DE10105418A1 - Airbag module containing airbag with at least two compartments, has folded airbag compartment arranged as ring segments around gas guide - Google Patents

Abstract

When the airbag (1) is folded, the airbag compartments (11, 16) form ring segments that surround the guide (2) used to supply gas from the gas generator. Independent claims are also included for (a) a method for folding an airbag containing at least two compartments and provided with folding parts, in which these folding parts are used to form a ring of compartments around a body inside the airbag, and (b) the device used to carry out this folding method, comprising folding parts arranged in pairs and designed to move in a scissor-like fashion in order to fold the airbag.

Description

The invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle witness according to the preamble of claim 1 and a procedure ren and a device for folding an airbag for such an airbag module according to the preambles of the claims che 23 or 33.  

Such an airbag module comprises an airbag, one Gas generator for inflating the gas bag, a gas duct Direction for the supply of gases from the gas generator in the Airbag and a module housing, the airbag two cam mers, which are common or separate from each other are inflatable.

DE 195 19 998 A1 includes a passenger airbag module a gas bag and a gas bag generator described, wherein the airbag at least one against another Area has narrowed cross section. With one The gas bag can be reached without the arrangement of Tether inflates in a certain direction, because in the areas with a narrower cross-section can spread than in the other areas. in this connection however, the remaining areas of the gas unfold sackes also in a so-called "out of position" case (oop case) in which the occupant to be protected (e.g. in bent position) too close to the airbag module det, from the beginning towards the occupant.

In a passenger airbag known from EP 0 861 762 A1 the gas bag is a module of this type in three separately inflatable re chambers divided pillow parts, namely a middle pillow part and two side pillow parts, whereby the chambers of the two side pillow parts via gas flow inflatable in front of the middle pillow part are. This is to ensure that the infl a large part of the filling volume directly towards the vehicle occupants, but themselves unfolded to the side of the occupant. This leads to a verrin reduce the risk of injury in an oop case in which  the passenger to be protected in the bent position is close to the airbag module. However, one says such airbag also for one in normal sitting position vehicle occupants always only one accordingly reduced filling volume in the middle airbag area Available.

The invention is based on the problem of an airbag module of the type mentioned at the outset with regard to behavior both in an oop case and with regard to the Protection of a driver in a normal sitting position optimize inmate occupants.

This problem is invented by creating an airbag module with the features of claim 1 solved.

After that it is provided that the two inflatable chambers the gas bag in its folded state the gas guide Direction of the airbag module in each case like a ring segment (i.e. around part of a ring). The chambers each run in a ring around part of the gas guide.

This ensures that the gas chambers sacks when inflating, laterally outwards unfold, being from the gas guide to which they are lying around, take off. Swivel as you go the chambers due to the tightening on further inflation of the gas bag inside and the gas bag takes its ar working position in front of the corresponding vehicle occupant.  

If the space provided for this within the motor vehicle stuff, however, be very close to the airbag module sensitive vehicle occupants is occupied, then it remains the essentially lateral deployment of the gas bag, the chambers of which are located on the side of the vehicle occupants invest. As a result, a frontal shooting of an in vehicle occupants in an oop position by the unfolding gas bag largely prevented.

With a vehicle in a normal sitting position In contrast, the two chambers stand after the Reaching their working position in full as protection pillow available.

A gas bag is known from EP 0 829 396 A1 in the folded state like a ring around you Gas outlet provided gas generator (gas generator with integrated gas guide) extends around. However, this gas bag has only one chamber and offers therefore not the advantages mentioned above.

In the present case, two gas are located under two chambers of the gas bag understood bag areas that occur when inflating the gas sackes starting from the airbag module on both sides of the module in different directions, especially along unfold opposite spatial directions, and which in fully unfolded and inflated condition on both sides of the airbag module to protect different parts of the body serve a vehicle occupant. The chambers can on the one hand ge by the gas bag cutting itself be separate, e.g. B. by one between the two chambers intended constriction of the gas bag and / or by a (Permeable) partition. Alternatively or in addition  can differentiate between two chambers of the airbag the location of the two corresponding gas bag areas in the inflated state of the airbag take place in the the two gas bag areas on both sides of the module (i.e. on both sides of the module housing or the ones provided in it Gas guide device) in front of different parts of the body to be protected vehicle occupants.

