Airbag, preferably opw airbag, for vehicle, airbag arrangement, airbag triggering device and method for triggering airbag

Abstract

To provide a multi-stage airbag which can achieve a sufficient protective effect.SOLUTION: There is provided an airbag in which fabric layers are connected to one another so that a first airbag chamber and a second airbag chamber can be set independently of each other from an uninflated state thereof into an inflated state thereof, respectively, and the first airbag chamber starts from the uninflated state thereof, curves outwardly during a first inflation operation of the first airbag chamber and / or forms a tubular shape with an oval or circular cross-section at least in portions in the inflated state of the first airbag chamber, and thereby an overlapping portion, preferably an outer overlapping portion, of the second airbag chamber in the uninflated state thereof or in the inflated state thereof overlaps, preferably radially overlaps, an overlapping portion, preferably an inner overlapping portion, of the first airbag chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag for a vehicle, preferably an OPW airbag, which is configured to be set from a non-inflated state, for example a folded or crushed state, to an inflated state, for example a deployed state, in which the airbag can achieve its protective effect on the occupant, by an inflation operation to protect the occupants of vehicles such as automobiles or commercial vehicles.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an airbag configuration comprising such an airbag and two independently operable or activatable gas generators.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an airbag deployment device comprising a control device and such an airbag configuration, and a method for deploying such an airbag configuration.

Background Art

[0004] Such airbags used in vehicles can be manufactured in various ways, for example, depending on the manufacturing method, they are called OPW airbags, Cut&Sew airbags or Cut,Seal&Sew airbags.

[0005] OPW airbags, so-called bag-woven airbags, are airbags woven integrally, while Cut&Sew airbags or Cut,Seal&Sew airbags can be obtained by cutting several pieces of fabric, adhering them, and then sewing them together.

[0006] Such airbags are widely used as part of a vehicle restraint system to protect vehicle occupants from collisions with components of vehicle structures such as steering wheels, dashboards, door frames and the like.

[0007] A restraint system in the form of an airbag system having such an OPW airbag or airbag, or a conventional airbag manufactured using a Cut&Sew or Cut, Seal&Sew process, is actively actuated as required and is widely known as an active restraint system in vehicles such as automobiles.

[0008] Airbags are designed to be different depending on the type and location of use. Various types of airbags are known from the state of the art and are, for example, in the form of driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, far-side airbags, head airbags, knee airbags, window airbags, etc.

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

[0010] Front airbags such as driver or passenger airbags used for frontal collision protection are usually installed in the steering wheel of the vehicle behind the instrument panel of the driver or other occupants (passenger seat) in the front seat.

[0011] In addition to frontal collision protection, airbags for protecting against side collisions are also used. For example, the aforementioned side airbags such as curtain airbags, side airbags in the seat or door trim are also provided. In particular, curtain airbags or special side airbags are generally installed along the roof side rails, i.e., the roof structure of the vehicle body, where they deploy to form an energy-absorbing structure between the head and upper body of the occupant and the internal components of the vehicle.

[0012] In the event of an accident or when an accident is imminent, sensors equipped on the vehicle measure the abnormal deceleration of the vehicle. For example, within a few milliseconds, gas is supplied to the airbag to set the airbag from a non-inflated state, i.e., a folded or crushed state, to an inflated state during the inflation operation. This is achieved by a device such as a gas generator, which is generally called an "inflator". The inflated airbag cushions the vehicle occupants from the impact force.

[0013] In addition to the aforementioned OPW method, airbags are also often manufactured in a somewhat more complex manner using the aforementioned Cut&Sew method or Cut,Seal&Sew method.

[0014] In particular, the Cut&Sew method only involves cutting fabric pieces that form the fabric layer into a desired shape, stacking them on top of each other, and sewing them together to form an airbag, a so-called Cut&Sew airbag.

[0015] Known airbags manufactured using the Cut,Seal&Sew method for this purpose are complex solutions. For example, two or more identical or partially identical or different fabricated parts are cut out from a flat fabric coated with silicone, a sealing compound is sprayed on the edges in the form of, for example, circumferential beads, then two or more fabric parts are stacked on top of each other, and then the parts are joined, which is produced with a high degree of manufacturing effort. Furthermore, the fabric layer thus formed is provided with seams to ensure sufficient strength of the adhesive seams.

[0016] In the case of airbags manufactured using the Cut&Sew method and airbags manufactured using the Cut,Seal&Sew method, additional components, such as catch straps, flaps, etc., may also have to be sewn in during further process steps for shaping (regardless of the presence or absence of a sealant).

[0017] Therefore, the Cut & Sew method and the Cut, Seal & Sew method are more time-consuming and costly than the OPW method and often require a number of manual method steps.

[0018] In order to increase the protection effect of the airbag, especially when designing the airbag in the area of frontal or side collision protection (for example, driver airbag, passenger airbag, side airbag), for example, when designing an airbag that allows the occupant to collide with a larger contact surface or collision surface in the event of a vehicle crash, a method of designing the airbag is pursued. Conventionally, for this purpose, it is known in the prior art to design an airbag having a higher airbag volume. However, a larger airbag volume requires a larger gas generator and thus necessarily more installation space in the vehicle, which is contrary to the design specifications of the airbag design.

[0019] Due to various influencing factors such as size, weight, occupant seating position, vehicle speed, and the collision angle of the occupant with respect to the airbag, in the event of a vehicle crash or collision, it may be advantageous for the airbag to have two or more stages with respect to its inflation height and to be ignited or filled according to the accident situation in order to achieve maximum protection of the occupant.

