Improved flexible retaining element for the detachable fastening of an airbag component
By incorporating a precisely cut or punched insert to enhance sealing within the holding element, the airbag technology addresses issues of gas tightness and inflation element strength, resulting in improved performance and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE112017004610
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2016-09-13
- Filing Date
- 2017-08-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2037-08-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing holding elements in airbag technology suffer from imperfect gas tightness due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to inefficiencies in gas filling and increased requirements for the inflation element's strength.
The introduction of a precisely cut or punched insert between the side walls of the holding element, which creates a hole that matches the inflation element's dimensions, enhances the sealing between the inflation element and the holding element, allowing for a weaker inflation element to be used while maintaining effective gas filling.
This solution improves the gas tightness of the holding element, enabling the use of a weaker inflation element and reducing the volume of the gas space, thereby optimizing the airbag's performance and packaging efficiency.
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Abstract
Description
SUMMARY
[0001] The present invention relates to motor vehicle safety. In particular, in preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to a retaining element, for example a flexible retaining element, for attaching an element of an airbag to a retaining unit comprising such a retaining element and an inflation element, an airbag unit comprising such a retaining unit and an airbag cushion, and a method for producing such a retaining element.
[0002] It is known in airbag technology that an airbag unit, particularly a front airbag unit, is provided with a retaining element that releasably holds an element of the airbag of this airbag unit. This element can, for example, be a retaining strap connected directly to the airbag cushion or to a venting device, which in turn is connected to the airbag cushion. However, this element can also be part of the airbag cushion or part of the venting device itself. Most commonly, the element is a retaining strap. By using such retaining elements, it is possible to actively influence the depth of the airbag cushion or its venting behavior. For example, such a retaining unit is known from patent no. US 6,648,371 B2. Here, one end of a retaining strap is connected to a bolt of an actuator. The actuator comprises a pyrotechnic load, and upon actuation thereof, the bolt is decoupled and the end of the retaining strap is released.
[0003] An advanced holding unit is known from WO 2014 / 029473 A1. Here, the holding unit consists of a so-called microbag, which forms a holding element, and an inflation element for inflating this holding element (microbag). This holding element consists of two side walls and a circumferential connection in the form of a circumferential seam connecting these two side walls, such that a gas space is defined by the two side walls and the circumferential connection. The circumferential connection is not closed. Rather, it extends from a first end to a second end, defining an opening that connects the gas space inside the holding element to the outside. An inflation element in the form of a pyrotechnic igniter extends through this opening, so that upon actuation of this inflation element, the gas space is filled and the holding element thus expands.A tether strap (or other part of the airbag) is sewn to this retaining element using a tear seam. This tear seam extends through the tether strap and through the two side panels. When the retaining element expands due to the actuation of the inflation element, the distance between the two side panels increases and the tear seam tears, releasing the tether. The standard retaining unit is inexpensive to manufacture, lightweight, and reliable.
[0004] A further development of this is shown in the generic DE 10 2014 001 781 A1, which proposes, among other things, that the side walls be made of two layers in order to achieve a larger volume.
[0005] DE 10 2010 040 119 A1 also shows an element designed as a micro-bag, which is double-layered in the area of an opening used for inserting an inflator.
[0006] Based on this prior art, the invention aims to improve the holding element so that the gas tightness can be improved when the inflation device is inserted.
[0007] It has been found that the gas-tightness between the inflation device, which extends through the opening into the gas space of the retaining element, and the retaining element itself is inevitably imperfect due to manufacturing tolerances. To compensate for this, the gas space to be filled with gas can, in some embodiments, be approximately 15 cm 3in the deployed state, and accordingly, an inflation element strong enough to fill this gas space can be used. Of course, it is desirable to reduce the volume of the space to be filled with gas so that a weaker inflation element can be used and to save packaging volume. To achieve this, an improved seal between the inflation element and the support element is provided by one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0008] For this purpose, the retaining element additionally comprises an insert arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall. A hole is cut (e.g., laser-cut) or punched into this insert. Because this hole is cut or punched, its size and shape can be determined very precisely with a tolerance close to zero. Consequently, the size and / or shape of this hole can be chosen to very closely match the circumference of the portion of the inflation element passing through it, allowing a very tight seal to be achieved without further measurements. As a result, a small volume of the retaining element and a relatively weak inflation element can be selected.
