Airbag and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an airbag, comprising a main airbag, wherein, in an inflated state, the main airbag has a main body part and two protruding portions located on two sides of the main body part and protruding outwards from the main body part, the two protruding portions and the main body part jointly forming a middle recessed portion, which is configured to receive a passenger's head in a collision event. The airbag is characterized in that the airbag further comprises a lateral supporting structure, wherein the lateral supporting structure is configured to literally support the protruding portions when the main airbag is in the inflated state, thus reducing the bending or pivoting of the protruding portions relative to the main body part during a collision event, and / or the airbag comprises a traction structure arranged in the main airbag, wherein the traction structure is configured to pull the protruding portions, thus reducing the bending or pivoting of the protruding portions relative to the main body part during a collision event. The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle which comprises the airbag.

Description

Airbags and vehicles Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to an airbag and a vehicle including the airbag. Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicles are widely equipped with airbags as a safety measure for vehicle occupants. When a collision occurs and an impact is detected, an inflator generates gas and delivers it into the airbag, causing it to inflate and deploy. The inflated airbag effectively protects the occupants from collisions with objects within the vehicle.

[0003] Vehicle technology is advancing rapidly. Driven by the electrification and intelligent advancements in vehicles, interior design has significantly changed compared to traditional vehicles. Central control screens are increasingly being used in many new energy vehicles, such as pure electric and hybrid vehicles. In a collision, especially an oblique collision, such as an offset collision, the occupant's head could slip out of the airbag and collide with the central control screen. Furthermore, in an oblique collision, the occupant's head could slide toward the A-pillar. This could result in neck or head injuries due to excessive head movement or rotation.

[0004] In order to solve this problem, in the prior art, a recessed portion is usually provided in the middle area of ​​the airbag of the airbag to accommodate the occupant's head, thereby preventing the occupant's head from sliding or rotating.

[0005] Chinese patent application CN109476272A discloses an airbag comprising an airbag having two lobes extending forward (or toward a vehicle occupant, or rearward in a vehicle coordinate system) from a front surface of the airbag in an inflated state in a direction of ejection. The opposing inner surfaces of the two lobes are defined by a plurality of flexible tension elements. In the event of a vehicle collision, the occupant's head enters between the two lobes, so that at least a majority of the head is trapped between the two lobes, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the occupant's head and thereby alleviating head injuries. However, this Chinese patent application does not consider the risk that the lobes may bend or pivot in their root regions in the event of an offset collision.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an airbag that can effectively prevent an occupant from sliding out of the protection area of ​​the airbag in a collision event, especially an offset collision or an oblique collision event, and reduce the damage caused by the occupant's head rotating along the neck.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, comprising the airbag, such as a vehicle driven solely by an internal combustion engine, a hybrid vehicle, or a pure electric vehicle.

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to an airbag, which includes a main airbag, which has a main body portion and two protrusions extending outward from the main body portion on both sides of the main body portion in an inflated state, and the two protrusions and the main body portion together form a middle recessed portion, and the recessed portion is configured to receive the head of the occupant in a collision event, and is characterized in that the airbag also includes a lateral support structure, which is arranged on the outside of the main body portion and the protrusion and at least partially covers the outer side surfaces of the main body portion and the protrusion, and the lateral support structure is configured to support the protrusion in a laterally direction when the main airbag is in an inflated state, thereby reducing bending or pivoting of the protrusion relative to the main body portion in a collision event.

[0010] In an offset or angled collision, an occupant's head contacts the airbag in an oblique direction. Due to inertia, the occupant's head may rotate along the neck and in the oblique direction. This slippage and rotation can increase the severity of injury to the occupant. Therefore, the central recess formed by the raised portion and the main body can limit the slippage of the occupant's head along the vehicle width, preventing the occupant's head from colliding with protruding objects within the vehicle, particularly the center console, or with the vehicle's front side components, particularly the A-pillars, effectively restraining the occupant. In a collision involving a vehicle equipped with an airbag with a lateral support structure according to the present disclosure, particularly in an offset or angled collision, the raised portion is well supported laterally by the lateral support structure, thereby effectively reducing bending or pivoting of the raised portion relative to the main body, particularly in offset or angled collisions. In other words, in the airbag according to the present disclosure, the raised portion is less likely to bend or pivot at its base, even in an offset or angled collision. Therefore, the airbag according to the present disclosure can reduce or even prevent the slippage and rotation of the occupant's head during a collision, thereby reducing or even preventing neck or head injuries caused by excessive slippage or rotation of the occupant's head. In the present disclosure, pivoting can be understood as the deflection or rotation of the protrusion relative to the main body around the root of the protrusion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the lateral support structure can be constructed as an inflatable side cavity, which is fluidically connected to the main air bag. When the main air bag is in an inflated state, the gas in the main air bag can flow into the side cavity to form an inflated side cavity and thereby provide support for the protrusion.