When the gas bag is folded, it extends Chambers preferably along a part of each annular contour, for example by placing the chambers each essentially U-shaped around the gas guide are laid without overlapping. The open areas of the Chambers are facing each other, so that the chambers together completely enclose the gas guiding device form a ring.

The gas guiding device can be separated by a separa te, connectable to the gas generator assembly as well through an integral part of the gas generator be formed.

The enclosed by the ring-like folded chambers Area (cross-sectional area) preferably runs essentially Lichen perpendicular to the direction of exit of the gases from the Gas conduction. This should include a certain nei direction of exit (at an acute angle) Normals of the cross-sectional area can be understood.  

For this purpose, the folded chambers can each have surfaces Enclose gas guide device, which is essentially perpendicular to a surface of the gas guiding device through which the gases from the gas guide device pass escape.

In a preferred embodiment there is one end each the chambers immediately at least one outlet opening subordinate to the gas guiding device and at the Airbagmo dul fixed. Accordingly, inflate when inflating the Airbag from the gas guide into the airbag Incoming gases first into the airbag module fixed end of each chamber.

The other end of the two chambers is each as one free end formed so that when it inflates the Can lift gas bag from the gas guide.

The gas guide device is preferably a diffuser, especially as a fireplace diffuser with a common fireplace for both chambers of the gas bag or with a separate one Fireplace for each of the two chambers.

The airbag module according to the invention can be particularly advantageous is used as a front airbag module and above all as a passenger airbag module can be used.

Here, the airbag module is preferably for such a trained and intended for installation in a motor vehicle, that the gas bag initially essentially changes when inflated Chen perpendicular to a connecting line between the Airbag module and the upper body of the vehicle to be protected occupants (i.e. essentially transverse to the vehicle's longitudinal axis  or direction of travel) unfolded, the ring segment-like folded chambers of the gas bag from the gas guide take off. Only then does it come under the Pressure of the gases flowing further into the gas bag to one Position the gas bag in front of the corresponding insas sen.

In an oop case in which the occupant is triggered of the gas generator in a position very close to that Airbag module is located, the gas bag by the occupant prevented from taking up his working position and he unfolds essentially to the side of the occupant. This makes a frontal shoot in an oop case of the occupant prevented by the unfolding gas bag and the associated considerable risk of injury suppresses.

In a concrete version of the above An embodiment of the invention is the airbag module for formed such an installation in a motor vehicle and provided that the enclosed by the chambers Area (cross-sectional area) is essentially perpendicular extends to a connecting route from the airbag mo dul runs to the head of the occupant to be protected.

Here, the two ends of each chamber of the Airbag in the installed state of the module along the vertical vehicle axis arranged one above the other. This does not necessarily mean that the two ends of the respective gene chamber be arranged exactly vertically one above the other would. Rather, it is crucial that the two chambers are spaced apart in the vertical direction. With in other words, the two ends are each  Chamber arranged above or below a level that at a passenger module through the longitudinal axis of the module and approx here perpendicular to the plane of the gas outlet opening.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the outlet opening directly downstream of the gas guide and ends of the two chambers attached to the airbag module in the installed state of the module along the vertical Vehicle axis are arranged one above the other. With others Expressed in words, the ends mentioned are also arranged above or below a level that at a Passenger module through the longitudinal axis of the module and approximately runs perpendicular to the plane of the gas outlet opening.

The above measures are a concrete example for how, through the design of the airbag module the unfolding of the two chambers of the gas bag initially to the side of the gas bag and then in front of the upper body or Head of the occupant to be protected (which is mainly caused by the ring-like folding of the two chambers of the gas bag is achieved) can be supported.

Of the two chambers of the airbag is preferred one as chest protection and the other as head protection hen. The chambers are then to be arranged in such a way that after the initial lateral deployment the chest protector in front of the chest and the headguard in front of the head of the gun unfolding inmates. This is achieved in that the end of the head protection attached to the airbag module serving chamber of the gas bag above that on the module attached end of the thoracic protection chamber of the Airbag is arranged.  

A method of folding at least two chambers having gas bag for an airbag module of the above is described by the characteristics of Characterized claim 23.

Then the two chambers of the gas bag each by means of suitable folding elements around a body sets, which is in particular a Gasleiteinrich can act. But it is also possible when folding of the gas bag instead of the gas guiding device itself to provide appropriately shaped bodies as placeholders.

The gas bag is preferably within a given height profile gathered in one plane.