[0020] For this purpose, airbags having a two-stage inflation height are known from the state of the art, i.e., the airbag inflates in two stages and its deployment is controlled via a catch strap or the like. However, these can currently only be produced using very complex processes. For example, in order to achieve a higher inflation height in a further stage or to control its activation, for example in the event of a collision, a complex and expensive catch band structure that is cut by a so-called pyrotechnic cutter should be provided.

[0021] Such multi-stage airbags are used, for example, in adaptive restraint systems as so-called "adaptive airbags" that can be deployed in several stages depending on the severity of the accident. This is possible based on sensor data, for example by recording the influence variables described above. "Adaptive airbags" can be individually adapted to the occupant and the accident situation, i.e., such adaptive airbags can automatically adjust both the internal pressure of the airbag and its geometric shape to other crash variables such as occupant size, collision speed, and seat position in the event of an accident, which can be done, for example, based on sensor data and with the help of special catch straps used to individually adjust the airbag shape and airbag actuation pressure for each occupant.

[0022] Known airbag designs with catch straps are manufactured according to the state of the art to have only one airbag chamber, whereby two-stage or multi-stage inflation heights are achieved by filling the airbag with different gas volumes. For example, to achieve an initial inflation height in the first stage, the airbag is filled with a corresponding amount of gas, and the deployment is controlled by the kinematic constraints imposed by the catch strap. To achieve a second or maximum inflation height in the second stage, the airbag is then further filled with a corresponding second volume of gas, and the catch strap continues to control the further deployment of the airbag. If the maximum inflation height is achieved directly, the airbag is filled to the maximum in one step. Such well-known two-stage airbags have hitherto been produced at great expense using the Cut&Sew technology described above.

[0023] However, it is a problem to optimally adjust the capacity of the gas generator to the two-stage airbag corresponding thereto. For example, during the inflation operation for deploying the first or second stage, the airbag may be filled with insufficient or excessive gas, resulting in an internal airbag pressure that is too low or too high, which means that the specified internal airbag pressure is not achieved at the first or second stage. This can significantly reduce the protective effect of the airbag in the event of a crash or collision.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0024] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an airbag, preferably an OPW airbag, an airbag configuration, an airbag deployment device, and a corresponding deployment method that at least partially avoid or at least reduce the drawbacks known from the prior art, and preferably, the present invention is intended to provide a multi-stage airbag that can achieve a sufficient protective effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0025] That object is achieved by the airbag according to claim 1, the airbag configuration according to claim 10, the airbag deployment device according to claim 11, and the deployment method of the airbag configuration according to claim 12.

[0026] Further advantageous embodiments and modifications of the present invention are apparent from the dependent claims. The airbag according to the present invention is preferably a woven OPW airbag, and by means of an inflation operation, in order to protect the vehicle occupants, it is configured to be set from a non-inflated state, for example, a folded or crushed state, to an inflated state in which the airbag can exhibit its intended protective effect on the occupants. Here, the airbag has at least a first airbag chamber and an airbag chamber separate from the first airbag chamber that is not fluidly connected to the first airbag chamber, that is, at least two fabric layers connected to each other so as to form a second airbag chamber, preferably two fabric layers in a specific region and / or three fabric layers in a specific region. Here, the fabric layers are - The first, preferably three-layer airbag chamber and the second, preferably two-layer or three-layer airbag chamber can be set independently of each other from their respective non-inflated states to their respective inflated states, and - Starting from its non-inflated state, the first airbag chamber curves outward during the first inflation operation of the first airbag chamber and / or has a tubular shape with at least a partially oval or circular cross-section in the inflated state of the first airbag chamber, whereby an overlapping portion, preferably an outer overlapping portion, of the second airbag chamber in the non-inflated or inflated state overlaps an overlapping portion, preferably an inner overlapping portion, of the first airbag chamber, preferably in a radial direction and are further connected to each other.

[0027] Therefore, according to the present invention, an OPW airbag having a two-stage inflation height can be implemented, which is preferably used as a front airbag of a vehicle.

[0028] The first stage is implemented, for example, by inflating the first airbag chamber while leaving the second airbag chamber in a non-inflated state. Accordingly, the inflation height of the airbag is largely determined by the inflated first airbag chamber having a tubular shape with an oval or circular cross-section. In this state, the overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber overlaps with the overlapping portion of the first airbag chamber, but does not significantly contribute to the inflation height of the airbag. The second stage is implemented, for example, by inflating both airbag chambers. Accordingly, the overlapping portion of the second airbag chamber results in a further increase in the inflation height of the airbag.

[0029] The automated OPW manufacturing process eliminates the need for complex sewing operations that may be required for airbags manufactured using the Cut&Sew method. The inflation heights of different inflation stages can be produced such that the difference in inflation height is greater than that of previously known solutions.

[0030] In other words, the airbag can be manufactured with different chamber volumes of each airbag chamber, which can also have very different filling volumes. Embodiments of the airbag according to the present invention have at least two airbag chambers that can be filled separately from each other, so that a gas generator adapted to the respective chamber volume or filling volume of each airbag chamber can be used, thereby generating the respective optimal internal pressure in each airbag chamber.

[0031] Using two separate or different gas generators instead of one very large gas generator can be advantageous with respect to the selection of the type of generator, since a specific gas generator can be selected for a specific airbag chamber and its special characteristics. This allows, for example, different internal pressures in each airbag chamber due to, for example, faster filling times, different release times, and two separate gas sources. For example, since two smaller gas generators can be used instead of one large gas generator with respect to each dimension, there are also alternative installation options for the two gas generators.

