Method and apparatus for folding an airbag

US6327838A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Breed Automotive Technology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Holger Maul · Groß-Zimmern, DE
• Andreas Staub · Sulzbach am Main, DE
• Markus Jost · San Mateo, US
• Michael Doelfel · Wiesbaden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 7, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 11, 2001
• Expiry date: Sep 7, 2019

Classification

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

Abstract

A method for folding an airbag for an airbag module involves straightening the airbag out in the direction of a straightening axis, starting from a gas inlet opening of the airbag. The airbag in the straightened-out state, or during the straightening-out operation, is pushed into a guide sleeve in the direction of the straightening axis. The airbag is then pushed together, and in the method folded, within the guide sleeve in the longitudinal direction thereof, in the direction of the straightening axis. An apparatus for folding an airbag for an airbag module has a straightening ram which, for the purpose of straightening out the airbag, can be pushed into the latter in the direction of a straightening axis by way of a gas inlet opening which has a guide sleeve. The guide sleeve is arranged coaxially with respect to the straightening ram. The straightening ram can be pushed along the straightening axis. The inner cross-sectional surface area of the guide sleeve is greater than the cross-sectional surface area of the straightening ram, and has a folding ram which, for the purpose of pushing the airbag together, can be moved within the guide sleeve, along the straightening axis.