Apparatus for protecting vehicle occupant

Abstract

An apparatus for protecting a vehicle occupant, the apparatus comprising: a curtain airbag, the curtain airbag having a stowed state in which the curtain airbag is rolled and / or folded; and at least one wrapping portion having a first end portion, an intermediate section, and a free second end portion. The wrapping portion is arranged to be connected to an upper edge of the curtain airbag by means of the first end portion, can wrap around the periphery of the rolled and / or folded curtain airbag by means of the intermediate section, and can be connected to the upper edge of the curtain airbag by means of the free second end portion, so as to package the curtain airbag in the stowed state.

Description

Devices used to protect vehicle occupants Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for protecting vehicle occupants. More specifically, this invention relates to a curtain airbag module. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that inflatable vehicle occupant protection devices are inflated to protect vehicle occupants, for example, in the event of a vehicle collision. One particular type of vehicle occupant protection device is an inflatable curtain fixed to the roof and / or to a support structure adjacent to the roof. The inflatable curtain is typically stored by rolling up and / or folding. The inflatable curtain is configured to inflate downwards from the roof within the passenger compartment in the event of a side impact or vehicle rollover. When inflated, the inflatable curtain is positioned between the vehicle occupants and the side structure of the vehicle.

[0003] For example, patent document US20070205589A1 discloses an inflatable curtain. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an inflatable curtain according to an embodiment of this patent document in a stored state in a vehicle interior. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an inflatable curtain according to an embodiment of this patent document in an deployed state in a vehicle interior.

[0004] Some inflatable curtains are known to be held in storage using tape, packaging sleeves, and / or packaging wrapping. However, known methods of packaging inflatable curtains often require a large number of operators and are time-consuming. When using tape, meticulous tape trimming and positioning markings are necessary, resulting in lengthy and costly packaging / assembly processes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved device for protecting vehicle occupants and an improved curtain airbag module, which overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for protecting vehicle occupants is provided, the device comprising: a curtain airbag having a storage state in which the curtain airbag is rolled up and / or folded; and at least one wrapping portion having a first end, a middle section, and a free second end, the wrapping portion being configured to connect to the upper edge of the curtain airbag via the first end and to wrap around the periphery of the rolled up and / or folded curtain airbag via the middle section and to connect to the upper edge of the curtain airbag via the free second end, so as to enclose the curtain airbag in the storage state.

[0007] In one embodiment, the free second end of the wrapping portion includes a connector. The connector of the wrapping portion has a width greater than the width of the intermediate section and can be inserted into an opening at the upper edge of the curtain airbag to package the curtain airbag in a storage state. Preferably, the wrapping portion is constructed in a strip shape.

[0008] In one specific embodiment, when the curtain-type airbag is inflated, if the force on the wrapping portion exceeds a first threshold, the insertion portion disengages from the opening, thereby releasing the curtain-type airbag. Preferably, the first threshold is in the range of 30 Newtons to 50 Newtons.

[0009] In one specific embodiment, in the storage state, the plug portion of the free second end is at least partially abutted between the two layers of the rolled-up and / or folded curtain airbag.

[0010] In one embodiment, the opening has an elongated rectangular shape. In one embodiment, the insertion portion includes a head. Preferably, the head has a wedge shape and a width smaller than the width of the opening. In one embodiment, the insertion portion includes an anchor hook portion extending in a direction opposite to the free second end. Preferably, the anchor hook portion has an angle with respect to the extension line of the intermediate section in the range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees, more preferably in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0011] In one embodiment, the wrapping portion is formed of the same fabric as the curtain airbag. Preferably, the wrapping portion is made by integrally cutting from the edge of the curtain airbag. Alternatively, the wrapping portion is manufactured separately from the curtain airbag and attached to the upper edge of the curtain airbag by means of a first end.