[0032] The OPW airbag overlaps at the defined or predetermined point at the respective overlapping portions of the first and second airbag chambers, such that when the second gas generator is deployed to fill the second airbag chamber, a further inflation height or further stage of the airbag is achieved mainly at the predetermined point where the overlapping portion is located.

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

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

[0035] In particular, the region of the airbag where the two overlapping portions are arranged, i.e., the region where a part of the first airbag chamber and a part of the second airbag chamber overlap each other or overlap in cross-section as seen in the inflated state of the first airbag chamber, forms a variable region that determines the first inflation height and the second inflation height.

[0036] As the diameter of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state, in the case of a ring-shaped cross-section, the outer diameter of the ring-shaped cross-section, the inner diameter of the ring-shaped cross-section, or the average diameter formed from the inner diameter and the outer diameter can be used.

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

[0038] Deployment can be controlled according to the accident situation, that is, the second gas generator is deployed to fill the second airbag chamber only when necessary.

[0039] Each airbag chamber forms a kind of hollow cylinder shell and is partially on or overlaps with each other, that is, is located in the overlapping part with each other, but can be filled separately or independently of each other, and thus is not connected to each other with respect to the flow. Thereby, according to the design of each airbag chamber and the selection of each gas generator, the corresponding filling pressure and the corresponding filling time can be achieved.

[0040] The airbag according to the present invention is such that the fabric layers are connected or woven together, so that the outer overlapping part of the second airbag chamber in the non-inflated state overlaps radially with the inner overlapping part of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state, and / or curves outward during the second inflation operation of the second airbag chamber, or extends along the inner overlapping part of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state, so that it overlaps radially with the inner overlapping part of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state, and / or with respect to the radially inner overlapping part of the first airbag chamber in the inflated state, it can be further formed to form a radially outer tube wall part or a hollow cylinder wall part.

[0041] In the fully inflated state of the airbag, i.e., when both the first airbag chamber and the second airbag chamber are completely filled with gas or air, the airbag thus has the shape of a tube with a circular ring shape or an oval cross-section, and the two overlapping portions form wall portions having a greater tube wall thickness compared to the remaining wall portions of the tube when viewed in cross-section. The two overlapping portions also contact each other.

[0042] Preferably or optionally, the overlapping portions can be joined to each other, for example sewn, at the point where the overlap of both overlapping portions starts and at another point where the overlap of both overlapping portions ends.

[0043] Furthermore, the airbag according to the present invention can be realized such that the first airbag chamber has a plurality of (fluidly) interconnected first longitudinal airbag chambers having respective first (identical or different) airbag chamber volumes that are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction and / or extend in the axial, transverse, diagonal or helical direction in the inflated state, and / or the second airbag chamber has a single longitudinal airbag chamber or a plurality of (fluidly) interconnected second longitudinal airbag chambers having respective second (identical or different) airbag chamber volumes that are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction and / or extend in the axial, transverse, diagonal or helical direction and extend in the axial, transverse, diagonal or helical direction in the inflated state, and / or a plurality / group of the first longitudinal airbag chambers are arranged circumferentially adjacent to a single longitudinal airbag chamber or a plurality / group of the second longitudinal airbag chambers.

[0044] Preferably, the depth direction of the inflated airbag corresponds to the axial direction of the tube or hollow cylinder thus formed. Thus, for example, the longitudinal airbag chamber extends transversely, i.e., at right angles, to the depth direction or the axial direction of the tube in its circumferential direction, and can thus take the shape of a circular ring or a circular ring segment. When the longitudinal airbag chamber is parallel to the depth direction or the axial direction of the tube, the longitudinal airbag chamber extends, for example, in the shape of an elongated tube in the longitudinal direction of the tube / hollow cylinder, and is preferably distributed or offset circumferentially around the tube / hollow cylinder.

[0045] Another embodiment of the longitudinal airbag chamber is when the longitudinal airbag chamber extends at an angle to the depth direction, i.e., when the extending direction of the longitudinal airbag chamber extends in both the axial and circumferential directions. For example, a tubular chamber designed in this way takes the shape of a helix, i.e., a spiral or a cylindrical helix, which describes a curve that wraps around the shell of a cylinder, i.e., a hollow cylinder in this case, at a constant pitch and at a constant angle.

[0046] Similarly, embodiments of the airbag in which a plurality of longitudinal airbag chambers are arranged one behind the other in the direction in which they extend, for example, longitudinal airbag chambers arranged one behind the other parallel to the depth direction, or longitudinal airbag chambers arranged one behind the other transversely to the depth direction and the circumferential direction, are conceivable. Each of the longitudinally arranged longitudinal airbag chambers is spatially separated from each other by respective seam portions, but is in fluid connection with each other.

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

[0048] Furthermore, the airbag according to the present invention can be implemented such that the first longitudinal airbag chamber and / or the second longitudinal airbag chamber is tubular, or at least partially in the shape of a hollow cylinder, or an elliptical hollow cylinder. In relation to the first and second longitudinal airbag chambers, being tubular means, inter alia, that they form an elongated hollow body having any desired cross-section, in particular a circular, oval, semi-circular or rectangular cross-section.