[0012] The airbag according to the present disclosure can be designed with side cavities. By configuring the lateral support structure as side cavities, the raised portion, particularly the side surface of the main airbag, is resistant to bending or pivoting. The side cavity structure provides lateral support for the raised portion, reducing slippage and rotation of the occupant's head. Compared to conventional airbags, the side cavities according to the present disclosure can significantly improve occupant safety while limiting the increase in airbag volume—particularly in offset or oblique collisions.

[0013] In some embodiments, in the lateral projection, for the overlapping portion of the side cavity and the protrusion, the ratio of the area of ​​the overlapping region of the side cavity and the protrusion to the area of ​​the protrusion can be between 0.3 and 1, preferably between 0.5 and 1, and particularly preferably between 0.5 and 0.8.

[0014] In some embodiments, the side cavity can have an area greater than the area of ​​the raised portion in a lateral projection. In particular, the side cavity substantially completely covers the outer side of the raised portion and partially covers the outer side of the main body portion. This allows the side cavity to better support the raised portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the side cavity can extend continuously from the outer side surface of the main body to the outer side surface of the raised portion and can at least partially cover the transition portion from the main body to the raised portion. Thus, the side cavity extends from the main body to the raised portion, "crossing" the transition portion between the main body and the raised portion, and thus the side cavity can use the main body as its support base to effectively provide lateral support for the raised portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the top contour of the overlapping area between the side cavity and the main body can be configured as a convex arc, and / or the top contour of the overlapping area between the side cavity and the raised portion can be configured as a convex arc. The convex arc shape of the corresponding top contour of the side cavity can achieve a better support effect.

[0017] In some embodiments, the side cavity can be formed by a side panel and a patch additionally provided on the side panel, wherein, in an expanded state, an air-filled intermediate space is formed between the side panel and the patch, and the intermediate space constitutes the side cavity. By forming the side cavity by the side panel and the patch, a simple and reliable construction of the side cavity can be achieved.

[0018] In some embodiments, the patch can be disposed with one end in the top region of the raised portion and with the other end in the middle region of the outer side of the main body portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the patch can be arranged on the outside of the side panel. By arranging the patch on the outside of the side panel, it is possible to achieve easier arrangement, such as sewing, of the patch on the side panel.

[0020] In some embodiments, the side panels, in the area overlapping the patch, may be provided with holes and / or slits to allow gas to flow from the main airbag into the side cavity when inflated. The size and shape of the holes and / or slits are not limited, but the total area of ​​the holes and / or slits should be large enough to allow gas to flow smoothly into the side cavity. For example, the holes may be circular or elliptical. The slits may be elongated.

[0021] In some embodiments, the airbag may include a pull element disposed within the main airbag, wherein one end of the pull element is connected to a main panel forming a surface of the main airbag facing the occupant, and the other end is connected to a side panel segment forming an inner side surface of the side cavity. The pull element is configured to establish a restraining pull connection between the main panel and the side panel segment when the main airbag is inflated, thereby forming the protrusion on the main body portion. The protrusion can be effectively formed by the pull element.

[0022] In some embodiments, the connection between the pull element and the side panel can be at least partially covered by the side cavity. Thus, the side cavity "strides over" the connection between the pull element and the side panel, thereby achieving a good support effect for the protrusion using the main body as a support base.

[0023] In some embodiments, the patch may be positioned inside the side panel.

[0024] In some embodiments, the patch may be provided with holes and / or slits to allow gas to flow from the main airbag into the side cavity when inflated. As described above, the size and shape of the holes and / or slits are not limited. For example, the holes may be circular or elliptical. The slits may be elongated.

[0025] In some embodiments, the airbag may include a pull element disposed within the main airbag, one end of the pull element being connected to a main panel forming a surface of the main airbag facing the occupant, and the other end being connected to a patch forming an inner side surface of the side cavity. The pull element is configured to establish a restraining pull connection between the main panel and the patch when the main airbag is inflated, thereby forming the raised portion on the main body. The raised portion can be effectively formed by the pull element.

[0026] In some embodiments, the connection between the pull element and the patch can be completely covered by the side cavity. Thus, the side cavity "crosses" the connection between the pull element and the patch, thereby achieving a good support effect for the protrusion using the main body as a support base.