In particular, the folding elements each act in pairs the gas bag, one folding element on each Chamber of the gas bag. Moving the two chambers of the Gas bags around the intended body or the Gas guiding device can be brought about in that the gathering elements each in pairs producing one Apply a shear motion to the gas bag.

When carrying out the method according to the invention on the one hand it should be provided that the gas bag before gathering Spread out flat between the corresponding folding elements and is gathered immediately afterwards.

Alternatively, the airbag can be stretched using wide additional folding lines are embossed in the folding elements, the unfolding of the gas bag in a defined way influence.  

A device for performing the procedure described rens is characterized by the features of claim 33 ized. A preferred development of the device results from claim 34.

Further features and advantages of the invention are in the following description of an embodiment become clear from the figures.

Show it:

Fig. 1a - an airbag module with a two-chamber airbag send sen at the beginning of the deployment in front of an occupant in the normal position;

Fig. 1b - the airbag module of Figure 1a with a gas bag fully inflated;

Fig. 2a - an airbag module with a two-chamber airbag send when unfolding next to a passenger outside of its normal position;

Fig. 2b - the airbag module from Figure 2a with a fully constantly deployed and inflated gas bag;

Figs. 3a to 3d - a method of folding an airbag for an airbag module according to Figures 1a to 2b;.

. Figs. 4a - a sectional view of an airbag module with a according to the method of Figures 3a to 3d folded gas bag;

FIG. 4b - a plan view of the airbag module shown in Fig. 4a;

FIGS. 5a and 5b - a modification of the airbag module of Figures 4a and 4b;.

FIG. 6 shows a further modification of the airbag module from FIGS. 4a and 4b;

7a and 7b -.. A representation of the position of the airbag module of Figures 4a and 4b in the installed state with respect to the various driving axles convincing.

In Fig. 1a, a gas chamber 1 having two chambers 11 , 16 of an airbag module arranged on the dashboard 101 of a motor vehicle can be seen, which is in front of the upper body O, namely the head K and the chest region B of a vehicle occupant I (passenger) below the wind protective window 102 of the motor vehicle unfolded.

The two chambers 11 , 16 of the airbag 1 initially unfold on both sides of the airbag module in opposite directions, essentially in the lateral direction E1 (see FIG. 2a), that is, along the vehicle transverse direction y (transverse to the vehicle longitudinal or travel direction x) and perpendicular to a connecting section S between the airbag module and the head K of the occupant I. With increasing deployment of the airbag 1 (caused by the inflow of gas from a gas generator of the airbag module into the airbag 1 ), a pivoting movement E2 then occurs ( the chambers 11, 16 of the airbag 1, wherein the one chamber pivoted comp. Fig. 2a) 16 upwardly in front of the head K of the occupant I and the other chamber 11 down in front of the chest area B of the upper body O of the occupant I. One Kam mer 16 thus forms a head protection on both sides and the other chamber 11 a thoracic protection for the occupant I. In this position (working position) of the fully unfolded and inflated airbag 1 , the desired retention of the occupant I is guaranteed.

Fig. 2a again shows the initial stage in the unfolding device of the airbag 1 (corresponding to the representation in Fig. 1a), but here the occupant I to be protected (passenger) is outside of his normal sitting position, since his upper body O strongly forward is bent so that the occupant I is in the area that the airbag 1 would assume in its usual working position (see FIG. 1b).

In this case, the two chambers 11 , 16 of the gas bag 1 , which first unfold outward in the vehicle transverse direction (y direction) (indicated by the arrows E1 in FIG. 2a), are then prevented from swiveling inwards perform, as it would be the case according to FIG. 1b with an occupant I in a normal position. The pivoting movement is namely prevented in the present case by the head K of the occupant I bent forward in front of the dashboard 101 . As a result, the two chambers 11 , 16 also unfold when the airbag 1 is further inflated, essentially to the side of the occupant I, in particular to the side of his head K and upper body O. Thus, with an occupant bent forward, a head-on shooting of the head K and the Upper body O (especially the chest area) of the occupant I prevented by the unfolding gas bag 1 and the risk of injury in an oop case significantly reduced.

The cause of the unfolding of the two chambers 11 , 16 of the airbag 1 first in the lateral direction E1 to the outside (in the vehicle transverse direction y) and the subsequent pivoting movement in front of the head and upper body of an occupant (which is prevented in an oop case) is a special one Anord voltage of the airbag 1 within the airbag module, which is achieved by the folding process shown in FIGS . 3a to 3d.