[0009] In a first embodiment of the invention, the insert is double-layered, with a first layer and a second layer, these two layers being connected to each other by a fold. The hole extends from the first layer across the fold to the second layer. This embodiment can have several advantages, including the symmetrical nature of the retaining element, which is often preferred. Furthermore, the retaining element can be manufactured from a single blank, which is also often preferred. Finally, very good gas tightness can be achieved.
[0010] Typically, it is necessary to connect the first layer to the first sidewall and the second layer to the second sidewall to achieve the desired gas-tightness. Due to the high pressure exerted on the retaining element when the inflator is ignited, these two connections are preferably implemented in the form of seams.
[0011] In a second embodiment of the invention, the insert is single-layered, which often enables even simpler production with as little material as possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention will now be described in more detail using preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an airbag unit comprising an airbag cushion and a holding unit, the holding unit not yet being activated; Fig. 2 which in Fig. 1 elements after the holding unit has been activated; Fig. 3 a blank for producing the holding element of the holding unit of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 4 the cutting of Fig. 3 after the first production step; Fig. 5 to 12 the cuts of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in subsequent production steps, where Fig. 12 shows the finished holding element; Fig. 13 the holding element of Fig. 12 in a representation in which hidden lines are shown; Fig. 14 the holding element of Fig. 12, after a retaining strap has been sewn to the retaining element; Fig. 15 a sectional view along the line AA in Fig. 14; Fig. 16 a sectional view along the line BB in Fig. 14; Fig. 17 which in Fig. 14, after an inflation device in the form of a pyrotechnic igniter has been partially inserted into the holding element; Fig. 18 a sectional view along the line CC in Fig. 17; Fig. 19 an alternative embodiment to that in Fig. 3, namely a section for a holding element; Fig. 20 the holding element, which consists of the Fig. 19 shown cut; Fig. 21 several possible shapes for the hole in the insert; Fig. 22 the holding element of Fig. 20, which is attached to the housing of an airbag unit, wherein an inflator extends into this holding element so that a holding unit is formed; Fig. 23 the detail D of Fig. 22; Fig. 24 an alternative embodiment to that shown in Fig. 22 shown; Fig. 25 another alternative embodiment to that of Fig. 22; Fig. 26 shows yet another alternative embodiment to that of Fig. 22; Fig. 27 shows a further embodiment of a blank in a representation according to Fig. 3; Fig. 28 a holding element which is made from the cutting of Fig. 27 and a retaining strap sewn to it; Fig. 29 a blank and an additional blank for producing a further embodiment of a holding element; Fig. 30 to 36 examples of different production steps for manufacturing a holding element from the Fig. 29 parts shown with Fig. 36, which shows the completely manufactured retaining element; Fig. 37 a sectional view along the plane DD in Fig. 36; and Fig. 38 the holding element of Fig. 37, which shows hidden lines and seams. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] For the sake of clarity, certain technical material known in the prior art has not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure.