[0027] In some embodiments, the tension element can extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction of the main airbag when the main airbag is inflated. Thus, the tension element can provide not only a longitudinal tension component in the longitudinal direction of the main airbag, but also a transverse tension component in the transverse direction of the main airbag, thereby eliminating the need for both longitudinally and transversely disposed tension elements.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lateral support structure can be configured as a resilient elastic element, which is configured to reduce bending or pivoting of the protrusion during a collision through its own rebound force. Thus, as an alternative to or in addition to the side cavity, a good support effect can be achieved by using the resilient elastic element.

[0029] In some embodiments, the resilient elastic element may at least partially rest against the outer side of the main body and the outer side of the protrusion, thereby achieving a good supporting effect on the protrusion.

[0030] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to an airbag, which includes a main airbag, which in an inflated state has a main body portion and two protrusions extending outward from the main body portion on both sides of the main body portion, the two protrusions and the main body portion together forming a middle recessed portion, and the recessed portion is configured to receive the head of an occupant in a collision event. It is characterized in that the airbag includes a pulling structure arranged in the main airbag, and the pulling structure is configured to pull the protrusions to reduce bending or pivoting of the protrusions relative to the main body portion in a collision event.

[0031] By providing the pulling structure for pulling the protrusion according to the present disclosure, which is arranged in the main airbag, the pulling structure can pull the protrusion in a collision event, thereby suppressing the protrusion's tendency to bend or pivot.

[0032] In some embodiments, the connection portion of the pulling structure on the protrusion can be located between the middle area of ​​the outer side of the protrusion and the top of the protrusion. By arranging the pulling portion of the internal pulling structure on the protrusion between the middle area of ​​the outer side of the protrusion and the top of the protrusion, a longer moment arm can be provided between the base of the protrusion and the pulling portion, thereby achieving better anti-bending or anti-pivoting effects.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pulling structure may include a first pulling element and a second pulling element, wherein the first pulling element is connected to the middle part of the second pulling element at one end to form a cross Y-shaped pulling structure, and the Y-shaped pulling structure is connected to the protrusion at the end of one side to reduce the bending or pivoting of the protrusion relative to the main body during a collision event.

[0034] The Y-shaped pull structure disclosed herein provides the raised portion, particularly the side of the main airbag, with resistance to bending or pivoting. The Y-shaped pull structure provides internal tension to the raised portion, reducing slippage and rotation of the occupant's head. Compared to conventional airbags, the Y-shaped pull structure disclosed herein significantly improves occupant safety protection, particularly in offset or oblique collisions, despite its simple design.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first tension element may be connected at its other end to a main panel forming a surface of the main airbag facing the occupant.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second tension element can be connected with one end to the protrusion of the main airbag and with the other end to another part of the airbag.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second pulling element can be connected to the raised portion of the main airbag at one end at the top of the raised portion.

[0038] In some embodiments, the top portion of the second pulling element disposed at the protruding portion may be configured as a convex arc, thereby achieving a better pulling effect.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second pulling element can be connected at its other end to an outer section of the main body portion of the main airbag.

[0040] In some embodiments, the top portion of the second pulling element disposed at the main body portion may be configured as a convex arc, thereby achieving a better pulling effect.

[0041] In some embodiments, the airbag may be a frontal airbag.

[0042] In some embodiments, the airbag may be a passenger airbag.

[0043] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle, comprising an airbag according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a central control screen and an A-pillar positioned on the dashboard, the airbag being positioned in the dashboard, and the airbag being configured to be activated in the event of a vehicle collision to prevent the occupant's head from colliding with the central control screen and / or sliding toward the A-pillar.

[0045] The technical features mentioned above, the technical features described below, and the technical features shown individually in the accompanying drawings may be combined arbitrarily, as long as the combined technical features do not conflict with each other. All possible feature combinations are technical contents explicitly described in this document. Any of the multiple sub-features included in the same statement can be applied independently and does not necessarily have to be applied in conjunction with other sub-features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings with the aid of exemplary embodiments, wherein:

[0047] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an airbag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the side, in an inflated state.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the airbag of FIG. 1 when viewed from above.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the airbag of FIG. 1 when viewed forward from behind an occupant.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric view of the airbag of FIG. 1 in an inflated state.