[0012] In one embodiment, the wrapping portion extends obliquely relative to the upper edge from its connection with the upper edge of the curtain airbag. Preferably, the angle between the extension line of the wrapping portion and the extension line of the upper edge is in the range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees, and particularly preferably in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0013] In one specific embodiment, the connection between the wrapping portion and the upper edge of the curtain airbag is constructed as a weak point, such that when the curtain airbag is inflated, if the force on the wrapping portion exceeds a second threshold, the weak point can break, thereby releasing the curtain airbag. Preferably, the second threshold is in the range of 50 Newtons to 90 Newtons.

[0014] In one specific embodiment, the connection between the wrapping portion and the upper edge of the curtain airbag is arranged such that it is offset from the opening position by a distance along the extending direction of the upper edge of the curtain airbag.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a curtain airbag module is provided, the curtain airbag module including the means for protecting vehicle occupants according to the invention.

[0016] In summary, the device for protecting vehicle occupants according to the invention reliably retains the curtain airbag in a stored state in a simple and cost-effective manner. With the embodiments of the invention, no additional tape and / or additional installation markings are required. Advantageously, the invention enables reliable deployment of the curtain airbag for occupant protection when the curtain airbag is inflated. Advantageously, the wrapping portion of the invention can be reused after airbag deployment without necessarily causing damage to the device, thereby saving materials, labor, and costs. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the curtain airbag of the device for protecting vehicle occupants is particularly securely held in the stored state and can be deployed particularly reliably to provide protection when the curtain airbag is inflated.

[0017] It should be noted that the individual technical features already mentioned, as well as the individual technical features to be mentioned below and the individual technical features that can be derived from the accompanying drawings, can be arbitrarily combined with each other, as long as the combined technical features are not contradictory. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an inflatable curtain in a stored state in the interior of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the prior art.

[0020] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an inflatable curtain in an deployed state in the interior of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the prior art.

[0021] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the curtain airbag in the deployed state according to an embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a curtain airbag in a stored state in the vehicle interior, according to an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0023] Figure 5 shows an enlarged schematic diagram of a curtain airbag in the deployed state according to an embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 shows a schematic partial detail of a curtain airbag according to an embodiment of the device of the present invention shown in Figure 5.

[0025] Figure 7 shows an enlarged schematic diagram of a curtain airbag in a storage state according to an embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8A shows an enlarged schematic diagram of a curtain airbag in a stored state according to an embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 8A. It should be noted that Figure 8B is not drawn strictly according to the dimensions corresponding to the view in order to more clearly show the insertion relationship of the wrapping part at the upper edge of the curtain airbag. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many ways other than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] It should be noted that the singular form in this document also includes the plural form, unless specifically mentioned in the wording. Furthermore, the use of "comprise" or "include" in this document to refer to components, steps, operations, and elements means that at least one other component, step, operation, or element may be present or added to it. The terms "first," "second," etc., appearing in this document are merely for the convenience of description and to distinguish different components with the same name, and do not indicate a sequential or primary / secondary relationship between the components.

[0030] Inflatable curtains for protecting vehicle occupants are known in the prior art. For example, patent document US20070205589A1 discloses a device 200 for protecting one or more occupants 600 of a vehicle 300, which includes an inflatable curtain 208. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the inflatable curtain 208 in a stored state in the vehicle interior according to an embodiment of this patent document. In the stored state, the rolled-up inflatable curtain 208 is secured to the roof by a retaining tab 202. In this prior art, a cover 206 at least partially wraps around the rolled-up inflatable curtain 208 along the length of the airbag and is secured to each other at two overlapping end portions by means such as double-sided tape, adhesive, or the like, in order to maintain the inflatable curtain 208 in the stored state. The device 200 also includes a gas generator 204. A gas generator 204 is in fluid communication with the inflatable curtain 208 via a conduit to inflate the curtain 208, for example, in the event of a vehicle collision, such that the cover 206 can release the inflatable curtain 208 by breaking or disconnecting and allow the curtain 208 to deploy. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the inflatable curtain 208 in the deployed state in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of this patent document. In the inflated deployed state, the curtain 208 is positioned between the vehicle occupants and the side structure of the vehicle to provide protection.

[0031] However, existing methods of wrapping inflatable curtains often require a large number of operators and involve lengthy packaging / assembly times. Using tape necessitates meticulous tape trimming and the application of positioning marks, further increasing packaging / assembly time and costs. Using coverings requires additional materials and packaging / assembly steps.