[0014] The embodiments of the disclosure can best be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts may be designated by like reference numerals. It will be readily understood that the components of the disclosed embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, can be arranged and configured in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. Furthermore, the steps of a method need not necessarily be performed in a particular order or even sequentially, nor need the steps be performed only once unless otherwise indicated.Additional details of certain preferred embodiments and implementations will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view through an airbag unit, in particular a front airbag unit. This airbag unit comprises a housing 17, a main gas generator 16, and an airbag cushion 10. A ventilation hole 11 is provided in the airbag cushion 10, and an edge 12 extends around this ventilation hole 11. A tether 13 extends from this edge 12 so that, when the tether 13 is under mechanical tension, the gas is prevented from flowing outward from the inside of the airbag cushion 10. This tether 13 extends from the edge 12 to the holding element (microbag) 120 of a holding unit. It is sewn to this holding element 120 by means of a tear seam 150. The holding unit further comprises an inflator 80 (also referred to as an inflation element), which is typically in the form of a pyrotechnic igniter. This inflation device 80 extends into the interior of the holding element 120.A portion of the space between the two side walls 132, 134 forms a gas space. As can be seen from . Fig. 1, this holding element 120 comprises a first side wall 132 and a second side wall 134.
[0016] When the inflator 80 is ignited, the microbag 120 expands and the tear seam 150 tears, so that the retaining strap 13 is released ( Fig. 2). The retaining element 120 has a novel structure which, as shown in the figures, additionally includes an insert between the two side walls, namely the first side wall 132 and the second side wall 134. In the first embodiment shown, this insert is in the form of a double-layer insert with a first layer 142 and a second layer 144.
[0017] With reference to the Fig. 3 to 16 will now be described how the holding element 120, which is in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, from a single section 20, as shown in Fig. 3. It must be emphasized that the production of this insole from a single cut with a Fig. 3 (or similar) is preferred, but not absolutely necessary, in order to achieve the main advantages of the holding element according to the invention.
[0018] With reference to Fig. 3, the blank 20 will now be described in detail. This blank 20 may comprise five sections, namely the first sidewall section 32, the first connecting section 52, the middle section 40, the second connecting section 54, and the second sidewall section 34. In some embodiments, the two sidewall sections 32, 34 and the middle section 40 may have the same width, and the two connecting sections 52, 54 may have a reduced width relative to the width of the sidewall sections 32, 34. The two sidewall sections 32, 34 are preferably congruent. The first connecting section 52 connects the first sidewall section 32 and the middle section 40, and the second connecting section 54 connects the second sidewall section 34 and the middle section 40. The two connecting sections 52, 54 may be symmetrical to one another, as shown in the Fig. 3 shown embodiment.
[0019] A hole 46 is provided in the central portion 42 (preferably in the center thereof). This hole can be formed, for example, by laser cutting or punching, but laser cutting may be preferred for certain applications. The cut 20 is preferably made of a flexible material, such as, in some embodiments, a woven plastic material. In some embodiments, the cut 20 may be made of the same material as the airbag cushion 10.
[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the cut 20 is symmetrical, which is not required for all embodiments, as explained below, but typically the two side wall portions 32 and 34 have an identical shape.
[0021] Four bending lines BL1 to BL4 are also in Fig. 3. These bending lines are of course not physically present in section 20, but the representation of the bending lines in Fig. 3 helps to understand the manufacturing process described below.
[0022] The first bend line BL1 extends through the first connecting portion 52 and “divides” it into a first region 52a and a second region 52b. The second bend line BL2 “divides” the central portion 40 into a first region 42 and a second region 44. The second bend line BL2 extends through the hole 46. A third bend line BL3 “divides” the second connecting portion 54 into the first region 54a and the second region 54b. Finally, a fourth bend line BL4 extends through the first sidewall portion 32. The distance of the fourth bend line BL4 from the first bend line BL1 can, in some embodiments, be equal to the distance of the second bend line BL2 from the first bend line BL1.
[0023] In a first step of some preferred implementations, the cut 20 is folded along the first bending line BL1. The result is shown in Fig. 4. Then, a first sealing connection in the form of the first sealing seam 62 can be applied. This first sealing seam 62 connects the first region 42 of the middle section 40 to the first side wall section 32. The first sealing seam 62 extends in the direction of the cutting width and around one side of the hole 46 ( Fig. 5).
