tension member 40 at the top of the airbag cushion 20aThis pulls. Thus, if the central section of the airbag cushion curves, 20a A shoulder mounting part for the driver (not shown) is designed in a concave shape.

[0043] The upper and lower sections of the airbag cushion 20a They can have a significantly greater inflation thickness than the central section of the cushion. Thus, the lower section of the airbag cushion can 20a inflated sufficiently to support the driver's waist D, and the upper section of the airbag cushion 20a can be positioned closer to the driver's head D.

[0044] Since the first folding part 21 , the second folding part 22 and the roll-folding part 24 Since all parts are released and inflated to the outside, it can be prevented that the airbag cushion 20a with the arm and body of the driver D when the airbag cushion 20ais triggered. Furthermore, the internal structure can be simplified, and the weight of the airbag device can be reduced.

[0045] Since the airbag track is triggered 20 an interference of the airbag track 20 The triggering and protective function of the airbag cushion is what can be prevented by the driver's body. 20a Reliably guaranteed.

[0046] Since the airbag cushion 20a through the inactive areas 33 and the retaining strap 40 If it is bent, the structure of the airbag cushion can be affected. 20a It can be simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0047] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative purposes, it will be apparent to those skilled in the field that various modifications, additions and substitutions can be made without deviating from the scope and content of the invention as defined in the attached claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 1020180091776

[0001]

Claims

[1] Method for folding a far-side airbag device, comprising: a first folding step in which an upper section of an airbag panel is folded towards an inside; a second folding step in which both broad sides of the airbag panel are folded towards one outside; a third folding step, in which the upper section of the airbag panel is folded towards the inside; and a fourth folding step, in which the airbag panel is rolled up while folding. [2] Folding method according to claim 1, wherein the second folding step includes forming a second folded part by folding over the airbag sheet, the upper part of which is folded, and then folding both sides of the airbag sheet. [3] Folding method according to claim 2, wherein the second folding part is folded towards the outside. [4] Folding method according to claim 3, wherein in the second folding step the second folding part formed on one side of the airbag sheet has a length in the width direction that differs from that of the second folding part formed on the other side of the airbag sheet. [5] Folding method according to claim 2, wherein the third folding step includes forming a third folded part by folding the airbag panel folded over again in the second folding step and then folding the upper section of the airbag panel. [6] Folding method according to claim 5, wherein the third folding part is folded towards the inside. [7] Folding method according to claim 6, wherein the airbag sheet is folded over again by bending and rotating the airbag sheet towards the rear end of a fastening tab. [8] Folding method according to claim 1, wherein the fourth folding step includes folding and rolling the airbag panel towards the outside. [9] Folding method according to claim 1, further comprising a tension cord installation step in which, prior to the first folding step, an upper section of a retention strap is passed through the airbag sheet and both sides of the retention strap are attached to a fastening tab. [10] Folding method according to claim 9, wherein in the retaining strap installation step the retaining strap is passed through inactive areas of the airbag sheet and is arranged over the upper section of the airbag sheet on the inside of the airbag sheet. [11] Folding method according to claim 10, wherein the inactive areas are formed on the inside and on the top of the airbag sheet, such that the retention strap is passed through the inactive areas.

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