Fig. 3a shows a flat, empty gas bag 1 , in which a gas guide device 2 is provided and the device 5 is arranged together with a module housing 3 in a Faltvorrich.

The airbag 1 or its outer envelope 10 is cut as a 2d airbag from two tissue plates in the form of an eight or in the form of a bone and comprises two separately inflatable chambers 11 , 16 which are connected to one another via a narrowed central region 15 . To Tren voltage of the two chambers 11 , 16 , a partition 15 a can extend in the central region. However, it is not necessary for the two chambers 11 , 16 of the gas bag 1 to be separated from one another by means of a partition. Gas exchange between the chambers 11 , 16 can be permitted.

The two chambers 11 , 16 of the airbag 1 do not have to be cut symmetrically. Rather, the shape and size of the chambers 11 , 16 is to be optimized, taking into account the spatial conditions in the motor vehicle in which the corresponding airbag module is to be used, with a view to optimal biomechanical introduction of force into the head and thorax region of a vehicle occupant. From this point of view, it must also be decided whether partition walls are to be provided between the two chambers 11 , 16 and to what extent an exchange of gases should be permitted. The two chambers 11 , 16 may be assigned differently designed outlet openings of the gas guiding device 2 if different filling of the two chambers 11 , 16 of the gas bag 1 is desired GE.

The provided within the gas bag 1 Gasleiteinrich device 2 is used to connect the gas bag 1 with a (not shown in Fig. 3a, device can be arranged within the Gasleiteinrich device 2 ) gas generator, so that by the gas generator 2 released gases specifically for inflating the gas bag 1 can be initiated in this. The Gaslei teinrichtung 2 is designed here as a fireplace diffuser with two gas channels 26 , 27 , each of the Gaskanä le 26 , 27 is provided for admitting gas into one of the chambers 11 , 16 (gas diffuser with double fireplace) and a corresponding one at its end Has outlet opening 26 a, 27 a. The gas guide device 2 has a rectangular cross section with two opposing longitudinal sides 21 , 22 and two shorter end faces 23 , 24 , which run parallel to corresponding walls 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 of the module housing 3 surrounding the gas guide device 2 . On the upper cover surface 25 of the Gasleiteinrich device 2 , the two chimneys 26 , 27 (gas channels) of the Gaslei teinrichtung 2 are provided. (Alternatively, the gas generator and gas guide device can also be combined to form one component, for example by the housing of the gas generator having outlet openings which, as a gas guide device, guide the gases generated in the gas generator into the gas bag.)

The airbag 1 is fixed to the airbag module at its narrowed connection area 15 .

To fold the airbag 1 , a folding device 5 is provided which has three pairs of groups of folding elements 51 , 55 , 56 . Each of these groups consists of a pair of folding elements which are designed as sliders, with each pair of folding elements each having a folding element for acting on one chamber 11 and the other folding element for acting on the other chamber 16 of the gas bag 1 .

The folding elements 51 , 55 , 56 are arranged on a base plate (not shown in FIG. 3a) on which they can be displaced by means of suitable drives (also not shown in FIG. 3a). The folding elements 51 , 55 , 56 limit the folding space in the plane of expansion of the gas bag 1 (horizontal). Transversely to the plane of expansion of the airbag 1 (that is, in the vertical direction), the folding space is delimited on the one hand by the base plate mentioned and on the other hand by an upper plate, the latter determining the height of the folded airbag. The height of the folding elements is dimensioned such that they can be moved horizontally between the base and cover plates. Further details on such a folding device, which enables the folding of an airbag by means of gathering (ie gathering together the airbag by means of suitable folding elements in the form of sliders), as well as the execution of folding, can be found in German patent application 195 35 564, to which reference is made in full in this regard becomes.

In the base plate of the folding device, a receptacle is also provided, which allows positioning of the module housing 3 of the airbag module (without a cover cap) below the plane of expansion of the airbag 1 . In this Mo module housing, the gas bag 1 is fixed together with the Gasleitein device 2 .