[0024] Then the cut 20 can be folded along the second bending line BL2. The result is shown in Fig. 6. The next fold can be made along the third bending line BL3 so that the two side wall sections lie on top of each other ( Fig. 7). In the embodiment shown, the second side wall section 34 is at the top. As can be seen from Fig. 8, the cut 20 is now rotated so that the first side wall section 32 is at the top and the first sealing seam 62 is visible. In this state, the fourth bending line BL4 is located on top of the second bending line BL2, and the next bend occurs along these two bending lines, so that the middle section 40 is at the top ( Fig. 9).
[0025] Then, the second sealing connection can be applied in the form of the second sealing seam 63. This second sealing seam 63 connects the second region 44 of the middle section 40 to the second side wall section 34. This second sealing seam 63 is preferably symmetrical to the first sealing seam 62 and runs around the hole 46 opposite the first sealing seam 62. Both sealing seams 62, 63 can extend in both directions laterally to the left and right cut edges ( Fig. 10).
[0026] Then the fold can be folded along the second bending line BL2 and the fourth bending line BL4 so that the two side wall sections 32, 34 lie on top of each other (preferably congruent), so that the now folded middle section 44 is placed between the two side wall sections 32, 34 ( Fig. 11). The peripheral connection can then be applied in the form of a peripheral seam 61. This peripheral seam 61 connects the two sidewall sections 32, 34 to each other and also connects the two regions 42, 44 of the central section 40 to each other and to the sidewall sections 32, 34. This peripheral seam 61 extends from a first end 61a to a second end 61b, defining an opening O between these two ends. In addition, this peripheral seam 61 crosses the two sealing seams 62, 63, which are superimposed. Fig. 13 shows the same structure as Fig. 12, but with the (not visible) middle section in dashed lines.
[0027] The manufacturing process of the retaining element 120 is now complete, and according to the definitions chosen in this disclosure, the first sidewall portion 32 is or has been formed into the first sidewall 132, the second sidewall portion 34 is or has been formed into the second sidewall 134, and the middle portion 40 is or has been formed into the double-layered insert 140, which consists of the first layer 142 and a second layer 144. These two layers are connected to each other via a fold along the second bend line BL2, and the hole 46 extends via this fold from the first layer 142 to the second layer 144. In addition, the first connecting portion 52 is or has been formed into a first double-layered extension 152, and the second connecting portion 54 is or has been formed into a second double-layered extension 154 (see also Fig. 15 and Fig. 16) extending from the main body of the retaining element consisting of the two side walls 32, 34 and the two-layer insert 140. These double-layer extensions 152, 154 can serve to connect the retaining element 120 to another part of the airbag unit (for example, the housing), as will be described later with the variation of the first embodiment as shown in FIGS. Fig. 19 to 23.
[0028] After completion of the manufacturing process of the holding element 120, a holding strap 13 (or a part of the airbag cushion 10 or a part of a ventilation element (not shown)) can be attached to the two side walls 132, 134 by means of a tear seam 150 ( Fig. 14). The tear seam 150 extends through the gas space defined by the two side walls and the circumferential seam 61 and preferably crosses the circumferential seam 61 at two locations, so that it divides the gas space into two parts.
[0029] As can be seen from the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 12 to 14, the hole 46 in the double-layer insert 140 is spaced from the opening O defined by the two ends 61a, 61b of the circumferential seam 61, so that the space between the two side walls is divided into two sections, namely a main space above the fold and an entrance area below the fold. In preferred embodiments and implementations, only the main space is filled with gas, thus forming a gas space.
[0030] To complete the holding unit, an inflation device (or inflation element), usually in the form of a cylindrical pyrotechnic igniter, can be introduced into the space through the opening O defined by the two ends 61a, 61b of the circumferential seam 61 and the hole 46 in the double-layer insert 140, as shown in the Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. The hole 46 in the double-layer insert 140 preferably corresponds, or at least substantially, to the diameter of the inflator 80, thus providing a gas-tight seal between the gas space and the inflator 80. The opening O, defined by the two ends 61a, 61b of the circumferential seam 61, need not contribute to gas tightness.