[0051] 5a is a plan view of a tension element of an airbag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] 5 b is a plan view of a main panel of an airbag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG6 a is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an airbag according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG6 b is a plan view of a side panel of the airbag according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG6 c is a plan view of a patch for an airbag according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG6 d is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection position of the tension element of the airbag on the side panel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG7 a is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an airbag according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] 7 b is a plan view of a side panel of an airbag according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] 7c is a plan view of a patch for an airbag according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG7 d is a schematic diagram of the connection position of the tension element of the airbag on the patch according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG8 a is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an airbag according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] 8 b is a plan view of a side panel of an airbag according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] 8c is a plan view of a second tension element of an airbag according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG8 d is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection position of a first tension element on a second tension element of an airbag according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an airbag 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the side, in an inflated state. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the airbag 1 of Figure 1, viewed from above. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the airbag 1 of Figure 1, viewed from behind an occupant. Figure 4 is a schematic isometric view of the airbag 1 of Figure 1, in an inflated state. The operating principle of the airbag 1 of the first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the airbag 1 may be a frontal airbag, more specifically, a passenger airbag. The airbag 1 may be installed in the vehicle's instrument panel 2. Furthermore, a central control screen, particularly a floating central control screen, may be installed on the vehicle's instrument panel 2, extending from the center console position of the instrument panel 2 to the passenger side. The vehicle may be a passenger car or a truck, particularly an electric vehicle, such as a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle.

[0067] As best seen in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2 , an airbag 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main airbag 10. In an inflated state, the main airbag 10 may include a main body 101 and two raised portions 103 extending outward from the main body 101 on either side. The two raised portions 103 and the main body 101 may together form a central recessed portion 104. The recessed portion 104 may be configured to receive an occupant's head 3 in the event of a collision.

[0068] In addition to the main body 101 and the two raised portions 103, the airbag 1 may also include a lateral support structure configured as a side cavity 102. The side cavity 102 may be disposed outside the main body 101 and the raised portions 103 and at least partially cover the main body 101 and the raised portions 103. In the event of a vehicle collision, the inflator 100 may be activated, thereby inflating the main airbag 10. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 2 , the gas in the main airbag 10 may flow into the side cavity 102 through the fluid communication structure provided between the main body 101 and / or the raised portions 103 and the side cavity 102, thereby inflating the side cavity 102 almost simultaneously with the main airbag 10. As a result, the side cavity 102, as a gas-filled structure, can provide support for the raised portions 103. As described above, in the event of a collision, particularly an offset collision, the occupant's head 3 may be received in the recess 104 to prevent it from sliding out of the airbag 1 or rotating. However, in some cases, the raised portion 103 may bend or pivot at its base due to structural reasons or complex offset collision scenarios, for example. In this case, the occupant's head 3 may pass over the raised portion 103 and slide out of the recessed portion 104. To at least reduce or even prevent this bending or pivoting of the raised portion 103 relative to the main portion 101, the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a side cavity 102. This side cavity 102 extends from the main portion 101 to the raised portion 103, thus supporting the raised portion 103 with the main portion 101 as a support base. The protruding structure 105 formed by the raised portion 103 and the side cavity 102 can be clearly seen in Figure 2. The side cavity 102 has a certain volume and achieves increased thickness in the vehicle width direction. This, on the one hand, reduces bending or pivoting of the raised portion 103 relative to the main portion 101, thereby preventing rotation and slippage of the occupant's head 3 during an oblique collision. On the other hand, increasing the thickness of the side cavity 102 in the lateral direction of the vehicle in the inflatable area can also improve the protection effect during a side impact.

[0069] It was mentioned above that the gas in the main airbag 10 can enter the side cavity 102 through a fluid communication structure. Here, the fluid communication structure can be a hole 106, particularly a circular air hole, as schematically shown in FIG1 . The hole 106 can be provided in the overlapping area between the main body 101 and the side cavity 102. Alternatively or additionally, the hole 106 can be provided in the overlapping area between the raised portion 103 and the side cavity 102. In other embodiments, the fluid communication structure can also be a slit. The slit can be, for example, elongated. The hole 106 and the slit can be designed to allow sufficient gas to flow from the main airbag 10, such as the side cavity 102, with minimal obstruction. The shape, size, number, and arrangement of the hole 106 and the slit can be selected as needed.

[0070] In the present disclosure, a side cavity 102 is provided for each of the two raised portions 103, namely, a left side cavity 102 and a right side cavity 102. In this embodiment, the two raised portions 103 and the two side cavities 102 can be configured to be mirror-symmetrical about the central axis of the main airbag 10. For simplicity, the following description focuses on the structure of only one of the two raised portions 103 and one of the two side cavities 102. Of course, in other embodiments, the left and right raised portions 103 and the side cavities 102 can also be configured differently as needed.

[0071] In addition to the side cavity 102, other lateral support structures are also conceivable. In other embodiments, the lateral support structure can be configured as a resilient element, for example. The resilient element can be configured to reduce the bending or pivoting of the protrusion 103 through its own rebound force during a collision. The resilient element can be, for example, a flexible elastic sheet or elastic strip. To achieve a good support effect for the protrusion 103, the resilient element can be placed against the outer surface of the main body 101 and the outer surface of the protrusion 103.