[0032] Therefore, the present invention proposes an improved device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a curtain airbag 20 in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a curtain airbag 20 in a stored state in the vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants according to the present invention.

[0033] A device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants includes a curtain airbag 20 to aid in the protection of vehicle occupants. The curtain airbag 20 can be constructed from any suitable material, such as nylon (e.g., woven nylon 6-6 yarn), and can be constructed in any suitable manner. For example, the curtain airbag 20 can have a one-piece fabric (OPW) construction, wherein the curtain airbag is woven as a single piece of material. As another example, the curtain airbag 20 may include more than one piece of material. If more than one piece of material is used, these material pieces can be interconnected by suitable means, such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, thermal bonding, or adhesives, to form the curtain airbag 20. The curtain airbag 20 may be uncoated, coated with a material such as impermeable polyurethane, or laminated with a material such as an impermeable membrane. Therefore, the curtain airbag 20 can have an airtight or substantially airtight construction. Those skilled in the art will understand that alternative materials such as polyester yarn and alternative coatings such as silicone resin can also be used to construct the curtain airbag 20.

[0034] A gas generator 40 is operatively connected to and activated to provide inflation fluid for inflating the curtain airbag 20 from a stored state to a deployed state. The gas generator 40 can be of any known type, such as a stored gas type, a solid propellant type, an enhanced type, or a hybrid type. An airbag controller 30 is operatively connected to the gas generator 40. The airbag controller 30 is configured to activate the gas generator 40 in response to sensing an event requiring occupant protection, such as the occurrence of a collision.

[0035] The curtain airbag 20 can be mounted to a support structure of the vehicle. The support structure can be any structure in the vehicle that receives the curtain airbag 20 deployed therefrom, such that the deployed curtain airbag 20 is located between the side structure of the vehicle (e.g., doors, side windows, roof longitudinal beams, and / or vehicle pillars) and the vehicle occupants. The support structure can be a roof longitudinal beam of the vehicle. The curtain airbag 20 includes a plurality of mounting tabs 50 for mounting the curtain airbag 20 to the support structure (e.g., the roof longitudinal beam). The mounting tabs 50 are longitudinally spaced along the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20. Alternatively, the curtain airbag 20 can be mounted to the support structure (e.g., the roof longitudinal beam) in any other desired manner.

[0036] To install the curtain airbag 20 in a vehicle, the curtain airbag should be deflated, flattened, and rolled up and / or folded. Figure 3 schematically shows the curtain airbag 20 in a deflated and flattened state. Then, the deflated and flattened curtain airbag 20 is rolled up and / or folded, for example, by rolling the lower edge of the curtain airbag 20 upwards toward the upper edge 22. Figure 4 schematically shows the curtain airbag 20 rolled up and / or folded and mounted to a vehicle support structure. The curtain airbag 20 and associated components such as the gas generator, filling tube, connectors, etc., can be installed in the vehicle as a unit. Therefore, referring to "packaged curtain airbag" and similar terms means placing the curtain airbag 20 in a state where it is stored, so that the curtain airbag 20 is ready for installation. Referring to "packaged curtain airbag," "curtain airbag packaging," and / or similar terms means the curtain airbag 20 is stored, so that the curtain airbag is ready for installation.

[0037] According to the present invention, in order to help reduce the use of additional materials and manufacturing / assembly steps required for packaging the curtain airbag 20, a device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants includes the curtain airbag 20 and at least one wrapping portion 60. Preferably, the wrapping portion 60 is constructed in a strip-like manner. The wrapping portion 60 may be constructed as a one-piece fabric component of the curtain airbag 20. The wrapping portion 60 may take the form of a fabric extension of the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20, which is formed by cutting and removing airbag material, thereby leaving the wrapping portion 60. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the fabric sheet forming the wrapping portion 60, or the curtain airbag 20, is about 0.3 mm. The curtain airbag 20 may be a one-piece woven curtain airbag or a curtain airbag formed from multiple woven pieces. When the curtain airbag 20 is formed from multiple woven pieces, the wrapping portion 60 may be constructed as a one-piece fabric portion forming at least one woven piece of the curtain airbag 20. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the wrapping portion 60 can be attached to the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 by suitable means, such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, thermal bonding, or adhesive. The wrapping portion 60 is configured to wrap around the periphery of the rolled-up and / or folded curtain airbag 20 and secure it to the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 to package the curtain airbag 20 in a storage state.