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

[0050] Preferably, the first fabric layer forms the lower fabric layer or the fabric layer forming the inner shell of the airbag, the second fabric layer forms the intermediate fabric layer or the fabric layer at least partially arranged inside the airbag, and the third fabric layer forms the upper fabric layer or the fabric layer forming the outer shell of the airbag. Thereby, the three fabric layers extend axially between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer and between the third fabric layer and the second fabric layer in the region forming the first airbag chamber, and are radially offset from each other so that a first longitudinal airbag chamber is formed, and / or in the region forming the second airbag chamber, between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer and between the third fabric layer and the second fabric layer, extend axially, are radially offset from each other, and are woven together so that a second longitudinal airbag chamber is formed which causes at least a partial outward curvature during their respective inflation operations.

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

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

[0053] Furthermore, the airbag according to the present invention can be further formed such that the airbag is configured as an OPW airbag having warp and weft threads woven into the woven fabric layer. The warp and weft threads are woven together such that the airbag has a first partial region and a second partial region as well as a region forming the first airbag chamber. The first partial region is disposed between the region forming the first airbag chamber and the second partial region. The warp and weft threads of the second partial area have at least one generator opening for receiving a gas generator for filling the airbag in the second partial area, or a connection for connecting the generator, and are woven together so as to be formed in two layers. The warp and weft threads of the area forming the first airbag chamber are woven together so that the area forming the first airbag chamber comprises a plurality of first airbag chambers and is formed in three layers, and The warp and weft threads of the second fabric layer emerge from the second fabric layer in the first partial area, float completely between the first fabric layer and the third fabric layer, and are incorporated into the first fabric layer and / or the third fabric layer in the second partial area.

[0054] Accordingly, the first fabric layer and the third fabric layer within the second partial area have the warp and weft threads of the second fabric layer.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the warp and weft threads are woven differently from the above-described embodiment, particularly in the first and second partial areas.

[0056] According to an alternative variant, the weft threads of the intermediate fabric layer emerge from the intermediate fabric layer in the first partial area of the airbag, are partially attached to the upper fabric layer and partially attached to the lower fabric layer, while the warp threads of the intermediate fabric layer emerge from the intermediate fabric layer in the first partial area of the airbag and float freely between the lower fabric layer and the upper fabric layer. In the second partial area, the weft and warp threads of the intermediate fabric layer are incorporated into the lower fabric layer or the upper fabric layer, or are attached to the lower fabric layer or the upper fabric layer at a few attachment points.

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

[0058] The airbag configuration according to the invention has the above-described airbag according to the invention and at least two independently operable gas generators, wherein a first generator of the two gas generators is accommodated or connected within a first generator port or a first connection area of a first airbag chamber, and a second generator of the two gas generators is accommodated or connected within a second generator port or a second connection area of a second airbag chamber.

[0059] Preferably, the two gas generators are different gas generators, which are adapted to their respective first and second airbag chambers with respect to their filling behavior (e.g., with respect to the deliverable gas volume flow rate) or to their respective first and second airbag chamber volumes. As a result, the characteristics and advantages described in connection with the airbag according to the invention also apply to the airbag configuration according to the invention in the same or a similar manner, and for this reason, in order to avoid repetition, the corresponding explanations related to the airbag according to the invention are referred to.

[0060] The airbag deployment device according to the invention for deploying an airbag has a control device and the airbag configuration according to the invention, the control device being configured to operate the first generator to fill the first airbag chamber and further configured to operate the second generator to fill the second airbag chamber when the first generator has already been operated and a predetermined condition is met, preferably when a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, the characteristics and advantages described in connection with the airbag according to the invention also apply to the airbag deployment device according to the invention in the same or a similar manner, and for this reason, in order to avoid repetition, the corresponding explanations related to the airbag according to the invention are referred to.

[0061] The method according to the invention for deploying an airbag configuration according to the invention includes the following steps: operating a first generator to fill a first airbag chamber of the airbag, and Activating the second generator to fill the second airbag chamber of the airbag either simultaneously with or after the first generator has been activated. As a result, the characteristics and advantages described in connection with the airbag according to the present invention also apply to the method according to the present invention in the same or a similar manner, and for this reason, to avoid repetition, the corresponding description in connection with the airbag according to the present invention is referred to.

[0062] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0063]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 5a

Figure 5b

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the airbag or gasbag 10 according to the present invention is manufactured as an OPW airbag, that is, a so-called “bag woven” airbag 10, that is, an integrally woven airbag 10.

[0065] In a specific application, the airbag 10 of this embodiment example is configured as a front airbag and is therefore provided behind an instrument panel (not shown in detail) in front of the passenger seat in a conventional manner (not described in detail here). Alternatively, the airbag 10 according to the present invention can also be used, for example, to protect passengers in the field of autonomous driving.

[0066] The airbag 10 according to the present invention is configured to be set from a non-inflated state, for example, a folded or crushed state, to an inflated state in which the airbag can exhibit a protective effect on the passenger by an inflation operation in a conventional manner in order to protect the passengers of a vehicle such as an automobile or a commercial vehicle. In other words, the airbag 10 is deployed from a non-inflated state to an inflated state in a conventional manner in response to the operation of an inflation device (not shown in the figure), and in this case, for example, has two gas generators that are activated when a collision of the vehicle is detected.

[0067] As schematically shown only in FIGS. 1 and 2, the airbag 10 has several fabric layers 11, 12, 13 for this purpose, which will be described in more detail below. Two fabric layers overlap each other in one or more regions of the airbag 10, and three fabric layers overlap each other in one or more regions, which will be described in more detail later.

[0068] In this case, the fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are connected to each other such that a first airbag chamber 14 (specifically, first longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143) and a second airbag chamber 24 (specifically, second longitudinal airbag chambers 241, 242, 243, 244), separate from the first airbag chamber 14, are formed. The first airbag chamber 14 and the second airbag chamber 24 are not connected to each other with respect to the flow.