Above the gas channels 26, 27 are based on the spread of the airbag placeholder 260, 270 (see FIG. FIG. 3b) positio ned that the gas channels 26, upward continue 27 toward, said tern 26, 27 and the Platzhal between the gas channels 260 , 270 a gas bag layer is located, since the gas guide device 2 with the gas channels 26 , 27 is arranged inside the gas bag. The placeholders 260 , 270 are dimensioned such that, when the gas bag 1 is subsequently folded, they keep a space corresponding to the cross section of the gas channels 26 , 27 up to the top plate of the folding device from the gas bag tissue. This enables the folded, compressed gas bag package to be arranged around the gas ducts of the gas guide device during the final packing process (stowing the folded gas bag in the module housing).

In FIGS. 3b, 3c and 3d will be in succession the effect of each of the pairs of folding elements 51, 55, 56 described in the airbag 1.

The folding elements 51 of the first pair each have two elongated legs 52 , 53 arranged at an angle of 90 ° to one another and a section 54 provided with an inclined surface connecting the two legs 52 , 53 . As can be seen from FIG. 3b, these folding elements 51 act on one chamber 11 , 16 of the airbag 1 in each case by pushing them in the opposite direction R1, R1 'against the respective chamber 11 , 16 of the airbag 1 . The two folding elements 51 act spatially (perpendicular to their direction of movement R1, R1 ') offset from one another to produce a shear force or shear movement on the gas bag 1 .

To act on the chambers 11 , 16 of the airbag 1 , one leg 52 of the folding elements 51 is used , which is perpendicular to the direction of movement R1. The respective other leg 53 of the folding elements 51 serves as a limiting element by which the movement of the chamber 16 or 11 is limited, on which the other Faltele element acts.

When the folding elements 51 are displaced, they move towards the gas guide device 2 until their beveled connecting sections 54 run approximately congruently with the longer side walls 31 , 32 of the module housing 3 . As a result, the chambers 11 , 16 of the airbag 1 are shifted clockwise - with respect to their starting position by approximately 90 ° - around the module housing.

In a second method step, a second pair of folding elements 55 , which are each formed in one leg, acts on the gas bag 1 , each of the folding elements 55 acting on a chamber 11 , 16 of the gas bag 1 . The folding elements 55 are shifted in the opposite direction Rich R2, R2 'and perpendicular to the direction of movement R1, R1' of the first folding elements 51 .

The second folding elements 55 are arranged offset to one another transversely to their displacement direction R2, R2 ', so that they produce a shear force or shear movement when acting on the gas bag. Under the action of the second folding elements 55 , the two chambers 11 , 16 of the gas bag 1 are precompressed by moving them against the legs 53 of the now fixed first folding elements 51 . One chamber 11 of the gas bag is positioned essentially in front of one long side 21 and one end face 24 of the gas guide device 2 or the corresponding walls 31 , 34 of the module housing 3 , and the other chamber 16 in front of the other long side 22 and the other end face 23 or the corresponding other walls 32 , 33 of the module housing 3 .

In the final, third method step shown in FIG. 3d, a third pair of folding elements 56 finally acts on each of the chambers 11 , 16 , each of which has two mutually perpendicular folding or front surfaces 57 , 58 . These third Faltelemen te 56 are shifted in the opposite direction R3 in the direction of the gas guide device 2 until their folding surfaces 57 , 58 are almost congruent with the respective shorter transverse walls 33 , 34 and part of the longer side walls 31 , 32 of the module housing 3 . The base area of the gas bag package folded in this way, with the chambers 11 , 16 folded in the manner of a ring segment or arc, thus corresponds approximately to the cross-sectional area of the module housing 3 .

After completion of the last process step of the folding process, the folded airbag package is pressed into the module housing located below the expansion level by a plunger that can be moved perpendicular to the plane of expansion of the airbag 1 and stowed there.

As a result, the two chambers 11 , 16 of the gas bag 1 have each been placed in a U-shape around the gas channels 26 , 27 of the gas guide device 2 , the two chambers 11 , 16 together forming a ring which the gas guide device 2 in the region of the gas channels 26 , 27 encloses. Further details on this will be explained below with reference to the enlarged representation according to FIGS . 4a and 4b.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show the receiving with a method according to FIGS. 3a to 3d folded airbag 1 according to the stowed s in the gas bag 1 together with the Gasleiteinrich processing module 2 housing 3.