[0072] 1 and 2 illustrate that the lateral support structure provides support to suppress the bending or pivoting tendency of the protrusion 103. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to suppress the bending or pivoting tendency of the protrusion 103 by pulling the protrusion 103 internally, as will be described below.

[0073] In FIG2 , a tension element 202 for forming the protrusion 103 is schematically illustrated by dashed lines at the base region of the protrusion 103. A connection point 202a of the tension element 202 to the outer side of the main airbag 10 is also illustrated by dashed lines in the side view of FIG1 . The tension element 202 is connected at one end to the portion forming the occupant-facing surface of the main airbag 10 and at the other end to the portion forming the inner side of the side cavity 102. The tension element 202 is configured to establish a constraining tension connection between the portion forming the occupant-facing surface of the main airbag 10 and the portion forming the inner side of the side cavity 102 when the main airbag 10 is inflated, thereby forming the protrusion 103 on the main body 101. As shown in FIG2 , the tension element 202 can extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction of the main airbag 10 when the main airbag 10 is inflated. Thus, the tension element 202 can simultaneously generate tension components in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the main airbag 10, thereby eliminating the need for transverse tension elements disposed in the transverse direction and longitudinal tension elements disposed in the longitudinal direction. The tension element 202 can be a drawstring, particularly a flexible drawstring. The tension element 202 can be configured as a side drawstring in the main airbag. Of course, in other embodiments, the protrusion 103 can be implemented without the tension element 202 by using a pre-defined shaped structure of the main airbag 10.

[0074] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the airbag 1 of Figure 1 as viewed from behind the occupant. The connection 202b between the tension element 202 and the portion of the main airbag 10 that faces the occupant can be clearly seen. The protruding structure 105 formed by the raised portion 103 and the side cavity 102 can also be seen. As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, the protruding structure 105 protrudes not only in the longitudinal direction but also in the transverse direction. The longitudinal protrusion forms a recessed portion 104 for receiving the occupant's head 3. The transverse protrusion not only supports the raised portion 103, thereby preventing it from bending or pivoting, but also increases the transverse thickness of the airbag, thereby increasing the cushioning distance in a side impact.

[0075] Figure 4 is a schematic isometric view of the airbag 1 of Figure 1 when inflated. Figure 4 shows the two connection points 202a and 202b of the tension element 202 at the base of the raised portion 103 of the main airbag 10. Also shown is the schematic arrangement of the holes 106 for allowing gas to flow from the main airbag 10 into the side cavity 102. As shown in Figure 4, the area of ​​the side cavity 102 is larger than the area of ​​the raised portion 103, thereby ensuring that the side cavity 102 provides good support for the raised portion 103. In particular, the side cavity 102 substantially completely covers the outer surface of the raised portion 103. Furthermore, the side cavity 102 partially covers the outer surface of the main body 101. In other embodiments, the side cavity 102 may only partially cover the outer surface of the raised portion 103. It is important here that the side cavity 102 extends continuously from the outer side surface of the main part 101 to the outer side surface of the protrusion 103 and covers the transition portion from the main part 101 to the protrusion 103. In Figure 4, the side cavity 102 basically completely covers the transition portion from the main part 101 to the protrusion 103. In other embodiments, it is also conceivable that the side cavity 102 partially covers the transition portion from the main part 101 to the protrusion 103. In order to provide a good support effect, as shown in Figure 4, the top profile of the overlapping area of ​​the side cavity 102 and the main part 101 can be configured as a convex arc. In addition, the top profile of the overlapping area of ​​the side cavity 102 and the protrusion 103 can also be configured as a convex arc.

[0076] Figure 5a is a plan view of a tension element 202 of an airbag 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, while Figure 5b is a plan view of the main panel 201 of an airbag 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen in Figure 5a, the tension element 202 is configured as a side strap, which may be trapezoidal in shape. Of course, other side strap shapes are also contemplated. In this embodiment, the tension element 202 can be connected to the main panel 201 at one end and to the side panel 203 or patch 204 at the other end. The connection direction of the one end connected to the main panel 201 is vertical, or at a relatively small angle, with the connection direction of the other end connected to the side panel 203 or patch 204 being vertical or at a certain angle to the vertical. Figure 5b shows the connection point 202b of the tension element 202 on the main panel 201.