[0069] In other words, the airbag 10 is formed as an OPW airbag having warp threads extending in the warp direction K and weft threads extending in the weft direction S (for example, see FIG. 2; the directions of the warp and weft threads can alternatively be reversed) that are inserted into the woven fabric layers 11, 12, 13 to form the first airbag chamber 14 and the second airbag chamber 24. A woven seam 22, in which the woven fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are combined to form a single layer, separates the first airbag chamber 14 and the second airbag chamber 24 from each other. Thus, the airbag 10 has first and second airbag chambers 14, 24 that can be filled independently of each other.

[0070] In this regard, the fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are further connected to each other such that the first airbag chamber 14 is three layers and the second airbag chamber 24 is preferably two layers or alternatively three layers, and the first and second airbag chambers 14, 24 can move independently of each other from their respective non-inflated states to their respective inflated states.

[0071] Furthermore, the fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are connected to each other such that the first airbag chamber 14 curves outwardly during the first inflation operation of the first airbag chamber 14 starting from its non-inflated state, and then forms a tubular shape or a hollow cylindrical shape having an essentially circular or oval cross-section, at least partially, in the inflated state of the first airbag chamber 14.

[0072] In this case, as can be seen particularly from FIG. 1, the outer overlapping portion UA 外側 of the second airbag chamber 24 in the non-inflated state or in the inflated state 内側 radially overlaps with the inner overlapping portion UA

[0073] FIG. 1a) shows a schematic view in a cross-sectional view of the airbag 10 according to the present invention according to the first embodiment, in which the first airbag chamber 14 is inflated and the second airbag chamber 24 is not inflated. On the other hand, FIG. 1b) shows a schematic view in a cross-sectional view of the airbag 10 according to the present invention of FIG. 1a) in a state where both the first airbag chamber 14 and the second airbag chamber 24 are inflated. Further, FIG. 2) shows a schematic view in a plan view of the airbag 10 according to the present invention of FIG. 1a) in a deployed or expanded state.

[0074] As can be further seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer overlapping portion UA 外側 of the second airbag chamber 24 in the non-inflated state 内側 radially overlaps with the inner overlapping portion UA 内側 of the first airbag chamber 14 in the inflated state (FIG. 1a)). Further, during the second inflation operation of the second airbag chamber 24, the outer overlapping portion UA 内側 curves outwardly and extends along the inner overlapping portion UA 内側 of the first airbag chamber 14 in the inflated state, and radially overlaps with the inner overlapping portion UA 外側 of the first airbag chamber 14 in the inflated state. As a result, the outer overlapping portion UA 内側In contrast, a radially outer tube wall portion or a hollow cylinder wall portion is formed.

[0075] Particularly as can be seen in FIG. 1, as indicated by the arrows, the overlapping portions UA 外側 and UA 外側 are defined as regions where the first airbag chamber 14 and the second airbag chamber 16 overlap radially along the circumferential direction of the airbag.

[0076] Particularly as can also be seen from FIGS. 1a) and 1b), the first airbag chamber 14 has a plurality of fluidly interconnected first longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143 that are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction and extend axially in the inflated state, each having a respective first airbag chamber volume.

[0077] Furthermore, in this case, the second airbag chamber 24 has a plurality of interconnected second longitudinal airbag chambers 241, 242, 243, 244 that are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction and extend axially in the inflated state, each having a respective second airbag chamber volume.

[0078] Furthermore, in FIGS. 1a) and 1b), it can be seen that a plurality of or a group of the first longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143 are arranged circumferentially next to a plurality of or a group of the second longitudinal airbag chambers 241, 242, 243, 244. In this embodiment, each first airbag chamber volume of the first longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143 is smaller than each second airbag chamber volume of the second longitudinal airbag chambers 241, 242, 243, 244 having the same longitudinal extension (the warp direction in FIG. 2).

[0079] Furthermore, from FIGS. 1a) and 1b), it can be seen that the first longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143 and the second longitudinal airbag chambers 241, 242, 243, 244 are essentially in the shape of a hollow cylinder or an elliptical hollow cylinder.

[0080] In the deployed or expanded state of the airbag 10 shown in FIG. 2, the airbag 10 in this state, i.e., having layers of fabric overlapping each other, has an essentially rectangular shape that essentially corresponds to the side surface of a hollow cylinder. The region having the first airbag chamber 14 is adjacent to a region having a first generator opening 18 for receiving a first gas generator (not shown here). The region of the second airbag chamber 24 is adjacent to a region having a second generator opening 20 separate from the first generator opening 18 for receiving a second gas generator (not shown here). As a result, it can be seen that the first airbag chamber 14 and the second airbag chamber 24 can expand independently of each other via their respective first or second gas generators.

[0081] Capable of being actuated independently of each other, together with two gas generators (not shown in this case), the airbag 10 forms an airbag configuration according to the present invention, with the first of the two gas generators being received within the first generator opening 18 and the second of the two gas generators being received within the second generator opening 20. Each generator is designed differently with respect to its filling behavior. Thus, if the volume of the first airbag chamber 14 is larger than the volume of the second airbag chamber 24, the first generator connected to the generator opening 18 can generate a larger volumetric flow rate than the second generator connected to the generator opening 20.

