Method and apparatus for compactly folding an airbag for an airbag

Abstract

A method and apparatus for compactly folding an airbag of an airbag apparatus adapted for use in motor vehicles. One side of the airbag has a central opening for connection to a gas generator, with a reinforcement preferably around the central opening. The airbag is laid out flat, is held at its center and the zones lying radially outside of the center are turned in around an axis extending at least substantially perpendicular to the flatly laid out gas bag through the central firm holding zone in at least one direction of rotation until a compact airbag package is formed. One embodiment of the invention includes radially disposed axial shifting members, which leave a reception space radially inward and which displace the flexible material of the flatly laid out airbag alternatively, as seen in the circumferential direction in the one or other axial direction before the airbag is wound up. This is done in such a way that the airbag adopts a corrugated or zigzag like course when seen in the circumferential direction, with the wave-shape and wavelength being selected such that with a synchronous rotation of the axial shifting members about the axis, the zones of the wave-like or zigzag folded airbag lying radially outside of the central firm holding zone are at least substantially taken along in the circumferential direction by the axial shifting members. The winding takes place until the compact airbag package is formed and located radially within the axial shifting members with the formation of radial folds pointing alternatively in opposite axial directions in the receiving space.