Method of folding a gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system, a folded gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system and a device for performing the method

US6726615B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Norbert Lang · Blieskastel, DE
• Josef Aich · Lindenfels, DE
• Jurgen Berger · Mutlangen, DE
• Reiner Dannenhauer · Welzheim, DE
• Adolf Kühn · Haag in Oberbayern, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 23, 1997
• Grant date: Apr 27, 2004
• Expiry date: Oct 23, 2017

Classification

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

Abstract

A method of folding a gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system is disclosed, this gas bag having a wall delimiting a chamber and having an inflation opening, the inflation opening having a rim. The method comprises the following steps: First, the gas bag is spread out on a base. Then, the rim of the inflation opening of the gas bag is held fixed. Thereafter, a plate is arranged parallel to the base and at a distance therefrom, so that the gas bag extends between the base and the plate. Subsequently, the chamber of the gas bag is exposed to a pressurized medium, so that the gas bag unfolds between the base and the plate. Finally, the wall of the gas bag is pressed inwards at a plurality of sites distributed over a circumference of the gas bag. Further, a gas bag folded by performing this method and a device for performing the method are disclosed.