[0082] In addition to the airbag configuration that together forms an airbag deployment device configured to deploy the airbag 10 to operate the generator, a control device (not shown) is provided. In this case, the control device (not shown) is configured to operate the first generator to fill the first air chamber 14, and the first generator has already been operated. In this case, when a predetermined condition, which is the elapse of a predetermined time, is satisfied, it is further configured to operate the second generator to fill the second air chamber 24. However, the control device can also operate both generators simultaneously if necessary.

[0083] Therefore, one operation mode of the airbag configuration, that is, the deployment of the airbag configuration, is as follows: First, operate the first generator to fill the first air chamber 14 of the airbag 10, thereby setting the first longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143 in their inflated states, thereby reaching the first stage of the inflation height of the airbag 10.

[0084] Subsequently, that is, after a predetermined time has elapsed or simultaneously, depending on the type of vehicle collision, for example, the degree of the detected acceleration value, the second generator is operated to fill the second air chamber 24 of the airbag 10. This also fills the outer overlapping portion UA 外側 of the second airbag chamber 24, thereby placing the second longitudinal airbag chambers 241, 242, 243, 244 arranged in the outer overlapping portion UA 外側 in their inflated states, thereby achieving the second stage of the inflation height of the airbag 10.

[0085] The basic structure of the airbag 10 has been described above. To achieve the above-described chamber structure including the first airbag chamber 14 having the first longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143 and the second airbag chamber 24 having the second longitudinal airbag chambers 241, 242, 243, 244, the airbag 10 is specifically composed of the superimposed fabric layers 11, 12, 13 that can be woven into three fabric layers in the region LKB of the airbag 10 forming the first airbag chamber 14 and can be woven into two or three fabric layers in another region forming the second airbag chamber 24.

[0086] The specific structure of the airbag 10 regarding the chamber structure achieved by interweaving the respective fabric layers will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments described below.

[0087] FIG. 3a) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the airbag 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a state where the first airbag chambers 14, 16 are at least partially inflated with a plurality of longitudinal airbag chambers and the second airbag chamber 24 is at least partially inflated with a single longitudinal airbag chamber. FIG. 3b) shows a schematic top view of the airbag 10 according to the present invention of FIG. 3a) in a deployed or spread state.

[0088] As can be seen from FIGS. 3a) and 3b), the airbag 10 has three fabric layers 11, 12, 13, namely a lower or first fabric layer 11, an upper or third fabric layer 13, and an intermediate or second fabric layer 12 disposed therebetween, within a region LKB that forms a first airbag chamber 14. The three fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are woven in the region LKB that forms the first airbag chamber 14 such that first longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143 and 161, 162, …, 168 that extend axially and are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction are formed. In particular, the first (inner) longitudinal airbag chambers 161, 162, …, 168 are formed between the lower / inner fabric layer 11 and the intermediate fabric layer 12, and the first (outer) longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143, 14 BK , … are formed between the upper / outer fabric layer 13 and the intermediate fabric layer 12.

[0089] As can be further seen from FIG. 3a, the first (inner) longitudinal airbag chambers 161, 162, …, 168 are radially offset with respect to the first (outer) longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143, 14 BK , …, that is, they are offset further radially inward. In this example of the embodiment, three of the first (outer) longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143 are each radially covered by one of the first (outer) longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143, 14 BK . Each of the first (outer) longitudinal airbag chambers 14 BK (also referred to as a longitudinal airbag bridge chamber) circumferentially connects two adjacent ones of the first (inner) longitudinal airbag chambers 161, 162, ….

[0090] Based on this chamber structure of the first inner and outer longitudinal airbag chambers 141, 142, 143 and 161, 162, …, 168, a very rigid and outwardly curved structure of the airbag 10 is created in the inflated state, which forms a hollow cylinder or tube having a substantially circular ring shape or an oval hollow cylinder cross-section.

[0091] As can also be seen in Fig. 3a), the fabric layers 11, 12, 13 are woven into a single woven seam WN in an intermediate region between the region LKB forming the first airbag chambers 14, 16 and the region forming the second airbag chamber 24. In the region forming the second airbag chamber 24, they rejoin into two fabric layers 11 and 13, namely the lower / inner fabric layer 11 and the upper / outer fabric layer 13, which are woven together in the region forming the second airbag chamber 24 such that the second airbag chamber 24 forms a single second longitudinal airbag chamber extending axially between the lower / inner fabric layer 11 and the upper / outer fabric layer 13. In this case, as shown in Fig. 3a), the region forming the second airbag chamber 24 having the second longitudinal airbag chamber forms the outer overlapping portion UA 外側 and the portion located radially more inwardly of the region LKB forming the first airbag chambers 14, 16 forms the inner overlapping portion UA 内側 to form.

[0092] As can also be seen in Fig. 3a), the start and end of the outer overlapping portion UA 外側 can optionally be connected to the start and end of the inner overlapping portion UA 内側 via a fixed seam FN, which is shown only schematically, for example. In particular, this helps to stabilize the airbag 10 when both the first airbag chambers 14, 16 and the second airbag chamber 24 are placed in their inflated states.

[0093] As further shown in FIG. 3b, the airbag 10 has a first partial region ETB, a second partial region ZTB, and a region LKB forming a first airbag chamber 14, and the first partial region ETB is disposed between the region LKB forming the first airbag chamber 14 and the second partial region ZTB.