[0031] Fig. 19 shows a variation of a cut 20, and Fig. Figure 20 shows the holding element 120 made from this section 20. The basic structure of the section 20 can be the same as described above, with the following differences. First, the two connecting sections 52 and 54 are not formed with the same length, and fastening holes 71 to 74 are provided in the connecting sections 52, 54. The other Fig. The holes shown in 19 are used for positioning during the folding and sewing process.
[0032] Various possible shapes of the hole 46 are shown in Fig. 21 shown.
[0033] The unequal length of the two connecting portions 52, 54 results in an uneven length of the first double-layered extension 152 and the second double-layered extension 154, making it easier to grip them when attaching the retaining member 120 to another part of the airbag unit (e.g., the housing).
[0034] The first and second fastening holes 71, 72 are configured to fasten the holding element 120 to a first securing pin 172, and the third and fourth securing holes 73, 74 are configured to fasten the holding element 120 to a second securing pin 174 of an airbag housing, as shown in Fig. 22. This figure shows a fully assembled state of a holding unit consisting of the holding element 120 and an inflator 80 on the housing 17 of an airbag unit. The main part of the holding element 120 is arranged within the airbag cushion 10. In Fig. 22 also shows a portion of the airbag cushion 10. More specifically, the retaining strap 13 is shown coupled (e.g., sewn) to the retaining element 120 via the tear seam 150 and a protective layer 14 of the airbag unit. Fig. 22 it can be seen that the holding element 120 is attached to the airbag cushion 10 by means of a positioning seam 155 and that the holding element 120 extends through an opening 14a of the protective layer. Fig. 23 represents detail D of Fig. 22.
[0035] Fig. Figure 24 illustrates an alternative position of the retaining unit of the airbag unit. Here, the retaining unit (and in particular the retaining element 120) is arranged outside the airbag cushion 10. To guide the retaining strap 13, a tunnel 15 attached to the airbag cushion 10 can be provided. In the alternative embodiment of Fig. 25, the retaining element 120 is also arranged outside the airbag cushion 10, but the retaining strap 13 is arranged inside the airbag cushion 10 and the tear seam 150 extends through the airbag cushion 10. In the alternative embodiment of Fig. 26, an opening 10a is provided in the airbag cushion 10 such that the tether strap 13 extends through the airbag cushion 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the tether strap also extends through an opening 14a in the protective layer.
[0036] Fig. Figure 27 shows a further alternative embodiment of section 20, and Fig. Figure 28 illustrates the retaining element 120 produced from this cut. Here, the hole 46 is star-shaped, and the tear seam 150 extends back and forth (is meandering). As previously mentioned, various hole shapes are possible in all embodiments disclosed herein.
[0037] The Fig. 29 to 37 show a different embodiment of a holding element 320 in a rather schematic representation according to the description of the first embodiment ( Fig. 3 to 16). The main difference between this second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the insert 340 is not double-layered, but single-layered. In the example shown for this second embodiment, the holding element 320 is not formed from a single cut (which could also be possible), but from two separate cuts, namely a cut 220 for the side walls of the holding element and an additional cut 240, which forms the single-layer insert. The cut 220 for the side walls has a first side wall section 232 and a second side wall section 234. The additional cut 240 shows a hole 246, which is preferably also laser-cut or punched out, whereby layer cutting is also preferred here. As can be seen from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 29, in some embodiments, the hole 246 may be oval-shaped. In some embodiments and implementations, the width of the two cuts may be equal or at least substantially equal. Likewise, in some embodiments and implementations, the material may be the same as in the first embodiment.