[0038] Figure 5 shows an enlarged schematic diagram of a curtain airbag 20 in deployed state, according to an embodiment of the device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants according to the present invention. Figure 6 shows a schematic partial detail view of the curtain airbag 20 in Figure 5, an embodiment of the device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants according to the present invention. Figure 7 shows an enlarged schematic diagram of a curtain airbag 20 in stored state, an embodiment of the device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants according to the present invention. In Figure 7, the rearward and invisible portion of the wrap-around portion 60, obscured by the airbag, is shown in dashed lines.

[0039] The device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants includes at least one wrapping portion 60 having a first end 62, a middle section 64, and a free second end 66. The wrapping portion 60 is configured to: connect to the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 via the first end 62 (see FIG. 6 for an example), and be able to wrap around the periphery of a rolled-up and / or folded curtain airbag 20 via the middle section 64, and be able to connect to the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 via the free second end 66, to package the curtain airbag 20 in a storage state (see FIG. 7 for an example).

[0040] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the free second end 66 of the wrapping portion 60 includes a connector 68. The connector 68 of the wrapping portion 60 can be inserted into the opening 80 at the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 5 for example) to package the rolled-up and / or folded curtain airbag 20 in a storage state. With this preferred embodiment of the invention, it is possible to install the curtain airbag into a storage state particularly simply without additional securing tape and / or additional positioning marks. The opening 80 in the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 has an elongated rectangular shape. Thus, the opening 80 can be manufactured in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner. Of course, other suitable shapes for the opening 80 are also conceivable. The width D of the middle section 64 of the wrapping portion 60 is equal to or slightly smaller than the width F of the opening 80. This provides a particularly strong and reliable securing effect. The sizes of the width D of the middle section 64 and the width F of the opening 80 can be set according to the actual application. In one exemplary embodiment, the opening 80 has a width F of 12 mm. Preferably, the width C of the insertion portion 68 is greater than the width D of the middle section 64 of the wrapping portion 60 (i.e., greater than the width F of the opening 80). This allows the curtain airbag 20 to be held in a particularly stable and reliable state after the insertion portion 68 is inserted and passes through the opening 80. In a preferred embodiment, the width C of the insertion portion 68 is 2 to 3 times the width D of the middle section 64. This provides a particularly good fixation effect after insertion into the opening 80, without affecting the shape stability of the insertion portion or the flatness of the wrapping portion 60 during installation due to excessive width of the insertion portion 68.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the insertion portion 68 includes a head 681. Preferably, the head 681 has a width smaller than the width F of the opening 80, and the width of the head 681 tapers towards the free end, particularly having a wedge shape. This allows for particularly easy guidance of the insertion portion 68 of the wrapping portion 60 into the opening 80. Simultaneously, compared to a head with a triangular tip, the wedge shape of the head 681 has a larger area over the same length, making installation easier. Specifically, after the head 681 is inserted and passes through the opening 80, the operator can more easily pull the head 681 on the opposite side of the upper edge 22 to pull the insertion portion 68 out and completely through the opening 80. In an exemplary embodiment, if the width F of the opening 80 is 12 mm, the width of the head 681 can be, for example, 10 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion portion 68 includes an anchor hook portion 682. The anchor hook portion 682 extends in the direction opposite to the free second end 66 and is configured to hook back onto the edge of the opening 80 after the insertion portion 68 is inserted and passes through the opening 80, preventing the insertion portion 68 from unintentionally dislodging. Preferably, each insertion portion 68 has one anchor hook portion 682 on each side. Preferably, the anchor hook portions 682 on both sides are designed symmetrically with respect to the extension line of the wrapping portion 60, thereby obtaining a balanced holding force. Preferably, the angle B of the anchor hook portion 682 with respect to the extension line of the intermediate section 64 is in the range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees, more preferably in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. Thus, the anchor hook portion 682 has advantageous shape stability and can reliably hold the curtain airbag 20 in the storage state after the insertion portion 68 is inserted and passes through the opening 80.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, when the curtain airbag 20 is inflated, the wrapping portion 60 experiences a gradually increasing tension force due to the inflation process of the curtain airbag 20. When the force on the wrapping portion 60 exceeds a first threshold, the insertion portion 68 (due to its non-rigid structural design, for example, made of the same fabric as the curtain airbag) deforms under this force, allowing it to disengage from the opening 80 (equivalent to the reverse process of inserting and passing the insertion portion 68 through the opening 80), thereby releasing the curtain airbag 20. Preferably, the first threshold is in the range of 30 Newtons to 50 Newtons. This allows for particularly reliable release and deployment of the curtain airbag 20 in the event of, for example, a vehicle collision, providing protection for vehicle occupants. In particular, the size and angle of the anchor portion 682 of the insertion portion 68 can be adjusted to suitably adjust the magnitude of the aforementioned first threshold.