[0094] The warp and weft threads of the second partial region ZTB are woven together to form a generator opening 18 for the second partial region ZTB to receive a gas generator for inflating the airbag, and are formed of two layers. The warp and weft threads of the region LKB forming the first airbag forming chambers 14, 16 are woven together to have the first airbag chambers 14, 16 and are formed of three layers. The warp and weft threads of the second fabric layer 12 emerge from the second fabric layer 12 in the first partial region ETB, float completely between the first fabric layer 11 and the third fabric layer 13, and are incorporated into the first fabric layer 11 or the third fabric layer 13 in the second partial region ZTB.

[0095] FIG. 4a) shows a schematic view in a cross-sectional view of the airbag 10 according to the present invention according to a third embodiment, in a state where the first airbag chambers 14, 16 are inflated and the second airbag chamber 24 is inflated into two second longitudinal airbag chambers 241, 242. FIG. 4b) shows a schematic plan view of the airbag 10 of the present invention in FIG. 4a) in a deployed or spread state. In the description of this third embodiment, in order not to repeat, only the differences from the above-described second embodiment will be described, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0096] In this example of the embodiment, the region forming the second airbag chamber 24 is formed of two layers, and the fabric layers 11 and 13 are woven together such that two second longitudinal airbag chambers 241 and 242 are formed in the second region, as can be mainly seen from FIG. 4a), and these are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction and are separated from each other by a weaving seam 24 WN thereby.

[0097] Figure 5a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of an airbag 10 according to the present invention in a fourth embodiment, in a state where the first airbag chambers 14 and 16 are inflated and a second airbag chamber 24 having a plurality of longitudinal airbag chambers is inflated. Figure 5b) shows a schematic top view of the airbag 10 of Figure 5a) according to the present invention in a deployed or expanded state. In the description of this fourth embodiment, for the sake of non-repetition, only the differences from the above-described second embodiment will be described, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0098] In the example of this embodiment, the region forming the second airbag chamber 24 is formed in three layers. As is mainly apparent from Figure 5a, the fabric layers 11, 12, and 13 are four second upper longitudinal airbag chambers 24 arranged side by side in the circumferential direction 10 , 24 20 , 24 30 , and 24 40 are formed in the second region, separated by the upper woven seam 24 OWN , and on the other side with respect to the intermediate fabric layer, two second lower longitudinal airbag chambers 24 arranged side by side 12u and 24 34u are formed, separated from each other by the woven seam 24 WN , and each is woven together so as to radially cover two of the second upper longitudinal airbag chambers 24 10 , 24 20 , 24 30 , and 24 40 .

[0099] The features of the present invention disclosed in the above description, drawings, and claims may be essential for implementing the present invention individually and in any desired combination.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0100] Reference Numeral 10 Airbag 11 First / Lower / Outer Fabric Layer 12 Second / Intermediate Fabric Layer 13 The third / upper / inner fabric layer 14 The first (outer) airbag chamber 141 The first (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber 142 The first (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber 143 The first (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber 14 BK The first (outer) longitudinal airbag chamber (longitudinal bridge chamber) 161 The first (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber 162 The first (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber 163 The first (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber 164 The first (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber 165 The first (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber 166 The first (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber 167 The first (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber 168 The first (inner) longitudinal airbag chamber 18 The first generator opening 20 The second generator opening 22 Edge or peripheral woven seam 24 The second airbag chamber 241 The second longitudinal airbag chamber 242 The second longitudinal airbag chamber 243 The second longitudinal airbag chamber 244 The second longitudinal airbag chamber 24 WN Woven seam between the second longitudinal airbag chambers 24 OWN Woven seam between the upper second longitudinal airbag chambers 24 1o The second upper longitudinal airbag chamber 24 2o The second upper longitudinal airbag chamber 24 3o The second upper longitudinal airbag chamber 24 4o Second upper longitudinal airbag chamber 24 12u Second lower longitudinal airbag chamber 24 34u Second lower longitudinal airbag chamber UB transition region S weft direction K warp direction WN woven seam FN fixed seam UA outer Outer overlapping part UA inner Inner overlapping part

Claims

1. An airbag (10), preferably a one-piece woven (OPW) airbag, configured to be set from a non-inflated state to an inflated state by an inflation action to protect a vehicle occupant, comprising: having at least two fabric layers (11, 12, 13) joined together to form at least a first airbag chamber (14) and a second airbag chamber (24) separate from said first airbag chamber (14), preferably two fabric layers (11, 12, 13) in a specific area and / or three fabric layers in a specific area, The fabric layers (11, 12, 13) - said first airbag chamber (14), preferably formed as a three-layer chamber, and said second airbag chamber (24), preferably formed as a two-layer or three-layer chamber, can be set independently of each other from said uninflated state to said inflated state, - starting from its uninflated state, said first airbag chamber (14) curves outwardly during a first inflation operation of said first airbag chamber (14) and / or forms, in said inflated state of said first airbag chamber (14), a tubular shape with an at least partially oval or circular cross section, so that the overlapping portion (UA 外側 ), preferably the outer overlapping portion is the overlapping portion (UA 内側 ), preferably overlapping the inner overlapping portion, preferably radially overlapping The airbag (10) is further joined together.

2. The fabric layers (11, 12, 13) are arranged to overlap the outer overlap portion (UA) of the second airbag chamber (24) in the uninflated state. 外側 ) of the first airbag chamber (14) in the inflated state. 内側 ) and / or bends outwardly during a second inflation operation of the second airbag chamber (24) or the inner overlapping portion (UA 内側 ) of the first airbag chamber (14) in the inflated state, thereby 内側 ) and / or the radially inner overlapping portion (UA) of the first airbag chamber (14) in the inflated state. 内側 2. The airbag (10) of claim 1, wherein said first and second walls are joined together to form a radially outer tube wall portion or a hollow cylinder wall portion relative to said first and second walls.