Referring to Figs. 4a and 4b it can be seen, the two chambers 11, 16 of the airbag 1 that in each case with the formation of an open ring U-shape around the gene Austrittsöffnun 26 a, 27 a provided gas channels 26, 27 of Gasleiteinrich device 2 around extend. Each of the two U-shaped chambers 11 , 16 is fixed in the region of the end of one leg 12 or 17 on the module, while the other leg 13 or 18 of the corresponding chamber 11 , 16 is designed as a free leg. The two legs 12 , 13 and 17 , 18 of the respective chamber 11 , 16 are each connected to one another via a base region 14 , 19 of the corresponding “U”. Together, the two chambers 11 , 16 form a closed ring which completely closes the Gasleiteinrich device 2 in the region of the gas channels 26 , 27 .

In Fig. 4b is indicated by arrows F along which direction the two chambers 11, 16 of the airbag 1, when folded around the gas channels 26, 27 have been placed around the gas conduction. 2 The area 5 enclosed by the annularly folded chambers 11 , 16 extends essentially perpendicular to the direction of exit of the gases G from the gas guiding device 2 (see FIG. 4a).

When the gas bag 1 and thus the chambers 11 , 16 are inflated by means of a gas generator via the gas guide device 2 , the gases flow along a direction G through the two gas channels 26 , 27 , which protrude slightly inclined from the top side 25 of the gas guide device 2 , into the gas bag 1 . This triggers the unfolding of the gas bag 1 , that is to say the two chambers 11 , 16 of the gas bag 1 .

Here, the two chambers 11 , 16 , which are placed in a ring around the gas guiding device 2 , initially lift off with their free ends 13 and 18 from the gas guiding device, whereby these are placed laterally outwards (compare arrows E1 in FIG. 4b). This corresponds to the unfolding of the two chambers 11 , 16 of the airbag 1 explained laterally to the outside in FIGS . 1a and 2a.

Upon further inflation of the airbag 1, the two chambers streamline 11, 16 and thereby (corresponding to in Fig. 1b and Fig. 4b drawn arrows E2) are each rotated such that they are positioned above and below the module housing 3. The upper Kam mer 16 of the airbag 1 serves as head protection and the lower chamber 11 of the airbag 1 as a thorax protection, compare che Fig. 1a and 1b.

The definition of the upper and lower chamber is achieved in that in the installed state of the Airbagmo modules the head protection serving upper chamber 16 with its leg 17 fixed to the airbag module above the corresponding leg 12 of the other, serving as a thorax protection, the chamber is arranged. Fig. 4b shows approximately the position of the airbag module when installed in the dashboard of a motor vehicle seen from the passenger to be protected. Here, the leg fixed to the module 17 of a chamber 16 is arranged above the leg fixed to the module 12 of the other chamber 11 .

The two legs 12 , 13 and 17 , 18 of each chamber 11 , 16 are in turn arranged one above the other. In the chamber serving the head protection, the free leg 18 is provided below the leg 17 fixed to the module, and the reverse is true in the chamber serving the chest protection: that is, the free leg 13 of the corresponding chamber 11 lies above the leg 11 fixed to the module.

In FIGS. 5a and 5b is a variation of Airbagmodu les of FIGS. 4a and 4b, the only peo ge difference is that the gas-conducting device is formed as a gas diffuser with an outlet opening 29 a having elongated cross section single chimney 29 is. The gases G flow through this into the gas bag 1 in order to inflate it.

The two chambers 11, 16 of the airbag 1 are corresponding to this the representation according to Fig. 5b placed around the single nen chimney 29 of the gas-conducting device 2, again with the arrows F in Fig. 5b, the rotation of the Gassac kes in the folding process shown in FIGS. Symbolize 3a to 3d.

For the rest, the embodiment of an airbag module illustrated with reference to FIGS . 5a and 5b corresponds to that shown in FIGS . 4a and 4b, so that for further details, reference is made to the statements relating to the latter figures. To make the covers easier to recognize, matching components are provided with identical reference numerals.

In Fig. 6 a further modification of the Ausführungsbei games from Figs. 4a to 5b is shown. The airbag module shown in Fig. 6 has a module housing 3 with a substantially oval outer wall 30 and a Gaslei teinrichtung 2 with a single, circular in cross-section shaped chimney 28 (gas channel), at its free end an outlet opening 28 a for in Airbag 1 forms flowing gas.

The essential difference between the airbag module according to FIG. 6 and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b thus lies in the shape of the module housing (rectangular in cross section in the embodiment according to FIGS. 5a and 5b or oval in cross section in the Embodiment according to FIG. 6) and in the shape of the chimney of the respective gas guiding device 2 (a chimney 29 with an elongated cross section according to FIGS. 5a and 5b or a chimney 28 with a circular cross section according to FIG. 6).