[0038] In a first production step, as in Fig. 30, according to some implementations, the additional cut 240 is placed on the first sidewall portion 232. In this state, the first sealing seam 262 connecting the additional cut 240 to the first sidewall portion 232 may be applied. This first sealing seam 262 may be located in the upper half of the additional cut 240 and may start and end at the centerline thereof. This is shown in Fig. 31 shown.
[0039] In the next step ( Fig. 32), the second side wall portion 234 can be folded onto the first side wall portion 232 and the additional cut 240. The assembly can then be rotated so that the first side wall portion 232 is on top and the first seal seam 262 is visible ( Fig. 33). Then, in some embodiments, the lower part of the first sidewall section 232 may be bent 180° or approximately 180° so that a lower part of the additional cut 240 is exposed, as shown in Fig. 34. Then, the second sealing seam 263 can preferably be applied symmetrically to the first sealing seam 262. This second sealing seam connects the additional cut 240 and the second side wall section 234 ( Fig. 35).
[0040] Finally, the lower part of the first sidewall section 232 can be folded back, and the circumferential seam 261 can be applied. As in the first embodiment, this circumferential seam 261 extends from a first end 261a to a second end 261b and intersects both sealing seams 262, 263. The two ends 261a and 261b of the circumferential seam again define an opening O, and the hole 246 in the additional cut 240 (which now forms the single-layer liner 340) is spaced from this opening and is responsible for sealing when an inflator extends through it, as in the first embodiment. Fig. 37 is a sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 36 and shows the first side wall 332 (derived from the first side wall portion 232), the second side wall 334 (derived from the second side wall portion 234), the insert 340 (derived from the additional cut 240), the hole 246 in the insert 340, the first seal seam 262, the second seal seam 263 and the circumferential seam 261. Fig. 38 again represents what is in Fig. 36, showing all hidden lines and seams.
[0041] As in the first embodiment, an inflator is inserted through the opening O and through the hole 246 to complete the retaining unit.
[0042] As previously mentioned, a tether may be sewn to the retaining element via a weakened portion, such as a tear seam, and in some embodiments may also be sewn to a portion of the airbag cushion and / or a portion of a venting device. Furthermore, it should be noted that in some embodiments, a retaining element as described herein may be configured not only for use as an adaptive venting device, but also or alternatively for controlling the depth and / or shape of the deployed airbag cushion. This applies to all embodiments described herein.
[0043] It should also be understood that in alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the insert 340 may extend beyond the opposing side walls 332 and 334. Thus, in some embodiments, the insert, such as insert 340, may extend only partially, rather than completely, as in Fig. 37, extends between the two side walls, for example the side walls 332 and 334.
Claims
[1] A retaining element for securing an element of an airbag via at least one tear seam (150), the retaining element (120) comprising: a first side wall (132) made of a flexible material; a second side wall (134) made of a flexible material; a circumferential connection connecting the first side wall (132) and the second side wall (134), the circumferential connection extending from a first end (61a) to a second end (61b) such that the first side wall (132), the second side wall (134) and the peripheral connection define a space therebetween and an opening (O); and an insert (140) disposed at least partially between the first side wall (132) and the second side wall (134), wherein the insert (140) further comprises a hole (46), the insert (140) comprises a double-layer insert (140), the double-layer insert (140) comprising a first layer (142) and a second layer (144), the first layer (142) and the second layer (144) being connected to each other via a fold, the hole (46) being provided in the double-layer insert (140), the hole (46) extending from the first layer (142) across the fold to the second layer (144), characterized by that the fold is away from the opening (O) so that the insert (140) divides the space into a main section and an entrance section which are connected via the hole (46). [2] Retaining element according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential connection comprises a circumferential seam (61). [3] A retaining element according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the hole (46) in the double-layered insert is circular, star-shaped or cross-shaped. [4] A retaining element according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first sealing connection connecting only the first side wall (134) and the first layer (142), and a second sealing connection connecting only the second side wall (134) and the second layer (144). [5] Holding element according to claim 4, wherein the first sealing connection