3. The first airbag chamber (14) may, in the inflated state, be a plurality of interconnected first longitudinal airbag chambers (14) arranged side by side in a circumferential direction and / or having respective first airbag chamber volumes extending in an axial, lateral, diagonal or helical direction. １ , 14 ２ , 14 ３ ), and / or the second airbag chambers (24) may be a single longitudinal airbag chamber or a plurality of interconnected second longitudinal airbag chambers (24) having respective second airbag chamber volumes arranged side-by-side in a circumferential direction and / or extending in an axial, lateral, diagonal or helical direction in the inflated state. １ , 24 ２ , 24 ３ , 24 ４ ), and / or a plurality of said first longitudinal airbag chambers (14 １ , 14 ２ , 14 ３ ) is connected to the single longitudinal airbag chamber or the plurality of second longitudinal airbag chambers (24 １ , 24 ２ , 24 ３ , 24 ４ 3. The airbag (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the airbag (10) is circumferentially disposed adjacent to the first airbag (10).

4. The first longitudinal airbag chamber (14 １ , 14 ２ , 14 ３ The first airbag chamber volume of the second longitudinal airbag chamber (24) １ , 24 ２ , 24 ３ , 24 ４ 4. The airbag (10) of claim 3, wherein the second airbag chamber volume is formed to be less than, equal to, or greater than the second airbag chamber volume of 100 mm.

5. The first longitudinal airbag chamber (14 １ , 14 ２ , 14 ３ ) and / or said second longitudinal airbag chamber (24 １ , 24 ２ , 24 ３ , 24 ４ 5. The airbag (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the airbag (10) is formed in the shape of a tubular or at least partially hollow cylindrical or elliptical hollow cylinder.

6. said airbag (10) at least partially comprises three fabric layers (11, 12, 13), namely a first fabric layer (11), a third fabric layer (13) and a second fabric layer (12) arranged therebetween, The three fabric layers (11, 12, 13) are interwoven, so that in the region (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14), between the first fabric layer (11) and the second fabric layer (12) and between the third fabric layer (13) and the second fabric layer (12), first longitudinal airbag chambers (14) extend axially and are radially offset from one another. １ , 14 ２ , 14 ３ and / or between the first and second fabric layers (11) and (12) and between the third and second fabric layers (13) and (12) in the region forming the second airbag chamber (24), second longitudinal airbag chambers (24) extending axially and offset radially from each other and causing at least partial outward curvature during the respective inflation action. １ , 24 ２ , 24 ３ , 24 ４ The airbag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, wherein a

7. said airbag (10) at least partially comprises three fabric layers (11, 12, 13), namely a first fabric layer (11), a third fabric layer (13) and a second fabric layer (12) arranged therebetween, The three fabric layers (11, 12, 13) are interwoven, so that in the region (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14), between the first fabric layer (11) and the second fabric layer (12) and between the third fabric layer (13) and the second fabric layer (12), first longitudinal airbag chambers (14) extend axially and are radially offset with respect to each other. １ , 14 ２ , 14 ３ ) is formed, while in the area forming the second airbag chamber (24) only two fabric layers (11, 13) are formed between the first fabric layer (11) and the third fabric layer (13) to form one or more axially extending second longitudinal airbag chambers (24). １ , 24 ２ , 24 ３ , 24 ４ The airbag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, forming a

8. 10. The airbag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first airbag chamber (14) is connected to an area forming a first generator mouth (18) for receiving a first gas generator or to a first connection area for connecting a first gas generator and the second airbag chamber (24) is connected to an area forming a second generator mouth (20) for receiving a second gas generator, the second generator mouth being separate from the first generator mouth (18), or to a second connection area for connecting a second gas generator, so that the first airbag chamber (14) and the second airbag chamber (24) can be inflated independently of each other via their respective first or second gas generators.

9. The airbag (10) is formed as an OPW airbag in which warp and weft yarns are woven into the woven fabric layers (11, 12, 13); the warp and weft threads are interwoven such that the airbag (10) has a first partial region (ETB) and a second partial region (ZTB) and a region (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14), the first partial region (ETB) being located between the region (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14) and the second partial region (ZTB); the warp and weft threads of the second partial region (ZTB) are interwoven in such a way that the second partial region (ZTB) has at least one generator mouth (18) for receiving a gas generator for filling the airbag or a connection for connecting a generator and is made up of two layers, the warp and weft threads of the area (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14) are interwoven such that the area (LKB) forming the first airbag chamber (14) has a plurality of the first longitudinal airbag chambers and is constructed in three layers; 10. The airbag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the warp and weft threads of the second fabric layer (12) exit the second fabric layer (12) in the first partial region (ETB), are completely suspended between the first fabric layer (11) and the third fabric layer (13) and are integrated into the first fabric layer (11) and / or the third fabric layer (13) in the second partial region (ZTB).

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

11. 11. An airbag deployment apparatus for deploying an airbag (10), comprising: a control device; and the airbag arrangement of claim 10, wherein the control device is configured to operate the first generator to fill the first air chamber, and is further configured to operate the second generator to fill the second air chamber when the first generator is already operating and a predetermined condition is met, preferably a predetermined time has elapsed.

12. 11. A method for deploying the airbag arrangement of claim 10, comprising the steps of: activating the first generator to fill the first air chamber of the airbag (10); activating the second generator to fill the second air chamber of the airbag (10) simultaneously with or after the first generator has already been activated; A method comprising:

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