Incidentally, in particular with regard to the arrangement of the gas bag 1 , which extends with two chambers 11 , 16 in a ring around the chimney 28 , this embodiment corresponds to the exemplary embodiments explained with reference to FIGS . 5a and 5b, so that in this respect to those there Is referred to.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show the orientation of with respect to two in the Fig. Airbag module illustrated 4a and 4b vehicle levels of a motor vehicle at a typi's mounting position of the airbag module (passenger airbag module having a longitudinally extending gas-conducting device 2) in Armatu renbrett of the vehicle.

According to FIG. 7a, the two chambers 11 , 16 of the airbag 1 in the region of their ends 12 , 13 and 17 , 18 each extend essentially perpendicular to a plane A, which is parallel to a through the vehicle longitudinal axis x and the vertical vehicle axis z ( compare Fig. 1a to 2b) spanned vehicle plane (xz plane). The two chambers 11 , 16 are arranged on both sides of the plane A, which the module intersects in the middle with respect to its expansion along the vehicle transverse direction y. At the same time, the longitudinal axis L of the airbag module, which has a longitudinal gas guiding device 2 with a correspondingly elongated module housing 3 as the passenger module, runs essentially perpendicular to the aforementioned plane xz.

With reference to Fig. 7 can also be seen that the two extend substantially in the substantially U-shaped chambers 11, 16 of the airbag 1 with its legs in each case parallel to a plane B, defined by the longitudinal axis L of the module and through the Gasleiteinrichtungen 26, 27 or whose central axes are spanned.

Claims (34)