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the wrapping portion 60 is formed of the same fabric as the curtain airbag 20. This allows for particularly cost-effective manufacturing of the curtain airbag. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the wrapping portion 60 can be adapted as needed. Preferably, the wrapping portion 60 can be manufactured by integrally cutting from the edge of the curtain airbag 20. This allows the manufacturing of the curtain airbag 20 and the wrapping portion 60 to be completed simultaneously by machine, thereby achieving product dimensional stability, ease of manufacturing, and reducing labor and time, and lowering manufacturing costs. Alternatively, the wrapping portion 60 and the curtain airbag 20 can be manufactured separately. The wrapping portion 60 can then be fixedly connected to the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 via a first end 62. This provides increased manufacturing flexibility and allows for more material-efficient adaptation to different application requirements. In this case, it is conceivable that the wrapping portion 60 can be connected to the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 via the first end 62 by suitable means, such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, thermal bonding, or adhesive. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the wrapping portion 60 can be detachably connected to the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 via a first end 62 (e.g., through a snap-fit ​​connection structure or Velcro). This allows for easy replacement of the wrapping portion 60, increasing usability.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the wrapping portion 60 extends obliquely relative to the upper edge 22 from its connection with the upper edge 22 of the curtain-type airbag 20. Compared to a solution where the wrapping portion 60 extends in a direction parallel to the upper edge 22, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the wrapping portion 60 extends obliquely outward relative to the upper edge 22, thereby achieving a smoother packaging appearance and a more stable and reliable packaging effect. The oblique angle of the wrapping portion 60 relative to the upper edge 22 can be adapted to the actual application. Preferably, the angle A of the extension line of the wrapping portion 60 relative to the extension line of the upper edge 22 is in the range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees. In the case of the exemplary embodiment, the preferred angle range is 10 degrees to 30 degrees. This is particularly advantageous for manufacturing (in terms of material saving) and packaging (in terms of the aesthetics and sturdiness of the wrapping). In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the wrapping portion 60 and the upper edge 22 of the curtain-type airbag 20 is positioned offset from the opening 80 by a distance E along the extending direction of the upper edge of the curtain-type airbag. This facilitates the assembly process where the insertion portion 68 of the wrapping portion 60 passes through the opening 80. Furthermore, this preferred embodiment can be advantageously combined with embodiments where the wrapping portion 60 extends at an angle to achieve particularly good packaging results.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the connection between the wrapping portion 60 and the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 is constructed as a weak portion 70, such that when the curtain airbag 20 is inflated, if the force on the wrapping portion 60 exceeds a second threshold, the weak portion 70 can break, thereby releasing the curtain airbag 20. Preferably, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and more preferably, the second threshold is in the range of 50 N to 90 N. Thus, when the curtain airbag 20 is inflated, if the insertion portion 68 of the wrapping portion 60 fails to disengage from the opening 80 due to an unexpected malfunction when the tension exceeds the first threshold, then during the continued inflation of the curtain airbag 20, if the tension on the wrapping portion 60 exceeds the second threshold, the weak portion 70 can also break, thereby effectively releasing the curtain airbag 20. According to the invention, this weak portion 70 achieves a double-safety function for releasing the airbag in a particularly simple manner. When the wrapping part 60 and the curtain airbag 20 are integrally formed, the weak part 70 can be broken under a predetermined force condition by designing the size of the weak part 70 and / or by providing a weakening part (e.g., a cutting part). When the wrapping part 60 and the curtain airbag 20 are manufactured separately and fixedly connected together, the weak part 70 can be broken under a predetermined force condition by adapting the connection method (e.g., the size of the connection part, the strength of the adhesive, etc.). When the wrapping part 60 and the curtain airbag 20 are manufactured separately and detachably connected together, the weak part 70 can be broken under a predetermined force condition by adapting the connection method (e.g., a snap connection or a Velcro fastener that releases under a predetermined force condition). By constructing the connection between the wrapping part 60 and the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20 as the weak part 70, it is particularly advantageous to utilize the connection part that would otherwise be necessary to achieve a double-safety function for releasing the airbag without providing an additional weak part. Of course, alternatively or additionally, an additional weak point may be provided on the wrapping part 60 for disconnecting when the curtain airbag 20 is inflated in order to release the curtain airbag 20.

