Method for folding an airbag, pressing device for shaping airbag packages, and airbag package

US10676060B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH · DE
• TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS INC. · US

Inventors

• Anton Fischer · Leinweiler, DE
• Michelle Blackson · Lapeer, US
• Dylan Moran · Rochester Hills, US
• Blair Morrison · Sydney, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 19, 2016
• Grant date: Jun 9, 2020
• Expiry date: Dec 22, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/2375
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In a method of folding an airbag (10) for a vehicle occupant restraint system, especially of curtain-type side airbag, to form an airbag package (12′), the airbag (10) is rolled and/or folded to form an airbag roll (12) having a first volume (V1). The airbag roll (12) is fed to a pressing device (14) in which the airbag roll (12) is compressed to form an airbag package (12′) having a second volume (V2) which is smaller than the first volume (V1). The airbag roll (12) and, resp., the airbag package (12′) is heated within the pressing device (14) and the airbag package (12′) is cooled, with the airbag package (12′) retaining the second volume (V2) when it is removed from the pressing device (14; 114). The pressing device (14) includes a pressing mold or a molding shaft (18) whose height substantially corresponds to the desired height of the finished airbag packages (12′), a heating unit (20) for heating the airbag packages (12′) and a cooling device (22) for cooling the airbag packages (12′).