1. Airbag module for a motor vehicle with
an airbag,
a gas generator for inflating the gas bag and
a gas guide device for supplying the gases from the gas generator into the gas bag,
the airbag having at least two chambers,
characterized by
that the two chambers ( 11 , 16 ) of the gas bag ( 1 ) in its folded state encompass the gas guide device ( 2 ) in the manner of a ring segment. 2. Airbag module according to claim 1, characterized in that the two chambers ( 11 , 16 ) each extend along a ring segment-shaped contour in the folded state of the gas bag ( 1 ). 3. Airbag module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two chambers ( 11 , 16 ) are each substantially U-shaped around the gas guide device ( 2 ). 4. Airbag module according to claim 3, characterized in that the two chambers ( 11 , 16 ) together form a ring surrounding the gas guiding device ( 2 ). 5. Airbag module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area ( 5 ) enclosed by the chambers ( 11 , 16 ) extends in cross section substantially perpendicular to the direction of exit of the gases (G) from the gas guide device ( 2 ). 6. Airbag module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area ( 5 ) enclosed by the chambers ( 11 , 16 ) extends in cross section essentially parallel to the plane of an outlet opening from the gas guide device ( 2 ) for the gases. 7. Airbag module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one end ( 12 , 17 ) of the chambers ( 11 , 16 ) immediately at least one outlet opening ( 26 a, 27 a, 28 a, 29 a) of the Gasleitein direction ( 2nd ) is subordinate. 8. Airbag module according to claim 7, characterized in that the gas bag in the region of an outlet opening ( 26 a, 27 a, 28 a, 29 a) downstream free ends ( 12 , 17 ) of the chambers ( 11 , 16 ) on the airbag module is fixed. 9. Airbag module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that when inflating the gas bag ( 1 ), the gases (G) from the guide device ( 2 ) flow into the respective downstream end ( 12 , 17 ) of the chambers ( 11 , 16 ) , 10. Airbag module according to claim 9, characterized in that the other end ( 13 , 18 ) of the chambers ( 11 , 16 ) when the gas bag ( 1 ) inflates from the Gasleitein direction ( 2 ). 11. Airbag module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Gasleiteinrich device ( 2 ) is designed as a diffuser, in particular as a fireplace diffuser. 12. Airbag module according to claim 11, characterized in that the gas guide device ( 2 ) has a common chimney ( 28 , 29 ) for both chambers ( 11 , 16 ) of the gas bag ( 1 ) or for each chamber ( 11 , 16 ) of the gas bag ( 1 ) has a separate gas channel ( 26 , 27 ). 13. Airbag module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module as a front airbag module of a motor vehicle, especially as a passenger module, is formed. 14. Airbag module according to claim 13, characterized in that the module is designed and provided for such an installation in a motor vehicle that the area ( 5 ) enclosed by the chambers ( 11 , 16 ) extends essentially perpendicular to a connecting line which runs from the module to the head (K) of the occupant (I) to be protected. 15. Airbag module according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the module is designed and provided for such installation in a motor vehicle that the two chambers ( 11 , 16 ) in the region of their ends ( 12 , 13 ; 17 , 18th ) each extend substantially perpendicular to the vehicle plane spanned by the vehicle longitudinal axis (x) and the vertical vehicle axis (z). 16. Airbag module according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the module is designed and provided for such installation in a motor vehicle that the two chambers ( 11 , 16 ) are arranged on both sides of a plane (A), the par lel to the vehicle plane spanned by the vehicle longitudinal axis (x) and the vertical vehicle axis (z). 17. Airbag module according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the module for a derar trained installation in a motor vehicle and it is provided that an axis of the module along the Vehicle transverse direction (y) runs. 18. Airbag module according to one of claims 13 or 17, characterized in that the two ends ( 12 , 13 ; 16 , 17 ) of each chamber ( 11 , 16 ) are arranged one above the other with respect to the vertical vehicle axis (z) in the installed state of the module , 19. Airbag module according to claim 7 and one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the outlet openings ( 26 a, 27 a, 28 a, 29 a) of the Gasleiteinrich device ( 2 ) downstream ends ( 12 , 17 ) of the chambers ( 11 , 16 ) in the installed state of the module with respect to the vertical vehicle axis (z) are arranged one above the other. 20. Airbag module according to one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that the airbag module is provided for such an installation in a motor vehicle that the gas bag ( 1 ) initially unfolds substantially perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal axis (x) when inflated, wherein lift off the chambers ( 11 , 16 ) of the gas bag ( 1 ) from the gas guide ( 2 ). 21. Airbag module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a chamber ( 11 ) of the airbag ( 1 ) serves as a thorax protection and the other chamber ( 16 ) of the airbag ( 1 ) serves as head protection for a vehicle occupant (I). 22. Airbag module according to claim 20 and 21, characterized in that after the initial lateral deployment, the one chamber ( 11 ) in front of the chest (B) and the other chamber ( 16 ) the head (K) of the occupant to be protected (I ) unfolded. 23. A method for folding an airbag having at least two chambers for an airbag module, the airbag being gathered together by means of folding elements, in particular for an airbag module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two chambers ( 11 , 16 ) of the airbag ( 1 ) by means of the folding elements ( 51 , 55 , 56 ) each ringar term around a body in the gas bag ( 1 ) arranged around. 24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the gas bag ( 1 ) is gathered together in one plane by means of the folding elements ( 51 , 55 , 56 ). 25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the gas bag ( 1 ) is gathered together within a predetermined height profile. 26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that at least some of the folding elements ( 51 , 55 , 56 ) the respective chamber ( 11 , 16 ) of the gas bag ( 1 ) along a wall ( 31 , 32 , 23 , 24 ) of the airbag module moves. 27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that at least a part of the folding elements ( 51 , 55 , 56 ) the respective chamber ( 11 , 16 ) of the gas bag ( 1 ) on a curved path around part of the gas guide device ( 2 ) moves around. 28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the folding elements ( 51 , 55 , 56 ) act in pairs on the gas bag ( 1 ), each gathering element ( 51 , 55 , 56 ) on a chamber ( 11 , 16 ) of the gas bag ( 1 ) acts. 29. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that at least some of the folding elements ( 51 , 55 , 56 ) act in pairs on the gas bag ( 1 ), producing a shear movement. 30. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that the body around which the chambers ( 11 , 16 ) of the gas bag ( 1 ) are placed is a gas guide device by means of the gas used to inflate the gas bag ( 1 ) can be introduced into this, or a placeholder for at least parts ( 26 , 27 , 29 ) of the gas guide device. 31. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 30, characterized in that the gas bag ( 1 ) which is spread out flat is gathered together by means of the folding elements ( 51 , 55 , 56 ). 32. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, characterized in that the airbag ( 1 ) before embossing by means of additional folding elements, fold lines are embossed. 33. Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 23 to 32, characterized in that the device has a plurality of folding elements ( 51 , 55 , 56 ) which are arranged and displaceable such that they are used to fold the gas bag ( 1 ) perform a shear motion in pairs. 34. Device according to claim 33, characterized in that the folding elements ( 51 , 55 , 56 ) are formed by displaceable elements.