[0077] Figure 6a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the airbag 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6b is a plan view of the side panel 203 of the airbag 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6c is a plan view of the patch 204 of the airbag 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6d is a schematic view of the connection position of the tension element 202 on the side panel 203 of the airbag 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For the arrangement of the main airbag 10, the side cavity 102, and the tension element 202, please refer to the description of Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 6a, the side cavity 102 is formed by the side panel 203 and the patch 204 additionally provided on the side panel 203, wherein the patch 204 is provided on the outside of the side panel 203. In the inflated state, an air-filled space is formed between the side panel 203 and the patch 204, which constitutes the side cavity 102. As shown in Figure 6a, the patch 204 can be positioned with one end in the top region of the raised portion 103 and with the other end in the middle region outside the main portion 101. A tension element 202, positioned within the main airbag 10, is connected at one end to the main panel 201, which forms the occupant-facing surface of the main airbag 10, and at the other end to a section of the side panel 203, which forms the inner side of the side cavity 102. The tension element 202 is configured to establish a restraining tension connection between sections of the main panel 201 and the side panel 203 when the main airbag 10 is inflated, thereby forming the raised portion 103 on the main portion 101. As clearly shown in Figure 6b, a plurality of apertures 106 are provided in the area of ​​the side panel 203 that overlaps the patch 204, to allow gas to flow from the main airbag 10 into the side cavity 102 when inflated. As described above, alternatively or in addition to the holes 106, slits may also be provided in the area of ​​the side panels 203 that overlaps with the patch 204. As shown in FIG6c , the patch 204 has a convex arc shape in its contour at both top portions. As clearly seen in FIG6d , the connection between the pull element 202 and the side panels 203 is completely covered by the side cavity 102 or the patch 204. In other embodiments, the connection between the pull element 202 and the side panels 203 may be only partially covered by the side cavity 102 or the patch 204. Crucially, the patch 204 extends continuously from the main body 101 through the connection area into the area of ​​the raised portion 103. Here, the patch 204 may partially cover the outer side of the main body 101. Furthermore, the patch 204 may substantially completely cover the outer side of the raised portion 103.

[0078] Figure 7a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of an airbag 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7b is a plan view of a side panel 203 of the airbag 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7c is a plan view of a patch 204 of the airbag 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7d is a schematic view of the connection location of the tension element 202 of the airbag 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure on the patch 204. The main airbag 10, side cavity 102, and tension element 202 of the second embodiment are substantially similar in their arrangement to those of the first embodiment, differing in the configuration of the side cavity 102. As shown in Figure 7a, the side cavity 102 is also formed by the side panel 203 and the patch 204 additionally disposed thereon. However, unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the patch 204 is disposed within the side panel 203. In the inflated state, an air-filled space is formed between the side panel 203 and the patch 204, which constitutes the side cavity 102. As shown in Figure 7a, the patch 204 can similarly be positioned with one end in the top region of the raised portion 103 and the other end in the middle region outside the main portion 101. However, in this case, the patch 204 is positioned inside the side panel 203 and thus serves as part of both the main portion 101 and the raised portion 103. A tension element 202 disposed within the main airbag 10 is connected at one end to the main panel 201, which forms the occupant-facing surface of the main airbag 10, and at its other end to the patch 204, which forms the inner side of the side cavity 102. The tension element 202 is configured to establish a constraining tension connection between the main panel 201 and the patch 204 when the main airbag 10 is inflated, thereby forming the raised portion 103 on the main portion 101. In a second embodiment, as shown in Figure 7b, since the side panel 203 serves as the outermost portion, no holes or slits are provided in the side panel 203 for allowing gas to enter the side cavity 102. As shown in Figure 7c, holes 106 for allowing gas to flow into the side cavity 102 are provided in the patch 204. Alternatively or in addition to the holes 106, a slit can also be provided in the patch 204. As shown in Figure 7c, the patch 204 also has a convex arc shape in its contour at both top portions. As clearly seen in Figure 7d, the connection between the pull element 202 and the patch 204 is completely covered by the side cavity 102.