[0046] Figure 8A shows an enlarged schematic diagram of the curtain airbag 20 in a stored state, according to an embodiment of the device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants according to the present invention. Figure 8B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 8A. It should be noted that Figure 8B is not drawn strictly according to the dimensions corresponding to the view in order to more clearly show the insertion relationship of the wrap-around portion at the upper edge of the curtain airbag. In Figures 8A and 8B, the rearward and invisible portion of the wrap-around portion 60, which is covered by the airbag, is shown in dashed lines.

[0047] As shown in the preferred embodiment of Figure 8A, in the storage state, the head 66 of the insertion portion 68 extends at least partially beyond the upper edge of the upper edge 22 of the curtain airbag 20. This facilitates installation. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the wrapping portion 60 can be adjusted to achieve the packaging size of the curtain airbag 20, in other words, to determine whether the curtain airbag 20 is tightly or loosely packaged. Figure 8B schematically shows the curtain airbag 20 in a loosely packaged state (i.e., when the curtain airbag 20 is rolled up and / or folded, the surfaces of the curtain airbag 20 are at least partially not in contact with each other). Preferably, when the curtain airbag 20 is rolled up and / or folded, the curtain airbag 20 is in a tightly packaged state (i.e., when the curtain airbag 20 is rolled up and / or folded, the surfaces of the curtain airbag 20 are at least substantially in contact with each other). In this preferred embodiment, in the storage state, the insertion portion 68 of the free second end 66 is at least partially abutted between the two layers of the rolled-up and / or folded curtain airbag 20 (for example, at least partially abutted between the reverse side of the upper edge 22 and a surface of the rolled-up and / or folded curtain airbag, the reverse side of the upper edge 22 being, for example, the surface of the upper edge 22 facing the vehicle support structure in the installed state). Thus, in the storage state, the insertion portion 68 is pressed against the two surfaces of the curtain airbag 20, allowing it to be held in a particularly stable shape, thereby reliably hooking the anchor portion 682 back onto the edge of the opening 80 to prevent the insertion portion 68 from undesirably dislodging, thereby reliably holding the curtain airbag 20 in the storage state. In contrast, when the curtain airbag 20 is inflated, for example, since the edge area of ​​the opening 80 is sealed and the middle part of the airbag bulges due to inflation, the contact area between the insertion part 68 and the surface of the curtain airbag 20 becomes smaller and smaller. As a result, the insertion part 68 is more likely to deform when inflated (compared to the storage state), and thus more likely to detach from the opening 80 when the tension reaches the first threshold.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a curtain airbag module, the curtain airbag module including the device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants according to the present invention.