comprises a first sealing seam (62) and wherein the second sealing connection comprises a second sealing seam (63). [6] A retaining element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side wall (132), the second side wall (134), the first layer (142) and the second layer (144) are made from a single blank (20). [7] The retaining element of claim 6, wherein the blank (20) comprises a first side wall portion (32), a second side wall portion (34) and a central portion (40) between the first side wall portion (32) and the second side wall portion (34), the central portion (40) comprising the hole (46). [8] The retaining element of claim 7, wherein the blank (20) further comprises a first connecting portion (52) extending between the central portion (40) and the first side wall portion (32), and a second connecting portion (54) extending between the central portion (40) and the second side wall portion (34). [9] The retaining element according to claim 8, wherein the first side wall (132) is made from the first side wall portion (32), wherein the second side wall (134) is made from the second side wall portion (34), wherein the double-layered insert (140) is made from the middle portion (40) to form a main body of the retaining element (120), wherein a first double-layered extension (152) protrudes from the first connecting portion (32) of the main body, and wherein a second double-layered extension (154) protrudes from the second connecting portion (54) of the main body. [10] The retaining element of claim 9, wherein the first double-layered extension (152) and the second double-layered extension (154) have different lengths. [11] A retaining element according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein at least one of the connecting portions (52, 54) comprises at least two fastening holes (71-74), and wherein the at least two fastening holes (71-74) are arranged and configured to be aligned when the at least one connecting portion (52, 54) is folded onto at least one of the double-layered extensions (152, 154). [12] A retaining element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hole (46) is a laser-cut hole. [13] A holding unit comprising a holding element according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and an inflator (80), wherein the inflator (80) extends through the opening (O) and through the hole (46). [14] The holding unit of claim 13, wherein the inflation device (80) comprises a pyrotechnic igniter. [15] A holding unit comprising a holding element (320) for fastening an element of an airbag via at least one tear seam (150) and an inflator (80), the holding element (320) comprising: a first side wall (332) made of a flexible material; a second side wall (334) made of a flexible material; a circumferential connection connecting the first side wall (332) and the second side wall (334), the circumferential connection extending from a first end (261a) to a second end (261b) such that the first side wall (332), the second side wall (334), and the circumferential connection define a space therebetween and an opening (O); and an insert (340) disposed at least partially between the first side wall (332) and the second side wall (334), wherein the insert (340) further comprises a hole (246), the insert (340) is a single-layer insert (340) with only one single layer, the hole (246) is remote from the opening (O) so that the insert divides the space into a main section and an input section which are connected via the hole (246), and the inflator (80) extends through the opening (O) and through the hole (246) and seals the opening (O). [16] The holding unit according to claim 15, wherein the holding element (320) further comprises a first sealing connection connecting only the first side wall (332) and the single layer, and a second connection connecting only the second side wall (334) and the single layer, wherein the first sealing connection is preferably a first sealing seam (262) and the second sealing connection is a second sealing seam (263). [17] A holding unit according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the hole (246) in the single-layer insert (340) of the holding element (340) is oval-shaped. [18] A retaining unit according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the hole (246) in the single-layer insert (340) of the retaining element (340) is a laser-cut hole. [19] Airbag arrangement comprising: a holding unit according to one of claims 13 to 18 and an airbag cushion (10); wherein a part of the airbag cushion (10), a retaining belt (13) connected to the airbag cushion (10) or a part of a ventilation device coupled to the airbag cushion (10) is sewn to the retaining element (120, 320) via at least one tear seam (150). [20] Airbag assembly according to claim 19, wherein the at least one part of the airbag cushion (10), a retaining strap (13) connected to the airbag cushion (10) and a part of a ventilation device coupled to the airbag cushion (10) are sewn exclusively to the first side wall (132, 332) and to the second side wall (134, 334) of the retaining element (120, 320) via the tear seam (150).
Citation Information
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