[0079] Figure 8a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of an airbag 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8b is a plan view of the side panel 203 of the airbag 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8c is a plan view of the second tension element 206 of the airbag 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8d is a schematic view of the connection position of the first tension element 205 to the second tension element 206 of the airbag 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Unlike the first and second embodiments, in the third embodiment, the bending and pivoting tendency of the protrusion 103 is suppressed primarily by the pulling action of the tension structure on the protrusion 103. In the third embodiment, the airbag 1 may include a main airbag 10, which, in an inflated state, has a main body 101 and two protrusions 103 extending outward from the main body 101 on either side of the main body 101. The two protrusions 103 can, together with the main body 101, form a central recess 104, which is configured to accommodate an occupant's head during a collision. As shown in FIG8 a , the airbag 1 may include a first tensioning element 205 and a second tensioning element 206. One end of the first tensioning element 205 is connected to the middle portion of the second tensioning element 206, thereby forming a cross-Y-shaped tensioning structure. The end of one side of the Y-shaped tensioning structure is connected to the protrusion 103, thereby reducing bending or pivoting of the protrusion 103 relative to the main body 101 during a collision. In other embodiments, other types of tensioning structures disposed within the main airbag 10 are also contemplated, each configured to pull on the protrusion 103 to reduce bending or pivoting of the protrusion 103 relative to the main body 101 during a collision. The key point here is the connection point of the tension structure on the protrusion 103. The distance between this connection point and the base of the protrusion 103 determines the magnitude of the moment arm. Preferably, the connection point of the tension structure on the protrusion 103 is located between the middle area outside the protrusion 103 and the top of the protrusion 103. In particular, as shown in Figure 8a, the second tension element 206 in the tension structure is connected to the protrusion 103 of the main airbag 10 at one end at the top of the protrusion 103. Furthermore, the second tension element 206 in the tension structure is connected to the outer section of the main body 101 of the main airbag 10 at its other end, specifically to the middle area outside the main body 101 of the main airbag 10. In other embodiments, the second tension element 206 can also be connected to other parts of the protrusion 103 at one end. Furthermore, the second tension element 206 can also be connected to other parts of the airbag 1 at its other end. In particular, the second tension element 206 can also be connected with its other end to a stationary component of the airbag 1. The first tension element 205 and the second tension element 206 can also be designed as flexible tension straps.As can also be seen in Figure 8a, the first tension element 205 can also extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction of the main airbag 10 when the main airbag 10 is inflated. Figure 8b shows the side panel 203, which partially forms the outer sides of the main portion 101 and the raised portion 103. Figure 8c shows the second tension element 206, wherein the top profile of the second tension element 206 is convexly curved. As shown in Figure 8d, the second tension element 206 extends continuously from the area of ​​the side panel 203 forming the main portion 101, across the connection point between the first tension element 205 and the second tension element 206, to the top of the raised portion 103.

[0080] It should be noted that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific aspects only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the one" shall include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "include" and "comprise" and other similar terms, when used in the application documents, specify the presence of the stated operations, elements and / or parts, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all arbitrary combinations of one or more related enumerated items. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals always represent similar elements.

[0081] The thickness of the elements in the accompanying drawings can be exaggerated for the sake of clarity. It will also be understood that if an element is referred to as being on, coupled to, or connected to another element, then the element can be formed directly on, coupled to, or connected to the other element, or one or more intervening elements can be present between them. On the contrary, if the expressions "directly on...", "directly coupled to...", and "directly connected to..." are used herein, then there is no intervening element. Other words used to illustrate the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly, such as "between..." and "directly between...", "attached to," and "directly attached to," "adjacent to," and "directly adjacent to," etc.

[0082] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "upper," "below," etc., are used herein to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0083] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," and the like may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0084] It is also contemplated that all exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be arbitrarily combined with one another. Furthermore, all individual technical features in this application may be arbitrarily combined with one another, as long as the combined technical features are not mutually contradictory. All technically feasible feature combinations are considered technical content described in this application.

[0085] Finally, it should be pointed out that the above embodiments are only used to understand the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, modifications can be made based on the above embodiments, and these modifications do not depart from the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An airbag, comprising a main airbag, wherein the main airbag has a main body and two protrusions extending outward from the main body on both sides of the main body in an expanded state, wherein the two protrusions and the main body together form a recessed portion in the middle, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive the head of an occupant in a collision event, wherein: The airbag also includes a lateral support structure, which is arranged on the outside of the main body part and the protrusion and at least partially covers the outer side surfaces of the main body part and the protrusion. The lateral support structure is configured to support the protrusion in a lateral direction when the main airbag is inflated, thereby reducing bending or pivoting of the protrusion relative to the main body part in a collision event.

2. The airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lateral support structure is configured as an inflatable side cavity which is in fluid communication with the main airbag. When the main airbag is inflated, gas in the main airbag can flow into the side cavity to form an inflated side cavity and thereby provide support for the protrusion.

3. The airbag according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the lateral projection, for the overlapping portion of the side cavity and the protrusion, the ratio of the overlapping area of ​​the side cavity and the protrusion to the area of ​​the protrusion is between 0.3 and 1.

4. The airbag according to claim 2, characterized in that: In a lateral projection, the area of ​​the side cavity is larger than the area of ​​the protrusion.

5. The airbag according to claim 2, characterized in that: The side cavity continuously extends from the outer side surface of the main body portion to the outer side surface of the raised portion and at least partially covers a transition portion from the main body portion to the raised portion.