[0049] In summary, the device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants according to the invention enables the curtain airbag 20 to be held in a stored state in a simple and cost-effective manner. With the embodiments of the invention, no additional tape and / or additional installation markings are required. Advantageously, the invention enables the reliable release of the curtain airbag 20 for occupant protection when inflated. Advantageously, the wrapping portion 60 of the invention can be reused after airbag release without necessarily causing damage to the device 100, thereby saving materials, labor, and costs. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the curtain airbag 20 of the device 100 for protecting vehicle occupants is held particularly securely in the stored state (due to the particularly stable shape of the anchor portion 682 of the insertion portion 68 abutting between the storage surfaces of the airbag), and is particularly reliably released to provide protection when the curtain airbag 20 is inflated (due to the increasingly smaller contact area of ​​the anchor portion 682 of the insertion portion 68, making it easier to deform and detach from the opening 80).

[0050] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above description. The present invention can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A device (100) for protecting vehicle occupants, characterized in that, The device (100) for protecting vehicle occupants includes: - A curtain-type airbag (20), the curtain-type airbag having a storage state in which the curtain-type airbag is rolled up and / or folded; and - At least one wrapping portion (60) having a first end (62), a middle section (64) and a free second end (66), the wrapping portion (60) being configured to connect to the upper edge (22) of the curtain airbag (20) via the first end (62) and to wrap around the periphery of the rolled-up and / or folded curtain airbag (20) via the middle section (64) and to connect to the upper edge (22) of the curtain airbag (20) via the free second end (66) to package the curtain airbag (20) in a storage state.

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The free second end (66) of the wrapping portion (60) includes a plug portion (68) having a width (C) greater than the width (D) of the intermediate section (64) and being able to be inserted into an opening (80) at the upper edge (22) of the curtain airbag (20) to package the curtain airbag (20) in a storage state. Preferably, the wrapping portion (60) is constructed in a strip shape.

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the curtain airbag (20) is inflated, when the force on the wrapping part (60) is greater than a first threshold, the plug part (68) disengages from the opening (80), thereby releasing the curtain airbag (20). Preferably, the first threshold is in the range of 30 N to 50 N.

4. The apparatus (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the storage state, the insertion portion (68) of the free second end (66) is at least partially abutted between the two layers of the rolled-up and / or folded curtain airbag (20).

5. The apparatus (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening (80) has a narrow rectangular shape, and / or The insertion portion (68) includes a head (681), preferably having a wedge shape and a width smaller than the width of the opening (80), and / or The plug portion (68) includes an anchor hook portion (682) that extends in the opposite direction to the free second end portion (66). Preferably, the angle (B) of the anchor hook portion (682) relative to the extension line of the intermediate section (64) is in the range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees, more preferably in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

6. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The wrapping part (60) is formed of the same fabric as the curtain airbag (20); Preferably, the wrapping portion (60) is made by cutting it integrally from the edge of the curtain airbag (20), or the wrapping portion (60) is made separately from the curtain airbag (20) and connected to the upper edge (22) of the curtain airbag (20) by means of a first end (62).

7. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The wrapping portion (60) extends obliquely relative to the upper edge (22) from the connection point with the upper edge (22) of the curtain airbag (20). Preferably, the angle (A) of the extension line of the wrapping portion (60) relative to the extension line of the upper edge (22) is in the range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees, and particularly preferably in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

8. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The connection between the wrapping part (60) and the upper edge (22) of the curtain airbag (20) is constructed as a weak part (70), so that when the curtain airbag (20) is inflated, if the force on the wrapping part (60) is greater than a second threshold, the weak part (70) can break, thereby releasing the curtain airbag (20). Preferably, the second threshold is in the range of 50 N to 90 N.

9. The apparatus (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connection between the wrapping part (60) and the upper edge (22) of the curtain airbag (20) is arranged such that it is offset from the position of the opening (80) by a distance (E) along the extension direction of the upper edge of the curtain airbag.

10. A curtain-type airbag module, characterized in that, The curtain airbag module includes a device (100) for protecting vehicle occupants according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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