6. The airbag according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top contour of the overlapping area between the side cavity and the main body is configured to be a convex arc, and / or, The top contour of the overlapping area between the side cavity and the raised portion is configured to be a convex arc.

7. The airbag according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The side cavity is formed by the side panel and a patch additionally arranged on the side panel, wherein in the expanded state, an air-filled intermediate space is formed between the side panel and the patch, and the intermediate space constitutes the side cavity.

8. The airbag according to claim 7, characterized in that: The patch is arranged with one end in the top region of the raised portion and with the other end in the middle region of the outer side of the main body portion.

9. The airbag according to claim 7, characterized in that: The patch is arranged outside the side panel.

10. The airbag according to claim 9, characterized in that: Holes and / or slits are provided in the side panels in the areas overlapping the patches, for allowing gas to flow from the main airbag into the side cavity in the inflated state.

11. The airbag according to claim 9, characterized in that: The airbag includes a pulling element arranged inside the main airbag, wherein one end of the pulling element is connected to a main panel forming the surface of the main airbag facing the occupant and the other end is connected to a side panel section forming the inner side of the side cavity, wherein the pulling element is configured to establish a pulling connection with a restraining effect between the main panel and the side panel section when the main airbag is inflated, so that the protrusion is formed on the main body part.

12. The airbag according to claim 11, characterized in that: The connection portion between the pulling element and the side panel is at least partially covered by the side cavity.

13. The airbag according to claim 7, characterized in that: The patch is arranged inside the side panel.

14. The airbag according to claim 13, characterized in that: Holes and / or slits are provided in the patch to allow gas to flow from the main airbag into the side cavity in the inflated state.

15. The airbag according to claim 13, characterized in that: The airbag includes a pulling element arranged inside the main airbag, wherein one end of the pulling element is connected to a main sheet forming the surface of the main airbag facing the occupant and the other end is connected to a patch forming the inner side surface of the side cavity, wherein the pulling element is configured to establish a pulling connection with a restraining effect between the main sheet and the patch when the main airbag is inflated, so that the protrusion is formed on the main body.

16. The airbag according to claim 15, characterized in that: The connection portion between the pulling element and the patch is completely covered by the side cavity.

17. The airbag according to claim 11 or 15, characterized in that: In the inflated state of the main airbag, the tension element extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main airbag.

18. The airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lateral support structure is configured as a resilient elastic element, which is configured to reduce the bending or pivoting of the protrusion by its own resilience in the event of a collision.

19. The airbag according to claim 18, characterized in that: The resilient elastic element at least partially abuts against the outer side of the main body portion and the outer side of the protrusion.

20. An airbag, comprising a main airbag, wherein the main airbag has a main body and two protrusions extending outwardly from the main body on both sides of the main body in an expanded state, wherein the two protrusions and the main body together form a recessed portion in the middle, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive the head of an occupant in a collision event, wherein: The safety airbag comprises a pulling structure arranged in the main airbag, wherein the pulling structure is configured to pull the protrusion to reduce bending or pivoting of the protrusion relative to the main body portion in a collision event.

21. The airbag according to claim 20, characterized in that: The connection position of the pulling structure on the protrusion is between the middle area of ​​the outer side of the protrusion and the top of the protrusion.

22. The airbag according to claim 20, characterized in that: The pulling structure includes a first pulling element and a second pulling element, wherein one end of the first pulling element is connected to the middle part of the second pulling element to form a cross Y-shaped pulling structure, and the end of one side of the Y-shaped pulling structure is connected to the protrusion to reduce the bending or pivoting of the protrusion relative to the main body in a collision event.

23. The airbag according to claim 22, characterized in that The first tension element is connected with its other end to a main panel that forms a surface of the main airbag that faces the occupant.

24. The airbag according to claim 22, characterized in that: The second tension element is connected with one end to the protrusion of the main airbag and with the other end to another part of the airbag.

25. The airbag according to claim 24, characterized in that The second pulling element is connected to the protrusion of the main airbag at one end at the top of the protrusion.

26. The airbag according to claim 25, characterized in that The contour of the top portion of the second tension element disposed on the protrusion is configured in a convex arc shape.

27. The airbag according to claim 24, characterized in that The second pulling element is connected with its other end to an outer section of the main body portion of the main airbag.

28. The airbag according to claim 27, characterized in that The top portion of the second pulling element disposed at the main body portion has an outline configured in a convex arc shape.

29. A vehicle comprising an airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. The vehicle according to claim 29, characterized in that The vehicle includes a central control screen and an A-pillar mounted on the dashboard, the airbag being mounted in the dashboard, and the airbag being configured to be activated in the event of a vehicle collision to prevent an occupant's head from colliding with the central control screen and / or sliding toward the A-pillar.

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